opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 4830 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Critical Care Services at GMCH, Chandigarh
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Manish Tewari

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4830 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.03.2026

## CRITICALCARE SERVICES AT GMCH, CHANDIGARH

## 4830. SHRI MANISH TEWARI:

Will the MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to State:

(a) whether the Government has taken note of reports that a large number of ventilators supplied during the COVID-19 pandemic at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh are lying non-functional affecting critical care services and if so, the details thereof; (b) the total number of ventilators supplied and the number currently functional along with the reasons for those that are non-functional including issues of maintenance and avalability of spare parts; (c) whether there are shortages of ventilator and trained staff is facing shortages of technical staff, including the absence of ventilators, ventilator technicians and trained staff at the Trauma Centre at GMCH-32 and shortages of nursing and paramedical staff at GMCH-32, if so, the details thereof; and (d) the steps taken by the Government to repair non- functional equipments, fill up vacancies and strengthen critical care infrastructure in the said hospitals at Chandigarh?

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

(a) to (d): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has assisted the States/UTs from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic by, inter-alia, providing Medical Equipment like PPEs, N-95 Mask, Ventilators free of cost. The Government of India provided total 99 Ventilators to Government Medical College and Hospital

(GMCH), Chandigarh during Covid 19. GMCH has reported that as of now, 35 ventilators are functional. Further, GMCH has reported that Trauma Centre has sufficient doctors and nursing staff. All ICU equipment are covered under Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contracts (CAMC).

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Lok Sabha Question No. 4818 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Difficulties in Availing Treatment at AIIMS Delhi
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Giridhari Yadav, Shri Dinesh Chandra Yadav

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4818 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH MARCH, 2026

## DIFFICULTIES IN AVAILING TREATMENT AT AIIMS DELHI

## † 4818. SHRI DINESH CHANDRA YADAV: SHRI GIRIDHARI YADAV:

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

- (a) whether Ayushman cardholders are facing significant difficulties in availing treatment at AIIMS, Delhi;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is also true that the said cardholders have to submit their application through Members of Parliament for getting assistance from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government proposes to take the said matter on priority and if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) to (e): AIIMS, New Delhi has set up eleven Ayushman Seva Kendra to facilitate Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) beneficiaries. In cases of any difficulty the beneficiary can register their grievances through the Centralized Grievance Redressal Management System or 24/7 toll-free helpline number - 14555. The grievances are monitored by designated nodal officers for effective and timely grievance redressal.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4814 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Direct Subsidy  to Farmers
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Utkarsh Verma Madhur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4814 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.03.2026 Direct Subsidy to Farmers

## 4814. Shri Utkarsh Verma Madhur:

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

- (a) whether there is any plan to transfer subsidy on fertilizer directly into the bank accounts of farmers; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a): No, Sir. Under 'DBT in Fertilizers' system, 100% subsidy on various fertilizer grades is  released  to  the  fertilizer  companies,  on  actual  sales  to  the  beneficiaries  based  on Aadhaar authentication through PoS devices installed at each retail shop.

- (b): The question does not arise .

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 4810 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: e-Cigarettes
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Thirumaavalavan Tholkappiyan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4810 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH MARCH, 2026

## E-CIGARETTES

## 4810. DR. THIRUMAAVALAVAN THOLKAPPIYAN:

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

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the use of new-age gateway devices like e-cigarettes, vaping pens, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), heat-not-burn devices and other heated tobacco products being used in the society;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has observed any health threat posed by the use of the above devices to the users and to the society at large; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a) & (b): The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertisement) Act (PECA)', 2019 has been enacted by the Government of India on 5 th December, 2019 to prohibit electronic-cigarettes and like devices in the Country. The enforcement of the Act lies with the respective States and Union Territories.

(c) & (d): According to Indian Council of Medical Research's White Paper on Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS), electronic cigarettes pose severe health threats to users, putting them at risk of nicotine addiction and exposure to toxic chemicals, metals, carcinogens etc. The risks of the use of such devices include cancers, heart, lung and brain diseases.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4801 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Dental Insurance Coverage
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Rajabhau Parag Prakash Waje

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH ANDFAMILYWELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4801 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 TH MARCH, 2026

## DENTALINSURANCE COVERAGE

## 4801. SHRI RAJABHAU PARAG PRAKASH WAJE:

Will the Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that routine dental treatments such as fillings, root canal therapy, crowns and periodontal care are largely excluded from standard health insurance policies, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is a fact that Ayushman Bharat and other Government-sponsored schemes do not provide comprehensive OPD dental coverage, resulting in high out-of-pocket expenditure despite India ' s significant burden of dental caries and periodontal diseases, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government proposes to direct IRDAI to create a regulatory framework for standalone dental insurance products and mandate minimum dental coverage in standard health insurance policies to promote preventive oral healthcare, if so, the details thereof?

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

- (a): Department of Financial Services (DFS) has informed that dental treatments like filling, root canal therapy are not covered under standard health insurance policies.
- (b): Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) provides coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to all eligible beneficiaries. Dental procedures such as dental fillings, root canal therapy, crowns and periodontal care are generally provided at the primary care level or on an Out-Patient Department (OPD) basis. Since AB-PMJAY does not cover OPD services, such OPD-based dental treatments are not included under the scheme.

(c): DFS has further informed that there is no proposal to create any such regulatory framework.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4789 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Budget on Research and Activities
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Arup Chakraborty

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4789 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 th MARCH, 2026

## BUDGET ON RESEARCH AND ACTIVITIES

## 4789. SHRI ARUP CHAKRABORTY:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the expenditure incurred on research activities taken up by medical colleges and hospitals as a percentage of the GDP of the country;
- (b) whether such institutions are unable to utilise their research budgets fully due to a lack of facilities and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the Government intends to augment supplement the research budget for public medical colleges and hospitals and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (c): Health Research in India is carried out by Department of Health Research (DHR) as well as other Departments of Central Government like Department of Biotechnology, Department of Science and Technology including Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Pharmaceuticals, and Department of Atomic Energy apart from the institutions like All India Institutes for Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Public funding continues to be the major source of fund for meeting the expenditure on health research in the country.

Department of Health Research has released Rs. 144.07 crore during the year 2025-26 to various medical colleges and government hospitals for the development of research infrastructure and undertaking research. Funds released during the year under various schemes are as under:

| Name of Scheme                                                      |   Amount (in cr) |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------|
| Viral Research and Diagnostic Labs (VRDL)                           |            52.81 |
| Multi-disciplinary Research Unit (MRU)                              |            61.99 |
| Health Technology Assessment in India (HTAIn)                       |             6.89 |
| DHR-ICMR Advanced Molecular Oncology Diagnostic Services (DIAMOnDS) |            17.15 |
| Centre of Guidelines                                                |             5.23 |

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4788 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Financial Assistance under JSY
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Bhajan Lal Jatav

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4788 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20 th MARCH, 2026

## FINANCIALASSISTANCEUNDERJSY

## † 4788. SHRI BHAJAN LALJATAV:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that there has been a significant delay in the payment of financial assistance to pregnant women under Janani Suraksha Yojana in Karauli and Dholpur districts of Rajasthan or in many cases the payment has not been made at all;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, district-wise;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to set up helpline or an immediate grievance portal for the beneficiaries in this regard; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) and (b): As informed by the State of Rajasthan, payments under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) are made to the accounts of the beneficiaries through OJAS software towards making it digital, transparent and timely.

In majority of the cases, payments are processed and completed within 10-12 days after discharge of women from the Health Institutions and are made in time in the State of Rajasthan including Karauli and Dholpur districts. In few cases, payments are done beyond average time due to reasons like delay in submission of required documents (Bank details, Aadhaar, etc.) by the beneficiary for payment and/or due to technical reasons. Further, currently state is under the implementation of SNA Sparsh for payment including JSY which will further improve the payments.

(c) and (d): As intimated by Government of Rajasthan, the State already has a grievance redressal portal named 'Rajasthan Sampark Portal', where any person can register their query or payment related grievances by dialing '181'. The portal is also available for JSY beneficiaries for their grievances or queries related to JSY benefits.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4787 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Basic Facilities at AWCs
Ministry: WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Smt. Pratima Mondal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 4787 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.03.2026

## BASIC FACILITIES AT AWCS

## 4787.  SMT. PRATIMA MONDAL:

Will the Minister of WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) the total number of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) which are functioning without basic facilities such as pucca buildings, drinking water and toilets; and
- (b) the reason as to why the institutional childcare coverage remained limited, particularly for women working-class in informal-sector?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SAVITRI THAKUR)

(a) The State and UT wise details of Anganwadi Centres including availability of drinking water and toilet facilities are available at the link: https://www.poshantracker.in/statistics.

(b) The Ministry of Women and Child Development has introduced Palna Scheme under the Samarthya Vertical of Umbrella Mission Shakti for all States and UTs w.e.f. 01 April 2022.

Anganwadi centres are the world's largest childcare institutions dedicated to providing essential care and support to children ensuring delivery of care facilities till the last mile. In a first of its kind approach, Ministry has extended the services of childcare through Anganwadi cum Crèche (AWCC). Anganwadi cum Crèche initiative aims to increase 'women work force participation' in the economy. The objective of the scheme is to provide quality crèche facility in safe and secure environment for children (from ages 6 months -6 years), nutritional support, health and cognitive development of children, growth monitoring & immunization. Crèche facilities under Palna are provided to all mothers, irrespective of their employment status.

Palna scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Programme Approval Board (PAB) meetings are held with the State Governments and UT Administrations annually wherein States and UTs submit  proposals  for  opening  Anganwadi-cum-Creches  and  operationalize  them.  State Governments  and  UT  Administrations  also  contribute  their  corresponding  share  for  the implementation of the Scheme.

During the 15 th Finance Cycle i.e. up to FY 2025-26 a total of 17,000 Aganwadi-cum-Creches (AWCCs) are to be established under the Palna Scheme. Till date, a total of 14,708 AWCCs have been approved by the Ministry across 34 States/UTs as per the proposals received from States and UTs.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4784 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Foreign Aid to Bangladesh
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri T R Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4784

ANSWER ON - 20/03/2026

## FOREIGN AID TO BANGLADESH

4784. SHRI T R BAALU

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)   the   details   of   various   foreign   aids   including   financial   assistance extended by India to Bangladesh since 2014 till date;
- (b)   whether   it   is   true   that   despite   continued   support   by   India,   the bilateral relations between the two countries have soured recently, if so, the reasons therefor; and
- (c)   whether   the   Government   is   reconsidering   its   recent   decision   to cancel priority given to exports from Bangladesh at Indian sea ports, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) India's approach to relations with Bangladesh is neighbourhooddriven and people-centric. Accordingly, India has extended support for

various development-oriented initiatives in Bangladesh through Lines of Credit and Grants-in-Aid for Projects, as well as support for 'High Impact Community Development Projects',   humanitarian   assistance,   disaster relief and capacity building programmes. Since 2014, India has extended two major Lines of Credit (LoC) to Bangladesh totalling USD 6.5 billion in assistance. Financial assistance extended to Bangladesh on an annual basis from 2014, excluding disbursements for ongoing projects under LoCs, are placed at Annexure-I.

(b) India   and   Bangladesh,   as   neighbouring   countries,   share   deep historical, geographical, cultural, linguistic and social linkages. India has   consistently   expressed   its   support   for   a   democratic,   stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh and remains committed to   continued   high-level   exchanges   and   meetings   under   bilateral institutional mechanisms.

(c) No priority was accorded to exports from Bangladesh over own exports at Indian ports when this facility was previously extended. Any change   in   policy   will   be   undertaken   after   due   consideration   of   all relevant factors.

## Aid to Bangladesh (excluding LoCs)

(Rs. in Crore)

| Financial Year   | Financial Assistance   |
|------------------|------------------------|
| 2014-15          | 197.85                 |
| 2015-16          | 155.68                 |
| 2016-17          | 82.59                  |
| 2017-18          | 78.02                  |
| 2018-19          | 131.81                 |
| 2019-20          | 137.68                 |
| 2020-21          | 177.98                 |
| 2021-22          | 219.53                 |
| 2022-23          | 133.8                  |
| 2023-24          | 157.63                 |
| 2024-25          | 59.15                  |
| 2025-26          | 25.01*                 |

*****

* till February 2026

## Annexure-I
Lok Sabha Question No. 4782 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Inland Navigation in Kerala
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rajmohan Unnithan

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4782

ANSWERED ON 20.03.2026

## INLAND NAVIGATION IN KERALA

## 4782. SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN:

## Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYSbe pleased to state:

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) whether the Government is aware that Kerala has not been included in the twenty newly announced National Waterways, if so, the details thereof; (b)  whether  budgetary  allocations  have  been  earmarked  for  the  development  of  the West Coast Canal system, if so, the details thereof; (c) whether inland navigation potential in Kerala has been formally assessed, if so, the details thereof; and (d)  the  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  to  integrate  Kerala  into  the  national  inland
- water transport network?

## ANSWER

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

(a)  During  the  Budget  speech,  Hon'ble  Finance  Minister  of  India  announced  for operationalisation of 20 new National Waterways (NWs) over the next 5 years. Out of the identified 20 NWs for operationazation, including NW-5, 2 NWs namelyAVM Canal (NW-13) andVaikkom-Kottayam Canal (NW-59) are in Kerala.

(b) Rs.68.95 Crore has allocated in the Union Budget 2026-27 for the development of NWs including West Coast Canal consisting of NW-3, NW-8, NW-9, NW-13 and NW-59 in Kerala.

(c)  Inland  navigation  potential  in  Kerala  has  been  assessed  in  the  Detailed  Project Report (DPR) prepared by M/s Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) for development  of  NW-3.  Feasibility  Report  and  DPRhave  been  prepared  for  the development of NW-8, NW-9 and NW-59 in Kerala. (d) In  addition to the existingNWs in Kerala namely NW-3 (West Coast Canal), NW-8 (Alappuzha-  Changanasserry  canal),  NW-9  (Alappuzha-  Kottayam-  Athirampuzha NW-3 uptoKozhikkodehas  also  been  declared  as  NWto  integrate  Kerala  into  the  national

canal) and NW-59 (VaikkomKottayam canal), the extension of inland water transport network.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 4777 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-20
Subject: Denial of Entry to Indian in Jeju Island
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Ms. Mahua Moitra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4777

ANSWERED ON - 20.03.2026

DENIAL OF ENTRY TO INDIAN IN JEJU ISLAND

4777. MS. MOHUA MITRA

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the number of Indian nationals denied entry, detained or deported from

Jeju Island, South Korea during the last three years, year-wise;

(b) the reasons for such denial, detention or deportation, case-wise;

(c) the details of consular assistance provided by the Government in such cases, case-wise; and

(d) whether the Government has raised the issue with South Korean authorities for more transparent entry procedures under the visa waiver scheme at Jeju Island, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)

(a to d) As per information available with the Ministry, the number of Indian nationals denied entry, detained or deported from Jeju Island, South Korea during the last three years, year wise is as follows: 2023: 19 cases 2024: 10 cases 2025: 23 cases 2026: Nil The reasons for denial,  detention   or   deportation   are   not   shared   by authorities of South Korea as Korean privacy protection laws prohibit sharing of sensitive & personally identifiable information. Upon receiving requests of assistance in all cases of denial of entry /

detention / deportation from Indian nationals, our Embassy in Seoul reaches out to the concerned Korean authorities to ensure a humane & dignified treatment and provision of basic facilities. Korean authorities are also requested to ensure immediate repatriation of  the affected Indians.   These   issues   have   been   taken   up   with   concerned   Korean authorities at various levels and on a regular basis, including at the Consular Dialogues held between the two governments.

*****