opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2083 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: National Midwifery Programme
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Darshan Singh Choudhary

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2083 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH DECEMBER, 2025

## NATIONALMIDWIFERYPROGRAMME

## †2083 SHRI DARSHAN SINGH CHOUDHARY:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the National Midwifery Programme(NMP) has achieved positive results in reducing maternal and infant mortality, promoting normal delivery, reducing the rate of unnecessary C-sections and ensuring dignified maternity services and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether due to negligence and the failure in organising new training camps, the programme has not been operated as scheduled and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is working on any special arrangement or plan to ensure regular implementation of this programme, timely commencement of training batches and timely achievement of targets; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) The National Midwifery programme has shown positive results across key maternal and child health indicators. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has reduced from 97 per lakh live births in the Sample Registration System (SRS 2018-20) to 88 per lakh live births as per the (SRS 2021-23). The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has declined from 32 per 1000 live births in (SRS 2018) to 25 per 1000 live births, as per (SRS 2023). Further Institutional birth has increased from 78.9% in NFHS-4 to 88.6% as per NFHS-5, reflecting improved access to quality and dignified maternity care services.

(b) to (d) Under National Health Mission(NHM) , Government of India (GoI) has undertaken following proactive measures to strengthen Midwifery initiatives in the country;

-  Establishment of Midwifery-Led Care Units (MLCUs) in high-case-load public health facilities to promote quality, respectful, and women-centred maternity care.
-  Establishment of National Midwifery Training Institutes (NMTIs) and State Midwifery Training Institutes (SMTIs) across the country to conduct regular and
- scheduled training of Midwifery Educators (MEs) and Nurse Practitioner Midwives (NPMs) during the year.
-  The Government of India has released various guidelines like Mentoring Guidelines, Operationalization of MLCU s and Learning Resource Package for MEs and NPMs to strengthen Midwifery Initiative in the country.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2078 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-12
Subject: Food Safety Regulations
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. M K Vishnu Prasad

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2078 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12 TH DECEMBER, 2025

## FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS

## 2078. DR. M K VISHNU PRASAD:

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

- (a) whether the Government intends to take measures to ensure that processed food/oil which is causing cancer is not allowed to enter the food chain, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether there are any provisions in law that hold persons liable who trade, circulate, or use such cancer-causing processed foods/oil; and
- (c) whether the Government has banned any ingredients found to be cancer-causing that are used for food processing, if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (c): 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 implementation and enforcement of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is a shared responsibility between the Central and State Governments.

The FSS Act, 2006, mandates FSSAI to ensure that the food products/ingredients permitted for use are safe for human consumption. The risk assessment of additives including due safety such as carcinogenicity and toxicity is carried out by the Scientific Panel of Food Additives, Flavourings and Processing Aids using applicable scientific methodologies.

FSSAI has notified standards for range of food products including oil vide Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011.

Further, FSSAI has initiated the following measures:-

-  Regular surveillance drives, monitoring, regulatory inspection and random sampling of various food products are conducted throughout the year by the officials of Food Safety Departments of the respective States/ UTs and Regional offices of FSSAI to check compliance with the quality and safety parameters in food products as laid down under Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, and Regulations made thereunder.
-  In the event of any violations, strict regulatory actions are enforced against the offenders in accordance with the provisions of the FSS Act, Rules and Regulations made thereunder. The FSS Act, 2006 provides for comprehensive penal provisions, including fines and imprisonment, for different categories of offences.
-  Penalties are imposed through adjudication for violations under the FSS Act, 2006 attract imprisonment and fines.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 161 (STARRED), answered on 2025-12-11
Subject: Vehicles Compatible for E10 and E20 Fuel Standards
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. 161

ANSWERED ON 11 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

VEHICLES COMPATIBLE FOR E10 AND E20 FUEL STANDARDS *161. SHRI JAGADISH CHANDRA BARMA BASUNIA:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has prescribed clear norms mandating  vehicle  manufacturers  to  label  or  certify  models  as E10 or E20 fuel compatible and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  such  certification  data  has  been  made  publicly available to consumers and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  the  number  of  vehicles  currently  registered  in  the  country that are not compliant with E20 fuel standards; and
- (d) whether any phase-out or retrofit programme for non compliant  vehicles  has  been  announced  and  if  so,  the  details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d)  OF  THE LOK  SABHA  STARRED  QUESTION  NO.  *161  FOR  ANSWER  ON  11 th December,  2025  ASKED  BY  SHRI  JAGADISH  CHANDRA  BARMA BASUNIA  REGARDING  VEHICLES  COMPATIBLE  FOR  E10  AND  E20 FUEL STANDARDS. (a) & (b) The compatibility of vehicle with the level of ethanol blend of  E20  shall  be  defined  by  the  vehicle  manufacturer,  and  the  same shall be displayed on the vehicle by putting a clearly visible sticker. (c) The vehicles sold prior to 1 st  April, 2023 were compliant with E10 and the vehicles sold after 1 st  April, 2023 are E20 material compliant. Safety standards for E20 are well established through BIS specifications  and  Automotive  Industry  Standards  (AIS).  In  most parameters, including driveability, startability, metal compatibility and plastic compatibility, there are no issues. (d) Based  on  the  recommendation  of  the  study  conducted  by Automotive  Research  Association  of  India  (ARAI),  Indian  Oil  Cooperation Limited (IOCL) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), there would be no requirement for a phase out or retrofit of non-compliant vehicles and the normal wear and tear can be managed during routine servicing regime of the vehicle.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2064 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-11
Subject: Outdated Pollution Testing Equipment  at PUC Centres
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Vishaldada Prakashbapu Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2064 ANSWERED ON 11 TH  DECEMBER, 2025

## OUTDATED POLLUTION TESTING EQUIPMENT AT PUC CENTRES

2064. Shri  VISHALDADA PRAKASHBAPU PATIL:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  steps  taken  to  ensure  the  accuracy  and  integrity  of  the linkage  of  Pollution  Under  Control  (PUC)  data  with  the  VAHAN database;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  is  addressing  the  issue  of  outdated pollution  testing  equipment  at  PUC  centres  which  may  lead  to inaccurate results and contribute to air pollution;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) the steps being taken by the Government to encourage the use of mobile PUC testing units especially in remote areas; and
- (e) whether the Government is exploring the use of remote sensing technology  to  monitor  vehicle  emissions  and  identify  vehicles  not complying with pollution norms and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a)  Pollution  testing  using  the  NIC-developed  software  has  been implemented  in  31  States.  The  system  measures  the  emission parameters strictly as per specifications and thresholds defined in Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989.

(b)  to  (d)  To  facilitate  better  enforcement  in  the  field  of  Pollution Testing  for  Vehicles,  Pollution  Under  Control  Certificate  (PUCC) Version 2.0 has been developed by NIC; the key features of which are as under: (i)  Geo  Fence:  The  application  will  only  work  within  a  predefined radius  of  30-40  meters  (State  configurable)  of  the  Auto  Emission Testing Centres (AETCs). (ii)  Three  media  files  are  to  be  captured  i.e.  Registration  Number Plate  image;  landscape  Image  of  Vehicle  along  with  PUC  Centre; and a very short video of 4-5 seconds capturing the vehicle and the PUC Centre. (iii) The test results are updated in Vahan system on real-time basis. As an additional check, system blocks a PUC centre with the expiry of (1) device Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) (2) licence validity or (3) machine calibration. (iv)  The  PUCC 2.0 Mobile Application allows for the registration of multiple  mobile  numbers  (State-configurable).  However,  only  one device is allowed to login, at a time. Government has requested all States and Union Territories to implement  the  updated  PUCC  software,  Version  2.0  developed  by NIC. (e) Rs. 510 Lakh has been sanctioned for study on Remote Sensing Technology carried out jointly by Automotive Research Association of  India  (ARAI),  International  Centre  for  Automotive  Technology (ICAT) and International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2058 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-11
Subject: General Pool Residential Accommodation - Delhi
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Naveen Jindal

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2058

## TO BE ANSWERED ON DECEMBER 11, 2025

## GENERAL POOL RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION - DELHI

- NO. 2058.     SHRI NAVEEN JINDAL:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the total number of units in General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) - Delhi pool, locality and type-wise till date along with the number of such units, type-wise as on 30 th  June, 2014;
- (b) whether the Government is contemplating further capacity augmentation  of  GPRA-Delhi  pool  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof, locality and type-wise along with the cost estimates and date(s) of completion; and
- (c) the expected number of units, locality and type-wise in GPRA-Delhi pool once the proposed augmentation is completed?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

(a) to (c): The government is not maintaining any Delhi pool under General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA). However, the housing stock is added  to  GPRA  on  time-to-time  basis.  During  last  10  years  8753  new housing stock of different types were added to GPRA in Delhi.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2051 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-11
Subject: Modernization of Government of India Presses
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Rajabhau Parag Prakash Waje

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2051

## TO BE ANSWERED ON DECEMBER 11, 2025

## MODERNIZATION OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA PRESSES

## NO. 2051.      SHRI RAJABHAU PARAG PRAKASH WAJE:

Will  the  Minister  of  HOUSING  AND  URBAN  AFFAIRS  be  pleased  to state:

- (a) the  timeframe  fixed  for  the  modernisation  of  the  five  retained Government of India Presses located at Nashik, Ring Road, Rashtrapati  Bhawan  and  Temple  Street,  as  per  the  Government's decision on rationalisation and merger of presses;
- (b) the reasons for the delay in executing the modernisation plans;
- (c) whether  such  delays  have  affected  operational  efficiency  due  to shortage of operational staff for pre-printing, post-printing and binding operations and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the concrete steps and deadlines to be adopted by the Government to ensure  swift  recruitment  of  staff  as  per  the  revised  sanctioned strength  issued  by  the  Department  of  Expenditure  along  with  the details  of  the  steps  being  taken  for  speedy  completion  of  the modernisation programme ?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

- (a) to (c): As per Cabinet decision dated 20.09.2017, no specific timeframe was fixed for modernization. The assessment of modernization work is to be completed within six months after Cabinet approval, and commencement thereof within one year subsequent to required approval. The modernization of Minto Road Press has already been initiated and at advance  stage of completion and the finalization of modalities for modernization of remaining presses is at consideration stage.
- (d): The preliminary exercise required for filling up of the vacant posts as per  new  sanctioned  strength,  such  as  collection/compilation  of  service records, preparation/finalisation/circulation of seniority lists, and recasting of reservation roster, has already been initiated.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2050 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-11
Subject: Thenzawl Peace City Projects
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Richard Vanlalhmangaiha

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2050

## TO BE ANSWERED ON DECEMBER 11, 2025

## THENZAWL PEACE CITY PROJECTS

## NO. 2050.  SHRI RICHARD VANLALHMANGAIHA:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  initiative  to  develop  Thenzawl  in Mizoram as a 'Peace City';
- (b) if so, the details of the proposed plan including infrastructure, tourism and cultural components;
- (c) whether the Government has sanctioned any funds or projects for Thenzawl under the Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD or NESIDS schemes;
- (d) if  so,  the  details  of  such  allocations  along  with  the  present  status  of implementation;
- (e) whether  the  project  aims  to  promote  Thenzawl  as  a  model  township  for peace, culture and eco-tourism in Mizoram and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) the expected timeline for completion and inauguration of major works under the Thenzawl Peace City project?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

(a) to (f): Yes, State Government of Mizoram has requested to sanction funds for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for setting up the "Peace City at Thenzawl" as a satellite city so as to reduce the habitation burden on  the  State  Capital  i.e.  Aizawl.  F irst  instalment  of  ₹ 1  crore  has  been released by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) to the State.

Under Swadesh Darshan scheme, ₹ 92.26 crore has been sanctioned in 201516 for the project 'Development of Thenzawl & South Zote, District Serchhip and  Reiek'  under  North  East  Circuit  theme.  Under  North  East  Special Infrastructure  Development  Scheme  -  Other  than  Roads  Infrastructure (NESIDS-OTRI),  project  titled  "Development  of  Heliports  and  Helipads  in Thenzawl, Mizoram" has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹ 12.00 crore.  Under  NESIDS  (Roads),  project  titled  'Construction  of  Thenzawl  Sialsuk via Sathlur and Lau river' has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹ 45.03 crore.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2046 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-11
Subject: Repeated Extensions in Clearing Dadumajra Garbage Dump
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Manish Tewari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2046

## TO BE ANSWERED ON DECEMBER 11, 2025

## REPEATED EXTENSIONS IN CLEARING DADUMAJRA

## GARBAGE DUMP

NO. 2046.  SHRI MANISH TEWARI:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

Please refer to USQ 3236 dated 16 December 2024 and USQ 1382 dated 13 February 2025 and to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  reviewed  the  status  of  clearance  of  the Dadumajra  garbage  dump  in  light  of  multiple  undertakings  before  the National Green Tribunal and assurances in replies to above questions which committed to completing bioremediation by December 2024 and later July 2025 and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that,  contrary  to  these  assurances, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has now extended the deadline for clearing the dump to 30 November, 2025 and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the  reasons  for  such  repeated  extensions  despite  substantial  financial allocations and claims that two dumps have already been cleared;
- (d) the quantum of remaining legacy waste and concurrent waste presently
- accumulating; and
- (e) the  steps  being  taken  to  ensure  full  and  time-bound  clearance  of  the garbage dump and prevent its recurrence in the future?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

(a) to (e): Sanitation is a State subject under 7 th schedule  of the constitution. It is the responsibility of State/ULBs to plan, design, execute and operate sanitation projects in the urban areas of the country.

The  implementation  of  projects  under  Swachh  Bharat  Mission-Urban  is undertaken  through  regular  meeting  with  the  state  officials  at  various levels & through regular field visits.

As  per  information  received  from  UT  of  Chandigarh,  5.10  Lakh  MT  of legacy  waste  identified  at  Dadumajra  dumpsite  has  been  completely remediated. Around 55,000 MT of unprocessed waste accumulated at the site  is  currently  being  remediated.  As  informed,  UT  of  Chandigarh  has ensured adequate waste processing to avoid its recurrence.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2042 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-11
Subject: Progress and Implementation of the PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism Scheme
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Manoj Tiwari, Shri Balabhadra Majhi

## MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2042

## TO BE ANSWERED ON DECEMBER 11, 2025

## PROGRESS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PM E-BUS SEWA-PAYMENT

## SECURITY MECHANISM SCHEME

NO. 2042.   SHRI MANOJ TIWARI: SHRI BALABHADRA MAJHI:

Will  the  Minister  of  HOUSING  AND  URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the current status of implementation of the PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme, including the number of electric buses deployed or operationalised so far under the scheme,
- (b) the total number of payment security support claims processed till
- date and the quantum of funds released from PSM;
- (c) whether  any  instances  of Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) payment defaults have been recorded, if so, the corrective measures undertaken thereof;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  undertaken  any  assessment  of  the operational  performance,  utilisation  rates  or  service  outcomes  of
- electric buses supported under the scheme; and
- (e) if so, the key findings thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

- (a) Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) informed that the PM e-Bus SewaPayment  Security  Mechanism  (PSM)  Scheme  was  notified  on  28th  Oct, 2024. The PSM Scheme guidelines and SOPs are published. 13 States/UTs have submitted the Direct Debit Mandate (DDM) to Reserve Bank of India as on 2nd Dec, 2025, which is an essential requirement to be eligible under the Scheme.

Further, tender for 5,918 number of buses was concluded under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme and Concession Agreements were signed for 1,175 numbers of buses by the respective Authority/Municipality. Additionally, CESL has floated tender for 10,900 buses under PM E-DRIVE.

(b) & (c) MHI informed that with respect to the above position, so far, no payment default has been reported and no claim has been processed under the PSM Scheme.

(d) & (e) As informed by MHI, State Transport Undertakings (STUs)/Authorities sign the Concession Agreement with the bus operator directly. STUs needs to monitor the operational performance of electric buses, since payments to operators under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) are  directly  linked  to  parameters  such  as  kilometres  operated,  fleet availability and service performance.

*****