opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1050 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Overcrowding in Hospital
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. BHOLA SINGH

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 1050 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH APRIL, 2016

## OVERCROWDING IN HOSP ITAL

## 1050. DR. BHOLA SINGH:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of overcrowding of Government Hospitals particularly in PGI at Chandigarh;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to accommodate more patients inGovernment hospitals?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## (SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

(a) to (c) : Health is a State subject and no such information is maintained centrally. It responsibility  of  the  respective  State/UT Government/Administration  to  create  adequate infrastructure/manpower  to  avoid  overcrowding  of  the  hospitals.  The  Central  Governme supplements their efforts by way of providing assistance to the States/UTs creation/upgradation  of  health  care  infrastru cture  under  various  schemes  like  National  Health Mission, etc.

As far as the Hospitals/Institutes such as  AIIMS, New Delhi, PGIMER, Chandigarh an three Central Government Hospitals viz. Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. RML Hospital and LHMC an associated  Hospi tals  under  this  Ministry  are  concerned,  the  number  of  patients  visiting surgery and treatment in these Institutes/Hospitals is much larger as compared to their capacity in terms of number of beds, manpower and other resources. Despite availabi lity of huge infrastructure  and  other  services  in  these  Hospitals,  there  is  a  waiting  period  fo procedures due to the ever increasing pressure on infrastructure and available manpower i hospitals,  which  varies  from  Department  to  Department in  these  Hospitals.  However,  all  the patients registered in OPD are given adequate care and attention while providing them c treatment. Expansion of existing facilities and creation of new facility in a Hospital -going process and is underta ken as per the requirement and availability of resources. Projects augmentation of capacity have also been approved in the three Central Government hospi namely Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. RML Hospital and LHMC and associated Hospitals.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1048 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Certification in Naturopathy
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: BHEEMRAO BASWANTHRAO PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY

(AYUSH)

LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1048 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH APRIL, 2016

## CERTIFICATION IN NAT UROPATHY

## 1048. SHRI BHEEMRAO B. PATIL:

Will  the  Minister of AYURVEDA,  YOGA  AND  NATUROPATHY,  UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  the  procedure/system  of  affiliation  and  certification  in  naturopa country; and
- (b) the steps being taken to ensure routine and random checks, specifically designed to e malpractices in the field of AYUSH?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a): There is no Central legislation for education and practice of Naturopathy in the c However, Ministry of AYUSH had asked State Governments in 2006 to enact comprehensive legislation  for  the  regulation  of  Yoga  and  Naturopathy  cove ring  registration  of  practitioners, medical education, etc.. Further, it was recommended that in the meantime, a system be for the registration of practitioners and the accreditation of institutes on the basis formulated and issued by the Government of India. Few States namely, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have made provisions for registration of Yoga and Naturopathy Practitioners.
- (b): Health is a State subject. Accordingly , action against malpractices in the field of AYUSH is  the  responsibility  of  the  State  Government  concerned.    The  Central  Council  of  I Medicine(CCIM) issues suitable  advertisements from time to time in leading newspapers wi view to  restrain ille gal practice and increase awareness among general public.

………………
Lok Sabha Question No. 1047 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Registration of Companies
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: PARASURAMAN K.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1047 ANSWERED ON FRIDAY THE 29TH APRIL, 2016 [VAISAKHA 9, 1938 (SAKA)]

## REGISTRATION OF COMPANIES QUESTION

1047.   SHRI K. PARASURAMAN:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS कारपोरेट कार्य मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has formulated new system for registration of companies within a day, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has any mechanism to ensure the authenticity of the registering companies within a day; and
- (c)  if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

कारपोरेट कार्य मंत्री

(SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)

( श्री अरुण जेटली )

- (a)    The  Ministry  of  Corporate Affairs has setup a new Central Registration Centre for processing of 'Name Availability' applications for starting a new company. In cases where the name availability application is compliant with the Companies Act/Rules, the same is processed within the next working day.
- (b)  &  (c)  The  authenticity  is  ensured  by  obtaining  a  declaration  and certification by a professional such as   an advocate/ chartered accountant / cost  accountant  /  company  secretary  in  practice.  In  addition,  the  person named in the Articles of Association as a director/manager/secretary of the company has to give a declaration confirming the fulfilment of all requirements for  registration  under  the  Companies  Act  and  Rules  thereunder.  Any  false statement in this regard is punishable under section 448 of the Companies Act, 2013.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1046 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Vacant Posts in Government Hospitals
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: LALLU SINGH

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

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 1046 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH APRIL, 2016

## VACANT POSTS IN GOVE RNMENT HOSPITALS

## 1046. SHRI LALLU SINGH:

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

- (a)  the  details  of  the  vacant  posts  of d c ors  and  paramedical  staff  in  Central Gove nment hospitals, State/UT - wise; and
- (b) the action taken/ being taken by the Governm nt to fill up th e said posts including All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## (SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

- (a)& (b): The  details  of  the  vacant  posts  of  doctors  and  paramedical  staff    in All  India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, PGIMER, Chandigarh, JIPMER, Puducherry, Safdarjung  Hospital,  Dr.  RML  Hospital,  New  Delhi  and  Lady  Hardinge  Medical  College (LHMC) & associated Hospitals are given below:

| Name of the Hospitals/ In stitutes   | Vacant posts   | Vacant posts      |
|--------------------------------------|----------------|-------------------|
|                                      | Doctors        | Paramedical Staff |
| Safdarjung Hospital                  | 119            | 449               |
| Dr. RML Hospital                     | 154            | 13                |
| LHMC and associated Hospitals        | 41             | 211               |
| AIIMS, New Delhi                     | 610            | 1219              |
| PGIMER, Chandigarh                   | 125            | 216               |
| JIPMER, Puducherry                   | 178            | 218               |

Filling up of vacant posts arising on account of retirement, death, resignation, creation etc.,  in  any  Institute/Cadre  is  a  continuous  process  and  undertaken  in  accordance  wi requirement.

In  order  to  fill  up  the  vacant  posts vari us  steps  are taken,from  time  to  time which include  conducting  of  examination  by  recruitment  agency  on  the  basis  of  the  proje cted vacancies; regular follow up of the matter with recruitment agency; allowing the hospitals make  contractual  appointments  against  the  vacant  posts  as  a  stop - gap  arrang ement  in  public interest  so  that  the  patient  care  does  not  suffer;  holding  regular  Departmental  Pr Committee (DPC) for filling up promotional posts; etc.

So far as AIIMS , New Delhi is concerned, out of 1219 vacant posts of paramedical staff the  ap pointment  letter  in  respect  of  666  newly  selected  Sister  Grade -II  have  been  issued. 91 vacantposts ofAssistant Professor/Lecturer  in  Nursing, 137  posts  of  OT  assistants  and  37 posts of security guards have beenadvertised. Apart from this, the proce ss of recruitment of Senior Residents/Junior Residents  has  been  taken  up  for  July, 2016 session.  In  addition, scrutiny of result for 41 posts of scientists is in progress.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1045 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Banks Repo Rate
Ministry: FINANCE
Asked by: YERRAM VENKATA SUBBAREDDY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

******

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1045 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016/VAISAKHA 9, 1938 (SAKA) 'Banks Repo Rate'

## QUESTION

## 1045. SHRI Y.V. SUBBA REDDY:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  methodology  in  calculating  base  rate  is  coming  in  the  way  of banks  to  pass  on  lower  rates  to  customers;  if  so,  the  details  of  existing methodology for calculating base rate;

(b)  whether  the  RBI  relook  at  this  methodology  and  come  out  with  revised guidelines on how banks will have to revise their base rates;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance (SHRI JAYANT SINHA)

- (a) to (d) Under the Base Rate system, which was in vogue from July 1, 2010 to March  31,  2016,  all  categories  of  domestic  rupee  loans  were  priced  only  with reference to the Base Rate. Banks determined their actual lending rates on loans and  advances  with  reference  to  the  Base  Rate  and  by  including  such  other customer specific charges as considered appropriate.

Under the Base Rate system, banks arrived at the cost of funds in a variety of ways. Some considered marginal cost of deposits while others took into account average costs or any other methodology. Due to the lack of uniformity in computing the cost of funds under Base Rate system, the transmission of changes in policy rates to the lending rates of banks was with a time lag and to a limited extent.

RBI has introduced the Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) with effect from  1 st   April,  2016  in  order  to  improve  the  efficiency  of  monetary  policy transmission and transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining interest rates on advances,
Lok Sabha Question No. 1042 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Investors in Electronic Media
Ministry: CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Asked by: B. SREERAMULU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1042 ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 29 TH  APRIL, 2016 [ VAISAKHA 9 1938 (SAKA)]

INVESTORS IN ELECTRONIC MEDIA

QUESTION

1042. SHRI B.SRIRAMULU:

Will the Minister of CORPORATE AFFAIRS कारपोरेट कार्य मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  details  of  investors  in  electronic media including prominent news channels; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof, channel-wise?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS             (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY) कारपोरेट कार्य मंत्री ( श्री अरुण जेटली )

(a)&(b) The information in respect of investors in electronic media is not available with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Industrial activity wise classification  of  companies  do  not  include  'electronic  media'  as  a specific activity. However, number of active companies covered under 'television activities' as on 24.03.2016 stood at 364 with total paid up capital of Rs. 4044 Crore approximately.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1040 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Ayurvedic Medicines
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: LAXMI NARAYAN YADAV, RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY, A.T. (NANA) PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH)

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1040 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH APRIL, 2016

## AYURVEDIC MEDICINES

## 1040. SHRI LAXMI NARAYAN YADAV: SHRI RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY: SHRI A.T. NANA PATIL:

Will  the  Minister of  AYURVEDA,  YOGA  AND  NATUROPATHY,  UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Central  Council  of  Research  of  Ayurvedic  Sciences  has  developed  an  An -Diabetic drug 'AYUSH -82';
- (b) if so, the details and the salient features of the drug;
- (c) the steps taken by the Government for early commercialisation of AYUSH - 82 for prevention and management of diabetes in the country;
- (d) the branches/centres of National  Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) presently  functioning in t country, location - wise; and
- (e) the contributions of NIA in promoting ayurveda across the country?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a):     Yes.
- (b):     For the management of diabetes mellitus, the Central Council for Research in Ay Sciences(CCRAS)  has  developed  a  formulation  namely,  AYUSH - 82  from      05  Ayurvedic medicina l  plants.  The  trials  of  the  drug  has  shown significant  reduction  in  blood  sugar  level along with clinical improvement. No toxic effects were noted during the trial.
- (c):     Council has initiated action to commercialize  AYUSH - 82.  Till now  M/S, Dabur In dia Ltd, New Delhi; M/S Kudos Laboratory India Ltd., New Delhi; and M/S LA Granade Herbs & Pharma  Ltd., New Delhi have been granted licenses for manufacturing AYUSH - 82.
- (d):     National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) is located in Jaipur. It has no branch elsewhere.
- (e):     The NIA is an apex institute of Ayurveda in the country to provide high stan teaching, training and research in all aspects of Ayurvedic System of Medicine with a sc approach.

………
Lok Sabha Question No. 1038 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Women Entrepreneurs
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: JAYSHREEBEN  PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA ADMITTED UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1038 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.04.2016

## WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

## 1038 SHRIMATI JAYSHREEBEN PATEL

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) the position held by India in ratio of women entrepreneurs across the country;
- (b) the  nature  of  various  entrepreneurship  fields  in  which  women  entrepreneurs  have made a place for themselves;
- (c) whether there  is  any  provision  for  special  rebate  in  taxes  and  income  tax  for  these women entrepreneurs and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if  not,  whether the Government proposes to work out any policy/plan in this regard and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI MANEKA SANJAY GANDHI)

- (a) to (d) Information is being collected and will be laid down on the table of House.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1036 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Recruitment in Armed Forces
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: RAVNEET SINGH, R. VANAROJA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1036

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 29 TH  APRIL, 2016

## RECRUITMENT IN ARMED FORCES

j{kk ea=h

1036.  SHRI  RAVNEET SINGH: SHRIMATI VANAROJA R.:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of youths who joined Armed Forces during each of the last three years from various States including Punjab, State-wise;
- (b) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  encourage  recruitment  in  Armed  Forces through various schools and colleges in the country; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                            (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

j{kk ea=h

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(a) to (c): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1035 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Repair of Roads
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: GOPAL CHINAYYA SHETTY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1035

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 29 TH  APRIL, 2016

## REPAIR OF ROADS

1035.  SHRI  GOPAL SHETTY:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE j{kk ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received complaints regarding repairing of dilapidated  roads  and  residential  buildings  in  densely  populated  areas  in  and  around defence establishments in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the action taken by the Government thereon?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF DEFENCE                                            (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

j{kk ea=h

¼Jh euksgj ijhZdj½

(a) to (c): Complaints  and  references  are  received  from  time  to  time  at various  levels,  about  repairs  of  roads  and  residential  buildings  within Defence Establishments and  Cantonments.   Details  of  such  complaints / references  are  not  maintained  at  the  level  of  the  Ministry  of  Defence. Repair  of roads  and  residential buildings within Military areas  is a continuous process and is taken up on a case to case basis based on fund availability. Some  roads in Cantonment areas are maintained by Cantonment Boards and these roads are also repaired subject to availability  of  funds.    As  regards  repair  of  residential  buildings  within Cantonments,  requests  are  considered  by  Boards  under  provisions  of Cantonment Act 2006, building bye-laws and government instructions.  The Ministry of Defence and organizations under it, do not normally undertake repairs of roads and residential buildings around Defence Establishments.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 1033 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Developing Cancer Medicine from Cow Urine (Gomutra)
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: ARJUN RAM  MEGHWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH)

LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1033 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH APRIL, 2016

## DEVELOPING CANCER ME DICINE FROM COW URIN E (GOMUTRA )

## 1033. SHRI ARJUN MEGHWAL:

Will  the  Minister of  AYURVEDA,  YOGA  AND  NATUROPATHY,  UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether his Ministry is aware of the fact that a medicine from the Cow Urine (Gomutr ) has been developed which can cure cancer;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to provide separate assistance to the institutions e in developing cancer medicine from Cow Urine (Gomutra); and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA, YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

- (a): Yes.
- (b): C ouncil  of  Scientific  and  Industrial  Research(C SIR)    has  reported  that  its constituent laboratory namely  Central  Institute  of  Medicinal  &  Aromatic  Plants  (CIMAP),  Lucknow in  a study  undertaken  in  collaboration  with  Go - Vigyan  Anusandhan  Kendra,  Nagpur  have  found novel use of cow urine distillate (commonly known as Kamdhenu Ark) a s activity enhancer and availability  facilitator  for  bioactive  molecules  including  anti - infective  and  anti - cancer  agents. Cow  urine  distillate  was  found  to  possess  the  property  of  bio - nhancement  of  an  anti - cancer natural agent `Taxol` (paclitaxel) which i s produced in microscopic amounts by the Yew tree ( Taxus spp.). Cow urine distillate, besides enhancing the killing activities of different on  bacteria,  could  also  enhance  the  cell  division  inhibitory  activity  of  paclitaxel against the breast cancer cell line MCF - 7.  Further,  a  white  crystalline  precipitate  prepared  from  the  c urine distillate also showed similar activity as that of cow urine distillate. A US pa research finding has also been obtained.
- (c ) & (d) : Public and private research institutes may seek grant from the Government und various schemes of the Ministry of AYUSH.  However, there is no plan with the Ministry AYUSH to extend separate assistance to the institutions engaged in developing canc er medicine from Cow Urine(Gomutra) only.

……………….
Lok Sabha Question No. 1032 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-29
Subject: Diabetes Induced Lung Ailments
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: R. VANAROJA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH R E SEARCH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 1032 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 TH APRIL, 2016

## DIABETES INDUCED LUN G AILMENTS

## 1032. SHRIMATI VANAROJA R.:

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

(a) whether a research team has reported that Indians could face a higher risk of diabetes induced lung ailments and high level of insulin directly damaging the lung structure;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (d) if not, whether the Government is considering coming out with an action plan in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK )

(a )& (b): A study conducted by Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB) CSIR, New Delhi says that t here is limited knowledge regarding the consequences of hyperinsulinemi on  the  lung  health.  In  the  study  conducted,  Insulin  treatment  (1  μg/ml)  s ignificantly (p<0.05) increased the proliferation of primary human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and induc collagen release. Additionally, ASM cells showed a significant increase in calcium respon mitochondrial respiration upon insulin exposure. Mice administered intra - nasal insulin showed increased  collagen  deposition  in  the  lungs  as  well  as  a  significant  increase  in  airw responsiveness  (AHR).  PI3K/Akt  mediated  activation  of  β - catenin,  a  positive  regulator  of epithelial - mesenchymal trans ition and fibrosis, was observed in the lungs of insulin - treated mice and  lung  cells  (BEAS -2B  and  MRC5).  The  data  suggests  that  hyperinsulinemia  may  have adverse effects on airway structure and function. Insulin -induced activation of β - catenin in lung tiss ue and the contractile effects on ASM cells may be causally related to the developme asthma - like phenotype.

(c )& (d): Department  of  Health  Research  supports  research  projects  on  such  relate subjects under its ongoing research programmes.