opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 670 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Improving Health Care Infrastructure
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: Mitesh Rameshbhai (Bakabhai) Patel, Jagannath Sarkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 670 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 TH  DECEMBER, 2022

## IMPROVING HEALTH CARE INFRASTRUCTURE

## 670. SHRI MITESH RAMESHBHAI PATEL (BAKABHAI): SHRI JAGANNATH SARKAR:

Will the MINISTER OF AYUSH be pleased to state:

(a)  the  efforts  being  made  by  the  Government  to  improve  the  hospital/public  health  care infrastructure with the aim of providing quality AYUSH health care services in the country;

(b) whether the Government proposes to deploy adequate manpower in the AYUSH Health Care services across the country; and

(c) if so, the details of steps taken or proposed to be taken in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF AYUSH (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) Public Health being a State subject, the primary responsibility to improve the hospital/public health care infrastructure with the aim of providing quality AYUSH health care services in the country lies with the respective State/UT Governments. However, the Government of India has launched a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the National AYUSH Mission (NAM) implementing through  States/UTs  for  the  overall  development  of  AYUSH  systems  which  also  includes infrastructural development and access to AYUSH Services. Under National AYUSH Mission (NAM), provision has been made available for improving the conditions of the existing AYUSH Hospitals/dispensaries in the country under  the  component  of  Upgradation  of  AYUSH Hospitals/dispensaries. As per the guidelines, existing exclusive/standalone Government AYUSH  Hospitals/dispensaries  are provided non-recurring Grant-in Aid for undertaking construction, renovation of the existing premises, procurement of furniture, fixtures  & equipments. The State/UT Governments are required to submit their proposal through the State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) as per the guidelines of the scheme.

(b)  and  (c)  As  public  health  is  a  state  subject,  deployment  of  adequate  manpower  in  the AYUSH Health Care services  across  the  country  comes  under  the  purview  of  the  respective State/UT Governments. However, under NAM, there is a provision for contractual engagement of  manpower  under  the  components  of  Upgradation  of  exclusive/standalone  Government AYUSH Hospitals (other than PHCs/ CHCs/ DHs), AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres and setting up of 10/30/50 Bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospitals. Further, the provision regarding deployment  of  manpower  under  the  component  of  Upgradation  of  exclusive/standalone

Government AYUSH Hospitals (other than PHCs/ CHCs/ DHs) and 10/30/50 Bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospitals are available in NAM guidelines which may be perused at https://cdn.ayush.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/National-Ayush-Mission-Guidelines.pdf

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 664 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Discussion with Sri Lankan High Commissioner
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Thalikkottai Rajuthevar Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 664 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2022

## DISCUSSION WITH SRI LANKAN HIGH COMMISSIONER

## 664. SHRI T.R. BAALU:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether   the   Indian   High   Commissioner   for   Sri   Lanka   had   met   the fishermen   of   Ramanathapuram,   Tamil   Nadu   recently   and   held   consultations with them with regard to their problems;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the issues raised and suggestions made by them at the meeting to find lasting solutions to their problems which are persisting for several years; and
- (c) the   details   of   diplomatic   initiatives/actions   proposed   to   be   taken   by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka visited Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory  of  Puducherry   on   21-24   November   2021.   During   the   visit,   High Commissioner visited Rameshwaram and interacted with the local fishing community on issues faced by Indian fishermen.

During the meetings with Senior officials of the State Government of Tamil Nadu and other stakeholders, importance of holding of India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries as well as interactions between Fishermen Associations of both the countries at the earliest, were discussed.

The 5th Meeting of India- Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on fisheries took place on  25   March   2022. Interactions   among   fishermen   associations   were   held   in Kachchateevu on 11-12 March 2022 when close to 100 Indian fishermen from various fishermen   associations   interacted   with   their   Sri   Lankan   counterpart   fishermen associations. Issues relating to Indian fishermen have been raised at the highest levels, including by our Prime Minister with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister during the Virtual Bilateral Summit held in September 2020.  In 2021, during his visit to Colombo from 5-7 January, External Affairs Minister (EAM) had met the Minister of Fisheries of Sri Lanka and discussed all issues related to Indian Fishermen.  On 15 January 2022, EAM discussed the issue of early release of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody during his virtual meeting with Finance Minister of Sri Lanka.  The matter was also discussed by EAM with the Sri Lankan Minister of Fisheries during his visit to Sri Lanka in March 2022.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 660 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Supply of Fertilizers in Bihar
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Gopal Jee Thakur

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 660 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 09.12.2022

## Supply of Fertilizers in Bihar

## 660: SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the acute shortage of fertilizers and seeds being faced by farmers in Bihar;
- (b) if the details thereof; SO,
- (c) whether the Government proposes to constitute and send an investigation team to each district of the State so that such issue can be resolved in the early Rabi crop season; and
- (d)

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b): No Sir. There has been no acute shortage of fertilizers in the state of Bihar. Further, the availability of seeds has remained comfortable in the state of Bihar for the ongoing Rabi 2022-23 season:

- (c) & (d) No Sir. No such proposal is under consideration:
Lok Sabha Question No. 659 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Tele-Consultation in AYUSH Institutions
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: Sanjay Jaiswal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 659 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09 TH  DECEMBER, 2022

## TELE-CONSULTATION IN AYUSH INSTITUTIONS

## 659. DR. SANJAY JAISWAL:

Will the MINISTER OF AYUSH be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any tele-consultations has taken place in the institutions under the AYUSH in Bihar;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the percentage of the total consultations held telephonically;
- (d)  whether  there  is  any  initiative  and/or  plans  to  be  taken  up  by  the  Government  to increase the number of such  tele-consultations; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF AYUSH (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

- (a) & (b): There are two separate tele-consultations running i.e.,i) E-sanjeevani OPD and ii) AYUSH COVID-19 Counselling Helpline (14443).

These tele-consultations have been running at National level and not on State Level.

- (c) to (e):  No separate state wise data is maintained, and the increase in strength will depend on the demand.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 651 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Development of Puducherry Port
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Vaithilingam Ve.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING  AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 55,I

ANSWERED ONO9I12I2O22

## DEVELOPMENT OF PUDUCHERRY PORT

651. SHRI VE. VAITHILINGAM:

will the Minister of PoRTS, sHtpplNG AND wATERWAys be pleased to state:

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- (a) the present status of development  of  puducherry port  under sagarmala  scheme; and
- (b) the time by which Puducherry port is expected  to be completed  and become operational  for cargo movement?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  &(b) Government  of  lndia under Sagarmala  Programme is  assisting Government of Puducherry for development  of Puducherry  Port. The project  has three phases. Under Phase l, Ministry has released Rs.24.70 Crore in two instalments to take up part of Phase- | development comprising of two works i.e.
- o  Construction of Barrier between Drainage channel and Navigational channel.
- . Capital Dredging  of 7,30,000  cu. m.

The work of Capital  Dredging was commenced on 22.02.2021 . 91% of the work has been carried out. On completion of Capital Dredging and after North East monsoon is over, Cargo handling operation is expected to commence  by January 2023 in Puducherry Port.
Lok Sabha Question No. 650 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Ebola Cases in Uganda
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Bhartruhari Mahtab

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 650 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2022

## EBOLA CASES IN UGANDA

## 650. SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has noticed that the rise in Ebola Cases in Uganda; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of Indian Nationals residing in Uganda; (c) whether the Government has any mechanism in place to bring back the said nationals in case of an outbreak of Ebola; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) if not, the reasons therefore?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN) (a) to (e) On 20th September 2022, Uganda's Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of Sudan ebola virus (SVD) after a case was confirmed in Mubende district, 150 Kms from the capital Kampala.

As per the Ugandan Ministry of Health's latest situation report dated 24th November 2022, total number of confirmed cases is 141 including 55 deaths. It is estimated that at present, there are approx. 35,000 Indians/PIOs living in Uganda, of which majority are Indian passport holders. The Government has been monitoring the situation closely.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 649 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Modernization of Air Field Infrastructure
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Nihal Chand Chauhan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 649

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09 th  December, 2022

## MODERNIZATION OF AIR FIELD INFRASTRUCTURE

## 649. SHRI NIHAL CHAND:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

(a)    whether  the  Government  proposes  to  launch  any  scheme  to  modernize  the  air  field infrastructure in the country;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has made any provision of  funds  for  the  said scheme, if so,

the details thereof;

- (d) whether the Government has signed any agreement in this regard; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

## MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI AJAY BHATT) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

- (a)  &  (b):    The  Government  of  India  has  undertaken  modernization of the defence airfield infrastructure of the country in two phases. Modernisation of airfield infrastructure is aimed at  enhancing  the  capability  in  terms  of  facilitating  operation  in  poor  weather  conditions including night operations, enhanced enroute navigation infrastructure and enhanced traffic handling capabilities.
- (c):  The budgetary allocation made for modernising airfields under Phase-I was Rs. 1,215.35 Crore and Phase-II is Rs. 1,187.17 Crore.
- (d)  &  (e):    Ministry  of  Defence  has  signed  two  contracts  for  Modernisation  of  Air  Field Infrastructure (MAFI) - MAFI Phase-I was signed on 16 th March, 2011 for modernization of 30  Indian  Air  Force  Airfields  which  has  been  completed.  MAFI  Phase-II  was  signed  on 8 th May, 2020 for modernization of another 37 airfields, which is under progress.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 647 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Violation of COTPA, 2003
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Kirit Premjibhai Solanki

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 647 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09 TH  DECEMBER, 2022

## VIOLATION OF COTPA, 2003

## 647   DR. (PROF.) KIRIT PREMJIBHAI SOLANKI:

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

- (a)  the  details  regarding  the  Governments  plan  to  mandate  any  proposal  to  remove  the provision of allowing Point of Sale advertising under the COTPA, 2003 and whether such provision/amendment exists in the Ministry's draft COTPA Amendment Act;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether the Government has adopted measures to prevent the sale of tobacco and panmasala packets to children since the same is in direct violation of the COTPA, 2003 and its rules; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

- (a) and (b): The draft Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Amendment) Bill, 2020, was hosted in public domain for pre-legislative consultation.

(c) and (d): As per Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation  of  Trade  and  Commerce,  Production,  Supply  and  Distribution)  Act,  2003 (COTPA  2003)  and  Rules,  the  advertisement  of  cigarettes  and  other  tobacco  products  is prohibited and specified health warnings covering 85% of principal display area is displayed on all tobacco products.

Further,  the  sale  of  tobacco  products  to  and  by  persons  below  the  age  of  eighteen years is prohibited.

The advertisement of Pan Masala is regulated by Section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, issued under the Food Safety and Standards  Act,  2006,  which  states  that  every  package  of  Pan  Masala  and  advertisement relating thereto, shall carry the warning, 'Chewing of Pan Masala is injurious to health'.

For effective implementation of the provisions of COTPA, 2003 and the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011, Central and State Governments have  notified  authorized  officers  from  various  Departments.  The  enforcement  of  these provisions primarily lies with the States/Union Territories.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 646 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Fake Job Drive
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 646 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2022 FAKE JOB DRIVE

## 646. SHRI  GAURAV GOGOI:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether   the   Indian   mission   in   Yangon   had   observed/informed   the Government   on July   05,   2022,   that   some   IT   companies   engaged   in   digital scamming, located in eastern border areas of Myanmar are recruiting Indian workers;
- (b) if   so,   the   date   on   which   the   Government   took   measures   on   the aforementioned information;
- (c) whether the Government has issued an advisory on the same date or the same week of the Yangon mission warning about the fake-job racket;
- (d) if not, the reason of MEA not issuing the advisory on the same date or the same week of the Yangon mission warning about the fake-job racket; and
- (e) the measures taken by the Government in the backdrop of the advisory issued by the Indian Mission in Thailand on the fake job drive in August 2022?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

- (a) to (e) Embassy of India (EOI)  Yangon  started   receiving   complaints   from Indian workers working in IT companies apparently engaged in digital scamming, located in Eastern border areas of Myanmar since the first week of July 2022. Advisories were issued on 5 July 2022 and on 14 October 2022 by the Embassy of India in Yangon, and on 12 August 2022 by the Embassy of India in Bangkok, to

alert   Indian   nationals   about   the   fake-job   racket.   This   Ministry   again   issued   an advisory on 24 September 2022. This Ministry has also shared information with relevant State Governments requesting them to investigate Indian agents involved in this racket. The matter has been continuously taken up by our Embassies with authorities in Myanmar and Thailand to facilitate release and early repatriation of Indians. With their persistent efforts, 259 Indians have been rescued from the Eastern area of Myanmar, of which 205 have been repatriated and others are receiving assistance from our Embassies.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 641 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Non-admission in Ayurveda Colleges in Maharashtra
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: Imtiaz Jaleel Syed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.-641 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09/12/2022

## NON-ADMISSION IN AYURVEDA COLLEGES IN MAHARASHTRA

## 641#SHRI SYED IMTIAZ JALEEL:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- (a) whether no admission has taken place in Maharashtra's Government Ayurveda colleges during 2022-23 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the manner in which the Government addresses the loss of opportunity to deserving and talented students occurred as result thereof; and
- (c) the corrective steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF AYUSH (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a), (b) and (c): The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has granted Conditional Permission to the Maharashtra Government Ayurvedic Colleges for the academic year 2022-23. The counseling for admission in 15% of all India quota undergraduate seats of the permitted intake capacity of the Government colleges is conducted by Central Government through  Ayush  Admissions  Central  Counseling  Committee.  Counseling  for  remaining  85% State Quota seats is conducted by the concerned State Ayush Counseling Authority.

At the Second round of counseling for All India Quota Seats, many students have applied for  admission.  With  further  rounds  of  counseling  for  All  India  Quota  seats  and  State  Quota seats, students can apply for admission.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 634 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Opening Food Testing Laboratories at Block Level
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Ratansinh Magansinh Rathod

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.634 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 th  DECEMBER, 2022

## OPENING FOOD TESTING LABORATORIES AT BLOCK LEVEL 634. SHRI RATANSINH MAGANSINH RATHOD:

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

- (a) the number of food testing laboratories opened in the country particularly in the backward areas during the last three years and the current year;
- (b) whether the Government has any proposal to open more such laboratories at block level in future; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (c): Food Authority has notified 225 food laboratories under Section 43 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for primary food sample testing and 21 referral laboratories till October, 2022. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has informed that opening  of  new  food  testing  laboratories  is  not  under  the  purview  of  FSSAI.  It  is responsibility of the States to establish the Food Testing Laboratories in the States. FSSAI provides financial support for procurement of equipment, purchase of consumables, hiring of contractual manpower for a specified period and capacity building of the lab staff.

…………………
Lok Sabha Question No. 630 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-09
Subject: Indian Investments in Afghanistan
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Kunwar Danish Ali

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.630 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2022 INDIAN INVESTMENTS IN AFGHANISTAN

## 630. KUNWAR DANISH ALI:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the investments made by the Government of India in Afghanistan during the last three years, project-wise; (b) whether the India-Afghanistan strategic partnership agreement was signed in the year 2011 between India and Afghanistan, if so, the details thereof; and

- (c) the strategy proposed to be followed in future in this regard?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN) (a) to (c) India has been engaged in a development partnership with Afghanistan, which   includes   more   than   five   hundred   projects   spread   across   each   of   the   34 provinces of the country in critical areas of power, water supply, road connectivity, healthcare, education, agriculture and capacity building. The vast majority of the projects   committed   to   by   the   Government   of   India   in   Afghanistan   have   been completed and handed over. India and Afghanistan signed the Strategic Partnership Agreement in October 2011. The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) between the two sides, provides for assistance to help rebuild Afghanistan's infrastructure and institutions, education and technical   assistance   to   re-build   indigenous   Afghan   capacity   in   different   areas, encouraging investment in Afghanistan's natural resources and providing duty free access to the Indian market for Afghanistan's exports. India   has   historical   and   civilizational   ties   with   Afghanistan.   Our   special relationship with the Afghan people and the UNSC Resolution 2593 would continue to guide India's approach on Afghanistan. We remain steadfast in our commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. In this endeavour, we have already dispatched several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 40,000 MTs of wheat, 50 tons of medicines, 500,000 doses of COVID Vaccine, winter clothing and 28 tons of disaster relief assistance.

*****