opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3203 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: Indo-Gulf Relations
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Alok Kumar Suman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3203

ANSWERED ON- 09/08/2024

## INDO-GULF RELATIONS

3203. DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN

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

(a)   whether   the   Government   has   observed   any   remarkable changes   in   the   India   and   Gulf   Countries   relations   after   the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the steps taken to boost the Indo-Gulf relations thereof; and

(d) the details of the efforts done so far to mitigate any world conflict in recent past?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to c) India has long standing, historic and close relations with all   countries   of   Gulf   region,   namely,   Bahrain,   Kuwait,   Oman,

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Our multi-faceted ties with these countries   have   continued   to   strengthen   in   all   areas   of cooperation,   including   political,   economic,   energy,   security, culture and people-to-people ties. Gulf countries are major trade and investment partners for India, and we also have a strong energy   partnership   with   these   countries.   A   large   number   of Indians reside in Gulf countries. (d) Along with the need for restraint and immediate humanitarian support,   India   emphasizes   peaceful   resolution   of   conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. *****

2
Lok Sabha Question No. 3202 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: AYUSH in NCT of DELHI
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Manoj Tiwari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3202 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.08.2024

## 'AYUSH in NCT of DELHI'

## 3202. Shri Manoj Tiwari:

Will the Minister of Ayush be pleased to state:

(a) the  details  of  efforts  made  by  the  Government  to  promote  Ayurveda  and  other systems  of  AYUSH  in  NCT  of  Delhi,  where  a  large  chunk  of  population  depends  on traditional medical practices; and

(b) the number of Institutes and training centres related to Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani etc. proposed to be set up in Delhi specially in North East Delhi?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a): The Government through its various initiatives has been able to promote the Ayush system of medicine including Ayurveda, among people in the country including in the NCT of Delhi. With the view to fulfil the mandate of propagation of Ayush system of medicine, the  Ministry  of  Ayush  implements  a  Central  Sector  Scheme  for  Promotion  of  Information Education and Communication (IEC) in Ayush. This aims to reach out to all sections of the population across the country. Under this Scheme, Ministry organises National/ State level Arogya  Fairs,  Yoga  Fests/  Utsavs,  Ayurveda  Parvs,  celebrate  important  days  of  Ayush system,  participate  in  Health  fairs/  melas,  Exhibitions  etc,  provide  financial  assistance  for organising  seminars,  workshops,  conferences  and  conduct  multimedia  campaigns  etc.  to create awareness among citizens regarding Ayush system of medicine.

Also, the Ministry is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely National Ayush  Mission  (NAM)  through  State/UT  Governments  for  development  &  promotion  of different Ayush system in the country and providing financial assistance to them as per the proposal received in their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs). State/UT Governments may avail  financial  assistance  by  submitting  proposals  through  State  Annual  Action  Plans (SAAPs) as per NAM guidelines.

(b): At present, there is no such proposal.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3188 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: Population Control
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Varun Chaudhry

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3188 TO BE ANSWERED ON-09/08/2024

## POPULATION CONTROL

## 3188. SHRI VARUN CHAUDHRY:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any measures are being taken by the Government to control the population in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether there is any proposal under consideration to incentivise the couples for birth control in the country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons there for?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT ANUPRIYAPATEL)

- (a) to (d) The details of measures taken by the government are:-
1. Expanded Contraceptive Choices comprises of Condoms, Combined Oral contraceptive pills, Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCD), Sterilization, Injectable contraceptive MPA (Antara Programme), Centchroman (Chhaya) and Emergency contraceptive pills.
2. Mission Parivar Vikas implemented in thirteen states for increasing the access to contraceptives and family planning services.
3. Compensation scheme for Sterilization acceptors provides compensation for loss of wages to the beneficiaries for Sterilization.
4. Post-Pregnancy contraception in the form of Post-Partum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD), Post-Abortion Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PAIUCD), and Post-Partum Sterilization (PPS).
5. 'World Population Day Campaign' and 'Vasectomy Fortnight' are observed every year to boost awareness on Family Planning and service delivery across all States/ Union Territories
6. Home Delivery of Contraceptive Schemecontraceptives are delivered at the doorstep of the beneficiaries by ASHAs.
7. Family Planning Logistics Management Information System (FPLMIS) to ensure availability of Family Planning commodities across all the levels of health facilities.

The Government has taken many initiatives to incentivise the couples like providing wage compensation to the beneficiaries for female sterilization, male sterilization, IUCD insertion and Indemnity Scheme.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3187 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: Directive of NMC
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3187 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9th AUGUST, 2024

## DIRECTIVE OF NMC

## 3187. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY VEMIREDDY:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued directive to all medical colleges that Post Graduate medical students should get weekly off, 20 Casual Leaves to maintain work balance and studies and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the notification issued by NMC has defined what constitutes 'work hours' for resident doctors;

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) whether the Government will ensure that all medical colleges strictly adhere to above directive of NMC and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) to (d): The National Medical Commission (NMC), established under the NMC Act of 2019, is the apex regulatory body for medical education, the medical profession, and medical institutions. The NMC frames policies and regulations, and issues clarifications/directives thereon, time to time, for compliance. As per the regulations issued by the NMC, all PG students will work as full-time resident doctors with reasonable working hours and adequate rest time each day. Post-Graduate (PG) students are also entitled to 20 days of casual leave and 5 days of academic paid leave per year along with one day off per week.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3186 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: Development of Minor ports
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3186

ANSWERED ON - 09/08/2024

## DEVELOPMENT OF MINOR PORTS

3186.   DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state: पȅन , पोत पįरवहनऔर जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the development of minor ports in the State of Kerala, including Ponnani, which is a historic port with significant cultural and economic heritage and if so, the details thereof; (b) the current plans and timelines for these developments considering the importance of regional connectivity and economic growth; and (c) whether the Government is aware of the potential of these ports in the development of
- domestic and international tourism by attracting cruise ships and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) Ports other than Major Ports (Non-Major Ports / Minor Ports) are under the administrative control of respective State Maritime Boards / State Governments. Ponnani is a Non- Major Port under the control of Government of Kerala. Kerala Maritime Board has forwarded a proposal to Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for Construction of Multi Purpose Berth at Ponnani at a total cost of Rs. 20 Cr for partial assistance under Sagarmala Scheme. Keeping  in  view  the  importance  of  regional  connectivity,  cruise  tourism  potential and  economic  growth,  Government  of  Kerala  has  informed  that  they  are  exploring  the scope to develop the Ponnani Port on PPP model. They have called an EoI from private service providers for starting cruise shipping connecting various Non-Major ports as well as ports of neighbouring States.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3185 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: SPARSH Pension Disbursement Scheme
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Shri Amrinder Singh Raja Warring

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3185

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09 th  August, 2024

## SPARSH PENSION DISBURSEMENT SCHEME

3185 SHRI AMRINDER SINGH RAJA WARRING:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  prepared  any  internal  note/documentation  indicating  the inadequacies in the implementation of the SPARSH pension disbursement scheme;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  complaints  have  been  received  by  the  Government  in  regard  to  the  SPARSH pension disbursement scheme by pension recipients/other stakeholders; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI SANJAY SETH)

- (a)  &  (b):    Sparsh  is  a  newly  launched  digital  platform  for  defence  pension  sanction  and disbursement.  The  issues  noticed  and  reported  have  been  taken  care  of  speedily  to  the satisfaction  of  stakeholders  and  beneficiaries.  Ministry  is  continuously  monitoring  the SPARSH system for the benefit of the pensioners and stakeholders.
- (c) & (d):  The issues noticed and reported by the pensioners have been promptly addressed and improvements made in the SPARSH system to the satisfaction of the stakeholders and pensioners.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3183 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: Accessibility of Medical Seat
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. K Sudhakar

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3183 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9th AUGUST, 2024

## ACCESSIBILITY OF MEDICAL SEAT

## 3183. DR. K SUDHAKAR:

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

(a) whether the Government plans to bring in any regulations to make medical seats more accessible to common man in private, autonomous and deemed medical institutions and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has plans to allocate seats in autonomous and deemed medical colleges through NEET examinations and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether deemed/autonomous medical colleges are regulated to ensure that the standard of medical education remains high and at par with Government medical colleges; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) The National Medical Commission (NMC) under NMC Act, 2019 has issued guidelines for regulation of fees and all other charges in respect of fifty percent of seats in private medical institutions, deemed to be universities, governed under the provisions of the NMC Act, 2019.

(b) to (d) As per Section 14 of the NMC Act, 2019, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is conducted by the designated authorities for admission to the Under-Graduate (UG) and Post-Graduate super-speciality medical education(PG) in all medical institutions which are governed under NMC Act. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) conducts counselling for 15% all India quota UG seats; 100% UG seats of Central Institutes/ Universities, Deemed Universities; 100%

seats in all the Institutes of National Importance (INI). MCC also conducts counselling for 50% All India Quota for PG seats, 100% PG seats of Central Institutes/Universities and Deemed Universities. Counselling for the State quota seats in UG and PG medical courses is conducted by the respective State Governments.

Further, the NMC, being the apex regulatory body for medical education, issues various regulations, guidelines, notifications, public notices etc., time to time, to monitor/regulate the standard of Medical Education in all Medical Colleges/institution regulated under NMC Act, 2019.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3179 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: Renouncing Indian Citizenship
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Manickam Tagore B, Shri Vijayakumar Alias Vijay Vasanth

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3179

ANSWERED ON- 09/08/2024

RENOUNCING INDIAN CITIZENSHIP

3179. SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR ALIAS VIJAY VASANTH

SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B

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

(a) the number of Indian citizens who have renounced their Indian citizenship in the past three years, State/UT-wise and year-wise; (b) the primary reasons cited by Indian citizens for renouncing their citizenship;

(c)   the   actions   or   measures   taken/proposed   to   be   taken   by   the Government   to   address   the   trend   of   increasing   citizenship renunciations including any policy changes, awareness programmes,   or   other   initiatives   aimed   at   retaining   Indian citizenship; and

(d)   whether   there   is   any   plan   to   review   or   modify   the   existing policies   and   procedures   related   to   the   renunciation   of   Indian

citizenship,   if   so,   the   details   of   the   proposed   changes   and   the expected timeline for their implementation?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) As per the information available with the Ministry, the number of Indians who renounced their Indian citizenship was   1,63,370 (in 2021);   2,25,620   (in   2022)   and   2,16,219   (in   2023).   For   reference purpose, data was 1,22,819 (in 2011); 1,20,923 (in 2012); 1,31,405 (in 2013); 1,29,328 (in 2014); 1,31,489 (in 2015); 1,41,603 (in 2016); 1,33,049 (in 2017); 1,34,561 (in 2018); 1,44,017 (in 2019); 85,256 (in 2020)   .   State-wise   distribution   of   people   who   renounced   Indian citizenship for foreign citizenships is not available.

(b to d) The reasons for renouncing/taking citizenship are personal. The Government recognizes the potential of the global workplace in an  era   of   a   knowledge   economy.   It   has   also   brought   about   a transformational change in its engagement with Indian diaspora. A successful,   prosperous,   and   influential   diaspora   is   an   asset   for India. India stands to gain a lot from tapping its diaspora networks

and productive utilization of the soft power that comes from having such   a   flourishing   diaspora.   The   Government's   efforts   are   also aimed at harnessing the diaspora potential to its fullest including through sharing of knowledge and expertise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3176 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: Hubs for Empowerment of Women
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Raju Bista

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3176

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.08.2024

## HUBS FOR EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

## 3176 SHRI RAJU BISTA:

Will the Minister of Women and Child Development be pleased to state :

- (a) whether the Government has set up Hubs for Empowerment of Women in the country including West Bengal;
- (b) if so, the details thereof alongwith its salient features;
- (c) the  number  of  such  hubs  presently  operational  in  the  country,  district-wise particularly in Kalimpong, Darjeeling and North Dinajpur district;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to set up more such hubs with the help of Panchayats in the country; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI ANNPURNA DEVI )

(a) to (e): Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing the 'Mission Shakti' Scheme with effect from 01.04.2022 for safety, security and empowerment of women.

'SANKALP:  HEW  (Hub  for  Empowerment  of  Women)'  is  a  component  under Samarthya, sub-scheme of 'Mission Shakti'.

The SANKALP: HEW (Hub for Empowerment of Women) is functioning as a Project Management Unit (PMU) for monitoring and supervision of implementation of Mission Shakti Scheme.

The SANKALP centres also engage in widespread outreach and awareness through  organising  activities,  camps,  and  campaigns  to  disseminate  information related to women centric schemes, programmes, policies and legislations.

A total number of 34 SANKALP: HEWs at State/ UT level and 712 SANKALP: HEWs  at  district  level  are  operational  in  India.  The  SANKALP:  HEWs  are  not operational in the districts of Kalimpong, Darjeeling and North Dinajpur as the State of West Bengal is not implementing the scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3171 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: Detention of Sikhs
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTON No. 3171

## TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 09.08.2024

## Detention of Sikhs

3171. Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal :

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

- (a) the  details  of  law  under  which  the  Sikh  detenus  who  have  long  completed their sentences been kept under custody;
- (b) the  reasons  for  keeping  Bandi  Sikhs  (Detenue  Sikhs)  in  the  custody  of  the boundaries of the Stated law of the land;
- (c) whether they have been allowed to defend themselves and prove themselves innocent;
- (d) if so, whether there are any legal remedies that the Sikh detainees can resort to, getting themselves free;
- (e) if not, the reasons for not releasing them despite the announcements made by the Hon'ble Prime Minister about their release; and
- (f) the details of constitutional grounds to deny freedom to the Bandi Sikhs?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a)  to  (f):As  per  the  information  made  available  by  the  Ministry  of  Home  Affairs, 'Prisons  and  persons  detained  therein'  is  a  'State  List'  subject  under  list  II  of  VII Schedule to the Constitution of India.  Administration and management of prisoners is  therefore,  primarily  the  responsibility  of  State  Government,  who  is  competent  to take appropriate decision, in accordance with law.  Moreover, the matter is presently sub-judice.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3163 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-09
Subject: Foreign Shipping Companies
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 3163 ANSWERED ON - 09/08/2024

## FOREIGN SHIPPING COMPANIES

3163.  SMT. SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO:

Will the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways be pleased to state: पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) whether the Government has proposed a simpler tax regime for foreign shipping companies operating domestic cruises in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  for  promoting  cruise tourism in the country?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (c) To promote cruise tourism, Government of India has taken several initiatives. They are as follows:-
1.  Vide notification no.60/2023-Customs dated 19.10.2023, Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) exemption has been provided by the Government for foreign flag foreign-going vessels when they convert to coastal run, subject to its reconversion to foreign going vessel within six months.
2.  For berthing, cruise vessel is given priority over cargo vessel.
3.  Rationalised cruise tariff has been introduced.
- i.  Port  charges  are  recovered  @  $0.085/GRT  (fixed  rate)  and  a  nominal passenger head tax of $ 6 for first 12 hours of stay at berth.
- ii.  Cruise  ships  are  provided  discounts  ranging  from  10%  to  30%  based  on volume of their calls.
4. Ousting charges have been removed to attract cruise vessels.
5.  E-Visa and on-arrival visa facilities have been extended.
6.  Single e-Landing Card has been introduced which is valid for all ports in cruise itinerary.
7.  Cabotage  has  been  waived  for  foreign  cruise  vessels.  This  relaxation  allows foreign cruise ship to transport Indian nationals from one Indian Port to another Indian Port during its domestic leg.
8.  Global Maritime India Summit 2023 was organized in Mumbai and treated as a watershed  moment  in  India's  Maritime  Industry  which  garnered  international recognition.  During  this  event,  a  dedicated  session  on  "Embark  on  voyage  to attract  50  Million  Cruise  Passengers  in  India  by  2047"  was  held,  which  was attended by International Speakers from eminent Cruise Lines across the Globe.

*************