opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1433 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Vaccine Passports
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Ranjeetsingh Naik Nimbalkar, Sunil Kumar Singh, Arjunlal Meena, P.P. Chaudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1433 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## VACCINE PASSPORTS

## 1433. SHRI RANJEETSINGH HINDURAO NAIK NIMBALKAR:

## SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:

## SHRI ARJUN LAL MEENA:

## SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government plans to introduce vaccine passports to bring ease of travel to and from foreign destinations;
- (b) if so, the details of the personal information which would be included in the digital vaccine passport;
- (c) whether   the   Government   is   planning   to   collaborate   with   other countries to bring out an interoperable passport and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether   the   Government   has   started   negotiating   with   foreign countries   and   other   international   organizations   for   vaccine passports; and
- (e) if   so,   the   details   of   the   Countries/Organizations   with   which   the Government has initiated talks ?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) to (e) There is no plan to introduce vaccine passport.   While there have been multilateral discussions,   including   under   the   framework   of International   Civil   Aviation   Organization   (ICAO),   regarding   COVID-19 vaccination certificates, no multilateral arrangements in this regard have been reached so far.  India has been part of ongoing discussions to ensure that Indian manufactured vaccines are duly recognised in any multilateral arrangement.  India is also engaging with countries for mutual recognition of vaccination certificates.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1432 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Wi-Fi at Stations by Railtel
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dileshwar Kamait, Geeta Kora

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1432 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## WI-FI AT STATIONS BY RAILTEL

†1432. SHRI DILESHWAR KAMAIT: SHRIMATI GEETA KORA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  RailTel  is  transforming  railway  stations  into  digital hubs;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether RailTel proposes to provide free wi-fi facilities at more number of railway stations across the country; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) & (b) Yes, Sir.  RailTel, a Public Sector Undertaking of Ministry of Railways is providing Wi-Fi services at Railway Stations.  So far, WiFi facility has been provided at 6045 stations.  Zone-wise details are appended.

- (c) & (d) Indian Railways have decided to provide Wi-Fi facility at all stations except halt stations.

Provision of Wi-Fi at balance stations is in progress  and is dependent upon the availability of Infrastructure like Optical Fibre Cable at these stations.  Out of these, 55 stations are targeted for completion in this financial year.

*****

APPENDIX  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  AND  (b)  OF UNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO.1432  BY  SHRI  DILESHWAR  KAMAIT AND SHRIMATI GEETA KORA TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 28.07.2021 REGARDING WI-FI AT STATIONS BY RAILTEL

## (a)  and  (b)  Zone-wise  detail  of  Railway  Stations  where  Wi-Fi  is commissioned:

| Zonal Railway      |   Total Stations |
|--------------------|------------------|
| Eastern            |              350 |
| East Central       |              400 |
| East Coast         |              254 |
| Northeast Frontier |              380 |
| South Eastern      |              248 |
| South East Central |              202 |
| Metro Kolkata      |               33 |
| Northern           |              572 |
| North Eastern      |              294 |
| North Central      |              286 |
| North Western      |              418 |
| South Central      |              587 |
| Southern           |              542 |
| South Western      |              308 |
| Central            |              373 |
| West Central       |              271 |
| Western            |              468 |
| Konkan (KRCL)      |               59 |
| Total              |             6045 |

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1429 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Green Pass
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. T. Sumathy (a) Thamizhachi Thangapandian

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1429 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## GREEN PASS

## 1429. DR. T. SUMATHY (a) THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Union Government had conveyed to the EU Member States that it will adopt a policy of reciprocity and exempt European Nationals holding the 'Green Pass' from mandatory quarantine in the country;
- (b) if   so,   the   details  thereof and the list of foreign countries and EU Member   States   which   so   far   is   not   recognizing   Covaxin   and Covishield vaccines;
- (c) the effective steps taken by the Government to stop Covid variants percolating into the country through foreign nationals and travellers from abroad;
- (d) whether   the   Government   is   keeping   its   medical   fraternity, infrastructure and machineries ready to combat in case of any third wave; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the effective precautionary measures taken by the Government to face such tough situation?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) In view of the decision of the European Union on Green Pass, the Government has conveyed to the EU Member States about its policy of reciprocity   on   recognition   of   vaccination   certificates   for   ease   of   travel restrictions.

(b) So far  17 EU Member States (Austria, France, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia,   Finland,   Germany,   Greece,   Hungary,   Iceland,   Ireland,   Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden)  and  Switzerland have recognized Covishield as a vaccine for ease of travel restrictions. Estonia also recognized Covaxin for the same.

(c) Guidelines   issued   by   Ministry   of   Health   &   Family   Welfare   for international arrivals are available at the link https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesforinternationalarrivals17022021. pdf

(d) & (e) Various guidelines issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare are available at the links https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/PostersonvaccinationofpregnantwomenEngli sh.pdf

https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/CounsellingbookletforFLWsEnglish.pdf https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/OperationalGuidanceforCOVID19vaccination ofPregnantWoman.pdf

https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/YouthGuidebookonCAB&VaccinationEnglish. pdf https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforManagementofCOVID19inCHIL DREN18June2021final.pdf

https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesonOperationalizationofCoVIDCare ServicesforChildrenandAdolescents14062021.pdf

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1427 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Wi-Fi at Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Prabhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1427 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## WI-FI AT STATIONS

## †1427. SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) the  number  of  railway  stations  in  the  country  where  free  Wi-Fi facility is being provided to the passengers at present in the entire country; and

(b) the number of railway stations where passengers are not getting the  said  facility  along  with  the  time  by  which  the  said  facility  is likely to be provided in all the stations of the country and the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  As  on  22.07.2021,  Wi-Fi  facility  has  been  provided  at  6045 stations on Indian Railways. Zone-wise detail is appended.

(b)  Indian  Railways  have  decided  to  provide  Wi-Fi  facility  at  all stations except halt stations.

Provision of Wi-Fi at balance stations is in progress  and is dependent upon the availability of Infrastructure like Optical Fibre Cable at these stations.  Out of these, 55 stations are targeted for completion in this financial year.

*****

APPENDIX  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PART  (a)  OF  UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO.1427  BY  SHRI  PARBHUBHAI  NAGARBHAI  VASAVA TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 28.07.2021 REGARDING WI-FI AT STATIONS

## (a) Zone-wise detail of Railway Stations where Wi-Fi is commissioned:

| Zonal Railway      |   Total Stations |
|--------------------|------------------|
| Eastern            |              350 |
| East Central       |              400 |
| East Coast         |              254 |
| Northeast Frontier |              380 |
| South Eastern      |              248 |
| South East Central |              202 |
| Metro Kolkata      |               33 |
| Northern           |              572 |
| North Eastern      |              294 |
| North Central      |              286 |
| North Western      |              418 |
| South Central      |              587 |
| Southern           |              542 |
| South Western      |              308 |
| Central            |              373 |
| West Central       |              271 |
| Western            |              468 |
| Konkan (KRCL)      |               59 |
| Total              |             6045 |

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1424 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Dams by China
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Manish Tewari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1424 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## DAMS BY CHINA

## 1424. SHRI MANISH TEWARI:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether India is aware that there are now multiple operational dams by China in the Yarlung Tsangpo basin and has ambitious plans with more dams commissioned and under construction and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Ministry has taken up with China, the severe economic costs of these projects, considering that it ecologically affects one of the most sensitive zones and such projects will lead to massive degradation of the entire basin and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether damming this perennial river not pose a geopolitical threat as there is the potential to significantly change the flow rate during times   of   standoffs   and   high   tensions   where   close   to   a   million people live; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the steps the Government is planning to take against the ambitious dam construction projects?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) to (d) Government carefully monitors all developments relating to the Brahmaputra river, including plans by China to develop hydropower projects.

A hydropower project at Zangmu was declared fully operational in October 2015.

In its 12 th  Five Year Plan for the period 2011-2015, China planned to develop   three   more   hydropower   projects   on   the   main   stream   of Brahmaputra River in Tibet Autonomous Region. Of the three, the first unit of the hydropower project at Jiacha was operationalised in August 2020.

Further, in March 2021, China adopted its 14 th  Five Year Plan which mentions plans for hydropower development on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra river.

As a lower riparian state, with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, Government have consistently conveyed our views and concerns to the Chinese authorities. Government have urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas. The Chinese side has conveyed to us on several occasions that they are only undertaking runof-the-river hydropower projects, which do not involve diversion of the waters of the Brahmaputra.

Various   issues   relating   to   trans-border   rivers   are   discussed   with China under the ambit of the institutionalized expert-level mechanism as well as through diplomatic channels. We intend to remain engaged with China on the issue of trans-border rivers to safeguard our interests.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1423 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: KNPP
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: P. Ravindhranath

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1423 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## KNPP

1423.  SHRI P RAVINDHRANATH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the  current  status  of  setting  up  of  proposed  5th  unit  of  Kudankulam  Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in the State of Tamil Nadu; and
- (b) the details of CSR activity which the Department has started/planning to start in and around Kudankulam village, or nearby district in the State of Tamil Nadu?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  PERSONNEL,  PUBLIC  GRIEVANCES  & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) The  construction  of  the  Units  5&6  of  Kudankulam  Nuclear  Power  Project (KKNPP 5&6) commenced with  the  placement  of  the  First  Pour  of  Concrete (FPC) on  June 29, 2021.
- (b) Nuclear  Power  Corporation  of  India  Limited  (NPCIL)  has  been  carrying  out CSR  activities  in  the  vicinity  of  KKNPP  site  in  the  areas  of  healthcare, education & skill development, sanitation, infrastructure and sustainable development. NPCIL is also carrying out CSR activities around Madras Atomic Power  Station  (MAPS)  at  Kalpakkam  in  Chengalpattu  district.  In  addition, NPCIL has also undertaken CSR activities in the identified aspirational districts of Virudhunagar & Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1422 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Production of Nuclear Medicines
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Pradeep Kumar Singh, Shivkumar Chanabasappa Udasi, Sudhakar Tukaram Shrangre

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1422

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## PRODUCTION OF NUCLEAR MEDICINES

1422.   SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH: SHRI SHIVAKUMAR C. UDASI:

SHRI SUDHAKAR TUKARAM SHRANGARE:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has evolved a design of Research Reactor for production of nuclear medicines;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to make India self reliant in key radio isotopes used in medical and industrial applications?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) Yes, Sir.
- (b) Bhabha  Atomic  Research  Centre  (BARC)  has  finalised  the  design  of  a  Research Reactor for production of radioisotopes for nuclear medicines. The Research Reactor & associated facilities are envisaged to be built under Public Private Partnership. In this partnership, Government, through the Department of Atomic Energy, proposes to extend support to the investors for processing and production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals both for diagnosis and therapy of cancer as well as functional evaluation of organs. The proposed reactor would be one of the largest in the world in  terms  of  volume  of  radioisotopes  that  can  be  produced  both  for  medical  and industrial purpose. This ensures that it meets the country's demand and also offers potential for export.
- (c) The 30MeV Medical Cyclotron at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata is operational for regular production of radioisotopes, like Fluorine-18 (FDG), used for the  diagnosis  of  cancer.  Other  radioisotopes  like  Gallium-67,  Gallium-68,  and Thallium-201  have  been  already  produced  on  experimental  basis  and  commercial production will start soon.

Efforts have been made to make India self-reliant by production and supply of 18FFDG ([18F]-Fluoro deoxy glucose) and 18F-NaF ([18F] - Sodium fluoride) to different hospitals.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1419 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Disinvestment in Coal Sector
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Dibyendu Adhikari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1419 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2021

## Disinvestment in Coal Sector

## 1419.  SHRI DIBYENDU ADHIKARI:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- a) whether the  Government has identified coal mine projects and/or collieries for disinvestment purposes;
- b)   if so, reports of the expert committee and the proposal details of the Government and the reaction from different PSUs and federations therein; and
- c)   the detail of reserves of coal in such areas and FDI on commercial mining licences with regulatory authority given to private companies and MoU signed thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COAL, MINES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

- (a) Government  has  not  identified  any  coal  mine  projects  and/or  collieries  for disinvestment purpose.
- (b & c ) Does not arise in view of (a) above.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1418 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Universal Periodic Review
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: M. Selvaraj, A. Chellakumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1418 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.21

## UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW

## 1418. SHRI M. SELVARAJ:

## DR. A. CHALLAKUMAR:

## Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :

- (a) whether India will submit a mid-term report to the United Nations Human   Rights   Council   on   the   status   of implementation   of   recommendations   received   during   its third Universal Periodic Review (UPR);
- (b) if   so,   the   details   thereof   including   the   timeline   for   such submission, and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)     whether   civil   society   will   be   included   in   the   process   of implementation   and   monitoring   of   UPR   recommendations and the preparation of the Government's next report for India's fourth UPR; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reason therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) States   and   other   stakeholders   can,   on   a   voluntary   basis, submit   mid-term   reports   to   the   Human   Rights   Council   in   respect   of recommendations received during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This is not a mandatory requirement. In the case of India, the National Human Rights Commission has already submitted a mid-term report in May 2020 on the status of implementation of recommendations received during India's third UPR.

- (c) & (d) India   believes   in   using   the   UPR   national   report   drafting process as an opportunity to receive feedback on its laws and policies for advancing human rights. For this reason, India followed a broad-based consultative process in drafting the national report for the third cycle of the UPR that was submitted in 2017. During the drafting process, a series of national-level consultations were held with civil society representatives, national human rights institutions, line Ministries and academicians to aid in the identification of issues, achievements, challenges and constraints. A

similar approach is likely to be followed in drafting the report for India's fourth Universal periodic Review (UPR).

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1417 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: ICMED Plus Scheme
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor, Midhun Reddy, T.R.V.S. Ramesh, M V V Satyanarayana, Sanjeev Kumar Singari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1417. TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 28 TH  JULY, 2021.

## ICMED PLUS SCHEME

## 1417.  SHRI JASWANT SINGH BHABHOR:

SHRI P.V. MIDHUN REDDY:

SHRI T.R.V.S. RAMESH:

SHRI M.V.V. SATYANARAYANA:

DR. SANJEEV KUMAR SINGARI:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:

## वाणिज्य  एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a) whether the Quality Council of India (QCI) has recently launched the Indian Certification of Medical Devices (ICMED) Plus Scheme;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  ICMED  13485  PLUS,  will  undertake  verification  of  the  quality, safety and efficacy of medical devices and if so, the additional features of this new scheme with respect to the previous scheme;
- (d) whether  the  new  scheme  would  assist  the  procurement  agencies  to  tackle challenges relating to the menace of counterfeit products and fake certification; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य  एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री सोम प्रकाश) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI SOM PARKASH)

- (a): Yes Sir.
- (b): Quality Council of India (QCI) jointly with Association of Indian Manufacturers of Medical Devices (AIMED) launched a voluntary certification scheme titled as 'Indian Certification of Medical Devices (ICMED) Plus' in June 2021. The scheme is meant to significantly eliminate trading of sub-standard products or devices.  The  criteria  for  certification  under  the  scheme  are  in  line  with  the internationally accepted mechanism of certification for Medical Devices.
- (c): The Scheme is aimed to help in verification of the quality and safety  of the Medical  Devices.  The ICMED  Plus  Scheme is  an  upgraded  version  of ICMED Scheme. In addition to process certification, this scheme also takes care of product quality and product certification. It has a feature of performance verification of medical devices including biocompatibility, biological Safety, software verification and validation, animal studies, shelf life, etc.  This  initiative  is  aimed  to  equip  the  Indian  manufacturers  to  upgrade themselves  for  meeting  the  international  requirements of the importing countries.
- (d): This Scheme is aimed to assist the public procurement agencies with  verified certification data.
- (e): The Scheme is aimed to be operated through accredited certification bodies in India who have competence to check both the process and product (medical devices)  before  grant  of  certification. The  scheme  will  be  governed  by  QCI and its Boards. A national register of certified products will be available for the procurement  agencies,  which  is  aimed  to  help  traceability  of  all  certificates issued under this Scheme.

*******