opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 5596 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Strengthening of India's Strategic Position
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Zia Ur Rehman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 5596

ANSWERED ON- 04/04/2025

## STRENGTHENING OF INDIA'S STRATEGIC POSITION

5596. SHRI ZIA UR REHMAN

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

(a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of the challenges posed by shifting global alliances and emerging geopolitical tensions; and

(b) if so, the details of the diplomatic measures proposed to strengthen India's strategic position and protect its national interests in the evolving global order?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) The Government is constantly monitoring all geopolitical developments having a bearing on India's national interest. Amidst uncertainties and challenges of geopolitical tensions and shifting equations, the Government has taken steps to strengthen India's strategic position and protect its national interests.

(b) Government of India has established strategic partnerships with more than 30 countries across the Global South and North. To further strengthen bilateral   strategic   partnerships,   the   Government   has   entered   into technology partnerships with various countries including the US, Japan, the   UK,   the   EU,   among   others.   The   Government   has   also   undertaken negotiations   for   signing   of   Free   Trade   Agreements   (FTAs)   with   key partners.  Apart from strong bilateral partnerships, the Government has undertaken various foreign policy initiatives to strengthen regional and international cooperation. These include the Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across   Regions   (MAHASAGAR)   initiative,   Indo-Pacific   Oceans   Initiative (IPOI) and Link West Policy. Other major India-led initiatives include the International Solar Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor. In addition,   through   India's   participation   in   various   multilateral   and plurilateral   groupings   like   the   G20,   BRICS,   Quad,   UN   and   its   various agencies, India has been engaging partner countries on a wide range of contemporary global issues having a bearing on India's economic and security interests.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 5589 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Shri Chintamani Maharaj, Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan

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

## LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 5589

ANSWERED ON:-04/04/2025

## HINDUSTAN ORGANIC CHEMICALS LIMITED

## 5589.  SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB, SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ; AND SHRI RAVINDRA SHUKLA ALIAS RAVI KISHAN

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

- a. the capacity utilisation and sales turnover of Hindustan Organic Chemicals Limited in FY2024-25, as of February 2025;
- b. whether the company has achieved a reduction in the consumption of raw materials; and
- c. if so, details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) There  are  three  main  products  of  Hindustan  Organic  Chemicals  Limited  namely, Phenol,  Acetone  and  Hydrogen  Peroxide.  In  FY2024-25,  as  of  February,  2025,  the company has produced 60,440 MT of Phenol, Acetone and Hydrogen Peroxide against the combined  capacity  of  75,090  MT  per  annum.  Hence,  capacity  utilization of the company  has  been  80%.  Further,  the  company  has achieved sales turnover of  Rs. 498 Crores till February, 2025.

(b) & (c) There are two main raw materials used for production of Phenol and Acetone which  are  Benzene  and  LPG.  The  ratio  of  Benzene  to  Phenol  and  LPG  to  Phenol  till February, 2025 has been 0.97 and 0.56 respectively, whereas, for FY 2023-24, the ratios were 0.93 and 0.51. Similarly, the ratio of Benzene to Acetone and LPG to Acetone till February, 2025 has been 1.55 and 0.89 respectively, whereas, for FY  2023-24  the  ratios  were  1.49  and  0.81.  Hence,  there  has  been  no  reduction  in  the consumption of raw materials for Phenol and Acetone. Main raw material used for production of Hydrogen Peroxide is Hydrogen. The ratio of Hydrogen  to  Hydrogen  Peroxide  till  February,  2025  has  been  370.32,  whereas,  for  FY 2023-24, the ratio was 368.61. Hence, there has been no reduction in the consumption of raw materials for any of the product.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5588 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Integrated Public Health Labs in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. C M Ramesh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5588. TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 th APRIL, 2025

## INTEGRATED PUBLIC HEALTH LABS IN ANDHRAPRADESH

## 5588. DR. C M RAMESH:

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

(a) whether the Government has approved 23 Integrated Public Health Labs for Andhra Pradesh under Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission;

- (b) if so, the details of total estimated/approved cost thereof;
- (c) the number of public health labs likely to be set up in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh;and
- (d) the time by which above labs are going to become operational?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (d) Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with some Central Sector Components (CS) which has an outlay of Rs. 64,180 Crores for the scheme period (2021-22 to 2025-26).

Under the CSS components of the scheme, support is provisioned to the State/UTs during the scheme period (2021-2026) for establishment of 730 District Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) in the country, wherein each district will have one such lab.

Under the scheme, administrative approval has been accorded to the State of Andhra Pradesh, for five years (i.e. FY 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 & 2025-26) for an amount of Rs 41.32 Cr. for establishment/ strengthening of 26 IPHLs to be established one in each district including Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh.

Under the scheme it is envisaged that all the projects approved across the States and UTs will be completed during the scheme period i.e. 2025-26, as per timeline mentioned in the operational guidelines.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5586 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Multi-Specialty Hospital in Telangana
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Kunduru Raghuveer

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5586 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04 th APRIL, 2025

## MULTI-SPECIALTY HOSPITAL IN TELANGANA

## 5586. SHRI KUNDURU RAGHUVEER:

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

(a) whether there is any plan to establish a multi-specialty hospital in Telangana particularly in Nalgonda and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether telemedicine services is likely to be introduced in rural areas of the country and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the amount of funds that have been allocated under Ayushman Bharat to Telangana?

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

(a) : As informed by the Government of Telangana, all the 33 districts in the State are having Multi Specialty Hospitals including Nalgonda district.

(b) and (c): The teleconsultation services, available at all operational AAMs across the country including rural areas, enables people to access the specialist services closer to their homes addressing concerns of physical accessibility, shortage of service providers and to facilitate continuum of care. Total teleconsultations conducted at AAM are 34.90 cr as on 31.03.2025.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs to strengthen the public healthcare system, based on the proposals received in the form of Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) under National Health Mission. Government of India provides approval for the proposals in the form of Record of Proceedings (RoPs) as per norms & available resources. The details of RoPs issued to States/UTs including approvals for Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, are available at following web link:

## https://nhm.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=1&sublinkid=1377&lid=744

National Health Authority (NHA) releases funds for implementation of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) at the State level on the basis of the actual demand received from the State. Rs 675.82 crore has been released to Telangana under AB PM-JAY.

The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) with an outlay of Rs.64,180 crore aims to support for infrastructure development for Sub-Health Centres, Urban Health and Wellness Centres, Support for Block Public Health Units, Integrated District Public Health Laboratories and Critical Care Hospital Blocks. Total amount of Rs. 1369.00 crore has been approved under PM-ABHIM for the State of Telangana for FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5581 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Remote Voting Mechanism for NRIs
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Adv. Adoor Prakash

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5581 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 4 TH APRIL, 2025

## Remote Voting Mechanism for NRIs

5581. Adv. Adoor Prakash:

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

(a) whether the Government has any plan to implement remote voting mechanisms for elections in the country to allow the Non-Resident Indians to cast vote from their instant locations; and (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## 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) and (b): No such proposal is under active consideration of this Ministry.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 5578 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: e-POS Machines at Anganwadi Centres
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Imran Masood

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5578

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.04.2025

## E-POS MACHINES AT ANGANWADI CENTRES

†5578.  SHRI IMRAN MASOOD:

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

- (a) whether the  Government  has  decided  to  distribute  nutrition/ration  through  e-POS machines to prevent irregularities and scams in the distribution of nutrition/ration at Anganwadi centres, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether nutrition/ration is being distributed through e-POS machines at Anganwadi Centres in any of the State across the country, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  status  of  nutrition/ration  distribution  through  e-POS  machines  at  Anganwadi centres in Uttar Pradesh?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) No such proposal is under consideration.

In  order  to  ensure  that  all  benefits  under  Mission  Saksham  Anganwadi  and  Poshan  2.0 including supplementary nutrition should reach the intended beneficiaries, Government has taken steps to strengthen nutritional content, delivery outreach and outcomes with focus on developing practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity to disease and malnutrition.

In this regard, Streamlined guidelines were issued on 13.01.2021, covering several aspects such  as  quality  assurance,  roles  and  responsibilities  of  duty  holders,  procedure  for procurement, integrating AYUSH concepts and Data management and monitoring through 'Poshan Tracker' for transparency, efficiency and accountability in delivery of Supplementary Nutrition.

A robust ICT enabled platform named Poshan tracker has been designed to capture near realtime data on implementation and monitoring of services provided in the Anganwadis across the  country.  The  Poshan  Tracker  management  application  monitors  the  activities  at  the Anganwadi Centre (AWC), service deliveries of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and facilitates complete beneficiary management.

(c) As reported by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, nutrition/ration is not being distributed through e-POS machines at their Anganwadi centres.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5565 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Allocation of funds to Kerala under NHM
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Shafi Parambil

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5565 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH APRIL, 2025

## ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO KERALAUNDER NHM

## 5565. SHRI SHAFI PARAMBIL:

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

- (a) the total amount of fund allocated and disbursed under the National Health Mission (NHM) during the last three years to the State of Kerala; and
- (b) whether there is any pending dues to be released under the National Health Mission during the last three years to the State of Kerala and if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) & (b): Under the National Health Mission, technical and financial support is provided to the States/UTs including the State of Kerala for strengthening the healthcare systems, based on the proposals received from the States/UTs in their Annual Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) and subject to the available resources.

Based on the proposals received from the States in their Programme Implementation Plan (PIP), approvals are provided keeping in view of the resource envelope of the States/UTs including Kerala as well as existing norms. Release of funds under NHM is subject to compliance by States/UTs of the guidelines prescribed in this regard by Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.

Further, funds released under the National Health Mission (NHM) to the State of Kerala during the financial year 2021-22 to 2024-25 is given below:

(Rs. in cr.)

| Financial Year   | Central Release   |
|------------------|-------------------|
| 2021-22          | 771.47            |
| 2022-23          | 1,036.76          |
| 2023-24          | 189.15            |
| 2024-25          | 1,351.79          |

Note:

1. The above release includes only Central Govt. grants and do not include State share contribution.
2. Release for the FY 2024-25 is updated up-to 31.03.2025 is under reconciliation and is provisional.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5560 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Twenty-third Law Commission
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Shashank Mani

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5560 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 04 th April 2025

## Twenty-Third Law Commission

5560. Shri Shashank Mani :

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

- (a) whether the Government has set up the 23 rd Law Commission to review the system of judicial administration and make it more responsive to Contemporary demands; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## 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) and (b): The 23 rd Law Commission of India has been constituted vide order dated 2 nd September, 2024. The Commission is inter-alia mandated to review the system of Judicial Administration to ensure that it is responsive to the reasonable demands of the times and in particular to secure:
- (i) elimination of delays, speedy clearance of arrears and reduction in costs so as to secure quick and economical disposal of cases without affecting the cardinal principle that decision should be just and fair;
- (ii) simplification of processes and court procedures and suggesting harmonising Rules of various High Courts for the sake of uniformity and ease of understanding and implementation;
- (iii) simplification of procedure to reduce and eliminate technicalities and devices for delay so that it operates not as an end in itself but as a means of achieving justice; and
- (iv) Implementation of framework for case management hearing and case flow management.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5557 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Cases of Thalassemia
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Smt. Sanjna Jatav

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5557 TO BE ANSWERED ON 4 TH APRIL, 2025

## CASES OF THALASSEMIA

†5557. SMT. SANJNA JATAV:

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

(a) whether it is true that more than one lakh patients in the country are suffering from Thalassemia and 40 lakh are carriers; and

(b) if so, the details of initiatives taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to promote the importance of antenatal screening, counselling, prevention, management or treatment of Thalassemia in a patient-centric manner?

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

(a) and (b): As per data updated by States on national portal, out of 15,87,903 individuals screened for Thalassemia, a total of 5,037 have been identified as diseased and 50,462 as carriers of Thalassemia, as on 26.03.2025.

Under National Health Mission (NHM), support is provided to States/UTs to strengthen their healthcare system including support for prevention and management of Thalassemia at public healthcare facilities, provision of Blood Bank facilities, Day Care Centre, Medicines, Lab services, IEC activities and training of HR etc. based on the proposals submitted by the States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans.

Comprehensive guidelines on Prevention and Control of Hemoglobinopathies in IndiaThalassemia & Sickle cell Disease and other variant Hemoglobins (2016) had been shared to assist the States/UTs for management of Haemoglobinopathies including Thalassemia. The guidelines detail the strategies for management of Thalassemia disease including Thalassemia major (Blood transfusion therapy with packed red blood cell, iron chelation for iron overload, monitoring and management of complication and psychological support etc.) and non transfusion dependent Thalassemia (NTDT) etc.

This Ministry, in association with Coal India limited (CIL), is implementing a scheme namely

Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY) wherein financial assistance up to Rs.10 lakh is provided to eligible patients for Bone Marrow transplants (BMT) from CIL Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. This scheme provides for BMT in seventeen empanelled hospitals spread across the country.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5554 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: India-Sri Lanka Co-operation in Agriculture
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Kirsan Namdeo

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5554

ANSWERED ON- 04/04/2025

## INDIA-SRI LANKA CO-OPERATION IN AGRICULTURE

## 5554. DR. KIRSAN NAMDEO

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

- (a)   whether   the   Indian   High   Commissioner   met   with   the   Minister   of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation of Sri Lanka to discuss bilateral opportunities in boosting farm productivity;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

- (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to modernize farm productivity, incomes for farmers and technological transfers;
- (d)   the   role   of   the   'Neighbourhood   First   Policy'   in   shaping   India's agricultural cooperation with Sri Lanka; and
- (e) the manner in which this policy align with its goals of enhancing food security and agricultural development?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) to (b) The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka met Hon'ble K. D. Lalkantha, Minister of  Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation of  Sri Lanka   on   24   February   2025   in   Colombo   to   discuss   opportunities   for bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector. (c) to (e) During the State Visit of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka to India in December 2024, both sides agreed to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) to examine possibilities for the comprehensive development of the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. As   part   of   the   'Neighbourhood   First'   policy,   India   has   consistently responded to the food security and agricultural development requirements of  Sri Lanka. In response to the urgent request of Sri Lanka during the economic   crisis   (2022)   to   secure   urea   fertilizer,   Government   of   India provided expeditious assistance of USD 55 million under Line of Credit to Sri   Lanka   for   procurement   of   urea.   India   has   also   extended   grant assistance of LKR 300 million (approx. INR 12 Crore) for construction of first-of-its-kind 5000 MT temperature controlled warehouse for perishable agricultural produce in Dambulla, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5553 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Tahawwur Rana's Extradition
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-5553

ANSWERED ON- 04/04/2025

## TAHAWWUR RANA'S EXTRADITION

## 5553. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI

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

(a)   whether   the   US   Administration   has   approved   Tahawwur   Rana's extradition; and

(b) if so, the time by which the above accused is expected to be brought back to India?

## ANSWER

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

(a to b) During the visit of Prime Minister to Washington DC on 13 February 2025, the U.S. Administration conveyed that it had approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India.

## Mr. Rana's application for a stay on this decision is before the U.S. Supreme

## Court which is expected to pronounce on it soon.

Both India and the U.S. remain engaged on the case and are working closely to complete the necessary formalities to allow for the swift extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India.

*****