opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 3504 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Institutes of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Karan Bhushan Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3504 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 th  MARCH, 2026

## 'Institutes of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda'

## 3504. Shri Karan Bhushan Singh:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- ( a)  the details of the aims, objectives and institutional mandate of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), an Institute of National Importance and its present status as the only such Institute located in Jamnagar, Gujarat;
- (b)  whether the Government proposes to establish additional ITRA-type institutes or zonewise Ayurveda teaching and training centres for regions such as North, South and North-East India to ensure balanced regional access and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether Uttar Pradesh, particularly Eastern Uttar Pradesh including Gonda, Bahraich and Kaiserganj are being considered for such a facility and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the roadmap, funding pattern and timeline for expansion of advanced Ayurveda teaching and research infrastructure across the country, State/UT-wise?

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

- (a)    The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Act was enacted on 22 nd  September 2020 with the aim of providing for the establishment of an Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda and declaring it an Institution of National Importance for the promotion of quality and excellence in education, research, and training in Ayurveda and allied disciplines, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

As per the Section (12) of ITRA Act, 2020 the objectives  of the Institute shall be-

- (i) to develop patterns of teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in Ayurveda and Pharmacy so as to demonstrate a high standard of such  medical education to all medical colleges and other allied institutions of Ayurveda in India;

(ii) to bring together in one place educational facilities of the highest order for the training of personnel in all important branches of Ayurveda including Pharmacy

(iii)  to  attain  self-sufficiency  in  postgraduate  education  to  meet  the  country's  needs  for specialists and medical teachers in Ayurveda;

(iv)  to make an in-depth study and research in the field of Ayurveda.

Further, as per the Section (13) of ITRA Act, 2020, ITRA is mandated to:-

(i) provide for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Ayurveda, including Pharmacy;

(ii) provide facilities for research in the various branches of Ayurveda including Pharmacy;

(iii)  prescribe  courses  and  curricula  for  both  undergraduate  and  postgraduate  studies  in Ayurveda including Pharmacy;

(b) to (d) At present no such proposal is under consideration.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3497 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Matru Vandana Yojana
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Arun Kumar Sagar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UN-STARRED QUESTION No. 3497

TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.2026

## MATRU VANDANA YOJANA

## 3497.  SHRI ARUN KUMAR SAGAR:

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

- (a)   whether the Government has launched the Matru Vandana Yojana;
- (b)   if so, the details thereof;
- (c)   whether  the  residents  of  Uttar  Pradesh,  especially  the  Shahjahanpur  Parliamentary Constituency have been benefited from the said scheme; and
- (d)   if so, the details thereof till date?

## ANSWER

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

(a)&(b)    The  Government  of  India  approved  Pan-India  implementation  of  Pradhan  Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) with effect from 01.01.2017. PMMVY envisages payment of  maternity  benefits  of  ₹5,000/ -in  beneficiary's  bank/post  office  account  linked  to  her Aadhaar Number in Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode in three instalments. The eligible beneficiary is to receive the remaining cash incentive as per approved norms towards Maternity Benefit under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) after institutional delivery so that on an average, a woman gets ₹6,000/ -.

The benefit is available to a woman for the first two living children provided the second child is a girl. In case of the first child the amount of ₹5,000/ - in two instalments and for the second child, the benefit of ₹6,000/ -  will be provided subject to second child is a girl child in one instalment after the birth. However, for availing benefits for second child, registration during the pregnancy shall be mandatory. This would contribute to improving the Sex Ratio at Birth and to prevent female foeticide.

(c)&(d)    Number  of  beneficiaries  paid  under  PMMVY  since  inception  of  the  scheme (01.01.2017) till 08.03.2026 is as under:

|                      | Beneficiaries Paid   |
|----------------------|----------------------|
| Uttar Pradesh        | 64,88,407            |
| Shahjahanpur1,25,920 |                      |
Lok Sabha Question No. 3479 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Initiatives for AYUSH in Budget
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3479 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 TH  MARCH, 2026

'Initiatives for AYUSH in Budget'

## 3479. Shri Kodikunnil Suresh:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- (a) whether major initiatives for the AYUSH sector including the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIA) modelled on the AIIMS framework have been proposed in the Union Budget 2026-27, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of the budgetary allocations earmarked for these initiatives including the estimated outlay for each of the three AllA and the five Regional AYUSH Medical Hubs with a break-up of capital and recurring expenditure;
- (c) whether the Government has received proposals from Members of Parliament, State Governments and Union Territories for hosting the proposed institutes and medical hubs;
- (d) if so, the details of proposals received so far, State/UT-wise;
- (e) the  details  of  locations  proposed,  supporting  infrastructure  offered  and  the  stage  of consideration in this regard; and
- (f) the timeline by which the Government expects to finalize the selection of locations and commence implementation of the new Institutes and hubs in the country, State/UT-wise and location-wise?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

- (a) to (f) During the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, 2026 it has been announced to establish three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs). The modalities for establishment of three new All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA's) are being worked out.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3470 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Civilians/Soldiers Killed in Pakistani Shelling
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Shri Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3470

## MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 th  March, 2026

## CIVILIANS / SOLDIERS KILLED IN PAKISTANI SHELLING

## 3470. SHRI BHAUSAHEB RAJARAM WAKCHAURE:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  the number of civilians and soldiers killed in the border areas due to cross-border/firing by Pakistan during the last three years and the current year as on date, year-wise; and
- (b) the preventive steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI SANJAY SETH)

- (a) (i) Civilians . Ministry   of   Defence   does   not   maintain   the   data   of   civilian casualties. As per inputs shared by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), since 'Police' and 'Public Order' are State Subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India, specific data on casualty reported are maintained by the respective State / Union Territory.
- (ii) Soldiers . Details of Battle Casualties (Fatal) of Indian Army personnel, which occurred due to shelling by Pakistan during the last three years and current year till date are as under:-
* JCO - Junior Commissioned Officers
- ** OR Other Ranks

| S. No   | Year           | Officers   | JCOs*   | OR**   | Total   |
|---------|----------------|------------|---------|--------|---------|
| (aa)    | 2023           | -          | -       | -      | -       |
| (ab)    | 2024           | -          | -       | -      | -       |
| (ac)    | 2025           | -          | 01      | 04     | 05      |
| (ad)    | 2026 till date | -          | -       | -      |         |
| Total   | Total          | -          | 01      | 04     | 05      |

…..2/-

- (b) (i) There are adequate measures in place for protection of troops from Cease Fire Violations and shelling. The troops have been suitably kitted with protective gear to ensure

their safety.

(ii) Posts along the Line of Control (LC) are adequately strengthened to withstand enemy fire. Adequate infrastructure exists along the LC to ensure safety of own troops against enemy action.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3468 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Proposal for Setting Up of AIIMS, Raiganj
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Kartick Chandra Paul

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3468 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13/03/2026

## PROPOSALFOR SETTING UPOF AIIMS, RAIGANJ

## 3468. SHRI KARTICK CHANDRA PAUL:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the current status of the proposed All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raiganj in West Bengal, including the steps taken so far by the Union and State Governments along with the timelines fixed for key phases and the reasons for any delay, if any;
- (b) whether the State Government of West Bengal has formally submitted a demand or proposal for a second All India Institute of Medical Sciences in the State (over and above Raiganj) and if so, the proposed location, bed strength, estimated cost and the current status of the demand; and
- (c) the evaluation criteria applied by the Union Government when considering new AIIMS proposals?

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

- (a) to (c) Under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), till date establishment of 22 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has been approved in various States/UTs in the country including one AIIMS at Kalyani in West Bengal, which is functional. Under PMSSY, there is no proposal to establish a new AIIMS at Raiganj, West Bengal.

Under PMSSY, AIIMS are set up in different parts of the country keeping in view gaps in availability of tertiary healthcare facilities. No proposal has been received from the State Government of West Bengal to establish an AIIMS in Raiganj.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 3465 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Passport Seva Kendra in Washim District of Maharashtra
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 3465 ANSWERED ON - 13/03/2026

## PASSPORT SEVA KENDRA IN WASHIM DISTRICT OF MAHARASHTRA

## 3465.  SHRI SANJAY UTTAMRAO DESHMUKH

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

(a)   whether   the   Government   has   any   plan   to   start   a   Passport   Seva Kendra in Washim district of Maharashtra;

(b) whether the Government is considering to start a passport mobile van service in Washim district; and

(c) if so, the time by which these services are likely to be started?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a) to (c) In 2017, Ministry of External Affairs 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 POPSK is already functional at Yavatmal in the Yavatmal-Washim  LSC under the Regional Passport Office Nagpur. In June 2018, the Ministry had launched the 'Apply anywhere in India' scheme under which a passport can be applied at any PSK/POPSK in India as well. Mobile Passport Van facility has been provided at all 37 Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) including RPO Nagpur to increase the outreach of the RPO and provide passport service at remote locations under the respective RPOs. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3464 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Hypertension among Children
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri K C Venugopal

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA

## MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3464 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 TH MARCH 2026

## HYPERTENSION AMONG CHILDREN

## 3464. SHRI K C VENUGOPAL:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken note of the rising prevalence of hypertension among children and adolescents, particularly in urban areas, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether routine blood pressure screening is being integrated into existing child health and nutrition programmes such as Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), POSHAN Abhiyaan and school-based initiatives, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the steps being taken to address lifestyle-related risk factors among children, including unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and excessive screen time; and
- (d) whether guidelines/training are being provided to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and frontline staff for early identification and referral of children with elevated blood pressure, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) & (b) Under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) of the National Health Mission (NHM), Mobile Health Teams (MHT) conduct health screening of children from birth to 18 years for the four D ' s: Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Development delays at Anganwadi and Schools.This basic health screening of children is conducted using a structured format, which includes measuring height, weight (BMI), and blood pressure for early identification and referral to public health facilities for management and follow-up across both urban and rural areas in the country.

(c) Government of India implements the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) under which Adolescent Friendly Health Centres (AFHCs) are established across the country, wherein the adolescents are provided with counselling services on major adolescent health issues including the importance of taking balanced and nutritious diet, role of physical activity in keeping the healthy body and reducing screen time. Health and Wellness Ambassadors (HWAs) of the School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP) conduct regular sessions on 11 themes including nutrition, health and sanitation, growing up healthy, and promotion of healthy lifestyle. The awareness is done through dissemination of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material including audiovisual in the schools and community by the States/UTs.

(d) The frontline staff in NHM, like Mobile Health Teams (MHTs) under RBSK, are regularly trained using RBSK Job aids and Resource Manual for early identification and referral of the children identified with Hypertension.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 3460 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Indianisation of the Legal System
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3460 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE  13 TH  MARCH, 2026

## INDIANISATION OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM

## 3460.   SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.:

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

- (a)     whether it is a fact that there has been a demand for the Indianisation of the legal system;
- (b)     if so, the details thereof;
- (c)     whether it is also true that the National Law Commission of India has also mooted such a move;
- (d)     whether the Government is considering seeking the opinion from the experts, legislators, State Governments, etc. in this regard; and
- (e)      if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

- (a) to (e): The enactment of three new criminal laws is an example of Indianisation of the legal system. The legislations enacted during the previous years have emphasis on Indianisation and doing away with colonial legacy.  Pre-Legislative consultation of draft laws is one of the Policy initiatives of the Government, wherein views of all stakeholders including experts is solicited and obtained.

Besides, The 23 rd Law  Commission of India constituted vide order dated 2 nd September, 2024 has mandated, inter-alia, to review the Laws to ensure that it is responsive to the reasonable demands of the times and in particular to:

- (i).        Examine the existing laws in the light of Directive Principles of State Policy and to suggest ways of improvement and reform and also to suggest such legislation as might be necessary  to  implement  the  Directive  Principles  and  to  attain  the  objectives  set  out  in  the Preamble of the Constitution;

(ii)           Examine  the  existing  laws  with  a  view  for  promoting  gender  equality  and suggesting amendments thereto; and (iii)          Revise the Central Acts of general importance so as to simplify them and to remove anomalies, ambiguities and inequities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 3455 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Production of Fake Medicine in Puducherry
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Ve Vaithilingam

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3455 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 TH MARCH, 2026

## PRODUCTION OF FAKE MEDICINE IN PUDUCHERRY

## 3455. SHRI VE VAITHILINGAM:

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

(a) whether the Government is aware that there was large-scale production of fake medicines in the name of reputed brands in Puducherry and that these were supplied to various States and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the action taken by the Government against those involved in the scam; and

(c) whether the CBI has initiated any investigation on the said case, if so, the current status of enquiry conducted by the CBI?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) to (c): As per the information provided by State Drugs Control Department, Puducherry, pursuant to credible inputs and routine surveillance regarding illegal drug related activities, inspections and searches were conducted at various licensed and unlicensed premises during which several units in Puducherry were found to be operating in violation of Section 18(c) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules framed thereunder relating to unauthorized manufacture, storage and sale of pharmaceutical products.

As informed by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), three cases have been registered regarding production of fake medicine in Puducherry, out of which one case has been disposed through Lok Adalat.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 300 (STARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Digitisation of MSMEs
Ministry: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Dr. Hemang Joshi, Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *300 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 12.03.2026

## DIGITISATION OF MSMEs

*300.

DR. HEMANG JOSHI:

SHRI RAVINDRA SHUKLA ALIAS RAVI KISHAN:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any  assessment has been undertaken of  the extent  of  digital  adoption  among  Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) including use of e-commerce platforms, digital accounting, supply chain digitisation and participation in the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether  any  measurable  impact  has  been  observed  on  revenue  growth,  market  expansion, formalisation  and  export  participation  among  MSMEs  adopting  digital  and  platform-based  business models and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI JEETAN RAM MANJHI)

- (a) and (b): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) and (b) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No.*300 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 12.03.2026.

(a) and (b): Government periodically  assesses  the  extent  of  digital  adoption  among  Micro,  Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), covering aspects such as e-commerce platforms, digital accounting, supply chain digitization, and participation in platforms like the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Open  Network  for  Digital  Commerce  (ONDC)  through  evaluation  studies  in  collaboration  with industry  and  research  institutions.  The  Output-Outcome  Monitoring  Framework  of  NITI  Aayog's  is another institutional mechanism to evaluate the outcome of such schemes. As of 31 st Dec 2025, approx 2,06,000 merchants have conducted at least 1 transaction on the ONDC Network, approx 6 lakh service providers make their services available on the network and 3127 MSMEs have generated more than 01 lakh transactions leveraging MSME TEAM Scheme within this Financial year.

***