opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1266 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Assessment of Impact of Lead on Humans
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Hasnain Masoodi

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1266 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 TH FEBRUARY 2024

## ASSESSMENT OFIMPACT OF LEAD ON HUMANS

## 1266: SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of NITI Aayog report of 2020 on 'Assessment of Lead Impact on Human and India's Response' which highlights that 275 million children i.e. 50% of all children in India have elevated levels of lead in their blood;
- (b) if so, whether the Government has conducted any similar study regarding the exposure of lead toxicity on human health in India and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted any awareness program against the use of toxic lead and lead compounds in the household items;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) whether the Government has data regarding the total number of lead poisoning cases during the last four years and the current year and if so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) to (e):

National Centre for Disease Control under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has participated in an epidemiological study of prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and risk factors among children in Patna, Bihar in 2020. This community level assessment of children (<6 year) living proximal (within 0.3km) and distal (beyond 5.8km) from a prior identified lead point sources related to informal used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling operations included blood lead level measurements and assessment of various sources of lead exposure in children.

Under National Health Mission (NHM), for healthy survival of population especially for children, Information Education Communication (IEC)/ Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) activities are carried out.

As informed, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), Government of India has passed a notification in November 2016 as 'Regulation on Lead contents in Household and Decorative Paints Rules, 2016" and has prohibited manufacture, trade, import as well as export of household and decorative paints containing lead or lead compounds in excess of 90 parts per million (ppm).

The Batteries (Management & Handling) Rules, 2001 was notified in May, 2001 to regulate the collection, characterization and recycling as well as import of used lead acid batteries in the country.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1264 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Bhatinda Cantt
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1264

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09 th  February, 2024

## BHATINDA CANTT

## 1264. SHRIMATI HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the petition of shop owners of RSC 4 Bathinda Cantt where hundreds of shop owners have been asked to vacate the shops allotted to them long ago on the call of the Government and shut their long running businesses, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  Government proposes  to  allot  these  vacated  shops  to  war-widows/disabled soldiers/ex-servicemen, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government intends to allot new shops to these categories instead of evicting the existing business owners from the cantonment since as it owns acres of vacant land around these shops, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Government considers to look into the plight of the established shop owners sympathetically and take a favourable decision; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

- (a) & (b):  A representation from shopkeepers of Regimental Shopping Complex, Bathinda has been received requesting for quashing of vacation orders/notices issued to them for handing over the vacant possession of the shops. These Shops were allotted initially in 1989 for a period of 11 months and thereafter the time period was extended from time to time.

As per Ministry of Defence (MoD) policy dated 17.01.2018, there is 100% reservation for allotment of Regimental shops to War Widows/Widows of defence personnel killed while on  duty/disabled  Soldier/Ex-Servicemen  and  Spouses/Widows  of  Ex-Servicemen etc. for  a period of 05 years (with a 03 year cooling off/break period). Accordingly, the regimental shops of  Bathinda  were  auctioned  in  2021  and  allotted  to  various  categories  of  Ex-Servicemen/ War-Widows in terms of ibid policy.

- (c):  The defence land which appears to be vacant or unutilized is actually meant for purpose of training and future infrastructure development. The Shopping complex of Bathinda is as per the authorized Scales of Accommodation and its location is as per the approved Zonal Plan of the Military Station.

(d) & (e):  Some shopkeepers had filed Writ Petitions in Hon'ble Court of Punjab & Haryana in Chandigarh seeking quashing of vacation orders/notices issued to them for handing over the vacant possession of the shops. The petitioners sought time from the Hon'ble Court to vacate the shops and submitted before the Court that the physical possession of vacant shops shall be handed over by them on or before 01.04.2024. Based on their submission, Hon'ble Court vide Order  dated  23.08.2023  directed  that  vacant  shops  shall  be  handed  over  on  or  before 01.04.2024.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1262 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Challenges of Population Growth
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Kalaben Mohanbhai Delkar

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1262 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 th FEBRUARY, 2024

## CHALLENGES OFPOPULATION GROWTH

## 1262. SHRIMATI DELKAR KALABEN MOHANBHAI:

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

- (a) whether India has overtaken China as the country with the largest population in the world in 2023 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether concrete policies have been formulated to control the population in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the rise in population is likely to put additional burden on resources and pose challenges for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and
- (d) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (PROF. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) to (d) As per report of Technical Group on Population Projection (TGPP) July 2020, Chaired by Registrar General of India (RGI) the projected population of the country, in the year 2023 is 138.81 Crores.

The Government accords top priority to the National Family Planning Program, which is guided by the tenets of the National Population Policy 2000 and National Health Policy 2017. The Government has been successful in reining in the growth of population, and the following progress has been achieved:

-  The Total Fertility Rate declined from 2.2 in 2015-16 (NFHS 4) to 2.0 in 2019-21 (NFHS 5) which is below replacement level.
-  31 out of 36 States/ UTs have achieved replacement level fertility (NFHS 5).
-  The Modern Contraceptive usage has increased from 47.8% in 2015-16 ( NFHS 4) to 56.5% in 2019-21 (NFHS 5).
-  The Unmet Need for Family Planning has decreased from 12.9% in 2015-16 (NFHS 4) to 9.4% in 2019-21 ( NFHS 5).  The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) has declined from 20.8 in 2015 (SRS ) to 19.5 in 2020 (SRS). Considering the success achieved in the Family Planning Programme there is no proposal

at present to formulate any other policy in the country.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1261 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Migration and Mobility Agreement
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Prathap Simha, Ravi Kishan Shukla

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1261 ANSWERED ON- 09/02/2024

## MIGRATION AND MOBILITY AGREEMENT

1261. SHRI PRATHAP SIMHA SHRI RAVI KISHAN

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

(a) the objectives behind the Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy; and (b) the benefits of the Agreement for workers and students from India?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a & b) Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) between India and Italy was signed in November 2023 during the visit of External Affairs Minister to Italy. India and Italy have excellent bilateral relations, people to people ties and historical bonds of  friendship.  MMPA will further strengthen our peoples' connect and mobility.

In particular, the Agreement will facilitate mobility of  employed, selfemployed workers, skilled workers, students, academics, researchers, business people, artists, according to identified needs of  respective labour markets; thereby providing employment opportunities for Indian workers and professionals.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1256 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Foreigners in India
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Chandeshwar Prasad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1256

## ANSWERED ON- 09/02/2024

## FOREIGNERS IN INDIA

1256. SHRI CHANDESHWAR PRASAD

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

- (a) the number of students coming to India for studies during the last three years, country-wise; and
- (b) the number of foreigners residing in India for employment, countrywise?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

- (a) As per the information available with our  Bureau of Immigration, number of foreigners who came to India on student visa during last three years is as follows:
- (b)  As per the information available with our  Bureau of Immigration, there are 24,844 foreigners residing in India on employment visa as on 01.02.2024.

| Year           | 2021   | 2022   | 2023   |
|----------------|--------|--------|--------|
| No. of persons | 22,159 | 31,910 | 40,431 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1251 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Increase in Cargo Handling Capacity
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Rahul Ramesh Shewale, Pritam Gopinath Munde, Chandra Sekhar Sahu

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1251

ANSWERED ON 09.02.2024

## INCREASE IN CARGO HANDLING CAPACITY

1251.  SHRI RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE: DR. PRITAM GOPINATHRAO MUNDE: SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU:

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

## पȅन ,

पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a)  whether the Government proposes to increase cargo handling capacity at its sea and river ports by 2047; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the targets achieved therein; (c) whether Indian ports have achieved double-digit annual growth in thepast 10 years and beaten many developed nations in ship turnaround time; (d) if so, the details thereof; (e)  the  present  total  port  capacity  and  the  extent  to  which  it  will  increase  from  the existing in 2047; (f) whether the Government is planning to develop green hydrogen hubs at all Central
- and State Government - Owned ports; and
- (g) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) Yes. The government has given a strong push to increase the cargo handling capacity of ports through modernization, mechanization,digitalization, development of port clusters, dredging for deepening of drafts, development of infrastructure for road and rail connectivity etc.

(c) & (d)   The highest annual growth of Indian Ports in the last 10 years was 9.2% in FY 2022-23. As per the World Bank's Logistic Performance Index Report 2023, Indian Ports  has  achieved  'Turn  Around  Time'  as  0.9  days  which  is  better  than  USA  (1.5 days), UAE (1.1 days) Singapore(1.0 days), Russian Federation (1.8 days), Malaysia(1.0),  Ireland(1.2  days),  Indonesia  (1.1  days),  New  Zeeland  (1.1  days)  and South Africa (2.8 days).

(e)    The  present  capacity  of  Indian  Ports  is  2691  MTPA.Under  Maritime  AmritKaal Vision 2047, envisioned by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, total cargo handling capacity for Indian Ports is targeted to increase by more than 10000 MTPA.

(f) & (g) Three Major Ports i.e. Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tamil Nadu and Paradip Port Authority in Odisha are working on the development of these Ports as Hydrogen Hubs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1250 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Roadmap River Cruise Tourism
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Su Thirunavukkarasar, Ravneet Singh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  1250

ANSWERED ON 09.02.2024

## ROADMAP RIVER CRUISE TOURISM

1250. SHRI THIRUNAVUKKARASAR SU.: SHRI RAVNEET SINGH BITTU:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  launch  'HaritNauka'  guidelines  and River Cruise Tourism Roadmap;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is also proposed to make all inland water vessels and support vessels at ports to run on green energy;
- (d) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a)&  (b)Ministry  of  Ports,  Shipping  and  Waterways  launched  the  "HaritNauka"  Inland Vessels  Green  Transition  Guidelines  and  River  Cruise  Tourism  Roadmap  on  8 th January 2024 during the first meeting of Inland Waterways Development Council.

The  HaritNaukaGuidelines  envisions  complete  transition  to  Green  Vessels  by 2047. The vision and objectives of HaritNauka guidelines are as under:

1.  Developing and operationalizing new age vessels with standard design/infrastructure that are green and safe.
2.  Creating an enabling ecosystem for the operation of such green vessels
3.  Promoting safe, convenient and green inland waterway-based passenger transport.
4.  Developing indigenous capacity and promoting " Make in India" policy in shipbuilding
5.  Enabling financial assistance for development of Green vessels and related ecosystem.

The River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047 focuses on four vital pillars, including infrastructure, integration, accessibility and policy for promoting river cruise tourism.

(c)&  (d)Yes,In  this  regard,  'HaritNauka'  guidelines  have  been  launched  by  MoPSW detailing course of action on the part of Central Government and State Governments to achieve 100% green vessels in all Indian water bodies by 2047.

MoPSW has also launched  'HaritSagar'  Green  Port  Guidelines  in  May,  2023. The  Green  Port  Guidelines  provide  guidance  to  the  Major  Ports  for  drawing  out  a comprehensive  plan  of  action,  covering  all  the  components  of  the  Port  ecosystem contributing  to  the  carbon  footprint,  for  achieving  targeted  outcomes  in  terms  of quantified  reduction  in  carbon  emission  over  defined  timelines,  through  focused implementation of Green Interventions.

(e) Does not arise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1246 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Emigraints from Kerala
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: M. K. Raghavan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1246 ANSWERED ON- 09/02/2024

## EMIGRAINTS FROM KERALA

1246. SHRI M.K. RAGHAVAN

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

- (a) whether the Government has maintained any data regarding the number of people who have migrated out of Kerala to other countries, if
- so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has data regarding such overseas diaspora from Kerala who has not visited Kerala even once during the last three
- years, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has data regarding the number of youth who have migrated out of Kerala for studies and stayed back in those countries on stay back and work visas, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the steps being taken by the Government to prevent this high rate of brain drain from Kerala; and
- (e) whether the Government has taken any steps for visa free arrival at Dubai and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a to e)  Bureau of Immigration, MHA maintains departure and arrival data of Indians. State-wise data is not available. Some of the Indian nationals travelling abroad settle down in their country of employment.

The Government perceives the reality of a global workplace, especially

in an era of knowledge economy. It has, in parallel, brought about a transformational change in its engagement with Indian diaspora. A successful, prosperous, and influential diaspora is an asset for India. The Government's efforts are also aimed at harnessing the diaspora potential   to   its   fullest   including   through   sharing   of   knowledge   and expertise.

Bilateral discussions have been held with concerned UAE authorities regarding ease of travel of Indians to the UAE.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1242 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: SCO Meeting
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar

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

*****

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1242 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 9 th  FEBRUARY, 2024

## SCO Meeting

1242. SHRI VIVEK NARAYAN SHEJWALKAR:

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

- (a)       the outcomes of the 10th SCO meeting of the Ministers of Law and Justice; and
- (b)    the measures being taken by the Government regarding the commitments to SCO charter and the present status thereof?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

*****

- (a)       The 10 th   Meeting of the Ministers of Justice of the SCO Member States, held on 05 th  September, 2023, was represented by the Indian delegation, led by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice. A Joint Statement was adopted by the Member States at the conclusion of the meeting.
- (b)              India  is  participating  in  the  negotiations  on  the  Reforms  of  the  SCO, including its  Charter.  However, as the negotiations are in nascent stage and are subject to consensus of all the Member States, no firm commitments have been made by India at this stage. Therefore, its impact does not arise at this juncture.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1237 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: Sale of Medicines at Inflated Rates
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: S. Gnanathiraviam

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1237 TO BE ANSWERED ON 9 th  February, 2024

## Sale of Medicines at Inflated Rates

## 1237. SHRI GNANATHIRAVIAM S.:

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

- (a) whether the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has conducted any surprise checks in corporate hospitals across the country to check the sale of medicines at inflated rates;
- (b) if so the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA)

(a) to (c):    No.  However, to ensure that the medicines are made available to the patients at the notified price including in all the hospitals in the country, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the aegis of Department of Pharmaceuticals works closely with the State  Drugs  Controllers  and  Price  Monitoring  Resource  Units  (PMRUs)  for  enforcement activities. Samples of medicines are picked up from the open market including the pharmacies located  in  hospital  premises  regularly  and  are  analyzed  to  monitor  the  price  at  which  the medicines are sold to patients. Whenever any case of overcharging is come to the notice of NPPA based on the references received from the State Drugs Controllers /PMRUs individuals, samples purchased by NPPA from the open market, complaints reported through the 'Pharma Jan Samadhan', etc., the matter is examined by NPPA. If sufficient information indicating overcharging is found, overcharging proceedings are initiated against the concerned manufacturing/marketing company.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1228 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-09
Subject: FDI in Defence Sector
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Vinod Chavda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1228

TO BE ANSWERED ON 09 th  February, 2024

## FDI IN DEFENCE SECTOR

1228. SHRI VINOD L. CHAVDA:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is making efforts to promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Defence sector in view of meager FDI inflows in the same;

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

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

(a) to (c):  Defence Industry sector was opened up in May 2001 for private sector participation. FDI limit in Defence sector was enhanced in 2020 up to 74% through the Automatic Route for companies  seeking  new  defence  industrial  license  and  up  to  100%  by  Government  Route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology. So far, Rs. 5077 crores worth of FDI has been reported by companies operating in Defence sector.

Further,  Government  also  promotes  co-development  and  co-production  of  niche defence technologies with Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (FOEMs) to encourage FDI in Defence sector.

*****