opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 5698 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Passport Seva Kendra in Diu
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 5698

ANSWERED ON- 04/04/2025

## PASSPORT SEVA KENDRA IN DIU

†5698.  SHRI PATEL UMESHBHAI BABUBHAI

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

- (a) whether any functional Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) is currently located in Diu;

b)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

- c) whether   the   residents   of   Diu   have   to   travel   to   PSKs   in Veraval/Rajkot/Ahmedabad for passport related services, if  so, the details thereof;
- d) whether the Government has taken any steps to set up PSK in Diu, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- e) the details of the process for setting up PSK in Diu and the timeframe by which PSK is likely to be made operational in Diu?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e) Currently, there is no Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) located in Diu.

Opening of   a   PSK/POPSK   is   an   on-going   activity   and   depends   upon various factors including distance from an existing PSK / POPSK and the volume of  passport applications from a particular region.  Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in association with Department of Posts (DoP) had decided in January 2017 to open Seva Kendras at the Head Post Offices (HPO)/ Post Offices (PO) in the country called Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in each Lok Sabha Constituency (LSC) in India, including the Daman & Diu LSC, where there is no PSK or POPSK.

Under this initiative, a POPSK is functional at Daman under Daman & Diu LSC,  where   45   appointments   {40   normal   and   5   Police   Clearance Certificate(PCC)} are released every day and appointments are available on next working day. Moreover, in June 2018, MEA had launched the 'Apply anywhere in India' scheme under which a passport can be applied at any PSK/POPSK in India. Also, the details of PSK/POPSKs which are closer to Diu are given below:

| Nearby PSKs / POPSKs to Diu   | Distance from Diu   |
|-------------------------------|---------------------|
| POPSK Veraval                 | 85 kms              |
| POPSK Amreli                  | 120 kms             |
| POPSK Junagadh                | 140 kms             |
| PSK Rajkot                    | 225 kms             |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5697 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Suicide of Nepali Girl Student
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Rajesh Ranjan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 5697

ANSWERED ON- 04/04/2025

## SUICIDE OF NEPALI GIRL STUDENT

†5697. SHRI RAJESH RANJAN

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

(a) whether a tragic incident of suicide by a Nepali girl students took place in the KIIT University followed by the circulation of a video on the internet showing the university officials misbehaving with other Nepali students;

(b) if so, whether the said incident has severely strained the Indo-Nepal diplomatic relations, if so, the details thereof;

(c) the action taken by the Government against KIIT University; and

- (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure that such incident is not repeated with students of any other country including Nepal.

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

(a) to (d) Government of India was deeply saddened at the tragic death of a Nepali girl student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 16 February 2025. Following the reports of unrest on campus and closure of the University sine die for all Nepali students,   Ministry   of   External   Affairs   liaised   with Odisha   State Government, KIIT as well as Nepali authorities to ensure corrective action and to prevent an escalation of the situation.

The   State   Government   of   Odisha   took   prompt   action   with registration of criminal cases and arrest of the accused student and KIIT security personnel involved with the manhandling of Nepali students. It formed a 24x7 helpdesk to facilitate the safety and security of students affected   by   the   incident,   their   safe   return   and   protection   of   their academic interest. The State Government has constituted a High Level Fact Finding Committee and appropriate legal and administrative action will be taken based on the findings of the Committee.

On its   part,   KIIT   withdrew   the   aforementioned   order   closing   the University for Nepali students, issued a public apology and appealed to its Nepali students to return to campus. Administrative action was taken against the staff involved in the incident. The University also set up a dedicated 24x7 control room on campus to facilitate the return of Nepali students.

In  a press release issued by Ministry of  Foreign Affairs of  Nepal on 18   February   2025,   Government   of   Nepal   took   note   of   the aforementioned steps and expressed gratitude for the support extended by Government of India, Odisha State Government and other agencies.

Foreign students studying in India form an important facet of India's people-to-people  links   with   other   countries.   Government   of   India   will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of all foreign students in India.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5694 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Mallu Ravi

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 5694 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH APRIL, 2025

## MAHARASHTRAFOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

## 5694. DR. MALLU RAVI:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the direction of Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that allows homeopathic practitioners with certificates in modern pharmacology to prescribe allopathic medicines;
- (b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the stand of the Government on the said direction; and
- (c) the details of the impact it has on patient safety and healthcare practices in the country?

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

(a) to (c): 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 before Bombay High Court and the matter is sub judice.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5692 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Number of Beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5692 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 TH APRIL, 2025

## NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES OFAYUSHMAN BHARAT SCHEME

## †5692. SHRI CHHATRAPAL SINGH GANGWAR:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of beneficiaries benefitted under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in the country since its inception;

- (b) the targets set for the upcoming year; and

(c) the new initiatives proposed to be taken by the Government to improve health services in rural areas of the country?

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

- (a): As on 01.03.2025, more than 8.9 crore hospital admissions worth ₹1.26 lakh crore have been authorized under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
- (b): Targets are not fixed for AB-PMJAY as the scheme operates on the basis of beneficiary demand for healthcare services. All the eligible beneficiaries of the implementing States/UTs are entitled for healthcare services under the scheme.
- (c): Regular updation such as expansion of beneficiary base, inclusion of new procedures, empanelment of new hospitals, and other improvements are done in the scheme as per new requirements from time to time. Some of the steps taken/new initiatives are as below:
- In January 2022, Government of India revised the beneficiary base from earlier 10.74 crore families to 12 crore families. Further, in March 2024, the eligibility criteria under the scheme were expanded to include 37 lakh Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) and their families. Further, on 29.10.2024, the government expanded AB-PMJAY to provide free treatment benefits of up to ₹5 lakh per year to approximately 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above, belonging to 4.5 crore families, irrespective of their socio-economic status through Ayushman Vay Vandana card.
- The empanelled hospitals network of AB-PMJAY has consistently improved to 30,957 empanelled hospitals including 13,866 private hospitals and 17,091 public hospitals to ensure greater access to quality healthcare for all eligible beneficiaries.
- The Health Benefits Packages (HBPs) of the scheme have been revised five times since launch of the scheme which now comprises 1,961 packages across 27 medical specialties.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5689 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Dredging and De-Silting of River Sal and Zuari
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. 5689

ANSWERED ON 04.04.2025

## DREDGING AND DE-SILTING OF RIVER SAL AND ZUARI

5689. SHRI CAPTAIN VIRIATO FERNANDES:

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

## पȅन ,

## पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  received  proposals  from  Goa  for  the  dredging  and desiltationof  critical  tributaries  of  the  Zuari  and  Sal  rivers  to  prevent  flooding  and improvenavigability;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  any  funding  has  been  allocated  under  the  Flood  Management  and BorderAreas Programme; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  support  silt  removal  and  riverbank stabilizationprojects in South Goa?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) Flood  management  and  antierosion  schemes  are  formulated  and implemented  by  the  concerned  State  Governments  as  per  their  priority.  The  Union Government supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical guidance and promotional,  financial  assistance  for  management  of  floods  in  critical  areas.  To strengthen  the  structural  measures  of  flood  management,  Ministry  of  Jal  Shakti  had implemented during XI & XII Plan Flood Management Programme (FMP) for providing Central Assistance to States for works related to river management, flood control, antierosion, drainage development, anti-sea erosion, etc. which subsequently continued as a component of "Flood Management and Border Areas Programme" (FMBAP) for the period from 2017-18 to 2020-21 and further extended up to March, 2026.  Two flood management projects of Goa have been completed under FMBAP Scheme and central assistance amounting to Rs. 11.98 Crore has been released.  Ministry of Jal Shakti has formulated National Framework for Sediment Management (NFSM) which focuses on approach/measures for sediment management in watershed, rivers and reservoirs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5686 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Port Pollution
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sribharat Mathukumilli

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5686

ANSWERED ON 04.04.2025

## PORT POLLUTION

5686. SHRI SRIBHARATMATHUKUMILLI:

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

(a) the details of measures taken/proposed to taken by the Government to prevent coal dust and water pollution at major ports, particularly at Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT)  and  Gangavaram    Port,  including  any  recent  initiatives  aimed  at  improving environmental safety; (b) whether the Government has undertaken any impact assessment studies on the contribution of major ports, especially VPT and Gangavaram Port to local air pollution and  their  effects  on  public  health,  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the  reasons therefor; (c) the specific details of checklists and procedures that ports are required to follow to ensure materials in trucks or railway wagons  are properly covered during transportation; (d) whether  Visakhapatnam  Port  Trust  (VPT)  is  effectively  adhering  to  these protocols, if so, the details thereof; and (e) whether  the  Government  has  explored  advanced  technological  solutions  for covering cargo stacks beyond traditional tarpaulin methods, to minimize environmental

- impact and if so, the details of implementation  thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) Central  Pollution  Control  Board  and  State  Pollution  Control  Boards  regularly monitor  air  and  water  quality  and  conduct  environmental  audits  at  all  Major  Ports including  Visakhapatnam  Port  Authority  (VPA).  All  major  ports  must  comply  with  the MARPOL Convention and adhere strictly to environmental guidelines. To enhance environmental safety, initiatives such as mechanized cargo operations, truck-mounted mist fogging cannons, trolley-mounted fog cannons, high-rise walls,  wheel-washing  systems,  covered  storage  sheds,  sewage  treatment  plants, floating traps, and green belt plantations etc. have been taken place at all Major Ports. (b) Yes, Various Major Ports have conducted impact assessment studies to evaluate the  environmental  and  operational  impacts.  Specifically,  VPA  has  conducted  an  Air Pollution  and  Source Apportionment Study, an EIA for the modernization of 6 berths, and for the modernization of Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour. (c) &(d) All Major ports, including VPA,  have  their  own  standard  operating procedure  (SOP)  for  cargo  heading  by  trucks  and  wagons.  These  SoPs  including Loading, Covering and Transportation of Cargo, which are mandatory to be followed by all stakeholders. minimize environment impact such as advanced dust suspension technology, automated water

(e) Yes. All Major Ports are 1exploring advanced technology to sprinkle systems, construction of covered shed etc.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5682 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Generic Medicine Centre
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Ashok Kumar Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5682 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 th  April 2025

## 'Generic Medicine Centre'

5682. Shri Ashok Kumar Rawat: Will the Minister of Ayush be pleased to state: (a) the number of the generic medicine centres opened in Misrikh district of Uttar Pradesh so far; (b) whether the Government has set any target for opening of such generic medicine centres in Uttar Pradesh; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) the number of the generic medicine centres proposed to be set up/opened in Uttar Pradesh, district-wise; and (e) whether the set target is being achieved on time and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAOJADHAV)

(a) to (e) Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers has launched a scheme- 'Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana' (PMBJP), the Scheme is being implemented  through  an  registered  society  namely  Pharmaceuticals  &  Medical  Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) which is working under the administrative control of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. Objectives of the Scheme are as follows;

- (a) To make available quality medicines consumables and surgical items at affordable prices for all and thereby reduce out of pocket expenditure of consumers/patients.
- (b) To popularize generic medicines among the masses and dispel the prevalent notion that low priced generic medicines are of inferior quality or are less effective.

(c)  Generate  employment  by  engaging  individual  entrepreneurs  in  the  opening  of  PMBJP Kendras.

As per the information received from Department of Pharmaceuticals, under PMBJP a total  15,403  Jan  Aushadhi  Kendras  (JAKs)  have  been  opened  till  31.03.2025  across  the country, of which 2 Kendras have been opened in Misrikh city of Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh.  There  is  no  State/UT  wise  specific  target  for  opening  of  new  JAKs.  The Government had set the target for opening of 15,000 JAKs by March, 2025 which has already been achieved on 31.01.2025.

Ayurveda  products  have  been  added  in  the  Product  Basket  of  PMBJP,  which  are being made available through selected Kendras at affordable rates.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5681 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Sugar added in Baby Food Products
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Adv Gowaal Kagada Padavi

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5681 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH APRIL, 2025

## SUGARADDEDINBABYFOODPRODUCTS

## 5681. ADV GOWAAL KAGADAPADAVI:

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

- (a) whether the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) know about the quantity of sugar added in baby food products as compared to European countries which follow European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any regulatory measures has been adopted by the FSSAI regarding Ultra Processed Foods (UPF) in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the other steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to impose restrictions in this regard?

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

(a) to (c): The Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020 prescribes the standards for different categories of Infant food and formulae. The limits specified for sugars in infant food products in the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020 is at par with the global standards namely Codex Alimentarius Commission, which takes into account the recommendation of World Health Organization (WHO) while setting food standards.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is fully committed to ensure the availability of safe food products to the consumers across the country. Towards this, regular surveillance drives, monitoring, regulatory inspection and random sampling of various food products including frozen food products are conducted throughout the year by the officials of Food Safety Departments of the respective States/ UTs and Regional offices of

FSSAI. In the event of any violations, strict regulatory actions such as imposing penalty, suspension or cancellation of licenses etc are enforced against the offenders in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 and as per nature of contraventions.

Further, Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 notified by FSSAI mandates to mention nutritional information on the labels with respect to salt, sugar and fat for consumer to make informed choices while selecting the food articles.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 5664 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: AIIMS in Darbhanga
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Smt. Lovely Anand, Shri Ramprit Mandal, Shri Dinesh Chandra Yadav

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 5664 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04/04/2025

## AIIMS IN DARBHANGA

## †5664. SHRI DINESH CHANDRA: SHRI RAMPRIT MANDA: SMT. LOVELY ANAND:

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

- (a) the current status of Darbhanga All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS);
- (b) the estimated total cost of construction of Darbhanga AIIMS; and
- (c) the amount of funds spent so far on Darbhanga AIIMS?

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

(a) to (c) Union Cabinet approved the setting up of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Darbhanga on 15.09.2020 at an estimated cost of Rs. 1264 Crore. In September, 2024, the State Government handed over 187.44 acre land for establishment of AIIMS at Darbhanga. Pre-investment work of the project is in progress. The topographical study and hydrological survey have been completed. The land for the project has been demarcated by the State Government. Tender has been floated by the Executing Agency on 25.03.2025 for the construction of the boundary wall. An amount of Rs. 2.81 crore has been released so far for the pre-investment work of AIIMS Darbhanga. Masterplan and Drawings and estimation of the Main building is under preparation in consultation with IIT Delhi.