opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2225 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Three Years Compulsory Practice for Judicial Service
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Dr. Anand Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

## DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †2225. TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 12 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## THREE YEARS COMPULSORY PRACTICE FOR JUDICIAL SERVICE

## †2225. DR. ANAND KUMAR:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that recently the Supreme Court has made a minimum of  three  years  legal  practice  mandatory  for  appearing  in  the  Judicial  Service  (Lower Judiciary) examinations;
- (b)  whether  this  condition  is  likely  to  make  it  more  difficult  for  women  candidates, economically weaker sections and aspirants without legal backgrounds to enter the judicial service;
- (c)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  is  contemplating  to  abolish  or  reduce  the  compulsory practice  period  of  three  years  by  bringing  a  new  law  in  view  of  the  problems  of  these sections; and
- (d)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  whether  the  Government  is  contemplating  to introduce any financial assistance or special assistance scheme for such candidates to ensure equal opportunity in judicial services, 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 per  the  Constitutional  framework,  in  exercise  of  powers  conferred  under  the proviso  to  Article  309  read  with  Articles  233  and  234  of  the  Constitution,  the  respective  State Government, in consultation with the High Court, frames the rules and regulations regarding the appointment and recruitment of Judicial Officers in Lower Judiciary.  Hence, the concerned subject matter does not fall under the purview of the Central Government.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2223 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Misuse of ORS Labeling
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Sambit Patra

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2223 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH DECEMBER, 2025

## MISUSE OF ORS LABELING

## †2223. DR. SAMBIT PATRA:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware that several e-commerce platforms, grocery stores, shopping malls, pharmacies, etc., are illegally selling fruit-based beverages, ready-to-drink products, electrolytes, etc., by labeling them as ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) and if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government against such sellers; and
- (b) whether the Government has prepared any action plan for inspections and remedial measures in case of violations to prevent misuse of ORS labeling and if so, the details thereof?

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

## (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) and (b): The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in exercise of its regulatory oversight, has issued directions to all the Food Business Operators (FBO) for removal of such brand name / product name containing word 'Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)' with immediate effect from all distribution channels, along with from e-commerce platforms.

In pursuance to this, directions have also been issued to all the enforcement authorities in States/UTs & regional office of FSSAI, wherein Commissioners of Food Safety of all States/UTs and Central Licensing Authorities were advised to initiate regulatory action against such FBOs and against misleading food labels using the term 'ORS' on non-carbonated water-based beverages/ Fruit based beverages/ Ready to serve/drink beverages, in accordance with the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006 and relevant regulations.

Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 imposes restrictions on unfair trade practices, including the prohibition of misleading advertisements and claims. Further, FSSAI has also notified the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulation, 2018, to address issues related to misleading claims, labelling and advertisements. It ensures that food-related advertisements and claims are accurate, non-deceptive, and align with food safety standards. It is the responsibility of the food business to adhere with these requirements. Any contravention of these regulations may lead to appropriate actions in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its subsequent regulations made thereafter.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2219 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Vacants Posts in Ministry
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Sharmila Sarkar, Shri Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2219 ANSWERED ON- 12/12/2025 VACANTS POSTS IN MINISTRY 2219. SHRI JAGADISH CHANDRA BARMA BASUNIA

## DR. SHARMILA SARKAR

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

(a) the number of  sanctioned posts and posts filled, including reserved posts in the Ministry of External Affairs, category-wise;

(b) the number of vacancies in the Ministry since 2014, year and category-wise; and

(c) the number of contractual employees hired since 2014, year and category-wise?

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

## [SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH]

(a & b) As on 01 December 2025, the total sanctioned strength of   the   Ministry   across   Group   A,   B,   and   C   Services   is   5986. Additionally,   the   local   cadre   staff   strength   in   Ministry   is   3161. Vacancies arising at various levels in the Ministry are filled by direct recruitment and promotion from feeder cadres. The Ministry also takes   officers   from   other   Ministries/Departments   on   deputation. Professionals and experts are currently hired in the Ministry as Consultants   as   per   requirement.   Generally,   gaps   between   the departure of  incumbents and the arrival of  their successors for different posts are kept to a minimum. However, as deployment chains often involve several officers, short-term vacancies in HQ or Missions/Posts abroad may arise. It is not possible to determine the exact number of vacancies since this is a continuous process with some officers demitting   charge   and   others   assuming   charge   at different   time   intervals.   The   Ministry   regularly   reviews   the requirement of manpower at various levels in Missions and Posts abroad  as   well   as   Headquarters,   and   takes   appropriate   action, including   recruitment   of   additional   officers   and   staff,   through placement   of   requisite   indents   with   the   Union   Public   Service Commission and the Staff Selection Commission respectively.

- (c) The   number   of   contractual   employees   hired   since   2014 year-wise is as follows:

|   Year |   Contractual/hired employees |
|--------|-------------------------------|
|   2014 |                           303 |
|   2015 |                           344 |
|   2016 |                           369 |
|   2017 |                           400 |
|   2018 |                           410 |
|   2019 |                           421 |
|   2020 |                           430 |
|   2021 |                           561 |
|   2022 |                           647 |
|   2023 |                           530 |
|   2024 |                           355 |
|   2025 |                           343 |

* The category-wise data is not available with the Ministry.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2217 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Fraud Cases of Claims under AB-PMJAY
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Kali Charan Singh

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2217 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH DECEMBER, 2025

## FRAUDCASES OF CLAIMS UNDER AB-PMJAY

## 2217. SHRI KALI CHARAN SINGH:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has detected cases of fraud, misuse, impersonation or inflated claims under the Ayushman Bharat -Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) during the last three years across the country;

(b) if so, the details of fraudulent transactions, including the number of hospitals, beneficiaries and officials found involved, State/UT-wise and year-wise;

(c) the total amount of fraudulent or irregular claims identified and the amount recovered so far;

(d) whether the National Health Authority (NHA) has taken action such as de-empanelment, suspension, penalty imposition or filing of FIRs against hospitals engaged in fraudulent practices including recovery of excess payments, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to strengthen anti-fraud mechanisms such as AI-based claim scrutiny, real-time risk scoring, audits and biometric verification to prevent misuse of public funds under AB-PMJAY?

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

(a) to (e): Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is governed on a zero-tolerance approach towards fraud. National Anti-Fraud Unit (NAFU) has been established at National Health Authority which works in close coordination with the State Anti-Fraud Units (SAFU) to investigate and take action on cases of fraud. Appropriate action including suspension, issue of show cause notices, warning letter, de-empanelment of hospitals, de-activation of e-cards, levying of penalty on errant hospitals and lodging of FIRs, are taken against fraudulent entities.

As on 15.11.2025, 1184 hospitals have been de-empanelled, penalties amounting to Rs. 231.88 crore have been levied against fraudulent entities and 411 hospitals have been suspended by the States/UTs.

NAFU uses AI/ML-based automated triggers to flag unusual claims such as duplicate entries, inflated procedures or misuse of patient's identity. Regular capacity-building workshops and field-level training sessions are conducted to strengthen the overall anti-fraud framework of AB-PMJAY.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2214 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Special Courts for Financial Fraud Cases
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Shri G M Harish Balayogi

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2214 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 12 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## SPECIAL COURTS FOR FINANCIAL FRAUD CASES

## 2214.  SHRI G M HARISH BALAYOGI: SHRI LAVU SRI KRISHNA DEVARAYALU :

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

- (a) whether the Government plans to establish dedicated Special Courts for expeditious trial and disposal of bank fraud cases across the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including the proposed structure, jurisdiction and monetary threshold for cases to be taken up by such courts;
- (c) whether the Government has identified specific States or districts for establishment of such special or fast-track courts to deal with bank fraud cases, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether consultations have been held with concerned Ministries, the Reserve Bank of India and public sector banks for finalising the operational framework of these courts;
- (e) the present status and timeline for the implementation of the proposal; and
- (f)  whether  any  assessment  has  been  made  regarding  the  pendency  and  average  time  taken  for adjudication of major bank fraud cases in the country and the impact expected from the proposed Special Courts in reducing such pendency?

## 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 (f): No proposal for establishment of  dedicated  Special  Courts  for  expeditious  trial  and disposal of bank fraud cases in any part of the country is currently under consideration of the Government of India.

As informed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Companies Act, 2013 does not contain any provision mandating the establishment of Special Courts exclusively for trying cases related to bank frauds. Further, Department of Financial Services, after consulting the Ministries/Departments, which administer the Acts containing provisions related to Bank frauds, have informed that such Acts have no specific provisions for establishment of Special Courts for Bank fraud cases.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2213 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Empanelment of Hospitals under Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2213 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH DECEMBER, 2025

## EMPANELMENT OFHOSPITALS UNDER AYUSHMAN BHARAT SCHEME

## 2213. DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the criteria and the prescribed process involved for the empanelment of hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and the total number of Government and private hospitals currently empanelled across the country, State-wise;

(b) the details of the treatment categories covered under the said scheme; and

(c) the steps taken by the Government to raise awareness about the said scheme among senior citizens in rural areas across the country including any collaborations with local Government bodies and community organizations?

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

(a): Under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), hospital empanelment is a continuous process and is done as per the criteria and process provided under the empanelment guidelines. The detailed guidelines are available at: https://hem.nha.gov.in/images/309dbcbdaf52d1a4b672.pdf

As on 31.10.2025, 32,403 hospitals are empanelled under the scheme, including 15,378 private hospitals. The State/UT-wise details of the Empanelled Hospitals are available at: https://hem.nha.gov.in/search

(b): AB-PMJAY is a flagship scheme of the Government which provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Under the latest Health Benefit Package 2022, a total of 1961 procedures across 27 specialties are available, of which 743 are medical procedures and 1218 surgical procedures.

(c): AB-PMJAY has a comprehensive media and outreach strategy to spread awareness and empower beneficiaries for their rights and entitlements. This includes advertisement over traditional media platforms including newspapers, community radio, through street plays, digital displays, radio campaigns, mass messaging, telecast of beneficiary testimonials etc. State Health Agencies have also engaged a wide network of frontline workers i.e., Accredited Social Health Activist, Anganwadi Worker who have played pivotal roles in creating mass awareness at the grassroot level. In addition to this the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card beneficiaries may give a missed call to helpline number 1800-110-770 or call at 24x7 call centre (14555) for any assistance/queries. Further, National Health Authority has issued directions to the states to undertake extensive Information, education and communication activities to raise the awareness about the expansion of AB-PMJAY for all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2211 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Additional Fertilizer Depots in Rajasthan
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Smt. Sanjna Jatav

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2211 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 12.12.2025

## ADDITIONAL FERTILIZER DEPOTS IN RAJASTHAN

## 2211:  SMT. SANJNA JATAV:

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

- (a)    whether the farmers of Bharatpur district of Rajasthan are forced to travel long distances to get subsidized fertilizers due to lack of adequate distribution centres in the country thereby increasing the financial burden on small farmers; and
- (b)   if so, the details of additional fertilizer depots, cooperative centres and online subsidy tracking system set up or proposed to be set up in the said district?

## ANSWER

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

(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

- (a)  &  (b)  The  mandate  of  the  D/o  Fertilizers  is  to  ensure  adequate  availability  of fertilizers at State level. However, the assessment and distribution of fertilizers within the State at district level is done by the concerned State government. Accordingly, State government of Rajasthan has informed that in Bharatpur district, subsidized fertilizers  are  distributed  from  the  Bharatpur,  Hindon,  and  Alwar  rake  points.  All authorized distributors supply fertilizer to retail outlets operating at the district, block, gram panchayat, and even village levels. Farmers are free to purchase fertilizer from any retail shop nearest to them.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2206 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at Chidambaranar Port
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Dhaval Laxmanbhai Patel

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2206

ANSWERED ON 12.12.2025

## GREEN HYDROGEN PILOT PROJECT AT CHIDAMBARANAR PORT

2206.   SHRI DHAVAL LAXMANBHAI PATEL:

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

- (a) the objectives for establishing the green hydrogen pilot project at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu; and
- (b) the expected outcomes of the said project?

## ANSWER

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

(a) & (b) The objective of the Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at VoC Port is to create a bunkering  facility for Green  Hydrogen  or  its  derivatives to  support  the  phased development  of  Green  Fuel  utilization  by  demonstrating  it  in  the  shipping  sector.  It supports  vessels  operating  on  international  and  domestic  sea  routes  by  providing refuelling  facilities  for  green  fuels.  The  expected  outcomes  of  this  project  include  a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions and creation of numerous direct and indirect job opportunities in manufacturing and storage of green fuel and related services.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2204 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: National Family Health Survey
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Partha Bhowmick

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2204 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12-12-2025

## NATIONALFAMILY HEALTH SURVEY

## 2204: SHRI PARTHA BHOWMICK:

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

(a) the year of fieldwork and the date of publication for the last round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in the country;

(b) the details of the current status of NFHS-6;

(c) whether the publication of reports/fact sheets of the NFHS-6 has been delayed and if so, the details and the reasons therefor; and

(d) the timeline by which the National, State/UT and district fact sheets and the main report of NFHS-6 are likely to be placed in the public domain?

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

(a) to (d): The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) conducts an integrated survey namely National Family Health Survey (NFHS). The survey provides data on health and family welfare and associated domains like characteristics of the population; fertility and fertility preferences; family planning; infant and child mortality; maternal and child health; nutrition; morbidity and healthcare; women's empowerment, etc. It is a nationally important source of data for the purpose of monitoring performance of health programmes/schemes of Government of India.

The NFHS-5 was conducted during 2019-21 and its Report was released in 2022. The sixth round of NFHS was initiated timely with International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) as the nodal agency. The fieldwork for NFHS-6 was carried out in two phases across all States/UTs, except Manipur due to administrative reasons, and has been completed.

The Ministry ensures a timely dissemination of NFHS data by conducting regular follow-ups with the nodal agency and regular meetings at higher levels to monitor progress and oversee intermediary steps. For ensuring transparent dissemination, data of NFHS in Factsheets and Reports is usually released.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2202 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Improvement in Legal Aid Services
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Shri Kanwar Singh Tanwar

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 2202

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY - 12/12/2025

## IMPROVEMENT IN LEGAL AID SERVICES

## †2202. SHRI KANWAR SINGH TANWAR:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to bring improvement in Legal aid Services, the Infrastructure of district courts and access to Justice in Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh so as to ensure timely and effective delivery of justice to the citizens;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  the  Courts  upgraded,  Legal  aid  centres  established  and  results achieved in the district; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## 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 National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987 to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker  sections  of  the  society  including  beneficiaries  covered  under  Section  12  of  the LSA Act, 1987, which aims to ensure that the opportunities for securing justice are not denied  to  any  citizen  by  reason  of  economic  or  other  disabilities,  and  to  organize  Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes.

In order to ensure timely and effective delivery of justice to the citizens, 16 Legal Aid Centres have been established under the supervision of District Legal Services Authority, Amroha,  Uttar  Pradesh.  Through  the  aid  of  Panel  Lawyers  and  Legal  Aid  Defense Counsels,  458  citizens  were  provided  free  Legal  Aid  during  the  year  2025-26  (upto September, 2025).

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