opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3497 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Development of Buckingham Canal
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3497

ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF BUCKINGHAM CANAL

3497. SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  urgent  need  for  the  development  of  the Buckingham  Canal  as  part  of  the  inland  waterways  network,  considering  its  historical significance in trade and transport along the eastern coast of India; (b)  whether  any  steps  have  been  taken  to  declare  the  Buckingham  canal  a  National Waterway and if so, the details of the plans, timelines and budget allocations therefor; (c)  the  manner  in  which  the  revitalization  of  the  Buckingham  Canal  will  enhance  costeffective and environmental friendly cargo transport between coastal cities and ports and the measures being taken to achieve this; and (d)  whether  the  Government  has  evaluated  the  socio-economic  benefits  of  developing  the Buckingham  canal,  especially  regarding  tourism  and  livelihood  opportunities  for  local
- communities, particularly those in fishing and transport?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  &  (b) Buckingham  Canal  consisting  of  316  km  long  North  Buckingham  Canal (Pedaganjam  to  Central  Station  Chennai)  and  110  km  long  South  Buckingham  Canal (Central  Station  Chennai  to  Marakanam)  is  constituent  of  National  Waterway-4  (NW-4). Detailed Project Report (DPR)was prepared in 2008 and updation of DPR has been taken up by  Inland  Waterways  Authority  of  India  (IWAI).  Further,  IWAI  has  identified  potential tourism/cargo  movement  in  Buckingham  Canal  and  have  requested  Government  of  Tamil Nadu for undertaking cargo/river cruise tourism projects under a framework of co-operation as portions of  Buckingham canal are encroached. A  total  provision  of  Rs  19.17  crore  has been made by Government of Indiafor NW-4 for the FY 2022-2026.

- (c) & (d) The revitalisation of Buckingham Canal entails cost efficient logistics for fisheries/local  communities/  industries  and  reduction  in  congestion  from  road.  The  DPR prepared by IWAI in 2008 encompasses the socio-economic benefits of revival of this canal system.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3494 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Illegal Export of Unlicensed Opioids and Regulatory Oversight
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Azad Kirti Jha

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3494 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 ST MARCH, 2025

## ILLEGALEXPORT OFUNLICENSED OPIOIDS AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT

## 3494. SHRI AZAD KIRTI JHA:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of reports alleging that Indian Pharmaceutical Companies, including Aveo Pharmaceuticals, have been illegally manufacturing and exporting unlicensed opioid-based drugs to West African countries, contributing to a major public health crisis and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to investigate these allegations and hold the responsible entities accountable;
- (c) whether the loopholes in the existing regulations on pharmaceutical exports have enabled the continued export of such unlicensed and harmful drugs, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to ensure stricter enforcement and monitoring of pharmaceutical exports, particularly in the case of opioid-based medications; and
- (e) whether the Government has conducted any inspections or audits of pharmaceutical manufacturers engaged in the export of opioid-based drugs and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (e): In order to assess the regulatory compliance of drug manufacturing premises in the country, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), in collaboration with state regulators, initiated risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing and testing firms in December 2022. As of now, 905 units have been inspected, resulting in 694 actions being taken. These actions include Stop Production Orders (SPO), Stop Testing Orders (STO), license suspensions/cancellations, warning letters, and showcause notices, depending on the severity of non-compliance.

Based on a media report relating to M/s Aveo Pharmaceuticals, a joint team from CDSCO and the State drugs regulatory authority conducted a comprehensive audit of the firm between 21st and 22nd February 2025. The findings from the audit led to the issuance of a stop activity order, halting all operations at the company's premises.

With regard to export of opioid drugs, CDSCO has a system of issuing export NoC for new drugs and drugs not approved in India based on submission of customer details, quantity and country specific purchase order alongwith regulatory approval of the product in importing country.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3491 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Sale of Spurious Blood
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Tanuj Punia

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3491 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 ST MARCH 2025

## SALE OF SPURIOUS BLOOD

## 3491. SHRI TANUJ PUNIA

## Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether it is a fact that a racket is operating to sell spurious blood on a large scale in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government so far against the people who involved in the illegal trade of spurious blood in the country; and
- (d) the action proposed to be taken by the Government so that the trade of spurious blood does not occur again?

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

(a) to (d)

No such information has been reported to this Ministry.

It is to be mentioned that blood is deemed to be a drug as per the definition in Drugs and Cosmetics Act and all the provisions related to manufacturing and sale of spurious drugs also apply to blood.

The government has made the registration of blood centres mandatory according to the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Rule there under. Furthermore, the government has notified the Drugs and Cosmetics (Second Amendment) Rules, 2020, which pertains to the operation of blood banks/centers, blood processing, and related matters. The implementation and monitoring of the aforementioned Act and Rules fall within the jurisdiction of the States/UTs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3490 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Environmental Concerns  in Mormugao Port Authority Region
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Captain Viriato Fernandes

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  3490

ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN MORMUGAO PORT AUTHORITY REGION

## 3490.  SHRI CAPTAIN VIRIATO FERNANDES:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  earmarked  funds  under  any  infrastructure  financing schemes to address environmental concerns in the Mormugao Port Authority region; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  a  portion  of  the  revenue  generated  from  coal  imports  is  being utilized  to  mitigate  pollution  in  the  surrounding  areas  of  Mormugao,  Vasco-da-Gama, Dabolim, Cortalim, and along the coastal villages through which the coal trains are passing; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e)  if  not,  whether  the  Government  is  likely  to  consider  a  dedicated  fund  for  sustainable
- development in port-affected areas and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b)  Yes.  Central Government & Mormugao Port Authority (MgPA) has earmarked funds  under  infrastructure  financing  schemes  to  address  environmental  concerns  in  the MgPA region. The details are at Annexure -A

(c) & (d)  Yes. Certain amount of the revenue generated from coal imports is used by the Port to  mitigate  pollution  within  the  Port  and  its  surrounding  areas.  To  control  dust  pollution, various  measures  are  implemented  throughout  the  year  i,e.  mechanized  closed  conveyor system  for  coal  handling,  DFDS  dust  suppression,  in-motion  silo  loading,  wind  screens, ground wetting, tarpaulin-covered trucks, recycled water drainage, wheel washing, cementpaved roads, green belts, and real-time air quality monitoring for dust control etc.

- (e)  Does not arise.

## Infrastructure Projects to address environmental concerns in theMgPA.

|   Sr. No. | Name of Project                                                                                   |   Project Cost (Rs. Crore) |
|-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|
|         1 | Recycling/Reuse of Sewage Treated Water fromSIDCGL located at Katem Baina                         |                     3.5    |
|         2 | Design, Supply, Installation and commissioningof 3MWp Solar Power Plant at MgPA underCAPEX model. |                    14.8821 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3489 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Visa-on-Arrival
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. M K Vishnu Prasad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3489 ANSWERED ON- 21/03/2025 VISA-ON-ARRIVAL

## 3489  Dr. M K VISHNU PRASAD

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

(a) the details of the foreign countries which have been offered Visa-onArrival by India;

(b)   the   names   of   the   countries   which   have   offered   Visa-on-Arrival facility for Indians visiting those countries abroad;

- (c) the details of foreign counties which were added to the Visa-onArrival to India list during the last five years; and

(d)   the   details   of   other   counties   which   provides   Visa-on-Arrival   for Indians visiting those countries during the last five years?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) Currently, India provides Visa-on-arrival facility to three countries i.e Japan and Republic of Korea (for certain categories only) and UAE (with certain conditions).

(b) As on date, 39 countries provide visa-on-arrival facilities to Indian passport holders. More details are available on the website of Ministry of External Affairs [https://www.mea.gov.in/VFFIN.htm]

(c) No country has been added to the list of countries in the last five years which have been provided with Visa on Arrival.

(d)   Formulation   of   policies   w.r.t   issuance   of   visas   is   a   sovereign matter of the respective country and the matter regarding providing visa free entry/visa-on-arrival facility also depends on various factors including  bilateral   relations   and   principle   of   reciprocity.   This   data keeps   on   changing.   Details   of   countries   providing   visa-on-arrival facility to Indian ordinary passport holders is published by Ministry of External Affairs on the Ministry's website, which is available on the following link: https://www.mea.gov.in/VFFIN.htm.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3487 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Advocates Act,1961
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri V K Sreekandan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3487 ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## Advocates Act,1961

## 3487. Shri V K Sreekandan:

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

- (a) whether the Government is considering to amend the Advocates Act,1961,if
- so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the proposed amendments fail to address the pertinent issues faced by the legal fraternity, if so the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government discussed with the legal fraternity to allay the
- fears arising out of the proposed amendments, 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)The Government of India has proposed amendments to the Advocates Act,
- 1961 and following careful consideration and through research, the Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was published on the Department of Legal Affairs website on13 th February 2025 for public consultation, which was open until 28 th February 2025.
- (b) & (c) The proposed amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, aim to modernize the legal profession, enhance its accessibility, and ensure its continued relevance in a rapidly evolving world, aligning the profession with global standards. A wide range of suggestions, particularly from the legal community, has been received. In response to these concerns, the consultation process has been concluded, and a revised bill will be presented a fresh for public consultation, including for input from the legal fraternity. The Ministry has been also actively engaging with the Bar Council of India throughout the process of amending the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 1961 as its commitment to engage legal fraternity.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3485 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: AI Tools for Tuberculosis Screening
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3485 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 ST MARCH, 2025

## AI TOOLS FOR TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING

## 3485. SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.:

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that the States and Union Territories have been asked to use untested AI tools for TB screening despite the fact that these were not recommended for programmatic implementation and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the States and Union Territories were asked to use only DeepCXR tool only in the end January of 2025 and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether it is a fact that it has become impossible to achieve the goal of elimination of TB by 2025 and if so the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (c) The Government has adopted Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools which have been tested and validated by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR). DeepCXR tool has been recommended by ICMR to the government and is available free of cost to the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). The same has been adopted for use under the programme.

The Government implements National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) under the aegis of the National Health Mission (NHM). The efforts of Government of India has been acknowledged by WHO's Global TB Report 2024 on the following achievements:

- The incidence rate of TB in India has shown a 17.7% decline from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh population in 2023.
- TB deaths reduced by 21.4% from 28/lakh population in 2015 to 22/lakh population in 2023.
- TB treatment coverage in India increased by 32% from 53% in 2015 to 85% in 2023.
- India's efforts in ensuring last-mile delivery of quality health services at the grassroots have been acknowledged in this report.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3484 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Adolescent Girls Club
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Shri Bhojraj Nag, Shri Chavda Vinod Lakhamshi, Smt. Shobhanaben Mahendrasinh Baraiya, Dr. Rajesh Mishra, Smt. Roopkumari Choudhary, Shri Gajendra  Singh Patel, Smt. Kamlesh Jangde, Shri Ganesh Singh, Shri Yogender Chandolia, Smt. Mahima Kumari Mewar, Shri Lumbaram Choudhary, Shri Basavaraj Bommai, Smt. Smita Uday Wagh, Shri Dineshbhai Makwana, Shri Manoj Tiwari, Shri Kanwar Singh Tanwar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3484

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## ADOLESCENT GIRLS CLUB

## 3484.  SHRI LUMBA RAM CHAUDHARY:

SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH PATEL:

SMT. MAHIMA KUMARI MEWAR:

SHRI BASAVARAJ BOMMAI:

SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

SHRI GANESH SINGH:

SMT. ROOPKUMARI CHOUDHARY:

DR. RAJESH MISHRA:

SHRI BHOJRAJ NAG:

SHRI YOGENDER CHANDOLIA:

SHRI MANOJTIWARI:

SMT. KAMLESH JANGDE:

SHRI DINESHBHAI MAKWANA:

SHRI CHAVDA VINOD LAKHAMSHI:

SMT. SHOBHANABEN MAHENDRASINH BARAIYA:

SMT. SMITA UDAY WAGH:

SHRI KANWAR SINGH TANWAR:

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

- (a) whether the Government has launched the Adolescent Girls Club initiative in the country, if so, the details and objectives thereof;
- (b) the details of measures that are being taken to expand the said initiative to other States in the country particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra to ensure its uniform implementation, State-wise;
- (c) whether it is also proposed to engage parents and guardians in the Adolescent Girls Club initiative to ensure a holistic approach to adolescent development particularly in Maharashtra, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether any specific guidelines/framework has been formulated to integrate the Adolescent  Girls  Club  with  the  existing  school  curriculum  in  the  country especially in Maharashtra; and
- (e) if so, the details of there guidelines along with the manner in which it is being implemented State-wise?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (e): Adolescent  Girls  Club  is  neither  a  Central  sponsored  nor  a  Central Sector scheme. The Ministry of Women and Child Development does not release any funds  under  Adolescent  Girls  Club  and does  not  supervise  or  monitor  the  same. Details in respect of Adolescent Girls Club are not maintained centrally.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3480 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Treatment of Indian Deportees
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Raja Ram Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3480

ANSWERED ON- 21/03/2025

TREATMENT OF INDIAN DEPORTEES

## 3480 SHRI RAJA RAM SINGH

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

(a)   whether   the   Government   has   taken   cognizance   of   reports regarding Indian deportees being shackled during repatriation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), if so, the details thereof;

(b)   whether   the   Government   has   raised   any   formal   diplomatic objections with the United States regarding the treatment of Indian deportees, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) whether the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for deportation by aircraft, effective since 2012 has allowed the use of restraints if so, whether India has sought any modifications for its nationals and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) whether the Ministry has received any complaints from deported individuals regarding mistreatment during repatriation, if  so, the details of the reports along with the action taken reports against the same?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) to (d) The Ministry of External Affairs remains engaged with the U.S.   side   regarding   humane   treatment   of   deportees   during deportation   operations.   The   Ministry   has   strongly   registered   its concerns with the U.S. authorities on the treatment meted out to deportees   on   the   flight   that   landed   on   5th   February   2025, particularly with respect to use of shackles, especially on women. The U.S. Standard Operating Procedure to organize and execute deportations effective from November 2012 calls for the use of restraints on deportees. The U.S. authorities have conveyed that restraints   are   applied   to   ensure   the   safety   and   security   of   the mission. While women and minors are generally not shackled, the flight officer in charge of a deportation flight has the final say on the matter. The U.S. side has confirmed that no women or children

were restrained on the deportation flights that landed in India on 15th   and   16th   February   2025   respectively.   This   has   also   been confirmed and recorded by our agencies after interviewing the deportees on their arrival in India. The   Ministry   of   External   Affairs   also   registered   its   concerns regarding the need to accommodate the religious sensitivities and food preferences of the deportees. The U.S. side has conveyed to the   Ministry   of   External   Affairs   that   detainees   on   the   three deportation flights (that landed on 05 th , 15 th and 16 th February 2025 respectively)   were   not   instructed   to   remove   any   religious   head coverings   and   that   the   detainees   did   not   request   any   religious accommodations   during   the   flights   aside   from   requesting   for vegetarian meals.

*****

3
Lok Sabha Question No. 3471 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Improvement in Efficiency of Major Ports
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Balram Naik Porika

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3471

ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## IMPROVEMENT IN EFFICIENCY OF MAJOR PORTS

3471.  SHRI BALRAM NAIK PORIKA:

## Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state: पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

(a) whether any measures are being taken to improve the efficiency of major ports and reduce  turnaround time; and

- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) The government has taken various measures such as the construction of new berths,  terminals,  and  parking  plazas,  mechanization/  modernization/  optimization  of existing  berths  and  terminals,  expansion  of  hinterland  connectivity  through  rail  and road,streamlining  of  processes  through  digitalization,  elimination  of  manual  Forms, facilitation  of  Direct  Port  Delivery  and  Entry,  installation  of  Container  Scanners,  Edelivery  orders/  invoice/payments,  RFID-based  Gate  Automation  System,  National Logistics  Portal-Marine  etc.  to  improve  the  efficiency  of  major  ports  and  reduce turnaround time.

- *****