opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3297 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Regulation of Airfare
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri P V Midhun Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3297

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  12th March 2026 )

## REGULATION OF AIRFARE

3297.    SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

(a)  whether  the  Government intends to define "reasonable profit" as specified under the Aircraft Rules, 1937 in order to curb excess fares charged by airlines and if so, the details thereof;

(b)  whether the  Government proposes to empower the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to regulate airfares and if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether  the  Government  intends  to  set  up  any  independent  body  for monitoring airfares on the lines of SEBI and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the Government plans to introduce any policy for uniform fees or tariffs across all domestic airports and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister  of  State  in  the  Ministry  of  CIVIL  AVIATION            (Shri  Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) to (d): Airfares are not subject to regulation by the Government and every air transport undertaking shall establish a tariff having regard to all relevant factors, including  the  cost  of  operation,  characteristics  of  service,  reasonable  profit, while adhering to Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

The Government generally refrains from regulating airfares to maintain market competitiveness,  however,  it  remains  vigilant  and  intervenes  in  exceptional circumstances by adopting measures like redistributing capacity across various sectors  and  imposing  temporary  fare  caps,  such  as  during  Pandemic,  Maha kumb, Pahalgam incident & recently massive Indigo flight disruptions.

In  order  to  enhance  the  transparency  in  airfare,  Directorate  General  of  Civil Aviation  (DGCA)  has  set-up  Tariff  Monitoring  Unit  (TMU)  that  monitors airfares on selected 78 routes on a random basis by using airlines websites on monthly basis to ensure that the airlines do not charge airfares outside the range declared by them. This covers about 27% of the domestic traffic. By doing so, the TMU plays a critical role in maintaining airfare levels within the boundaries of the airlines' prescribed tariffs.

Airport charges for aeronautical services rendered at major  airports are determined by considering the cost of running the airport plus the reasonable return  on  airport  investments  made  for  expansion/modernization/up-gradation of airports as per the provisions of the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) Act, 2008 and AERA Tariff Guidelines, 2011.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3287 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Domestic Cooking Gas Subsidy and Pricing
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri N K Premachandran

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3287 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 MARCH, 2026

## Domestic Cooking Gas Subsidy and Pricing

3287.  SHRI N K PREMACHANDRAN:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to release the pending subsidy of domestic cooking gas to the consumers, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to restore the subsidy for domestic cooking gas, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the total savings of the Government due to the non disbursement of cooking gas subsidy;
- (d) the details of the price of cooking gas during 2014 and the price hike of cooking gas till date;
- (e) whether the Government proposes to reduce the price of cooking gas, if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon; and
- (f)  whether  the  Government proposes to give cooking gas subsidy to beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũालय मŐ राǛ मंũी ( ŵी सुरे श गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (f): DBT  subsidies  to  the  eligible  LPG  consumers  are  paid  by  Oil  Marketing Companies (OMCs) with their own funds. After releasing the subsidies, OMCs submit bills to the Government for reimbursement through Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) and the same is reimbursed by the Government to OMCs.

The  Retail  Selling  Price  (RSP)  of  domestic  LPG  (non-subsidised)  on  1 st April  2014  was  Rs. 980.50 per 14.2 Kg cylinder and Rs. 414.00 for subsidised domestic LPG cylinder. The RSP of a 14.2 Kg domestic LPG cylinder is currently Rs. 913 in Delhi. As of 09.03.2026, after a targeted subsidy  of  Rs.  300/cylinder  to  PMUY  consumers,  Government  of  India  is  providing  14.2  Kg LPG  cylinders  at  an  effective  price  of  Rs.  613  per  cylinder  (in  Delhi)  to  all  eligible  PMUY beneficiaries.

Government  has  paid  a  compensation  of  Rs.  22,000  crore  to  OMCs  in  FY  2022-23  and  has approved another compensation of Rs. 30,000 crore in FY 2025-26.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3286 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Oil Bond Liabilities and Repayments Status
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Raju Bista

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3286 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 MARCH, 2026

## Oil Bond Liabilities and Repayments Status

3286.  SHRI RAJU BISTA:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a) the total amount of oil bonds issued by the Union Government from 2005-06 to 2009-10;
- (b) the total amount of interest accrued over the oil bonds till March 2026;
- (c) the total number of oil bonds and amount which matured between 2014 to 2026;
- (d) the total amount of interest on oil bonds paid by the Government from the year 2014 to 2026; and
- (e)  the  total  oil  bond  repayment  including  principal  and  interest  made  by  the  Government between  2014  and  2026  and  whether  any  oil  bonds  are  remain  to  be  paid,  if  so,  the  details thereof?

## ANSWER

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũालय मŐ राǛ मंũी ( ŵी सुरे श गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

- (a): The total amount of oil bonds issued by the Government during 2005-06 to 2009-10 was Rs. 1,48,187.30 crore.
- (b): The total interest accrued on these oil bonds up to March 2026 is Rs. 1,70,698.79 crore.
- (c): Out  of  the  total  oil  bonds  issued,  14  oil  bonds  amounting  to  Rs.  1,34,423.17  crore matured  during  the  period  from  2014  to  2026,  which  includes  two  oil  bonds  maturing  on 23.03.2026 and 29.03.2026.
- (d): The total interest  paid by  the Government on oil bonds between 2014 and 2026 is Rs. 1,01,945.11 crore.
- (e): The total repayment made by the Government during the period 2014-2026 towards oil bonds,  including  both  principal  and  interest,  amounts  to  Rs.  2,36,368.28  crore  (Principal:  Rs. 1,34,423.17 crore; Interest: Rs. 1,01,945.11 crore). This includes the 8.00% GOI Special Bond 2026 (Rs. 10,000 crore) and the 8.40% GOI Special Bond 2026 (Rs. 4,971 crore) maturing on 23.03.2026 and 29.03.2026. No oil bonds remain outstanding thereafter.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3284 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Prices of Crude Oil
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Smt. Rachna Banerjee

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3284 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 MARCH, 2026

Prices of Crude Oil

3284.  SMT. RACHNA BANERJEE:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

the details of average crude oil prices in rupees during 2025-26?

## ANSWER

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũालय मŐ राǛ मंũी ( ŵी सुरे श गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

The  average  price  of  Indian  Basket  of  Crude  Oil  during  2025-26  (from  1 st April  2025  to  4 th March 2026) is Rs. 5,898.60 per barrel.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3283 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Work done in Maharashtra under AMRUT 2.0
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Tatkare Sunil Dattatrey

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3283 TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 12, 2026

## WORK DONE IN MAHARASHTRA UNDER AMRUT 2.0

## NO. 3283.  SHRI TATKARE SUNIL DATTATREY:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of water bodies approved for rejuvenation in Maharashtra along with the progress of rejuvenation till date;
- (b)    the water treatment plant capacity to be augmented in Maharashtra under AMRUT 2.0 along with the progress made till date;
- (c)    the current percentage of households with piped water supply, the updated targets under AMRUT 2.0 and the progress achieved so far in Maharashtra; and
- (d) the  number  of  cities  that  have  successfully  filed  the  City  Water Balance Plans (CWBPs) and City Water Action Plans (CWAPs)?

## ANSWER

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

(a) to (d):   Water is State subject. Government of India supplements the efforts  of  the  States  through  schematic  interventions/  advisories.  It provides  financial  and  technical  support  to  the  States  through  various schemes/  Missions  such  as  Atal  Mission  for  Rejuvenation  and  Urban Transformation  2.0  (AMRUT  2.0).  Under  AMRUT  2.0,  the  States/  Union Territories are empowered to select, appraise, prioritise and implement the projects.

The State of Maharashtra has taken up 88 water body rejuvenation projects with total approved cost of ₹1463.16 crore under AMRUT 2.0. As updated by the State on AMRUT 2.0 portal, 73 projects worth ₹554.95 crore (capex) have been awarded of which works worth ₹316.09 crore have been physically completed.

The State has taken up 70 water supply projects with total approved cost of ₹10,474.68 crore for augmentation of 1829.02 Million Litre per Day (MLD) Water Treatment Plant (WTP) capacity. 64 projects worth ₹7,599.50 crore (capex) have been awarded of which works worth ₹3,627.03 crore have been physically completed.

As reported by the State, 89% of urban population (as per estimated 2021 population) is covered with household tap connections. As updated by the State  on  AMRUT  2.0  portal,  the  approved  water  supply  projects  under AMRUT 2.0 in Maharashtra cover 17.42 lakh new tap connections out of which 10,980 connections have been provided so far.

In the State of Maharashtra, 413 Urban Local Bodies have submitted City Water Balance Plans (CWBPs) on AMRUT 2.0 portal and 241 ULBs have submitted City Water Action Plans (CWAPs).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3276 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-II
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rajesh Naranbhai Chudasama

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3276

ANSWERED ON 12 TH  MARCH, 2026

## BHARATMALA PARIYOJANA PHASE-II

3276.  SHRI RAJESH NARANBHAI CHUDASAMA:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) the current status of Bharatmala Phase-II including the progress made so far in terms of project awards, construction and completion and the number of projects pending under Bharatmala Phase-II;
- (b) the reasons for the delay in awarding and completing the pending projects and the expected  completion  timeline for the proposed  five  thousand kilometers of roadway projects under Bharatmala Phase-II;
- (c) the total investment required for completing Bharatmala Phase-II and the funding arrangement for the same; and
- (d)  whether  there  is  any  plan  to  seek  private  sector  investment  or  funding from  international  institutions  for  Bharatmala  Phase-II  and  if  so,  the  details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a)  to  (d)  There  is  no  approved  scheme  by  the  name  of  Bharatmala  PhaseII.  New  sanctions  of  projects  under  Phase-I  of  Bharatmala  Pariyojana  have been discontinued and new projects are sanctioned under National Highway (Original)  Scheme  on  stand  alone  basis  with  the  approval  of  Competent Authority considering requirement of connectivity, traffic density and synergy with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3275 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Funds for Development of Eight New Cities
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK   SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3275

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 12, 2026

## FUNDS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF EIGHT NEW CITIES

NO. 3275. DR. RAJ KUMAR CHABBEWAL:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Rupees Eight Thousand crores allocated for a performance-based challenge fund to develop eight new cities has remained  unutilised  during  the  last  five  years  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b) whether  any  such  city  or  urban  project  was  proposed  in  Punjab, particularly in or around Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha Constituency, if so, the names and locations of the proposed cities;
- (c) the reasons for the non-utilisation or under-utilisation of these funds for a prolonged period including delays in approvals, land acquisition, coordination with State Governments or changes in policy priorities in this regard;
- (d) whether the Government has taken any measures to ensure time-bound utilisation  of  funds,  fix  accountability  and  revive  or  re-structure  the new city projects including a revised timeline for implementation; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

(a): Yes. 15 th  Finance Commission (15 th  FC) in its report for the year 2021-22 to  2025-26 has recommended a performance based challenge fund of Rs. 8,000 crore for incubation of 8 new cities.

(b): A proposal for incubation of 'Aerotropolis in Mohali District' of Punjab was submitted by State Govt. of Punjab.

(c)  to  (e):  During  the  process  of  detailed  scrutiny  and  evaluation  of  the proposals,  it  appeared  that  the  institutional  and  governance  framework required to plan, execute and sustain new greenfield cities were underdeveloped in many of these proposals, thus raising concerns about the efficient  utilization  of  15th  Finance  Commission  (FC)  grants.  New  cities require massive, long-term public investment with robust revenue models.  These aspects were not convincingly addressed in the proposals. Further, as informed by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, the budgetary provision made for 'Incubation of New Cities' has already been re-appropriated to other grants and there is no budget provision under this grant in the current Financial Year 2025-26. In view of these reasons, the scheme of 'Incubation of New Cities' cannot be implemented, particularly when the 15th FC award period is coming to an end on 31.03.2026.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3274 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Cauvery Water Management Authority
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Thiru Thanga Tamilselvan, Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3274

ANSWERED ON 12.03.2026

## CAUVERY WATER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

## 3274. THIRU THANGA TAMILSELVAN:

Dr. GANAPATHY RAJKUMAR P:

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that the Cauvery Water Management Authority held a meeting at 47 th time in Delhi on 6th January, 2026 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the agenda discussed during the meeting and the outcome thereof; and
- (c) whether any decision has been taken during the meeting on the issue of construction of Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery river and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

- (a) & (b) Yes, the 47 th meeting of Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) was held on 6 th January,  2026  in  Delhi.  The  points  discussed  along  with  the  outcomes  during  the  meeting  can  be accessed on following link.

'https://mowr.nic.in/core/Circulars/2026/Pen.%20River\_09-03-2026\_2.pdf'

- (c) The issue of construction of the Mekedatu Dam across the Cauvery River was not an Agenda item of the 47 th meeting of CWMA.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3273 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Modernisation of Airports in Bihar
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Dr. Alok Kumar Suman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3273

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  12th March 2026 )

## MODERNISATION OF AIRPORTS IN BIHAR

3273.    DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the current status of airport modernisation projects in Bihar;
- (b) the details of airports, including Gopalganj, that are being upgraded or are planned for modernisation;
- (c) the expected completion timelines fixed for these modernisation projects;
- (d) the estimated cost and sources of funding for these projects; and
- (e)  the  manner  in  which  these  modernisation  efforts  are  expected  to  improve passenger experience and operational efficiency?

## ANSWER

Minister  of  State  in  the  Ministry  of  CIVIL  AVIATION            (Shri  Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) to (d): Airports Authority of India (AAI) has undertaken the development of New Civil Enclave at Bihta Airport and construction of New Terminal Building & allied works at Darbhanga Airport at an estimated cost of Rs. 1413.00 crore & Rs. 911.66 crore respectively. AAI has also undertaken the construction of Apron, Taxiways and other associated works at Civil Enclave, Purnea at a cost of Rs. 43.55 crore. The timeline for completion of the airport projects depends upon many  factors such as land acquisition, availability of mandatory clearances, financial closure etc.

The  Sabeya  (Gopalganj)  airstrip  in  Bihar  is  listed  in  the  UDAN  document. Revival of unserved airstrips is undertaken under the UDAN scheme on their identification through valid bid for connectivity by airlines.

(e): The modernisation of airports is expected to enhance passenger experience through improved infrastructure and amenities, while also increasing operational  efficiency  by  upgrading  airside  facilities,  integrating  advanced technologies, and enabling faster aircraft and passenger handling.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3270 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Investigation on Flight Crash Incident
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri Anto Antony

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3270

( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  12th March 2026 )

## INVESTIGATION ON FLIGHT CRASH INCIDENT

3270.    SHRI ANTO ANTONY Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  constituted  any  enquiry  or  investigation  in connection with the recent flight accident involving the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  enquiry  has  been  completed  in  this  regard  and  if  so,  the  key findings and recommendations thereof;
- (c)  whether  any  lapses,  procedural  violations,  or  safety  deficiencies  were identified in the enquiry and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether there was any delay in constituting the enquiry committee after the incident and if so, the reasons therefor; and
- (e)  whether  any  action  has  been  taken/is  proposed  to  be  taken  based  on  the findings of the enquiry and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister  of  State  in  the  Ministry  of  CIVIL  AVIATION            (Shri  Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) to (e): An investigation has been ordered by Director General (DG), Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to enquire into the cause of accident of Learjet 45XR aircraft bearing registration VT0SSK at Baramati on 28.01.2026.

A  preliminary  report  on  the  accident  has  been  published  by  AAIB  on 28.02.2026  and  is  available  on  their  website  www.aaib.gov.in.  Based  on  the available information and initial findings, interim recommendations have been issued by AAIB in the preliminary report.

The investigation is under progress. All probable causes leading to the accident are  being  investigated.  The  final  investigation  report  will  be  published  after completion of the investigation.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3268 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: EMRSs in Uttar Pradesh
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Jai Prakash

3268. SHRI JAI PRAKASH:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has assessed the performance and progress made in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) for tribal children in Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the details of such boarding schools functioning in Uttar Pradesh along with their locations?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

- (a)  to  (c): Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs  regularly  reviews  the  progress    made  in  Eklavya  Model Residential  Schools  (EMRSs)  by  States/UTs  across  the  country  including  Uttar  Pradesh.  The students enrolment in EMRSs in Uttar Pradesh has increased by 113 percent from 495 (2020-21) to 1056 (2025-26).  The details of EMRSs in the state of Uttar Pradesh along with their location is given below:

|   S. No. | District         | Block/ Taluka   | Name of the School   | Functioning Status   | Building Construction Status   |
|----------|------------------|-----------------|----------------------|----------------------|--------------------------------|
|        1 | Bahraich         | Mihinpurwa      | EMRS Bojhiya         | Functional           | Completed                      |
|        2 | Kheri            | Palia           | EMRS Saunaha         | Functional           | Completed                      |
|        3 | Lalitpur         | Bar             | EMRS Lalitpur        | Non- Functional      | Completed                      |
|        4 | Sonbhadra Chopan | (Kun)           | EMRS Piparkhand      | Functional           | Completed                      |

******

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3268

TO BE ANSWERED ON- 12/03/2026

## EMRSs IN UTTAR PRADESH