opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3962 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-17
Subject: Industrial Transition and Sustainable Manufacturing Competitiveness
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Smt. Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3962

ANSWERED ON 17.03.2026

## INDUSTRIAL TRANSITION AND SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING COMPETITIVENESS

## 3962.  SMT. SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO:

## Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  assessed  the  implications  of  a  low-carbon  and  sustainable industrial transition for mineral and manufacturing-intensive regions, particularly States that are major producers of steel, aluminium and mineral-based products;
- (b) whether any data or analysis is available on the export competitiveness, investment flows and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) participation in emerging sectors such as green steel, renewable energy manufacturing, battery storage and hydrogen value chains;
- (c) whether the Government has examined the trade-offs arising from fiscal dependence on coal and  mineral-based  industries  in  the  context  of  climate  commitments  and  global  carbon regulations; and
- (d) if so, the details of policy frameworks, incentives or industrial strategies being considered to support  a  just  and  inclusive  industrial  transition,  including  workforce  reskilling,  technology upgradation and supply-chain diversification in industrially significant States such as Odisha?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA)

(a) to (d): As far as Ministry of Heavy Industries is concerned, no such assessment has been undertaken. However, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has  informed  that  India,  at  the  26 th Session  of  the  UNFCCC  (COP  26)  in  November  2021, announced its target to achieve net zero by 2070.  In pursuance thereof, India submitted its LongTerm Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) to the UNFCCC in November  2022,  which  provides  a  framework  involving  seven  key  strategic  transitions  for achieving  net-zero  emissions  by  2070.    One  of  the  strategic  transitions  include  promoting economy-wide decoupling of growth from emissions and development of an efficient, innovative low  emission  industrial  system.    As  per  the  report,  elements  for  industrial  system  include improving energy efficiency; process and fuel switching, and electrification; enhance material efficiency and recycling; promoting green hydrogen technology and infrastructure.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3960 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-17
Subject: AI–based Monsoon Forecasting Programme
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Amar Sharadrao Kale

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3960 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 17 th  MARCH, 2026

## AI-BASED MONSOON FORECASTING PROGRAMME

3960. SHRI  AMAR SHARADRAO KALE:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी

be pleased to state:

(a) the  details  of  the  Al-based  Monsoon  Forecasting  Programme  implemented  by  the Government and the number of farmers covered there;

(b) the  details  of  the  specific  AI  models  used  in  this  programme,  the  collaborations undertaken and the parameters on the basis of which their accuracy and performance have been assessed

(c) whether  the  programme  has  been  assessed  on  the  basis  of  its  impact  on  crop planning  and  risk  management  for  farmers  in  Kharif-dominated  regions  and  if  so,  the findings thereof; and

(d) the  details  of  the  steps being  taken  by  the  Government  to  expand this  initiative  to more  States  and  to  integrate  Al-based  forecasting  with  existing  agricultural  advisory platforms such as mKisan portal?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

(a) to (d): In the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, an   AI-based pilot was conducted  in  collaboration  with  the  Development  Innovation  Lab-India  on  agriculturally relevant local monsoon onset forecasts across parts of 13 states in India for Kharif 2025. An open-source  blended  model  was  used,  including  NeuralGCM,  the  European  Centre  for Medium-Range  Weather  Forecasts'  (ECMWF)  Artificial  Intelligence  Forecasting  System (AIFS), and historical rainfall data from 125 years from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The probabilistic forecasts predicted only the local onset of the monsoon, which is essential  for  deciding  on  the  date  of  sowing  crops.  Local  monsoon onset forecasts  were sent via SMS through the M-Kisan portal to 3,88,45,214 farmers in 13 states in five regional languages- Hindi, Odia, Marathi, Bangla, and Punjabi.

Telephonic farmer feedback surveys were conducted in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar through Kisan Call Centers after the forecasts were sent. The survey revealed that 31% to 52%  farmers adjusted their planting decisions, primarily through changes in land preparation and sowing timing, which included crop and input choice.

Further,  the Government has decided to implement this capability into the national system  based  on  an  equivalent  in-house  technological  solution,  leveraging  collaboration among the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), India Meteorological Department (IMD),  and  Indian  Space  Research  Organisation  (ISRO). As  the  dynamical  models  from IITM have demonstrated better skills in simulating the local onset, they are being integrated into the AI framework for 2026.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3949 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-17
Subject: Per Drop More Crop
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Md. Rakibul Hussain

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3949

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 17 TH  MARCH, 2026

## PER DROP MORE CROP

3949.  MD. RAKIBUL HUSSAIN: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी be pleased to state: (a) whether  micro-irrigation  schemes  such  as  drip  and  sprinkler  systems  are  being promoted in flood-affected districts of Assam; (b) the  number  of  farmers  covered  under  the  Per  Drop  More  Crop  component  of PMKSY in the State; (c) the financial assistance provided during the last three years; and

- (d)      whether any special incentives are proposed for flood-prone regions?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY) (a) &  (b): Department  of  Agriculture  &  Farmers  Welfare  is implementing  Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) from the year 2015-16 in the Country including the State  of Assam. The scheme focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm  level  through  Micro  Irrigation,  namely,  Drip  and  Sprinkler  Irrigation  Systems.  Since inception of the scheme, 68607 farmers have been benefitted in the State of Assam. (c) & (d): Under PDMC  scheme, financial assistance for installation of Drip and Sprinkler irrigation  systems is provided  at  the  rate  of 55% to  Small and  Marginal Farmers,  45% to other farmers and 90% to the beneficiaries of Forest Rights Act (FRA) Patta holders. The subsidy  pattern  is  applicable  to  all  the  States/UTs  uniformly  without  any  difference  with respect to area or district including flood prone regions. Many States including the State of Assam provide top-up subsidy that increases the assistance to the farmers to encourage them to adopt micro irrigation. During  the  last  three  years,  Central  Assistance  of  Rs.  6798.24  crore  has  been provided to all the States of the country under PDMC which includes Rs.107.03 crore to the

State of Assam.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3945 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-17
Subject: India-China Trade
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Rao Rajendra Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3945 ANSWERED ON 17/03/2026

## INDIA-CHINA TRADE

## 3945. SHRI RAO RAJENDRA SINGH:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any data on the total amount of trade the country undertakes with China;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether  the  amount  of  trade  undertaken  between  the  two  countries  will  be impacted  by  the  recent  disengagement  of  troops  with  the  aforementioned nation, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्यमंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद ) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

- (a) & (b) Details of the total amount of trade India had with China during FY 2024-25 can be accessed from the website of the Department of Commerce i.e., https://tradestat.commerce.gov.in/eidb/country\_wise\_ttrade
- (c)  The Government continuously monitors developments in India's bilateral relations with all partner countries, including China. Bilateral trade between India and China is driven primarily by market dynamics and the requirements of domestic industry and consumers.
- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3943 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-17
Subject: Indo-US Trade Deal
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Subbarayan K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3943 ANSWERED ON 17/03/2026

## INDO-US TRADE DEAL

## 3943.  SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Indo-US Trade Deal has not been finalised as yet;
- (b) if so, the details and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the details of the other Free Trade Agreements signed by the Government so far during the last six months?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्यमंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद

## )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a) & (b) India and the United States announced a trade deal on 2nd February 2026. A Joint Statement for the same was released on February 07 2026.  On February 07 2026, 25% additional ad valorem tariffs imposed by the U.S. on certain India's exports citing India's imports of Russian oil were removed. Pursuant to US Supreme Court judgement dated 20 th  February 2026 invalidating reciprocal tariffs, the reciprocal tariffs are no longer in force. The US Government has issued Executive Orders imposing 10% tariffs on all countries. The Government is studying all the developments and remains engaged with the US Government.

- (c) During last six months, India has signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman on 18 December, 2025, which is under ratification process. Additionally, the India-New Zealand FTA was announced on 22 December 2025, followed by the India-EU FTA on 27 January 2026. With United States, India have delivered a framework for an interim agreement on 7 th  February 2026. India's achievements in the FTAs for the year 2025-26 can be accessed at https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2236134&reg=3&lang=1. Further, key highlights of the Agreements signed or announced in 2025-26 can be accessed at the following link -https://www.commerce.gov.in/wpcontent/uploads/2026/03/FTAs-achievement.pdf.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3925 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-17
Subject: Reimbursement of Centre Share
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Kirsan Namdeo

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3925

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 17 TH  MARCH, 2026/ PHALGUNA 26, 1947 (SAKA)

REIMBURSEMENT OF CENTRE SHARE

3925.     DR. KIRSAN NAMDEO:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  the status of reimbursement of Centre's share (60%) for Special Police Officers  (SPOs)  under  the  Security  Related  Expenditure  (SRE)  Scheme  to Maharashtra State which has been pending;

(b)  the  total  amount  pending  to  be  reimbursed  to  Maharashtra  under  this scheme during the last three years;

(c) whether the Government is considering relaxing the norms for engaging the services of SPOs who are non-ex-Army/Policemen in LWE affected areas of Maharashtra; and

(d) the time by which these pending reimbursements will be released to the State?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a to c):

· Reimbursement under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme is of recurring nature and the releases are made on the basis of verification of records of the claims made by States by the Internal Audit Wing (IAW) of the Ministry of Home Affairs and approval of the SRE Standing Committee as per applicable scheme guidelines.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 3925 FOR 17.03.2026

· As  regards  to  the  reimbursement  of  Centre's  Share  under  the  SRE Scheme including the item 'Special Police Officers (SPOs)', the reimbursement has been made to Maharashtra as per the applicable Scheme guidelines during a particular period.

· Further,  as  per  SRE  Scheme  guidelines  no  amount  is  pending  for reimbursement under SRE scheme in respect of Maharashtra during the last three years.

· As per SRE Scheme guidelines, the SPOs so engaged in LWE affected areas  were  to  be  mandatorily  ex-Army/Policemen  and  the  claims  were processed accordingly. These guidelines have been reviewed in 2024-25 and the  mandatory  condition  of  'Ex -Servicemen  /  Ex-Policemen '  for  Special Police Officers (SPOs) has been relaxed from financial year 2024-25.

- (d) Question does not arise.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3924 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-17
Subject: Promoting Crop Diversification
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri V K Sreekandan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3924

TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH  MARCH, 2026

## PROMOTING CROP DIVERSIFICATION

## 3924. SHRI V. K. SREEKANDAN

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that disproportionate cultivation of paddy had serious implications for sustainability, climate resilience and public health;
- (b) whether it  is  also  true  that  the  state  of  Kerala  has  been  advised  to shift  to promote pulses, oilseeds and millets instead of paddy cultivation;
- (c) whether it is true that the State of Kerala was also advised not to provide incentives to paddy farmers; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

(a) to (d): Yes the disproportionate cultivation of rice is unsustainable in irrigated areas of several states. However, Kerala has a traditional practice of cultivating paddy in saline back waters where no other crop can be cultivated during the  kharif season. The climate resilient salinity tolerant varieties of rice mitigate the effect of climate change in coastal regions.

Further, Crop Diversification is being promoted through the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM), the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, the National Mission on Edible  Oil  (NMEO)-Oilseeds  &  Oil  PALM,  the  Mission  for  Integrated  Development  of Horticulture  (MIDH)      by  encouraging  the  production  and  productivity  of  crops  like  Millets, Coarse cereals, pulses, oil seeds, oil palm and horticultural crops in all states including Kerala. The funds under these centrally sponsored Schemes are provided to the states based on the requirement & plan given by the states. During the year 2025-2026, as per the State's Annual Action Plan, the state of Kerala has been approved, Rs.48 lakhs under NFSNM, Rs. Rs.4200 lakhs under MIDH  and Rs.1078 lakhs under NMEO-oil palm.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3922 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-17
Subject: Digitisation of Cadastral Maps used for Agricultural Statistics
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3922

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 17 TH  MARCH, 2026

## DIGITISATION OF CADASTRAL MAPS USED FOR AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS

3922. DR. KAKOLI GHOSH DASTIDAR:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the All-India Sample Report 2021-22 records that in 67% cases the village maps used by primary workers were last updated over twenty years ago, hampering identification of survey numbers;
- (b) whether a time-bound national programme will be launched to update and GIS-digitise all cadastral maps used for agricultural statistics; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

(a) to (c): Land and Land Revenue, including the maintenance of land records, is a State subject  under  the  Constitution  wherein  land  revenue  is  governed  by  State  specific Acts/Rules/Regulations. Thus, updation of land records is a subject of the State. However, the  Government  of India launched  Digital  India  Land  Record  Modernization Programme (DILRMP) as a Central Sector Scheme with effect from 1 st  April, 2016 with 100% funding by the Centre. The programme has been extended upto 2025-26. At present, 97.41% of the cadastral maps across States/UTs have been digitized.

Further,  the  Department  of  Land  Resources  has  informed  that  an  EFC  Note  on Survey/Re-survey for creation/updation of land records programme for a period of 3 years (2026-27 to 2028-29) has been circulated for inter-Ministerial consultations.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3921 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-17
Subject: National Fellowship for Scheduled Castes
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Jai Prakash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3921 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2026

## NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP FOR SCHEDULED CASTES

## 3921. SHRI JAI PRAKASH:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact the National Fellowship for Scheduled Castes is being seen a drop in beneficiaries with funding utilization for some education initiatives falling to forty percent in the country; sharp
- (6) if so, the details thereof; and
- the details of action taken by the Government to make this scheme more attractive?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)

- (a) & (b): The data in respect of beneficiaries and expenditure during last three years, as given below, under the Scheme of National Fellowship for scheduled caste students reveals that the number of beneficiaries is increasing every year except a slight decrease in the year 2024-25 whereas the expenditure is continuously increasing
- (c): To make this Scheme more attractive, the Government has undertaken several measures such as implementation of the Scheme   through a dedicated online Scholarship and Fellowship Management Portal, disbursement of fellowships through Direct Benefit Transfer, streamlining of verification process and dissemination of information through the websites and outreach activities to ensure wider awareness and coverage among eligible students by the Department; by the implementing organization the National  Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation and also by the University Grants Commission:

| Financial Year   |   Beneficiaries |   Expenditure (Rs in crore) |
|------------------|-----------------|-----------------------------|
| 2022-23          |            3608 |                      134.07 |
|                  |            4166 |                      199.82 |
| 2024-25          |            4143 |                      209.5  |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3920 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-17
Subject: Child Begging and Rehabilitation of Affected Children
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Ganesh Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3920 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2026

## CHILD BEGGING AND REHABILITATION OF AFFECTED CHILDREN

## 3920. SHRI GANESH SINGH:

- a) the details of the policies, legal and programmatic measures that have been undertaken by the Ministry so far to prevent child begging in the country; and
2. (b) the details of the major outcomes that have been achieved through these initiatives?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI BL:VERMA)

- (a): The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Central Sector Scheme  "Support   for Marginalized which includes a sub-scheme for the Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging: This sub-scheme is implemented through the Implementing Authorities, namely District Administrations Urban Local Bodies/ Municipal Corporations and Implementing Agencies (IAs) working in the field of beggary prevention: The sub-scheme focuses on extensive welfare measures such as medical facilities, counselling, education and skill development; adopting an effective convergence approach for sustainable rehabilitation in begging including women and children:

The scheme   gives   special   attention to children engaged Selected IAs organise outreach camps to create  awareness and motivate children and their parents or families to enroll in schools, obtain Aadhaar cards, and access medical assistance wherever required. Identified children are reunited with their parents Or families, wherever feasible and efforts are made to link them with Anganwadi centres and Government schools

In addition; children engaged in begging are provided institutional care through Child Care Institutions (CCIs) under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) These   Institutions   provide age-appropriate  education, vocational training, recreation, health care, counselling and other support services orphan

- (b): Under this sub-scheme, a total of 2,480 children found engaged in begging have been Out of these, 1,468 children have been reunited with their parents Or families, 277 children have been linked to children have   been referred to the Child Welfare Committee and 512 children have been facilitated for enrolment in schools:

*****