opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1232 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: New Features of Tele-MANAS
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Smt. Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1232 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH FEBRUARY, 2026

## NEWFEATURES OFTELE-MANAS

## 1232. SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has launched new initiatives and enhanced features under the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele-MANAS);
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has assessed the impact of Tele-MANAS in terms of reach and user engagement in the country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof

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

(a) and (b) The Government of India has launched a 'National Tele Mental Health Programme' on 10th October, 2022, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country. As on 02.02.2026, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells. Tele-MANAS services are available in 20 languages based on language opted by States. More than 32.84 lakh calls have been handled on the helpline number since inception.

The Government has also launched Tele MANAS Mobile Application on the occasion of World Mental Health Day - October 10, 2024. Tele-MANAS Mobile Application is a comprehensive mobile platform that has been developed to provide support for mental health issues ranging from well-being to mental disorders.

Tele-MANAS Mobile Application has been expanded to include 10 additional regional languages - Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, and Punjabi - along with the previously available languages, English and Hindi.

Tele-MANAS Mobile Application also assists visually challenged persons by making its mental health services accessible through a specially designed, user-friendly digital interface and a tollfree phone line that does not require screen use.

The Government has also launched the video consultation facility under Tele-MANAS, as another upgrade to the already existing audio calling facility.

The Government has established a dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune to extend tele-mental health assistance and support to all Armed Forces service personnel and their dependents, further enhancing the mental health care services available to them.

(c) and (d) The World Health Organisation India has assessed the impact of the Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) in terms of its reach and user engagement across the country. A Rapid Assessment Report on Tele MANAS (2024) has been published by WHO, which provides an overview of programme performance, reach, utilisation patterns and user experience. The report is available on the website of the Ministry (https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Rapid%20Assessment%20report%20on%20TeleMANA S.pdf ).

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1229 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Waterways in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sasikanth Senthil

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1229

ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## WATERWAYS IN TAMIL NADU

## 1229.  SHRI SASIKANTH SENTHIL;

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

- (a) whether the Government has identified rivers and canals in Tamil  Nadu,  including  the  Buckingham  Canal  and  rivers  Bhavani,  KaveriKollidam, Pazhyar and Ponniyar, for development as National Waterways, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  any  funds  have  been  sanctioned  for  surveys  and  Detailed  Project Reports (DPRs) for the said waterways, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  there  is  any  proposal  to  establish  jetties  or  cargo  and  passenger facilities along the said waterways, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to accord final approval and operationalise the said waterways within a stipulated timeframe, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) The  declared  rivers  and  canals  as  National  Waterways  (NWs)  under  the National Waterways Act, 2016identified for development in Tamil Naduare as under:
- i. Buckingham Canal (constituent of NW-4);
- ii. River Bhavani (NW-20);
- iii. River Kaveri- Kollidam (NW-55);
- iv. River Pazhyar (NW-77); and
- v. River Ponniyar (NW-80):
- (b) Feasibility  Study Reports (FSR) for the  above mentioned rivers/canals have already  been  completed  by  Inland  Waterways  Authority  of  India  (IWAI),  an autonomous  body  under  the  Ministry  of  Ports,  Shipping  &  Waterways. Besides, IWAI has sanctioned Rs.5.23 Crore for updation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for NW-4, which also includes Buckingham Canal.
- (c)&(d)  Yes. IWAI has prepared an action plan and shared with Government of Tamil Nadu for their comments/recommendations.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1227 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Status and Safeguards of Border Trade
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Ms Kangna Ranaut

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1227

## ANSWERED ON-06/02/2026

## STATUS AND SAFEGUARDS OF BORDER TRADE

1227. MS. KANGNA RANAUT

Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-

(a)   the   current   status   of   trade   facilitation   arrangements   after discussions to resume border trade between India and China at Lipulekh, Shipki La and Nathu La;

(b) the safeguards proposed to ensure economic engagement along with national security considerations; and

(c) the proposed benefits for the local communities in Himachal Pradesh following resumption of border trade between India and China?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to c) India's existing bilateral arrangements with China designate three points for conducting border trade between the two countries:

Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand (since 1992), Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh (since 1995), and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim (since 2006).

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, trade through all these points was disrupted. During the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in August   2025,   both   sides   agreed   to   the   re-opening   of   border   trade through the three designated trading points, including Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh.

Government remains fully committed to the development of its border regions and makes all efforts to secure and promote them. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1225 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Upgradation of Health Centres in Tribal Areas
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †1225 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## UPGRADATION OF HEALTH CENTRES IN TRIBALAREAS

## †1225. SHRI JASWANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR:

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

- (a) the number of health centres upgraded in the tribal dominated blocks of the Dahod Lok Sabha Constituency during the last three years;
- (b) the number of Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards issued in Dahod from October 2024 till date and the rural-urban-wise breakup of the beneficiaries; and
- (c) the details of the rate of increase reported in the participation of private hospitals under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in the aspirational district of Dahod?

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

- (a) The number of health centres upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in the tribal dominated blocks of the Dahod Lok Sabha Constituency during the last three years is as under:
- (b) As per information provided by the State of Gujarat, total 11,222 Ayushman Vay Vandana (VVS) Cards issued in Dahod from October 2024 to 02/02/2026. In rural areas 8,627 VVS cards and in urban areas 2,595 VVS Cards are issued.
- (c) As per information provided by the State of Gujarat, in Dahod District, total 8 private hospitals have been empaneled under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana as on 03.02.2026. However, 5 hospitals were empaneled in year 2018, 1 Hospital in Year 2019, 1 Hospital in Year 2021 and 1 hospital in Year 2023.

|   Sl. No. | Year                   |   No. of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) Operational |
|-----------|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
|         1 | As on 31 st March 2023 |                                                 517 |
|         2 | As on 31 st March 2024 |                                                 527 |
|         3 | As on 31 st March 2025 |                                                 529 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1222 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Development of Bapu Ghat
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1222

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH  FEBRUARY, 2026

## DEVELOPMENT OF BAPU GHAT

1222. SHRI EATALA RAJENDER:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government of Telangana has proposed to develop Bapu Ghat as 'Gandhi Sarovar' as part of Musi River Rejuvenation in the State and proposed the transfer of Ac. 98.20 gts. of land to the State Government and submitted Detailed Project Reports in this regard; and

- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Union Government thereon till date?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE

IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a) to (b) Musi River Front Development Corporation (MRDC), Government of Telangana had initially applied on the NOC portal of MoD for transfer of 222.27 acres of defence land at Artillery Centre Golconda for Gandhi Sarovar Project. Subsequently, MRDC revised their land requirement to 98 Acres 20 Guntas for the same project. The revised proposal is presently under consideration of MoD in consultation with stakeholders.

*****

(SHRI SANJAY SETH)
Lok Sabha Question No. 1216 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Special Juvenile Police Units
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Anto Antony

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:1216

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## SPECIAL JUVENILE POLICE UNITS

## 1216.   SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

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

- a. whether any statutory body, committee/commission has recommended the formation of Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPUs) in every district in the country, if so, the details thereof;
- b. whether SJPUs have been constituted in all States/UTs, if so, the number of SJPUs formed till date, State/UT-wise; and
- c. whether there are any districts where SJPUs have not yet been constituted, if so, the details of such districts, State/UT-wise

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (c):    The  Ministry  of  Women  and  Child Development  is  the  nodal  Ministry  for  the administration of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act, 2015) which is the primary law for care and protection of children in the country. The Act provides a security net of service delivery structures including measures for institutional and non-institutional care to ensure comprehensive well-being of children in distress situations. The  implementation  of  this  Act  lies  with  the  State  Governments  and  Union  Territory administrations.

Under Section 107 of The Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, States/UTs are mandated to constitute Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) in each district and city which should be headed by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police and to designate one Officer, not below the rank of Assistant Sub Inspector, as a child Welfare Police Officer in every Police Station.

Further, Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued advisory to all State Governments and UT Administration to set up Special Juvenile Protection Unit in each District and City. The data of Special Juvenile Protection Units (SJPUs) set up in districts is not maintained Centrally.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1213 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: National Policy for Rare Diseases
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Byreddy Shabari

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1213 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 th FEBRUARY 2026

## NATIONAL POLICY FOR RARE DISEASES

## 1213. DR. BYREDDY SHABARI:

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

- (a) the number of patients registered under Group 3(a) of the National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021, disease-wise and State/UT-wise;
- (b) the number of such patients who have received financial assistance under the said policy in the country along with the amount disbursed to each patient;
- (c) the number of patients who have completed treatment, those who have exhausted the 50 lakh financial assistance cap and require continued or lifelong therapy and those who have died during treatment or while awaiting financial support, under the said policy;
- (d) whether the Government has reviewed the adequacy of the Rs. 50 lakh cap in light of recent directions of the Hon'ble Delhi High Court regarding the creation of a National Rare Diseases Fund with flexible financial ceilings and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the current status and expected timelines for establishing and operationalising the proposed National Rare Diseases Fund, along with the reasons for any delay, if any, in its establishment and operationalisation?

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

- (a) to (c) 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. Till date, More than 2800 Group 3 rare diseases patients have been registered under the NPRD. 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).
- (d) & (e) Vide Order dated 04.10.2024, the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi issued various directions to the Government regarding adequacy of the Rs. 50 lakhs cap and National Rare Disease Fund. However, the same has been stayed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court vide its Order dated 09.12.2024. Therefore, the matter is sub judice in the Apex Court.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1210 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Discrepancies in Reimbursement of Claims in AB-PMJAY
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Shivaji Bandappa Kalge, Shri Bhumare Sandipanrao Asaram, Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1210 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH FEBRUARY, 2026

## DISCREPANCIES IN REIMBURSEMENT OF CLAIMS IN AB-PMJAY

## †1210. SHRI BHUMARE SANDIPANRAO ASARAM: DR. SHIVAJI BANDAPPAKALGE: SHRI NILESH DNYANDEV LANKE:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the delays and discrepancies in reimbursement of claims to the private hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in various States of the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and hospital-wise along with the total amount of pending claims of Government and private empanelled hospitals under AB-PMJAY of Ahilyanaga (Ahmednagar) district including Maharashtra;
- (c) whether the Government is aware of the fact that private hospitals are gradually withdrawing from AB-PMJAY due to pending payments;
- (d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to expedite settlement of pending payments; and
- (e) the details of the amount payable and already paid to the private hospitals in this regard?

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

(a) and (b): Under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), settlement of claims is a regular and uninterrupted process and claims are settled by respective State Health Agencies as per claim adjudication guidelines issued by National Health Authority. The turnaround time for settlement of claim to hospitals is within 15 days of claims submission for the intra-state hospitals (hospitals located within State) and within 30 days in case of portability claims (hospitals located outside State)

(c) to (e): Under AB-PMJAY, empanelment of private hospitals is entirely voluntary. As on 31.12.2025, more than 33,270 hospitals, including 15,733 private hospitals, are empanelled under the scheme. The progressive increase in the number of empanelled private hospitals is as indicated below:

| Financial Year             | Number of empanelled private hospitals   |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| 2020-21                    | 5,981                                    |
| 2021-22                    | 7,512                                    |
| 2022-23                    | 9,103                                    |
| 2023-24                    | 12,018                                   |
| 2024-25                    | 14,496                                   |
| 2025-26 (As on 31.12.2025) | 15,733                                   |

Further, regular review meetings are held to take stock of the progress with regard to the claims. Besides, capacity building activities are also organised for settlement of claims.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1208 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Beneficiaries under POSHAN Abhiyaan
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Murasoli S, Shri Robert Bruce C

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 1208

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## BENEFICIARIES UNDER POSHAN ABHIYAAN

## 1208.  SHRI MURASOLI S: SHRI ROBERT BRUCE C:

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

- (a) the details of the funds allocated under POSHAN Abhiyaan to the state of Tamil Nadu;
- (b) the number of beneficiaries in Thanjavur and Tirunelveli district of said State;
- (c) whether the Government has conducted any comprehensive study on the nutritional requirements in the country during the last five years; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reason therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a): Under Mission Poshan 2.0, in FY 2025-26, Rs. 3593.76 lakhs have been released to the State of Tamil Nadu as on date.

(b): The number of beneficiaries in Thanjavur and Tirunelveli district is available at Poshan Tracker dashboard: https://www.poshantracker.in/statistics.

(c) and (d) : In 2021, the World Bank conducted a survey on Poshan Abhiyaan in 11 priority States.  The  aim  of  this  survey  was  to  assess  the  program's  delivery  of  nutrition  services, whether the nutritional knowledge of beneficiaries had improved and if they had adopted more appropriate nutrition and feeding practices.

The  findings  demonstrated  that  the  services  delivered  through  the  Poshan  Abhiyaan -the receipt  of  relevant  messages,  home  visits  by  the  Anganwadi  Worker,  and  attendance  at community-based events -were associated with improved nutrition behaviors. The survey also found that the program's nutrition messages reached more than 80% of women, and that 81% of women practiced exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

Further, a third-party evaluation and impact assessment of Poshan Abhiyaan were conducted by NITI Aayog in 2020 and again in 2025 and they have found relevance of Poshan Abhiyaan to be satisfactory for tackling malnutrition in the country.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1206 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Increase in Medicinal Plants
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Dr. C M Ramesh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO -1206 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06/02/2026

' Increase in Medicinal Plants '

## 1206 Dr. C M Ramesh:

Will the Minister of Ayush be pleased to state:

- (a) the aims and objectives of the India-Vietnam Medicinal Plants Cooperation Agreement;
- (b) the extent to which the above agreement is beneficial for the country;

(c) whether the Desh ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan has helped in increasing medicinal plants in the country; and

(d) if so, thedetails thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a) and (b) The Memorandum of Understanding between the Traditional Medicine Administration, Ministry of Health of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of Ayush of the Republic of India on Cooperation in the field of Medicinal Plants on 31 July 2024. The objective of the agreement is to strengthen, promote and develop co-operation in the field of medicinal plants based on equality and mutual benefit. Under this agreement both the country to take necessary steps to encourage and promote co-operation in the following areas:

- a. Promotion of medicinal plants within the scope of this Memorandum of Understanding
- b. Transfer  of  technology  in  the  field  of  medicinal  plant  cultivation;  conservation; sustainable  collection,  processing,  extracting,  controlling  the  quality  of  medicinal plants, producing traditional medicine products, marketing and research on medicinal plants;
- c. Gene conservation of medicinal plants
- d. Macroscopic and microscopic identification of medicinal plants
- e. Exchange of Herbarium specimens
- f. Digital database development in the medicinal plants
- g. Exchange of information on medicinal plant usage;
- h. Exchanging research experts in the field of medicinal plants;
- i. Accommodating interested scientists, experts, students etc in institutions for research, educational and training programmes on medicinal plants at Academy and Training and Research Institutions;
- j. Exchanging and developing monographs of medicinal plants
- k. Any other area and/or forms of co-operation on medicinal plants to be mutually agreed upon by the Parties.

(c) and (d) As per the information provided by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), Desh ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan, a nationwide initiative aimed on Prakriti  of  individual  to  promote  personalized  preventive  and  holistic  healthcare  for  better health and well being. This Abhiyan does not have any correlation with the increase of medical plants in the country.

****