opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2172 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Development of Mega Ports Clusters
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2172

ANSWERED ON 12.12.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF MEGA PORTS CLUSTERS

2172.  DR. T SUMATHY ALIAS THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN:

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

- (a) whether the Government has plans to develop the Chennai-Kamarajar-Cuddalore cluster, one among the six port clusters as mega ports cluster by 2047, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is a fact that 234 projects of modernization under Sagarmala, at cost of Rs. 2,91,622 Cr. have been undertaken for implementation, if so, the details thereof indicating the number and cost of completed and under development projects; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to take steps to make the  eastern coast in Tamil Nadu as a Port and Shipping hub in Asia, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)        Maritime  India  Vision  2030  envisions  Chennai-Kamarajar-Cuddalore  cluster  to become Mega Port in the eastern coast by 2047. This cluster is targeted to achieve a cargo handling capacity of over 300 million tonners per annum by the year 2047.
- (b)        Under  the  Port  Modernization  pillar  of  Sagarmala  Programme,  a  total  of  234 projects at cost of Rs. 2,89,427Cr. have been undertaken for implementation and out of 234 projects, 106 projects worth Rs. 32,675Cr. have been completed and 56 projects worth Rs. 74,743 Cr. are under implementation.
- (c) The key initiative of Government includes Port Modernisation of Chennai, Ennore (Kamarajar), and Tuticorin (VO Chidambaranar) ports, and investment in infrastructure connectivity such as rail and road linkages. Further, strategic location, deep-draft ports, and policy support aim to position Tamil Nadu as a key maritime hub in Asia.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2170 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Social diversity among Indian Foreign Service Officers
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Mr Pathan Yusuf

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO- 2170

## ANSWERED ON- 12/12/2025

## SOCIAL DIVERSITY AMONG INDIAN FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS

## 2170. MR PATHAN YUSUF

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

- (a) the   total   strength   of   Indian   Foreign   Service   (IFS)   officers, especially   belonging   to   SC/ST,   OBC,   minorities   and   women categories;
- (b) the number of IFS officers belonging to SC/ST, OBC, minorities and women posted as Ambassadors/High Commissioner/Permanent Representative abroad; and
- (c) the number of IFS officers belonging to SC/ST, OBC, minorities and women posted at Director, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary and Secretary levels in the Ministry?

## ANSWER

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

(a) The total strength of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers as on 01 December 2025 is 954. Out of  these, the number of  SC/ST officers is 200, OBC officers is 217 and women officers is 263. The data regarding minorities is not maintained separately.

(b) Currently,   there   are   a   total   of   26   Ambassadors/High Commissioners/Permanent   Representatives   belonging   to   SC/ST categories.

There are a total of 25 Ambassadors/High Commissioners/Permanent   Representatives   belonging   to   OBC category working in Missions abroad.

Currently,   there   are   a   total   of   11   Women   officers   posted   as Ambassadors/High Commissioners/Permanent Representative.

(c) The number of  IFS officers   belonging   to   SC/ST,   OBC,   and women posted at Director, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary and Secretary levels in the Ministry is placed at Annexure-I.

## Annexure-I

## Officers of SC/ST, OBC, and Women at Director, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary and Secretary level

| Designation          | Category   |   No. of officers |
|----------------------|------------|-------------------|
| Director             | OBC        |                08 |
|                      | SC         |                12 |
|                      | ST         |                04 |
|                      | Women      |                15 |
| Joint Secretary      | OBC        |                13 |
|                      | SC         |                06 |
|                      | ST         |                02 |
|                      | Women      |                15 |
| Additional Secretary | OBC        |                04 |
|                      | SC         |                01 |
|                      | ST         |                01 |
|                      | Women      |                03 |
| Secretary            | OBC        |                00 |
|                      | SC         |                01 |
|                      | ST         |                01 |
|                      | Women      |                02 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2166 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: World Meditation Day
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Dr. Bhola Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 2166 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12/12/2025

## 'World Meditation Day'

## 2166 Dr. Bhola Singh:

Will the Minister of Ayush be pleased to state:

- (a) the objectives and expected outcomes of observing World Meditation Day on 21 December, 2025, as declared by the United Nations on India's initiative;
- (b) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  prepare  a  nationwide  action  plan  for Government Institutions, schools, universities, health facilities and Yoga/Meditation centres for coordinated celebrations;
- (c) the details of meditation-based awareness, training and digital outreach programmes proposed for citizens including youth and working professionals;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  issued  guidelines  to  states/UTs  for  organising events in convergence with Ministries of Health, Education and Culture and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the manner in which the Government proposes to highlight Bharat's Ancient & traditional meditative knowledge systems globally during the celebrations?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) to (e)   As of now, there is no proposal under consideration in the Ministry of Ayush  for  observance  of  World  Meditation  Day  in  the  month  of  December, 2025.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2163 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Setting up of Day Care Cancer Centre
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2163 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH DECEMBER, 2025

## SETTING UPOFDAY CARE CANCER CENTRE

## 2163. SHRI PRABHAKAR REDDY VEMIREDDY:

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

- (a) whether the Government of India has proposed to set up Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in the country in light of the announcement made in the Union Budget 2025-26; and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has approved the setting up of DCCCs across the country, particularly in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether it is a fact that thousands of cancer patients and several hundred new cancer cases are reported every year in the said district; and
- (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to set up a DCCC in the said district?

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

(a) and (b): As per the announcement of Union Budget 2025-26, the government plans to set up Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in district hospitals in the next 3 years, out of which 200 centres are to be set up in Financial Year 2025-26. For FY 2025-26, Department of Health and Family Welfare has approved 297 DCCCs for establishment across the country, including 14 DCCCs (Anantapur, Kurnool, Prakasam, Krishna, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Nandyal, Vizianagaram, Annamayya, Palnadu, Kakinada, Bapatla and NTR ) in Andhra Pradesh.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare conducted a national gap analysis using Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) cancer registry data and planned for establishment of Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in consultation with States. High-burden districts were prioritized, and proposals were submitted by the States/UTs and finalized by National Programme Coordination Committee (NPCC) to optimize resources and avoid duplication.

- (c) ICMR does not have any information on number of cancer cases district-wise in Andhra Pradesh as there is no Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR). However, as per ICMR- NCRP, the estimated incidence of cancer (all types and both sexes) in Andhra Pradesh is 76,708 for the

year 2024. ICMR has signed MoU with Government of Andhra Pradesh for setting up of statewide cancer atlas to arrive at reliable cancer statistics for efforts in cancer prevention and control.

(d) The DCCCs are approved in District hospitals as per disease burden, availability of space and logistics. However, based on the feasibility and as per State proposals DCCCs can be established in other Government health facilities also. Fund requirement is fulfilled through Programme Implementation Plans (PIP) of States/UTs as per norms of National Health Mission.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2151 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Inland Port Facility in Rajasthan
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Amra Ram

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2151

ANSWERED ON 12.12.2025

## INLAND PORT FACILITY IN RAJASTHAN

## 2151.   SHRI AMRA RAM:

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

पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) whether the  port  provides  cheapest  transportation  facility  for  export  sector  and Kandla Port is close enough to Barmer district to provide such facility;
- (b) if so, whether any action plan is being considered to provide inland port facility in Rajasthan through Kandla port, if so the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor, and
- (c) the timeline by which it is likely to be completed?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  (b)  &  (c)  Yes,  Deendayal  Port  Authority  provides  one  of  the  cheapest  transport facilities for export sector and it offers one of the lowest Cargo and Vessel related Charges amongst  all  Major  Ports  in  the  country.  Inland  Port  facilities  are  already  available  in Rajasthan through 12 notified Inland Container Depots (ICDs) by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), which support the movement of export-import cargo. These ICDs can be utilized for customs clearance and related logistics services, for the trade. A list of the Inland Container Depots located in Rajasthan is attached as annexure .

## Annexure

|   Sl. No. | Inland Container Depots (ICD)                |
|-----------|----------------------------------------------|
|         1 | Bhilwara                                     |
|         2 | Bhiwadi                                      |
|         3 | Jaipur                                       |
|         4 | Jodhpur                                      |
|         5 | Kota                                         |
|         6 | Udaipur                                      |
|         7 | Ravatha Road, Kota                           |
|         8 | Mandavariya (Kishangarh), District Ajmer     |
|         9 | Hindaun City, District Karauli               |
|        10 | Kathuwas and Mandhan Village, District Alwar |
|        11 | Dhanakya                                     |
|        12 | Kishangarh                                   |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2150 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Unspent Funds for Defence Procurement
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Shri  Radhakrishna

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2150

TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## UNSPENT FUNDS FOR DEFENCE PROCUREMENT

## 2150. SHRI RADHAKRISHNA:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  reportedly  returned  12,500  crore  from  its  2024-25  capital acquisition budget due to slow procurement;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the steps being taken by the Government to ensure the effective utilization of this unspent amount; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government proposes to implement the proposed amendments to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) to minimise the procurement times and if so, the details thereof?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE

## IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

- (a) & (b) Defence Services were allocated an amount of Rs. 1,72,000.00 Crore at Budget Estimate (BE) Stage under Capital Outlay (Grant No. 21) for the Financial year 2024-25. The same was revised to Rs. 1,59,500.00 Crore by Ministry of Finance (MoF) at Revised Estimate (RE) Stage, which was completely utilized by the Ministry of Defence during the Financial Year 202425.
- (c) Yes, Sir.

****

(SHRI SANJAY SETH)
Lok Sabha Question No. 2146 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Indians Detained in Niger
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Sudama Prasad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2146 ANSWERED ON- 12/12/2025 INDIANS DETAINED IN NIGER

2146. SHRI  SUDAMA PRASAD Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :(a) whether the Government has received any complaints from the families   of   the   five   Indian   nationals   from   Jharkhand   reported abducted and detanid in Niger, if so, the details thereof; (b) the status of action taken by the Government in this regard; and (c)   whether   the   Government   has   communicated   with   Niger

Government regarding the same, if so, the details of communication received from the Niger Government regarding this issue along with the action taken thereon and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a) Yes. The Government of India has received representations from the families of five Indian nationals from Jharkhand reported abducted in Niger.

(b) The Government, through its Embassy in Niamey and Embassy of Niger in New Delhi, has taken up the matter with the Government of Niger and is continuously pursuing it for the safe and expeditious release of  the abducted Indian nationals.

(c) Yes. The matter has formally been taken up with the Government of Niger. Niger authorities have assured that all endeavours are being made for the safe release of  Indian nationals abducted. In this regard, the government   remains   in   close   and   sustained   coordination   with   the concerned Nigerien authorities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2141 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Discrimination faced by CPS Qualified Specialists
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Gurjeet Singh Aujla

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2141 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH DECEMBER, 2025

## DISCRIMINATION FACED BY CPS QUALIFIED SPECIALISTS

## 2141. SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the ongoing discrimination being faced by CPS qualified specialists in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to issue any Gazette Notification granting Pan India recognition to these CPS qualified specialists and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the specific timeline proposed for resolving this long standing issue given its National importance and impact on thousands of dedicated medical professionals in the country?

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

(a) to (c): National Medical Commission is a statutory body constituted under National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019. Section 35 of the NMC Act, 2019 mentions about the recognition of medical qualifications granted by Universities or medical institutions in India. Additionally, any University or medical institution in India which grants an undergraduate or postgraduate or super-speciality medical qualification not included in the list maintained by the NMC, may apply to NMC before starting a course leading to a recognized medical qualification. Some states recognized qualifications of CPS based on the statutory provisions of the concerned state legislation.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2139 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Delay in construction of AIIMS, Madurai
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Thiru D M Kathir Anand

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2139 TO BE ANSWERED ON - 12/12/2025

## DELAY IN CONSTRUCTION OF AIIMS, MADURAI

## 2139. SHRI THIRU D M KATHIR ANAND:

Will the Minister of HEALTH & FAMILYWELFARE be please to state:

(a) whether there is an inordinate delay in the construction of AIIMS, Madurai and if so the details of the current status of construction along with the steps taken by the Government to expedite the completion of the same;

(b) the amount of the funds provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Union Government along with the reasons for the delay in getting funds from JICA; and

(c) the amount of funds spent so far for the construction of AllMS, Madurai and time by which the construction of the said is likely to be completed

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (c) Under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Madurai has been approved at a cost of Rs. 2021.51 crore. The progress of the construction work of the Institute is 42% as on 30.11.2025. Till date, the Ministry has released Rs. 421.02 crore for construction of AIIMS Madurai. The project is being funded under Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with a loan limited to Japanese Yen 22,788,000,000. As per the Loan Agreement signed between Government of Japan and Government of India in March, 2021, the target date of completion of the project is October, 2026.

The progress of the project and release of funds are being regularly monitored at the level of the Institute and the Ministry. A steering committee has also been constituted under the Chairpersonship of Principal Secretary (Health), Government of Tamil Nadu to monitor and facilitate smooth implementation of the project.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2138 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Operational PHCs, CHCs, SHCs and AAMs
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Ms. S Jothimani

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2138 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12.12.2025

## OPERATIONALPHCs, CHCs, SHCs AND AAMs

## 2138. MS. S JOTHIMANI:

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

- (a) the number of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), SubHealth Centres (SHCs) and Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres operational in the country till date, State-wise, including Karur district of Tamil Nadu;
- (b) the number of vacancies in healthcare professional posts across the centres in the country, State-wise;
- (c) whether the Government has any monitoring mechanism to determine the shortage of medical equipment in Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres in the country, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether it is a fact that the Health Information Management System (HMIS) has not published any reports analysing key performance indicators of CHCs and PHCs at the district level since 2019-20, if so, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (d): The details of health facilities functioning in rural and urban areas across all States/UTs, including Tamil Nadu, along with information on available resources, as well as details of doctors, specialists, nurses, and other healthcare staff and their vacancies in Government hospitals across the country, are available on the website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and can be accessed at the following link of Health Dynamics of India (HDI) 2022-23:

https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Health%20Dynamics%20of%20India%20%28Infrastr ucture%20%26%20Human%20Resources%29%202022-23\_RE%20%281%29.pdf

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched an open-source toolkit and a dashboard under Indian Public Health Standards. The IPHS Dashboard is a cutting-edge digital platform designed to monitor public health facilities' compliance with the IPHS 2022 standards. These tools help states identify gaps and receive targeted support to achieve the required standards.

The HMIS portal enables real-time report generation at State, District and below levels. The concerned stakeholders of the States/UTs can generate district level reports from HMIS and analyse key performance indicators of CHCs and PHCs.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2136 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Importance of Artificial Intelligence  in Pharmaceutical Industry
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender, Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2136 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12 th  DECEMBER 2025

## Importance of Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical Industry

## 2136.   Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy:

Shri Eatala Rajender:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reduced the cost of producing a new pharmaceutical molecule by ten times and the development time by fifty percent creating an opportunity for the country to invent a clutch of drugs globally, if so, the details thereof; and
- (b)  whether  this  situation  is  creating  an  opportunity  for  the  country  an  opening  to  develop competitive drugs globally in the near future, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY  OF  CHEMICALS  AND FERTILIZERS

(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) and (b): Use of AI represents an emerging opportunity for domestic industry to enhance its global competitiveness. Pharmaceutical industry is exploring AI-enabled platforms for target identification,  lead  optimisation,  molecular  screening,  predictive  toxicology  and  regulatory intelligence,  which  has  potential  to  reduce  costs  and  timeframes  for  early  stages  of  drug development. The extent of such reduction has not been quantified conclusively.

******