opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 5693 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Visa Appointment
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. June Maliah

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-5693

ANSWERED ON- 27/03/2026

## VISA APPOINTMENTS

5693.  SMT. JUNE MALIAH

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

- (a) whether the U.S. Secretary of State has directed halting any increase in visa appointment capacity until 'social media vetting' systems are installed, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)   the   steps   taken   by   the   Government   to   protect   this   privacyviolating barrier that disproportionately harms Indian applicants; and
- (c) whether it is true that a former US representative claimed that a single Indian district allegedly secured 2.5 times the total H-1B caps, insinuating a 'scam', if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a to c) The U.S. Government, through the Department of State's public   notifications   dated   18th   June   and   3rd   December   2025, respectively, expanded its screening and vetting procedures which required H-1B visa applicants and their dependents (H-4) to adjust the privacy settings of their social media profiles to 'public.'

The   U.S.   Government's   stated   position   is   that   every   visa adjudication is a national security decision and that a U.S. visa is a privilege and not a right.  The objective of the recent notifications was said to be to curb visa abuses, protect the American worker, and  to identify visa applicants who may be inadmissible to the United States. Subsequently, the consular appointments of several H-1B and H-4 visa applicants scheduled in December 2025 were rescheduled to new dates in 2026, resulting in many applicants remaining in India.

The H-1B visa programme is governed by U.S. laws and procedures, and the issuance of such visas is subject to due processes carried out by the competent U.S. authorities - the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration   Services   (USCIS)   for   visa   adjudications   within   the United States or the relevant U.S. Embassy / Consulate for visa adjudications   overseas.   The   relatively   high   number   of   Indian nationals in the H-1B visa programme reflects the demand-driven nature of the U.S. labour market, particularly in high-skill sectors such as technology and engineering, and the availability of a large pool of qualified Indian professionals.

Government of India remains engaged with the U.S. Government to promote mutually advantageous and secure frameworks that allow for   streamlining   avenues   for   legal   mobility   of   students   and professionals and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5690 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: H1B Visa
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Thiru D M Kathir Anand

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5690

ANSWERED ON- 27/03/2026

H1B VISA

5690.  THIRU D M KATHIR ANAND

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

- (a) whether the Union Government has taken serious note on the fact that large number of Indian aspirants have been suffering because of the stringent measures taken by USA to issue of H1B Visa, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the steps taken by the Union Government to take a strong and coordinated effort to find a permanent amicable solution to solve the H1B Visa issues; and
- (c)   whether   the   Government   taken   any   steps   regarding   the unprecedented hardship faced by Indian students and workers in USA, Canada, UK and Middle East countries, if  so,  the   details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a to c) The Government is aware of the H-1B visa-related challenges faced   by   Indian   nationals.   Visa-related   policies   and   associated decisions   are   sovereign   matters.   The   U.S.   Government's   stated position is that every visa adjudication is a national security decision and that a U.S. visa is a privilege and not a right.

In December 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced vetting of the online presence of all H-1B applicants and their dependents (H-4)   to   determine   their   admissibility   to   the   United   States. Subsequently, the consular appointments of several H-1B and H-4 visa applicants scheduled in December 2025 were rescheduled to new dates in 2026, leading to a large number of  the applicants remaining in India.

India believes that skilled talent mobility has long played a significant role in promoting technology advancement, innovation, economic

growth, and wealth creation in both India and the United States. Stakeholders   in   both   countries   remain   engaged   for   facilitating continued support for legal mobility.

The Government of India accords the highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indian nationals abroad. Issues faced by Indian   students   and   workers   in   various   countries,   including   the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and countries in the Middle East, are regularly taken up with the concerned governments. Indian nationals can approach Indian Missions and Posts through inperson visits, email, 24x7 emergency helplines, WhatsApp, grievance redressal portals such as MADAD, CPGRAMS and e-Migrate, and social media platforms. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is also utilized to provide assistance to Indian nationals in distress, including   students   and   workers,   and   includes   provision   of   legal assistance, where necessary. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5687 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Irregularities of Admissions in Lok Nayak Hospital
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Laxmikant Pappu Nishad

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 5687 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 th MARCH, 2026

## IRREGULARITIES OF ADMISSIONS IN LOK NAYAK HOSPITAL

## 5687. SHRI LAXMIKANT PAPPU NISHAD:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the inquiry report of the National Medical Commission regarding alleged irregular admissions to M.Ch. Neurosurgery and D.M. NeuroAnaesthesia courses at Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, affiliated with Maulana Azad Medical College including deficiencies in faculty, infrastructure and violation of statutory norms, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the disciplinary and penal action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government against the responsible officials/former Heads of Department;

(c) whether NMC has recommended criminal investigation under relevant provisions of law including charges of fraud, forgery, criminal conspiracy and abuse of official position;

(d) the measures taken by the Government to safeguard the academic future, degree validity and migration of affected students whose admissions were declared void-ab-initio in this regard; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to strengthen monitoring, audits and accountability mechanisms to prevent recurrence in Government medical Institutions?

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

(a) to (e): The National Medical Commission (NMC) has examined the issues pertaining to alleged irregular admission to the M. Ch Neurosurgery and D.M. Neuro-Anaesthesia courses at Lok Nayak Hospital affiliated with Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi. The matter includes concerns relating to the admission process as well as certain deficienies in faculty, infrastructure and adherence to stututory norms.

As a corrective measure, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has informed that new faculties have been nominated as guides for the M.Ch.(Neurosurgery) students.

Further, in order to safeguard the academic interests and future of the students, all four students admitted for the academic session 2024-27 have been trasferred to Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi. The NMC has also created supernumerary posts for this purpose.

National Medical Commission has in place stringent regulatory provisions as well as monitoring and compliance mechanisms to ensure accountability and prevent such instances in medical institutions. The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has informed that steps have been taken to strengthen monitoring and oversight, adherence to statutory norms, regular review of faculty and infrastructure and enhanced coordination with medical institutions and regulatory bodies.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5679 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Nucleic Acid Testing in Blood Banks
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Durai Vaiko

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5679 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2026

## NUCLEIC ACID TESTING IN BLOOD BANKS

## 5679. SHRI DURAI VAIKO

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

- (a) whether the Government has taken note of the recent observations of the Hon ' ble Supreme Court regarding the feasibility of making Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) mandatory in blood banks to ensure safe blood transfusion, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to introduce NAT screening for donated blood in all Government and private blood banks across the Country, if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
- (c) the number of blood banks currently equipped with NAT facilities, State-wise;
- (d) whether the Government has assessed the cost implications and feasibility of implementing NAT testing in all blood banks, particularly in Government hospitals, if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Government maintains data on the number of persons affected due to the transfusion of contaminated blood, including infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, during the last five years, year-wise; and
- (f) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to strengthen blood safety standards and prevent the transmission of infections through blood transfusion?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) In Writ Petition(s) (Civil) No(s). 184/2026, the Hon ' ble Supreme Court declined plea to make nucleic acid tests compulsory at blood banks, citing a lack of specialized knowledge regarding medical protocols and the associated economic impact on the state.
- (b) to (d) To prevent transfusion-transmitted infections, as per the National Standards for Blood Banks and Blood Transfusion Services guidelines 2022, 4th generation ELISA / Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) is mandatory. The Government does not propose to introduce mandatory NAT screening for donated blood in all Government and private blood banks across the Country. At present, out of 1131 blood centres supported by Dte.GHS, 349 are equipped with NAT facilities. NAT is now available in prominent Institutes of National Importance (INIs), Central Government hospitals, as well as in leading state institutions.
- (e) and (f) The data on the number of persons affected due to the transfusion of contaminated blood, including infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, during the last five years is not maintained centrally. To strengthen blood safety standards and prevent the transmission of infections through blood transfusion, several guidelines have been issued from time to time.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5676 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Modernisation of Indian Ports
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Naveen Jindal

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5676

ANSWERED ON 27.03.2026

## MODERNISATION OF INDIAN PORTS

5676. SHRI NAVEEN JINDAL:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

(a) the maximum size of ships that could enter Indian ports at present vis-a-vis global average; (b) whether the Government has taken any steps to strengthen and modernise port infrastructure across the Country to facilitate berthing of larger ships; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a)to  (c)  At  present,  Indian  ports  with  deep-draft  facilities  of  up  to  20  metres  are capable  of  accommodating  the  world's  largest  cargo  and  container  vessels,  a capacity  broadly  comparable  with  major  global  ports.  To  further  enhance  this capability, Government has taken sustained steps to strengthen and modernise port infrastructure  across  the  country,  undertaking  measures  in  capacity  augmentation, mechanisation,  deepening  of  drafts,  and  the  development  of  offshore  and  outer harbours to facilitate the berthing of larger ships.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5675 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Operation of Medical Stores without Registered Pharmacists
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Adv. Adoor Prakash

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5675 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27 TH MARCH, 2026

## OPERATION OF MEDICALSTORES WITHOUT REGISTERED PHARMACISTS 5675. ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH:

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

- (a) whether the Government has any proposal to allow medical stores to operate without the mandatory presence of a registered pharmacist;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government has taken note of the concerns raised in reports suggesting such as a move; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof along with the response of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) to (d): Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules thereunder the license for Sale and Distribution of drugs are granted by the State Licensing Authority appointed by the respective State Government. Licensee is required to comply with all the conditions of license. State Licensing Authorities are empowered to take action on violation of any conditions of such licenses. As per the conditions of license, sales of Drugs shall be effected only by or under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist and no person can sale by retail the Schedule H, H1 and X drugs without prescription of Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP).

There are provisions under Rule 62A and 62B of Drug Rules, 1945 regarding grant of restricted licenses to persons in respect of drugs, whose sale does not require the supervision of a qualified person.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 5674 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Supply of Natural Gas
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5674 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.03.2026

## Supply of Natural Gas

## 5674: Shri Selvaganapathi T.M.:

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

- (a) Whether it is true that natural gas supplies to fertilizer firms have been reduced by forty to sixty per cent, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  Whether it is a fact that the reduced level of natural gas supplies to fertilizer firms will affect fertilizer production in the Country, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  Whether it is also a fact that the Country has enough fertilizer stocks to meet the upcoming Kharif season, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

## (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) & (b): Vide Gazette Notification dated 9th March, 2026, Government notified the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 due to Force Majeure because of ongoing issues in  Middle East. Under this Order, fertilizer  plants  were  designated  as  Priority  Sector  II,  with  gas  supply  to  be ensured at 70% of their past six-month average consumption, subject to operational availability. In implementation of the said order, Gas allocation to the Fertilizer units has  been  maintained  at ~ 65%  of  their  past  six-month  average  consumption considering the operational availability.

To further augment supplies to the Fertilizer sector, an additional ~7.31 MMSCMD of Natural  Gas  has  been  procured  through  EPMC  (Empowered  Pool  Management Committee) bidding process for the period 18 th  March 2026 to 31 st  March 2026. This has resulted in an increase in total gas availability to the Fertilizer sector to ~80% of their past six-month average consumption.

During the period starting from 1 st  March, 2026 to 24 th   March  2026, 13.55  LMT  of Domestic Urea has been produced. Apart from that, DAP/NPKs and SSP has been produced to the tune of 7.62 LMT & 3.06 LMT respectively for the same period.

(c): Before the commencement of each cropping season, Department of Agriculture and  Farmers  Welfare  (DA&FW),  in  consultation  with  all  the  State  Governments, assesses the State-wise & month-wise requirement of fertilizers. Further, on the basis of requirement projected by DA&FW, D/o Fertilizers allocates adequate quantities of fertilizers  to  States  by  issuing  monthly  supply  plan  and  continuously  monitors  the availability.

In view of the above, the current stocks of fertilizers in the country as on 23.03.2026 includes 53.08 LMT of Urea, 21.80 LMT of DAP, 7.98 LMT of MOP and 48.38 LMT of NPKs.
Lok Sabha Question No. 5670 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Constitution and its Amendments
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5670 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 27 TH  MARCH, 2026

## CONSTITUTION AND ITS AMENDMENTS

## †5670. SHRI BHAUSAHEB RAJARAM WAKCHAURE:

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

- (a) the time at which the Constitution of India was last published and made available in the market;
- (b) whether several amendments have been made to the Constitution and whether the latest edition of the Constitution of India is not available to the general public;
- (c) if so, the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to make available the latest edition of the Constitution of India incorporating all the amendments; and
- (d) the reasons for the delay 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): The diglot edition of the Constitution  of India was last published by the Legislative Department on 1 st May, 2024 and the same is available in the market.

(b): Till  date,  one  hundred  and  six  amendments  have  been  made  to  the  Constitution  and available on the official website of the Legislative Department at www.legislative.gov.in for benefit of general public.

The  Constitution  has  also  been  published  in  Assamese,  Bodo,  Gujarati,  Kannada, Kashmiri, Maithili, Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu and Santhali language incorporating amendments upto the one hundred and sixth amendments in book-form  and  uploaded  on  the  official  website.  The  virtually  updated  version  of  the Constitution in Bengali and Urdu language is uploaded on the official website. The updation of the Constitution upto 106 th amendment in Manipuri, Dogri, Sindhi and Konkani is under process.

(c) & (d): Not applicable, in view of above.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 5666 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Reform of Court & Tribunal Fee Structure
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5666 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 27 TH  MARCH, 2026

## REFORM OF COURT & TRIBUNAL FEE STRUCTURE

## 5666. SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government,  in  consultation  with  State  Governments  and  the  judiciary,  is considering replacing the existing uniform court fee regime with a rational, graded fee structure linked to the nature and valuation of cases, while ensuring complete exemption from court fees for Divyang persons and economically weaker sections in matters relating to their own rights; and
- (b) whether the Government proposes to extend such a reformed fee structure to tribunals as well, in order to improve cost efficiency, discourage frivolous litigation, and reduce the avoidable financial burden on the public exchequer?

## 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) and (b): Fees taken in all courts except the Supreme Court fall under Entry 3 of the State List (List II) of the Seventh Schedule. Being a State subject, only the States are competent to enact or amend the law concerning the Court fees payable in High Court and other Courts subordinate thereto having jurisdiction in any State. Similarly, the fee structures for Tribunals are governed by their respective parent Acts and Rules. However, the Government is committed to ensuring Access to  Justice  for  all.  Under  the  Legal  Services  Authorities  Act,  1987,  person  with  disability  and individuals weaker sections are entitled to free legal services, which includes payment of process fees, expenses of witnesses and all other charges such as court fees, stamp duty etc. payable or incurred in connection with any legal proceedings in appropriate cases provided that Court Fees will be payable only after an application moved before the concerned Court for suing as an indigent has been disposed of and orders of the Court obtained thereon.

****