opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1903 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: Medical Pension of Army Personnel
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Shri Hanuman Beniwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1903

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 th  December, 2024

## MEDICAL PENSION OF ARMY PERSONNEL

## 1903. SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government regarding medical pension of army personnel declared unfit for service on grounds of psychiatric and physical disability by the Army Medical Board;

(b) whether the Government has taken any steps to ensure that there is transparency and fairness in physical and psychiatric disability test conducted by Medical Board in the Indian Army;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the policy of the Government in this regard;

(d) the number of cases of Indian Army personnel who have been declared unfit for service on grounds of psychiatric and physical disability and have not been provided pensionary benefit so far; and

(e) the proposal of the Government regarding providing pension to such soldiers?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

## MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI SANJAY SETH) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a):  The Government has issued the Entitlement Rules for Casualty Pensionary Awards to the Armed Forces Personnel - 2023 and Guide Medical Officers - 2023 to harmonise the Defence Disability  Pension  Regulations  with  the  regulations  for  civilian  employees  issued  by  the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on time to time and also to ensure that Medical  Boards  are  conducted  in  an  optimal  and  uniform  manner.  The  Government  is providing the following pension of army personnel declared unfit for service on grounds of psychiatric  and  physical  disability  by  the  Army  Medical  Board:    Invalid  pension/invalid gratuity, Disability pension, War Injury Pension and Terminal Gratuity to Officer Invalided Out of Service.

(b) & (c):  The Medical Board comprises of three members in accordance with extant rule of the Armed Forces i.e. RMSAF-2010 for unbiased disposal. Further, all reports of Psychiatric Boards  are  perused  by  DGMS  (Army)  for  Officers  &  MG(Med) for  Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks so as ensure an error free & transparent disposal.

(d)  &  (e):    Army  Personnel who are declared unfit for service by Army Medical Board on grounds of disability are paid disability pension as per the Pension Regulations for Army (PRA) 2008 and Entitlement Rule (ER) 2023 and other extant rules.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1902 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: India's Stance on Bangladesh Issue
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Subbarayan K, Com. Selvaraj V

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1902 ANSWER ON - 06/12/2024 INDIA'S STANCE ON BANGLADESH ISSUE

1902. COM. SELVARAJ V

## SHRI SUBBARAYAN K

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

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the shift in the approach of the   interim   Government   of   Bangladesh   as   it   has   been   working   to strengthen ties with Pakistan and efforts to remove symbols of the 1971 Liberation war including portraits of Bangladesh founding President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from Government offices since an uprising ousted Awami League Government in August this year; and

(b) if  so, the details thereof  and the reaction of  the Government to the recent developments in Bangladesh?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a & b) India and Bangladesh share deep-rooted bonds of history, culture, language and a multitude of other commonalities. India's relations with Bangladesh stand on their own footing and are independent of the relations of Bangladesh with third countries. The bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh has been a multi-faceted partnership bringing benefits to the people of  both countries through enhanced trade and investments, increased   connectivity   and   more   people-to-people   exchanges.   The Government closely monitors all developments having a bearing on India's national interest and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1901 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: AYUSH Professionals
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri K Radhakrishnan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1901 FOR ANSWER ON 06/12/2024

## 'AYUSH Professionals'

## 1901. Shri K. Radhakrishnan:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- a) whether the Government is aware that the medical professionals belonging to the AYUSH are not treated at per with the medical professionals of the modern medicine including the service and salary matters in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- b) whether the Government has taken note of the judgment of the Supreme Court that there cannot be  discrimination  between  doctors  of  AYUSH  and  modern  medicine  and  if  so,  the  details thereof along with the action taken thereon;
- c) whether  the  Government  intends  to  bring  in  a  comprehensive  legislation  to  eliminate  the discrimination between the medical practitioners of the AYUSH and modern medicine in the country; and
- d) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a)  &  (b)  Ministry  of  Ayush,  Government  of  India  is  the  cadre  controlling  authority  for Ayush Doctors posted in Central Government Health Scheme(CGHS). These Doctors are getting the benefits of salary and allowances at par with the Doctors of modern medicine deployed by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in CGHS.  The Ayush Doctors are given time bound promotions under the Dynamic Assured Career Programme (DACP) scheme at par  with  the  Doctors  of  modern  medicine.    The  Government  has  also  enhanced  the retirement  age  of  Ayush  Doctors  from  60  years  to  65  years  at  par  with  the  Doctors  of modern medicine.

Public Health is a State subject. The appointment of AYUSH doctors and fixation of their salary comes under the purview of respective State/UT Government.

- c) No, Sir.
- d) Does not arise.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1899 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: Clinical Trials of Drugs
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1899 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH DECEMBER, 2024

## CLINICALTRIALS OF DRUGS

## 1899: SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the recent decision to waive the requirement of clinical trials for drugs approved in countries like the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, or the European Union has been finalized;
- (b) if so, the details and the current status thereof;
- (c) whether such decision is likely to impact on drug availability and affordability in the country; and
- (d) the mechanisms likely to be put in place to monitor the safety and efficacy of drugs introduced in the Indian market without undergoing local clinical trials including any postmarket surveillance or testing protocols that is likely to be followed and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (d): As per Rule 101 of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials (NDCT) Rules, 2019, the Central Licensing Authority (CLA), with approval of Central Government, has issued order dated 07.08.2024 specifying names of countries for considering the waiver of local clinical trial for the approval of certain categories of New Drugs under Chapter X and for the grant of permission for conducting clinical trials under Chapter V of NDCT Rules, 2019. The countries specified include USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada and EU. The copy of order is available on the website of CDSCO i.e https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/opencms/en/Notifications/Public-Notices/

The above notification would help CLA for taking decision on approval of New Drugs in accordance with New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019, for improving early access of safe and effective New Drugs.

All new drugs are approved by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization through a rigorous process of evaluation of submitted data and in consultation with Subject Expert Committee for consideration of waiver of Clinical trial on case to case basis, in accordance with New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of such drugs.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1898 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: One Nation One Fertilizer
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1898 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 06.12.2024

## One Nation One Fertilizer

1898: SHRI  JASWANTSINH  SUMANBHAI  BHABHOR:

Will the Minister o f CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  and  objectives  of  the  Brand  'BHARAT'  under  'One  Nation,  One Fertilizer' Scheme;
- (b) whether the 'One Nation, One Fertilizer' Scheme will benefit the farmers'
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has provisioned any measures to check fraud and sales of sub-standard material under one name by some manufacturers;
- (e) if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) the mechanism to be adopted by the Government to ensure the fertilizers are under a common brand across the country?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) to (f):  Government of India Vide notification dated 24 th August, 2022, has decided to implement  One  Nation  One  Fertilizers  (ONOF)  by  introducing  Single  Bharat  Brand  for Fertilizers  and  Logo  under  Fertilizer  subsidy  scheme  namely  'Pradhanmantri  Bhartiya Janurvarak  Pariyojna'  (PMBJP).  The  objective  of  the  scheme  is  to  increase  the availability  basket  of  fertilizers;  take  care  of  dilemma  among  farmers  in  choosing  from plethora  of  brands  available  in  the  markets,  to  reduce  the  crisscross  movement  and further ensure timely supply of fertilizers.

Fertilizer Control Order (FCO)-1985 has laid down fertilizer-wise detailed specifications.  Any  fertilizer,  not  meeting  the  said  specifications,  cannot  be  sold  in  the country  for  agricultural purpose.  Clause  19  of  FCO  strictly  prohibits  the  sale  or manufacture of fertilizers which are not of prescribed standards. Any sale of duplicate/substandard/counterfeit  fertilizers  is  punishable  under  Essential  Commodities Act, 1955.

State  Governments  regulate  the  sale  of  fertilizers  in  the  State.  Awareness  and vigilance  at  the  field  level  is  spread  among  the  farmers  through  press  note,  TV  talks, Kisan Goshthi,  Krushimela,  Krushi    Mahotsav,  etc.  by  the  District  Quality  control mechanism.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1891 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: Import of Refurbished Medical Devices
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1891 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 th  DECEMBER, 2024

## Import of Refurbished Medical Devices

## 1891. Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni:

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

- (a) whether the import and use of refurbished devices create a risk to patients safety and is also violation  of  medical  regulatory  framework,  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reasons  for permitting import of such devices;
- (b) the reasons for adopting a policy which permit import of refurbished medical devices into the country; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to recall the said policy looking at risks for patients' health and safety, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) to (c): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has informed that the Medical devices are regulated under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Medical Device Rules, 2017. Under the said Rules, there is no specific provision for Regulation of Refurbished Medical Devices. Further,  Central  Drugs  Standard  Control  Organization  (CDSCO)  has  not  issued  any license/permission for import of such devices to the country.

Further, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified Hazardous and Other Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) (HOWM) Rules, 2016  as  amended  from  time  to  time.  The  import/export  of  hazardous  and  other  waste  is regulated thorough the said HOWM Rules, 2016. The import of 'Used Electrical and electronic assemblies' falls under Schedule III Part B (Basel No. B1110)] which can be imported by the actual user only after obtaining necessary permission from MoEFCC. Further, used critical care medical equipment covered under Basel No. B1110 of Schedule VI of the HOWM Rules, 2016 and is prohibited for import for re-use.

The  MoEFCC  amended the HOWM, 2016 on 23rd December, 2022 to allow import of High End and High Value Used Medical Equipment other than Used Critical Care Medical Equipment  by  the  actual  user  or  by  Original  Equipment  Manufacturers  (OEM)  or  Indian Subsidiary  of  OEM  or  Trader  on  behalf  of  actual  user  for  re-use.  This  items  falls  under Schedule III Part B of HOWM Rules, 2016, hence import of these equipment is restricted and cannot be imported without permission from MoEFCC and with conditions imposed in the permission letter and DGFT license, if applicable.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1890 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: Issuance of Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards in Kerala
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri M K Raghavan

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1890 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH DECEMBER, 2024

## ISSUANCE OF AYUSHMAN VAY VANDANACARDS IN KERALA

## 1890. SHRI M K RAGHAVAN:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of any delay in issuance of Ayushman Vay Vandana cards in Kerala;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has take any steps to overcome the delay in issuance of the said in Kerala;
- (d) whether the Government is aware that the beneficiaries of Ayushman Vaya Vandana cards is losing other insurance schemes while opting this uncommenced scheme; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) to (c): On 29.10.2024, Government of India expanded Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to provide free treatment benefits of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

The scheme was launched nationwide along with the State of Kerala. As on 02.12.2024, a total of 3.87 lakh Ayushman Vay Vandana cards have been created in the State of Kerala. A total of 403 beneficiaries have availed treatment worth Rs. 55.48 lakh using Ayushman Vay Vandana cards for the State of Kerela.

(d) and (e): To ensure that beneficiaries claim benefits under only one government-funded scheme, two validations are implemented. Firstly, the beneficiaries must declare that they are not receiving free healthcare services under any other scheme partially or fully funded by the Government of India or State Government. Secondly, if the beneficiaries indicate they are covered under another scheme, they have the option to either retain their current scheme coverage or choose to avail benefits under AB-PMJAY. This choice is one-time and final.

However, coverage under private health insurance policy would not be a bar for availing the benefits of AB-PMJAY scheme for senior citizens. Further, beneficiaries of Employees' State Insurance Scheme would also remain eligible under the scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1886 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: Air Fare Facility to Judges
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Matheswaran V S

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1886

## TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 06.12.2024

## Air Fare Facility to Judges

## 1886 SHRI MATHESWARAN V S :

Will the Minister of LAWANDJUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of expenditure incurred by the Government on Air Fare for the foreign tour undertaken by Supreme Court Judges including Chief Justice of India from 2010 to till date;
- (b)the provision or rule under which the Government is incurring the Air Fare for the Supreme Court Judges for their foreign travel; and
- (c) whether the Government also provides DA to spouse of Supreme Court Judge on foreign tour, if so, the details of the rule in this regard?

## 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 (c): The expenditure incurred on the Air fare and DA of Judges of the Supreme Court and their spouses, on their official foreign visits is borne by the Supreme Court of India from their budgetary allocations, in accordance with the extant instructions regarding payment of DA while on tour/temporary duty abroad.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1881 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: One Rank One Pension
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1881

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 th  December, 2024

## ONE RANK ONE PENSION

## 1881. SHRI CHAMALA KIRAN KUMAR REDDY:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has addressed all demands from veterans' organizations regarding periodic revisions and arrears payment under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of the financial implications of the latest OROP revision including the number of beneficiaries and total expenditure, year-wise;

(c) whether any challenges have been faced in the disbursement of arrears and pension under the scheme and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has assessed the sustainability of the increasing fiscal burden due to OROP and the measures taken to ensure long-term viability; and

(e) if so, the details thereof along with the details of consultations held with stakeholders to address  pending  issues  under  the  OROP  scheme  and  the  timeline  likely  to  be  taken  for resolution?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI SANJAY SETH)

(a):  Government has made provisions for revision of One Rank One Pension (OROP) vide their letter dated 07.11.2015. Accordingly, third revision of OROP has been carried out with effect from 01.07.2024 vide Ministry's letter dated 10.07.2024. Arrears on account of these revisions have been paid.

(b):  Financial implication of Rs. 6703.24 Cr. per annum has been assessed for OROP revision w.e.f 01.07.2024 and number of beneficiaries are 19,64,973.

(c):    No  Challenges  have  been faced  in  the  disbursement  of  arrears  and  pension  under  the scheme.

(d)  &  (e):    The  Government has made sufficient  budget  provision  for making  the payment under OROP.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1879 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: Green Tug Transition Program
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Dilip Saikia, Shri Pradeep Purohit, Shri Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal, Shri Janardan Mishra, Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan, Shri Alok Sharma, Shri Manoj Tiwari

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1879

ANSWERED ON 06.12.2024

## GREEN TUG TRANSITION PROGRAM

1879.SHRI ALOK SHARMA: SHRI MUKESHKUMAR CHANDRAKAANT DALAL: SHRI PRADEEP PUROHIT SHRI MANOJ TIWARI: SHRIRAVINDRA SHUKLA Alias RAVI KISHAN: SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA: SHRI DILIP SAIKIA:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) the salient features of the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) and the manner in  which the said Programme is likely to drive the transition from conventional fuelbased harbour tugs to greener and more sustainable alternatives;
- (b) the details of the total cost involved in the said programme, date of commencement and the number of ports selected for the first phase of the GTTP along with the targets set therefor;
- (c) whether the Project is aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 launched in the year 2023; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The Green Tug Transition Program(GTTP) aims to transition India's harbour tug  fleet  from  conventional  diesel-powered  vessels  to  greener  alternatives.  This  is achieved through a phased approach spanning five phases from 2024 to 2040. The transition  is  designed  to  be  seamless,  allowing  for  a  gradual  phasing  out  of traditional tugs.
- (b) The  GTTP  was  launched  on  August16,  2024.  Four  major  ports  have  been selected in Phase 1 of GTTP with the target of procuring/hiring at least two  green tugs by each port.
- (c)&(d) The GTTP is directly aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims  to  reduce  GHG  emissions  from  port  vessels  by  30%  by  2030.  The  GTTP's focus  on  reducing  emissions  from  harbour  tugs  contributes  significantly  to  this broader goal.

*****