opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 340 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Appointments in State Bank of India
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Malaiyarasan D

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 340

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2026/13 MAGHA, 1947 (SAKA)

## Appointments in State Bank of India

## 340. SHRI MALAIYARASAN D:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government has recently permitted the appointment of candidates from the private sector to senior management positions, including Managing Director (MD) in the State Bank of India (SBI);
- (b)  if  so,  the  reasons  for  allowing  such  appointments when there is already  a pool of experienced officers within the SBI and other Public Sector Banks (PSBs);
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  established  any  guidelines  or  safeguards  to  ensure  transparency, merit-based selection and prevention of conflict of interest in such appointments;

(d)  if so, the details thereof;

- (e)  whether  this  move  indicates  a  gradual  shift  towards  privatization  or  dilution  of  public  sector character in SBI and other PSBs; and
- (f) if so, the steps being taken to ensure that the interests of existing employees, accountability to Parliament and the public service mandate of SBI are not compromised by such policy changes?

## ANSWER

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

(a) and (b): To ensure a uniform, transparent, and comprehensive framework for the appointment of Whole-Time Directors (WTDs) of Public Sector Banks (PSBs), and to align the process with the evolving banking and governance landscape, the Government issued revised consolidated guidelines on 04.10.2025. These guidelines replace the earlier fragmented instructions with a single, coherent framework, bringing greater clarity and consistency to the appointment process.

As per  the  earlier  guidelines  the  post  of  Managing  Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer (MD&CEO) in four large nationalised banks (Bank of Baroda,  Bank of  India, Canara  Bank  and Punjab  National  Bank)  was  open  to  candidates  from  public  sector  and  private  sector.  Under  the revised  consolidated  guidelines,  with  a  view  to  widening  the  talent  pool  and  aligning  senior management appointments in PSBs with global best practices, all MD&CEO posts in nationalised banks, one Managing Director post in the State Bank of India, and one Executive Director post in large nationalised banks have also been opened for private sector candidates. The candidates from PSBs continue to be eligible for the said positions.

- (c) and (d): For ensuring transparency, merit-based selection and prevention of conflict of interest, the Government,  on  01.07.2022,  constituted  the Financial Services Institutions Bureau  for recommending names of eligible candidates for appointment as Whole-Time Directors on the Boards of Public Sector Banks.
- (e): No.
- (f): Question does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 334 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Protection of Women Sportspersons from Sexual Harassment
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Thiru Thanga Tamilselvan, Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 334 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

Protection of Women Sportspersons from Sexual Harassment

## 334. THIRU THANGA TAMILSELVAN:

DR. GANAPATHY RAJKUMAR P:

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

- (a) whether it is true that the National Level Shooting Coach has been recently suspended by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) for alleged  charges  of  complaint  filed  by  the  athlete's  family  during  a competition-related stay in Faridabad last month;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of the current progress of the case reported against the said coach;
- (d) the details of the total number of National Level Women Players on various sports has faced such a sexual assaulted case by their coaches for the last five years and action taken against these coaches;
- (e)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  take  necessary  action  to protect  National  Level  Women  Sportspersons  from  such  a  sexual harassment in future; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA]

(a)  to  (c)  Yes,  Sir.  National  Rifle  Association  of  India  (NRAI)  has suspended the Pistol coach associated with Indian Shooting team on the  alleged  charges  of  complaint  filed  by  athlete's  family  with Faridabad Police. The athlete was under private coaching with the coach and the incident happened at a venue not related to shooting range or during the official training camp.

(d) Sports Authority of India (SAI) has informed that in the last five years, 12 cases of sexual harassment were reported and requisite action  was  initiated  or  has  been  taken  against  the  concerned persons.

(e) and (f) Provisions of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) (POSH) Act, 2013 are applicable  to  National  Sports  Federations  (NSFs)  and  other  sports organizations, including those under the Central Government and the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, as applicable to any entity defined in the Act. The NSFs and other Sports Organizations are bound to take action in terms of the extant legal provisions in the cases of sexual harassment reported to them. For sensitizing the NSFs in the matter of sexual harassment in sports, instructions  have  been  issued  by  the  Ministry  of  Youth  Affairs  & Sports to NSFs from time-to-time for taking the requisite measures as  required  by  law.  Further,  SAI  has  also  issued  instructions regarding  the  safety  of  women  athletes  during  National  Coaching Camps  and  international exposure  visits  which  mandates  the presence  of  women  coaches/support  staff  with  female  athletes during domestic and international camps and competitions.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 332 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Deforestation by Invasive Species
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Prof. Sougata Ray

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 332

TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## Deforestation by Invasive Species

## 332.     PROF. SOUGATA RAY:

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

- (a) whether a large area of forest lands were perished due to invasive species;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is aware that the large-scale spread of invasive species is causing food shortages for wild animals in the forest lands, leading wildlife to encroach upon human habitats; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the steps to ensure the availability of enough water and food to wildlife in the forests to avoid such encroachments and wildlife attacks?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) As per the India State of Forest Report, 2023 published by the Forest Survey of India, invasive  species  show  very  dense  occurrence  in  2.51%  of  the  Recorded  Forest  Area  (RFA), moderate to dense occurrence in 33.59% and scanty occurrence in 18.92%, while 23.61% of the RDA has been reported to be free from invasive species. The data of invasive species was not available in ISFR 2013.

(c) & (d) The Ministry is aware that invasive species may influence forest ecosystems and wildlife habitat conditions.  The important steps taken by the Ministry to control and eradicate the invasive species are follows:

i.   In accordance with provisions contained under Section 33 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the Ministry has issued guidelines for the process of management planning for Protected Areas and other landscape elements. These guidelines also envisage incorporating prescriptions for eradication of invasive alien species in management plans of protected areas.

ii.  The  Ministry  provides  financial  assistance  to  States/UTs  under  its  Centrally  Sponsored Schemes  -  'Development  of  Wildlife  Habitats'  and  'Project  Tiger  and  Elephant'  for  the conservation and management of wildlife and its habitat, including control of the invasive alien species.

iii.   The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended in 2022 to empower the Central Government to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession or proliferation of invasive alien species, which pose a threat to the wild life or its habitat in India.
Lok Sabha Question No. 331 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Promotion and Safety of Adventure Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Anurag Singh Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.331

## ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## PROMOTION AND SAFETY OF ADVENTURE TOURISM

## 331. SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote adventure  tourism  in  the  country,  including  the  implementation status of the National Strategy for Adventure Tourism;
- (b) the  present  status  of  growth  of  the  adventure  tourism  sector, including its estimated market size, annual growth rate, employment potential and contribution to the overall tourism sector;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  increasing  number  of accidents  reported  in  adventure  tourism  activities  such  as  river rafting, trekking, mountaineering, ziplining and allied activities;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor, including gaps in regulation, safety standards and training of operators; and
- (e) the details of the measures proposed to enforce mandatory safety guidelines,  accreditation  and  registration  of  operators,  insurance coverage and uniform regulatory standards across States to ensure participant safety and the sustainable growth of adventure tourism in the country?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM          (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (e): The development and promotion of tourism, including adventure tourism, enhancing safety and convenience at adventure tourism sites is primarily  the  responsibility  of  the  State  Governments/Union  Territory Administrations.

In  order  to  position  India  as  a  preferred  global  destination  for Adventure Tourism, Ministry of Tourism has formulated National Strategy for  Adventure  Tourism.  The  Strategy  focuses  on  developing  adventure destinations,  promoting safety  in  adventure  tourism, skill  development, capacity building and marketing. The Ministry of Tourism conducts Responsible Adventure Tourism Guide  Course  through  its  Regional  India  tourism  offices  and  in  close coordination with Adventure Tour Operators Association of India. The  Ministry  of  Tourism,  in  association  with  the  Adventure  Tour Operators Association of India has formulated Adventure Safety Guidelines with an aim to establish a comprehensive and standardized framework to ensure safety in the Adventure Tourism sector across India. These guidelines have been circulated to all States and Union Territories for adoption and formulation / updation of safety protocols. All the States / Union Territories have been requested to maintain a strict watch  on  all adventure  related activities and  ensure  strict adherence to safety regulations and licensing norms by all the operators.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 325 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Participation of Foreign Banks
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Dr. Amar Singh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 325

ANSWERED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2026/MAGHA 13, 1947 (SAKA)

## Participation of Foreign Banks

## 325. DR. AMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has initiated policy measures to allow greater participation of foreign banks in the country's financial system through a committee process involving Finance, Home, External Affairs and Commerce Ministries, signalling a calibrated embrace of global capital amid restored financial stability;

(b) if so, the details of the Government's assessment of how such foreign bank entry is likely to impact  credit  availability,  competitiveness  with  domestic  banks,  regulatory  oversight,  risks  of financial contagion and alignment with India's financial inclusion and innovation goals; and

(c) the comprehensive policy framework proposed by the Government to manage foreign bank participation while safeguarding the country's sovereignty in financial decision-making, ensuring equitable access to credit for priority sectors and reconciling external engagement with national self-reliance narratives?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (c): Under  the  Banking  Regulation  Act,  1949,  grant  or  refusal  of  a  license  for  banking business to a bank, including a foreign bank, is a function assigned to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). As per the extant practice, applications that are found suitable from banking angle by RBI are  sent  to  the  Government  where  the  same  is  examined  through  the  Inter-Departmental Committee  (IDC)  of  the  Government  of  India.  IDC  is  an  inter-ministerial  committee  with members primarily from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Department of Commerce (DoC) with Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance being the nodal department. Once  the necessary clearances are given by  the  member ministries/department,  the  matter  is  then  recommended  by  the  IDC  to  RBI  after  which  RBI takes further necessary action on the proposal.

As  per Banking  Regulation  Act,  1949,  all  banks,  including  foreign  banks  are  regulated  and supervised by RBI. Further, in terms of the extant RBI Guidelines, foreign banks, inter-alia ,  are also required to adhere  to same  prudential  norms,  operational guidelines  and  corporate governance as applicable to domestic banks.

With regard to the priority sector lending (PSL) by foreign banks, RBI, vide its Master Directions, has prescribed targets and sub-targets for foreign banks too.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 322 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Promotion of MICE Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Dr. Prashant Yadaorao Padole

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.322

## ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## PROMOTION OF MICE TOURISM

## 322. DR. PRASHANT YADAORAO PADOLE:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote  the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry in India and at the global level;
- (b) whether  the  Government  plans  to  elevate  Indian  cities  into  the world's top MICE destinations;
- (c)
- if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the total revenue generated by the MICE market in India during 202425 and the growth expected thereof by 2030?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM          (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a)  to  (d):  Development  and  promotion  of  tourist  destinations  and products, including MICE tourism, is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. However,  as  part  of  its  on-going  activities,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism regularly  promotes  India  as  a  holistic  tourism  destination  including MICE  tourism  through  various  mediums  including  social  media  and websites.

Ministry  of  Tourism  has  identified  MICE  as  one  of  the  important segment of Tourism. Ministry has also formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for MICE Industry to promote the growth of MICE industry in the country. The following Key pillars have been identified in the MICE strategy document:

- i. Institutional support for MICE
2. ii.
3. Developing Eco-system for MICE
- iii. Enhance competitiveness of Indian MICE industry
- iv. Enhance ease of doing business for MICE events
- v. Marketing India as a MICE destination
- vi. Skill development for MICE industry

Ministry has introduced 'Meet in India' as a specialized sub-brand within the 'Incredible India' campaign. This sub-brand aims to enhance promotional initiatives, showcasing India as an appealing MICE destination equipped with top-tier connectivity, cutting-edge infrastructure,  a  vibrant  knowledge  hub  and  a  plethora  of  distinctive tourist attractions.

The Ministry has developed a comprehensive Digital MICE Catalogue,  highlighting  infrastructure  and  facilities  across  60+  Indian cities that successfully hosted G20 meetings during India's presidency. This resource catalogue is designed to support global and national MICE planners in organizing events in India, while promoting Indian cities as premier destinations on the world stage.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 319 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Rules for Labour Codes
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri V K Sreekandan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 319

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## RULES FOR LABOUR CODES

## 319.  SHRI V K SREEKANDAN:

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

- (a)whether it is a fact that the Government has prepublished the draft Rules for the four Labour Codes and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)whether the Government has sought public response to it by giving 45 days' time and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)whether it is also a fact that many Central Trade Unions have called for general strike protesting against the said move;
- (d)if so, whether the Government is considering to have further talks with all the Central Trade Unions; and
- (e)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): The Central Government has implemented the four Labour Codes, namely the Code on Wages, 2019; the Code on Social Security, 2020  (CoSS);  the  Industrial  Relations  Code,  2020  (IR  Code);  and  the Occupational  Safety,  Health  and  Working  Conditions  Code,  2020 (OSH&WC  Code),  with  effect  from  21.11.2025.  Further,  the  Central Government has pre-published the draft Rules under the four Labour Codes on 30.12.2025, inviting comments from stakeholders. A period of 45  days  has  been  provided  for  submission  of  comments  under  three Codes,  namely  the  Code  on  Wages,  2019,  the  CoSS,  2020  and  the OSH&WC Code, 2020 whereas a period of 30 days has been prescribed under the IR Code, 2020. The four Labour Codes were enacted after extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including Central Trade Unions. The comments and concerns raised by stakeholders were duly acknowledged and examined prior to the enactment of the four Labour Codes. The Ministry of Labour and Employment continues to engage with  stakeholders,  including  Central  Trade  Unions,  to  ensure  the smooth and effective implementation of the Codes.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 318 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Vacant Post in Visva Bharati University, IIT Kharagpur and IIM Joka
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Smt. Mala Roy

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 318 ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## VACANT POST IN VISVA BHARATI UNIVERSITY, IIT KHARAGPUR AND IIM JOKA

## 318. SMT. MALA ROY:

Will the Minister of Education be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of academic and non-academic Posts vacant in Visva Bharati University, IIT Kharagpur and IIM Joka as on date;
- (b) the details of these vacancies, post-wise; and
- (c) the reasons for non-filling of these posts?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

## (Dr. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

(a)  to  (c):  Visva-Bharati  University,  Indian  Institute  of  Technology  Kharagpur  and  Indian Institute  of  Management  Kolkata  are  statutory  autonomous  institutions  governed  by  their respective Acts, Statutes and Ordinances.

Vacancies  in  these  institutions  arise  on  account  of  retirement,  resignation  and  additional requirements due to enhanced student strength. The responsibility for filling such vacancies rests entirely with the institutes themselves. Being a continuous process, advertisements for faculty  positions  are  issued  throughout  the  year,  inviting  applications  from  all  eligible candidates possessing the requisite qualifications and experience.

All Central Universities, IITs and IIMs have been directed to expedite filling of vacancies on a mission mode.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 316 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Online Revenue Records of Daman and Diu
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

## DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

## LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 316

To be answered on Monday, February 2 nd , 2026/Magha 13, 1947 (Saka)

## Online Revenue Records of Daman and Diu

## 316. Shri Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai:

- Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state: (a) whether the UT Administration of Daman and Diu maintains the revenue records of Daman and Diu in an organized online database; (b) if so, the details of the website hosting these records, as well as the categories of records for which information is available; (c) if not, the reasons for UT Administration of Daman and Diu lagging behind vis-a-vis the other State Governments that are in the process of digitizing their land records; (d)  whether  the  Revenue  Department  under  Ministry  of  Finance  has  assessed  the status of online revenue records in the said UT; and
- (e) if so, the details of noting made in such assessment and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  &  (b)  Yes.  The  land  records  across  both  category  i.e.  Agricultural  and  NonAgricultural are available at https://sugam.dddgov.in.
- (c) Does not arise, in view of above.
- (d) No.
- (e) Does not arise, in view of above.

******