opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2789 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: New Criminal Laws
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Janardan Singh Sigriwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2789

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH, 2026/ PHALGUNA 19, 1947 (SAKA)

NEW CRIMINAL LAWS

2789. SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) Whether the new criminal laws (Nyaya Sanhitas) include provisions for the examination of witnesses through video conferencing; and

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to implement such new criminal laws?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI BANDI SANJAY KUMAR)

(a) & (b): Section 254 and Section 265 for Evidence for Prosecution and Section 266 for Evidence for Defence of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 provide for use of audio-video electronic means for recording of evidence and examination of witnesses. Further, section 530 of BNSS provides that all trials, inquiries and proceedings under BNSS may be held in electronic mode, by use of electronic communication or use of audiovideo electronic means. Government has developed Nyaya-Shruti application  which  facilitates  virtual  appearance  of  accused  persons, witnesses, police officials,  prosecutors,  scientific  experts,  prisoners  etc. through video conferencing.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2783 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: EV Manufacturers
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Shri Rahul Singh Lodhi, Smt. Malvika Devi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2783

ANSWERED ON 10.03.2026

## EV MANUFACTURERS

## †2783. SHRI RAHUL SINGH LODHI: SMT. MALVIKA DEVI:

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

- (a) the total number of global EV manufacturers who have applied under the SMEC scheme since March 2024 till date;
- (b)  the  number  of  companies  out  of  them  have  initiated  the  process  of  land  acquisition  or  plant construction;
- (c) the details of States emerging as major EV hubs under the scheme;
- (d) the monitoring mechanism adopted to ensure that approved companies achieve the mandatory 25 per cent Domestic Value Addition (DVA) by the third year and 50 per cent DVA by the fifth year; and
- (e) the steps being taken by the Ministry to link the companies approved under the SMEC Scheme with domestic MSME units?

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

- (a) to (c): The Detailed guidelines of the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI) were notified on 02.06.2025.  The application window for the scheme was open till 21.10.2025, however no applications were received.
- (d): As per the scheme guidelines, approved applicant is required to achieve a DVA of minimum 25% by end of 3 rd year and minimum 50% by end of 5 th year for e-4W manufactured in its facilities. The monitoring of DVA certificate obtained by approved applicants is done by Testing Agencies of Ministry of Heavy Industries.
- (e): Does not arise.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2780 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Review of Policy of Bonus over MSP
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2780

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH, 2026

## REVIEW OF POLICY OF BONUS OVER MSP

2780. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH

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

(a) whether the Government of Kerala to review its existing policy of providing incentive bonus over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy and wheat, if so, the details and reasons therefor,

(b) whether the said communication was issued in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, if so, the details thererof,

(c)  whether  the  Government  recognises  the  higher  cost  of  cultivation  due  to  unique  agroecological conditions of paddy cultivation in Kerala, particularly in Kuttanad region, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the Government will clarify that States are free to provide additional bonuses over MSP without any adverse fiscal consequences or policy restrictions, 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):  A letter dated 9 th  January 2026 was written by Secretary (Expenditure) to the Chief Secretaries of the States containing certain suggestions for the State Governments to align their bonus policies with national priorities.

As per the information received from the Government of Kerala, the State Government has no proposal to review or withdraw the existing policy of providing an incentive bonus over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy.

Every  year,  Government  fixes  Minimum  Support  Prices  (MSPs)  for  22  mandated agricultural crops for the country as a whole, based on the recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), after considering the views of State Governments and Central Ministries/Departments concerned.

While recommending MSPs, CACP considers important factors like cost of production, overall  demand-supply  conditions,  domestic  and  international  prices,  inter-crop  price  parity, terms of trade between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, the likely effect on the rest of the economy, besides ensuring rational utilization of land, water and other production resources.

The  Union  Budget  for  2018-19  had  announced  the  pre-determined  principle  to  keep MSPs at levels of one and half times of the cost of production. Accordingly, Government had increased MSPs for all mandated Kharif, Rabi and other Commercial crops with a minimum return of 50 percent over all India weighted average cost of production,(including Kerala) from year 2018-19 onwards.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2779 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Rural Indebtedness Assessment
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Adv Gowaal Kagada Padavi, Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil, Ms. Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2779

## ANSWERED ON 10/03/2026

## RURAL INDEBTEDNESS ASSESSMENT

## 2779. Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil:

Ms. Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde:

Adv Gowaal Kagada Padavi:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has conducted any assessment of rural indebtedness among  small and marginal farmers, tenant farmers, landless agricultural labourers and migrant agricultural workers since 2014, State and district-wise including Maharashtra;
- (b) the  total  outstanding  institutional  and  non-institutional  debt owed by these categories, including borrowings from moneylenders  and  microfinance  institutions,  state-wise  since 2014, State and district-wise including Maharashtra;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  a  structured, long-term rural debt relief or resolution mechanism for existing debt,  not  in  the  nature  of  crop  insurance,  fresh  credit-linked schemes, liability-creating restructuring or one-time grants;
- (d) if  so,  the  details  including  eligibility,  funding  pattern  and implementation timeline; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor and alternative measures to address chronic rural indebtedness beyond credit expansion?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN)

(a) to (e): As  far  as  any  assessment  of  rural  indebtedness  among small  and  marginal  farmers,  tenant  farmers,  landless  agricultural labourers and migrant agricultural workers are concerned, Ministry of  Rural  Development  (MoRD)  does  not  conduct such  assessment. However, MoRD is implementing a number of welfare schemes/programmes  such  as  Mahatma  Gandhi  National  Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pradhan Mantri Awaas

Yojana-Gramin (PMAYG), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission  (DAY-NRLM),  Deen  Dayal  Upadhyaya  Grameen  Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY), Rural Self Employment Training Institutes(RSETIs),  National  Social  Assistance  Programme  (NSAP) and Watershed Development Component (WDC) of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi  Sinchayee  Yojana  (WDC-PMKSY)  for  overall  development  of rural  areas  of  the  country,  including  in  the  State  of  Maharashtra. These  schemes/programmes  aim  to  alleviate  poverty  and  to  bring about overall improvement in the quality of life of the people in rural areas  of  the  country  by  strengthening  livelihood  opportunities, providing minimum guaranteed employment, promoting selfemployment, skilling of youths in various useful trades and entrepreneurship qualities, infrastructure development and provision of social assistance.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2773 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: MSP Bonus for Paddy Farmers
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Adv. Adoor Prakash, Shri K C Venugopal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2773

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH, 2026

## MSP BONUS FOR PADDY FARMERS

2773.  ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH SHRI K C VENUGOPAL

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

- (a)  whether  the  Union  Government  has  directed  the  State  Government  of  Kerala  to discontinue the additional bonus over Minimum Support Price (MSP) being paid to paddy farmers and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the Government is aware that paddy cultivation in the state is steadily declining and the paddy farmers are struggling to continue cultivation
- (c) whether the move to discontinue the MSP bonus will further worsen the situation, and if so, the Government will give exemption to the State of Kerala;
- (d) the number and the details of the states where the additional bonus over MSP is provided for paddy and wheat, and
- (e) the details of the growth rate of paddy cultivation in the State Kerala, and if there is a declining trend during the last few years?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): A letter dated 9 th  January 2026 was written by Secretary (Expenditure) to the Chief Secretaries of the States containing certain suggestions for the State Governments to align their bonus policies with national priorities.

As per information received from Kerala Government, the Government of Kerala has no proposal to review or withdraw the existing policy of providing an incentive bonus over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy.

Various state governments have declared bonus over Minimum Support Price (MSP) including  Government  of  Chhattisgarh,  Kerala,  Tamil  Nadu,  Jharkhand,  Telangana, West Bengal,  Odisha  and  Assam  for  paddy  for  Kharif  Marketing  Season  (KMS)  2024-25  and Government of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for wheat for Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025-26.

Rice  production  in  Kerala  shows  a  fluctuating  trend  during  the  period  2021-22  to 2024-25. Production increased from 4.87 lakh tonnes in 2021-22 to 5.96 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 and declined to 4.98 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 and then increased to 5.16 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2764 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Allocation of Funds for Animal Husbandry
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Shri Omprakash Bhupalsinh Alias Pavan Rajenimbalkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2764 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 TH  MARCH, 2026

## ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

## 2764   SHRI OMPRAKASH BHUPALSINH ALIAS PAVAN RAJENIMBALKAR:

## Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING मत्स्यपालन , पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the municipal corporations and Panchayats have been provided financial grants or technical assistance by the Government for setting up of animal shelters, fencing and sterilization infrastructure; and

(b) if so, the total amount of funds allocated for in this regard under the 15th Finance Commission's Urban Grant Scheme or other schemes?

## ANSWER

## THE HON'BLE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND FISHERIES (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)

(a)  &  (b):  The  Animal Welfare Board of India  provides financial assistance to the recognized animal welfare organizations and Gaushalas who provide shelter to the stray /injured/sick animals under the following programmes:

Regular and rescue cattle grant financial assistance is provided towards maintenance / repairs of rescue home for animals, construction of water troughs / facilities, rescue operation during natural  calamities  including  maintenance  of  stray  animals,  purchase  of  medicine  for  animals, purchase of medical equipment, establishment charge- cost of engaging veterinary doctors, SPCA inspectors, veterinary assistants, compounders, ambulance drivers etc.,

Scheme for shelter house for looking after the animals -financial assistance is provided to eligible Animal Welfare Organizations for establishment, upgradation and maintenance of shelters for animals. The scheme provides for Rs.25.00 lakh for construction of a shelter houses, in-house dispensary  etc.  out  of  which  Rs.22.50  lakh  (being  90%)  is  provided  by  the  Government  and remaining cost Rs. 2.50 Lakh (being 10%) is borne by the AWO.

However, as per Animal Birth Control Rule, 2023, the local bodies i.e. Municipal Corporations, Municipalities etc. are the authorities to provide the infrastructure for conducting Animal Birth Control  Programmes.  Hence,  the  local  bodies  of  the  concerned  State  Governments  /UTs  are providing the financial assistance directly to the implementing agencies conducting Animal Birth Control Programme of the stray dogs.

However,  no  funds  are  provided  to  Gram  Panchayats  and  Municipal  Corporations  by  the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2763 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: ST Population as per 2011 Census
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Rajkumar Roat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2763

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH, 2026/ PHALGUNA 19, 1947 (SAKA)

ST POPULATION AS PER 2011 CENSUS

†2763. SHRI RAJKUMAR ROAT:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  total  population of Scheduled Tribes (STs) as per the 2011 Census along with statistical data regarding the population of these sub-tribes, subtribe-wise;
- (b) the various religions under which the tribal communities were enumerated in the country as per the 2011 Census along with State and religion-wise data with regard to the tribal population in the country;
- (c)  whether  the  lack  of  a  distinct  'Tribal  religion'  column  in  the  previous Census hindered the separate religious identification of the tribals;
- (d) if so, whether the Government proposes to include a separate column for 'Tribal Religion' in the upcoming proposed Census;
- (e) if so, the time by when and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (f) the details of the proposals received by the Government from various State Governments requesting a separate column for tribal religion to establish the religious identity of the tribals, State-wise ?

## ANSWER

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

(a): As per 2011 Census, the total population of Scheduled Tribes (STs) is 10,45,45,716. In Census, ST-wise data is collected as per the notified lists of

STs  of  each  State  and  Union  Territory.  The  sub-tribe  wise  data  is  not published separately in Census.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2763 FOR 10.03.2026

Part  (b):    The  data  on  Scheduled  Tribe  population  by  religious  community (Census 2011) is published at State/UT& District level in the table 'ST -14: Scheduled Tribe Population by Religious Community (State/UT/District level)'. The details of Religions shown under Other Religions and Persuasions for each tribe separately,  is  published  at  State/UT  level  in  the  table  'ST -14A: Details of religions shown under other religions and persuasions in main table (for  each  tribe  separately)  (States/UT  level)'.  These  tables  are  available online at www.censusindia.gov.in

Part (c), (d), (e) and (f): In Census, the enumerator records all religions/sects/beliefs as stated by the respondents. In Census 2027 also, the enumerators will record the name of the religion as stated by the respondent. In this regard representations have been received from different organisations.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2762 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Fisheries Ice Plants
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2762 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  MARCH, 2026

## Fisheries Ice Plants

## 2762.  Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed:

Will  the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposals to establish container-type ice plants in Chetlat, Kiltan and Bitra Islands of Lakshadweep to support the local fishing community.
- (b) if so, the current status of these proposals, including administrative approvals, site selection, estimated cost and timelines for completion;
- (c) the steps being taken by the Government to ensure adequate power supply, maintenance, and operational support for these ice plants;
- (d) whether the Government has assessed the impact of such plants on fish preservation, income generation and livelihoods of fishermen, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the funds allocated, released and utilized by the Government for establishing these facilities in the islands?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)

- (a) to (e): The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, has approved the proposal of the U.T. Administration of Lakshadweep under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at a total cost of ₹62.43 crore, with  a  central  share  of  ₹44.20  crore,  for  implementation  of  multiple  fisheries-related activities including four ice-plant units.
- The U.T. Administration has informed that no proposal exists for containerised ice plants in Chetlat, Kiltan, or Bitra. A 5 tones/per day block ice plant is already operational at Bitra. Additionally, 5 tones/per day Direct Expansion (DX) block ice plants for Chetlat and Kiltan have been sanctioned under PMMSY, each with an allocation of ₹68.44 lakh, and tenders for procurement have been issued. Power supply for these facilities is ensured through the Union Territory's diesel-based generation system, while options for integrating renewable energy, including solar power, are being actively explored.

While no standalone government study has been conducted on the specific impact of ice plants on fish preservation or fishermen's livelihoods, broader sectoral improvements under PMMSY indicate positive outcomes. Fish production in Lakshadweep has increased from about 500 tonnes in the 1960s to around 20,000 tonnes annually in the recent years. These trends  indicate  that  improvements  in  preservation  and  processing  infrastructure  have enhanced  product  quality,  contributing  to  higher  incomes  and  expanded  employment opportunities for fisher communities.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 231 (STARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: Travel Facilities for Sports persons
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Dr. Rani Srikumar, Thiru Dr. S Jagathratchakan

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

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. 231 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026

Travel Facilities for Sports persons

*231. DR. RANI SRIKUMAR:

THIRU DR. S JAGATHRATCHAKAN:

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that a group of young wrestlers from Odisha, who were  going  to  participate  in  a  national-level  sporting  event,  were compelled to travel in general compartments of a train and forced to sit near toilet areas due to the absence of their confirmed rail tickets, if so, the details of the circumstances leading to such travel arrangements;
- (b) whether the Government has any existing policy or quota available with Indian Railways to facilitate travel for sportspersons representing States or institutions at national and inter-State sporting competitions and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not, the reasons for the absence of such a mechanism; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to consider the introduction of a dedicated  travel  quota  for  athletes  travelling  for  national  sporting events?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  to  (d)  OF  LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *231 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026 REGARDING 'TRAVEL FACILITIES FOR SPORTS PERSONS' ASKED BY DR. RANI SRIKUMAR AND THIRU DR. S JAGATHRATCHAKAN, HON'BLE MEMBERS OF LOK SABHA.

(a) Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the recognized National Sports Federation (NSF) for wrestling, has stated that responsibility for making travel arrangements for athletes in national-level sporting event is that of the respective State wrestling associations, and, it did not receive any reference regarding travel arrangements for any group of wrestlers from Odisha.

The Railway Board has also confirmed that no request was received in Northern  Railway  for  confirmation  of  accommodation  for  athletes  in question.

(b) to (d) The  Ministry  of  Railways'  instructions  are  in  place  for providing facility of block reservations to sports teams participating in national tournaments recognized by the Association of Indian Universities,  NSFs,  Indian  Olympic  Association,  and  School  Games Federation  of  India,  which  can  be  done  without  waiting  for  the finalization of the team.

Sports  teams  participating  in  national  tournaments  can  send  their formal  request  to  the  nearest  quota  controlling  authority  where requests for releasing seats from unutilized quota of seats earmarked to  meet  the  urgent  requirements  of  High  Official  Requisition  (HOR) holders.

*****