opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 806 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Valorisation of Dredged Sediments
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Smita Uday Wagh, Shri Manoj Tiwari, Shri Khagen Murmu, Shri Janardan Mishra

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 806

ANSWERED ON 29.11.2024

## VALORISATION OF DREDGED SEDIMENTS

806.   SMT. SMITA UDAY WAGH:

SHRI MANOJ TIWARI:

SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:

SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA:

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

(a) the primary objective of 'Valorisation of Dredged Sediments' research proposal and the manner it is likely to transform dredged sediments, typically seen as waste into a valuable resource;

(b)the estimated cost of the sanctioned project and the role of academic institutions in fostering innovation and research in the maritime sector; and

(c)  the  manner  in  which  academic  involvement  in  the  maritime  sector  contribute  to sustainable practices in dredging and sediment management?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  The main objective of the proposal is to create value of the dredged sediment by making  it  useful  for  different  fields  of  construction  by  converting  the  sediment  into aggregates.This will  be  helpful  in  transforming  dredged  sediments  into  a  construction material that can be utilized.

(b) and (c) The estimated cost of the sanctioned project is Rs. 46,47,380/-. The role of academic  institution  viz.  IIT  Bombay  is  to  develop  a  pilot  scale  setup  for  creating aggregates/man-made  soils  and  show  its  efficacy  by  their  physical,  chemical  and geomechanical  characterization.The  involvement  of  academic  institutions  in  creating advanced  technologies  that  can  transform  the  waste  material  to  useful  construction material would largely improve the viability of dredging operation at Major Ports.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 801 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Post Retirement Position to Judges
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Abhishek Banerjee

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 801

## TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 29.11.2024

## Post Retirement Position to Judges

## 801 SHRI ABHISHEK BANERJEE:

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

- (a) the total number of post-retirement positions offered to judges across the country during the last ten years;
- (b) the  details  of  these  post-retirement  positions,  including  the  institutions or bodies to which they were appointed, year-wise;
- (c) the criteria and the process followed for the selection and appointment of judges to these post-retirement positions; and
- (d) the measures taken/put in place to ensure transparency and accountability  in  the  appointment  process  of  judges  to  post-retirement positions?

## 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 (d): The retired Judges at various levels could be appointed / engaged by the  Government  of  India  or  Government  of  States  /  UTs  or  any  other  entity, contingent upon extant framework governing such appointments / engagements. Thus, such appointments take place in a decentralized manner and therefore, the information as sought is not maintained Centrally.
Lok Sabha Question No. 798 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Import of DAP Fertilizer
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Arun Govil

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 798 TO BE ANSWERED ON : 29.11.2024

## Import  of DAP Fertilizer

## 798. SHRI ARUN GOVIL:

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

- (a) the officials accountable for the inadequate import of 15 lakh tonnes of DAP (Di-ammonium phosphate) fertilizer; and
- (b)       the steps being taken by the Government to address the shortage of the said  fertilizer which is crucial during the Rabi season?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SMT.  ANUPRIYA  PATEL)

- (a): Government has implemented Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy w.e.f. 1.4.2010 for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) Fertilizers. Under NBS policy, P&K fertilizers are covered  under  Open  General  License  (OGL)  and  companies  are  free  to  import these fertilizers as per their business dynamics.
- (b): In order to ensure smooth availability of DAP at affordable prices to farmers, Government  has  provided  special  packages  on  DAP  over  and  above  the  NBS subsidy rates on need basis. In 2024-25, the Government has approved one-time special package on DAP beyond the NBS rates on actual PoS (Point of Sale) sale of DAP for the period from 01.04.2024 till 31.12.2024 @ ₹ 3500 per MT to the P&K fertilizer companies with approximate financial implication of ₹2625 crores to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to the farmers and support the agriculture sector and related activities and strengthen food security scenario in the country.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 797 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Memorial for Martyred Soldiers
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Shri Dharmendra Yadav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 797

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 th  November, 2024

## MEMORIAL FOR MARTYRED SOLDIERS

797. SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV:

- Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has constructed a memorial in the villages where the last rites of martyred soldiers have been performed; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government proposes to change this policy of constructing a memorial in the memory of martyred soldiers in their villages where they were cremated; (d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the timeline by which the final decision is likely to be
- taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (e) if not, the reasons for not giving proper respect to martyred soldiers?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI SANJAY SETH)

(a) to (e):  No, Sir. Moreover, National War Memorial in Delhi has been constructed by the Government of India, as a befitting commemoration of the sacrifices of all the soldiers of the Armed Forces who have laid down their lives in service of the Nation. Names of all Battle Casualties have been etched for posterity on the walls representing the Tyag Chakra of the monument.

No proposal is under consideration for change in policy.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 793 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Indian Sailors Missing in Kuwait
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-793

ANSWERED ON- 29/11/2024

## INDIAN SAILORS MISSING IN KUWAIT

## 793. SHRI K SUDHAKARAN

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

(a) whether the Government has received representations from Hon'ble MP of Kannur seeking intervention of Hon'ble Minister in finding the whereabouts of the missing sailors, particularly a marine engineer from Kannur, Kerala, aboard the vessel Ara Bakthar 1, that sank off the coast of the Persian Gulf in Kuwait;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

- (c) whether the Government has made any progress in locating the whereabouts of the missing sailors including the said engineer and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Minister of External Affairs has personally made any appeal   to   the   Kuwait   authorities   to   expedite   the   process   of investigation;

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and (f) whether the Government is unable to provide clarity to the family of the missing sailors including the said engineer and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a   &   b)  Ministry   has   received   representations   from   Hon'ble   MP   of Kannur for finding the whereabouts of the missing sailors, particularly a marine engineer from Kannur, Kerala, aboard the vessel Ara Bakthar 1 which sank off the coast of the Persian Gulf in Kuwait.

(c)  The   Kuwaiti   authorities   recovered   four   bodies   out   of   six   crew members of the ship (three crew members were Indian nationals), of which two were eventually identified to be Indian nationals. The mortal remains of these two Indian nationals were brought back to India. The whereabouts of the  marine engineer from Kannur, Kerala,  is not yet known.

(d & e) Under the supervision of the office of the External Affairs Minister, the Embassy of India in Kuwait has constantly pursued with the   Ministry   of   Foreign   Affairs   of   the   State   of   Kuwait   and   other

concerned authorities in Kuwait regarding the whereabouts of the missing   Indian   sailors   and   for   expediting   the   identification   of   the recovered bodies, including that of the marine engineer from Kannur, Kerala. (f) The whereabouts of the marine engineer from Kannur, Kerala, have not been located thus far by the Kuwaiti authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait has conveyed that the DNA samples sent by the family of the marine engineer from Kannur, Kerala, did   not   match   with   any   of   the   recovered   bodies.   The   Kuwaiti authorities   have   also   informed   Embassy   of   India,   Kuwait,   on   5 November   2024   that   they   have   stopped   the   search   and   rescue operations.

*****

3
Lok Sabha Question No. 788 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 788 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 29 TH  NOVEMBER 2024

## PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras

## 788. Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke:

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

- (a) the total number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) opened in the rural and tribal areas of Maharashtra under Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana during each of the last three years;
- (b) the number of new PMBJKs proposed to be opened in 2024-25, State-wise specifically in the State of Maharashtra including regions dominated by SCs and Tribals; and
- (c) the details of the budget allocation for the opening of new PMBJKs and the funds utilised for the said purpose till date during the year 2023-24, State-wise specifically Maharashtra and regions dominated by SCs and tribals?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

- (a): Under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a total of 178 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened in Maharashtra during the last three Financial Years. Details of the same are as under: -

| S. No.   | Financial Year   |   JAKs opened |
|----------|------------------|---------------|
| 1        | 2021-22          |            49 |
| 2        | 2022-23          |            36 |
| 3        | 2023-24          |            93 |
| Total    | Total            |           178 |

In Maharashtra State, since inception of the scheme till 31.10.2024, a total of 702 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened, covering all 36 districts and 180 blocks of the State. Under Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society (PACS) category, 52 JAKs have also been opened in Maharashtra.

- (b): The Government has decided to open 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) across the country by March 2025. There is no State/UT-wise and region-specific target for opening of new JAKs.

However,  online  applications  have  been  invited  from  all  districts  of  the  country, including Maharashtra.

- (c): The  details  of  the  funds  allocated  and  utilized  under  Pradhan  Mantri  Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana in the financial year 2023-24 is as under: -

|   S. No. | Financial Year   |   Funds Sanctioned (Rs. in Cr.) |   Funds Utilized (Rs. in Cr.) |
|----------|------------------|---------------------------------|-------------------------------|
|        1 | 2023-24          |                             110 |                           110 |

There is no State/UT-wise and region-specific budget allocation made under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 786 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Lok Adalats
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Shashank Mani

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-786 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY - 29/11/2024

## LOK ADALATS

## 786. SHRI SHASHANK MANI:

Will the Minister of Law and Justice be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  functioning  court  facilities  and  Lok  Adalats  organised  in  the  rural areas of the country as well as the average time taken to dispose of cases in rural versus urban courts; and
- (b) whether there are sufficient free legal aid resources and lawyers available under the National  Legal  Services  Authority  (NALSA)  to  improve  access  to  justice  in  rural areas and 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)  The  data  relating  to  number  of  district  /  subordinates  courts  across  the  country  is  not maintained by the Government. However, as per website of e-Committee, Supreme Court of India (https://ecommitteesci.gov.in/service/district-courts-portal/), there are 688 District Courts across the country. Further, the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 which was enacted to establish Gram Nyayalayas at the grass-root level aims to provide access to justice in rural areas ensuring opportunities to secure justice to citizens. As on October, 2024, 313 Gram Nyayalayas are functioning across the country which have disposed of more than 2.99 lakh cases during December, 2020 to October, 2024.

Further, Lok Adalats are organized by Legal Services Institutions at such intervals as deemed fit in order to reduce the pendency of cases in the courts and to settle the disputes at  pre-litigation  stage.  Lok  Adalats  handle  pending  court  cases  as  referred  to  it  by  the respective courts. Since Lok Adalats are not permanent in nature, all unsettled cases, are reverted  to  the  respective  courts  and  hence  do  not  remain  pending  with  Lok  Adalats. During  the  year  2024-25  (upto  September,  2024),  5944  benches  of  State  Lok  Adalats were  constituted  which  disposed  of  10,11,912  cases.  In  addition,  98,776  cases  were settled through 17,309 sittings of Permanent Lok Adalats (Public Utility Services) during the same period. Separate data is however, not maintained for rural and urban areas of the country.

- (b)    The  Government  has  released  Rs.  200  crore  to  National  Legal  Services  Authority (NALSA) during 2024-25 (upto October, 2024) for implementing legal aid programmes through State Legal Services Authorities. The legal services institutions have been setup from the Taluk level to the Supreme Court level for providing free legal aid to poor and weaker sections of the society. As on September, 2024, 41,775 panel lawyers and 43,050 para  legal  volunteers  are  available  with  legal  services  institutions  to  improve  access  to justice across the country including rural areas.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 785 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Increase in AYUSH Colleges
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Y S Avinash Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 785 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 th  November, 2024 'INCREASE IN AYUSH COLLEGES'

## 785. Shri YS Avinash Reddy:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is any increase in the number of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani Colleges during the last five years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, year-wise;
- (c) whether the Government has any plan of establishing new AYUSH colleges in the country, State/UT-wise, particularly in the State of Andhra Pradesh; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## THE MINISTER OF STATE(IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

- (a) &  (b)  The  details  of  the  total  number  of  Ayurveda,  Siddha  and  Unani  colleges established from Academic Year 2020-2021 to 2024-2025 is annexed.
- (c) & (d) Public health being a State subject, the establishment of new AYUSH colleges in  the  country  comes  under  the  purview  of  respective  State/UT  Governments including  Andhra  Pradesh.  However,  under  the  Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme  of National AYUSH Mission (NAM), there is a provision of financial assistance to the State/UT governments for the establishment of new AYUSH Colleges in the States where  availability  of  Ayush  teaching  institutions  is  inadequate  in  Government Sector.  Accordingly,  State/UT  Governments  including  Andhra  Pradesh  may  avail eligible  financial  assistance  by  submitting  the  suitable  proposals  through  State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) as per the provision of NAM guidelines. Ministry of Ayush has not received any proposal for establishment of new AYUSH Colleges in Andhra Pradesh.

****

## Total no. of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Colleges established from Academic year 2020-21 to 2024-25

| Academic   | Discipline   | Discipline   | Discipline   |
|------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|
|            | Ayurveda     | Unani        | Siddha       |
| 2020-21    | 01           | 01           | Nil          |
| 2021-22    | 47           | Nil          | Nil          |
| 2022-23    | 42           | Nil          | 03           |
| 2023-24    | 46           | 01           | 02           |
| 2024-25    | 34           | Nil          | Nil          |
| Total      | 170          | 02           | 05           |

Source: National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM)
Lok Sabha Question No. 782 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Assistance during Medical Emergencies for Indians Abroad
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Amrinder Singh Raja Warring

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 782

ANSWERED ON- 29/11/2024

## ASSISTANCE DURING MEDICAL EMERGENCIES FOR INDIANS ABROAD

## 782. SHRI AMRINDER SINGH RAJA WARRING

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

- (a)   Whether there is any policy regarding providing assistance to Indians, who have not yet received citizenship of their host countries, during medical emergencies including assistance in bringing mortal remains of such deceased Indian nationals back to India;
- (b)  If so, the details thereof including the mechanism put in place to access such assistance;
- (c)   If   not,   the   manner   in   which   the   Government   deals   with   such humanitarian issues;
- (d) Whether the Government is planning to formulate any such policy in the near future with budgetary allocations; and
- (e) If so,  the details thereof along with draft policy and the timeline for implementing the policy?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a   to   e)     Assistance   to   Indian   citizens,   is   provided   under   Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)  residing in the host country or those in distress while visiting a foreign country.  ICWF has already been set   up   in   all   Indian   Missions   and   Posts   abroad   to   meet   the contingency expenditure incurred by them for carrying out various on-site welfare activities for Overseas Indian citizens on a meanstested   basis.   The   ICWF   guidelines   have   been   comprehensively revised   w.e.f.   September   1,   2017.   The   revised   guidelines   have considerably expanded the scope of on-site welfare activities for the benefit of distressed Indian nationals that could be extended through the Fund. The guidelines cover three key areas namely Assisting Overseas   Indian   nationals   in   distress   situations   (Boarding   and Lodging, Air passage, Legal Assistance, Emergency Medical Care, Transportation of Mortal Remains), Community Welfare activities and Improvement in Consular services. They now also include provisions for setting of legal panels in countries with sizeable Indian diaspora, payment of fines/penalty for petty crimes for release of prisoners and

assistance to distressed Indian women abroad.  When brought to the notice of the Indian Mission/Post abroad, it initiates, oversees and arranges assistance under ICWF. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 771 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-29
Subject: Coverage of Persons with Disabilities under AB-PMJAY
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Smt. D K Aruna, Shri Eatala Rajender

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 771 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH NOVEMBER, 2024

## COVERAGE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES UNDER AB-PMJAY

## 771. SMT. D K ARUNA: SHRI EATALA RAJENDER:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the National Disability Network (NDN), a cohort of organisations and federations of persons with disabilities, has approached the Union Government seeking inclusion of persons with disabilities without any income or age criteria in the (AB-PMJAY) health insurance scheme, which aims to provide health benefits to the poor who lack public and private insurance coverage due to high premium and receive minimal financial support from the Government; and

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the corrective steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government and present status thereof?

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

(a) and (b): No such communication has been received by either National Health Authority (NHA) or Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), from the National Disability Network (NDN), in this regard.

Ayushman Bharat -Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) beneficiary base includes poor and vulnerable families identified in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC-2011). The SECC-2011 incorporates deprivation criteria for rural areas, one of which is ' Disabled member and no able-bodied adult member ' . Consequently, persons with disabilities in rural areas were included under the scheme. Further, based on the flexibility provided to States, the beneficiary base has been expanded to include data of similar socio-economic profile for identification of beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY.

The scheme has certain medical and surgical packages in the package master such as packages for neural disabilities, mental disabilities, spinal injury, brain injury, muscular dystrophies, cochlear implant surgery, surgery for spine deformation/foot deformation etc. which may be

utilized by the beneficiaries who are Persons with Disability (PwD).

Further, there are States/UTs like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra etc. which offer Universal Health Coverage and thus Persons with Disabilities are covered under converged AB-PMJAY.

*****