opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4635 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Repatriation of Illegal Immigrants from US
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Mr Pathan Yusuf

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 4635

## ANSWERED ON- 28/03/2025

REPATRIATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM US

4635. MR PATHAN YUSUF

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the Government has offered to repatriate 18,000 illegal Indian immigrants from the United States, if so, the

- details thereof;

(b)   the   manner   in   which   this   initiative   align   with   our   broader immigration policies; and

(c)   the   measures   being   implemented   to   ensure   the   welfare   and reintegration of these returnees?

## ANSWER

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

(a   to   c)   It   is   the   obligation   of   all   countries   to   take   back   their nationals, if they are found to be living illegally abroad. This is however subject to an unambiguous verification of their nationality.

This is not a policy that is practiced only by India; it is a generally accepted principle in international relations.

Since January 2025 till date, a total of 636 Indian nationals have been deported to India   from   the   U.S.   Of   these,   341   arrived   on chartered flights, 55 arrived via Panama on commercial flights, and 240 arrived on separate commercial flights.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities have shared with us information pertaining to an additional 295 individuals who are detained in their custody with final orders of removal from the U.S. The Ministry, along with other concerned agencies, is currently verifying the details for these 295 individuals. It's   the   policy   of   the   Government   of   India   to   negotiate   mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks with other countries that allows for streamlining avenues for legal mobility of students and professionals, and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel,   while   also   addressing   illegal   immigration   and   human trafficking by taking strong action against the bad actors, criminal facilitators, and illegal immigration networks.

All   necessary   assistance   to   Indian   nationals,   including   to   the returnees, is being provided by the Government as per extant rules.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4625 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Timely Intervention for Rare Disease Patients
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Ms. Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde, Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4625 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th MARCH 2025

## TIMELY INTERVENTION FOR RARE DISEASE PATIENTS

## 4625. MS. PRANITI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE: SHRI VISHALDADAPRAKASHBAPU PATIL:

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

(a) whether many rare disease patients, especially children with Lysosomal Storage Disorders, require timely intervention; and

- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken by the government in this regard?

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

(a) and (b) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has framed National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021. Under the policy, 63 disorders including Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) such as the Gaucher's, Pompe and Fabry diseases are categorized as Rare Diseases. Health being a State subject, the primary responsibility of providing healthcare services is that of the State Governments. However, to mitigate the challenges posed by rare diseases in India, financial assistance up to Rs. 50 lakhs per patient is provided for treatment of Rare Diseases in the Centers of Excellence (CoEs) under NPRD, 2021. 13 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) have been identified, which are premier Government tertiary hospitals for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of rare diseases. The CoEs have also been provided with funds for infrastructure strengthening. Further, full exemption from Basic Customs Duty (BCD) and Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) is provided on Drugs or Medicines imported for treatment of persons suffering from rare diseases, if imported by an individual, for personal use or through CoEs, for treatment of rare disease.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4622 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Challenges in Malaria Vaccination Deployment
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4622 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2025

## CHALLENGES IN MALARIAVACCINATION DEPLOYMENT

## 4622. DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI :

Will the MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state :

- (a) whether the Government has assessed the challenges faced in the deployment of malaria vaccines in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof including issues related to production, distribution and cold chain infrastructure; (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to address these challenges; and (d) whether the Government has any plans/has any specific initiatives to be taken to
- integrate malaria vaccination with existing immunization programmes in the country 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 matter for use of Malaria vaccine in context of India has been reviewed in a duly constituted expert committee which recommended that India does not fall within the criteria for adopting Malaria vaccines as the vaccines are used for moderate to high transmission settings with a risk of Malaria deaths in children.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4617 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Physiotherapy Facilities in CGHS Wellness Centres
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Rambhual Nishad

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4617 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 TH MARCH, 2025

## PHYSIOTHERAPY FACILITIES IN CGHS WELLNESS CENTRES

## †4617. SHRI RAMBHUAL NISHAD:

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

- (a) the number of CGHS Wellness Centres operational in Delhi having the physiotherapy facility;
- (b) the number of sanctioned posts of physiotherapists in these centres;
- (c) the number of vacant posts of physiotherapists along with the time since when they are lying vacant;
- (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to fill those vacant posts;
- (e) the time by which the said posts are likely to be filled in these centres; and
- (f) the details of other CGHS wellness centres in Delhi in which the facility of physiotherapy is likely to be made available along with the time by which the said facility is likely to be made available?

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

(a) to (f) CGHS beneficiary can undergo physiotherapy in any of the CGHS empanelled private Health Care Organizations. There is also a provision for home based (Domiciliary) physiotherapy for CGHS beneficiaries as per guidelines issued vide this Ministry's Office Memorandum No. S-11011/24/2011-CGHS(P) dated 01.06.2011. The copy of OM is available on CGHS website i.e. (https://cghs.gov.in/CghsGovIn/faces/ViewPage.xhtml#). Physiotherapy services can be availed in any public health facility under the Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4616 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Development of Inland Waterways
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Subbarayan K, Com. Selvaraj V

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4616 ANSWERED ON 28.03.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF INLAND WATERWAYS

4616. COM. SELVARAJ V: SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:

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

(a)      whether  the  Government  has  a  plan  to  invest  about  Rs.  50,000  crore  in  the development and improvement of Inland Waterways in the country in the coming five years; and (b)   if so, the details of the areas where there is scope for development of waterways and  the  steps  that  are  being  taken  for  the  development  and  improvement  of  inland

- waterways?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  &  (b) Yes . Development works on National Waterways (NWs) are taken up  by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) with a view to develop NWs for cargo / river cruise tourism wherever feasible. Main areas of development include fairway development with  navigable  depth,  construction of  fixed  and  floating  terminals/jetties for berthing facilities and provision for suitable inland vessels.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4614 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Indo-US Diplomatic Relations
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Anil Yeshwant Desai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-4614

ANSWERED ON- 28/03/2025

INDO-US DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

4614. SHRI ANIL YESHWANT DESAI:

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

(a) the present status of our diplomatic relations with America in the wake of change of guard there;

(b) whether the executive orders issued by the new US President have any effect on Indians living in America;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether there is any change perceived in the trade with US; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) India - U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership enjoys strong   bipartisan   support   and   continues   to   maintain   a   positive momentum since the inauguration of the new U.S. Administration on

20   January   2025.   During   Prime   Minister   Modi's   recent   visit   to Washington DC, both leaders launched the 'U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing   Opportunities   for   Military   Partnership,   Accelerated Commerce   &   Technology)   for   the   21st   Century'   -   to   drive transformative change across key pillars of cooperation. Both sides have already initiated necessary action to implement the vision for the bilateral partnership, as outlined in the Joint Statement of 13 February 2025.

(b) & (c) The Executive Orders signed by the U.S. President cover multiple areas including U.S. foreign policy goals, U.S. participation in UN agencies, reciprocal tariffs, illegal migration, national security etc. Some of the executive orders such as those on immigration could   have   implications   for   Indian   nationals   in   the   U.S.   The concerned Ministries  /   Departments   of   Government   of   India   are seized   of   the   matter   and   remain   engaged   with   their   U.S. counterparts to address these issues.

(d) & (e) As far India-U.S. trade is concerned, during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States on 12-13 February 2025, both   India   and   the   U.S.   resolved   to   deepen   the   bilateral   trade

relationship   to   promote   growth   that   ensures   fairness,   national security and job creation. To this end, the two leaders set a new bilateral trade target - "Mission 500' - aiming to more than double the total two-way goods and services trade to $500 billion by 2030. Recognising that this level of ambition would require new, fair-trade terms, both sides announced plans to negotiate the first tranche of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the fall of 2025.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4611 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Trade Talks between India and USA
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Raja A

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-4611

## ANSWERED ON- 28/03/2025

TRADE TALKS BETWEEN INDIA AND USA

4611 SHRI RAJA A

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

(a) whether any roadmap for the formal talks on trade deals between India and USA has been finalized, during the visit of Indian PM to USA;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of other areas negotiated for the bilateral trade apart from signing agreement for purchase of Defence planes from USA; (d) whether it is a fact that Indian representatives strive for the fair, equitable and mutually beneficial deal between the two countries, in view of high tariff issue; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e) During the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States on 12-13 February 2025, both India and the US resolved to deepen the   bilateral   trade   relationship   to   promote   growth   that   ensures fairness, national security and job creation. To this end, PM Modi and US President   Donald   Trump   set   a   new   bilateral   trade   target   "Mission 500' - aiming to more than double the total two-way goods and services trade to $500 billion by 2030.   Recognizing that this level of  ambition would require new, fair-trade terms, both sides announced   plans   to   negotiate   the   first   tranche   of   a   mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by the fall of 2025.

The   two   governments   are   in   the   process   of   taking   these negotiations forward and are actively working to build a framework for   the   BTA,   which   aims   to   expand   trade   across   the   goods   and services sectors, whilst working towards increasing market access, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepening supply chain integration.

Towards this endeavour, Minister of  Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush   Goyal   visited   the   U.S.   on   03-07   March   2025   and   held

discussions with US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. Government of India remains engaged with the U.S. Administration to   arrive   at   a   mutually   beneficial,   multi-sector   Bilateral   Trade

Agreement (BTA). ***
Lok Sabha Question No. 4610 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: National Fund for Rare Diseases
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Baijayant Panda

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4610 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th MARCH 2025

## NATIONALFUNDFOR RAREDISEASES

## 4610. SHRI BAIJAYANT PANDA:

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

- (a) the details of fund allocations for the National Fund for Rare Diseases (NFRD) for the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26;
- (b) the total number of disorders currently classified as rare diseases in the country;
- (c) whether the Government provides financial support through any specific schemes for patients suffering from rare diseases and if so, the details of such schemes; and
- (d) the status of the eleven Centres of Excellence (CoEs) established for the treatment and diagnosis of rare diseases along with the number of patients receiving treatment at these centres?

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

(a) to (d) Health being a State subject, the primary responsibility of providing healthcare services is that of the State Governments. However, to mitigate the challenges posed by rare diseases in India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has framed National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021. The policy covers 63 disorders which are categorized as Rare Diseases. Financial assistance up to Rs. 50 lakhs per patient is provided for treatment of Rare Diseases through 13 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) identified under NPRD, 2021. The fund allocation is made under NPRD and there is no National Fund for Rare Diseases (NFRD) as such. The details of NPRD and other related circulars are available at Ministry's website viz. https://mohfw.gov.in . As on date, around 1000 patients are registered in the CoEs for identified Rare Diseases. Rs. 118.82 crores and Rs. 299.59 crores have been allocated for Rare Diseases for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 respectively.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4608 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Revision of Prices of Drugs
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †4608

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th  MARCH, 2025

## Revision of Prices of Drugs

## †4608. Dr. Rajeev Bharadwaj:

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

- (a) whether the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has revised the prices of drugs;
- (b) if so, the number of drugs for which prices have been revised; and
- (c) the number and details of formulations for which retail prices have been revised?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY  OF  CHEMICALS  AND FERTILIZERS

(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a)  to  (c): The National  Pharmaceutical  Pricing  Authority  (NPPA)  under  Department  of Pharmaceuticals has fixed the ceiling prices of 928 scheduled formulations as on 25.3.2025. Further,  as  per  provisions  of  the  Drugs  (Prices  Control)  Order,  2013  (DPCO,  2013),  these ceiling prices of scheduled medicines are revised annually based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) (all commodities). The ceiling prices of scheduled medicines for the financial year 202425 were increased by 0.00551% with effect from 1.4.2024, based on annual change in WPI (all commodities). NPPA also fixes the retail price of new drugs, as defined in paragraph 2(1)(u) of  DPCO,  2013.    NPPA  has  notified  around  3,200  retail  prices  under  DPCO,  2013  till 25.3.2025. All price notifications of formulations for which prices have been fixed or revised are available on NPPA's website (www.nppaindia.nic.in).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4606 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Swadhar Greh Scheme
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Thiru Dr. S Jagathratchakan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4606 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2025

## SWADHAR GREH SCHEME

## 4606.  SHRI S JAGATHRATCHAKAN:

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

- (a) whether  the  Union  Government  has  reviewed  the  implementation  of  the Swadhar Greh Scheme in Tamil Nadu for rehabilitation of vulnerable women;
- (b) the details of the funds allocated/utilized under the Swadhar Greh Scheme in the said State during the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25;
- (c) the number of Swadhar Greh Centres currently functional in Tamil Nadu along with the women supported through these centres; and
- (d) whether the Government plans to increase the number and capacity of such centres in Tamil Nadu in the upcoming fiscal year, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SAVITRI THAKUR)

(a)  to  (d):  Under  the  overarching  'Mission  Shakti',  erstwhile  schemes  of  'Swadhar Greh' - Home for women in difficult circumstances and 'Ujjawala'- Home for women rescued from Trafficking, have been merged and are now known as 'Shakti Sadan Scheme',  which  is  an  Integrated  Relief  and  Rehabilitation  Home  for  women  in distressful  situations  including  trafficked  women.   It  aims  at  creating  a  safe  and enabling  environment for  the  women  in  such  difficult  situations,  to  enable  them  to overcome the adverse circumstances.

The Shakti Sadan Scheme is a demand driven Centrally Sponsored Scheme, under which funds are released to the States/UTs for implementation of the scheme. The States/UTs assess their requirement as per local needs and proposals are approved every year by the Programme  Approval  Board  (PAB)  after discussion with States/UTs.  Under the Scheme, financial assistance is provided for running of Shakti Sadan in rented premises.

The  details  of  funds  released  to  the  State  Government  of  Tamil  Nadu  for  the implementation of Shakti Sadan Scheme during the financial years 2023-24 and 202425 are as under:

| Financial Year            |   Funds released (Amount Rupees in crore) |
|---------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| 2023-24                   |                                     15.17 |
| 2024-25 (upto 26.03.2025) |                                     10.54 |

Presently, 40 Shakti Sadans are functional in the State of Tamil Nadu benefiting about 1706 women.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4605 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Physiotherapy Centres for Cervical Pain
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Tanuj Punia

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4605 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2025

## PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTRES FOR CERVICAL PAIN

## †4605. SHRI TANUJ PUNIA:

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

- (a) the number of people who are suffering from cervical pain in the country, State/UT-wise;
- (b) the number of private and Government Physiotherapy centres functioning for people suffering from cervical pain in the country, State-wise; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to start a time-bound programme in view of the increasing number of patients suffering from cervical pain in the country and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (c). The data related to number of patients suffering from cervical pain and functional Physiotherapy Centres in the country is not maintained centrally. Further, 'Public Health' and 'Hospitals' being State subjects, the State/Union Territory Governments make efforts for opening of Physiotherapy Centres in the Government hospitals.

As far as Central Government Hospitals of Delhi i.e. Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Associated Hospitals and Rural Health Training Centre, Najafgarh are concerned, these hospitals have Physiotherapy Centres which provide treatment and rehabilitation to patients, including those suffering from cervical pain.