opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2583 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: Graduate from Foreign Countries
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: GEETHA KOTHAPALLI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2583 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH MARCH, 2017

## GRADUATE FROM FOREIG N COUNTRIES

## 2583. SHRIMATI KOTHAPALLI GEETHA:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  a  large  number  of  Indian  students  graduating  from  foreign  medical  instit appear  for  mandatory  screening  examination  by  National  Board  of  Examinations  (NBE)/ MedicalCouncil of India (MCI) for practicing in the country and if so, the details thereof
- (b)  whether  over  the  past  many  years  the  pass  percentage  of  students  appearing  for examination is very low;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefo r; and
- (d)  the  remedial  measures  taken/  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  improve situation to make use of the services of such students who graduated from foreign count view of the shortage of doctors/health workers in the country?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

- (a) to (d) : The number of candidates appeared and passed in the last three years is as foll

|   Year |   Appeared |   Passed |
|--------|------------|----------|
|   2014 |      12494 |     1636 |
|   2015 |      12125 |     1374 |
|   2016 |      12283 |     1160 |

Several representations were received in the Ministry with regard t o high difficulty level of  the  Screening  Test.  In  view  of  representations  received,  the  Central  Government constituted an Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. P.K. Julka to look int issue.  The  Committee  in  its  report  held  that  the  leve l  of  Screening  Test  is  of  appropriate difficulty. Governmen t has since accepted the report.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2581 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: Money Bond
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: NANABHAU FALGUNRAO PATOLE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2581 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH MARCH, 2017

## MONEY BOND

## 2581. SHRI NANA PATOLE:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the expenditure borne by the Government on the education of a speciali and an MBBS doctor;
- (b)  whether  the  cases  of  non - recovery  of  amount  mentioned  in  the  affidavit  which  includes mon ey bond and time span of service of the specialist doctor and MBBS doctor at the ti joining Government service in order to keep them in service have come to light and if details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to recover the amo unt in the money bond by preparing a list of such doctors and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  increase  the  bond  money  of  specialists  doctor MBBS doctors separately and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MIN ISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

- (a) : As per provisions of the IMC Act, 1956, any Government / Trust / Society / Compan may set up a medical college with the prior permission of Central Government which  g permission  for  starting  of  a  medical  college/yearly  renewal  permission/  opening  of higher courses/ recognition of degree only to such medical colleges which meet the required sta prescribed under MCI Regulations. No data is maintained centrally on the expenditure inc in running a MBBS / PG course.
- (b) to (d) : The matter of bond amount and time span of service comes under the purview of State Governments and may vary from State to State.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2580 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: AYUSH Dispensaries under CGHS
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: CHANDRAKANT RAGHUNATH PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2580 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH MARCH, 2017

## AYUSH DISPENSARIES U NDER CGHS

## 2580. SHRI C.R. PATIL:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of dispensaries of AYUSH in the country;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to open more AYUSH dispensaries attached with every CGHS dispensaries;
- (c) if so, the det ails thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

- (a): There are 85 AYUSH dispensaries and units functioning under CGHS in the country.
- (b) &(c): No.
- (d): Resources currently available under CGHS are fully committed and it is not possibl extend CGHS network further.

…………….
Lok Sabha Question No. 2579 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: Junk Foods
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: B.N. CHANDRAPPA, DODDAALAHALLI KEMPEGOWDA SURESH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2579 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH MARCH, 2017

## JUNK FOODS

## 2579. SHRI B.N. CHANDRAPPA: SHRI D.K. SURESH:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  junk  foods  and  processed  foods  have  increased  the  likel childhood obesity, heart disease and diabetes in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  is  taking  measures  to  conduct  impartial  studies  to  give  p guidance to people to consume healthy food; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH A ND FAMILY WELFARE ( SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL )

(a) to (d):Junk Food is a term usedfor food containing high levels of calories from sugar or fat with little fiber, protein, vitamins or minerals.  These foods lead to a rapid incre sugar levels (high glycemic index) which forces the body to produce high levels of ins counter the rising blood sugar.

As reported by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), development of obesity i multi - factorial and eating of junk and processed food is one of them.  Childhood obesity i factor of developing heart diseases and d iabetes in later life.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of  India (FSSAI) constituted an Expert Gro on Salt, Sugar and Fat.  The Expert Group prepared a draft report on consumption of these and its health impacts among Indian population an d recommendations on healthy dietary intake of these items.  While preparing the above report, Expert Group has considered WHO guidel on 'Sugar Intake for Adults and Children regarding the adverse impact of high sugar in foods.

ICMR, National Institu te of Nutrition ( NIN )and other institutions carry out research and studies related to food and healthy diet. Apart from this, the consumers are made aware safety  through  consumer  awareness  programmes  launched  jointly  by  the  Department  of Consumer Affaires and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) which al includes  advertisements  in  different  media,  campaigns,  educational  booklets,  informati FSSAI website and Mass awareness campaigns.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2577 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: Epidemics
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: ABHISHEK SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2577 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH MARCH, 2017

## EPIDEMICS

## 2577. SHRI ABHISHEK SINGH :

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has earmarked epidemics that regularly affect some or the othe of the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has reviewed the preparedness of the States/ UTs and adequacy of availability of drugs and vaccines to deal with cases of various epidemics; and
- (d) the further measures being taken by the Government for proper management of epidemics like  bird  flu  and  creation  of  health  infrastructure  for  its  early  and  precise  det treatment?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE ( SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL )

- (a) & (b):   Ministry of Health & Family W elfare, Government of India monitors district - wise epidemics/outbreaks on weekly basis. According to these data , outbreaks of certain diseases such  as  Acute  Diarrheal  disease,  Acute  Encephalitis  Syndrome,  Cholera,  Chickenpo Chikungunya, Dengue, Food poi soning,  Influenza & other acute respiratory illnesses, Malari , Measles,  Vi ral  fever  etc.  regularly  affect some  or the  other  part  of  the  country.    These outbreaks areinvestigated and timely public health interventions are implemented.
- (c):      Ministry  of  Health  &  Family  Welfare  has  reviewed  the  preparedness  and  respo measures  for    diseases  with  epidemic  potential  such  as  seasonal  influenza, Chikungunya, Dengue, Ebola and Zika with the concerned State Governments . Wh rever applicable, Ministry of  Health  &  Family  Welfare  has  ensured  availability  of  drugs,  vaccine,  personal  prot equipment, insecticide etc.

Contd…….

(d):   No human case of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) has been reported in India. However, t a contingency plan which is implemented whenever Department of Animal Husbandry issues notification of outbreak  of Avian  Influenza  among birds. As per this plan  (i) Centra Response Teams are deputed to the affected area, (ii) micro plan is developed and implemented, (iii) active house to house surveillance is undertaken to detect human case of Avian In (iv) National Institute of Virology, Pune and National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi apex laboratories to test human samples, (v) H ospitals, near to the epicenter are identified an strengthened  to  manage  human  cases  of  Avian  Influenza,  (vi)  Public  awareness  is  create reduce  human  exposure  to  infected  birds,  and  (vii)  the  health  of  the  animal  husbandry involved  in  culling  op erations  is  monitored  and  they  are  provided  prophylaxis  with  drug Oseltamivir.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2573 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: Cancellation of Admission
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: NAGARAJAN P.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2573 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH MARCH, 2017

## CANCELLATION OF ADMI SSION

## 2573. SHRI P. NAGARAJAN:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has cancelled the MBBS admission of around 268 students who go admission into colleges across Madhya Pradesh between 2008 and 2012;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reas ons therefor; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to protect the interest of affected students?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

- (a) to (c):      Medical Council of India informed that 16 students of People college o Sciences admitted during academic session 2012 - 13 were discharged on the direction given by DME in pursuance of order of Vyapam, Bhopal No. Vyapam/5 - P- 1 254/20 14 dated 24.4.2014.
- 48  candidates  of  Index  Medical  College  &  Hospital  admitted  in  2008 - 09  were discharged by MCI. The 48 students were admitted after cut - off date. However, as per direction given by Hon'ble Supreme Court in their order dated 28.11.2008 in WP(C) No. 520/2008, the discharge notice in respect of 48 students was revoked.

Admissions into Medical Colleges are required to be made in accordance with various directions / MCI Regulations in force. Admissions made in contravention of t he  x ant Rules/Regulations are liable to be cancelled.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2572 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2572 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH MARCH, 2017

## HIV AND AIDS (PREVEN TION AND CONTROL) BI LL, 2014

## 2572. SHRI A.ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has approved the long awaited amendment to the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014 granting stronger protection to th e HIV community; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE ( SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL )

- (a) & (b): The  HIV  and  AIDS (Prevention  and  Control)  Bill,  2014  is  pending  in Rajya Sabha for consideration and passing.

…………………..
Lok Sabha Question No. 2570 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: Opposition on GST
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: RAMA KISHORE SINGH, KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY

2570:

SHRI RAMA KISHORE SINGH:

SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be please to state:

- (a) whether Indian Revenue Service Association has given a memorandum to the Tax (GST) network with regard to giving States/UTs more jurisdiction to levy tax on their economic activity; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

- a) Sir. No,
2. (b) In view of (a) above, does not arise.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2570

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY MARCH 2017 26 Phalguna, 1938[SAKA] 17TH

## Opposition Qn GSI
Lok Sabha Question No. 2569 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: Loan to Closed Airlines
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: V. PANNEER SELVAM, NANABHAU FALGUNRAO PATOLE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2569

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 17th MARCH, 2017/ PHALGUNA 26, 1938 (SAKA)

## LOAN TO CLOSED AIRLINES

## 2569. SHRI V. PANNEERSELVAM: SHRI NANA PATOLE:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the losses suffered by the banks on account of default by shut downlclosed airlines;
- (c) whether some senior bank officials were found in collusion with the said shut down/closed defaulters airlines;
- (b) whether the Debt Recovery Tribunal has issued an order for the said defaulters and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the action presently underway to recover the loans and punish those responsible for the losses;
- if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken in this regard; and
- (e) whether there are allegations of transfer of these loans to other entities both in the country and the abroad;
- (g) the instruments available and the steps taken to recover funds from defaulters who have held abroad?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) to (f: Public Sector Banks have reported loss of Rs.6,769 Cr: as on December 31, 2016 on account of default by shut down/closed airlines. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) take all efforts including sale of assets to recover their dues. The Loan resolution and recovery is guided by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Bank's Board approved policy.

Regarding, whenever any irregularities are found or observed on the part of bank officials, action is initiated by Banks as per their extant rules and commensurate punishment is awarded to delinquent employees based on the seriousness of wrongdoings as per Bank's disciplinary rules.

(g) Government has enacted  Insolvency and Bankruptcy code (IBC) and amended Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets   and Enforcement of   Security Interest Act  (SARFAESI) and The Recovery of Debts due to Banks ad Financial Institutions (RDDBFI) Act have been amended to improve resolution/recovery of bank loans. Six new Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) have been established for improving recovery:

Further, RBI has taken a number of measures to improve the situation viz: Corporate Debt Restructuring (CDR), Formation of   Joint Lenders Forum (JLF), Flexible   Structuring for  long term   project  loans to Infrastructure and Core industries (5/25 Scheme), Strategic Debt  Restructuring Scheme (SDR) and Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A):
Lok Sabha Question No. 2568 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: Fire Incidents
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: AJAY (TENI) MISRA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2568 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH MARCH, 2017

## FIRE INCIDENTS

## 2568. SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- ( a) whether the incidents of fire in the Government hospitals have increased in the countr
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether there is any plan to install the laser templator meter in a ll Government hospitals and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)  whether  the  efforts  being  made  by  the  Government  to  make  all  hospitals  free encroachment and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

- (a)& (b): Health is a State subject and no such information is maintained centrally.

However, as far as Central Government Hospitals in Delhi viz. Safdarjung Hospital, RML Hospital  and  Lady  Hardinge Medical College and Associated Hospitals are concerned, there are no reports of major fire incidents in Safdarjung and LHMC & Associated Hospit However,  two  fire  incidents  took  place  in  (i)  New  OT  on  20.8.2016  and  (ii)  Microbiol Department on 24.1. 2017 in Dr. RML Hospital. No loss of life has been reported due to the fire incidents.

- (c)& (d): Laser  templator  meter  has  been  installed  in  recently  renovated  auditorium LHMC and Associated Hospitals.

LHMC and Associated Hospitals has taken vari ous steps in which illegally occupied 85 block quarters were freed from unauthorized occupants.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2567 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: Swindling by Shell Companies
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: RABINDRA KUMAR JENA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2567 ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 17TH MARCH, 2017 [PHALGUNA 26, 1938 (SAKA)]

## SWINDLING BY SHELL COMPANIES

## QUESTION

## 2567.   SHRI RABINDRA KUMAR JENA:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether a number of shell companies have swindled large amount of money approximately equal to Rs. 3900 crore in November-December 2016, post demonetisation and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Serious  Fraud  Investigation  Office  (SFIO)  has  also identified at least 54 people who helped 559 beneficiaries in laundering the illicit cash and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government was not well prepared to tackle this issue after demonetisation; and
- (d) if so, the details of steps taken to identify and punish the perpetrators and to prevent such fraudulent activities?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE                    (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL) MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

- (a) The  term  'shell  companies'  is  not  defined  in  the  Companies  Act. However, in one of the investigations by SFIO, it was found that a group of 11 companies had laundered money to the extent of Rs 3790 crore during the period 2004-05 to August, 2010.
- (b) SFIO, during the course of one of the investigations, has identified 54 professionals who helped 559 beneficiaries in laundering the illicit cash. These  professionals  included  34  Chartered  Accountants,  3  Company Secretaries, 04 Advocates and 13 others.

(c) & (d) The matters  relating to laundering the illicit cash laundering are  handled by  various agencies, such as Enforcement Directorate, Economic Offences Wings of the States, Income Tax authorities, etc.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2566 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: Siachen Glacier
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: NANDI YELLAIAH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2566

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 17 TH  MARCH, 2017

## SIACHEN  GLACIER

2566.  SHRI NANDI YELLAIAH:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE j{kk ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  steps  to  safeguard  the  strategically  located Siachen glacier;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken to resolve territorial disputes pertaining to Siachen glacier with the Government of Pakistan?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

- (a) & (b): Government is cognizant of the strategic importance of Siachen and requisite forces have been deployed in this area keeping in view the threat  perception,  ground  situation  and  other  operational  aspects.    The soldiers  deployed  in  Siachen  Glacier  are  suitably  equipped  and  properly trained to undertake  the operational challenges  and  carry out their mandated  tasks.    Besides,  various  modern  technological  equipment  are being utilized by Army  for surveillance in Siachen which includes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, different types of Radars etc.
- (c) Thirteen  rounds  of  talks  to  resolve  the  Siachen  issue  have  already taken  place  between  Governments  of  India  and  Pakistan,  led  by  the respective  Defence Secretaries.    Indian  Government  has  made  it  clear  to Pakistan that the solution to Siachen Glacier is a part of the larger issue to include Pakistan's support to terrorism in India.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2564 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-17
Subject: Preventing Indian Fishermen from Crossing International Boundary
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: RAJESHBHAI NARANBHAI CHUDASAMA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2564

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 17 TH  MARCH, 2017

## PREVENTING INDIAN FISHERMEN FROM CROSSING INTERNATIONAL

## BOUNDARY

2564.  SHRI RAJESHBHAI CHUDASAMA:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE j{kk ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Indian  Coast  Guard  is  actively  involved  in  warning  /  preventing Indian  fishermen  from  crossing  the  International  Boundary  in  high  seas  and  entering neighbouring water territory; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

र  ा रा य मं ी

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) & (b): Government attaches high priority to the safety and security of

Indian fishermen.  Vessels and aircraft of Indian Coast Guard are regularly deployed  for  surveillance  of  the  International  Maritime  Boundary  Line (IMBL)  with  all  neighbouring  countries  to  prevent    Indian  fishermen  / fishing  boats  from  crossing  the  IMBL.    Since  2007,  approx  34,886  Indian fishing boats have been shepherded back from IMBL by Coast Guard units on patrol. Community  Interaction Programmes  are  also  conducted regularly  with  Indian  fishermen  to  sensitise  them  on  the  perils  of  cross border fishing and on prevailing security situations.

******