opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1328 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Establishment of Government Medical College in Rayagada
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1328 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 th FEBRUARY 2026

## ESTABLISHMENTOFGOVERNMENT MEDICALCOLLEGE INRAYAGADA

## 1328. SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA:

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

(a) whether the Government has approved or is considering the establishment of a Government Medical College in Rayagada district of Odisha, which is one of the most backward and tribal-dominated districts and faces an acute shortage of doctors and specialist care and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has received a proposal from the State Government of Odisha for the said medical college and the present status of land identification, Detailed Project Report (DPR), statutory clearances and central funding in this regard;

(c) whether the Government will consider naming the proposed Rayagada Government Medical College after Late Shri Ramachandra Ulaka, a great tribal leader and educationist who revolutionised school education for tribal communities in Odisha and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the Government has any time-bound roadmap for making the Rayagada Government Medical College operational, so that people of Rayagada, Koraput and neighbouring tribal districts get access to quality tertiary healthcare, if so, the details thereof?

## 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 07 medical colleges (Balasore, Baripada (Mayurbhanj), Bolangir, Koraput, Puri in Phase-I, Jajpur in Phase-II & Kalahandi in Phase-III ) in Odisha. All the 07 medical colleges in Odisha are functional. However, no proposal for setting up of Medical College at Rayagada has been received from the State of Odisha.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1326 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Stipend Scheme to Junior Lawyers
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Bajrang Manohar Sonwane

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1326 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 06 th  FEBRUARY, 2026

## STIPEND SCHEME TO JUNIOR LAWYERS

## †1326. Shri Bajrang Manohar Sonwane:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that States such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand, have implemented stipend schemes for junior lawyers, whereas no such scheme has been implemented in Maharashtra so far, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has considered the recommendation of the Bar Council of India suggesting a monthly stipend of Rs. 20,000/- for junior lawyers in urban areas and Rs. 15,000/for junior lawyers in rural areas, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether it is a fact that in the absence of a fixed income, junior lawyers face economic insecurity, including difficulties related to housing, travel and study materials, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to implement a stipend scheme for junior lawyers in Maharashtra, 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 (d): As Informed by the Bar Council of India, states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand have introduced stipend and/or financial assistance measures for junior advocates through State Government schemes, State Bar Council welfare mechanisms and/or structured programmes of Bar Associations. In so far as Maharashtra is concerned, any Statewide stipend scheme would typically require an implementation framework at the level of the State  Bar  Council  and/or  a  State  Government  supported  programme,  including  budgetary backing, eligibility criteria, verification and audit.

The Bar Council of India is aware that early-career income challenges are faced by a large segment of junior advocates. It therefore, vide Circular No.BCI:D:5383/2024 dated 15.10.2024

addressed to all State Bar Councils and Bar Associations on the subject "Minimum Stipend for Junior Advocates associated with assisting Advocates/Senior Advocates/Law Firms" has inter alia, recommended for a minimum monthly stipend benchmark of Rs.20,000/- per month for junior advocates in urban areas and Rs.15,000/- per month for junior advocates in rural areas.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1324 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Recognisation of Medical Colleges
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †1324 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH FEBRUARY, 2026

## RECOGNISATION OF MEDICALCOLLEGE

## †1324. SHRI RAMVIR SINGH BIDHURI:

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

- (a) the number of medical colleges granted recognition in the country after the formation of the National Medical Commission in 2020;
- (b) the number of undergraduate (MBBS) and postgraduate seats that have increased after the setting up of the National Medical Commission, State/UT-wise;
- (c) whether Yoga has been included in medical education since the setting up of the National Medical Commission; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) & (b) As informed by the National Medical Commission (NMC), the number of medical colleges in the country have increased from 596 in the academic year 2021-22 to 818 at present. Further, the number of undergraduate (UG) seats have increased from 88,120 in the academic year 2021-22 to 1,28,976 as of now, while the number of postgraduate (PG) seats have increased from 55,595 to 85,020 during the period.
- (c) & (d) The Minimum Standard Requirements (MSR) Regulations, 2023 issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) provide for the establishment of a Department of Yoga in medical institutions. Yoga has been included as a competency in the Competency Based Medical Education (CBME) Guidelines 2024 for MBBS, and medical institutions have been directed to encourage students, professionals, employees, and their families to actively participate in Yoga Day to promote awareness of the benefits of Yoga.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1322 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Validity of Ayushman Card Holders
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Kuldeep Indora

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1322 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH FEBRUARY, 2026

## VALIDITY OF AYUSHMAN CARD HOLDERS

## † 1322. SHRI KULDEEP INDORA:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that Ayushman Card is largely valid only in Government hospitals and such card holders are often not given the priority in private hospitals and if so, the corrective steps being taken by the Government in this regard;

(b) whether the Government is also aware of such cases where Ayushman card holder patients are not admitted in private hospitals due to delay in payment of dues by the Government to the hospitals and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there is any provision to identify such hospitals and severely penalize them; and

(d) if so, the number of such hospitals against which action has been taken by the Government so far?

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

(a) to (d): All eligible beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) can avail treatment through a network of over 33,270 public and private empanelled hospitals.

As per the empanelment guidelines under AB-PMJAY, the empanelled hospitals cannot deny treatment to eligible beneficiaries of the scheme. In case of denial of treatment by an empanelled hospital, beneficiaries can register their grievances through the Centralized Grievance Redressal Management System (CGRMS) or through a 24*7 toll-free helpline number 14555. Under AB-PMJAY, a three-tier grievance redressal system at District, State and National level has been created to resolve the issues faced by beneficiaries in utilizing healthcare services. At each level, there are designated nodal officers and Grievance Redressal Committees to address the grievances.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1320 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Progress of AB-PMJAY in Uttar Pradesh
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Shashank Mani

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1320 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH FEBRUARY, 2026

## PROGRESS OFAB-PMJAY IN UTTAR PRADESH

## 1320. SHRI SHASHANK MANI:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) to provide an annual health cover of Rupees five lakh per family to poor and vulnerable households across the country;

(b) if so, the details of the progress made under this scheme in Uttar Pradesh, particularly with regard to the number of beneficiary families identified, Ayushman Cards issued and the number of hospital admissions authorized so far;

(c) whether the Government is taking measures to expand the empanelment of private and public hospitals in smaller districts to improve access to tertiary and specialized healthcare under PM-JAY; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) and (b): Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) provides health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 12 crore families constituting bottom 40% of India's population.

In March 2024, the eligibility criteria were expanded to include 37 lakh families of Accredited Social Health Activists, Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers. In October 2024, the scheme was expanded to cover 6 crore senior citizens of age 70 years and above belonging to 4.5 crore families irrespective of their socio-economic status.

As on 31.12.2025, 5.48 crore Ayushman cards have been created and 83.70 lakh hospital admissions amounting to Rs.13,756.18 crore have been authorized under the scheme in the State of Uttar Pradesh.

(c) and (d): Hospital empanelment is a continuous process and is done as per the criteria provided under the empanelment guidelines under PMJAY. Currently, over 33,270 hospitals are empanelled under the scheme out of which 15,733 are private hospitals. In order to improve the participation of hospitals a hospital-specific call centre (14413) has been set-up to address the concerns of hospitals on a real-time basis including concerns related to empanelment.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1319 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Proposal for International Ferry Service
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Thiru Dayanidhi Maran

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1319 ANSWERED ON  06.02.2026

## PROPOSAL FOR INTERNATIONAL FERRY SERVICE

1319.  SHRI THIRU DAYANIDHI MARAN:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) the  action  taken  on  the  proposal  from  the  Government  of  Tamil  Nadu  seeking approval and financial assistance for an international ferry service between Rameshwaram (India) and Talaimannar (Sri Lanka);
- (b) the current status of the proposal under the Sagarmala Programme, including the estimated project cost, funding pattern sought, along with the reasons for any delay in granting in-principle approval;
- (c) whether  a  Detailed  Project  Report  (DPR)  has  been  prepared  by  the  National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NTPRC), IIT Madras for establishing an international  passenger  terminal  at  Rameshwaram  and  if  so,  the  details  of  the recommendations and present stage of scrutiny;
- (d) whether the Government will accord time-bound clearance to the said project in view of its tourism, trade, cultural and people-to-people connectivity benefits for Tamil Nadu, if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the expected  timeline  by  which  the  said  approval,  financial  sanction  and commissioning of the ferry service is likely to be completed?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): Tamil  Nadu  Maritime  Board  (TNMB)  submitted  Detailed  Project  Report (DPR),  prepared  by  National  Technology  Centre  for  Ports,  Waterways  and  Coasts (NTCPWC), for development of passenger terminal at Rameswaram, for resumption of passenger ferry service between Rameswaram (India) and Thalaimannar (Srilanka), on 11.02.2025 at  a  cost  of  Rs.  118.50  crore,  which  was  revised  to  Rs.  111.89  crore  on 22.04.2025.  The  TNMB  has  sought  100%  financial  assistance  under  Sagarmala scheme of Government of India. On examination, it was observed that certain technical modifications in the DPR are required. Additionally, environment and coastal regulatory zone  (CRZ)  clearances  for  the  project  are  not  available.  The  TNMB  has  been informedto  remove  these  deficiencies  in  the  DPR  and  obtain  environment  and  CRZ clearances. The Ministry of External Affairs has informed that the necessary infrastructure at Thalaimannar (Sri Lanka) side required for resumption of the said ferry service is also not ready at present.

Further,  at  present  sufficient  fiscal  space  is  not  available  under  Sagarmala scheme to fund the project. Proposal for Sagarmala 2.0 is under preparation.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1315 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Global Standardisation of AYUSH Systems
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Dr. Shashi Tharoor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO -1315

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 06/02/2026

' Global Standardisation of AYUSH Systems '

## 1315 Dr. Shashi Tharoor:

Will the Minister of Ayush be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  evaluated  the  progress  under  the  Memorandum  of Understanding  signed  with  the  World  Health  Organization  in  May  2025,  for  developing  a dedicated  Traditional  Medicine  module  within  the  International  Classification  of  Health Interventions (ICHI) to standardise AYUSH systems globally;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of the milestones achieved the timelines for completion of the module and the anticipated benefits for global recognition, clinical documentation and insurance integration of AYUSH interventions; and

(d)  whether  the  Government  has  established  mechanisms  to  ensure  that  the  scientific  and technical  outputs  from  this  collaboration  are  systematically  integrated  into  international healthcare standards and national policy frameworks and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  to  (d)  The  Government  of  India  has  reviewed  the  progress  under  the  Memorandum  of Understanding  (MoU)  and  Donor  Agreement  signed  with  the  World  Health  Organization (WHO) on May 24, 2025. This collaboration is specifically aimed at developing a dedicated Traditional Medicine module within the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI) to facilitate the global standardization of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU) systems.

Significant progress was made during a two-day Technical Project Meeting organized by the WHO and Ministry of Ayush on December 20 -21, 2025, in New Delhi. This meeting brought together experts from all six WHO regions and various member states to harmonize intervention descriptions and establish a strategic four-year framework for the development of these international codes.

The  implementation  of  these  standardized  codes  is  expected  to  provide  substantial benefits, including enhanced global recognition and scientific credibility for Ayush systems. By providing a common language for health procedures, the module will improve clinical documentation, support evidence-based research, and facilitate the integration of traditional medicine into national health information systems and insurance reimbursement frameworks globally.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1312 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Time Taken to serve Notice in District Courts
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Arun Govil

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1312 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 06 th  FEBRUARY, 2026

## TIME TAKEN TO SERVE NOTICE IN DISTRICT COURTS

## 1312. Shri Arun Govil:

Will the Minister of Law and Justice be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  there  has  been  long  delays  in  serving  notices  to  the  other  party  in  some  cases  filed  in  the District Courts of the country, if so, the reasons therefor;
- (b) whether the time taken to serve such notice to the other party can be reduced; and
- (c) if so, the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

## 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 data regarding delays in serving notices to the other party in cases filed in the District Courts of  the  country  is  not  centrally  maintained.  However,  the  Government  of  India,  under  the  e-Courts Mission Mode Project, has introduced e-Summons platform,under the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System  (ICJS),for  faster  and  more  reliable  communication  of  court  notices  and  summons.  Further, National Service and Tracking of Electronic Processes (NSTEP) application has been developed for technology  enabled  process  serving  and  issuing  of  summons  and  notices.  A  GPS-enabled  device  is given to the Bailiff for the service of summons leading to greater transparency and speedy delivery of processes. NSTEP provides real time status update of service of summons and notices besides tracking of geographical coordinates of the process server at the time of serving. Currently, 22,789 bailiffs have been on-boarded on NSTEP across 672 districts and 19.34 lakh processes have been served in the year 2025.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1303 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Growing Alliance between Pakistan, China and Bangladesh
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Mohammad Jawed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1303 ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026

GROWING ALLIANCE BETWEEN PAKISTAN, CHINA AND BANGLADESH

1303. DR. MOHAMMAD JAWED

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

(a)   whether   the   Government   has   taken   note   of   the   growing   alliance between Pakistan, China and Bangladesh considering India's shares most of its international border with them;

(b) if so, the perceived economic and security threat looming out of the growing alliance; and

(c) the steps has been taken by the Government internationally to counter any actions by the trio that could harm India's interest?

## ANSWER

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

(a to c) The Government of India constantly monitors all developments having a bearing on India's security and economy and takes all necessary

measures to safeguard it. This includes developments in our immediate neighbourhood. India continues to engage with regional partners with a view to ensure that its security and economic interests are respected and advanced.  The   Government   remains   committed   to   protecting   India's national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security across all domains.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1301 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Excessive Salt Consumption
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Vijay Kumar Hansdak

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1301 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 TH FEBRUARY, 2026

## EXCESSIVE SALT CONSUMPTION

## 1301. SHRI VIJAY KUMAR HANSDAK:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether excessive salt consumption has emerged as a critical health crisis in the country, primarily driving a 'silent pandemic' of hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to promote public awareness of the adverse health effects of excessive salt intake;

(c) whether it is a fact that consumption of Low Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS) can go a long way in combating this 'silent pandemic' of hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the measures taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure the availability, accessibility and affordability of Low Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS) for the general public?

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

(a):As per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), excessive salt consumption is a contributor to the growing burden of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

(b) The Government of India, through the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is implementing the Eat Right India movement to promote healthy eating practices and awareness about the harmful effects of excessive salt consumption. Under this movement, key activities include:

-  Mass media and social media campaigns such as 'Aaj Se Thoda Kam' to encourage gradual reduction in salt, sugar and fat intake in daily diet.
-  Development and dissemination of the Eat Right Toolkit for frontline health workers to counsel communities on limiting high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods.

(c) & (d) Based on a review of the available evidence on effects and safety, and consideration of additional contextual factors, WHO in 2025 recommended:

-  To reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases, it is recommended to reduce sodium intake to less than 2 gm/day (strong recommendation).
-  In this context, using less regular table salt is an important part of an overall sodium reduction strategy. If choosing to use table salt, WHO suggestsreplacing regular table salt with lower-sodium substitutes that contain potassium (conditional recommendation). This recommendation is intended for adults (not pregnant women or children) in general populations, excluding individuals with kidney impairments or with other circumstances or conditions that mightcompromise potassium excretion.

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