Lok Sabha Question No. 319 (STARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Recognition of Ayurveda Practitioners and Researchers
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Naba Charan Majhi, Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO.319

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## Recognition of Ayurveda Practitioners and Researchers

*319. Shri Ravindra Shukla A lias Ravi Kishan:

Shri Naba Charan Majhi:

## Will the Minister of AYUSH

be pleased to state:

- (a) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  expand  the  reach  of  Ayurveda  and  confer recognition with award to encourage emerging Ayurveda practitioners and researchers,  State/UT-wise  particularly  in  Jalgaon  Parliamentary  constituency  of Maharashtra;
- (b) the  corrective  measures  being  taken  to  enhance  the  infrastructure  for  Ayurveda research,  education  and  clinical  practice  in  rural  and  urban  areas  of  the  country, State/UT-wise particularly in Jalgaon Parliamentary constituency of Maharashtra;
- (c) whether the Government plans to introduce a mentorship programme involving the awardees to guide young Ayurveda practitioners and researchers with a special focus on  Maharashtra  particularly  in  Jalgaon  Parliamentary  constituency  and  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  any  special  plans  to  promote  Ayurveda  research  and healthcare  infrastructure  in  Haryana,  specifically  in  the  Bhiwani-Mahendergarh Parliamentary constituency and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the  details  of  initiatives  being  taken  to  promote  Ayurveda  among  the  youth  and encourage research and innovation in Maharashtra especially in Jalgaon Parliamentary constituency?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the table of the House

## The Statement referred in reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No.319 for 21.03.2025

(a) and (b) Ayurveda is a recognized system of medicine under the Ministry of Ayush and various initiatives are  undertaken  to  encourage  emerging  Ayurveda  practitioners  and researchers to promote its education, research and practice. National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award,  instituted by the Ministry of  Ayush, recognizes  individuals  who  have  made exceptional contributions to Ayurveda in research, practice, and propagation, and is presented annually during Ayurveda  Day  celebrations on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). The education  and  practice  of  Ayurveda  are  regulated  under  the  provisions  of  the  National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020. Currently, there are 562 Ayurveda colleges in the country, including 132 colleges in Maharashtra. The Government has set up an apex  Central  Research  Council  namely,  the  Central  Council  for  Research  in  Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), which operates 30 institutes/centres across the country.

Further,  public  health  is  a  State  subject,  accordingly,  the  responsibility  of  enhancing Ayurveda  infrastructure  in  rural  and  urban  areas,  including  in  the  Jalgaon  Parliamentary Constituency, primarily lies with the respective State/UT Governments. However, under the Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme  of  the  National  Ayush  Mission  (NAM),  the  Government provides financial assistance for setting up Ayush educational institutions in States where the availability of such  institutions is  inadequate,  particularly  in  the  Government  sector. Accordingly,  State/UT  Governments  can  avail  themselves  for  this  financial  assistance  by submitting suitable proposals through their State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs), as per the provisions outlined in the NAM guidelines.

(c)  The  Ministry  of  Ayush  is  implementing  the  AYURGYAN  Scheme  to  enhance  and develop  capacity  in  the  Ayush  healthcare  sector  at  the  country  level.  It  seeks  to  improve health  practices  through  sustainable  Ayush  methods,  encourage  professionals  to  undergo professional orientation, update knowledge of teachers and doctors, and promote the use of information technology for disseminating Ayush developments. The scheme also focuses on encouraging research and development in priority areas to validate claims and enhance the acceptability of Ayush approaches and drugs in the global market. This scheme addresses the diverse needs of Ayush practitioners, educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs, developing a

comprehensive  approach  to  elevate  the  Ayush  systems  through  education,  research,  and innovation.

(d ) and (e) The Ministry of Ayush has a mandate for coordination and promotion of research and  development  including  assistance  therefor  in  Ayurveda  systems  of  Health  Care.  The Ministry of Ayush is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of Information, Education  and  Communication  (IEC)  in  Ayush. The  Scheme  is  meant  for  creation  of awareness  amongst  the  citizens  about  the  efficacy  of  the  Ayush  Systems,  their  costeffectiveness  and  the  availability  of  herbs  used  for  prevention  and  treatment  of  common ailments at their door steps through various channels including the production of audio-visual educational material to achieve the objective of health for all, dissemination of proven results of  Research  &  Development  work  conducted  in  Ayush  Systems  at  National/  State  level through  fair  and  providing  a  forum  where  horizontal  and  vertical  interaction  among stakeholders of Ayush Systems can take place through conferences, seminars and fairs/melas at State and National levels and encourage stakeholders to participate in them.

The  Central  Council  for  Research  in  Ayurvedic  Sciences  (CCRAS)  an  autonomous  body under  Ministry  of  Ayush  works  towards  the  scientific  advancement  of  Ayurveda  through research,  clinical  care,  and  public  outreach.  In  Maharashtra,  CCRAS  operates  through  its peripheral  institutes,  namely  the  Central  Ayurveda  Research  Institute  (CARI),  Mumbai, Regional  Ayurveda  Research  Institute  (RARI),  Nagpur  and  Regional  Ayurveda  Research Institute (RARI), Pune. These institutes actively engage in clinical services and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) initiatives to enhance awareness about Ayurveda.

To promote Ayurveda among the youth and encourage research and innovation, CCRAS has undertaken  several  initiatives.  The  Council  disseminates  Ayurvedic  knowledge  through electronic and print media in English, Hindi, and regional languages. It actively participates in National/State-level Arogya Melas, health camps, exhibitions and outreach programs such as  the  Scheduled  Caste  Sub-Plan  (SCSP)  Research  Program  and  the  Tribal  Health  Care Research Program (THCRP). Additionally, the CCRAS website serves as a repository of IEC materials and is hyperlinked to other relevant platforms for wider accessibility.

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi an autonomous body under the Ministry of  Ayush  has  set  up  an  incubation  centre  i.e  All  India  Institute  of  Ayurveda  -Incubation Centre  for  Ayurveda  Innovation  and  Entrepreneurship  (AIIA-iCAINE  )  to  support  Ayush-

related  Start-ups  and  Entrepreneurs.  AIIA-iCAINE  has  provided  mentorship  and  various clinical facilities to the start-ups at AIIA, New Delhi.

The Ayurveda Startup Grand Challenge is designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship  in  the  Ayush  sector.  The  key  stakeholders  involved  are  the  Ministry  of Ayush, AIIA, Start Up India and Invest India. Grants and financial assistance are provided to startups  that  present  innovative  solutions  and  products  in  the  Ayush  sector.  Startups  get opportunities  to  connect  with  potential  investors,  industry  leaders,  and  other  entrepreneurs through various events and workshops. Winners and promising startups receive recognition which can enhance their credibility and market visibility. Fiscal incentives in the form of cash prizes are provided to the first three toppers.

To  nurture  research  and  to  motivate  Ayurveda  students  to  pursue  research  as  a  career, inculcate research aptitude, and establish a foundation for high-quality research in Ayurveda, CCRAS is implementing the following programs:

- i. Studentship Programme for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK): Financial support to Ayurveda undergraduates to promote interest and aptitude for research.
- ii. Ayush Ph.D. Fellowship: Fellowship support for research scholars.
- iii. Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF): Support for advanced Ayurveda research.
- iv. SMART Programme: Facilitating integrative research between Ayurveda academia and tertiary care hospitals.
- v. CCRAS-AGNI  (2023-24):  Promoting  evidence-based  validation  of  Ayurveda practices in five categories, including treatment, formulations, and instruments.

*****