opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 659 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Steel Plants under SAIL
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Dulu Mahato

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 659

## FOR ANSWER ON 03.02.2026

## STEEL PLANTS UNDER SAIL

## 659. SHRI DULU MAHATO:

- Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has received any representation from public representatives  highlighting  that  contract  workers  engaged  in  hazardous  industrial production  tasks  in  steel  plants  under  SAIL,  perform  duties  similar  to  permanent employees but remain deprived of equivalent medical benefits; (b) if so, the details of action taken thereon; (c)  the  reasons  for  disparity  in  medical  coverage  between permanent  and  contract workers; (d)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  extend  ESIC  or  other  statutory  health insurance  benefits  to  contract  workers  earning  above  the  current  wage  ceiling  or alternatively  introduce  a  group  medical  insurance  scheme  jointly  with  industry  to ensure parity with permanent employees; and (e)  the  details  of  measures,  schemes,  pilot  projects,  or  policy  amendments  under consideration to provide social health security to contract labour at par with permanent
- employees?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE          (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)to(e):   Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) engages contractors for specialized, intermittent, and non-core activities such as periodic capital repairs, maintenance of plant and equipment, execution of new projects, Addition/Modification/Replacement (AMR) works, road construction, technological cleaning, waste disposal, etc.

SAIL  has  implemented  a  Group  Personal  Accidental  Insurance  Scheme (GPAIS) for enhanced social security of contract workers. In the unfortunate event of a fatal accident arising out of and in the course of employment within SAIL premises, provision for compassionate employment is extended in accordance with applicable rules.

Representations  received  from  public  representatives  concerning  contract workers engaged in hazardous industrial production activities in SAIL steel plants are examined on priority and appropriate action is taken as per norms.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 658 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Functioning of CAPART
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Dr. Thirumaavalavan Tholkappiyan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 658 ANSWERED ON 03/02/2026

## FUNCTIONING OF CAPART

658.  Dr. ThirumaavalavanTholkappiyan:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- whether  the  Council  of  Advancement  of  People's  Action  and
- (a) Rural Technology (CAPART) is still functional;
- (b) if so, the purpose for which it was constituted;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  the  details  pertaining  to  the activities done by the CAPART; and
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN)

(a) to (d): The Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology  (CAPART)  has  been  dissolved  and  merged  with  the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) through a decision of Cabinet in the year 2020. In view of this, CAPART does not exist as a separate entity and hence, it is not functional.

Further, the Ministry has details regarding the activities earlier undertaken by erstwhile  CAPART.  The  objectives  and  functions  of CAPART, as laid down in its Memorandum of Association, pertained to promotion of voluntary action, advancement and dissemination of appropriate rural technologies, capacity building of voluntary organizations,  coordination  of  technology-related  efforts  for  rural development and acting as a knowledge and information resource in the  rural  development  sector.  These  objectives  are  now  being addressed through NIRDPR as per extant guidelines.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 655 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Prevention of Tradition Handloom Textiles
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke, Shri Gyaneshwar Patil, Dr. Shivaji Bandappa Kalge, Shri Bhumare Sandipanrao Asaram

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 655 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2026

## PREVENTION OF TRADITION HANDLOOM TEXTILES

## 655. SHRI BHUMARE SANDIPANRAO ASARAM:

SHRI NILESH DNYANDEV LANKE: DR. SHIVAJI BANDAPPA KALGE: SHRI GYANESHWAR PATIL:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  prepared  any  mapping  of  traditional  handloom  textiles  and  designs prevalent in various states of the country particularly in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the details of various textiles and designs from various states of the country including its history, functionality, use and fiber etc.; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof State-wise and in Sambhajinagar district in Maharashtra?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र राज्  य मंत्री ( श्री पबित्र मार्घेररटा )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a) to (c): Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, under National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) has taken-up project of 'Craft Repository' with National Institute  of  Fashion  Technology,  New  Delhi  for  retrieval  of  traditional  knowledge  and  collation  of contemporary research and innovation in textiles.

As part  of  the  project  Repository  of  Indian  Textiles  and  Crafts  (RTC)  portal  was  launched  in public domain on the occasion of National Handloom Day 7 th August, 2023.

A total of 457 Crafts (161-Handlooms & 296-Handicrafts) along with detailed write up have been uploaded on the RTC portal and are available in public domain on www.vastrashilpakosh.in.   Brief of the craft, geography & ethnography, process, tools & techniques and other related information for each craft has been compiled and provided in the portal.

Out  of  161  Handloom  crafts,  11  crafts  pertain  to  Maharashtra  State  including  2  crafts  from Sambhaji Nagar district and 4 crafts pertain to Madhya Pradesh.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 653 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Edible Oil Security
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Sukhdeo Bhagat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 653

TO BE ANSWERED ON 3 RD  FEBRUARY, 2026

## EDIBLE OIL SECURITY

## 653. SHRI SUKHDEO BHAGAT:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the farmers are rapidly shifting from oilseeds to maize due to low domestic oilseed prices, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the same has been noted in the June 30, 2025 Ministry report despite the Government's goal of oil self-reliance; and
- (c) the reasons for the urgent policy interventions (like MSP or import tariffs) are being implemented to reverse this trend and ensure edible oil security?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

(a) to (c): As per the final estimate of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), the area under oilseed cultivation has increased from 301.92 lakh hectares in 2023-24  to  304.40  lakh  hectares  in  2024-25.  The  production  of  oilseeds  has  also increased from 396.69 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 to 429.89 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.

The National Mission on Edible Oils - Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) was approved on 3 rd October,  2024  to  boost  domestic  oilseed  production  and  move  towards  self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in edible oils. Minimum Support Price (MSP) and import tariffs are being implemented to ensure fair prices for farmers, protect them from market fluctuations, reduce dependence on imports and encourage higher domestic production of edible oils. Procurement under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme also covers oilseeds and helps farmers get better prices and income support.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 650 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Mob Lynching Crime
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Satish Kumar Gautam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 650

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  FEBRUARY, 2026/ MAGHA 14, 1947 (SAKA)

MOB LYNCHING CRIME

†650. SHRI SATISH KUMAR GAUTAM:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  mob  lynching  has  been  earmarked  as  a  crime  under  the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS);

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the maximum punishment for the purpose of justice?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI BANDI SANJAY KUMAR)

(a) to (c): For the first time, new offence of mob lynching has been made punishable in section 103 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Section 103 (2) of BNS provides that when a group of five or more persons acting  in  concert  commits  murder  on  the  ground  of  race,  caste  or community,  sex,  place  of  birth,  language,  personal  belief  or  any  other similar ground, each member of such group shall be punished with death or with imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 646 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Target for Export of Agricultural Commodities
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri T R Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 646 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 03 RD   FEBRUARY 2026

## TARGET FOR EXPORT OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

646. SHRI T R BAALU:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the target for export of agricultural commodities has been fixed at Rs. 100 billion which is double the current level;

(b) if so, the details of the special measures being implemented to ensure the quality and quantity of Indian agricultural goods so as to achieve the targets; and

- (c) the details of special package of physical, financial and technical supports, if any, being offered by the Union and State Governments to boost exports?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

(a) & (b): The Government is working towards increasing the exports of agricultural and allied commodities and increasing its share in the global trade. The overall exports of these products in 2024-25 were US$ 51.9 Billion.

To  support  the  exports  of  agriculture  commodities,  initiatives  and  schemes  are being implemented by the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority  (APEDA),  under  Department  of  Commerce.  These  initiatives  include  the development of modern infrastructure, adoption of innovative and automated machinery, encouragement of new value-added product development, quality development, market development  and  training  programs  to  upskill  the  workforce  in  producing  value-added products.  Such  measures  aim  to  attract  investment  in  high-value  added  products  and expand India's reach in global markets.

- (c):  The  Department of  Commerce  through  APEDA provides financial assistance  to its member exporters from across the country, for export promotion of scheduled products through its Financial Assistance Scheme  (FAS).  The  scheme  has  the  following components:
- I. Development of Export Infrastructure
- II. Quality Development
- III. Market Development

The  details  of  financial  assistance  guidelines  are  available  at  APEDA's  website www.apeda.gov.in under the 'Scheme' tab.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 643 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: National Disaster Management Authority
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 643

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  FEBRUARY, 2026/ MAGHA 14, 1947 (SAKA)

NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

643. SMT. PRIYANKA GANDHI VADRA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  National  Disaster  Management  Authority  (NDMA)  had directed banks to grant loan waivers or moratoriums on repayment prior to the revocation of section 13 of the Disaster Management Act;
- (b) if so, details of loans waived or restructured since 2005, including the number of beneficiaries, State and bank-wise;
- (c) whether requests for loan waiver from disaster affected States were pending before the Government at the time of revocation of section 13 of the Disaster Management Act and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government is considering granting loan waivers to the survivors of the major natural disasters since 2023, State-wise including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand; and
- (e) whether the Government is considering granting loan waivers to the survivors of the Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslide in Wayanad and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (c):     No, Sir.  No  such  recommendations  were  made  by  NDMA

prior to  the  omission  of  this  section  vide  the  Disaster  Management

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 643 FOR 03.02.2026

(Amendment) Act, 2024. Database on pending requests for loan waivers is not maintained by this Ministry. Further, WP(C) No.28509 of 2024- In Re: Prevention and Management of Natural Disasters in Kerala is pending in Hon'ble High Court of Kerala at Ernakul am.

(d) and (e):      No,  Sir.  Following  the  omission  of  section  13,  there  is  no provision  under  the  Disaster  Management  Act,  2005  for  NDMA  to recommend loan waivers. Financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation in  the  wake  of  notified  natural  disasters,  including  those  in  Himachal Pradesh,  Uttarakhand,  and  the  Chooralmala-Mundakkai  landslide  in Wayanad, is provided from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and supplemented  by  the  National  Disaster  Response  Fund  (NDRF)  as  per established norms and procedures.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 642 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Target for Construction of Roads under Phase-IV
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Gopal Jee Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 642 ANSWERED ON 03/02/2026

## TARGET FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS UNDER PHASE-IV

642.  Shri GopalJee Thakur:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of kilometers of roads targeted to be constructed in the State of Bihar under the Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY) Phase-IV;
- (b) the  number  of  kilometers  of  roads  to  be  constructed  in DarbhangaLokSabha Constituency under PMGSY Phase-IV;
- (c) whether  the  Ministry  intend  to  upgrade  the  roads  built  in Phase-I  and  Phase-II  through  Phase-IV  as  most  of  the  roads constructed in Phase-I and Phase-II have been damaged;
- (d) whether  the  Ministry  proposes  to  launch  Phase-V  of  the scheme in this budget; and
- (e)
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN)

- (a) & (b): Pradhan  Mantri  Gram  SadakYojana-IV  (PMGSY-IV)  has been launched in 2024 for construction of 62,500 km of all-weather roads (single lane) to provide connectivity to about 25,000 unconnected habitations of population size 500+ in plains, 250+ in NE  &  Hill  States/UTs,  special  category  areas  (Tribal  Schedule  V, Aspirational  Districts/  Blocks,  Desert  areas)  and  100+  in  LWE affected districts, as per Census 2011. The survey work to identify the  eligible  unconnected  habitation  as  per  population  norms  has been completed. No proposals have been received by the Ministry from the State of Bihar under PMGSY-IV as on 28.1.2026.
- (c): Upgradation  of  works  is  not  the  mandate  of  PMGSY-IV.  The mandate of PMGSY-IV is to provide new connectivity to unconnected eligible habitations as per the population norms based on Census 2011.
- (d) & (e): No such proposal is under consideration in the Ministry as on date.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 638 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Kakatiya Mega Textile Park
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Eatala Rajender, Shri Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 638 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2026

## KAKATIYA MEGA TEXTILE PARK

## 638. SHRI EATALA RAJENDER: SHRI CHAMALA KIRAN KUMAR REDDY:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

- (a) whether the State Government of Telangana has sent any proposal to establish Kakatiya Mega Textile Park under PM MITRA Parks Scheme in the State with aims to create substantial employment, boost textile manufacturing and economic growth and sought financial assistance and if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (b) the amount of funds sanctioned and expenditure made under each scheme in Telangana?

उत्तर

ANSWER

## वस्त्र राज्  य मंत्री ( श्री पबित्र मार्घेररटा )

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a) & (b): After  evaluating  proposals  received  from  different  State  Governments  via  a  challenge matrix, the Government has finalized setting up of PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks at 7 sites viz. Tamil Nadu (Virudhnagar), Gujarat (Navasari), Karnataka (Kalaburagi), Madhya  Pradesh  (Dhar),  Uttar  Pradesh  (Lucknow),  Maharashtra  (Amravati)  including  one  park  in Telangana (Warangal). The PM MITRA Park scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 4,445 cr for a period of seven years upto 2027-28.

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Rs 1,696 cr has been approved for PM MITRA Park, Telangana by the Park Monitoring Committee. Investment worth Rs 3,862 cr has already been grounded in the park so far.Under the component of Development Capital Support of PM MITRA Park Scheme, an amount of Rs 30 cr has been released so far to Telangana as the 1 st installment.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 637 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Sustainable and Modern Agricultural Practices in Lakshadweep
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS' WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS' WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 637

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 03 RD  February, 2026

## SUSTAINABLE AND MODERN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IN LAKSHADWEEP

637. SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDUALLAH SAYED: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS' WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has any proposal to strengthen the Agriculture Department in the  Union  Territory  of  Lakshadweep  to  promote  sustainable  and  modern  agricultural practices; (b) if so, the details of the measures being taken or proposed to enhance infrastructure,

- manpower and technical support for the farmers in the islands;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  new  farmer-benefitted  schemes specifically tailored to suit the unique agro-climatic conditions of Lakshadweep; and (d) if so, the details thereof and the timeline for their implementation?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI  RAMNATH THAKUR)

(a)  to  (d):      Government  is  implementing  National  Mission  for  Sustainable  Agriculture (NMSA), to promote sustainable agriculture practices in the country including the Union Territory(UT)  of  Lakshadweep.    As  reported  by  Agriculture  Department  of  UT  of Lakshdweep, several steps have been taken to enhance infrastructure, manpower and technical support in agriculture sector. An AI-enabled coconut tree climbing and harvesting robot, Coco-Bot, developed by Altersage Innovations, is being introduced to ensure safe and efficient coconut harvesting. Further, the Kadmat Farm, spread over 2.1 hectares, is being developed as a Model High-Tech Farm-cum-Training Centre, with components such as a modern nursery, hydroponic unit, vertical garden unit, and seed trial and production facilities to demonstrate advanced farming technologies. Steps have also been initiated for establishing  a  mushroom  production  unit  at  Kavaratti  to  promote  local  production,  skill development  and  livelihood  diversification.  To  improve  productivity  and  income  of  the farmer,  Government  is  initiating  50  Nutri-Garden  farms  each  from  Kavaratti  and  Amini Islands in crop-cluster approach to promote location-suited vegetable cultivation. End-toend support from seed supply to harvest and marketing, with produce marketed through Department  outlets  will  be  provided  under  the  program.    Further,  to  ensure  scientific management of coconut farm financial assistance of ₹2,000 per palm is being provided to scientifically remove senile and unproductive coconut palms.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 635 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Mental Health Facilities for CAPF
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Rao Rajendra Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 635

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  FEBRUARY, 2026/ MAGHA 14, 1947 (SAKA)

MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES FOR CAPF

635. SHRI RAO RAJENDRA SINGH:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has evolved any mechanism for the perusal of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF)/ Police personnel to avail mental health facilities;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether an assessment of the psychological health of such personnel has been made throughout the course of their duty; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (d): All Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles (AR) personnel  are  subjected  to  Annual  Medical  Examination  (AME)  which includes psychological assessment. The personnel having mental health issues  are  provided  medical  treatment  as  well  as  counseling  facilities through  Psychiatrist/Clinical  Psychologist  Counselors.  If  required,  such cases are referred to specialists for treatment. Further, during the course of  duty,  the   assessment  of  mental   health   and   well-being of CAPF's

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 635 FOR 03.02.2026

personnel  are  under  taken  through  regular  interaction  of  officers  with troops, regulating duty hours to ensure adequate rest, providing better medical facilities as well as organizing talks with specialists to address their  personal  and  psychological  concerns  and  organizing  meditation, yoga & "Art of Living" courses.

******