opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3900 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Redefining Government Company for Listed CPSEs
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Com. Selvaraj V, Shri Subbarayan K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3900

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16 MARCH 2026 / PHALGUNA 25, 1947 (Saka)

## Redefining Government Company for Listed CPSEs

3900. Com. Selvaraj V: Shri Subbarayan K:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Economic Survey 2025-26 has proposed redefining a Government company for listed Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to 26 per cent ownership from 51 per cent now to preserve control while enabling monetization;

- (b) if so, the details thereof and Government's decision thereon;

(c) whether  the  Government  has  decided  dilution  of  Government  stake  in  the  Public  Sector Undertakings (PSUs) accordingly; and

- (d) if so, the details thereof and the revenue expected to be generated thereby?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): The Economic Survey 2025-26 has, as part of its analytical discussion, noted that presently the definition of a 'government company' under the Companies Act, 2013 warrants at least 51 per cent of its stake to be held by the central or state government.  Since effective control requires only about a 26 per cent stake, the Survey observed that the Government could consider amending the  definition  of  'Government  Company',  limited  to  listed  entities,  to  allow  them  to  remain  as government companies with a minimum of 26 per cent ownership, thereby retaining special resolution rights, while enabling the government to monetise its stake. Alternatively, it was indicated that if the objective is eventual privatisation, the Government could continue phased market sales below 51 per cent and even towards full exit, without changing the legal definition of 'government company'.

However, this is an analytical observation made in the Survey to stimulate policy discourse. No policy decision has been taken by the Government to amend the definition of 'government company' or to dilute its stake in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) on this basis. The Government's disinvestment and asset monetisation programme is pursued on a case-by-case basis, taking into account strategic considerations, market conditions, and the public interest. The revenue generated through any such measures depends on prevailing market conditions at that time. As no policy decision has been taken in this regard, no specific revenue projection is available at this stage.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3897 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Timeline for Setting up of Kendriya Vidyalayas in Ujjain
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Anil Firojiya

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3897 ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026

## Timeline for Setting up of Kendriya Vidyalayas in Ujjain

† 3897. Shri Anil Firojiya:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the expected date by which the administrative and financial approval is likely to be granted to setup a sanctioned Kendriya Vidyalaya at Ujjain;
- (b) the  present  status  of  construction  of  the  permanent  building  for  the  said Kendriya Vidyalaya;
- (c) the time by which the construction work is likely to be commenced;
- (d) whether  the  Kendriya  Vidyalaya  Sangathan  has  taken  any  decision  to  start classes in a temporary campus;
- (e) if so, the expected date from which the classes are likely to be commenced;
- (f) whether there is any hurdle in land transfer, approval of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), budget allocation or the tendering process;
- (g) if so, the steps taken by the Government to resolve the same;
- (h) whether the Government proposes to fix any timeline for early operationalisation of the said Vidyalaya; and
- (i) if so, the expected date by which the construction work and classes are likely to be commenced?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (i)  As  per  information  received  from  Kendriya  Vidyalaya  Sangathan  (KVS), presently, 119 KVs are functioning in the State of Madhya Pradesh, including 01 KV in Ujjain.  Further, a new KV Nagda, Ujjain was sanctioned by Government of India in December, 2024 but it could not be made functional due to non-transfer of suitable extent of land, free of cost and rent free temporary accommodation in favour of KVS

by the sponsoring authority i.e. State Government of Madhya Pradesh, as per KVS norms. Construction of permanent buildings for KVs is a continuous process, which depends upon identification of suitable land, completion of transfer / lease formalities in favour of KVS by the sponsoring authorities, submission of drawings / estimates by construction agency, availability of funds and requisite approvals etc. As per information received from KVS, land measuring 5.10 acres identified by the sponsoring authority has been accepted by KVS and the transfer of the said land in favour of KVS has not been completed by the sponsoring authority.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3896 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Strengthening Conservation Capacity
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Smt. Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3896 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026

## STRENGTHENING CONSERVATION CAPACITY

## 3896. SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has conducted any assessments of the condition, conservation status  and  visitor  infrastructure  of  protected  monuments  and  heritage  sites  across  the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the  details  of  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  strengthen  conservation  capacity, including the use of modern conservation technology;
- (d) whether the Government has intensified efforts for the identification and repatriation of stolen or illegally exported Indian cultural artefacts from foreign countries;
- (e) if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) the details of the total number of cultural artefacts brought back to India during the last five years along with the present status of their preservation and display?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) There are total of 3686 centrally protected monuments under the care and maintenance of
- & Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) across the country. ASI takes up conservation work
- (b) of these protected monuments/sites including provision of amenities as per the need and availability  of  resources.  All  protected  monuments  are  regularly  inspected  by  the  ASI official/officers to assess the condition and conservations works.
- (c) To  strengthen  conservation  capacity,  Training  programmes  are  arranged  for  Field Officers from time to time for capacity building. Also modern technologies/tools such as LiDAR scanning, GIS based mapping and drone-based surveys etc., are used as per the requirement for proper documentation.
- (d) Government  has  taken  necessary  steps  to  repatriate  the  antiquities  illegally  exported
- & abroad. A total of 655 antiquities have been retrieved till 2025.

(e)

- (f) A total of 613 cultural artefacts have been retrieved in last five years. 11 objects with clear provenance have been handed over to the concerned organizations/institutions. 09 objects have been given on loan to IGNCA for display at New Parliament Building, 01 to National Museum and 14 to Indian Institute of Heritage. Remaining objects are kept with ASI in safe custody.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3895 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Establishment of Mini Stadiums in Banda Constituency
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Smt. Krishna Devi Shivshankar Patel

†3895.

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †3895

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026

## Establishment of Mini Stadiums in Banda Constituency

SMT. KRISHNA DEVI SHIVSHANKAR PATEL:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to establish one mini stadium in Paberu, Atarra, Mau, Manikpur, Rajapur, Chitrakoot and Karvi areas under Banda Chitrakoot Lok Sabha Constituency of Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) if so, the details of the action plan prepared in this regard along with the time by which it is likely to be approved;
- (c) if not, whether the Government proposes to provide a special package or financial assistance for construction of mini stadiums in these areas considering the growing youth population and sports talent therein; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (d) 'Sports' being a State subject, the responsibility of development of sports, including establishment of mini stadium, preparing action plan, and providing a special package or financial assistance for construction of mini stadiums considering the growing youth population and sports talent, rests primarily with the State/Union Territory Governments. The Union Government supplements their efforts by bridging critical gaps. The Khelo India Scheme and National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), implemented by this Ministry, under which financial assistance for development of sports infrastructure is provided are demand-driven schemes. The proposals received from the State/ UT Government and

other eligible entities, are considered for financial support, subject to their completeness, technical feasibility and availability of funds under the scheme.

The details of the sports infrastructure projects approved under the Khelo India Scheme and NSDF, across the country, including in the State of Uttar Pradesh, are available in the public domain on the dashboards of the Ministry at https://mdsd.kheloindia.gov.in. and http://www.nsdf.yas.gov.in/nsdf-glance.html.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3892 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Shortage of Classrooms and Infrastructural Constraints in Schools in Lakshadweep
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3892

ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026

## Shortage of Classrooms and Infrastructural Constraints in Schools in Lakshadweep

3892.   Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the shortage of classrooms and infrastructural constraints in SB School, Kiltan and SB School, Bitra under the Lakshadweep Administration, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Union Government is aware that the Lakshadweep Administration has prepared any action plan or proposal for the construction of additional classrooms and allied facilities in the said schools and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the number of additional classrooms proposed to be constructed in SB School, Kiltan and SB School, Bitra along with the estimated cost and timeline for completion of the project; and
- (d) whether necessary financial sanction has been accorded for the said works and if so, the details of funds allocated and released so far?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## (SHRI JAYANT CHOUDHARY)

(a) to (d): As reported by the UT of Lakshadweep, in case of Government Senior Basic School Bitra, the  classes  from  Pre-school  to  Class  8  are  functioning  in  two  buildings.  The  Pre-School  1,  2, Balvatika  and  Classes  1,  3,  4,  5  and  6  are  functioning  in  the  new  Police  Station  building (Government building). Classes 2, 7 and 8, alongwith other rooms including the kitchen, store, and dining hall, are functioning in the Government Senior Basic School building. In case of Kiltan island there is only one Government Senior Secondary School and one Government Junior Basic School and there is no Government Senior Basic School. The subject Education is in the Concurrent List of the Constitution and majority of the schools are under the administrative jurisdiction of concerned States/UTs. However, Central Government provides financial assistance to States/UTs including UT of Lakshadweep under the Centrally Sponsored scheme of Samagra Shiksha, for strengthening of existing government schools for creation and augmentation of infrastructure facilities based on Annual Work Plan & Budget (AWP&B) proposal prepared by them and gaps determined from Unified  District  Information  System  for  Education  (UDISE)  database.  These  plans  are  then appraised  and  approved  by  the  Project  Approval  Board  (PAB)  in  the  Department  of  School Education and Literacy in consultation with the State/UT as per the programmatic and financial norms of the scheme, physical and financial progress of works sanctioned earlier and availability of budgetary resources.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3884 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: National R&D Expenditure and Intellectual Property Reforms
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri E T Mohammed Basheer

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3884

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

## National R&D Expenditure and Intellectual Property Reforms

3884. Shri E T Mohammed Basheer:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a) the Government's medium-term roadmap to enhance national Research and Development (R&D) expenditure from 0.65 per cent of GDP closer to the global average; and

(b)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  intellectual  property  enforcement  reforms  to incentivise greater private sector participation in R&D, if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (FINANCE) (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

(a)&(b): To enhance India's Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) from the current level of around 0.65% of GDP towards the global average, the Government has adopted a medium-term strategy aimed at strengthening the national research and innovation ecosystem. The approach focuses on improving research infrastructure, promoting industryacademia collaboration, and increasing private sector participation in research and innovation. In this context, the Government launched the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme on 3 November 2025, with a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore over six years, to incentivise greater  private  sector  investment  in  R&D.  Further,  the  Government  has  approved  the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) as a Central Sector Scheme to strengthen India's research and innovation ecosystem. The foundation aims to promote industry-academia collaboration, support translational research, and mobilise additional resources from industry, public  sector  enterprises,  philanthropic  organisations,  and  other  stakeholders.  In  addition, several intellectual property (IP) reforms have been undertaken to encourage innovation. These include simplifying compliance procedures, reducing timelines for IP filing and disposal, and providing fee rebates for startups, MSMEs, and educational institutions, thereby incentivising greater private participation in research and development.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3880 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Inclusion of Government Schools under PM SHRI Scheme
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Giridhari Yadav, Shri Dinesh Chandra Yadav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 3880 ANSWERED ON - 16/03/2026

## Inclusion of Government Schools under PM SHRI Scheme

†

3880. Shri Dinesh Chandra Yadav: Shri Giridhari Yadav:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of Government schools included under the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) scheme in Bihar so far; and
- (b) the details of the assistance being provided by the Government to the said schools?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b): Under the PM SHRI scheme, a total of 836 PM SHRI schools have been selected from the State of Bihar. The details of these PM SHRI schools may be accessed on the website of PM SHRI scheme at the link: https://pmshri.education.gov.in/state.

In alignment with the National Education Policy, 2020, PM SHRI scheme has a provision to saturate these PM SHRI schools with 21 NEP components such as computer lab/ICT lab/smart classrooms, library with good furniture, internet facility, vocational skill education, guidance and career counselling, fully equipped integrated science lab/physics lab/chemistry lab/biology lab, playground with well-equipped sports facilities, school innovation council, youth and eco club for mission  life,  Building  as  Learning  Aid  (BaLa)  features  and  jaadui  pitara  for  primary  school children, 10 bagless days for students, child tracking software for tracking the children attendance, fully  functioning  handwashing facility  and  toilets,  green  school  features  etc.  These  PM  SHRI schools  are  to  showcase  all  the  initiatives  of  National  Education  Policy  (NEP)  2020,  be  the exemplar schools, and also offer benchmarking leadership to other schools in the neighbourhood.

Under PM SHRI scheme, States submit proposal by identifying the gaps at the school level. The component wise proposal submitted by the States are appraised and sanctioned by the Project Approval Board (PAB) in consultation with the States according to financial and programmatic norms and provision available.  The details of funds allocated under the PM SHRI scheme to the State of Bihar during FY 2025-26 are as follows:

(₹ in crore)

| Financial Year   |   Approved PAB outlay |   Central Share of Approved PAB outlay |
|------------------|-----------------------|----------------------------------------|
| 2025-26          |               1000.75 |                                 600.45 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 3878 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Shortage of Veterinary Medical Facilities
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3878

TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026

## Shortage of Veterinary Medical Facilities

3878. SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA:

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

- (a) whether  there  is  shortage  of  veterinary  medical  facilities  along  with  the  trained  and proficient medical personnel to treat wild animals and endangered species in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the action taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) to (c) The  protection  and  management  of  wildlife,  including  human  wildlife  conflict mitigation, rescue and rehabilitation is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.

The  Ministry  provides  financial  assistance  to  States  and  Union  Territories  for protection  and  management  of  wildlife  under  the  Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme 'Integrated Development of Wildlife' as per the Annual Plan of Operations (APO) received.  The  activities  supported  under  the  scheme  includes    strengthening wildlife veterinary care ,controlling diseases like Foot and Mouth disease, Anthrax etc., vaccination of  livestock, ex-situ conservation programme, rescue camps for wildlife, translocation and rehabilitation, diagnostic facilities, purchase of equipment and medicines, engagement of  veterinary and research officers etc.

The National Zoo Policy, 1998 also provides that zoos shall ensure availability of the highest standards of veterinary care to all the animals in their collection.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3876 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Differential Entry Fee Structure for Foreign Tourists
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Dr. Rani Srikumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3876

## ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026

## DIFFERENTIAL ENTRY FEE STRUCTURE

## FOR FOREIGN TOURISTS

## 3876. DR. RANI SRIKUMAR:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that presently foreign tourists, except those from SAARC nations, are charged significantly higher entry fees at major heritage monuments and tourist sites in the country;
- (b) whether the Government is aware that despite low inflow of foreign tourists, high entry fees discourage the tourists belong to economically weaker and underdeveloped nations visiting India;
- whether the Government proposes to review the existing system and introduce  a  differentiated  fee  structure  based  on  the  economic status of the countries, wherein tourists from developed nations are charged  relatively  higher  fees  than  those  from  developing  and
- (c) underdeveloped countries; and
- (d)   if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM          (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a): Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  follows  two-tiered  ticket charges based on the scheduled category of the protected monuments and sites for foreign nationals and Indian nationals along with citizens from SAARC and BIMSTEC group of countries.
- (b): The  practice  of  charging  a  differential  entry  fee  at  protected monuments of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from foreign nationals is in consonance with the global practices followed worldwide.

(c) & (d): At present, no such proposal is under consideration. *******