opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 850 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: One Nation One Fertilizer Scheme
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Dr. Shashi Tharoor

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 850 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 26.07.2024

## ONE NATION ONE FERTILIZER SCHEME

850:  DR. SHASHI THAROOR :

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

- (a) whether the One Nation One Fertilizer (ONOF) scheme, which mandates that all subsidized fertilizers are to be sold in uniform bags carrying the Bharat brand name, has  lead  to  dilution  of  brand  value  in  the  market  as  all  bags,  regardless  of  the manufacturers is likely to have the same name;
- (b)       if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government had conducted any stakeholder consultation with the private manufacturers before introducing this scheme;
- (d)       if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the introduction of a single brand under the One Nation One Fertilizer scheme ensure a timely supply of fertilizers as the supply chain streamlining does not depend on packaging only; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) :   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.  The  uniform  bags  carrying  the  Bharat brand name has not let to the dilution of the brand value of the manufacturer.

(c)  &  (d):    Yes.  Department  of  Fertilizers  had  consulted  all  stake  holders,  including public and private fertilizer companies, before launching PMBJP.

- (e) & (f):   There is no impact of ONOF on timely supply of fertilizers.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 849 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Outbreaks of Hepatitis A in Kerala
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri V K Sreekandan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 849 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2024

## OUTBREAKS OF HEPATITIS AIN KERALA

## 849. VKSREEKANDAN

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

- (a) whether Kerala is prone to more explosive outbreaks of Hepatitis A and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether there have been several outbreaks of Hepatitis A with higher fatalities throughout the year in all districts of Kerala for the last two decades and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any vaccination strategy for the Hepatitis A is the need of the hour along with stringent water quality surveillance and food safety norms and if so, the details and the steps taken thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to deploy a team of medical experts to the State to take stock of the situation and to suggest and provide remedial measures to contain the disease in the country and if so, the details thereof ?

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

(a) to (d) National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) has reported that there is no available evidence that Kerala is likely to witness more explosive outbreaks of Hepatitis A.

Kerala has been reporting Hepatitis A cases through its disease surveillance system along with adoption of prompt control measures. As per report, there were 13826 Hepatitis A cases in Kerala from 2008 till 17th July, 2024 out of which 101 death cases were confirmed.

The National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) was launched on 28th July, 2018 to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality due to Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E as one of the aims. The program funds for management of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E. It also coordinates with the Department of Drinking water and Sanitation to ensure reduction in transmission of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E. At present the NCHCP does not advocate for vaccination of Hepatitis A as India is hyperendemic for Hepatitis A infection.

Government of India monitors the situation on regular basis to contain the disease.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 845 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Vizhinjam International Seaport
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 845

ANSWERED ON- 26.07.2024

## VIZHINJAM INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT

## 845. SHRI K SUDHAKARAN:

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

- (a)   whether the Government has taken any steps to ensure the successful operation of Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram; and
- (b)   if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefore?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)   Yes, Sir.  Government has taken steps to ensure successful operation of Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram.
- (b)   Vizhinjam Seaport project, which is located about 16 km south of the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram is the first deep water transhipment port of the country.   Govt. of Kerala signed a Concession Agreement with M/s Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL, the Concessionaire) in August, 2015 for the development and operation of the Vizhinjam seaport on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis for an  initial  concession  period  of  40  years.    The  construction  of  Phase-I  of  the  port commenced  in  December,  2015  and  now  is  ready  for  operation  and  trail  run  is progressing.   Government of India is to provide Viability Gap Funding (VGF) amounting to Rs. 817.80 crore to this project.

The  Government  has  also  taken  the  following  necessary  steps  for  the operationalization of Vizhinjam International Seaport:

- (i) The  Directorate  General  of  Shipping  (DG  Shipping)  has  issued  the  interim International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Compliance Certificate for the port on 02.04.2024 which is valid for a period of 6 months.

- (ii) The  DG  Shipping  has  also  issued  the  interim  Navigational  Safety  in  Ports Committee (NSPC) Compliance Certification for the port on 28.03.2024 which is valid till 07.10.2024.
- (iii) Ministry  of  Ports,  Shipping  &  Waterways  on  23.04.2024  has  given  positive recommendations to the Central Board of Customs and Indirect Taxes for the declaration of Vizhinjam International Port as Customs notified port.
- (iv) The Vizhinjam Port has been declared as Customs Port and issued location code for the port.
- (v) Establishment of an Immigration Check Post (ICP) at Vizhinjam is under the consideration of the Government.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 844 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Maritime Safety and Security
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Benny Behanan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 844

ANSWERED ON - 26.07.2024

## MARITIME SAFETY AND SECURITY

844.    SHRI BENNY BEHANAN:

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

- (a) whether there are any new initiatives or technologies being introduced for safety and security in ports and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the measures in place to enhance maritime safety and security along the Kerala coastline; and
- (c) the details of the budget allocation for ports, shipping, and waterways projects in Kerala for the current/previous financial year?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The  following  new  initiatives  or  technologies  are  introduced  for  safety  and security in ports:
- i. The Merchant Shipping (Ships and Port Facility Security) Rules 2024 has been notified by the Central Government on 19th June 2024. These rules have  been  made  having  regard  to  the  provision  of  Safety  Convention [SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) and ISPS Code having entered into force under SOLAS Chapter XI-2]
- ii. Major Ports have taken initiatives to modernize the current access control system  including  use  of  Radio  Frequency  Identification  System  and Biometric  system.  In  addition,  Closed  Circuit  Television  (CCTV)  are installed at all major ports.

(b) The  following  measures  are  in  place  to  enhance  maritime  safety  and  security along the Kerala coastline:

- i. The Coastal Security Scheme was implemented in two phases - Phase I (2005-2011) and  Phase  II  (2012-2020)  in  all  Coastal  States/UTs.  Under this Scheme, Kerala established 18 Coastal Police Stations and 02 Jetties and procured 24 Interceptor Boats (12 Ton and 5 Ton), 26 four wheelers and 56 motorcycles.
- ii. Nodal Officer  Coastal  Security,  Kerala  appointed  in  compliance  with  the directives of Steering Committee on Review of Coastal Security (SCRCS).

(c) Sagarmala  is  a  flagship  Central  Sector  Scheme  of  the  Ministry.  The  funds provided by Ministry of Finance to Sagarmala Scheme are untied funds and not projects wise/State  wise.  Based  on  the  approvals  and  project  milestones,  funds  are  released during the year. In previous fiscal year 2023-24, financial assistance of Rs.6.62 Cr. in the State of Kerala was provided under Sagarmala Scheme.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 840 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Appointment of Notary Public
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Govind Makthappa Karjol

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

## DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 840 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY 26.07.2024

## Appointment of Notary Public

## 840. Shri Govind Makthappa Karjol:

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

- (a) whether  many  advocates  who  submitted  online  applications  for  the Notary public posts in the year 2022-23 from Karnataka are still waiting for their appointment;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  time  by  which  all  the  pending  applications  are  likely  to  be cleared?

## 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):  Online  interviews  for  appointment  of  Notaries  by  the  Central Government  in  the  State  of  Karnataka  for  the  applications  received  till 31.08.2022  were  held  in  February -March,  2023.  However,  due  to administrative reasons, the process of appointment was cancelled. A public notice in this regard was published on the official website of the Department of Legal Affairs on 26.05.2023.
Lok Sabha Question No. 837 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Cancer-Causing Packaged spices
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.837 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26TH JULY, 2024

## CANCER-CAUSING PACKAGED SPICES

## 837. DR. T SUMATHY ALIAS THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the countries that have banned the sale of cancer-causing Packaged spices like MDH & Everest;
- (b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to inspect these spices and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has reported any cancer-related deaths caused by the same spices during the last five years; and
- (d) if so, the details of the action taken by the Government against these spices companies and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (d): Department of Commerce has informed that no such information about cancercausing packaged spices is available with them. However, in May 2024, the Government of Nepal prohibited importers from import, sale and distribution of four specific lots of spice mixture pertaining to the two brands on account of media news and reports of higher levels of Ethylene Oxide (ETO) than specified levels and also advised recall of these items from the market. Pursuant to this, Spices Board took up the matter with the Indian Mission in Nepal for intimating to the Department of Food Technology & Quality (DFTQC), Government of Nepal about the steps taken by Spices Board which include mandatory testing of Spices being exported to various destinations and issuance of comprehensive guidelines to be followed by exporters for monitoring of ETO in raw materials procured by exporters as well as finished goods exported by them, to meet the varying ETO limits of the importing country.

Further, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has informed that following the media reports on Ethylene Oxide (ETO) in exported spice products of M/s Mahashian Di Hatti Pvt Ltd. (MDH) and M/s Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd. (Everest), FSSAI has carried out inspections & sampling of spice manufacturing facilities of MDH & Everest. During this drive, 25 samples of MDH and 9 samples of Everest have been lifted from their manufacturing facilities. No traces of ETO were found in these 34 samples.

…………..
Lok Sabha Question No. 836 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Demand for Medical Colleges in West Bengal
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Jagannath Sarkar, Shri Khagen Murmu

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 836 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26 th JULY, 2024

## DEMAND FOR MEDICALCOLLEGES IN WEST BENGAL

## 836. SHRI JAGANNATH SARKAR:

## SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:

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

(a) whether the Government is aware of the pressing demand for medical colleges in Balurghat, Alipurduar, Kalimpong and Paschim Burdwan districts of West Bangal due to inadequate access to medical education in these areas, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of the districts of West Bengal which do not have medical college and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Union Government received any proposal for establishing Medical Colleges in these districts and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of the current ratio of aspiring medical students to available seats in existing medical colleges in West Bengal; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to establish a Medical College in every district of West Bengal and the results thereto?

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

## WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) to (e): 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 West Bengal at Birbhum (Rampur Hat), Cooch Behar, Diamond Harbour, Purulia, Raiganj(North Dinajpur), Barasat, Uluberia, Arambagh, Jhargram, Tamluk, Jalpaiguri. However, no proposal for setting up of Medical College at Balurghat, Alipurduar, Kalimpong and Paschim Burdwan were received from the State of West Bengal. Also, as per Census-2011, there were 19 districts in West Bengal. Out of which all the districts except Balurghat have medical colleges.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), an AIIMS has also been established at Kalyani.

There are 5,375 UG seats available in West Bengal for the academic year 2024-25 as of now. As informed by National Testing Agency, 1,16,110 candidates appeared in NEET(UG) 2024 from West Bengal.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 833 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Renewal of Ganga Water Treaty
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Kalyan Banerjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 833

ANSWERED ON - 26/07/2024

RENEWAL OF GANGA WATER TREATY

## 833. SHRI KALYAN BANERJEE

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that the Governments of India and Bangladesh have announced to begin a high technical-level talks for the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty;
- (b) if so, the details of the ratified agreement therein;
- (c) whether the Government of West Bengal a neighbouring State of Bangladesh   and   a   stakeholder   in   water   treaty   issues   was   not consulted over renewal of recent Ganga-Teesta Water Treaty and if so, the reasons therefor; and
- (d)   whether   the   Government   of   West   Bengal   has   raised   many concerns over the treaty and if so, the details thereof and whether they have been taken into consideration ?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a & b) The Governments of India and Bangladesh have decided to begin discussions on renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty signed in

1996, which is due to expire in 2026. The discussions are yet to commence in this regard and no fresh agreement has been ratified between the two countries. (c & d)  There is no 'Ganga-Teesta Water Treaty' signed between India and   Bangladesh.   However,   the   Government   of   West   Bengal   was consulted by the Union Government in respect of  renewal of  the Ganga Water Treaty. Its authorized representative took part in the inter-ministerial discussions held on the matter on 30 October 2023, 15 March 2024 and 31 May 2024, where our collective view was formulated.   Inputs   on   drinking   water   and   industrial   water requirements have also been received from the Government of West Bengal which have been taken into account while formulating our views.

*****

2
Lok Sabha Question No. 830 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Trauma Centre near National Highway
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Giridhari Yadav

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 830 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2024

## TRAUMACENTRE NEARNATIONALHIGHWAY

## 830: SHRI GIRIDHARI YADAV:

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

- (a) whether many people die in accidents due to the absence of trauma centres near national highways in Bihar;
- (b) if so, the total number of deaths in accidents occurred on national highways in Bihar during the last five years, year-wise;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to set up trauma centres at every 50 kms on all the national highways in Bihar;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the time limit if any fixed therefor; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

## (SMTANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) to (e): During 11 th Five Year Plan (2007-2012) and 12 th Five Year Plan (2012-2017) under the 'National Programme for Prevention & Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries' (NPPMT&BI), 196 Trauma Care Facilities (TCFs) were sanctioned in Government Hospitals/ Medical Colleges across the country. Many of them are located close to National Highways. Out of 196, 9 TCFs were sanctioned in Bihar and details are as below:

- (i) Civil Hospital, Kishanganj
- (ii) District Hospital, Purnia
- (iii) Civil Hospital, Madhepura
- (iv) Darbhanga Medical College & Hospital, Darbhanga
- (v) S.K. Medical College & Hospital, Muzaffarpur
- (vi) Civil Hospital, Gopalganj
- (vii) Civil Hospital, Jhanjarpur
- (viii) Sadar Hospital, Sasaram, Rohtas
- (ix) AN Magadh Medical College & Hospital, Gaya

Apart from TCFs, 02 burn units have also been sanctioned in Bihar at Patna Medical College and Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & Hospital, Bhagalpur.

Beyond 12 th Five Year Plan, there is no provision of identification of new trauma care facilites under this scheme.

As per the National Crime Records Bureau, the number of fatalities in accidents occurred on National Highways in Bihar during the last five years from 2018 to 2022 is as below:

|   Year |   No of fatalities on National Highways in Bihar |
|--------|--------------------------------------------------|
|   2018 |                                             3210 |
|   2019 |                                             3403 |
|   2020 |                                             3061 |
|   2021 |                                             3493 |
|   2022 |                                             3926 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 828 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Coverage and impact of the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Baijayant Panda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 828

TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2024

## 'COVERAGE AND IMPACT OF THE INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES SCHEME'

## 828.    SHRI BAIJAYANT PANDA:

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

- (a) the  update  on  the  coverage  and  impact  of  the  Integrated  Child  Development Services Scheme (ICDS) in reducing malnutrition among children; and
- (b) whether  the  steps  have  been  taken  to  address  the  challenges  faced  in  the implementation of ICDS particularly in remote and tribal areas, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI ANNPURNA DEVI)

(a)  Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme and is being implemented in all the 36 States/UTs. As per the data of Poshan Tracker for the month of June 2024, around 10.26 crore beneficiaries are registered under the Scheme.

The indicators for malnutrition like children being underweight, stunted and wasted have shown a steady improvement as per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted by  Ministry  of  Health  &  Family  Welfare.  As  per  the  report  of  NFHS-5  (2019-21),  the nutrition indicators for children under 5 years have improved as compared with NFHS-4 (2015-16). Stunting has reduced from 38.4% to 35.5%, while Wasting has reduced from 21.0% to 19.3% and Underweight prevalence has reduced from 35.8% to 32.1%.

As per the data of Poshan Tracker for the month of June 2024, around 8.57 crore children under 6 years were measured, out of whom 35% were found to be stunted and 17% were found to be underweight and 6% children under 5 years were found to be wasted. The levels of underweight and wasting in children as obtained from Poshan Tracker are much less than those projected by NFHS 5.

(b)  Under the PM-JANMAN Scheme of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Women & Child Development has sanctioned 916 new Anganwadi Centers in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) habitations during FY 2023-24.

*****