Lok Sabha Question No. 5540 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Promotion of Ayurveda
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5540 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th  MARCH, 2026

## 'Promotion of Ayurveda'

## 5540. Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the Government to promote Ayurveda;

(b) the details of the plans of the Government to increase research activities in the AYUSH sector;

(c)  the  details  of  law  and  quality  standards  of  the  Government  enforced  to  regulate  the manufacturing of AYUSH medicines;

(d) the steps taken by the Government to gain global recognition for AYUSH treatments; and

(e) the details of projects being implemented by the Government to develop AYUSH therapies in the country?

## ANSWER

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

(a) With  the  view  to  fulfil  the  mandate  of  promotion,  Ministry  is  implementing  the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National  Ayush Mission (NAM)  through State/UT Governments  for  development  &  promotion  of  Ayush  System  including  Ayurveda  in  the country and providing financial assistance to them as per the proposal received in their State Annual  Action  Plans  (SAAPs).  State/UT  Governments  may  avail  financial  assistance  by submitting proposals through State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) as per NAM guidelines.

Further,  the  Ministry  implements  the  Central  Sector  Scheme  for  Promotion  of  Information Education and Communication (IEC) in Ayush to create awareness regarding Ayush Systems of Medicine including Ayurveda System of medicine. This aims to reach out to all sections of the population across the country. This scheme provides assistance for organizing National/State Arogya Fairs, Yoga Fests/Utsavs, Ayurveda Parvs, etc. Ministry also undertakes Multi-Media, Print Media Campaigns for creating awareness about Ayush System.

Moreover, for the purpose of promotion of Ayurveda, Ministry of Ayush has established 01(one) Research Council namely Central Council for Research in Ayurveda (CCRAS) and 7 (seven) National Institutes. These Institutions / Council alongwith their peripheral institutes/units/centres are providing treatment through General Outpatient Department (OPD),

Reproductive  and  Child  Health  (RCH)  OPD,  Geriatric  OPD,  Non-Communicable  Disease (NCD) Clinic etc. and also engaged in awareness activities to promote Ayurveda.

(b) For  the  purpose  of  promoting  and  strengthening  research  activities  in  the AYUSH sector, the Ministry of Ayush has established five research councils covering Ayurveda, Yoga &  Naturopathy,  Unani,  Siddha,  and  Homoeopathy.  The  details  of  the  plans  of  the  Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), Central Research Institutes of Yoga and Naturopathy ( CCRYN), Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) and Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) are mentioned at Annexure- I . In addition to above the National Institutes under the Ministry are also involved in research activities.

(c)     The Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules made there under have exclusive regulatory provisions  for Ayurveda,  Siddha,  Sowa-Rigpa,  Unani,  and  Homoeopathy  drugs.  Provisions relating to Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Unani Drugs are contained in Chapter IVA and Schedule- I of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and in Rules 151 to 169, Schedules E(I), T & TA of the Drugs Rules, 1945. Further, Rules 2dd, 30AA, 67 (C-H), 85 (A to I), 106-A, Schedule K, Schedule M-I of the Drugs Rules, 1945 pertain to Homoeopathic drugs.

Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), subordinate office under Ministry of Ayush lays down the formulary specifications and pharmacopoeial standards for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) drugs which serves as official compendia for ascertaining the quality (identity, purity and strength) of the ASU&H drugs. As  per  Drugs  and  Cosmetics Act,  1940  and  Drugs  Rules  1945,  compliance  to  these quality standards are mandatory for the manufacturing of ASU&H drugs.  PCIM&H also acts as  the  Central  Drugs Laboratory for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy for the purpose of testing  or  analysis  of  ASU&H  Drugs.  Further,  PCIM  &  H  impart  training  to  the  Drug Regulatory Authorities, State Drug Analyst etc.

(d) Ministry  of  Ayush  is  implementing  the  central  sector  scheme  for  Promotion  of International Cooperation for AYUSH (IC Scheme). Under this scheme the Ministry provides support to Indian AYUSH drug Manufacturers/ Ayush Service providers to give boost to the export of AYUSH products and services; facilitates the International promotion, development and recognition of AYUSH systems of medicine; foster interaction of stakeholders and market development of AYUSH at international level; promote academics and research through the establishment  of  AYUSH  Academic  Chairs  in  foreign  countries  and  holding  training workshop/symposiums for promoting and strengthening awareness and interest about AYUSH Systems of Medicine at international level including Ayurveda.

Under the CSS IC Scheme 27 Country to Country Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)s, 16 Ayush Chair MoUs and 54 Institute to Institute level MoUs have been signed.

(e) The  research  activities  of  the  CCRAS  include  Medicinal  Plant  Research,  Drug Standardization, Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research, Literary Research & Documentation programme, Fundamental research, pharmaceutical research and Public Health Research. In 2025 -26, a total of 53 projects have been completed up to 31st January 2026, and 232 research projects are presently ongoing at CCRAS.

Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) is undertaking clinical research initiatives through a network of 21 Institutes/ Units / Centre in various parts of the country. The Council adheres to all prescribed guidelines to ensure high-quality / robust scientific validation and evidence-based research in Unani Medicine. The research drugs are manufactured at the Council's GMP -certified pharmacies located in Hyderabad and Chennai. Research protocols are developed and finalized in consultation with multidisciplinary experts, following ICMR, AYUSH, and GCP guidelines. These protocols are reviewed by the respective research subcommittees and the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). Ethical aspects are overseen by the Institutional  Ethics  Committee  (IEC),  and  regular  onsite  monitoring  is  carried  out  by Institutional Multidisciplinary Research Advisory Committee (IMRAC).

The Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) is implementing various projects to develop and standardize Yoga and Naturopathy therapies in the country, including clinical research studies on lifestyle disorders, establishment of research in institute and mindbody intervention centres, and collaborative projects with premier institutions to scientifically validate Yoga and Naturopathy therapies. The council is also involved in setting up advanced research infrastructure, conducting multi-centric trials, and promoting integrative healthcare models to strengthen the development and wider adoption of Yoga and Naturopathy therapies.

National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) has the following projects to develop Ayush therapies:-

- I. Management of Alcohol Addiction (Alcohol Use Disorders) with Ayurvedic Medicines, Yoga, Counselling and Lifestyle Modifications in Jamwa Ramgarh Tehsil of Jaipur District'.
- II. Management of Pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus in male and female patients of  25-70  years  age  group  with  Ayurvedic  medicines  along  with  yoga  and  lifestyle modification in chaksu block of Jaipur district, Rajasthan.
- III. Ayurveda Interventions to reduce and prevent malnutrition in children of Jamwaramgarh block of Jaipur District, Rajasthan.

Further, one of the Institute established in North East namely NEIAH has also started One-year Panchakarma Technician Certificate from the Academic Session 2018-2019.

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## A. Research  activities  of  Central  Council  for  Research  in  Ayurvedic  Sciences (CCRAS)

The objectives of CCRAS are as follows:

1. To undertake research on principles and practices of Ayurveda including diet, formulation, dosage forms, drug delivery system, panchakarma procedures, Marma therapy, ShalyaShalakya procedures etc.
2. To  undertake  epidemiological  surveys  for  various  purposes  like  Prakriti,  Sarata  other health indicators, dietary habits, changing disease patterns etc.
3. To develop scientific assessment tools and parameters suitable to Ayurveda.
4. To conduct research on natural resources for their sustained availability, quality etc.
5. Identifying newer natural resources for purpose of prevention and treatment of various diseases.
6. To conduct clinical research to evaluate the safety and efficacy of  Ayurvedic pharmacopeial formulations and other drugs and approaches in treating identified diseases and conditions. Clinical
7. Research for safety and efficacy evaluation of Ayurvedic Pharmacopeial formulations and other Drugs and Approaches in identified diseases/conditions
8. Medico Ethno-Botanical Survey across the country
9. To Establish novel methods of analysis for standardization and quality control of single drugs and compound formulations
10. Experimental studies to establish safety profile of Ayurvedic drugs/ formulations
11. Tribal Health Care Research Programme including documentation of Local HealthTraditions/ folk claims.
12. Retrieval  and  revival  of Ayurvedic  texts  from  ancient  manuscripts  and  publication  of journals, monographs, books, technical reports, Information, Education and Communication material (IEC) etc.

## B. Research activities of Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS)

- ❖ CCRS conducts evidence-Based Research in Siddha Medicine for the systematic scientific evaluation of Siddha drugs, therapies, and diagnostic principles using modern research methodologies such as laboratory studies, clinical trials, and pharmacological investigations to establish safety, efficacy, and quality. Such research also contributes to the development and standardization of Siddha drugs, ensuring consistency and quality control in formulations. Furthermore,  it facilitates the integration of Siddha  into mainstream healthcare systems, enhancing its role in public health.
- ❖ The research programme of CCRS mainly focuses on
1. Clinical Research: Validation of safety and efficacy of Siddha formulations
2. Pharmacological Research
3. Survey and Medicinal Plant Research
4. Drug standardisation and Quality Control
5. Literary Research: Documentation, Manuscripts, Publication- Books, Monographs.
6. Siddha Pharmacopoeial and Formulary Works

## C. Research activities of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH)

Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy is regularly undertaking the following steps for research projects to strengthen research infrastructure:-

## Infrastructure Upgradation

1. Regional  Research  Institute  (H),  Jaipur,  Rajasthan  upgraded  to  Central  Research Institute for Homoeopathy.
2. Construction of own building for Regional Research Institute (H) (RRIH) at Mumbai.
3. Construction of Hostel block for PG students at NHRIMH, Kottayam.
4. Construction  of  own  building and upgradation  of  Homoeopathic  Drug  Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh to Central Research Institute for Homoeopathy.
5. Construction of own building and upgradation of Clinical Research Unit (H), Siliguri to Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy.
6. Establishment of HIV laboratory at JSPS Government Homoeopathic Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana.
7. Establishment  of  Fundamental  Research  Laboratory  being  established  at  Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur, Kolkata.
8. These laboratories are responsible for to explore the action of homoeopathic medicines, standardization of raw materials used in Homoeopathy through modern techniques such as  HPTLC, spectrometer, spectrophotometer instruments,  RTPCR, Elisa reader with BSL-2 lab facilities.

## Post Graduate Education

- Central Research Institute (H) at Kottayam for treating psychiatric diseases has been upgraded  to      National  Homoeopathy  Research  Institute  in  Mental  Health  and  also imparting PG education in two subjects with 13 seats practice of medicine and 12 seats Psychiatry .

## Laboratory Facilities

- Molecular Lab, Drug Standardization lab, Pathology lab, Virology laboratory, Animal House, at Dr. Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy, Kolkata, for undertaking research in Homoeopathy.
- Drug Standardization lab, In house pharmacy, Zebrafish lab,  Animal house, Biochemistry lab at Dr. D.P. Rastogi Central Research Institute (Homoeopathy), Noida.

## Human Resource Management

- CCRH  has  regularly  recruited  research  staff  in  various  projects  for  strengthening research output.

CCRH has taken initiative to link Homoeopathy along with mainstream healthcare setup by undertaking various Public Health programmes.

## D. Research  activities  of  Central  Council  for  Research  in  Yoga  and  Naturopathy (CCRYN)

The Central  Council  for  Research  in  Yoga  and  Naturopathy  (CCRYN)  is  implementing following plan to increase research in the field of Yoga & Naturopathy:

- Established one Central Research Institutes of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN) each at Delhi, Haryana and Karnataka.
- Collaborative  Research  Centre's  (CRC): -  The  Council  is  running  a  Scheme  of establishing collaborative Research Centre's (CRC)  to undertake Collaborative Research with leading Medical as well as Yoga and Naturopathy Institutions.
- Centre for Mind Body Intervention through Yoga:- CCRYN has setup Centre for Mind Body  Intervention  through  Yoga  (CMBIY):  AIIMS  Delhi,  AIIMS  Bhopal,  AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Raipur, AIIMS Chhattisgarh, AIIMS NCI, AIIMS Jhajjar, Haryana, AIIMS Rishikesh, PGI Chandigarh, S-VYASA, Bangalore, NIMHANS, Bangalore & AIIMS Bibinagar, Telangana.

## E.  Research activities of Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM)

The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) is conducting evidence-based research  programme  through  its  24  Institutes/Units/Centre.    These  research  programme includes clinical research, drug standardization research, fundamental, literary research, survey and cultivation of medicinal plants. Besides the quality control of Unani drugs, New Drug development for different lifestyle diseases is being carried out by the Council

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