opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 5129 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-24
Subject: Exclusion of Disadvantaged Sections
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Rakesh Rathor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5129 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.03.2026

## EXCLUSION OF DISADVANTAGED SECTIONS

## +5129. SHRI RAKESH RATHOR:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government possess any data regarding the number of beneficiaries who have been  deprived of various welfare schemes due to errors in Aadhaar  validation,  failure in biometric authentication or a lack of digital literacy, if s0, the details thereof;
- b) the number of beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Persons with Disabilities were deprived of scheme benefits due to technical o authentication-related errors, during the last three years;
- whether any independent evaluation or audit been conducted by the Government to ensure the availability and inclusivity of digital services, if the details thereof; and SO,
- the safeguards and alternative arrangements have been implemented by the Government to ensure that no inequality occurs the deprived and vulnerable sections of society, due to the digital system? against

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)

- (a) & (b): Aadhaar-based verification has been introduced to strengthen welfare schemes' delivery systems by ensuring transparency, efficiency and timely disbursement of benefits under various schemes of the Department to the eligible beneficiaries thereby supporting them. In cases where beneficiaries face issues related to Aadhaar validation or biometric authentication under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) components, rectification of such erTors is ensured s0 that no beneficiary is deprived of the benefits. Moreover, separate helplines are being run the National   Scholarship Portal team to handle the   scholarship related grievances. PFMS also addresses the concerns through its own grievance redressal mechanisms:
- (c) & (d): The Department undertakes periodic review of the implementation of the Schemes through third   party evaluation studies   Ministry has also taken various   steps   such as

advertisements in National Social Media   campaigns, follow up The scheme guidelines  incorporate safeguards to ensure that digital processes do not disadvantage vulnerable sections of the society. In cases of Aadhaar authentication failure, alternative mechanisms for identity verification are provided to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are not excluded

The scheme   guidelines also   provide for facilitation support   through institutions and designated authorities to assist beneficiaries in the application process  Provisions relating to reservations for girls and persons with disabilities, along with a structured grievance redressal mechanism at multiple levels, further ensure equitable access and inclusion.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 5119 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-24
Subject: Democratic Representation of UT
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5119

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 24 TH  MARCH, 2026/ CHAITRA 3, 1948 (SAKA)

DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATION OF UT

†5119. SHRI PATEL UMESHBHAI BABUBHAI:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  is aware that subjects related to the administration, coordination  of  development  schemes  and  democratic representation of Union Territories (UTs) are currently divided across various Ministries, leading to difficulties in policy coordination and  effective implementation;
- (b) whether the Government is considering to constitute a dedicated "Ministry or  Department of Union Territory Affairs" for the effective management of UTs;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to constitute a specific "Parliamentary Inspection  Committee  on  Union  Territories"  at  the  parliamentary  level  to monitor administrative functions and ensure accountability;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to develop a special policy framework for  regions  like  Dadra  and  Nagar  Haveli  and  Daman  and  Diu  (DNH  &  DD), taking into account their unique geographical and democratic requirements;
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (f) whether the Government proposes to take any concrete initiatives in this direction in the future?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (f): The  Union  Territories  are  administered  as  per  the  provisions contained in the Articles 239 to 241 of Part VIII of the Constitution of India.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 5119 FOR 24.03.2026

Existing institutional mechanisms, including regular inter-Ministerial consultations  and  coordination  ensure  smooth  policy  formulation  and effective  implementation  of  developmental  schemes  /  programmes  in  the Union Territories. No such proposal for constituting a dedicated Ministry / Parliamentary Inspection Committee / Special Policy Framework for Union Territories is under consideration of the Government. However, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs plays an important role in oversight, advisory and review of functioning of Union Territories.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 5118 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-24
Subject: Preparedness for  Biological Threats
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5118

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 24 TH  MARCH, 2026/ CHAITRA 3, 1948 (SAKA)

PREPAREDNESS FOR BIOLOGICAL THREATS

5118.    SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has assessed the emerging and increasing threat of biological attacks or bio-emergencies in the country;
- (b) whether the National Disaster Management Authority, in consultation with State  Governments,  the  Ministry  of  Health  and  Family  Welfare  and  other relevant agencies, has formulated a national action plan to prevent, detect and respond to such biological threats; and
- (c)  if  so,  the  details  thereof,  including  preparedness  for  mass  medical treatment, surge capacity of hospitals, availability of medicines and vaccines and coordination mechanisms for timely public health response?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (c) The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India  has  launched  Integrated  Disease  Surveillance  Program  (IDSP),  to enhance early warning and prompt response of any bio-emergencies in the country.

In  order  to  effectively  respond  to  any  such  crises  or  disasters,  Standard Operating  Procedures  have  been  formulated.  In  addition,  the  National Disaster   Management   Authority   (NDMA)   has   published   guidelines   on

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 5118 FOR 24.03.2026

biological disasters including bio-warfare and bio-terrorism. The guidelines have identified the bio-warfare/bio-terrorism agents, characteristics of these agents, epidemiological clues to identify outbreaks including prevention and treatment. The Battalions of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been trained to deal with such crises.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), being the nodal Ministry for biological disaster, has a Crisis Management Plan for biological disasters was  last  updated  on  March  2026  and  has  been  shared  with  concerned stakeholders.  The  MoHFW  has  also  finalized  and  circulated  Model  Crisis Management Plans for biological disasters to all States/Union Territories to serve as template for preparation of their own respective crisis management plans. As health is a State subject, the primary responsibility of detecting and responding to biological events of national concerns vests with the State Government.  The  MoHFW  supports  the  State  with  guidance,  outbreak investigation,  laboratory  diagnosis,  advising  on  appropriate  public  health measures and providing logistics  support  in  terms  of  human  and  material resources, wherever required.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 5113 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-24
Subject: Access of Scholarship
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Zia Ur Rehman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5113 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.03.2026

## ACCESS OF SCHOLARSHIP

## 5113. SHRI ZIA UR REHMAN:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of issues relating to access to scholarships, rehabilitation services and welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes, OBCs and persons with disabilities in Western Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) if s0, the details of steps   taken to ensure   effective   implementation of  social justice schemes in the region;
- (c) whether similar implementation challenges exist in other States of the country; and
- (d) the  details undertaken to   strengthen social  justice and empowerment measures across in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)

- (a) to (d): The mandate of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) is welfare of the   poorest households of the Socially,  Educationally and Economically marginalized  sections of the society including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Classes (OBCs), Senior Citizens,  Victims of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Sanitation Workers, Transgender Persons, persons engaged in the act of begging, De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) Department implements various welfare schemes across India including Western Uttar Pradesh:

For successful implementation of the Schemes, Government undertakes steps like Monitoring by Programme   Monitoring Unit  (PMU), mandatory  submission of audited statement of accounts and Utilization Certificates and periodic review by holding meetings at National level, State level, District level and field visits.

Ministry also undertakes periodic review of the implementation of the Schemes through third as advertisements in National and Regional Newspapers, running Social Media campaigns, follow up with State Governments /Administration of Union Territories.
Lok Sabha Question No. 5105 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-24
Subject: Gram Panchayats in Karnataka
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Kota Srinivasa Poojary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5105

ANSWERED ON 24.03.2026

## GRAMPANCHAYATS IN KARNATAKA

## 5105. SHRI KOTA SRINIVASA POOJARY:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

(a) the number of Gram Panchayats in Karnataka that have been sanctioned funds under the fifteenth Finance Commission for the year 2025-26;

(b) the number of Urban Local Bodies in the State that have been sanctioned funds;

(c) the total funds that have been sanctioned to the District and Taluk Panchayats in Karnataka and the reason for the delay in releasing the funds; and

(d) whether the State Government has given a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the release of funds to the Gram Panchayats, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)

(a): All the installments of Rural Local Body (RLB) grant under the Fifteenth Finance Commission for the period from 2020-21 to 2024-25 have been released to the eligible Gram Panchayats of the state of Karnataka. However, both the installments of the Fifteenth Finance Commission Grants for the year 2025-26 have not been released on account of discrepancies noticed between funds released from the Government of India and their timely and complete transfer to the PRIs by the State and non-release of penal interest on delayed transfers to the Panchayats by the State.

(b): In terms of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961, matters related to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) come under the purview of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). As such, this Ministry does not maintain information in respect of Urban Local Bodies.

(c): As per para - 5(A)(ii) of the 15th Finance Commission Operational Guidelines dated 14.07.2021, Rural Local Bodies are eligible for grants only if duly elected bodies are in place. Since elections to District and Taluk Panchayats in Karnataka have been pending since February 2021, these bodies are currently ineligible to receive grants for the year 2025-26.

(d): As per the Operational Guidelines for implementation of 15 th Finance Commission grants to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) dated 14.07.2021, grants are released to the States in two instalments in every financial year. Release of each installment requires submission of a Grant Transfer Certificatein the prescribed proformafor the previously released instalment. Submission of a separate 'No Objection Certificate' from the State Government is not required in this matter.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 5098 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-24
Subject: Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Specialty Steel
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato, Shri Ananta Nayak, Shri Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh, Shri Dineshbhai Makwana

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5098

FOR ANSWER ON 24.03.2026

## PRODUCTION LINKED INCENTIVE SCHEME FOR SPECIALTY STEEL

5098.  SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH: SHRI ANANTA NAYAK: SHRI DINESHBHAI MAKWANA: SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: SHRI BIBHU PRASAD TARAI:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of companies approved under the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel and the total committed investment, State-wise including Odisha;
- (b) the quantum of actual investment realised so far including the amount invested in Odisha;
- (c) the incremental production capacity created in coated/plated steel, high-strength steel and alloy steel categories; and
- (d) whether domestic import dependence in specialty steel has reduced year-on-year and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE          (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)to(d): Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, there are 44 projects from 19 companies in the first round, 42 projects from 25 companies in the second round,  and  85  projects  from  60  companies  in  the  third  round  across  the  country, including Odisha. The committed investment across all three rounds is ₹ 55,993 crore, out  of  which  ₹  23,827  crore  has  been  realised  so far.  The  scheme  has  led  to  the creation of 24 million tonnes of specialty steel capacity in coated/plated, high-strength, alloy steel and electrical steel categories. The scheme has contributed to reduction in imports through an incremental production valued at ₹6,000 crore.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5096 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-24
Subject: Malon International Border Haat
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Kartick Chandra Paul

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5096 ANSWERED ON 24/03/2026

## MALON INTERNATIONAL BORDER HAAT

5096.  SHRI KARTICK CHANDRA PAUL:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Malon International Border Haat at Hemtabad in Uttar Dinajpur district, West Bengal has been formally approved and operationalised, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the date of approval, inauguration and commencement of trade activities at the said haat;
- (c) the details of infrastructure created, including market sheds, storage facilities, security arrangements and access roads;
- (d) the number of registered vendors and beneficiaries from India and Bangladesh permitted to trade through the Malon Haat;
- (e) the value and volume of trade conducted through the haat since its inception; and
- (f) the steps taken by the Government to strengthen border haat infrastructure in Uttar Dinajpur district to promote legal cross-border trade and local livelihood generation?

## ANSWER

वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्यमंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद ) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (f) The proposal for setting up an International Border Haat at Malon, Hemtabad (Uttar  Dinajpur)  currently  has  not  been  approved  and  operationalised.  As  the establishment  of  Border  Haats  is  a  bilateral  matter,  it  requires  mutual  agreement between  the  Governments  of  India  and  Bangladesh  through  the  Joint  Committee mechanism.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5095 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-24
Subject: Domestically Manufactured Iron and Steel Products Policy
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Vijay Kumar Dubey, Shri Jashubhai Bhilubhai Rathva

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5095 FOR ANSWER ON 24.03.2026

## DOMESTICALLY MANUFACTURED IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTS POLICY

5095.  SHRI VIJAY KUMAR DUBEY:

SHRI JASHUBHAI BHILUBHAI RATHVA:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) the definition and methodology prescribed for calculating 'minimum local content' under the Domestically Manufactured Iron and Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy; (b) the manner in which mandatory procurement of steel manufactured in the country likely to be ensured through monitoring and enforcement across various Ministries and PSUs; (c) the revised list of capital goods permitted for import and the rationale behind such exemptions along with the details thereof; (d)  the  manner  in  which  the  policy  addresses  concerns  regarding  potential  cost escalation in Government procurement arising from the requirement to procure from domestic sources; and (e) whether the entry barriers have been relaxed to ensure participation of indigenous technology provides in commissioning tenders of steel plants and if so, the details
- thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE          (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)to(e):      The  details  of  definition  and  methodology  for  calculating  'minimum  local content',  revised  list of  capital  goods permitted  for import  by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), relaxation of entry barriers to support participation of indigenous technology  providers  in  steel  CPSE  tenders  are  specified  in  the  Domestically Manufactured Iron and Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy, published on the website of the Ministry of Steel.

DMI&SP Policy mandates the use of domestically manufactured steel in projects funded by the Government and its agencies. All Ministries, Departments and CPSEs are  covered  in  the  policy. Compliance  is  ensured  through  incorporation  of  policy provisions  in  tender  conditions,  certification  requirements  for  local  content,  and monitoring by the concerned procuring entities and the Ministry.

Import  of  capital  goods  and  equipment  by  steel  CPSEs  is  permitted  in  cases where such equipment is not available domestically or where import is necessary for adoption  of  advanced  and  efficient  technologies,  so  as  to  avoid  delays  in  project implementation . Further, entry barriers of prior experience and eligibility conditions in technology  procurement  tenders  of  steel  CPSEs  have  been  relaxed  in  order  to facilitate participation of indigenous technology providers and promote development of domestic capabilities in steel plant equipment and processes.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5094 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-24
Subject: Functioning of Special Courts under RPwD Act, 2016
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Bastipati Nagaraju

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (DIVYANGJAN)

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 5094

TO BE ANSWERED ON- 24/03/2026

## FUNCTIONING OF SPECIAL COURTS UNDER RPWD ACT, 2016

5094. SHRI BASTIPATI NAGARAJU:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a):  the  details  regarding  the  total  number  of  Special  Courts  constituted  under  the  Rights  of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, State-wise;
- (b):  the  details  regarding  the  number  of  judicial  and  staff  vacancies  in  these  Special  Courts, State-wise;
- (c): the details regarding the total number of cases filed, disposed of and pending before these courts during the last five years, classified year and State-wise;
- (d): the details regarding the average time taken for disposal of cases under the RPwD Act in these Special Courts, State-wise; and
- (e): the measures taken by the Government to strengthen infrastructure and manpower of RPwD Special Courts and ensure speedy justice to persons with disabilities?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE& EMPOWERMENT (SHRI B L VERMA)

- (a):    Under Section 84 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, for the purpose of providing a speedy trial, the State Governments are mandated to designate, with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court, by notification, for each district a Court of Session as a Special Court to try offences under the said Act. As per the data available, most of the States have reported designation/notification of Special Courts.

(b) to (d): The details of number of judicial staff in special courts, number of case files, average time  to  dispose  cases etc.  of  a  State  come  under  the  purview  of  the  respective  State Government.

(e): The Section 12 of the RPwD Act, 2016 provides for equal access to justice to persons with disabilities. The  RPwD  Act,  2016  also  provides  for  accessibility  of  physical  infrastructure, which includes the structures housing special courts.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5087 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-24
Subject: CSR Projects in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Putta Mahesh Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5087

FOR ANSWER ON 24.03.2026

## CSR PROJECTS IN ANDHRA PRADESH

5087.  SHRI PUTTA MAHESH KUMAR:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) the details regarding the list of CSR projects proposed, under consideration and presently functional by PSUs under the Ministry of Steel in Andhra Pradesh, districtwise and in Eluru district; (b)  the  details  regarding  the  list  of  focus  sectors  that  CSR  projects  have  been proposed, undertaken and presently functional in Andhra Pradesh, district-wise and in Eluru district; (c) the details regarding the total amount of funds allocated, released and utilised for each CSR initiative specified above across Andhra Pradesh, district-wise and in Eluru district; and (d) the details regarding the total number of beneficiaries of such CSR activities over
- the last five years across Andhra Pradesh, district-wise and in Eluru district?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE          (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)to(c):    Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) projects are not allocated State-wise. However, CSR projects by Central Public Sector Enterprises(CPSEs) under Ministry of Steel are mainly carried out in periphery of Steel Plants, Steel Townships and Mines which  are  predominantly  inhabited  by  Scheduled  Tribe,  Scheduled  Castes  and Backward population. As per the Companies Act, 2013 and CSR guidelines, activities are undertaken based on local needs and priorities.

The  focus areas include education,  healthcare,  women  empowerment, livelihood generation, sanitation, rural development, environmental sustainability, sports and promotion of traditional art and culture.

- (d)         The CSR  works  benefit society at large, therefore, exact number  of beneficiaries due to individual work by CPSEs, District-wise, is not measurable and is not maintained.
- *****