opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1203 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Visa Free Access
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1203

ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026

## VISA FREE ACCESS

1203. SHRI JAGADISH CHANDRA BARMA BASUNIA

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

(a) whether it is true that the number of countries to which Indians had visa free access had fallen from 2024 to 2025, if so, the details thereof; (b) the details of the countries to which Indians lost visa free access and the reasons thereof;

(c) the details of the countries which are provided visa free entry into India; and

(d) whether any country has recently been removed from the list to which India gives visa free access, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a)   &   (b)   At   present,   27   countries   provide   visa-free   entry   and   47 countries  provide   visa-on-arrival   facility   to   Indian   ordinary   passport holders.   Apart   from   this,   India   has   visa-waiver   agreements   with

106 countries for holders of Diplomatic/Official passports and another 34 countries for holders of Diplomatic passports only. The lists are available on Ministry of External Affairs' website at https://www.mea.gov.in/VFFIN.htm and https://www.mea.gov.in/bvwamenu.htm. There are no major changes in visa-free access for Indian citizens from 2024 to 2025. However, in 2025, Iran suspended its oneway tourist visa facility for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports from 19.11.2025. Indian nationals are now required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through the territory of Iran.

Allowing visa-free entry to foreigners is a sovereign decision of the receiving nation that depends on various factors including bilateral relations and principle of reciprocity. However, visa related matters, particularly visa policies intended to improve ease of travel for Indian citizens are taken up by the Government through bilateral mechanisms, including during Consular Dialogues with foreign countries and during High-Level visits.

(c) The facility of visa-free entry in India is available to citizens of Nepal and  Bhutan   (except   when   Nepali/Bhutani   citizens   enter   India   from China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan; Indian visa is required in such cases), and to Maldivian nationals. Citizen of Maldives visiting India for a short period up to 90 days, are exempt from the requirement of visa

for   tourism,   medical   treatment   (including   treatment   under   Ayush systems) and business purposes.

(d) India has not suspended visa-free access to citizens of any country recently.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1202 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Review of Food Safety and Labelling Framework
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri K E Prakash

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1202 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 TH FEBRUARY, 2026

## REVIEWOFFOOD SAFETYANDLABELLING FRAMEWORK

## 1202. SHRI K E PRAKASH:

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

- (a) whether the Government has undertaken or proposes to undertake any policy-level review of the existing food safety and labelling framework in view of the rapid growth and consumption of pre-prepared packaged meal kits requiring minimal final cooking and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has examined the need for updated policy definitions, classifications, or guidelines specific to such pre-prepared meal kits, distinct from conventional packaged foods and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the nature of policy interventions, regulatory amendments, or new frameworks being considered to ensure adequate ingredient disclosure, nutritional transparency and consumer information for these products; and
- (d) the timelines envisaged, if any, for finalising and notifying such policy measures?

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

- (a) to (d): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is mandated to lay down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. The implementation and enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is a shared responsibility between the Central and State Governments.

The provisions for general requirements as stipulated under Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 are applicable for pre-prepared packaged meal kits. The food safety standards are made based on the scientific opinion provided by independent risk assessment bodies i.e. Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee and are harmonized with internationally accepted Codex standards. Further, the standards are also reviewed time to time on the basis of the available scientific evidence and recognized global best practices.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1199 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Government Medical College in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Balya Mama Suresh Gopinath Mhatre

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1199 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 th FEBRUARY 2026

## GOVERNMENTMEDICALCOLLEGE IN BHIWANDI, MAHARASHTRA

## †1199. SHRI BALYA MAMA SURESH GOPINATH MHATRE:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that a Government Medical College in an Industrial and urban area like Bhiwandi of Maharashtra is required to provide relief to the poor and working class in the region and to reduce the burden on the existing Government hospitals in the region; (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for depriving a densely populated area like Bhiwandi of a Medical College; (c) whether the Government has accepted any proposal from the Government of Maharashtra for setting up a Government Medical College in Bhiwandi; and (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (d): The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare administers a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for 'Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals' with preference to underserved areas and aspirational districts, where there is no existing Government or private medical college. The fund sharing mechanism between the Centre and State Governments is in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern and Special Category States, and 60:40 for others. Under the Scheme, all the envisaged 157 Government medical colleges have already been approved in three phases including 02 medical colleges (Gondia in Phase-I & Nandurbar in Phase-III) in Maharashtra. Both medical colleges are functional. However, no proposal for setting up of Medical College at Bhiwandi has been received from the State of Maharashtra.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1198 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Emigrant Workers Welfare and Diaspora Engagement
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Thiru Arun Nehru

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1198

## ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026

## EMIGRANT WORKERS WELFARE AND DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT

1198. THIRU ARUN NEHRU

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

(a)   the   number   of   grievances   received   from   Tamil   workers   in Malaysia and Singapore regarding wage theft and poor working conditions in FY 2025-26;

- (b) whether the Indian High Commissions in these countries have a dedicated 24x7 helpline in the Tamil language, if so, the details thereof;

(c) the status of the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana claims settled for families in Perambalur;

- (d)   whether   the   Government   is   negotiating   a   Social   Security Agreement with Gulf countries to protect blue-collar workers, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the details of the 'Know India Programme' participants from the Tamil diaspora?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) As per available information, the number of grievances received from Tamil workers regarding wage theft and poor working conditions:

· Singapore Nil

• Malaysia (01.04.25 to 21.01.2026) 559

(b) The   Indian   High   Commissions   in   Malaysia   and   Singapore   have dedicated 24X7 helplines as per the following details:

Singapore helpline - +65-91729803

Malaysia helpline - +60 12 602 0360

(c) The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) is a mandatory insurance scheme for Emigration Check Required (ECR) category workers going to ECR countries for overseas employment. The Scheme was comprehensively revamped and has become effective from August 1, 2017. The scheme now provides for global coverage irrespective of employer and location and has

facility   for   online   renewal.   The   revised   scheme   is   simpler   and   more beneficial for emigrant workers, provides an insurance cover of 10 lakhs in case of accidental death or permanent disability and some other benefits at a nominal insurance premium of Rs. 275/ Rs. 375 for a period of two/three years. The scheme is aimed at ensuring an expeditious settlement of claims. District level records for status of PBBY claims are not available. (d) There are no ongoing Social Security Agreement negotiations with Gulf Countries. (e) As per available records, so far 141 participants from Tamil Diaspora have participated in the Know India Programme. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1187 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Treatment Facilities in Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Anurag Sharma

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †1187 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH FEBRUARY, 2026

## TREATMENT FACILITIES IN MAHARANI LAKSHMIBAI MEDICALCOLLEGE

## †1187. SHRI ANURAG SHARMA:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh including Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College, Jhansi, lack essential medical equipment for the treatment of various life-threatening diseases including cancer and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the unavailability of equipment has lead to an increased financial burden on poor and middle-class patients and has increased the risk of death due to delayed treatment and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Union Government has set up radiotherapy, cath lab, dialysis, transplant and diagnostic facilities under Public Private Partnership model, if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to set up such facilities in medical colleges in Jhansi under the said model 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) As per information provided by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh, the medical colleges established in the State, including Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College (MLMC), Jhansi, are providing healthcare facilities to the general public through the available medical infrastructure and resources. These facilities include treatment for cancer as well as other serious and life-threatening diseases.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is implementing a scheme namely, Pradhan

Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) which aims at correcting regional imbalances in the availability of affordable tertiary healthcare services and to augment facilities for quality medical education in the country. Under, Up-gradation of existing Government Medical Colleges/Institutions (GMCIS) component of the scheme, Ministry has established a Super Specialty Block at MLMC, Jhansi with a cost of Rs.150 Crore including Rs 45.79 Crore for equipment. Further, no proposal for establishment of specialised tertiary healthcare facilities under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode has been received from the state of Uttar Pradesh, including Jhansi.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1184 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Strengthening  of India's Diplomacy in Global Responsibilities
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Ganesh Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1184

## ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026

STRENGTHENING OF INDIA'S DIPLOMACY IN GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITIES

†1184. SHRI GANESH SINGH

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken so far to strengthen the financial, human resource and institutional capacity of the Ministry in view of the increasing global responsibilities, the goals of Viksit Bharat@2047 and emerging domains such as technology, cyber security, artificial  intelligence   and   digital diplomacy; and

(b) whether any structured action plan is being implemented by the Ministry   to   induct   specialised   domain   experts   in   areas   such   as technology, cyber security, climate, supply chains and geo-economics into the diplomatic apparatus, to enhance training and to improve the functional effectiveness of missions, if so, the details thereof?

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

## [SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH]

(a & b)  The Ministry of External Affairs through its Training Division, Sushma   Swaraj   Institute   of   Foreign   Service   (SSIFS),   undertakes structured   and   continuous   capacity-building   measures   to   enhance officers' knowledge of procedures and financial regulations, as well as emerging technology domains such as artificial intelligence and cyber security. Training programmes at Induction and Mid-Career levels are designed to develop domain, functional and behavioural competencies, in alignment with the Karmayogi  framework and the objectives of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Currently, officers on deputation from various Ministries are working in MEA in specific domains for which they have gathered experience in their   parent   Ministry.   Further,   professionals   and   experts   are   also currently hired in the Ministry as Consultants who have expertise on a wide range of subjects such as counter terrorism, project management, bilateral   and   multilateral   diplomacy,   international   law,   consular   and disarmament related work as well as in emerging domains. The Ministry accords high priority to the effective use of technology as a means to

enhance   efficiency   and   inter-institutional   coordination.   To   maintain institutional responsiveness to evolving foreign policy imperatives, the Ministry periodically undertakes organizational restructuring exercises. Additionally, through the Ministry's Capacity Building Plan, operationalized in 2024, capacity building of officers/officials is further prioritized   by   leveraging   specialized   courses   in   multiple   domains available in the iGOT Karmayogi portal. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1181 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Smt. Manju Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 1181

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS (NCPCR)

## 1181:  SHRIMATI MANJU SHARMA:

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

- (a) whether the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has framed any guidelines to regulate the participation of children in television channels, reality shows and advertisements;
- (b) If so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  any  national  workshop  has  been  organised  by  the  State  Commissions  for Protection of Child Rights to review the said guidelines;
- (d) If so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the NCPCR proposes to frame new guidelines, in consultation with the State Commissions, to protect the rights of children and regulate their participation in such programmes; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and the time by which such guidelines are likely to be issued

## ANSWER

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

(a) and (b):    The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had initially formulated  and  issued  the 'Guidelines  to  Regulate  Child  Participation  in  TV  Serials, Realty  Shows  and  Advertisements' in  the  year  2011.  These  Guidelines  are  available  on website of NCPCR at link https://www.ncpcr.gov.in/uploads/1684498400646767e0a92f9\_guidelines-tv-serial.pdf. Subsequently, incorporating the new laws/ amendment of the existing laws, policies, views /suggestions received from stakeholders and keeping the best interest of children in mind, new Guidelines titled 'Guidelines for Child and Adolescent Participation in the Entertainment Industry' were formulated and issued in the year 2023. These Guidelines are available on website of NCPCR at link: https://www.ncpcr.gov.in/uploads/16844053596465fc6f115d1\_guidelines-for-child-andadolescent-participation.pdf.

(c) and (d):    NCPCR does not maintain the data regarding National Workshops organized by the State Commissions in the country. (e) and (f):   There is no proposal, as of now, to frame any New Guidelines by NCPCR in consultation with the State Commissions.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1177 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Pending Payment Cases Under AB-PMJAY
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Smt. Rachna Banerjee

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1177 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH FEBRUARY, 2026

## PENDING PAYMENT CASES UNDER AB-PMJAY

## 1177. SMT. RACHNABANERJEE:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the total number of pending payment cases under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), as of 1 January 2026, State/UT-wise;
- (b) the total amount of funds pending in the country for payment under the scheme, State/UTwise;
- (c) whether there are any pendency issues for payment of such claims; and

(d) if so, the reasons thereof along with the number of claims pending since three, six months and one year and above, category-wise?

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

(a) to (d): 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). Further, the funding of AB-PMJAY is entirely demand driven. National Health Authority releases funds for scheme implementation to the States / UTs on the basis of the actual demand received from them.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1174 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Corruption Complaints against High Court Judges
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Matheswaran V S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

## DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1174 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 6 th  FEBRUARY, 2026

## CORRUPTION COMPLAINTS AGAINST HIGH COURT JUDGES

## 1174.  SHRI MATHESWARAN V S:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  corruption  complaint  against former Acting Chief Justice T. Raja of Madras High Court, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the  details  of  complaint,  including  the  names  of  Judges  against  whom complaints  were  received  by  the  Government  against  sitting  High  Court Judges  from  2018  to  date,  and  forwarded  to  the  Supreme  Court  for appropriate action; and
- (c) the  number  of  complaints  or  grievances  received  by  the  Government through various modes including CPGRAMS portal that are transferred to Supreme Court for appropriate action as per in-house procedure from 2014 till date?

## 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 (c): The complaints received against Judges and Chief Justices of the High Courts are handled by the judiciary through an 'in-house mechanism'. The Supreme Court  of  India,  on  7 th   May,  1997,  adopted  two  Resolutions  namely  (i)  'The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life" which lays down certain judicial standards and principles to be observed and followed by the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts and (ii) "in-house procedure' for taking suitable remedial action against judges who do not follow universally accepted values of Judicial life including those included in the Restatement of Values of Judicial life.

As per the established "In-house procedure' for the Higher Judiciary, the Chief Justice of India is competent to receive complaints against the conduct of Judges of the  Supreme  Court  and  the  Chief  Justices  of  the  High  Courts.  Similarly,  the  Chief Justices of the High Courts are competent to receive complaints against the conduct of High  Court  Judges.  In  view  of  the  independence  of  the  Judiciary  enshrined  in  the Constitution  of  India,  the  complaints/representations  received  are  forwarded  to  the Chief Justice of India or to the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court, as the case may be.

****