opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 900 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri P V Midhun Reddy

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 900 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 26 TH JULY, 2024

## RASHTRIYAVAYOSHRI YOJANA

## 900: SHRI P V MIDHUN REDDY

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the total amount of funds distributed under Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY);
- (b) the total number of senior citizens who have benefited from the Yojana;
- (c) the details about the types of physical aid and living devices provided under the Yojana, and
- (d) the details regarding the transparency and grievance redressal mechanisms in Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO) with respect to RVY?

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

- (a): As stated by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, under the scheme Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), there is no provision to allocate funds to the State/UT Administrations. Funds are directly released to the "Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO)'. ALIMCO is sole implementing agency of the scheme and is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- (b) As on 23.07.2024, total 3,80,788 senior citizens have benefitted from the scheme.
- (c) At present, following aids and assisted living devices are provided under the scheme:
- (1) Generic Item:
- (1) Walking sticks, (2) Elbow crutches, (3) Walkers Crutches (4) Tripods/Quadpods, (5) Hearing Aids, (6) Artificial Dentures, (7) Spectacles.
- (ii) Special Items : (1) Wheelchairs, (2) Wheel Chairs with Commode, (3) Chair/Stool with Commode, (4) Silicon Foam Cushion, (5) Knee Brace, (6) Spinal Support, (7) Cervical Colfar, (8) Lumbosacral Belt (LS). (9) Walker/Roalator with Brakes, (10 Walking Stick with Seat.

(d) ALIMCO involves district administration in all the stages of assessment and distribution camps under the scheme of RVY to maintain the transparency. Distribution certificates are also jointly signed by an officer from district administration and ALIMCO representative to ensure complete transparency in the distribution of assisted living devices. ALIMCO has 24x7 toll free number (1800 180 5129) and 02 backup lines for any enquiry or grievance pertaining to RVY. Additionally, a person can also visit or call at any of ALIMCO's 12 Auxiliary Production Center (APC)/Regional Marketing Center (RMC) and over 100 Pradhan Mantri Divyansha Kendra (PMDK) and ALIMCO Authorized Sales and Repair Agency (AASRA) centres, in case of any grievance or issue. The ALIMCO's center locations can be obtained from the website i.e. https://alimco.in/ALIMCO Centres.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 899 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Permanent seat at UN
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Alok Kumar Suman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-899

ANSWERED ON- 26/07/2024

PERMANENT SEAT AT UN

899. DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has launched any initiative to get the permanent status in United Nations;

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

(c) the details of the efforts made so far in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)   Government   of   India   has   been   according   highest   priority   to obtain a permanent membership for India in an expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

## (b) & (c)

-  Towards   this   end,   Government   has   undertaken   various initiatives aimed at building international support for India's case.   The   matter   has   been   consistently   taken   up   during bilateral and multilateral meetings, and in discussions with other countries at all levels, including at the highest levels. This was also actively pursued during India's non-permanent membership of the UNSC during 2021-22.
-  India remains engaged with like minded countries, including the G4 and L.69, on this. We are actively participating in the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) to further UNSC reforms.
-  The process of reforming the UNSC would require amendments in the United Nations Charter. As per Article 108 of the UN Charter:

"Amendments to the present Charter shall come into force for all   Members   of   the   United   Nations   when   they   have   been adopted by a vote of two thirds of the members of the General Assembly and ratified   in   accordance   with   their   respective

- constitutional processes by two thirds of the Members of the United Nations, including all the permanent members of the Security Council'.  Whenever the UNSC reforms are implemented, they would require   ratification   by   Parliaments   of   two   thirds   of   UN's membership (as and where applicable).  A large number of countries have supported India's initiatives for reform of the UNSC as well as endorsed our candidature for permanent membership in a reformed UNSC. ******
Lok Sabha Question No. 896 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Cases of Zika Virus
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Shyamkumar Daulat Barve, Shri Arvind Ganpat Sawant, Shri Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 896 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2024

## CASES OF ZIKA VIRUS

## 896. SHRI SHYAMKUMAR DAULATBARVE: SHRI ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT: SHRI SHRIRANG APPACHANDU BARNE:

Will the Minister of Health and Family Welfare be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is aware that Zika virus is spreading rapidly in some parts of the country;

(b) if so, the names of the States where Zika virus has spread so far;

(c) the action plan that has been prepared by the Union Government to deal with the Zika virus, including in Maharashtra; and

(d) the assistance provided by the Union Government to the affected States to deal with the Zika virus, including in Maharashtra?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d): The Government is aware that Zika virus is spreading rapidly in some parts of the country. Zika virus first reported in India in 2017 when cases were reported from Gujarat. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in different parts of the country, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The Government of India has formulated an 'Action Plan for managing Zika Virus Disease'. The plan provides detailed guidance on various public health actions that need to be taken in response to outbreak of disease. The plan has been widely disseminated and also made available on the website of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. (Available at: https://main.mohfw.gov.in/?q=media/disease-alerts/national-guidelines-zika-virus-disease/act ion-plan-managing-zika-virus-disease.)

Government has provided following assistance to the States including Maharashtra for prevention and control of Zika virus disease:

-  Technical Guidelines for Integrated Vector Management, and effective community participation disseminated to the States for implementation.

-2-

-  Under National Health Mission, Budgetary support is provided to States/UTs for preventive activities such as provision of domestic breeding checkers, involvement of ASHA, insecticide, fogging machines, training support, awareness activities, etc.
-  The Government has issued advisory to forewarn including Maharashtra states on Zika Virus, Dengue and Chikungunya.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 892 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Sale of Drugs
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 892 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26 TH JULY, 2024

## SALE OFDRUGS

## 892. SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government intends to permit the sale of drugs without a licence in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether such a move would not contravene existing drug laws, pharmacy regulations and pertinent legal frameworks including directives from the Hon'ble Supreme Court and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether allowing Over-the-counter (OTC) drug sales without proper regulation could not pose serious threats, including drug abuse, increased risk of adverse drug reaction, delayed access to healthcare, possible compromise in storage of medicines and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government has held any discussions with the stakeholders, including All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists which has been opposing the said move and if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) & (b): There is no proposal to permit the sale of drugs without a license in the Country. However, under Schedule K of Drugs Rules 1945 exemptions from requirements of sale license for sale of certain drugs have been provided subject to certain conditions.
- (c) & (d): There is no terminology as 'Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs' included in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules thereunder. There are adequate regulations under the said Act and Drug Rules, 1945 for regulation of sale of drugs in the Country.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 889 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Employees of Private Agency  in Hospital
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Dileshwar Kamait

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.889 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2024

## EMPLOYEES OF PRIVATE AGENCY IN HOSPITAL

## 889 SHRI DILESHWAR KAMAIT

- Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state: (a) whether the employees of private agency such as Security Guards, Sanitation Workers and Attendants who are working in various hospitals are involved in corruption there; (b) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to check corruption in hospitals in the interest of public; and (c) the number of private agencies identified by the Government which are found to be involved
- in corruption during the last three years along with the action taken against them, yearwise?

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

(a) to (c): Public health and hospitals are state subjects. No such data is maintained centrally. However, as far as three Central Government Hospitals of Delhi, i.e, Safdarjung Hospital (SJH), Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (Dr. RMLH) and Lady Hardinge Medical College and Associated Hospitals (LHMC & Associated Hospitals) are concerned, complaints received occasionally are addressed as per rules through public grievance redressal system. 645 number of public grievances/complaints, received, have been disposed of during 01.01.2023 to 30.06.2024. Constant vigil on private agencies is kept to check corruption.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 884 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Anti India Elements operating Abroad
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Khalilur Rahaman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-884

## ANSWERED ON- 26/07/2024

## ANTI INDIA ELEMENTS OPERATING ABROAD

## 884.  SHRI KHALILUR RAHAMAN

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

- (a) whether the Government has noticed that anti India elements are   working   from   United   States   and   Canada   to   destabilize   the country; and

(b) if so, the diplomatic steps been taken against those who are interested   to   safeguard   such   elements   for   being   citizens   of respective countries?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Government is   aware   that   extremist   elements   of   different kinds have been given political space to carry out their activities freely in Canada, especially against our diplomatic presence. There

have also been activities in the US against our diplomatic personnel and properties that are of concern to us. (b)   The   Government   of   India,   including   through   its   diplomatic Missions and Posts, has engaged with the governments of Canada and the US and urged them to not only take action against these elements under their respective domestic laws, but also to ensure adequate   safety   and   security   of   our   diplomatic   properties   and personnel as per relevant international conventions. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 876 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Deported Students
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri B K Parthasarathi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-876

ANSWERED ON- 26/07/2024

## DEPORTED STUDENTS

876.  SHRI BK PARTHASARATHI

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

(a) the number of students deported by the USA during the last three years, State-wise;

(b) the reasons behind these deportations;

(c) whether the Government has data about Indian migrants illegally scattered across the world, especially in the US; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the remedial action taken in this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a) As per available information, a total of 48 Indian students have been deported from the US over the last three years.

(b) Reasons for deportation are not officially shared by the U.S. authorities.   Unauthorized   employment,   unauthorized   withdrawal from   classes,   expulsion   and   suspension,   and   failure   to   report Optional Practical Training (OPT) employments are some of the possible reasons which could lead to termination of a student's visa resulting in "unlawful presence" and eventual deportation. (c & d) Government of India does not have data about illegal Indian migrants scattered across the world. The Government of India is engaged with the U.S. Government in nurturing strong people-to-people ties and facilitating legal mobility of   students   and   skilled   professionals.   Central   and   State governments have been working to create awareness about safe and legal migration. Government are also taking necessary action against all those involved in illegal migration networks. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 864 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Women Reservation in Legislature
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy, Dr. Gumma Thanuja Rani

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 864

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY 26 th  JULY, 2024

## WOMEN RESERVATION IN LEGISLATURE

864.  Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy: Dr. Gumma Thanuja Rani:

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

(a) whether the Government is aware about the practice of Pradhan Pati that exist in rural India and if so, the details thereof; and (b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure that such practices do not repeat in Union and State Legislatures post the implementation of

- the Women's Reservation Bill?

## 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.

- (b): Does not arise.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 861 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Development of Chabahar Port
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Putta Mahesh Kumar

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 861

ANSWERED ON - 26.07.2024

## DEVELOPMENT OF CHABAHAR PORT

## 861. SHRI PUTTA MAHESH KUMAR:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) the  details  regarding  the  steps  undertaken  by  the  Government  to  develop Chabahar Port in Iran and the time by which it is likely to be completed;
- (b) the details regarding the total amount of funds allocated/utilised for the purpose of  development and completion of Chabahar Port, especially the ShahidBehesti Port Terminal;
- (c) the  details  regarding  the  potential  increase  in  maritime  trade  and  commercial earnings  once  the  Chabahar  Port  becomes  fully  functional  and  for  the  IndiaMiddle East Europe Economic Corridor, and
- (d) whether the Government has signed similar development based agreements for ports of other countries, if so, the details thereof and their status of development and funding allocated for the same?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The Government of India has undertaken to develop the ShahidBeheshti Port at Chabahar,  Iran  by  equipping  and  operating  General  Cargo  and  Container Terminal for a period of 10 years, as per the Long Term Main Contract, from the date of signing of the said Contract i.e., 13.05.2024.
- (b) A total of Rs.400 Cr has been allocated from FY 2016-17 to FY 2023-24.  The amount utilized so far for the development of Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar is Rs. 201.51 Cr.
- (c) The  port  witnessed  an  increase  of  43%  in  vessel  traffic  and  a  34%  rise  in container  traffic  in  2023-2024.  It  is  envisaged  that  there  will  be  substantial increase in maritime trade and commercial earnings once the port becomes fully functional.
- (d) Yes Sir.A similar development based agreement has been signed with Myanmar. Rs. 90 Lakhs has been allocated for Sittwe (Myanmar) for FY 2024-2025.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 858 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: PGI Hospital in Ferozepur
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Sher Singh Ghubaya

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 858 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26TH JULY, 2024

## PGI HOSPITALIN FEROZEPUR

## 858. SHRI SHER SINGH GHUBAYA:

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

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up a PGI Hospital in Ferozepur; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the prescribed time-limit for the same and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) whether funds have been allocated by the Government for the said project; (d) if so, the project- wise details of the funds allocated/ released thereof; and (e) the time by which the said projects are likely to become operational for the service of public?

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

(a) to (e) Yes, Sir. The Government has approved the proposal for establishment of a 100 bedded Satellite Centre of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh at Ferozepur in Punjab in 2019 at a project cost of Rs. 490.54 crores. HITES has been appointed as the Executing Agency for the project. The work for construction of the Satellite Centre was started in November 2023. Rs. 66 crores have been released to the Executing Agency by the Institute. The time limit of the project is 24 months for completion and 6 months for commissioning.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 857 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-26
Subject: Cases of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in Kerala
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Hibi Eden, Shri K C Venugopal

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 857 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2024

## 'CASES OF AMOEBIC MENINGOENCEPHALITIS IN KERALA'

## 857. SHRI HIBI EDEN: SHRI K C VENUGOPAL:

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

(a) whether the Government has identified the specific causes of the recent amoebic meningoencephalitis cases in Kerala and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether preparations and preventive measures are being implemented by the Government to control and check the spread of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala and other regions and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is planning to send an expert team to Kerala to assist in managing and investigating the outbreak of the disease and if so, the details thereof

(d) whether the Government has taken/proposes to take any initiatives of campaigns to educate the public regarding amoebic meningoencephalitis, its causes, symptoms, and preventive measures, and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether any guidelines have been given to the Kerala Government in relation to containment and remedial measures relating to the disease, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) to (e) As per information available, diagnostic testing results for five children with clinical diagnosis of Acute Encephalitis and cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) is showing motile amoeba. Out of the five, three cases have microbiological features of Vermamoeba vermiformis and one case has been confirmed as Naeglaria Fowleri on PCR testing.

Based on the media alert generated by Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP), the Ministry through the Central Surveillance Unit (CSU) of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Branch at Kozhikode alongwith the State/ District health officials conducted a joint assessment of cases. The disease surveillance team of Kerala Govt has been closely monitoring and investigating the cases. As per requirement, central expert team would be assigned for the same.

State Government is conducting Information Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns to educate the public regarding amoebic meningoencephalitis, its cause, symptoms, and preventive measures. In the context of reporting amoebic meningoencephalitis cases in the State, for ensuring effective control and management of the disease, Kerala Government has also issued the 'Technical Guidelines on Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in Kerala' which is available at https://dhs.kerala.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GO-Rt-1760 -2024-HFWD-dated-20-07-2024-with-Annexure\_Technical-Guidelines-\_Amoebic-Meningoencep halitis.pdf.

******