Statement

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state: (a) the total value and volume of servers imported during each of the last five financial years and the major source countries contributing to these imports; (b) the proportion of data-centre hardware requirements currently being met through domestic manufacturing vis-à-vis imports and the manner in which this import–domestic production ratio has changed during the last five years; (c) the measures undertaken or proposed by the Government to promote 10.12.2025 681 indigenous manufacturing of high-capacity servers, storage systems and related components for data-centre applications under existing schemes or new initiatives; (d) whether the Government has carried out any assessment of the security, strategic and economic implications arising from the country’s dependence on imported server hardware for its digital infrastructure; and (e) if so, the key findings thereof along with the details of any special incentives, tariff changes or policy interventions proposed to strengthen domestic capabilities and reduce critical import dependence? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA): (a) to (e) The Government is fully conscious of the security, strategic and economic implications of importing servers and IT hardware. With India’s push to democratise AI and expand compute capacity, demand for data centres has grown rapidly under a favourable policy regime. To strengthen India’s Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) ecosystem, the Government has launched multiple initiatives such as ECMS, Semicon India Programme, PLI for Large-Scale Electronics, PLI for IT Hardware, SPECS and EMC/EMC 2.0 Data-centre infrastructure includes critical components such as servers, networking devices, storage and cooling systems. The relevant polices of government of India in this regard are: 10.12.2025 682 PLI Scheme for IT Hardware The scheme promotes the domestic production of Servers, Laptops, Tablets, All-in-One (AIO) PCs and Ultra Small Form Factor (USFF) devices. Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) ECMS covers optical transceivers and passive components used in servers, routers and networking systems. The Government has received encouraging response from the industry for manufacturing these. DoT PLI Scheme for Telecom Equipment PLI scheme for telecom equipment, incentivising the local production of routers, switches and other networking gear, which form an essential part of data-centre and server infrastructure To further strengthen the supply-chain security and transparency, CERT- In issued technical BOM guidelines in July 2025 for software, hardware, AI, quantum and cryptography components. As a result of these Government policies and initiatives, electronic production has increased six-fold from ~INR 1.9 lakh crore in FY 2014–15 to ~ INR 11.3 lakh crore in FY 2024–25 and exports have grown eight-fold from ~INR 0.38 lakh crore to ~ INR 3.3 lakh crore during the same period. As a result, global and domestic firms are now investing in India. There has been an increase in the capacity and capability of domestic companies to design and manufacture servers, networking devices and equipments that go in the manufacturing these. Indian companies are now manufacturing servers for global OEMs as well as domestic brands. 10.12.2025 683 GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION PROJECTS 1757. SHRI D. M. KATHIR ANAND: Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state: (a) the progress made under green hydrogen production projects in the country particularly in Tamil Nadu; (b) the measures taken by the Government to promote off-grid solar solutions in rural areas; (c) whether the Government proposes to incentivise EV charging infrastructure and if so, the details thereof; and (d) the impact of green hydrogen on India’s net-zero goals? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK): (a) The Government of India is implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), with an objective to make India a global hub of production, usage and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. Incentives have been awarded for 8,62,000 Metric Tonnes per Annum (MTPA) of Green Hydrogen production to 18 companies. These projects are likely to be setup across different parts of India. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has also issued the scheme guidelines for implementation of pilot projects for use of green hydrogen in the shipping sector under NGHM. Under this, V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (Tamil Nadu) has awarded a project for development of bunkering and 10.12.2025 684 refuelling facility for green methanol at the port. MNRE has also recognised V. O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu), as one of the green hydrogen hubs under NGHM. (b) The Government of India is already implementing various schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM), and the New Solar Power Scheme for Tribal and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) Habitations/Villages under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) & Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), along with other programmes. These schemes collectively support the rapid deployment of on-grid and off- grid solar solutions like solar energy based mini grids, off-grid solar agriculture pumps and rooftop solar projects across the country, including in rural areas, by providing financial assistance. (c) The Government is implementing the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E - DRIVE) Scheme: This scheme with an outlay of Rs.10,900 crore has been notified on 29th September, 2024. This scheme includes support for electric vehicles including e-2W, e-3W, e-Trucks, e-buses & e-Ambulances. Further, Electric Vehicle (EV) public charging stations and upgradation of testing agencies is also included in this scheme. (d) The production and use of the targeted quantum of green hydrogen under NGHM is expected to lead to aversion of 50 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) per annum of CO2 emissions, thereby supporting India’s progression towards its net-zero goals. 10.12.2025 685 VACANCIES IN MINISTRY OF PLANNING 1758. DR. SHARMILA SARKAR: Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state: (a) the total number of sanctioned posts, in position and the number of vacancies including reserved posts across categories in the Ministry of Planning; (b) the details of the total number of vacancies in the Ministry and organisations under it including reserved posts since 2014, year and category-wise details; and (c) the details of the number of contractual employees hired since 2014, year and categorywise details thereof? THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION; MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (RAO INDERJIT SINGH): (a) to (c) Category wise details of sanctioned posts, in position etc. in respect of employees of the Ministry of Planning and organisations under it are furnished in the “Detailed Demands for Grants of Ministry of Planning” [Statement showing Estimated strength of Establishment and provisions therefor] laid on the table of both the houses of the Parliament every year. This is also available on the official website of NITI Aayog under the following URL: https://www.niti.gov.in/disclosures-rti/disclosures/demands-of-grants 10.12.2025 686 BHARATNET INITIATIVE FOR TRIBAL AREAS CONNECTIVITY 1759. DR. GUMMA THANUJA RANI: Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state: (a) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to improve telecom connectivity in tribal areas under the BharatNet; (b) whether work has been initiated in areas such as the Paderu division, Visakhapatnam district and rural areas of Prakasam and Guntur districts in Andhra Pradesh under the project and if so, the details thereof; and (c) the details on targeted approaches to increase internet and technological literacy and affordability of personal electronic devices and internet packages alongside internet penetration? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (DR. CHANDRA SEKHAR PEMMASANI): (a) BharatNet is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs). The total number of GPs undertaken under BharatNet Phase-I and Phase-II are 2,22,341 GPs, out of which 2,14,904 are Service Ready. Further, Government has approved the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) on 04.08.2023 through which Optical Fiber Connectivity is to be provided to all ~2.64 lakh GPs and ~3.8 lakh non-GP villages on demand basis which includes tribal areas. Under ABP, there is also a provision for providing 1.5 crore rural home fiber connections. (b) The details of GPs made service ready under BharatNet in Alluri Sitharama Raju (incl. Paderu division), Visakhapatnam, Prakasam and Guntur districts are 10.12.2025 687 as follows: District No. of GPs Service Ready Alluri Sitharama Raju (incl. Paderu division) 427 Visakhapatnam 83 Prakasam 718 Guntur 276 (c) Provision of subsidy for 1.5 crore FTTH connections through BharatNet has been provided by Government for affordable FTTH connections to rural customers. Government has also taken various initiatives to support electronics manufacturing ecosystem in India including the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing which includes mobile phone manufacturing. Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) were launched under the Digital India Programme to achieve digital literacy leading to training of 6.39 crore individuals across the country. Various digital literacy courses are also being provided through National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT). OPERATING RATIO OF INDIAN RAILWAYS 1760. SHRIMATI DAGGUBATI PURANDESWARI: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the details of the operating ratio of Indian Railways during the last three 10.12.2025 688 financial years and the steps being taken to improve financial sustainability; (b) the total number of vacant posts in Railways as of date, category-wise (Group A, B, C, D) and the number of posts filled during the last three years; (c) the details of progress made towards achieving 100 per cent electrification of the broad-gauge network, zone-wise; (d) the details of the strategy to source renewable energy for traction and non- traction purposes to achieve the “Net Zero Carbon Emitter” target by 2030; and (e) the status of railway land monetisation and the total revenue generated from it during the last three years? THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW): (a) Operating Ratio of Indian Railways during the last three financial years is given below: Financial year 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Operating Ratio 98.10% 98.43% 98.22% Indian Railways has taken several measures during the last few years to enhance the freight loading and revenue and hence to improve operating ratio. These measures include: • To increase the network capacity, rail network expansion has been taken up in a big way by construction of new lines, multi tracking of existing lines and gauge conversion of existing lines. The details of new 10.12.2025 689 tracks laid during the 10 years are as under: Period New Tracks Commissioned 2009-14 7,599 km 2014-25 34,428 km Further as on 01.04.25, there are 431 (154 New Line, 33 Guage Conversion and 244 Doubling) projects are sanctioned. The summary of which is as under: Category No. of Projects Total Length (km) Length completed till Mar’25 (Km) Balance length (Km) Cost (Cr.) New lines 154 16,142 3,036 13,105 3,77,389 Gaugeconversion 33 4,180 2,997 1,183 43,820 Doubling/ Multi tracking 244 15,644 6,736 8,909 2,53,711 Total 431 35,966 12,769 23,197 6,74,920 • Removing bottlenecks in operations by yard remodeling, construction of bypass/chord lines, rail flyovers etc. • The construction of Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) from Ludhiana to Sonnagar (1337 Km) and Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminal (JNPT) to Dadri (1506 Km) has been taken up. Out of total 2843 kms, 2741 route kms (96.4%) has been commissioned and operational. • Indian Railways has taken up electrification of Railway lines in a mission 10.12.2025 690 mode. So far, about 99.1% of Broad Gauge (BG) network has been electrified. A comparison of electrification before and after 2014 is as follows: Period Route Kilometre Before 2014 21,801 2014-25 46,900 • Procurement of Wagons and Locomotives: To increase freight carrying capacity, large numbers of IR wagons have been procured and locomotives have been manufactured. During 2014 to 2025, about 2 lakh wagons have been procured and more than 10,000 locomotives have been added for increasing freight loading and mobility. • Industry participation in investment in General Purpose Wagons, Special Purpose/High- Capacity wagons and Automobile carrier wagons for cement, oil, steel, fly-ash, automobile etc. So far, around 240 rakes of special purpose wagons, 374 rakes of general-purpose, wagons and 48 rakes of automobile wagons have been inducted. • Under the ‘Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT)’ policy so far, 118 new GCTs have been commissioned, with an estimated traffic capacity of 192 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). In addition, for improvement of freight and parcel terminals from the financial year 2023- 24 onwards, an amount of ₹14,500 crore has been allocated. • A “Bulk Cement Terminal Policy” for setting up terminals on Railway land 10.12.2025 691 has been launched recently as part of Railway reforms for facilitating Bulk Cement transportation. • Ensuring increased availability of rakes/wagons against demand. • Increasing the loadability for carrying additional traffic per wagon. Length of freight trains has also been increased to increase throughput per train. • Use of Information Technology in freight operations to improve monitoring and utilization of assets. • Induction of higher horsepower locomotives. • Improvement in maintenance practices of wagons and locomotives resulting in increased availability of loco and rolling stock for traffic use. • Improvement in track and signaling standards to carry higher volume of traffic. • Training of staff and officers to adopt the new technology and management practices. Because of the above measures, the freight loading has increased from 1,233 MT in 2020-21 to 1617 MT in 2024-25. (b) Occurrence and filling up of vacancies are continuous processes in Indian Railways considering its size, spatial distribution and criticality of operation. Adequate and suitable manpower is provided to cater to the regular operations, changes in technology, mechanisations and innovative practices. The vacancies are filled up primarily by placement of indents by Railways with Recruitment agencies as per operational and technological requirements. Presently recruitment of 1,20,579 vacancies has been taken up on Indian 10.12.2025 692 Railways as per annual calendar 2024 and 2025. During January to December 2024, ten Centralized Employment Notifications (CENs) for 92,116 vacancies were notified for filling up of posts of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs), Technicians, Sub-Inspectors, Constables in Railway Protection Force (RPF), Junior Engineers (JEs)/ Depot Material Superintendent (DMS)/ Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant (CMA), Paramedical Categories, Non- Technical Popular Categories (Graduate), Non-Technical Popular Categories (Under-Graduate), Ministerial & Isolated Categories and Level-1 categories such as Assistants, Track Maintainers and Pointsman. First stage/Single stage Computer Based Tests (CBTs) for 59,678 posts has been completed. Details are as under- Exam Candidates Cities Languages 1st Stage CBT for the post of ALP (18,799 vacancies) 18,40,347 156 15 CBT for the post of Technician (14,298 vacancies) 26,99,892 139 15 1st Stage CBT for the post of JE/DMS/CMA (7,951 vacancies) 11,01,266 146 15 CBT for the post of RPF-SI (452 vacancies) 15,35,635 143 15 CBT for the post of RPF-Constable (4208 vacancies) 45,30,288 147 15 CBT for Paramedical Categories (1,376 vacancies) 7,08,321 143 15 1st Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular Category (Graduate) (8,113 vacancies) 58,41,774 141 15 1st Stage CBT for Non-Technical 63,27,473 157 15 10.12.2025 693 Popular Category (Under Graduate) (3,445 vacancies) CBT for Ministerial & Isolated Categories (1,036 vacancies) 4,46,013 139 15 2nd stage CBTs for the posts of ALP, JE/DMS/CMA and Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate) has also been completed. Details are as under: Exam Candidates Cities Languages 2nd Stage CBT for the post of ALP (18,799 vacancies) 2,66,363 112 15 2nd Stage CBT for the post of JE/DMS/CMA (7,951 vacancies) 1,17,339 118 15 2nd Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular Category (Graduate) (8,113 vacancies) 1,21,931 129 15 Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for the post of ALP has also been completed. Details are as under : Exam Candidates Cities Languages CBAT for the post of ALP (18,799 vacancies) 1,32,044 84 2 CBT for 32,438 vacancies for level -1 categories has commenced from 27.11.2025 in 140 cities in 15 languages. Physical efficiency Test (PET) for 4,208 vacancies of Constable (RPF) has commenced from 13.11.2025. Panels for more than 23,000 candidates including the posts of 10.12.2025 694 Technicians, Junior Engineers, Paramedical Categories, Sub-Inspectors (RPF) and Assistant Loco Pilots have been sent to indenting Railways. Majority of them are in safety categories. In addition, as per Annual Calendar for the year 2025, seven Centralized Employment Notifications (CENs) for 28,463 vacancies have also been issued: SN CEN No. Post Name No. of Vacancies notified Month of Notification 1 01/2025 Assistant Loco Pilots 9,970 March 2025 2 02/2025 Technicians 6,238 June 2025 3 03/2025 Para-medical 434 July 2025 4 04/2025 Section Controllers 368 August 2025 5 05/2025 Junior Engineers / Depot Material Superintendent 2,585 October 2025 6 06/2025 NTPC (Graduate) 5,810 October 2025 7 07/2025 NTPC (Under-Graduate) 3,058 October 2025 The RRB examinations are quite technical in nature entailing large scale mobilization of men and resources and training of manpower. Railway overcame all these challenges and successfully conducted the recruitment in a transparent manner following all laid down guidelines. No instance of paper leakage or similar malpractice has occurred during the entire process. Recruitment done in Indian Railways during 2004-2005 to 2013-2014 vis- à-vis during 2014-2015 to 2024-2025 is given as under : 10.12.2025 695 Period Recruitments 2004-2005 to 2013-2014 4.11 lakhs 2014-2015 to 2024-2025 5.08 lakhs Further, as a system improvement, the Ministry of Railways has introduced a system of publishing annual calendar from 2024 for recruitment to various categories of Group ‘C’ posts. In the Gazetted cadre, recruitments are made annually through UPSC for the ministry as a whole. Further, as compared to recruitment of 4,988 number of officers during 2004-2013, 7297 number of officers have been recruited in the Organised Services during 2014-2024. In addition, indent for 1107 officers has been placed so far on UPSC for the year 2025 and 2026. (c) Electrification of railway network on Indian Railways has been taken up in mission mode. So far, about 99.2% of Broad Gauge (BG) network has been electrified. The electrification in remaining network has been taken up. Electrification carried out during 2014-25 and before 2014 is as under: Period Route Kilometer Before 2014 (about 60 years) 21,801 2014-25 46,900 Zone wise status of electrification is as under: SN ZONE % Electrified 1 CR 100% 2 ECOR 100% 3 ECR 100% 4 ER 100% 10.12.2025 696 5 KRCL 100% 6 Metro 100% 7 NCR 100% 8 NER 100% 9 NR 100% 10 SCR 100% 11 SECR 100% 12 SER 100% 13 WCR 100% 14 WR 100% 15 NWR 98% 16 SR 98% 17 SWR 95% 18 NFR 94% (d) As part of its strategy to achieve the target of Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030, Indian Railways has planned to progressively meets its electric power requirement through renewable energy sources with combination of solar, wind and other renewable sources based on strategic power procurement planning, thereby reducing its carbon emissions. As of October 2025, about 888 Mega Watt (MW) of solar plants (both on rooftops and on land) and about 103 MW of wind power plants have been commissioned. Further, 100 MW of renewable power under Round the Clock (RTC) mode tied up from Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has also started flowing. In addition to this, 1500 MW renewable capacity under RTC mode has been tied up. This is hybrid solution consisting of solar, wind and storage component. 10.12.2025 697 (e) Vacant railway land not required by Railway for its immediate operational needs is entrusted to Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) for commercial development. Approximately 1308 hectares of land has been entrusted to RLDA for commercial monetisation. The revenue generated by the Indian Railways from the use of land and spaces for commercial purposes during last three years has been Rs 8,209 cr. STOPPAGES OF CHOLAN EXPRESS AND ERNAKULAM-KARAIKAL EXPRESS 1761. SHRI DURAI VAIKO: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government considers providing stoppages for select express trains, including the Cholan Express and Ernakulam–Karaikal Express (Train Nos. 16187/16188) at Thiruverumbur Railway Station to facilitate workers, students and the travelling public and if so, the details thereof; and (b) whether the Government proposes to take early action to approve at least a few express train stoppages at Thiruverumbur in view of the strong public demand, industrial workforce movement and overall commuter convenience and if so, the details thereof? THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW): (a) and (b) Tiruverumbur station, located at a distance of 10 Km from Tiruchchirappalli, is presently being served by 6 Mail/Express and 17 Passenger 10.12.2025 698 train services. These services are providing connectivity inter alia to cities like Tiruchchirappalli, Karaikal, etc. Further, Tiruchchirappalli is served by 120 Mail/Express and 35 Passenger train services. Besides, provision of stoppages of train services which depend on the traffic justification, operational feasibility including availability of extra time on the section & availability of matching infrastructure such as Platform length etc., is an on-going process RESUMPTION OF MINING ACTIVITY IN GOA 1762. CAPTAIN VIRIATO FERNANDES: Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state: (a) whether the mining activity that has resumed in Goa with the first leaseholder has been violating most of the statutory provisions governing sustainable mining and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Union Government is aware that the State Government is commencing mining regulation with less/inadequate staff and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government is aware that mining has commenced with no officials of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) or the Director of Mines & Geology at mine sites and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether most of the new mining blocks are commencing mining operations without obtaining surface rights from Goan villagers and if so, the details 10.12.2025 699 thereof; and (e) whether the Government is aware that all Ore extracted from new mining blocks is being sold without grading by the authorities and self declaration is accepted for payment of royalty and other charges and if so, the details thereof? THE MINISTER OF COAL; AND MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY): (a) As per existing law, before execution of the mining lease by the State Government, it is mandatory for the prospective lessees to obtain the requisite statutory clearances. The lease holders are required to ensure compliance of the terms and conditions of the clearances and approvals accorded by the respective authorities, failing which necessary action is taken by the concerned authorities of the State Government or Central Government under the respective Acts and applicable Rules / Guidelines. (b) As per information provided by Government of Goa, manpower assessment for 2024 & 2025 has been done by the Directorate of Mines and Geology as per which final sanctioned staff strength is 125. To meet the deficiency, technical staff has been recruited by the Directorate on contractual basis. (c)As per the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, mining can only be undertaken as per a valid mining lease. As per Rule 20 of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 (MCDR 2017), a lease holder is required to send a notice for opening of mine to Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) within fifteen days of such opening. As per the provisions of MCDR 2017, monthly returns are submitted by the lessees to IBM. 10.12.2025 700 As per information provided by Government of Goa, the Directorate of Mines and Geology has introduced Ore Monitoring System software i.e. Bhumija wherein the production and dispatch of ore are monitored. Each truck is fitted with Global Positioning System and the ore movement is tracked online. There are weighbridges setup at the leases where every dispatch is weighed and online transit permits are issued. Further, the statutory payments such as royalty, District Mineral Fund, Goa Iron Ore Permanent Fund, National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust and other payments are made online through this system. (d) Government of Goa has informed that all matters related to compensation are subject to decision by the Additional Collector as per the Notification No. 03/27/2024/Major/Mines/3092 dated 23.01.2025 of the State Government. (e) As per information provided by Government of Goa, the Directorate of Mines and Geology draws samples from the ore stacks which are analysed with respect to grade by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accredited lab based on which the royalty is taken from the lessees. Further, Ministry of Mines has issued guidelines on 03.10.2023 to major mineral rich States for prevention of mis-classification of grades of iron ore and other minerals by using technology. The State Governments have been requested to implement the said guidelines by suitably incorporating the same in the rules framed by the State Governments under Section 23 C of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. 10.12.2025 701 तीथªयािýयŌ के िलए अपयाªĮ रेल सेवा 1763. ®ी िýवेÆþ िसंह रावत: ³या रेल मंýी यह बताने कì कृपा कर¤गे िक: (क) ³या उ°राखंड से गंगा, काशी, गया, पुरी और गंगासागर जैसे ÿमुख तीथªÖथलŌ तक पयाªĮ रेल सेवाएं उपलÊध न होने के कारण तीथªयािýयŌ को किठनाइयŌ का सामना करना पड़ रहा है; (ख) वतªमान म¤ उ°राखंड से गंगा नदी के तटीय शहरŌ और गंगासागर तीथªÖथल तक सीधे या अÆय गंतÓयŌ से होकर िकतनी रेलगािड़यां चल रही ह§; (ग) ³या सरकार का तीथªयािýयŌ कì सुिवधा के िलए उ°राखंड से हåरĬार, ऋिषकेश, देहरादून, काशी, पटना और हिÐदया/कोलकाता (गंगासागर मागª) तक नई ए³सÿेस या िवशेष तीथªयाýी रेलगािड़यां शुł करने का िवचार है; और (घ) यिद हां, तो इनके ÿÖतािवत मागª, आवृि° तथा अनुमािनत ÿारंिभक ितिथयां ³या है तथा इन ÿÖतािवत रेलगािड़यŌ के िलए राºय सरकार के साथ समÆवय हेतु ³या कदम उठाए जा रहे ह§? रेल मंýी; सूचना और ÿसारण मंýी; तथा इले³ůॉिनकì और सूचना ÿौīोिगकì मंýी (®ी अिÔवनी वैÕणव): (क) से (घ) चूंिक रेल नेटवकª राºय कì सीमाओं के आर-पार फैला होता है, इसिलए नेटवकª कì आवÔयकतानुसार, ऐसी सीमाओं के आर-पार रेलगािड़यां चलाई जाती ह§। वतªमान म¤, देहरादून/हåरĬार वाराणसी (03 जोड़ी गािड़यŌ Ĭारा), गया (01 जोड़ी गािड़यŌ Ĭारा), पुरी (01 जोड़ी गािड़यŌ Ĭारा), पटना (02 जोड़ी गािड़यŌ Ĭारा) और कोलकाता (03 जोड़ी गािड़यŌ Ĭारा) आिद जैसे शहरŌ से जुड़ा हòआ है। वतªमान म¤, हåरĬार Öटेशन 88 रेलगाड़ी सेवाओं तथा देहरादून Öटेशन 36 रेलगाड़ी सेवाओं Ĭारा िनÌनानुसार सेिवत िकए जा रहे ह§: हåरĬार Öटेशन को सेिवत करने वाली रेलगािड़यां: 10.12.2025 702 ø. सं. रेलगाड़ी सं. रेलगाड़ी का नाम 1 22457/22458 आनंद िवहार (ट.) – देहरादून वंदे भारत ए³सÿेस 2 22545/22546 लखनऊ – देहरादून वंदे भारत ए³सÿेस 3 12017/12018 नई िदÐली – देहरादून शताÊदी ए³सÿेस 4 12053/12054 हåरĬार – अमृतसर जन शताÊदी ए³सÿेस 5 12055/12056 नई िदÐली – देहरादून जन शताÊदी ए³सÿेस 6 12091/12092 देहरादून – काठगोदाम जन शताÊदी ए³सÿेस 7 12171/12172 लोकमाÆय ितलक (ट.) – हåरĬार ए³सÿेस 8 12327/12328 हावड़ा – देहरादून उपासना ए³सÿेस 9 12369/12370 हावड़ा – देहरादून कुंभ ए³सÿेस 10 12401/12402 कोटा – देहरादून नंदा देवी ए³सÿेस 11 12911/12912 वलसाड – हåरĬार ए³सÿेस 12 13009/13010 हावड़ा – योग नगरी ऋिषकेश दून ए³सÿेस 13 14041/14042 िदÐली – देहरादून मसूरी ए³सÿेस 14 14113/14114 सूबेदारगंज – देहरादून ए³सÿेस 15 14119/14120 काठगोदाम – देहरादून ए³सÿेस 16 14229/14230 ÿयागराज संगम – योग नगरी ऋिषकेश ए³सÿेस 17 14303/14304 िदÐली – हåरĬार ए³सÿेस 18 14305/14306 िदÐली – हåरĬार ए³सÿेस 19 14309/14310 लàमी बाई नगर - योग नगरी ऋिषकेश ए³सÿेस 20 14317/14318 लàमी बाई नगर - योग नगरी ऋिषकेश ए³सÿेस 21 14605/14606 योग नगरी ऋिषकेश – जÌमू तवी ए³सÿेस 10.12.2025 703 22 14609/14610 योग नगरी ऋिषकेश - ®ी माता वैÕणो देवी कटड़ा ए³सÿेस 23 14625/14626 हåरĬार – िफरोजपुर क§ट ए³सÿेस 24 14631/14632 देहरादून – अमृतसर ए³सÿेस 25 14717/14718 बीकानेर – हåरĬार ए³सÿेस 26 14815/14816 ®ी गंगानगर – ऋिषकेश ए³सÿेस 27 14887/14888 ऋिषकेश – बाड़मेर ए³सÿेस 28 15001/15002 मुजÉफरपुर – देहरादून ए³सÿेस 29 15005/15006 गोरखपुर – देहरादून ए³सÿेस 30 15019/15020 देहरादून – टनकपुर ए³सÿेस 31 15119/15120 बनारस – देहरादून ए³सÿेस 32 18477/18478 पुरी – योग नगरी ऋिषकेश ए³सÿेस 33 19019/19020 बांþा (ट.) – हåरĬार ए³सÿेस 34 19031/19032 साबरमती – योग नगरी ऋिषकेश ए³सÿेस 35 19271/19272 भावनगर (ट.) – हåरĬार ए³सÿेस 36 19565/19566 ओखा – देहरादून ए³सÿेस 37 19609/19610 उदयपुर िसटी – योग नगरी ऋिषकेश ए³सÿेस 38 22659/22660 ितŁवनंतपुरम उ°र – योग नगरी ऋिषकेश ए³सÿेस 39 22917/22918 बांþा (ट.) – हåरĬार ए³सÿेस 40 54341/54342 सहारनपुर – देहरादून पैस¤जर 41 54463/54464 चंदौसी – ऋिषकेश पैस¤जर 10.12.2025 704 42 54481/54482 हåरĬार – ऋिषकेश पैस¤जर 43 54483/54484 हåरĬार – ऋिषकेश पैस¤जर 44 64511/64512 हåरĬार – अंब अंदौरा मेमू देहरादून Öटेशन को सेिवत करने वाली रेलगािड़यां: øम. रेलगाड़ी सं. रेलगाड़ी का नाम 1 22457/22458 आनंद िवहार (ट.) – देहरादून वंदे भारत ए³सÿेस 2 22545/22546 लखनऊ – देहरादून वंदे भारत ए³सÿेस 3 12017/12018 नई िदÐली – देहरादून शताÊदी ए³सÿेस 4 12055/12056 देहरादून – नई िदÐली जन शताÊदी ए³सÿेस 5 12091/12092 देहरादून – काठगोदाम जन शताÊदी ए³सÿेस 6 12327/12328 हावड़ा – देहरादून उपासना ए³सÿेस 7 12369/12370 हावड़ा – देहरादून कुंभ ए³सÿेस 8 12401/12402 कोटा – देहरादून नंदा देवी ए³सÿेस 9 14041/14042 िदÐली – देहरादून मसूरी ए³सÿेस 10 14113/14114 सूबेदारगंज – देहरादून ए³सÿेस 11 14119/14120 काठगोदाम – देहरादून ए³सÿेस 12 14631/14632 देहरादून – अमृतसर ए³सÿेस 13 15001/15002 मुजÉफरपुर – देहरादून ए³सÿेस 14 15005/15006 गोरखपुर – देहरादून ए³सÿेस 10.12.2025 705 15 15019/15020 देहरादून – टनकपुर ए³सÿेस 16 15119/15120 बनारस – देहरादून ए³सÿेस 17 19565/19566 ओखा – देहरादून उ°रांचल ए³सÿेस 18 54341/54342 सहारनपुर – देहरादून पैस¤जर इसके अलावा, िनयिमत सेवाओं के अलावा, भारतीय रेल पåरचालिनक Óयवहायªता, यातायात औिचÂय आिद के अÅयधीन, ÂयोहारŌ, छुåĘयŌ, धािमªक आयोजनŌ आिद के दौरान यािýयŌ कì अितåरĉ भीड़ को Åयान म¤ रखते हòए िवशेष रेलगािड़यŌ का पåरचालन भी करती है। इसके अलावा, िकसी भी मागª/खंड पर नई रेलगािड़यŌ कì शुŁआत करना िविभÆन कारकŌ पर िनभªर करता है, िजनम¤ िनÌनिलिखत शािमल ह§: • उस खंड कì ±मता • पथ कì उपलÊधता • अपेि±त चल Öटॉक कì उपलÊधता • चल Öटॉक के िलए उपयुĉ अवसंरचना कì उपलÊधता • रेलपथ और अÆय पåरसंपि°यŌ कì अनुर±ण संबंधी आवÔयकता PRODUCTION-LINKED-INCENTIVE (PLI) SCHEME FOR TELECOM AND NETWORKING PRODUCTS 1764. SUSHRI SAYANI GHOSH: Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that top networking products contain domestic content only around 5%, despite huge subsidies under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Telecom and Networking Products and if so, the details 10.12.2025 706 thereof; (b) whether it is a fact that most of the approved firms continue to source key components, chips and modules from China and other foreign countries and if so, the reasons behind the lack of local component manufacturing; (c) the details of the total number of beneficiary firms under the PLI scheme, total amount of incentive claimed and disbursed since inception and the percentage of firms that have failed to meet their annual production targets; (d) whether the Government acknowledges that such low indigenous manufacturing weakens India’s supply chain resilience and strategic autonomy in telecom infrastructure and if so, the details thereof; and (e) whether there is any plan to revise the PLI framework to incentivise semiconductor and core component manufacturing within the country and if so, the details thereof? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (DR. CHANDRA SEKHAR PEMMASANI): (a) and (b) The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Telecom and Networking products was launched in 2021 to boost domestic manufacturing of telecom products in India. The average domestic value addition across various products manufactured under the scheme as reported by companies is about 27.8 percent. Companies procure components based on multiple considerations such as domestic availability, cost competitiveness, quality, and reliability of supply. (c) Total 42 companies have been given approval under the scheme. As on 10.12.2025 707 31.10.2025 total 23 companies have claimed incentive of Rs. 1977.75 Cr out of which Rs. 1850.47 Cr have been disbursed. Forty-five percent of the approved companies (19 out of 42 companies) have failed to meet their annual production targets for the year 2024-25. (d) and (e) The PLI scheme for Telecom and Networking Products was launched to strengthen domestic manufacturing. In addition, other initiatives such as the India Semiconductor Mission and the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme support the manufacturing of components, semiconductors, and modules. The current PLI scheme is valid until 31.03.2027, and there is presently no proposal to revise the framework to incentivize semiconductor or core component manufacturing under this scheme. DPDP BOARD OF INDIA 1765. SHRIMATI BAG MITALI: Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state: (a) the number of grievances received by Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Board of India, Year-wise; (b) the total number of officers, staff and members in DPDP Board of India; (c) the number of entities DPDP board of India has penalised since inception, year and amount-wise; and (d) the details of Budget allocated to the DPDP Board of India from the year 2023, year-wise? 10.12.2025 708 THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA): (a) to (d) The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (“Act”) provides for the processing of digital personal data in a manner that recognises both the rights of the individual to protect their personal data and need to process such personal data for lawful purposes. The Act empowers the individuals with the rights to access, correct, and erase her digital personal data. It also provides the citizen right to grievance redressal by empowering them to address matters related to her personal data processed by a Data Fiduciary. The Act and the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 (“Rules”) have been notified on 13 November, 2025. As notified, the DPB will comprise Chairperson and four other Members. Under the Act, a grievance submitted by an individual may be taken up for inquiry by the DPB. Upon establishing a violation of the Act, the DPB is empowered to impose penalties on the concerned Data Fiduciary. FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL STRUCTURES FOR SMR DEPLOYMENT 1766. SHRI BRIJMOHAN AGRAWAL: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: (a) the details of specific financial and operational structures such as PPP 10.12.2025 709 models including BOOT or PPA guarantees being formulated to attract private investment for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) deployment; (b) the details of preferred SMR technologies like Light Water or High- Temperature Gas along with localization targets and incentives for domestic manufacturing to build India’s value chain; (c) the details of revised Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) protocols for SMR safety security and siting near industrial zones including the measures to address public concerns; (d) the details of strategies to ensure competitive Localised Cost of Energy for SMRs versus renewables with tariff mechanisms for data centres; (e) the details of long-term plans for SMR waste management including transport guidelines along with the skill programmes projecting workforce needs for next five years; (f) the details of leading PSUs actively working with the Ministry and their respective achievements so far in this technology; and (g) the details of NTPC Nuclear cell’s plans with Chhattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh for nuclear project development? THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): (a) and (b) Preferred SMR technology is light water reactor based pressured 10.12.2025 710 water technology. Based on PWR technology Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a constituent Unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has initiated design and development of 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR- 200 MWe) and 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55 MWe), with a purpose of; a. Repurposing of retiring fossil fuel-based power plants, b. Captive plants for energy intensive industries such as steel, cement and process industries. c. Off-grid applications for remote locations. BARC is also developing up to 5 MWth high temperature gas cooled reactor for hydrogen generation. Gas cooled reactor technology is selected as the hydrogen production requires high temperature. However, research and development is required for design and development of high temperature materials and reactor. Most of the critical equipment and components are made in the country for well proven Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) design. The industries engaged in manufacturing of PHWR are likely to participate in manufacturing of critical equipment and components for SMRs. Localisation of manufacturing and supply chain for these SMRs are envisaged in line with the “Make in India” initiative. Manufacturing of critical equipment and components, such as special steel and heavy forgings for reactor pressure vessel, primary coolant pumps, heat exchangers, control rod drive mechanisms, instruments along with their associated electronics and control systems etc., are within the 10.12.2025 711 capability of Indian industries with technical handholding by BARC. Further, participation of private sector/ Indian industry will be for construction of SMRs through engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts. This create complete domestic ecosystem of manufacturing and supply chain. The technological advancement and know-how developed by Indian industries in the process can be leveraged to get potential collaboration/ business opportunities in Indian and abroad as many countries are planning to develop and deploy SMRs. One of the major incentives for the heavy industries from the private sector can be the ownership (as permissible by the extant Atomic Energy Act) and guaranteed rights over the green electric power generation by SMRs. The decarbonisation of energy incentive industries could be helpful in avoiding the proposed carbon tax on export of goods. (c) and (d) Different types / designs of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) in India are to be sited, designed, constructed, commissioned & operated complying with the regulatory requirements of AERB. AERB safety and regulatory requirements for licensing of NPPs are mostly technology neutral. In light of the evolving developments in the fields of SMRs, AERB has conducted review of its existing regulatory requirements and concluded that the same regulatory framework can generally be applied for safety regulation of advanced reactors as such as SMRs, except for technology specific aspects for which review may be required when details of proposed sites and design of specific SMR is submitted to AERB. AERB also participates in various international forums to keep itself abreast about the developments in regulation of SMRs and suitably adopt them when 10.12.2025 712 required. With respect to nuclear security, AERB regulates those engineering aspects of nuclear security which have a bearing on safety, within the main plant boundary of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), as per requirements specified in the AERB documents titled “Nuclear Security Requirements for Nuclear Power Plants”. The same approach can also be used for SMRs. With respect to measures being taken to address public concerns, AERB has an established public outreach program to spread awareness and keep the public informed on radiation and nuclear safety related matters. AERB views public outreach as an essential element to build long-lasting trust and confidence with media and public at large. AERB conducts awareness programs in the vicinity of NPPs and radiation facilities, to engage with public and spread awareness about radiation safety regulation. AERB publishes its quarterly e- newsletters, annual report and all relevant information related to radiation and nuclear safety matters on its website. AERB also issues press releases on matters related to nuclear and radiation safety. (e) DAE has a comprehensive and internally aligned framework to ensure safe and long-term management of radioactive waste generated from the existing reactors. Same framework can be used for small modular reactors. Nuclear waste arising from the nuclear power plants and fuel cycle facility will be safely managed/disposed under the provisions of “The Atomic Energy Act, 1962”, subsequent amendments and the Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of Radioactive Wastes) Rules, 1987. 10.12.2025 713 As a waste management philosophy, no waste in any physical form is released/disposed to the environment unless same is cleared, exempted or excluded from regulations. Low and intermediate level waste generated from operation and maintenance of a nuclear power plants are managed at plant site itself. These wastes are treated, concentrated, compacted, immobilized in solid like cement and disposed in specially constructed structures such as reinforcement concrete trenches and tile holes located at the site. The disposal facility is kept under constant surveillance to confirm effective containment of radioactivity present in the disposed waste. Broad philosophy of nuclear waste management remains same to reduce the overall nuclear waste burden i.e., recovery of useful radioisotopes, if any, volume reduction followed by vitrification of waste in stable glass matrix and storage in engineered facilities kept under surveillance at par with internationally accepted practices. However, in case of SMRs the reprocessing technology is to be re-engineered based on the fuel configuration. The transportation of radioactive material is as per guidelines stipulated by AERB and will be in line with existing reactors. (f) Currently SMRs are in design stage. So far, only Engineers India Limited and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have been approached for detailed engineering of BSMR-200. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has been closely associated with BARC for formation of detailed report for BSMR-200. (g) National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Group [except Tehri Hydro 10.12.2025 714 Development Corporation Limited (THDC) and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO)], two MoUs have been signed by NTPC, one with the Government of Madhya Pradesh on 24.02.2025 and another with the Government of Chhattisgarh on 10.03.2025, to collaborate and explore opportunities to develop a project in each state, with the project capacity to be determined based on water availability, and approval from the Government of India. REGULATION OF DARK PATTERNS ON E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS 1767. SHRI BASTIPATI NAGARAJU:

Spoke on 2025-12-10T00:00:00.000Z

In debate Ruling regarding Notices of Adjournment Motion