opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3428 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: India-Maldives Vision Document
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Prashant Yadaorao Padole

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3428

ANSWERED ON - 08/08/2025

INDIA-MALDIVES VISION DOCUMENT

† 3428 DR. PRASHANT YADAORAO PADOLE

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the manner in which the 2nd India-Maldives High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting contributed to the implementation of the India-Maldives Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership; and

(b) the details of the specific areas of cooperation discussed during this meeting particularly in the context of maritime security and economic collaboration?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) The High Level Core Group (HLCG) between India and Maldives has met twice in 2025, in January and May. The HLCG meetings are

convened to oversee the progress of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. Areas of cooperation on which discussions are held in these meetings include political   exchanges,   development   partnership,   trade,   finance, energy,   digital,   health,   defence   and   security,   capacity   building   and training,   people-to-people   linkages   and   cooperation   at   regional   and multilateral fora. The HLCG meetings were helpful in advancing IndiaMaldives cooperation.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3426 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: Artificial Colours in Food Items
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3426 TO BE ANSWERED ON 8 TH AUGUST, 2025

## ARTIFICIALCOLOURS IN FOOD ITEMS

## 3426. SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that State Government of Karnataka has banned artificial food colouring in kebabs, fish, chicken and vegetarian dishes due to the harmful chemicals that can cause serious health problems and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is aware of the Colouring Matter in Food Regulations introduced by the Hong Kong Government in 2020, if so, the Government's stance on implementing similar legislation;
- (c) if not, the reasons for lack of such awareness; and
- (d) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Union Government in partnership with State Governments to prohibit the use of artificial colours in food products to protect public health, State/UT-wise?

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

(a) to (d): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is mandated to lay down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

FSSAI is aware about the Colouring matter in Food Regulations of Hong Kong Government published in 2020. FSSAI has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011 wherein the provisions regarding the use of food colours in various food categories are laid down. The safety of food colours and their usage limits are set in alignment with Codex. Use of any non-permitted colour is a violation of the FSS Regulations. Section 19 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

mandates that no article of food shall contain any food additive or processing aid unless it is in accordance with the provisions of this Act and regulations made thereunder.

Further, no colour/additive is permitted to be used in prepared foods being sold by vendors such as vegetable, chicken and fish kebabs. By virtue of Section 29 of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, State Authority may take action to protect public health as per the principle and objectives enshrined under the FSS Act.

FSSAI through State/UTs and its regional offices conduct surveillance, monitoring, inspection and random sampling of food products to check compliance of the standards laid down under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations made thereunder. In case where the food samples are found to be non-conforming, penal actions are initiated against the defaulting Food Business Operators as per provisions of FSS Act, Rules and Regulations made thereunder.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3421 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd.
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Naba Charan Majhi

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3421

ANSWERED ON 08.08.2025

## SAGARMALA FINANCE CORPORATION LTD.

3421. SHRI NABA CHARAN MAJHI:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

(a) the steps taken by the Government to leverage Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd. (SMFCL)  to  bridge  financing  gaps  in  port  infrastructure,  startups  and  other  maritime initiatives; (b) the details of the tailored financial products offered by SMFCL; (c)  whether the Government has set targets for the Tier -1 capital utilisation, if so,  the details thereof; and (d)  the  manner  in  which  these  funds  are  likely  to  be  allocated  across  segments  like

- shipbuilding, cruise tourism, renewable energy and maritime education?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) &   (b) To bridge the financing gaps in the maritime sector, Sagarmala Finance Corporation  Limited  (SMFCL)  has  been  registered  by  Reserve  Bank  of  India  as  a dedicated  Non-Banking  Financial  Company  (NBFC).  The  corporation  aims  to  offer tailored  financial  products  to  diverse  range  of  stakeholders  such  as  port  authorities, shipping companies, MSMEs etc. (c) No (d) Question does not arise.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3419 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: Director Post for AIIMS Patna
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Sudhakar Singh

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3419 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08/08/2025

## DIRECTOR POST FOR AIIMS PATNA

## † 3419. SHRI SUDHAKAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether both All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bihar and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jharkhand are currently headed by the same Director;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether having one Director post for both the institutions is creating obstacles in carrying out administrative and medical work; and
- (d) if so, the reasons therefor and the time by which a permanent and full-time director for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna is likely to be appointed?

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

(a) to (d): In view of the unanticipated vacancy in the post of Executive Director, All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, the additional charge of the post of Executive Director, AIIMS Patna has been entrusted to Executive Director, AIIMS Deoghar, Jharkhand with the approval of competent authority. A separate Executive Director has been appointed for AIIMS Darbhanga, Bihar. Filling up of vacant posts is a continuous process.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3418 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: Cases of Attack against Medical Practitioners
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Smt. Shambhavi, Shri Ravindra Dattaram Waikar, Shri Naresh Ganpat Mhaske

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA

## MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3418 TO BE ANSWERED ON 08 TH AUGUST, 2025

## CASES OF ATTACK AGAINST MEDICALPRACTITIONERS

## 3418. SHRI RAVINDRADATTARAM WAIKAR:

SHRI NARESH GANPAT MHASKE:

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

SMT. SHAMBHAVI:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of cases of violence, intimidation or abuse reported against registered medical practitioners during the last five years, State/UT-wise and year-wise;
- (b) the details of any assessment or study conducted by the Government on public trust in doctors and the influence of patient expectations on clinical decision-making;
- (c) the steps taken to address work-related stress, burnout and mental health concerns among doctors working in Government hospitals across the country;
- (d) the details of the existing mechanisms in place to monitor professional satisfaction and retention of doctors, particularly in rural and underserved regions, along with supporting data; and
- (e) the details of the Government plans under consideration to develop a long-term
- framework aimed at strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and restoring institutional trust in the medical profession?

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

(a) to (e): ' Health' being a State subject, it is the primary responsibility of States/UTs take note of cases of violence, intimidation or abuse reported against registered medical practitioners. Data and details in this regard are not maintained centrally.

The Government of India implements the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in the country to provide mental health services which include provisions for outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions and continuing care. GoI has also launched National Tele Mental Health Programme and Tele MANAS Mobile Application to improve support for mental health issues. Additionally, NMC has introduced Yoga in the induction course of MBBS and has made Yoga module of 10 days mandatory for all students which can also be attended by faculty.

Further, the Family Adoption Programme (FAP) has been incorporated into the MBBS curriculum to provide equitable healthcare access to rural population. FAP involves medical colleges adopting villages, and MBBS students adopting families within these villages to make students empathetic towards rural populace. Non-Monetary incentives such as preferential admission in postgraduate courses for staff serving in difficult areas and improving accommodation arrangement in rural areas have also been introduced under NHM. Hard area allowance is also provided to specialist doctors for serving in rural and remote areas.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3416 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: Project Tied Assistance
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3416

## ANSWERED ON - 08/08/2025

## PROJECT TIED ASSISTANCE

## 3416.  SHRI CHHATRAPAL SINGH GANGWAR

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

- (a) the objective of launching ten new projects with Bhutan under the 'Project Tied Assistance' Programme;
- (b) the specific areas covered in these projects and the expected outcomes thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has provided financial assistance of 750 crore and a programme grant of 100 crore for the Economic Stimulation Programme (ESP) of Bhutan; and
- (d) if so, the current status of utilisation of these funds and their impact on Bhutan's economic recovery?

## ANSWER

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

(a to d) India's development support to Bhutan is an important pillar of our close bilateral ties. GoI has committed support of INR 10,000 Crore for Bhutan's 13 th Five Year Plan (FYP) period (20242029)   for   Project   Tied   Assistance   (PTA)   projects,   High   Impact Community   Development   Projects   (HICDP),   Economic   Stimulus Programme (ESP) and Programme Grant.

In the 4 th   Development Cooperation Talks held in New Delhi on 30 June 2025, the second tranche of 10 new PTA projects amounting to INR 1113 crores across sectors such as healthcare, connectivity, urban infrastructure and livestock were approved.

GoI has so far released INR 750 crores towards Economic Stimulus Programme, which is being implemented by the Royal Government of   Bhutan   (RGoB)   to   boost   domestic   production,   create   new businesses, revitalize   existing   enterprises,   generate   employment opportunities, and increase tourist arrivals. GoI has also released

till date INR 100 crores of direct budgetary support to Bhutan as Programme Grant. The RGoB has stated that the successful implementation of the 13 th FYP will enhance the economy and create meaningful opportunities for the youth. The RGoB has conveyed their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Government of India for its generous support for the 13 th FYP of Bhutan. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3415 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: Internship Programme for Women
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Ujjwal Raman Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3415

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.08.2025

## INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN

## 3415.   SHRI UJJWAL RAMAN SINGH:

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

- (a) whether the Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched its internship programme with the aim of empowering girl students, teachers, social  workers and women;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether women applicants are proposed to be divided into categories for participation in the programme, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government also proposes to provide an opportunity to the selected women to work in other pilot projects and micro-studies conducted by the Ministry during the Internship, if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Government proposes to give priority to talented women particularly those coming from non-tier-1 cities and rural areas to participate in this programme; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (f)  Ministry of Women and Child Development operates an Internship Programme for Women with revised guidelines since 2024. Women students, scholars, social activists  and teachers in age group 21-40 years are eligible for the internship programme. The programme is meant to orient interns about the policies and schemes of the Ministry by offering short-term association,  including  pilot  projects/micro  studies  focusing  on  the  ongoing  activities  of  the Ministry. After successful completion of their internship, it is expected that interns would be able to contribute to policy formulation by giving inputs in the form of empirical analysis, reporting, policy papers etc., and thereby bridging information gaps on issues pertaining to women and children in the country.

In order to ensure representation and diversity, interns are selected from working and Non-Working; Rural and Urban; and Zone wise categories. Working Group comprises teachers, scholars  and  social  activists,  whereas  Non-Working  Group  comprises  students  enrolled  in undergraduate or postgraduate programmes. Further, interns are selected from State/UTs falling under North, South, East, West, Central and North-East zones, as well as from non-tier-I cities and rural areas to enhance regional diversity.

As per the revised guidelines, the internship programme is offered in four batches by the Ministry throughout a financial year: May-June, August-September, November-December and February-March. Each batch is of two months duration and up to 20 interns are engaged in each batch.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3403 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: Restarting of Lalmonirhat Airbase in Bangladesh
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Kaushalendra Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3403 ANSWERED ON - 08/08/2025

## RESTARTING OF LALMONIRHAT AIRBASE IN BANGLADESH

## †3403. SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Bangladesh has authorised China to restart operations at its Lalmonirhat Airbase, if  so, whether any security concerns are likely to arise for our country as India shares its border with Bangladesh; and
- (b) whether the Government has lodged its objections with Bangladesh in this regard, if so, the details thereof?

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

(a)   &   (b)   The   Government   of   India   has   noted   reports   concerning   the Lalmonirhat airbase in Bangladesh. It has also noted a press briefing on 26 May 2025 by the Director of Military Operations of Bangladesh Army, in which it   has   been   stated   that   there   are   no   plans   at   present   for   the Lalmonirhat airfield to be used for military purposes. The Government of India continues to monitor all developments having a bearing on national security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3401 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: Passport Seva Kendra in Shamli
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Ms Iqra Choudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3401 ANSWERED ON - 08/08/2025 PASSPORT SEVA KENDRA IN SHAMLI

## †3401. MS IQRA CHOUDHARY

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

- (a) the efforts being made by the Government to set up a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in Shamli district;
- (b) whether the post office building initially considered for setting up the PSK in the said district was later found unsuitable due to limited availability of space, if so, the details thereof ;
- (c)  whether   the   Government   is   considering   to   identify   an   alternate location for the PSK so that the residents of Shamli district do not have to depend on other districts for passport services, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)  whether any survey has been conducted or other measures have been adopted for this purpose by the Government, if so, the details thereof and if not the concrete steps being taken in this regard ?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to d)     Opening of a PSK/ POPSK is an on-going activity and depends upon various factors including distance from an existing PSK/ POPSK and the volume of passport applications from a particular region. Ministry of External Affairs in association with Department of Posts (DoP) had decided in January 2017 to open Passport Seva Kendras at the Head Post Offices (HPO)/ Post Offices (PO) in the country called Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in each Lok Sabha Constituency (LSC), where there is no PSK or POPSK. As on date, 93 PSKs and 450 POPSKs have been set up in the country and are in operation to cater to the needs of passport seekers.

Under this initiative out of  80 LSCs in Uttar Pradesh, 6 PSKs and 52 POPSKs are functional in 58 LSCs. Shamli district comes under Kairana LSC and a POPSK is yet to be opened in Kairana LSC. A suitable site for establishing a POPSK in Kairana LSC is being finalized in consultation with Department   of   Posts   following   which   further   steps   will   be   taken   to operationalize the POPSK there.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 3399 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Gorakhpur
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3399

TO BE ANSWERED ON 8 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Gorakhpur

## 3399. Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan:

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

- (a) the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras operational in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) the range and volume of affordable medicines supplied through the JAKs in Gorakhpur;
- (c) the awareness campaigns about availability and quality of generic medicines in said district; and
- (d) the impact of the scheme on out-of-pocket expenditure of patients in the said district?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF  CHEMICALS  AND FERTILIZERS

## (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

- (a): Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme, a total of 16,912 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened till 30.6.2025 across the country, out of which 3,550 JAKs have been opened in the State of Uttar Pradesh, including 152 in Gorakhpur district.
- (b): 2,110 medicines and 315 surgicals, medical consumables and devices are available under the scheme product basket, which covers all major therapeutic groups, such as cardiovascular, anti-cancers,  anti-diabetic,  anti-infectives,  anti-allergic  and  gastro-intestinal  medicines  and nutraceuticals, for supply through JAKs across the country, including in Gorakhpur district.
- (c): To spread awareness about the scheme and the availability and quality of generic medicines across the country, including in Gorakhpur district, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India, which is the scheme implementing agency, regularly undertakes the following activities:
- (i) Issuance  of  advertisements  in  various  modes,  such  as  the  print  media,  radio, television, mobile application, cinema, hoardings, branding of bus queue shelters and buses, auto wrapping and television screens at Common Service Centres;
- (ii) Outreach through social media platforms; and
- (iii) Celebration of Jan Aushadhi Diwas on the 7 th of March every year.
- (d): Under the scheme, sale of medicines worth ₹ 30.55 crore has been made through JAKs opened  in  Gorakhpur,  Uttar  Pradesh  during  the  last  five  financial  years,  that  is , from  the financial year (FY) 2020-21 to FY2024-25, resulting in estimated savings of about ₹150 crore in out-of-pocket expenditure incurred for patients in the said district.

*****