opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4844 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Artificial Rain Project
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Deepender Singh Hooda

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4844

TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026

## Artificial Rain Project

4844. SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA:

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

- (a)  the  total  amount  of  public  funds  utilised  on  the  artificial  rain  project  conducted  in partnership  with  Indian  Institute  of  Technology,  Kanpur  along  with  the  details  of  specific financial terms of that agreement;
- (b) the details of measurable impacts on Air Quality Index (AQI) and whether the Government consider the project a success or a failure in reducing pollution; and
- (c) the specific, time-bound roadmap prepared by the Government for reducing air pollution in the  region  and  the  manner  in  which  these  artificial  rain  experiments  fit  into  the  long-term strategy?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

## (a) to (c):

The Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) approved a pilot project in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur on 'Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud  Seeding  for  Delhi  NCR  pollution  mitigation'  with  the  trial  conducted  in  October, November 2025 and January 2026.

As per the information provided by GNCTD, the sanctioned project cost is ₹ 3,21,46,000/- plus GST  on  Grant-in-Aid  basis  to  IIT  Kanpur  for  Cloud  Seeding  Project.  An  amount  of  ₹ 37,93,420/-  as  the  first  installment  had  been  sanctioned  to  IIT  Kanpur,  out  of  which,  ₹ 37,71,782 /- has been utilized by IIT Kanpur.

The Government of NCT of Delhi has reported that it has prepared short term and long-term action plan for control of air pollution in Delhi. The plan includes sector specific measures to combat air pollution due to vehicular emissions, dust at construction and demolition (C&D) sites,  dust  pollution  from  roads  and  open  areas,  emission  from  DG  set  and  backup  power, industrial pollution, crop residue burning, measures for solid waste management, green area development and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4841 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Travel Facilities and Rail Quota for Sportspersons
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Thiru Dr. S Jagathratchakan

## Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Department of Sports

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4841

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026

Travel Facilities and Rail Quota for Sportspersons

4841. Thiru Dr. S Jagathratchakan:

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that a group of young wrestlers from Odisha, who  were  participating  in  a  national-level  sporting  event,  were compelled to travel in general compartments of a train and sit near toilet areas due to the absence of confirmed rail tickets and if so, the details of the circumstances leading to such travel arrangements;
- (b)  whether the Government has any existing policy or quota with Indian  Railways  to  facilitate  travel  for  sportspersons  representing sporting
- States or institutions at national and inter-State competitions and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not, the reasons for the absence of such a mechanism; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to consider the introduction of a dedicated travel quota for athletes travelling for national sporting events and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA]

(a) Wrestling  Federation  of  India  (WFI),  the  recognized  National Sports Federation (NSF) for wrestling, has stated that responsibility for making travel arrangements for athletes in national-level sporting event is that of the respective State wrestling associations, and, it did not receive any reference regarding travel arrangements for any group of wrestlers from Odisha.

The Railway Board has also confirmed that no request was received in Northern Railway for confirmation of accommodation for athletes in question.

(b) to (d) The  Ministry  of  Railways'  instructions  are  in  place  for providing facility of block reservations to sports teams participating in  national  tournaments  recognized  by  the  Association  of  Indian Universities, NSFs, Indian Olympic Association, and School Games Federation  of  India,  which  can  be  done  without  waiting  for  the finalization of the team.

Sports teams participating in  national tournaments can send their formal  request  to  the  nearest  quota  controlling  authority  where requests for releasing seats from unutilized quota of seats earmarked to meet the urgent requirements of High Official Requisition (HOR) holders.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4836 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Advance Pricing Agreement
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4836

## To be answered on: Monday, March 23, 2026 /Chaitra 02, 1948 (Saka) ADVANCE PRICING AGREEMENT

## 4836.  SHRI EATALA RAJENDER:

Will the Minister of FINANCE

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that some Information Technology (IT) services companies in the country are highly keen to conclude advance Pricing Agreement (APA).
- (b)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  propose  to  fast  track  unilateral  APA  process  for  such  IT services and put effort to conclude it within a period of two years, extendable by a period of six months on taxpayer's request, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government also propose to extend the facility of modified returns available to the entity entering APA to its associated entities; and

(d) if so, the details thereof

## ANSWER

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

- (a): Applications for Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) have been received from companies providing  Information  Technology  or  Information  Technology  enabled  services  to  their associated enterprises. 76 APAs in Financial Year 2023-24 and 112 APAs in Financial Year 2024-25 were signed with such companies, indicating their interest in the APA Programme.
- (b): Yes, in accordance with the 2026 budget speech of the Hon'ble Finance Minister, it is proposed to conclude unilateral APA where the primary covered transaction is the provision of information technology services within a period of two years from the end of the quarter in which the application is made with the provision for extension for a further period of six months on the request of the assessee. The provision forms part of the Income-tax Rules, 2026.
- (c) and (d): Yes,  vide  Finance  Bill,  2026,  it  has  been  proposed  that  where  an  income  is modified as a result of advance pricing agreement entered into with any person then, such person shall, or any other person being an associated enterprise may furnish a return or a modified return in accordance with and limited to the agreement and the time period for furnishing such return or modified return shall be three months from the end of the month in which the agreement was entered into, where the tax years relevant for such return or modified return shall be the years covered by such agreement.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4835 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Registration under Unified Pension Scheme
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Varun Chaudhry

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4835

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 23 MARCH, 2026/ CHAITRA 02, 1948 (SAKA)

## Registration under Unified Pension Scheme

## 4835.   SHRI VARUN CHAUDHRY

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of employees working in Government sector who were given the offer to shift from New Pension Scheme (NPS) to Unified Pension Scheme (UPS);
- (b) the number of Government employees who have opted for UPS over NPS;
- (c) whether any survey has been conducted by the Government to ascertain the reasons for low interest shown by Government employees to opt for UPS, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether any proposal is under consideration by the Government to review the UPS in view of the less interest shown by the Government employees in UPS and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  Government introduced Unified Pension  Scheme  (UPS) for the Central Government employees as an option under the National Pension System (NPS) w.e.f 01.04.2025. The number of employees who were given the offer to shift from NPS to UPS, as on 01.04.2025, were 24,13,612.
- (b) The number of Government employees, including past retirees under NPS, who have opted for UPS over NPS, as on 12.03.2026, are 1,23,877.
- (c) & (d) No survey has been conducted to ascertain the reasons for low interest shown by Government employees to opt for UPS. No proposal to review the UPS is under consideration.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4834 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: RuPay Kisan Credit Cards in Dahod
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4834

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 23 MARCH, 2026/ 02 CHAITRA, 1947 (SAKA)

## RuPay Kisan Credit Cards in Dahod

† 4834. SHRI JASWANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a)  the  extent  to  which  the  issuance  of  RuPay  Kisan  Credit  Cards  by  the  District  Central Cooperative Bank in the Dahod Lok Sabha constituency has increased access to credit for farmers and members of dairy and forest produce cooperative societies; and

(b)  the  total  number  of  RuPay  Kisan  Credit  Cards  issued  so  far  in  Dahod  Lok  Sabha Constituency in Gujarat under the 'Cooperation among Cooperatives' initiative and the number of tribal farmers who have benefited therefrom?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  and  (b):  As  informed  by  State  Level  Bankers'  Committee  (SLBC)  Gujarat,  as  on 15.03.2026, 30,147 Rupay Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) have been issued by the District Central Cooperative  bank  in  Dahod  Lok  Sabha  constituency  under  the  'Cooperation  among Cooperatives' initiative benefitting 30,147 tribal farmers which also covers members of dairy & forest produce cooperative societies. A total amount of ₹ 183.79 crore has been sanctioned through  these  RuPay  KCCs  since  launch  of  the  'Cooperation  among  Cooperatives'  on 21.05.2023  whereas  ₹  61.68  crore  was  the  outstanding  amount  sanctioned  through  RuPay KCCs prior to the launch of the said campaign.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 420 (STARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Assistance to Indians Stranded in Russia
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Amra Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. 420

ANSWERED ON - 20/03/2026

## ASSISTANCE TO INDIANS STRANDED IN RUSSIA

*420. SHRI AMRA RAM

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)whether it is a fact that Indians who recently visited Russia could not return and were stranded there, if so, the reasons

therefor;

(b)the number of complaints received by the Government in this regard;

(c)the number of such persons brought back with the assistance of the Government;

(d)the number of such visitors yet to return including the details of the action being taken by the Government in this regard; and

## (e) the details of the action taken so far by the Government on the representations submitted by the families of such stranded persons?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (DR. SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR)

## (a to e) A statement is laid on the table of the House.

*****

Statement referred to in reply to part (a) to (e) of the Lok Sabha Starred   Question   No.   420   for   reply   on   20/03/2026   regarding Assistance to Indians Stranded in Russia

(a) to (e)  As per information available, there is one case of a distressed Indian national seeking assistance and repatriation from Russia, in connection with the evolving situation in the West Asia and Gulf region. Our Mission is working with Russian authorities to know the whereabouts and to extend all possible assistance.

Other than this case, there are no known instances of Indian nationals who recently visited Russia, were stranded, and could not return.

Indian Embassy in Russia receives intimation from Russian authorities or affected families about Indian citizens' detention on grounds of visa violation or administrative offences. In such cases, Indian Embassy in Russia liaises with the Russian immigration authorities to facilitate their early return to India, and extends assistance, including through facilitation of travel documents, whenever required. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 419 (STARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Biopharma Shakti Scheme
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato, Smt. Aparajita Sarangi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. †* 419

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  MARCH, 2026

## Biopharma Shakti Scheme

†*419. Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato: Smt. Aparajita Sarangi:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of allocation and the proposed distribution of funds under the Biopharma Shakti Scheme over the next five years, year-wise;
- (b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken for establishment of recognized clinical trial sites in the country including Chhattisgarh and the expected outcomes thereof;
- (c) the steps taken to strengthen the regulatory framework, including capacity building of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for expeditious approval of biologics and biosimilars; and
- (d) the process likely to be followed to reduce import dependency and increase India's share in the global biopharmaceutical market through the said scheme?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House

Statement  referred  to  in  reply  to  the  Lok  Sabha  Starred  Question  No.  †*419  (19 th Position)  for  answer  on  20.03.2026,  raised  by  Shri  Bidyut  Baran  Mahato  and  Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, regarding 'Biopharma Shakti Scheme'

With  a  view  to  strengthen  the  domestic  biopharmaceutical  sector  and  enhance  global competitiveness in biologics and biosimilars, the Government has announced the Biopharma SHAKTI scheme with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over five years with an objective to b uild a globally competitive domestic ecosystem for biologics and biosimilars to support affordable healthcare  in  India  and  enable  India  to  emerge  as  a  global  biopharma  manufacturing  and innovation hub. The contours of the scheme are under deliberation.

Under the scheme, it is envisaged to enable faster, globally credible approvals by strengthening the CDSCO through creation of a dedicated Scientific Review Cadre of reviewers and specialist positions for advanced fields like gene therapy. It is also envis aged to expand India's clinical research footprint by creating a nationally accredited network of 1,000 clinical trial sites under ICMR.

The Biopharma SHAKTI initiative envisages to build the ecosystem for domestic production of biologics and bio-similars. Further by supporting research and development, strengthening clinical trial infrastructure and promoting collaboration between academia, research institutions and industry, the Scheme  seeks to encourage domestic innovation and manufacturing capabilities in the biopharmaceutical sector. Such initiatives are expected to contribute towards reducing import dependence over time and enhance Ind ia's participation in the global biopharmaceutical market.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 417 (STARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Use of Maltodextrin in Food Products
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri M K Raghavan

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 417* TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH MARCH, 2026

## USE OF MALTODEXTRIN IN FOOD PRODUCTS

## *417. SHRI M K RAGHAVAN:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of reports indicating excessive use of Maltodextrin in processed and packaged food products such as health drinks, infant foods, snacks, bakery items and dietary supplements in the country, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether studies have indicated any potential health concerns arising from the high consumption of Maltodextrin, particularly among children, diabetic patients and persons suffering from lifestyle related diseases, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted or proposes to conduct any scientific assessment regarding the extent of the use of Maltodextrin in processed food products available in the domestic markets, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to review or reduce the permitted levels of the use of Maltodextrin in food products in line with regulations adopted by other countries to promote healthier food formulations, if so, the details thereof?

## 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. 417* FOR 20 TH MARCH, 2026

(a) to (d): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is mandated to lay down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption and FSSAI standards are uniformly applicable across the country.

The food safety standards are made based on the scientific opinion provided by independent risk assessment bodies i.e. Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee and are harmonized with internationally accepted Codex standards.

Maltodextrin is a permitted ingredient as per Food Safety and Standards Regulations, used in several food categories such as bakery products, supplements for children, infant milk products, etc. Maltodextrin is allowed to be used under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and is globally recognized as safe.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is apex body in India for formulation, coordination promotion of biomedical research and to conduct, coordinate and implement medical research for the benefit of the Society. As per ICMR, frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome and may even alter gut microbiota. ICMR has not carried out any study on potential health concerns arising from the high consumption of Maltodextrin.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 415 (STARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Establishment of AIIMS in Coimbatore
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 415* TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH MARCH, 2026

## ESTABLISHMENT OFAIIMS IN COIMBATORE

## *415. DR. GANAPATHY RAJKUMAR P:

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

- (a) whether the Union Government has any proposal for establishment of an All
- India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to fulfil the medical needs of poor migrated workers working/engaged in the textile industry, cotton mills, surrounding cotton fields, spinning units, engineering and manufacturing units etc.;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

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

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 415* FOR 20 TH MARCH, 2026

(a) to (c) Under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), till date establishment of 22 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) has been approved in various States/UTs in the country including one AIIMS at Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Under PMSSY, there is no proposal for establishment of an AIIMS in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Further, for expansion and strengthening of tertiary healthcare facilities in the State of Tamil Nadu, under another component of PMSSY, upgradation of 4 Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) on Centre-State cost sharing basis has been undertaken by way of construction of Super Specialty Blocks, which include (i) Government Medical College, Salem (ii) Government Medical College, Madurai (iii) Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur (iv) Tirunelveli Medical College, Tirunelveli.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 406 (STARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Construction of Court Complexes at Nandigama
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

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

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 406 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 20 TH  MARCH, 2026

## CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEXES AT NANDIGAMA

## *406. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI:

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

(a) whether the Union Government has approved the construction of two court complexes at Nandigama in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme;

(b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  number  of  court  halls  and  infrastructure  and facilities proposed in the above court complexes; and

(c) the timeline by which the above project is likely to be completed?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*******

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (C) IN RESPECT OF LOK SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  406  FOR  REPLY  ON  20.03.2026  REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF COURT COMPLEXES AT NANDIGAMA

(a) to (c): The primary responsibility for development of infrastructure facilities for District and Subordinate Courts rests with the State Governments/UTs. However, to augment the resources of States/UTs, Central Government has been implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for  the  Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary in the District and Subordinate Courts since 1993-94, by providing financial assistance in the prescribed fund sharing pattern between the Centre and States/UTs. The Scheme covers five components, namely, Court Halls, Residential Units for Judicial Officers, Lawyers' Halls, Toilet Complexes and Digital Computer Rooms.

As per information provided by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, the Government of Andhra Pradesh vide Government Order dated 12.04.2017 has accorded administrative sanction for  construction  of  two  court  Complexes  for  Civil  Judge  (Senior  Division)  and  Civil  Judge (Junior Division) at Nandigama in Krishna District.  The Building contains 2 Court halls, Judges Chamber,  Bar  Association  Rooms,  Waiting  Rooms,  Property  Rooms,  Sherasthadar  Room, Record  Room,  Dining  Room,  Library,  Wash  Rooms,  Computer  Room  and  Staff  Room  etc. Construction of the said building has since been completed and inaugurated on 19.03.2024.

*******