opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3667 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Violence against Indians in Neighbouring Countries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri T R Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3667 ANSWERED ON 13/03/2026

## VIOLENCE AGAINST INDIANS IN NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

## 3667.  SHRI T R BAALU

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the increasing organised violence against persons of Indian origin who are religious and linguistic minorities in several countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka etc., during the last five years;

(b) if so, the number of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists of Indian origin killed and properties including places of worship damaged in such violence and attacks during the last five years, country-wise;

(c) whether it is a fact that these organized attacks on Indian-lineage minorities are carried out by terrorist outfits which enjoy the covert and overt support of the Governments of these countries; and

(d) if so, the action have been taken by the Indian Government to protect the life, properties, religious and linguistic rights of such people and the outcome thereof?

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

## (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a to d) The Government of India is aware of incidents of violence and atrocities against minority communities in the neighbouring countries.

With regard to Pakistan, since 2021, the Government of India has raised at least 422 major incidents of atrocities against minorities with the Government of  Pakistan, urging it to discharge its constitutional obligations   towards   its   citizens,   including   those   from   minority communities, and to end sectarian violence, extreme prejudices and religious intolerance. On multiple occasions, India has also highlighted the plight of minorities and violation of their human rights in Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

With regard to Bangladesh, as per available data from human rights organizations, around 3850 incidents of violence against Hindu and other

minorities have taken place across Bangladesh during the years 20212025, which include 96 deaths and 506 attacks on properties, including places of worship. India has consistently raised the matter of safety and security of  the minorities with the authorities in Bangladesh, at both political and diplomatic levels on several occasions. The issue has also been discussed with foreign interlocutors. It is the expectation of the Government of India that the Government of Bangladesh will thoroughly investigate these incidents and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson and violence against minorities to justice.

The Government of India continues to impress upon the respective Governments that the primary responsibility of  the protection of  life, liberty and rights of all citizens, including from the minority communities, rests with them.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3666 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Impact of Port Privatisation
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sachithanantham R

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3666

## ANSWERED ON 13.03.2026

## IMPACT OF PORT PRIVATISATION

3666.   SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM R:

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

## पᱫन , पोत पᳯरवहन और जलमागᭅ मंᮢी

(a) whether  Port  privatization  has  resulted  in  tariff  increases  for  exporters  and importers, if so, the details thereof; and (b)

- whether environmental clearances for major Port projects have bypassed due process, if so, the details of the projects for which clearances have been given in the last five years?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Private  participation  in  port  development  has  been  encouraged  primarily  to improve efficiency, expand infrastructure capacity, and enhance service quality. Tariffs at  port  terminals  are  determined  through  transparent  and  competitive  mechanisms and may vary depending on market conditions and contractual provisions. Generally, improved efficiency and competition have helped stabilise or reduce the cost of port services.
- (b) No.
- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3663 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: National Institute of Homoeopathy in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Dr. D Ravi Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.-3663

ANSWERED ON 13/03/2026

## National Institute of Homoeopathy in Tamil Nadu

## 3663. Dr. D Ravi Kumar:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  Tamil  Nadu  has  over  10  Government  and  private Homoeopathy Medical Colleges and more than 25,000 registered Homoeopathy practitioners and has no National Institute of Homoeopathy and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  assessed  the  growing  demand  for  postgraduate  education, advanced research and tertiary care in Homoeopathy in the State in view of increased utilisation of AYUSH services during 2023 -24 and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any proposal has been received from the Government of Tamil Nadu for establishing a National Institute of Homoeopathy and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to establish a National Institute of Homoeopathy in Tamil Nadu and if so, the likely timeframe for the same?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

- (a) Tamil Nadu State has 14 Homoeopathy Colleges including one Government Homoeopathy College and 9705 registered Homoeopathy practitioners. As of now, there is no National Institute of Homoeopathy in the state of Tamil Nadu.
- (b)  Ministry of Ayush, through the National Commission for Homoeopathy, a statutory body, regulates  and  promotes  postgraduate  education  in  Homoeopathy  by  prescribing  standards  and granting recognition to institutions offering postgraduate courses. Further, research activities in Homoeopathy are promoted through the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy through its peripheral units across the country including Tamil Nadu.
- (c) & (d) No such proposal has been received or proposed either from the Government of Tamil Nadu or from Central Government for establishing a National Institute of Homoeopathy in Tamil Nadu.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3659 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Impact of Noise Pollution on health
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. C M Ramesh

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3659 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.2026

## IMPACT OFNOISE POLLUTION ON HEALTH

## 3659. DR. C M RAMESH:

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

- (a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of latest studies by World Health Organization (WHO) and other institutions indicating that chronic exposure to environmental noise poses as a major public health risk in India, if so, details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has launched any awareness campaign to educate the public about the adverse effects of noise pollution, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to reduce noise limits below 55 decibel and 40 decibel during day and night respectively, as recommended by WHO; and
- (d) whether the Government has conducted any study on health impact of traffic honking and loudspeaker's noise and whether it intends to further strengthen noise limits under Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control), 2000, if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) & (b): The Government is aware of studies indicating that prolonged exposure to environmental noise may have adverse health impacts such as sleep disturbance, annoyance, cardiovascular effects, and reduced cognitive performance. These concerns are taken into account while implementing regulatory and mitigation measures for control of noise pollution in the country under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is conducting regular awareness programme through Social Media to educate the public about noise pollution.
- (c): Ambient noise standards in India are prescribed under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. As per Rule 3(3) of these Rules, State Governments are responsible for taking measures for abatement of noise including noise emanating from vehicular movements, blowing of horns, bursting of sound-emitting firecrackers, use of loudspeakers or public address systems and other sound-producing instruments, to ensure that the ambient noise levels do not exceed the prescribed standards.
- (d): No Specific study has been carried out on health impact of traffic honking and loudspeaker ' s noise.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3657 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Rajesh Naranbhai Chudasama

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3657 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.2026

## Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan

3657. Shri Rajesh Naranbhai Chudasama:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate plans to bridge the gap between traditional Ayurveda and modern systems of medicine using the findings from the initiative of "Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan", if so, the details thereof;

- (b) whether there is any plan to integrate this Abhiyan with mainstream healthcare services such as Ayushman Bharat or other public health programmes;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d)  whether  the  Government  has  any  roadmap  for  the  second  phase  of  "Desh  Ka  Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan" and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) The initiative 'Desh ka Prakiti Parikshan Abhiyan' campaign was launched by Ministry of Ayush on 9th Ayurveda Day (29th October, 2024) with the aim of generating awareness among  people  about  the  concept  of  'Prakriti'  desc ribed  in  Ayurveda  and  assessing  their Prakriti  for  a  positive  approach  towards  their  health.  The  assessment  was  done  through  a dedicated mobile application with the assistance of dedicated volunteers including Students, Teachers,  Ayurveda  Practitioners,  and  Ayurveda  Medical  Officers.  The  mobile  app  was based upon the logic provided by Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) a unit of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as per Ayurveda Principles. Under this campaign, a total of 1,40,69,556 Indian citizens aged 18 years and above have undergone Prakriti assessment, with the support of 1,85,704 volunteers participating in the campaign so far.

(b)  to  (d)  Ministry  of  Ayush  is  implementing  the  operationalization  Ayushman  Arogya Mandir  (Ayush)  as  a  component  of  the  Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme  of  National  Ayush Mission  (NAM)  through  State/UT  Governments  with  an  objective  to  establish  a  holistic wellness model based on Ayush principles and practices including Prakriti Parikshan of an individual.  As  per  the  reports  received  from  States/UTs,  12500  Ayushman  Arogya  Mandir (Ayush) are functional across the country.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3649 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat for Tribal Population
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Amarsing Tisso

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3649 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 TH MARCH, 2026

## BENEFICIARIES UNDER AYUSHMAN BHARAT FOR TRIBALPOPULATION

## 3649. SHRIAMARSINGTISSO:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the number of beneficiaries covered under Ayushman Bharat in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts in Assam;

- (b) the number of empanelled hospitals in these districts; and
- (c) the measures taken to ensure access to cashless treatment for remote tribal populations?

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

(a): Under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), a total of 1.20 lakh families are covered in Karbi Anglong district and 0.33 lakh families are covered in Dima Hasao district of Assam.

(b): As on 28.02.2026, a total of 8 hospitals, including 5 public and 3 private hospitals, are empanelled in Karbi Anglong and 2 hospitals, including 1 public and 1 private, are empanelled in Dima Hasao district of Assam.

- (c): AB-PMJAY has a comprehensive media and outreach strategy to spread awareness and empower beneficiaries for their rights and entitlements. This includes advertisement over various media platforms including newspapers, community radio, street plays, digital displays, radio campaigns, mass messaging and telecast of beneficiary testimonials etc. Additionally, the State Health Agencies have also engaged a wide network of frontline workers like Accredited Social Health Activists, Anganwadi Workers, who play pivotal roles in creating mass awareness, especially in the rural areas.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3646 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Passport Office in Sirmaur District of Himachal Pradesh
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3646 ANSWERED ON- 13/03/2026

## PASSPORT OFFICE IN SIRMAUR DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

## †3646.  SHRI SURESH KUMAR KASHYAP

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

(a) whether the general public especially of Nahan town under Sirmaur district   of   Shimla   Parliamentary   constituency   have   to   go   Shimla   at present for passport related services, which is an extremely difficult, time-consuming   and   expensive   affair   due   to   the   difficult   and   hilly geographical conditions, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the need for a passport office or passport service centre in Nahan town is being felt for a long time in view of the geographical location,   population   and   increasing   demand   for   passport   services   in Sirmaur district, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is considering setting up a passport office or passport service centre in Nahan town of Sirmaur district; and

(d)  if  so, the details thereof along with the likely timeline fixed for the said purpose?

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

## (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a to d) In 2017, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in association with Department of Posts (DoP) had announced opening of Passport Seva Kendras at the Head Post Offices/Post Offices called Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in each Lok Sabha Constituency (LSC) where there is no Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or POPSK.   Under this initiative, a PSK is already functional at Shimla in the Shimla LSC and Nahan town falls under Shimla LSC.

Moreover, in June 2018, Ministry had launched the 'Apply anywhere in India' scheme under which a passport can be applied at any PSK/POPSK in India. Hence, passport applicants from the Nahan town can also apply in PSK Dehradun, under Regional Passport Office, Dehradun, which is approximately 90 Kms. from Nahan. Also, MEA has been regularly deploying Mobile Passport Van under respective RPOs, including RPO, Shimla, for on-site passport processing in rural/remote/hilly and under-served areas.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3641 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Infrastructure Gap in  AYUSH Hospitals
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Benny Behanan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3641 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.2026

## Infrastructure Gap in AYUSH Hospitals

3641. Shri Benny Behanan:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has conducted any assessment of infrastructure gaps in Government Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Siddha hospitals in Kerala, stream-wise;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether  any  financial  assistance  has  been  provided  to  such  hospitals  under  the  centrally sponsored schemes; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a)  to  (d)  Public  Health  being  a  State  Subject,  the  primary  responsibility  for  conducting  any assessment of infrastructure gaps in Government Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Siddha Hospitals in Kerala comes under the purview of respective State Government. However, Ministry of Ayush is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Ayush Mission (NAM) since 2014-15 through  State/UT  Governments  including  Kerala  and  supporting  their  efforts  for  various activities including infrastructure upgradation of existing  standalone  Government  Ayush Hospitals of different system as per provision of NAM guidelines. Under NAM, as reported by State Government of Kerala they have availed an amount of Rs.89.69 crores for upgradation of 130 existing Ayush Hospitals.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3623 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Modernisation of Cantonment Administration
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Shri Anurag Singh Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3623

TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 th  March, 2026

## MODERNISATION OF CANTONMENT ADMINISTRATION

## 3623.   SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR :

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Kasauli Cantonment Board has temporarily halted auctions of shops, sheds and kiosks in Market Bazaar pending finalisation of revised policy guidelines;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  thereof along with the number of units affected and the revenue realised prior to the pause;
- (c) whether the proposed Cantonment Board Rules, 2026 are under consideration of the  Government,  if  so,  the  details  thereof  including  the  expected  timeline  for  its approval;
- (d) whether representations from traders and public representatives have been received and suitably examined and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the interim measures taken by the Government to safeguard livelihoods and ensure smooth  implementation  of  the  revised  auction  framework  across  cantonment markets in the country?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI SANJAY SETH)

(a) &  (b)  Yes.  Out  of  a  total  of  68  stalls/shops/sheds,  e-auction  of  63  units  was initiated  by  Cantonment  Board  Kasauli.  The  revenue  accrued  from  these  63  units  is Rs.1.18 Crore per annum (approx).

(c) Yes. The draft rules propose reservation in allotment of Cantonment Board shops in favour of ex-servicemen and other eligible categories. Objections / suggestions shall be invited from the interested persons prior to the framing of rules.

(d) The representations received from stall-holders and also from SDM, Kasauli and DC,  Solan have been examined  by Cantonment  Board  Kasauli. Further, the shopkeepers  were  given  personal  hearing  by  the  Cantonment  Board  during  the meeting held on 20.02.2026.

(e) DGDE has directed the Cantonment Boards to keep the ongoing / proposed auction proceedings in abeyance till the notification of the rules since the proposed provisions will  directly  impact  the  policy  framework  relating  to  reservation  and  allotment  of shops  by  the  Boards.  The  Cantonment  Board  Kasauli  has  resolved  to  extend  the occupancy rights of the existing lessees by private treaty for a further period of one year subject to prior sanction of GoC-in-C under section 267 of the Cantonments Act, 2006 or till finalization of the proposed rules, whichever is earlier.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3615 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Transfer of Judges
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Matheswaran V S

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3615 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 13 TH  MARCH, 2026

## TRANSFER OF JUDGES

## 3615. SHRI MATHESWARAN V S:

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

- (a) the exact clause/provision under the Memorandum of Procedure (MOP) for appointment and transfer of High Court Judges that permits the Government to seek recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium regarding the transfer of High Court Judges; and
- (b) the reasons behind the Government seeking reconsideration of transfer Mr. Justice  Atul  Sreedharan,  Judge  of  the  High  Court  of  Madhya  Pradesh  to  the High Court of Chhattisgarh?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

- (a) and (b): Article 222 of the Constitution provides for the transfer of a Judge (including Chief Justice) from one High Court to any other High Court. As per the  Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for appointment and transfer of High Court Judges, the proposal for transfer of High Court Judges is initiated by the Chief Justice of India in consultation with four senior most puisne Judges of the Supreme Court. The MoP further provides that the Chief Justice of India is also expected to take into account the views of the Chief Justice of High Court

from which the judge is to be transferred, as also the Chief Justice of the High Court to which the transfer is to be effected, besides taking into account the views of one or more Supreme Court judges who are in position to offer views. The  personal  factors  relating  to  the  concerned  Judge,  including  the  Chief Justice,  and  his  response  to  the  proposal,  including  his  preference  of  places, should invariably be taken into account by the Chief Justice of India and the first four puisne Judges of the Supreme Court before arriving at conclusion on the proposal. All transfers are to be made in public interest i.e. for promoting better administration of justice throughout the country.

***