opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4263 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bachat Yojana
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Shri Arun Kumar Sagar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4263 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 TH  MARCH, 2026

## MAHILA PRADHAN KSHETRIYA BACHAT YOJANA

## †4263. SHRI ARUN KUMAR SAGAR:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  there  is  a  provision  for  appointment  of  agents  under  Mahila  Pradhan  Kshetriya Bachat Yojana (MPKBY) under the Department of Posts;

- (b) if so, the details thereof and the criteria fixed in this regard;

- (c) the  details  of  the  MPKBY  agents  appointed  particularly  under  the  Punjab  Postal  Circle, Chandigarh as on date; and

- (d) whether the said action has been taken as per the criteria fixed in respect of MPKBY?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

- (a) & (b) MPKBY agents are appointed by the State Governments, as per the guidelines framed therein, under the provisions of the Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bachat Yojana Rules available on the NSI website: https://www.nsiindia.gov.in.
- (c) A total of 5196 MPKBY agents have been appointed under the Punjab Postal Circle.
- (d) The State  Government, Punjab takes action as  per  the criteria for appointment of agents, specified under the guidelines framed under Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bachat Yojana Rules.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4260 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Railway bridges older than around Ninety-nine years
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. M K Vishnu Prasad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4260

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026

## RAILWAY BRIDGES OLDER THAN AROUND NINETY-NINE YEARS

## 4260. DR. M K VISHNU PRASAD:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  number  of  railway  bridges  older  than  around  Ninety-nine  years currently operational;
- (b) the details of such railway bridges, railway zone-wise;
- (c) whether structural stability audits are conducted annually and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the number of bridges categorised as 'distressed' or 'critical'; and
- (e)  the  details  of  proposal  to  phase  out  older  bridges  and  construct  new bridges?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (e)  As  on  01.04.2025, there are  1,68,845 Railway Bridges on Indian Railways'  Network  of  varying  ages.  All  Bridges  are  maintained  in  good physical condition irrespective of its age by periodic inspection & repairs.

Safety of Bridges across the country is accorded high priority by Indian Railways  (IR).  There  is  an  established  system  of  inspection  of  railway bridges on Indian Railways. All the railway bridges are inspected twice a year,  one  before  the  onset  of  monsoon  and  one  detailed  inspection  after the monsoon.  Annual  Inspection  of  all  the bridges  is  conducted  to ascertain  the  physical  condition  of  the  bridge  and  repairs/rehabilitation /regirdering/rebuilding measures are taken up wherever required.

Detailed technical inspection of identified bridges is carried out as per specified frequency by designated officials. In addition, certain bridges are

also  inspected  more  frequently  depending  upon  their  condition.  Special technical audit is also conducted and follow up action is taken up.

Indian Railways has developed a Bridge Management System (BMS), a comprehensive digital platform for managing its entire bridge inventory. It stores  detailed  data  on  design,  construction,  maintenance,  inspection, maintenance  history  and  overall  health  of  each  bridge.  Based  on  the monitoring on the portal, maintenance/rehabilitation works are carried out.

Repair/strengthening/rehabilitation/rebuilding  of  railway  bridges  is  a continuous  process  and  is  undertaken  whenever  so  warranted  by  their physical condition as ascertained during these inspections.  All bridges are safe for train movement at permitted speed.  During 2014-2026 (upto Jan' 2026), 16,982 nos of railway bridges were  repaired / rehabilitated/ strengthened /rebuild in Indian Railway.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4258 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Nandyal-Banaganapalle-Bethamcherla-Orvakal-Kurnool New Rail Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Byreddy Shabari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4258 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026

## NANDYAL-BANAGANAPALLE-BETHAMCHERLA-ORVAKAL-KURNOOL NEW RAIL LINE

## 4258.  DR. BYREDDY SHABARI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received any proposals, requests,  or surveys  for  the  introduction  of  a  new  railway  line  connecting  the Nandyal-Banaganapalle-Bethamcherla-Orvakal-Kurnool route;
- (b) if  so,  the  current  status  of  such  proposals  including  dates  of submission, approvals  and  reasons  for  any  delay  in  sanctioning  or budget allocation;
- (c)    whether a Final Location Survey (FLS) has been conducted for this route and if so, details of the findings, estimated project cost, and timeline for implementation; and
- (d)   whether the Government proposes to sanction and allocate funds for this route to improve intra-state connectivity and regional development and if so, the tentative timelines and priorities?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d): Banaganapalle, Bethamcherla and Nandyal are already connected through existing railway network. Bethamcherla is connected to Kurnool  via  Dhone.  However, for  direct  connectivity  of  Bethamcherla to

## Contd…2

Kurnool  via  Orvakal,  Final  Location  Survey  (FLS)  for  Dupadu  (Kurnool)Bethamcherla  via  Orvakal  new  line  (48  Km)  has  been  sanctioned  for preparation  of  Detailed  Project  Report  (DPR).  The  field  survey  work  has been completed.

After preparation of DPR, sanctioning of project requires consultation with various stake-holders including State Governments and necessary approvals  viz.  appraisal  of  NITI  Aayog,  Ministry  of  Finance  etc.  As sanctioning  of  projects  is  a  continuous  and  dynamic  process,  exact timelines cannot be fixed.

Sanction  of  any  railway  project  depends  upon  many  parameters/factors which include the following:

-  Anticipated  traffic  projections  and  remunerativeness  of  the  proposed route
-  First and last mile connectivity provided by the project
-  Connection of missing links and providing additional route
-  Augmentation of congested/saturated lines
-  Demands raised by State Governments/Central Ministries/Public representatives,
- 
- Railway's operational requirements
-  Socio-economic considerations
-  Overall availability of funds

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4248 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Expenditure Incurred on India AI Impact Summit 2026
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Smt. Mala Roy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4248 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026

## EXPENDITURE INCURRED ON INDIA AI IMPACT SUMMIT 2026

## 4248. SMT. MALA ROY:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

(a) the total expenditure cost of Host "India AI Impact Summit 2026" along with the details of money spent out of this for advertisement; and

(b) the details of money earned from exhibitors through said Summit?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN)

## (a) & (b):

India  hosted  the  India-AI  Impact  Summit  2026  from  16-21  February  2026  at  Bharat Mandapam,  New  Delhi.  For  the  first  time,  the  Global  AI  Summit  took  place  in  the  Global South. The shift signals a broader move toward a more inclusive global AI dialogue.

The Summit concluded as a historic global convergence, firmly establishing India as a global hub for  artificial  intelligence  innovation,  governance,  partnership,  and  inclusive  growth.  The five-day mega-event, the largest of its kind hosted by any developing nation, brought together leaders  from  governments,  industry,  academia,  civil  society,  and  startups  under  the  theme 'Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya' (Welfare for all, Happiness of all).

The India AI Impact Expo was conducted during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, aligned with the theme of showcasing India's power of AI for Global Good. While the total expenditure on the Summit incurred till 9 March 2026 is Rs. 65 Crore, the total proceeds generated from the sale of exhibition space and associated services to exhibitors is approximately Rs. 69 Crore.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 4240 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Call Drops and extremely weak Speed Signals
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Shri Balya Mama Suresh Gopinath Mhatre

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4240 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 TH  MARCH, 2026

## CALL DROPS AND EXTREMELY WEAK SPEED SIGNALS

## †4240. SHRI BALYA MAMA SURESH GOPINATH MHATRE:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  number  of  mobile  towers  installed  in  several  densely  populated  areas  of Bhiwandi, Maharashtra in inadequate, resulting in frequent call drops and extremely weak 4G/5G speed signals;

(b) whether the Government is taking any steps to install additional mobile towers in the said areas; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) Mobile network coverage in Bhiwandi is currently being served by 5,108 Base Transceiver Stations  (BTS)  installed  by  different  Telecom  Service  Providers  (TSPs)  and  33,468  BTS  are functional  in  Thane  District,  Maharashtra  which  covers  Bhiwandi  area.  As  per  Performance Monitoring  Report  (PMR)  published  by  Telecom  Regulatory  Authority  of  India  (TRAI)  for  the month of January 2026 for Access (Wireless) Service, all TSPs are meeting benchmarks related to call drops in Maharashtra License Service Area which includes Bhiwandi in Thane district.

(b) & (c) To provide mobile coverage in uncovered villages in the country, additional mobile towers are being installed by Government under Digital Bharat Nidhi Schemes. Under 4G saturation scheme, two villages of Bhiwandi area are planned to be covered. Out of which, 1 village is already covered with 4G mobile connectivity. Further, to improve services M/s BSNL has upgraded 37 BTS sites to 4G technology.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4238 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Private Participation in Nuclear Energy Sector
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Com. Selvaraj V, Shri Subbarayan K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO -4238 ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026

## PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN NUCLEAR ENERGY SECTOR

4238.   COM. SELVARAJ V SHRI SUBBARAYAN K

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether  any  domestic/Foreign  private  companies  have  expressed  their  interest  to  set  up nuclear energy projects in the country after the enactment of law for opening up the nuclear energy sector to private firms; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a)&(b) The SHANTI Act, 2025 has received the assent of the President of India and has been Gazette  Notified  by  Ministry  of  Law  &  Justice  on  21st  December,  2025.   However, framing of rules and regulations of the act are currently in progress.  Hence, provision for participation of private sector entities in nuclear power generation will only take effect once  the exercise of framing  of rules  and regulations  of  the  SHANTI  Act  is completed.   The  participation  of  foreign  entities  into  nuclear  sector  will  be  as  per  the prevailing FDI policy of the Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4233 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Implementation of Community Radio Support Scheme
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Rahul Kaswan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4233 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026)

## IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY RADIO SUPPORT SCHEME:

## 4233. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is currently implementing the Community Radio Support Scheme to promote community-based broadcasting across the country;
- (b) if so, the objectives and key components of the scheme along with the financial assistance provided to eligible institutions during the last three years;
- (c) the total number of new community radio stations approved under the scheme during this period, State- wise specifically Rajasthan;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  feedback  or  grievances  from  applicants regarding delays in approvals, funding disbursement or technical support; and
- (e) the steps being taken by the Government to strengthen the scheme, expand coverage in underserved regions and improve participatory communication for local communities?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (Dr. L. MURUGAN)

## (a) to (e):

The Government has approved a Central Sector Scheme named 'Supporting Community Radio Movement  in  India'  to  promote  community-based  broadcasting  across  the  country.  The objectives of the scheme are to strengthen new and existing Community Radio Stations (CRSs) with resources, capacity and technology; to promote growth of community radio, particularly in  remote  and  rural  areas;  and  to  facilitate  socio-economic  and  cultural  development  by providing  communities  with  a  platform  for  local  voices  and  participation  in  development processes.

The amount of financial assistance provided under the scheme during last 3 years is Rs. 11.24 Crore. During the period April 2021 to February 2026, a total of 149 CRSs across the country have been provided financial support under the scheme including 8 stations in Rajasthan.

The key components of the scheme include providing financial assistance to new and existing CRSs  for  procurement  or  replacement  of  equipment;  capacity  building  and  training  of community  radio  operators;  organisation  of  workshops,  seminars  and  regional/national Sammelans for gathering feedback, creating awareness and promoting knowledge sharing; and other support measures aimed at strengthening the community radio stations and improving the sustainability of CRSs. The feedback received during these interactions are duly examined and incorporated,  wherever  appropriate,  in  the  policy  guidelines  and  advisories  issued  by  the Ministry from time to time.

As  per  policy  guidelines,  at  least  50%  of  the  content  of  Community  Radio  Stations  is mandatorily generated with community participation, with at least half of such content focusing on women empowerment.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4231 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Impact of e-waste recycling Incentive Scheme
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri Hasmukhbhai Somabhai Patel, Shri Devusinh Chauhan, Shri Miteshbhai Rameshbhai Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †4231

ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026

## IMPACT OF E-WASTE RECYCLING INCENTIVE SCHEME

†4231.SHRI HASMUKHBHAI SOMABHAI PATEL: SHRI MITESHBHAI RAMESHBHAI PATEL: SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the progress made in implementation of the incentive scheme for the recycling  of  critical  minerals  retrieved  from  e-waste  and  used  Lithium-ion  batteries under the National Critical Mineral Mission (MCMM);
- (b) the details of the recycling capacity created for Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel and other minerals along with the total incentive amount disbursed to major recyclers and startups;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted any assessment of the scheme's impact on the resilience of the Supply Chain and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to expand the said scheme; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL AND MINES (SHRI SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY)

(a) to (c): Under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), the Government has approved a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme for recycling capacity of e-waste, spent lithium-ion batteries and other scrap. The Scheme guidelines were issued and the Scheme  launched  on  02.10.2025.  Last  date  for  submission  of  applications  is 01.04.2026.  The  Scheme  incentivizes  recycling  capacity  for  extraction  of  critical minerals like Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, and other such minerals to build resilient supply chain in these minerals.

- (d) & (e): Presently, there is no such proposal under consideration.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4230 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Criteria for opening of new  PDS Shops
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4230

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18TH MARCH, 2026

## CRITERIA FOR OPENING OF NEW PDS SHOPS

## 4230. SHRI MADDILA  (,URUMOORTHY:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to  state:

- (a): whether the Government  is aware that despite significant  increase in population  and number of households in several areas including Andhra Pradesh, no proportional bifurcation or increase in the number of Fair Price Shops (FPS)/Public Distribution  System(PDS) outlets has been made;
- (b) : the details of current population-to-shop ratio or other criteria prescribed by the Government for the establishment of a new PDS shop;
- (c) : whether any revision of guidelines is under consideration  of the Government to reflect the increase in population and newly  formed administrative units like districts and mandals;
- (d) : whether the Government has received any proposals from  the State of Andhra Pradesh or  its districts  including  Tirupati  regarding the need for  new PDS shops due to  increased population and geographic spread; and
- (e): if  so, the status of  such proposals and the steps being taken by the Government to ensure equitable  access to PDS  for  all  eligible  households?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF STATE FOR MINISTRY  OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS. FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRiBUTION

(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI  BAMBHANIYA)

(a) to (b):  Targeted Public Distribution  System  (TPDS) under National  Food Security Act (NFS A), 2013 is operated under the joint  responsibility of the Central and the State/ Union  Territory (UT) Governments. The operational responsibilities for allocation of foodgrains within  the States/ UTs, identification of eligible beneficiaries, issuance of ration cards to them, distribution offoodgrains to eligible  beneficiaries under TPDS, issuance of license to Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers, supervision over and monitoring  of functioning  ofFPSs  etc. rest with the concerned State/ UT Governments.

State Government of  Andhra  Pradesh has taken measures to rationalise/  bifurcate  existing shops and create additional  FPSs. The sanction of  additional FPS is being carried out district-wise, strictly  based on criteria and prescribed norms such as the number of Ration Cards attached to each FPS

(c) to (e): No such proposal is under consideration.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4229 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: BharatNet connectivity in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Shri Mani A

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4229 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 TH  MARCH, 2026

## BHARATNET CONNECTIVITY IN TAMIL NADU

## 4229.   SHRI MANI A:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has expanded the scope of the BharatNet programme to connect all inhabited villages in the country with an outlay of Rs.1.88 lakh crore to ensure universal broadband connectivity;

(b) if so, the number of inhabited villages identified, connected and pending under BharatNet in Tamil Nadu, particularly Dharmapuri district;

(c) whether the Government has assessed the impact of BharatNet connectivity in the district on access to digital services such as education, healthcare, banking and e-Governance;

(d) whether  any  delays,  last-mile  connectivity  issues  or  operational  challenges  have  been reported in Dharmapuri district; and

(e) if  so,  the  steps  being  taken  to  expedite  implementation,  ensure  service  quality  and  make broadband connectivity effectively available to all villages in Dharmapuri district?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) BharatNet project is being implemented in a phased manner to create network to connect all the  Gram  Panchayats  (GPs)/  Villages  in  the  country.  Amended  BharatNet  program  (ABP)  is proposed to be implemented in the country to provide connectivity to all GPs and villages (demand basis).

(b) BharatNet in Tamil Nadu is being implemented under the State-led model, wherein project execution, operation & maintenance, and utilization are the responsibility of the State Government. Out of a total of 12,525 Gram Panchayats (GPs) covered under BharatNet Phase-II, 10,886 GPs are service-ready in Tamil Nadu as on 28.02.2026. Further, out of 251 GPs, 221 GPs have been made service ready in Dharmapuri District.

Under the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP), 4,767 villages are proposed to be connected for last-mile connectivity on a demand basis in Tamil Nadu, including Dharmapuri district.

(c) As on 12.03.2026, 8341 FTTH connections have been provided to Govt. Institutions in Tamil Nadu (including Dharampuri District) using BharatNet. FTTH connectivity enables access to digital services such as e-health, e-education, e-banking, e-governance.

(d) & (e) Challenges like Right of way issues, involvement of multiple agencies, damage of Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) due to development works etc. have been faced in the implementation of BharatNet in Tamil Nadu, including Dharmapuri district. All these challenges are being addressed with planning and  co-ordination with  concerned  agencies.  Further,  TANFINET,  the  State Implementing  Agency  (SIA),  is  in  the  process  of  providing  internet  connectivity  through  the BharatNet  project  to  ensure  availability  of  broadband  connectivity  to  villages  in  Tamil  Nadu including Dharmapuri District.

*****