opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 925 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Exempted Category of Land under Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Raja Ram Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 925

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.02.2025

## Exempted Category of Land under Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023

## 925.    SHRI RAJA RAM SINGH:

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

- (a) whether under the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, States land situated within  100  km  along  the  international  borders,  Line  of  Control  or  Line  of  Actual Control, proposed to be used for construction of strategic linear project for national importance or security, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any Committee has been formed to decide on the benchmark of 100 km, if so, the recommendations of the said Committee;
- (c) whether in context of this Policy has the Government drawn any plans to protect the environment of Himalayan States; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) to (d) The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, passed by the Parliament, inter-alia  provided  that  such  forest  land,  as  is  situated  within  a  distance  of hundred kilometres along international borders or Line of Control or Line of Actual Control, as the case may be, proposed to be used for construction of strategic  linear  project  of  national  importance  and  concerning  national security, shall not be covered under the provisions of Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023  has  been  notified  on  04.08.2023  and  subsequently  enforced  by  the Central Government w.e.f. 01.12.2023.

The extent of 100 km has been decided in consultation with the ministries and stakeholders concerned. Further, in accordance with the provisions of section 1A(3) of the Adhiniyam, the Central  Government has issued guidelines on 29.11.2023 and 24.09.2024 specifying the terms and conditions to be abided by  the  States  and  Union  territories  while  considering  exemptions  provided under section 1A(2) of the Adhiniyam.
Lok Sabha Question No. 922 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Admission in PhD Courses of IITs
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Shri S Venkatesan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 922

ANSWERED ON-10/02/2025

## Admission in PhD Courses of IITs

## 922. Shri S Venkatesan:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

the  total  numbers  of  students  who  got  admission  in  PhD  courses  of IITs with the details of SC/ST/OBC among them in the academic year 202425, department-wise?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

IITs are autonomous institutes governed by the Institutes of Technology  Act,  1961  and  the  Statutes  framed  there  under  from  time  to time. Government has mandated IITs to comply with the statutory provisions of the Central Education Institutes (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006, as amended from time to time, for admission of reserved category candidates to various  programmes  including  PhD.  Besides  the  Statutes,  the  IITs  duly follow all the guidelines, norms and directions issued by the Government of India from time to time.

The total numbers of students admitted in PhD courses of IITs in the academic year 2024-25 is 6210 out of  which, the number  of SC/ST/OBC students is 2484.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 921 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Financial Education Programme
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Bhojraj Nag

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 921

ANSWERED ON MONDAY THE 10 TH  FEBRUARY, 2025 MAGHA 21, 1946 (SAKA)

## FINANCIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME

## QUESTION

+921. Shri Bhojraj Nag:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the innovations currently being undertaken by the Government in terms of financial education in Chhattisgarh; and
- (b) whether the same has been received by the Government and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  OF  THE  MINISTRY  OF  CORPORATE  AFFAIRS  AND MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(HARSH MALHOTRA)

(a) & (b): Investor  Awareness  Programmes (IAPs) are being undertaken by Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) across the country including in the State of Chhattisgarh.  Under these IAPs, financial literacy and awareness are imparted by organising camps.  'Niveshek Didi' is one of such innovative initiatives  through  Indian  Post  Payments Banks(IPPB) wherein the trained lady  dakiyas  are  employed  to organise  camps, targeting  underserved women.  In addition to this, IEPFA is also collaborating with Indian Institute of Chartered  Accountants  of  India  (ICAI)  for  conducting  Investor  Awareness Programmes (IAPs) since 2022-23 across the country including Chhattisgarh.

Under the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued guidelines for financial literacy through setting up of Financial Literacy Centres (FLCs) by Lead Banks at District level and Centre for Financial Literacy  (CFLs)  at  Block  level  across  the  country  including  in  the  State  of Chhattisgarh.    In  terms  of  these  guidelines,  banks  have  been  regularly conducting special camps through FLCs.  Further, National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE), promoted by RBI along with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), is regularly conducting Financial Education (FE) in collaboration with CFLs.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 64 (STARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: Ayushman Bharat Cards
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Smt. Geniben Nagaji Thakor

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOKSABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 64 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 7 TH FEBRUARY, 2025

## AYUSHMAN BHARAT CARDS

## †*64. SMT. GENIBEN NAGAJI THAKOR:

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that hospitals are involved in corrupt practices in the name of Ayushman Bharat cards;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the action taken by the Government against such hospitals in the country including Gujarat?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

- (a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 64 FOR 7 TH FEBRUARY, 2025

(a) to (c): Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a flagship scheme of the Government which provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries corresponding to 12.37 crore families constituting economically vulnerable bottom 40% of India's population. Recently, the scheme has been expanded to cover 6 crore senior citizens of age 70 years and above belonging to 4.5 crore families irrespective of their socio-economic status under AB-PMJAY with Vay Vandana Card. As on 01.01.2025, a total of 8.59 crore hospital admissions worth Rs.1.19 lakh crore have been authorized under the scheme.

AB-PMJAY is governed on a zero-tolerance approach towards any kind of fraud and abuse and various steps are taken for prevention, detection and deterrence of different kinds of fraud that could occur in the scheme at different stages of its implementation. National Anti-Fraud Unit (NAFU) has been established at National Health Authority (NHA) and works in close coordination with State Anti-Fraud Units (SAFU) to investigate and take joint action against issues related to fraud and abuse.

Suitable actions including de-empanelment of 1114 hospitals, levying penalty worth Rs. 122 crore on 1504 errant hospitals and suspension of 549 hospitals have been taken against fraudulent entities as reported by the States/UTs. Further, any claims by empanelled hospitals found to be suspicious by NAFU are withheld until proper scrutiny by SAFU teams including field verification where necessary.

As on 04.02.2025, a total of 9 doctors and 71 hospitals have been suspended under the scheme in the State of Gujarat. Additionally, 2 hospitals have been de-empanelled and 1 hospital has been blacklisted. A total recovery of ₹15.08 crore has been made, while penalties amounting to ₹19.90 crore have been imposed .

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Lok Sabha Question No. 916 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: Henley Passport Index 2025
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 916 ANSWERED ON- 07/02/2025

HENLEY PASSPORT INDEX 2025

916.  SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY VEMIREDDY

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

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the fact that the Indian Passport has slipped 5 spots to 85th position in the recently released Henley Passport Index 2025 from the 50th position in 2024 and down from 71st position in the year 2006;

(b) if so, the details and contributory factors thereof;

(c) whether as result of lower ranking Indian traveller can travel visa free to only 57 countries as against 195 out of 227 countries for Singapore visa holder; and

(d) if so, the remedial measures are likely to be taken to push up the said ranking of Indian Passport?

## ANSWER

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

(a to d)  There are certain private institutions, which publish such ratings based on parameters decided by them. However, there is no widely accepted ranking system for passports at global level that can be taken as a standard, in the absence of acceptable criteria to rank passports. The Government of India has been continuously making efforts to increase the number of countries that may provide visa free travel,   visa-on-arrival   and   e-Visa   facilities   to   Indians   for   ease   of traveling around the world. As on date, 26 countries provide visa-free entry, 40 countries provide visa-on-arrival facility and 58 countries provide e-Visa facility to Indian passport holders, details of the same are updated from time to time by this Ministry on its website, which can be accessed on the following link: https://www.mea.gov.in/VFFIN.htm

However, formulation of policies w.r.t issuance of visas is a sovereign matter of the respective country and the matter regarding providing   visa   free   entry/visa-on-arrival   facility   also   depends   on various   factors   including   bilateral   relations   and   principle   of reciprocity.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 915 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: Funds to Karnataka for Fertilizer Schemes
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Kota Srinivasa Poojary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 915 TO BE ANSWERED ON : 07.02.2025

## Funds to Karnataka for Fertilizer Schemes

## 915: SHRI KOTA SRINIVASA POOJARY:

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

- (a) the details of funds sanctioned/allocated to  Karnataka  by  the  Union Government under various fertilizer schemes of the Ministry in the last three years, item-wise;
- (b) whether utilization certificates have been provided by the State after making expenditures under all the schemes, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether  the  Government  monitors  the  accounts  of  utilisation  funds  given under various items, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## (SMT.  ANUPRIYA PATEL)

- (a)  to  (c) :  The Government  of  India  provides  100%  subsidy  on  various  fertilizer grades  to  ensure  adequate  availability  of  fertilizers  at  affordable  prices  to  the farmers,  under  'DBT  in  Fertilizers'  system.  Based  on  Aadhar  authentication, fertilizers are sold to the beneficiaries through POS devices installed at each retail shop and based on sale, subsidy is released to the fertilizer companies. Based on state reports, subsidy on sub-standard quantity is deducted from running bills.

Being a central sector scheme, there is no provision for Utilization Certificate under the subsidy on fertilizers schemes. The details of subsidy expenditure for last three years (from 2021-22 to 2023-24) are as follows:

| Year    |   Amount (in Crores) |
|---------|----------------------|
| 2021-22 |               157640 |
| 2022-23 |               254799 |
| 2023-24 |               195421 |

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Lok Sabha Question No. 903 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: Indians Trapped In Russia-Ukraine War Frontlines
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Thiru Dayanidhi Maran, Shri S Venkatesan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 903

## ANSWERED ON- 07/02/2025

## INDIANS TRAPPED IN RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR FRONTLINES

## 903. THIRU DAYANIDHI MARAN:

## SHRI S VENKATESAN:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the specific steps taken to ensure the early return of the Indian nationals still trapped in Russia, particularly those forced to join the war and those classified as "missing persons";

- (b) the assurances or commitments, if any, received from Russia regarding safe repatriation of remaining Indians;

(c)   whether   there   are   any   recent   updates   on   negotiations   with Russian authorities to expedite the release of these individuals, if so, the details thereof;

- (d) whether any international agencies, humanitarian organizations or intelligence networks are being engaged to assist in this effort and if, so the details thereof;

(e) whether any legal channels have been explored to ensure the early discharge of Indians forcibly inducted into the Russian Army;

(f) if so, whether the Ministry is leveraging international diplomatic forums or allies for swift action in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the manner in which the Ministry is verifying and confirming media reports regarding the deaths of Indians and the steps being taken to recover their mortal remains?

## ANSWER

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

(a   to   g)   Government   have   consistently   taken   up   with   Russian authorities,   including   at   the   highest   levels,   the   matter   of   Indian nationals   recruited   into   the   Russian   Army.   As   per   available information, 18 Indian nationals remain in the Russian armed forces, out of which 16 have been reported missing by the Russian side. The Government   of   India   is   in   direct   and   regular   contact   with   the relevant Russian authorities to locate the missing individuals and ensure their safety, well-being, and early discharge, as well as for the repatriation of discharged individuals or of any mortal remains to   India.   Accordingly,   the   involvement   of   any   third   parties   or agencies in this process is not contemplated by Government.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 900 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: Oral Healthcare
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 900 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 07th FEBRUARY, 2025

## ORALHEALTHCARE

## 900. DR. PRABHAMALLIKARJUN:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to State:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of treatment given for oral healthcare:
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has identified major oral issues like dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral cancer, fluorosis, malocclusion etc. for treatment and if so, the details thereof, and
- (d) whether the Government is planning to introduce/implement schemes like Dantabhagya of Karnataka, Bal Swasthya Karyakram of Tamil Nadu, Mandahasam scheme of Kerala in treatment of oral healthcare and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELAFE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (d) National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) is in operation since 2014-15 under the National Health Mission (NHM) to strengthen public health facilities of the country for an accessible, affordable & quality oral health care delivery. Support is provided to all the States/UTs to set up Dental Labs in District Hospitals and Dental Care Units at District Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs). Total 9587 Dental Care Units have been supported under NOHP either partially or fully, across all districts of 36 States/UTs.

Under the NOHP, support is also provided for equipment, Human Resources, Consumables,Information, Education and Communuication (IEC) and training activities for treatment of Dental caries, periodontal diseases, fluorosis, malocclusion, denture fabrications, Oral cancer and pre-malignant disorder as per the requirement of States/UTs.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 899 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: Cases of Filarial Hydrocele
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Mahesh Kashyap

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 899 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2025

## CASES OF FILARIAL HYDROCELE

## 899: SHRI MAHESH KASHYAP :

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of patients suffering from filarial hydrocele infection in Baster Lok Sabha Constituency during the last year; and
- (b) the reasons for spreading of the said disease along with the measures being taken by the Government to prevent it ?

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

(a) and (b) As per the report submitted by the States/UTs to the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, 28 patients were suffering from filarial hydrocele in Baster in 2023. Bastar is a newly mapped district under Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) program and has started with annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign from year 2024. It achieved MDA coverage of 92% against the estimated eligible population.

The Government of India has adopted the following 5-point strategy to prevent and treat the LF cases which are being implemented in all the LF endemic districts in the country including Baster:

- (1) Mission Mode annual MDA.
- (2) Morbidity management and disability prevention with focus on early diagnosis and treatment.
- (3) Integrated vector control with multi sectoral coordinated efforts.
- (4) High level advocacy with line ministries/departments and
- (5) Leveraging existing digital platforms for LF and explore alternate diagnostics.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 898 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: AIIMS in Darbhanga
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Gopal Jee Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 898 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07/02/2025

## AIIMS IN DARBHANGA

## 898. SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR.

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:-

- (a) the time by which the construction work of AIIMS in Darbhanga district in Bihar is likely to be started;
- (b) the amount of funds sanctioned by the Union Government for the construction of AIIMS in Darbhanga; and
- (c) whether the demarcation of the land provided by the Government of Bihar for AIIMS in Darbhanga and the boundary wall thereof have been made and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (c) Union Cabinet approved the setting up of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) at Darbhanga on 15.09.2020 at an estimated cost of Rs. 1264 Crore. In September 2024, the State Government has handed over 187.44 acre land for establishment of AIIMS at Darbhanga. Preinvestment work has started including conduct of Topographical survey, Geotechnical investigation work, Hydrological Survey and Soil testing. The State Government has been requested by the Executing Agency on 19.12.2024 for demarcation of land for construction of boundary wall.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 896 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-07
Subject: Skill Training Centre for Emergency Medical Services
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Rao Rajendra Singh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 896 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2025

## SKILL TRAINING CENTRE FOR EMERGENCY MEDICALSERVICES

## 896. SHRI RAO RAJENDRASINGH:

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

- (a) whether the Government has any data on the Skill Training Infrastructure built in the State of Rajasthan for Emergency Medical Services and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government intends to sanction and release funds for setting up of skill centres in Medical College, Rajasthan Medical Education Society (Raj-MES) for Bhilwara, Bharatpur, Churu and Dungarpur of Rajasthan under the "Human Resource Development for Emergency Medical Services"; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ( SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (c): Under scheme 'Human Resource Development of Emergency Medical Services', Central/ State Government Medical Colleges/ Autonomous Institutions are considered for setting up of National Emergency Life Support (NELS) Skill Centres in a geographically representative manner across the country to enhance the Emergency Medical Services skill training infrastructure in the States/UTs.

The NELS Skill Centres have been sanctioned at SMS Medical College, Jaipur; S.P. Medical College, Bikaner; Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur; Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College, Ajmer; RNT Medical College, Udaipur; Government Medical College, Bharatpur; Government Medical College, Kota and AIIMS, Jodhpur in Rajasthan. An amount of Rs. 2.90 Crores has been released in two instalments for NELS Skill Centre in Bharatpur.

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