opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3252 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Case Pursued by Interpol
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†3252

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6 TH  DECEMBER, 2016/AGRAHAYANA 15, 1938 (SAKA)

CASE PURSUED BY INTERPOL

†3252. SHRIMATI DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  the  number  of  files  operating  in  Interpol  regarding  culprits  of  India residing  abroad  or  doing  business  from  there  or  those  absconding abroad; and

(b)  the  number  of  culprits  apprehended  or  handed  over  to  India  by Interpol during the last three years?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a): As on 02.12.2016 712 Red Notices and 118 Blue Notices have been issued  by  INTERPOL  on  the  request  of  various  Law  Enforcement

Agencies of India for locating and/or arresting various culprits of India.

(b): INTERPOL does not apprehend culprits but facilitates  in  locating fugitives. Hence, question of handing over culprits to India by INTERPOL does not arise.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3251 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Setting up of Pulse Research Institute
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Pratyusha Rajeshwari Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3251 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06/12/2016

## SETTING UP OF PULSE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

## 3251. SHRIMATI PRATYUSHA RAJESHWARI SINGH:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is any proposal with the Government to set up Pulse Research Institute at Bhubaneswar in Odisha;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the time by which the institute is likely to be setup in the State?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f'k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h

(SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

- (a) & (b): Acknowledging  the  importance  of  pulses  research  in  Odisha,  Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established two centers of All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on MULLaRP (Mungbean, Urdbean, Lentil, Lathyrus, Rajmash and Fieldpea) at Berhampur and Keonjhar and a center of AICRP on Pigeonpea at Berhampur under Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUA&T). A number of improved varieties and matching production technologies have  been  developed  by  these  AICRP  centers  in  collaboration  with  ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur for the state of Odisha.

ICAR in collaboration with OUA&T, Bhubaneswar and has sanctioned a biofertilizer & bio-pesticide hub and eight seed-hubs besides strengthening of breeder seed  production  of  pulses  in  Odisha  during  2016-17  to  make  available  sufficient quantity  of  quality  seed  of  pulses  to  the  farmers  regularly.  In  this  way,  ICAR  is adequately  addressing  the  pulses  research  and  development  needs  of  the  state  by providing  additional  grants  of  Rs.14.5  crore  during  the  current  financial  year  and 2017-18.  Hence, setting up of Pulse Research Institute at Bhubaneswar in Odisha is not under consideration at present.

- (c) Question does not arise.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3249 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Genetically Modified Seeds
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: RANJIT SINGH  BRAHMPURA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3249

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06/12/2016

## GENETICALLY MODIFIED SEEDS

## 3249.  SHRI RANJIT SINGH BRAHMPURA:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal to introduce genetically modified seeds in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the present status of the ongoing field trials of genetically modified Brinjal, Potato and other crops; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure that genetically modified seeds are not distributed to the farmers by the private companies illegally?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f'k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h

## (SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

- (a) Genetically Modified (GM) sorghum, brinjal, banana, tomato and castor possessing disease  and  insect  resistance  have  been  developed  and  ready  for  biosafety  examination. Based  upon  the  biosafety  measures  and  Biosafety  Research  Level -  I  trial  (BRL  -  I), Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) permitted to conduct BRL - II trial of DMH  11.  However,  Bt cotton is  the  only  GM  crop  approved  for  cultivation  in  India subsequent to extensive evaluation and regulatory process in 2002. ICAR strongly supports development of science led technology including GM research.
- (b) Proposals to conduct confined field trials (BRL - II) of genetically modified crops such as cotton, maize, brinjal and potato were received by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC). GEAC also approved some of them for field trials.
- (c) Genetically  modified  seeds  cannot  be  introduced  without  elaborate  food  and environmental safety assessment along with performance following regulatory guidelines and procedures.  The  GEAC administered by  MoEF&CC is the nodal statutory body for approval of field trials and environmental release of genetically modified crops.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3246 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Rehabilitation of Surrendered Insurgents
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: PRABHAS KUMAR SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3246

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6 TH  DECEMBER, 2016/AGRAHAYANA 15, 1938 (SAKA)

REHABILITATION OF SURRENDERED INSURGENTS

3246. DR. PRABHAS KUMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  increase  the  amount  of incentive offered to the Maoist/insurgent to join the mainstream;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there is any other plan to rehabilitate surrendered insurgents and provide gainfull employment to them; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a)  to  (d):  'Police'  and  'Public  order'  being  State  subjects,  the  State Governments have their own surrender and rehabilitation incentives to bring  LWE  cadres  into  the  mainstream.  The  Government  of  India reimburses the claims made by the State Governments on the rehabilitation of surrendered Left Wing Extremists under the Security

.....2/

## L.S.US.Q.NO.3246 FOR 06.12.2016

Related Expenditure Scheme, subject to a ceiling of ₹ 2.5 lakh for higher ranked  and      ₹  1.5  lakh  for  middle/  lower  ranked  LWE  cadres.  The additional incentives given for surrender with weapons/ammunition are also  reimbursed  which  range  from  ₹  10  to  ₹  35,000  per  weapon depending  on  type  of  weapon  surrendered  from  detonator  to  Light Machine Gun, Rocket Launcher etc. In addition, a monthly stipend up to ₹ 4,000 per month per surrenderee is paid for a maximum period of 36 months for vocational training for the surrenderee.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3245 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Uniform Taxation on MSP
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: FEROZE VARUN GANDHI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3245

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 th  DECEMBER, 2016

## UNIFORM TAXATION ON MSP

## 3245. SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI:

Will  the  Minister  of  CONSUMER  AFFAIRS,  FOOD  AND  PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether steps have been taken by the Government to bring various States on board for a uniform taxation on Minimum Support Price (MSP);
- (b) if so, the details of the solutions proposed and the names of States which are against the idea of uniform taxation on MSP;
- (c) the amount foregone in subsidy due to higher taxation during the last three years along with the details of various States having high tax policy on MSP;
- (d) the reasons therefor;
- (e) whether  the  States  were  consulted  for  taking  the  decision  to  cut down on the subsidy bill; and
- (f) if not, the reasons therefor?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a) & (b): Presently, states levy various taxes on procurement of foodgrain undertaken for Central Pool within their jurisdiction: the aggregate of all net taxes varies from 3% to 14.5% of Minimum Support Price (MSP). Under the  proposed  Goods  and  Service  Taxes  (GST),  all  taxes  including  those levied by the States shall be rationalized.
- (c),  (d),  (e)  &  (f):  Since,  presently,  taxes  are  paid  on  procurement  of foodgrain for the Central Pool, hence these taxes are a part of the Food Subsidy.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3242 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Payment by NAFED
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3242

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6 TH   DECEMBER, 2016

## PAYMENT BY NAFED

3242.     SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has stopped the payment of dues amounting to Rs. 6.16 crore to  Rajasthan  State  Cooperative  Marketing Federation (RAJFED) and Rs. 9.62 crore to Tilam Sangh by NAFED for Groundnut procured at MSP during 2013-14;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the time by which the payment is likely to be made?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंालय म राय मंी (SHRI  PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

- ( a) to (c): NAFED had procured Groundnut pods valuing Rs. 748.48 crores (MSP value) of Fair  Average  Quality  (FAQ)  specifications    during  the  Kharif  Marketing  Season  2013-14  in Rajasthan through its State Level Supporters (SLSs) namely RAJFED & Tilam Sangh. NAFED has released entire MSP value   to  RAJFED &  Tilam Sangh for its onward payment to the farmers. An amount of Rs. 5.34 crores (approx.) and Rs. 9.53 crores (approx.) after statutory deductions  are  payable  to  RAJFED  &  Tilam  Sangh  respectively.  As  per  the  established procedure of NAFED,  administrative and  incidental charges  are paid after satisfactory completion of required formalities and CAG audit of the accounts.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3241 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Sedition Cases
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: ASADUDDIN OWAISI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3241

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6 TH  DECEMBER, 2016/AGRAHAYANA 15, 1938 (SAKA)

SEDITION CASES

3241. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  the  number  of  sedition  cases  filed  against  persons  especially  after criticism and doubt of surgical strike by Indian Army in various States during the last one year and as on date;

(b)  the  number of persons chargesheeted so far and cases filed in the court;

(c)  whether it is a fact that some false cases have been registered by the police of various States in this regard;

(d)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  amend  the sedition law; and

(e)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  time  by  which  a  final  decision  is likely to be taken?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) to (c): Information  is  being  collected  from  all  the  States/  UTs  and the same will be laid on the table of the House.

.....2/

## L.S.US.Q.NO.3241 FOR 06.12.2016

(d) & (e): The  Ministry  of  Home  Affairs  has  written  to  the  Ministry  of Law and Justice to request the Law Commission of India to study the usage of the provisions of the Section 124A (Sedition) of IPC and suggest amendments,  if  any.    The  matter  is  under  consideration  of  the  Law Commission of India.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3240 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Foreign accreditations
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: LAXMI NARAYAN YADAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. †3240 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 TH  DECEMBER, 2016

## Foreign accreditations

## †3240. SHRI LAXMI NARAYAN YADAV:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken any step to get foreign accreditations for the medicines as well as the pharma companies in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ROAD  TRANSPORT  AND HIGHWAYS;  MINISTRY  OF  SHIPPING  AND  MINISTRY  OF  CHEMICALS  AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

(a) to (c): No Madam. The Company proposing to export any pharmaceutical product has to get the said product registered or the manufacturing plant accredited with the drug regulator or Ministry of Health of the importing country in accordance with the laws of that country.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3238 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Sub-Regional Centre for Rice/Paddy Research
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: KONAKALLA NARAYANA RAO

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3238

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06/12/2016

## SUB-REGIONAL CENTRE FOR RICE/PADDY RESEARCH

## 3238. SHRI KONAKALLA NARAYANA RAO:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f"k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal to set  up a sub-regional centre of rice/paddy research centre in Andhra Pradesh; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof including the location of the project and the proposed timeline for completion?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE d`f'k ,oa fdlku dY;k.k ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h

(SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

- (a) & (b): The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has decided to set  up  a  regional  station  of  National  Rice  Research  Institute  (NRRI),  Cuttack  at Naira,  Srikakulam  district,  Andhra  Pradesh . Acharya  N.G.  Ranga  Agricultural University,  Guntur  has  agreed  to  provide  25  acres  of  land  for  establishing  the regional station at Agriculture College, Naira. The lease agreement for transfer of land is in the process.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3235 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Shifting of CIPET Headquarters
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: BALASUBRAMANIAM SENGUTTUVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS AND PETROCHEMICALS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3325 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.12.2016

## SETTING UP OF PCPIR

## 3325.  DR. RAVINDRA BABU:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is planning to set up Vizag-Kakinada Petroleum, Chemicals, Petro-Chemical Investment Region (PCPIR) in Andhra Pradesh; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof  along  with the objective and  potential  for employment opportunities and the proposed time-line for completion of the project?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS, SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a) Government of India has approved setting up of Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) in the state of Andhra Pradesh (Vishakhapatnam-Kakinada region) in February, 2009 and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed between Government of India and Government of Andhra Pradesh.
- (b) The objective of PCPIR Policy is to promote investments, boost manufacturing  and  generate  employment  in  chemical  and  petrochemical sector.  Master  Planning  and  Environment  Impact  Assessment  activities have been initiated by Government of Andhra Pradesh. HPCL and GAIL India Limited have carried out a prefeasibility cum configuration study for integrated  refinery  cum  Petrochemical  complex  and  also  a  standalone Petrochemical  complex.  A  fully  operational  PCPIR  envisages  11.98  lakh job opportunities. Till September, 2016 around 93,000 persons have been

employed  directly  and  indirectly  in  AP  PCPIR.  PCPIRs  are  the  projects with  long  gestation  period  and  may  take  15-20  years  to  achieve  full potential.

- ***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3234 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Killing of Tribals by Naxalites
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: MANOJ RAJORIA

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†3234

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6 TH  DECEMBER, 2016/AGRAHAYANA 15, 1938 (SAKA)

KILLING OF TRIBALS BY NAXALITES

†3234. DR. MANOJ RAJORIA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether incidents of killing of innocent tribals by the Naxalites have been reported;

(b) if so, the details of such cases reported and the action taken thereon during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c)  whether  any  campaign  is  being  run  with  the  tribals  to  eliminate naxalism;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if not, the other measures being taken in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) to (e): Left  Wing  Extremist  groups  target  the  civilians,  including tribals. In this regard, the number of civilians killed during each of last 3 years and current year in LWE violence from 2013 to 15 th  November, ....2/

2016 are given below:

| State          | 2013   | 2014   | 2015   | 2016 (upto   | 15 th       |
|----------------|--------|--------|--------|--------------|-------------|
|                |        |        |        | Nov., 2016)  | Nov., 2016) |
| Andhra Pradesh | 10     | 4      | 8      | 6            |             |
| Bihar          | 42     | 26     | 15     | 15           |             |
| Chhattisgarh   | 67     | 52     | 53     | 64           |             |
| Jharkhand      | 122    | 94     | 52     | 69           |             |
| Madhya Pradesh | 0      | 0      | 0      | 2            |             |
| Maharashtra    | 13     | 16     | 16     | 16           |             |
| Odisha         | 28     | 26     | 25     | 20           |             |
| Telangana      | 0      | 4      | 2      | 0            |             |
| Total          | 282    | 222    | 171    | 192          |             |

'Police'  and  Public  Order',  being  State  subjects,  maintenance  of Law  and  Order  is  the  primary  responsibility  of  the  State  Government concerned.  However,  Central  Government  supplements  efforts  of  the States  to  address  LWE  menace  through  a  multi-pronged  strategy  to tackle Left Wing Extremism in the country consisting of security related measures; development related interventions; ensuring rights and entitlements  of  local  communities  etc.    On  developmental  side,  the Central  Government  has  also  supplemented  the  actions  of  the  States Governments  and  taken  various  measures  including  construction  of roads, strengthening of communications network, installation of mobile towers, improving network of banks, post offices, health and education facilities in LWE areas.

******

## L.S.US.Q.NO.3234 FOR 06.12.2016
Lok Sabha Question No. 3233 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Hotline on Fake Currency Notes
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: GEETHA KOTHAPALLI

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3233

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6 TH  DECEMBER, 2016/AGRAHAYANA 15, 1938 (SAKA)

HOTLINE ON FAKE CURRENCY NOTES

3233. SHRIMATI KOTHAPALLI GEETHA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  India  and  China  have  agreed  to  open  a  24x7  hotline  to exchange information on fake currency notes; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and the follow up action taken thereon?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a): No, Madam.

(b): Question does not arise.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3232 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-06
Subject: Drug Pricing Policy
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: C. N. JAYADEVAN, DUSHYANT CHAUTALA, KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3232 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6 th  December, 2016

## Drug Pricing Policy

3232.   SHRI C.N. JAYADEVAN:

SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA: SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY KOTHA:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering a proposal to overhaul the drug pricing  policy  and  ease  regulatory  framework  to  facilitate  smooth  business environment for pharmaceutical companies;
- (b) if so, the details and objectives thereof;
- (c) whether the Government  has  decided to dismantle the National Pharmaceutical  Pricing  Authority  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the reasons therefor; and
- (d)  whether  the  Government has established any other agency for issuing licences and approval of new drugs and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS; MINISTRY OF SHIPPING AND MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a)    &  (b):  There  is  no  proposal  at  present  to  overhaul  the  drug  pricing policy. However, minor changes are made in the DPCO, 2013 from time to time  to  facilitate  a  smooth  business  environment  and  in  the  larger  public interest. The licenses for manufacturing, sale and distribution of drugs under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act and Rules there under are issued by Licensing  Authority  appointed  by  State  Governments.  However,  for  new drug, the permission/ approval is required to be obtained from Central Drugs Standard Control  Organization  (CDSCO)  under  Ministry  of  Health  &  Family Welfare,  before  obtaining  manufacturing  license  from  the  State  Licensing Authority. In order to streamline the regulatory process and to improve the efficiency  and  transparency  in  CDSCO,  various  measures  have  been  taken including recently introduced e-governance in the form of 'SUGAM' for online submission  and  permission  of  various  applications  for  grant  of  various licenses/ approvals.
- (c): No, Madam.
- (d) No, Madam. Approval of new drugs is granted by Central Drugs Standard Control  Organization  (CDSCO)  and  manufacturing  licenses  are  granted  by State Licensing Authority.