opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3490 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: Inspection of De-addiction Centres
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Rajan Baburao  Vichare

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3490 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.08.2021

## INSPECTION OF DE-ADDICTION CENTRES

3490. SHRI RAJAN VICHARE:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has   conducted  surprise   inspection of de-addiction centres running in Maharashtra during financial year 2019-2020; period
- (6) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) ifnot; the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI A. NARAYANASWAMY)

- (a) to (c): As per  data available at e-Anudaan portal  (https:Ilgrants-msje-gov.in) of the Ministry, 65 Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs) were inspected during the financial year 2019-20 in Maharashtra by the State Government authorities and on their recommendation; funds had been released to the organizations by the Ministry.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3487 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: Agricultural Subsidy for Kutch Region
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Vinod Chavda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3487

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  AUGUST, 2021

## AGRICULTURAL SUBSIDY FOR KUTCH REGION

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to State: (a)  whether the Government  has any subsidy plan for the special  new plantation in the Kutch region for fruits like apple, dragon fruit, dates, mango, etc.; and

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR) (a) & (b): Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for the holistic development  of  horticulture  sector  covering  fruits  (including  apple,  dragon  fruit,  dates, mango), vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa in the country.  All States/UTs including Kutch region of Gujarat is covered under the scheme. Under  MIDH,  subsidy  @  40%  of  cost  is  provided  for  establishment  of  new  gardens  of fruits, hybrid vegetables, spices, aromatic plants and plantation crops limited to 4 ha. per beneficiary.  In  case  of  NE  and  Himalayan  States,  TSP  areas,  Andaman  &  Nicobar  and

Lakshadweep Islands, the subsidy is 50% of cost.

********

3487.  SHRI VINOD L. CHAVDA: (b) if so, the details thereof?
Lok Sabha Question No. 3485 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: Price of Generic Drugs
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Hemant Tukaram Godse

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3485 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  August, 2021

## Price of Generic Drugs

## 3485. SHRI HEMANT TUKARAM GODSE:

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

- (a) whether the Government has introduced generic drugs in the country;
- (b) if so, whether the prices of generic drugs are cheaper than other drugs available in the open market with the same composition;
- (c) the reasons behind the price variation of the same products;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to fix the price by 'one product-one price' method in the country; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

- (a):  Yes Sir. The generic medicines, along with branded ones, are available in the country, subject to compliance to provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules made thereunder. Central Drugs Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the State Drug Controllers grants necessary permissions in this regard.
- (b) & (c): Both generic and branded drugs are treated alike for fixation of ceiling price under provisions  of  the  Drugs  (Prices  Control)  Order  (DPCO).  As  per  provisions  of  DPCO,  all manufacturers of scheduled medicines (branded or generic) have to sell their products within the ceiling price fixed by the Government. As regards non-scheduled formulations, whether branded or generic, manufacturers are free to fix their Maximum Retail Price (MRP), but are not allowed to increase the price by more than 10 % per annum during what was prevailing in the preceding 12 months. While the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals fixes and monitor the prices of scheduled medicines, it monitors the same in case of non-scheduled medicines.
- (d) and (e): No such proposal is under consideration of the Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3483 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: Direct Subsidy Tranfer under PDS
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Saikia Dilip, Queen Oja, Ramesh Chander Kaushik

state!

## GOVERNMENT  OF I1{DIA

## MlNlsrRY  oF coNsuMER AFFA.RS, FooD &  puB..tc  DrsrRrBUTtoN DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 3483 TO BE AIT|SWERED ON  ,lorH  AucusT,2O2{

## DIRECT SUBSIDY TRANFER UNDER PDS

3483. SHRI DILIP SATKIA SHRIMATI QUEEN OJA:

SHR! RAMESH CHANDER KAUSHIK:

yuill  the Minister  of  coNsuMER  AFFAIRS,  FooD A1{D puBltc DrsrRrBUTrOil sCstfdr err&, ur<-a sit{  Trffi6 fffrur d,+ be preased  to

- (a) whether the Govemment  proposes  to launch any scheme to t.nsfer the subsidy direcfly in the accounts of the beneficiaries provided  under pubrac distribution  system (pDS);
- (b) if sor the detaits  thereof and the benefits rikety  to be achieved;
- (c) whether any directions have been issued to the states in this regard; and
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY  OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT  AND coNsuMER AFFAIRS, FOOD &  puBt.tc  D|STR|BUTION

(sADHVt  NTRANJAN JYOTI )

(a)&(b): The scheme of cash transfer of food subsidy is already under implementation  since 2O{5 as per provisions  of the Cash Transfer of Food Subsidy Rules, 2O{5, notified on 21.Oa.2O15 under the l{ationat Food Security Act, 20{3 (NFSA)  which inter atia provides  cash food subsidy directly into the bank accounts of entitled households in lieu of foodgraans. The scheme can be taken up in identified  areas, subiect  to fulfillment  of certain conditions  on the level of preparedness  of the state/ union Territory  for its imprementation. ldentified area is defined under  the Rures as state or Union Territory or any specified area within the state or union Territory  for which there is a written consent of the state Government for imprementation  of the scheme.  The states/Union Territories can either opt to implement the cash transfer of food subsidy scheme or distribute foodgrains  as per provisions  of NFSA through the network of fair price shops. Thus, the Gash rransfer  scheme is optionat for the states/  Union Territories.  currenfly, the cash transfer scheme  is operationar in three Union Territo:ies viz' Ghandigarh,  puducherry  and urban areas  of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

(c)&(d)r As per the Gash Transfer of Food Subsidy Rules, 2O{5, the scheme is optional for the states/Union  Territories.  The Gash rransfer  of Food subsidy Rules, 2o{s have been circutated to all the states/union Territories.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3482 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: Creation of New Ministry
Ministry: COOPERATION
Asked by: Prajwal Revanna

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COOPERATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 3482

ANSWERED ON 10 TH  AUGUST, 2021

## CREATION OF NEW MINISTRY

3482.   SHRI  PRAJWAL REVANNA:

Will the Minister of Cooperation सहकारता मंी be pleased to State:

- a)  whether the government is aware about the concerns of Indian States regarding the creation of the new Ministry of Cooperation
- b) the  reasons  for  creating  the  above  mentioned  Ministry  along  with  the  details thereof; and
- c) whether the Government is encroaching upon the State list subject cooperation without the consultation of States and if so, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COOPERATION (SHRI AMIT SHAH)

## सहकारता मंी

- (a) & (b): Ministries/Departments are reorganized/merged/created keeping in view the  functional  requirements  of  the  Government  and  to  maximize  its  administrative efficiency.    Functions allocated to the Ministry of Cooperation as per the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 are at Annexure-I.
- (c):      No Sir.

## Annexure -I

- i) General  Policy  in  the  field  of  Co-operation  and  Co-ordination  of  Cooperation activities in all sectors
2. Note:- The Ministries concerned are responsible for Co-operatives in the fields.
3. ii) Realization of vision' from cooperation to prosperity'
4. iii) Strengthening of cooperative movement in the country and deepening its reach up to the grassroots.
5. iv) Promotion of cooperative-based economic development model, including the spirit of responsibility among its members to develop the country.
- v) Creation  of  appropriate  policy,  legal  and  institutional  framework  to  help cooperatives realize their potential.
7. vi) Matters relating to National Co-operative organization
8. vii) National Co-operative Development Corporation
9. viii) Incorporation,  regulation  and  winding  up  of  Co-operative  societies  with objects  not  confined  to  one  State  including  administration  of  'the  MultiState Co-operative Societies Act,2002( 39 of 2002)': Provided  that  the  administrative  Ministry  or  Department  shall  be  'the State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002(39 of 2002), for Co-operative units

Central Government' for the purpose of exercising powers under the Multifunctioning under its control.

- ix) Training of personnel of co-operative departments and co-operative institutions  (including  education  of  members,  office  bearers  and  nonofficials).
Lok Sabha Question No. 3479 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: Soil Testing Laboratories
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Krishna Pal Singh Yadav

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3479

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH      AUGUST, 2021

## SOIL TESTING LABORATORIES

- 3479 . DR. KRISHNA PAL SINGH YADAV: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state: (a) whether soil testing laboratories are proving to be beneficial in good harvest for farmers;
- (b) if so, whether the Government proposes to set up soil testing laboratories at block level/panchayat committee level; and
- (c) If not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी ( SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR )

- (a):     Soil testing laboratories have an important role in analyzing soil samples.  The results  of  soil  sample  analysis  are  used  in  Soil  Health  Card  to  provide  farmers  with nutrient status of their soil along with prescription about balanced and integrated use of inorganic and organic fertilizers to maintain soil fertility and its productivity.
- (b)    &  (c):        At  present  there  is  no  proposal  to  set  up  soil  testing  laboratories  at block/panchayat level  as soil  testing laboratories are sanctioned  based  on demand of states.  Since 2015, in all 11531 laboratories have been sanctioned to states including 491 static labs, 107 mobile labs, 8811 mini labs and 2122 village level labs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3474 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: DBT Scheme
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shivkumar Chanabasappa Udasi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NOJ

## DBT Scheme

## 3474. SHRI SHIVAKUMAR C. UDASI:

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

- (a) whether the Government has constituted any Chintan Shivir Working Group on Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to farmers, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has taken a final decision for the implementation of direct cash transfer of fertilizer subsidy to farmers and if so. the details thereof; and
- (b) whether Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) to farmers has been under consideration at various forums of the Government and if sO\_ the details thereof;
- (d) the funds allocated in the year 2021-22 over and above the amount budgeted for the year for fertilizer subsidy?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE AND CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)

- (a): Yes, Sir. Department of Fertilizers constituted Working Group for Chintan Shivir for Direct Benefit  Transfer to farmer  (Direct Fertilizer  Subsidy transfer to farmers account instead of an industry) under the   chairmanship of Hon'ble Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers. The Working Group-V was tasked to examine the feasibility of introducing a direct fertilizer   subsidy transfer to farmers, suggest methods to safeguard against huge price rise and Unavailability of fertilizers , criteria of selection of farmers and their entitlement; criteria for determining the amount of subsidy to be transferred to farmers' accounts,  periodicity of   subsidy transfer, any method to safeguard against negative effect on fertilizer industry anc' actual mechanism of fund transfer.
- (b): Vide notification dated 04.05.2020, Department of Fertilizers has constituted Working Group for Chintan Shivir for Direct Benefit Transfer to farmer (Direct Fertilizer Subsidy to farmers account instead of an industry) under the chairmansrip of Hon'ble Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers.
- (c): Sir . No,
- (d): An additional amount of Rs 14,775 Cr has been announced as subsidy for DAP & NPK fertilisers under NBS scheme upto 31.10.2021 for ihe year 2021-22 over and above the amount budgeted for the year for fertilizer subsidy.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3473 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: PMGKAY in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

## M|NISTRY  OF GONSUIvTER  AFFAIRS,  FOOD &  pUBLtc  DtSTRtBUTtOt{

## GOVERI{MENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIG DISTRIBUTIOI{

. LOKSABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3473 TO BE AISWERED  ON {Om AUGUST, 2O2{

## PMGKAY IN ANDHRA PRADESH

## 3473. SHRI LAVUI SRI KRISHNA DEVARAYALU:

Will the Minister of  GOI{SUMER  AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIG DISTRTBUTION  rctN'lffir arr*, ur<.t  rtr  grdafu6,  fuf{ur  d* be pteased  to state:

- (a) whether there is any amount due from the Government of lndia to Andhra Pradesh regarding  rice subsidy, it so, the details thereof;
- (bl
- whether there is any amount pending  from the Government of lndia to Andhra Pradesh regarding Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yoiana (PMGKAY);
- (c) if so, the details thereofl and
- (d) the Government timeline to transfer these dues?

## AHSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND GONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLTC D|STRIBUTION (sADHVt  NTRANJAN JYOT|)

(a) to (d):  Admissible  amount of Provisional/Advance food subsldy is reteased to  Decentralized Procurement (DGP) States such as Andhra Pradesh, based on their quaier-wise claims.

An admissible  amount ol Rs.8424.72  Grore and Rs. 3303.39 Crore has already been released  in  FY 2O2O-21 and FY 2021-22 (til! Juty'2i) respectivety to Andhra Pradesh as provisional and advance food subsidy including their claims of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yolana (PIIIGKAY), details of which are annexed.

la+*

ANNEXURE  REFERRED  TO tN REpLy TO PART (a) To (d) OF THE UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO.3473 FOR ANSWER ON {O.8.2O2' tN THE LOK SABHA.

## Subsidy released durrnq Financia! Year 2O2O-21 fincludinq PMGKAY)

| sl. No.   | Date        | Amount (Rs. ln Grore)   |
|-----------|-------------|-------------------------|
| 1         | o1.05.2020  | 1345.91                 |
| 2         | 08.os.2020  | 293.00                  |
| 3         | 25.06.2020  | 879.38                  |
| 4.        | 27.O7.2020  | 771.43                  |
| 5.        | 24.OA.20.20 | 5{2.36                  |
| 6         | 25.O9.2020  | 304.59                  |
| 7.        | 23.10.2020  | 86.70                   |
| 8.        | o5.o1.2021  | 17A.77                  |
| 9.        | 24.02.2021  | 1210.47                 |
| to.       | 09.o3.2021  | 1527.50                 |
| 11.       | 1A.O3.2021  | 1314.61                 |
| Total     | Total       | 4424.72                 |

## Subs released durinq Financial r 2o21-22  (in cludinq PMGKAY)

| st. No.   | Datp         |   Amount (Rs. In Grore) |
|-----------|--------------|-------------------------|
| 1         | 25.06.2021   |                  686.47 |
| 2.        | ',26.O7.2021 |                 2616.92 |
| Total     | Total        |                 3303.39 |
Lok Sabha Question No. 3471 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: Upgrading Skills of Children with Disability
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Sarmistha Sethi

## COVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWRERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILTIES (DIVYANGJAN) LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3471 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.08.2021

Upgrading Skills of Children with Disability

## 3471. SHRIMATI SARMISTHA SETHI:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has conducted any reviewlassessment regarding skill
- requirement of children with disability:
- (b) if so, the percentage of such children in the country: and
- (c) the   steps the   Government t0 upgrade  skills of' the children with disabilities? being

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

- requirement of children with disability.
- (0) The Department implements the National Action Plan (NAP) for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) which was launched in March, 2015. It is a central sector scheme implemented across the country PwDs between the agc group of 15-59 years of age are provided   training under the scheme   through   empanelled (ETPs) comprising Government and Non-Govt. Organizations(NGOs) as Well as organizations of the Department such as National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation/National Institutes/Composite Regional Centres spread across the country. So far funds to the tune of Rs.  125.6 Crores have been  released for the Skill scheme. training training

The Department also started the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) from March. 2021 under this scheme under which the PwDs already engaged in gainful employment  without formal skill training or edueation for the Same shall be benelitted: Under this component, persons with disabilities engaged in employment (including self-employment) without formal will be provided certificates of proficiency in their respective fields after assessment of their skill levels through a 20 hours Orientation Programme or upgradation of their skills through courses aS per requirement. training bridge

## (SUSHRI PRATIMA BHOUMIK)
Lok Sabha Question No. 3470 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: Rashtriya Kamadhenu Aayog
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: Abdul Majeed Ariff

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3470 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH AUGUST, 2021

## RASHTRIYA KAMADHENU AAYOG

3470.   ADV. A. M. ARIFF

## Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING

## मत्स्यपाऱन , पशुपाऱन और डेयरी मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that theConstitution of India casts upon every citizen a duty todevelop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit ofinquiry and reform under Article 51A;
- (b) if so, whether the Government will take stringentaction against spreading unscientific and irrational factsin the name of Rashtriya Kamadhenu Aayog (RKA)against the Constitutional mandate;
- (c) whether the Government will consider reviewingthe unscientific and irrational contents in the website ofRashtriya Kamadhenu Aayog; and
- (d) whether the Government will consider preventingthe RKA from conducting 'Kamadhenu Gau VigyanPrachar-Prasar Examination' as it would result in thespread of unscientific and irrational information in thecountry?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

- (a).     Yes, sir.
- (b) to (d) The website of the Aayog has already been reviewed and unscientific content has  been  removed.    No  KamadhenuGau  Vigyan  Prachar-Prasar  examination  has  been conducted by Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3468 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: Microplastics in Agricultural Produce
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Amar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3468

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 th  AUGUST, 2021

## MICROPLASTICS IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE

3468. DR.  AMAR SINGH :

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  believes  that  agricultural  soils  can  hold  more  microplastics than ocean basins;
- (b) whether the Government has conducted studies to analyze the presence of microplastics in agriculture produce;
- (c) if so, the details thereof including the sources of microplastics;
- (d) the  actions  taken  by  the  Government  thereon  to  prevent  microplastics  from  entering agricultural land; and
- (e) the measures introduced by the Government to protect agricultural land  from plastic pollution?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष और कसान कयाण मंी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a) to (e): So far, no such instance of microplastics in fertilisers   and pesticides has come to  the  knowledge  of  the  government.  Further,  no  such  study  is  conducted  on  presence  of microplastics in Agriculture . However, all fertilisers are generally registered under Fertiliser Control  Order  (FCO)  after  thorough  assessment  of  its  nutrient  status,      bio  efficacy, permissible limits of impurities and their biodegradability. Similarly, pesticides are registered on pre-defined chemical composition, which is duly verified through pre-registration verification  process  before  granting  the  registration  to  the  particular  pesticide.  Till  date  no pesticide  has  been  registered  with  micro  plastic  as  its  constituent  at  the  Secretariat  of CIB&RC. Periodic quality testing of fertilisers and pesticides is done by regulatory agencies at central and state level to ensure that prescribed norms are adhered to.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3465 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-10
Subject: Pension to Widows
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Kamlesh  Paswan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3465

ANSWERED ON 10/08/2021

## PENSION TO WIDOWS

## 3465.   SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to expand it's pension net to include younger widows, single and divorced women, dalit and tribal senior citizens and all disabled people;
- (b) whether there have been recommendations to universalise pension to include all non-BPL senior citizens; and
- (c) if so, whether the Government plans to implement the same?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

(a)  to  (c):    No  proposal  for  expansion  of  the  current  National  Social  Assistance  Programme (NSAP) is under consideration of the Government.

******