opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 680 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: Fees on e-Passports
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Sajda Ahmed, Sunita Duggal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.680 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.02.2022

## FEES ON E-PASSPORTS

## 680.    SHRIMATI SAJDA AHMED:

## SHRIMATI SUNITA DUGGAL:

Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is planning to introduce e-Passport for the existing and new applicants and if so, the details thereof ;
- (b) whether the said facility  would  be  available  at   all   the   passport centres, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the existing Passport holders will have to reapply for epassports if so, the process thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has assessed the risk on sovereignty and security for the same, if so, the outcome thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government proposes to levy zero fees for passport services and if so, the details thereof ?

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

(a) The Government is planning to issue e-Passports to its citizens, with advanced   security   features.   An   e-Passport   is   similar   to   the   current Machine Readable Passport (MRP), with the addition of an electronic chip, which contains the personal information that  is printed on the passport's data page.

The personal data of the applicant would be digitally signed and stored in the chip.

(b) The said facility would be made available at all Passport Offices across India and Indian Missions/Posts abroad, in a phased manner.

(c) The current Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) would continue to be valid for travel, even after the introduction of e-Passports. Once the

validity of the MRP expires, the applicant would be re-issued an e-passport on application. Hence, there would be a period when both MRPs and ePassports would be in use till the validity of all MRPs expires.

(d) The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a specialized agency   of   the   United   Nations,   which   defines   the   standards   for international travel documents, has recommended the introduction of ePassports by member countries. Accordingly, a large number of countries have introduced e-Passports. In India too, it is planned to introduce ePassports at the earliest.

An effective   data   security   mechanism   already   exists   under   the Passport Seva Project. The introduction of e-Passports does not envisage any deviation   from   established   practice.   Concerned   Departments   and institutions in India have had consultations to define the parameters for its introduction to Indian citizens with advanced security features and data sovereignty.

(e) No.

***

2
Lok Sabha Question No. 679 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: Implementation of Programmes for Women and Children
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shivkumar Chanabasappa Udasi, Sunil Kumar Singh, Pradeep Kumar Singh, Ranjeetsingh Naik Nimbalkar, Devji Mansingram Patel, Sumedhanand Saraswati, Sudhakar Tukaram Shrangre

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.679

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.02.2022

## IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMMES FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN

679.     SHRI SHIVAKUMAR C. UDASI:

SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:

SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH:

SHRI RANJEETSINGH HINDURAO NAIK NIMBALKAR:

SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL:

SHRI SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI:

SHRI SUDHAKAR TUKARAM SHRANGARE:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  in  the  process  of  formulating  a  National  plan  for better implementation of all the Central and State policies and programmes for women and children;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  fresh  steps  taken  by  the  Government  for  better  implementation  of  all  the central schemes for women and children?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) to (c): Review of policy & scheme is a continuous process and based on learnings, outcomes, suggestions and proposals, Government takes appropriate action from time to time.

For better implementation and proper monitoring, presently in the XVth Finance Commission Cycle,  all  the  schemes  of  the  Ministry  have  been  clubbed  together  into three  verticals,  viz.  (1)  Mission  Shakti,  for  safety,  protection  and  empowerment  of women; (2)  Mission  Vatsalya,  for  protection  and  welfare  of  children;  and  (3)  Mission Poshan 2.0 for   improving  nutrition  indicators  in  the  country  with  enhanced  outlay  of Rs.20,989  crores  in Mission  Shakti,  Rs.10,916  crores  in  Mission  Vatsalya  and Rs.1,02,031 crores in Mission Poshan 2.0.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 677 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: Closure of Tents in Kolkata Maidan by Army
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Prasun Banerjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 677

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 TH  FEBRUARY, 2022

## CLOSURE OF TENTS IN KOLKATA MAIDAN BY ARMY

677. SHRI PRASUN BANERJEE:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Government is aware that all the tents in Kolkata maidan are forced to close down for fifteen days at a particular time of the year by the army;
- (b) if so, the details and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to do away with the system of closing down of tents in Kolkata maidan; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

- (a) & (b): The Kolkata Maidan is closed from 1 st October to 15 th October every year as per the Notification  No.  G-1158/MD  dated  15 th May,  1997  published  in  the  Calcutta  Gazette.    The closure is carried out in order to 'bar' the right of establishment over the Maidan land.  It also helps in maintenance and rejuvenation of the greens after extensive use for sporting activities.
- (c) No, Sir.
- (d) Not applicable.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 676 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: COVID-19 Pandemic Specific Medical Gadgets and Equipments
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: T.R.V.S. Ramesh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 676 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 TH  FEBRUARY,2022

## 'COVID-19 PANDEMIC SPECIFIC MEDICAL GADGETS AND EQUIPMENTS'

## 676  SHRI T.R.V.S. RAMESH:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  provide  COVID-19  pandemic  specific medical Gadgets and Equipments to the Government Hospitals;
- (b) If  so,  the  details  of  equipments  that  have  been  provided  by  the  Government, State/UT-wise including Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu; and
- (c) If  not,  whether the Government proposes to provide such equipments in the near future?

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

( a to c) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India provides technical and financial  support  to  the  States/UTs  to  strengthen  the  public  healthcare  facilities  including provision of medical  gadgets and  equipment to  the Government Hospitals as per available resources.

During  India  COVID-19  Emergency  Response  &  Health  System  Preparedness  Package-I (ER  &  HSSPP)  support  was  provided  to  states/UTs  for  augmentation  of  infrastructure, oxygen  supported  beds,  isolation  &  ICUs  beds  etc.  In-kind  support  was  also  provided  to states/UTs by distributing oxygen cylinders, Trunat COVID Test Cartridges, X-pert COVID

cartridges, N 95 masks, PPE kits, ventilators etc.

Under  'India  COVID-19  Emergency  Response  &  Health  System  Preparedness  Package (ECRP-II)',  support  is    provided  to  the  States/UTs  including  state  of  Tamil  Nadu  for provision  of  RT-PCR  machine,  Biosafety  cabinet  and  Refrigerator  centrifuge  etc.  for  Lab strengthening for RT-PCR; Portable EEG, ECG, Ultrasound & X- Ray, Blood Gas Machine, Ventilator Invasive, High Flow  Nasal Cannula, Defebrillator/ Cardioverter, Pediatric Laryngoscope (Curved & Straight Blades), Incubator, Multi- para Monitor etc  for oxygen supported beds, ICU beds, HDU beds including for paediatric beds and Centres of Excellence in all the districts of the country in public healthcare facilities including central government hospitals. Further support for Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO tank) plant with Medical Gas Pipeline  System  (MGPS)  and  audiovisual  teleconsultation  equipments  is  also  provided  to them.
Lok Sabha Question No. 675 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: Enhancement in Connectivity of Ports
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Jagdambika Pal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO' 675

ANSWERED ON O4IO2I2O22

## ENHANCEMENT  IN CONNECTIVITY OF PORTS

675. SHRI JAGDAMBIKA  PAL:

will the Minister of PoRTS,  SHIPPING  AND WATERWAYS  be pleased  to state: ffi-q, +d  qfa{f,{  .:ilt smqrf d-fi

- (a) the manner  in which the ports have been modernized  under the sagarmala Program;
- the details of the enhancement  of port connectivity under the Sagarmala Program; and (b)
- (c) whether the enhancement of port connectivity  is also aimed to connect landlocked states to ports in the coastal States  and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

- (a) sagarmala Programme  was approved by the Union cabinet in 2015 to promote port-led  development  in the country.  Giving special emphasis  to modernization of lndian ports, 241 projects at cost of Rs.2.61 lakh crore has been taken up for implementation under sagarmala. This covers transforming existing ports by modernization of port infrastructure which  involves  mechanization  of existing  berths, creation of new capacity' developing  deep drafts for future  generation ships, etc. out of 241 projects,  total 78 projects  worth Rs. 27,0'19 crore have been completed, adding capacity  of more than )s6 N/rpn at Major  ports.  Remaining  163 projects are currently  under  various stages  of development and imPlementation.
- (b & c) connectivity is one of the critical enablers for ports as it is the end-to-end effectiveness  of the logistics  system that drives competitiveness  for industry.  ln view of above, the sagarmala  Programme has a dedicated  pillar of Port connectivity  projects for enhancing  connectivity  between ports and domestic  production  /  consumption centers. There are 190 road and rail connectivity pro.iects worth Rs. 1.22 lakh crore identified  for implementation under Sagarmala  focusing on connectivity of Major and Non-Ma.ior ports.  out of which, 5'1 proiects have been completed  and 139 projects are in various stages of development and implementation.  These proiects are being implemented by winistry of Road, Transport and Highways,  Ministry of Railways, Major Ports and State agencies.
Lok Sabha Question No. 670 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: Implementation of PM-JAY in Telangana
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Uttam Kumar Nalamada Reddy

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 670 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 TH  FEBRUARY, 2022

## IMPLEMENTATION OF PM-JAY IN TELANGANA

## 670. SHRI UTTAM KUMAR REDDY NALAMADA:

Will the Minister of Health and Family Welfare be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri - Jan ArogyaYojana (PM-JAY) health insurance scheme is being implemented in the State of Telangana and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the total number of beneficiaries covered under the scheme in the State;

- (c) the total number of beneficiaries covered under the scheme for COVID-19 treatment in Telangana; and
- (d)  the  total  expenditure  incurred  under  the  scheme  for  treatment  of  patients  in Telangana?

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

- (a)  to  (d):  Ayushman  Bharat  -Pradhan  Mantri  Jan  Arogya  Yojana  (AB-PMJAY)  is implemented in the State of Telangana since 18 th May 2021.

A  total  of  87.6  lakh  beneficiary  families  are  eligible  for  healthcare  benefits  under  the scheme in Telangana.

As of 24 th January 2022, a total of 2.39 lakh hospital admissions worth Rs. 517.7 crore are authorized for treatment, including for COVID-19, of patients in Telangana.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 668 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: Use of Drones
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Chunni Lal Sahu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 668

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 TH  FEBRUARY, 2022

## USE OF DRONES

## 668. SHRI CHUNNI LAL SAHU:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is using drones for the purpose of security of the country;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  there  is  applicability  of  rules  and  regulations  on  use  of  drones  by  common people;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the State-wise details of the sectors in which services are being provided using drones along with the number of such drones being used?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

- (a)  Yes, Sir. The Government is utilizing Drones for the purpose of security of the country.
- (b) & (c):  The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued Drone Rules 2021 vide Gazette Notification Number 477 dated 25 th August, 2021 for regulation of operations of Drones in India constituting aspects like classification, certification, registration, operations, Remote Pilot licensing of drones in the country and prescribing offences and punitive actions.
- (d)    With  the  technological  advancements,  a  large  number  of  drones  are  used  in  diversified sectors including infrastructure development, Agriculture surveys, Industrial applications, Ground Mapping, Aerial Photography, Payload delivery, Urban Air Mobility solutions, Forestry services,  Fish  and  Wild Life observation, Emergency Medical Response, Maintenance of  Law and Order and Disaster Relief operations etc. depending upon requirement of the states.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 667 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: Representation of Women in Legal System
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Vijayakumar (alias) Vijay Vasanth

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 667 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 4 th  FEBRUARY, 2022

## REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN LEGAL SYSTEM

## 667. SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR (ALIAS) VIJAY VASANTH:

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

- (a)  whether the Government has taken note that the representation of women at all levels in the legal field is quite low, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has taken any steps regarding under-representation of women in the judiciary; and
- (c)   if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (c): As  on  01.02.2022,  04  women  Judges  are  working  in  the  Supreme  Court against the current sanctioned strength of 34 Judges and 83 women judges are working in various High Courts of the country against the sanctioned strength of 1098 judges. The appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are made under Articles 124 and 217 of the Constitution of India respectively. These Articles do not provide for reservation  for  any  caste  or  class  of  persons.  The  Government  has,  however,  been requesting  the  Chief  Justices  of  the  High  Courts  that  while  sending  proposals  for appointment  of Judges, due consideration be given to suitable candidates belonging to Schedules Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities and Women.

As regards district and subordinate courts, under Article 235 of the Constitution of India, the administrative control over the members of district and subordinate judiciary in the States vest with the concerned High Court. Further, in exercise of powers conferred under  proviso  to  Article  309  read  with  Articles  233  and  234  of  the  constitution,  the respective State Government, in consultation with the High Court, frames the Rules and Regulations regarding the issue of appointment, promotion, reservations and retirement of  Judicial  Officers  in  the  State  Judicial  Service.    Hence,  in  so  far  as  recruitment  of judicial officers in the States is concerned, respective High Courts do it in certain States, whereas the High Courts do it in consultation with the State Public Service Commissions in other States. The Union Government does not have a role under the Constitution in the selection and appointment of judicial officers in District/ subordinate judiciary.

Bar Council of India has informed that the Advocates Act, 1961 does not provide for any special provision for women or for any reservation for them.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 666 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: Availibility of Oxygen Equipments during Omicron Wave
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: T. R. Paarivendhar

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 666 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 04 th  FEBRUARY, 2022

## 'AVAILIBILITY OF OXYGEN EQUIPMENTS DURING OMICRON WAVE'

## 666 DR. T.R.PAARIVENDHAR:

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

(a) whether the Government has conducted a high level meeting with all States to review the preparedness  of  the  entire  spectrum  of  oxygen  equipment  including  ventilators,  Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants, oxygen concentrators and oxygen cylinders for the timely and  effective  management  of  COVID-19  rise  across  the  country  fuelled  by  the  virus's Omicron variant;

- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the outcome of the meeting;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  provide  any  financial  and  technical  assistance  to various States subsequent to the said meeting; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

## (DR BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) & (b): To review the preparedness of the entire spectrum of oxygen equipment including ventilators,  Pressure  Swing  Adsorption  (PSA)  plants,  oxygen  concentrators  and  oxygen cylinders and for the timely and effective management of COVID-19, the Government has constituted various Empowered Groups (EG) including EG 4 on Oxygen related work. Apart from the monitoring by Empowered Groups, weekly review meetings are being held by the Ministry with State Nodal Officers of States/ UTs to review Medical Oxygen infrastructure preparedness & for timely and effective management of COVID-19 rise across the country. The outcomes of these meetings are following:-

- (i) Installation & commissioning of all PSA Plants under PM-CARES.
- (ii) Monitoring of establishment of PSA Plants under PSUs, Government of India/ State funds.

(iii)Mock Drills of all PSA Plants conducted.

(iv) Capacity building for PSA Plant maintenance.

- (v) Oxygen Audit by all States/ UTs.
- (vi) Training of Oxygen Stewards for rationale use of Oxygen .

(c)  &  (d)  The  Government  of  India  has  provided  the  necessary  financial  and  technical assistance  to  all  States/UTs  in  building  up  the  oxygen  infrastructure.  Under  Emergency Response Package (ECRP)-I & II, the Government has provided Rs. 15,000 Crore and Rs 23,123  Crore  respectively  to  the  states  for  augmentation  of  health  infrastructure,  oxygen supported beds, isolation beds, ICUs & Human Resources etc.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 664 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: Funds for Strengthening Health Infrastructure
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Mimi Chakraborty

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTIONNO.664

## TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 04 th FEBRUARY, 2022

## 'FUNDS FOR STRENGTHENING HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE'

## 664.   MS. MIMI CHAKRABORTY:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to allocate more funds to strengthen the public health infrastructure under National Health Mission;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if not, the reasons there for; and
- (d) the steps being taken by the Government to improve the public health infrastructure in the country?

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

- (a) to (d): 'Public Health and Hospitals' is a State subject and the primary responsibility of strengthening  public  healthcare  system,  including  the  efforts  to  strengthen  rural  healthcare infrastructure,  lies  with  the  respective  State  Governments.  However,  under  National  Health Mission (NHM), technical and financial support is provided to the States/UTs to strengthen the public healthcare delivery  at  public  healthcare  facilities.  NHM  support is  provided  to States/ UTs for  setting  up  of  new  facilities  as  per  norms  and  up-gradation  of  existing  facilities  for bridging the infrastructure  gaps,  including  in  rural  areas,  based  on  the  requirement  posed  by them.

Government  has  continued  to  allocate  more  funds  to  strengthen  the  National  Health Mission  (NHM).  Allocation  under  NHM  has  increased  from  Rs.27,989  crore  in  2020-21  to Rs.31,100 crore in 2021-22 Budget Estimate.

The 'India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package-I' (ECRP-I) of Rs.15,000 Crores has been approved by the Cabinet on 22 nd April 2020 with an objective to prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19. Further, the Cabinet has  also  approved  the  scheme,  'India  Covid-19  Emergency  Response  and  Health  Systems Preparedness Package-II' (ECRP-II) on 08 th July 2021 for an amount of Rs.23,123 Crores. The scheme aims to accelerate health system preparedness for immediate responsiveness for early prevention, detection and management of COVID-19, with the focus on health infrastructure development.

PM-Ayushman  Bharat  Health  Infrastructure  Mission  (PM-ABHIM)  was  launched  by Hon'ble Prime Minister of India for an amount of Rs.64,180 crore. The measures under the PMABHIM focus on developing capacities of health systems and institutions across the continuum of  care  at  all  levels,  primary,  secondary  and  tertiary,  to  prepare  health  systems  in  responding effectively to the current and future pandemics/disasters.