PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPLEMENTATION OF JAL JEEVAN MISSION

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:05PM by PIB Delhi

Government of India had launched Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a centrally sponsored scheme in August 2019, aiming at providing Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household by 2024.

At the start the Mission, only 3.23 Crore (16.7%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 31.03.2025, under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal around 12.34 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 31.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.57 Crore (80.38%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes. State/ UT-wise details are below.

To achieve 100 per cent coverage through continued implementation of mission with focus on quality of infrastructure and Operation & Maintenance of rural piped water supply schemes for long term sustainability and citizen centric water service delivery, Hon’ble Finance Minister during her budget speech 2025-26 has announced extension of Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 with enhanced total outlay.

Drinking Water is a State subject, as such planning, approval, implementation, operation and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, lies with State governments. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical and financial assistance. Moreover, in respect of State/ UT-wise details of action initiated, specific complaints are sent to the concerned States/UTs and appropriate action are taken by them. Further, through operational guidelines of the Mission, States have been advised to incorporate requisite penalty clauses in the contract documents so as to disincentivize the agencies to avoid delay in implementation.

JJM: State/ UT-wise status of tap water connections in rural households as on 31.03.2025

 (Number in lakhs)

S. No.

State/ UT

Total rural HHs

Rural HHs with tap water supply as on 15.8.2019

Rural HHs given tap water connections since 15.8.2019

Rural HHs with tap water connection as on date

No.

%

No.

%

No.

%

1.

A & N Islands

0.62

0.29

46.02

 0.33

 53.98

 0.62

100.00 100.00

2.

Arunachal Pr.

2.29

0.23

9.97

 2.06

 90.03

 2.29

100.00

3.

DNH & DD

0.85

0.00

0.00

 0.85

 100.00

 0.85

100.00

4.

Goa

2.64

1.99

75.44

 0.65

 24.56

 2.64

100.00

5.

Gujarat

91.18

65.16

71.46

 26.02

 28.54

 91.18

100.00

6.

Haryana

30.41

17.66

58.08

 12.75

 41.92

 30.41

100.00

7.

Himachal Pr.

17.09

7.63

44.64

 9.46

 55.36

 17.09

100.00

8.

Mizoram

1.33

0.09

6.91

 1.24

 93.09

 1.33

100.00

9.

Puducherry

1.15

0.94

81.33

 0.21

 18.67

 1.15

100.00

10.

Punjab

34.27

16.79

48.98

 17.48

 51.02

 34.27

100.00

11.

Telangana

53.98

15.68

29.05

 38.30

 70.95

 53.98

100.00

12.

Uttarakhand

14.50

1.30

8.99

 12.83

 88.46

 14.13

 97.45

13.

Ladakh

0.41

0.01

3.48

 0.38

 93.30

 0.39

 96.77

14.

Bihar

167.55

3.16

1.89

 157.19

 93.82

 160.36

 95.71

15.

Nagaland

3.64

0.14

3.82

 3.24

 88.95

 3.37

 92.76

16.

Lakshadweep

0.13

 

0.00

 0.12

 91.41

 0.12

 91.41

17.

Sikkim

1.33

0.70

52.96

 0.51

 38.32

 1.21

 91.28

18.

Maharashtra

146.79

48.44

33.00

 82.76

 56.38

 131.20

 89.38

19.

Uttar Pr.

267.22

5.16

1.93

 232.72

 87.09

 237.89

 89.03

20.

Tamil Nadu

125.27

21.76

17.37

 89.29

 71.27

 111.05

 88.64

21.

Tripura

7.51

0.25

3.26

 6.18

 82.30

 6.42

 85.56

22.

Karnataka

101.31

24.51

24.20

 60.73

 59.95

 85.25

 84.15

23.

Meghalaya

6.51

0.05

0.70

 5.30

 81.41

 5.34

 82.11

24.

Assam

72.25

1.11

1.54

 57.77

 79.95

 58.88

 81.49

25.

J & K

19.21

5.75

29.95

 9.85

 51.27

 15.60

 81.22

26.

Chhattisgarh

50.01

3.20

6.39

 37.20

 74.39

 40.40

 80.78

27.

Manipur

4.52

0.26

5.74

 3.34

 73.85

 3.59

 79.59

28.

Odisha

88.69

3.11

3.50

 64.85

 73.11

 67.96

 76.62

29.

Andhra Pr.

95.53

30.74

32.18

 39.78

 41.64

 70.52

 73.82

30.

Madhya Pr.

111.79

13.53

12.10

 63.38

 56.69

 76.91

 68.80

31.

Rajasthan

107.74

11.74

10.90

 48.72

 45.22

 60.46

 56.12

32.

West Bengal

175.56

2.15

1.22

 94.76

 53.97

 96.91

 55.20

33.

Jharkhand

62.55

3.45

5.52

 30.86

 49.33

 34.31

 54.85

34.

Kerala

70.77

16.64

23.51

 21.91

 30.96

 38.56

 54.48

Total

19,36.61

 3,23.63

16.71

 12,33.02

 63.67

 15,56.65

 80.38

Source: JJM – IMIS                              HH: Households

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q5327)

(Release ID: 2118247) Visitor Counter : 38

12,49,496 and 1,26,966 legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities during the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 (upto December 2024)

Source: Government of India

12,49,496 and 1,26,966 legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities during the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 (upto December 2024)

Legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities attended by around 13.93 crore and 3.06 crore persons respectively

Legal Aid System

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:05PM by PIB Delhi

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987 to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society including beneficiaries covered under Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987. This Act ensures that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities, and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes. In addition, NALSA has also formulated various schemes for the implementation of preventive and strategic legal service programmes, which are implemented by the Legal Services Authorities at various levels i.e. State, District and Taluka level. During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services.

Government is also implementing a Central Sector Scheme named “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India” (DISHA) for a period of five years (2021-2026), at an outlay of Rs. 250 crores. The DISHA scheme aims to provide easy, accessible, affordable and citizen-centric delivery of legal services through the Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) and Legal Literacy and Legal awareness programme. Under the DISHA scheme, Tele- Law connects citizens with the lawyers through mobile app “Tele- Law” and Toll-Free number for rendering pre-litigation advice; Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono services) facilitates registered beneficiaries to avail pro bono legal representation in courts and under the Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme, citizens are empowered to know, understand and avail their legal rights, duties and entitlements. Till 28th February 2025, DISHA scheme through its various programmes has covered approximately 2.10 crore beneficiaries in the country.

The Government of India is implementing another Central Sector Scheme namely; Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme through NALSA. LADCS Scheme aims to provide legal aid with regard to criminal cases only to the beneficiaries eligible for legal aid under Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987. The approved financial outlay of LADCS scheme is Rs. 998.43 crore for 3 years (F.Y. 2023-24 to F.Y. 2025-26). As on 30th December 2024, LADC offices are functional in 654 districts across the country and has engaged 5251 staff including 3448 Defense Counsels. During the year 2024-25 (upto December, 2024), LADCS offices dealt more than 3.95 lakh criminal cases.

Legal awareness programmes are held across the country by Legal Service Authorities on various laws and schemes relating to children, labourers, victims of disaster, SC and ST, persons suffering from disability, etc. Legal Services Authorities also prepare booklets and pamphlets in simple language on various laws and are distributed amongst the people. 12,49,496 and 1,26,966 legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities during the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 (upto December 2024) which were attended by around 13.93 crore and 3.06 crore persons respectively.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram  Meghwal in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

*****

Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2118245) Visitor Counter : 51

MD reminds high-speed craft passengers to fasten seat belts (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

MD reminds high-speed craft passengers to fasten seat belts  
     The MD has set up a large backdrop of a beautiful Hong Kong scene and installed genuine cabin seats at the waiting lounge of the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan for passengers to try out fastened seat belts as if they are on board a high-speed craft and take photos. MD officers will also distribute promotional leaflets and souvenirs to passengers in the waiting lounge, and remind them to fasten their seat belts duly to ensure a safe sea journey.
 
     A spokesperson for the MD said that the slogan of the campaign, “Have a Safe and Happy Journey with Your Seat Belt Fastened”, aims to remind passengers on high-speed craft plying between Hong Kong and Macau to pay attention to the master’s announcement during the voyage. When the master gives such an instruction, passengers should fasten their seat belts to ensure a safe journey.
 
     The MD will continue to distribute promotional leaflets at waiting lounges and display publicity materials such as posters at eye-catching spots in the two cross-boundary ferry terminals. Moreover, the MD will also disseminate relevant messages through different channels to enhance passenger awareness of fastening seat belts on high-speed craft plying between the two places.
Issued at HKT 17:35

NNNN

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FLUORIDE AND ARSENIC FREE DRINKING WATER UNDER JJM

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:06PM by PIB Delhi

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal, is being implemented since August, 2019, in partnership with States/ UTs including Rajasthan, to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to rural households. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, as per existing guidelines, Bureau of Indian Standards’ BIS:10500 standards are adopted as benchmark for quality of water being supplied through the piped water supply schemes.

Drinking Water being a State subject, the responsibility of Planning, Approval, Implementation, Operation & Maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, is vested with State/UT Governments. The Government of India support the State/ UTs by providing technical and financial assistance including the State of Rajasthan.

  • As reported by States on JJM-IMIS, since the inception of JJM, about 7,746 fluoride affected, and 13,706 Arsenic affected habitations which have been reported to be covered with piped water supply schemes as on date.
  • Out of these 7,746 fluoride affected habitations in the country, 4,177 fluoride affected habitations were from the State of Rajasthan.
     
  • Out of these 4,177 fluoride affected habitations in Rajasthan, 480 and 92 habitations were from Jalore and Sirohi district respectively which are now reported by the State Government to have been covered through JJM piped water supply schemes.

Further, as on date, there are 250 Fluoride and 314 Arsenic affected rural habitations remaining in the country where the piped water supply schemes compliant to JJM standards are yet to be commissioned. However, all these habitations (250 for Fluoride and 314 for Arsenic) have been provided with safe drinking water through community based water purification plants purely as an interim measure to provide potable water to every household at the rate of 8–10 litre per capita per day (lpcd) for drinking and cooking requirements.

  • The State of Rajasthan has reported that its 80 remaining Fluoride affected habitations (out of 250 remaining fluoride affected habitations in the country) have been provided with safe drinking water through CWPPs/ IHPs as well.
  • As reported by Rajasthan in JJM-IMIS, as on date, there are no Arsenic affected habitation in the State of Rajasthan. Thus, all habitations in rural area of the country are provided safe drinking water free from Fluoride and Arsenic contamination.

Under JJM, while planning water supply schemes to provide tap water supply to households, priority is given to habitations affected by chemical contaminants including Fluoride and Arsenic.  States/ UTs have been advised to plan and implement piped water supply schemes based on alternative safe water sources for the villages with water quality issues. The Department has developed a web based integrated management information system (JJM-IMIS) to capture and monitor the data of water quality affected habitations, where States/UTs provide status of habitation that have contamination in their drinking water sources.

As per the Operational Guidelines, States/ UTs can utilize up to 2% of their annual allocation of funds under JJM for Water Quality Monitoring & Surveillance (WQM&S) activities, inter-alia, which includes setting up and strengthening of water quality testing laboratories, procurement of equipment, instruments, chemicals, glassware, consumables, hiring of skilled manpower, surveillance by community using field test kits (FTKs), awareness generation, educational programmes on water quality, accreditation/recognition of laboratories, etc.

To enable States/ UTs to test water samples for water quality, and for sample collection, reporting, monitoring and surveillance of drinking water sources, an online JJM – Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) portal has been developed. The State–wise details of water quality test reported through WQMIS are available in public domain on JJM Dashboard and can also be accessed at: https://ejalshakti.gov.in/WQMIS/Main/report

A ‘Citizen Corner’ was also developed on the JJM Dashboard. The corner included display of water quality test results in the public domain to further create awareness and build confidence among people about the quality of water supplies through the PWS in rural areas.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

***

DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q5306)

(Release ID: 2118250) Visitor Counter : 40

Government Steps to ensure affordable LPG

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 3:12PM by PIB Delhi

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in May, 2016 with an objective to provide deposit free LPG connection to adult women from poor households across the country. The target to release 8 crore connections under PMUY was achieved in September 2019. To cover the remaining poor households, Ujjwala 2.0 was launched in August 2021 with a target to release 1 crore additional PMUY connections, which was achieved in January 2022. Subsequently, the Government decided to release 60 lakh more LPG connections under Ujjwala 2.0 and the target of 1.60 crore Ujjwala 2.0 connections was also achieved during December 2022. Further, Government approved release of additional 75 lakh connections under PMUY Scheme for the period FY 2023-24 to 2025-26 which has already been achieved during July 2024.

As on 01.03.2025, the total number of active domestic LPG consumers in India stands at 32.94 crore, including 10.33 crore beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).

 Details of increase in domestic LPG consumers during the last three financial years are as below:

Particulars (As on 1st of April)

UNIT

2022

2023

2024

   01.01.25

LPG Active Domestic Customers

(Lakh)

3053

3140

3242

3289

Growth

5.5%

2.9%

3.2%

2.8%

PMUY Beneficiaries 

(Lakh)

899.0

958.6

1032.7

1033.4

Growth

12.3%

6.6%

7.7%

3.2%

 Note: Growth rates as on 1st April of any year are w.r.t. figures as on 1st April of previous year.

 Source: PPAC

In order to improve access to LPG across the country, various steps have been taken inter alia, including organizing campaigns for improving awareness about PMUY, organizing melas/camps to enroll and distribute connections, promotion through Out of Home (OOH) hoardings, radio jingles, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Vans etc., spreading awareness about advantages of using LPG over other conventional fuels and safe usage of LPG through LPG Panchayats, enrolment/awareness camps under Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, facilitation of consumers and their families for Aadhar enrolment and opening of bank accounts for getting PMUY connections, simplification of process of getting LPG connection, online application for PMUY connection at www.pmuy.gov.in, nearest LPG distributors, Common Service Centres (CSC) etc., option of 5 Kg Double Bottle Connection (DBC), swap option from 14.2 Kg to 5 Kg, provision for Migrant Families to avail new connection on Self-Declaration instead of Proof of Address and Ration Card.

Further, OMCs are continuously commissioning new LPG Distributorships, especially in rural areas. Since the launch of PMUY scheme, OMCs have commissioned 7959 Distributorships (commissioned during 01.04.2016 to 31.12.2024) across the country, out of which 93% i.e. 7373 [Rurban- 1024, Gramin- 4974, Durgam Kshetriya Vitraks and Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitrak (DKV+RGGLV) – 1375] are catering to rural areas. As a result of these efforts, LPG coverage in the country has improved from 62% in April 2016 to near saturation now.

India imports about 60% of the domestic LPG consumed. Price of LPG in the country is linked to its price in the international market. While the average Saudi CP (international benchmark for LPG pricing) rose by 63% (from US$ 385/MT in July 2023 to US$ 629/MT in February 2025), the effective price for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) consumers for domestic LPG was reduced by 44% (from Rs. 903 in August 2023 to Rs. 503 in February 2025).

The retail selling price of a 14.2 Kg domestic LPG cylinder is currently Rs. 803 in Delhi. After a targeted subsidy of Rs. 300/cylinder to PMUY consumers, Government of India is providing 14.2 Kg LPG cylinders at an effective price of Rs.503 per cylinder (in Delhi). This is available to more than 10.33 crore Ujjwala beneficiaries, across the country including Rajasthan.   Details of effective cost of domestic LPG cylinder to non-PMUY consumers and PMUY beneficiaries in Delhi, as on 01st March for last three years is as below :

 (Rs./14.2 kg. domestic LPG refill.)

 

01.03.2023

01.03.2024

01.03.2025

Non-PMUY consumers

1103

903

803

PMUY beneficiaries

903

603

503

                Source: Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC)

 

Globally, PMUY is the biggest program of its kind that provides Domestic LPG to more than 10.33 crore poor households at an effective price of just about Rs. 35/Kg. Further, the effective price of domestic LPG cylinder in neighbouring countries as on 01.01.2025 is as below:

Country

Domestic LPG (Rs./14.2 kg.cyl.)#

India

503.00*

Pakistan

1094.83

Sri Lanka

1231.53

Nepal

1206.65

      Source: Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC)

      *Effective cost to PMUY beneficiaries in Delhi, effective price is Rs. 803 for non-PMUY consumers

As a result of various steps taken by Government to improve access and affordability of domestic LPG for PMUY consumers, per capita consumption of PMUY beneficiaries (in terms of no. of 14.2 kg LPG cylinders taken per year) has increased from 3.01 (FY 2019-20) to 3.68 (FY 2021-22), 3.95 in FY 2023-24, and 4.43 in FY 2024-25.

Various independent studies and reports have shown that PMUY scheme has had a significant positive impact on the lives of rural households, especially women and families in rural and remote areas. Some key benefits are briefly explained below:

(i) PMUY had resulted in a shift from traditional cooking methods that involve burning solid fuels like wood, dung and crop residues. The use of cleaner fuel lowers indoor air pollution, leading to improved respiratory health, particularly among women and children who are traditionally more exposed to household smoke.

(ii) Households in rural areas, especially those in remote locations, often spend a significant portion of their time and energy in collecting traditional cooking fuels. LPG has reduced drudgery and the time spent on cooking by women of poor households. The free time, thus, available with them can be utilized in multiple spheres for enhanced economic productivity.

(iii) Transition from biomass and traditional fuels to LPG reduces the dependency on wood and other biomass for cooking purposes, leading to a decrease in deforestation and environmental degradation. This benefits not only the households but also contributes to broader environmental conservation efforts.

(iv) With improved cooking facilities, there is a potential positive impact on nutrition. Families may find it easier to cook a variety of nutritious meals, contributing to better overall health.

This information was given by THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MONIKA

(Release ID: 2118208) Visitor Counter : 59

Use of e-governance and e-courts in Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

Source: Government of India

Use of e-governance and e-courts in Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

Over 26,000 appeals and applications were filed electronically through e-filing portal up to 28.02.2025

Court rooms at new office premises of ITAT, Delhi and Lucknow benches have also been equipped with the state-of-the-art video conferencing infrastructure

State-of-the-art video conferencing infrastructure facilitating uninterrupted virtual/hybrid hearings

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:06PM by PIB Delhi

The e-filing portal has been launched in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) for facilitating electronic filing of appeals, applications, petitions and documents, by the stakeholders. The e-filing portal continues to gain the acceptance of the stakeholders. Over 26,000 appeals and applications were filed electronically through e-filing portal before various benches of ITAT during the year, up to 28.02.2025. The provision of free and high-speed internet at various benches has been provided through Optical Fiber Cable (OFC), for access by all stakeholders. The Court rooms at new office premises of ITAT, Delhi and Lucknow benches have also been equipped with the state-of-the-art video conferencing infrastructure to provide better hybrid/virtual hearing experience to the stakeholders. The upgradation of infrastructure including installation of latest equipment is also being enabled continuously for facilitating uninterrupted virtual/hybrid hearings.

In compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, ITAT has implemented hybrid / virtual hearings at all Benches, in letter and spirit, which facilitates litigants to attend hearing of their cases virtually. The benches of ITAT are not declining the requests of the parties for virtual hearings. For the period from July 2023 to December 2024, a total 1,22,302 hearings of appeals have been conducted through video conferencing before various Benches of ITAT.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun  Ram Meghwal in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

*****

Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2118248) Visitor Counter : 54

NHAI to Develop Guwahati Ring Road on BOT (Toll) Mode at a total Cost of Rs 5,729 Crore

Source: Government of India

NHAI to Develop Guwahati Ring Road on BOT (Toll) Mode at a total Cost of Rs 5,729 Crore

Signs Concession Agreement with M/s Dinesh Chandra R Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Ltd. for Implementation

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 3:38PM by PIB Delhi

Contributing towards the development of the North-East region of the country, NHAI has signed concession agreement with M/s Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Ltd in presence of NHAI Chairman, Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav and senior officials of NHAI. The 121 km long Guwahati Ring Road shall be developed at a total cost of Rs. 5,729 Crore on Build Operate Toll (BOT) Mode with zero grant. The concession period of the contract is 30 years, including construction period of four years.  Providing impetus to the project, the State Government of Assam will bear 50% of land cost, provide exemption from royalty on aggregates and state portion of GST contributing about Rs. 1,270 crore.  Thus, the gross project cost is about Rs. 7,000 crore.

The Guwahati Ring Road project will have three sections which include 56 km long 4-lane Access-Controlled Northern Guwahati Bypass, widening of the existing 8 km bypass on NH 27 from four lanes to six lanes, and improvement of existing 58 km long bypass on NH 27. Notably, a 3 km long major bridge over river Brahmaputra will be also constructed as a part of the project.

The Guwahati Ring Road will provide seamless connectivity to long-distance traffic plying on the East-West Corridor of NH-27, which is the gateway to North-East Region of the country. The development of the Ring Road will help to decongest Guwahati City and neighboring North- Eastern states by bypassing major traffic coming from West Bengal/Bihar to Silchar, Nagaland and Tripura. The project will also provide seamless connectivity to major towns in the region including Siliguri, Silchar, Shillong, Jorhat, Tezpur, Jogigopha, and Barpeta.

Upgradation of Existing NH   

Proposed Greenfiedl Bypass  

 

The Government of India has been encouraging Public Private Partnership for Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects. To encourage adoption of projects on BOT mode, various modifications in the Modal Concession Agreement (MCA) of BOT(Toll) and provisional BOT(Toll) have been affected in recent past.  This is the first contract signed on the basis of modified Modal Concession Agreement which will pave way for more such contracts.

As a part of Government of India’s ‘Vision 2047’, a large number of high-speed corridors are envisaged to be developed. Robust Public Private Partnership in development of road sector will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision and will greatly contribute towards the development as well as Operations and Maintenance of the world class National Highway Network in the country.

***

GDH/HR

(Release ID: 2118226) Visitor Counter : 117

Tribal Entrepreneurs in Tourism Sector

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:11PM by PIB Delhi

The Government of India has approved the initiative to develop tribal homestays under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism as part of ‘Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan”. The said intervention includes development of 1000 homestays with support of upto Rs.5.00 Lakh per unit for new construction, up to Rs.3.00 Lakh for renovation and Rs.5.00 Lakh for village community requirements.

Ministry of Tourism has no specific scheme for Tribal Entrepreneurs. However, Ministry extends financial support to State Governments and Union Territories for development of tourism under its schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ for Tourism Infrastructure Development. Tribal-circuit was identified as one of the themes for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and the details of the projects sanctioned under Tribal Circuit of Swadesh Darshan is at Annexure-I.

Ministry has revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible destinations following a destination centric approach and has sanctioned 34 projects for Rs.791.25 Crore, including tribal experience. The details of projects sanctioned under SD2.0 scheme is at Annexure-II.

The responsibility of obtaining land for undertaking projects in Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes is that of the concerned State Governments/UT Administrations.

This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

***

ANNEXURE-I

List of Projects Sanctioned Under the Tribal Circuit Theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme

S.

No.

State/ UT

Circuit / Sanction Year

Name of the Project

Amount Sanctioned

(in ₹ Crore)

1.

Chhattisgarh

Tribal Circuit

2015-16

Development  of Jashpur-       Kunkuri- Mainpat-         Kamleshpur                 -Maheshpur                  -Kurdar                       – Sarodhadadar- Gangrel- Kondagaon– Nathiyanawagaon- Jagdalpur- Chitrakoot- Tirthgarh

96.10

2.

Nagaland

Tribal Circuit

2015-16

Development of Tribal Circuit Peren- Kohima- Wokha

97.36

3.

Nagaland

Tribal Circuit 2016-17

Development  of Mokokchung-Tuensang- Mon

98.14

4.

Telangana

Tribal Circuit

 

2016-17

Development of Mulugu- Laknavaram- Medavaram-   Tadvai- Damaravi- Mallur- Bogatha Waterfalls

79.87

 

ANNEXURE-II

 

List of Projects Sanctioned Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme

 

S. No.

State

Destination

Name of the Experience

Sanctioned Cost (₹ Crore)

Year of Sanction

1

Andhra Pradesh

Araku-Lambasingi

Borra Cave Experience at Araku

29.87

2023-24

2

Arunachal Pradesh

Nacho

Unlock Nacho Expedition

14.02

2023-24

3

Arunachal Pradesh

Mechuka

Mechuka Cultural Haat

18.48

2023-24

4

Arunachal Pradesh

Mechuka

Mechuka Adventure Park

12.75

2023-24

5

Assam

Kokrajhar

Kokrajhar Wetland Experience

26.67

2023-24

6

Assam

Jorhat

Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate

23.91

2023-24

7

Goa

Porvorim

Porvorim Creek Experience

23.56

2024-25

8

Goa

Colva

Colva Beach Experience

15.65

2024-25

9

Karnataka

Hampi

Setting up of ‘Traveller nooks’

25.64

2023-24

10

Karnataka

Mysuru

Tonga ride Heritage experience zone

2.72

2023-24

11

Karnataka

Mysuru

Ecological Experience Zone

18.47

2023-24

12

Kerala

Kumarakom

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Experience

13.92

2023-24

13

Ladakh

Leh

JulleyLeh Biodiversity Park

24.89

2023-24

14

Ladakh

Kargil

Exploring LOC and Hundarman village Experience

12.01

2023-24

15

Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior

Phoolbagh Experience Zone

16.73

2023-24

16

Madhya Pradesh

Chitrakoot

Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot

27.21

2023-24

17

Maharashtra

Pune

Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park- Phase 3

76.22

2024-25

18

Meghalaya

Sohra

Waterfall Trails Experience

27.84

2023-24

19

Meghalaya

Sohra

Meghalayan Age Cave Experience

32.45

2023-24

20

Nagaland

Chumoukedima

Eco-Tourism Exp at Chumoukedima viewpoint

7.87

2024-25

21

Nagaland

Chumuoukedima

Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat

21.56

2023-24

22

Puducherry

Karaikal

Karaikal beach and waterfront experience

20.29

2023-24

23

Punjab

Kapurthala

Eco Tourism experience at Kanjli wetland

20.06

2023-24

24

Punjab

Amritsar

Border Tourism Experience at Attari

25.90

2024-25

25

Rajasthan

Bundi

Spiritual Experience, Keshavraipatan

17.37

2023-24

26

Sikkim

Gyalshing

Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom Cluster

15.40

2023-24

27

Sikkim

Gangtok

Gangtok Cultural Village

22.59

2023-24

28

Tamil Nadu

Mamallapuram

Immersive experience at Shore Temple

30.02

2023-24

29

Telangana

Bhongir

Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone

56.81

2023-24

30

Telangana

Ananathagiri

Eco tourism zone at Ananathgiri forest

38.00

2023-24

31

Uttar Pradesh

Prayagraj

Azad Park and DekhoPrayagraj Trail Exp

13.02

2023-24

32

Uttar Pradesh

Naimisaranya

Vedic- wellness Experience

15.94

2023-24

33

Uttarakhand

Pithoragarh

Rural Tourism Cluster Experience at Gunji

32.20

2023-24

34

Uttarakhand

Champawat

Tea Garden Experience

11.21

2023-24

TOTAL AMOUNT

     791.25

 

 

Sunil Kumar Tiwari

tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2118259) Visitor Counter : 21

Rating of Hotels Under the Ministry of Tourism

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Tourism under its voluntary scheme of Classification classifies hotels under the star rating system as per the extant Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Tourism. Under this system, hotels are given a rating, from One Star to Three Star, Four and Five Star with or without alcohol and Five Star Deluxe through NIDHI+ portal (https://nidhi.tourism.gov.in). The Classification exercise is undertaken by a committee, namely the HRACC (Hotel & Restaurant Approval & Classification Committee), having members from the Ministry, industry associations, hotel management institutes and State Government/UT Administration.

The number of Five Star hotels state-wise classified by the Ministry of Tourism 2019 onwards is placed at ANNEXURE-I

The number of Three Star hotels state-wise classified by the Ministry of Tourism 2019 onwards and the number of Four-Star hotels state-wise classified by the Ministry of Tourism 2019 onwards are placed at ANNEXURE-II and ANNEXURE-III respectively.

This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

***

ANNEXURE-I

State-Wise Details of 5 Star Hotels Classified 2019 Onwards

 

S. No.

STATE/UT

COUNT

1.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

2

2.

Andhra Pradesh

22

3.

Arunachal Pradesh

0

4.

Assam

5

5.

Bihar

5

6.

Chandigarh

2

7.

Chhattisgarh

6

8.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

2

9.

Delhi

54

10.

Goa

70

11.

Gujarat

76

12.

Haryana

28

13.

Himachal Pradesh

6

14.

Jammu and Kashmir

1

15.

Jharkhand

2

16.

Karnataka

66

17.

Kerala

94

18.

Ladakh

3

19.

Lakshadweep

0

20.

Madhya Pradesh

24

21.

Maharashtra

86

22.

Manipur

0

23.

Meghalaya

1

24.

Mizoram

0

25.

Nagaland

0

26.

Odisha

8

27.

Puducherry (Pondicherry)

2

28.

Punjab

15

29.

Rajasthan

37

30.

Sikkim

2

31.

Tamil Nadu

43

32.

Telangana

23

33.

Tripura

2

34.

Uttar Pradesh

32

35.

Uttarakhand

10

36.

West Bengal

32

Note: Data is provisional as some hotels are under the process of reclassification.

 

ANNEXURE-II

State-Wise Details of 3 Star Hotels Classified 2019 Onwards

 

S. No.

STATE/UT

COUNT

1.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

0

2.

Andhra Pradesh

36

3.

Arunachal Pradesh

2

4.

Assam

18

5.

Bihar

4

6.

Chandigarh

0

7.

Chhattisgarh

31

8.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

0

9.

Delhi

5

10.

Goa

4

11.

Gujarat

120

12.

Haryana

11

13.

Himachal Pradesh

1

14.

Jammu and Kashmir

0

15.

Jharkhand

0

16.

Karnataka

11

17.

Kerala

607

18.

Ladakh

0

19.

Lakshadweep

0

20.

Madhya Pradesh

6

21.

Maharashtra

69

22.

Manipur

0

23.

Meghalaya

0

24.

Mizoram

1

25.

Nagaland

0

26.

Odisha

11

27.

Puducherry (Pondicherry)

0

28.

Punjab

4

29.

Rajasthan

9

30.

Sikkim

0

31.

Tamil Nadu

7

32.

Telangana

9

33.

Tripura

0

34.

Uttar Pradesh

2

35.

Uttarakhand

2

36.

West Bengal

36

Note: Data is provisional as some hotels are under the process of reclassification.

 

ANNEXURE-III

State-Wise Details of 4 Star Hotels Classified 2019 Onwards

 

S. No.

STATE/UT

COUNT

1.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

0

2.

Andhra Pradesh

14

3.

Arunachal Pradesh

0

4.

Assam

2

5.

Bihar

1

6.

Chandigarh

0

7.

Chhattisgarh

22

8.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

1

9.

Delhi

23

10.

Goa

10

11.

Gujarat

61

12.

Haryana

9

13.

Himachal Pradesh

0

14.

Jammu and Kashmir

0

15.

Jharkhand

2

16.

Karnataka

23

17.

Kerala

420

18.

Ladakh

0

19.

Lakshadweep

0

20.

Madhya Pradesh

2

21.

Maharashtra

36

22.

Manipur

1

23.

Meghalaya

2

24.

Mizoram

0

25.

Nagaland

0

26.

Odisha

5

27.

Puducherry (Pondicherry)

0

28.

Punjab

5

29.

Rajasthan

2

30.

Sikkim

0

31.

Tamil Nadu

19

32.

Telangana

11

33.

Tripura

0

34.

Uttar Pradesh

7

35.

Uttarakhand

2

36.

West Bengal

25

Note: Data is provisional as some hotels are under the process of reclassification.

***

Sunil Kumar Tiwari

tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

 

(Release ID: 2118260) Visitor Counter : 19

HIV cases drop in 2024

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A total of 365 HIV infection cases were reported last year, the ninth consecutive year of declines since 2015, the Centre for Health Protection announced today.

Despite the continuing drop in the number of HIV infection cases, the centre said the proportion of late presenters among newly reported cases has reached as high as 40% to 50% in recent years, and advised the public to use condoms consistently and properly to reduce the risk of infection.

Of last year’s HIV cases, 297 were reported in males and 68 in females.

A total of 216 cases involved homosexual or bisexual contact, 96 were via heterosexual contact, and the transmission route of the remaining cases was not reported.

The cumulative total of infection cases is 12,403 since 1984.

Since 1985, a cumulative total of 2,557 confirmed AIDS cases have been reported in Hong Kong.