opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3546 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: India-USA Relations
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3546 ANSWERED ON- 21/03/2025 INDIA-USA RELATIONS

## 3546. SHRI K SUDHAKARAN

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Prime Minister of India has recently met with the President of USA, if so, the key outcomes of the said meeting;

(b)   whether   the   Government   has   assessed   the   impact   of   'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) policies on Indian trade, immigration and strategic interests and if so, the details thereof;

(c)   whether   India   has   raised   concerns   regarding   protectionist policies under MAGA that could negatively impact Indian businesses and professionals in the U.S. and if so, the details thereof; and

(d)   the   details   of   the   diplomatic   strategy   of   the   Government   to safeguard India's economic and geopolitical interests in light of recent initiative of US administration?

## ANSWER

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

(a to d) The Prime Minister visited Washington D.C. on February 1213, 2025 for an 'Official Working' visit at the invitation of the US President. The joint statement issued by the leaders launched the 'U.S.   -India   COMPACT   (Catalyzing   Opportunities   for   Military Partnership,   Accelerated   Commerce   &   Technology)   for   the   21 st Century' - to drive transformative change across key pillars of cooperation.

The leaders resolved to take an integrated approach to strengthen and deepen bilateral trade across the goods and services sector, and will work towards increasing market access, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepening supply chain integration.  To this end, the leaders set a new goal for bilateral trade - 'Mission 500' aiming to more than double total bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.   The   leaders   also   announced   plans   to   negotiate   the   first tranche   of   a   mutually   beneficial,   multi-sector   Bilateral   Trade Agreement (BTA).

Both leaders emphasized that the evolution of  the world into a global   workplace   calls   for   putting   in   place   innovative,   mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks.  In this regard, the leaders committed to streamlining avenues for legal mobility of students   and   professionals   while   also   aggressively   addressing illegal immigration and human trafficking.

The   Government   of   India   continues   to   engage   with   the   U.S administration at various levels to deepen strategic convergences on all issues of mutual concern.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3545 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Chinese Establishment of Counties in Hotan Prefecture
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Prashant Yadaorao Padole

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3545

## ANSWERED ON- 21/03/2025

## CHINESE ESTABLISHMENT OF COUNTIES IN HOTAN PREFECTURE

## 3545 DR. PRASHANT YADAORAO PADOLE

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

(a) whether the Government is aware of China's establishment of two new counties in the Hotan prefecture, incorporating Indian territory in Ladakh, if so, the strategic and diplomatic measures undertaken by the Government to address this issue;

(b) the details of protests lodged by India against the creation of these counties   along   with   the   responses   received   from   the   Chinese Government, if any; and

(c) whether the Government has formulated any long-term strategies to counter China's increasing administrative and infrastructural developments in the Aksai Chin region, and if so, the details thereof?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) to (c)  Government of  India is aware of  the announcement by the Chinese   side   pertaining   to   the   establishment   of   so-called   two   new counties in Hotan prefecture of China. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called   counties   fall   in   India's   Union   Territory   of   Ladakh.   The Government of India has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of  Indian Territory in this area. Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India's long-standing and consistent position regarding India's sovereignty over the area, nor lend legitimacy to China's illegal and forcible occupation of the same. Government of India has registered its   solemn   protest   over   these   developments   through   diplomatic channels.

Government is aware that China is developing infrastructure in the border   regions.   Government   gives   careful   and   special   attention   to improvement of infrastructure for the development of border areas, in order to facilitate the economic development of these areas, as also to meet India's strategic and security requirements.

The budget allocation for border infrastructure have increased in the last decade (2014-2024). The Border Roads Organization (BRO) alone has incurred three times the expenditure level compared to the decade before. The length of the road networks, bridges and number of tunnels have all seen a substantial increase over the earlier period. This has helped provide connectivity to the local population and better logistical support for our armed forces. Government continues to keep a constant watch on all developments having   a   bearing   on   India's   security   and   takes   all   the   necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3542 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Regulation of Fitness Industry
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Manickam Tagore B

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3542 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 ST MARCH, 2025

## REGULATION OF FITNESS INDUSTRY

## 3542. SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any plans to regulate the health and fitness industry given the rising number of unregulated trainers, services and products in the country, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether in light of the growing health and fitness industry in the country, the steps taken by the Government to ensure that consumers are not misled or exploited by the unqualified trainers or ineffective fitness products;
- (c) whether the increase in view of health-related issues due to sedentary lifestyle in the country, the Government proposes to promote accessible and affordable fitness programmes for all segments of society particularly those in rural areas; and
- (d) whether any initiatives being undertaken by the Government to educate the public about the risks associated with unregulated fitness services and products and promote awareness about safe practices, if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (d): No such proposal to regulate the health and fitness industry is under consideration in the Ministry. However, to regulate food products with specific health and nutritional benefits, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, Food for Special Medical Purpose, and Prebiotic and Probiotic Food) Regulations, 2022, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The regulations cover five major categories of Food i.e Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use (FSDU), Food for Special

Medical Purpose (FSMP) and Probiotic & Prebiotic Food.

Department of Sports has informed that they have been been actively spreading awareness about fitness through various activities and campaigns in association with various stakeholders under the Fit India Movement including those in rural areas. Major activities initiated under the Fit India banner include online/ offline activities in the categories of Plog Run, School Certification system, Youth Club Certification system, School Week celebrations, Cyclothon, Yoga Day celebration, Freedom Run, Champion Talks, Dialogue series, Indigenous Games series, Fit India Thematic Campaigns, and Prabhat Pheris. Further, Fit India age-appropriate fitness protocols for various age groups have also been introduced to encourage people to work towards physical fitness. Fit India Movement has created awareness among crores of Indians through these programmes and activities

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 3535 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Closure of First Transgender Clinic
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri K C Venugopal

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3535 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## CLOSURE OF FIRST TRANSGENDER CLINIC

## 3535. SHRI K C VENUGOPAL:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the abrupt closure of India's first Transgender clinic in Hyderabad due to an executive order by US Government effectively 'pausing' US foreign development assistance for 90 days, on which the clinic functioned, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether concrete steps have been taken to ensure that transgender individuals continue to have uninterrupted access to specialized healthcare services in the wake of the clinic's closure and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether the Government is considering any remedial measures to tackle this issue and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (c): As informed by the Government of Telangana, Mitr clinic is run by YRG Care (Y.R. Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education) organisation and supported by John Hopkins University Baltimore (JHU), funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Government of Telangana has set up Mythri clinic in all 33 districts i.e. one clinic per district on 02.12.2024 to provide services to the transgenders and so far 472 people availed services at these clinic. The closure of the Mitr clinic run by NGO does not affect the services, as 33 clinic have been established to provide services to the transgenders.

Specialized healthcare services for transgenders are provided at the central government hospitals. RML Hospital, Delhi runs a Transgender Clinic.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3533 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Development of Narayani River Front
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Alok Kumar Suman

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3533

ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF NARAYANI RIVER FRONT

3533. DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN:

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

(a)  whether it is fact that the development of river front on Narayani River in the district of  Gopalganj  was undertaken and two Ghats were constructed under Namani Ganga Pragramme;

- (b)   if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether the river Gandak (Narayani River) was declared as National Waterway-37 from Bhaisalotan Barrage to Gandak and Ganga river confluence at Hajipur along with 111 National Waterways in the country, if so, the details of progress in this regard;

(d)  whether it is fact that due to non-availability of the potential cargo as well as very low  navigational/vertical clearance  on  account of the structure located across NW-37, i.e. Rewa Ghat Bridge, development activities are in abeyance; and

- (e)    if so, the details thereof and remedial action proposed in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  &  (b)  Under  the  Namami  Gange  Programme,  two  Ghats  were  completed  on  the Narayani River in the district of Gopalganj, Bihar in July 2021 at a cost of Rs. 8.25 Crore and handed over to the respective urban local bodies (ULBs). The details of the Ghats are as below:

1.       Dumariya Ghat 60m X 30m
2.       Bridge Ghat 60m X 30m

(c) Yes.  The  river  Gandak  (Narayani  River)  was  declared  as  National  Waterway-37 from Bhaisalotan Barrage near Triveni Ghat to Gandak and Ganga river confluence at Hajipur  along  with  111  National  Waterways  in  the  Country.  IWAI  has  initiated  hydro graphic survey to assess the navigational depth and for providing floating jetties along the waterways.

(d) &  (e) To  initiate  the  developmental activities  on  Gandak River  (NW-37), IWAI  has engaged M/s Rail India Technical and Economic Service Ltd. (RITES) for "Preparation / updation of Detailed Project Report for development of Inland Waterway" which includes the identification of potential cargo for movement by IWT and also identification of cross structures as per the navigational standards. With regard to the navigation issue below the Rewa Ghat Bridge, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has been requested to construct new bridge with appropriate vertical & horizontal navigational clearance.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3532 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: India-China Meet on Mansarovar Yatra
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Sanjna Jatav, Shri Tejasvi Surya, Shri Yogender Chandolia, Shri Bhojraj Nag, Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3532

ANSWERED ON- 21/03/2025

## INDIA-CHINA MEET ON MANSAROVAR YATRA

3532 SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB

SHRI BHOJRAJ NAG

SMT . SANJNA JATAV

SHRI YOGENDER CHANDOLIA

SHRI TEJASVI SURYA

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :- a) the proposed timeline for resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra;

- (b) the details of protocols likely to be implemented by the Government to ensure the safety of pilgrims of said yatra;
- (c) the interregnum arrangements made by the Government to facilitate Mansarovar Yatra until the full resumption;

(d) whether the Government has reviewed the feasibility of resuming direct   flight   services   between   India   and   China   and   the   Kailash Mansarovar   Yatra   on   the   occasion   of   completion   of   75   years   of diplomatic relations between India and China in the year, 2025; and

(e) if so, the details thereof along with the date by which the said direct flight   services   and   the   Kailash   Mansarovar   Yatra   are   likely   to   be resumed?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) to (e) Government of India (GOI) organises the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra every year between June and September, through the two official routes of Lipulekh Pass  (since 1981) in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass

(since 2015) in Sikkim.

The  Yatra   has   not   taken   place   since   2020   following   the   COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent non-renewal of Yatra arrangements by the Chinese Side.

The issues of resumption of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and direct air services have been taken up in meetings between the two countries, including in the meetings of  External Affairs Minister with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of G-20 Summit on 18 November 2024 in Rio de Janerio and on the sidelines of G-20 Foreign Ministers meeting on February 20-21, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the 23rd meeting of   the   Special   Representatives   of   India   and   China   on   the   Boundary

Question held on 18 December 2024 in Beijing, and in the meeting of Foreign Secretary with Vice Foreign Minister of China on 27 January 2025, in Beijing.  The two sides decided, in these meetings,  to resume the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025 and agreed, in principle, to resume direct air services between the two countries.  Both sides are engaged on the terms and modalities of doing so.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3531 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Sagarmala Young Professional Scheme
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rajmohan Unnithan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3531

ANSWERED ON 21/03/2025

## SAGARMALA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SCHEME

3531. SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  launched  a  scheme  called  'Sagarmala  Young
- Professional Scheme, recently; (b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the aims and the objective behind the move; (c) the  number  of  professionals  to  be  hired  under the  said scheme  and  the  criteria fixed for selecting the professionals; (d) whether any incentives are likely to be given to professionals under the scheme and if so, the details thereof; and the  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  make  the  scheme
- (e) successful?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e)  No such scheme has been launched. However, the Ministry has engaged Young Professionals for assisting senior officers in project and other technical works of  the  Ministry.  Engagement  of  Young  Professionals  is  done  based  on  certain eligibility  criteria/professional  experience  prescribed  by  the  Ministry.  The  Young Professionals are being paid a fixed remuneration of Rs. 60000/- per month and are hired for an initial period of 2 years.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3528 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Committee for Fast Track Disposal of Pending Government Cases
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3528

## TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 21 st  March 2025

## Committee for Fast Track Disposal of Pending Government Cases

† 3528. Shri Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure :

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to constitute a high level committee of impartial and experienced advocates under whose guidance such Government cases which are unnecessarily pending in the courts for a long time  at  district,  State  and  Central  level  and  due  to  which  development  is being hindered can be put on fast track and  resolved/disposed off immediately;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has received any proposal/suggestion from the public representatives in this regard;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the details of action taken/being taken by the Government so far 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)

: No, sir.

- (b)

: Does not arise.

- (c)

: No, sir.

- (d) & (e)

- : Do not arise.
Lok Sabha Question No. 3526 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Regularization of AWW and AWH
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Subbarayan K, Com. Selvaraj V

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3526

TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.03.2025

## REGULARIZATION OF AWW AND AWH

3526.  COM. SELVARAJ V: SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:

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

- (a) whether  the  attention  of  the  Government  has  been  drawn  towards  an observation  by  the  Gujarat  High  Court  urging  the  Union  and  the  State Government to jointly formulate a policy for absorption of Anganwadi Workers (AWW) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWH) in Government services and confer the consequential benefits of regularization of their jobs under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), a centrally sponsored scheme; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  &  (b) The  Ministry  has  examined  the  relevant judgement  and  has  decided  to challenge it.
- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3524 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-21
Subject: Supply of Banned Drugs
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3524 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 ST MARCH, 2025

## SUPPLY OF BANNED DRUGS

## 3524. SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that many banned medicines are being supplied across the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to stop supply of such banned medicines?

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

(a) to (c): There are provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, under which Central Government may regulate, restrict or prohibit manufacture, etc of any drug including Fixed Dose Combination (FDCs) drugs in public interest if the use of drugs is likely to involve any risk to human beings or animals or there is no therapeutic justification for the ingredients contained in FDCs.

Whenever, any such concerns on any drug including FDCs are reported, the matter is examined in consultation with expert committee/ Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and appropriate action is taken for prohibition of such drugs.

Under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, manufacture, sale and distribution of any prohibited/banned drug is a punishable offence and State Licensing Authorities are empowered to take action in this regard.

The Central Government has prohibited number of drugs including FDCs for manufacture, sale or distribution. Through notification issued on 07.09.2018, the Central Government prohibited 328 FDCs for manufacture, sale or distribution. The Government also restricted 06 FDCs for manufacture, sale or distribution with certain conditions. Subsequently, Central Government vide notifications S.O. 180(E) to S.O.259 (E), dated 11.01.2019, prohibited 80 FDCs for manufacture, sale or distribution. Further, Central Government vide notification S.O. 2394(E) to S.O. 2407(E) dated 02.06.2023 prohibited 14 FDCs for manufacture, sale or distribution. Recently, Central Government vide notification S.O. 3285(E) to S.O. 3440(E) dated 02.08.2024 prohibited 156 FDCs for manufacture, sale or distribution. List of banned FDCs is available on the website of CDSCO i.e. www.cdsco.gov.in

However, many a times after issuance of prohibition notification, stakeholders have challenged them in the Courts and Courts have granted interim protection for the drugs already in the distribution network. Earlier, Government also has filed application in the Hon'ble Supreme Court against such stay order of the Court in respect of banned drugs.

********