opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3522 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: PMSSY Block in Government Medical College, Kozhikode
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri M K Raghavan

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3522 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## PMSSYBLOCK IN GOVERNMENT MEDICALCOLLEGE, KOZHIKODE

## †3522. SHRI M K RAGHAVAN:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) block in the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode is functioning partially only since its inauguration in Kozhikode;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including the reason for partial operations despite the block being fully equipped with the latest machinery and infrastructure;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any steps in consultation with the Government of Kerala for commencement of full operation of PMSSY Block in the said hospital; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (d): The upgradation of Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH), Kozhikode by way of setting up of Super Speciality Block (SSB) was approved under Phase-III of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). The SSB was inaugurated on 21.01.2023. As per the PMSSY, running, operation and maintenance of the SSB including the creation of post and the recruitment of human resources is the responsibility of the State Government.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3520 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Role of NGOs in Women Empowerment
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Daroga Prasad Saroj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3520 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## ROLE OF NGOS IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

†3520. SHRI DAROGA PRASAD SAROJ :

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

- (a) the details of the schemes being implemented for women empowerment and child  development through  Non-Govermental Organisations (NGOs) in Uttar Pradesh,  district-wise  including  the  parliamentary  constituency  of  Lalganj district Azamgarh;
- (b) whether it has come to light that some NGOs working in the said State have misappropriated  the  funds  allocated  to  them  for  implementing  Government sponsored schemes;
- (c) if so, the number of cases reported in this regard during the last five years; and
- (d) the details of the measures taken/to be taken to strengthen the role of NGOs in promoting the women and children welfare in rural and tribal areas of Uttar Pradesh?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (d)  :  The  Ministry  of  Women  and  Child  Development  implements  various schemes and programmes for women empowerment and child development under its umbrella Missions namely 'Mission Shakti', 'Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (Mission Poshan 2.0)' and 'Mission Vatsalya'.

Under the Schemes, funds are released to the States/ UTs with the prescribed funding pattern for a Centrally Sponsored Scheme as per their respective ratio through Public Financial Management System (PFMS) Portal on completion of the requisite requirements  such  as  submission  of  Utilization  Certificate  (UC),  Statement  of Expenditure (SoE), fulfilment of SNA norms etc.

The  States/  UTs  are  responsible  for  implementation  of  the  schemes  as  per guidelines and funds are disbursed by the State/ UT to the Implementing Agencies from the funds available in the SNA account which has both Central and State share.

During the last five years, no case has been reported for misappropriation of funds allocated  under  the  schemes.  However,  under  erstwhile  Rajeev  Gandhi  National Creche Scheme (RGNCS) discontinued w.e.f. 31.012.2016, a complaint regarding irregularities in management of creches was reported against a voluntary organization. Thereafter, an FIR No. 39/2019 dated 08.04.2019 has been lodged by the Ministry.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3518 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Import Tariff on BRICS Countries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri S Venkatesan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFARIS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3518

ANSWERED ON- 21/03/2025

IMPORT TARIFF ON BRICS COUNTRIES

3518 SHRI S VENKATESAN

Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:(a) the response of the Government of India on US President's warning to BRICS countries regarding impositions 100 percent import tariff; (b) whether the Government is considering to impose reciprocal import duties in case US resort to hike the said tariff; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a) to (c)  India is a founding member of the BRICS, a platform that has grown in membership and agenda over the last two decades. It is our endeavour to enhance understanding of BRICS activities among the international community.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3514 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Visit of European Commission President
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane, Shri Sudheer Gupta, Shri Chavan Ravindra Vasantrao

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3514

ANSWERED ON- 21/03/2025

VISIT OF EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT

3514  SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA

## SHRI DHAIRYASHEEL SAMBHAJIRAO MANE

## SHRI CHAVAN RAVINDRA VASANTRAO

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

(a) the details of major agreements signed during the visit of European

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to India recently;

- (b) whether India and European Union has signed or proposes to sign any Free Trade Agreement;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the salient features of the said trade agreement between the two partners;

(d) whether India and European Union has also signed an agreement on security and defence partnership, artificial intelligence and the

inter operation ability of digital public infrastructure and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the manner in which the said free trade agreement with European Union is likely to be helpful in realising the India's dream of achieving the status of developed nation or Viksit Bharat by 2047?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a   &   d)     At   the   invitation   of   Prime   Minister   Shri   Narendra   Modi, President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, accompanied by the European Union College of Commissioners, paid an official visit to India on 27-28 February 2025. This was the first ever visit of the EU College of Commissioners together to India. During the visit, Prime Minister held delegation level talks with President Ursula von der Leyen. The second ministerial meeting of the India - EU Trade and   Technology   Council   (TTC)   and   bilateral   ministerial   meetings between the European Commissioners and their Indian counterparts were also held during the visit.

During the meetings, all areas of bilateral co-operation as well as global and regional developments of mutual interests were discussed. These   included   trade   and   investment;   critical   and   emerging technologies including AI, Semiconductors and DPI; clean and green energy;   defence   and   security;   sustainable   infrastructure;   talent mobility;   skilling   and   people   to   people   ties.   No   Agreements   were signed during the visit. A Leaders' statement and a Joint Statement on the Second Ministerial Meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council were issued at the conclusion of the visit. (b,   c   &   e)  India   and   European   Union   have   resumed   Free   Trade Agreement negotiations in June 2022. Ten Rounds of Negotiation have been held till date. The last Round of Negotiation was held from 10th-14th March, 2025 at Brussels. The proposed FTA is aimed at strengthening trade and investment linkages between India and the EU and support supply chain resilience through enhanced economic cooperation. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3513 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Analysis of Diagnostic Techniques Act
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Shri Subbarayan K, Com. Selvaraj V

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3513 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 ST MARCH 2025

## ANALYSIS OF DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES ACT

## 3513: DR. T SUMATHY ALIAS THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN: COM. SELVARAJ V: SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:

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

- a) whether the Government is aware that 4.6 lakhs girls were missed at birth each year between 2013-2017 in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- b) whether the Government is planning to undertake any analysis on how girls go missing at birth despite the existence of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994;
- c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons thereof;
- d) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn towards a statement made by the President of Indian Medical Association (IMA) against PC-PNDT Act made to prevent female foeticide saying that the prohibitions under this act need to be dispensed with owing to its massive failure over 30 years; and
- e) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e) The Government of India enacts the Pre-conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 for awareness generation and advocacy measures to build a positive environment for the girl child through gender-sensitive policies, provisions and legislation. As per the latest Sample Registration Survey (SRS) report 2020, the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) (female per 1000 male) stands at 907.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare undertakes regular review meetings, awareness generation activities, sensitization and capacity building workshops as well as issues regular advisories to strengthen the implementation of the PC & PNDT Act across the country.

As per information received from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), 'Police' and 'Public Order' are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibilities to maintain law and order, protection of life and property of the citizens including women & children rest with the respective State Governments. The State Governments are competent to deal with such offences under the extant provisions of laws.

However, Ministry of Home Affairs has been issuing advisories from time to time with a view to support and supplement the efforts of States/UTs to effectively deal with crimes against women and children, which are available at www.mha.gov.in. These advisories interalia consist instructions for effective implementation of law with special emphasis on crime against women and children.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3512 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: International Passenger Ship Services from Kerala
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Hibi Eden

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3512

## ANSWERED ON 21/03/2025

## INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER SHIP SERVICES FROM KERALA

## 3512.  SHRI HIBI EDEN:

## Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:

## पȅन , पोतपįरवहनऔर जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  Kerala's  recent  initiative  to  establish  a passenger  ship  service  to  foreign  destinations,  making  it  the  first  such  service  from India; (b) if so, the details and the current status thereof; (c) whether  any  feasibility  studies  or  assessments  have  been  conducted  on  the economic, strategic, and operational viability of these proposed international passenger ship services, if so, the details thereof; (d) whether the Government  has received  any  proposals from the  State  of Kerala seeking collaboration for launching passenger ship services to foreign countries, if so, the details thereof; and whether the Government has engaged in discussions with the State Government of Kerala regarding infrastructure requirements, and other logistical aspects necessary for  implementing this  service, if so, the details thereof including the projected timeline
- (e) for its commencement and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (e)  Discussionswere  held  with  stakeholders,  namely,  Shipping  Corporation  of India, Directorate General of Shipping, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kerala Maritime Board (KMB)& NORKA Roots, an agency under Government of Kerala. KMB has floated an open advertisement  for Expression of  Interest  (EOI) on  07.03.2024,  for  'Operation  of Passenger ships/Cruises/Vessels connecting Middle East/GCC with Kerala" utilizing the port  infrastructure  in  Kerala,  India.  The  bids  have  been  opened  on  22.04.2024.  A meeting has been held on 06.08.2024 between KMB and SCI with the two prospective bidders in attendance to discuss the technical aspects. As informed by KMB to SCI, the interested bidders are yet to acquire suitable vessels for the service.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3505 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: AIIMS in Madurai
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Thiru Dayanidhi Maran

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3505 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 21 ST MARCH 2025

## AIIMS IN MADURAI

## 3505 THIRU DAYANIDHI MARAN:

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

- (a) the current status of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) project in Madurai along with the expected timeline for its completion;
- (b) the details of total budget allocated/utilized for the Madurai AIIMS Project;
- (c) whether there are any delays in fund disbursement that are affecting the progress of the project and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the main reasons for the delay in the Madurai AIIMS project and the manner in which these are being addressed;
- (e) whether there are contingency plans to avoid further delays in construction and operationalisation of the said project and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) whether the Union Government has provided regular updates to the State Government and the public about the progress of the Madurai AIIMS project 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) : Establishment of All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) Madurai has been approved under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) at a project cost of Rs.2021.51 crore. Currently, 26% of Phase-I work has been completed. As per the Loan Agreement signed with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) target date of completion of the project is October, 2026. As on date, Rs. 239.27 crore has been released for construction of AIIMS Madurai. There is no delay in disbursement of funds for the project activities.

(d) to (f) : The foundation stone of AIIMS Madurai was laid in 2019 , however the land for the project was handed over by the State Government in 2020. It was decided to obtain funding for the project through Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA) and the Loan Agreement was signed between Government of Japan and Government of India in March, 2021. The Project cost was also revised on account of inclusion of 150 bedded Infectious Disease Block and some other additions. The progress of the project is being regularly monitored at the level of the Institute and the Ministry. In addition, a Steering Committee has been constituted under the Chairpersonship of Principal Secretary (Health), Government of Tamil Nadu to monitor and facilitate smooth implementation of the project .

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3502 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: HIV Self-Testing
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Shri Khagen Murmu, Smt. Aparajita Sarangi

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3502 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 ST MARCH, 2025

## HIV SELF-TESTING

3502: SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR: SHRI KHAGEN MURMU: SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI:

Will the MINISTER OF HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state :

- (a) the manner in which the Government plans to integrate HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) into the existing National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) Phase-V;
- (b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure that the Self-Testing kits are affordable and accessible especially for marginalized and vulnerable populations;
- (c) the role of public-private partnerships in expanding the reach of HIV self-testing; and
- (d) whether there are any existing collaborations with private healthcare providers and NGOs and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (d): Under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP), a health care provider performs HIV screening coupled with pre-test and post-test counselling. The screened reactive cases undergo confirmatory testing for HIV with pre-test and post-test counselling at Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) through a stringent three test algorithm to ensure that test results are accurate. Pre - test and post - test counselling is an integral part of HIV testing under the NACP due to the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV. Till date, the Drug Controller General of India has not issued certificate/ license to any HIV self - testing kit for use in the country. There is no provision to integrate HIV self-testing into the existing National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP) Phase-V.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3501 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Mahila Shakti Kendras
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Vishnu Datt Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3501

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## MAHILA SHAKTI KENDRAS

## 3501. SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA:

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

- (a) whether the Government is implementing the Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSKs) to empower rural women, especially in the State of Madhya Pradesh and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has established MSKs in the districts of Katni, Panna and the town of Khajuraho in the Khajuraho Parliamentary Constituency;
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along with the measures being taken to ensure the success of the said scheme; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): The Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) Scheme was approved in November, 2017 as  a  centrally  sponsored  scheme  to  empower  rural  women  through  community participation.  A third party evaluation study of MSK scheme was conducted by NITI Aayog in 2020. Taking into account the findings of the evaluation and after consultation with  States/  UTs  and  stakeholders,  the  scheme  was  discontinued  with  effect  from 01.04.2022.

However, Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing the Umbrella Scheme named as 'Mission Shakti' with effect from 01.04.2022 across the country including the State of Madhya Pradesh which aim at strengthening interventions for women safety,  security  and  empowerment.  The  'Mission  Shakti'  has  two  verticals 'Sambal'  for  safety  and  security  of  women  and  'Samarthya'  for  empowerment  of women.

'Hub  for  Empowerment  of  Women  (HEW)',  a  component  under Samarthya,  subscheme of 'Mission Shakti' is functioning as a Project Management Unit (PMU) for monitoring and supervisory unit of Mission Shakti Scheme.

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

The HEW are operational in the State of Madhya Pradesh at State level as well as District level including the districts of Katni, Panna and the districts falling within the Khajuraho Parliamentary Constituency.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3500 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Rashtriya Mahila Kosh
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Balwant Baswant Wankhade

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3500

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## RASHTRIYA MAHILA KOSH

## 3500. SHRI BALWANT BASWANT WANKHADE:

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

- (a) the  details  of  the  loan  schemes  being  run  under  the  Rashtriya  Mahila Kosh(RMK) along with the eligibility norms to avail such loans;
- (b) the number of women belonging to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes who have been benefitted from the RMK during each of the last three years and the current year, States/UT-wise;
- (c) whether the Government has received complaints regarding overcharging of interest rate on loans under the RMK during the said period and if so, the details thereof  along  with  action  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  on  such complaints;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to restructure/amend the RMK, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (e) the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to extend the coverage of RMK across the country?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (e):  Rashtriya  Mahila  Kosh  (RMK)  was  a  society,  registered  under  the Societies Registration Act 1860 as an apex micro-finance organization established in 1993 under the aegis of the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD).

Based on the report on 'rationalisation of autonomous bodies', by the Department of Expenditure, a proposal of the Ministry to close down 'Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK)' was approved by the Union Cabinet. The closure of the organisation has been  notified  in  the  Gazette  of  India(Extraordinary)  vide  notification  dated 12.03.2024.

***