opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2712 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: Strengthening Corporate Governance
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Sachithanantham R

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2712 ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 09, 2026 PHALGUNA 18, 1947 (SAKA)

## STRENGTHENING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

## QUESTION

2712. Shri Sachithanantham R:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to strengthen worker representation and stakeholder participation in corporate governance structures; and
- (b) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD, TRANSPORT

AND HIGHWAYS

[SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA]

- (a) & (b): The Companies Act, 2013 (CA13) is having provisions for the participation of all concerned stakeholders in the corporate governance structure of companies. CA13 provides for participation in  decision-making  through  meetings  of  the  Board  of  Directors, Committees of the Board, and shareholders. The role of Independent Directors and women  directors have also been provided for strengthening  the  corporate  governance  structure.  The  Act  also allows participation of shareholders in the general meetings through electronic and postal ballot mechanism ensuring wider participation.

Further,  SEBI  (Listing  Obligations  and  Disclosure  Requirements) Regulations, 2015 specify corporate governance norms to strengthen stakeholder  participation  in  corporate  governance  structures  in listed entities by mandating constitution of stakeholders relationship committee, formulation of vigil mechanism/whistle blower policy for directors  and  employees  to  report  genuine  concerns,  mandatory provision  for  listed  entity  to  provide  remote  e-voting  facility  to  its shareholders in respect of all shareholders' resolutions etc.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2709 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: Revision of Basic Pension for Public Sector Bank Retirees
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Konda Vishweshwar Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2709

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026 / PHALGUNA 18, 1947 (SAKA)

## Revision of Basic Pension for Public Sector Bank Retirees

## 2709.  SHRI KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that the Ministry of Finance has approved a 10% increase on basic pension plus Dearness Allowance (DA) with effect from 1st November, 2022 for pensioners of Reserve Bank of India and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration to revise or increase the basic pension of retirees of Public Sector Banks, whose basic pension has reportedly not been revised for nearly three decades;

(c) if so, the details thereof, bank-wise, if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) whether the Government proposes to initiate discussions with the Indian Banks' Association and employee unions to address the long-pending demand for revision of basic pension of Public Sector Bank retirees and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a): Ministry of Finance vide letter dated 22.01.2026 has accorded approval to Reserve Bank of India regarding  its  proposal for an increase  of  10% in basic  pension  plus  dearness  relief  with  effect from 01.11.2022, for all pre-01.11.2022 retirees.

As regards National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the Ministry has revised the pensions of all pre-01.11.2017 retirees. The said revision is effective from 01.03.2019 for pre-01.11.2012  retirees  and  from  12.06.2023  for  pre-01.11.2017  retirees.  Further,  no  proposal  for revision of pension of pre-1.11.2022 retirees of NABARD has been received.

(b)  to  (d):  Public  Sector  Banks  (PSBs)  comprises  of  the  State  Bank  of  India  (SBI)  and  eleven Nationalised  Banks.  Pension  in  SBI  is  governed  by  State  Bank  of  India  Employees'  Pension  Fund Regulations, 2014, framed with the approval of their Central Board and in Nationalised banks, the same is  governed  by  their  Bank  (Employees')  Pension  Regulations,  1995,  framed  with  the  approval  of respective  banks'  board. These regulations  do  not  have provision for revision  of pension.  However, pensioners of PSBs are being granted dearness relief on pension and the same is being increased from time to time i.e. on half yearly basis. Also, as per the agreed terms of 12th Bi-partite Settlement / 9th Joint Note, monthly Ex-gratia is being paid by PSBs in addition to the pension / family pension to the pensioners / family pensioners, who became eligible to draw pension on or before 31.10.2022.

No proposal to revise the basic pension of retirees of PSBs beyond the existing provisions of the relevant Pension Regulations, is presently under consideration.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2708 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: CSR in Uttar Pradesh
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Naresh Chandra Uttam Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2708

ANSWERED ON Monday, March 9, 2026/Phalguna 18, 1947 (Saka)

## CSR IN UTTAR PRADESH QUESTION

†2708. Shri Naresh Chandra Uttam Patel:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the number of projects sanctioned under CSR for Fatehpur district of Uttar Pradesh during the last three years;

(b) the details of number of projects related to the skill developments or employment of Dalits, Backward Classes, women and youth out of the said projects;

(c) whether the number of such skill development projects are less as compared to the total projects; and

(d) if so, the reasons therefor and the steps proposed to be taken to increase the number of such projects?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS   AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

[SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA]

(a): As per provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, CSR is a Board driven process and the Board of the company is empowered to plan, decide, execute and monitor CSR activities of the company based on the recommendation of its CSR Committee. The Government does not issue any directions to Corporates to spend in any particular area or activity or for any particular community. No projects are sanctioned under CSR.

(b),(c)&(d): Not applicable in view of reply of part (a) above.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2705 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: Establishment of IIT in Silchar, Assam
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Parimal Suklabaidya

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2705 ANSWERED ON 09/03/2026

## Establishment of IIT in Silchar, Assam

## 2705.   Shri Parimal Suklabaidya:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the Government  has  received  any  proposal  or  representation for the establishment of an  Indian  Institute  of  Technology  (IIT)  in  Silchar,  Assam,  considering  its role as the educational hub of South Assam and neighbouring North-Eastern States;

- (b) if so, the details thereof and the present status of examination of the proposal;

(c) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  Barak  Valley  and  adjoining  States contribute a large number of Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) aspirants every year, yet lack an  IIT-level  institution  in  South  Assam,  resulting  in  regional  imbalance  and  migration  of students; and

(d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  steps  taken  or  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the Government to ensure balanced regional distribution of premier technical institutions in the North-Eastern region, particularly in South Assam?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (d):  At  present  there  are  23  Indian  Institute  of  Technology  (IITs)  established  and functioning in the country. NIT Silchar, an Institute of National Importance (INI) has already been established by the Central Government in the state of Assam along with IIT Guwahati, IIIT Guwahati. Further, many other INIs such as NIT Arunachal Pradesh, NIT Nagaland, IIIT Manipur, NIT Manipur, NIT Mizoram, IIIT Agartala, NIT Agartala, NIT Meghalaya have been functioning in the North-East Region for the benefit of the people of North-East. These institutes  are  known  for  their  excellence  in  technical  education,  advanced  research  in  both fundamental and applied domains, innovation, promotion of entrepreneurship, and consultancy services to industry.

The  National  Education  Policy  (NEP),  2020  focuses  on  strengthening  existing educational  institutions  by  improving  their  infrastructure,  governance,  and  resources.  NEP 2020  also  recommends  the  establishment  of  Multidisciplinary  Education  and  Research Universities (MERUs) as model public institutions to set the highest standards in education and research. All Indian Institutes of Technology in line with the vision of NEP 2020 have implemented holistic, multidisciplinary education and flexible academic programs. Admission  to  the  Indian  Institutes  of  Technology  (IITs)  is  conducted  at  the  national  level through highly competitive examinations, thereby providing students from across the country equal opportunities to compete and secure admission.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2703 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: Multinational Companies (MNCs) closing down their Operations
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. M K Vishnu Prasad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 2703

## ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 09, 2026

Multinational Companies (MNCs) closing down their operations

## QUESTION

2703. Dr. M K Vishnu Prasad:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the number of Multinational Companies (MNCs) with registered offices or subsidiaries in India that have closed down their operations in the country during the last five years and the current year, company-wise; (b) the circumstances under which the MNCs decided to close down their operations in the country; (c)  whether  the  Government  has  compiled  the  data  on  the  loss incurred due to the closing down of MNCs in the country, if so, the details thereof; and

- (d) the measures taken to tackle the closing down of MNCs?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

(Shri Harsh Malhotra)

(a) to (d): The term Multi-National Companies (MNCs) is not defined in the Companies Act, 2013. Therefore, such data is not maintained by the Ministry.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2702 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: GST on Ultra Processed Foods
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri G Kumar Naik

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2702

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 09, 2026/PHALGUNA 18, 1947 (SAKA)

## GST ON ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS

2702. SHRI G KUMAR NAIK:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the current GST slab applicable to ultra-processed Foods (UPFs) and foods High in Fat, Sugar or Salt (HFSS), along with the criteria used to determine their tax classification;
- (b) whether the Government has assessed the potential health and economic  benefits  of  imposing  higher  taxes  on  unhealthy  food products; and;
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) GST rates and exemptions are prescribed on the recommendations of the GST Council, which consists of members of the Union and State Governments. The GST rate schedules are based on  the  harmonised  system  of  nomenclature  (HSN)  which is  a multipurpose international product nomenclature. Food products are classified  under  chapters  1  to  21  of  HSN.  There  is  no  separate treatment for GST rates on ultra-processed Foods (UPFs) and foods High in Fat, Sugar or Salt (HFSS).
- (b) & (c): No formal assessment has been undertaken in this regard.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2701 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: Performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Dr. Sharmila Sarkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2701

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 09, 2026/ 18 PHALGUNA, 1947 (SAKA)

Performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

2701. DR. SHARMILA SARKAR:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the comparative details of growth percentage in deposits for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and the Private Sector Banks during the last financial year; and
- (b) the comparative details of growth percentage in Business for RRBs and the Private Sector Banks in last financial year?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The comparative details of deposits growth in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and the Private Sector Banks for Financial Year 2024-25 are given below:
- (b) The details of growth in business of RRBs and Private Sector Banks are given below;

| Bank                 | FY 2023-24 (₹ Crore)   | FY 2024-25 (₹ Crore)   |   Year on Year (YoY) (%) Growth |
|----------------------|------------------------|------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Regional Rural Banks | 6,59,815               | 7,13,800               |                             8.2 |
| Private Sector Banks | 72,95,392              | 81,71,726              |                            12   |

Source:

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development

| Bank                 | FY 2023-24 (₹ crore)   | FY 2024-25 (₹ crore)   |   Year on Year (YoY) (%) Growth |
|----------------------|------------------------|------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Regional Rural Banks | 11,29,924              | 12,35,713              |                             9.4 |
| Private Sector Banks | 1,41,62,720            | 1,56,94,463            |                            10.8 |

Source: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2700 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: Fees Relaxation for OBCs/SCs in Sports Centres
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Shri Ashok Kumar Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †2700 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026

Fees Relaxation for OBCs/SCs in Sports Centres

†2700. SHRI ASHOK KUMAR RAWAT:

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

- (a)  whether the trainees from Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are being provided fees relaxation in the centres providing training for national sports competitions;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the trainees from the Scheduled Castes (SCs) are being provided the fees exemption for usage of training equipments and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the number of candidates are being participated in different sports at national level?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c) No training fees are charged from athletes enrolled under the SAI schemes including charges for usage of training equipment and sports facilities including trainees belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) as well as Scheduled Castes (SCs).
- (d) A large number of athletes participate in various sports disciplines at the national level every year. Participation varies across disciplines and categories depending on the competition calendar, eligibility criteria, and entries received from States/Union Territories and  recognized  National  Sports  Federations.  Till  date  23  editions have been organised under Khelo India games with total participation

of 62000 athletes in various games such as Youth, University, beach etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2690 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: Regulating of School Fee Structure
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2690

## ANSWERED ON 09/03/2026

## Regulating of School Fee Structure

2690. Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Union Government has any proposal to formulate a comprehensive National Policy to  regulate  schools  fee  structure  and  to  impart  quality  education  in  all  private  schools  across  the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## (SHRI  JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (c): Education is a subject in the Concurrent List of the Constitution. Schools, other than those owned/funded by the Central Government, are under the jurisdiction of the respective State Governments. Therefore, matters related to the management of schools including fee structure are regulated  in  accordance  with  the  Rules  and  Instructions  of  the  respective  State  Government concerned. However, under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, every child aged six to fourteen has the right to free and compulsory elementary education in a  neighborhood  school.  Section  12(1)  (c)  of  the  RTE  Act,  2009  mandates  reservation  in  private unaided schools for children belonging to weaker sections and disadvantaged groups to the extent of at least 25% seats at the entry level and provision of free and compulsory elementary education to such children till its completion.

As per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020,  a National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance  Assessment,  Review,  and  Analysis  of  Knowledge  for  Holistic  Development),  has been set up, as a standard-setting body in the Ministry, which fulfils the basic objectives of setting norms, standards, and  guidelines for student assessment and evaluation  for all recognized school boards  of  India,  guiding  the  State  Achievement  Survey  (SAS)  and  undertaking  the  National Achievement  Survey  (NAS),  monitoring  achievement  of  learning  outcomes  in  the  Country. Accordingly, PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan was conducted throughout the country on December 4th, 2024, to assess student competencies across Foundational, Preparatory and Middle stages from schools

781 Districts in all 36 States/UTs.

of

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2689 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: Attendance Policies in Higher Educational Institutions
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Adv K. Francis George

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2689

ANSWERED ON 09/03/2026

## Attendance Policies in Higher Educational Institutions

2689. Adv K. Francis George:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken note of concerns regarding rigid attendance policies in higher educational institutions, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of existing attendance regulations prescribed by regulatory bodies  such as the University Grants Commission;
- (c)  whether any study or consultation has been undertaken by the Government regarding the impact of attendance norms on experiential learning, internships and skill development and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to introduce flexible academic mechanisms such as hybrid  learning,  project-based  assessment  and  industry  collaboration,  if  so,  the  details thereof; and
- (e)  the  steps  proposed  by  the  Government  to  align  higher  education  with  employability, research exposure and industry-oriented skill development?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the UGC (Minimum Standards of Instruction for the Grant of Undergraduate Degree and Postgraduate Degree) Regulations,  2025  on  26th  March,  2025.  Clause  8.0  of  these  Regulations  regarding 'Attendance Requirement' stipulate 'Considering the diverse learning modes and holistic and multidisciplinary learning opportunities suggested by NEP 2020, HEIs shall decide on the minimum attendance requirement of students in different programmes with the approval of their statutory bodies'.

- (d) & (e): Several initiatives have been undertaken which inter-alia include SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds), notification of UGC (Credit Framework for  Online  Learning  Courses  through  Study Webs  of  Active  Learning  for  Young  Aspiring Minds)  Regulations,  2021.  To  improve  employability  skills  of  students  and  developing interest  for  research,  UGC  has issued  'Guidelines  for  Internship/Research  Internship  for Under  Graduate  Students'.  The  UGC  "Guidelines  for  Higher  Education  Institutions  to offer Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme" have also been launched.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has also implemented industry fellowship  programme for faculty  members to  gain  industry  knowledge.  Industry-Oriented Skill Development & Employability programmes of AICTE include 'The AICTE Training and Learning  (ATAL)  Scheme',  'Project  PRACTICE',  'Professors  of  Practice',  'AI-Powered Learning Tools'.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2686 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: Development of Shri Siddheshwar Devasthan, Solapur
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Ms. Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2686 ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026

## DEVELOPMENT OF SHRI SIDDHESHWAR DEVASTHAN, SOLAPUR

## 2686. MS. PRANITI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that Shri Siddheshwar Devasthan at Solapur, is under the  jurisdiction  of  the  Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  and  pending  permissions from ASI have delayed sanctioned development works;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  proposal  from  the  State  Government  of Maharashtra  for  carrying  out  development  works  under  the  Ujjani  Water  Tourism Development  Scheme,  and  if  so,  the  reasons  for  non-utilisation  of  the  sanctioned  five crore fund;
- (c) the details of the steps taken or proposed by the ASI to grant administrative approval or supervise the development works, in consultation with the Public Works Department of Maharashtra; and
- (d) the timeline by which the approved development works at Shri Siddheshwar Devasthan are expected to commence keeping in view the cultural and religious significance of the site

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The  Old  Temple  of  Sri  Sidheshwar  (enclosed  in  a  paved  court,  locally  known  as  Shri Siddheshwar Devasthan) located at Machnur, District Solapur is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Further, at present there is no proposal pending with the ASI for developmental works at the temple.
- (b)& (c) No  such  proposal  has  been  received  by  ASI  from  the  Government  of  Maharashtra  for carrying out developmental works under the Ujjani Water Tourism Development Scheme.
- (d) Question does not arise.

*****