opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1607 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Independent Evaluation of National Clean Air Programme
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1607

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## Independent Evaluation of National Clean Air Programme

## 1607.  DR. PRABHA MALLIKARJUN:

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

- (a) whether the Government has conducted any independent evaluation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) since its launch to assess its effectiveness in reducing air pollution in Delhi and adjoining NCR districts; and
- (b) if so, the details of such evaluation, including the percentage reduction achieved in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations between 2019 and 2025?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) and (b): An independent evaluation of Control of Pollution Scheme in which National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is also one of the component,  has been conducted in December, 2020 and August, 2025. The latest evaluation report observed that NCAP aims for sustained air-quality management through infrastructure, local action plans, and institutional mechanisms. The program has demonstrated measurable  progress  in  strengthening  India's  air-quality  management  framework  and  improving ambient air quality across several non-attainment cities.

The focused and coordinated actions by 130 cities under NCAP have shown positive results with 103 cities showing reduction in PM10 concentration in 2024-25 with respect to 2017-18, 64 cities have shown reduction in PM10 levels by more than 20% with respect to base year 2017-18 and 25 of these cities have achieved a reduction of more than 40%. A total of 22 Cities have met National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and have PM10 Concentrations less than 60 µg/m3.

Further,  out of the 130 cities covered under NCAP, 40 cities have shown a reduction in PM₂.₅ levels in 2024 as compared to 2019; 56 cities have met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM₂.₅ (annual standard: 40 µg/m³) in 2024.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1605 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Revision of Pension under 8th Central Pay Commission
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Anand Bhadauria

## MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1605

## TO BE ANSWERED ON Monday, February 9, 2026/Magha 20, 1947 (Saka) REVISION OF PENSION UNDER 8TH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION

## QUESTION

1605. Shri Anand Bhadauria:

## Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

recommendations of the Central Pay Commission;

- (b) it so, whether such differentiation can also be made among pensioners on the basis of the recommendations accepted from the Central Pay Commission;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Central Government pensioners who have retired on or before 31 st December, 2025 are likely to be covered for revision of their pension under the 8th Central Pay Commission;
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (A) whether the 8th CPC has started functioning on regular basis; and
- (g) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons for the delay?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE

## (SHRI PANKAJ CHOUDHARY)

## (a), (b) and (c):-

The Pension of the Central Government employees is governed by the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 (erstwhile CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972) and the Central Civil Services (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 2023 and instructions issued from time to time for matters connected therewith. Revision of pension is carried out through general orders issued by the Central Government, inter alia, for implementation of the accepted recommendations of the Central Pay Commission.

The Central Pay Commissions being expert bodies, recommend different pay scales, allowances and pension for different categories of the Government employees. The Part-IV of Finance Act, 2025 has validated the existing Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules and principles governing pension liabilities met from the Consolidated Fund of India and does not alter or change existing Civil or Defence pensions.

## (d), (e), (f) and (g):-

Government has already notified the constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) along-with its Terms of Reference (ToR) vide Resolution dated 03.11.2025. As per Resolution dated 03.11.2025, Commission will make its recommendations within 18 months of its constitution.

The 8th CPC has been mandated to make its recommendations on Pay, Allowances, Pension, etc. of the Central Government employees.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1602 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Niveshak Didi in Bihar
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Kaushalendra Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1602 ANSWERED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026/MAGHA 20, 1947 (SAKA)

## NIVESHAK DIDI IN BIHAR

1602. SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the details of districts of Bihar in which women entrepreneurs have been provided training in Phase-I and Phase-II of the Niveshak Didi Scheme; (b) the number of such trained women entrepreneurs who have been provided financial assistance; and (c) the list of beneficiaries in Bihar, district-wise?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (HARSH MALHOTRA)

(a): The Niveshak Didi initiative  aims  to  enhance  financial  literacy  and  awareness among women from Self Help Groups (SHGs), Mahila Mandals and rural households in underserved areas.  Under this initiative Investor Awareness Programmes (IAPs) / Camps are  conducted  at  Anganwadis,  SHGs  and  Mahila  Mandals.    The  initiative  does  not envisage provision of training to women entrepreneurs specifically.

- (b): Niveshak Didi initiative has no provision to provide financial assistance .
- (c): I n view of the reply to (a) & (b) above, there are no such beneficiaries.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1601 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Establishment of Engineering College in Chandankyari
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri Dulu Mahato

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1601 ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## Establishment of Engineering College in Chandankyari

†1601. Shri Dulu Mahato:

Will the Minister of Education be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the first engineering college in Chandankyari (Dhanbad) is being established  with  the  assistance  of  the  Central  Government  under the  Rashtriya  Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) Scheme; (b) if so, the quantum of financial contribution made by the Central Government for this college, so far; (c) whether the construction work of the said college has been completed, if so, the details thereof; (d) whether the date for commencement of the academic session has been fixed and if so, the details of the number of branches and seats approved in the first phase; (e)  whether  there  is  any  proposal  to  declare  the  said  institution  as  a  technical  institute  of national importance in future, if so, the details thereof; and (f)  whether  the  Government  has  any  plan/proposal  to  provide  priority  to  local  students  in
- admissions and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (f):  Under  Rashtriya  Uchchatar  Shiksha  Abhiyan  (RUSA),  a  Centrally  Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Education, the Technical college in Chandankyari, Bokaro District (Engineering College) has been approved in the state of Jharkhand with the total amount of Rs.  26  crore  under  'New  Colleges  (Professional  &  Technical)'  component.  As  per  the information furnished by the State, the construction works have been completed in the college and college is functional from the 2025-26 academic session. The college currently offers three B.Tech programmes with an intake capacity of 60 seats each. As per the information furnished by the State, the students having domicile of Jharkhand or permanent residency of Jharkhand is the mandatory criteria for admission in the B.Tech programmes in this college.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1598 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Special Assistance for Capital Investment in Himachal Pradesh
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1598

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026/MAGHA 20, 1947(SAKA)

## SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

## 1598. Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- a) Whether the Union Government approved the proposal submitted by the Government of Himachal Pradesh under the Special Assistance for Capital Investment scheme for the year 2022-23 under PM Gati Shakti Yojana, if so, the details thereof; and
- b) The quantum of amount likely to be provided under Central Assistance to the State under the said scheme?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE (SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)

- (a): Yes. Based on the recommendations of Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade  (DPIIT),  the  Department  of  Expenditure,  Ministry  of  Finance,  approved  3  projects amounting to Rs 42 crores under Part II (PM Gati Shakti related Expenditure) of the scheme for Special  Assistance  for  Capital  Investment  (SASCI)  for the  year  2022-23.  The  entire  approved amount of Rs 42 crores was released to the State vide sanction order dated 15.12.2022.
- (b): An amount of Rs. 2427.7 crores has been released to Himachal Pradesh under SASCI in 2025-26 up to 04.02.2026.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1597 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Training Centres under PMKVY in Fatehpur
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Shri Naresh Chandra Uttam Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 1597

ANSWERED ON -09/02/2026

## TRAINING CENTRES UNDER PMKVY IN FATEHPUR

† 1597.   SHRI NARESH CHANDRA UTTAM PATEL:

Will the Minister of SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state: -

- (a) the number of training centres currently operational under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) in the Fatehpur Lok Sabha Constituency; and
- (b) the  number  of  trained  youth  from  these  centres  who  have  successfully  secured employment/self-employment?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

- (a)       The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has been implementing its flagship scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), since 2015 to provide skill development training across the country, including in the Fatehpur Lok Sabha Constituency. The scheme delivers training through Short-Term Training (STT) programs and up-skilling  and  re-skilling  through  the  Recognition  of  Prior  Learning  (RPL)  initiative.  The overarching  objective  of  PMKVY  is  to  enhance  youth  employability  by  equipping  them  with industry-relevant skills, thereby enabling better access to employment opportunities nationwide.

Under  PMKVY  4.0,  which  has  been  in  operation  since  FY  2022 -23,  a  demand-driven mechanism is followed for evaluating proposals submitted by Project Implementing Agencies. This is followed by the empanelment of Training Centres through a comprehensive accreditation and affiliation process conducted via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal. As of 31.12.2025, 25 Training Centres have been empanelled to provide project-based skilling under PMKVY 4.0 in the Fatehpur Lok Sabha Constituency.

- (b)       Placements were tracked in the Short-Term Training (STT) component of the first three versions  of  the  PMKVY  Scheme  i.e.  PMKVY  1.0,  PMKVY  2.0  and  PMKVY  3.0  implemented from FY 2015-16 to FY 2021-22. Under PMKVY 4.0 which is under implementation since 202223, the focus is to empower our trained candidates to choose their varied career path and they are suitably oriented for the same through On-job Training (OJT) embedded industry relevant skill  courses. During the first three versions of PMKVY, 3,269 candidates have been reported placed including 198 candidates reported self employed in Fatehpur Lok Sabha Constituency.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1596 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Promotion and Development of Medical Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1596

## ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL TOURISM

1596. SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  key  initiatives  of  the  Government  including budgetary  provisions  and  targeted  programmes  to  strengthen India's position as a global medical tourism destination;
- (b) the details of the steps taken/being taken to address the challenges in accessibility, affordability and post-operative care for foreign medical tourists visiting India;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted an assessment regarding the specific treatments popular in India and planned a dedicated framework for their development with special focus;
- (d) whether the Government has performed any impact assessment of medical tourism during the last five years and the current year, and if so, the findings thereof; and
- (e) the role of State Governments/Union Territories in promotion and development  of  medical  tourism  in  their  regions,  along  with examples of successful collaborations or models?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM          (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (e): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including medical tourism is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration.

The Ministry of Tourism promotes India in a holistic manner, through various initiatives. As part of on-going activities, promotion of Medical & Wellness tourism is also taken up.

The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  not  conducted  any  assessment regarding the specific treatments popular in India or impact assessment of medical tourism during the last five years and the current year. In order to provide impetus to the growth of Medical and Wellness tourism in India, Ministry of Tourism formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism and circulated to concerned Central Ministries, State Governments and Industry Stakeholders. The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) under the Ministry of Commerce has developed a comprehensive website viz., http://www.indiahealthcaretourism.com  which  provides  information  on accredited hospitals and wellness centres, visa, healthcare providers etc. The Ministry of Tourism has provided a link to this portal on its official websites. To facilitate the visit of foreign nationals to come to India for medical treatment,  the  Government  of  India  has  extended  e-medical  visa/  emedical attendant visa facility.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1593 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: Digital Payment Ecosystem
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri E T Mohammed Basheer

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1593

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 09 FEBRUARY 2026/MAGHA 20, 1947 (SAKA)

## Digital Payment Ecosystem

## 1593. SHRI E T MOHAMMED BASHEER:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- a) the manner in which the Government is enhancing the digital payment ecosystem to promote greater financial inclusion across all sections of society;
- b) the recent initiatives that have been introduced to expand digital payment infrastructure and ensure easier access for citizens in rural and semi-urban areas of the country; and
- c) the manner in which policymakers and regulatory bodies ensure that the rapid growth of digital transactions contributes to long-term financial empowerment and inclusive economic growth in the country?

## Answer

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

(a) & (b) The Government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) have been taking up various initiatives for strengthening digital payment ecosystem in the country including rural and semi-urban areas. These, inter-alia, include incentive scheme for promotion of RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M) to incentivize banks/fintechs, and Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDFs) to facilitate deployment of digital payment infrastructure (such as QR code and POS Terminals) in Tier - III to VI centers. During the last  four  years  i.e.  FY  2021-22  to  FY  2024-25,  the  Government  has  extended  the incentive support of approximately ₹ 8730 Crores to the banks/fintechs. Further, as of December 31,  2025,  approximately  5.80  crore  digital  touch  points  have  been  deployed  through  PIDF throughout the country to ensure the seamless digital payment transactions.

(c)  The  growing  adoption  of  digital  payments  has  revolutionized  access  to  financial  services, particularly  for  underserved  and  unserved  communities.  By  enabling  seamless,  traceable transactions through platforms like UPI, digital payments have created a robust financial footprint for  individuals  and  businesses.  These  footprints  serve  as  alternative  data  points  for  financial institutions, allowing them to assess creditworthiness. As a result, more people are able to access formal credit channels, which not only empowers economic participation but also brings more entities  into  the  formal  financial  ecosystem.  Digital  platforms  like  UPI  have  enabled  citizens including small vendors and rural users to accept digital payments, reducing cash dependency and increasing formal economic participation.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1592 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: National Mission on Mentoring
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri B K Parthasarathi

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:- 1592

ANSWERED ON-09/02/2026

## National Mission on Mentoring

## 1592. Shri B K Parthasarathi:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the total number of mentors appointed under the National Mission on Mentoring (NMM) in the country, State/UT-wise and district-wise for Andhra Pradesh;
- (b) the number of teachers mentored, year and district-wise for Andhra Pradesh;
- (c) the details of the selection process, qualifications, requirements and training of mentors under the said mission;
- (d)  the  details  of  methodology  adopted  for  mentoring,  including  modes,  frequency  and pedagogical focus areas such as foundational literacy, inclusive education and digital learning;
- (e) whether any assessment or feedback has been undertaken by the Government to evaluate the Mission's impact on teaching quality and learning outcomes; and
- (f) if so, the details of the findings along with the measures taken by the Government to improve its implementation in Andhra Pradesh?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b): A total of 3,032 mentors have been onboarded across the country by NCTE under the National Mission on Mentoring (NMM). The detailed information regarding the number of mentors and teachers mentored, State/UT-wise and district-wise for Andhra Pradesh, is placed at the Annexure, available at https://www.education.gov.in/parl\_ques.
- (c) & (d): Mentors under the National Mission on Mentoring are selected by NCTE through a structured process that examines professional excellence, mentoring aptitude and alignment with  the  National  Education  Policy  (NEP),  2020.  Any  outstanding  professional  (retired  or working) with at least eight years of experience in their area of expertise, including professors, principals and other professionals, may be considered for engagement as a mentor. Mentors are required to submit their applications through the designated application form available on the NCTE website and are provided orientation and capacity-building support.

The  mentoring  methodology  under  the  National  Mission  on  Mentoring  uses  technologyenabled, need-based support, combining individual and group mentoring through a dedicated digital  platform,  namely  the  Unified  Mentoring  Interface  (UMI).  The  mentoring  covers  30

domains  and  41  sub-domains  aligned  with  NEP,  2020,  including  pedagogical  content knowledge, foundational literacy, inclusive education and digital education, and is undertaken on a continuous basis to support teachers' professional development.

(e) & (f): An in-built feedback mechanism is in place in the Unified Mentoring Interface (UMI). Assessment and evaluation are part of a continuous process aimed at structural improvement of the platform to enhance teaching quality and learning outcomes.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1591 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-09
Subject: ESI Hospital in Ballari
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri E Tukaram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1591 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.02.2026

## ESI HOSPITAL IN BALLARI

1591. SHRI E TUKARAM:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government is aware that the 100-bed Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Hospital approved in Ballari, Karnataka has still not started functioning even though it was approved several years ago and if so, the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether it is a fact that the land has already been given and basic works have been completed but the main hospital building has not yet been constructed;
- (c) if so, the reasons for the delay in issuing the tender and starting the construction work;
- (d) whether the Government has fixed any clear timeline to start and complete the hospital building and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to speed up the work so that workers and their families in Ballari district can get ESI medical services at the earliest?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a) to (e): Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has assigned  the  work  to  Central  Public  Work  Department  (CPWD)  for construction of the 100-bedded ESI Hospital at Ballari. The project is at conceptual plan stage. The completion timeline of such projects varies as per the various stages of construction viz. detailed concept planning, approvals/clearance of various authorities etc.

Medical facilities to ESI beneficiaries in Ballari district are being provided through two ESI Scheme dispensaries and one tie-up hospital in Ballari.

*****