opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3403 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-08-05
Subject: Trade Agreement
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Thirumaa Valavan Thol

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3403 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05/08/2022

## TRADE AGREEMENT

## 3403.  SHRI THIRUMAAVALAVAN THOL

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether   the   Government   proposes   to   enter   Bi-lateral   trade agreement with the Government of Afghanistan, especially in tapping the Lithium, which is abundantly available in Afghanistan;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is aware of the effect on extending ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan on security and economy of India; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the plan to check its negative effect on our security and economy?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

- (a) to (d) There is no proposal for such a bilateral trade agreement with Afghanistan.

The Government has seen reports regarding the proposed extension of   the   so-called   China-Pakistan   Economic   Corridor   (CPEC).   Any   such actions by any party directly infringe on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.   Such   activities   are   inherently   illegal,   illegitimate   and unacceptable, and will be treated accordingly by India.

India's position on CPEC has been clear and consistent. It passes through parts of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh which are under illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan and hence impinges on the issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.

Government has also conveyed to the Chinese side its concerns about their activities in areas illegally occupied by Pakistan in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and has asked them to cease these activities.

India is of firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be based on universally recognized international norms. It must follow the principles of openness, transparency and financial responsibility and must be pursued

in a manner that respects the sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of other nations. The Government continues to closely monitor the developments in Afghanistan,   including   the   evolving   security   situation   and   takes   all necessary measures to safeguard our national interest.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3402 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-08-05
Subject: Expansion of AB-PMJAY
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: K. Subbarayan, Balashowry Vallabbhaneni

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3402 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05 TH  AUGUST, 2022

## EXPANSION OF AB-PMJAY

## 3402.  SHRI SUBBARAYAN K: SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI:

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

- (a)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  Ayushman  Bharat  Pradhan  Mantri  Jan  Arogya  Yojana  (ABPMJAY) is proposed to be expanded to cover over 40 crores more people who are currently not covered under any government or private health insurance; and
- (b)  if so, the details thereof along with the changes that are proposed to be made in the premium and also the eligibility criteria to avail benefits under the Scheme?

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

(a) & (b): Under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) - a centrally  sponsored  scheme,  health  coverage  upto  Rs.  5  lakh  per  annum  per  beneficiary family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (approx. 50 crore beneficiaries) i.e. around bottom 40% population of the country is provided. It is the world's largest health protection scheme fully financed by the Government. The  scheme  is  designed  to  provide  financial  risk  protection  against  catastrophic  health expenditure. The scheme is implemented in insurance or trust or mixed mode as decided by State/UT.

PMJAY's beneficiary database is defined. States/UTs have the flexibility to add their own beneficiaries in alliance with AB-PMJAY. Accordingly, many States/UTs implementing ABPMJAY have expanded the beneficiary base to approximately 14.75 crore families (72 crore individuals).

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3399 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-08-05
Subject: Underwater Road-cum-Rail Tunnel
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Pradan Baruah, Pallab Lochan Das

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3399

TO BE ANSWERED ON 05 th  August, 2022

## UNDERWATER ROAD-CUM-RAIL TUNNEL

3399. SHRI PRADAN BARUAH: SHRI PALLAB LOCHAN DAS:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Border Roads Organisation, Railway Ministry and Road Transport Ministry are  planning  to  construct  country's  first  underwater  road-cum-rail  tunnel  project  across Brahmaputra river;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  the  strategic  road-cum-rail  tunnel  will  reduce  travel  time  between  Assam  and Arunachal Pradesh and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if so, the current status and estimated cost and completion date of the said project?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

(a) to (d):  The matter involves issues of strategic and sensitive nature. Disclosure of further details will not be in the interest of National Security.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3395 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-08-05
Subject: Bridge Course for Practitioner of AYUSH
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: K. Muraleedharan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.-3395 ANSWERED ON 05/08/2022

## BRIDGE COURSE FOR PRACTITIONER OF AYUSH

## 3395. SHRI K. MURALEEDHARAN:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal to evolve a bridge course for the practitioners of Ayurveda, Yunani, Sidha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) to enable them to practice modern medicine  since  Indian  Medical  Association  (IMA)  has  conveyed  its  refusal  and  strong opposition to Central Government for treating AYUSH doctors on par with MBBS doctors; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a)  to  (b): No  Sir,  at  present  there  is  no  such  proposal  to  evolve  a  bridge  course  for  the practitioners  of  Ayurveda,  Unani,  Sidha,  and  Homoeopathy  (AYUSH)  under consideration by this Ministry.

However,In order to have an interface with other systems of medicine with regard to education and medical practice, there is provision for having joint sittings amongst the three Commissions in the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, Act, 2020, the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020 and the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3391 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-08-05
Subject: Additional Rakes for Fertilizers
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Anubhav Mohanty

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

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3391 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 05.08.2022

## Additional Rakes for Fertilizers

## 3391. SHRI ANUBHAV MOHANTY:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the peak season for distribution of fertilizers to the farmers is from July to September of every year, if s0, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has made adequate   arrangements for  additional railway rakes to move the fertilizers timely across the country, if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether the Government is aware of the likely loss to the farmers in case of delayed supply of fertilizers to them, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has made any specific arrangements in this regard, if so, the details thereof along with the timeline and quantity of the same?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## (SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA)

- (a) & (b): Before the commencement of each cropping season; Department  of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), in consultation with all the State Governments , assesses the requirement of fertilizers After assessment of requirement; DA&FW projects month-wise requirement of fertilizers. On the basis of month-wise & State-wise   projection given by DA&FW, Department of Fertilizers allocates sufficientl adequate quantities of fertilizers to States by issuing monthly supply plan and continuously monitors the availability of fertilizers during the ongoing Kharif 2022 season have remained comfortable.
- (c): Yes Sir. Highest priority is being given to supply of rakes for fertilizer loading: As and when demands for  fertilizer loading are received, the same are met by Ministry of Railways by supplying adequate number of rakes.
- (d) The   availability of fertilizers the ongoing Kharif 2022 season have remained comfortable\_ Further; regular interactions with the state   governments , companies and railways have been established through web platformslcontrol room to address the any urgent demand of fertilizer in the particular state. The stake have been   sensitized to operate on maximum capacity to produce, load, and move the fertilizers to the targeted destinations. during
Lok Sabha Question No. 3390 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-08-05
Subject: Relation between India and Nepal
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Kirti Vardhan Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3390 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05/08/2022

## RELATION BETWEEN INDIA AND NEPAL

3390. SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether recently a high level delegation from India visited Nepal in May, 2022;

(b) If so, the details thereof including the details of agreements signed and proposals made for new projects in Nepal;

(c) whether the leaders of the two countries held discussion on issues related with sharing borders with China and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the present status of India's relations with Nepal in the wake of increasing influence of China in neighbouring countries?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a) to (b) Prime   Minister   Shri   Narendra   Modi   paid   an   official   visit   to Lumbini, Nepal on 16 May 2022, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Nepal,   Rt.   Hon'ble   Sher   Bahadur   Deuba. Both   the   Prime   Ministers discussed specific initiatives and ideas to further strengthen India-Nepal cooperation   in   various   sectors,   including   culture,   economy,   trade, connectivity,   energy   and development   partnership.   The   visit   provided further   momentum   to   the   multifaceted   partnership   between   the   two countries.  List of MoUs/Agreements concluded during the visit:

- (i) MoU between Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Lumbini Buddhist   University   on   the   establishment   of   Dr.   Ambedkar   Chair   for Buddhist Studies.
- (ii) MoU between Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and CNAS, Tribhuvan University on the establishment of ICCR Chair of Indian Studies.
- (iii) MoU between Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Kathmandu University (KU) on the establishment of the ICCR Chair of Indian Studies.

- (iv) MoU between Kathmandu University, Nepal and Indian Institute
- of T echnology Madras (IIT-M), India. (v) Letter   of   Agreement   (LoA)   between   Kathmandu   University, Nepal and Indian Institute of T echnology Madras (IIT-M), India for joint degree program at Master's level. (vi) Agreement between SJVN Ltd and Nepal Electricity Authority for development and implementation of Arun 4 Project. (c) to (d) India has age-old, multifaceted partnership with Nepal, which is

under-pinned by close people-to-people relations. Government remains fully committed to strengthening and deepening its multi-faceted bilateral partnership with the Government and people of Nepal for the mutual benefit and progress of both countries. India's close ties with Nepal stand firmly on their own. Government closely follows all developments having a bearing on India's national interests and takes all necessary measures to pursue and safeguard these.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3388 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-08-05
Subject: Urea Provided to Farmers
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Dipsinh Shankarsinh Rathod

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 0 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 05.08.2022

## Urea Provided to Farmers

## 3388. SHRI DIPSINH SHANKARSINH RATHOD:

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

- (a) whether the Government has any details about the Urea being provided to the farmers during the last five years; and
- (b) if s0, the details thereof, year-wise?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA)

(a) & (b): The detail of availability of Urea in the country during the last 05 financial years is as follows:

| Availability 0f Urea in the country   | Availability 0f Urea in the country   | (fig: in LMT)   |
|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------|
| S. No:                                | Financial Year                        | UREA            |
| 1                                     | 2017-18                               | 313.57          |
| 2                                     | 2018-19                               | 379.62          |
| 3                                     | 2019-20                               |                 |
| 4                                     | 2020-21                               | 406.49          |
| 5                                     | 2021-22                               | 389.68          |
Lok Sabha Question No. 3385 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-08-05
Subject: Defence Offset Obligations
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Kunwar Danish Ali

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3385

TO BE ANSWERED ON 05 th  August, 2022

## DEFENCE OFFSET OBLIGATIONS

## 3385. KUNWAR DANISH ALI:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that over the last fifteen years a large number of foreign companies  have  not  fully  implemented  their  defence  offset  obligations  within  the  original deadline set for their implementation in India;
- (b) if so, the total value of defence offset commitment that had to be implemented over the last fifteen years;
- (c) the percentage of the total defence offset commitment made during the said period that has been implemented so far;
- (d)  the  names  of  all  the  companies  that  have  missed  the  first  deadline  set  for  the implementation of their defence offset commitment;
- (e)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  seek  compliance  from  the  companies  that  have missed the original deadline to fully implement their defence offset commitment; and
- (f)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  that  foreign  companies  do  not  default  or delay implementation of their defence offset commitment in the future?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

- (a):  Yes, Sir.
- (b):  US $ 6.83 Billion till 01.08.2022
- (c):  During the last 15 years, offset claims worth 82.13% of the total offset commitment as mentioned in reply to part (b) have been submitted till 01.08.2022.
- (d):    Total  15  companies  have  missed  the  first  deadline  set  for  implementation  of  their defence offset commitment. Further details being strategic and sensitive in nature, cannot be disclosed.
- (e):    For  unfulfilled  offset  obligations,  penalty  as  applicable  has  been  imposed  on  the defaulting vendors as per the governing Defence Offset Guidelines.

Further, in genuine cases, re-phasing of offset obligations has been allowed to enable vendors to discharge the pending offset obligations.

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

- : 2 :
- (f):    The  following  steps  have  been  taken  by  the  Ministry  to  prevent  default  or  delay  in implementation of offset commitments by vendors: (i) For any shortfall against the committed offset obligations, penalty is imposed as per the applicable Defence Offset Guidelines. In genuine cases, re-phasing of the offset obligation may be allowed subject to
- (ii) certain stipulations for discharging additional offset obligations by the vendor.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3384 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-08-05
Subject: Stealth Fighter Jets
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Sunil Kumar Pintu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEFECNE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3384

TO BE ANSWERED ON 05 th  August, 2022

## STEALTH FIGHTER JETS

3384. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR PINTU:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to manufacture stealth fighter jet;
- (b) if so, whether the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator has recently been tested successfully by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO);
- (c) the time by which it is likely to be fully commissioned in the army;
- (d) the funds likely to be spent in developing the said technology; and
- (e) the position of India vis-a-vis other countries with regard to stealth fighter technology and the reasons for the country lagging behind in developing such technology?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

- (a)  to  (e):    Yes,  Sir.  The  autonomous  flying  wing  technology  demonstrator  has  been successfully  tested  by  DRDO.  Further,  desired  information  is  sensitive  in  nature  and  its disclosure is not in the interest of National Security.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3382 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-08-05
Subject: Procurement of Defence Equipment
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Ashok Kumar Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3382

TO BE ANSWERED ON 05 th  August, 2022

## PROCUREMENT OF DEFENCE EQUIPMENT

3382. SHRI ASHOK KUMAR RAWAT:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  a  number  of  proposals  related  to  procurement  of  defence  equipment  are  pending  for approval of the Government;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps being taken for early sanction of such proposals?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

- (a)  &  (b):    Proposals  for  capital  acquisition  are  progressed  through  a  detailed  process  that commences  with  Ten  years  Integrated  Capability  Development  Plan  (ICDP),  Five  Years Defence Capability Acquisition Plan (DCAP) and two year roll over Annual Acquisition Plan (AAP).  Approved  plans  are  followed  by  Acceptance  of  Necessity  (AoN)  accorded  by Services Procurement Board (SPB) chaired by CISC for cases upto Rs. 300 Crore, Defence Procurement Board (DPB) chaired by Defence Secretary for cases having value more than Rs. 300 Crore and upto Rs. 500 Crore and Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Raksha Mantri for cases beyond Rs. 500 Cr. Post accord of AoN, tendering and contracting is undertaken by the Services/Ministry of Defence as per the delegated financial powers. In the period 2020-21 to 2022-23 (till 30 th June, 2022), 59 AoNs amounting to Rs. 1,83,778.34 Cr. have  been  accorded  and  91  Contracts  amounting  to  Rs.  1,19,045.3  Crore  have  been concluded.
- (c):    Capital  acquisition  of  defence  equipment  is  carried  out  as  per  provisions  of  Defence Acquisition  Procedure  (DAP).  DAP-2020  lays  down  the  timelines  for  completion  of acquisition activities. Further, the activities are regularly monitored  so  as  to ensure finalization of proposals and conclusion of contracts expeditiously.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3370 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-08-05
Subject: Corbevax Vaccine as a Booster Dose
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3370 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05 th  AUGUST, 2022

## CORBEVAX VACCINE AS A BOOSTER DOSE

## 3370: SHRI KOMATI REDDY VENKAT REDDY:

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

- (a) whether the Drug Controller General of India has approved Biological E. Limited (BE)'s COVID-19 vaccine Corbevax as a COVID-19 booster dose along with other vaccines;
- (b) if so, the details along with the present status thereof;
- (c) whether the scientists of Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have reported a new class of artificial peptides or miniproteins (molecules), which will be effective against COVID-19 by rendering viruses inactive and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the researchers are planning to bring out antiviral drugs against COVID-19 and other diseases and also tests for applications in the field of oncology; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) & (b) : Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has granted no objection for  additional  indication  of  Covid-19  vaccine  i.e.  CORBEVAX  for  administration  as heterologous booster (third) dose to individuals aged ≥18 years to 80 years after 6 months of administration of primary vaccination (two doses) of COVAXIN  or COVISHIELD vaccine for conditional restricted use in emergency situation on 03.06.2022.
- (c) to (e): Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has informed that Scientists at IISc developed a new class of artificial, synthetic peptide inhibitors.

As  a  proof  of  concept,  they  designed  one  such  inhibitor  that  binds  to  the  receptor binding site of the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thus preventing infection both in the test tube and in a hamster animal model. In general, research on drugs that have been used for the treatment/management of COVID-19 are tested for repurposing in laboratory setting for other disease models including cancer.

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