opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4353 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Punjabi-language Newspapers on Premium Trains Serving Punjab Region
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer

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## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4353 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026

## PUNJABI-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPERS ON PREMIUM TRAINS SERVING

## PUNJAB REGION

## 4353. SHRI GURMEET SINGH MEET HAYER:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  reports  that  Punjabi  language newspapers  are  not  consistently  available  on  board  Vande  Bharat, Shatabdi and other premium trains starting from, passing through/terminating in Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and  Delhi  despite  the  sizeable  Punjabi-speaking  population  in  these regions and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the policy/guidelines of Railways/IRCTC regarding distribution of regional language newspapers on long-distance and premium trains;
- (c)  the  reasons  for  the  lack  of  Punjabi  newspapers  where  available newspapers  are  predominantly  Hindi/English  and  steps  taken/being taken to ensure multilingual newspaper supply reflective of passenger demographics; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to issue standardised instructions to ensure equitable distribution of regional language newspapers on such services and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (d):  To  meet  the  passenger  demands,  in  areas  other  than  Hindi speaking  areas,  newspapers  of  Hindi/English/Regional  language  in  equal proportion are to be supplied onboard in trains like Vande Bharat, Shatabdi, etc.  across  the  country  including  those  passing  through/terminating  in Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi.

These  instructions  as  mentioned  in  Commercial  Circular  87  of  2001  are implemented by IRCTC over Indian Railways. In case of any discrepancy in this  regard,  appropriate  penal  action  is  taken  against  the  concerned service provider.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4346 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Proposal for Planetarium in West Bengal
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Shri Saumitra Khan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4346 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026 PROPOSAL FOR PLANETARIUM IN WEST BENGAL

## 4346.  SHRI SAUMITRA KHAN:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  establish  a  modern planetarium or Space Science Centre in West Bengal;
- (b) if so, the current status thereof along with the  budget allocations and the proposed time-frame for the same;
- (c) if  not,  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  launch  such  a project  in  future  to  promote  science  and  space  education  in backward region like West Bengal, so that school students and youth  can  develop  scientific  temper  and  interest  in  space science; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

****

(a) & (b)

National  Remote  Sensing  Centre  (NRSC)  is  one  of  the  primary centres of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space (DOS). NRSC has the mandate for establishment of ground stations  for  receiving  satellite  data,  generation  of  data  products, dissemination to the users, development of techniques for remote sensing applications including disaster management support, geospatial  services  for  good  governance  and  capacity building for professionals, faculty and students.

NRSC  operates  through  multiple  campuses  to  meet  national  and regional remote sensing data and applications needs of the country.

Accordingly, Government has established a Regional Remote Sensing  Centre  (RRSC)  in  Kolkata,  West  Bengal  for  promoting remote sensing applications.

Further,  ISRO  has  also  set  up  Space  Technology  Cell  at  Indian Institute  of  Technology  (IIT),  Kharagpur,  West  Bengal  to  carry  out research activities in the areas of Space Technology and applications.

Establishment of a modern planetarium or Space Science Centre in West Bengal is to be conceptualized at an appropriate stage.

(c) & (d)

DOS/ ISRO is operating six mobile space museums titled 'Space on Wheels', aimed at reaching to the rural part of the country. Space on Wheels have covered more than 24 states across the country. This initiative has been well received by the student community and the general public and it continuous to play a significant role in ISRO's outreach activities. DOS/ ISRO remains committed to further expanding  such  initiatives  across  the  country  for  the  benefit  of students, science enthusiasts and the public at large. Further, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has conceptualized Antrakish Prayogshala (Space Labs) programme, first of its kind initiative aimed at creating state-of-art Space Laboratories within Indian academic institutions, in different zones across the country duly ensuring balanced regional representation.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4344 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Regularization of Casual Announcers and Presenters in All India Radio
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4344 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026)

## Regularization of Casual Announcers and Presenters in All India Radio

## 4344. SHRI SURESH KUMAR KASHYAP:

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that a permanent policy has been formulated by Prasar Bharati for the regularisation of casual announcers and presenters working for years and various All India Radio (Akashvani) centers across the country as submitted before the Hon'ble Supreme Court on 30th October, 2025;
- (b) if so, the details of number of persons regularised under the said policy so far along with the timeline within which the remaining personnel likely to be regularised;
- (c) whether it is also a fact that no significant increase has been made in the honorarium of these casual announcers and presenters for a long time;
- (d) if so, the reasons therefor and the time by which the hike in honorarium is likely to be implemented;
- (e) whether the  budget  for  programme  based  on local  languages  and  dialects  has  been reduced in various centers of Akashvani especially the Shimla center and if so, the reasons therefor; and
- (f) whether the Government is likely to provide additional budget for the preservation and promotion of such programme?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS [DR. L. MURUGAN]

## (a) to (f):

There is no permanent policy in Prasar Bharati for regularization of casual announcers and presenters in Akashvani. Their fees is revised from time to time. It was revised in 2021 and subsequently again revised in 2022.

Necessary funds for programmes at Akashvani Kendras are allocated in the annual programme budget of Akashvani to support programming across languages & dialects. Further, the annual programme budget of Akashvani Shimla has increased over the past 4 years.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4334 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Women Participation in Mining
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Shri Vamsi Krishna Gaddam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4334

ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026

## WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN MINING

## 4334. SHRI VAMSI KRISHNA GADDAM:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government maintains data on women miners employed in major and minor mineral sectors across the country and if  so,  the  total number  of  registered women miners during the last five years, State/UT-wise, if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b)  whether the Government has assessed the working conditions, wage parity, safety standards  and  access  to  social  security  benefits  for  women  miners,  specifically  in Singareni Collieries Company Limited and if so, details thereof; and
- (c)  the  details  of  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  increase  women's participation  in  mining  while  ensuring  dignified  employment,  safe  workplaces  and equal opportunities?

## ANSWER

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

- (a):  Mine  safety  and  employment  conditions  in  mines  are  governed  under  the provisions  of  the  Mines  Act,  1952,  administered  by  the  Ministry  of  Labour  and Employment.  As per the information provided by that Ministry, the Directorate General of  Mines  Safety  (DGMS),  under  the  Ministry  of  Labour  and  Employment  does  not maintain the data of the number of women employed in Metalliferous mines.
- (b) & (c): As per the information received from Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Central Government has implemented the four Labour Codes namely, the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSH&WC), 2020 which have come into effect from 21.11.2025. The OSH&WC Code, 2020, regulates the safety, health, and working conditions of employees, including women workers in registered  establishments  including  mines. As  per  OSH&WC  Code,  2020,  women workers can work in all types of establishments. Further, women can also work before 6 a.m. and beyond 7 p.m. with their consent and the employer would make adequate arrangements  to  provide  safety,  facilities  and  transportation  to  women  workers. Besides,  establishment  having  more  than  50  workers  provide  creche facility  either separately or common creche facilities at suitable locations.

Section  23  of  the  OSH&WC Code, 2020 prescribes  responsibility  of  employers  to maintain health, safety and working conditions for the employees including women employees viz. toilets for male and female  workers separately, drinking water, etc. while section 24 prescribes for welfare facilities viz canteen, washing facilities, bathing places, etc. for male and female workers separately in the establishments.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4332 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Ujjain-Jhalawar Railway Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Anil Firojiya

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## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4332

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026

## UJJAIN-JHALAWAR RAILWAY LINE

## †4332. SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the construction for the Ujjain-Jhalawar railway Line has not yet begun despite the completion of the survey and if so, the reasons for the delay;
- (b) whether the Government has made any special plans or prioritised the speedy  construction  of  the  said  railway  line  keeping  in  mind  the upcoming Simhastha festival and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  there  are  any  hindrances  to  land  acquisition,  environmental clearance or budget allocation for the said project and if so, the details thereof including the steps taken by the Government to address them; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes a revised action plan/phased construction/special budget provisions to expedite the implementation of the said project and if so, the details and timeline thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (d):  Final  Location  Survey  (FLS)  of  Ujjain-Agar-  Jhalawar  New  Line (190  Km)  has  been  sanctioned  for  preparation  of  Detailed  Project  Report (DPR).  Field survey work has been completed. The project has low traffic projections.

After  preparation  of  Detailed  Project  Report  (DPR),  sanctioning of  project requires consultation with various state-holders including State Governments  and  necessary   approvals   viz.   appraisal   of   NITI   Aayog,

Ministry  of  Finance  etc.  As  sanctioning  of  projects  is  a  continuous  and dynamic process, exact timelines depends upon appraisals and approvals by various stakeholders.

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

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

Completion of Railway project/s depends on various factors which include the following:

-  Land acquisition by State Government
-  Forest clearance
-  Shifting of infringing utilities
-  Statutory clearances from various authorities
-  Geological and topographical conditions of area
-  Law and order situation in the area of project site
-  Number of working months in a year for particular project site etc.

All these factors affect the completion time and cost of the project/s.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4330 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Data Protection under Digital India Programme
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Smt. Geniben Nagaji Thakor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4330

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 18.03.2026

## DATA PROTECTION UNDER DIGITAL INDIA PROGRAMME

## † 4330.   SMT. GENIBEN NAGAJI THAKOR:

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has assessed the current status of digital services, cyber security and data protection in the country;
- (b) if so, the key findings thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to bring any new policy/law to ensure data protection under Digital India Programme; and
- (d) if so, the steps taken by the Government so far in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) to (d): The Government has taken several steps to strengthen the framework for digital services, cyber security and data protection in the country.

The  Digital  Personal  Data  Protection  Act,  2023  ('Act')  establishes  a  comprehensive  framework governing the processing of digital personal data in a manner that recognises both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process such personal data for lawful purposes.

Under the Act, personal data may be processed only for a lawful purpose and either on the basis of the consent of the  Data Principal or for certain  legitimate  uses.  Consent  is  required  to  be  free,  specific, informed, unconditional and unambiguous, and must be accompanied or preceded by a notice describing the personal data to be collected and the purpose of its processing.

To  operationalise  the  provisions  of  the  Act,  the  Government  has  notified  the  Digital  Personal  Data Protection Rules, 2025, ('Rules') which establish detailed mechanisms for the implementation of the Act,  including  requirements  relating  to  consent  notices,  reasonable  security  safeguards,  breach notification, and the protection of the rights of Data Principals.

The framework created by the Act and the Rules places obligations on Data Fiduciaries to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect digital personal data and prevent personal data breaches. In the event of a personal data breach, the Data Fiduciary is required to notify the Data Protection Board of India as well as the affected Data Principals in the prescribed manner.

The Act also provides for the establishment of the Data Protection Board of India, which is empowered to  inquire  into  personal  data  breaches,  ensure  compliance  with  the  provisions  of  the  Act,  and  take appropriate action in cases of non-compliance.

Accordingly, through the enactment of the Act and the notification of the Rules, the Government has established a comprehensive and citizen-centric framework to ensure the protection of digital personal data and to promote responsible use of data in India' s digital ecosystem.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4325 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Upgradation of Silchar–Guwahati Trains from ICF to LHB Coaches
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Parimal Suklabaidya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4325 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026

## UPGRADATION OF SILCHAR - GUWAHATI TRAINS FROM ICF TO LHB

## COACHES

## 4325. SHRI PARIMAL SUKLABAIDYA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that Train No. 15616 operating on the Silchar-Guwahati  route  in  Cachar  district,  Assam  is  still  running  with outdated  Integral  Coach  Factory  (ICF)  coaches  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (b)  whether  any  proposal  exists  for  conversion  of  this  service  to  Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches/rakes with dedicated power cars and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the timeline fixed for such upgradation in view of passenger safety and comfort?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to  (c)  Modernization  and  improvement/up-gradation  of  Rolling Stock to enhance safety, convenience and comfort of passengers is a continuous and on-going process on Indian Railways(IR). Accordingly, IR have  gradually proliferated technologically  superior  LHB(Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches on its network.

## LHB Coaches:

LHB coaches have modular interiors, improved aesthetics, lightweight design,  Air  Springs  (Secondary)  stainless  steel  shell  and  disc  brake system for improved riding. These coaches have a design speed of 180 Kmph  and  an  operating  speed  of  160  Kmph,  as  compared  to  the

conventional  ICF  (Integral  Coach  Factory)  design    coaches  of  the 1960s. The LHB Coaches have the following features:

- i. Better riding quality.
- ii. Lightweight design.
- iii. Anti-telescopic & Anti-climbing features.
- iv. Centre Buffer Coupler.
- v. Axle mounted disc brake system.
- vi. Less corrosive shell
- vii. FRP modular toilet with Electro Pneumatic pressurized flushing system

viii. Aerosol based fire suppression system in electrical cubicles Production:

The Production of LHB coaches has been ramped up across IR. The production during 2014-25 vis-à-vis 2004-14 is as under:

| Period   | LHB coaches manufactured         |
|----------|----------------------------------|
| 2004-14  | 2,337 nos.                       |
| 2014-25  | 42,677 nos. (more than 18 times) |

## Replacement:

The  replacement  of  earlier  ICF  coaches  with  safer  and  modern  LHB coaches is being undertaken in a phased manner and as of now, more than  75%  ICF  rakes  on  the  Indian  Railways  network  have  been replaced with or are  being operated using LHB rakes.

Besides, replacement of ICF (Integral Coach Factory) design coaches with  LHB  (Linke  Hofmann  Busch)  coaches  is  an  on-going  process subject to operational requirement, availability of LHB  coaches, competing demands etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4317 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Minority Welfare Schemes in Assam
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Md. Rakibul Hussain

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4317 ANSWERED ON - 18/03/2026

## MINORITY WELFARE SCHEMES IN ASSAM

## 4317.  SHRI MD. RAKIBUL HUSSAIN:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  assessed  the  district-wise  coverage  of  minority  welfare schemes in Assam to identify gaps, regional imbalance or exclusion of eligible beneficiaries; (b) if so, the details of districts found to be under-served or having low scheme penetration; (c)  whether  any  special  drive  has  been  undertaken  to  improve  awareness  and  enrollment  of minority communities in such districts; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the outcomes achieved as a result of such corrective measures?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (d): The  Ministry  of  Minority  Affairs  regularly  reviews  the  implementation  of  its schemes and programmes, their on-ground impact, issues faced by implementing agencies and beneficiaries  in  availing  the  benefits  of  the  schemes  through  organizing  Chintan  Shivir, Workshops,  seminars,  meetings,  etc.  with  stakeholders  including  State/UT  Governments, relevant  organisations/institutions,  beneficiaries,  etc.  Further,  the  evaluation/impact  study  of schemes/programmes of the Ministry are conducted from independent third-party organisations. The schemes/programmes are amended for any gaps and deficiencies identified.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4316 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: Service and Cancellation Charges by IRCTC
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4316 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026

## SERVICE AND CANCELLATION CHARGES BY IRCTC

## 4316. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  concerns  about  service  and cancellation  charges  on  IRCTC  online  self-booking  of  railway  tickets through IRCTC and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  examined  the  retention  of  cancellation charges,  clerkage/service  charges  on  fully  waitlisted  tickets  (both General  and  Tatkal)  without  confirmed  berths  constitute  unfair  trade practice and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  waive  all  service  charges  for online  self-booking  and  cancellation  to  encourage  digital  transactions and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether there is any proposal for full refund including service charges, in cases when waitlisted tickets (General and Tatkal) are automatically cancelled due to non-confirmation and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure transparency, consumer protection  and passenger-friendly refund policies  in  railway ticketing?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (e)  Indian  Railway  Catering  and  Tourism  Corporation  (IRCTC)  has provided  the  facility  to  book  reserved  tickets  online  saving  passengers from the trouble of going to reservation counters to book the tickets thus saving travel time and transportation costs.

IRCTC  incurs  substantial  expenditure  on  providing  online  ticketing facility and in order to defray the cost incurred in maintenance, upgradation  and  expansion  of  ticketing  infrastructure,  a  very  nominal convenience fee is levied by IRCTC. The  online  ticket  booking  facility  provided  by  IRCTC  is  one  of  the most passenger friendly initiatives of Indian Railways and its acceptance can  be  gauged  from  the  fact  that  at  present  approximately  88%  of  the reserved tickets are booked online. Clerkage is  levied  on  cancellation  of  all  waitlisted  tickets  including cancelled through IRCTC website as per the Railway Passengers (Cancellation of Tickets and Refund of Fare) Rules, 2015, notified through Gazette  notification  and  as  amended  from  time  to  time.  Review  and rationalization of policy is a continuous and ongoing process.

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