opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 6009 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Solarisation of Agricultural infrastructure used by Farmers
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Shri G Lakshminarayana

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6009

ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## SOLARISATION OF AGRICULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE USED BY FARMERS

6009. SHRI G LAKSHMINARAYANA

## WILL THE MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY BE PLEASED TO

## STATE:

- (a) whether the Government has undertaken any initiatives for the solarisation of agricultural infrastructure such as greenhouses, polyhouses, shade-net houses and other protected cultivation structures used by farmers and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to extend support under existing schemes such as Pradhan Mantri-Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) or any other programme for installing solar panels on or around such on-field agricultural structures and if so, details thereof;
- (c) whether any pilot projects or studies have been undertaken to assess the feasibility of integrating solar energy with protected cultivation systems; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof including the States covered, funds allocated, utilised and outcomes achieved and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER

## (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a)  The  Ministry  of  New  and  Renewable  Energy  (MNRE)  is  implementing  PM  KUSUM scheme with all three components, including solarization of agriculture feeders. In relation to other  agricultural  infrastructure,  Mission  for  Integrated  Development  of  Horticulture,  is implemented by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- (b) The implementation timeline of PM KUSUM scheme is extended till 31.03.2027 for all components of the scheme. A new scheme, PM KUSUM 2.0 is under consideration.
- (c) & (d) Many studies are available in public domain that assess the potential of co-locating agri & energy infrastructure. MNRE supports a Center of Excellence on Agrophotovoltaic with joint  collaboration  of  National  Institute  of  Solar  Energy  and  Indian Agricultural  Research Institute  which  are  conducting  studies  on  impact  of  Agrophotovoltaic  on  crop  yield, productivity and feasibility of various crops that can be grown under the solar panels.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 6001 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Renewable Energy Initiatives by Coal PSUs
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Manoj Tiwari, Shri Balabhadra Majhi, Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram, Shri Dileshwar Kamait, Shri Kota Srinivasa Poojary, Shri Khagen Murmu, Smt. Kamaljeet Sehrawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6001 ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## RENEWABLE ENERGY INITIATIVES BY COAL PSUS

## 6001. SHRI MANOJ TIWARI:

SHRI BALABHADRA MAJHI:

SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI:

SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:

SHRI DILESHWAR KAMAIT:

SHRI KOTA SRINIVASA POOJARY:

SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:

SMT. KAMALJEET SEHRAWAT:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state

(a) whether Coal India Limited (CIL) and other coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are undertaking renewable energy projects as part of their diversification initiatives in various parts of the country including the Nabarangpur Lok Sabha Constituency of Odisha;

(b) if so, the details of the total renewable energy capacity installed or under development by these PSUs till date including the details of projects proposed or operational in Nabarangpur Lok Sabha Constituency;

(c) the details of targets set by the Government for renewable energy capacity to be achieved by coal PSUs by the year 2030;

(d) whether there are proposals to include projects in the Nabarangpur Lok Sabha Constituency and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the manner in which these initiatives are contributing to the objectives of sustainable mining and energy transition particularly in promoting green energy and regional development in the Nabarangpur Lok Sabha Constituency of Odisha?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL AND MINES

## (SHRI SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY)

(a) & (b): Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), including Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), are undertaking renewable  energy  projects  as  part  of  their  diversification  initiatives  in line  with  the

Government's policy on energy transition and sustainability. However, no such project has been undertaken in the Nabarangpur Lok Sabha Constituency of Odisha.

CIL  has  installed  about  247  MW  of  renewable  energy,  and  around  635  MW  is  under development. NLCIL has installed 1,783 MW and has 1,762 MW under construction. SCCL has installed 245.50 MW, and around 259 MW is under development.

(c): The targets for renewable energy by 2030 are CIL (9.5 GW), NLCIL (10 GW) and SCCL (2.8 GW).

(d) & (e): Renewable energy initiatives by coal PSUs contribute to sustainable mining and energy transition by reducing carbon footprint through adoption of clean energy, diversifying the energy mix, enhancing energy security and supporting national climate goals, including net-zero commitments. Though, no proposals are under consideration for renewable energy projects within the Nabarangpur Lok Sabha Constituency of Odisha by the above-mentioned PSUs, installing renewable energy projects will benefits all areas, including the Nabarangpur Lok Sabha Constituency of Odisha.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 6000 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Increase Mobile Tariffs
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Shri Hanuman Beniwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6000 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01 ST  APRIL, 2026

## INCREASE MOBILE TARIFFS

## †6000. SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether there has been a continuous increase in mobile tariffs and data rates during the last few years;

(b) whether  the  Government  proposes  any  regulatory  intervention  to  make  telecom  services affordable  and  accessible  to  the  general  public  and  if  so,  the  time  by  which  it  is  likely  to  be implemented and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government has any mechanism to review the tariff hikes being and made by private companies and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken to protect consumer interests in this regard during the last three years along with the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) to (c) The  Telecom  Regulatory  Authority  of  India  Act,  1997  empowers  the  Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to notify the rates of telecommunication services. As per the existing tariff framework, tariff for mobile and data services is under forbearance, except for services such as national roaming, rural fixed line services, mobile number portability and leased circuits. Subject to compliance with extant regulatory provisions, service providers are free to design and offer tariffs based on their understanding of the market situation and other  commercial considerations.  The  policies  of  the  government  and  regulatory  framework  notified  by  TRAI  has resulted in India having one of the lowest tariffs for subscribers of mobile services.

(d) TRAI conducts consumer awareness activities to inform consumers about their rights relating to  the  services  of  their  respective  Telecom  Service  Providers.  The  Authority  holds  Consumer Outreach Programs and Seminars through its Regional  Offices  where the consumers  of telecom services are provided with relevant information on various subjects including consumer rights. The Authority also registers Consumer Organizations as per the Registration of Consumer Organizations Regulations, 2013, and these Consumer Organisations also conduct consumer awareness programs. Further, the  Authority  has  issued  Telecom  Consumers Complaint Redressal Regulations 2012 to address the issues being faced by consumers. Through these regulations, TRAI has mandated all Telecom Service Providers  to  establish  a  two-tier  complaint/  grievance  redressal  mechanism  for handling consumer complaints.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5989 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Construction work of Satipura Railway Overbridge
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Kuldeep Indora

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5989 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## CONSTRUCTION WORK OF SATIPURA RAILWAY OVERBRIDGE

## †5989. SHRI KULDEEP INDORA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  there  is  continuous  delays  in  the  construction  work  of  the Satipura Railway Overbridge located in Hanumangarh  of  the Sri Ganganagar-Hanumangarh Lok Sabha Constituency of Rajasthan since 2017 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the reasons to make changes latter in the approved design of the said project  including  the  level  and  technical/administrative  reasons  led  to those changes;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  frequent  design  changes  have significantly  increased  the  cost  and  construction  period  of  the  said project and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the details of the action taken against the responsible officers;
- (e) the current physical and financial progress of the said project; and
- (f) the revised timeline fixed by the Government  for complete  the construction of the Satipura Railway Overbridge and the time by which it is proposed to be opened for the general public?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (f): The work of construction of Road Over Bridge (ROB) in lieu of LC No. 66 at Satipura was sanctioned. The work is being executed by State Govt. on single entity basis.  Now, the major structural part of this ROB has been  completed.  Balance  work  such  as  service  road,  drainage  and protection work has been taken up.

§

Further,  completion  &  commissioning  of  ROB/RUB  works  depends  on various factors like cooperation of  State Governments in giving  consent for  closure  of  LC,   fixing  of  approach  alignment,  approval  of  General Arrangement  Drawing  (GAD),  land  acquisition,  removal  of  encroachment, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from various authorities,   law  and  order  situation  in  the  area  of  project  /  work  sites, duration of working season in a year for the particular project / area  due to climatic conditions etc.  All these factors affect the completion time of the projects / works.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5986 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: PSLV and SSLV Programmes
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: Shri Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5986 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 01, 2026

## PSLV AND SSLV PROGRAMMES

## 5986.  SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  factors  that  led  to  the  recent  deferments  in scheduled Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches including  missions  planned  under  the  Polar  Satellite  Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Small Satellite Launch  Vehicle (SSLV) programmes;
- (b) whether these postponements were caused by technical readiness  reviews,  supply-chain  constraints  or  revised  internal sequencing of missions and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  prioritisation  of  major  programmes  such  as  the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) earth-observation initiative and upcoming climate and weather monitoring satellites has resulted in any reallocation of financial, technical or personnel resources away from small-satellite and commercial launch missions; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the steps being taken by the Government to ensure that timelines for smaller and commercial missions are not adversely affected?

## (a) & (b)

The factors that led to the recent deferments in scheduled Indian Space  Research  Organisation  (ISRO)  launches,  for  the  missions planned under the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is purely due  to  technical  reasons.  In  view  of  the  failure  observed  in  the PSLV-C62 mission, a National Level Expert  Committee has been constituted to review the reason for anomaly in PSLV vehicle and recommend corrective measures. PSLV will return to flight after SSLV  has  successfully completed the developmental flights and handed over to NSIL and implementing  the corrective actions. Industry for production and launch.

## (c) & (d)

No.  The  Gaganyaan  human  spaceflight  mission,  the  NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) earth-observation initiative, and the upcoming climate and weather monitoring satellites are being executed  by  respective  project  teams  of  ISRO.  The  NewSpace India  Limited  (NSIL),  a  Central  Public  Sector  Enterprise  (CPSE) under  the  administrative  control  of  the  Department  of  Space  is responsible  for  the  commercial  missions  with  active  support  of ISRO & Indian industry.

****

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5985 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Digital Connectivity and Telecom Infrastructure in Punjab
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5985 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01 ST  APRIL, 2026

## DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY AND TELECOM INFRASTRUCTURE IN PUNJAB

## 5985.   DR. RAJ KUMAR CHABBEWAL:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  Telecom  Regulatory  Authority  of  India  (TRAI)  has    conducted  Independent Drive Tests to assess mobile network quality across cities including Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar as well as the highway routes connecting them;

- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the key findings of these assesments;
- (c) the manner in which the Government proposes to utilise them to further strengthen mobile communication services in these areas;
- (d) whether the Government is taking any other measures to enhance digital connectivity and telecom infrastructure in Punjab particularly Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha Constituency; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)

(a) & (b): The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) conducted Independent Drive Test (IDT) in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar, including the connecting highway routes, during 05.08.2025 to 08.08.2025.

The assessment provided a comparative overview of Quality of Service (QoS) parameters across Telecom Service Providers. The results indicate that while performance levels varied across operators,  all  service  providers,  including  BSNL,  have  been  undertaking  continuous  network improvements.

During  the  testing  period,  BSNL  was  undergoing  network  upgradation,  which  had  a temporary impact on certain parameters. Following the completion of these upgradation activities and subsequent optimization of network sites, performance indicators have improved significantly. At present, the network is stable, and no major issues relating to call drops or call blocking are being observed.

(c): The findings of the IDT have been shared with all Telecom Service Providers, including BSNL, for appropriate follow-up action. Continuous monitoring and optimization efforts are being undertaken to further strengthen mobile service quality in the region.

(d) & (e): Under Digital Bharat Nidhi funded 4G Mobile Saturation Project, 43 mobile towers have  been  made  on-air  providing  4G  mobile  coverage  to  46  villages  in  the  State  of  Punjab.  In Hoshiarpur  district,  36  mobile  towers  have  been  made  on-air  which  are  providing  4G  mobile coverage to 39 villages. Further, under BharatNet project, 12,673 Gram Panchayats (GPs) have been made service ready in Punjab and 1,517 made service ready in Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha Constituency.

These initiatives, along with ongoing network enhancements by service providers including BSNL, are contributing to improved telecom services and digital connectivity across the region.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5982 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Increase in MPLAD
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: Shri Amra Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.5982 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026

## INCREASE IN MPLAD

5982. SHRI AMRA RAM:

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  date  of  launching  of  Members  of  Parliament  Local  Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) scheme and the time-line of increases made in the amount of the said scheme;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to increase the amount under the said scheme, if so, the time by which the increase is likely to be implemented and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) gets Rs. five crore under the Regional Development Scheme while a Member of Parliament (MP) also gets Rs. five crore under MPLAD scheme despite the fact that a Lok Sabha Constituency in Rajasthan usually consists of eight legislative assemblies?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS  AND  PROGRAMME  IMPLEMENTATION;  MINISTER  OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  CULTURE  (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

- (a)  The  Members  of  Parliament  Local  Area  Development  Scheme (MPLADS)  was  launched  in  the  year  1993-94  with  an  annual entitlement of ₹ 5.00 lakh per MP, which was enhanced to ₹ 1.00 crore per annum in 1994-95, and further to ₹ 2.00 crore per annum in 1998-

99  and  it  is  currently  fixed  at₹  5.00  crore  per  annum  w.e.f.  the financial year 2011-12. (b)  The Ministry regularly receives and examines suggestions from various stakeholders, including proposals for revision of fund entitlements,  in  accordance  with  the  prescribed  procedures.  At present, there is no proposal under consideration to increase annual entitlement under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). (c) Under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), each Hon'ble Member of Parliament is entitled to ₹ 5.00 crore annually, irrespective of the number of Assembly Constituencies  within  their  Lok  Sabha  Constituency.  Whereas  the annual  entitlement  under  Members  of  Legislative  Assembly  Local Area Development Scheme (MLALADS) and similar Schemes varies across  States  and  is  under  the  jurisdiction  of  respective  State/UT Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 400 (STARRED), answered on 2016-08-12
Subject: Cyber Security Threat in Defence Sector
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: K. KAMARAAJ

## OVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.400

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12 TH  AUGUST, 2016

## CYBER SECURITY THREAT IN DEFENCE SECTOR

## *400.  DR. K. KAMARAJ:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

j{kk ea=h

- (a) whether cyber crime is becoming one of the major threats to the National Security;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  incidents of  cyber  attack  on the defence establishments reported during the last three years and the current year; and
- (c) whether  the Government and Armed Forces have taken adequate steps to check cyber crime and protect confidential information pertaining to defence sector from cyber attacks and if so, the details thereof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                      (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

j{kk ea=h

¼Jh euksgj ijhZdj½

<!-- image -->

<!-- image -->

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

*******

## STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  OF  LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 400 FOR ANSWER ON 12.8.2016

(a) to (c): Yes, Madam.  Cyber-crime has emerged as one of the foremost security threats at global level including at the national level.  Since armed forces function on exclusive private networks, these establishments have not  witnessed  institutional  attacks.    Cyber  attacks  are  largely  faced  by internet connected Personal Computers  (PCs) and these relates to unauthorized data access, malware infestation, denial of service, etc. To  protect  important  and  confidential  data  of  Defence  Sector  from cyber attack threat, the operational networks of the Armed Forces are air gapped from internet.  Further, Defence Services have established Cyber Emergency  Response  Teams  (CERTs)  to  prevent  and  react  to  cyber attacks.  Safeguards have been instituted in the form of audits and physical checks.    Policies,  guidelines  and  procedures  have  been  laid  down  and periodic cyber security advisories are issued.

- *******
Lok Sabha Question No. 397 (STARRED), answered on 2016-08-12
Subject: Joint Venture by HAL
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: KINJARAPU RAM MOHAN NAIDU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION

## LOK  SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.397

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12 TH  AUGUST, 2016

## JOINT  VENTURE  BY  HAL

## *397.  SHRI  RAM MOHAN NAIDU KINJARAPU:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

j{kk ea=h

- (a) whether the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and a French company have jointly set up a helicopter engines Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Centre in India;
- (b) if so, the details thereof indicating the salient features of the agreement signed for the purpose;
- (c) the ratio of FDI or the equity stakes in the said venture; and
- (d) the extent to which the country is likely to be benefited by such an agreement?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                      (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

j{kk ea=h

¼Jh euksgj ijhZdj½

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

*******

## STATEMENT  REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d) OF  LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 397 FOR ANSWER ON 12.8.2016

(a) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an agreement for forming  a  joint  venture  with  Safran  Helicopter  Engines  (SHE),  France (formerly known as Turbomeca).

- (b) The salient features of the agreement are as under:-
- Joint Venture Company shall provide the Support, Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul of helicopter engines directly to the civil and defence customers.
- HAL and SHE have agreed to incorporate the company with an authorised share capital of Rs. 50 crore.

(c) The proposed equity ratio is 50:50. (d) The Joint Venture Company (JVC) allows synergy of the expertise of  both  HAL  and  SHE  in  the  field  of  repair  and  overhaul  (ROH)  of Helicopter. It  is  expected  that  this  partnership  will  enhance  customer satisfaction  through  improved  serviceability,  reduced  cycle  time  for ROH, availability of spares, trouble shooting, field support and

- improvements / modifications.
- *******