opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3696 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Ice Hockey Stadium at Kargil
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Mohmad Haneefa

## Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports

## Department of Sports

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3696

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026

Ice Hockey Stadium at Kargil

3696. SHRI MOHMAD HANEEFA:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that while the structural construction  of  the  Ice  Hockey  Stadium  at  Kargil  has  largely  been completed,  the  essential  24x7  mechanical  chilling  facility  required  for year-round operation of the rink is yet to be installed;
- (b) whether a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Rs. 40 crore submitted by the Youth Services and Sports Department has been approved under the Special Development Plan (SDP) and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the present status of administrative approval and release of funds for the said project;
- (d) whether the Government  proposes to intervene with the UT Administration of Ladakh  to expedite approvals and ensure early completion  so  that  the  stadium  becomes  fully  functional  for  training, competitions and national-level events; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## ANSWER [ DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA ]

- (a) to (e) A project of 'Construction of the Ice Hockey Stadium at Kargil' has been sanctioned under the Special Development Plan (SDP) of the Ministry  of  Home  Affairs.  As  per  information  received  from  the  Youth Services and Sports Department, Union Territory of Ladakh, the structural work of the Ice Hockey Rink at Khurbathang in Kargil district

has been completed. The 24x7 mechanical chilling facility required for year-round operation of the rink has not been installed.

The project was initially approved under SDP at an estimated cost of Rs. 32.58 crore. Subsequently, a revised Detailed Project Report amounting to  Rs.  42.26  crore  has  been  submitted  by  the  concerned authorities of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The Ministry  of  Youth  Affairs  &  Sports  has  not  sanctioned  this  project under any scheme of this Ministry.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3692 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Development of Tourism Infrastructure in Kaimur and Rohtas
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Sudhakar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.+3692 ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026

## DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN KAIMUR AND ROHTAS

## +3692. SHRI SUDHAKAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a)   whether the Government is aware of the fact that Kaimur and Rohtas district of Bihar are extremely rich from historical, religious, nature and archaeological perspectives where famous Maa Mundeshwari Temple  (Kaimur),  Rohtasgarh  Fort,  waterfalls,  forest  areas  and caves  are  located  and  yet  this  region  is  deprived  of  desired development from a tourism point of view;
- (b)   whether any special scheme, survey or project has been sanctioned or proposed by the Government to develop tourism infrastructure in Kaimur and Rohtas; and
- (c)   if  so,  the  details  along  with  current  status  thereof  and  if  not,  the reasons along with the future action plan therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM       (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) to (c):   The development and promotion of tourist destinations and tourism  products,  is  primarily  undertaken  by  the  respective  State Government/ Union Territory (UT) Administration.

The  Ministry  of  Tourism,  through  its  ongoing  Central  Sector Schemes of 'Swadesh Darshan (SD)',  'Swadesh  Darshan  2.0  (SD  2.0)', 'Challenge  Based  Destination  Development  (CBDD)'  a  sub -scheme  of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, 'Special Assistance to States for Ca pital Investment  (SASCI)', 'Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual  Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)' supplements the efforts of the States/UTs  by  providing  financial  assistance  for  the  development  of tourism related infrastructure in consultation with them.

The  Ministry  regularly  engages  with  the  respective  States/UTs including Bihar to promote tourism development in various destinations of the country, including those with rich cultural, pilgrimage and natural heritage. Proposals for seeking financial assistance for the development of the  tourism  infrastructure  are  formulated  by  the  concerned  State/UT. The proposals received are examined in accordance with the prescribed guidelines, and financial assistance is provided subject to fulfilment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds. At  present,  there  is  no  proposal  under  consideration  for  the development of Kaimur and Rohtas district of Bihar.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3684 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Multi-State Cooperative Banks
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Kishori Lal, Prof. Sougata Ray

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3684

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 16 MARCH, 2026/ 25 PHALGUNA, 1947 (SAKA)

## Multi-State Cooperative Banks

3684. PROF. SOUGATA RAY:

## SHRI KISHORI LAL:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) the details of existing Multi-State Cooperative Banks in the country, State wise;

(b) whether the Multi-State Cooperative Banks have the right to accept investments by offering interests more than nationalized banks;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has taken precautionary measures to check such offers following a number of reported cases of fraud in various cooperative banks of the country; and

- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a): As informed by the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS), there are a total of

66 Multi-State Cooperative Banks currently operational in the country. The State-wise details

.

of Multi-State Cooperative Banks are given at Annexure

(b)  to  (e):  As  per  the  Reserve  Bank  of  India  (RBI)  Master  Direction  -  (Interest  Rate  on

Deposits) Directions, 2025 dated November 28, 2025, Urban Cooperative banks (UCBs) are required to pay interest on deposits as per their comprehensive policy duly approved by the

Board of Directors or any Committee of the Board to which powers have been delegated.

*****

## Annexure referred to in part (a) of Lok Sabha Sabha Un-Starred Question No. 3684 on 'Multi-State Cooperative Banks' due for answer on 16.03.2026

State-wise details of Multi-State cooperative banks

|   Sr.no. | State          |   Number of Multi-State Cooperative Banks |
|----------|----------------|-------------------------------------------|
|        1 | Andhra Pradesh |                                         1 |
|        2 | Bihar          |                                         1 |
|        3 | Gujarat        |                                        12 |
|        4 | Haryana        |                                         2 |
|        5 | Maharashtra    |                                        36 |
|        6 | Rajasthan      |                                         4 |
|        7 | Tamil Nadu     |                                         1 |
|        8 | Telangana      |                                         3 |
|        9 | Uttar Pradesh  |                                         4 |
|       10 | West Bengal    |                                         2 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 317 (STARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Inland Water Transport in Punjab
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Malvinder Singh Kang

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *317

ANSWERED ON 13.03.2026

## INLAND WATER TRANSPORT IN PUNJAB

*317. SHRI MALVINDER SINGH KANG:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

(a)  the  present  status  of  National  Waterway-98  (NW-98)  on  the  Sutlej  River  in Rupnagar district of Punjab; (b) whether any Techno-Economic Feasibility Study/Detailed Project Report has been completed/under  preparation  for  Inland  Water  Transport  development  on  the  Sutlej River in Punjab and if so, the details thereof; (c) the details of funds sanctioned, released and utilized for jetties, terminals or other inland waterway infrastructure on the said river since 2016; (d)  whether  any  technical,  hydrological  or  environmental  constraints  have  affected

- inland waterway development on the said River, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the steps taken under Maritime India Vision 2030 to promote inland water transport for benefiting farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Punjab?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

- (a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  *317  ANSWERED  ON  13.03.2026  RAISED  BY  SHRI MALVINDER  SINGH  KANG,  HON'BLE  M.P.  REGARDING  'INLAND  WATER TRANSPORT IN PUNJAB ' (a)  &  (b)  Sutlej  River  has  been  declared  as  National  Waterway-98  (NW-98)  from Bridge  at  Sunni  (District  Mandi,  Himachal  Pradesh)  to  Harike  Barrage  (Punjab)  and passes through Rupnagar District also. The feasibility study of Sutlej River (NW-98) is being carried out and the report is expected to be submitted by May, 2026. (c) & (d) An amount of Rs. 2.82 crore has been sanctioned for undertaking feasibility study  of  NW-98.  The  provision  of  waterway  infrastructure  such  as  jetties,  terminals, technical,  hydrological  and  environmental  constraints  etc.  will  be  a  part  of  the feasibility report. (e) The preparation of feasibility report is the first step undertaken under the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030. The developmental works will be undertaken for benefit of common public including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and farmers as per the feasibility report.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 314 (STARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Hospitals Empanelled under AB-PMJAY in Telangana
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Konda Vishweshwar Reddy

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 314* TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 13 TH MARCH, 2026

## HOSPITALS EMPANELLED UNDER AB-PMJAY IN TELANGANA

## *314. SHRI KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY:

Will the MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the State of Telangana as on date, district-wise;
- (b) the names and categories of all Government and Private empanelled hospitals in each district of Telangana;
- (c) whether there are any districts in Telangana with inadequate coverage of empaneled hospitals under AB-PMJAY, particularly in rural, tribal and backward areas, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure equitable distribution of empanelled hospitals across all districts of Telangana to improve access to cashless healthcare for beneficiaries?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

- (a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 314* FOR 13 TH MARCH, 2026

(a) to (d): As on 28.02.2026, a total of 1525 hospitals are empanelled under Ayushman Bharat -Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the State of Telangana, of which 1018 are public hospitals and 507 are private hospitals.

The district-wise details of number, names and categories of empanelled public and private hospitals can be accessed at https://hem.nha.gov.in/search

National Health Authority works with the State Health Agencies to increase the number of empanelled hospitals under the scheme in order to expand the options available to the beneficiaries for availing healthcare services. The number of new hospitals empanelled in the State has been increasing year on year as shown below:

| Financial Year             |   Number of new hospitals empanelled |
|----------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| 2022-23                    |                                   12 |
| 2023-24                    |                                   58 |
| 2024-25                    |                                   70 |
| 2025-26 (As on 28.02.2026) |                                   92 |

Further, in order to improve the participation of hospitals a hospital-specific toll-free helpline number 14413 has been set-up to address the concerns of hospitals on a real-time basis including concerns related to empanelment.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3674 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Facilities to Lawyers
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Sunil Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3674 TTO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 13 TH  MARCH, 2026

## FACILITIES TO LAWYERS

## †3674. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the various facilities being provided by the Government of India to lawyers across the country;

(b) whether the Government proposes to provide facilities such as stipends to young advocates in Bihar;

(c) if so, the details thereof including eligibility criteria and the number of advocates that have benefited from this scheme so far; and

(d) if not, whether the Government is likely to consider the proposal sympathetically?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE   MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OFPARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) to (d): As informed by the Bar Council of India, that in pursuance of the directions of the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi in W.P. (C) No. 10159/2024, a circular no. BCI:D: 5383/2024 dated 15.10.2024 has been issued by them recommending the Senior Advocates/ Law Firms and Advocates that a minimum stipend amount may be paid to the junior advocates as Rs. 20,000/- per month in urban areas and Rs. 15,000/- per month in rural areas.

It is further submitted that under the Advocates Act,1961, the Advocate Welfare Fund Act, 2001 and respective State Advocate Welfare Acts, Bar Council of India and State Bar Councils are empowered to provide financial assistance to advocates in various exigencies. As per the provision of section 6(2) and section 7(2) of the Advocates Act, 1961, the State Bar Council and Bar Council of India (BCI) respectively have power to constitute one or more funds in the prescribed manner for the purpose of giving financial assistance to organize welfare schemes for indigents, disabled or other advocates.

The Bar Council of India has  further  informed  that  the  Government  of  Bihar  has  recently launched a stipend scheme for the advocates in Bihar for their welfare. The eligibility criteria for the scheme are as follows:-

- i. Advocates who are enrolled on/or after 01.01.2024 with the Bihar State Bar Council are entitled to the benefit of the welfare scheme for the next three years.

- ii. The advocate must be a member of any Bar Association in the courts of Bihar and the Bar Association must also certify that the advocate is in 'active legal practice'.
- iii. Such eligible advocates will be paid Rs. 5000/- per month for the next three (03) years.
- iv. The amount shall be disbursed by Bihar Advocates Welfare Trust Committee.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3673 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Utilisation of Central Funds under NAM in Karnataka
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri E Tukaram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3673 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.2026

## Utilisation of Central Funds under NAM in Karnataka

## 3673. Shri E Tukaram:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Ministry has ensured effective utilisation and monitoring of Central funds released under  the  National  AYUSH  Mission  (NAM)  for  creating  functional  AYUSH  hospitals  and dispensaries in Ballari district of Karnataka during the last three years and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Central agencies concerned have completed the sanctioned facilities within the prescribed timelines and if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons for delays and shortcomings at the level of the Ministry and its implementing agencies;

(d) the details of funds released, works sanctioned and facilities made operational so far in the district; and

(e)  the  details  of  any  time-bound  plan  of  the  Ministry  to  strengthen  AYUSH  healthcare infrastructure in Karnataka State and especially Ballari district?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) Since, implementation of the National Ayush Mission (NAM) scheme comes under the purview of  State  Government  of  Karnataka,  therefore,  the  primary  responsibility  to  ensure  effective utilisation of funds for creating functional Ayush hospitals and dispensaries in Ballari district of Karnataka lies with respective State Government. Further, as informed by State Government,  they are regularly reviewing the utilization of funds released under the NAM through review meetings, periodic field inspections, and examination of progress reports submitted by the District Ayush Officer of Ballari District. The Utilization Certificates (UCs) for the funds utilized are regularly submitted to the Government of India.

(b) & (c) As informed by State Government, Ministry of Ayush sanctioned activities for the Ballari District are implemented by the District Ayush Officer and its executing agencies. Efforts are made to complete the works within the prescribed timelines as per the approved project proposals and guidelines  of  NAM.  In  certain  cases,  delays  may  occur  due  to  factors  such  as  administrative approvals, tendering processes, land availability issues, and other local implementation challenges at the district /implementing agency level.

(d) & (e) As informed by State Government of Karnataka, an amount of Rs.504.51 lakhs has been released during last three years to Ballari District and two Ayush hospitals have been upgraded &

21 AAM (Ayush) units are functional in Ballari District. Since, the implementation of Scheme comes under the purview of respective State Government, time line has not been fixed by the Ministry.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3670 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Relations between India and Bangladesh
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Kaushalendra Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3670 ANSWERED ON 13/03/2026

## RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND BANGLADESH

## †3670. SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)   whether   the   relations   between   India   and   Bangladesh   are   passing through a very critical phase, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether Pakistan wants to take advantage of this situation which can be detrimental to the country, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government held any talks with the interim Government of Bangladesh regarding the mass killings of  minorities there, particularly Hindus, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a   &   b)   India   and   Bangladesh,   as   neighbouring   countries,   share   deep historical, geographical, cultural, linguistic and social linkages. India has always conveyed its support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh and remains in favour of  continued high-level exchanges and meetings under bilateral institutional mechanisms. The engagements are aimed at people-centric developmental outcomes, which have been a consistent aspect of our bilateral ties.

India's relationship with Bangladesh is independent of its relationship with third countries. The Government continues to monitor developments having   a   bearing   on   India's   national   interests   and   take   all   necessary measures to safeguard them.

(c) India has consistently raised the matter of safety and security of the minorities with the authorities in Bangladesh on all relevant occasions, including   at   the   highest  level. The   issue   was   discussed   by   the   Prime Minister   during   his   meeting   with   the   former   Chief   Advisor   Muhammad Yunus on 04 April 2025 and by the External Affairs Minister during his

meeting with the former Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain on 16 February 2025. The newly-elected government assumed charge on 17 February 2026. Subsequently, the matter has also been taken up with the new government at   appropriate   levels.   The   Government   continues   to   monitor   reports concerning   the   safety   of   minorities   in   Bangladesh.   It   is   the   primary responsibility   of   the   Government   of   Bangladesh   to   safeguard   the   life, liberty, and welfare of all citizens of Bangladesh, including religious and ethnic minorities.

*****