opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1294 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: India's Relations with Neighbouring Countries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Ganapathy Rajkumar P

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1294

## ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026

## INDIA'S RELATIONS WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

1294. DR. GANAPATHY RAJKUMAR P

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

(a) whether the relations of India with the neighbouring countries like Afghanistan,   Pakistan,   China,   Bhutan,   Nepal,   Myanmar,   Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka has recently deteriorated;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Union Government has any future plans to improve/revamp ties with these neighbouring countries; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

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

(a to d) The Government keeps a constant watch on developments in the neighbourhood, especially those having a bearing on India's security and national interests. The Government accords the highest priority to India's

relations   with   its   neighbours,   which   are   multifaceted   and   evolve   in response   to   mutual   interests,   sensitivities   and   prevailing   bilateral, regional and global circumstances. Under the Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, India   continues   to   engage   with   its   neighbouring   countries   through sustained   diplomatic   dialogue,   development   partnerships,   people-topeople   exchanges,   trade,   connectivity   initiatives   and   regional mechanisms. The Government remains committed to safeguarding India's security   and   national   interests   and   promoting   peace,   stability   and prosperity in the region.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1287 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: India’s Engagement in Chabahar Port
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Manish Tewari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1287

ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026

## INDIA'S ENGAGEMENT IN CHABAHAR PORT

1287. SHRI MANISH TEWARI

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

(a) whether the Government has reviewed India's strategic, financial and operational engagement in the Chabahar Port project in Iran in view of the risk of  renewed or expanded United States sanctions, if  so, the details thereof;

(b) whether any steps have been taken to reduce the exposure of Indian entities,   including   India   Ports   Global   Limited   (IPGL),   to   potential secondary sanctions and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any Indian officials or representatives have been withdrawn from management or decision-making roles related to the Chabahar Port project and if so, the reasons therefor;

(d)   the   impact   of   such   measures   on   India's   long-term   strategic   and connectivity objectives, including access to Afghanistan, Central Asia and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC); and

(e) whether the Government is engaged with the United States and other partners   to   seek   exemptions   or   safeguards   for   India's   continued involvement in Chabahar and if so, the current status of such diplomatic efforts?

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

(a to e) The Chabahar Port project was conceptualized to provide muchneeded connectivity to Afghanistan for its reconstruction and economic development and for boosting trade and economic linkages with Central Asia.

An Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), through its wholly owned subsidiary,   India   Ports   Global   Chabahar   Free   Zone   (IPGCFZ), started operating the port in 2018. On 13 May 2024, IPGL signed a tenyear contract with the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic   of   Iran   for   equipping   and   operating   the   Shahid   Beheshti Terminal of Chabahar Port.  As per the provisions of the contract, India has fulfilled   its   commitment   of   contributing   USD   120   million   for   the procurement of port equipment.

On 16 September 2025, the US State Department revoked the sanctions exception issued in 2018 under the Iran Freedom and Counter Proliferation Act   2012   for   Afghanistan's   reconstruction   and   economic   development, effective 29 September 2025. Pursuant to discussions with the US side, the latter issued guidance extending the conditional sanctions waiver until 26 April 2026. The Government of India remains engaged with all concerned in order to address the implications of these developments.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1284 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Establishment of 50-Bedded AYUSH Hospitals in Odisha
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1284 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## Promotion of AYUSH Medicine

## Establishment of 50-Bedded AYUSH Hospitals in Odisha

1284. Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that due to extensive industrial and mining activities, health-related  issues  have  become  a  major  concern  among  the  local  population  of  Jajpur district,  thereby  creating  an  urgent  need  for  sustainable  healthcare  facilities  in  AYUSH hospital;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether Panikoili area of Jajpur district is being seriously considered by the Government for establishment of a 50-bedded AYUSH hospital and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)  the  current  status  of  the  said  proposal  and  the  likely  timeline  for  approval  and Commencement of the project in this regard?

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

(a) to (d) Public Health being State subject, establishment of  a 50- bedded Ayush hospital and identification/addressing of health related issues due to industrial and mining activities among the local population of Jajpur district comes under purview of respective State Government. However, Ministry of Ayush is implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the National Ayush Mission (NAM) through State/UT Governments including Odisha having the provision of financial assistance for the establishment of 50/30/10 bedded Integrated Ayush Hospitals (IAHs) in different parts of the country including Panikoili area of Jajpur district of Odisha. Accordingly, State Government may avail financial assistance by submitting suitable proposal through State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) as per the provision of NAM guidelines.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1283 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Anurag Singh Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1283

## ANSWERED ON- 06/02/2026

## KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA

## 1283. SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR

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

(a) whether the Government is actively engaging with the Chinese side to facilitate the early resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which was suspended due to the pandemic and border restrictions, and if so, the details of progress made in this regard;

(b) whether the Government has examined the possibility of opening an additional, more convenient route for the Yatra via Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, if so, the details thereof and the current status of inter-ministerial and bilateral consultations;

(c) whether technical, security and connectivity assessments for the Shipki La route have been initiated in coordination with the Government of Himachal Pradesh and central agencies, if so, the details thereof; and (d) the steps taken by the Government to strengthen infrastructure and ensure safer and improved pilgrimage experiences?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a   to   d)   Yes   Sir.  Ministry   of   External   Affairs   organized   the   Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2025 between June and August, 2025 through the two official routes of Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim, in cooperation with the state governments of  Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and also the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

It is the Government's endeavour to constantly improve the conditions for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.  In the past, the Ministry of External Affairs has requested the Government of China for opening of alternative routes   for   the   Yatra,   including   through   Shipki   La   Pass   in   Himachal Pradesh.  The Chinese side cited difficulties in opening alternate routes to Kailash Manasarovar.  The Government remains engaged with China on opening of additional route for the Yatra.

The Ministry of External Affairs provides assistance, on self-financing basis,   to   the   Yatris   undertaking   the   Kailash   Manasarovar   Yatra   by providing facilities like transportation, accommodation, food, medical

tests, guides etc.  The Ministry of External Affairs also coordinates with the Government of People's Republic of China as well as various Indian agencies for the smooth conduct of this Yatra.  A provision for air-lift of pilgrims by helicopter is also made on the Indian side in case of  a medical emergency.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1277 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Review of Guidelines for Referral of Patients
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Bishnu Pada Ray

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1277 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH FEBRUARY, 2026

## REVIEWOFGUIDELINES FOR REFERRALOF PATIENTS

## 1277. SHRI BISHNU PADARAY:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has requested the Government (Prime Minister, Home Minister and Health Minister) to review and amend the existing guidelines for referral of patients to mainland-empanelled hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY), suggesting that patients and their attendants be referred by air travel instead of ship for both onward and return journeys, along with other measures to safeguard patients' welfare; and

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to consider these suggestions and the timeframe proposed for implementing the proposed measures?

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

(a) and (b): In the Union Territory (UT) of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, there are 7 public empanelled hospitals under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY). In order to facilitate free treatment to beneficiaries under AB-PMJAY, the scheme offers portability feature, wherein eligible beneficiaries can avail treatment in any empanelled hospital across the country, irrespective of the State/UT to which the beneficiary belongs. Under the scheme, States/UTs have the flexibility to customize the package rates and relax the empanelment criteria for hospitals as per the local context.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1272 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Artificial Sweeteners and Health Effects
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1272 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 TH FEBRUARY, 2026

## ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS AND HEALTH EFFECTS

## 1272. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI:

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

- (a) whether it is true that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended against using artificial sweeteners to control weight and prevent lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is also true that high intake of artificial sweeteners has been reported to increase the risk of type-2 diabetes by 23 per cent and cardiovascular diseases by 32 per cent and hypertension, bladder cancer, etc. by 13 per cent and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the consumption of artificial sweeteners, including those used in diet and zerocalorie soft drinks, is associated with any adverse health consequences and if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) to (c): Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has informed that the World Health Organization (WHO), in May 2023, issued a guideline advising against the use of non-sugar (artificial) sweeteners for weight control or for preventing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. WHO has recommended reducing overall dietary sweetness rather than substituting sugar with artificial sweeteners.

Evidence from large systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including those evaluated by the WHO, indicates that higher consumption of non-sugar (artificial) sweeteners has been associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. These reviews report a 23% higher risk of type 2 diabetes, a 32% higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, and an increased risk (around

13%) of conditions such as hypertension and certain cancers, including bladder cancer, particularly with long-term exposure. However, these findings are largely based on observational evidence, and WHO has noted the need for cautious interpretation while considering the totality of evidence in dietary guidance.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has laid down the standards for various artificial sweeteners in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011. These standards for non-caloric sweeteners and limits for use of such non-caloric sweeteners in various food products have been laid down on the basis of risk assessment and Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) established by Joint Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the limits are in harmonization with Codex Alimentarius Commission.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1260 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: AMRIT Pharmacy in Shirdi
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION 1260 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6.2.2026

## AMRIT PHARMACYIN SHIRDI

## †1260. SHRI BHAUSAHEB RAJARAM WAKCHAURE:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to open AMRIT Pharmacy to provide Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment to economically weaker patients and patients suffering from chronic diseases in Sai Baba Hospital and Shri Sainath General Hospital run by Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust in Shirdi Parliamentary Constituency and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of guidelines and financial support in this regard; and
- (c) the time by which the AMRIT Pharmacy is likely to open in these two hospitals?

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

(a) to (c): At present there is no proposal to open AMRIT Pharmacy in Sai Baba Hospital and Shri Sainath General Hospital run by Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1253 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Anganwadi Gyan Kendras
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Baijayant Panda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 1253

TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## ANGANWADI GYAN KENDRAS

## 1253. SHRI BAIJAYANT PANDA:

Will the Minister of Women and Child Development be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has started implementing the transformation of well-performing Anganwadi centres into Anganwadi Gyan Kendras, if so, the details thereof and if not, the timeline of its implementation and locations identified therefor; and
- (b) whether  infrastructure  upgradation  of  the  centres  is  under  consideration  and  if  so,  the details of the new infrastructure to be added along with its estimated budget per Kendra?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI ANNPURNA DEVI)

- (a) & (b):    Under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (Mission Poshan 2.0), currently there is no component for transformation of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) into Anganwadi Gyan Kendras.

Under Mission Poshan 2.0, two lakh Anganwadi Centres located in Government buildings @ 40,000 AWCs per year (@ Rs. 1 Lakh per AWC) are strengthened as Saksham Anganwadis for delivery of improved nutrition and for Early Childhood Care and Education in the 15 th Finance Commission  cycle.  Saksham  Anganwadis  are  provided  with  better  infrastructure  than  the conventional Anganwadi centres with LED screens, water filtration system, Poshan Vatika, ECCE material and BALA paintings. As on 31.01.2026, a total of 2 lakh AWCs have been approved for upgradation across the country.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1252 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Inland Water Transport
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Pushpendra Saroj

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1252

ANSWERED ON 06.02.2026

## INLAND WATER TRANSPORT

1252. SHRI PUSHPENDRA SAROJ:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

(a)  the  number  of  inland  waterway  terminals,  multimodal  terminals  and  river  ports developed or operated under National Waterway-l (Ganga) in Uttar Pradesh;

(b)  the  Jal  Marg  Vikas  Project  where  cargo  or  passenger  operations  were  disrupted during the last two years due to dredging delays, maintenance backlogs or navigational depth constraints;

(c) the terminal-wise duration and frequency of such disruptions;

(d)  the  impact  on  cargo  volumes  handled,  vessel  turnaround  time  and  utilisation  of sanctioned terminal capacity;

(e) whether accountability or penalties were fixed on Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) executing agencies, contractors or concessionaires for failure to meet dredging and maintenance obligations, if so, the details thereof; and

(f)  the  measures  taken  to  ensure  assured  depth,  time-bound  maintenance  and predictable  year-round  operations  to  improve  the  commercial  viability  of  inland  water transport infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh?

## ANSWER

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

(a) One  permanent  Multi-Modal  Terminal  (MMT)  at  Varanasi ; 2  floating  terminals  at Prayagraj,  3  floating  terminals  at  Varanasi,  one  each  at  Gazhipur  &  Ballia  and  15 Community Jetties (floating) at various locations on the National Waterway(NW)-l (River Ganga) in Uttar Pradesh have been developed and are operational.

(b)  to  (d) No  disruption  of  cargo  or  passenger  operations  were  reported  /  observed during the last  two  years  on  NW-1  except  an incident of instant grounding  of MV Aai

(Cargo vessel) in February 2025, which was due to adoption of alternate channel other than main navigation channel.

(e) Accountability  or  penalties  fixed  by  Inland  Waterways Authority  of  India  (IWAI)  on executing agencies namely M/s Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works (KMEW) Ltd. for  Rs.  3,09,93,150/-  &  M/s  Dharti  Dredging  &  Infrastructure  Ltd.  (DDIL)  for  Rs. 3,73,21,990/- due to non-mobilization of dredgers on time as per contract provisions.

(f) To provide end to end fairway and to ensure assured depth, time-bound maintenance and  predictable  year-round  operations,  NW-1  has  been  divided  into  10  stretches  for fairway  development  works.  Contracts  for  all  10  stretches  have  been  awarded  and fairway maintenance activities are ongoing including two stretches in Uttar Pradesh i.e. Varanasi - Ghazipur and Ghazipur-Majhaua.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 1248 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Abduction of Indian Nationals in Mali
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Eswarasamy K

## Government of India Ministry of External Affairs

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 1248

ANSWER ON - 06/02/2026

Abduction of Indian Nationals in Mali

1248. Shri Eswarasamy K

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) Whether the Government is aware of the reported abduction of five Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu working on an electrification project in Mali, if so, the details thereof;

(b) The details of  the diplomatic steps taken by the Government, including   coordination   with   the   Indian   Embassy   in   Bamako   and international agencies, to ensure their safe and early release;

(c) Whether any communication has been received from the Non-

Resident Tamils Welfare Board or the State Government of Tamil Nadu regarding this incident and if so, the action taken thereon; and

(d)  The measures being taken by the Government to ensure the safety and security  of   Indian   citizens   employed   in   high-risk   regions   in

abroad?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) The Ministry is aware of the abduction of five Indian nationals, who were working on an electrification project in Mali, employed by M/s Sri Vinayaka Power Engineering, a sub-contractor of Transrail Lighting Ltd. On 06 November 2025, a group of armed assailants attacked the labour camp in Kobri village, Kayes region and abducted five technicians who were staying there.

(b) The Government of India, through its Embassy in Bamako, has taken up the matter with the Government of Mali and is coordinating with Malian authorities for safe and early release of the abducted Indian nationals. The Government of Mali has assured of its cooperation for the safe release of Indian nationals. Further, the Embassy of India in Bamako is in regular contact with the employer of the abducted five Indian nationals. The Ministry has also been in communication with the Embassy of Mali in India in this regard.

(c) Yes, the Government of India has received a communication from the Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board regarding the five Indian nationals and conveyed them steps taken by the Government for their safe and early release.

(d)  The Government remains in close coordination with relevant host Governments to facilitate appropriate security arrangements for Indian nationals working in high risk regions abroad. In situations where the security   environment   poses   potential   risks,   Indian   Missions   issue advisories, alerting Indian citizens to exercise caution and follow safety measures.   Missions   remain   in   regular   communication   with   Indian employers and community representatives to monitor developments and ensure the continued safety and well being of Indian nationals.

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