opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 6139 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Misinformation on Social Media
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri V K Sreekandan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6139

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## MISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

## 6139.  SHRI V K SREEKANDAN:

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

- (a) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Press  Information  Bureau  has  flagged  over  50  cases  of deepfakes, manipulated videos and various other types of misinformation on social media platforms;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is also a fact that many of these were posted by neighboring country; and
- (d) the details of the steps taken by the Government to prevent spreading misinformation by other nations?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d):

A Fact Check Unit (FCU) functions under Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. FCU identifies fake news, misinformation relating to the Central Government. After  verifying  the  authenticity  of  news  from  authorized  sources,  FCU  publishes  correct information  on  its  social  media  platforms.  Additionally,  it  encourages  citizens  to  report suspicious  content  for  verification,  thereby  strengthening  public  participation  in  combating misinformation.

FCU has identified various fake claims related to the Government of India including deepfakes, AI-generated  and  misleading  videos,  notifications,  letters  and  websites.  A  total  of  2913  factchecks have been published so far. All fact-checks are available across PIB Fact Check official social  media  platforms,  including  X,  Facebook,  Instagram,  Telegram,  Threads  and  WhatsApp Channel.

During  Operation  Sindoor,  the  PIB  Fact  Check  Unit  actively  identified  misinformation  and hostile narratives circulating online. It promptly acted on fact-checking false claims, providing authentic information, and ensuring accurate public communication, thereby helping prevent the spread  of  misleading  and  anti-India  narratives.  Ministry  also  issued  directions  for  blocking  of over 1,400 such URLs on digital media during Operation Sindoor.

For the publishers of news and current affairs on digital media and publishers of online curated content, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules, 2021) provides for a Code of Ethics along with a three-level institutional mechanism for redressal of grievance relating to violation of Code of Ethics by such publishers.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6136 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Assessment of the Backward Index
Ministry: PLANNING
Asked by: Shri Neeraj Maurya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PLANNING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6136

TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## ASSESSMENT OF THE BACKWARD INDEX

## 6136 SHRI NEERAJ MAURYA:

Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the NITI Aayog has recently made any assessment of the backwardness  index  of  Bareilly  and  Badaun  districts  of  Uttar Pradesh along with the special development strategy prepared for Aonla on the basis of the same and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  additional  funds  are  likely  to  be  allocated  by  the Government for improving health and infrastructure in the most backward  blocks  of  Aonla  Lok  Sabha  Constituency  under  the Aspirational Blocks Programme and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  any  long  term  regional  plan  for integration of local industries and agriculture to stop migration of rural youth and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  is  providing  any  assistance  to  the District Planning Committees to upgrade them technologically to strengthen  data  collection  and  statistical  analysis  at  the  local level and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS & PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE

(RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

- (a) No  Sir.  NITI  Aayog  has  not  made  any  assessment  on  the Backwardness  Index  of  Bareilly  and  Badaun  Districts  or  for  special development strategy for Aonla.
- (b) to (d) Blocks of Aonla Constituency are not included in the 68 blocks of  Uttar  Pradesh  which  are  covered  under  the  Aspirational  Blocks Programme.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6131 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Recording of Waqf Properties
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Madhavaneni Raghunandan Rao, Shri Chavda Vinod Lakhamshi, Shri Vijay Baghel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  6131

TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## RECORDING OF WAQF PROPERTIES

6131:  SHRI CHAVDA VINOD LAKHAMSHI,

SHRI VIJAY BAGHEL

SHRI MADHAVANENI RAGHUNANDAN RAO

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be please to state:-

- (a)  the  details  of  the  number  of  Waqf  properties  recorded  in  the  national  database  after  the enactment of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2014, State/Union territory-wise;
- (b) the details and the number of properties where verification and updating of ownership and records have been completed after the implementation of the new provisions;
- (c) the details and the number of cases of encroachment or disputed ownership identified during the verification process; and
- (d)  the  details  and  the  number  of  cases  in  which  action  has  been  initiated  for  the  removal  of encroachment or recovery of Waqf properties in such cases?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (b): The Ministry of Minority Affairs launched the statutory Portal i.e. UMEED Central Portal-2025  on  06.06.2025  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  3(ka)  of  the  Unified  Waqf Management,  Empowerment,  Efficiency  and  Development  Act,  1995  which  mandates  that details of all existing  waqf  and dedicated properties to waqf  registered prior to the commencement  of  the  amended  Act  shall  be  uploaded  on  the  Portal  within  a  period  of  six months,  with  a  provision  for  further  extension  of  up  to  six  months  by  the  Waqf  Tribunal  on sufficient cause being shown by the mutawalli.

The  Portal  operates  on  a  three-tier  user  protocol  of  Maker,  Checker,  and  Approver  to ensure real-time and verified data entry by preventing uploading of irrelevant or incorrect details of existing waqf & the property dedicated to the waqf.

As on 27.03.2026,  total  6,56,193  existing  waqf  properties  have  been  initiated  on  the Portal,  out  of  which  3,24,984  properties  have  been  validated  and  approved  by  the  approver, while 47,528 properties were rejected during verification.

(c) to (d):  At present, details of 44,752 encroached waqf properties have been uploaded by the State/UT  Waqf Boards on the UMEED Portal-2025. However, it is stated that the process of uploading, verification and validation of waqf property data on the UMEED Central Portal-2025 is  ongoing  process.  Several  State/UT  Waqf  Boards  have  sought  extensions  of  time  from  the competent  authority/Tribunal  for  completion  of  the  data  entry  and  verification  process  in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Accordingly, the exact number of such cases, as well as the number of cases where action has been initiated for removal of encroachments or recovery of waqf properties, is ascertained only after the completion of the entire process on the Portal.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6130 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: NeSDA Way Forward Initiative
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: Smt. Aparajita Sarangi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC GRIEVANCES)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.6130

(ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026)

## NESDA WAY FORWARD INITIATIVE

## 6130. SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  NeSDA  Way  Forward  initiative  launched  in  December  2025  has  been operationalised for monitoring progress of digital service delivery in States and UTs and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  the  details  of  the  number  of  States  and  UTs  currently  participating  in  the  initiative  and submitting periodic updates on e-service delivery;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  established  mechanisms  for  regular  review,  consultations  or capacity-building with States and UTs under this initiative and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government to support States and UTs in strengthening unified service delivery portals and improving accessibility of online citizen services?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): The National e Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) Way Forward initiative has been operationalised  since  April  2023.  The  initiative  enables  continuous  monitoring  through  a structured  dashboard  covering  all  State/UTs-reported  e-services,  mandatory  e-services,  and services  delivered  through  unified  service  delivery  portals,  thereby  facilitating  data-driven monitoring.
- (b):  All  36  States  and  Union  Territories  are  participating  in  the  NeSDA  Way  Forward initiative  and  submitting  periodic  updates  on  e-service  delivery  through  the  NeSDA  Way Forward portal.
- (c):  Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) holds regular consultations with the Secretaries of Administrative Reform/Information Technology Departments of State/UTs and Right to Services Commissions of States, and regular review meetings with the States Nodal Officers (SPoCs).
- (d): The NeSDA assessment provides a holistic and comprehensive view of the depth and effectiveness of e-Governance service delivery models across States & UTs on parameters such as accessibility, content availability, ease of use, and information security & privacy; promotion of integration of departmental services into unified portals; and dissemination of best  practices.  The  study  highlights  best  practices  that  can  be  followed  &  replicated  for strengthening unified service delivery portals and improving accessibility of online citizen services.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6125 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Skill-Development Programmes for Minorities
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Rajesh Naranbhai Chudasama

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6125 ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## SKILL-DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES FOR MINORITIES

6125. SHRI RAJESH NARANBHAI CHUDASAMA:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the skill development programmes initiated for minority communities in the State of Gujarat;
- (b) the number of individuals trained and employed under these programmes during the last three years; and
- (c)  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote  entrepreneurship  among minority communities in the State along with the funds allocated for these initiatives?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (c): The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) implements Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan  (PM  VIKAS)  Scheme  which  converges  five  erstwhile  skilling  and  education support initiatives of the Ministry. PM VIKAS is implemented as a Central Sector Scheme focusing  on  the  socio-economic  empowerment  of  the  six  notified  minority  communities through skill development; entrepreneurship and leadership development of minority women; and  education  support  for  school  dropouts.  Under  the  scheme,  no  proposal  has  yet  been received for implementation in the state of Gujarat.

The scheme has been launched in January 2025 and the training has commenced only during  the  ongoing  financial  year.  Under  the  scheme,  a  total  target  of  over  1.47  lakh candidates has been allocated to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs), as on date, with over 1000 candidates trained till date.

Under  the  Women  Leadership  and  Entrepreneurship  component  of  the  PM  VIKAS Scheme, a target has been allocated to train 3,380 candidates on a pan India basis.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6123 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Support to International and Domestic Film Projects through FFO
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Brijmohan Agrawal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6123 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## SUPPORT  TO  INTERNATIONAL  AND  DOMESTIC  FILM  PROJECTS THROUGH FFO

6123. SHRI BRIJMOHAN AGRAWAL:

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

- a) the details of international and domestic film projects supported through the Film Facilitation Office (FFO) since 2024 including a clearances granted with list of respective projects, State-wise;
- b) the  specific  measures  taken  to  integrate  the  FFO  web  portal  with  State-level clearance systems in "Category-C" filming states like Chhattisgarh, to ensure a seamless "Single Window" experience;
- c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  tiered  expenditure  floors  or "Cultural Bonuses" for hiring local talent to incentivize production in underrepresented regional circuits;
- d) if so, the steps taken to align the FFO with the Swadesh Darshan tribal circuits to promote film tourism in ecologically sensitive areas; and
- e) the details of timelines for expanding specialized skill-development hubs in nonmetro  regions  to  create  a  sustainable  "below-the-line"  crew  base  for  regional cinema?

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

(a) to (e):

The  Film  Facilitation  Office  (FFO),  now  renamed  as  India  Cine  Hub  (ICH), established  under  the  National  Film  Development  Corporation  (NFDC),  acts  as  a single-window facilitation mechanism for according permissions for film shootings in India.

Since  2024,  ICH  has  facilitated  both  domestic  and  international  film  projects  by coordinating  with  various  Central  Ministries/Departments  and  State  Governments. The state-wise project details are available on the ICH portal https://indiacinehub.gov.in/. The ICH is being progressively integrated with State-level clearance systems to ensure a  seamless  and  efficient  filming  experience.  This  involves  mapping  and  aligning existing State workflows, adoption of common application formats, and standardisation of approval processes for smoother backend integration. Continuous efforts are being made to integrate the portal with State systems, including that of Chhattisgarh, to enhance ease of filming and strengthen coordination. The  Government  encourages  States  to  frame  their  own  film  policies,  including incentive  structures,  to  promote  local  participation  and  regional  cinema.  Film shootings in ecologically sensitive areas are facilitated in accordance with applicable environmental guidelines and permissions from the relevant competent authorities. Efforts are ongoing to promote capacity building and training opportunities across the country,  including  through  collaborations  with  State  Governments  and  industry stakeholders.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6116 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: UNNATI Initiative
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Smt. Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 01, 2026

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6116 UNNATI INITIATIVE

## 6116.  SMT. MALA RAJYA LAXMI SHAH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  training  programmes  conducted  under  the UNispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training (UNNATI) initiative by ISRO since its launch, State/UT-wise;
- (b) the number of participants trained under the programme along with the number of participating countries;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to expand the programme to include additional training modules or advanced courses in satellite technologies and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government to strengthen international cooperation in space technology through the UNNATI initiative?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

****

(a), (b), (c) & (d) The  UNNATI  (UNispace  Nanosatellite  Assembly  &  Training  by ISRO) is an international program, announced in 2018 as part of an  event  to  commemorate  the  50 th   anniversary  of  the  first United Nations Conference of Space. This programme of 2-months duration on nanosatellite building and  testing targeted towards  officials from  space-aspiring countries to build their capacity in space technology. Three batches of UNNATI training program were conducted at ISRO's  U  R  Rao  Satellite  Center,  Bengaluru,  benefitting  90 participants from 45 countries. There is no proposal to expand the programme.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6105 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Abandoned and Non-Operational Mines in Chhattisgarh
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Smt. Jyotsna Charandas Mahant

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6105

ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## ABANDONED AND NON-OPERATIONAL MINES IN CHHATTISGARH

6105. SMT. JYOTSNA CHARANDAS MAHANT:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) the total number of abandoned and non-operational mines in Chhattisgarh as on date, mineral-wise; (b) the number of such mines in the said State where final mine closure plans remain incomplete and the total financial assurance amount collected for their reclamation; (c) whether any safety hazards, such as open pits or groundwater contamination, have been recorded at abandoned sites in Chhattisgarh since 2018 and if so, the number of accidents/fatalities reported therein; and (d) the details of the time-bound plan to rehabilitate these legacy mines over the next
- five years?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): As per information provided by State Government of Chhattisgarh, there are 57 abandoned and non-working mines (14 Bauxite, 03 Iron ore, 08 Tin ore and 32 Limestone)  in  Chhattisgarh,  and  no  groundwater  contamination  from  abandoned major mineral mines has been reported since 2018.

Matters  relating  to  implementation  of  Final  Mine  Closure  Plans  (FMCPs), utilisation of Financial Assurance, and addressing safety and environmental concerns including rehabilitation of non-operational/legacy mines are within the purview of the concerned State Government as per the provisions of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017 and other applicable laws.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6095 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Water Requirement for Green Hydrogen Production
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Dr. Kirsan Namdeo

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6095

ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## WATER REQUIREMENT FOR GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION

6095. DR. KIRSAN NAMDEO

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) the total projected annual water requirement for achieving the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) target of at least 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) per annum of green hydrogen by the year 2030;
- (b) the estimated water requirement per kilogram of green hydrogen production considered in Government planning;
- (c) whether the Government has assessed freshwater availability in proposed green hydrogen hubs;
- (d) if so, the proportion of projected water requirement expected to be met through freshwater, desalinated seawater and treated wastewater;
- (e) the differential per-kg cost of green hydrogen production using freshwater, desalinated seawater and treated wastewater; and
- (f) whether the Government's projected cost estimates for green hydrogen production assume access to freshwater and if so, whether cost projections have been revised to account for the additional capital and operational expenditure associated with desalination or wastewater treatment and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER

## (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a)  &  (b)  For  production  of  1  kg  of  green  hydrogen  via  electrolysis,  around  10  litres  of demineralized  water  is  needed.  Accordingly,  the  demineralized  water  requirement  for achieving the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) target of 5 MMT Green Hydrogen production per annum will be about 50 Million Cubic Meter (MCM) per annum.

(c) to (f) As part of NGHM, four (4) hydrogen hubs have been recognised at Deendayal Port Kandla (Gujarat), Paradip Port (Odisha), V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin) Port (Tamil Nadu) and  Pudimadaka  (Andhra  Pradesh),  in  order  to  establish  production  capacities  for  green hydrogen and its derivatives of at least 1 lakh tonnes per annum. These four (4) designated hydrogen hubs are located in the vicinity of coastal areas and therefore have potential to utilize seawater via desalination for green hydrogen production.

The green hydrogen projects are developed predominantly through private sector participation, and  the  developer  determines  the  selection  of  water  source  i.e.  freshwater,  or  desalinated seawater,  or  treated  wastewater,  based  on  the  local  availability  and  techno  economic considerations.

Project assessments indicate that the overall contribution of water to the cost of green hydrogen remains relatively modest, and primarily depends  upon  type  of water available i.e. freshwater/seawater/wastewater.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 6093 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Bodinayakkanur-MGR Chennai Train Service
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Thiru Thanga Tamilselvan

§

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6093

## LOK SABHA TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## BODINAYAKKANUR-MGR CHENNAI TRAIN SERVICE

## 6093. THIRU THANGA TAMILSELVAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

whether  the  Government  has  any  proposals  to  convert  to  the  weekly thrice  train  service  of  train  No.  20602  Bodinayakkanur-MGR  Chennai Central SF Express which operates on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday into daily service in view of the long pending demand of people of Theni Lok  Sabha  Constituency  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

To facilitate the passengers of Chennai - Bodinayakkanur  sector, frequency of 20601/20602 MGR Chennai Central - Bodinayakkanur Express has been increased from 3 - days a week to 6 - days a week (except Saturday) vide notification No. 2025/Chg/16/SR/07-Part(8) dated 03.03.2026.

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