कथन

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state: (a) whether the launch of Bharat-VISTAAR AI Platform marks a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence into farm-level decision- making across the country; (b) whether the platform provides real-time, data-driven advisories on weather patterns, soil health and crop planning to enhance productivity; (c) whether Bharat-VISTAAR AI ensures inclusive access by supporting multiple regional languages and user-friendly interfaces for small farmers; (d) whether the tool strengthens transparency and efficiency in scheme implementation through digital profiling and analytics; and (e) whether Bharat-VISTAAR AI positions India as a pioneer in AI-driven agricultural governance and smart farming infrastructure? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI RAM NATH THAKUR): (a) to (e) Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), a multilingual, Artificial intelligence (AI) powered tool, has been announced in the Union Budget 2026–27. The Government of India has 24.03.2026 1096 launched the Phase-1 version of Bharat-VISTAAR as a nationwide, AI-powered, voice-first, multilingual Digital Public Infrastructure. It is conceived as an integrated and unified Digital Public Infrastructure designed to provide farmers with reliable, real-time, and location-specific personalized agricultural advisories while ensuring seamless access to a comprehensive range of allied agricultural and support services. The platform integrates data from various government digital ecosystems and scientific agricultural practices developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other authoritative sources to deliver personalised information/advisories on crop management, weather, market prices, pest and disease alerts, and soil health insights, in a phase-wise manner. In the Phase I, launched on 17th February, 2026, this facility is available in Hindi and English languages through multiple channels, including a dedicated telephone number (155261), a voice-based AI chatbot, a web portal of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and a downloadable mobile application. Phase-I integrates 10 (ten) major Central schemes, including PM- KISAN, PMFBY, Soil Health Card, Kisan Credit Card, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, PM-AASHA, Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, Per Drop More Crop, and Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization. The Government has plans to add more regional languages in the subsequent phases. To ensure accessibility for small and marginal farmers, the platform provides voice-based and Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) access 24.03.2026 1097 for non-smartphone users. It is designed for expansion to regional languages, State-specific Agriculture schemes & information and extension networks, along with awareness and capacity-building programmes to promote digital adoption. BharatVistaar also promotes transparency and trust by ensuring traceability through clear indication of the source of information used, such as ICAR, IMD, and other authoritative sources. The information being provided is dynamically updated in real time, ensuring that farmers receive the most current and reliable information for decision-making, which further improves overall efficiency. Bharat-VISTAAR has been developed in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and other IT laws of the country in force. The Government of India also ensures robust data security, which is fully compliant with the cyber security guidelines of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Computer Emergency Response Team- India (CERT-In). In addition, the government conducts periodic security audits of all these IT systems and monitors risks with users accessing this infrastructure within such a short period, this positions Bharat-VISTAAR as one of the transformative DPIs in the agriculture sector delivering at scale. RISING BEEF EXPORTS AGAINST CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS 5273. SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA: Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: 24.03.2026 1098 (a) whether it is a fact that India has emerged among the top beef-exporting countries globally; (b) if so, whether the Government is aware that large-scale beef exports run contrary to the sentiments of the majority population, for whom cattle hold sacred and cultural value; (c) the details of the total quantity and value of beef exports during the last ten years, yearwise and the reasons for allowing such expansion despite these sensitivities; and (d) whether the Government proposes any corrective measures to align trade policy with the sentiments of the people and if not, the reasons therefor? 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) As per Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)’s Foreign Trade Policy(FTP), the export of beef (meat of cow, oxen, calf) is prohibited and is not permitted to be exported from India. MSP IN KARNATAKA 5274. SHRI SAGAR ESHWAR KHANDRE Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state: 24.03.2026 1099 (a) whether the Government is aware that market prices of Bengal gram (chana) in Karnataka, particularly in Bidar district, are below the MSP for Rabi Marketing Season 2026–27, leading to distress sales; (b) whether any proposal has been received from the State for procurement under the Price Support Scheme through NAFED/NCCF and the status thereof; (c) whether MSP procurement centres are being operationalised in Bidar and other districts, along with timelines; and (d) the steps taken to ensure effective MSP realisation for chana farmers in Karnataka? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI RAM NATH THAKUR): (a) and (b) Government implements Price Support Scheme (PSS) under PM- AASHA for procurement of Fair Average Quality (FAQ) of pulses, oilseeds and copra at Minimum Support Price (MSP) as and when the market price falls below the MSP on the request of the State Government to provide remunerative price to the farmers. Based on the request of Government of Karnataka, approval has been given for the procurement of 1,01,340 MT of Bengal Gram (Chana) in the State including Bidar district of Karnataka under PSS through Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) i.e. NAFED and NCCF during Rabi 2026 season. As on 18.03.2026, a total quantity of 26,261 MT of Bengal Gram (Chana) has been procured under PSS in the State. 24.03.2026 1100 (c) 451 procurement centres have been opened in Karnataka by CNAs including 123 procurement centres in Bidar District for procurement of Bengal Gram (Chana) in the State during Rabi Marketing Season 2026. (d) To ensure effective MSP realization for Chana farmers, procurement centres are opened by respective State Government Agencies and CNAs, taking into account the production, marketable surplus, convenience of farmers and availability of other logistics/infrastructure such as storage and transportation etc. Large number of temporary purchase centres, in addition to the existing Mandis and depots/godowns are also established at key points for the convenience of the farmers. Further, wide publicity is done by State Government, Central Nodal Agencies and State Agencies for providing information on FAQ quality parameters, procurement dates, procurement centers so that farmers may bring their produce and sell in the procurement centers. All the payments of MSP are made directly to the registered farmers’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)/Aadhaar Authenticated Bank Account of Farmers. INSTITUTIONAL CREDIT TO FARMERS 5275. DR. D. RAVI KUMAR: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state: (a) the details of the institutional credit was disbursed to farmers during 2023–24; 24.03.2026 1101 (b) the quantum of credit reached to small and marginal farmers; (c) the details of the financial constraints affect access to affordable loans; and (d) the details of the steps taken to improve credit flow and interest support? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI RAM NATH THAKUR): (a) During FY 2023-24, the institutional credit of Rs. 25.49 lakh crore has been disbursed to 17.09 crore farmers. (b) Out of total institutional credit disbursed during FY 2023-24, an amount of Rs. 14.40 lakh crore has been disbursed to 13.06 crore Small and Marginal Farmers. (c) Government is making adequate provision of funds to implement credit linked schemes to ensure required credit reaches to targeted and deserving beneficiaries. (d) The Government of India has taken the following steps in the recent past for deepening and widening of credit flow to farmers: i. As per priority Sector Landing (PSL) regulation government has mandated that banks will provide 18% of their total loans to agriculture and allied sector. Since 2016 a sub limit has been fixed for small and marginal farmers which at present is 10%. ii. In 2018–19, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility was extended to farmers engaged in allied activities, including animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries. 24.03.2026 1102 iii. RBI has increased collateral free loan limit in KCC for existing Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs 2 lakh w.e.f., 01.01.2025. iv. To ensure transparency, efficiency in administering Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) and timely disbursement of Interest Subvention, a digital platform namely Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) has been launched by the Government for prompt settlement of claims. v. Department of Financial Services vide its letter dated 04.02.2019 has advised banks to waive processing, documentation, inspection, ledger folio charges and all other service charges for Kisan Credit Card (KCC)/crop loans up to Rs. 3 lakh. vi. Several other digital initiatives like Krishi Nivesh, and eKCC have been launched for expeditions sanctions of loans. vii. Government is administering several schemes for making easy and affordable institution credit to farmers including Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). viii. Government have been taking multiple initiative to make availability of Short Term loan accessible to farmers through regular IEC campaigns organized by banks, State Government/ Central Government, RBI, NABARD, etc, besides, technology intervention like Kisan Rin Portal (KRP). 24.03.2026 1103 INTRODUCTION OF SEED BILL 5276. SHRI ANAND BHADAURIA: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is contemplating to bring Seed Bill during the current session, if so, the details thereof; and (b) the details of reservations of farmers' unions with respect to Seed Bill? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI RAM NATH THAKUR): (a) and (b) The draft Seeds Bill was placed in the public domain by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for pre-legislative consultation and numerous suggestions have been received from various stakeholders including Farmers, State Governments, Farmers’ Organizations etc. These suggestions are under deliberation. OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES 5277. SHRI YADUVEER WADIYAR: Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state: (a) the criteria and parameters followed by the Central Government for inclusion or exclusion of communities in the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and the statutory role of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC); 24.03.2026 1104 (b) whether the Government has taken note of recent NCBC reports regarding data gaps, delays in processing State proposals and mismatch between State and Central OBC lists, if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government is aware that several communities, including Kodava/Kodavaru/Kodagaru, remain excluded from the Central OBC list despite State-level recognition, if so, the details thereof; (d) the date of the last revision of the Central OBC list and the number of communities/sub-castes added or deleted, State-wise; (e) whether the impact of such exclusion on access to Central OBC welfare schemes for reservation in Central recruitment and competitive examinations has been assessed, if so, the details thereof; and (f) whether the Government of Karnataka has submitted any recent proposal for inclusion and its status, if so, the details thereof? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI B. L. VERMA): (a) and (b) The criteria and parameters followed by the Central Government for inclusion or exclusion of communities in the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) is done as per the Article 342A of the Constitution of India. Article 338B of the Constitution provides the constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) and the relevant provisions can be seen at https://egazette.gov.in/(S(cv5m32auyg4nb5ng4xabdkoo))/ViewPDF.aspx 24.03.2026 1105 (c) to (f) Recently, no proposal for inclusion of Kodava/Kodavaru/Kodagaru has been received from the State Government of Karnataka and these communities are not included in the Central list of OBCs. All the inclusions/exclusions done in the Central list of OBCs can be accessed on the website of NCBC (ncbc.nic.in.). CENSUS 2027 SAFEGUARDS 5278. SHRI G. KUMAR NAIK: Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government proposes to conduct the forthcoming Population Census using digital and technology-enabled methods, and if so, the nature of personal data proposed to be collected; (b) whether the Government has clarified if Census data will remain strictly isolated for statistical purposes or whether it is proposed to be linked, directly or indirectly, with databases such as Aadhaar, the National Population Register, voter rolls or any other administrative datasets, and if so, the legal basis and safeguards governing such linkage; (c) whether there exist legal provisions to ensure that Census data is not shared for citizenship verification, profiling or surveillance purposes and whether independent security audits are mandated and the details thereof; and (d) the steps being taken to ensure federal participation in the Census process, including real-time access for State Governments to 24.03.2026 1106 enumeration data during collection, public dashboards, independent verification of Census data? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI): (a) Yes. Census 2027 is planned to be conducted through digital means. Apart from collection of Census data by the Enumerators using Mobile App, provision for Self-Enumeration by the respondents has also been made for the first time through a web portal. A web Portal has been developed to manage and monitor various activities of Census 2027. Questions for the first phase of Census 2027 have been notified. Questions of second phase of Census are notified in due course before conduct of second phase. While information on housing condition, household particulars, amenities available and assets possessed by the household are collected in the first phase of the Census, information on demographic, socio-economic, education, migration etc. of the individual members are collected in the second phase of the Census. (b) and (c) Census is conducted under the provisions of the Census Act 1948 and Census Rules, 1990 and amendments made thereunder. Individual data collected in the Census is kept confidential and only aggregated data at various administrative levels is published. (d) States and Union Territories play a pivotal role in smooth conduct of the Census, as various field-level activities including collection of data, verification, monitoring and supervision, review of progress are carried out by Census functionaries appointed and deployed by the respective State Governments and 24.03.2026 1107 Union Territory Administrations under the provisions of Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules,1990. INCREASE IN FISH PRODUCTION 5279. DR. RABINDRA NARAYAN BEHERA: Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be pleased to state: (a) the increase in fish production in Odisha as of December 2025 since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Scheme (PMMSY); (b) the number of women beneficiaries via disbursement of funds under the scheme during the said period in Odisha; and (c) whether any support has been provided by the Government for cold chains, processing and packaging under the scheme in Odisha during the said period and if so, the details thereof? THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ; AND MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH): (a) The Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India, is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) across all States and Union Territories, including Odisha, since 2020–21. During this period, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has approved proposals submitted by the 24.03.2026 1108 Government of Odisha amounting to ₹1,301.30 crore, including a Central share of ₹481.17 crore, for the development of the fisheries sector through various interventions. These include the creation and strengthening of fish production infrastructure such as hatcheries, construction of ponds, recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS), Biofloc units, and cage culture in reservoirs. The Government of Odisha has reported that the State’s total fish production has increased from 8.18 lakh tonnes in 2019–20 to 11.92 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. (b) PMMSY promotes women’s participation in the fisheries sector by providing enhanced financial assistance of 60% for women beneficiaries undertaking individual or group activities. Under the scheme, the Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, Government of India, has approved a range of interventions specifically designed to support and empower women in fisheries. The Government of Odisha has reported that 14,246 women beneficiaries have availed benefits under PMMSY (c) Under PMMSY, support has been provided by the Government for cold chains, processing, and packaging in Odisha. The detailed activities approved for the cold chains and packaging units are given in the enclosed Statement. 24.03.2026 1109 STATEMENT Detailed activities approved for the cold chains and packaging units (Rs. in lakhs) Sl No. Activities Approved Units Project Cost 1. Cold Storage/ Ice Plants of 10, 20, and 50 ton/day capacity (Including construction and modernization) 32 3930.00 2. Refrigerated vehicles 10 250.00 3. Three-wheeler with ice box, including e- rickshaws for fish vending 270 810.00 4. Motorcycles with ice box 700 525.00 5. Fish Feed Plants 21 4000.00 6. Fish retail markets 17 1700.00 7. Fish Kiosks 42 420.00 8. Live fish vending centres 5 100.00 Total 11735.00 INDIA'S TRADE AGREEMENTS 5280.SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL: Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: (a) the details of all trade agreements, including Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), signed by India with other 24.03.2026 1110 countries since the financial year 2014-15, along with the dates of signing and entry into force; (b) the major sectors covered under each such agreement and the tariff concessions extended by India thereunder; (c) the increase in India's total exports and imports under these agreements compared to pre-agreement levels, year-wise during the said period; (d) whether these agreements have led to any trade deficits with partner countries and if so, the details thereof along with the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard; and (e) the overall contribution of these agreements to India's GDP growth, job creation, and foreign exchange reserves since 2014-15, supported by data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry? 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) and (b) Since 2014-15 India has signed 06 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with its trade partners namely, Mauritius, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the United Kingdom (UK) and Oman. FTA with UK and Oman are yet to be implemented. The details are given in the enclosed Statement-I. In addition, FTA negotiations with New Zealand and the European Union have been concluded on 22nd December 2025 and 27th January 2026 24.03.2026 1111 respectively. Also, a joint statement by India and the United States (U.S.) on a trade deal was released on February 07 2026. On February 07, 2026, 25% additional ad valorem tariffs imposed by the U.S. on certain India’s exports citing India’s imports of Russian oil were removed. Pursuant to U.S. Supreme Court judgement dated February 20, 2026 invalidating reciprocal tariffs, the reciprocal tariffs are no longer in force. The U.S. Government has issued Executive Orders imposing 10% tariffs on certain products from all countries. The Government is studying all the developments and remains engaged with the U.S. Government. The details of tariffs structure and salient features of these FTAs may be sourced at https://www.commerce.gov.in/international-trade/. Brief features of these FTAs along with major sectors covered are listed below:  India-Mauritius CECPA: Major sectors covered includes food stuff and beverages, agricultural products, textile and textile articles, base metals and articles thereof, electricals and electronic item, plastics and chemicals etc. India will receive preferential access for 310 export items (78% of total lines) to Mauritius, while Mauritius will be benefited from preferential market access into India for 615 products (90% of total trade lines). Indian service providers have been granted market access in around 115 sub- sectors across 11 broad service sectors in Mauritius. India, in turn, has offered market access in around 95 sub-sectors covering 11 broad service sectors to Mauritius.  India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): Under CEPA, India has secured duty- 24.03.2026 1112 free and preferential market access on 97% of UAE tariff lines covering 99% of India’s exports, creating a opportunity for Indian farmers, MSMES and other businesses. Major sectors covered includes Refined Crude oil products, Gems and Jewellery, Textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, plastics, furniture, agricultural and wood products, engineering products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, Automobiles etc. 64.61% of tariff lines have been identified in the Immediate Elimination list; imports from the UAE on these become duty free immediately upon entry into force of the CEPA. 18.27% and 1.89% tariff lines are in Phased Elimination, where the basic customs duty would be brought to zero in a phased manner of 5/7 years and 10 years respectively from the date of entry into force of CEPA. 5.51% of tariff lines are in Phased reduction list where the UAE has been given up to 50% tariff reduction with or without a tariff-rate quota (TRQ). Considering domestic sensitivities, the remaining 9.72% of the tariff lines have been kept in exclusion list.  India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA): Under ECTA, 100 per cent market access with zero duty has been extended by Australia from 1st January 2026. The major sectors included in ECTA are textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agriculture, Engineering and Machinery etc. India has extended preferential access to Australia across more than 70% of its tariff lines. India will provide zero duty access immediately on 40.3% of its tariff lines and the remaining 30% in phased manner over a period of 3, 5, 7 and 10 years. This also includes 24.03.2026 1113 125 tariff lines where there will be duty reduction and not elimination. India has kept many sensitive products in the exclusion category without offering any concession. India has kept 29.8% of its tariff lines under exclusion list such as Milk and other dairy products, chickpeas, walnut, pistachio nut, wheat, rice, bajra, apple, sunflowers seed oil, gold, silver, platinum, jewellery, iron ore, most medical devices etc.  India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): India has secured binding commitment from EFTA covering 92.2% of tariff lines (99.6% of India’s exports). Major sectors like machinery, organic chemicals, textiles, Gems and Jewellery, Electronics and Software processed foods etc is covered Under TEPA. India’s offer to EFTA covers 82.7% of tariff lines, accounting for 95.3% of EFTA exports. Over 80% of these imports are Gold, with no change in effective duty on Gold. Sensitive sectors protected including pharma, medical devices, processed food, dairy, soya, coal, and sensitive agricultural products.  India - UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): The India-UK CETA provides duty-free access for more than 99% of India’s exports to the UK, covering nearly 100% of the trade value. This includes labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, marine products, gems and jewellery, and toys as well as high-growth sectors like engineering goods, electrical and electronic equipment, chemicals, and auto components. The agreement also covers select agro and marine products, chemicals and allied sectors, pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber 24.03.2026 1114 products, and certain industrial and consumer goods. Under the FTA, India has opened 89.5 % of its tariff lines covering 91 % of UK’s export. 24.5 % of UK’s export will enjoy immediate duty-free market access. India has safeguarded sensitive sectors like dairy, cereal, millets, pulses, certain essential oils, apples, certain vegetables, gold, jewellery, lab grown diamonds. Strategic exclusions also cover critical energy, fuels, marine vessels, some polymers, worn clothing, smart phones, optic fibres. For strategically important products where domestic capacity is being built, for example under Make in India or PLI, India will provide gradual tariff reduction over 5, 7 or 10 years.  India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): India has secured 100% duty-free market access for its exports to Oman, covering 98.08% of Oman’s tariff lines, representing 99.38% of India’s export value. The agreement opens export opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including minerals, chemicals, base metals, machinery, plastics and rubber, transport and automotive products, instruments and clocks, glass, ceramics, marble, paper, textiles, agricultural and processed food products, marine products, and gems and jewellery and many more. India has offered tariff liberalization on 77.79 per cent of its total tariff lines, covering 94.81 per cent of India’s imports from Oman by value. At the same time, India has placed multiple tariff lines in the exclusion list to protect key domestic sectors and sensitive value-chain 24.03.2026 1115 industries and also safeguard manufacturing competitiveness and farmer interests. (c) to (e) The details of India's total exports and imports under the signed and implemented agreements are given in the enclosed Statement-II. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are entered into with the concerned trading partner countries primarily with the aim of increasing bilateral trade through enlarging the scope of market access and building on the trade complementarities for increasing trade and investment, thereby providing enhanced export potential, creating benefits for industry and farmers and enhancing job opportunities. The FTAs facilitate preferential market access for labour intensive sector products to boost growth and employment opportunities in sectors like textile, apparel and leather goods. FTAs endeavor to deliver a comprehensive, balanced, broad-based and equitable agreement based on the principle of fairness and reciprocity and overall benefit to all the stakeholders. Before entering into new FTA negotiations, the government ensures that sector-specific stakeholder consultations are held at all stages of the negotiations. In addition to this structured approach, post-implementation, the Government is continuously engaged with all stakeholders to advance trade through trade promotion, trade facilitation and remedial measures for elevating trade and economic growth. Strategic safeguards for sensitive sectors ensure export growth while protecting domestic priorities. Also, FTAs provide institutional arrangements for addressing trade related issues faced by stakeholders, including exporters, with partner countries. 24.03.2026 1116 Government is continuously engaged with industry associations, concerned stakeholders, including the Indian Missions abroad, the Export Promotion Councils, the trade associations, the concerned ministries/departments to advance trade. Government aims to promote trade and economic growth through trade promotion, FTAs, trade facilitation and remedial measures related to import and export. Government has taken several initiative and measures from time to time towards enhancing domestic capacities, boosting exports from the country: (i) The Foreign Trade Policy effective from April 01, 2023 is designed to integrate India more effectively into the global market, improve trade competitiveness, and establish the country as a reliable and trusted trade partner. (ii) The Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes (RoSCTL) Scheme to promote labour- oriented certain items of textiles sector export has been implemented since March 07, 2019. (iii) Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme has been implemented since January 01, 2021. The benefit of RoDTEP scheme had also been extended to sectors like steel, pharma and chemicals with effect from December 15, 2022 to enhance export competitiveness of these sectors. Currently, approx 10,780 tariff lines (8-digit ITC(HS) Codes) are covered under this Scheme. The budget allocation for RoDTEP Scheme for the current financial year 2025-26 is Rs. 18,232 crores. The benefits of the RoDTEP scheme have been 24.03.2026 1117 extended to exports from Domestic Tariff Area (DTA)/ AA/ EoU/ SEZ units till March 31, 2026. (iv) A Common Digital Platform for Certificate of extension Origin has been launched to facilitate trade and increase Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilization by exporters. (v) Districts as Export Hubs initiative has been launched by identifying products & services with export potential in each district, addressing bottlenecks for exporting these products and supporting local exporters/manufacturers to generate employment in the district. (vi) The Government has launched Trade Connect ePlatform as a unified digital interface to provide international trade information and services to all Indian exporters including MSMEs. The platform serves as a single platform for issuance of Certificates of Origin for all Indian products. It also provides various information including tariffs for Indian products in international markets, trade events happening worldwide, product and country specific trade data and compliances, international buyer data and learning resources on international trade. Officials from Indian Missions, Export Promotion Councils, Exim Bank and Department of Commerce are present on the platform with over 19 lakh registered public users (as of January 2026). (vii) The Export Promotion Mission (EPM), approved by the Cabinet on 12.11.2025 and announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, is a flagship, outcome-based initiative with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025–26 24.03.2026 1118 to FY 2030–31 to enhance India’s export competitiveness, particularly for MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labor-intensive sectors; implemented through a collaborative, EDI-driven framework, it consolidates various interventions into two sub-schemes - NIRYAT PROTSAHAN, providing affordable trade finance support, and NIRYAT DISHA, offering non-financial assistance such as quality compliance, branding, logistics, market access, and capacity building. (viii) Active role of Indian missions abroad towards promoting India’s trade, tourism, technology and investment goals has been enhanced. Regular monitoring of export performance with Commercial Missions abroad, Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards/Authorities and Industry Associations is being done and corrective measures are being taken from time to time. Macroeconomic indicators, including GDP growth, employment generation, and foreign exchange reserves, are multi-dimensional and shaped by a wide array of factors, including domestic policy frameworks, structural reforms, demographic trends, and prevailing global economic conditions. FTAs serve as important enablers by facilitating market access, enhancing export competitiveness, attracting investment, and integrating economies into global value chains. As per Economic Survey, despite global uncertainty, India has displayed strong of 6.4 per cent. The Economic Survey states that as a result of stable capital flows, India’s foreign exchange reserves increased from USD 616.7 24.03.2026 1119 billion at the end of January 2024 to USD 704.9 billion in September 2024 before moderating to USD 634.6 billion as on 3 January 2025. India’s forex reserves are sufficient to cover 90 per cent of external debt and provide an import cover of more than ten months, thereby safeguarding against external vulnerabilities. A brief on the growth statistics rate of India and the reserve may be seen at Economic Survey https://www..indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/doc/eschapter/echap01.pdf and link: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?RID=2219907&reg=3 &lang=2 STATEMENT-I India’s Free Trade Agreements since 2014 Sl. No. Name of the Agreement Date of Signing of the Agreement Date of Implementation of the Agreement 1 India - Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) 22nd February, 2021 1st April, 2021 2 India-UAE CEPA 18th February, 2022 1st May 2022 3 India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) 2nd April, 2022 29th December 2022. 4 India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) 10th March 2024 01st October 2025 5 India - UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) 24th July 2025 Under ratification process 6 India – Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) 18th December 2025 Under ratification process 24.03.2026 1120 STATEMENT -II Details of India's total exports and imports under the signed and implemented agreements Mauritius (Values in USD Million) 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Apr 2025 – Dec 2025 Export 422.91 714.85 462.69 778.03 676.49 397.94 Import 42.61 71.87 91.50 73.10 210.82 88.00 Trade Balance 380.30 642.98 371.20 704.94 465.68 309.94 Source: DGCIS UAE (Values in USD Million) 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Apr 2025 – Dec 2025 Export 16679.54 28044.88 31608.79 35625.02 36638.02 32837.22 Import 26622.99 44833.48 53231.55 48025.58 63403.01 56595.36 Trade Balance -9943.45 -16788.60 -21622.76 -12400.56 -26764.98 -23758.14 Source: DGCIS Australia (Values in USD Million) 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Apr 2025 – Dec 2025 Export 4043.88 8283.13 6951.32 7940.75 8581.38 6064.24 Import 8247.30 16756.17 19011.31 16159.20 15526.46 11607.25 Trade Balance -4203.42 -8473.04 -12059.99 -8218.45 -6945.08 -5543.01 Source: DGCIS India - EFTA TEPA signed on 10th March 2024 was implemented with effect from 01st October, 2025. Since TEPA has recently been implemented, the available trade data with EFTA for this period is provisional, which may be seen at https://ftddp.dgciskol.gov.in/dgcis/ 24.03.2026 1121 DEEP SEA FISHING VESSELS 5281. DR. C. M. RAMESH: Will the MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has sanctioned deep sea fishing vessels have been sanctioned to Andhra Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY); (b) the number of vessels sanctioned, operationalised and pending in the State; (c) whether infrastructure such as harbours, cold storage, processing units and export facilities have been strengthened along the Andhra Pradesh coastline; (d) whether any skill development and safety training programmes have been conducted for deep sea fishers; and (e) the steps taken by the Government to enhance value addition and export earnings from marine fisheries in Andhra Pradesh? THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ; AND MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH): (a) and (b) Considering the scope for harnessing deep-sea fisheries resources in the Indian EEZ and High Seas and the recommendations of the National Policy on Marine Fisheries, 2017, the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India is providing financial assistance to traditional fishermen for acquisition of Deep Sea Fishing Vessels (DSFVs) under the ‘Pradhan Mantri 24.03.2026 1122 Matsya Sampada Yojana’ (PMMSY) at the rate of 40% subsidy for General Category and 60% subsidy for SC/ST/Women beneficiaries in the country including the State of Andhra Pradesh. Under PMMSY, the DoF, Government of India, has sanctioned 50 DSFVs to the State of Andhra Pradesh. As reported by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, 6 DSFVs are currently operational in the State. (c) Under PMMSY, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India, has approved proposals submitted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh amounting to ₹2,416.92 crore, including a Central share of ₹569.86 crore, for implementation of various fisheries‑related activities such as development of fishing harbours, fish landing centres, cold storage facilities, and value‑addition units. Approval has been accorded for the construction of three fishing harbours at Budagatlapalem (Srikakulam district), Pudimadaka (Anakapalli district), and Kothapatnam (Prakasam district) at a total cost of ₹1,137.20 crore. Additional activities, including cold storage, processing units, and export‑oriented infrastructure, have also been sanctioned under PMMSY; details thereof are given in the enclosed Statement. (d) Under the Training, Awareness, Exposure and Capacity Building component of the Central Sector scheme of PMMSY, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) serves as the Nodal Agency for implementing the training programmes. This component places special emphasis on enhancing the skills, awareness, and capacity of fishers, fish farmers, fish workers/vendors, and 24.03.2026 1123 fisheries officials across all coastal States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh. As part of this initiative, NFDB, in collaboration with the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical & Engineering Training (CIFNET), conducts exclusive training programmes for marine fishermen on deep‑sea fishing and on‑board fish handling. A total of 8,040 fishermen have been trained under these programmes, including 874 fishers from Andhra Pradesh, thereby strengthening India’s capacity in deep‑sea fishing operations. In addition, the Fishery Survey of India (FSI), under the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has conducted skill‑development and capacity‑building programmes to promote the adoption of deep‑sea fishing technologies, with particular focus on deep‑sea tuna longlining and sashimi‑grade tuna handling. These programmes provide hands‑on training onboard FSI survey vessels, covering monofilament longline operations (setting and hauling), gear configuration, and efficient deck management. Structured modules also include deep‑sea navigation, use of modern navigational aids (GPS, echo sounders, AIS), watch‑keeping practices, and safety at sea, including life‑saving appliances and firefighting equipment (e) PMMSY places strong emphasis on value addition and export enhancement through improved post‑harvest infrastructure, promotion of fish value‑added enterprises, and reduction of post‑harvest losses. The Government of India 24.03.2026 1124 continues to engage closely with the stakeholders to assess evolving global market conditions and is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to expand India’s fisheries export footprint. This strategy includes sustained engagement with major markets like the United States towards a mutually beneficial India–U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement; immediate support measures such as RBI’s trade‑related interventions and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters; enhancement of domestic demand through next‑generation GST reforms; and targeted export‑promotion initiatives under the newly launched Export Promotion Mission. The Government is also negotiating new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and strengthening the utilisation of existing FTAs to improve market access for Indian seafood products. In parallel, the Department of Fisheries has undertaken extensive stakeholder consultations and strategic outreach efforts, including Investors’ Meets in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, the Coastal States Fisheries Meet, Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Meet, Seafood Exporters Meet, and World Fisheries Day events, with a strong focus on enhancing value addition in seafood exports. A Round Table Conference with Ambassadors and High Commissioners from 39 countries was convened to promote Indian seafood exports, deepen diplomatic engagement, foster collaboration on sustainable fisheries, and advance technological innovation in fisheries and aquaculture. Bilateral engagements with major importing nations are also being actively pursued to further strengthen market access. 24.03.2026 1125 To enhance global competitiveness, the Government is facilitating ease of doing business through regulatory reforms and streamlined import procedures. Additionally, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), under the Department of Commerce, continues to promote marine product exports through participation in international seafood trade fairs and exhibitions, buyer–seller meets, branding and promotion of Indian shrimp, and a range of export‑facilitation measures aimed at expanding market access and ensuring stable global demand for Indian seafood. STATEMENT Details of Additional activities, including cold storage, processing units, and export‑oriented infrastructure sanctioned under PMMSY (Rs in Lakh) Sl No. Activities Units approved Total Project Cost Central Share (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) 1. Construction of Cold Storages/Ice Plants (10 tons/day capacity) 10 400.00 115.20 2. Construction of Cold Storages/Ice Plants (20 tons/day) 1 80.00 19.20 3. Construction of Cold Storages/Ice Plants (30 tons/day) 1 120.00 43.20 4. Construction of Cold Storages/Ice Plants (50 tons/day) 4 600.00 162.00 5. Fish Value Add Enterprises Units 25 1250.00 360.00 24.03.2026 1126 6. E-platform for e-trading and e- marketing of fish and fisheries products 1 100.00 24.00 7. Modern Integrated Fish landing centres 6 12691.32 7614.79 Total 15241.32 8338.39 OBJECTIVES OF BHARAT-VISTAAR PLATFORM 5282. SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state: (a) the key objectives and components of the Bharat-VISTAAR Platform; (b) the total allocation made for the Bharat-VISTAAR platform in the Union Budget 2026 along with the main components and purposes for which funds are earmarked; (c) the planned timeline for phased rollout of the platform and the indicative coverage in terms of districts, languages and categories of farmers targeted in the initial phase; (d) whether the design framework of Bharat-VISTAAR incorporates safeguards relating to data privacy, transparency of AI systems and equitable access for small and marginal farmers; and (e) if so, the details of the broad features of such safeguards? 24.03.2026 1127 THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI RAM NATH THAKUR): (a) to (e) Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), a multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered tool, has been announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 with an allocation of Rs. 150 Crores. The Government of India has launched the phase -1 of Bharat-Vistaar. At its core, Bharat-Vistaar aims to bridge fragmented agricultural information systems by integrating data across schemes, institutions, and datasets into a single, farmer-friendly conversational AI interface that allows farmers to seamlessly access information on government schemes and services, scientific agricultural advisories, weather, pests, and mandi prices. The platform integrates data from various government digital ecosystems and scientific agricultural practices developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other authoritative sources to deliver personalised information/advisories on crop management, weather, market prices, pest and disease alerts, and soil health insights, in a phase-wise manner. In Phase I, launched on 17th February, 2026, the platform is available in Hindi and English languages through multiple channels, including a dedicated telephone number (155261), a voice-based AI chatbot, a web portal of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and a downloadable mobile application. Phase-I integrates 10 (ten) major Central schemes, including PM- KISAN, PMFBY, Soil Health Card, Kisan Credit Card, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, PM-AASHA, Modified Interest Subvention 24.03.2026 1128 Scheme, Per Drop More Crop, and Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization. The Government has plans to add more regional languages in the subsequent phases. To ensure accessibility for small and marginal farmers, the platform provides voice-based and Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) access for non-smartphone users. It is designed for expansion to regional languages, State-specific Agriculture schemes & information and extension networks, along with awareness and capacity-building programmes to promote digital adoption. Bharat-VISTAAR has been developed in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and other IT laws of the country in force. The Government of India also ensures robust data security, which is fully compliant with the cyber security guidelines of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Computer Emergency Response Team- India (CERT-In). In addition, the government conducts periodic security audits of all these IT systems and monitors risks. Öøैप ÿसंÖकरण क¤þ और उनकì ±मता 5283. ®ी रवीÆþ शु³ला उफª रिव िकशनः ³या इÖपात मंýी यह बताने कì कृपा कर¤गे िकः (क) िवशेष इÖपात पीएलआई योजना के अंतगªत Öवीकृत कंपिनयŌ कì सं´या िकतनी है तथा उनम¤ िकए गए कुल िनवेश और सृिजत अितåरĉ उÂपादन ±मता का Êयौरा ³या है; (ख) इÖपात के आयात पर िनभªरता म¤ हòई कमी का Êयौरा ³या है; (ग) इÖपात Öøैप पुनचªøण नीित के अंतगªत पंजीकृत क¤þŌ कì सं´या िकतनी है तथा उनकì Öøैप ÿोसेिसंग ±मता का Êयौरा ³या है; 24.03.2026 1129 (घ) इलेि³ůक आकª फन¥स कì ±मता का Êयौरा ³या है; और (ङ) Öøैप के आयात म¤ दजª कì गई कमी का Êयौरा ³या है? भारी उīोग मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी; तथा इÖपात मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी (®ी भूपित राजू ®ीिनवास वमाª): (क) उÂपादन संबĦ ÿोÂसाहन (पीएलआई) योजना के पहले चरण (पीएलआई 1.0) म¤ 19 कंपिनयŌ कì 44 पåरयोजनाएं, दूसरे चरण (पीएलआई 1.1) म¤ 25 कंपिनयŌ कì 42 पåरयोजनाएं और तीसरे चरण (पीएलआई 1.2) म¤ 60 कंपिनयŌ कì 85 पåरयोजनाएं भाग ले रही ह§। तीनŌ चरणŌ म¤ ÿितबĦ िनवेश ₹55,993 करोड़ है, िजसम¤ से अब तक ₹23,827 करोड़ का िनवेश िकया जा चुका है। इस योजना के तहत अब तक 2.73 िमिलयन टन िवशेष इÖपात का उÂपादन हòआ है। (ख) वषª 2025-26 (अÿैल-फरवरी) के दौरान, तैयार इÖपात का आयात 5.62 िमिलयन टन रहा, जो िवगत वषª कì समान अविध कì तुलना म¤ 37.4% कì िगरावट दशाªता है। (ग) इÖपात Öøैप पुनचªøण नीित, 2019 लौह Öøैप के पुनचªøण को बढ़ावा देने के िलए मंýालयŌ के बीच समÆवय हेतु एक łपरेखा ÿदान करती है। (घ) देश म¤ इलेि³ůक आकª फन¥स कì ±मता 43.98 िमिलयन टन है। (ङ) वषª 2025-26 (अÿैल-फरवरी) के दौरान Öøैप आयात 7.047 िमिलयन टन रहा, जो िवगत वषª कì समान अविध कì तुलना म¤ 20% कì िगरावट दजª करता है। सहकारी संÖथाओं को अनुदान 5284. ®ीमती गनीबेन नागाजी ठाकोर: ³या सहकाåरता मंýी यह बताने कì कृपा कर¤गे िकः (क) ³या सरकार Ĭारा सहायता ÿाĮ सहकारी संÖथाओं जैसे दुμध संघ, सहकारी ब§क, एपीएमसी तथा महासंघ को सरकारी भूिम, अनुदान, कर छूट, िनयामक संर±ण अथवा बजटीय सहायता ÿदान कì जाती है; 24.03.2026 1130 (ख) यिद हाँ, तो ³या ऐसी संÖथाएँ अभी भी सूचना का अिधकार अिधिनयम, 2005 के दायरे से बाहर ह§; (ग) ³या सरकार इस तÃय से अवगत है िक ये सहकारी संÖथाएँ अिनवायª पारदिशªता अथवा Öवतंý सावªजिनक लेखापरी±ा के िबना हजारŌ करोड़ Łपये मूÐय के सावªजिनक संसाधनŌ का ÿबंधन करती ह§; (घ) ³या सरकार ने इस बात कì जांच कì है िक पारदिशªता के अभाव के कारण अनुिचत Óयय, राजनीितक हÖत±ेप तथा सदÖय-क¤िþत शासन ÓयवÖथा म¤ ±रण कì िÖथित उÂपÆन हòई है; और (ङ) ³या सरकार का लोकतांिýक जवाबदेही के िहत म¤ ऐसी सहकारी संÖथाओं को सूचना का अिधकार अिधिनयम, 2005 के दायरे म¤ लाने का ÿÖताव है? गृह मंýी; तथा सहकाåरता मंýी (®ी अिमत शाह): (क) दुμध संघ, सहकारी ब§क, कृिष उपज मंडी सिमितयां (एपीएमसी) और राºय पåरसंघ आिद राºय सरकारŌ के ±ेýािधकार के अंतगªत आते ह§ । राºय सरकार अपनी िविभÆन योजनाओं के माÅयम से, इन सहकारी सिमितयŌ को उनके संबंिधत िनयमŌ और िविनयमŌ के अनुसार अनुदान और सहायता के अÆय łपŌ सिहत िव°ीय सहायता ÿदान करती है । इसके अितåरĉ, भारत सरकार िविभÆन क¤þीय ±ेýक और क¤þीय ÿायोिजत योजनाओं जैसे िक राÕůीय डेयरी िवकास कायªøम (एनपीडीडी), आÂमिनभªरता अिभयान, वहनीय पåरवहन कì िदशा म¤ संधारणीय वैकिÐपक िमशन(सतत), ÿधानमंýी मÂÖय संपदा योजना (पीएमएमएसवाई) आिद के माÅयम से सहकारी सिमितयŌ को लाभ ÿदान करती है । (ख) सहकारी संÖथानŌ पर सूचना का अिधकार अिधिनयम, 2005 कì ÿयोºयता अिधिनयम कì धारा 2 (एच) Ĭारा शािसत होती है िजसके अधीन केवल वे संÖथान जो उपयुĉ सरकार Ĭारा पयाªĮ łप से िव°पोिषत होते ह§, इसके ±ेýािधकार म¤ आते ह§ । 24.03.2026 1131 (ग) और (घ) मौजूदा कानून के अनुसमथªन Ĭारा और सतानवेवां संिवधान संशोधन के उपबंधŌ को अंतिवªĶ करके बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ (ब§कŌ सिहत) म¤ अÆय बातŌ के साथ-साथ शासन सशĉìकरण, पारदिशªता म¤ वृिĦ, जवाबदेही म¤ बढ़ोतरी और िनवाªचन ÿिøया म¤ सुधार, इÂयािद हेतु बहòराºय सहकारी सोसाइटी (संशोधन) अिधिनयम और िनयम, 2023 को øमश: िदनांक 03.08.2023 और िदनांक 04.08.2023 को अिधसूिचत िकया गया है । सहकारी सिमितयŌ के कायªकरण म¤ पारदिशªता म¤ वृिĦ के िलए उपयुª³त संशोधन के माÅयम से अनेक उपबंध िकए गए ह§ िजनम¤ अÆय बातŌ के साथ-साथ िनÌनिलिखत शािमल ह§: i. बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ म¤ समयबĦ, िनयिमत और पारदशê िनवाªचन कराने के िलए सहकारी िनवाªचन ÿािधकरण का उपबंध शािमल िकया गया है । ii. सदÖयŌ कì िशकायतŌ के िनवारण हेतु एक तंý ÿदान करने के िलए क¤þीय सरकार Ĭारा सहकारी ऑÌबड्समैन कì िनयुिĉ । iii. पारदिशªता म¤ सुधार हेतु बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ Ĭारा सदÖयŌ को सूचना ÿदान करने के िलए सूचना अिधकारी कì िनयुिĉ । iv. पारदिशªता म¤ वृिĦ हेतु शीषª बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ के संपरी±ण åरपोटŎ को संसद म¤ ÿÖतुत िकया जाना । v. लेखांकन और संपरी±ा म¤ एकłपता सुिनिIJत करने के िलए क¤þीय सरकार Ĭारा बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ के लेखांकन और संपरी±ा मानकŌ का िनधाªरण । vi. शासन और पारदिशªता म¤ सुधार हेतु बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ कì वािषªक åरपोटª म¤ बोडª के ऐसे िनणªयŌ को शािमल करना जो सवªसÌमित से न िलए गए हŌ । vii. क¤þीय सरकार Ĭारा िŇÉट और øेिडट का Óयवसाय करने वाली बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ के िलए िववेकपूणª मानदंडŌ (तरलता, जोिखम, आिद) का िनधाªरण । 24.03.2026 1132 viii. बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ म¤ पåरवारवाद और प±पात कì रोकथाम हेतु िकसी बहòराºय सहकारी सिमित का िनदेशक उन िवचार-िवमशŎ म¤ उपिÖथत नहé होगा या उन मामलŌ म¤ मतदान नहé करेगा जहां वह Öवयं या उसके पåरजन िहतबĦ प± हŌ । ix. शासन म¤ सुधार के िलए िनदेशकŌ कì अयोμयता के अितåर³त आधार बनाए गए ह§ । x. सुरि±त िनवेश और औपिनवेिशक युग से संबंिधत ÿितभूितयŌ को हटाने के िलए बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ Ĭारा िनिधयŌ के िनवेश के उपबंधŌ को पुन:पåरभािषत िकया गया है । xi. अिधक िव°ीय अनुशासन और पारदिशªता के िलए बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ के बोडª Ĭारा अÆय गिठत सिमितयŌ के साथ संपरी±ा और आचार सिमित का गठन िकया जाएगा। xii. शासन सशĉìकरण हेतु मु´य कायªकारी अिधकारी (CEO) कì िनयुिĉ कì शतŎ को िविनिदªÕट िकया गया है । xiii. बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ म¤ लोकतांिýक िनणªयन को बढ़ावा देने के िलए बोडª कì बैठकŌ के िलए गणपूितª को िविनिदªÕट िकया गया है । xiv. यिद क¤þीय पंजीयक को यह सूचना िमलती है िक कपटपूणª तरीके से या िकसी गैरकानूनी ÿयोजन से Óयवसाय िकया जा रहा है तो वह जांच पड़ताल करा सकता है । xv. यिद िकसी बहòराºय सहकारी सिमित Ĭारा दुÓयªपदेशन (misrepresentation), कपट, इÂयािद से पंजीकरण ÿाÈत िकया गया हो तो सुनवाई का अवसर देने के पÔचात् के उसके पåरसमापन का उपबंध िकया गया है । xvi. बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ के सामुिहक िहतŌ के िवŁĦ सदÖयŌ को कायª करने से हतोÂसािहत करने के िलए बहòराºय सहकारी सिमित के िकसी िनÕकािसत सदÖय कì िनÕकासन अविध को 1 वषª से बढ़ा कर 3 वषª कर िदया गया है । xvii. केवल कुछ ही सदÖयŌ Ĭारा सिमित के संसाधनŌ का लाभ लेने से रोकने के िलए, सहायक संÖथान के łप म¤ उन संÖथानŌ पर िवचार नहé िकया जाएगा िजनम¤ बहòराºय सहकारी 24.03.2026 1133 सिमितयŌ के सदÖयŌ या उनके पåरजनŌ Ĭारा अिधसं´य इि³वटी शेयर धाåरत िकए गए ह§ । xviii. 500 करोड़ Łपये से अिधक के टनªओवर/जमा वाली बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ के िलए क¤þीय पंजीयक Ĭारा अनुमोिदत संपरी±कŌ के पैनल Ĭारा कॉनकरंट संपरी±ा का उपबंध शािमल िकया गया है । कॉनकरंट संपरी±ण से धोखाधड़ी या अिनयिमतताएं, यिद कोई हो, का जÐद पता लग सकेगा और तदनुसार तÂकाल सुधार िकया जा सकेगा। बहòराºय सहकारी सोसाइटी अिधिनयम, 2002 कì धारा 70 के उपबंधŌ के अनुसार, ÿÂयेक बहòराºय सहकारी सिमित को ÿÂयेक वािषªक साधारण बैठक म¤ एक संपरी±क या संपरी±कŌ को िनयुĉ करना आवÔयक है । ऐसे संपरी±कŌ या संपरी±क ÿितÕठानŌ का चयन क¤þीय पंजीयक Ĭारा अनुमोिदत पैनल से िकया जाना आवÔयक है । ऐसे िनयुĉ संपरी±क को उस िव°ीय वषª िजससे लेखा संबंिधत है, कì समािĮ से छह माह के भीतर बहòराºय सहकारी सिमित को संपरी±ा åरपोटª ÿÖतुत करनी आवÔयक है । इसके अलावा, बहòराºय सहकारी सोसाइटी अिधिनयम, 2002 कì धारा 72 के अनुसार, कोई भी Óयिĉ बहòराºय सहकारी सिमित के संपरी±क के łप म¤ िनयुिĉ के िलए अहªता ÿाĮ नहé होगा जब तक िक वह चाटªडª एकाउंट¤ट अिधिनयम, 1949 के अिभÿाय से चाटªडª एकाउंट¤ट न हो । (ङ) सूचना का अिधकार अिधिनयम के मौजूदा उपबंधŌ म¤ पहले से ही ऐसी संÖथाएं शािमल ह§ जो सरकार Ĭारा पयाªĮ िव°पोिषत मानदंडŌ को पूरा करती ह§ । इसके अलावा, बहòराºय सहकारी सोसाइटी अिधिनयम, 2002 (यथासंशोिधत 2023) कì संशोिधत धारा 106 के अधीन सभी सिमित के सदÖयŌ को सिमित के कारबार और ÿबंधन से संबंिधत सूचना ÿदान करने के िलए बहòराºय सहकारी सिमितयŌ Ĭारा सहकारी सूचना अिधकारी कì िनयुिĉ का उपबंध िकया गया है । 24.03.2026 1134 PROTESTS AGAINST VB-G RAM-G 5285. SHRIMATI HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL: Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers and unions in Punjab, particularly in Ludhiana district, have announced a series of conventions and protests against changes to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G RAM-G) earlier the MGNREG Act; (b) whether it is a fact that workers’ organisations have opposed proposals to alter the existing 90:10 Centre–State funding ratio, reduce the role of gram panchayats in selecting and planning work rather than a legal guarantee of 100 days of work per household, if so, the details thereof; (c) whether VB-GRAM-G/MGNREGS workers in Punjab currently receive wages around Rs 346 per day, have reported an actual average of only about 36 days of work annually, and are demanding increased wages (around Rs 700 per day), full 100 days of employment and timely payments, if so, the details thereof? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN): (a) and (b) The primary objective of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, is to align the rural development framework with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 by 24.03.2026 1135 providing an enhanced statutory wage employment guarantee of one hundred and twenty-five days in each financial year to such rural households whose adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work, thereby enabling them to participate more effectively in the expanded livelihood security framework. Certain expressions of views by stakeholders in Punjab in relation to the implementation of VB-G RAM-G have been reported in sections of the media. With regards to role of Panchayat in implementation of VB-G RAM-G it is stated that in section 16 of the Act, role of the Panchayat Raj Institutions in planning and implementation of VB-G RAM G Schemes has been clearly defined, which are as follows: - (1) The Panchayats at the district, intermediate and village levels shall be the principal authorities for planning, implementation and monitoring of the Scheme made under the Act. (2) The Panchayat at the district level, shall oversee and coordinate implementation of the Scheme in the district, including finalisation and approval of the aggregate district level plan, supervision and monitoring of works, ensuring convergence, and perform such other functions as may be assigned to it by the State Government. (3) The Panchayat at the intermediate level, shall prepare and finalise the aggregate Block level plan, support Gram Panchayats in planning and implementation, supervise works at Gram Panchayat and Block levels, and facilitate convergence with line departments. 24.03.2026 1136 (4) The Gram Panchayat shall register households, receive and process applications for work, prepare the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, execute the works assigned to it, maintain such records as may be specified by the State Government, and discharge such other responsibilities as may be entrusted to it under the Scheme. Additionally, the Gram Panchayat is the primary village-level authority for planning, implementation, and execution of works under the Scheme. It is responsible for registering rural households and issuing Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards, receiving and processing applications for work, and maintaining all related records. The Gram Panchayat prepares the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan through a participatory process based on recommendations of the Gram Sabha and Ward Sabhas, ensuring saturation-based and convergence-oriented planning. It executes works allotted by the Programme Officer and may take up any sanctioned work from the approved Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan within its jurisdiction, with at least fifty percent of the total works (in cost terms) to be implemented through Gram Panchayats. Gram Panchayat is required to maintain muster rolls and other prescribed records, ensure that works meet required technical standards and measurements, and follow digital and transparency requirements. It must place all relevant documents, including muster rolls, bills, vouchers, measurement books, sanction orders, and geo-tagged and digital records before the Gram 24.03.2026 1137 Sabha to enable regular social audits and public scrutiny, thereby supporting transparency, accountability, and grievance redressal in implementation. Overall, the Act positions the Gram Panchayat as the principal grassroot institution responsible for demand registration, participatory planning, decentralised execution, worker engagement, and public accountability under the Scheme framework. The experience gained through implementation of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS has also been taken into account while framing the new Act. With regards to altering of existing funding pattern, it is stated that a 60:40 Centre–State financial sharing pattern would not affect the implementation of the scheme and guarantee given therein. Here it is also stated that, all major rural employment schemes in the country have operated on shared funding models between the Centre and the States. For example: (i) The National Rural Employment Programme (NREP) followed a 75:25 sharing pattern. (ii) The Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme (RLEGP) adopted a 50:50 model. (iii) The Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRY) operated on an 80:20 basis. (iv) Schemes such as SGRY (Sampoorn Grameen Rozgar Yojana), EAS(Employment Assurance Scheme) were also implemented on a Centre–State sharing pattern, generally in the ratio of 75:25. Further most of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) across sectors are being implemented on 60:40 sharing model. The 60:40 pattern adopted 24.03.2026 1138 under this Act is therefore consistent with the broader framework of Centrally Sponsored Schemes. This model promotes cooperative federalism by making States active partners in rural development. The journey from Viksit Gram Panchayats to a Viksit Bharat requires strong State ownership and accountability, and the shared funding framework reinforces this partnership approach. In addition, special provisions have been made for North-Eastern and Himalayan States and Union Territory (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir), where a 90:10 Centre–State sharing pattern applies, ensuring that financially constrained States are not placed under undue stress. Moreover, the Act also provides that in the event of natural disasters, pandemics, or other extraordinary circumstances, State Governments may recommend special operational relaxations to the Centre. The framework is thus responsive, flexible, and sensitive to emerging needs. Overall, the funding pattern is designed to balance fiscal responsibility, State participation, and national rural development priorities. (c) With regard to fixation of wage payment under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS it is stated that as per Section 6 (1) of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (Mahatma Gandhi NREGA), 2005, the Central Government may, by notification, specify the wage rate for unskilled work for its beneficiaries. Accordingly, the Ministry of Rural Development notifies Mahatma Gandhi NREGA wage rate for every financial year for States/UTs. To compensate the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA workers against inflation, the Ministry 24.03.2026 1139 of Rural Development revises the Wage rate every year based on change in Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labour (CPI-AL). The wage rate is made applicable from 1st April of each financial year. In case of Punjab, the notified wage rate for the State of Punjab for unskilled workers under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS for the financial year 2024- 25 was Rs. 322, which has been revised to Rs. 346 for the financial year 2025- 26. This reflects an increase of approximately 6.94% in the wage rate. Further, it is also submitted that State Governments can provide wages over and above the wage rate notified by the Central Government from their own resources. With regard to timely payment of wages, it is stated that in the current financial year 2025-26 (as on 19.03.2026), 89.85 % Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs) are generated within 15 days from the closure of muster rolls in the State of Punjab under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS. Further, as per the provisions of the Act, beneficiaries are entitled to receive wage payments within 15 days of closure of muster roll. In order to ensure timely payment, the Government of India has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to all States/UTs, which defines fixed timelines for each stage of the wage payment process from muster roll uploading to FTO approval. The Ministry has taken various steps to ensure timely payment of wages to workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS). Some of the key interventions include: 24.03.2026 1140  Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Wages are transferred directly from the central account to workers’ bank accounts, minimizing the role of intermediaries and reducing fund misappropriation. This has proven to be effective in enhancing transparency and preventing leakages. Almost 100% of the funds are managed electronically with the wage payment made entirely through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) protocol.  Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS): APBS conversion is a major reform process where benefits are credited directly through Aadhaar Payments Bridge System (APBS), cutting several layers in the delivery process. APBS helps in better targeting, increasing the efficiency of the system and reducing the delays in payments, ensuring greater inclusion by curbing leakages thereby promoting greater accountability and transparency.  National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS): Real-time attendance capture through geo-tagged photographs at the worksite ensures accurate and timely recording of attendance, which helps in timely payment of wages to workers. Here it is also stated that Mahatma Gandhi NREGS is a fall-back option when no better employment opportunities are available. Further, States are regularly sensitized by this Department to ensure that no demand for work goes unmet. During the current Financial Year 2025-26 (as on 19.03.2026), 99.82% of the eligible rural households have been offered employment against the demand 24.03.2026 1141 for the employment under the scheme, reflecting effective implementation of the scheme. उ°र ÿदेश म¤ कृिष अवसंरचना 5286. ®ी राम िशरोमिण वमाªः ³या कृिष और िकसान कÐयाण मंýी यह बताने कì कृपा कर¤गे िक: (क) ³या उ°र ÿदेश के आकां±ी एवं सीमावतê िजलŌ िवशेषकर ®ावÖती और बलरामपुर म¤ बड़ी सं´या म¤ सीमांत एवं छोटे िकसान ह§ और ÿÂयेक वषª राĮी नदी म¤ बाढ़ एवं जलभराव के कारण फसल ±ित का सामना करते ह§; (ख) यिद हां, तो गत तीन वषŎ के दौरान उĉ िजलŌ म¤ फसलŌ को हòए नुकसान का Êयौरा ³या है; (ग) ³या सरकार ने िकसानŌ से Æयूनतम समथªन मूÐय पर फसलŌ कì समयबĦ खरीद सुिनिIJत करने तथा उĉ ±ेýŌ म¤ खरीद क¤þŌ कì सं´या बढ़ाने के िलए कोई िवशेष कदम उठाए ह§; (घ) यिद हाँ, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है; (ङ) ³या सरकार इन िज़लŌ म¤ शीतागार, गोदाम, ÿसंÖकरण इकाइयŌ कì Öथापना तथा úामीण कृिष बाज़ारŌ के िवकास के माÅयम से कृिष अवसंरचना को सुŀढ करने के िलए कोई िवशेष योजना लागू कर रही है; और (च) यिद हाँ, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है? कृिष और िकसान कÐयाण मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी (®ी राम नाथ ठाकुर): (क) और (ख) उ°र ÿदेश सरकार से ÿाĮ सूचना के अनुसार, ®ावÖती एवं बलरामपुर िजलŌ म¤ बाढ़ के ÿमुख कारण राĮी नदी और नेपाल से िनकलने वाली पहाड़ी धाराएँ ह§। राĮी नदी का घुमावदार बहाव और जल ÿवाह के चरम मौसम म¤ अÐपाविध के दौरान इसके जल ÿवाह म¤ तीĄ उतार-चढ़ाव बाढ़ और नदी के िकनारŌ के कटाव का ÿमुख कारण है। बलरामपुर िजले म¤ िवगत तीन वषŎ के दौरान हòए फसलŌ के नुकसान का Êयौरा इस ÿकार है: 24.03.2026 1142 वषª ÿभािवत िकसान कुल फसल का नुकसान (हे³टेयर म¤) राहत िवतरण (Łपये म¤) 2022-23 84020 45067.00 261667543.00 2023-24 0 0 0 2024-25 1406 306.47 6468221.00 ®ावÖती िजले म¤ िवगत तीन वषŎ के दौरान फसलŌ को हòए नुकसान का Êयौरा इस ÿकार है: वषª ÿभािवत िकसान कुल फसल का नुकसान (हे³टेयर म¤) राहत िवतरण (Łपये म¤) 2022-23 444423 12402.6764 236802441 2023-24 1225 1061.7675 9025024 2024-25 290 231.0801 1017570 (ग) और (घ) उ°र ÿदेश सरकार से ÿाĮ सूचना के अनुसार, Æयूनतम समथªन मूÐय (एमएसपी) योजना के अंतगªत िकसानŌ से गेहóं और धान कì खरीद सरकार Ĭारा जारी खरीद नीित म¤ उिÐलिखत ÿावधानŌ के अनुसार कì जाती है। िकसानŌ को उनकì उपज का उिचत मूÐय िमले, यह सुिनिIJत करने के िलए राºय सरकार िविभÆन नािमत एज¤िसयŌ के माÅयम से खरीद क¤þ Öथािपत करके खरीद ÿिøया को सुगम बनाती है। इन एज¤िसयŌ म¤ खाī िवभाग, राºय कृिष उपज बाजार सिमित (मंडी पåरषद), उ°र ÿदेश सहकारी संघ (पीसीएफ), उ°र ÿदेश सहकारी संघ (यूपीपीसीयू), उ°र ÿदेश उपभोĉा सहकारी संघ (यूपीएसएस), राÕůीय कृिष सहकारी िवपणन संघ (एनएएफईडी), राÕůीय सहकारी उपभोĉा संघ (एनसीसीएफ) और भारतीय खाī िनगम (एफसीआई) शािमल ह§। खरीद क¤þ रणनीितक łप से उन ÖथानŌ पर Öथािपत िकए जाते ह§ जहां उपज का अ¸छा आगमन, मजबूत खरीद ±मता और पयाªĮ भंडारण ±मता हो, िजससे यह सुिनिIJत हो जाता है िक िकसानŌ को अपनी फसल बेचने के िलए लंबी दूरी तय न करनी पड़े। यिद िकसी िजले के िकसी िविशĶ क¤þ पर उपज का आगमन कम होने के कारण खरीद ÿिøया Łक जाती है, तो िजला मिजÖůेट को उस खरीद क¤þ को ऐसे Öथान पर Öथानांतåरत करने का अिधकार है जहां उपज का आगमन अिधक हो। इसके 24.03.2026 1143 अलावा, िकसानŌ के िलए उपलÊध िवपणन अवसंरचना को मजबूत करने के िलए, िकसान उÂपादक संगठनŌ (एफपीओ) को भी खरीद क¤þ Öथािपत करने और संचािलत करने के िलए ÿोÂसािहत िकया जाता है। िकसान पंजीकरण से लेकर उपज कì खरीद तक कì पूरी ÿिøया एक समिपªत ऑनलाइन पोटªल के माÅयम से ÿबंिधत और संचािलत कì जाती है। िकसानŌ को िबøì रािश का समय पर भुगतान सुिनिIJत करने हेतु एक ऐसी ÿणाली लागू कì गई है िजसके अंतगªत खरीद एज¤िसयां खरीदे गए गेहóं और धान का भुगतान सीधे िकसानŌ के आधार से जुड़े ब§क खातŌ म¤ अंतåरत करती ह§। यह भुगतान सावªजिनक िव°ीय ÿबंधन ÿणाली (पीएफएमएस) के माÅयम से 'ई-उपजªन' पोटªल Ĭारा ÿसंÖकृत िकया जाता है, जहां तक संभव हो 48 घंटे कì लि±त समय सीमा के अÆदर भुगतान िकया जाता है; यह ÓयवÖथा भुगतान ÿिøया म¤ पारदिशªता और समयबĦता सुिनिIJत करती है। ®ावÖती और बलरामपुर िजलŌ म¤ िवगत तीन वषŎ म¤ Öथािपत गेहóं और धान खरीद क¤þŌ का वषªवार िववरण नीचे िदया गया है: वषª ®ावÖती बलरामपुर गेहóं खरीद क¤þ धान खरीद क¤þ गेहóं खरीद क¤þ धान खरीद क¤þ 2023-24 47 45 52 42 2024-25 52 35 53 28 2025-26 47 38 57 40 (ङ) और (च) कृिष अवसंरचना कोष (एआईएफ) के अंतगªत, फसलोपरांत ÿबंधन अवसंरचना और Óयवहायª कृिष संपि°यŌ जैसे गोदाम, कोÐड Öटोरेज, कोÐड चैन, úेिडंग और छँटाई इकाइयाँ, ÿाथिमक ÿसंÖकरण क¤þ, पैिकंग गृह और अÆय आपूितª ®ृंखला अवसंरचना से संबंिधत Óयवहायª पåरयोजनाओं म¤ िनवेश के िलए मÅयम से दीघªकािलक ऋण िव°पोषण के माÅयम से 1 लाख करोड़ Łपये कì िव°पोषण सुिवधा ÿदान कì जाती है। यह योजना 2 करोड़ Łपये तक के ऋणŌ पर 3% ÿित वषª कì Êयाज सिÊसडी और सूàम एवं लघु उīम ऋण गारंटी कोष (सीजीटीएमएसई) और एनएबीएस संर±ण ůÖट फंड के अंतगªत 22 करोड़ Łपये तक के ऋणŌ के िलए ऋण गारंटी कवरेज 24.03.2026 1144 ÿदान करती है, िजससे िकसानŌ, िकसान उÂपादक संगठनŌ (एफपीओ), सहकारी सिमितयŌ, कृिष उīिमयŌ और ÖटाटªअÈस के िलए संÖथागत ऋण तक आसान पहòँच सुिनिIJत होती है। 11 माचª, 2026 तक, उ°र ÿदेश राºय के ®ावÖती और बलरामपुर िजलŌ म¤ एआईएफ योजना के अंतगªत Öवीकृत पåरयोजनाओं के ÿकार का िववरण इस ÿकार है: ®ावÖती पåरयोजना का ÿकार Öवीकृत पåरयोजनाओं कì सं´या Öवीकृत रािश (करोड़ म¤) ÿाथिमक ÿसंÖकरण क¤þ 16 11.94 भंडारघर 13 14.80 महायोग 29 26.73 बलरामपुर ÿाथिमक ÿसंÖकरण क¤þ 21 15.92 भंडारघर 14 10.18 महायोग 35 26.10 बागवानी एकìकृत िवकास िमशन (एमआईडीएच) का उĥेÔय फसलोपरांत अवसंरचना गितिविधयŌ को सुŀढ़ करना है िजसके अंतगªत, उ°र ÿदेश सिहत पूरे देश म¤, शीŅ नĶ होने वाले बागवानी उÂपादŌ के िलए कोÐड Öटोरेज सुिवधाओं के िनमाªण/िवÖतार/आधुिनकìकरण तथा मूÐयवधªन के िलए िĬतीयक ÿसंÖकरण इकाइयŌ कì Öथापना सिहत िविभÆन बागवानी गितिविधयŌ के िलए पूंजीगत सहायता ÿदान कì जाती है। यह िव°ीय सहायता सामाÆय ±ेýŌ म¤ पाý पåरयोजना लागत के 35% और पूवō°र एवं िहमालयी राºयŌ, अनुसूिचत ±ेýŌ, वाइā¤ट िवलेज, अंडमान एवं िनकोबार और ल±Ĭीप Ĭीप समूह के मामले म¤ पाý पåरयोजना लागत के 50% कì दर से ऋण- आधाåरत बैक एंड¤ड सिÊसडी के łप म¤ उपलÊध है। इसके अितåरĉ, एमआईडीएच के अंतगªत, úामीण बाजारŌ, खुदरा बाजारŌ/आउटलेट्स आिद जैसे बाजार अवसंरचना के िलए भी øमशः सामाÆय ±ेýŌ और पूवō°र एवं िहमालयी राºयŌ, 24.03.2026 1145 अनुसूिचत ±ेýŌ, वाइā¤ट िवलेज, अंडमान एवं िनकोबार और ल±Ĭीप Ĭीप समूह के िलए पाý पåरयोजना लागत के 35% से 50% तक सहायता ÿदान कì जाती है। SHGS UNDER DAY-NRLM 5287. SHRIMATI D. K. ARUNA: Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) the details and total number of rural households mobilised into Self Help Groups (SHGs) under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) as on December 2025 in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States; and (b) the other steps taken by the Government in this regard? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (DR. CHANDRA SEKHAR PEMMASANI): (a) In Telangana, a total of 48,20,573 rural households have been mobilised into 4,42,979 Self Help Groups (SHGs), while in Andhra Pradesh, a total of 90,75,289 rural households have been mobilised into 8,55,600 SHGs. (b) Both the States have achieved saturation in mobilisation of households into SHGs. Thereafter, the focus under DAY-NRLM has been on strengthening these SHGs through continuous credit linkage with banks and provision of interest subvention to ensure affordable access to finance, along with expanding financial inclusion services such as insurance, pensions and digital transactions. Emphasis is also laid on intensive training and capacity building of SHG members to enhance their managerial and entrepreneurial skills, while 24.03.2026 1146 promoting diversified farm and non-farm livelihood activities, including support for micro-enterprises and value chain development. Efforts are also made to facilitate market linkages for SHG products, improve income generation opportunities, and ensure convergence with other Government schemes for holistic development. In addition, periodic monitoring, handholding support and institutional strengthening at all levels are undertaken to ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of SHGs. POST-HARVEST MANAGEMENT PROJECTS UNDER AIF 5288. SHRI LAVU SRI KRISHNA DEVARAYALU: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state: (a) the details of the total number of Post-Harvest Management Projects sanctioned and completed under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund in the State of Andhra Pradesh, component-wise and district-wise; (b) the details of the amount sanctioned and disbursed for Post-Harvest Management Projects under the scheme, district-wise; and (c) the details of the number of female beneficiaries who have been granted loans under the scheme along with the details of the projects for which loans were availed, district-wise? 24.03.2026 1147 THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI RAM NATH THAKUR): (a) and (b) The district-wise details of Post-Harvest Management projects sanctioned, completed and amount disbursed under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) in the State of Andhra Pradesh is given in the enclosed Statement-I. (c) The district-wise details of number of female beneficiaries who have been granted loans under the scheme along with the details of the projects is given in the enclosed Statement-II. STATEMENT -I District wise No of Projects sanctioned under AIF in Andhra Pradesh Districts Sanctioned Projects Disbursed Amount (₹ in crores) No. of Fully Disbursed/ Completed Number Amount (₹ in Cr)Alluri Sitharama Raju 4 3.43 0.38 0 Anakapalli 51 13.13 7.21 28 Ananthapuramu 139 97.66 31.29 8 Annamayya 9 4.02 0.71 3 Bapatla 90 75.99 44.3 22 Chittoor 40 54.33 43.87 14 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema 45 39.27 21.07 8 East Godavari 106 223.47 120.36 24 Eluru 93 128.33 78.3 36 Guntur 127 204.63 150.2 39 Kakinada 44 72.23 47.01 20 Krishna 175 167.5 52.93 17 Kurnool 128 96.96 35.94 15 Nandyal 175 132.77 42.75 30 Ntr 88 71.49 18.47 8 Palnadu 134 182.84 94.82 16 Parvathipuram Manyam 90 57.73 29.93 43 24.03.2026 1148 Prakasam 69 71.68 38.72 12 Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore 117 104.71 56.34 38 Sri Sathya Sai 106 46.14 2.6 4 Srikakulam 151 96.26 50.73 70 Tirupati 60 67.64 33.74 12 Visakhapatnam 19 15.41 14.06 11 Vizianagaram 182 107.12 65.67 87 West Godavari 201 135.59 83.67 42 Y.S.R. 52 49.82 33.22 14 Total 2495 2320.11 1198.27 621 Note: Post-Harvest Management Projects includes Supply chain services including e-marketing platforms, Warehouse & Silos, Cold Stores and Cold Chain, Packaging Units, Assaying Units, Sorting and grading units, Logistic Facilities- Reefer Van & Insulated vehicles, Ripening Chambers, Farm residue/waste management infrastructures, Primary Processing activities, Integrated primary and secondary processing activities. STATEMENT-II District wise No of Projects sanctioned for Female beneficiaries under AIF in Andhra Pradesh Districts of Andhra Pradesh Warehouse / Silos /Cold store and cold chain Custom Hiring Centres Primary/ Integrated primary and secondary processing Sorting & Grading Units Others* Total Ananthapuramu 2 32 6 0 14 54 Anakapalli - 1 17 2 2 22 Annamayya 1 1 3 1 1 7 Alluri Sitharama Raju - 1 0 0 0 1 Bapatla 5 4 3 2 8 22 Chittoor - - 9 - 3 12 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema 1 1 - 1 29 32 24.03.2026 1149 East Godavari 8 9 7 1 73 98 Eluru 7 17 7 1 13 45 Guntur 22 2 6 - 6 36 Kakinada 5 - 5 3 28 41 Krishna 3 3 4 2 19 31 Kurnool 4 - 2 - 7 13 Nandyal 17 7 6 2 25 57 Ntr 3 - 4 - 25 32 Palnadu 12 4 6 1 4 27 Parvathipuram Manyam - 1 12 3 6 22 Prakasam 10 - 1 2 6 19 Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore 17 3 2 1 43 66 Sri Sathya Sai - 1 - - 5 6 Srikakulam 2 2 - 9 35 48 Tirupati 1 2 2 1 8 14 Visakhapatnam - - 8 2 1 11 Vizianagaram 3 5 44 7 38 97 West Godavari 9 1 8 4 49 71 Y.S.R. 10 4 3 1 10 28 Total 142 101 165 46 458 912 *others include projects like Farm/harvest Automation, Infrastructure for smart and precision agriculture, Ripening chambers, Poly house/Greenhouse, Logistic Facilities, Organic input production, Post- Harvest Management activities etc. AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT 5289. SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE be pleased to state: (a) the details of budget allocation and actual expenditure by the Ministry for agricultural development and farmers' welfare in the State of Odisha during the last three years and the current year; 24.03.2026 1150 (b) the funds allocated for the agricultural research, innovation and extension activities in Odisha through institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and other allied bodies; (c) the steps taken to promote climate-resilient agriculture and improve crop productivity in the State; (d) the total number and value of projects sanctioned in Odisha under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, including sector-wise distribution across warehousing, cold storage and primary processing and whether disbursement of sanctioned loans is proceeding as per schedule; and (e) the measurable outcomes of these initiatives, particularly with regard to post-harvest loss indicators? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI RAM NATH THAKUR): (a) The details of budget allocated and released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in the State of Odisha during the last three year and the current year is given in the enclosed Statement-I. (b) and (c) The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has set up 33 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Odisha for promotion of new technologies of agriculture and allied sectors through technology assessment, demonstration and capacity development among the farmers. An amount of Rs. 19776.21 lakh was allocated to and utilized by the KVKs of Odisha during last three years and the current year. Further, 09 KVKs of the state are implementing National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project to promote climate- 24.03.2026 1151 resilient agriculture. These KVKs conducted 4859 frontline demonstrations on climate resilient technologies for their promotion. Besides, 134 capacity building programmes and 259 extension activities were taken up for the benefit of 2854 and 7856 farmers, respectively for brining awareness on climate resilient technologies and to enhance climate literacy. The Government has undertaken several initiatives to promote climate- resilient agriculture and improve crop productivity in the State. These include promotion of climate-resilient and high-yielding crop varieties, crop diversification with emphasis on millets, efficient water management under Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), soil health management, natural farming practices, and strengthening of digital and extension services to provide timely advisories to farmers. Government is also implementing the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses aimed at self-sufficiency in pulses by strengthening domestic production and reducing dependence on imports while ensuring nutritional security. Government is also implementing National Mission on Edible Oil- Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) to achieve increase in production and productivity by training farmers, distribution of free seeds along with demonstrations with new varieties and technologies to improve productivity. Location specific promising climate resilient technologies identified, developed and demonstrated to farmers to address the important climatic vulnerabilities experienced such as droughts, floods, cyclone, heat wave, cold wave, hailstorms and frost. Location specific soil and moisture conservation practices, green manuring, zero tillage, efficient irrigation methods are 24.03.2026 1152 developed and demonstrated to alleviate moisture stress during the crop growth period, minimize the impact of mid-season drought, enhance cropping intensity, crop yields and returns. Demonstration on agronomic practices such as timely planting, community nurseries for delayed monsoon, water saving paddy cultivation methods such as dry seeded rice and alternate wetting and drying, green manuring, advancement of planting dates of rabi crops in areas with terminal heat stress, frost management in horticulture, etc. were undertaken to minimize the impact of variable climatic situations. These adaptation efforts have been underway in 151 highly vulnerable districts through NICRA in country including Odisha (Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsingpur, Dhenkanal, Puri, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Bolangir). So far, 25501 capacity building programs were conducted benefitting 7.57 lakh farmers and other stakeholders across the country for adaptation and mitigation of climate resilient agriculture. (d) The disbursement of funds are undertaken in phases linked to project milestones and is proceeding in accordance with the AIF guidelines and timelines. In Odisha, as on 11.03.2026, for 5227 projects , ₹2487.16 crores have been sanctioned under AIF. As per the impact assessment study conducted by IIM Ahmedabad, AIF has led to measurable improvements in reduction of post- harvest losses to an average of 5 to 15%, driven by improved storage, processing, and mechanisation systems that enhance efficiency and reduce spoilage across commodities. The detailed sector wise distribution across warehousing, cold storage and primary processing is given in the enclosed Statement-II. 24.03.2026 1153 (e) The initiatives undertaken by the Government have led to measurable improvements in post-harvest management. Creation of scientific storage infrastructure, cold chain facilities, and primary processing units under schemes such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund has enhanced the shelf life of agricultural produce and minimized wastage. Improved logistics, grading, and value addition have also contributed to better price realization for farmers. Further, digital monitoring and capacity-building efforts have strengthened supply chain efficiency, ensuring timely movement of produce from farm to market. As per the third-party Impact Assessment conducted by the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad, AIF supported units indicate that the aggregate employment generation potential stands at approximately 13.2 lakh direct and 6.2 lakh indirect jobs. The key outcomes of study are as below:  Post-Harvest Loss Reduction: AIF interventions have resulted in an average 5 to 15% reduction in post-harvest losses, driven by improved storage, processing, and mechanisation systems that enhance efficiency and reduce spoilage across commodities.  Market Access: Improved logistics and aggregation infrastructure enhanced throughout by 10 to 25% and enabled access to new markets. Over all, about 38% beneficiaries reported better integration in end to end value chains. On an average, about 56% of beneficiaries reported improved competitiveness due to better quality assurance and market integration. 24.03.2026 1154  Value Realisation: 63 % AIF beneficiaries achieved better prices through improved storage, grading, packaging, and ability to defer sale. Reported income gains ranged from 11 to 25 %, with highest improvements in cold- chain, composite, and processing. STATEMENT- I Scheme wise Allocation, Release from 2022-23 to 2025-26 in respect of state of Odisha (Rs. in Crores) S. No. Name of Mission/Scheme 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 A Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojna Alloc Rel Alloc Rel Alloc Rel Alloc Rel 1 Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana-DPR 90.06 19.61 55.91 46.76 55.91 45.61 92.07 82.87 2 Submission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) 60.00 0.00 33.00 33.00 49.50 70.87 93.36 86.85 3 Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) 65.00 16.25 70.00 118.51 76.00 18.26 54.21 48.78 4 Soil Health & Fertility (SH&F) 8.26 0.00 6.68 6.68 6.18 6.03 11.25 10.19 5 Rain fed Area Development (RAD) 15.00 3.75 15.41 7.70 16.00 8.92 9.83 8.92 6 Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY) 7.41 3.71 10.00 7.91 7.47 6.07 8.36 4.18 7 Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF)* 2.00 1.49 5.00 2.50 9.00 8.50 Total RKVY 245.73 43.32 193.00 222.05 216.06 158.26 278.08 250.29 B Krishionnati Yojana 1 National Food Security Mission (NFSM) 52.95 13.24 57.57 28.79 99.94 79.96 76.70 38.35 2 National Mission on Edible Oil - Oilpalm 6.70 0.00 8.92 4.46 19.08 7.74 40.52 15.23 3 National Mission on Edible Oil - Oilseeds 15.04 6.36 18.75 9.38 30.87 16.02 27.90 19.42 24.03.2026 1155 4 Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) 41.00 20.50 55.13 33.68 45.00 15.30 48.00 24.00 5 Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE) 43.00 43.00 38.15 43.99 39.00 39.00 62.50 50.00 6 Sub-Mission Seeds & Planting Material (SMSP) 7.00 0.00 4.75 0.32 5.00 4.21 2.31 2.31 7 National Bamboo Mission (NBM) 3.50 0.00 0.60 0.00 3.46 1.73 1.24 1.24 8 Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.46 21.22 21.22 22.73 19.58 9 Mission for Aatamanirbharta in Pulses 33.57 20.00 Total KY 169.19 83.10 183.87 122.08 263.57 185.19 315.48 190.13 C Total (RKVY+KY) 414.92 126.42 476.84 342.64 479.63 350.64 593.56 440.42 Note: * Agroforestry (SMAF) Scheme was discontinued in 2022-23 and continue in 2023-24 STATEMENT- II No. of Projects and amount Sanctioned in Odisha under AIF since inception as on 11th March 2026 S.N. States No of Projects Sanction Amount (Cr) 1 Bio stimulant production units 3 2.80 2 Cold Stores and Cold Chain 40 45.38 3 Composite Projects 9 92.90 4 Custom Hiring Centre 2173 541.35 5 Farm/Harvest Automation 1481 308.64 6 Infrastructure for smart and precision agriculture 60 21.95 7 Integrated Primary and Secondary Processing Unit 12 13.99 8 Logistics Facility 65 9.52 9 Mushroom Farming 20 23.93 10 Organic inputs production 11 26.88 11 Others 271 125.24 12 Packaging units 2 0.82 13 PHM Activities 9 4.81 14 PM KUSUM Component A 4 22.80 24.03.2026 1156 15 PM-KUSUM Com-B and Com-C 8 0.04 16 Poly House/ Greenhouse 12 5.95 17 PPP projects promoted by State. or their agencies 3 3.60 18 Primary processing Center 577 813.12 19 Ripening Chambers 5 4.16 20 Silos 2 0.75 21 Sorting & Grading Unit 61 37.84 22 Supply chain infrastructure for export clusters of crops 1 0.03 23 Warehouse 398 380.65 Total 5227 2487.16 RASHTRIYA GRAM SWARAJ ABHIYAN 5290. SHRI GOVIND MAKTHAPPA KARJOL: Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state: (a) the details of the implementation status of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) during the last 5 years in Chitradurga District of Karnataka; (b) the total funds allocated and released by the Union Government under RGSA to Karnataka and Chitradurga District, year-wise; (c) the details of capacity building and training programmes conducted for elected representatives and Panchayat functionaries in Chitradurga District under RGSA; (d) the steps taken by the Government to strengthen digital governance and e-Panchayat systems in Gram Panchayats of Chitradurga District; and 24.03.2026 1157 (e) the details of infrastructure support provided to Gram Panchayats, including Panchayat Bhavans, under the scheme in the district? THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ; AND MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH): (a) to (c) Panchayat, being “Local Self Government”, is a State subject. However, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) since the financial year 2022-23 in States/ UTs, including in Chitradurga District of the State of Karnataka. The main objective of the scheme is to build the capacity of Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) by creating a learning ecosystem especially through training to the Elected Representatives (ERs), functionaries and other stakeholders to develop their governance capabilities to function effectively and also by supporting for exposure visits, development of training modules and materials, etc. Further, the scheme also provides support for the establishment of an institutional mechanism for the Capacity Building & Training and to create Panchayat infrastructure on a limited scale, like Gram Panchayat Bhawan, Computer and Co-location of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in Gram Panchayat Bhawan. Revamped RGSA is demand-driven in nature. Funds are released to States/UTs based on the Annual Action Plans approved by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and the pace of expenditure. Release of funds is also subject to the submission of requisite documents such as Utilization 24.03.2026 1158 Certificates and Auditor’s Reports. The funds are to be utilized only for the approved components as prioritized by the States/UTs. The Ministry releases the funds under the scheme to States/UTs only. The year-wise details of funds allocated and released since the launch of Revamped to the State of Karnataka, including Chitradurga district is as follows: (Rs. in crore) 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 (As on 28.02.2026) Funds Allocated Fund Released# Funds Allocated Fund Released# Funds Allocated Fund Released# Funds Allocated Fund Released# 36.00 36.00 20.00 20.00 16.25 16.25 20.00 20.00 #For FY 2025–26, the releases comprise funds through both SNA till 30thJune 2025 and SNA- SPARSH since 1stJuly 2025. Under the scheme of revamped RGSA, the Ministry provides support for Capacity Building & Training of elected representatives, functionaries, and other stakeholders of Panchayats in different categories, viz., general orientation and refresher training, thematic training, specialized training, panchayat development plan training, etc. Capacity-building initiatives have enabled Panchayat representatives to undertake participatory planning, particularly in the preparation and implementation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs). A total of 11,57,048 participants have been trained so far, as of 28.02.2026, in the State of Karnataka. Further, as reported by the State of Karnataka, 23,896 elected representatives and Panchayat functionaries have been trained in Chitradurga district under Revamped RGSA since launch of the scheme. 24.03.2026 1159 (d) The Ministry is implementing the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) under RGSA across the country, including in Chitradurga District, which has significantly enhanced transparency, efficiency, and governance at the grassroots level. The eGramSwaraj application, developed as part of the e- Panchayat MMP, has facilitated digital planning, accounting, monitoring, and online payments at the Panchayat level. The integration of eGramSwaraj with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) enables real-time payments to vendors and service providers, ensuring seamless fund flow and reducing delays. Further, the Ministry has also developed several other applications under the e-Panchayat MMP. The Meri Panchayat application provides citizens with access to information on Panchayat planning, activities, and the progress of works. Panchayat NIRNAY facilitates transparent conduct and management of Gram Sabha meetings. The AuditOnline application enables online auditing of Panchayat accounts and financial management, particularly for the utilization of Central Finance Commission grants. In addition, the Ministry has introduced SabhaSaar, an AI-enabled platform for voice-to-text transcription and summarisation of Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings, ensuring accurate documentation of proceedings. For the financial year 2025–26, all 189 Panchayats of Chitradurga district have successfully uploaded their Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs). Additionally, all 189 Panchayats have been onboarded onto the eGS- 24.03.2026 1160 PFMS platform. An amount of Rs. 68.116 crore has been disbursed as payments during the current year. (e) Panchayat, being “Local Government”, is a State subject and part of the State list of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. Thus, the primary responsibility of providing dedicated office infrastructure for Gram Panchayats lies with States/UTs. The States/ UTs have to ensure that the Gram Panchayat Bhawan is available and functional, with provisions such as public seating, space for Gram Sabha meetings, information walls, multifunctional rooms, etc., to support effective governance and community use. However, apart from training interventions, under RGSA, the Ministry supplements the efforts of States/UTs on a limited scale by supporting the establishment of institutional mechanisms for capacity building and training, and by providing infrastructural support such as construction of Gram Panchayat Bhawans, procurement of computers, co-location of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in Gram Panchayat Bhawans, development of Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs), etc., on a limited scale with particular focus on the North Eastern States. So far, in the State of Karnataka, the Ministry has approved the construction and co-location of 258 GP Bhawans and Common Service Centres (CSCs), along with 270 Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs). Out of this, construction of 27 GP bhawans and 7 PLCs was approved for Chitradurga District. ________ 24.03.2026 1161 माननीय अÅय± : माननीय सदÖयगण, मुझे कई माननीय सदÖयŌ Ĭारा Öथगन ÿÖताव कì सूचनाएं ÿाÈत हòई है । म§ने Öथगन ÿÖताव कì िकसी भी सूचना के िलए अनुमित ÿदान नहé कì है । … (Óयवधान) माननीय अÅय± : Èलीज़ माननीय सदÖय, अपनी सीटŌ पर बैिठए । … (Óयवधान) 12.02 hrs RESIGNATION BY MEMBER माननीय अÅय± : माननीय सदÖयगण, मुझे सभा को सूिचत करना है िक असम के नगांव संसदीय ±ेý से ®ी ÿīुत बोरदोलोई ने लोक सभा कì सदÖयता से Âयागपý दे िदया है । म§ने उनका Âयागपý िदनांक 20 माचª, 2026 से Öवीकार कर िलया है । _________ 12.03 hrs PAPERS LAID ON THE TABLE माननीय अÅय± : अब पý सभा पटल पर रखे जाएंगे । ®ी िगåरराज िसंह जी । वľ मंýी (®ी िगåरराज िसंह) : महोदय, म§ िनÌनिलिखत पý सभा पटल पर रखता हॅूं :- (1) (एक) अपैरल िनयाªत संवधªन पåरषद, नई िदÐली के वषª 2024-2025 के वािषªक ÿितवेदन कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) तथा लेखापरीि±त लेखे । (दो) अपैरल िनयाªत संवधªन पåरषद, नई िदÐली के वषª 2024-2025 के कायªकरण कì सरकार Ĭारा समी±ा कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । 24.03.2026 1162 (2) उपयुªĉ (1) म¤ उिÐलिखत पýŌ को सभा पटल पर रखने म¤ हòए िवलÌब के कारण दशाªने वाला िववरण (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6679/18/26] (3) (एक) हÖतिशÐप िनयाªत संवधªन पåरषद (ईपीसीएच), नई िदÐली के वषª 2024-2025 के वािषªक ÿितवेदन कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) तथा लेखापरीि±त लेखे । (दो) हÖतिशÐप िनयाªत संवधªन पåरषद (ईपीसीएच), नई िदÐली के वषª 2024-2025 के कायªकरण कì सरकार Ĭारा समी±ा कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण)। (4) उपयुªĉ (3) म¤ उिÐलिखत पýŌ को सभा पटल पर रखने म¤ हòए िवलÌब के कारण दशाªने वाला िववरण (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6680/18/26] (5) (एक) जूट उÂपाद िवकास एवं िनयाªत संवधªन पåरषद (जेपीडीईपीसी), कोलकाता के वषª 2024-2025 के वािषªक ÿितवेदन कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) तथा लेखापरीि±त लेखे । (दो) जूट उÂपाद िवकास एवं िनयाªत संवधªन पåरषद (जेपीडीईपीसी), कोलकाता के वषª 2024-2025 के कायªकरण कì सरकार Ĭारा समी±ा कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । (6) उपयुªĉ (5) म¤ उिÐलिखत पýŌ को सभा पटल पर रखने म¤ हòए िवलंब के कारण दशाªने वाला िववरण (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6681/18/26] THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS 24.03.2026 1163 (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL): Thank you, hon. Speaker, Sir. With your kind permission, on behalf of my colleague Shri Jitin Prasada, I rise to lay on the Table:- (1) A copy each of the following notifications (Hindi and English versions) issued under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016:- (i) The Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 published in Notification No. S.O.774(E) in Gazette of India dated 13th February, 2026. (ii) The Furniture (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2026 published in Notification No. S.O.1125(E) in Gazette of India dated 2nd March, 2026. [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6682/18/26] (2) A copy of the Explosives (Amendment) Rules, 2026 (Hindi and English versions) published in Notification No. G.S.R.154(E) in Gazette of India dated 3rd March, 2026 under sub-section (8) of Section 18 of the Explosives Act, 1884. [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6683/18/26] 12.04 hrs (Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti in the Chair) THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL): Thank you, hon. Chairperson, Sir. With your kind permission, on behalf of my colleague Shri Ramdas 24.03.2026 1164 Athawale ji, I rise to lay on the Table a copy each of the following papers (Hindi and English versions) under sub-section 1(b) of Section 394 of the Companies Act, 2013:- (1) Review by the Government of the working of the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation, New Delhi, forthe year 2024-2025. (2) Annual Report of the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation, New Delhi, for the year 2024-2025, alongwith Audited Accounts and comments of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon. [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6684/18/26] कृिष और िकसान कÐयाण मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी (®ी राम नाथ ठाकुर) : महोदय, म§ िनÌनिलिखत पý सभा पटल पर रखता हॅूं : - (1) कंपनी अिधिनयम, 2013 कì धारा 394 कì उप-धारा (2) के अंतगªत िनÌनिलिखत पýŌ कì एक-एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण):- (एक) ओिडशा एúो इंडÖůीज कारपोरेशन िलिमटेड, भुवनेĵर के वषª 2023-2024 के कायªकरण कì सरकार Ĭारा समी±ा । (दो) ओिडशा एúो इंडÖůीज कारपोरेशन िलिमटेड, भुवनेĵर का वषª 2023-2024 का वािषªक ÿितवेदन, लेखापरीि±त लेखे तथा उन पर िनयंýक-महालेखापरी±क कì िटÈपिणयां । (2) उपयुªĉ (1) म¤ उिÐलिखत पýŌ को सभा पटल पर रखने म¤ हòए िवलंब के कारण दशाªने वाला िववरण (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6685/18/26] 24.03.2026 1165 (3) आवÔयक वÖतु अिधिनयम, 1955 कì धारा 3 के अंतगªत जारी अिधसूचना सं. का.आ.1018(अ) जो िदनांक 25 फरवरी, 2026 के भारत के राजपý म¤ ÿकािशत हòई थी तथा िजसके Ĭारा, उसम¤ उिÐलिखत, िकिÁवत जैिवक खाद तथा þव िकिÁवत जैिवक खाद के िविनमाªताओं को उ³त आदेश के ÿकाशन कì तारीख से तीन वषª कì अविध तक, अपने उÂपाद कì थोक म¤ िकसानŌ को सीधे िबøì करने के िलए अिधकृत िकया गया है, कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6686/18/26] गृह मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी (®ी िनÂयानÆद राय) : महोदय, म§ िनÌनिलिखत पý सभा पटल पर रखता हॅूं:- (1) सीमा सुर±ा बल अिधिनयम, 1968 कì धारा 141 कì उप-धारा (3) के अंतगªत िनÌनिलिखत अिधसूचनाओं कì एक-एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण):- (एक) गृह मंýालय, सीमा सुर±ा बल, िनरी±क (संकमª) और उप िनरी±क (संकमª) योधक (समूह ‘ख’ पद संवगª) भतê िनयम, 2026 जो िदनांक 25 फरवरी, 2026 के भारत के राजपý म¤ अिधसूचना सं´या सा.का.िन. 144(अ) म¤ ÿकािशत हòए थे । (दो) गृह मंýालय, सीमा सुर±ा बल, किनķ इंजीिनयर/िनरी±क (िवīुत) तथा किनķ इंजीिनयर/उप-िनरी±क (िवīुत), भतê िनयम, 2026 जो िदनांक 24 फरवरी, 2026 के भारत के राजपý म¤ अिधसूचना सं´या सा.का.िन. 142(अ) म¤ ÿकािशत हòए थे । (2) आपदा ÿबंधन अिधिनयम, 2005 कì धारा 79 कì उप-धारा (2) के अंतगªत आपदा ÿबंधन (किठनाई िनवारण) आदेश, 2026 जो िदनांक 2 माचª, 2026 के भारत के राजपý 24.03.2026 1166 म¤ अिधसूचना सं´या का.आ. 1104(अ) म¤ ÿकािशत हòआ था, कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6687/18/26] उपभोĉा मामले, खाī और सावªजिनक िवतरण मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी; तथा सामािजक Æयाय और अिधकाåरता मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी (®ी बी. एल. वमाª) : महोदय, म§ िनÌनिलिखत पý सभा पटल पर रखता हॅूं:- (1) (एक) राÕůीय बौिĦक िदÓयांगजन सशिĉकरण संÖथान, िसकंदराबाद के वषª 2024- 2025 के वािषªक ÿितवेदन कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) तथा लेखापरीि±त लेखे । (दो) राÕůीय बौिĦक िदÓयांगजन सशिĉकरण संÖथान, िसकंदराबाद के वषª 2024- 2025 के कायªकरण कì सरकार Ĭारा समी±ा कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । (2) उपयुªĉ (1) म¤ उिÐलिखत पýŌ को सभा पटल पर रखने म¤ हòए िवलंब के कारण दशाªने वाला िववरण (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6688/18/26] (3) (एक) राÕůीय समाज र±ा संÖथान, नई िदÐली के वषª 2023-2024 और 2024-2025 के वािषªक ÿितवेदन कì एक-एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) तथा लेखापरीि±त लेखे । (दो) राÕůीय समाज र±ा संÖथान, नई िदÐली के वषª 2023-2024 और 2024-2025 के कायªकरण कì सरकार Ĭारा समी±ा कì एक-एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । 24.03.2026 1167 (4) उपयुªĉ (3) म¤ उिÐलिखत पýŌ को सभा पटल पर रखने म¤ हòए िवलंब के कारण दशाªने वाले दो िववरण (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6689/18/26] (5) (एक) राÕůीय बहòिदÓयांगता जन सशिĉकरण संÖथान (एनआईईपीएमडी), चेÆनै के वषª 2024-2025 के वािषªक ÿितवेदन कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) तथा लेखापरीि±त लेखे । (दो) राÕůीय बहòिदÓयांगता जन सशिĉकरण संÖथान, चेÆनै के वषª 2024-2025 के कायªकरण कì सरकार Ĭारा समी±ा कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण)। (6) उपयुªĉ (5) म¤ उिÐलिखत पýŌ को सभा पटल पर रखने म¤ हòए िवलंब के कारण दशाªने वाला िववरण (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6690/18/26] (7) (एक) अली यावर जंग राÕůीय वाक् एवं ®वण िदÓयांगजन संÖथान, मुÌबई के वषª 2024-2025 के वािषªक ÿितवेदन कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) तथा लेखापरीि±त लेखे । (दो) अली यावर जंग राÕůीय वाक् एवं ®वण िदÓयांगजन संÖथान, मुÌबई के वषª 2024-2025 के कायªकरण कì सरकार Ĭारा समी±ा कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । (8) उपयुªĉ (7) म¤ उिÐलिखत पýŌ को सभा पटल पर रखने म¤ हòए िवलंब के कारण दशाªने वाला िववरण (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6691/18/26] _________ 24.03.2026 1168 12.04½hrs STATEMENT BY MINISTER Status of implementation of observations/ recommendations contained in the 193rd Report of the Standing Committee on Commerce on ‘Indian Leather Industry: Current Analysis and Future Prospects’ pertaining to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL): Thank you, hon. Chairperson, Sir. With your kind permission, on behalf of my colleague Shri Jitin Prasada, I rise to lay a statement regarding the status of implementation of observations/ recommendations contained in the 193rd Report of the Standing Committee on Commerce on ‘Indian Leather Industry: Current Analysis and Future Prospects’ pertaining to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. ________ 12.05 hrs PAPERS LAID ON THE TABLE-Contd. कृिष और िकसान कÐयाण मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी (®ी भागीरथ चौधरी) : सभापित महोदय, म§ िनÌनिलिखत पý सभा पटल पर रखता हóँ :-  Laid on the Table and also placed in Library, See No. LT6678/18/26. 24.03.2026 1169 (1) आवÔयक वÖतु अिधिनयम, 1955 कì धारा 3 कì उप-धारा (6) के अंतगªत उवªरक (अकाबªिनक, काबªिनक या िमि®त)(िनयंýण) संशोधन आदेश, 2026 जो िदनांक 17 फरवरी, 2026 के भारत के राजपý म¤ अिधसूचना सं´या का.आ.876(अ) म¤ ÿकािशत हòआ था, कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6693/18/26] (2) कìटनाशी अिधिनयम, 1968 कì धारा 36 कì उप-धारा (3) के अंतगªत कìटनाशी (संशोधन) िनयम, 2026 जो िदनांक 23 फरवरी, 2026 के भारत के राजपý म¤ अिधसूचना सं´या सा.का.िन.139(अ) म¤ ÿकािशत हòए थे, कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण)। [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6694/18/26] (3) कìटनाशी अिधिनयम, 1968 कì धारा 5 के अंतगªत जारी अिधसूचना सं´या का.आ.1176(अ) जो 6 माचª, 2026 के भारत के राजपý म¤ ÿकािशत हòई थी तथा िजसके Ĭारा िदनांक 4 फरवरी 1997 कì अिधसूचना सं´या का.आ.79(अ) म¤ कितपय संशोधन िकए गए ह§, कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6695/18/26] (4) कìटनाशी अिधिनयम, 1968 कì धारा 4 के अंतगªत जारी अिधसूचना सं´या का.आ.1177(अ) जो िदनांक 06 माचª, 2026 के भारत के राजपý म¤ ÿकािशत हòई थी तथा िजसके Ĭारा िदनांक 1 माचª 1971 कì अिधसूचना सं´या सा.का.िन. 301(अ) म¤ कितपय संशोधन िकए गए ह§, कì एक ÿित (िहÆदी तथा अंúेजी संÖकरण) । [Placed in Library, See No. LT 6696/18/26] ________ 24.03.2026 1170 12.05½ hrs COMMITTEE ON SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION 7th to 9th Reports SHRI RAJEEV RAI (GHOSI): Sir, with your permission, I rise to present the following reports (Hindi and English versions) of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation: - (1) Seventh Report on ‘Infirmities in the Regulations of National Medical Commission’ of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. (2) Eighth Report on ‘Infirmities in the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 & the Colliery Control Rules, 2004 and their subsequent amendments notified under the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulations) Act, 1957’ of the Ministry of Coal. (3) Ninth Report on ‘Infirmities in the Food Safety and Standard Rules, 2011 and their subsequent amendments notified under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006’ of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. ________ 24.03.2026 1171 12.06 hrs PAPERS LAID ON THE TABLE-Contd.

वक्ता Shrikant Eknath Shinde

कब कहा 2026-03-24T00:00:00.000Z

किस वाद-विवाद में Ruling regarding Notices of Adjournment Motion