opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4774 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Functioning of Political Parties
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Dr. Manna Lal Rawat

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4774 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 20 TH  MARCH, 2026

## FUNCTIONING OF POLITICAL PARTIES

## †4774. DR. MANNA LAL RAWAT:

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

- (a)  the  main  provisions of the Representation of the People Act, particularly relating to the formation, registration and functioning of political parties;
- (b)  the  provisions  and  criteria  laid  down  by  the  Election  Commission  of  India  for  granting recognition to political parties;
- (c) the legal and procedural provisions for derecognition of a political party; and
- (d) the provisions for derecognition of any political party indulging in casteist or communal politics or is found to be engaged in activities against the unity and integrity of the country?

## 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  Election  Commission  of  India  (ECI)  has  informed  that  the  criteria  regarding  the registration of the political parties are laid down under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

(b): The  ECI  has  informed  that  the  criteria  for  granting  recognition  to  political  parties  as 'National' or 'State' parties are laid down under Para 6 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

(c) & (d): The ECI has informed that the political parties can be derecognized if they fail to fulfil  the  criteria  as  laid  down  in  Paragraphs  6,  6A,  6B  and  6C  of  the  Election  Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

Further,  Para  16A  of  the  Election  Symbols  (Reservation  and  Allotment)  Order,  1968  also provides for suspension or withdrawal of recognition of the political parties.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4771 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Consultation Fees to Visit Empanelled Hospitals
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Ashok Kumar Rawat

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4771 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH MARCH, 2026

## CONSULTATION FEES TO VISIT EMPANELLED HOSPITALS

## 4771. SHRI ASHOK KUMAR RAWAT:

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

- (a) whether it is a fact that in all empanelled hospitals in Delhi/NCR including BLK-MAX super speciality hospital under various Central Government Health Schemes, regular patients are required to pay consultation fees at every visit including for consultations with different specialist doctors, even for follow-up treatment, hospital-wise;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor and the guidelines issued by the Government in this regard;
- (c) whether the Government is aware that repeated charging of consultation fees from regular/follow-up patients is causing financial burden to beneficiaries, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government proposed to issue directions to empanelled hospitals to waive or regular consultation fees for follow-up visits within a specified period; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof along with the corrective steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

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

(a) to (e) : As per OM No. 5-34/CGHS/HEC(HQ)/2025 dated 22.12.2025, each OPD consultation is valid for a period of 7 days, provided it pertains to the same speciality.

Under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), pensioner beneficiaries are entitled to cashless (credit) facility and are not required to pay any out-of-pocket consultation fee at empanelled Health Care Organizations (HCOs) for services covered under CGHS. The empanelled hospitals raise bills directly to CGHS as per prescribed rates and terms and conditions of empanelment. Similarly, serving beneficiaries submit Medical Reimbursement Claims to their respective Departments, as per CGHS norms.

Further, vide OM dated 28.06.2024, the referral guidelines for consultation, investigations and treatment at empanelled HCOs have been simplified. A referral issued by a CGHS Wellness Centre for specialist consultation is valid for three months, during which a beneficiary may avail up to six consultations, including with up to three specialists, if so recommended by the primary specialist.

CGHS monitors the functioning of empanelled HCOs through feedback and grievance redressal mechanisms. Complaints regarding overcharging or denial of entitled services may be lodged on the CGHS portal or CPGRAMS and are acted upon as per extant guidelines.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4769 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Health Insurance Coverage for Gig Workers
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Asaduddin Owaisi

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4769 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH MARCH, 2026

## HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR GIG WORKERS

## 4769. SHRIASADUDDINOWAISI:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has announced the inclusion of over 1 crore gig workers under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including the implementation framework;
- (c) the eligibility criteria being used for the identification of gig workers under the scheme;
- (d) the estimated timeline for the implementation of the scheme for gig workers; and
- (e) the number of assessed and identified beneficiaries under this initiative in the country; State-wise?

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

(a) to (e): Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) has informed that the definition of gig workers' and 'platform workers' and provisions related to the same have been provided in the Code on Social Security, 2020 which has come into force on 21.11.2025 and as per the Budget Announcement for financial year 2025-26, Government has announced several key measures for the welfare of Gig workers of online platforms (platform workers) viz. their registration on the e-Shram portal, issuance of identity cards, and extension of healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

Further, the Code provides for framing of suitable welfare schemes for gig workers and platform workers on matters relating to life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, etc. The Code provides for setting up a Social Security Fund to finance these welfare schemes.

The MoLE launched e-Shram portal on 26.08.2021 for creation of a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers including platform workers, migrant workers etc. The eShram portal is meant to register and support the unorganised workers by providing them a Universal Account Number on a self-declaration basis. This is envisaged to enable unorganised workers registered on e-Shram to access social security schemes and see benefits availed by them.

To maximise registration of platform workers on this portal, three nationwide special registration drives were held during the months of April, May and August-September, 2025 in collaboration with States and Union Territories. As on 12.03.2026, over 8.84 lakh platform workers are registered on e-Shram portal.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4760 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Policy for Medical Courses
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Chandan Chauhan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4760 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH MARCH, 2026

## POLICY FOR MEDICALCOURSES

## †4760. SHRI CHANDAN CHAUHAN:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is formulating a comprehensive policy to offer MBBS, BAMS,
- BHMS and other medical courses in Hindi and other mother tongues, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any National mechanism has been put in place for the translation of medical textbooks, the standardisation of technical terminology and development of digital study materials, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the concrete steps taken so far to increase the participation of students from rural and disadvantaged communities in mother tongue-based medical education in the country; and (d) the details of the time frames and the budgetary provisions for the effective implementation of this initiative in the country?

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

(a) to (d): The Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) provides for teaching, learning and assessment in a bilingual mode integrating English with regional languages such as Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odiya, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu.

Further, the Foundation Course under the CBME curriculum aims to prepare learners for effective medical study by fostering skills in language, interpersonal relationships, communication and other related competencies. Additionally, learners may be enrolled concurrently in a local language programme, an English language programme or a computer skills training programme.

Moreover, as informed by the Ministry of AYUSH, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has undertaken various initiatives to standardize Ayurveda terminology, including the publication of the Standardized Ayurveda Terminologies on the National Ayush Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic Portal (NAMASTE Portal). CCRAS has also contributed to the development of the WHO International Standard Terminologies on Ayurveda and the Traditional Medicine Module 2 of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and has developed electronic versions of classical Ayurveda texts such as Charakasamhita and Sushrutasamhita, which are available online.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4756 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Hike in Price of Urea
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Kalyan Banerjee

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4756 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.03.2026

## Hike in Price of Urea

## 4756 Shri Kalyan Banerjee:

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

- (a) Whether  any  price  hike  has  been  proposed  by  the Government  despite  the reduction  in  weight  of  urea  bags  from  fifty  kg  to  forty-five  kg  and  in  some specialized cases to forty kg only, if so, the details thereof; and
- (b)  Whether the said reduction in weight and nutrient content and the price hike of urea  bags  is  set  to  increase  the  financial  burden  on  farmers  and  affect  the production  costs  thereby  creating  marketing  problems  leading  to  higher consumer prices, if so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a)  &  (b): Reduction  in  Urea  bag  size  is  to  reduce  excessive  Urea  consumption, promote balanced fertilizer application and improve soil health. At present, the MRP of 45 kg bag of Neem Coated Urea is Rs. 242 per bag (exclusive of charges towards neem  coating  and  taxes  as  applicable)  while  the  MRP  of  Sulphur  Coated  Urea (exclusive of Central/State levies/GST) has been fixed at Rs. 254 per 40 kg bag.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4750 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Curb Illegal Sex Determination of Foetuses
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 NO. 4750 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 th MARCH, 2026

## CURB ILLEGALSEX DETERMINATION OFFOETUSES

† 4750: SHRI BHAUSAHEB RAJARAM WAKCHAURE:

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

(a) whether in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court, the Central government has issued instructions to all States to curb illegal sex determination of foetuses in the country by seizing ultrasound machines being used in unregistered and unlicensed clinics; and (b) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Union and State Governments in this regard?

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

(a) & (b): The Central government has issued an advisory to all the States and Union Territories to ensure compliance with the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court to implement the provisions of PC&PNDT Act, 1994 and the Rules made there under.

The actions taken by the Union and State Governments in this regard is mentioned below:

-  Under the National Health Mission (NHM), the Ministry provides financial support to the States/UTs to strengthen implementation of the PC&PNDT Act.
-  Sensitization and capacity building activities of States & UTs are held regularly.
-  Nodal Agency constituted to monitor & facilitate the removal of online advertisements violating the provisions of the Act.
-  Regular review & assessment through various institutional mechanisms like Central Supervisory Board (CSB), State Supervisory Board (SSB) and Common Review Mission (CRM) visits carried out by the Centre in coordination with the states.
-  Information, Education & Communication, advocacy activities, including public awareness drives through print and digital media are undertaken to promote behavioural change and gender equality.
-  Regular monitoring and inspection visits are carried out at the State & district level.
-  National Girl Child Day, International Day of the Girl Child, and International Women's Day are observed every year across the country to create public awareness.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4749 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: India's Stand on Israel and Palestine Issue
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri  Selvaganapathi T.M.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4749

ANSWERED ON - 20/03/2026

INDIA'S STAND ON ISRAEL AND PALESTINE ISSUE

4749.  SHRI SELVAGANAPATHI T.M.

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has assured Israel of its firm support and has also supported the Gaza Peace Initiative during the recent visit of Prime Minister of India to Israel, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether India had stayed out of a statement issued at a joint press conference of  diplomats from more than 85 countries at the United Nations   on   17.2.2026,   criticizing   Israel's   plans   to   tighten   control   of territory in the West Bank, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether a day after India skipped a joint appearance with other countries at the United Nations to condemn Israel for its plans for West Bank settlement, India signed a joint statement on 18.2.2026, if so, the details thereof;

(d)   whether   India   attended   the   Board   of   Peace   meeting   held   in Washington D.C. as an observer, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether India still stood for a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine based on 1967 borders, if so, the details thereof?

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

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to e) Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a State visit to Israel on February 25-26, 2026. During the visit, Prime Minister reaffirmed India's support for the Gaza Peace Plan, which has been endorsed by the UN Security Council.

India's position towards Palestine has been long-standing. India remains committed to advancing a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region. In consonance with our position, India associated itself with the joint statement at the United Nations.

India attended the Board of Peace meeting held at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., USA on 19 February 2026 as an Observer. 26 countries participated as Members in the meeting, while 22 countries, including   India,   participated   as   Observers.   Full   list   of   participating countries is placed at Annexure-I.

## Annexure-I

## List of participants in the inaugural Board of Peace meeting (19 February 2026, Washington D.C.)

## Members

1. Albania
2. Argentina
3. Armenia
4. Azerbaijan
5. Bahrain
6. Bulgaria
7. Cambodia
8. Egypt
9. El Salvador
10. Hungary
11. Indonesia
12. Israel
13. Jordan
14. Kazakhstan
15. Kosovo
16. Kuwait
17. Mongolia
18. Morocco
19. Pakistan
20. Paraguay
21. Qatar
22. Saudi Arabia
23. Turkey
24. United Arab Emirates
25. Uzbekistan
26. Vietnam

## Observers

1. Austria
2. Croatia
3. Cyprus
4. Czech Republic
5. European Union
6. Finland
7. Germany
8. Greece
9. India
10. Italy
11. Japan
12. Mexico
13. Netherlands
14. Norway
15. Oman
16. Poland
17. South Korea
18. Romania
19. Slovakia
20. Switzerland
21. Thailand
22. United Kingdom

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4747 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Green Hydrogen Terminal at Paradip Port
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4747

ANSWERED ON 20.03.2026

## GREEN HYDROGEN TERMINAL AT PARADIP PORT

4747. SMT. SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO:

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

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) whether a proposal for development of a dedicated green hydrogen and green ammonia handling jetty at Paradip Port is under consideration or approval, and if so, the present status thereof; (b) the  estimated  capital  investment,  projected  cargo  handling  capacity  and targeted timeline for commissioning of the proposed facility; (c) whether feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments have been completed for handling green fuels at the port, if so, the details thereof; (d) the  manner  in  which  such  infrastructure  is  expected  to  strengthen  the country's maritime economy and green shipping transition; and whether similar green fuel terminals are planned at other major ports in the

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (d) Yes.  Government  has  approved  development  of  Green  Hydrogen  / Green Ammonia handling jetty through Public Private Partnership mode at Paradip Port Authority. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 797.17 crore, having a cargo handling capacity of 4 million tonne per annum and to be commissioned by March 2029. Feasibility study for handling green fuels (Green Hydrogen / Green Ammonia) at  Paradip Port  has  been conducted. Environmental Impact Assessment has been undertaken  by  National  Centre  for  Sustainable  Coastal  Management  (NCSCM), Chennai. The project willenhance cargo handling capacity of Paradip Port, diversify the  cargo  basket  in  the  port,  support  private  sector  investments  in  the  emerging green  energy  sector,  generate  employment  and  create  a  robust  green  energy ecosystem.

(e) Yes. Deendayal Port has developed a jetty with capacity of 3.5 million tonne per annum which is also compatible for handling Green Ammonia at the Port.

*****

- (e) country, if so, the details thereof?
Lok Sabha Question No. 4745 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Complex Surgeries by Dental Practitioners
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Mr Pathan Yusuf

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOKSABHA UNSTARREDQUESTIONNO.4745 TOBEANSWEREDON20 TH MARCH,2026

## COMPLEX SURGERIES BY DENTALPRACTITIONERS

## 4745. MR. PATHAN YUSUF:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the cases of complex procedures like craniofacial surgery, major reconstructive surgery and hair transplant surgery being performed by dental practitioners; (b) if so, the details thereof including the number of such instances reported till date during the last five years;
- (c) whether dental surgeons are permitted under existing laws and regulations to perform such complex craniofacial surgeries and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the number of cases of complications and deaths arising from such procedures performed by dental practitioners during the last five years, State-wise; and
- (e) the details of action taken by the Government against dental practitioners performing such allegedly unauthorized procedures?

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

- (a) to (e) The Dental Council of India (DCI), a statutory body constituted under the Dentists Act, 1948, is empowered to regulate dental education, qualifications, and scope of dental specialties in India.

DCI has notified Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) Regulations, 2007 & 2017 to define the curriculum and training scope of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a recognized surgical specialty of dentistry dealing with diseases, injuries and defects of the Oral and Maxillofacial region. However, the matter of scope of practice of the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons is under challenge in WP no. 36164 and 12044 of 2024 in the Hon ' ble High Court of Madras.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4743 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Adverse Health Effects of Artificial Food Colours
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri K E Prakash

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4743 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 th MARCH, 2026

## ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS OF ARTIFICIAL FOOD COLOURS

## 4743. SHRI K E PRAKASH:

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

- (a) whether the Government has taken note of growing concerns regarding the adverse health effects of artificial food colours, particularly among children, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is a fact that certain synthetic food colours banned or restricted in other countries continue to be permitted for use in India;
- (c) if so, the details of the scientific basis for permitting their continued use; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to impose a complete ban on artificial food colours in food products in the interest of public health and if so, the details of the timeline fixed in this regard?

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

(a) to (d): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is mandated to lay down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

The synthetic colours permitted for use in food products as per the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011 are harmonized with the internationally accepted Codex Standards i.e. the General Standard for Food Additives adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The food additives permitted for use are listed in the Appendix A of Food Safety and

Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011 which is available on FSSAI's website at https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Appendix%20A(4).pdf. The food safety standards are made based on the scientific opinion provided by independent risk assessment bodies i.e. Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee. Further, the standards are also reviewed on the basis of the available scientific evidence and recognized global best practices.

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