opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2040 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Research Centre for Climate Change
Ministry: EARTH SCIENCES
Asked by: Jamyang Tsering Namgyal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2040

## TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021

## RESEARCH CENTRE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

## 2040.   SHRI JAMYANG TSERING NAMGYAL :

## Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

- (a)   whether  the  Government  proposes  to  establish  a  dedicated  Research  centre  for  Climate Change in cold Desert of Himalaya and also within the Union Territory of Ladakh to address various earth scientific issues and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  ministry  proposes  to  promote  awareness  about  'Science  of  Earth'  among students and common public;
- (c)   if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken by the Government in this regard;
- (d) whether his Ministry has conducted/launched any program for rapid exchange of researches and ideas between the widespread community of Earth Scientists; and
- (e)   if so, the details thereof and the quantum of funds allocated in this regard?

## ANSWER MINISTER FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

- (a) India Meteorological Department (IMD) has set up a Meteorological Centre in Leh to cater to  the  needs  of  Ladakh  region.  This  centre  will  address  all  the  requirements  of  weather forecasts  and  climate  services  for  the  region.  There  is  no  proposal  to  set  up  a  separate climate centre within the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Also, action is in process to add more Automatic Weather Stations to Ladakh to enhance the weather monitoring of the area.

- (b) Yes Sir.
- (c) Ministry supports to propagate and bring awareness about the activities of the earth sciences among  students/public  and  common  user  communities  through  exhibitions/fairs.  "Earth Day"  and  "Ozone  Day"  are  celebrated  with  the  participation  of  School,  College  and
- University  students.   Ministry  also  supports  the  National  and  International  Earth  Science Olympiad, every year.
- (d) At  present,  national  and  international  seminars/symposia/workshops  are  supported  by Ministry for rapid exchange of researches and ideas between the widespread community of Earth Scientists.
- (e) Government approved total funds Rs. 25.23 Crore for the period 2017-2020 for outreach and awareness program that comprises the funds for the said activities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2037 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Global Nutrition Report
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Bhartruhari Mahtab

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2037

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2021

## GLOBAL NUTRITION REPORT

2037. SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

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

- (a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of India's position in the 2020 Global Nutrition Report which highlights that India is off course to meet the global nutrition targets for all indicators;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (c) if not, the reason for not taking cognizance of the report;
- (d) the present status of the Government's commitment of ending malnutrition by 2030 across the country through the sustainable development goals;
- (e) the rise reported in malnutrition cases due to COVID-19 Pandemic in the country, State/UT-wise; and
- (f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to tackle the continuing challenge of malnutrition along with the achievements thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (f)  Government has accorded high priority to the issue of malnutrition and is committed  to  improve  nutrition  outcomes  in  the  country  and  implements  Anganwadi Services,  Pradhan  Mantri  Matru  Vandana  Yojana  and  Scheme  for  Adolescent  Girls under the Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS) as targeted interventions to address the problem of malnutrition in the country.

Further,  to  strengthen  nutritional  content,  delivery,  outreach  and  outcomes  with focus on developing practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity and to achieve the sustainable development goals, steps have been taken to improve nutritional quality and testing in accredited labs, strengthen delivery and leverage technology to improve governance.  Government  has  advised  States/UTs  to  ensure  that the quality of supplementary  nutrition  conforms  to  prescribed  standards  laid  down  under  the  Food Safety  and  Standards  Act,  2006  and  regulations  made  thereunder.  States/UTs  have been  advised  to  promote use  of  AYUSH  systems  for prevention  of  malnutrition  and related diseases. A programme to support development of Poshan Vatikas at Anganwadi  centers  to  meet  dietary  diversity  gap  leveraging  traditional  knowledge  in nutritional practices has also been taken up.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2035 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Study on Effects of COVID on Mental Health
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Brijendra Singh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2035 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH FEBRUARY, 2021

## STUDY ON EFFECTS OF COVID ON MENTAL HEAL TH

## 2035.SHRI BRIJENDRA SINGH:

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

(a) whether the Government has carried out any study on the effects of COVID - 19 on mental health of the people; and

(b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)& (b) : The  Government  has  not  conducted  any  study  to  assess  the  effects  of  COVID - 19 pandemic on mental health of the people. However, realizing the impact that COVID- 19 may have on the mental health of the people, the Government has taken a number of initiati provide psychosocial support during COVID - 19. These initiatives inter - alia include:

- (i)Setting up of a 24/7 helpline to provide psychosocial support, by mental health profes to  the  entire  affected  population,  divided  into  different  target  groups  viz  childr elderly, women and healthcare workers.
- (ii) Issuance  of  guidelines/  advi sories  on  management  of  mental  health  issues,  catering  to different segments of the society.
- (iii) Advocacy through various media platforms in the form of creative and audio - visual materials on managing stress and anxiety, and promoting an environment of support and care for all.

Health

- (iv) Issuance of detailed guidelines by the National Institute of Mental Neurosciences (NIMHANS),  Bengaluru"Mental  Health  in  the  times  of  COVID - 19 Pandemic -Guidance for General Medical and Specialized Mental Health Care Setting s".
- (v)All the guidelines, advisories and advocacy material can be accessed on Ministry of H and Family Welfare website under 'Behavioural Health -Psychosocial helpline' ( https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ ).
- (vi) Online capac ity building of health workers by NIMHANS in providing psychosocial support and training through (iGOT) - Diksha platform.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2034 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Handloom Apparels in Bihar
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Ram Kripal Yadav

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2034 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2021

## HANDLOOM APPARELS IN BIHAR

## 2034. SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

(a) whether the Union Government has received any proposal from the State Government of Bihar for sanctioning handloom apparels in the State;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the reaction of the Government thereto; and
- (d) the extant position of major handloom clusters in the country?

## उत्तर ANSWER

## वस्त्र मंत्री ( श्रीमती स्मृतत ज़ूबिन इरानी )

MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) to (c): No  proposal  for  sanctioning  handloom  apparels  has  been  received  from  the  State Government of Bihar.

(d): The Government of India, Ministry of Textiles through Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms) is implementing Block Level Cluster, a component of National Handloom Development Programme  (NHDP)  and  Comprehensive  Handloom  Cluster  Development  Scheme  (CHCDS)  since 2015-16 for holistic & integrated development of handloom weavers which inter-alia provides financial assistance upto Rs. 2.00 crore per sanctioned cluster for implementation of various interventions such as Hathkargha  Samvardhan  Sahayata  (HSS),  product  development,  construction  of  workshed,  project management cost, design development, setting up of Common Facility Centre (CFC), etc. The proposals are recommended by the State Government. So far 440 Block Level Clusters have been sanctioned in the country which includes 13 Block Level Clusters in the State of Bihar.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2033 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Protection of Child Rights
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Ramapati Ram Tripathi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UN STARRED QUESTION NO.2033

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2021

## PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS

## 2033.  DR. RAMAPATI RAM TRIPATHI:

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

- (a) whether the Government has reviewed the implementation of the law related to protection of child rights;
- (b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof;
- (c) the details of the shortcomings found during the said review; and
- (d) the  appropriate  action  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d).  The Government reviewed the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012  in the light of the rise of incidences of child sexual abuse in the country, inter-alia. Accordingly, the POCSO Act, 2012 was amended in 2019 in order to make it more effective in dealing with cases of child sex abuse. It addresses the need for  stringent  measures  to  deter  child  sex  abuse  in  the  Country  on  one hand  and  the menace of relatively new kind of crimes on the other hand.

In furtherance of the POCSO (Amendment) Act, 2019, the Government notified the  POCSO Rules, 2020  for effective implementation of the Act.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2032 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Me Too Movement
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Gangasandra Siddappa Basavaraj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION NO.2032

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2021

## ME TOO MOVEMENT

## 2032.  SHRI G.S. BASAVARAJ:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  global  fallout  of  #Metoo  movement including  recent  developments  in  France  where  several  instances  of  sexual abuse have come to the fore and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  MeToo  movement  has  prompted  the  Government  to  enforce  the Visakha guidelines and mandate setting up of In-house Investigation Committees and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  proposed  to  set  up  a  panel  of  qualified  law practitioners and women activists willing to work for and counsel MeToo victims, gratis and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (c): The  Government  has  enacted  'The  Sexual  Harassment  of  Women  at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013' (SH Act) with the aim to provide safe and secure work environment to women irrespective of their work status. The Act has succeeded the Vishakha Guidelines set  by  the  Hon'ble  Supreme  Court. The Act casts an obligation upon every employer of a workplace to provide a safe and secure  working  environment,  free  from  sexual  harassment,  by  constituting  Internal Committee  (IC)  for  receiving  complaints  of  sexual  harassment  at  workplace  and  by displaying at conspicuous places, penal consequences of sexual harassment and order constituting  IC.  Similarly,  the  State  Governments  are  authorised  to  constitute  Local Committees (LCs) in every district to receive complaints from organizations having less than 10 workers or if the complaint is against employer himself.

The Act entrusts the Appropriate Government (that is in relation to a workplace which  is  established,  owned,  controlled  or  wholly  or  substantially  financed  by  funds provided directly or indirectly by Central Government or Union Territory Administration, the Central Government or by the State Government, the State Government) with the monitoring of the implementation of this Act.

The Act also provides for inclusion of member(s), in both IC & LC, from amongst non-governmental organisations or associations committed to the cause of women or a person having expertise on issues relating to sexual harassment.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2031 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Homoeopathic Medicine for Covid-19
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: E. T. Mohammed Basheer

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 2031 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH

February, 2021

## HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICIN E FOR COVID - 19

## 2031. SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  note  that  the homeopathic  medicines  were  not permitted for use for COVID - 19 related treatment;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the details of the directions issued by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS AND ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE

## MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,

## YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a)  to  (c) : Yes.  Homoeopathy  treatment  as  standalone  is  not  permitted  in  COVID - 19 treatment.  However,  Ministry  of  AYUSH, Government  of  India through  advisory  dated 6.3.2020  and  'Guidelines  for  AYUSH  practitioners  for  COVID -19'  allowed  AYUSH interventions including homoeopathy as add on to standard of care.

Further, Honourable Supreme court upheld the advisory of Ministry of AYUSH in judgement  dated  15.12.2020  and  permitted  use  of  homoeopathy  medicine  as  add  on  to standard of care in COVID - 19 treatment.

Ministry of AYUSHhas taken following steps with the help of AYUSH systems of Medicine including Homeopathy for COVID - 19 related treatment:

- I. Ministry of AYUSH issued an advisory on 29.01.2020 on how to protect oneself from COVID and how to stay healthy.
- II. Vide letter dated 06.03.2020 all Chief Secretaries of States / Union territo ries were informed about specific suggestions on augmentation of General Immunity of peopl and about possible AYUSH intervention.
- III. Ministry  has  also  issued  self - care  guidelines  on  31.03.2020  for  preventive  health measures and boosting immunity with specia l reference to respiratory health.
- IV. Guidelines for Registered Practitioners of respective system of AYUSH (includi Homoeopathy)  were  made  available  in  public  domain  for  the  benefit  of  register AYUSH practitioners including Homoeopathy to help in the man agement of COVID 19 pandemic uniformly.
- V. Ministry of AYUSH through various research organizations and National Institut under Ministry of AYUSH has conducted about 105 interdisciplinary clinical stud (including 20 studies of Homoeopathy) at 136 centres in the country. Clinical research studies are conducted on AYUSH interventions as prophylactic interventions in h risk  population  targeting  approximately  05  lakhs  population  and  as  an  add - on  to standard care to COVID -19 management.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2030 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Medicines and Clinical Facilities to IPD and OPD Patients
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Bharti Pravin Pawar

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2030 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH FEBRUARY, 2021

## MEDICINES AND CLINIC AL FACILITIES TO IPD AND OPD PATIENTS

## 2030.DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR:

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

(a)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  provide and  supply  regular  medicines  and  clinical facilities to IPD and OPD patients in the country;

(b)  whether  due  to  faulty  and out  dated  equipments in  Government  hospitals  patients  are generally referred to private clinics and laboratories and have to bear ddi ional financial burden and if so, the reaction of the G vernment thereto;

(c) whether the Government proposes to improve and provide updated modern technologies in theGovernment institutions; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)t o  (d):    'Public  Health  and  Hospitals'  b eing a State subject, the primary responsibility f strengthening public healthcare system including provision of medicines and clinical faci IPD  and  OPD  patients  lies  with  the  respective  State  Governments.  However,  under  Natio Health  Mission  ( NHM),  technical  and  financial  support  is  provided  to  the  States/UTs Strengthen  the  public  healthcare  system  including  support  for  ensuring  sufficient  sup essential medicines, injections and other medical equipment at public healthcare facilitie
Lok Sabha Question No. 2028 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Modernisation of Anganwadis
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Ramdas Chandrabhanji Tadas

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2028

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2021

## MODERNISATION OF ANGANWADIS

†2028. SHRI RAMDAS C. TADAS:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  modernise  Anganwadi  Kendras  by equipping them with modern technology devices;
- (b)      if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)      the problems impeding the smooth operation of Anganwadi Kendras in the wake of COVID-19  pandemic along with the mechanism  in place to redress such   shortcomings?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) Following measures have been taken for upgradation of facilities at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs):
- (i) Revised  joint  guidelines  were  issued  by  Ministries  of  Women  &  Child Development,  Rural  Development  and  Panchayati  Raj  for  construction  of  4 lakh AWC buildings across the country under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in convergence with Anganwadi Services (ICDS Scheme).
- (ii) Under  Swachhta  Action  Plan,  Rs.10,000/-per  AWC  is  provided  for  drinking water facilities and Rs.12,000/- per AWC for toilet facilities.
- (iii) Grants are sanctioned for purchase of water filter, furniture, equipment, etc.
- (iv) Anganwadi  Workers  (AWWs)  have  been  provided  with  Smart  Phones  for efficient service delivery.

(c)  During  COVID-19, all Anganwadi Centres across the country were closed to limit the  impact  of  the  pandemic.  However,  to  ensure  continuous  nutritional  support  to Anganwadi beneficiaries, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers distributed Supplementary Nutrition  at  the  doorsteps  of  beneficiaries  once  in  15  days.  In  addition,  Anganwadi Workers  and  Anganwadi  Helpers  have  been  assisting  the  local  administration  in community surveillance,  creating  awareness  as  well  as  other  work  assigned  to  them from time to time.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2027 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Trends of COVID Infections in Kerala
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Anto  Antony, Behanan Benny

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2027 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH FEBRUARY, 2021

## TRENDS OF COVID INFE CTIONS IN KERALA

## 2027. SHRI ANTO ANTONY: SHRI BENNY BEHANAN:

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

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the trends in COVID infections across the country, if so, the details thereof;

(b)  whether  the  recent  trends  show  the  highest number of  cases  are  in  Kerala  and  if  so,  the number ofsuch cases along with the number of deaths reported till date;

(c) whether the Government has noticed that the number of COVID- 19 cases in Kerala seems to be shooting up steadily, if so, the details thereof a nd the reasons therefor;

(d)  whether  the  Government  has  made  any assessment  about  the  failure  of  earlier  Kerala containment model, if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government has any plan to depute a central team to visit the State to ascertain the reasons for increase of COVID - 19 cases, if so, the details thereof; and

(f) whether the Government has given any instructions/directions to the State in this regard, if the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c):   Yes. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is continuously monitoring the C situation in the country. The laboratory confirmed cases peaked on 17 th September 2020 (with 97,894 new cases of the day) and thereafter the trajectory is following a sustained do trend. As on date (10 th February 2021), 11,067 new COVID - 19  cases  were  reported.  Of  this, Kerala has reported 5214 cases (47.11%).

As on 10 t h February 2021, Kerala has reported 9,77,394 cases and 3,902 deaths due t COVID - 19.

The trajectory of COVID - 19 cases in Kerala showed a peak in October 2020. Month - wise details of new cases reported by the State are at Annexure .

Th

(d)  to  (f): Government of  India  has  had  regular  meetings  with  the  State  Government  and reviewed  the  situation  on  a  regular  basis.  Recently,  two  Senior  level Central  Teams  were deployed in quick succession (in the month of January and February 2021). recommendations of these Teams have been shared with the State Government.

## Month - wise details of new cases reported by the State of Kerala

| Month           |   New Cases |
|-----------------|-------------|
| May , 2020      |         709 |
| June, 2020      |        2985 |
| Jul y, 2020     |       18114 |
| Aug ust, 2020   |       51552 |
| September, 2020 |      113421 |
| October, 2020   |      237846 |
| Nov ember, 2020 |      174478 |
| December, 2020  |      156118 |
| January, 2021   |      168194 |