opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1358 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Shortage of Doctors and Lack of Diagnostic Facilities
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri E Tukaram

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1358 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## SHORTAGE OFDOCTORS AND LACK OFDIAGNOSTIC FACILITIES 1358. SHRI E TUKARAM:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that despite increased Central funding under health schemes such as National Health Mission (NHM) and Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), districts like Ballari in Karnataka are still facing shortage of doctors, lack of diagnostic facilities and nonfunctional public health infrastructure;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has reviewed the implementation challenges at the Central level that have affected timely delivery of health facilities in the country, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps proposed by the Government in the Union Budget to ensure timely fund flow, stronger monitoring and time-bound functioning of health facilities in high-need districts like Ballari?

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

(a) to (d): Public health being a State subject, the primary responsibility for ensuring the availability of adequate doctors and healthcare professionals rests with the State/UT Governments. Nevertheless, under the National Health Mission (NHM), financial and technical support is extended to States/UTs to strengthen their healthcare systems, including assistance for engaging doctors on a contractual basis, as per the requirements projected by the States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs). States are also encouraged to adopt flexible norms for engaging specialist doctors in public health facilities. In addition, financial support is provided for performance-based incentives, hard area allowances for rural and remote locations, and sponsoring training programmes for engaged human resources to help address shortages in public health facilities.

The details of doctors & health facilities functioning in rural and urban areas across all States/UTs, can be accessed at the following link of Health Dynamics of India (HDI) 2022-23: https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Health%20Dynamics%20of%20India%20%28Infrastruct ure%20%26%20Human%20Resources%29%202022-23\_RE%20%281%29.pdf

Under NHM, funds are allocated to States based on the State Programme Implementation Plans (SPIPs) submitted by the States duly appraised by National Programme Coordination Committee (NPCC). The details are available over public domain at:

https://nhm.gov.in/index4.php?lang=1&level=0&linkid=57&lid=70

As per the guidelines issued by the Department of Expenditure (DoE) dated 13.07.2023, the Ministry of Finance has introduced the New Fund Flow Mechanism i.e. SNA SPARSH which is just-in-time release of funds for all Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1356 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Increase in Operational Share of Private Sector in Ports
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sukhdeo Bhagat

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1356 ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## INCREASE IN OPERATIONAL SHARE OF PRIVATE SECTOR IN PORTS

1356. SHRI SUKHDEO BHAGAT:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

(a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  the  fact  that  private  ports,  especially those  operated  by  Adani  Ports  &  SEZ  Ltd.,  have  increased  their  share  in  total cargo handling from about 9% to nearly 24% in the last decade while the share of Central  Government-controlled  major  ports  has  declined,  raising  concerns  about market concentration and weakened competition in the ports sector; and

- (b)  if  so,  the  steps  that  are  being  taken  to  ensure  fair  competition  and  prevent excessive dominance by a single corporate group?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (b): The cargo handled by Major Ports has increased from 581.34 million metric  tonnes  (MMT) in  Financial  Year  (FY)  2014-15  to  854.86  MMT  in  FY  202425.During the same period, the cargo handled by Other Than Major Ports (OTMPs) increased from 470.89 MMT to 742.41 MMT. Therefore, during the FY 2024-25, the Major Ports account for 53.52% of the total cargo handled in the country, and thus remain a dominant player in the sector.

The policy reforms in the Ports, Shipping and Waterways sector have focused on  the  creation  of  a  level  playing  field  through  open  competition  and  transparent auction methodology which allows all market players to freely compete for terminals, berths,  facilities  etc.  under  the  domain  of  Central  Government  and  the  Major  Port Authorities Act, 2021. Specifically, Model Concessionaire Agreement, 2021 provides equal opportunities to all stakeholders through transparent bidding process. Furthermore,  100%  foreign  direct  investment  (FDI)  in  the  sector  has  opened  the opportunities  for  investments  by  national  and  international  market  players.  The Government is taking a collaborative approach to promote Public Private Partnership (PPP)  model  in  order  to  enhance  efficiency  and  productivity  across  the  maritime landscape.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1355 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Setting up of Trauma Centres on National Highways
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1355 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 th FEBRUARY, 2026

## SETTING UPOFTRAUMACENTRES ON NATIONALHIGHWAYS

## †1355. SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has set up trauma centres on National Highways to provide immediate medical assistance to road accident victims: (b) if so, the details thereof along with the eligibility criteria set for setting up of trauma centres on National Highways; and (c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure the proper functioning of these trauma centres?

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

(a) to (c): During 11th Five Year Plan (2007-2012) and 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017) under the 'National Programme for Prevention & Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries' (NPPMT&BI), 196 Trauma Care Facilities (TCFs) were sanctioned in Government Hospitals/ Medical Colleges across the country. Many of them are located close to National Highways. Proposals received from States for setting of TCF were examined and selection was done through the committee. Health is a State subject. Functioning of TCFs are maintained by respective States. Central Government provides fund as per the allocation under the NPPMT&BI and demand of the State.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1348 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Dredging Work in the Ganga River
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Ajay Kumar Mandal

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1348

ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## DREDGING WORK IN THE GANGA RIVER

1348. SHRI AJAY KUMAR MANDAL:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) the objectives of undertaking dredging work in the Ganga River within the Bhagalpur Parlimentary Constituency of Bihar; (b)  whether  dredging  activities  have  been  initiated  or  proposed  in  this  stretch  of  the Ganga, if so, the details thereof; and (c) the expected outcomes of the dredging work, particularly with respect to navigation,
- erosion control, flood management and local economic development in Bhagalpur?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) The objective of dredging work is to maintain navigable depth of 3 meters in the navigation channel of 45 meters width for smooth movement of Cargo vessels  in River Ganga, which has been declared as National Waterway -1  (Ganga - BhagirathiHooghly  River  System).    Out  of  the  declared  stretch  of  1620  Kms,  approximately  56 Kms from Kahalgaon to Sultanganj comes under Bhagalpur District. Inland Waterways Authority  of  India  (IWAI),  an  autonomous  organization  under  the  Ministry  of  Ports, Shipping & Waterways has been deploying its departmental dredger in this stretch for undertaking dredging, wherever Least Available Depth (LAD) is less than 3 meters.

- (c)  Dredging work is undertaken on need basis to ensure smooth navigation enabling movement  of  vessels.  Inland  Water  Transport  is  environment-friendly,  economic  and fuel-efficient in comparison to Rail and Road leading to overall economic benefit of the country.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1344 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Status of Utilization of Funds under National Rare Disease Policy, 2021
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Omprakash Bhupalsinh Alias Pavan Rajenimbalkar

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1344 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 th FEBRUARY 2026

## STATUS OF UTILIZATION OF FUNDS UNDER NATIONAL RARE DISEASE POLICY, 2021

## †1344. SHRI OMPRAKASH BHUPALSINH ALIAS PAVAN RAJENIMBALKAR:

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

- (a) the details of the fund amount spent from the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26, especially up to December 2025, under the National Rare Diseases Policy, 2021, year-wise;
- (b) whether the Government is aware that the pace of utilisation of funds allocated is low despite an increase in the number of rare disease patients registered in the country and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) the number of centres of excellence that have not submitted utilisation certificates for the funds released earlier so far, which has led to a delay in release of further instalments, institution-wise; and
- (d) whether the Government has identified cases where the treatment of patients has been delayed or postponed due to the non-availability of funds in a timely manner and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (d) Health being a State subject, the primary responsibility of providing healthcare services is that of the State Governments. However, to mitigate the challenges posed by rare diseases in India, the Government has framed the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021. Under the policy, Financial support up to Rs. 50 lakhs per patient is provided under NPRD, 2021 for treatment of patients suffering from rare diseases including Group 3 diseases indentified under NPRD. The number of Centre of Excellences under the policy has been increased from 8 to 15 since its inception. The amount of approximately Rs. 26400 Lakhs has been allocated to Centres of Excellences (CoEs) from financial year 2021-22 to till March, 2025 and approximately Rs. 6184 Lakhs is budgeted for Financial Year 2025-26. The patient of rare diseases are treated through the designated Centres of Excellence (CoEs) based on the recommendations of the dedicated Rare Disease Committee of the concerned Center of Excellence (CoE) within the extant guidelines. Advance funds are released to the CoEs as soon as a demand for money is raised by them in accordance with the extant General Financial Rules (GFR). Till date, Utilization Certificates of 11 CoEs are still awaited as per GFR rules. The Ministry reviews the funds utilization and other matters of rare diseases with CoEs periodically.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1343 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Giridhari Yadav, Shri Dinesh Chandra Yadav, Shri Ramprit Mandal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 1343

## ANSWERED ON - 06/02/2026

## BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND BANGLADESH

## †1343 :      SHRI GIRIDHARI YADAV

## SHRI DINESH CHANDRA YADAV

## SHRI RAMPRIT MANDAL

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

(a)   whether   the   bilateral   relations   between   India   and   Bangladesh   are currently going through a sensitive phase, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether Pakistan is attempting to take advantage of  this situation, which could be detrimental to the country, if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has held any discussions with the interim Government   of   Bangladesh   regarding   the   reported   public   killings   of minority citizens, particularly Hindus, in that country; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to d) India and Bangladesh, as neighbouring countries, share deep historical,   geographical,   cultural,   linguistic   and   social   linkages.   Our bilateral   relations   are   focused   towards   people-centric   development. Several exchanges and meetings under institutional bilateral mechanisms have continued to take place between both the countries. India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh has been conveyed to the interim Government in all relevant engagements. India's relationship with Bangladesh is independent of its relationship with third countries. The Government continues to monitor developments having a bearing on India's national interests and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them.

India has consistently raised the matter of  safety and security of minorities with the authorities in Bangladesh on all relevant occasions, including at the highest level. The issue was raised by the Prime Minister during his meeting with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on 04 April 2025

and   by   the   External   Affairs   Minister   during   his   meeting   with   Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain on 16 February 2025. The Government continues to monitor reports concerning the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. It is the primary responsibility of the Government of Bangladesh to safeguard the life, liberty and welfare of all citizens of Bangladesh, including religious and ethnic minorities. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1342 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: AYUSH POPDs in West Bengal
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Jyotirmay Singh Mahato

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1342 ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## AYUSH POPDs in West Bengal

1342. Shri Jyotirmay Singh Mahato:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  current  status  of  the  Paediatric  Outpatient  Department  (POPD)  proposed  by  the Government  in  Purulia  district  of  West  Bengal  including  the  details  of  approvals,  land availability;
- (b) whether any delay has occurred due to pending actions by the State Government of West Bengal and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the total number of AYUSH POPDs currently operational in West Bengal, district-wise, along with information on their staffing and service delivery capacity;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to increase the number of POPDs in tribal-dominated districts of Junglemahal such as Purulia, Jhargram, Bankura, Medinipur etc. considering the high child population and limited paediatric healthcare access and if so, the details thereof; (e) whether the State Government has submitted proposals for establishing additional POPDs in West Bengal and if delays or non-submission of proposal have affected expansion and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f)  the  funds  allocated  and  utilized  for  POPD  development  in  West  Bengal  including  the current status of utilization with respect to the proposed Purulia POPD?

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

(a)  to  (f)  State  Government  of  West  Bengal  reported  that  presently  no  such  Paediatric Outpatient  Department  (POPD)  was  proposed  under  National  Ayush  Mission  and  no  such Ayush POPD is available under State Government.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1338 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Modernization of Healthcare Centres under PM-ABHIM
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Haribhai Patel

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1338 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## MODERNIZATION OF HEALTHCARE CENTRES UNDER PM-ABHIM

## 1338. SHRI RAJU BISTA:

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

- (a) whether the Government has any data regarding the total number of new healthcare centres and hospitals established during the last five years under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to further modernize and strengthen the healthcare centres and hospitals established under the PM-ABHIM, including equipping them with advanced medical equipments, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the details of the specific healthcare services and medical specialities that have been accorded priority under the PM-ABHIM?

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

(a) to (c): Pradhan Mantri- Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with some Central Sector Components (CS) which has an outlay of Rs. 64,180 Crores for the scheme period (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26).

The scheme envisages a new generation of reforms to integrate and strengthen health service delivery and public health action including health research so that the communities are Atmanirbhar in managing such pandemics or health crisis. The measures under the scheme are aimed at strengthening health systems and institutions in order to provide a continuum of care at all levels, namely primary, secondary, and tertiary, as well as preparing health systems to respond effectively to current and future pandemics and disasters.

Under CSS component of the scheme, administrative approvals have been accorded to the States/UTs under PM-ABHIM for 5 years period i.e. FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26 for an amount of Rs.32,928.82 Crores for construction/ strengthening and establishment of 9519 Building-less SHC-AAMs, 5456 Urban-AAMs, 2151 BPHUs, 744 IPHLs and 622 CCBs at District Hospitals/ Govt. Medical College level.

Further, the specific details regarding the strengthening of centres, healthcare services, and specialties under the CSS component of PM-ABHIM is available in the Operational Guidelines of PM-ABHIM available at the URL given below.

https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Operational%20Guideline%20%28CSS%20Compone nt%29\_PM-ABHIM.pdf

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1334 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Medical Institute in North West Delhi
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Yogender Chandolia

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1334 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 th FEBRUARY, 2026

## MEDICALINSTITUTE IN NORTH WEST DELHI

## 1334. SHRI YOGENDER CHANDOLIA:

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

- (a) whether the Government has received a proposal from the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University for the development of a premier medical institute with a 1400 bed hospital on a 46 acre land at Village Shahabad Daulatpur, Rohini, in the North West Delhi Parliamentary Constituency;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the current status of the proposal;

(c) whether the said proposal has been approved by the Government, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the details of the timeline for released funds and commencement of the project, considering the urgent need for quality healthcare infrastructure in North West Delhi?

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

(a) to (d): No proposal has been received from the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University for the development of a premier medical institute with a 1400 bed hospital on a 46 acre land at Village Shahabad Daulatpur, Rohini, in the North West Delhi Parliamentary Constituency.

However, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India received a proposal from Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University to revisit the Union Cabinet decision dated 25.08.2005 regarding handing over the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) to Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi vide Order dated 18.03.2025 has taken over the UCMS. Therefore, University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) now functions under administrative control of Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi for all purposes.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1330 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Vacancies in the Ministry
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Bapi Haldar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1330

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## VACANCIES IN THE MINISTRY

## 1330. SHRI BAPI HALDAR:

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

- (a) the number of sanctioned positions, employees in position and vacancies in the Ministry of Women and Child Development, as of 31 January 2026;
- (b) whether any positions have been laying vacant for more than two to five years, if so, the details thereof, category-wise; and
- (c) the  number of sanctioned positions/vacancies in  National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Central Adoption Resource Authority/National Commission for Women, as of 31 January 2026?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI ANNPURNA DEVI)

- (a) and (b):     The details of sanctioned posts, employees in-position and vacancies in the Ministry of Women and Child Development (Main Secretariat), as of 31 January 2026, are as under:

|   Sanctioned |   In-position |   Vacant |
|--------------|---------------|----------|
|          265 |           208 |       57 |

Further, 14 posts of MTS in the Ministry (Main Secretariat) are lying vacant for two to five years.

- (c):       The number of sanctioned positions/vacancies in National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Central Adoption Resource Authority and National Commission for Women, as of 31 January 2026, are as under:

| Organization                                               |   SanctionedVacancy |    | Remarks                             |
|------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|----|-------------------------------------|
| National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) |                  36 | 34 | Including 27 posts deemed abolished |
| Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)                 |                  37 | 13 | -                                   |
| National Commission for Women (NCW)                        |                  64 | 34 | Including 1 post deemed abolished   |

*****