कथन

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state: (a) the details of the progress achieved under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) including fund flow revision, e-SAKSHI portal and mobile app implementation; (b) the details of the number of works recommended completed and currently under progress along with the details of the initiatives taken regarding capacity building, State and year-wise; 11.03.2026 224 (c) whether the Government has assessed the impact of MPLADS on community assets such as drinking water facilities and sanitation and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether there is inordinate delay in the completion of works under the said scheme and if so, the details thereof; (e) whether the Government proposes to issue directions to the States including Punjab for timely completion of the works; and (f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION; MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (RAO INDERJIT SINGH): (a): The Ministry has launched the eSAKSHI portal for implementation of the Revised Fund Flow Procedures under MPLADS with effect from 1 April 2023. The portal is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability and transparency in managing MPLADS funds. It provides an integrated digital platform wherein MP recommendations, district-level sanctioning, and execution by implementing agencies are seamlessly coordinated, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. The transition to the digital system has streamlined fund releases, eliminated physical accounts, enabled Hon’ble Members and all stakeholders to recommend, monitor, and manage works online, and incorporated secure OTP-based verification. Real- time tracking of works and fund utilization further strengthens transparency and 11.03.2026 225 accountability while expediting project implementation. A mobile application for Hon’ble Members of Parliament was launched in January 2024. The application was extended to other stakeholders including State Nodal Authorities, Nodal District Authorities, Implementing District Authorities and Implementing Agencies in August 2024. A ‘Citizen Request’ module has also been introduced, enabling public to submit developmental requests directly to Members of Parliament. The MPLAD Scheme transitioned from Model 2 to Model 1A (TSA Hybrid) from 1 April 2025. Under Model 1A, the PMU-CNA has opened an assignment account with the RBI, linked to the CNA-SBI account. SBI generates a consolidated daily fund demand based on bills raised, which is pushed to PFMS for approval. Once approved, funds are transferred from the RBI assignment account to the SBI account and thereafter directly to vendors. This mechanism ensures a fully streamlined process with no parking of funds at any level. Technical and operational issues arising from these transitions are being addressed through enhanced backend support, coordination between MoSPI, PFMS, and SBI, and periodic updates. As a result, ₹ 3482.54 crore (as on 07.03.2026) has been released directly to vendors in the current financial year surpassing past trends. (b): The state and year-wise details of works recommended under MPLADS and their status of sanction, completion and progress as on 06.03.2026 in respect of 18th Lok Sabha is enclosed at Statement-I. 11.03.2026 226 The Ministry conducts monthly review meetings with States and Union Territories to monitor scheme implementation, assess progress of MPLADS works, and address any operational challenges. To improve stakeholders’ familiarity with the eSAKSHI portal, the Ministry has been organizing workshops, webinars, and hands-on training sessions for State/UT representatives, Members of Parliament (MPs), and their personal staff. A detailed list of all physical workshops and trainings held across States/UTs is provided at Statement-II. In addition, multiple webinars and online sessions are conducted to provide continued assistance to portal users. Further, kiosks are set up during each Parliament session (since the Monsoon Session 2023) to assist MPs with MPLADS processes and eSAKSHI portal. A helpdesk operates from 10 AM to 6 PM on all working days during session period to support MPs and stakeholders, ensuring they have access to necessary resources for smooth fund utilization. The Ministry has also made user manuals and instructional videos for the eSAKSHI portal and made available to the Stakeholders. (c): The Ministry has conducted a Third-Party Physical Evaluation of the MPLADS works completed during the period 01.04.2019 to 31.03.2024, in 504 nodal districts across the country to ascertain and assess various aspects of implementation of the MPLAD Scheme. As per the report of the evaluation, 12.67% of the total sanctioned works covered under the study, accounting for 10.23% of the total sanctioned cost, pertained to Drinking Water and Sanitation. The key findings of the Report of Third-Party Physical Evaluation 11.03.2026 227 are as below: i. 100% of assets selected as sample were located at the time of field evaluation. ii. Based on the primary findings, 94.56% of the assets were found as functional, indicating effective execution and usability of the majority of projects. iii. Overall, 82.27% of the assets surveyed were reported to be properly maintained iv. It was found that 87.24% of recommended projects were sanctioned within the prescribed timelines. v. Based on the data received, 86.72% of works were completed within the prescribed timelines of 365 days. vi. At the community level, MPLADS assets are expected to provide better social infrastructure, strengthened local connectivity, and created spaces that foster collective well-being. vii. During field visits, 77.04% respondents gave the feedback that the project has contributed to the overall development of their community, while 95.82% of respondents reported that the MPLAD Scheme has increased their trust in governance and public authorities. (d) to (f): As per Para 3.2.4 of the MPLADS Guidelines, 2023, the sanction/rejection in respect of all recommendations made by the Member of Parliament shall be issued by the Implementing District Authority within 45 11.03.2026 228 days from the date of receipt of the recommendations to the Implementing District Authority. As per Para 3.2.12 of the MPLADS Guidelines, 2023, the sanction letter issued by the Implementing District Authority shall stipulate a time limit for completion of the work by the Implementing Agency, which should generally not exceed one year. In exceptional cases, for instance in difficult/ hilly terrain, etc., where the implementation time is likely to exceed one-year, specific justification for the same shall be incorporated in the sanction letter. The Ministry regularly issues advisories to State Nodal Authorities and conducts monthly and quarterly review meetings with State/UT Governments and District Authorities to ensure timely sanction, execution, and completion of works strictly in accordance with the Scheme guidelines. Further, with the operationalization of the eSAKSHI portal for fund flow and project monitoring, real-time visibility of works has enhanced transparency and strengthened oversight of the Scheme Real-time work progress monitoring reports, including details of works pending for sanction beyond 45 days from the date of recommendation, works remaining incomplete after one year of sanction, and works where no payment has been made within three months of sanction, have been made available under State/District logins to facilitate focused monitoring and review at different administrative levels. Zonal workshops are also conducted periodically to review progress, resolve bottlenecks, and improve implementation efficiency. 11.03.2026 229 STATEMENT-I The state and year-wise details of works recommended under MPLADS (₹ in crore) S.N o. States/UTs FY 2024-25 FY 2025-26 Works Recommende d Works Sanctioned* Works Under Progress* Works Completed* Works Recommende d Works Sanctioned* Works Under Progress* Works Completed* Numb er Amou nt Numb er Amou nt Numb er Amou nt Numb er Amou nt Numb er Amou nt Numb er Amou nt Numb er Amou nt Numb er Amou nt 1 Andaman And Nicobar Islands 6 1.93 5 1.53 5 1.53 0 0.00 20 4.55 5 1.08 5 1.08 0 0.00 2 Andhra Pradesh 1015 68.63 904 59.15 642 45.92 262 13.23 1829 124.6 9 1311 90.91 1139 84.38 172 6.53 3 Arunachal Pradesh 48 5.00 47 4.90 25 2.74 22 2.16 195 14.29 158 11.58 126 9.05 32 2.53 4 Assam 647 37.45 548 30.93 523 30.06 25 0.87 1346 83.58 661 44.70 622 41.79 39 2.91 5 Bihar 1305 104.5 2 1243 98.83 239 16.06 1004 82.77 2959 207.5 9 1904 140.6 7 1031 67.65 873 73.02 6 Chandigarh 38 1.92 17 0.83 2 0.25 15 0.58 74 5.57 33 3.01 23 2.49 10 0.52 7 Chhattisgarh 787 42.63 765 40.71 416 22.10 349 18.61 1170 56.09 946 44.41 752 35.70 194 8.72 8 Delhi 117 10.50 73 6.18 65 5.57 8 0.62 387 35.38 314 25.84 313 25.76 1 0.07 9 Goa 80 8.04 33 3.25 29 2.66 4 0.60 138 12.74 31 2.54 19 2.10 12 0.44 10 Gujarat 2600 90.05 2167 71.11 1187 39.88 980 31.23 4375 154.0 3 2939 101.2 4 2409 86.42 530 14.82 11 Haryana 390 21.34 339 18.84 226 14.66 113 4.18 995 52.02 750 37.65 594 32.44 156 5.21 12 Himachal Pradesh 474 10.82 372 9.19 325 8.15 47 1.04 1212 26.30 950 20.30 880 19.26 70 1.04 13 Jammu And Kashmir 288 12.20 236 8.36 96 5.68 140 2.69 512 28.45 351 20.59 318 19.63 33 0.96 14 Jharkhand 953 29.17 917 27.95 800 21.04 117 6.91 2631 90.33 1627 57.96 1614 57.59 13 0.37 11.03.2026 230 15 Karnataka 1527 89.73 1032 62.65 850 53.28 182 9.37 2473 146.8 6 765 43.90 725 41.82 40 2.09 16 Kerala 1617 85.25 1095 54.71 786 40.81 309 13.90 2019 113.1 1 1081 61.88 984 58.26 97 3.61 17 Ladakh 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 23 2.78 8 0.64 8 0.64 0 0.00 18 Lakshadweep 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 27 9.05 17 5.68 16 5.66 1 0.02 19 Madhya Pradesh 2468 104.4 3 2311 98.92 1412 65.95 899 32.97 3034 121.0 9 1854 79.32 1486 66.25 368 13.07 20 Maharashtra 1428 141.6 2 793 79.20 654 64.41 139 14.79 2465 231.2 8 539 48.45 503 44.90 36 3.55 21 Manipur 29 7.71 29 7.71 16 5.28 13 2.43 36 9.37 31 8.48 29 8.20 2 0.28 22 Meghalaya 207 8.87 196 8.43 148 6.78 48 1.65 246 10.40 201 8.40 175 7.50 26 0.90 23 Mizoram 106 4.90 105 4.89 86 3.66 19 1.23 65 4.85 59 4.40 56 4.32 3 0.08 24 Nagaland 23 4.90 23 4.90 0 0.00 23 4.90 16 4.90 16 4.90 2 0.97 14 3.93 25 Odisha 1598 40.68 1446 34.97 900 27.78 546 7.19 2653 112.0 2 1351 54.30 1182 48.57 169 5.73 26 Puducherry 22 4.63 16 3.08 13 2.81 3 0.27 40 7.51 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 27 Punjab 1012 31.76 921 28.84 311 12.22 610 16.62 2417 76.21 2057 62.95 1647 51.39 410 11.56 28 Rajasthan 944 60.49 800 49.61 454 33.65 346 15.96 1680 112.5 5 926 60.30 823 55.37 103 4.93 29 Sikkim 21 4.89 21 4.89 13 2.65 8 2.24 53 5.57 30 4.83 29 4.78 1 0.05 30 Tamil Nadu 1550 148.8 7 1349 121.2 7 836 79.72 513 41.55 3094 251.3 2 2017 136.0 0 1419 107.6 7 598 28.33 31 Telangana 1555 47.67 1318 38.31 924 26.94 394 11.36 2612 103.8 4 1421 57.30 1224 52.00 197 5.31 32 The Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 82 11.61 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 33 Tripura 10 4.92 9 4.59 9 4.59 0 0.00 38 10.45 27 6.65 27 6.65 0 0.00 34 Uttar Pradesh 7025 291.2 6584 272.3 3017 114.9 3567 157.4 8633 439.5 4880 319.4 4186 264.9 694 54.59 11.03.2026 231 8 6 5 1 1 9 0 35 Uttarakhand 187 6.49 167 6.08 134 4.74 33 1.34 503 15.98 280 9.20 252 8.50 28 0.70 36 West Bengal 2321 160.8 3 2124 139.0 4 1284 101.2 4 840 37.80 3201 225.1 4 1734 126.1 0 1490 114.0 5 244 12.05 *works sanctioned, under progress and completed as on 06.03.2026 in respect of the works recommended during the respective financial year. 11.03.2026 232 STATEMENT-II All physical workshops and trainings held across States/UTs S.No. Date Location 1 23rd Feb 2023 Delhi 2 2nd March 2023 Jaipur 3 10th March 2023 Kolkata 4 17th March 2023 Bangalore 5 3rd May 2023 Delhi 6 16th May 2023 Chandigarh 7 19th May 2023 Lucknow 8 23rd May 2023 Patna 9 29th May 2023 Trivandrum 10 5th June 2023 Mumbai 11 12th June 2023 Jaipur 12 21st June 2023 Tripura 13 26th June 2023 Haryana 14 4th July 2023 Srinagar, JandK 15 6th July 2023 Raipur, Chhattisgarh 16 8th July 2023 Goa 17 11th July 2023 Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 18 13th July 2023 Chennai, Tamil Nadu 19 17th Aug 2023 Dehradun, Uttarakhand 20 18th Aug 2023 Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 21 22nd Aug 2023 Hyderabad Telangana 22 25th Aug 2023 Puducherry 23 28th Aug 2023. Shillong, Meghalaya 24 30th Aug 2023 Guwahati, Assam 25 31st Aug 2023- 01st Sept 2023 Kolkata, West Bengal 26 5th Sept 2023 Kavaratti, Lakshadweep 11.03.2026 233 27 8th Sept 2023 Bhubaneswar, Odisha 28 11th Sept 2023 Gandhinagar, Gujarat 29 15th Sept 2023 Ranchi, Jharkhand 30 03rd Oct 2023 Port Blair, Andaman 31 13th Oct 2023 Bangalore, Karnataka 32 16th Oct 2023 Chandigarh 33 24th Nov 2023 Chandigarh 34 19th Jan 2024 Kolkata, West Bengal 35 12th Mar 2024 Sikkim 36 20th-21st Jun 2024 Delhi 37 29th Nov 2024 Kolkata 38 22nd Jan 2025 Delhi 39 29th Aug 2025 Jaipur, Rajasthan (1) 40 2nd Sep 2025 Delhi (2) 41 19th Sep 2025 Hyderabad, Telangana (3) 42 7th Nov 2025 Mumbai, Maharashtra (4) 43 23rd Jan, 2026 Kochi, Kerala (5) (1) Zonal workshop covering all the districts in Rajasthan and participants associated with MPLADS from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Ladakh (2) All-India training for the personal staff of Hon’ble Members of Parliament (3) Zonal workshop covering all the districts in Telangana, and participants associated with MPLADS from Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Lakshadweep, Himachal Pradesh (4) Zonal workshop covering all the districts in Maharashtra and participants associated with MPLADS from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Dadra 11.03.2026 234 and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (5) National Level Brainstorming Workshop रेल िटकट पर राजसहायता छोड़ने का अिभयान 3003. ®ी भाऊसाहेब राजाराम वाकचौरे: ³या रेल मंýी यह बताने कì कृपा कर¤गे िक: (क) ³या सरकार ने गैस राजसहायता कì तरह रेल िटकटŌ पर दी जाने वाली राजसहायता को छोड़ने/बंद करने के िलए कोई कायª योजना तैयार कì है और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है; और (ख) उĉ कायª योजना के संबंध म¤ अब तक हòई ÿगित का Êयौरा ³या है? रेल मंýी; सूचना और ÿसारण मंýी; तथा इले³ůॉिनकì और सूचना ÿौīोिगकì मंýी (®ी अिÔवनी वैÕणव): (क) और (ख) : भारतीय रेल समाज के सभी वगŎ को िकफायती सेवाएं ÿदान करने के िलए ÿितबĦ है और 2024-25 म¤ याýी िटकटŌ पर 60,239 करोड़ Łपए कì सिÊसडी ÿदान कì है। यह रािश रेलवे म¤ याýा करने वाले ÿÂयेक Óयिĉ के िलए औसतन 43% कì åरयायत के बराबर है। दूसरे शÊदŌ म¤, यिद सेवा ÿदान करने कì लागत 100 Łपए है, तो िटकट कì कìमत केवल 57 Łपए होगी। यह सिÊसडी सभी यािýयŌ के िलए जारी है। इसके अलावा िदÓयांगजनŌ कì 4 कोिटयŌ, रोिगयŌ कì 11 कोिटयŌ और छाýŌ कì 8 कोिटयŌ जैसी कई कोिटयŌ के िलए इस सिÊसडी से अितåरĉ åरयायत¤ जारी रखी गई ह§। इसके अलावा, याýी िटकटŌ पर अिभयान कì कोई योजना नहé बनाई गई है। 11.03.2026 235 DIGITAL SKILLING INITIATIVES FOR EXPANSION OF DIGITAL ACCESS AND EMPLOYABILITY 3004. SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA: Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is implementing Digital India, BharatNet, PM-WANI and MeitY digital-skilling initiatives to expand digital access and employability; (b) whether BharatNet fibre, last-mile Wi-Fi, Common Service Centres (CSCs) and digital-literacy programmes are operational in the districts of Katni, Panna and town of Khajuraho in the Khajuraho Lok Sabha region and if so, the number of persons trained during the last three years; (c) the measures taken by the Government to enable farmers, women, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access digital payments, e-markets, e-governance and tele-services; (d) if digital inclusion and usage remain low, the key barriers identified and corrective steps planned; and (e) the strategy to link MeitY skilling, CSC operations and start-up support with local job creation and micro-enterprise opportunities in these districts? 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): 11.03.2026 236 (a) to (e): Government of India launched Digital India programme in July 2015. It was launched to further the Prime Minister’s vision of democratising technology and ensuring that its benefits reach all sections of society. Key initiatives under the programme are as follows: 1. Common Services Centres CSCs offer government and business services in digital mode, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity in rural areas through Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). Over 800 services are being delivered through CSCs. As on January, 2026, 5.54 lakh CSCs are functional across the country (in rural and urban areas), out of which 4.32 lakh CSCs are functional at the Gram Panchayat level (rural). 40,954 CSCs are functional in the state of Madhya Pradesh, including 941 CSCs in Katni, 633 CSCs in Panna and 1567 CSCs in Chhatarpur district (includes Khajuraho region). State/UT wise and district wise details of CSCs are available at https://csc.gov.in/ and list of services is available at https://csc.gov.in/. 2. Digital Skilling: Government has taken several steps for providing digital skills to the youth and runs programs for skilling/upskilling in the latest technologies. The key initiatives are: (i) PMGDISHA: Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) was launched in 2017 to ensure digital literacy. The scheme 11.03.2026 237 was implemented through CSC e-Governance services India limited and The scheme concluded on 31st March 2024. The Scheme emerged as one of the world’s largest digital literacy initiatives with over 6.39 Crore persons getting trained nationwide (against the target of 6 Crore). In the state of Madhya Pradesh, a total of 56,92,467 candidates from the rural households were enrolled, and 50,69,449 candidates were trained under the Scheme. This included 92,755 candidates from Katni and 94,679 candidates from Panna and 137205 candidates from Chhatarpur district (includes Khajuraho region). (ii) FutureSkills Prime: It is a collaborative initiative of MeitY and National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) aimed at making India a cutting-edge digital talent nation. Key features are:  Provides skilling, reskilling, and upskilling in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Internet of Things (IoTs), Cyber Security, Blockchain, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), etc.  Courses are developed in the consultation with industry to align with actual employment needs.  Portal can be accessed online at https://futureskillsprime.in/ to earn 11.03.2026 238 skill certificates in line with their aptitude and aspirations. Under the programme, so far, more than 27.53+ lakh candidates have registered on the portal, out of which there have been 17.24+ lakh candidates enrolled/trained in various courses. In the state of Madhya Pradesh, a total of more than 50,000 candidates have enrolled/trained in various courses (iii) National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) NIELIT provides digital literacy courses such as Awareness in Computer Concept (ACC), Course on Computer Concepts (CCC) etc. It has trained 43 lakh+ candidates under various courses, including digital literacy and cyber security awareness. Training is delivered through a wide network of 56 NIELIT Centres and 9000+ Accredited Training Partners/Facilitation Centres. NIELIT has more than 350 Facilitation Centres spread across the State of Madhya Pradesh, out of which nearly 15 centres are located in the districts of Katni and Panna for promoting Digital Literacy Courses (DLC). Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 66,404 candidates applied for Digital Literacy courses in the State of Madhya Pradesh. In addition, the NIELIT Digital University (NDU) Platform has been 11.03.2026 239 launched by Government of India to deliver online and blended skill- based courses in emerging technology areas. This Platform is designed to offer future-ready, industry- aligned programs in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and other frontier domains. This platform also features built-in virtual labs for real-time experimentation in Semiconductor Design, cybersecurity, Cyber Forensics, Industry 4.0, and other emerging domains. Through the NDU platform, every learner can have access anytime- anywhere to NSQF-aligned courses. So far more than 55,000 candidates have registered through NDU Platform for various courses. 3. Basic communications/ internet services: Internet access across the country, including rural areas, is provided by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) through wireless mobile and fixed broadband. Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has undertaken several initiatives to enhance connectivity through expansion of mobile networks and optical fibre infrastructure: (i) BharatNet: Broadband connectivity is being provided to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) throughout the country. The network is utilised through leasing of bandwidth and dark fibre, and provision of public Wi-Fi to provide broadband and internet access at 11.03.2026 240 public places. It also supports Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity for Government institutions (such as schools, health centres, anganwadis, police stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, post offices, ration shops), as well as private institutions and households. So far, a total of 2,14,921 Gram Panchayats have been made service-ready including 115 GPs in Katni, 390 GPS in Panna and 225 GPs in Chhatarpur district (including Khajuraho region). (ii) Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) provides a framework allowing Public Data Offices (PDOs) to set up public Wi-Fi hotspots, under the aggregation of Public Data Office Aggregators (PODAs) and Application providers, with minimal regulatory oversight. This framework encourages shopkeepers and small enterprises to participate in digital connectivity and digital transformation. As on 02.03.2026, the number of PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots installed are 76 in Katni, 40 in Panna, and 89 in Chhatarpur. The Government is also promoting the use of Information Technology to enable farmers, women, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access digital payments, e-markets, e-governance services, and tele-services across states through various initiatives under the Digital India programme. Key 11.03.2026 241 initiatives include the following: (a) DigiLocker: DigiLocker provides all time access to authentic digital documents from original issuer for the common citizen. More than 67.17+ crore users are registered with DigiLocker availing its services and more than 967.01+ crore documents have been issued from 2456 issuers onboarded on the platform. (b) Common Services Centres: CSCs offer government and business services in digital mode, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity in rural areas through Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). Over 800 services are being delivered through CSCs. As on January, 2026, 5.54 lakh CSCs are functional across the country (in rural and urban areas), out of which 4.32 lakh CSCs are functional at the Gram Panchayat level (rural). (c) Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance (UMANG): It is a mobile application for all government services. More than 2446 services (Central: 872, State:1,574) are offered on the platform. (d) Unified Payments Interface (UPI): UPI has enabled millions of individuals and small businesses in rural and remote areas to make fast, secure and low-cost digital payments, significantly advancing financial inclusion. 11.03.2026 242 UPI serves 6.5 crore merchants, and connects 685 banks on one platform, making it the world’s largest digital payment system. It powers 81% of India’s digital payments and nearly 49% of global real-time digital payments. (e) LokOS application: It has been developed to enable end-to-end digitization of Self-Help Group (SHG) networks across the country. More than 93 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are registered on the platform including 5.58 lakh Village Organisations (VOs). Over 10.11 crore households mobilised through these Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) have been linked on LokOS. (f) Poshan Tracker: It is an important tool for women and child development and last mile delivery of nutritional services. It Provides real-time monitoring and tracking of beneficiaries and duty bearers and is Linked with Education and Health Programmes for proactive service delivery. Nutritional services have been delivered to 8.90 crore beneficiaries, with last-mile service delivery by 13.36 Lakh Anganwadi Workers being digitally tracked to ensure effective implementation and monitoring. 11.03.2026 243 (g) eSanjeevani - National Telemedicine Service of India is a step towards digital health equity to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). eSanjeevani facilitates quick and easy access to doctors and medical specialists from smartphones. Over 45.43 Crore patients at over 138,300+ Health and Wellness Centers (as spokes) through 18,500+ hubs serviced by more than 230,800+ doctors, medical specialists, super- specialists and health workers as telemedicine practitioners. (h) Government e-Marketplace (GeM): GeM facilitates online procurement of common use Goods and Services required by various Government Departments / Organisations / PSUs. Currently, 135,800+ Primary Buyers and 208,400+ Secondary Buyers are onboarded on GeM. 10,700+ product categories and 355 service categories have been listed on GeM. (i) National Agriculture Market (eNAM): e-NAM provides access to markets, real-time price information, facilitates quality assaying of agri-produce and provides infrastructure for cleaning, grading, sorting and packaging. So far, 1.79 crore farmers are registered on e-NAM platform, including small holder farmers and 1522 mandis are integrated with e-NAM across 23 States and 4 Union Territories. 11.03.2026 244 THORIUM-BASED POWER PROJECTS 3005. SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: - (a) the details of the number and location of thorium-based power projects currently operational in the country along with the amount of power generated by each of them since 2020, year-wise; (b) whether the Government has any project underway to establish thorium- based plants and if so, the details thereof including expected timeline, location and capacity and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) whether any public sector undertaking has entered into or has plans to enter into any joint venture with any foreign company/organisation/country to develop thorium-based fuel technology, fuel fabrication capability or any other thorium-related project and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether the Government has assessed the long-term energy, economic and environmental implications of deploying thorium-based power at scale in the country and if so, the details and the findings thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE; 11.03.2026 245 MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): (a) to (d): Deployment of thorium-based power at scale in the country in a manner so as to ensure a long term self-sustainable indigenous power production is one of the cornerstones of the Indian three stage nuclear power programme. Its advantages in the long-term energy scenario have been well established. Thorium based reactors are also expected to produce less amounts of long-lived nuclear wastes as compared to uranium based reactors. Molten salt reactor (MSR) is envisaged as one of suitable technologies for thorium utilization. The molten salt breeder reactor (MSBR) using thorium based fuel, which are expected to be deployed in the third stage, operates at near atmospheric pressure. This enhances its safety. However, this technology is not yet matured and economic implications of deploying the technology can be examined, once it is demonstrated in a limited scale. DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS 3006. SHRI APPALANAIDU KALISETTI: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: - (a) the details of the number of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) projects that 11.03.2026 246 have been approved granted in-principle clearance or are presently under examination by the Department of Atomic Energy; (b) the details of SMRs under development, including their present stage of progress, design and capacity-wise; (c) the details of financial allocations made for SMR research, development and demonstration during the last three Union Budget cycles along with the estimated cost of the BSMR-200 and other proposed demonstration units; (d) whether any public sector undertakings, private industrial entities or State Governments have expressed interest in hosting or partnering in SMR projects and if so, the details thereof; (e) the names of the States where feasibility studies for SMR deployment have been initiated; (f) whether any proposal has been submitted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and if so, the details thereof; and (g) the expected timeline for commissioning the first SMR demonstration units and for scaling up to commercial deployment? THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT 11.03.2026 247 OF ATOMIC ENERGY; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): (a) to (c): Under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, a total budgetary provision of ₹20,000 crore has been made for the research, design, development, and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has undertaken design and development works on SMRs namely, (i) 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), (ii) 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55), and (iii) Up to 5 MWth High temperature gas cooled reactor meant for hydrogen generation. The lead units of these SMRs will be established at DAE sites for technology demonstration. The estimated utilisation of the allocated funds by BARC toward setting up SMRs is mentioned below: Reactor Cost Outlay (Rs Cr.) Development and Construction of BSMR-200 5960 Development and Construction of SMR-55 (2 units) 7000 Design and construction of High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR) 320 Design, engineering and development works for new reactors 800 Civil and General Infrastructure Development for reactors complex 452 11.03.2026 248 The progress of these SMRs is as follows; i) BSMR-200: AEC in-principle approval has been received for the project. Proposal for administrative and financial sanction is cleared by Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) for submission of the proposal to the Cabinet Committee. ii) SMR-55: In-principle approval has been received for the project. iii) HTGCR: In-principle approval has been received for the project. Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared. Siting consent has been received and Terms of Reference (ToR) for obtaining environmental clearances has been received from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFandCC). (d): Lead units of these SMRs will be constructed by DAE at its existing sites. So far, PSUs like Engineers India Limited and Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL) have been contacted for detailed engineering of SMRs. (e): Tarapur Atomic Power Station site, Maharashtra has been identified for lead units of BSMR-200 and SMR-55 whereas Vizag, Andhra Pradesh site of BARC is identified for High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR). (f): At present no such proposal is received in Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). (g): Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) is being jointly designed and developed by BARC and Nuclear power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). 11.03.2026 249 Estimated time for construction of BSMR is 60 to 72 months from receipt of administrative and financial approval. KISAN RAIL CIRCUITS 3007. SHRI KESINENI SIVANATH:

कब कहा 2026-03-11T00:00:00.000Z

किस वाद-विवाद में Ruling regarding Notices of Adjournment Motion