opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1015 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: India–Africa Development Cooperation
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1015

ANSWERED ON - 25/07/2025

## INDIA-AFRICA DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

1015. SMT. SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has undertaken any recent review of India's development   assistance   and   capacity-building   initiatives   in   African partner countries under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and Lines of Credit programmes;

- (b) if so, the extent to which these programmes have been implemented in Ghana and other West African nations during the last three years;
- (c)   whether   the   Ministry   has   mapped   higher   education,   skills   or traditional knowledge institutions in Eastern India, including Odisha, that could partner in delivering India's Africa-focused development training, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Ministry proposes to integrate institutions from Odisha into   new   India-Africa   initiatives   announced   during   recent   high-level

visits,   particularly   in   the   areas   of   cultural   diplomacy   and   human resource development, if so, the details thereof?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) to (d):   India's   development  partnership is based on a consultative model and is focused on addressing the priorities and needs of  the partner countries. India has been sharing its development experiences, resources,   expertise   and   skill-sets   with   Africa   and   other   partner countries in the Global South over the years.

Government of India has extended more than 190 Lines of Credit through a lending bank aggregating around USD 12 billion to over 40 partner countries in Africa. So far, more than 200 projects have been completed, which have helped create a multiplier effect on the social and economic infrastructure in partner African countries. This has enabled them to move ahead on their own development trajectory.

Government has made efforts to fast-track project delivery, as well as respond to the developmental training needs of African countries. In all, India   has   offered   close   to   1260   slots   each   year   under   the   Indian Technical   and   Economic   Cooperation   (ITEC)   to   West   African countries, including Ghana. So far, more than 6200 professionals from West African countries have been trained under the ITEC programme. The ITEC training programmes are conducted at various institutes spread all across India, including the eastern region. These training institutes are selected based on their area of expertise to suit the training requirements of partner countries. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1005 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: Trauma Centre in Uttar Pradesh
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Chandan Chauhan, Shri Sanatan Pandey

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †1005 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25 th JULY, 2025

## TRAUMACENTRE IN UTTAR PRADESH

†1005: SHRI SANATAN PANDEY: SHRI CHANDAN CHAUHAN:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that there is no trauma centre in Ballia and Bijnor Lok Sabha Constituencies of Uttar Pradesh and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to identify and establish trauma centres in those districts where there is no trauma centre and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the time by which a Trauma Centre is likely to be established in Ballia and Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh?

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

(a) to (c): 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), total 196 Trauma Care Facilities (TCFs) were sanctioned in Government Hospitals/ Medical Colleges across the country. Out of 196, 13 TCFs have been sanctioned in Uttar Pradesh at:

- 1) BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur
- 2) District Hospital, Faizabad
- 3) KGM College, Lucknow
- 4) LLR Hospital & GSVM College, Kanpur
- 5) District Hospital, Jaluan, Orai
- 6) MLB Medical College, Jhansi

7) District Hospital, Basti 8) SN Medical College, Agra 9) Shri BA District Hospital, Etawah 10) District Hospital, Fatehpur 11) MLN Medical College, Allahabad 12) LLRM Medical College, Meerut 13) District Hospital, Lalitpur

Beyond 12th Five Year Plan, there is no provision of identification of new trauma care facilities under this Scheme. The financial support is in terms of release of the balance share of Central assistance within the total approved cost of the approved facilities/ units.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1003 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: Passenger Vessel Services from Beypore to Lakshadweep
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri M K Raghavan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1003

## ANSWERED ON 25.07.2025

## PASSENGER VESSEL SERVICES FROM BEYPORE TO LAKSHADWEEP

1003. Shri M K RAGHAVAN:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  plans  to  reintroduce  passenger  ship  services  from Beypore to Lakshadweep for boosting economy and tourism in view of the Port Officer's report indicating that the port has sufficient depth for restarting such services; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof including reasons for delay in reintroduction of passenger service?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)    The Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration (UTLA) has informed that since Beypore port is primarily used for cargo operations for the UT of Lakshadweep while passenger operations from the islands is predominantly to Kochi, UTLA, as of now, does not have any plan to operate passenger vessels between the islands and Beypore.
- (b) Does not arise in view of answer to (a) above.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 997 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: Ban on Smoking in Public Places
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri E Tukaram

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 997 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25 TH JULY 2025

## BAN ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES

## 997. SHRI E TUKARAM:

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

- (a) the immediate and long-term health effects of secondhand smoke on vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and non-smokers, particularly in respect of respiratory illnesses, cancers, and other serious diseases;
- (b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Union Government to enforce the ban on smoking at public places including roads, parks, bus stops and trains etc.;
- (c) the penalties currently imposed by the Government on people smoking in public places;
- (d) whether these have proven effective in curbing the practice in the country;
- (e) the number of deaths/cases reported annually due to secondhand smoke in country; and
- (f) whether the Government has any plan to reduce the said health burden in the country and if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a): According to the Report of Tobacco Control in India (2022) issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) increases the risk of respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia in children, while in pregnant women, it is associated with complications such as low birth weight, stillbirths, and developmental issues in infants. Long-term exposure to SHS is also linked to an elevated risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke among non-smokers.
- (b) & (c): Under Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement, Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act (COTPA), 2003, the Government of India has imposed ban on smoking in public places. In case of non-compliance of Section 4, there is a provision of fine up to ₹200 under Section 21 of this Act.

Public Health being a State subject, the primary responsibility for implementation of the provisions of COTPA, 2003 and the Rules made thereunder lies with the respective States/UT Governments. However, this Ministry periodically issues advisories to States/UTs for strict enforcement of this Act. Moreover, a Guidelines for Law Enforcers has been issued for effective implementation of tobacco control laws.

(d) to (f): As per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), 2016-2017, overall tobacco use was 28.6% which is a 17.3% relative reduction from 34.6% reported in 2009-2010. Further, the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study estimated that there were over 1.2 million (12 lakh) deaths due to smoking and second-hand smoke (SHS) in India in 2019.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 992 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: Opening up of New Hospital in Delhi
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. † 992 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25 th JULY, 2025

## OPENING UPOFNEW HOSPITALIN DELHI

## †992 SHRI RAMVIR SINGH BIDHURI:

Will the MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Union Government proposes to open a new hospital in Delhi;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has made any plan to expand the existing Government hospitals and increase the number of beds therein; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

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

## (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) & (b) Public health and hospitals are State subjects. The primary responsibility for strengthening healthcare systems including opening of new hospitals lies with the respective State/UT Governments.

However, with the objective of attainment of universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care services, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is implementing various programs and provide technical and financial support to the State/UTs for improvement in infrastructure condition of health services. Based on the proposals received in the form of Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) under National Health Mission, Government of India provides approval for the proposal in the form of Record of Proceedings (RoPs) as per norms & available resources.

(c) & (d) As per Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure & Human Resources) (HDI) report 202223, there are 10 Sub-Divisional Hospitals (SDH) having 431 beds, 40 District Hospitals having 9,789 beds and 13 Medical Colleges with 12,060 beds in Delhi.

The PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched on 25th October, 2021 with an outlay of Rs.64,180 Crore to be implemented over five years from 202122 to 2025-26, with the aim to strengthen the public health infrastructure to fill critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance and health research - spanning both the urban and rural areas.

In Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Science & Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, presently there are 1532 beds and a Super Speciality Block (SSB) with 666 beds is under construction.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 991 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: Consumption of Tobacco
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Arun Kumar Sagar

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.991 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25 TH JULY 2025

## CONSUMPTION OF TOBACCO

## 991. SHRI ARUN KUMAR SAGAR:

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that consumption of tobacco is injurious to life and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is contemplating upon imposing a complete ban on the consumption of tobacco in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the date by which the Government is likely to ban it the use of tobacco in the country; and
- (d) if not, the reasons for not imposing the ban on tobacco?

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

(a): As per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey -II conducted by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), tobacco consumption causes premature mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, cancers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

(b) to (d): The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement, Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003, regulates the sale of tobacco products. Under this Act sale of cigarettes & other tobacco products to and by persons below the age of eighteen years, within 100 yards of educational institutions and promotion/advertisement of these products are completely banned. Additionally, the Government of India has enforced a complete ban on electronic cigarettes, including heat-not-burn products, under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019. The Government has also banned the use of tobacco/nicotine in any food product under Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI), 2006.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 988 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Thiru Dr. S Jagathratchakan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 988 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25 TH JULY, 2025

## PRADHAN MANTRI JAN AAROGYAYOJANA

## 988. SHRI S JAGATHRATCHAKAN:

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

(a) the details of the beneficiaries who are senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the State of Tamil Nadu;

(b) the details regarding the coordination of the said scheme with other existing public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) including the details whether the senior citizens is likely to be given the option to transition to AB-PMJAY, if they prefer;

(c) the details regarding the budget allocation for this expansion; and

(d) whether any monitoring mechanisms are in place to track the scheme ' s effectiveness in providing timely care to senior citizens and to evaluate the financial impact of this expanded coverage and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a): As on 30.06.2025, a total of 17.44 lakh senior citizens aged 70 years and above have enrolled through Ayushman Vay Vandana card in Tamil Nadu under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

(b): The expansion of AB-PMJAY has been designed to address potential overlaps with other existing public health insurance schemes. Beneficiaries already covered under any governmentfunded health insurance scheme, such as CGHS or ECHS, are given a one-time option to either continue with their existing coverage or transition to AB-PMJAY.

As part of the enrollment process for the Ayushman Vay Vandana card in BIS 2.0, beneficiaries are required to make a declaration opting into AB-PMJAY, if they choose to avail benefits under this scheme.

(c): The budget allocated as the Central share for Ayushman Vay Vandana expansion under ABPMJAY is ₹ 2,165 crore for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26. The funding of AB-PMJAY is entirely demand driven. NHA releases funds for scheme implementation to the States/UTs on the basis of the actual demand received from them.

(d): A real-time IT dashboard monitoring mechanism has been put in place to monitor the progress and effectiveness of Vay Vandana scheme. Advanced analytical dashboards are used to track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), such as card creation, hospitalization authorizations, claim settlement timelines and beneficiary demographics, including senior citizens. All the State Health Agencies are given State specific login IDs to access the dashboard.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 986 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: Central Ayurveda Research Institute
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Jagannath Sarkar

## Government of India Ministry of Ayush

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 986 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25/07/2025

## Central Ayurveda Research Institute

## 986. SHRI JAGANNATH SARKAR

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  a  fact  that  the  new  building  of  the  Central  Ayurveda  Research  Institute (CARI), Kolkata is under construction since seven-eight years and if so, the details and the reasons for delay thereof:
- (b) the steps being taken by the Government to expedite the construction and ensure timely completion of the project; and
- (c) the  likely  time  by  which  the  building  is  expected  to  be  inaugurated  and  made  fully operational for public use?

## Answer

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

- (a) The  building of Central Ayurveda  Research  Institute (CARI),  Kolkata, is under construction since, 2016 and the reasons for delay are as under:
- i. Revision in scope of work
- ii. Statutory payments leading to cost escalations
- iii. Carrying out extra work and supply / fixing of furniture
- (b) This  work  is  being  regularly  monitored  by  Director,  CARI  (Kolkata),  DG(CCRAS)  as well as by the Ministry, with the result that a physical progress of 96% has been achieved as on 30.06.2025 and the work is progressing at full swing.
- (c) The targeted date of completion of the construction work is 31.08.2025.
Lok Sabha Question No. 983 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: Creation of New Block in Place of SAARC
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 983

ANSWERED ON - 25/07/2025

## CREATION OF NEW BLOCK IN PLACE OF SAARC

983.  SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be please to state:

- (a) the reasons for SAARC Summit not being held since, 2014;
- (b) whether China and Pakistan are planning to create a new block in place of SAARC to advance connectivity, trade and political dialogue, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether China-Pakistan-Bangladesh Trilateral meeting at Kunming discussed above issue at length, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the stand of India on the proposed block; and
- (e) whether any timelines have been fixed to create a new block, if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) The efforts to continue the SAARC dialogue, including holding of important meetings are hindered due to Pakistan sponsoring cross border terrorism and blocking trade and transport connectivity efforts in the region. As a result, the 19 th  SAARC Summit scheduled to be held in   Pakistan   in   November   2016   was   postponed.   There   has   been   no material   change   in   the   situation   since   then,   and   hence   still   no consensus among Member States on the holding of the Summit. (b)   to   (e)   We   have   seen   reports   of   the   China-Pakistan-Bangladesh Trilateral   meeting   at   Kunming.   Following   the   meeting,   the   Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh conveyed, during a media briefing in Dhaka, that the trilateral meeting was not meant to build an alliance targeting   any   third   country.   The   Government   of   India   maintains   a constant   watch   on   all   developments   having   a   bearing   on   India's national   interests   and   takes   all   necessary   measures   to   safeguard

them.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 981 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: National AYUSH Mission
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Narayan Tatu Rane

†981. Shri Narayan Tatu Rane:

Will the Minister of AYUSH

be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  amount  of  fund  allocated  under  National  AYUSH  Mission  (NAM)  especially  for  RatnagiriSindhudurg Lok Sab Constituency of Maharashtra during the last five years;
- (b) the details of the works undertaken in the said Lok Sabha constituency under this scheme;
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to establish more AYUSH centres of NAM in Maharashtra;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to increase the salary of employees working under the NAM and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the benefits extended under ESI and PF are proposed to be incorporated in the basic pay structure of employees working under the NAM and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (b) Under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Ayush Mission (NAM), as per the proposals received  from  State  Government  of  Maharashtra  through  State  Annual  Action  plans  (SAAPs),  an amount of Rs. 8194.48 lakhs has been released to State Government for implementation of different activities as approved in SAAPs during last five years. However, under NAM, there is no provision of constituency wise release of funds. Further, as reported by State Government, Rs. 67.48 lakhs & Rs. 555.64  lakhs were  allocated to Ratnagiri &  Sindhudurg  districts during last five years for implementation  of  different activities.  One  30  bedded  Integrated  Ayush  Hospital  (IAH),  04 Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) and 05 Ayush Wings have been supported in Sindhudurg District and 07 Ayush Wings have been supported in Ratnagiri District.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 981 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2025

## National AYUSH Mission

(c) Under NAM, there is a provision for financial assistance to State Government for setting up of 10/30/50  bedded  IAH  and  accordingly,  State  Government  of  Maharashtra  may  avail  financial assistance by submitting suitable proposals through SAAPs as per the provisions of NAM guidelines.

(d) & (e) Ministry is implementing NAM Scheme through State/UT Governments and Public Health being State subject, deployment of manpower comes under purview of respective States/UTs. Further, Ministry  of  Ayush  is  providing  financial  assistance  for  implementation  of  different  activities including deployment of manpower as per the proposals received under SAAPs within the provisions of NAM Guidelines.

*****