opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4886 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Mandatory ESG Disclosure for top Listed Companies
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Sasikanth Senthil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4886

ANSWERED ON Monday, March 23, 2026/Chaitra 02, 1947 (Saka)

## MANDATORY ESG DISCLOSURE FOR TOP LISTED COMPANIES QUESTION

4886.   SHRI SASIKANTH SENTHIL:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has issued revised guidelines for mandatory Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosures for the top 1000 listed entities for the financial year 202526;
- (b) the number of companies that have submitted the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) Core through the MCA-21 V3 portal;
- (c) whether the Government has provided any exemptions or simplified filing procedures for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) regarding these disclosures, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the measures taken to prevent 'Greenwashing' in corporate sustainability claims through stricter audit protocols?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS   AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## [SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA]

(a):  SEBI  mandated the top  1000 listed  companies  (by  market  capitalization) to  make ESG disclosures as per the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) from FY 2021-22 on a voluntary basis and mandatorily from FY 2022 - 23. In order to mitigate risks of greenwashing, vide circulars dated July 12, 2023 and March 28, 2025, SEBI has introduced BRSR Core, which contains a limited set of critical / core Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), for which listed entities shall need to obtain third party assurance/ assessment, as per the 24), top 250 listed entities (from FY 2024-25), top 500 listed entities (from FY 2025-26) and applicable to the top specified glide path beginning with the top 150 listed entities (from FY 2023 -1000 listed entities from FY 2026-27.

(b): The listed entities do not file their BRSR (including BRSR Core) on MCA-21 V3 portal.

(c):  In  order  to  facilitate  ease  of  doing  business  for  listed  entities  and  their  value  chain partners,  SEBI  vide  circular  dated  March  28,  2025,  has  given  certain  relaxations  such  as defer ring ESG disclosures for value chain, as well as 'assessment or assurance' thereof by one year, disclosures for value chain shall be voluntary from FY 2025-26, reducing the scope of value chain to cover the top upstream and downstream partners of a listed entity etc.

(d):  In  order  to  prevent  risks  of  greenwashing  in  corporate  sustainability  claims,  SEBI  has mandated third-party assurance or assessment on BRSR Core, a subset of BRSR, for which listed entities require third party assurance or assessment.

SEBI has also prescribed a glide path for applicability of BRSR Core, beginning with the top 150  listed  entities  (by  market  capitalization)  from  FY  2023 -24  which  shall  be  gradually extended to the top 1000 listed entities by FY 2026 - 27.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4884 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Status of Construction of Youth Hostel
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Smt. Delkar Kalaben Mohanbhai, Dr. Shivaji Bandappa Kalge, Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4884 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026

Status of Construction of Youth Hostel

†4884. SMT. DELKAR KALABEN MOHANBHAI:

SHRI NILESH DNYANDEV LANKE: DR. SHIVAJI BANDAPPA KALGE:

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

- (a) the details of Youth Hostels constructed across the country during the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;
- (b)  the  details  of  funds  allocated,  released  and  utilized  for  the construction of Youth Hostels in the country, State/UT-wise including the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli during the said period; and
- (c) the details of the number  of Youth Hostels constructed exclusively  for  girls,  particularly  in  Maharashtra  during  the  said period, year and State/UT-wise?

## THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

## ANSWER [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA]

- (a) One Youth Hostel at Kota, Rajasthan is constructed in the last three years.
- (b) The details of funds released under the Youth Hostel Scheme for construction of Youth Hostels in the country during the last three years and the current year, and their utilisation (till date), are given below:

(Amount in Rs.)

|                  | 2022-23         | 2022-23        | 2023-24         | 2023-24         | 2024-25          | 2024-25          | 2025-26          | 2025-26          |
|------------------|-----------------|----------------|-----------------|-----------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|
| Youth Hoste l    | Funds Release d | Funds Utilised | Funds Releas ed | Funds Utilise d | Fund s Relea sed | Fund s Utili sed | Fund s Relea sed | Fund s Utili sed |
| Kota, Rajas than | 2,00,00, 000/-  | 1,99,97, 271/- | 12,00, 000/-    | 12,00, 000/-    | 0                | 0                | 0                | 0                |

No funds have been allocated or released for construction of Youth Hostels in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli during the said period.

(c) No Youth Hostel has been constructed exclusively for girls by the  Ministry  of  Youth  Affairs  and  Sports  during  the  said  period, including in the State of Maharashtra.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4883 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Companies incorporated in West Bengal
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Kalipada Saren Kherwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 4883 ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026

Companies incorporated in West Bengal

## QUESTION

4883. Shri Kalipada Saren Kherwal:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of companies incorporated in West Bengal between 2011 and 2025, year-wise; and
- (b) the estimated number of people employed in companies incorporated and started in West Bengal from May 2011 to November 2025, year-wise?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

(Shri Harsh Malhotra)

(a): The Year-wise details of the number of companies incorporated in West Bengal between 2011 and 2025 are as follows: -

|   Calendar Year | Number of Companies incorporated in the state of West Bengal   |
|-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
|            2011 | 14,654                                                         |
|            2012 | 17,713                                                         |
|            2013 | 9,583                                                          |
|            2014 | 5,333                                                          |
|            2015 | 4,248                                                          |
|            2016 | 4,622                                                          |
|            2017 | 5,048                                                          |
|            2018 | 5,385                                                          |
|            2019 | 5,971                                                          |

|   Calendar Year | Number of Companies incorporated in the state of West Bengal   |
|-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
|            2020 | 6,628                                                          |
|            2021 | 8,235                                                          |
|            2022 | 8,691                                                          |
|            2023 | 7,720                                                          |
|            2024 | 8,115                                                          |
|            2025 | 10,053                                                         |

(b): No such data is maintained in the MCA-21 portal.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4872 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Proposed Merger of Banks
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Com. Selvaraj V, Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Shri Subbarayan K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4872

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026/ CHAITRA 02,1948 (SAKA)

## Proposed Merger of Banks

## 4872  COM. SELVARAJ V:

SHRI RAMVIR SINGH BIDHURI:

SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to merge some more banks;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has made any assessment of the banks that have been merged so far; and
- (d) if so, the impact of such merger of banks in terms of growth?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (d):  Presently,  there  is  no  proposal  under  consideration  of  the  Government  on  merger  or consolidation of Public Sector Banks.

The amalgamation of PSBs helped create stronger competitive banks with economies of scale and scope while enabling realisation of wide-ranging synergies. Leveraging of networks, better access to low-cost deposits, increased ability to support larger ticket-size lending and competitive operations by virtue of greater financial capacity has provided the amalgamated banks a substantial rise in customer base,  market reach and operational efficiency.  Synergy was also gained due to increased scope of operations, and improvement in cost efficiency with adoption of best practices and digitisation.

The amalgamation of PSBs, as envisaged, has contributed in improving operational efficiency and financial  soundness  of  banks  through  streamlining  of  operations  and  reduction  in  costs,  thereby resulting in increasing consolidated business of banks. As per Reserve Bank of India data, consolidated total business of-

- (i) Bank of Baroda, in which Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank were amalgamated w.e.f. 1.4.2019, grew from ₹ 16.1 lakh crore in Mar-19 to ₹ 27.0 lakh crore in Mar-25.
- (ii) Punjab National Bank, in which Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India were amalgamated w.e.f. 1.4.2020, grew from ₹ 18.3 lakh crore in Mar-20 to ₹ 26.8 lakh crore in Mar25.
- (iii) Union Bank of India, in which Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank were amalgamated w.e.f. 1.4.2020, grew from ₹ 15.3 lakh crore in Mar-20 to ₹ 22.9 lakh crore in Mar-25.
- (iv) Canara Bank, in which Syndicate Bank was amalgamated w.e.f. 1.4.2020, grew from ₹ 15.7 lakh crore in Mar-20 to ₹ 25.3 lakh crore in Mar-25, and
- (v) Indian Bank, in which Allahabad Bank was amalgamated w.e.f. 1.4.2020, grew from ₹ 8.6 lakh crore in Mar-20 to ₹ 13.3 lakh crore in Mar-25.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4871 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: States getting Highest Loans from the Central Government
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Smt. June Maliah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4871 TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 23 rd  March, 2026 02 CHAITRA, 1948 (SAKA)

## STATES GETTING HIGHEST LOANS FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

## 4871. SMT. JUNE MALIAH:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the names and amount in rupees of the top five States in the country with the highest net loans given by the Union Government to States till 2025-26; and
- (b) the  details  of  the  loan  provided  by  the  Union  Government  to  the  States  of  Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh since 2023-24, year-wise?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The details of top five States in the country with the highest outstanding loan from the Union Government till 2025-26 are as follows:

## (Rs. in crore)

|   S. No. | State          | Loans from the Centre (as on 18.03.2026)   |
|----------|----------------|--------------------------------------------|
|        1 | Tamil Nadu     | 80,255.03                                  |
|        2 | Madhya Pradesh | 79,343.65                                  |
|        3 | Uttar Pradesh  | 73,495.39                                  |
|        4 | Maharashtra    | 61,834.01                                  |
|        5 | Rajasthan      | 58,863.19                                  |

- (b) The details of the loan provided by the Union Government to the States of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh since 2023-24 are as follows:

(Rs. in crore)

| State          | 2023-24   | 2024-25   | 2025-26 (as on 18.03.2026)   |
|----------------|-----------|-----------|------------------------------|
| Uttar Pradesh  | 19,753.96 | 17,800.83 | 15,580.08                    |
| Gujarat        | 5,490.22  | 9,199.11  | 11,032.98                    |
| Andhra Pradesh | 5,011.15  | 8,868.21  | 14,991.34                    |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4870 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Revival of Pushpagiri Vishwavidyalaya in Odisha
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4870 FOR ANSWER ON 23.03.2026

## Revival of Pushpagiri Vishwavidyalaya in Odisha

## 4870. Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera:

Will the Minister of Culture be pleased to state

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  contemplating  to  revive  Pushpagiri  Vishwavidyalaya  that existed in multicampus in Udaigiri, Langudi, Ratnagiri, etc. to teach Buddhism, if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether the Government is contemplating to set up a national research institute at Jajpur and  Lalitgiri  district,  including  Udaigiri,  Langudi,  Ratnagiri,  etc.  for  more  research  on Buddhism and maritime cultural heritage and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF CULUTRE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) & (b):  Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Ministry of Culture has been carrying out the conservation and preservation work in Udaigiri, Langudi & Ratnagiri sites.  However, no such proposal  for  revival  or  establishment  of  Pushpagiri  Vishwavidyalaya  at  Jajpur  and  Lalitgiri district  including  Udaigiri,  Langudi,  Ratnagiri  etc.  or  for  setting  up  of  any  National  Research Institute on Buddhism and maritime Cultural Heritage at these sites is under consideration with the Ministry of Culture.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4858 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Impact of Over-Tourism in Vulnerable Areas
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Dr. Anand Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†4858 ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026

## IMPACT OF OVER-TOURISM IN VULNERABLE AREAS

†4858. Dr. Anand Kumar:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has commissioned any study to assess the  environmental  and  socio-cultural  impacts  of  over-tourism  on ecologically sensitive areas including the Himalayas region, if so, the details of its key findings thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has any proposal to establish a standardized  "Carrying  Capacity  Score"  or  scientific  benchmark for destinations experiencing excessive tourist pressure;
- (c) whether tourist limits, pre-registration, time-bound entry or other regulatory  measures  have  been  implemented  or  proposed  to  be implemented to ensure controlled tourism in sensitive areas; and
- (d) the details of time-bound action plan to incorporate these measures into the National Tourism Policy to promote   sustainable tourism and conserve natural and cultural heritage?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM        (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (d): Development and promotion of tourist destinations including assessment  of  the  environmental  and  socio-cultural  impacts  of  overtourism, carrying capacity, entry regulations etc. is primarily undertaken by  the  concerned  State  Government  (SG)/UT  Administration  (UTA). However,  Swadesh  Darshan  2.0  scheme  of  the  Ministry  of  Tourism encourages  adoption  of  principles  of  sustainable  tourism  including environmental sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability and economic sustainability.  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  is  also  encouraging  the  State Governments /UTAs to  undertake carrying  capacity  assessment  while submitting their project proposals for consideration. The  Ministry  had  formulated  a  draft  National  Tourism  Policy, however, in due course of time most of the key strategic objectives and action areas highlighted in the draft policy document have been suitably incorporated in the Ministry's existing initiative s, strategies and related documents. The  Ministry  has  released  'National  Strategy  for  Sustainable Tourism' which acts as a guiding document for all stakeholders including State  Governments/UT  Administrations,  with  an  aim  to  mainstream sustainability  in  Indian  tourism  sector  and  ensure  a  more  resilient, inclusive, carbon neutral and resource efficient tourism while safeguarding natural and cultural resources. It also focuses on effective visitor management including spreading and deflecting demand, physical site  management,  engaging  local  community  in  the  development  of tourism policies and plans, getting the balance right in the volume, timing and location of visits.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 4853 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Development of Pong Dam under SDS
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †4853

## ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026

## DEVELOPMENT OF PONG DAM UNDER SDS

†4853. DR. RAJEEV BHARADWAJ:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether Pong Dam area in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh has been identified under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS);
- (b)  if so, the current status thereof;
- (c)  whether survey work of Pong Dam area has been completed; and
- (d)  if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

## ANSWER

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (d): Development  of  tourism  infrastructure  at  different  destinations including  destination  assessment,  surveys  etc.  is  primarily  done  by  the concerned State Government (SG)/UT Administration (UTA). However, Ministry of  Tourism  through  its  various  schemes  including  'Swadesh  Darshan  2.0 (SD2.0)',  'Challenge  Based  Destination  Development  CBDD'  (an  initiative under Swadesh Darshan scheme) etc. complement these efforts by providing financial  assistance  to  SGs/UTAs  for  development  of  tourism  infrastructure and experiences in the country, on receipt of the project proposals from them, in synergy with the scheme guidelines, Government directions, availability of funds, interse priority etc. 'Pong Dam' Himachal Pradesh was identified as a destination  under  SD2.0.  However,  presently  the  Ministry  has  sanctioned  1 project 'Development of Maa Chintpurni Devi Temple, Una' for Rs.56.26 Crore under SD2.0 and 2 projects viz. 'Kaza under Culture and Heritage' for Rs.24.82 Crore and 'Tourism Infrastructure Development at  RakchamVibrant Village' for Rs.4.96 Crore under CBDD programme in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4851 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC)
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Raja A

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF EXPENDITURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4851

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026 CHAITRA 02, 1948 (SAKA)

'8 th  Central Pay Commission (CPC)'

## 4851.  Shri Raja A:

Will the Minister of FINANCE

be pleased to state:

- (a)   whether Chairperson and members have been appointed for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) and if so, the current status thereof;
- (b) the key areas under review by the said CPC, including proposed changes in the pay scales, salaries/allowances and pension structures;
- (c) the timeline proposed for submission of the CPC report along with the Government's roadmap for implementation of its recommendations; and
- (d)    whether  the  Government  has  made  any  assessment  of  the  fiscal  impact  of implementing the CPC recommendations on the Union Budget, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c): The Government has notified Resolution dated 03.11.2025 for constitution of 8 th  Central Pay Commission (CPC), along with appointment of the Chairperson and  Members,  that  will  make  its  recommendations  on  various  issues  viz.  Pay, Allowances, Pension, etc. of the Central Government employees within 18 months of its constitution.
- (d): The fiscal  impact  of  the  recommendations of  8 th   CPC  will  be  known,  once  the recommendations are made by the 8 th  CPC and are accepted by the Government.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4846 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-23
Subject: Disinvestment Targets and Impact on State PSUs
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Smt. Jyotsna Charandas Mahant

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF INVESTMENT AND PUBLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4846

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026/ CHAITRA 02,1948 (SAKA)

## Disinvestment Target and Impact on State PSUs

## 4846 . SMT. JYOTSNA CHARANDAS MAHANT:

Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:

- (a) the disinvestment receipts actually realized against targets from FY 2023-24 onwards, year-wise;
- (b) the specific disinvestment target set for FY 2026-27 and the proposed pipeline of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) identified for stake sales;
- (c) the reasons for repeated shortfalls between budgeted targets and actual realisations over the last three financial years; and
- (d) whether the Government has assessed the impact of privatising major industrial CPSEs on the employment and dividend shares of mineral-rich states like Chhattisgarh and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

## (a) to  (b): Realisation  of  disinvestment  proceeds  from  FY  2023-24  onwards  are  given  as under:

(Rs. crore)

| Year    | Actual Realisation        |
|---------|---------------------------|
| 2023-24 | 16,507                    |
| 2024-25 | 10,163                    |
| 2025-26 | 15,563 (as on 18.03.2026) |

Fixing separate disinvestment targets has been discontinued since the Revised Estimate (RE) of FY 2023-24. However, Rs. 30,000 crore, Rs.33,000 crore, Rs.33,837 crore and Rs. 80,000 crore kept under Miscellaneous Capital Receipts for RE 2023-24, RE 2024-25, RE 2025-26 and BE 2026-27 respectively, which includes estimated receipts on account of management of equity investments and public assets through various mechanisms.  Disinvestment is an ongoing  process,  and  execution/completion  of  specific  transactions  hinges  upon  market conditions, domestic and global economic outlook, geopolitical factors, investor interest and administrative feasibility. Given the market-sensitive nature of disinvestment transactions, drawing up timelines for disinvestment are not feasible.

(c) :  The  question  of  shortfall doesn't  arise as  there  is  no separate  /specific target  set for disinvestment proceeds since 2023-24.

(d): The Department has not made any formal assessment of operational, technological and managerial efficacies of these privatized CPSEs. However, the Economic Survey, 2019-20 analyzed  the  gains  of  privatization  in  case  of  11  CPSEs  that  have  undergone  strategic disinvestment from 1999-2000 to 2003-04. The analysis shows these privatized CPSEs on an average, perform better post privatization than their peers in terms of their net worth, net profit, return on assets, return on equity, gross revenue, net profit margin, sales growth and gross profit per employee.

*****