opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1483 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Fee Structure and Engineer Graduate Salary as per NIRF, 2025
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1483 ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## Fee Structure and Engineer Graduate Salary as per NIRF, 2025

1483.  Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar :

Will the Minister of Education be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of fee structure for various categories of students, including General, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Economically Weaker Sections, Other Backward Classes and Persons with Disabilities for all engineering colleges in 2025, institute-wise and categorywise; and
- (b) whether  the  Government  maintains  data  on  the  median  salary  of  graduates  from engineering  colleges  across  India  as  reported  under  the  National  Institutional  Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2025 and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ( DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR )

(a) & (b):  Education being in the concurrent list of the Constitution, Centre and States are equally responsible for providing quality education to all. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), a statutory body under the Ministry of Education, grants approval for conducting courses in Technical Education at diploma, undergraduate and post graduate levels to Technical Institutions.  AICTE as per its Approval Process Handbook 2024-27 has stipulated that the Institutions shall adopt the fee fixed by the concerned State Fee Regulatory Authority.

Further,  to  make  higher  education  affordable  in  institutions  like  IITs  and  NITs, relaxations in tuition fee of Under Graduate (UG) program is provided not only to the socially weaker sections but also to the economically backward sections of the society. This includes complete  fee  waiver  for  Scheduled  Castes/  Scheduled  Tribes  and  PwD  students  &  full remission of fee for economically backward students (whose family income is less than Rs. 1 lakh per annum) and also 2/3rd remission of fee for other economically backward students (whose family income is between Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh per annum).

In  order  to  promote  transparency,  the  data  submitted  by  all  ranked  institutions, including median salary of placed graduates, is made available on the official NIRF website. The  median  salary  of  placed  graduates  as  declared  by  ranked  Engineering  Institutions  is available at https://www.nirfindia.org/Rankings/2025/EngineeringRanking.html.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1482 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: UGC New Rules against Caste Discrimination
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1482

ANSWERED ON 09/02/2026

## UGC New Rules against Caste Discrimination

1482. Shri Selvaganapathi T.M.:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified new rules against caste discrimination; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is also a fact that the said new rules kept the Other Backward Classes outside the ambit of caste-based discrimination and lack specificity in the way it defined discrimination in the earlier draft of the rules; (d) if so, the details thereof;

- (e) whether it is also a fact that the new rules specified punishments, which can range from being debarred from offering degress or programme for non-compliance; and (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a) to (f): The UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, notified on 13.01.2026, have been kept in abeyance by the Hon'ble Supreme Court vide order dated 29.01.2026.

Hence, the matter is sub judice.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1481 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Environmental Impact due to doubling of Railway Track
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Mr Pathan Yusuf

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1481

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## Environmental Impact due to doubling of Railway Track

1481. MR PATHAN YUSUF:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that the proposed doubling of railway line between Karnataka and Goa passes through a critical tiger habitat, an elephant corridor and ecologically sensitive areas;
- (b) the reason for granting of forest clearances by the Government despite the Wildlife Institute of India's (WII) report highlighting the negative impact on flora and fauna; and
- (c) the rationale behind granting clearances for the double track when the single track itself has caused 341 animal deaths between February and April 2023 as per WII findings and the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a)  to  (c)  The  proposals  for  use  of  forest  land  for  non-forestry  purposes  received  from  the  State Governments are examined on their merits, including assessment of their direct and indirect impacts on forests and wildlife. Infrastructure projects proposed in areas of high conservation value or rich biodiversity are examined meticulously.

In cases where diversion of forest land is unavoidable and duly justified, such proposals are considered by the Central Government, subject to the implementation of adequate mitigation measures, including the preparation of site-specific Wildlife  Management Plans and the provision of wildlife underpasses/overpasses, as applicable.

The Ministry has also developed a guidance document through the Wildlife Institute of India, titled 'Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts of Linear Infrastructure on Wildlife', which prescribes standard  mitigation  measures  to  be  adopted  for  linear  infrastructure  projects  in  order  to  minimise adverse impacts on wildlife and their habitats.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1467 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Creating Protected Forest Area in Bihar
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Rajesh Ranjan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1467

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## Creating Protected Forest Area in Bihar

1467. SHRI RAJESH RANJAN:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the average forest area of the country is 21 per cent whereas the total forest area of Bihar is 7 per cent and the forest area in the Koshi-Simanchal region of North Bihar is less than 2 per cent;
- (b) if  so,  whether  the  Union  Government  is  sensitive  towards  creating  large  protected  forest area/Tiger Reserve/Biosphere Reserve in Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura districts to balance climate change; and
- (c) if so, the time by which, it is likely to be completed?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) to (c)  Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun, an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, carries out the assessment of forest and tree cover of the country biennially and the findings are published in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR).

As per ISFR-2023, the Recorded Forest Area of the country is 775377 square kilometer, which is 23.59% of the geographical area of the country. The Recorded Forest Area of the State of Bihar is 7442 square kilometer, which is 7.90% of the geographical area of the State of Bihar. The district-wise details of Recorded Forest Area are not published in ISFR-2023.

The creation of  Protected Areas/National Parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves are initiated by the concerned State Government as per statutory provisions under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, based on ecological suitability, availability of forest land, and other relevant considerations.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1464 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Protection and Enforcement of Rules for Monuments
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Com. Selvaraj V, Shri Subbarayan K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTIONNO.1464

ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## PROTECTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF RULES FOR MONUMENTS

## 1464. COM. SELVARAJ V: SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any system to audit the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in its role to protect monuments;
- (b) whether it is a fact that ASI has been lax in preventing encroachers and illegal builders near major monuments in major cities;
- (c) the details of the complaints received on lack of protection and enforcement of rules around protected monuments; and
- (d)   the details of the steps proposed to involve the public in such work?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) The Government has a comprehensive system to audit the performance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Regular audits are conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor  General  of  India  (CAG),  internal  audit  wings,  and  through  specific  performance audits.
- (b) The cases of encroachment and illegal construction have been reported in and around some protected monuments and areas (sites), such cases are dealt with through enforcement of the provisions  of  the  Ancient  Monuments  and  Archaeological  Sites  and  Remains  Act,  1958 (AMASR Act) and Rules, 1959. As such there is no laxity on part of ASI to deal with the issue.
- (c) Complaints  regarding  encroachment  have  been  received  in  respect  of  some  protected monuments and areas (sites). Such cases are examined and dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the AMASR Act and Rules framed thereunder to ensure protection and enforcement.
- (d)   Awareness programmes, such as heritage walks; cultural programmes, etc. are conducted on  various  occasions  like  World  Heritage  Day,  World  Heritage  Week,  International Museums Day, Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti and other occasions by organizing  exhibitions,  lectures,  workshops,  competitions,  performances  etc.  involving general public, school and college students. In addition to this, documentaries on heritage are screened at interpretation centers for the benefit of general public. Further; Adopt-AHeritage program has been introduced to promote heritage and to preserve it for posterity.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1463 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Country's External Debt
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Dharmendra Yadav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1463 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## COUNTRY'S EXTERNAL DEBT

## 1463. Shri Dharmendra Yadav:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the country's external debt increased to approximately USD 736.3 billion by the end of March 2025, reflecting a significant increase as compared to the previous year, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether it is projected that this debt may further increase during the current financial year 2025-26 and exceed USD 747 billion, if so, the details thereof along with the current status of the external debt-to-GDP ratio;

(c) whether the government has assessed the adverse impact of the rising external debt on future debt servicing costs and fiscal flexibility; and

(d) if so, the concrete steps being taken by the Government to reduce the burden of external debt and to manage the risks arising from valuation effects due to fluctuations in the rupee against the US dollar?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a)     India's external debt stood at USD 736.3 billion as of end-March 2025 compared to USD 668.8 billion as of end-March 2024, recording an annual increase of USD 67.5 billion.

(b)    No projection has been undertaken regarding the level of external debt during the current financial year 2025-26. As per the latest available data as of end-September 2025, India's external debt stood at USD 746.0 billion. India's external debt-to-GDP ratio is 19.2 per cent as of end-September 2025.

(c)     The external debt of various nations rises over time as it is associated with increasing investment and productivity. This has been the case in India as well. India has managed its external debt prudently with the overarching objective of keeping the current account deficit within sustainable limits.

India's debt service ratio has declined from 6.6 per cent in 2024-25 to 6.0 per cent in 2025-26 (up to September 2025). As of end-September 2025, the external debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 19.2 per cent, while the foreignexchange reserves-to-external-debt ratio was 93.8 per cent. These indicators suggest that India's external debt remains sustainable and prudently managed.

(d)   The prudent external debt management policy of the Government of India has helped in maintaining a comfortable external debt position. The policy continues to focus on monitoring long and short-term debt, raising  sovereign  loans  on  concessional  terms  with  longer  maturities,  maintaining  a  diversified  currency composition of external debt, regulating external commercial borrowings and rationalising interest rates on Non-Resident Indian deposits.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1459 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: "Own Merit" Promotions of SC/ST Officials in CBDT
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Raja A

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1459

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026 / Magha 20, 1947 (Saka)

## 'OWN MERIT' PROMOTIONS OF SC/ST OFFICIALS IN CBDT

## 1459. Shri Raja A:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any complaints have been received by the Government with regard to  non-implementation  of  the  concept  of  "Own  Merit"  promotions  on  seniority  to SC/ST officials as laid down by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Office Memorandums, in the office of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and its 18 cadre controlling authorities;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the response of Government thereto;
- (c) whether it is a fact that more than 10,000 backlog vacancies exist due to nonimplementation of "Own Merit" promotions in the Department; and
- (d) if  so, the details thereof along with the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to implement the policy and to clear all backlog vacancies on timebound basis?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a)  to  (d):  Representations are received in CBDT, Department of Revenue, on the issue of promotion, including the issue related to promotion on 'own merit', from time to time.

These  representations  are  examined  as  per  the  extant  instructions  issued  by Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) in the matter, which is a continuous process.

The issue of reservation in promotion is also pending before the Supreme Court of India in the case of Jarnail Singh and Ors. Versus Lachhmi Narain Gupta and Ors. and other connected matters, for final adjudication.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1448 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Increasing of Pension under EPS-95
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Dr. Kirsan Namdeo

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1448

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## INCREASING OF PENSION UNDER EPS-95

1448. DR. KIRSAN NAMDEO:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether  it  is  a  fact  that  various  Labour  Unions  including  the Bharatiya  Mazdoor  Sangh  (BMS)  have  urged  the  Government  to increase  the  minimum  amount  of  pension  under  the  Employees Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 to Rs. 9,000;
- (b)if so, the details thereof along with the time by which the pension is likely to will be increased; and
- (c)the number of the retired EPS pensioners that are getting pension
- less than Rs. 9,000?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a) & (b): Representations have been received from various stakeholders  including  trade  unions  and  public  representatives  to increase  the  minimum  pension  under  the  Employees'  Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995 from the existing Rs. 1,000/- per month.

Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995 is a 'Defined Contribution-Defined Benefit' social security scheme. The corpus of the Employees' Pension Fund is made up of (i) contribution by the employer @ 8.33 per cent of wages; and (ii) 1.16 per cent contribution from Central Government on wages upto Rs.15,000/- per month. All benefits under the scheme are paid out of this Fund.

The  Government  is  providing  a  minimum  pension  of Rs.1000 per month to the pensioners under the EPS, 1995 through budgetary support, which is in addition to the budgetary support of 1.16 per cent of wages towards EPS to Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).

The fund is valued annually as mandated under paragraph 32 of EPS, 1995. The objective of the valuation is to determine the long-term viability of the fund given the expected stream of money inflows from contributions, etc. and the outflows in terms of benefits.

The Government of India is committed to provide robust social security coverage through EPF Scheme, 1952, EPS-95 and EDLI Schemes  being  run  by  EPFO,  to  the  members  of  these  schemes, taking into consideration the sustainability of the respective funds as well as the future liabilities thereon.

(c): The total number of active member pensioners under EPS 95 receiving pension of less than Rs 9000/- is 47,04,270.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1445 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Proposal for Kendriya Vidyalayas in Biswanath District in Assam
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Ranjit Dutta, Shri Y S Avinash Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1445 ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## Proposal for Kendriya Vidyalayas in Biswanath District in Assam

1445.  Shri Y S Avinash Reddy: Shri Ranjit Dutta:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is likely to consider the proposal to sanction a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Proddutur- YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh during the current financial year and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is aware that the population of Biswanath district in Assam is continuously increasing with a large number of transferable Central Government employees  are  posted  there  but  there  is  no  Kendriya  Vidyalaya  in  the  district, causing difficulties for the children of such employees;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to establish a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Biswanath district of Assam during the current or forthcoming financial year; and
- (d) if so, the likely time for its approval and establishment and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (d) Opening of new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) is a continuous process. KVs are opened primarily to cater to the educational needs of the wards of transferable Central Government Employees including Defence & Para-Military personnel, Central Autonomous Bodies, Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Central Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) by providing a common programme of education throughout the country. Proposals for opening of new KVs may be sponsored by Ministries or Departments of the Government of India/State Governments/ Union Territories Administrations, with commitment to provide requisite extent of land, free of cost and suitable rent-free temporary accommodation for setting up a new KV, as per Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) norms.  At present, 38 KVs are functioning in the State of Andhra Pradesh and 57 KVs are functioning in the State of Assam.

As  per  information  received  from  KVS,  proposals  for  opening  of  a  new  KV  in Proddutur, YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh and Biswanath District, Assam has not been received from the concerned State Government / District Administration.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1442 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Rise in Insurance Premium
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Hanuman Beniwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1442

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 9 FEBRUARY, 2026/MAGHA 20, 1947 (SAKA)

## Rise in Insurance Premium

†1442. SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that despite the GST on personal life insurance and  health  insurance  being  reduced  to  zero  under  the  GST  reforms,  insurance companies in several States including Rajasthan have raised the base premium from 8 to 12 percent;
- (b) if so, the details of the reasons therefor;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  take  any  concrete  steps  to  curb  this arbitrariness  of  the  insurance  companies  so  that  the  benefits  of  GST  reforms  is availed by the new policy holders; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the time-line for implementing the same and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a)  to  (d):  Insurance  Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has informed that for ensuring full transmission of the rate reduction, a day long in-person interaction was held with the insurance companies on 17th September, 2025. The need to pass on the full benefits to the policyholders in letter and spirit was impressed on  them.  Further,  IRDAI  has  collected  the  premium  rates  prevailing  as  on  3rd September, 2025 and has been regularly monitoring the premiums being charged for new policies as well as for renewal of policies to ensure benefits are passed on to insured individuals.

In  this  regard,  IRDAI  has  informed  that  a  confirmation  has  been  received  from  all General and Health Insurance companies in January, 2026 that they have not revised premiums following the Government's announcement of GST relief. They have further confirmed that the GST relief granted by the Government has been fully passed on to the policyholders.

IRDAI has also informed that for Life Insurance policies, the premium and benefits available under the plan cannot be altered during the term of the policy.

*****