opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1056 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-03
Subject: Malpractice in NEET Examination
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: A.K.P. Chinraj

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1056 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 03 RD  DECEMBER, 2021

## MALPRACTICE IN NEET EXAMINATION

## 1056.   SHRI A.K.P. CHINRAJ:

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

- (a) the number of persons arrested from 2018-2021 till date in relation to malpractice in the NEET exam, state-wise, particularly in Tamil Nadu; and
- (b) the status of investigation in all the cases registered in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

- (a)  &  (b)  As  informed  by  National  Testing  Agency  (NTA),  the  details  of  Unfair  Means (UFM) cases of NEET (UG) 2019, 2020 & 2021 are as follows:

|   Year |   No. of UFMCases |
|--------|-------------------|
|   2019 |                 4 |
|   2020 |                 5 |
|   2021 |                15 |

Result of all such candidates has been cancelled.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1054 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-03
Subject: Special Marriage Act and Foreign Marriage Act
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shivkumar Chanabasappa Udasi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

## LOK     S A B H A

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1054 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 3 RD  DECEMBER, 2021.

Special Marriage Act and Foreign Marriage Act

## 1054. SHRI SHIVAKUMAR C.UDASI. :

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to make Special Marriage Act and Foreign Marriage Act applicable to all couples regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the remedial steps taken by the Government to modify the definition of marriages under the customary law keeping in view the current circumstances?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE, (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (c)         : No Sir, presently there is no such proposal.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1051 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-03
Subject: Healthcare Facilities for HIV Affected Persons
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Vishnu Dayal Ram

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1051 TO BE ANSWERED ON 3 rd  DECEMBER 2021

## HEALTHCARE FACILITIES FOR HIV AFFECTED PERSONS 1051. SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to provide special healthcare facilities for persons affected by HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government took any preventive measures to ensure people with HIV do not get affected by COVID-19;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the  details  of  the  data  regarding  HIV  infected  persons  who  were  also  infected  with Coronavirus?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (Dr. BHARTI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a)  to  (d):    The  Government  has  facilitated  continued  service  provision  for  prevention, testing  and  treatment  of  HIV/AIDS  and  related  co-morbidities,  free  of  cost,  to  all  target population  during  the  COVID-19  pandemic  through  various  interventions  and  facilities under the National AIDS Control Programme since March 2020. Initiatives like targeted care for each population group, multi-month dispensation of anti-retroviral drugs to people living  with  HIV,  community-based  screening  for  HIV  and  take-home  dosing  have  been taken during the pandemic. National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) had instructed

States  not  to  deny  any  services  to  stranded  migrants  including  for  provision  of  antiretroviral drugs. The Government is ensuring continuity of healthcare services to persons infected and affected by HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic through regularly review and appropriate reiteration of instructions and advisories.

NACO has facilitated adherence to the COVID-19 appropriate preventive measures at all facilities under National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) through reviews and issuance of  advisories  and  guidance.    This  included  facilitation  of  provision  of  masks,  gloves, sanitizers for staffs and beneficiaries at all health facilities. States were also advised to prioritization  of  PLHIV  for  vaccination  against  COVID-19  as  per  extant  guidelines. Community-based service delivery was facilitated to avoid travel by target beneficiaries and thus facilitating prevention of COVID-19 infections.

(e): Such data is not maintained centrally.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1047 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-03
Subject: Sainik Schools in Odisha
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Basanta Kumar Panda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1047

TO BE ANSWERED ON 3 rd  DECEMBER, 2021

## SAINIK SCHOOLS IN ODISHA

1047. SHRI BASANTA KUMAR PANDA:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has formulated any plan to set up Sainik school in Bhawanipatna of Odisha;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

(a) to (c): The Government has approved a scheme for setting up of 100 Sainik Schools in partnership  with  NGO's/Private  schools/  State  Governments,  etc.  on  affiliation  basis. Interested parties in any State/Union Territory, including Odisha can apply for affiliation to the Sainik Schools Society subject to their fulfilling of the qualifying requirements and adherence to affiliation bye-laws.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1044 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-03
Subject: NSP for elimination of TB
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Devji Mansingram Patel

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1044 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 03 rd   DECEMBER, 2021

## NSP FOR ELIMINATION OF TB

## 1044.  SHRI DEVJI M PATEL:

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

- a) The time by which the Final National Strategic Plan for Elimination of TB (NSP 2017-25) is likely to be launched and operationalized;
- b) The portion of the funds earmarked for implementation of NSP (2017-25) are to be utilized for social welfare assistance scheme as suggested in the new strategic plan;
- c) The  details  of  the  new  schemes  linked  with  the  existing  schemes  being  implanted  for eradication of TB; and
- d) The details  of  mechanism but in place to ensure inter-ministerial coordination for smooth linking of TB related programmes and other related social welfare schemes?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (Dr. BHARTI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) to (d): The National Strategic Plan (2017-25) for ending TB in India is implemented by the Ministry in all State/UTs since May 2017.

The  Ministry  has initiated a nutritional support  scheme  for  providing  Rs 500/month for  the  duration  of  treatment  to  all  TB  patients.  This  incentive  is  provided through Direct Benefit Transfer and requisite funds are provisioned to the States annually based on demand. The amount of funds provisioned for Nikshay Poshan Yojana over the last three years is as under:

(In Crore Rupees)

|                          | 2019-20   | 2020-21   | 2021-22   |
|--------------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Total budget allocated   | 3333.21   | 3109.93   | 3409.94   |
| Budget allocated for NPY | 590.36    | 610.65    | 680.74    |
| %of total budget         | 17.71%    | 19.63%    | 19.96%    |

A document on 'State Initiatives on Patient Support System for TB Elimination in  India'  was  released  in  November,  2018  highlighting  the  best  practices  by  various State/UTs to link every TB patient with available State/District specific social welfare schemes, in collaboration with relevant line departments.

At  the  national  level,  the  Ministry  is  collaborating  with  line  departments  to create enabling provisions for TB patients in social welfare schemes of the respective Ministries.  Nodal  Officers  in  concerned  Ministries  have  been  identified  and  regular meetings are taken to take forward the collaboration.

-----------------------------------
Lok Sabha Question No. 1040 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-03
Subject: Data on Covaxin
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Mala Roy

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1040 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03 rd  DECEMBER, 2021

## DATA ON COVAXIN

1040: SHRIMATI MALA ROY:

Will the Minister of

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

be pleased to state:

(a)  the  details  of  the  data  that  was  available  with  the  Drug  Controller  General  of  India

(DGCI) in January on Covaxin when it was given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA); and

(b)  the  nature  of  the  data  sought  by  World  Health  Organisation  (WHO)  in  its  frequent correspondence  and  on  the  October  26,2021  meeting  of  the  Strategic  Advisory  Group  of

Experts on Immunization (SAGE) for approval of Covaxin?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a):  Central  Drugs  Standard  Control  Organisation  (CDSCO),  in  consultation  with  Subject

Expert Committee (SEC), has granted permission to manufacture the COVID-19 vaccine of

M/s  Bharat  Biotech  International  Limited,  Hyderabad  in  light  of  the  urgent  need  due  to

COVID pandemic in the country, as per the provisions of New Drugs and Clinical Trials

Rules, 2019 (ND & CT Rules 2019) under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

M/s  Bharat  Biotech  International  Limited,  Hyderabad  had  submitted  following  data  to

CDSCO at the time of grant of permission to manufacture COVAXIN vaccine.

1. Animal data including immunogenicity & animal toxicity.
2. Safety and Efficacy data from Non-human primate challenge study.
3. Interim Safety and Immunogenicity data of ongoing Phase I trial and Phase II trial conducted in the country.
4. Interim  safety  data  including  Serious  Adverse  Events  (SAE)  data  of  the  ongoing Phase III clinical trial in the country.

(b) The manufacturer submits the application to World Health Organization (WHO) directly for prequalification of Vaccine.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1038 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-03
Subject: Central Adoption Resource Authority
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: S. Jothimani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1038

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.12.2021

## CENTRAL ADOPTION RESOURCE AUTHORITY

1038.  MS. S. JOTHIMANI :

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

- (a) the number of children who lost both or one of their parents due to COVID-19, age-wise and State/UT-wise;
- (b) the number of affected children adopted without the involvement of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) from March 2020 onwards, State/UT-wise;
- (c) whether his Ministry has taken any specific steps to identify and ensure protection of affected children from illegal adoptions by NGOs or individuals;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) : The Hon'ble Prime Minister has announced PM CARES for Children scheme to support children who have lost both parents or surviving parent or legal guardian or adoptive parents due to COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme is accessible through an online  portal  i.e. pmcaresforchildren.in .  The  applications  of  such  children  are uploaded  on  the  portal  by  the  State  /  UT  Governments.   As  on  02.12.2021,  5491 applications have been uploaded on the portal out of which, 3049 applications have been  approved  by  District  Magistrates  after  due  process  and  483  applications  are pending for approval.

- (b)   :  Central  Adoption  Resource  Authority  (CARA)  does  not  maintain  information pertaining to the number of children adopted without the involvement of the CARA.

(c) to (e) : States and UTs have been requested to take immediate action for care and protection  of  children  adversely  impacted  by  COVID  19,  in  accordance  with  the provisions  of  the  Juvenile  Justice  (Care  and  Protection  of  Children)  Act,  2015  and Rules  thereunder,  while  leveraging  the  facilities  funded  under  the  Child  Protection Services scheme.  The Ministry also issued advisories and guidelines for encouraging COVID  appropriate  behaviour,  monitoring  of  Child  Care  Institutions  and  coping strategies  during  COVID  times  for  mental  health  support  to  children  and  care givers.  A responsibility matrix defining role of primary duty holders at all levels from State to Panchayati Raj Institutions was also shared with States/UTs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1037 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-03
Subject: Creche Facility
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Ashok Mahadeorao Nete, Sadashiv Kisan Lokhande

## Government of India Ministry of Women & Child Development

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1037

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.12.2021

## CRECHE FACILITY

## 1037.   SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE SHRI SADASHIV KISAN LOKHANDE

Will the Ministry of Women & Child Development be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of new creches set up during each of the last three years under Rajiv Gandhi  Creche Yojana, State/UT-wise and city-wise;
- (b) whether there is still no creche in Ministries/ Departments/autonomousorganisations and Public Sector Enterprises of Union Government;
- (c) if  so  whether  the  Government  has  issued  necessary  instructions  to  set  up creche for their women  employees in such institutions under Union Government  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  manner  in  which  the Government proposes to ensure its implementation by these institutions;
- (d) the number of such women working in unorganized sector of urban and   rural areas of the country for whose children creche facility is available as   on date; and
- (e) whether there is any proposal to convert Anganwadi Kendras into 'Day   Care cum Creche' and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)      The number of functional crèches in the country under the 'National Creche Scheme  for  Children  of  Working  Mothers'  of  the  Ministry  of  Women  and  Child Development during the last three years, that is, 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 was 18040,  8018  and  6458  respectively.  Crèches  have  not  been  functional  under  this scheme since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic for preventing spread of Covid19.
- (b) to (d) The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 requires every establishment having fifty or more employees to have the facility of crèche within a prescribed distance. The State Governments, who are the appropriate Government under the Maternity Benefit Act for establishments other than mines and circus, are required to frame rules for the purposes of the Act, including inter alia for prescribing amenities and facilities required to be provided in such creches, in light of which the Ministry of Labour and Employment has already requested all State Governments. Besides,  the  Department  of  Personnel  and  Training  (DoPT)  of  the  Government  of India, through its registered society for welfare of government employees and their family  dependents,  has  been  running  creches/  day  care  centres.   DoPT  has  also issued  guidelines  to  all  Ministries/  Departments  regarding  opening  of  creches/day care centres in office premises for women employees.
- (e)        Yes Sir.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1033 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-03
Subject: Indian Food Sharing Alliance
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Gowdar Mallikarjunappa Siddeshwara

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1033 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03 RD  DECEMBER 2021

## INDIAN FOOD SHARING ALLIANCE

## 1033.   SHRI GM. SEDDESHWAR:

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

- (a)  the  number  of  food  collection  organisations  that  are  operational  under  Indian  Food Sharing  Alliance (IFSA);
- (b) the number of volunteers working for the IFSA;
- (c) the number of people/households that received food under the initiative in the current financial year;
- (d) the number of beneficiaries of the initiative that live in rural areas as a percentage of the total beneficiaries; and
- (e)  whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  increase  the  scope  of  the  IFSA  to  include household donations?

## ANSWER

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

## (DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

- (a):  Food  Safety  and  Standards  Authority  of  India  (FSSAI)  has  informed  that  there  are  82 food collection organizations operational under Indian Food Sharing Alliance (IFSA). It is a platform  being  facilitated  by  FSSAI  to  encourage  distribution  of  surplus  food  under  Food Safety  and  Standards  (Recovery  and  Distribution  of  Surplus  Food)  Regulations,  2019  to prevent food wastage.
- (b) to (d): IFSA is a voluntary alliance. FSSAI does not maintain data of volunteers working for IFSA or the number of beneficiaries of this initiative.
- (e):  Only  Food  Business  Operators  and  Surplus  Food  Distribution  Agencies  collecting surplus food from the food businesses are covered in the scope of Food Safety and Standards (Recovery and Distribution of Surplus Food) Regulations, 2019. Household donations are not included under these Regulations.

……………………
Lok Sabha Question No. 1032 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-03
Subject: Awareness against Witch-hunting
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Pinaki Misra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UN-STARRED QUESTION NO.1032

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.12.2021

## AWARENESS AGAINST WITCH-HUNTING

## 1032.   SHRI PINAKI MISRA:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  plans  to  introduce  a  special  law  to  criminalize witch-hunting and related forms of violence;
- (b) if  so,  the  present  status  thereof  along  with  the  time  by  which  it  is  likely  to  be introduced;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Government has conducted any study to understand the underlying reasons of witch-hunt, if so, the details of  the respective study and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  raise  awareness  against  witch-hunting and superstition in India and particularly in Odisha?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (c):  Harassment,  torture,  murder  or  other  forms  of  violence  which  tend  to  get associated with the practice of witch-hunting are already punishable under the Indian Penal  Code  (IPC).  'Police'  and  'Public  Order'  are  State  subjects  under  the  Seventh Schedule to  the  Constitution  of  India.  The  responsibilities  to  maintain  law  and  order, protection of life and property of citizens, investigation and prosecution of crime against women,  including  for  witch  hunting  and  related  forms  of  violence,  rest  with  the respective  State  Governments.  The  State  Governments  are  competent  to  deal  with such offences under the extant provisions of laws.

(d) & (e): The National Commission for Women (NCW) has got a study conducted on 'Violence  against  Dalit  Women  in  Different  States  of  India'  which  also  included  the menace of witch-hunting. The Government takes into account the recommendations of NCW for strengthening the policies and programmes from time to time.

The Government is making concerted efforts for protection of women and girls and  advancing  their  rights  by  addressing  the  issue  of  safety  and  security  through various  schematic  and  legislative  interventions.  The  Government  and  its  associated organisations  such  as  NCW  also  undertake  awareness  campaigns  and  organize seminars, workshops etc. from time to time for raising awareness among masses on the issues relating to safety, security and empowerment of women and girls.

The  Government  of  Odisha  has  notified  'The  Odisha  Prevention  of  WitchHunting Act, 2013' with effect from 25.02.2014 and has undertaken IEC activities for creating social and legal awareness against witch-hunting with the help of anganwadi workers, self help groups, panchayati raj institutions etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1031 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-03
Subject: Flight Operations to Afghanistan
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Hibi Eden

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1031 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.12.2021

## FLIGHT OPERATIONS TO AFGHANISTAN

## 1031.    SHRI HIBI EDEN:

Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

- (a)   whether the Government had conducted flights from Afghanistan to India during the period of internal disturbances, free of cost, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the existing flights from Afghanistan to India are with any concession for the safety and security of Indian nationals and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has received number of petitions from Indian citizens residing in Afghanistan, if so, the details including the number of petitions received; and
- (d)  whether the Government is in constant touch with the representatives of Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities, if so, the details of the community-wise outreach in Afghanistan?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) to (d) The Government of India operated several special Indian Air Force and Air India flights under the 'Operation Devi Shakti' to evacuate stranded Indian and Afghan nationals   from Afghanistan, from 16 to 25 August 2021.

In   view   of   the   rapid   deterioration   in   the   security   situation   in Afghanistan, especially after 15 August 2021, a 24 x 7 Special Afghanistan Cell was set up in the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate repatriation and other requests from Afghanistan. In the month of August alone, the Special   Afghanistan   Cell   responded   to   3,436   telephone   calls,   9,581 Whatsapp messages and 4,569 emails. As a result, a total of 565 stranded people were evacuated under the 'Operation Devi Shakti'. A few Indians, who   had   contacted   the   Special   Afghanistan   Cell   and   desired   to   be evacuated, still remain stranded. The Special Afghanistan Cell is in touch with these Indians as well as the members of the Afghan Hindu-Sikh minority community.

***