opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2210 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Health Coverage for Physically Challenged
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Brijendra Singh

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA

## MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2210 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15 TH DECEMBER, 2023

## HEALTH COVERAGE FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

## 2210. SHRI BRIJENDRA SINGH:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government provides health insurance for persons with disability in the country under Ayushman Bharat Yojana;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) the details of the measures being taken by the Government to streamline and ease the process of securing health insurance for persons with disabilities;
- (d) whether various assistive technologies required by disabled persons are covered under the insurance schemes; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (e): Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the world ' s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme which aims to provide health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries corresponding to 12 crore families which constitutes the bottom 40% of India ' s population. All disabled individuals who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to benefits under the scheme. Eligible beneficiaries can avail treatment by visiting empanelled hospitals.

AB-PMJAY provides treatment corresponding to a total of 1949 procedures under 27 different specialties including general surgery, oncology, nephrology, cardiology and general medicine, etc. Of these, various surgical procedures like Orthopedics, Oral & Maxillofacial surgery, Polytrauma etc. can be availed by persons with disability. These surgical procedures also include implants, wherever applicable.

Further, Department of Financial Services has informed that the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), vide circular Ref no. IRDAI /HLT/CIR/MISC/58/2/2023 dated 27.02.2023, have mandated insurers to offer products that provide health insurance coverage to persons suffering from disabilities. The model product specified vide above referred circular provides coverage to 21 disabilities defined under Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Accordingly, all general and health insurers have launched their respective products offering coverage to persons with disabilities in line with the circular.

As regards the insurance products offered by insurers registered with IRDAI, the insurers design products providing coverage for any health related contingency based on the needs of the population including vulnerable population. As part of overall regulatory framework, IRDAI specifies the broader framework to enable insurers to offer a range of products based on the requirements.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2208 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs)
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Janardan Singh Sigriwal

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2208 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15 th  December, 2023

Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs)

## 2208. SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL:

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

- (a) the volume of sale and purchase of medicines from Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country;
- (c) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise and location-wise;
- (d) whether the Government also proposes to add more generic medicines and equipments for sale from these Kendras in the country; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a): In the financial year 2022-23, PMBJP has made sales of Rs. 1235.95 Crore. In F.Y. 202324, sales of Rs.  935.25 Crore have been achieved till 30.11.2023.  As per estimates, about 1012 lakh people on an average buy medicines daily from Jan Aushadhi Kendras all across the country.
- (b)  & (c):  Government has set a target to open 25000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) by March 2026 across the country. Online  applications  have  been  invited  from  across  the  country.  Approval  of  applications received  from  different  States/UTs  will  be  considered  as  per  eligibility  criteria  under  the
- scheme.
- (d)  &  (e):  Product  basket  of  PMBJP  scheme  presently  comprises  1,965  medicines  &  293 surgical  equipments.   Government  proposes  to  enhance  the  product  basket of  PMBJP  upto 2000 medicines and 300 surgicals by March, 2025.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2207 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Diagnostic Tests under Ayushman Bharat Yojana
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Nalin Kumar Kateel

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2207 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15 TH DECEMBER, 2023

## DIAGNOSTIC TESTS UNDER AYUSHMAN BHARAT YOJANA

## 2207. SHRI NALIN KUMAR KATEEL:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether diagnostic tests and doctor consultation expenses are covered under Ayushman Bharat Yojana to facilitate the beneficiaries and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has taken note of the complaints regarding beneficiaries of the Yojana required to undergo diagnostic tests are either being denied such tests or made to wait for weeks and months to get diagnosed;

- (c) if so, the details thereof along with the response of the Government thereto; and

(d) the details of the measures taken/being taken to ensure that the beneficiaries get facilities of diagnostic tests and doctor's consultation free of costs without any delay?

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

(a) to (d): Under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), hospitals are paid based on specified Health Benefit Packages (HBPs) with standardised rates. The cost of HBP covers all the costs related to treatment, including drugs, supplies, diagnostic services, physician's fees, room charges, surgeon charges, OT and ICU charges, etc.

Hospitals empanelled under AB-PMJAY are bound to offer cashless treatment to eligible beneficiaries for the specialties for which they have been empanelled. Failure to do so may result in action, including de-empanelment. In case beneficiaries are denied treatment, grievance can be lodged online or at national call centre 14555 or through mail, letter, fax etc. which is acknowledged, recorded, escalated & resolved as per well-defined process. All grievances of scheme beneficiaries are resolved in an efficient, transparent and time bound manner through a three-tier grievance redressal structure.

At the time of empanelment, prospective hospitals have to compulsorily declare that either they have in-house diagnostic services or they have tied-up with a neighbouring lab. Further, use of e-RUPI, a digital solution developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has empowered the beneficiaries to seek cashless diagnostic services under the scheme.

Feedback calls are made to the beneficiaries on the second day of the discharge from the hospital to enquire about the different aspect of treatment provided, including if the beneficiary has met any out-of-pocket-expenditure for the services, which are otherwise free under the scheme.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2205 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Offline Submision of Applications
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Kuruva Gorantla Madhav

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

ANSWERED ON- 15/12/2023

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2205

## OFFLINE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

2205. SHRI KURUVA GORANTLA MADHAV

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

(a) whether the Ministry only allows for offline submission of applications for some positions that it is recruiting for;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) the details of the rules governing the procedure for shortlisting or selection of candidates applying to the position of consultants at the under-secretary level in the Ministry;

(d) whether the Ministry declares the list of shortlisted candidates for each post it is conducting recruitment for;

(e) if so, the details of the processes it follows for transparency in recruitment, and if not, the reasons thereof; and

(f) the reasons for not publishing the list of Consultants finally appointed to the advertised posts in recent times?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a   to   f)  Applications   for   engagement   of   consultants   in   the   Ministry   are   invited   through   open advertisement published on the Ministry's website. These applications are accepted through online (email) as well as offline mode. Eligible applicants are shortlisted on the basis of criteria indicated in the advertisement. The shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a Selection Committee appointed by the Competent Authority in the Ministry. Names of the Consultants who are engaged in the Ministry are available on the Ministry's website.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2200 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Investment in Fertilizer Production
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shashi Tharoor

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2200 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 15.12.2023

## Investment in Fertilizer Production

## 2200:   DR. SHASHI THAROOR:

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

- (a) whether it is true that the Government has shown reluctance in making new investments in the CPSE fertilizer production facilities in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether it is true that many CPSE fertilizer production facilities / units have been closed down in the past few years and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the  reason(s)  for  including  the  fertilizer  sector  as  part  of  the  non-strategic sector  as  per  New  Public  Sector  Enterprise  (PSE)  Policy  for  Atmanirbhar Bharat in the country;
- (e) whether it is true that Public Sector Enterprises in the non strategic sector of the  country  are  being considered for privatization,  wherever feasible  which otherwise shall be considered for closure and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) whether such steps will lead to private corporations getting the opportunity to control  the  linked  sectors  to  agriculture  which  could  adversely  affect  the small and marginal farmers in the country and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS)

## (SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA)

- (a) & (b):  CPSEs under the administrative control of Department of Fertilizers have been making the new investments in various projects by utilizing Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for providing the fertilizer production facilities in the country.
- (c): No CPSE fertilizer production facilities units have been closed since 2019.

(d) & (e):   As per the New Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) Policy for Atmanirbhar Bharat issued by DIPAM vide OM dated 04.02.2021, the Fertilizer Sector has been classified as a 'non-strategic Sector'. It states that the PSEs in non-strategic sectors shall  be  considered  for  privatization,  where  feasible,  otherwise  such  enterprises shall be considered for closure, if not profit making.

(f): The  strategic  disinvestment  of  a  CPSE  does  not  hamper  the  fulfillment  of goods and services being provided to the society at large, because the privatized CPSE continues to provide its goods and services post-disinvestment as there is only a transfer of ownership from one shareholder to another shareholder and the CPSE  continue  to  function.  Moreover,  strategic  disinvestment  of  a  CPSE  is expected  to  lead  to  higher  growth  of  the  company,  generation  of  more  job opportunities  and  contribute  to  the  overall  growth  of  the  economy.  Farmers  will continue to receive subsidized fertilizers under the prevalent subsidy mechanism.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2197 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Corrections in Passports
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Bharatiben Dhirubhai Shyal

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

ANSWERED ON- 15/12/2023

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2197

## CORRECTIONS IN PASSPORTS

† 2197. DR. BHARATIBEN DHIRUBHAI SHIYAL

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

(a)   whether   there   is   a   delay   of   months   together   in   issuance   of   passport   in   Ahmedabad Passport Regional Office and the same is not being communicated by the department to the applicants through phone, e-mail or other means;

(b) if so, the corrective steps proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard;

(c)   whether   entry   of   the   applicants   into   the   passport   office   is   prohibited   to   even   make correction in their applications/documents or to get any update in this regard and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to allow such passport applicants to approach any particular counter to make any required corrections in their applications and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a to e) The backlog of passport applications accumulated during 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of Covid-19 had increased the demand of passport related services all over India, including   at   RPO,   Ahmedabad,   during   2022   as   well   as   2023.   However,   status   of   the application can be tracked by applicants from the passport website (www.passportindia.gov.in) using their login credentials.  It can also be enquired from the helpline over phone, through e-mail to the RPO or through social media. Various measures like release of appointments through Saturday special drive and Camp PSK and processing the applications through additional manpower provided by the Ministry or through crossgranting are being taken to expedite the issuance of passports.

Entry of applicants into the Passport Office is not prohibited to make any correction in their documents or to get any updates. If  any   correction   is   needed   after   submission   of   the application, applicant can visit enquiry counter in the RPO concerned either by scheduling an appointment online or walk-in.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2195 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Setting up of Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Gopalganj
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: Alok Kumar Suman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2195 ANSWERED ON 15 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## Setting up of Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Gopalganj

2195.   DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that as per proposals received from the State Government through SAAP during  the  year  2022-23,  one  50  bedded  Integrated  AYUSH  hospital  has  been  approved  at Gopalganj  district  with  an  amount  of  Rs.  1500  lakhs  sanctioned  for  its  construction  and development;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the progress made in this regard;

(c)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  funds/grants-in-aid  has  not  been  released  thereof  by  the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS); and

(d) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken to release the funds for the same?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF AYUSH (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) to (d) Yes Sir, under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Ayush Mission (NAM), as per the  proposal  submitted  by  the  State  Government  of  Bihar  through  State  Annual  Action  Plan (SAAP) during the year 2022-23, Ministry of Ayush has approved 50 bedded Integrated Ayush hospital  at  Gopalganj  and  sanctioned  an  amount of  Rs.  1500.00 lakhs.  However,  grants-in-aid could  not  be  released  till  date  since  concerned  State  Government  needs  to  fulfil  all  the  preconditions as specified in the guidelines issued by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. In order to ensure optimum utilisation of released funds and further release of grant for better implementation of the approved activities under NAM Scheme, regular reviews have been done  through  National  Level  Conference,  various  Regional  Meetings,  one-to-one  interactions, field visits, monthly/ quarterly reports etc. with all States/ UTs including Bihar.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2194 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Improvement in India’s Sex Ratio
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Devji Mansingram Patel

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2194 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 15th DECEMBER, 2023

## IMPROVEMENTIN INDIA'S SEX RATIO

## 2194. SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the factors contributing towards the improvement in India's sex ratio, as reflected in the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data; and
- (b) the details of its broader implications on India's demographic dynamics, socioeconomic development and gender equality?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (PROF. SATYA PAL SINGH BAGHEL)

- (a) & (b) : The Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PC&PNDT Act) is the overarching legal framework governing the misuse of technology for detection and disclosure of sex of the foetus, lest it leads to female foeticide. Government of India's flagship scheme Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), launched in 2015, leverages mass communication campaign, using multiple forms of traditional and nontraditional media, including social media, and multi-sectoral interventions to bring about attitudinal change towards the girl child, by preventing and reporting female foeticide, celebrating the girl child and encouraging and facilitating her education and future.

The improving trends in sex ratio contribute to better gender balance in the society -in public, household and institutional spaces, increased investment in girls' education and skill development, improved voice and choice of girls and their increased participation in socio-political space and economic activities.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2188 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Alumni of Sainik School, Bijapur
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: S. Muniswamy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2188

TO BE ANSWERED ON 15 th  December, 2023

## ALUMNI OF SAINIK SCHOOL, BIJAPUR

2188. SHRI S. MUNISWAMY:

- Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has statistics available regarding the serving officers, veterans, martyrs  of  Sainik  School,  Bijapur  (Vijayapura)  served/serving  in  the  three  Armed  Forces, Coast Guards, Para-Military forces and other allied services; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the details regarding the statistics of serving Civil Servants, State level officers, eminent lawyers, eminent doctors, notable entrepreneurs amongst Alumni of Sainik School, Bijapur (Vijayapura); (d)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  for  the  appointment  of  the  staff  of  newly sanctioned/proposed 100 Sainik Schools with the help of database available from the past and
- current teachers of Sainik School, Bijapur (Vijayapura) and other 32 Sainik Schools; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

- (a) to (c):  No Such statistics is maintained by Sainik Schools Society.
- (d) & (e):  No such proposal is under consideration in this Ministry.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2186 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-15
Subject: Quad Summit 2024
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Andimuthu Raja

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2186

ANSWERED ON- 15/12/2023

## QUAD SUMMIT 2024

2186. SHRI A. RAJA Will the Minister OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :(a) whether India has announced holding Quad Summit 2024 in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any agenda has been finalized for the Summit, if so, the details thereof; and (d) the initiatives suggested in the QUAD for global good, welfare of people, prosperity and peace, climate change, role of developed countries in reducing emission of green-house gases etc?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN) (a to d) The next Quad Leaders' Summit is proposed to be held in India in 2024. The dates are yet to be decided. Quad is a plurilateral framework comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the USA, with a shared commitment to upholding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The next Quad Summit will seek to address the priorities of the Indo-Pacific countries pertaining to climate, critical and emerging technologies, infrastructure and connectivity, health, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security, counterterrorism and other aspects. With its positive and constructive agenda, Quad has emerged as a force for global good. Quad's   initiatives   are   aimed   at   complementing   the   region's   development   priorities, accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and delivering public goods to countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

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