opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4681 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Imposition of Reciprocal Tariffs on India by US
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Jai Prakash

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-4681

## ANSWERED ON- 28/03/2025

IMPOSITION OF RECIPROCAL TARIFFS ON INDIA BY US

4681. SHRI JAI PRAKASH

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

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the recent decision of the US administration about imposing reciprocal tariffs on India; (b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the likely effect/impact of such step on our mutual relationship with the US?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) On 13 th February 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a memorandum called the 'Fair and Reciprocal Plan' which called for the development of a comprehensive plan for restoring fairness in U.S. trade relationships and countering non-reciprocal trading arrangements.   As   part   of   the   plan,   the   U.S.   Administration

beginning 2 nd April 2025 proposes to impose reciprocal tariffs on all countries that have their own tariffs on U.S. goods. Countries with other non-tariff trade policies that the U.S. Administration opposes, could also be subject to new duties. During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States on 12-13 February, 2025 both leaders resolved to deepen the U.S.India trade relationship to promote growth that ensures fairness, national security and job creation. To this end, the leaders set a bold new goal for bilateral trade - "Mission 500' - aiming to more than double total bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Recognizing that this   level   of   ambition   would   require   new,   fair-trade   terms,   the leaders announced plans to negotiate the first tranche of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall of 2025. Both sides are currently engaged in the process of  taking these negotiations forward.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4671 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Issuance of Passports in Bihar
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Alok Kumar Suman

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 4671

## ANSWERED ON 28/03/2025

## ISSUANCE OF PASSPORTS IN BIHAR

4671  DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN

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

(a)   whether   it   is   fact   that   large   number   of   people   from   various districts/cities of Bihar including Gopalganj, Siwan, Poorvi Champaran, Paschmi Champaran, Motihari, Chappra, Deoria and Koshi Nagar travel to foreign countries for various opportunities;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the number of persons who have travelled to various countries during the last five years, year-wise ;

(c) the number of Passports issued in the above said districts/ cities during the last five years, year-wise; and

(d) the number of Passports declined in the above said districts/cities during the last five years, year-wise ?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) Data as requested is not available with this Ministry.

(c) The number of Passports issued in the districts of Gopalganj, Siwan, Poorbi Champaran including Motihari, Paschmi Champaran and Chhapra in the State of Bihar; and Deoria and Koshi Nagar (Kushinagar) in the State of Uttar Pradesh are:

|                                        |   Years |   Years |   Years |   Years |   Years |
|----------------------------------------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|
| District                               |    2020 |    2021 |    2022 |    2023 |    2024 |
| Gopalganj                              |   15754 |   28518 |   37047 |   32383 |   35961 |
| Siwan                                  |   19223 |   33178 |   44506 |   41904 |   44399 |
| Poorbi Champaran including Motihari ** |    8065 |   14170 |   21586 |   21319 |   21560 |
| Paschmi Champaran #                    |    6020 |    9655 |   14734 |   14670 |   15299 |
| Chhapra *                              |    8009 |   13269 |   19959 |   18163 |   19108 |
| Deoria (U.P .)                         |   17215 |   25184 |   34169 |   41473 |   39496 |
| Koshi Nagar (U.P.)                     |   14776 |   24473 |   36028 |   39940 |   40999 |

# = Paschmi Champaran  is under district Betiah.

(d) The   number   of   Passports   declined/rejected   in   the   above   said districts/cities during the last five years, year-wise is 'Nil'.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4667 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Exchange Programme for Students from Odisha
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-  4667

## ANSWERED ON- 28/03/2025

EXCHANGE PROGRAMME FOR STUDENTS FROM ODISHA

## 4667. SMT. SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO

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

- (a)   the   details   of   international   scholarships   and   student   exchange programmes available for students from Odisha;
- (b) the total number of students from Odisha who have benefited from Indian   Government-sponsored   international   education   programmes during the last three financial years;
- (c) whether the Government has taken/proposes to take initiatives to establish cultural centres abroad that highlight Odisha's rich heritage, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to facilitate tie-ups   between   Odisha's   universities   and   foreign   educational institutions?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) It is not the practice to offer international scholarships nor conducts student exchange programs exclusively for students from Odisha, or any other state. However, the Department of Social Justice and Law awards National   Overseas   Scholarships   to   Indian  students   belonging   to   the Scheduled   Castes,   Denotified   Nomadic   and   Semi-Nomadic   Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans category etc. from low income groups for pursuing higher education abroad. It also disseminates   information   about   available   foreign   scholarships   and nominates candidates by inviting applications on the SAKSHAT Portal of the Ministry of Education when the scholarship-extending Government, so requests. The final selection of  candidates for such scholarships rests with the donor country/Government.

## (b) Not Applicable

(c) Government of India through its Cultural Centres abroad showcases and   promotes   Indian   cultural   heritage,   including   that   of   Odisha,   in foreign lands. Indian Missions/Posts abroad also engage with the Indian Diaspora abroad from different states including Odisha to celebrate and promote India's rich cultural heritage under the Promotion of Cultural

Ties with Diaspora (PCTD) programme of the Ministry of External Affairs. Government   of   India,   in   partnership   with   the   State   Government   of Odisha,   recently   celebrated   the   18th   Pravasi   Bharatiya   Divas   in Bhubaneswar from January 08-10, 2025 where the rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy of Odisha were demonstrated. (d) Government of India does not maintain State-wise record of tie-ups of educational institutions. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4655 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Health Data Transparency and Accessibility
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Prashant Yadaorao Padole, Dr. Kalyan Vaijinathrao Kale

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4655 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 TH MARCH, 2025

## HEALTH DATATRANSPARENCYAND ACCESSIBILITY

## 4655 . DR. PRASHANT YADAORAO PADOLE: DR. KALYAN VAIJINATHRAO KALE:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the reasons for delays in the release of key health indicators such as the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data and Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) updates as of 2024;
- (b) the steps being taken to ensure timely and transparent dissemination of critical health data to support evidence-based policymaking and public health initiatives; and
- (c) the impact of the said delays on initiatives such as the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) strategy?

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

(a) to (c): The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) conducts an integrated survey namely National Family Health Survey (NFHS) with a periodicity of around three years. The survey provides data on health and family welfare and associated domains like characteristics of the population; fertility and fertility preferences; family planning; infant and child mortality; maternal and child health; nutrition; morbidity and healthcare; women's empowerment, etc. It is a nationally important source of data for the purpose of monitoring performance of health programmes/schemes of Government of India. The NFHS-5 was conducted during 2019-21 and its Report was released in 2022. The NFHS-6 has been initiated timely. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is estimated based on the results of Sample Registration System (SRS) by Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India (ORGI). The Ministry ensures a timely and transparent dissemination of NFHS data by conducting regular follow-ups with the nodal agency and regular review meetings at higher levels to monitor progress and oversee intermediary steps. For ensuring transparent dissemination, disaggregated data of NFHS in the Factsheets and Reports, along with unit level data is usually released for an NFHS. By ensuring the timely and transparent dissemination of data to the policymakers, the Ministry has implemented several initiatives under the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) strategy to enhance health outcomes across these demographics. The key programs/initiatives includes Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB), LaQshya Program, Delivery Points, Reproductive and Child health (RCH) Portal, Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), Midwifery Services Initiative, Poshan Abhiyaan etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4654 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Arbitration and Conciliation Act
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Haribhai Patel

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4654 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 28 TH MARCH, 2025

## Arbitration and Conciliation Act

4654. Shri Haribhai Patel:

Will the Minister of LAWANDJUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) the steps taken by the Government to amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act in response to the recent Supreme Court judgement regarding the unilateral appointment of arbitrators;
- (b) the manner in which the Government plans to ensure that the amendment process addresses concerns raised by the Supreme Court while maintaining efficiency in dispute resolution;
- (c) the manner in which these amendments impact arbitration processes involving Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and private parties;
- (d) the measures taken by the Government to facilitate stakeholder consultations during the amendment process to ensure comprehensive input from all relevant parties; and
- (e) the manner in which the Government foresee these changes enhancing the overall legal framework for arbitration?

## 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) to (e) The proposed amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, are under the process of requisite consultations. As part of the pre-

legislative consultation exercise, the draft Bill was placed on the website of the Department for inviting comments from the stakeholders. Further, as the subject-matter of arbitration falls within the concurrent list contained in Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, comments on the draft Bill have also been sought from the States. The draft proposed amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 inter-alia aim to promote institutional arbitration, minimise court intervention and facilitate expeditious resolution of disputes through arbitration.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 4648 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Recruitment of Interpreter in MEA
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 4648

ANSWERED ON- 28/03/2025

RECRUITMENT OF INTERPRETER IN MEA

## 4648 SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA

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

(a) the current status of interpreter recruitment in the Ministry of External  Affairs   (MEA),   indicating   the   number   of   vacancies   and recent appointment made;

(b)   whether   the   Government   has   any   plans   to   recruit   additional interpreters   to   address   the   growing   demand   for   multilingual communication in diplomatic and international engagements;

(c) If so, the details thereof;

(d)   whether   there   are   any   challenges   in   attracting   qualified interpreters, if  so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to improve recruitment efficiency; and

(e) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to enhance the training and capacity-building of  interpreters in the Ministry to meet global diplomatic standards?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)   to   (e)  The   Ministry   has   interpreters   coming   from   different streams   who   contribute   to   its   diplomatic   engagements   and interactions. The Interpreters Cadre has ten interpreters of  the following languages:
- (I)   Chinese   (II)   Russian   (III)   French   (IV)   Spanish   (V)   Arabic   (VI) German and (VII) Persian. IFS Officers with a special language aptitude are also regularly selected for interpreter training and sent on specialized courses to acquire requisite skills. There are 22 such IFS   officers   who   are   certified   as   interpreters   in   the   following languages:
- (I) Chinese (II) Spanish (III) Japanese (IV) Russian (V) French (VI) Arabic and (VII) German. In addition, the Ministry employs three interpretation consultants.

The deployment of interpreters in the Ministry or Embassies abroad is done on the basis of functional requirements. Many Embassies also employ local staff with interpreter level skills for use in nonsensitive domains.

The   Ministry's   requirement   for   interpreters   is   continuously reviewed. Steps towards intake are taken accordingly.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4644 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Proposal for AIIMS in Siliguri
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Raju Bista

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 4644 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28/03/2025

## PROPOSALFOR AIIMS IN SILIGURI

## 4644. SHRI RAJU BISTA.

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

- (a) whether the Government has received any proposal to establish an AIIMS in Siliguri to improve healthcare access for North Bengal, Eastern Bihar, Sikkim and lower Assam;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the current status of the proposal, including any feasibility studies conducted and expected timelines for the approval and implementation of the project;
- (c) the estimated budget and infrastructure plans for the proposed AIIMS, including the number of hospital beds, super-speciality departments and medical college seats;
- (d) the manner in which the Government plan to address the acute shortage of healthcare services in North Bengal through this institution, particularly for marginalized communities like tea garden workers and small farmers; and
- (e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure that the AIIMS project, if approved, is completed on time, with proper staffing, modern equipment and sustainable operational funding?

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

(a) to (e) Under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), till date establishment of 22 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has been approved in various States/UTs in the country including one AIIMS at Kalyani in the State of West Bengal, which is functional. No proposal has been received from the State Government of West Bengal to establish an AIIMS in Siliguri. Further, under another component of PMSSY, upgradation of North Bengal Medical College, Darjeeling, Government Medical College, Malda, Kolkata Medical College, Kolkata and BS Medical College, Bankura, has been undertaken on Centre-State cost sharing basis.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 4638 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Plans for Establishment of New Consular Services
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 4638

ANSWERED ON- 28/03/2025

## PLANS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW CONSULAR SERVICES

## 4638 SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH

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

(a) whether the Government has any plans to establish new consular services in different countries and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the number of new Indian consulates and embassies proposed or recently established, along with their locations and expected date of commencement;

(c) whether the Government has taken/proposes to take steps to set up new consular services in Russia, Timor-Leste, Paraguay, or any other countries and if so, the details of such initiatives;

(d) whether any State Governments, Member of Parliament or Indian diaspora organizations have requested new consular offices in specific

regions and if so, the details of such requests and the action taken thereon; and

(e) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to improve efficiency, digital accessibility and emergency support for Indian citizens through consular services globally?

## ANSWER

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

(a)   to   (d)   The   details   of   new   Indian   consulates   and   embassies proposed or recently established are as follows:

In 2024, new Embassies have been opened in Riga (Latvia), Tbilisi (Georgia), Tirana (Albania), Libreville (Gabon), Dili (Timor Leste) and La Paz   (Bolivia).   New   Consulates   have   been   opened   in   Brisbane (Australia), Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain) and Auckland (New Zealand).

In 2025, new Consulates have been opened in Manchester and Belfast (United Kingdom).

(e)   The   Government   has   taken   several   steps   to   enhance   consular services for Indian nationals abroad, through Indian Missions/ Posts abroad on priority basis. Grievances are responded through various channels like calls, walk-ins, e-mails, social media, 24x7 Helplines and Open Houses. Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (PBSKs) have been set up at Dubai, Sharjah, Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuala Lumpur to provide assistance to Indian workers abroad. Shelter homes for distressed Indian   nationals   have   also   been   set   up   at   some   Missions/Posts. Mission officials visit immigration offices and labour camps to address the complaints of Indian workers. Financial assistance to distressed Indians,   if   necessary,   is   provided   through   the   Indian   Community Welfare   Fund   (ICWF).   During   emergency   or   crisis   situations,   our Missions/Posts   abroad   pro-actively   help   distressed/stranded   Indian nationals in terms of providing food, shelter, medicine and helping their return to India.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4636 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Smt. Geniben Nagaji Thakor

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4636 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th MARCH, 2025

## PRADHAN MANTRI TB MUKT BHARAT ABHIYAAN

## 4636. SMT. GENIBEN NAGAJI THAKOR:

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

- (a) whether the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is being Implemented effectively in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the amount of funds allocated to the State of Gujarat during the last three years, year wise?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) and (b) The Government launched 'Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative' for community support to TB patients through the community. It has been implemented across the country with the objective to:
-  provide additional patient support to improve treatment outcomes of TB patients
-  augment community involvement in TB response
-  leverage corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities

The progress made under this initiative as on 24 th March 2025 are as under:

-  Ni-kshay Mitra registered: 2,90,887
-  Number of food baskets distributed: 28,17,152
-  Number of consented TB Patient benefited: 11,93,249
- (c) The amount of funds allocated under National TB Elimination programme (NTEP) to the State of Gujarat during the last three financial years and current financial year are as under:

|   Sl. No. | Financial Year   |   Allocation (Rs. in crores) |
|-----------|------------------|------------------------------|
|         1 | 2022-23*         |                        19.24 |
|         2 | 2023-24*         |                        21.16 |
|         3 | 2024-25*         |                        31    |