opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 5732 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Exemption of BCD on Shipbuilding Materials
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender, Smt. D K Aruna, Shri Suresh Kumar Shetkar, Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5732

## ANSWERED ON 04.04.2025

## EXEMPTION OF BCD ON SHIPBUILDING MATERIALS

5732. SMT. D K ARUNA: SHRI CHAMALA KIRAN KUMAR REDDY: SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR:

SHRI EATALA RAJENDER:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

(a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  continue  the  exemption  of  Basic  Customs Duty (BCD) on raw materials, components, consumables or parts for the manufacture of ships for another ten years and also propose the same dispensation for ship breaking to make  it  more  competitive  considering  the  fact  that  shipbuilding  has  a  long  gestation period; and (b) if so, the details and the present status thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  &(b)  Government  of  India,  in  the  Budget  speech,  2025  has  announced  that considering that shipbuilding has a long gestation period, the exemption of BCD on raw materials,  components,  consumables  or  parts  for  the  manufacture  of  ships  to  be continued for another ten years. The same dispensation is extended for ship breaking to make it more competitive.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5729 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Malaiyarasan D

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5729 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH APRIL 2025

## PRADHANMANTRI SWASTHYASURAKSHAYOJANAIN TAMILNADU

## 5729. SHRI MALAIYARASAN D:

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

- (a) the status of the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) including the number of institutions established and the facilities provided in the State;
- (b) the funds allocated and spent under PMSSY for the establishment and upgradation of healthcare infrastructure in the State;
- (c) the number of medical colleges, hospitals and super speciality centres constructed or upgraded under PMSSY in Tamil Nadu;
- (d) the impact of PMSSY in improving healthcare services particularly in rural and underserved areas of Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu;
- (e) the steps taken to ensure access to quality healthcare services to the economically weaker sections of society under PMSSY in Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu; and
- (f) whether there are any plans for further expansion of PMSSY in the State and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (f) :Under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), establishment of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Madurai in Tamil Nadu has been approved at a project cost of Rs.2021.51 crore. As on date, Rs. 250.88 crore has been released for construction of AIIMS Madurai.

Further, for expansion and strengthening of tertiary healthcare facilities in the State of Tamil Nadu under PMSSY, approval has been accorded for upgradation of four Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) on Centre-State sharing basis by way of construction of superspeciality Blocks, which have been completed. These include (i) GMC, Salem (ii) GMC, Madurai, (iii) TMC, Thanjavur and (iv) TMC, Tirunelveli. The total approved outlay of upgradation of 4 GMCs is Rs. 589 crore. Government of India had released Rs.432 crore out of its total share of Rs. 465 crore.

The above healthcare infrastructure has been set up with the objective of providing affordable, accessible and state of the art tertiary care facilities to the people. In the current phase of PMSSY scheme, there is no proposal for implementation of any new project in the State of Tamil Nadu.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 5728 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Transparency in Political Funding
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Smt. Roopkumari Choudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5728 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 4 TH  APRIL, 2025

## Transparency in Political Funding

5728. Smt. Roopkumari Choudhary:

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

- (a)  the  details  of  the  alternative  mechanism  that  is  being  considered after the Supreme Court's verdict on Electoral Bonds;
- (b) whether the Government mandate full disclosure of political donations,  including  donor  identities  and  amounts,  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (c)  whether the Government has any plan to establish an independent regulatory  authority  for  political  funding  oversight,  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (d)  whether  the  Ministry  has  consulted  stakeholders  on  new  political funding reforms, if so, the details of the recommendations thereof;
- (e)  the  manner  in  which  the  Government  proposes  to  prevent  foreign influence in political donations and the timeline expected for implementing a new transparent political funding system; and
- (f)  whether  new  reforms  ensure  a  level  playing  field  for  all  political parties, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) to (f): The Department of Economic Affairs has informed that there is no such proposal under consideration.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5727 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Centrally Sponsored Schemes
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Thiru Dayanidhi Maran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5727 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.04.2025

## CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES

## 5727. THIRU DAYANIDHI MARAN:

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

- (a) whether the Union Government delaying the release of funds for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) like Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0, Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya, despite Tamil Nadu releasing its State share on time, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Union Government is considering to restructure the disbursement schedule to prevent States from carrying forward unspent funds due to lastminute releases, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of the steps Ministry has taken/proposes to take to ensure that the share of Union Government is released at the beginning of each quarter rather than at the end to prevent financial year-end lapses; and
- (d) whether the Ministry has set up a mechanism to ensure timely fund transfers for all States, including Tamil Nadu, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) The Union Government is not delaying the release of funds for Centrally Sponsored Schemes like Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0, Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya. Under the schemes of the Ministry, funds are allocated to States and UTs based on the schematic norms and Annual Programme Implementation Plan (APIP)/ Programme Approval Board (PAB) proposals received from the respective State and UT. However, the actual funds are released in a financial year after adjusting the unspent balance available with the State/excess expenditure incurred by the State. Further, fund release is processed only after the State Government has complied with Single Nodal Agency (SNA) norms as prescribed by the Department of Expenditure,

Ministry of Finance, viz. (i) the State should make an expenditure more than 75% of the previous funds released; (ii) Unutilized balance in SNA account of the State should be less than half of the grant for one quarter, (iii) the State should deposit the interest earned against the central share released, and (iv) there should be no deficit in transfer of funds from State Treasury to SNA.

The SNA reports from Public Finance Management System (PFMS) are also referred/ examined and unspent balance of previous year is also  adjusted before releasing grant to States/UTs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5725 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Gender Disparity in the Judiciary
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Ms. S Jothimani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

## DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5725 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 04 TH  APRIL, 2025

## Gender Disparity in the Judiciary

## 5725. Ms. S Jothimani:

Will the Minister of Law and Justice be pleased to state:

- (a)    whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  introduce  reservation  or special incentives for the inclusion of more women in the judiciary, particularly at higher levels, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  the  details  of  any  programme or  initiatives  undertaken  to  encourage  more women to pursue careers in the judiciary and legal profession;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  conducted  any  studies  or  held  consultations regarding  gender  disparity  in  judicial  appointments  and  if  so,  the  findings thereof; and
- (d)  the  measures  being  taken  to  ensure  gender  sensitivity  in  judicial  training, legal education and court proceedings?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a)  to  (d):  Appointment  of  Judges  to  the  Supreme  Court  and  High  Courts  is made under Articles 124, 217 and 224 of the Constitution of India, which do not provide for reservation for any caste or class of persons.

As  per  the  Memorandum  of  Procedure  (MoP),  the  responsibility  for initiation  of  proposals  for  appointment  of  Judges  in  the  Supreme  Court  vests with  the  Chief  Justice  of  India,  while  the  responsibility  for  initiation  of proposals  for  appointment  of  Judges  in  the  High  Courts  vests  with  the  Chief Justice of the concerned High Court. However, the Government is committed to enhancing  social  diversity  in  judiciary  and  has  been  requesting  the  Chief Justices of High Courts that while sending proposals for appointment of Judges, due  consideration  be  given  to  suitable  candidates  belonging  to  Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities and Women to ensure social diversity in the appointment of Judges in High Courts. Only those persons who are recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium, are appointed as Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

The National Judicial Academy  (NJA) regularly conducts various programmes to inculcate gender sensitivity in legal training, judicial sensitization and court hearings.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 5719 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Vandalization of Hindu Temples in USA
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-5719

## ANSWERED ON- 04/04/2025

## VANDALIZATION OF HINDU TEMPLES IN USA

## 5719. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI

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

- (a) whether it is true that a Hindu Temple was vandalized in California's Sacramento by miscreants;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is also true that another desecration of a Hindu temple in New York was also reported ten days earlier;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e) the details of the reasons and the people behind these incidents; and
- (f) the steps taken by the Government to protect Hindu temples in the US in particular and in other countries in general?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to f)  Yes. In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of instances of Hindu temples being defaced with anti-India graffiti in the United States of America.

The Government of India accords highest priority to the welfare, safety and security of  Indian citizens and the Indian community abroad. All incidents of attack and vandalization of temples and places of worship are immediately taken up with the host Government through diplomatic channels.

The   respective   temple   management   authorities   and   community associations   have   also   registered   complaints   with   the   local   law enforcement authorities and have called for proper investigations, and stringent   action   against   those   responsible   for   these   acts,   and   for providing   the   places   of   worship   with   adequate   safety   and   security arrangements.

The U.S. law enforcement authorities have conveyed that all such cases of vandalization of temples / places of worship are being investigated as hate   crimes.   Members   of   the   U.S.   Congress   have   also   urged   the concerned security agencies to come up with a broader strategy to counter hate crimes targeting Hindus in the United States.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5715 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Microscopy Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5715 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 th APRIL, 2025

## MICROSCOPYDIAGNOSIS OF TUBERCULOSIS

## 5715. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY VEMIREDDY:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is true that microscopy diagnosis of TB could pick up only about 150 TB cases out of 1 lakh people so tested as per National TB Prevalence Survey and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is also true that molecular diagnosis or tests like Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) pick up nearly 300 TB cases out of 1 lakh people so tested and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the efforts being made by the Government to conduct molecular diagnosis in all districts of the country; and
- (d) whether any separate budget has been provided for molecular diagnosis for TB and, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

- (a) to (d) The National TB Prevalence Survey (NaTBPS) in India was conducted from 2019 to 2021 by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The survey found that smear microscopy could detect 160 TB cases per lakh population while NAAT could detect 301 TB cases per lakh population.

The number of NAAT laboratories have been scaled up from 121 in 2015 to 8,540 in 2025, to strengthen the molecular diagnostic capacity across all districts of the country under National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).

The budget allocated under National Health Mission (NHM) for NTEP in all States/UTs includes the budget for strengthening molecular laboratories. The details of allocated budget in last three year, to carryout NTEP activities, are as under:

| Financial allocation under NTEP   | Financial allocation under NTEP   |
|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Financial Year                    | Allocation (Rs. in crores)        |
| 2022-23                           | 1666.33 *                         |
| 2023-24                           | 1888.82*                          |
| 2024-25                           | 2090.53*                          |
Lok Sabha Question No. 5714 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Patrolling Arrangement along LAC
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Mr Pathan Yusuf

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-5714

ANSWERED ON- 04/04/2025

## PATROLLING ARRANGEMENT ALONG LAC

5714. MR PATHAN YUSUF

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

(a)   whether the Government has data of  the recent agreement with China   regarding   patrolling   arrangements   along   the   Line   of   Actual Control;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c)   the   details   of   the   measures   being   taken   to   ensure   effective disengagement and prevent future conflicts?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) to (c) India and China reached agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control in India-China border areas in Depsang and Demchok on 21 October 2024, leading to disengagement from all the

points   of   friction   from   April/May   of   2020.   It   has   been   agreed   that patrolling activities and, wherever applicable, grazing will resume as per longstanding practice before friction started in these two areas. The agreement has since been effected and implemented as per modalities and timelines agreed. Measures to advance effective border management and maintenance of peace and tranquility have been discussed in several meetings since the October   2024   disengagement,   including   the   23 rd meeting  of   Special Representatives in December 2024 and the 33 rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for  Consultation   and   Coordination   on   India-China   Border Affairs (WMCC) in March 2025. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5707 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Expansion of Inland Waterways
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Dilip Saikia, Shri Yogender Chandolia, Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara, Shri Lumbaram Choudhary, Shri Alok Sharma, Smt. Shobhanaben Mahendrasinh Baraiya, Smt. Kamlesh Jangde, Dr. Bhola Singh, Shri Praveen Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5707

ANSWERED ON 04.04.2025

## EXPANSION OF INLAND WATERWAYS

5707.  SHRI LUMBARAM CHOUDHARY:

DR. BHOLA SINGH:

SHRI YOGENDER CHANDOLIA:

SMT. SHOBHANABEN MAHENDRASINH BARAIYA:

DR. HEMANT VISHNU SAVARA:

SMT. KAMLESH JANGDE:

SHRI PRAVEEN PATEL:

SHRI DILIP SAIKIA:

SHRI ALOK SHARMA:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a)the number of inland waterways operational in the country as on February 2025;
- (b)the total stretch of operational inland waterways in the country as on February 2025;
- (c) whether the Government has taken steps for the expansion of inland waterways in thecountry including the North-Eastern States and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the steps being taken to ensure the sustainability of inland waterways; and
- (e) the challenges faced in expanding inland waterways and the steps being taken to addressthem?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) 29 National Waterways are operational in the country as on February, 2025.
- (b)  The  total  stretch  of  operational  National  Waterways  (NWs)  in  the  country  as  on February, 2025 is 5131 km.

(c)   For the expansion of inland waterways in the country including the North-Eastern States, 111  National Waterways (NWs) have been declared vide National Waterways Act, 2016 which includes 20 NWs of North Eastern Region (NER). (d) Steps taken to promote and ensure the sustainability of National Waterways through infrastructure  and  policy  measures  by  the  Government  include  (a)  Infrastructure measures i.e. fairway maintenance works (river training, maintenance dredging, channel marking and regular hydrographic surveys), construction of community jetties, floating terminals, Multi-Modal Terminals (MMTs), Inter-Modal Terminals (IMT) and Navigational Lock etc. (b) Policy measures i.e. launch of Jalvahak Scheme, notification of National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminal) Regulations, 2015, integration with ports, digitalization,  cargo  aggregation,  shift  of  cargo  by  Public  Sector  Undertakings  (PSUs) and promotion of river cruise tourism.

- (e)  Siltation of the river is a big issue. In addition, high river flow velocity during flood season  and  low  discharge  during  lean  period  along  with  high  water  level  variation makes  the  development  and  maintenance  of  waterway  difficult.  To  counter  these difficulties,  additional  dredgers  are  deployed  to  develop  and  maintain  the  waterway along with river conservancy measures like bandalling, bottom panelling and providing navigational aids for safe sailing of vessels.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5701 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Unavailability of Female Staff in Diagnostic Centre
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Sher Singh Ghubaya

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5701 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 TH APRIL, 2025

## UNAVAILABILITY OF FEMALE STAFF IN DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE

## †5701. SHRI SHER SINGH GHUBAYA:

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

(a) whether the Government has any plans for redressal of grievances of female patients who have to face difficulties and embarassment during body checkup due to unavailability of female staff in various diagnostic centres across the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is mandatory to have adequate number of trained female staff available in diagnostic centres and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the recruitment of women technicians and nurses is likely to be made compulsory; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (e): ' Health ' being a State subject, any grievance from a female patient who faces difficulties and embarrassment during body checkup due to unavailability of female staff in diagnostic centres, as and when received, is forwarded to the concerned State / UT for taking necessary action. Moreover, the States / UTs are primarily responsible for recruitment of women technicians and nurses as well as for ensuring availability of the same in diagnostic centres.

Furthermore, the Government of India enacted the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 to provide for registration and regulation of Government as well as private clinical establishments (except those of Armed Forces), including diagnostic centres, belonging to recognized systems of medicine. The National Council for Clinical Establishments, constituted under the Act, approved the Charter of Patients' Rights and Responsibilities which includes right to confidentiality, human dignity and privacy during treatment along with the right to have ensured presence of a female person, during physical examination of a female patient by a male practitioner. The Charter had been shared with all States / UTs for its adoption and implementation.

*****