opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4457 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-19
Subject: Local Content by Prasar Bharati
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Dayanidhi Maran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4457 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.07.2019)

## LOCAL CONTENT BY PRASAR BHARATI

## 4457. SHRI DAYANIDHI MARAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  INFORMATION  AND  BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a) the steps taken by Prasar Bharati to offer localized/regional content;
- (b) the reasons  that the  short  wave  services  are  being considered to be taken off air despite their strategic use as a soft-diplomacy tool;
- (c) whether the Ministry has taken any steps to increase the popularity of short wave, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Ministry is planning to strengthening broadcast infrastructure and network development and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE; AND MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) Prasar Bharati is offering localized/regional content through its  17  Doordarshan  Regional  Language  Satellite  Channels (RLSS)  and  through  the  90  local  radio  stations  of  All  India Radio network which broadcasts in all languages in the Eighth Schedule  of  the  Indian  Constitution,  and  in  over  178  major dialects.

All  the  regional  content  is  accessible  through  the  Prasar Bharati  Global  Digital  Platform  NewsOnAir,  on  more  than  70 YouTube channels and the websites of DD, AIR, AIR News and DD News.

(b)  &  (c)  Prasar  Bharati  Board  has  decided  to  close  down obsolete  Shortwave  transmitters  in  Phased  manner,  which have  outlived  their  useful  life.  However,  in  view  of  strategic significance  of  Shortwave,  Prasar  Bharati  Board  has  decided to continue 3 Digital Radio (DRM) capable Shortwave Transmitters which are based on modern technology.

(d) The Central Government has approved an amount of Rs. 1054.52 crore ùnder the Scheme  of Prasar Bharati 'Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development' for 3 years (2017-20) for strengthening infrastructure of Doordarshan and All India Radio.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4455 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-19
Subject: Research on Medicinal Plants
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: Rakesh Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH)

LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 4455 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH JULY, 2019

## RESEARCH ON MEDICINA L PLANTS

## 4455. SHRI RAKESH SINGH:

Will  the  Minister of AYURVEDA,  YOGA  AND  NATUROPATHY,  UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether less research has taken place in the field of medicinal plants in the count the huge potential of utility and developmen t of medicinal plants;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has a plan to start internship for research on medicinal pl promote this sector; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a) & (b):No. Research has taken place in the field of medicinal plants in the country o the  huge  potential  of  utility  and  development  of  medicinal  plants.  For  Research Development  in  the  field  of  Medicinal  Plants  National  Medicinal  Plants  Board  (NMPB Ministry of  AYUSH  under  'Center  Sector  Scheme  on  Conservation,  Development  and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants' has given project based assistance for collection, compilation, documentation, preparations of comprehensive monographs, conservation biolo , ethno - medicinal documentation and exploration, Bio - activity Guided  Fractionation, Bio -prospecting, development of DNA barcoding, post - harvest treatment, quality planting material, Marketing, germination and seed treatment protocols, identification of sub stitutes/adulterants.
- (c)  &  (d):The  NMPB,  Ministry  of  AYUSH  has  initiated  a  1 - 3  months  duration  internship programme with  the  objective  to  develop  manpower  to  address  the  quality,  standardizat marketing along with policy formation aspects and promote medicinal plants sector in year -20.  Besides  it,  Central  Council  for  Research  in  Siddha  (CCRS),  Ministry  of  AYUSH also provides internship for Siddha Medicinal Plants Garden (SMPG).

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4453 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-19
Subject: Research Institute in Ayurveda
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: N.K. Premachandran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH)

LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 4453 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH JULY, 2019

## RESEARCH INSTITUTE I N AYURVEDA

## 4453. SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN:

Will  the  Minister of AYURVEDA,  YOGA  AND  NATUROPATHY,  UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to establish national level research institutes in A and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to develop the traditional ayurvedic practices of Ker and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it has come to the notice of the Government that the Pancha Karma in Ayurve good for healthcare and if so, the details of a ction taken for establish a national level pancha karma research institutes;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to consider the request for establishing a nationa Ayurveda institute in Kollam considering the availability of rarest medicinal plants and if so details thereof; and
- (e) the initiative of the Government to promote the cultivation of medicinal plants?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a) : Central  Council  for  Research  in  Ayurvedic  Sciences  (CCRAS)  conducts  research activities related to Ayurveda through its 30 peripheral institutes/centres. Currently Ministry no plans to establish National level Research Institute in Ayurveda.

- (b) : Currently no such proposal is under consideration of the Ministry.

- (c) : Ministry is not aware of such findings yet.

Contd.......

- (d) : Currently no such proposal is under consideration of this Ministry.

(e) : To  Promote  cultivation  of  medicinal  plants,  presently  the  Ministry  of  AYUSH Government of India is implementing a 'Medicinal Plants' com ponent of Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) throughout the country. The 'Medicinal Plants' component is aimed at supporting cultivation of medicinal plants in a mission mode th growers, farmers, cultivators, Growers Associatio ns, Federations, Self Help Groups, Corporates and  Growers  Co - operatives.  Under  this  scheme  financial  support  is  provided  for  nurse cultivation, post - harvest management, processing, value addition etc.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4449 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-19
Subject: Health Facilities in Government Hospitals
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Krupal Balaji Tumane, Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4449 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH JULY, 2019

## HEALTH FACILITIES IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

## 4449. SHRI KRUPAL BALAJI TUMANE: SHRI SANJAY HARIBHAU JADHAV:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  cognizance  of  the  report  of  National  Sample  Sur Office (NSSO) which states that the treatment of most of the diseas es in both urban and rural areas was undertaken in the private hospitals;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) whether the Government has taken note of the fact that people are preferring private overGovernment hospitals where they have to shell out more money for the treatment;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to bring parity in the quality of serv Government and private hospitals?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a) & (b) : A s  per the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 71 st Round Report, 'Health in India, 2014', utilization of private hospitals is much higher as compared to public hospitals. The percentage of hospitalization cases during 2014 in public and private hospitals is a s given below:
- (c)& (d) : As per the NSSO report Average  total Medical Expenditure per hospitalization in Private facilities is much higher than in Public facilities, as per details given below

|         | Percentage of Hospitalization cases in Public and Private   | Percentage of Hospitalization cases in Public and Private   |
|---------|-------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
|         | Rural                                                       | Urban                                                       |
| Public  | 42                                                          | 32                                                          |
| Private | 58                                                          | 68                                                          |

## Average total Medical Expenditure per Hospitalization at Public and Private Facilities i 2014 (in Rs.)

|         |   Rural |   Urban |
|---------|---------|---------|
| Public  |    5636 |    7670 |
| Private |   21726 |   32375 |

- (e): To  improve  the  quality  of  services  in  the  public  health  facilities,  Government launched the following initiatives:
- i. National Quality Assurance Programme (NQAP)
- ii. Quality Assurance Committees at National, State and District levels.
- iii. Kayakalp award scheme for improving Sanitation, Hygiene, Upkeep, Infection contro practices and waste management.
- iv. Labour room Quality Improvement Initiative  (LAQSHYA)
Lok Sabha Question No. 4448 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-19
Subject: Gaps in POCSO
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Faizal P.P. Mohammed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4448

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.07.2019

## GAPS IN POCSO

## 4448.  MOHAMMED FAIZAL P.P.:

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  proposed  any  mechanism  to  identify  gaps  in  the implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

- (a) & (b): The National and State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights have been established  under  the  Commission  for  Protection  of  Child  Rights  Act,  2005.  The Commissions  have  been  mandated  vide  Section  44  of  the  Protection  of  Children from  Sexual  Offences  (POCSO)  Act,  2012  to  monitor  the  implementation  of  the POCSO Act, 2012. The Commission may enquire into complaints and take suo moto notice  of  matters  relating  to  deprivation  and  violation  of  child  rights;  and  non implementation of laws providing for protection and development of children, interalia. The Commission is mandated to take up the issues arising out of these matters with appropriate authorities.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4441 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-19
Subject: Safety of GM Crops
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Kirti Vardhan Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4441

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.07.2019

## Safety of GM Crops

## 4441. SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that Genetically Modified (GM) crops are unsafe and if so, the details thereof and the preventive measures taken by the Government in this regard;
- (b) whether GM crops are assessed case by case;
- (c) if so, the details and the outcome thereof;
- (d) whether the Government is aware that GM crops like Bt. Brinjal are being cultivated by farmers even though it has not been approved by the competent authority; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government so far to check the further farming of Bt. Brinjal?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## (SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

- (a) to (c) All Genetically Modified (GM) crops have to undergo elaborate food, feed and environmental safety assessment following regulatory guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures under Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro Organisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for approval of commercial cultivation in the country. As of now, Bt. cotton is the only GM crop approved for  commercial  cultivation  in  the  country  after  extensive  evaluation  and satisfying all regulatory requirements.

There is no scientific evidence to prove that GM crops are unsafe. GM foods are  regulated  under  Food  Safety  and  Standards  Act,  2006  which  consolidates laws for manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability  of  safe  and  wholesome  food  for  human  consumption.  So  far,  no Living Modified Organisms relating to food has been approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

In order to ensure that GM crops are safe for human health and environmental release in the country, bio-safety assessment is done for each crop on a case by case basis as per applicable guidelines, manuals and protocols prescribed from time  to  time  by  relevant  agencies  under  Rules,  1989  under  Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

- (d) and (e) Yes. This Ministry has received complaints on illegal cultivation of Bt. Brinjal in  Andhra  Pradesh,  Haryana,  Maharashtra,  and  Punjab.  All  States/Union Territories  (UTs)  have  been  directed  to  constitute  and  strengthen  State/UT Biotechnology  Coordination  Committees  and  District  Level  Committees  for monitoring instances of illegal cultivation of GM Crops and taking appropriate action under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4439 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-19
Subject: Losses Caused due to Heavy Rain
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Sanjay(Kaka) Ramchandra Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4439

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.07.2019

## Losses Caused due to Heavy Rain

## 4439. SHRI SANJAY KAKA PATIL:

Will  the  Minister  of  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND  CLIMATE  CHANGE  be  pleased  to state:

- (a) whether the Ministry proposes to prepare a manual for development work in major cities including Mumbai taking into account the losses incurred due to heavy rain in such cities;
- (b) whether  the  Government  is  likely  to give  direction  to  the  State  Government  of Maharashtra in this regard; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a) to (c):  National Disaster Management Authority has formulated guidelines for management of  urban  flooding.  To  reduce  the  adverse  effect  of  flooding  and  ensure  quick  recovery  to normalcy, the Ministry  of Housing and Urban Affairs has also prepared a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Management of Urban Flooding. The SOP lays down the responsibilities of various agencies of State and Central Governments and lists measures to mitigate the impact of urban flooding. These include appropriate  steps to be taken before, during  and after flooding. The SOP has been circulated to all States and UTs for implementation.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4437 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-19
Subject: Private Players in Healthcare Services
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Raghu Ramakrishna Raju Kanumuru

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4437 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH JULY, 2019

## PRIVATE PLAYERS IN H EALTHCARE SERVICES

## 4437. SHRI KANUMURU RAGHU RAMA KRISHANA RAJU:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to engage private players for providing healthcare se in view of a huge spurt in demand for such services; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WE LFARE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a) & (b ): The Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) is engaging with private health  care  providers,  including  hospitals,  practitioners,  laboratories  and  pharmac universal coverage of TB services. Details of efforts on engagement of private providers control and prevention are at Anne xure.

Under National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), recurring grants/funds are provided to private players and NGOs through District Health S route only and after following due procedure, being component of progra mme. The purpose of the scheme is to utilize the services of NGOs working in the country in the field of ey complement the efforts of the government sector for reducing the prevalence of blindnes the services/ facilities are available in the government hospitals also.

Private Hospitals are empanelled based on pre - defined criteria to provide healthcare to beneficiaries  under  Central  Government  Health  Scheme  (CGHS)  and  Ayushman  Bharat -Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB - PMJAY).

Broad Guid elines for Private Investments in setting up of Hospitals in Tier 2 and cities  subsequent  to  the  launch  of  AB - PMJAY  have  been  issued  by  the  Government  in January, 2019.

## Details of efforts on engagement of private providers for TB control and prevention are as follows:

- I. TB  has  been  made  a  legally  notifiable  disease  to  get  information  of  all  TB patients from all health providers.
- II. For collaboration with private providers, patient provider support agencies have been  established  to  expand coverage  of  provider  engagement  and  to  support patients on a large scale.
- III. Linkages  are  being  established  with  private  sector  for  providing  access  free diagnosis and treatment to TB patients.
- IV. Incentives to private  sector  healthcare  service  providers  have also  been put in place for notification of TB cases and reporting of their treatment outcomes.
Lok Sabha Question No. 4436 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-19
Subject: Accredited Private Medical Colleges
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dean Kuriakose

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4436 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH JULY, 2019

## ACCREDITED PRIVATE M EDICAL COLLEGES

## 4436. ADV. DEAN KURIAKOSE:

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

- (a) the number of accredited private medical colleges functioning in the country, State/UT -wise;
- (b) whether the  Government  has  taken  note  that  some/any  unauthorized  medical  colleges  ar operating in the country; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a): As per information received from the National Assessment and Accreditation Counc (NAAC), there are 100 accredited private medical colleges functioning in the country. Sta -wise details are given at Annexure .
- (b) & (c): As per information received fr om the Board of Governors (BoG) in Supersession of Medical Council of India (MCI), MCI has taken note that one Singhania University is of various  medical  courses  unauthorizedly  and  MCI  has  already  initiated  action  against university.

## ANNEXURE

## Number of Accredited Private Medical Colleges, State/UT-wise

| Sl. No.   | State            |   Number of Colleges |
|-----------|------------------|----------------------|
| 1.        | Andhra Pradesh   |                   11 |
| 2.        | Delhi            |                    1 |
| 3.        | Gujarat          |                    6 |
| 4.        | Haryana          |                    2 |
| 5.        | Himachal Pradesh |                    1 |
| 6.        | Jammu &Kashmir   |                    1 |
| 7.        | Karnataka        |                   17 |
| 8.        | Kerala           |                    8 |
| 9.        | Madhya Pradesh   |                    4 |
| 10.       | Maharashtra      |                   29 |
| 11.       | Punjab           |                    2 |
| 12.       | Tamilnladu       |                    7 |
| 13.       | Telangana        |                    9 |
| 14.       | Uttar Pradesh    |                    2 |
|           | Total            |                  100 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 4435 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-19
Subject: Amendments in Child Adoption Laws
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Akshaibar Lal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4435 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.07.2019

## AMENDMENTS IN CHILD ADOPTION LAWS

## 4435.     SHRI AKSHAIBAR LAL:

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is contemplating to amend rules/guidelines for adoption of children;
- (b) if so, the time by which the guidelines are likely to be issued;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to appoint any agency or nodal officer at local level for effective enforcement of the said law guidelines; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

- (a) & (b): To streamline adoption process, a proposal for amendment to the provisions of the  Juvenile  Justice  (Care  and  Protection  of  Children)  Act  (JJ  Act),  2015  was introduced in the 16th Lok Sabha through the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children)  Amendment  Bill  (JJ  Bill),  2018.  However,  the  Bill  stands  lapsed  on dissolution of the 16 th  Lok Sabha.
- (c) &  (d):  The  existing  Juvenile  Justice  (Care  and  Protection  of  Children)  Act  (JJ  Act), 2015  mandates  State  Governments  to  constitute  a  Child  Protection  Unit  for  every District to ensure implementation of the Act.

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