opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4807 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Admission Process for PG Medical Courses
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Smt. Sajda Ahmed

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4807 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 TH MARCH, 2025

## ADMISSION PROCESS FOR PG MEDICALCOURSES

4807. SMT. SAJDA AHMED:

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

- (a) whether the Government propose to eliminate domicile quota for admission process for PG medical courses across the country, if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;
- (b) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to expand the number of PG medical seats in the country, particularly in States like West Bengal in view of the increasing demand for the same;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted any study to assess the impact of domicile-based quotas on the availability of specialist doctors in States facing shortage of medical professionals, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the details of the students domicile presently pursuing PG courses in the country, State/UT -wise;
- (e) whether the Government has formulated any policy for internship and PG admission of Indian students who were pursuing medical education in different foreign colleges but had to return during the COVID period and have taken mid-way admission; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) to (f): The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is an allotment authority entrusted by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India to conduct counselling for Post graduate (PG) courses as per the scheme devised by the Hon'ble Court and as per the policy formulated by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

(MoHFW). Counselling for PG courses covers 50% seats of All India Quota (AIQ), 100% seats of Central Institutes/Universities and Deemed Universities. The counselling for remaining 50% of PG seats (State quota) in medical colleges is conducted by respective State Counselling Authority as per guidelines applicable in the State.

The number of PG seats in the country has increased from 31,185 in 2013-14 to 74,306 in 2024-25. The Central Government has provided support to the State Governments under the 'Centrally Sponsored Scheme for strengthening/ upgradation of existing State Government/ Central Government Medical Colleges' to increase the number of PG seats. Under the Scheme, a total of 1072 PG seats have been approved to be increased in the State of West Bengal.

The National Medical Commission (NMC), through its Public Notices dated 28.07.2022, 09.05.23 and 07.12.2023 issued clarifications and decisions concerning Foreign Medical Graduates addressing various issues related to the clinical training and internship requirements for such graduates

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4804 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Doctor-Population Ratio
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Km. Sudha R

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4804 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 TH MARCH, 2025

## DOCTOR-POPULATION RATIO

## 4804. KM. SUDHA R:

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

- (a) the doctor-population ratio for all States and UTs in the country;
- (b) the number of Government medical colleges, private medical colleges and medical colleges run by Government like AIIMS, ESI, Military and deemed universities along with their intake of students, State/UT-wise;
- (c) the total number of post-graduate medical seats in Government and private medical colleges, besides deemed universities, hospitals, AIIMS, ESI and Military-run colleges, State/UTwise;
- (d) whether there is a bar on opening of new medical colleges both by the Government and private sector in the State of Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) the details of the Central Share of funds for establishing a new medical college; and
- (f) whether there is any delay in approving six new Government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) to (c): As per information provided by National Medical Commission (NMC), there are 13,86,150 registered allopathic doctors. The Ministry of AYUSH has informed that there are 7,51,768 registered practitioners in the AYUSH system of medicine. Assuming that 80% of registered practitioners in both the allopathic and AYUSH systems are available, the doctorpopulation ratio in the country is estimated to be 1:811.

As of 2024-25, there are 780 medical colleges including 431 government medical colleges and 349 private medical colleges. Further, there are 74,306 post-graduate medical seats available.

(d): No, the permission for opening of new medical college is subject to Regulations framed by NMC for the purpose.

(e)&(f): The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare administers a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for 'Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals' with preference to underserved areas and aspirational districts, where there is no existing Government or private medical college. The fund sharing mechanism between the Centre and State Governments is in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern and Special Category States, and 60:40 for others. Under the Scheme, all the envisaged 157 Government medical colleges have already been approved in three phases including 11 medical colleges in Tamil Nadu. Entire Central Share has been released to the State government of Tamil Nadu and all the eleven medical colleges have become functional.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4803 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Legality of Maharashtra FDA Directive
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Mallu Ravi

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4803 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 TH MARCH, 2025

## LEGALITY OF MAHARASHTRAFDADIRECTIVE

## 4803. DR. MALLU RAVI:

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

- (a) whether the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has raised concerns and challenged the Maharashtra FDA directive in the Bombay High Court;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has any plan to address the concerns raised by medical professionals regarding the safety and legality of this directive; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

- (a) to (d): As per information provided by the Government of Maharashtra, the Homoeopathic Practitioners with a Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology approved by the State Government of Maharashtra fall in the definition of Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) under Section 2(d) of the Maharashtra Medical Council Act, 1965 (as amended in 2014) making them eligible to prescribe allopathic medicines. The Maharashtra Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) has instructed drug retailers to dispense medications upon prescription by these registered practitioners. This directive has been challenged by Indian Medical Association before Bombay High Court.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4800 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Menstrual Leave
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Dr. D Ravi Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 4800

TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2025

## MENSTRUAL LEAVE

## 4800.  Dr. D RAVI KUMAR:

## Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is re-considering the implementation of period leaves for women employees in both public and private sectors across the country;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof  including  the  proposed  guidelines  and  the  expected  timeline  for implementation;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  planning  any  awareness  programmes/initiatives  to  educate employers  and  employees  about  menstrual  health,  hygiene  and  the  importance  of  period leaves; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b):   In this matter, no proposal is presently under consideration of the Government.

(c)  &  (d):  Government  implements  the  Scheme  for  Promotion  of  Menstrual  Hygiene  among adolescent girls in the age group of 10-19 years. The Scheme is supported by National Health Mission through State Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) route based on the proposals received from the States/ UTs. One of the major objectives of the scheme is to increase awareness among adolescent girls on Menstrual Hygiene. Under the scheme, sanitary napkins packs are provided to adolescent girls by the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) at subsidized rates. Government also provides budget to the States/ UTs for Orientation of field level health workers and IEC activities for menstrual hygiene.

In  addition,  Department  of  Drinking  Water  and  Sanitation  under  Swachh  Bharat  Abhiyan  has developed National Guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) for creating awareness on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in rural areas as part of its overall interventions related to behaviour change on sanitation hygiene aspect. Further, to ensure access to sanitary  napkins  and  good  quality medicines  at affordable price,  Department  of Pharmaceuticals  under  Ministry  of Chemicals  and  Fertilizers  implements  the  Pradhan  Mantri Bharatiya  Janausadhi Pariyojna  (PMBJP),  an  important  step  in  ensuring  the  health  security  for women. Under the project, over 15000 Janaushidhi Kendras have been set up across the country, which besides affordable medicines, provide Oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins named Suvidha at Rs. 1/- per pad only.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4794 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Outbreak of Hepatitis-C in Uttarakhand
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4794 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2025

## OUTBREAK OF HEPATITIS-C IN UTTARAKHAND

## †4794. SHRI TRIVENDRASINGH RAWAT:

Will the Ministry of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of an outbreak of Hepatitis-C in Gadhrona village in Uttarakhand where more than 100 cases have been reported so far and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has conducted any investigation so far to identify the possible causes of this outbreak and if so, the details thereof;

- (c) whether it is waterborne or related to medical negligence and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to provide immediate medical aid and necessary medicines to the affected people; and

(e) whether the Government is formulating any specific plans to improve the quality of water supply and to conduct awareness campaigns to prevent such outbreaks in future and if so, the details thereof ?

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

(a) to (e) The Government of India (GoI) is implementing the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) since 2018 under the aegis of National Health Mission (NHM), offering free diagnostic and treatment services for Hepatitis C, A and E.

Health is a state subject. Funds are allocated to the programme activities under National Health Mission (NHM) on the basis of State/UT specific Programme Implementation Plans and States/UTs are required to utilize funds as per their need, priority and on the basis of their absorption capacity. Programme funds are allocated on lump sum basis under the flexible pool of NHM to offer flexibility to the States/UTs.

Hepatitis C virus infection is not water borne neither is related to any medical negligence. It is a blood borne virus and most infection occur through exposure to infected blood and blood products, from unsafe injection practices, injection drug use and sexual relationship with the infected partners leading to exposure to the disease.

The State Government of Uttarakhand have reported that there are existing 16 hepatitis C cases under treatment from SDH Roorkee and during the camp in Gram Gadhrona, 24 cases came out to be confirmed for Hepatitis C through viral load.

Public awareness campaign have been conducted by the health department for prevention of Hepatitis C, wherein IEC has been made available to the public about Hepatitis C . Following measures have also been taken :-

1. The doctors of the town of village Gadhrona have also been informed to always use new syringes.
2. Barbers of the area have been informed to always use new blades.
3. Public to be careful regarding body tattoo and piercing.
4. Prevention of sexual relationship with infected partners.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4792 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: MoUs Signed at Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Shobhanaben Mahendrasinh Baraiya, Shri Dineshbhai Makwana

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4792

ANSWERED ON 28.03.2025

## MOUS SIGNED AT VIBRANT GUJARAT SUMMIT 2024

4792.  SMT. SHOBHANABEN MAHENDRASINH BARAIYA: SHRI DINESHBHAI MAKWANA:

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

पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) the total amount involved in Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed by the Ministry in Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024;
- (b) the  schemes  proposed  to  revive  DeenDayal  Port  Authority,  Kandla  through  the MoUs signed at the Summit;
- (c) the  total  financial  amount  involved  in  the  MoUs  signed  for  investment  in  the  high priority Vadhavan Port Project;
- (d) whether any special project has been covered under these MoUs  for the development  of  basic  infrastructure  of  coastal  and  intend  waterways,  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (e) whether  these  MoUs  cover  any  project  related  to  green  port  and  sustainable development, if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) whether  any  special  initiative  has  been  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote  the blue economy covering fisheries marine tourism and sustainable use of marine resources, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)&(b) The total amount involved in MoUs signed by DPA in Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024 is Rs.10,000 cr. The MoU  is regarding development of Next Generation Transportation & Logistics Infrastructure for DPA and its eco-system.

(c) The total financial amount involved in MoUs signed for investment in the high priority Vadhavan Port Project is Rs. 1,53,845 crores.

(d)&(e) At present, there is no such proposal.

- (f) There are 5 projects worth Rs. 531 cr. under implementation for the modernization and upgradation of fishing harbour at major ports which are the integral part of marine ecosystem.  Ministry  of  Ports,  Shipping  and Waterways has also  launched  HaritSagar Green Port Guidelines to provide a framework to major ports for sustainable development. Major ports have taken various initiatives such as development of Hydrogen Hubs, implementation of pilot project for Bunkering and Refuelling facility for green hydrogen and its derivative, increase in share of renewable energy, electrification of port equipment and Green  Tug  Transition  programme  etc.,  to  reduce  the  carbon  footprint  and  develop  the sustainable eco-system.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4787 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Lokpal/Lokayukta
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4787

## TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 28 TH  MARCH, 2025

## Lokpal/Lokayukta

†4787. Shri Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai:

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

- (a) whether Lokpal/Lokayukta is functional in the  UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli  and  Daman  and  Diu,  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the  reasons therefor;
- (b) whether  it  is  mandatory  to  constitute  a  Lokpal/Lokayukta  in  every State/UT as per the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) if  not,  whether  absence  of  Lokpal/Lokayukta  is  in  violation  of  the Provisions of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013; and
- (d) whether any other institutional system on the lines of Lokayukta has been created  in  the  said  UT  that  can  register  and  investigate  cases  against  the administrators and other high officials there?

## 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 Ministry of Home Affairs has informed that as per the provisions of the  Lokpal  and  Lokayuktas Act,  2013  (1  of  2014),  the  institution  of  Lokpal established  under  the  Act  has  jurisdiction  over  the  officials  of  the  Union territory Administration in the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

(b) The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of  Personnel  and  Training)  has  informed  that,section  63of  the  Lokpal  and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 provides as under:

'63. Every State shall establish a body to be known as the Lokayukta for the State, if not so established, constituted or appointed, by a law made by the  State  Legislature,  to  deal  with  complaints  relating  to  corruption against certain public functionaries, within a period of one year from the date of commencement of this Act.'.

(c) & (d)  Not applicable in view of (a) above.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4784 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Construction of Dam in Tibet
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri G Kumar Naik

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-4784

ANSWERED ON- 28/03/2025

## CONSTRUCTION OF DAM IN TIBET

4784. SHRI G KUMAR NAIK

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the measures being undertaken by the Government to register its concerns regarding the recent development of China approving the construction   of   the   world's   largest   hydro-power   project   on   the Yarlung Tsangpo (or Zangbo) river in Tibet;

(b)   whether   the   Government   is   planning   a   consistent   channel   of communication with the Chinese Government on this serious issue, if so, the details thereof;

(c)   whether   the   Government   is   planning   to   take   mitigation   and adaptation measures in advance in case such a project materializes; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a)   to   (d) Government   of   India   has   taken   note   of   China's announcement of a mega dam project approved on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (upper reaches of the Brahmaputra) River in Tibet. Government carefully monitors all developments relating to the Brahmaputra river, including plans by China to develop hydropower projects, and takes necessary measures to protect our interests, including preventive and corrective measures to safeguard life and livelihood of Indian citizens residing in downstream areas.

Various   issues   relating   to   trans-border   rivers   are   discussed   with China under the ambit of an institutionalized Expert Level Mechanism which   was   established   in   2006,   as   well   as   through   diplomatic channels. As a lower riparian state with considerable established

user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, Government has consistently   conveyed   its   views   and   concerns   to   the   Chinese authorities,   and   has   urged   them   to   ensure   that   the   interests   of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas. Following the recent announcement by China of the mega dam project, Government conveyed its concerns to the Chinese side on 30 December   2024,   including   on   the   need   for   transparency   and consultation with downstream countries.

The issue was also raised during the visit of Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri to Beijing for a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Foreign Minister mechanism between India and China. During the visit, India and China agreed to hold an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism to discuss resumption of provision of hydrological data   and   other   cooperation   pertaining   to   trans-border   rivers. Government of India intends to remain engaged with China on the issue of trans-border rivers to safeguard our interests.

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