opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2024 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Review of Impact of COVID-19
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Nama Nageswara Rao

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2024 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH FEBRUARY, 2021

## REVIEW OF IMPACT OF COVID - 19

## 2024.SHRI NAMA NAGES WARA RAO:

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

(a) whether the Government has reviewed the impact of COVID - 19 pandemic on the healthcare system and infrastructure in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

- (c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government has any plan to make the private healthcare system more responsive to themergency situations like the current pandemic; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a)  to  (c):    'Public  health  and  hospitals'  being  a  State  subject,  the  primary  responsibility  of impact assessment of COVID on healthcare system and infrastructure lies with respective State Government.

Government of India has not conducted any study /surve on impact of COVID - 19  on healthcare system. However Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has continuously reviewe with States/UTs the impact of COVID - 19 pandemic and availability of h ealthcare services and infrastructure. States/UTs have been provided with requisite technical, and financial a for  strengthening  of  their  healthcare  system.  Besides  various  advisories  and  guidan continuation of essential health services, all the States/UTs have been provided with financial support under India COVID - 19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness package.

(d) & (e):  Health is a State subject. The responsibility of engaging private hospitals COVID cases is tha t of the respective State Government.

Ministry  of  Health  and  Family  Welfare,  Government  of  India  issued  advisory  to States/UTs to engage private hospitals through mutually agreeable arrangements. Rates u PM - JAY and CGHS packages have been advised. States have accordingly issued instructions to that affect.

As per information shared by the State Governments/UT Administrations a total of 1 private hospitals are designated as Dedicated COVID Hospitals and 2,478 Private hospital providing  servic es  as  Dedicated  COVID  Health  Center.  Also  1,159  private  laboratories  ar conducting COVID- 19 testing in the country.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2017 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Digital Conclaves on Diabetes
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dayakar Pasunoori, Geetha Viswanath Vanga

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2017 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH FEBRUARY, 2021

## DIGITAL CONCLAVES ON DIABETES

## 2017. SHRI PASUNOORI DAYAK AR:

## SHRIMATI VANGA GEETHA VISWANATH:

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

- (a) the details and outcome of digital conclaves on diabetes, heart, l ungs, cancer, etc., held in the last  five years  and  current  year  to  properly  address  various aspectsto  protect  future generations; and
- (b) the steps taken to organize such conclaves in future?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- ( a) &( b) :N o such event with the name 'digital conclave' has been held .  However, t he review meetings and webinars are held routinely with State Governments and Stakeholder institut organizations and experts. The meetings at the National and Regional levels are organized as an when required in th e field of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) .

These  meetings  are  being  organized  to  improve  the  knowledge  of  health  car professionals involved in care of people with Non Communicable Diseases . These efforts have got an impetus with the use of digital sys tems-increasing outreach, enhancing convenience and enabling a larger body of professionals to benefit from knowledge dissemination.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2008 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: All India Institute of Ayurveda
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: Krishna Pal Singh Yadav, Ram Kripal Yadav, Uday Pratap Singh, Ganesh Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY

## (AYUSH)

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 2008 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH

February, 2021

## ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF AYURVEDA

2008. DR. KRISHNA PAL SINGH YADAV: SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV: SHRI UDAY PRATAP SINGH : SHRI GANESH SINGH :

Will  the  Minister  of AYURVEDA,  YOGA  AND NATUROPATHY,  UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to set up All India Institute of Ayurveda on the lines of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT - wise; and
- (c) the time by which it is likely to be set up?

## ANSWER

THE MI NISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS AND ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,

## YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a) : No.

- (b) & (c) : Do not arise.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2005 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: New Textile Policy
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Pritam Gopinath Munde, Dushyant Singh

## NEW TEXTILE POLICY

## 2005.  DR. PRITAM GOPINATHRAO MUNDE: SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

## Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री

be pleased to state :

(a) whether the Union Government is considering to roll out Production Linked Incentive Scheme for technical textiles and manmade fibre segment, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government is contemplating to formulate New Textile Policy, 2021;

(c) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  aims  and  objectives  and  stakeholders  opinion  on the same  and the extent to which the new policy is different from old policy;

(d) if not, the reasons thereof;

(e) whether the Government proposes to establish Mega Integrated Textiles Region and Apparel parks under the new policy, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government in this regard along with the time by which the new textile policy is likely to be released?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र मंत्री ( श्रीमती स्मृतत ज़ूबिन इरानी )

## MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a): Yes,  Government  is  considering  promotion  of  MMF  and  Technical  Textile  under  Production  Linked Incentive  (PLI)  scheme.  The  formulation  of  Focus  Product  Incentive  Scheme  (FPIS)  under  the  ambit  of Production  Linked  Incentive  (PLI)  Scheme  is  in  process.  The  objective  of  the  FPIS  would  be  creating  global champions  in  MMF  apparel  and  Technical  Textiles  and  capturing  substantial  share  in  global  trade  in  these segments. The scheme will provide incentive from 3% to 15% on stipulated incremental turnover for a period of five years after one year gestation period for brownfield investment and two years gestation period for greenfield investment.

(b) to (d): Yes, Ministry of Textiles is contemplating a New Textile Policy. At present, New Textile Policy has not been finalized and it is at draft stage. The New Textile Policy inter alia, will give thrust on enhancing export performance and creating better employment opportunities. The New Textile Policy is being formulated by  holding  widespread  consultations  with  various  associations,  industry  bodies,  State  Governments  and  other stakeholders representing subsectors viz. Cotton, Silk, Jute Wool, Handloom, Handicrafts, Powerloom etc.

(e) & (f): In the budget 2021-22, it has been announced that a Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Parks scheme (MITRA) will be launched, with an aim to attract large investment and employment generation in the sector to further boost domestic manufacturing and to create world class infrastructure at one place with plug & play facilities. It will enable textile industry to achieve size and scale so as to become globally competitive and also  create  global  champions  in  exports.  Under  the  scheme,  7  Mega  Textile  Parks  will  be  established  over 3 years.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2001 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Overcharging by Private Hospitals
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2001 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH FEBRUARY, 2021

## OVERCHARGING BY PRIV ATE HOSPITALS

## 2001.SHRIMATI HARSIM RAT KAUR BADAL:

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

(a) whether the Government is aware that COVID patients are being charged abnormally high rates by the hospitals particularly private hospitals, if so, the details thereof;

- (b) whether the Government has received any complaints in this regard, if so, the details thereo and
- (c) the action initiated/proposed to be initiated against such delinquent hospitals?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHR I ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a) to (c): As per constitutional provisions, 'Health' is a State subject. It is the responsibility of the  respective  State/Union  Territory  (UT)  Government  to  take  cognizance  of  instances charging of high rates from patients by hospitals, including private ho spitals and take action to prevent and control such practices. Such complaints, as and when received at the Centr therefore forwarded to the concerned States/UTs. The details in this regard are not mai Centrally.    States/UTs  are  also  being  pro v ded equired  assistance  for  strengthening  of  their healthcare system including management of the COVID - 19 Public Health Challenge from time to time.

Further, the Government of India has enacted the Clinical Establishments (Registr and  Regulation)  A ct,  2010  and  notified  Clinical  Establishments  (Central  Government)  Rule 2012 for registration and regulation of clinical establishments (both Government and Pr As on date, the Act is applicable in 11 States and 5 UTs.   In the States/UTs where t he said Act is applicable, the clinical establishments are required to meet several norms, which also charging  rates  for  each  type  of  procedure  and  service  within  the  determined  range  of display of rates at a conspicuous place etc. The imple mentation and monitoring of the Clinical Establishments Act is within the remit of the respective State Government/UT Administratio
Lok Sabha Question No. 1999 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Notification of TB Cases
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Imtiaz Jaleel Syed, Asaduddin Owaisi

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1999 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH FEBRUARY, 2021

## NOTIFICATION OF TB C ASES

## 1999. SHRI SYED IMTIAZ JAL EEL: SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAIS I:

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

- (a) whether the Government has expressed concern over the 60 percent decline in notification of TB casesduring the lockdown period resulting in higher household transmission leading to spurt in cases;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  measures  for normalization  of  TB  disease  eradication programme;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and instructions issued to States to take immediate steps to see the rise in such cases and take suitable me asures to restrict such cases; and
- (d) the other steps taken by the Government in consultation with States in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

- (a): For the period Jan to Dec 2020, 18.03 lakh TB cases were notified which is 25% les 24.04 TB cases reported in 2019.Currently, there are no evidences to suggest that there a in TB cases resulting from higher household transmission.
- (b) to (d): Government has taken multiple measures for normalization of TB disease eradica programme:
- i. Provision of free TB drugs of extended duration and door - step delivery
- ii. Guidance on ensuring uninterrupted functioning of TB diagnostic laboratories.
- iii. Issuing multiple advisories to States and districts to ensure uninterrupted s during COVID- 19
- iv. Guidance for Bi - directional  TB - COVID  screening  and  screening  of  TB  among ILI/SARI cases issued to State/UTs.
- v. Multiple reviews with State Government to mon itor progress in implementation of National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Lok Sabha Question No. 1996 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Import of GM Seeds
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Ajay Kumar Mandal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1996

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2021

## Import of GM Seeds

## 1996. SHRI AJAY KUMAR MANDAL:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  any  mechanism  to  ban  and  monitor  the  import  of prohibited Genetically Modified (GM) seeds in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether tonnes of prohibited GM seeds are being imported for agriculture activities; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

- (a) & (b) Imports  of  Genetically  Modified  (GM)  Organisms  including  GM  Seeds  are permitted by Directorate General of Foreign Trade only after due approvals. Import of GM  Seeds  for Research &Development  (R&D)  purpose  is facilitated  by  Indian  Council  of  Agricultural  Research  -National  Bureau  of Plant Genetic Resourcesafter technical clearance from Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation. Import of GM Seeds for non-R&D purpose is allowed after approval of Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee.
- (c) No Sir.
- (d) &   (e) Does not arise in view of reply at (c) above..

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 1995 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Global Hunger Index
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Feroze Varun Gandhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1995

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2021

## GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX

## 1995.  SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI:

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

- (a) the  details  of  the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  eliminate  hunger  in  India  to achieve  'United  Nations  Sustainable  Development  Goal  2'  since  the  publication  of 'Global Hunger Index, 2020; and
- (b) the details of the malnourished children in the country during the last three years along with the number of child deaths due to malnutrition during the said period?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

- (a)    In  order  to  ensure  food  and  nutritional  security,  Government  of  India  enacted  National Food Security Act, 2013 which provides for coverage of about 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population for receiving highly subsidized foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) for all vulnerable and needy sections of society.  Further, in order to address micro nutrient deficiencies in the country, Government of India approved Centrally Sponsored Pilot  Scheme  on  "Fortification  of  Rice  &  its  Distribution  under  Public  Distribution  System (PDS)" in 15 Districts.
- (b)   Malnutrition  is  not  a  direct  cause  of  death.  However,  it  may  cause  infections  and underlying morbidity which may lead to death.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1993 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Integrated Child Protection Scheme
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Deepak Baij

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.1993

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.02.2021

## INTEGRATED CHILD PROTECTION SCHEME

## 1993.   SHRI DEEPAK BAIJ:

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

- (a) the points on which suggestions were made on the concerns raised for the protection of children in the report of Ratna Jena Samiti constituted by the Ministry;
- (b) whether Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) has been implemented all over the country;
- (c) if  so,  the  details  of  the  amount  spent  for  the  protection  of  children  under  this  scheme during the last three years;
- (d) the total number of Child Care Institutes (CCI) which have been closed in the country due to irregularities and exploitation under the scheme; and
- (e) the number of CCIs currently operational in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a): The  Ministry  of  Women  and  Child  Development  commissioned  a  mapping  and  review exercise  of  all  Child  Care  Institutions  (CCIs)  to  understand  the  registration  and  status  of institutions vis-à-vis the norms and standards under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000/2015, across the country and established a Committee  for analysing the data. The Committee submitted the final report along with its recommendations to the Ministry on 13 th September, 2018, which is available on the ministry's website i.e. www.wcd.nic.in.

(b):  Yes,  Sir. The  Ministry  implements  a  centrally  sponsored  Child  Protection  Services  (CPS) scheme  (erstwhile  Integrated  Child  Protection  Scheme) under  the  umbrella Integrated  Child Development  Services  scheme  for  supporting  the children in  difficult  circumstance  in  all  the States/UTs.  Further,  Government  has  conceptualized  Mission  Vatsalya  to  comprehensively address different challenges concerning the children.

(c):  The  details  of  the  amount  spent  for  the  protection  of  children  under  Child  Protection Services (CPS) scheme during the last three years is as follows:

## Rs. (in lakh)

|   2017-18 |   2018-19 |   2019-20 |
|-----------|-----------|-----------|
|   52469.9 |   73451.7 |   74546.3 |

(d): As per the report submitted by the States/UTs, 436 Institutions were closed on account of non-compliance  of  provisions  of  the  Juvenile  Justice  (Care  and  Protection  of  Children)  Act, 2015 from 01.08.2019 to 01.08.2020.

(e): As reported by the States/UTs, there are 7275 CCIs registered under JJ Act, 2015 as on 15.07.2020.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1986 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: Implementation of NPCDCS
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: Hanuman Beniwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH)

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 1986 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH February, 2021

## IMPLEMENTATION OF NP CDCS

## 1986. SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL:

## Will the Minister of AYURVEDA, YOGA AND NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether several workers have been appointed under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease s and Stroke (NPCDCS) in the country during the last five years, State/UT - wise especially Rajasthan;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including the report submitted to the Government regarding the successful implementation of the said programme;
- (c) whethe r the Government proposes to incorporate the said workers in National Ayurveda Mission or some other programme so that they can be employed by their experience in health services; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS AND ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY

## (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a): Yes.
- (b): The  National  Programme  for  Prevention  and  Control  of  Cancer,  Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) was initiated by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare  in  2008.  The  Ministry  of  AYUSH  initiated  a  pilot  project  to  integrate  AYU Systems with NPCDCS in 2015 -16. The project has been implemented in eight Districts of eight  States  viz.  Gaya  (Bihar),  Bhilwara  (Rajasthan),  Surendranagar  (Gujara t),  Krishna (Andhra Pradesh), Darjeeling (West Bengal), Nashik (Maharashtra), Sambalpur (Odisha) a Lakhimpur- Kheri (Uttar Pradesh). The total 682 manpower, including 207 in Rajasthan, engaged to implement the programme under three research councils i. e. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM). The evaluation of the programme undertaken by National Institute of Health & Famil y Welfare reveals that the integration of AYUSH systems with conventional healthcare systems was a successful l cost working model.
- (c)&  (d) : No  decision  has  been  made  to  incorporate  NPCDCS  programme  in  National AYUSH Mission.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1984 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-12
Subject: COVID-19 Vaccines Operational Guidelines
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: S. Jagathrakshakan

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1984 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH FEBRUARY, 2021

## COVID - 19 VACCINES OPERATIO NAL GUIDELINES

## 1984.SHRI S. JAGATHR AKSHAKAN:

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

(a)whether  the  Government  has  so  far prepared  a  113 - page  COVID - 19  vaccines  operational guidelines, which was shared with State/UTs on December 15;

(b) whether the same has not yet been released in the public domain, if so, the details thereof and thereasons therefor;

(c)  whether  the  Government  has  identified  the category  of  persons  who  are  likely  to  get vaccinated, if so, the details thereof and if not, the re asons therefor; and

(d) whether the Government has prepared a database on people with co - m rbidities, if so, the details thereof and if not, the manner in which the Government is likely to identify such persons for vaccination?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a) & (b): Yes, operational guidelines for COVID - 19 have been shared with all States/UTs on 11 th December 2020  and after  receiving comments from States the operational guideline w updated and shared with all States/UTs on 28 th December 2020. The Operational guidelines is also available in the public domain through website of Ministry of Health & fa mily Welfare, Government of India.

(c): The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID - 19 (NEGVAC) provides guidance on all aspects of COVID - 19 vaccination including prioritization of population groups for COVID vaccination.

NEGVAC has prioritized Health Care Workers and Front -Line Workers during the initial phase of COVID - 19 vaccination followed by prioritized population groups of persons aged years and above, and those aged less than 50 years with comorbidities.

(d): NEGVAC has a syste m in place to finalize the co - morbidities for prioritization for COVID -19 vaccination.