opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 434 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Worker Safety Safeguards under Occupational Safety Code
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

## MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 434 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## WORKER SAFETY SAFEGUARDS UNDER OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

## CODE

## 434.  SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY:

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

- (a)whether the Government is aware that the Occupational Safety, Health  and  Working  Conditions  Code  has  expanded  coverage  to multiple sectors while simultaneously reducing explicit statutory obligations in certain high-risk employments such as construction, mines, and contract labourers and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)whether the Government has assessed the readiness of Central and State enforcement machineries including availability of qualified  safety  officers,  inspectors-cum-facilitators  and  medical infrastructure for effective implementation of the said Code; and
- (c)if  so,  the  details  thereof  including  timelines  for  framing  sectorspecific rules, mechanisms for mandatory safety audits, accident reporting and measures proposed to fix accountability on employers  to  prevent  workplace  accidents  and  occupational diseases?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): The Government has enacted Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH & WC) Code, 2020, to consolidate and simplify  the  existing  labour  laws.  It  replaces  13  existing  central labour laws into a single comprehensive legislation, thereby reducing multiplicity and bringing uniformity across sectors and states. The Code mandates health and safety provisions for all workers employed in establishments employing 10 or more employees.

Since, the labour is in the concurrent list and accordingly, roles and responsibilities have been specified under the OSH & WC Code, 2020 for Central and State Government. Ministry of Labour & Employment has pre published the draft rules under OSH & WC Code

2020 on 30th December 2025 seeking comments of stakeholders.

The  Ministry  of  Labour  &  Employment  has  conducted several meetings, workshops, regional conferences, video conferencing, etc. with States/ UTs on implementation of Codes. The Ministry is also imparting training to the officers of State Government through V.V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI), Noida. Further, on-line  training  modules  on  Codes  have  developed  and  hosted  on iGOT Karmayogi.

The Code mandates employer to comply, inter-alia, with occupational safety & health standards including safety audit, send notices of accident which causes death or bodily injury to authorities prescribed by appropriate government. Further, for contravention of provisions of the code, rules, regulations, standards, bye-laws, the code has provisions for penalty or punishment, as applicable.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 424 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Participation in  PMIS
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Sajda Ahmed

424      Smt. Sajda Ahmed:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has assessed the level of participation and acceptance of offers under the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (PMIS;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has examined the reasons for such low acceptance of internship offers;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e)  whether  the  Government is  aware that interns have left the programme before completion;
- (f) if so, the details thereof; and
- (g)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  revamp  the  PM  Internship  Scheme  to improve participation and retention and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

[SHRI HARSH MALHOTRA]

(a) & (b): Yes, the Government has assessed level of participation and acceptance of offers under the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (PMIS). In the Round I of the PM Internship  Scheme  Pilot  Project,  more  than  6.21  lakh  applications  were  received from  about  1.81  lakh  candidates.  Partner  companies  made  over  82,000  internship offers to over 60,000 candidates and over 28,000 offers were accepted.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 424

ANSWERED ON MONDAY THE 2 ND  FEBRUARY, 2026

MAGHA 13, 1947 (SAKA)

## PARTICIPATION IN PMIS

## QUESTION

In the Round II of the PM Internship Scheme Pilot Project, over 4.55 lakh applications were received from over 2.14 lakh applicants, in this round. Partner companies made over 83,000 offers to over 71,000 candidates and over 24,600 offers were accepted. (c)  &  (d):  On  the  basis  of  concurrent  evaluation,  feedback  survey  outbound  calls made  by  the  call  center  to  the  candidates  and  feedback  received  from  various stakeholders,  such  as  candidates,  industry  &  industry  associations  and  state governments, some of the main reasons for low acceptance of internship offers are given below: · Location is an important consideration and ideal travel distance indicated by candidates is between 5-10 km. · Internship period of 12 months is longer than that in normal skilling programs. · Some candidates are not interested in roles offered. (e)  &  (f):  As  on  27.01.2026,  7094  candidates  have  left  the  internship  without completing in both the rounds of the PMIS Pilot Project. (g): Pilot Project is a pivotal phase that has allowed for testing concepts, strategies and  systems  before  a  full-scale  implementation.  The  full-scale  roll-out  of  the  PM Internship Scheme would be based on the feedback received from the stakeholder consultations  and  evaluation  of  outcomes  during  the  implementation  of  the  Pilot Project.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 422 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Restoration of Architectural Grandeur of Temples
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri T R Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.422

TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## RESTORATION OF ARCHITECTURAL GRANDEUR OF TEMPLES

## 422. SHRI T R BAALU:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  in  Tamil  Nadu,  the  lands  with  nearly  four  lakh temples including hundreds of them are over 1000 years old are languishing due to lack of adequate funds for maintenance;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  likely  to  implement  a  Central  Scheme  through  the  State Government  to  restore  the  architectural grandeur  of  such cultural heritage  and treasures; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND  TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) There are 412 centrally protected monuments/sites including temples under the
- & jurisdiction  of  Archaeological  Survey  of  India  (ASI)  in  the  State  of  Tamil  Nadu.
- (b) Conservation  and  preservation  of  these  monuments/sites  is  continuous  process  and  is taken  up  as  per  the  requirement  and  availability  of  resources  subject  to  the  National Policy  for  Conservation.  All  monuments/sites  are  in  a  good  state  of  preservation. Government provides sufficient funds for conservation and preservation of all centrally protected monuments/sites which are under the jurisdiction of ASI in the State of Tamil Nadu.
- (c) At present, there is no such scheme under consideration.

&

(d)

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Lok Sabha Question No. 421 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Action against Fake Companies
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Mallu Ravi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 421 ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 02 ND  FEBRUARY 2026 MAGHA 13, 1947 (SAKA)

## ACTION AGAINST FAKE COMPANIES

## 421. DR. MALLU RAVI:

## Will the Minister of Corporate Affairs be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that farmers in Nagarkurnool district in Telangana have protested against alleged sale of fake fertilisers and spurious agricultural inputs, which has adversely affected crop yields and production costs, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether  any  corporate  entities  or  dealers  have  been  investigated  or prosecuted by the Government for violation of quality laws (Companies Act, 2013, Consumer Protection Act) in these cases; (c) if  so,  the  number of enforcement actions taken, prosecutions initiated and penalties imposed in or around Nagarkurnool for such corporate malpractice over the last two years; and the  steps  taken  /  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  strengthen inputs
- (d) compliance, quality checks and traceability of agricultural manufactured or distributed by companies operating in Telangana?

## 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) As per inputs received from the Department of Agriculture, Government of  Telangana,  on  25.08.2025,  two  or  three  farmers  of  Zamistapur  Village, Telkapally mandal  arrived at the Collectorate, Nagarkurnool  for giving complaint to the District Collector, Nagarkurnool regarding sale of some fake

fertilizers. (b) & (c) No complaint of such nature is pending under the Companies Act, 2013. (d) The Ministry of Corporate Affairs deals with matters relating to Corporate law.  However,  Government  of  Telangana  has  informed  that  it  is  taking  all possible measures to strengthen the quality checks to ensure quality fertilizers

- are being supplied to the farmers.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 420 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Training in Jewellery Making in Meerut
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Shri Arun Govil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 420

ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## TRAINING IN JEWELLERY MAKING IN MEERUT

†420. SHRI ARUN GOVIL:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to provide training in jewellery making to skill a large number of local artisans in Meerut for the manufacturing of jewellery; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a)  to  (b): Under  Pradhan  Mantri  Kaushal  Vikas  Yojana  (PMKVY)  and  PM  Vishwakarma Scheme,  candidates  are  trained  in 'gems  and  jewellery'  sector. Further,  under  the Government  of  India's  Skill  India  Mission  (SIM),  the  Ministry  of  Skill Development  and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) delivers skill, re-skill and up-skill training through an extensive network of skill development centres under various schemes, viz. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Sikhshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme  (NAPS)  and  Craftsman  Training  Scheme  (CTS)  through  Industrial  Training Institutes (ITIs), to all the sections of the society across the country including Uttar Pradesh. The SIM aims at enabling youth of India to get future ready, equipped with industry relevant skills.

Also,  PM  Vishwakarma  Scheme,  launched  on  17th September  2023  to  empower  the artisans and traditional craftsmen, provides financial assistance, skill development training on usage of modern tools and market support to the beneficiaries, enabling them to enhance their livelihoods and establish sustainable enterprises.PM Vishwakarma supports workforce through  formal  recognition,  skill  assessment  and  basic  training,  toolkit  support,  and concessional credit.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 418 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Impact of GST Reduction
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: Shri Mohite Patil Dhairyasheel Rajsinh, Smt. Supriya Sule

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 418

TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, THE 02 nd  FEBRUARY, 2026/ 13 MAGHA, 1947 (SAKA)

## Impact of GST Reduction

418 SHRI MOHITE PATIL DHAIRYASHEEL RAJSINH: SMT. SUPRIYA SULE:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  recent  reduction  in  GST  rates  has  had  any  measurable  effect  on  the manufacturing and service sectors in Maharashtra, particularly in MSMEs and textile, automobile and hospitality industries and if so, the details thereof;

(b)  whether  the  GST reduction  has  resulted  in  increasing  consumer  demand  and employment generation in these sectors and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of the sector-wise economic growth recorded in Maharashtra after the reduction of GST rate;

(d)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  provide  any  special  fiscal  or  policy  support  to Maharashtra to offset short-term revenue losses while encouraging long-term industrial recovery and growth, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Central Government to ensure timely and adequate release of GST compensation to States, including Maharashtra, especially after recent tax rationalizations?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): No formal study has been conducted on the impact of the GST rate reductions on the different sectors of the economy in the country.

(d): No such proposal is under consideration of the Government.

(e):  Government  of  India  has  released  the  entire  amount  of  provisionally  admissible  GST compensation to all the States for loss of revenue arising on account of implementation of Goods and Services Tax for five years i.e., from 1 st  July, 2017 to 30 th  June, 2022. Final Compensation arising out of reconciliation of provisional figures with audited figures has also been released to the State of Maharashtra for FY 2017-18 to FY 2022-23.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 417 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Release of Solid Waste and Toxic Air by Nova Factory in UP
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Devesh Shakya

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 417

TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## Release of Solid Waste and Toxic Air by Nova Factory in UP

## 417.     SHRI DEVESH SHAKYA:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  fact  that    the  solid  waste  and  toxic  air  emissions particularly  the  high  levels  of  PM2.5  and  black  smoke from  Nova  Factory  located  in  Kasganj district of Uttar Pradesh are causing serious environmental pollution and public health problems in the surrounding areas;
- (b) if so, whether the Government and the Central/State Pollution Control Board have conducted any inspection or investigation regarding air quality, PM2.5 levels, black smoke emissions and solid waste management of the said factory during the last three years;
- (c) if so, the major findings thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government has noticed that respiratory disease, asthma, eye irritation, skin disease and  other  long-term  health  risks  caused  by  the  said  pollution  are  increasing  among  the  local residents?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d):  As per information provided by UPPCB, M/s Sterling Agro Industries Ltd. (earlier known as M/s Nova Factory) located at village Bhitauna, tehsil and district Kasganj, is operating with valid (validity upto 31.12.2027) Consent to Operate (CTO) issued under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 by Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB). The unit was last inspected on 15.11.2025 by the Regional Office, Aligarh,  UPPCB.  During  the  inspection,  samples  were  collected  from  the  Effluent  Treatment  Plant (ETP) outlet which was found to be complying with the prescribed standards. Stack monitoring at the unit is carried out by NABL accredited laboratory i.e. M/s Green Envirotech Services Pvt. Ltd. The stack monitoring report was also found to be within the prescribed norms. Under the National Mission for Clean Ganga, the unit was inspected on 27.09.2025 by Jamia Millia Islamia, an authorized thirdparty  agency of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). During this inspection, housekeeping and solid waste management were found to be in satisfactory condition. The unit is inspected every year by an authorized third-party agency of CPCB. The Chief Medical Officer, Kasganj, has confirmed that no cases or symptoms of any fatal disease attributable to pollution have been reported in the area.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 409 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Excavation at Marungur Archaeological Site in Cuddalore
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Dr. M K Vishnu Prasad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 409

ANSWERED ON-02.02.2026

## EXCAVATION AT MARUNGUR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE IN CUDDALORE

409. DR. M K VISHNU PRASAD:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the historical significance of the Marungur archaeological site in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu is documented/being documented by the Government;
- (b) whether it is a fact that evidence of Iron age was unearthed from this Marungur site during excavation;

(c) the details of unearthed things and its significance from Marungur site;

- (d) whether the Government has any previous excavations or  conducted research at Marungur that lead to the current excavation work; and

(e) whether the Government has any scheme to provide opportunities for students, researchers or volunteers to participate in the excavation work or related projects?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) The Government of India had given approval to Department of Archaeology and Museums, Govt. of Tamil Nadu for conducting archaeological excavation at  Marungur archaeological site in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu which has been completed.
- (b) Archaeological evidences of early historical period were unearthed during the excavation.
- (c)  Antiquities  belonging  to  early  historical  period  such  as  antimony  rods,  bangles;  nails  and arrow  head  of  iron;  beads  of  agate,  carnelian  and  glass;  gamesmen,  hopscotches,  beads  of terracotta;  polished axes and  quern of stone, bone points, graffiti inscribed potsherds and coin of Chola period were found in excavation.

Urns, and offering pots with iron implements, and stone beads were found from early historic burial site.--

- (d)  Archaeological  excavation  was  conducted  in  2024  by  Department  of  Archaeology  and Museum; Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
- (e)  Students  from  Tamil  Nadu  Institute  of  Archaeology  and  Museology  participated  in  the excavation at the site.
Lok Sabha Question No. 407 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Risk Management in Chemical Manufacturing Units
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 407 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## RISK MANAGEMENT IN CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING UNITS

## 407.  SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA:

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

- (a)whether the Government has taken or proposes to take measures to mandate timely replacement of obsolete equipment in chemical factories  after  expiry  of  their  safe  operational  life  through  the Labour and
- Directorate General of Factory Advice Service and Institutes, in coordination with State Governments stakeholders;
- (b)if so, the details thereof;
- (c)the details of the scientific, technical and regulatory methodology adopted  to  determine  the  safe  operational  lifespan  of  factory equipment;
- (d)whether  the  third-party  safety  audits  in  chemical  factories  are being conducted within unusually short time-frames;
- (e) if so, whether such compressed audits may undermine safety and heighten the risk of major or fatal industrial accidents; and
- (f)the details  of  the  accountability  framework  in  place  to  fix responsibility on management, auditors and regulatory authorities in cases of safety non-compliance or accidents?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (f): The Government has enacted the Factories Act, 1948 for ensuring the occupational safety, health and welfare of the workers employed  in  the  factories  registered  under  the  Act.    There  are elaborate provisions to ensure the occupational health, safety and welfare of workers under the Act and the rules framed thereunder. The Factories Act, 1948 and the rules framed thereunder are enforced by States / Union Territories.

Further, the Factories Act, 1948 has been subsumed in the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSH&WC), 2020.  The OSH & WC Code 2020 has come into force with effect  from  21.11.2025.  Mandating  the  replacement  of  obsolete equipment  in  chemical  factories  after  the  completion  of  their certified safe life is outside the purview and scope of activities of Directorate  General  Factory  Advice  Service  &  Labour  Institutes (DGFASLI). It is under the purview of the States / UTs.

The OSH & WC Code, 2020 envisages 'Third Party Audit and Certification' for providing a "scheme" to empanel experts by the appropriate Government. Such experts shall be assigned Third Party Audit and certification in a randomized manner through a web-based scheme  to  carry  out  safety  audit  and  certification  along  with submitting the report to the concerned employer and Inspector-cum Facilitator. Under the OSH&WC Code, 2020, there are provisions for penalties for offences and punishments for contravention of provisions  of  duties  relating  to  safety  provisions  resulting  in  an accident.

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