PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA 55

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

FIFTY-FIFTH REPORT ON DEMANDS FOR GRANTS 2012-13 (DEMAND NO. 47) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AYUSH (MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE)

(PRESENTED TO THE RAJYA SABHA ON 26TH APRIL, 2012) (LAID ON THE TABLE OF LOK SABHA ON 25TH APRIL, 2012)

RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI APRIL, 2012/VAISHAKHA, 1934 (SAKA) Website : http://rajyasabha.nic.in E-mail : [email protected] PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

FIFTY-FIFTH REPORT ON DEMANDS FOR GRANTS 2012-13 (DEMAND NO. 47) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AYUSH (MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE)

(PRESENTED TO THE RAJYA SABHA ON 26TH APRIL, 2012) (LAID ON THE TABLE OF LOK SABHA ON 25TH APRIL, 2012)

RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI

APRIL, 2012/VAISHAKHA 3, 1932 (SAKA)

CONTENTS

PAGES

1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE ...... (i)-(ii)

2. PREFACE ...... (iii)

3. REPORT ...... 1—26

4. OBSERVATIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS — AT A GLANCE ...... 27—37

5. MINUTES ...... 39—43

COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (2011-12)

RAJYA SABHA 1. Shri Brajesh Pathak — Chairman #2. Shri Janardhan Dwivedi *3. Shrimati Viplove Thakur 4. Dr. Vijaylaxmi Sadho 5. Shri Balbir Punj 6. Dr. Prabhakar Kore 7. Shrimati Vasanthi Stanley @8. Shri Rasheed Masood 9. Shrimati B. Jayashree 10. Shri Derek O’Brien LOK SABHA 11. Shri Ashok Argal 12. Shrimati Harsimrat Kaur Badal 13. Shri Vijay Bahuguna 14. Shrimati Raj Kumari Chauhan 15. Shrimati Bhavana Gawali 16. Dr. Sucharu Ranjan Haldar 17. Dr. Monazir Hassan I8. Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal 19. Shri S. R. Jeyadurai 20. Shri P. Lingam 21. Shri Datta Meghe 22. Dr. Jyoti Mirdha 23. Dr. Chinta Mohan 24. Shri Sidhant Mohapatra 25. Shrimati Jayshreeben Kanubhai Patel 26. Shri M. K Raghavan 27. Shri J. M. Aaron Rashid 28. Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma 29. Shri Radhe Mohan Singh 30. Shri Ratan Singh 31. Dr. Kirit Premjibhai Solanki

# Ceased to be a Member w.e.f. 27th January, 2012 and re-nominated to the Committee on 2nd February, 2012. * Ceased to be a Member w.e.f. 2nd April, 2012. @ Ceased to be a Member w.e.f. 9th March, 2012.

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SECRETARIAT Shri P.P.K. Ramacharyulu, Joint Secretary Shri R.B. Gupta, Director Shrimati Arpana Mendiratta, Joint Director Shri Dinesh Singh, Deputy Director PREFACE

I, the Chairman of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, having been authorized by the Committee to present the Report on its behalf, do hereby present this Fifty-fifth Report of the Committee on the Demand for Grants (Demand No. 47) of the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for the year 2012-13.

2. The Committee considered the various documents and relevant papers received from the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and also heard the Secretary and other officials of the Department on the Demand for Grants (2012-13) in its meeting held on 11th April, 2012.

3. The Committee considered the Draft Report and adopted the same in its meeting held on 23rd April, 2012.

BRAJESH PATHAK NEW DELHI; Chairman, 23rd April, 2012 Department-related Parliamentary Vaishakha 3, 1934 (Saka) Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare.

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1

REPORT

I. INTRODUCTION 1.1 As per the information furnished by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) is mandated to provide focused attention for the development and promotion of AYUSH systems of health care at national and international levels. In the year 2010 another system of medicine being practiced by Tibetians residing in India i.e. Sowa Rigpa was also included under AYUSH. After establishment of a separate Department in 1995, the initial period of Ninth Plan was utilized to identify the gaps, developing strategies to fill up these gaps and do the formative work. It was from the Tenth Plan onwards that normative course of implementing various programmes/initiatives has been taken up and the institutions and initiatives were supported. The Department has also informed that the key achievements in the Eleventh Plan centered around establishment of All India Institute of Ayurveda, the two Institutes for North East, Pharmacopoeia Commission of Indian Medicine, formative work for mainstreaming of AYUSH strategy and needful mid-term corrective measures for improvised implementation of all schemes. The Twelfth Plan will emphasize conceptualization of interventions and innovations that could help realization of AYUSH potential with integrative approaches in health care. 1.2 The Department under its purview has two Regulatory Councils, five Research Councils, seven National Institutes, two North Eastern Institutes, two Pharmacopoeia Laboratories, a National Medicinal Plants Board and a Public Sector Undertaking for manufacture of Ayurveda and Unani medicine. The Department is mandated for formulating and implementing policies and programmes for overall growth and development of AYUSH systems and to pursue the following objectives:– (a) To promote good health and expand the outreach of health care to people, through AYUSH-based preventive, promotive, mitigating and curative interventions. (b) To upgrade standards of AYUSH education by supporting development of teaching institutions, training facilities and teachers, revision of course curricula as per contemporary relevance and by creating Model Institutions and Centers of Excellence. (c) To ensure affordable AYUSH services and drugs of quality. (d) To facilitate availability of equality raw drugs adhering to pharmacopoeia standards. (e) To integrate AYUSH in health care delivery system and national health programmes. (f) To-orient and prioritize research in AYUSH for validation and development of therapies and drugs. (g) Building awareness about the strengths of AYUSH at national and international levels. 1.3 The Central Sector Schemes have eight components, namely (i) System Strengthening, (ii) Educational Institutions, (iii) Research and Development including medicinal plants, (iv) HRD (Training Programme/Fellowship/Exposure visit/upgradation of skill etc.), (v) Cataloging, Digitization and Manuscripts of AYUSH IT Network, (vi) International Cooperation, (vii) Development of AYUSH Industry, and (viii) Funding of NGOs engaged in local health traditions/midwifery practices etc. under AYUSH. 1.4 The Centrally, sponsored Schemes include (i) Promotion of AYUSH (ii) Setting up of specialized AYUSH facilities in Government tertiary care AYUSH Hospitals in Public Private Partnership model and (iii) National Mission on Medicinal Plants. 2

1.5 The Twelfth Plan (2012-17) will apart from continuing the existing schemes, support the development of new institutes in Central Sector, upgradation of Research Councils and National Institutes, National AYUSH health programmes, pharmacovigilance of ASU drugs, Central Drug Control1er and particularly AYUSH Flexi-pool under NRHM for steering mainstreaming of AYUSH- related activities in the States.

II. BUDGETARY ALLOCATION (Rs. in crore) Plan 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Total Outlay 488.00 670.39 855.41 952.75 1021.45 3988.00 BE 488.00 534.00 734.00 800.00 900.00 3456.00 (Allocation) RE 390.00 475.00 680.00 888.00 650.00 3083.00 Expenditure 383.36 471.13 678.97 848.90 610.60 2992.96

2.1 The total provision of the fund in the Eleventh Plan for the Department of AYUSH was Rs. 3988.00 crore out of which Rs. 2053.00 crore was allocated for the Central Sector Schemes and Rs. 1935.00 crore for the Centrally-sponsored Schemes.

2.2 As per the information furnished by the Secretary during the course of his deposition before the Committee on the Eleventh April, 2012, out of the total Eleventh Plan Outlay of Rs. 3988.00 crore, Rs. 3456.00 crore was allocated in the Budget Estimates, Rs. 3083.00 crore in the Revised Estimates and the total expenditure was Rs. 2992.96 crore. The shortfall in the Actual Expenditure was to the tune of Rs. 906.04 crore. The Secretary pointed out that the main contributory factor for the shortfall in the utilization of the approved Eleventh Plan Outlay was the non-submission of utilization certificates of funds released to the State Governments under Centrally-sponsored Schemes as norms of Ministry of Finance does not allow release of fund pending submission of UCs. The Secretary also informed that the share of the Centrally-sponsored Schemes had increased over the years and it was 43% of the total Budget Estimates during the Eleventh Plan. The Secretary also submitted that the allocation of Rs. 990.00 crore made in BE 2012-13 reflected an increase of 52.31% over the allocation made in RE 2011-12 and his Department fared better than the other Departments of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

2.3 The Committee observes that despite the fact that a Zero Based Budgeting exercise which requires that budget request be evaluated thoroughly, starting from the zero base, was undertaken at the beginning of the Eleventh Plan, a substantial amount of Rs. 906.04 crore out of the total Eleventh Plan Outlay could not be utilized, which is a serious matter. The Committee takes note of the constraints, as pointed out by the Secretary, in utilizing the approved outlays and recommends that the Department should review the norms governing the Centrally-sponsored Schemes for the desired results and better financial performance. The Committee feels that the AYUSH sector with its impressive infrastructure has a very important role to play in achieving the National Health Outcome Goals of the country. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the share of AYUSH may sufficiently be raised in the total health outlay in the 12th Plan.

2.4 As per the written information furnished by the Department in replies to Questionnaires, the actual expenditure figures concerning the Central Sector and Centrally-sponsored Schemes for the years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 are as follows:– 3

(Rs. in crore) 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 BE RE AE BE RE AE BE RE AE as on 28.3.2012 (a) 430.00 363.45 363.50 461.00 544.60 518.20 698.36 647.36 587.99 Central Sector Schemes (b) 304.00 316.55 315.47 339.00 343.35 330.70 389.64 180.64 155.64 Centrally Sponsored Schemes Total 734.00 680.00 678.97 800.00 888.00 848.90 1088.00 828.00 743.63 (a+b) 2.5 An analysis of the trend of allocation of Plan funds and expenditure figures concerning the Schemes listed above as witnessed in 2011-12 reveals the following picture:– (Rs. in crore) Scheme/Programme BE RE AE (as on 28.3.2012) (i) Development of AYUSH 275.00 100 86.87 Hospitals and Dispensaries (ii) Quality Control of ASU Drugs 8.00 3.00 1.20 (iii) AYUSH Expansion of CGHS 1.30 1.30 42 (iv) Information Education and 15.00 16.02 12.98 Communication (v) Educational Institutions 145.00 130.47 127.58 (vi) Research and Development 210.50 212.77 189.53 including Medicinal Plants

2.6 There has been substantial under-utilisation of funds allocated under the above six heads in 2011-12. The Department had sought enhanced budgetary allocation under the above heads despite the budgeted funds remaining unutilized in the year 2011-12. The Committee also notes that the total Budget Estimates for the year 2011-12 were Rs. 900.00 crore which were reduced to Rs. 650.00 crore at the RE stage and the actual amount spent on the various projects is only Rs. 610.60 crore. Thus the Department surrendered Rs. 289.94 crore with reference to allocation made at BE stage (Rs. 64.46 crore against Central Sector Projects and Rs. 224.94 crore against Centrally-sponsored Schemes) and Rs. 39.40 crores (Rs. 23.46 crore against Central Sector Schemes and Rs. 15.94 crores against CSS) with reference to allocation at RE stage. On being asked as to what were the reasons for the shortfall in utilization of the budgeted funds, the Department in a written submission has informed that the reasons for the slow pace of expenditure is attributable to (i) unspent balances lying from previous releases, (ii) large number of pending DCs, and (iii) lack of suitable proposals for funding. 4

2.7 The Committee observes that long pending UCs and unspent balances are not something new. The Committee can also well-understand the limitations of the Department in getting the liquidation of pending UCs and unspent balances expedited by the State Governments. However, the Department could have anticipated these problems and accordingly made realistic projection for requirement of funds. Thus it is obvious that there are shortcomings in the budgetary planning of the Department and that the shortfall in utilization of the budgeted funds could have been avoided and the unspent amount utilized more gainfully somewhere else had the Department assessed requirement of funds properly for the purpose of making Budgetary Estimates as realistic as possible. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Department to ensure that the entire requirement of funds is assessed realistically so that the quantum of unutilized funds is minimized in future. The Committee also appreciates the efforts made by the Department as it could convince the Planning Commission for allocating Rs.990 crores i.e. 10% more than BE 2011-12 and 52.31% more than RE 2011-12 in spite of the fact that only Rs. 610 crores could be spent during the previous year.

2.8 The Committee takes note of the written submission of the Department that the following measures are proposed to be taken to enhance utilization of allocated funds during 2012-13:–

(i) special drive to expedite the utilization of funds and obtain Utilization Certificates from the States;

(ii) appointment of Nodal Officers in respect of each State to monitor and expedite the submission of UCs by the States; and

(iii) closer monitoring of the progress of utilization of funds through periodic reports from the States. 2.9 The Committee is happy to note that the Department has put in place a system of closer monitoring of utilization of the budgeted funds. The Committee would like to be apprised of the efficacy of this scheme in ensuring better financial performance.

2.10 The Committee notes that the unspent balance left with the implementing agencies is to the extent of Rs. 263.33 crore for 2008-09, Rs. 378.46 crore for 2009-10 and Rs. 302.93 crore for 2010-11. From the above, Committee infers that more emphasis is being laid on approving projects but completion aspect of the already approved projects is not getting the required attention. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Department to immediately initiate corrective steps to strengthen the existing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of the on-going projects so that the unspent balances are liquidated and the outcomes of the on-going projects are made available in the public domain. The Committee desires to be kept apprised of the follow-up action taken in this regard.

2.11 The Department has also informed that as against projections of Rs. 1257.07 crore under Plan and Rs. 210.67 crore made under Non-Plan components for 2012-13, the Ministry of Finance has allocated Rs. 990.00 crore and Rs. 188.00 crore under Plan and Non-Plan heads respectively. The major schemes which are likely to be affected due to less allocation of funds are (i) development of AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries and Mainstreaming of AYUSH under NRHM (Shortfall Rs. 36.25 crore), (ii) Quality Control of ASU Drugs (shortage of Rs. 31.00 crore) (iii) AYUSH Expansion of CGHS (shortfall of Rs. 23.70 crore), (iv) Information, Education and Communication (Shortfall of Rs. 26 crore), (v) Educational Institutions (shortfall of Rs. 74.00 crore) and (vi) Research and Development including Medicinal Plants (shortfall of Rs. 49.86 crore). Presently, there are 10854 AYUSH doctors, 3855 AYUSH Paramedics, 3193 hospitals, 56842 beds capacity and 24280 dispensaries. 5

2.12 The Committee is aware of the fact that health needs of a vast and diverse country like India cannot be met by a single health care system of medicine and AYUSH health care systems have a very vital role in expanding the outreach of health care to the people because of their inherent advantages in terms of diversity, modest cost, low level of technological input, growing acceptance among the people, almost nil side effects etc. It is in this context that adequate allocation of funds for AYUSH assumes added significance and resource crunch should not be allowed to come in the way of achieving the envisaged objectives of AYUSH. Though the financial outlay allocated for 2012-13 is less than the projections made by the Department, the Committee recommends that depending on better financial performance and greater absorption capacity of the Department and the State Governments, quantum of funding for the Department of AYUSH be enhanced at the RE 2012-13 stage. Simultaneously, the Committee recommends that the Department should initiate and implement remedial measures for better financial discipline and ensure that the scarce resources do not remain locked up and surrendered later on.

PENDING UTILIZATION CERTIFICATES 2.13 The Committee has been monitoring the pendency of utilization certificates under various schemes for the last few years. In reply to a query, the Department of AYUSH has informed that under the Centrally-sponsored Schemes of the Department viz. Hospitals and Dispensaries, Drugs Quality Control and Development of AYUSH Institutions, and National Mission for Medicinal Plants, 52 UCs amounting to Rs. 81.47 crore have been liquidated during 2009-10, and 530 UCs amounting Rs. 126.78 crore have been liquidated during 2010-11 and 45 UCs amounting to Rs. 79.54 crore has been liquidated during 2011-12 (upto 31.10.2011). 2.14 The following table gives an idea of the status of pending UCs and the amount involved therein:– UCs Pending as on 31st March, 2012 Name of the Schemes Amount (Rs. in Crores) UCs Pending since Hospitals and 479.62 2002-03 onwards Dispensaries (CSS) Development and 106.89 2000-01 onwards Institutions (CSS) Drugs Quality Control 39.42 1997-98 onwards (CSS) National Mission on 29.30 2009-10 onwards Medicinal Plant (CSS) Total (All Centrally 655.25 Sponsored Schemes)

2.15 From the information supplied by the Department, the Committee gathers that the four Centrally-sponsored Schemes, namely, Hospitals and Dispensaries, Drugs Quality Control, Development of AYDSH Institutions and National Mission on Medicinal Plants are responsible for most number of pending UCs. 2.16 The Committee feels concerned to note that the Utilization Certificates for funds released as far back as in 1997-98, 2000-01 and 2002-03 are still pending and a substantial amount of funds are involved therein. The Committee feels that with the 6 existing availability of information technology resources the Department should have been able to develop an effective system of coordination with the State Governments and remove the impediments in furnishing the UCs in time. The Committee, therefore, urges upon the Department to formulate an action plan in coordination with the State Governments for developing an effective and efficient coordination mechanism for the timely submission of UCs. This would also speed up execution of the projects well within the approved cost. 2.17 On being asked about the innovative measures adopted by the Department to monitor liquidation of pending UCs within a specific time-frame and the outcome thereof, the Department has informed that in order to monitor liquidation of the pending UCs of the Centrally-sponsored Schemes, the matter is being pursued continuously with the State Governments; meetings are held with State Health Secretaries at regular intervals; programme officers of Department of AYUSH have also been visiting concerned States/Departments/Institutions for liquidation of UCs. Besides, recently one officer of Department has been identified for each State and assigned the work of liquidating UCs. 2.18 The Committee notes that though the Department has spelt out the measures it has taken to liquidate the pending UCs, it has remained silent about the efficacy of the measures so taken. The Committee, therefore, expects the Department to apprise it of the efficacy of the measures in liquidating the pending UCs.

Utilization of Plan Allocation for North-Eastern States 2.19 The Plan allocation for North Eastern States and Sikkim was Rs. 90.00 crore in BE and RE 2011-12, which has been increased to Rs. 99.00 crore in BE 2012-13. On being asked about the steps proposed to be taken for optimal and judicious utilization of funds allocated for North Eastern Region for 2012-13, the Department has stated that the State Governments in the North Eastern Region will be specifically sensitized about the schemes of the Department by conducting AROGYA fairs, publicity campaigns and developing medicinal plants sector. 2.20 From the information furnished by the Department, the Committee gathers that against the allocation of funds of Rs. 80.00 crore made in BE 2010-11, the expenditure amounted to Rs. 65.48 crore only. Similarly, there was mismatch between the Budget Estimates of Rs. 90.00 crore and the Actual Expenditure of Rs. 71.00 crore (as on 26.3.2012) for 2011-12. 2.21 The Committee welcomes the measures proposed to be initiated by the Department for the purpose of sensitizing the North Eastern States and sincerely hopes that these would result in better utilization of the outlays. The Committee is aware that 10 percent of plan allocation earmarked for a Department/Ministry is kept reserved for utilization in the North Eastern States so that the outreach of development schemes could be ensured to these distantly located States of the country. The Committee, therefore, desires to be kept apprised of the outcomes of the initiatives taken by the Department of AYUSH. 2.22 Mid-term appraisal of the Eleventh Plan had found certain constraints and suggested corrections as per the following details:– “The funding pattern of the revised scheme for mainstreaming AYUSH (earlier Hospital & Dispensaries scheme) has been revised to 90:10 for the North Eastern States. It is necessary to revise the funding pattern of other schemes like development of institution to 90:10 on similar lines.” “Keeping in view the higher cost of material and wages in the North Eastern States in view of its geographical isolation, the unit cost of construction needs to be suitably enhanced.” 7

“With a view to overcome the shortage of trained man power, special assistance on 100% basis is required to be provided for setting up at least one AYUSH college along with teaching hospital in each of the North Eastern States where there is no AYUSH college/ university at present.” “This is a need to increase the UG/PG seats for NE States for AYUSH courses.” 2.23 The Committee is not aware of any follow-up action taken so far on the measures suggested in the mid-term appraisal of the Eleventh Plan. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Department that all possible efforts and follow-up action should be taken to take care of the above suggestions. 2.24 On being asked about the total projected allocation of the Department for the Twelfth Plan and the justification for the same, the Department in a written reply has submitted that “the Working Group on AYUSH for Twelfth Five Year Plan set up by the Planning Commission under Chairmanship of Secretary, AYUSH has projected estimated allocation of Rs. 47535.55 crores for the Twelfth Plan. This amount is required for the continuation of the ongoing schemes, including provision of Rs. 10,000 crores for Mainstreaming of AYUSH under NRHM. Further, it was recommended for revising the ongoing schemes with higher allocation and broad basing it to address the thrust areas comprehensively and for undertaking new initiatives. However, the Twelfth Plan is yet to be approved”. 2.25 The Committee notes that the Eleventh Plan has concluded; however, the Twelfth Plan outlay of the Department is yet to be approved. The Committee feels that the delay in approval of the Twelfth Plan outlay is sure to impinge on the process of EFC/CCEA approvals which entails further delay in finalization and implementation of the Schemes/ Programmes of the Department for the Twelfth Plan. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Government to hasten the approval of Twelfth Plan outlay and related proposals so that the Department is not hamstrung by lack of necessary aprrovals and the consequent delay in finalization and implementation of various schemes/programmes in the Twelfth Plan period. The Committee desires to be apprised of the reasons for delay in approval of the Twelfth Plan outlay of the Department.

III. Statutory Institutions 3.1 The sub-scheme ‘Statutory Institutions’ in the Eleventh Plan comprises of three components under which provision of Rs. 2.95 crore had been made for granting financial support to the regulatory bodies – Central Council of Indian Medicine, Central Council of Homoeopathy and Pharmacy Council of Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy. 3.2 The Committee has been constantly urging the Department to expedite the process of updation of Central Registers of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy. On being asked as to what is the updated status of updation of Central Registers of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy and whether all the States have sent their updated Registers of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy for notification, the Department has furnished the following information:–

The status of updated notification of State-wise Central Register of Homoeopathy: Sl. No. States Period upto which notified 1. Andhra Pradesh Upto 31.03.09 Received on 29.11.11 2. Assam Upto 21.07.11 8

Sl. No. States Period upto which notified 3. Bihar Part-(II) Received on 13.05.11 4. Chhattisgarh Upto 25.10.11 5. Delhi Upto March, 2011 6. Gujarat Upto May, 2011 7. Haryana Upto September, 2011 8. Himachal Pradesh Upto September, 2009 9. Karnataka Upto 31.12.2006 10. Kerala Upto 31.03.2010 11. Madhya Pradesh Upto December, 2009 12. Maharasthra Upto 28.02.2010 13. Meghalaya Upto March, 2011 14. Odisha Upto March, 2011 15. Punjab Upto June, 2011 16. Rajasthan Upto 31.03.2011 17. Tamil Nadu Upto 31.03.2009 18. U.T. Chandigarh Upto August, 2009 19. Uttar Pradesh Upto March, 2003 and also in 2006 20. West Bengal (Part-I) Upto June, 2010 21. Arunachal Pradesh Upto August, 2011 22. Tripura Up to August, 2006 23. Goa Upto February, 2010 24. Nagaland –

Status of Updated notification of State-wise Central Register of Indian Medicine

S1. No. State Period

1. J & K (Corrigendum) April 2009 to March 2010 2. MP April 2007 to March 2008 3. Chhattisgarh April 2008 to March 2009 4. Karnataka April 2007 to March 2009 5. Goa Oct. 2006 to March 2009 6. Madhya Pradesh April 2005 to March 2007 (Supp.) 9

S1. No. State Period 7. Rajasthan April 2009 to March 2010 8. Kerala April 2008 to March 2010 9. Goa April 2010 to March 2011 10. Tamil Nadu Jan. - 2007 to March 2009 (Siddha) 11. Punjab April 2006 to March 2009 12. Corrigendum 2011 - 2012 13. Direct Registration 2011 - 2012 14. Uttar Pradesh Inception to 1987 15. Bihar, Kerala, Maharashtra 2011 - 2012 (Corrigendum)

3.3 From the tables above, the Committee notes that as regards the updation of the Central Register of Homoeopathy, out of 24 States in respect of which information has been made available, as many as 12 States are lagging behind in sending updated information in respect of their State Registers and in respect of one State i.e. Nagaland, the Department has informed that the State Register appears to be made in violation of the State Act. As regards the status of updation of the Central Register of Indian Medicine, information in respect of only 15 States has been furnished and, that too is not up-to-date. The Committee, therefore, observes that in this era of advanced Information Technology when all such information should be made available in the public domain in an updated form on the touch of a button, such procrastination is not acceptable to the Committee. The Committee, therefore, exhorts the Department to take up the matter of updation of Registers with the State authorities at the highest level with a view to impress upon them the imperative need for updation of the State Registers. 3.4 The Committee would also like the Department to undertake a review of the entire process of updation of Central Registers of the Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy and take corrective action in the light of the findings thereof. The Committee desires to be kept apprised of the action taken in this regard. 3.5 The Committee also desires to be apprised of the time-lag between the receipt of information from the State Governments and its publication in the Central Registers of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy. State-wise information may be furnished. 3.6 As per the information furnished in the Outcome Budget 2012-13, during 2011-12, 300 colleges of Ayurveda and 13 colleges of Unani were inspected by the CCIM for verification of their educational infrastructure and standards. Accordingly, recommendations were sent to the Department for issuing/not issuing letter of permission. The Committee desires the Department to furnish a detailed note in this regard, indicating therein whether the Department had accepted all the recommendations made by CCIM or there were cases in which the action taken by the Department was not in accordance with the recommendations of CCIM.

IV. Hospitals and Dispensaries All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi 4.1 Establishment of All India Institute of Ayurveda was approved on 21.01.2008 and the Plan 10 outlay for the project in the Eleventh Plan was Rs.150 crore and the expenditure incurred till February 2012 was Rs.72.24 crore. The Institute would facilitate quality research aimed at bridging gaps in the scientific information about quality, safety and efficacy of Ayurveda products and developing benchmarks of Ayurvedic education, research and health care for other institutions to follow. The Institute is mandated to undertake interdisciplinary education and research programmes of Ayurveda in collaboration with premier national and international institutions. It is aimed at establishing viable communication between Ayurveda and modern sciences. 4.2 In reply to a question, the Department has informed that the plan allocation of Rs. 53.10 crore for AIIA in BE 2011-12 was meant for completing the construction work rapidly; however taking into consideration the trend of expenditure actually incurred by M/s HSCC, the consultant of the project, the demand at RE stage was reduced to Rs. 35 crore against the BE provision of Rs. 53.10 crore. Now, the work has started to pick up and all the works are targeted to be completed in May 2012 and the target date for completion of the project is September, 2012. The Project is on track and it is expected to utilize the allocated amount during the Eleventh Plan period. Keeping all these factors into consideration, the BE has been increased to Rs. 44.22 crore in the year 2012-13. 4.3 The Committee takes note of the submission of the Department that the project is on track and it is expected to utilize the allocated amount during the Eleventh Plan period. However, the Committee is constrained to note that though the Eleventh Plan has concluded, the actual expenditure incurred till February 2012 is Rs. 72.24 crore out of the total allocation of Rs. 150.00 crore. The Committee apprehends that despite the assurance of the Department that the project is on track, there is every possibility that this ambitious and vital project may witness time and cost overruns. The Committee would, therefore, like the Department to put in a place a rigorous monitoring mechanism for the project and ensure execution of the project within the approved cost and designated time- line.

CGHS Expansion in Dispensaries 4.4 The Plan allocation for CGHS expansion in Dispensaries is Rs.1.30 crore in BE 2012-13, which is meant for placement of grants to (i) One Ayurvedic dispensary at Trivandrum; (ii) One Homoeopathic dispensary each at Trivandrum and Guwahati; (iii) One Unani Dispensary at Delhi; (iv) One Siddha dispensary at Chennai; and (v) One Yoga centre at Delhi. 4.5 As per the information furnished in the Outcome Budget 2012-13, under this scheme, funds are placed at the disposal of the Additional/Joint Director of CGHS Dispensaries for salary, wages and supply of material. 4.6 On being asked as to what progress has been made towards achieving the target of establishing 21 AYUSH dispensaries under CGHS during the Eleventh Plan and what decision has been taken to extend AYUSH facilities in CGHS dispensaries as per the Mid-term appraisal of the Eleventh Plan, the Department of AYUSH has informed that the setting up of AYUSH dispensaries under CGHS is under the perview of the Directorate General of Health Services. During the Tenth Five year Plan, 6 AYUSH units were established at Trivandrum (Ayurveda/Homoeopathy), Guwahati/ (Homoeopathy), Delhi (Unani/Yoga) and Chennai (Siddha). These dispensaries continue to function. The DGHS could not set up any further AYUSH Units in the CGHS dispensaries due to policy issues and other problems. However, the Department of AYUSH had extended support for setting up more such units. During 2011-12, the DGHS had sent a proposal for opening 13 new AYUSH CGHS units in various cities and conversion of one part-time Ayurvedic Unit into a full-fledged Ayurvedic Wellness Centre in Orissa. The Department of AYUSH extended its “in principle” approval for this proposal. 11

4.7 However, the Department of Health & Family Welfare was not allowing any expansion of infrastructure in CGHS as the Central Government was contemplating introduction of a Health Insurance Scheme for the Central Government employees and pensioners. Subsequently, the matter was further pursued with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), stating that now that the Twelfth Plan is going to commence shortly, a broad policy framework on the issue needed to be visualized. It was stressed that a clear stand on this aspect may be enunciated and the various options viz. health insurance, treatment through empanelled hospitals etc. may be explored and a decision intimated to this Department. 4.8 The Committee is constrained to note the policy paralysis in regard to opening of AYUSH dispensaries under the CGHS. On the one hand the DGHS had sent proposal for opening 13 new AYUSH CGHS units and on the other, the Department of Health and Family Welfare was not allowing any expansion of infrastructure of the CGHS in the name of introduction of a Health Insurance Scheme for the Central Government Employees and Pensioners. While taking a serious view in the matter, the Committee reiterates its earlier recommendation made in its 49th Report presented to Parliament on the 4th March, 2011 which is reproduced below: “It is very strange that though the Mid-term assessment of Eleventh Plan had emphasised to provide AYUSH facilities in 10 CGHS dispensaries by 2011-12, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided to halt any further cxpansion of infrastructure in CGHS on the ground that a Health Insurance Scheme is being contemplated for Central Government Employees. At a time when the avowed objective of the Government is to bridge the gaps in health infrastructure and human resources, the Committee is at a loss to understand as to why such a retrograde decision has been taken, especially in view of the dismal picture of health infrastructure in the country. The Committee is of the view that even if the CGHS is restructured, Health infrastructure created under it would not go waste, but contribute to outreach of health care services in one way or the other. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministry should shed its indecisiveness in the mattcr and take concrete action towards extending AYUSH facilities in CGHS dispensaries as per the Mid-term Appraisal of the Eleventh Plan.” 4.9 The Committee also observes that at a time when mainstreaming of AYUSH is being increasingly advocated so that it can contribute to achieving the National Health Outcome Goals, putting a moratorium on the further expansion of the CGHS infrastructure, and the concurrent ban on opening of the AYUSH units in the CGHS dispensaries in the name of introduction of a Health Insurances Schemes is not only bad policy but also something which the Committee is unable to comprehend.

V. Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of AYUSH Institutions 5.1 The objectives of the Scheme was– – Assistance for upgradation of infrastructure of AYUSH institutions. – Improving quality of medical education. – Improving quality of Health Care through hospitals attached to the colleges. – Encouraging development of centres of Advanced studies in AYUSH.

Educational Institutions 5.2 The Eleventh Plan outlay of Rs. 410.68 crore was meant for supporting the eleven 12 institutions working under the administrative control of Department of AYUSH; Centres of Excellence in non-governmental, private sector in the area of AYUSH education; research, drug development, folk medicine etc. As per the information given in the Background Material furnished by the Department, the BE for 2007-12 was Rs. 540.51 crore and RE for 2007-12 was Rs. 537.61 crore. The expenditure incurred upto February 2012 under this head was Rs. 487.38 crore. 5.3 The Committee notes that out of Rs. 537.61 crores RE for 2007-12, only Rs. 487.38 crores could be spent upto February, 2012. The Committee would like to know the actual expenditure during the Eleventh Plan period under this head. The Committee recommends to the Department that the targets set under this scheme for the Twelfth Plan period should be achieved at the earliest. For this purpose the Department should approach the Ministry of Finance for allocation of additional funds, if any. The Committee should be apprised of the efforts made by the Department in this direction.

National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur 5.4 The National Institute of Ayurveda was established on 7.2.1976 as an apex Institute of Ayurveda in the country to develop high standards of teaching, training and research in all aspects of Ayurvedic system of Medicine with a scientific approach. 5.5 In reply to a query regarding the status of vacancies in Group ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts, the Department has inter-alia informed that there are 32 vacancies (19 teaching and 13 non- teaching) in Group ‘A’ posts. It has been further informed that out of the 19 vacancies, 13 could not be filled earlier due to unavailability of eligible candidates despite the posts having been notified 3 times. They are being re-notified. 4 vacancies are due to fresh creation of posts and two vacancies have arisen due to medical unfitness of the two duly selected candidates. As regards the 13 non-teaching posts, it has been informed that they are newly created for which Recruitment Rules are under consideration in the Department for approval. 5.6 The Committee is constrained to observe that with such a large number teaching posts remaining vacant in the NIA, the functioning of NIA would certainly be impaired. The Committee takes note of the measures being taken by the Department to wipe out the vacancies i.e. early notification of the vacancies to be filled by Direct Recruitment and filling of the vacancies kept for promotion along with the Direct Quota posts etc. However, the Committee feels that the measures are unlikely to result in bridging the gaps in manpower requirements immediately. The Committee, therefore, feels that the Department should consider roping in professionally qualified persons on short term contract or deputation basis so as to overcome the staff crunch in teaching posts.

National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata 5.7 The National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH) was established in 1975 as a model Institute in Homoeopathy. The main objective of the Institute is to develop excellence in Homoeopathic education and conduct UG and PG courses. 5.8 The Eleventh Plan outlay for NIH was Rs. 45.00 crore out of which Rs. 20.50 crore has been spent upto February, 2012. 5.9 The Committee would like to be informed of the updated expenditure figures and the reasons for shortfall, if any, in the actual expenditure. 5.10 It has been informed that construction work for extension of the hospital building of NIH to augment the bed-capacity to 250 and construction of a new academic-cum-library building are under progress. On being asked as to whether the plan allocation of Rs. 25.00 crore in BE 13

2012-13 would meet the requirements of NIH, the Department has informed that the plan allocation to NIH for 2012-13 is as under Creation of Capital Assets: Rs. 3.5 crore Grant-in-Aid General: Rs.10.00 crore Grant-in-Aid Salaries: Rs.11.50 crore 5.11 The Department has further informed that the Grant-in-aid for creation of capital assets amounting to Rs. 3.50 crore may not be sufficient during 2012-13 since there is a proposal to start Phase-II construction of the Academic-cum-library block cost of which is projected to be about 10.00 crore. The plan for this construction is available and once approvals are obtained, the amount shall be sought at RE stage. 5.12 The Committee notes that the expansion of hospitals to 250 beds was targeted to be achieved during 2010-11. Almost a year has elapsed since then, but the target is yet to be accomplished. The Committee takes note of the reasons adduced by the Department for the delay i.e. non-completion of hospital building expansion. The Committee is of the firm opinion that had the Department had a streamlined monitoring mechanism, the slippages in implementing the Project could have been avoided. The Committee also takes note of the fact that necessary approvals for construction of the Academic-cum-library building are yet to be obtained. The Committee would like to advise the Department to expedite obtaining necessary approvals for the project so that the budgeted funds for the Project do not get locked up for want of approvals. From the information furnished by the Department, the Committee notes that there are 32 vacancies in Groups A, 6 in Group B, and 37 in Group C posts. The Committee is constrained to observe that such a considerable number of vacancies would certainly impinge on the functioning of NIH. The Committee, therefore, exhorts the Department to make sustained efforts to fill up the vacant posts at the earliest. The Committee would like to be apprised of the outcome of the efforts made by the Department in this regard.

Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga 5.13 Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga is an autonomous organization under the Department of AYUSH. The plan allocation for the Institute in RE 2011-12 was Rs.7.33 crore which has been increased to Rs.12.00 crore in BE 2012-13. On being asked about the justification for enhanced allocation of Rs.12.00 crore, the Department has informed that the enhanced allocation is meant for meeting (a) Expenditure towards starting of Bachelor’s Degree in Yoga science (BYSc) course of three years duration during 2012-13 (b) Expenditure towards establishing 100 more Swami Vivekananada District Yoga Wellness Centres (SUDYWC) during 2012-13 and (c) Expenditure towards upgrading the existing Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy and Research established by the MDNIY in premier medicinal/AYUSH institutes of the country.

5.14 The Committee is aware that Yoga is very effective in the area of Psychosomatic and lifestyle diseases, where conventional medical approach does not provide any effective solutions. The Committee, therefore, welcomes the enhanced allocation for MDNIY for the year 2012-13. The Committee’s only concern is that the provisions so made should be utilized optimally and judiciously. The Committee, therefore, retommends that a mechanism be put in place to evaluate the outcomes of the funds spent on various Yoga projects. 5.15 From the information made available to the Committee, it gathers that a Committee was constituted by the Department of AYUSH on the 7th June, 2010 for evaluation of the physical performance of the 10 existing preventive Health Care Units of Yoga in various 14

CGHS dispensaries to suggest strategies for further expansion of more such units and to recommend the measures for strengthening of the existing Yoga units. The Committee would like to be apprised of the findings of the above Committee and the follow-up action taken thereon by the Department for expansion of the scheme.

North-Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, Shillong, Meghalaya 5.16 The Cabinet had accorded approval on 27th March, 2008 to set up the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH) in Shillong (Meghalaya) in the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIMS) campus in Shillong (Meghalaya). The Institute is envisaged to have an Ayurveda College with the admission capacity of 60 students and a Homoeopathy college with the admission capacity of 50 students along with a 120 bed A yurveda hospital and a 50 bed Homoeopathy hospital, Documentation-cum-R&D Centre and Ayurvedic Pharmacy with a drug testing laboratory. 5.17 The Eleventh Plan outlay for the project was Rs. 81.00 crore out of which Rs. 42.80 crore had been spent till February, 2012. As per the information furnished in the Outcome Budget 2012-13, completion of civil works of phase-I, is still in progress; Detailed project Report for Phase-II of the project is yet to be finalized; finalization of RRs, SRs and MOA, creation of post are yet be finalized; and constitution of GB/GC and SFC are under process. All these activities were targeted to be achieved during 2011-12. 5.18 The Committee expresses its serious concern at the tardy progress made towards full operationalisation of NEIAH. The Committee apprehends that the delay in achieving the targets within the designated time line would lead to cost overrun. In this context that the Committee emphasizes the need to vigorously supervise and monitor the implementation of the project at a sufficiently higher level, identify the shortcomings and impediments and take corrective action simultaneously. 5.19 The Committee would like to be apprised of the progress made towards full operationalisation of NEIAH on a quarterly basis.

North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine, Passighat, Arunachal Pradesh 5.20 The Cabinet had accorded approval on 21st February, 2008 to set up the North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine (NEIFM) in Passighat (Arunachal Padesh) in order to harness the rich traditions of Folk Medicine and tribal health practices in the region through documentation, validation and capacity building of traditional healers. 5.21 The Eleventh Plan outlay for NEIFM was Rs. 41.00 crorc, the allocation for BE (2007 to 2012) was Rs. 27.69 crore and for RE (2007-08 to 2011-12) was Rs. 21.29 crore out of which Rs. 9.60 crore was spent upto February, 2012. 5.22 The Department has informed that the time-line prescdbed for cxecution of the Project was January, 2010 which could not be adhered to due to various constraints including delay in transfer of 40 acres of land to the Department of AYUSH free of cost by the State Government. Now, the matter has been sorted out and the construction work has already started and is in progress. All necessary approvals have also been obtained. 5.23 The Committee is constrained to observe that this is a typical case of procrastination. The Project was first targeted to be completed by January, 2010. Subsequently, it was rescheduled to be completed by June, 2011. The Committee notes that though almost a year has elapsed since then, yet only 35% work of the building construction could be completed so far. The Committee is constrained to observe that at a time when there is increasingly 15 greater emphasis on optimal utilization of scarce resources, such inefficiencies in execution of the Project can no longer be overlooked. The Committee, therefore, feels that there is a case for spelling out monitorable goals in respect of operationalising the project and putting in place a mechanism for holding people responsible if the standards and targets are repeatedly not met. 5.24 The Committee also observes that this project cannot be operationalised in the true sense of the word until the requisite faculty and staff are appointed. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Department to move quickly towards sanctioning and recruiting the requisite faculty and staff.

VI. Assistance to Accredited AYUSH Centres of Excellence in Non-Governmental/Private Sector Engaged in AYUSH Education/Drug Development and Research/Clinical Research/Folk Medicine etc. 6.1 The Scheme for grants-in-aid to non-profit non-governmental AYUSH Organizations/ Institutions for upgradation as Centres of Excellence was launched in 2007-08. The Eleventh Plan outlay under this head was Rs.100.00 crore but only Rs.81.00 crore was allocated for BE (2007-08 to 2011-12) and Rs. 63.02 crore for RE (2007-08 to 2011-12) and Rs. 60.76 crores could be spent upto Febaruary, 2012. The allocation made in BE 2012-13 is Rs. 13.50 crore. 6.2 Explaining the reasons for the reduction of allocation at the RE 2011-12 stage, the Department has attributed the reduction to non-receipt of eligible proposals under this head as also non-receipt of demands for further release from the on-going (i.e. already sanctioned) projects. 6.3 The Committee is constrained to observe that this is yet another case of inefficiency in budgetary planning and calls for urgent corrective measures. The Committee would have been happy if the Department of AYUSH, instead of gloating over the under-utilization of budgeted funds in 2011-12, analyzed the reasons behind non- receipts of eligible proposals and taken corrective action accordingly. The Committee would, therefore, like the Department to analyse the reasons for non-receipt of suitable proposals under this head and take remedial measures accordingly and also ensure expenditure monitoring and financial discipline so that the budgeted amount for 2012-13 does not meet the same fate.

VII. Research and Development including Medicinal Plants Development of AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries and Mainstreaming of AYUSH 7.1 A Centrally Sponsored Scheme for development of Health Care institutions was introduced during the Tenth Plan. It was popularly known as Centrally Sponsored Scheme for development of Hospitals and Dispensaries. The scheme was revised with the approval of CCEA in August, 2009 with an outlay of Rs.625 crores during the Eleventh Plan. The objective of the Scheme were to- – facilitate the mainstreaming of AYUSH by integration of infrastructurte, manpower and medicines of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy systems to strengthen the public health care delivery and to strengthen the A YUSH systems at the grass root level by establishing a linkage with modern medicine i.e. allopathy in a collaborative way. – provide appropriate training and orientation to AYUSH doctors in respect of various programmes under NRHM. – Upgradation of AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries. 16

7.2 The following table indicates the position of upgradation work at the end of Eleventh Plan. Facilities yet to be covered Facilities Particulars Total No. Coverage Remaining of during facilities to Facilities Eleventh Plan be covered Upgradation of Fixed 3371 378 2993 AYUSH Recurring 438 2933 Hospitals Upgradation of Fixed 22014 415 21599 AYUSH Recurring 3568 18446 Dispensaries Supply of Recurring 22014 48656 – Essential Drugs for AYUSH (Cumulative) Dispensaries

7.3 The Committee notes that by the end of the Eleventh Plan only 10% AYUSH hospitals could be upgraded. Upgradation work of AYUSH dispensaries is negligible. Work of supply of AYUSH drugs has been completed. The Committee observes that more than 90% of the upgradation work is yet to be completed. Since upgradation of AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries is main work under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Committee strongly recommends to the Department to make all out efforts and take all possible measures to achieve the target of upgradation of all AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries in the first two to three years of the Twelfth Plan period. The State Government authorities should be pursued vigorously to achieve the target. In order to achieve the target the Department should approach the Ministry of Finance for allocation of more funds at RE 2012-13 stage as also for more funds for the next financial years so that the desired targets are achieved at the earliest.

7.4 The plan allocation made in B.E 2011-12 was Rs. 275 crore which was reduced to Rs.100.00 crore at the RE stage and expenditure incurred till February, 2012 was Rs. 42.19 crore. This reduction at RE stage was necessitated, keeping in view the fact that irrespective of large number of proposals received from the States, no proposals would be approved due to pending utilization certificates against grants-in-aid given for the financial year 2010-11.

7.5 However, considering the inability of the States to furnish UCs for the previous grant-in- aid released under the Scheme, the Department has proposed the operational strategy of the Scheme in an AYUSH flexipool mode similar to NRHM pattern. Further, the Department has also directed the States to institute a dedicated administrative mechanism to implement the scheme. The Department has also assured the Committee that it will vigorously follow up the utilizations from the State Governments by regular interactions.

7.6 Highlighting the constraints faced in implementation of the Scheme, the Department has informed that it is observed that the State Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) under NRHM are not focusing on mainstreaming of AYUSH and due prioritization could not be accorded for this component at national level also. Further, the institutional mechanism available at the States is also weak and there is no synergy between AYUSH Directorate/Commissionerate/Department with NRHM and Department of Health. 17

7.7 The Department has further informed that they have proposed to the Department of Health and Family Welfare to include the following in the NRHM Cabinet Note proposed by them:– “The AYUSH PIP shall reflect funds requirement to the State Health Societies for engagement of contractual AYUSH practitioners, para-medical staff, other supportive staff, their training, for undertaking upgradation and construction activities in the PHCs/CHCs/District Hospitals and other stand alone AYUSH Dispensaries and hospitals, for supply of AYUSH medicines, for conducting of Yoga camps, for monitoring and evaluation of AYUSH activities and for Behaviour Change Communications (BCC) including outreach camps and IEC activities and for support to the programme management units at State and district level. These requirements will be appraised at National level and required funds shall be provided to the States under AYUSH flexible pool” 7.8 To create an AYUSH Flexi pool to be operated by the Department of AYUSH similar to NRHM flexi pool and RCH flexi pool as being operated by the Department of Health and Family Welfare. 7.9 The AYUSH flexi pool will provide funds as per the State specific AYUSH PIP for each financial year to be approved by the Central Government. 7.10 The Committee is constrained to note that against the BE of Rs. 275 crore for 2011-12 sanctioned under the above head, the expenditure till February, 2012 was Rs. 42.19 crore only. The Department has attributed the under-utilization to non-submission of UCs by the States. At a time when alignment of AYUSH programme with National Health Outcome Goals of reducing IMR, MMR, TFR, Malnutrition etc. is being increasingly discussed, sub- optimal utilization of the budgeted funds under this head to such a large extent is a very serious matter and calls for a comprehensive review and reappraisal of the existing system of submission of UCs. The Committee would, therefore, urge upon the Department to put in place a dedicated mechanism for pursuing liquidation of pending UCs and addressing the procedural constraints witnessed in this regard. 7.11 The Committee further desires to be kept apprised of the outcome of the proposals made by the Department to the Department of Health and Family Welfare to include them in the NRHM Cabinet note. 7.12 The Committee would also like to advise the Department to continue to pursue with the State Governments the matter of establishment of a dedicated AYUSH Directorate/ Commissionerate in the State Health Department.

National Medical Plants Board 7.13 As per the information furnished in the Annual Report 2011-12 of the Department, the increasing global interest in natural remedies has increased the demand for medicinal plants. The resource base for AYUSH is largely plants which are largely sourced from the wild. This has led to the emergence of a number of issues like sustainability, conservation, cultivation, quality assurance, protection of Traditional Knowledge and related issues of access and benefit sharing etc. To coordinate all these matters, Government of lndia established the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under the Department of AYUSH in 2000. NMPB is the apex national body which co- ordinates all matters relating to planned cultivation of medicinal plants in the country and provides financial support to the programmes relating to conservation, cultivation and the all-round development of the medicinal plants sector. 7.14 The National Medicinal Plants Board is also implementing a Centrally-sponsored Scheme of National Mission on Medicinal Plants since 2008-09. This Scheme is primarily aimed at supporting market driven medicinal plants cultivation on private land with backward linkages for establishment 18 of nurseries, for supply of quality planting material and forward linkages for post-harvest management, marketing infrastructure, certification etc.

7.15 On being asked about the number of pending UCs under NMPB and the amount involved therein, the Department has informed that under the Centrally-sponsored Scheme of National Medicinal Plants Board there are 14 number of pending UCs amounting to Rs. 3218.08 lakh and under the Central Sector Scheme there are 442 number of UCs amounting to Rs. 5209.13 lakh.

7.16 Apprising the Committee of the action being taken to liquidate the pending UCs, the Department has informed that the State Medicinal Plants Boards (SMPBs) are being approached on personal contact and correspondence and in review meetings held from time to time.

7.17 In reply to another query regarding whether any mechanism is in place to address the issues of growers’ rights, exploitation of medicinal plants resources by multinationals, protection of biodiversity, patent-related issues and determination of fair prices of medicinal plants, the Department has informed that it has set up a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library which is a digital database setup by transcription of identified codified texts of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Yoga in 5 international languages. Access to this data base has been granted to international patent office for patent search purposes. It has been proposed in the Twelfth Plan to fix minimum support price for medicinal plants. Medicinal plants have also been included in Non Timber Forest Produce, and recommended for providing minimum support price by a Committee constituted under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

7.18 The Department provided following information about the exports of India’s AYUSH and Herbals :– HERBAL AND AYUSH TRADE STATISTICS (2005-11) Exports of India’s Ayush and Herbals (figs. in Rs. crores) Category 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 AYUSH 248.51 281.28 346.55 591.43 701.44 711.12 Herbals 306.30 375.60 470.12 594.87 570.76 607.57

GRAND 554.80 656.89 816.67 1186.29 1272.20 1318.69 TOTAL

7.19 The Committee in the earlier part of this report have already commented on the strategies to be adopted for quicker liquidation of pending UCs. The Committee hopes that taking a cue from the earlier recommendation concerning liquidation of pending UCs, the Department would take action towards liquidating pending UCs by putting in place a suitable mechanism and take periodic and regular follow-up action with the State Medicinal Plants Boards.

7.20 However, the Committee is dismayed to note that the Department is deafeningly silent about the specific query regarding the mechanism in place to check exploitation of medicinal plants resources by multinationals. Instead of giving a comprehensive reply, the Department has skirted the issue by merely stating that a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library has been set up and access to this data base has been granted to international patent office for patent search purposes. The Committee observes that India is home to 7% of the world’s bio-diversity and this richness of bio-diversity should not be allowed to be exploited by the multinationals. Thus there is an imperative need to formulate appropriate policy measures for the protection and augmentation of this bio-diversity and sustainable 19 harvesting of medicinal plants. The Committee desires to be further enlightened in this regard. 7.21 The Committee welcomes the move to fix and provide minimum support price to medicinal plant growers for their produce as the Committee is of the firm opinion that this would save farmers from the exploitation by the middlemen. The Committee is not aware of what forward movement has been made in this regard and whether any guidelines have been formulated for implementation of this Scheme. The Committee expects the Department to lend more clarity to this Scheme. The Committee further recommends that if needed the Department should make necessary arrangements for procurement of medicinal plants from the growers at the minimum support price, and make adequate arrangements for proper storage of the procured produce. The Committee observes that there is a huge potential for production and export of AYUSH medicines and herbals. The Committee, therefore, strongly recommends that the Department should explore and exploit optimum potential of production of medicinal plants in the country. For this purpose the Department should encourage cultivation of medicinal plants by providing adequate knowhow about its scientific cultivation, proper irrigation facilities, adequate soft-term credit, marketing facilities, voluntary certification for quality standards of medicinal plants, adopting organic certification of medicinal plants etc. 7.22 The Committee has been constantly taking cognizance of the issue of shortage of manpower in the NMPB. On being enquired about the updated status of vacancies in the NMPB, the Department has furnished the following information:– (i) Out of the two posts of Research Officer (Medicinal Plants/Agronomy), one post has been filled up. The other post reserved for physically handicapped proved infructuous at preliminary scrutiny stage and the case has been forwarded to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for exemption from reservation. (ii) The post of Finance and Administrative Officer has already been filled up by deputation. (iii) The post of Section Officer has been encadred and the matter has already been taken- up with Department of AYUSH for posting. (iv) The post of Director (Technical) and Deputy CEO was advertised in Employment News 24 – 30 December, 2011 and Hindustan Times dated 13th December, 2011, but none of the candidates were found eligible. Incidentally, now Ministry of Environment and Forests has included this post under Central Staffing Scheme vide their letter No.12016/01/2010-IFS-1 dated 10th February, 2012. (v) The proposal for filling up the post of Deputy Director (Medicinal Plants) was advertised in Employment News 24 – 30 December, 2011 and Hindustan Times dated 13th December 2011, but none of the candidates were found eligible. (vi) The post of Marketing Assistant has also been filled up by deputation. 7.23 The Committee observes that three important posts of Director (Technical), Deputy CEO and Deputy Director (Medicinal Plants) have been lying vacant for quite some time, which is certain to have a bearing on the smooth functioning of NMPB. The Committee also notes the efforts made by the Department towards filling up of the vacancies. The Committee would recommend that apart from pursuing the approaches already adopted, the Department should also examine the desirability of appropriately revising the methods and conditions of recruitment without compromising the standards, for the purpose of overcoming the shortage of key officers in NMPB. 20

7.24 From the information furnished by the Department, the Committee notes that presently, only seven States, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have full-fledged State Medicinal Plants Boards for proper implementation and monitoring of the Schemes and Programmes of NMPB and twenty-seven SMPBs are registered as societies. The Committee would like to be apprised of the specific steps taken by the Department to encourage the other States to set up full- fledged SMPBs. 7.25 The Committee also notes that NMPB has initiated 100% monitoring of all the projects under the Central Sector Scheme through Agricultural Finance Corporation. The Committee would like to be apprised of the number of projects monitored during 2011-12, its findings and the remedial measures taken thereon.

VIII. Quality Control of ASU and H Drugs 8.1 The AYUSH system of medicine is governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules thereunder. Enforcement of the provisions contained under Chapter IV A of the Act is responpibility of the State Governments. Establishment of State Drug Testing Laboratories is also a statutory responsibility of the States under the Act. To provide financial assistance to the States for strengthening enforcement mechanism, the Drug Quality Control was started in the IXth Plan. 8.2 Out of the Eleventh Plan outlay of Rs. 225.00 crore, the expenditure incurred till February, 2012 is Rs. 31.66 crore. As per the information furnished, the Department has assisted 29 State Drug Testing Laboratories and 46 State Pharmacies of ASU&H Drugs. As many as 189 UCs amounting to Rs. 44.57 crore were pending as on 29th February, 2012. 8.3 The Department has admitted that due to weak organizational set-ups in the State AYUSH Directorates and Licensing Authorities, the utilization of grants released under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Quality Control has not been up to the mark. The problem of non- submission of Utilization Certificates deprived the States of availing any more financial assistance for improving the quality control measures. The compliance to Good Manufacturing practice (GMP) by ASU&H drug manufacturers and its enforcement by the State regulators is not in the desired perspective. Besides, drug testing facilities in the States are inadequate to meet the regulatory needs because of the infrastructural bottlenecks in the State Drugs Testing Laboratories and scarcity of Approved Drug Testing Laboratories and Capacities. 8.4 In reply to a query regarding the corrective measures taken by the Department to strengthen the quality control mechanism, the Department has informed that (a) the proposal for creation of Central Drug Controller for ASU&H drugs including strengthening of manpower component of the State Drug Testing Laboratories was moved to EFC chaired by Secretary (Expenditure) and it has been approved. Consequently, the matter of creation of posts was taken up with the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. The Department of Expenditure has raised certain queries, which are being examined to prepare the response and justification, (b) relaxation has been given to the Drug manufacturers in respect of mandatory requirement of purchasing sophisticated quality control equipments under the scheme, (c) The provisions of the Quality Control Scheme and its funding pattern are intended to be revised suitably in the 12th Plan to maximize outcome-oriented effective implementation. 8.5 The Committee observes that the quality and standardization of ASU&H products and stringent implementation of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act are very vital for the credibility of ASU&H drugs. However, the drug testing requirements of ASU&H drugs cannot be met without setting up adequate number of quality control laboratories and strengthening of the enforcement mechanisms of the States. The Committee also observes 21 that the existing Drug Quality Control Scheme suffers from certain inherent inadequacies due to which the off-take under the Scheme in the Eleventh Plan has been very poor. The Eleventh Plan started in 2007 and has completed in March 2012. The Department should have sorted out the constraints with needful modifications much before. The Committee expects that the Department would, atleast from this year onwards, act with greater promptness and iron out the hindrances in the implementation of the Scheme with a sense of urgency. 8.6 As per the information by the Department, a Central Regulatory Authority for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani drugs is contemplated to be set up during 2012-13 for which an allocation of Rs. 0.80 crore has been earmarked. 8.7 Since the Committee does not have detailed information concerning Central Drug Controller for AS&U drugs, it would not give any value judgement. However, the Committee would like the Department to furnish a detailed Status Note in the matter so as to enable it to examine the entire spectrum of issues involved and make an observation accordingly. IX. Development of Common Facilities for AYUSH Industry Clusters 9.1 The Scheme of grant-in-aid for Development of Common facilities for the AYUSH Industry Clusters was started during the Eleventh Plan from the financial year 2008-09. The allocation earmarked for the Scheme during the Eleventh Plan was Rs. 500.00 crore and the expenditure reported till February 2012 was Rs. 50.49 crore. According to the Scheme, 15 or more GMP certificate holders of AYUSH Industries can form a cluster for which 60% subject to a maximum of Rs.10.00 crore as grant-in-aid is given by the Department for the development of common facilities for AYUSH industries like Drug Testing Laboratory for Quality Control, Storage System and packing system and for providing incentives to the industry for participation in fairs and conduct of market studies. 9.2 In reply to a query the Department has informed that 9 AYUSH clusters have been set up so far and 3 to 4 projects may be approved during 2012-13. 9.3 The Committee observes that very important and essential activities were contemplated to be undertaken under the Scheme. However, the fact that till date only 9 AYUSH clusters have been established and the expenditure incurred till February 2012 is Rs. 50.49 crore only against the Eleventh Plan outlay of Rs. 500.00 crore is indicative of very sorry state of affairs. In a vast country like India, there should be at least one AYUSH industry cluster in each state. The Committee accordingly exhorts the Department to demonstrate greater prudence in budgetary planning in future so as to avoid such instances of blockage of huge amount of funds as also to re-design the scheme to facilitate development of common facilities for AYUSH industry clusters in each State of the country.

X. Development of Institutions 10.1 The mushrooming growth of substandard colleges led the Central Government to amend the Indian Medicine Central Council and the Homoeopathic Central Council Acts in 2003 and 2007, respectively, for making prior permission of Central Governement mandatory for starting a new institution. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Development of AYUSH Institutions for strengthening and upgradation of the existing AYUSH UG/PG institutions was started towards the end of Ninth Plan, continued in the Tenth Plan and revised during the Eleventh plan. Various components of the aforesaid Scheme are given below:– (a) Infrastructural development of AYUSH UG/PG Institutions. (b) Assistance for add-on PG/Pharmacy/Para-medical courses in existing AYUSH Institutions. 22

(c) Development of Model AYUSH Institutions/Centres of Advanced Studies.

(d) One time assistance on 50:50 matching share basis for opening of new Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy Institutions/AYUSH Universities in States not having such institutions.

10.2 The eligibility criteria for providing funds to Governments/Government aided AYUSH institutions are that these institutions should be duly recognized by the Central Government for the last five years and it should have 80% of teachers as per the norms prescribed by the Central Council for Indian Medicine and the Central Council for Homoeopathy.

10.3 The Committee was given to understand that based on the Mid-term appraisal of the Eleventh Plan and the consequent suggestions made for modification in the Schemes, the Department had moved proposals in September, 2010 for amending the Schemes to revise the ceiling of grant-in-aid, modification in the eligibility criteria and addition of new components in the Scheme for up gradation of 9 institutions of the State Covernments to the National level institution. However, the appraising Departments, namely Planning Commission and Department of Expenditure did not support the proposals mainly due to the fact that there would be a heavy future commitment. Accordingly, the Department of AYUSH decided not to pursue the proposals of amendments to the existing Scheme.

10.4 The Eleventh Plan outlay for the Scheme was Rs. 550.00 crore out of which Rs. 187.53 crore could be spent till February 2012. The allocation made in BE 2011-12 was Rs. 45.00 crore which was reduced to Rs.19.00 crore at RE stage. The Department has attributed the shortfall in utilization of funds to pending UCs with the States and implementation mechanism at State level not being effective in liquidating past UCs.

10.5 The Committee notes that the Mid-term Appraisal of the Scheme-Development of AYUSH Institutions had pointed out certain implementation constraints and suggested corrective measures. However, the Planning Commission and Department of Expenditure did not support the proposals of the Department for amendments to the existing scheme. The Committee notes there has been massive under-performance of this Scheme, apparently due to constraints in its implementation and structure. The Committee is at a loss to understand as to how the Scheme would be able to fulfill its objective of bridging the critical gaps observed on compliance of the minimum standards and norms of CCIM and CCH if the constraints are not taken care of. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Department to approach the Planning Commission and Department of Expenditure again for the purpose of obtaining their support for carrying out the amendments to the existing Scheme.

XI. International Cooreration (IC)

11.1 The Committee has been informed that with an increase in lifestyle related disorders, people all over the world are looking at alternative systems of medicine for answers. Given this global resurgence of interest in holistic systems of medicine, the Department AYUSH has been making efforts for promotion and propagation of Indian Systems of Medicine abroad. In the context of issues highlighted in the past by journals like JAMA and Lancet and the subsequent ban on certain ASU&H drugs in some of the countries, the Department has also taken initiative to sensitize the world community about strengths and efficacy of Indian systems of Medicine.

11.2 In reply to a question regarding the Traditional Herbal Medicine Product Directive (THMPD- 2004), the Department has inter-alia furnished the following information:– 23

“The Traditional Herbal Medicine Product Directive (THMPD – 2004/24/EC) is an amendment made to the EU Directive regarding medicinal products, the Directive 2001/83/ EC, Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council, to include a new provision for traditional herbal medicinal products. It claims to offer a “simplified registration” for “Traditional Herbal Medicine Products” which are in use in the EU countries, without going through the complex marketing authorisation process under the Community law. According to this amendment, “Traditional Herbal Medicine Products” would receive a traditional use registration, if the applicant could provide the necessary evidence of traditional use for the specified time, and prescribed quality. Even though the THMPD Directive claims to be simplified procedure for product registration, in reality due to certain clauses mentioned in this directive, for companies from outside Europe, it is very difficult to register their product under THMPD. For example Article 16.C.l (c) demands that for a product to apply for traditional use registration, it should provide the sufficient data to prove that it has been in use for a minimum period of 30 years of which 15 years should be within the European Community. As per the article 1 (30) the directive only binds “herbal products” and the inclusion of other non-herbal biological and non-biological active ingredients are not covered. Similarly multiple ingredient formulations of Ayurveda require lot of scientific data and financial expenditure for preparing a dossier for registration under THMPD. Even after incurring good amount of money for registration in one country; the company has to incur cost for registering in every EU country.” 11.3 India has been negotiating with the European Union on THMPD since 2004. The Department of AYUSH has been raising its concern on the inappropriateness and unworkable nature of the Traditional Ilerbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPPD) to regulate the Traditional medicinal Products in the European member countries with specific reference to Traditional A.yurvedic medicines and other Indian systems of medicine. 11.4 From the information made available to the Committee, the Committee notes that though the Department has listed the meticulous details of efforts made by it towards resolving the issues arising out of THMPD, no substantive results could be achieved so far. The Committee feels that the above case underlines the need to restructure International Cooperation activities in the context of globalization and lay emphasis on promotion of research projects with international R&D institutions. The Committee would like the Department to formulate appropriate policy initiatives to address this issue at the earliest.

XII. Research and Development 12.1 Four Research Councils, viz. (i) Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS); (ii) Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUN); (iii) Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH); and (iv) Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) are the apex bodies for conducting scientific research in the respective systems of medicine. The research activities of the Research Councils are monitored and reviewed periodically in order to ensure that these are focused and undertaken in a time bound manner. The outputs of the research studies must be disseminated among educationists, researchers, physicians, manufacturers and the common man. 12.2 The Department has informed that the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha has implemented a project titled “Feasibility of introducing Ayurveda in the national reproductive and child health programme at the primary health care) level- An operational study”. For this project the Council has developed 17 Ayurvedic formulations after standardization, pre-clinical safety studies and approval of Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia Committee. Some of the achievements of the CCRAS are listed below:– 24

(i) 23 clinical research programmes completed, 17 are going on and 5 collaborative research projects are being continued. (ii) Open observational study on clinical safety of 5 selected Ayurveda and Siddha drugs completed. (iii) 337 number of survey of medicinal plants completed. (iv) Pharmacology research on 25 classical formulations continued. (v) Drug standardization of 253 single drugs and 181 compound formulations completed. (vi) Development of 20 treatment protocols and costing guidelines for common diseases completed. Achievements of Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy during 2010-11 (i) Clinical verification of 23 new drugs initiated (ii) Physicochemical and Pharmacognostic studies of 8 drugs (iii) Pharmacological evaluation of homoeopathic medicines initiated it; Achievements of Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine during 2010-11 (i) Clinical studies continued on 22 diseases with 43 formulations (ii) Patent for a new drug for Bronchial asthma awarded to the Council. (iii) Six collaborative Studies with modern Hospitals/Universities continued. Pre-clinical safety studies on two durgs completed. (iv) Development of Standard Operating Procedures for 50 compound drugs completed. (v) Safety evaluation on 3 new drugs completed. (vi) Unani Pharmacopia of India, Part VI containing 50 monographs published. (vii) National formulary of Unani Medicine, Part VI containing 137 formulations completed etc. Achievements of Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy during 2011-12 (i) Study of efficacy of yogic and Naturopathic measures in Varicose Veins (ii) Effect of yogic practices on Serum Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance in obese subjects. (iii) Randomized Control to evaluate the effectiveness of cold and hot immersion baths on impaired glucose tolerance in pre-diabetes 12.3 The Committee places on record its appreciation for the achievements made by the four Research Councils. However, the Committee is of the considered view that a lot remains to be done as far as the standardization of classical AYUSH formulations, AYUSH therapies and validation of classical AYUSH drugs are concerned. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Department should formulate a comprehensive programme focusing on the above issues with a view to promote quality and holistic research in AYUSH and facilitate scientific validation of AYUSH remedies. The Committee would also like the Department to establish a national registry of all AYUSH research studies and get the health outcomes accruing from the research projects of the four Councils evaluated by an independent agency. 25

XIII. Information, Education and Communication (lEC) 13.1 In keeping with its mandate of propagating AYUSH systems amongst the masses, the Department of AYUSH has up scaled its activities under AYUSH. The activities undertaken under the IEC Scheme are as under: (i) Organization of Arogya Fair in Delhi, State Capitals and UTs through reputed organizations like Chemexil, Pharmexcil, CII, FICCI and other reputed organizations. (ii) Participation in Health Melas/Exhibitions organized by Government Departments and other reputed Organizations. (iii) Multi-media Campaigns for popularization of AYUSH. (iv) Preparation of Publicity material including audio visual materials and its dissemination (v) Incentives to AYUSH Industry to participate in Arogya and other Fairs/Exhibitions organized by Government organizations at National level. 13.2 Mid-term appraisal of this scheme had found certain constraints in implementation of the programme and suggested the following modifications:- “A large part of AYUSH related work is happening in States who do not have adequate funds under IEC. A number of our IEC activities have to be carried out in collaboration with the State Governments especially given the linguistic diversity of our country. Hence Grant-in-aid to State Governments or Agencies identified by them for preparation and translation of print material as well as producing short films/documentaries on innovative steps taken by the State Government, setting up of IEC Cells, etc. may be provided limited to Rs.10 lakh/State Government/year. Presently, State AROGYAs are being organized by the State Governments for which the Department of AYUSH releases upto Rs. 35.00 lakhs per AROGYA to the State Government. In many instances, it is seen that the State Governments do not have the experience or expertise to stage such events. Further, Rs. 35.00 lakhs is inadequate to organize an event of this size. This has been our experience in Punjab, Meghalaya and Andhra Pradesh. It is, therefore, proposed that the scheme may be modified to include the following:– (i) Rs. 55.00 lakhs for State AROGYAs. (ii) Organization of State AROGYAs through either the State Government or Agencies like FlCCI, ASSOCHAM, CII, ITPO, etc.” 13.3 The Committee takes note of the suggestions made in the Mid-term appraisal and finds merit therein. It, therefore, recommends that the suggestions made during the Mid- term appraisal should be taken care of and implemented at the earliest. The Committee would like to be apprised of the follow-up action taken by the Department on the modifications suggested in the Mid-term appraisal. 13.4 In reply to a query regarding the mechanisms in place to ensure that the advertisements claiming cure of deadly diseases with ASU&H drugs without scientifically proven results are not allowed to be published/aired/telecast, the Department has inter-alia stated that the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act, 1954 is the instrument to deal with misleading advertisements about drugs. The Act is enforceable by the State Licencing Authorities and accordingly complaints and matters of misleading advertisement received in the Department of AYUSH are referred to respective State Licensing Authorities for necessary action. Steps have also been taken for awareness building about quality aspects of ASU drugs through IEC materials, 26

AROGYA melas, health fairs and exhibitions. In order to have a focused approach for enforcement of legal provisions for quality control of drugs, it is envisaged to set up the office of the Central ASU&H Drug Controller. The Department has also issued directions to State Governments/State Licensing Authorities for constitution of a Committee of Experts to examine the misleading advertisements with respect to ASU&H drugs and advise the State Licensing Authority for necessary action under the provisions for contravention of DMR (OA) Act, 1954. 13.5 The Committee observes that the enforcement of provisions of DMR (OA) Act leaves much to be desired. The Committee is, therefore, of the view that the effectiveness of the said Act needs to be looked into closely. The Committee also observes that the Department should not feel satisfied by merely issuing directions to the State Governments and instead acquaint itself with the progress made towards implementation of the directions so issued. The Committee also notes that regulation of content of ads aired over the electronic and published in the print media falls within the exclusive domain of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Department of AYUSH and the concerned State Governments should also approach that Ministry for containing such misleading ads. The Committee would, therefore, advise the Department to bring instances of misleading advertisements concerning AYUSH over TV and Radio and in print media to the notice of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for necessary remedial action. 13.6 The Committee was given to understand that a considerable number of AYUSH practitioners are making tall claims of very effective cure and treatment of various ailments, viral/bacterial/fungal infections, AIDS, cancer, Hepatitis etc. The Committee recommends that instead of ignoring such claims, the Department should make all out efforts to verify these claims and find out whether there is any substance therein. In case any of these claims are found to be true, the Department should initiate further research thereon and assist such claimants in developing their line of treatment in public interest. 27

OBSERVATIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS — AT A GLANCE

II. BUDGETARY ALLOCATION

The Committee observes that despite the fact that a Zero Based Budgeting exercise which requires that budget request be evaluated thoroughly, starting from the zero base, was undertaken at the beginning of the Eleventh Plan, a substantial amount of Rs. 906.04 crore out of the total Eleventh Plan Outlay could not be utilized, which is a serious matter. The Committee takes note of the constraints, as pointed out by the Secretary, in utilizing the approved outlays and recommends that the Department should review the norms governing the Centrally Sponsored Schemes for the desired results and better financial performance. The Committee feels that the AYUSH sector with its impressive infrastructure has a very important role to play in achieving the National Health Outcome Goals of the country. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the share of AYUSH may sufficiently be raised in the total health outlay in the Twelfth Plan. (Para 2.3)

The Committee observes that long pending UCs and unspent balances are not something new. The Committee can also well-understand the limitations of the Department in getting the liquidation of pending UCs and unspent balances expedited by the State Governments. However, the Department could have anticipated these problems and accordingly made realistic projection for requirement of funds. Thus it is obvious that there are shortcomings in the budgetary planning of the Department and that the shortfall in utilization of the budgeted funds could have been avoided and the unspent amount utilized more gainfully somewhere else had the Department assessed requirement of funds properly for the purpose of making Budgetary Estimates as realistic as possible. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Department to ensure that the entire requirement of funds is assessed realistically so that the quantum of unutilized funds is minimized in future. The Committee also appreciates the efforts made by the Department as it could convince the Planning Commission for allocating Rs. 990 crores i.e. 10% more than BE 2011-12 and 52.31% more than RE 2011-12 in spite of the fact that only Rs. 610 crores could be spent during the previous year. (Para 2.7)

The Committee is happy to note that the Department has put in place a system of closer monitoring of utilization of the budgeted funds. The Committee would like to be apprised of the efficacy of this scheme in ensuring better financial performance. (Para 2.9)

The Committee notes that the unspent balance left with the implementing agencies is to the extent of Rs. 263.33 crore for 2008-09, Rs. 378.46 crore for 2009-10 and Rs. 302.93 crore for 2010-11. From the above, Committee infers that more emphasis is being laid on approving projects but completion aspect of the already approved projects is not getting the required attention. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Department to immediately initiate corrective steps to strengthen the existing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of the on-going projects so that the unspent balances are liquidated and the outcomes of the on-going projects are made available in the public domain. The Committee desires to be kept apprised of the follow-up action taken in this regard. (Para 2.10)

27 28

The Committee is aware of the fact that health needs of a vast and diverse country like India cannot be met by a single health care system of medicine and AYUSH health care systems have a very vital role in expanding the outreach of health care to the people because of their inherent advantages in terms of diversity, modest cost, low level of technological input, growing acceptance among the people, almost nil side effects etc. It is in this context that adequate allocation of funds for AYUSH assumes added significance and resource crunch should not be allowed to come in the way of achieving the envisaged objectives of AYUSH. Though the financial outlay allocated for 2012-13 is less than the projections made by the Department, the Committee recommends that depending on better financial performance and greater absorption capacity of the Department and the State Governments, quantum of funding for the Department of AYUSH be enhanced at the RE 2012-13 stage. Simultaneously, the Committee recommends that the Department should initiate and implement remedial measures for better financial discipline and ensure that the scarce resources do not remain locked up and surrendered later on. (Para 2.12)

PENDING UTILIZATION CERTIFICATES The Committee feels concerned to note that the Utilization Certificates for funds released as far back as in 1997-98, 2000-01 and 2002-03 are still pending and a substantial amount of funds are involved therein. The Committee feels that with the existing availability of information technology resources the Department should have been able to develop an effective system of coordination with the State Governments and remove the impediments in furnishing the UCs in time. The Committee, therefore, urges upon the Department to formulate an action plan in coordination with the State Governments for developing an effective and efficient coordination mechanism for the timely submission of UCs. This would also speed up execution of the projects well within the approved cost. (Para 2.16) The Committee notes that though the Department has spelt out the measures it has taken to liquidate the pending UCs, it has remained silent about the efficacy of the measures so taken. The Committee, therefore, expects the Department to apprise it of the efficacy of the measures in liquidating the pending UCs. (Para 2.18)

Utilization of Plan Allocation for North-Eastern States The Committee welcomes the measures proposed to be initiated by the Department for the purpose of sensitizing the North Eastern States and sincerely hopes that these would result in better utilization of the outlays. The Committee is aware that 10 percent of plan allocation earmarked for a DepartmentfMinistry is kept reserved for utilization in the North Eastern States so that the outreach of development schemes could be ensured to these distantly located States of the country. The Committee, therefore, desires to be kept apprised of the outcomes of the initiatives taken by the Department of AYUSH. (Para 2.21) The Committee is not aware of any follow-up action taken so far on the measures suggested in the mid-term appraisal of the Eleventh Plan. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Department that all possible efforts and follow-up action should be taken to take care of the above suggestions. (Para 2.23) 29

The Committee notes that the Eleventh Plan has concluded; however, the Twelfth Plan outlay of the Department is yet to be approved. The Committee feels that the delay in approval of the Twelfth Plan outlay is sure to impinge on the process of EFC/CCEA approvals which entails further delay in finalization and implementation of the Schemes/ Programmes of the Department for the Twelfth Plan. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Government to hasten the approval of Twelfth Plan outlay and related proposals so that the Department is not hamstrung by lack of necessary approvals and the consequent delay in finalization and implementation of various schemes/programmes in the Twelfth Plan period. The Committee desires to be apprised of the reasons for delay in approval of the Twelfth Plan outlay of the Department. (Para 2.25)

III. STATUTORY INSTITUTIONS From the tables above, the Committee notes that as regards the updation of the Central Register of Homoeopathy, out of 24 States in respect of which information has been made available, as many as 12 States are lagging behind in sending updated information in respect of their State Registers and in respect of one State i.e. Nagaland, the Department has informed that the State Register appears to be made in violation of the State Act. As regards the status of updation of the Central Register of Indian Medicine, information in respect of only 15 States has been furnished and, that too is not up-to-date. The Committee, therefore, observes that in this era of advanced Information Technology when all such information should be made available in the public domain in an updated form on the touch of a button, such procrastination is not acceptable to the Committee. The Committee, therefore, exhorts the Department to take up the matter of updation of Registers with the State authorities at the highest level with a view to impress upon them the imperative need for updation of the State Registers. (Para 3.3) The Committee would also like the Department to undertake a review of the entire process of updation of Central Registers of the Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy and take corrective action in the light of the findings thereof. The Committee desires to be kept apprised of the action taken in this regard. (Para 3.4) The Committee also desires to be apprised of the time-lag between the receipt of information from the State Governments and its publication in the Central Registers of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy. State-wise information may be furnished. (Para 3.5) As per the information furnished in the Outcome Budget 2012-13, during 2011-12, 300 colleges of Ayurveda and 13 colleges of Unani were inspected by the CCIM for verification of their educational infrastructure and standards. Accordingly, recommendations were sent to the Department for issuing/not issuing letter of permission. The Committee desires the Department to furnish a detailed note in this regard, indicating therein whether the Department had accepted all the recommendations made by CCIM or there were cases in which the action taken by the Department was not in accordance with the recommendations of CCIM. (Para 3.6)

IV. HOSPITALS AND DISPENSARIES All India Institute of Ayurveda (AlIA), New Delhi The Committee takes note of the submission of the Department that the project is 30 on track and it is expected to utilize the allocated amount during the Eleventh Plan period. However, the Committee is constrained to note that though the Eleventh Plan has concluded, the actual expenditure incurred till February 2012 is Rs. 72.24 crore out of the total allocation of Rs. 150.00 crore. The Committee apprehends that despite the assurance of the Department that the project is on track, there is every possibility that this ambitious and vital project may witness time and cost overruns. The Committee would, therefore, like the Department to put in a place a rigorous monitoring mechanism for the project and ensure execution of the project within the approved cost and designated time-line. (Para 4.3)

CGHS Expansion in Dispensaries The Committee is constrained to note the policy paralysis in regard to opening of AYUSH dispensaries under the CGHS. On the one hand the DGHS had sent proposal for opening 13 new AYUSH CGHS units and on the other, the Department of Health and Family Welfare was not allowing any expansion of infrastructure of the CGHS in the name of introduction of a Health Insurance Scheme for the Central Government Employees and Pensioners. While taking a serious view in the matter, the Committee reiterates its earlier recommendation made in its 49th Report presented to Parliament on the 4th March, 2011 which is reproduced below: “It is very strange that though the Mid-term assessment of Eleventh Plan had emphasised to provide AYUSH facilities in 10 CGHS dispensaries by 2011-12, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided to halt any further expansion of infrastructure in CGHS on the ground that a Health Insurance Scheme is being contemplated for Central Government Employees. At a time when the avowed objective of the Government is to bridge the gaps in health infrastructure and human resources, the Committee is at a loss to understand as to why such a retrograde decision has been taken, especially in view of the dismal picture of health infrastructure in the country. The Committee is of the view that even if the CGHS is restructured, Health infrastructure created under it would not go waste, but contribute to outreach of health care services in one way or the other. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministry should shed its indecisiveness in the matter and take concrete action towards extending AYUSH facilities in CGHS dispensaries as per the Mid-term Appraisal of the Eleventh Plan.” (Para 4.8) The Committee also observes that at a time when mainstreaming of AYUSH is being increasingly advocated so that it can contribute to achieving the National Health Outcome Goals, putting a moratorium on the further expansion of the CGHS infrastructure, and the concurrent ban on opening of the AYUSH units in the CGHS dispensaries in the name of introduction of a Health Insurances Schemes is not only bad policy but also something which the Committee is unable to comprehend. (Para 4.9)

V. CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEME FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AYUSH INSTITUTIONS Educational Institutions The Committee notes that out of Rs. 537.61 crores RE for 2007-12, only Rs. 487.38 crores could be spent upto February, 2012. The Committee would like to know the actual 31 expenditure during the Eleventh Plan period under this head. The Committee recommends to the Department that the targets set under this scheme for the Twelfth Plan period should be achieved at the earliest. For this purpose the Department should approach the Ministry of Finance for allocation of additional funds, if any. The Committee should be apprised of the efforts made by the Department in this direction. (Para 5.3)

National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur

The Committee is constrained to observe that with such a large number teaching posts remaining vacant in the NIA, the functioning of NIA would certainly be impaired. The Committee takes note of the measures being taken by the Department to wipe out the vacancies i.e. early notification of the vacancies to be filled by Direct Recruitment and filling of the vacancies kept for promotion along with the Direct Quota posts etc. However, the Committee feels that the measures are unlikely to result in bridging the gaps in manpower requirements immediately. The Committee, therefore, feels that the Department should consider roping in professionally qualified persons on short term contract or deputation basis so as to overcome the staff crunch in teaching posts. (Para 5.6)

National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata

The Committee would like to be informed of the updated expenditure figures and the reasons for shortfall, if any, in the actual expenditure. (Para 5.9)

The Committee notes that the expansion of hospitals to 250 beds was targeted to be achieved during 2010-11. Almost a year has elapsed since then, but the target is yet to be accomplished. The Committee takes note of the reasons adduced by the Department for the delay i.e. non-completion of hospital building expansion. The Committee is of the firm opinion that had the Department had a streamlined monitoring mechanism, the slippages in implementing the Project could have been avoided. The Committee also takes note of the fact that necessary approvals for construction of the Academic-cum-library building are yet to be obtained. The Committee would like to advise the Department to expedite obtaining necessary approvals for the project so that the budgeted funds for the Project do not get locked up for want of approvals. From the information furnished by the Department, the Committee notes that there are 32 vacancies in Groups A, 6 in Group H, and 37 in Group C posts. The Committee is constrained to observe that such a considerable number of vacancies would certainly impinge on the functioning of NIH. The Committee, therefore, exhorts the Deparbnent to make sustained efforts to fill up the vacant posts at the earliest. The Committee would like to be apprised of the outcome of the efforts made by the Department in this regard. (Para 5.12)

Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga

5.14 The Committee is aware that Yoga is very effective in the area of Psychosomatic and lifestyle diseases, where conventional medical approach does not provide any effective solutions. The Committee, therefore, welcomes the enhanced allocation for MDNIY for the year 2012-13. The Committee’s only concern is that the provisions so made should be utilized optimally and judiciously. The Committee, therefore, recommends that a 32 mechanism be put in place to evaluate the outcomes of the funds spent on various Yoga projects. (Para 5.14)

From the information made available to the Committee, it gathers that a Committee was constituted by the Deparbnent of AYUSH on the 7th June, 2010 for evaluation of the physical performance of the 10 existing preventive Health Care Units of Yoga in various CGHS dispensaries to suggest strategies for further expansion of more such units and to recommend the measures for strengthening of the existing Yoga units. The Committee would like to be apprised of the findings of the above Committee and the follow-up action taken thereon by the Department for expansion of the scheme. (Para 5.15)

North-Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, Shillong, Meghalaya

The Committee expresses its serious concern at the tardy progress made towards full operationalisation of NEIAH. The Committee apprehends that the delay in achieving the targets within the designated timeline would lead to cost overrun. In this context that the Committee emphasizes the need to vigorously supervise and monitor the implementation of the project at a sufficiently higher level, identify the shortcomings and impediments and take corrective action simultaneously. (Para 5.18)

The Committee would like to be apprised of the progress made towards full operationalisation of NEIAH on a quarterly basis. (Para 5.19)

North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine, Passighat, Arunachal Pradesh

The Committee is constrained to observe that this is a typical case of procrastination. The Project was first targeted to be completed by January, 2010. Subsequently, it was rescheduled to be completed by June 2011. The Committee notes that though almost a year has elapsed since then, yet only 35% work of the building construction could be completed so far. The Committee is constrained to observe that at a time when there is increasingly greater emphasis on optimal utilization of scarce resources, such inefficiencies in execution of the Project can no longer be overlooked. The Committee, therefore, feels that there is a case for spelling out monitorable goals in respect of operationalising the project and putting in place a mechanism for holding people responsible if the standards and targets are repeatedly not met. (Para 5.23)

The Committee also observes that this project cannot be operationalised in the true sense of the word until the requisite faculty and staff are appointed. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Department to move quickly towards sanctioning and recruiting the requisite faculty and staff. (Para 5.24)

VI. ASSISTANCE TO ACCREDITED AYUSH CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE IN NON- GOVERNMENTAL/PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGED IN AYUSH EDUCATION/DRUG DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH/CLINICAL RESEARCH/FOLK MEDICINE ETC.

The Committee is constrained to observe that this is yet another case of inefficiency in budgetary planning and calls for urgent corrective measures. The Committee would have been happy if the Department of AYUSH, instead of gloating over the under-utilization of budgeted funds in 2011-12, analyzed the reasons behind non- 33 receipts of eligible proposals and taken corrective action accordingly. The Committee would, therefore, like the Department to analyse the reasons for non-receipt of suitable proposals under this head and take remedial measures accordingly and also ensure expenditure monitoring and financial discipline so that the budgeted amount for 2012-13 does not meet the same fate. (Para 6.3)

VII. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING MEDICINAL PLANTS DEVELOPMENT OF AYUSH HOSPITALS AND DISPENSARIES AND MAINSTREAMING OF AYUSH

The Committee notes that by the end of the Eleventh Plan only 10% AYUSH hospitals could be upgraded. Upgradation work of AYUSH dispensaries is negligible. Work of supply of AYUSH drugs has been completed. The Committee observes that more than 90% of the upgradation work is yet to be completed. Since upgradation of AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries is main work under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Committee strongly recommends to the Department to make all out efforts and take all possible measures to achieve the target of upgradation of all AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries in the first two to three years of the Twelfth Plan period. The State Government authorities should be pursued vigorously to achieve the target. In order to achieve the target the Department should approach the Ministry of Finance for allocation of more funds at RE 2012-13 stage as also for more funds for the next financial years so that the desired targets are achieved at the earliest. (Para 7.3)

The Committee is constrained to note that against the BE of Rs. 275 crore for 2011-12 sanctioned under the above head, the expenditure till Febmary 2012 was Rs. 42.19 crore only. The Department has attributed the under-utilization to non-submission of UCs by the States. At a time when alignment of AYUSH programme with National Health Outcome Goals of reducing IMR, MMR, TFR, Malnutrition etc. is being increasingly discussed, sub- optimal utilization of the budgeted funds under this head to such a large extent is a very serious matter and calls for a comprehensive review and reappraisal of the existing system of submission of UCs. The Committee would, therefore, urge upon the Department to put in place a dedicated mechanism for pursuing liquidation of pending UCs and addressing the procedural constraints witnessed in this regard. (Para 7.10)

The Committee further desires to be kept apprised of the outcome of the proposals made by the Department to the Department of Health and Family Welfare to include them in the NRHM Cabinet note. (Para 7.11)

The Committee would also like to advise the Department to continue to pursue with the State Governments the matter of establishment of a dedicated AYUSH Directorate/ Commissionerate in the State Health Department. (Para 7.12)

National Medical Plants Board

The Committee in the earlier part of this report have already commented on the strategies to be adopted for quicker liquidation of pending UCs. The Committee hopes that taking a cue from the earlier recommendation concerning liquidation of pending UCs, the Department would take action towards liquidating pending UCs by putting in place a suitable mechanism and take periodic and regular follow-up action with the State Medicinal Plants Boards. (Para 7.20) 34

However, the Committee is dismayed to note that the Department is deafeningly silent about the specific query regarding the mechanism in place to check exploitation of medicinal plants resources by multinationals. Instead of giving a comprehensive reply, the Department has skirted the issue by merely stating that a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library has been set up and access to this data base has been granted to international patent office for patent search purposes. The Committee observes that India is home to 7% of the world's bio-diversity and this richness of bio-diversity should not be allowed to be exploited by the multinationals. Thus there is an imperative need to formulate appropriate policy measures for the protection and augmentation of this bio-diversity and sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. The Committee desires to be further enlightened in this regard. (Para 7.21)

The Committee welcomes the move to fix and provide minimum support price to medicinal plant growers for their produce as the Committee is of the firm opinion that this would save farmers from the exploitation by the middlemen. The Committee is not aware of what forward movement has been made in this regard and whether any guidelines have been formulated for implementation of this Scheme. The Committee expects the Department to lend more clarity to this Scheme. The Committee further recommends that if needed the Departmnent should make necessary arrangements for procurement of medicinal plants from the growers at the minimum support price, and make adequate arrangements for proper storage of the procured produce. The Committee observes that there is a huge potential for production and export of AYUSH medicines and herbals. The Committee, therefore, strongly recommends that the Department should explore and exploit optimum potential of production of Medicinal plants in the country. For this purpose the Department should encourage cultivation of medicinal plants by providing adequate knowhow about its scientific cultivation, proper irrigation facilities, adequate soft-term credit, marketing facilities, voluntary certification for quality standards of medicinal plants, adopting organic certification of medicinal plants etc. (Para 7.22)

The Committee observes that three important posts of Director (Technical), Deputy CEO and Deputy Director (Medicinal Plants) have been lying vacant for quite some time, which is certain to have a bearing on the smooth functioning of NMPB. The Committee also notes the efforts made by the Deparbnent towards filling up of the vacancies. The Committee would recommend that apart from pursuing the approaches already adopted, the Department should also examine the desirability of appropriately revising the methods and conditions of recruitment without compromising the standards, for the purpose of overcoming the shortage of key officers in NMPB. (Para 7.24)

From the information furnished by the Department, the Committee notes that presently, only seven States, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Keral, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have full-fledged State Medicinal Plants Boards for proper implementation and monitoring of the Schemes and Programmes of NMPB and twenty seven SMPBs are registered as societies. The Committee would like to be apprised of the specific steps taken by the Department to encourage the other States to set up full- fledged SMPBs. (Para 7.25)

The Committee also notes that NMPB has initiated 100% monitoring of all the projects under the Central Sector Scheme through Agricultural Finance Corporation. The 35

Committee would like to be apprised of the number of projects monitored during 2011-12, its findings and the remedial measures taken thereon. (Para 7.26)

VIII. QUALITY CONTROL OF ASU&H DRUGS

The Committee observes that the quality and standardization of ASU&H products and stringent implementation of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act are very vital for the credibility of ASU&H drugs. However, the drug testing requirements of ASU&H drugs cannot be met without setting up adequate number of quality control laboratories and strengthening of the enforcement mechanisms of the States. The Committee also observes that the existing Drug Quality Control Scheme suffers from certain inherent inadequacies due to which the off-take under the Scheme in the Eleventh Plan has been very poor. The Eleventh Plan started in 2007 and has completed in March, 2012. The Department should have sorted out the constraints with needful modifications much before. The Committee expects that the Department would, atleast from this year onwards, act with greater promptness and iron out the hindrances in the implementation of the Scheme with a sense of urgency. (Para 8.5)

Since the Committee does not have detailed information concerning Central Drug Controller for AS&U drugs, it would not give any value judgement. However, the Committee would like the Department to furnish a detailed Status Note in the matter so as to enable it to examine the entire spectrum of issues involved and make an observation accordingly. (Para 8.7)

IX. DEVELOPMENT OF COMMON FACILITIES FOR AYUSH INDUSTRY CLUSTERS The Committee observes that very important and essential activities were contemplated to be undertaken under the Scheme. However, the fact that till date only 9 AYUSH clusters have been established and the expenditure incurred till February, 2012 is Rs. 50.49 crore only against the Eleventh Plan outlay of Rs. 500.00 crore is indicative of very sorry state of affairs. In a vast country like India, there should be at least one AYUSH industry cluster in each State. The Committee accordingly exhorts the Department to demonstrate greater prudence in budgetary planning in future so as to avoid such instances of blockage of huge amount of funds as also to re-design the scheme to facilitate development of common facilities for AYUSH industry clusters in each State of the country. (Para 9.3)

X. DEVELOPMENT OF INSTITUTIONS The Committee notes that the Mid-term Appraisal of the Scheme-Development of AYUSH Institutions had pointed out certain implementation constraints and suggested corrective measures. However, the Planning Commission and Department of Expenditure did not support the proposals of the Department for amendments to the existing scheme. The Committee notes there has been massive under-performance of this Scheme, apparently due to constraints in its implementation and structure. The Committee is at a loss to understand as to how the Scheme would be able to fulfill its objective of bridging the critical gaps observed on compliance of the minimum standards and norms of CCIM and CCH if the constraints are not taken care of. The Committee, therefore, recommends to the Department to approach the Planning Commission and Department of Expenditure again for 36 the purpose of obtaining their support for carrying out the amendments to the existing Scheme. (Para 10.5)

XI. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION (IC)

From the information made available to the Committee, the Committee notes that though the Department has listed the meticulous details of efforts made by it towards resolving the issues arising out of THMPD, no substantive results could be achieved so far. The Committee feels that the above case underlines the need to restructure International Cooperation activities in the context of globalization and lay emphasis on promotion of research projects with international R&D institutions. The Committee would like the Department to formulate appropriate policy initiatives to address this issue at the earliest. (Para 11.4)

XII. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Committee places on record its appreciation for the achievements made by the four Research Councils. However, the Committee is of the considered view that a lot remains to be done as far as the standardization of classical AYUSH formulations, AYUSH therapies and validation of classical AYUSH drugs are concerned. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Department should formulate a comprehensive programme focusing on the above issues with a view to promote quality and holistic research in AYUSH and facilitate scientific validation of AYUSH remedies. The Committee would also like the Department to establish a national registry of all AYUSH research studies and get the health outcomes accruing from the research projects of the four Councils evaluated by an independent agency. (Para 12.3)

XIII. INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION (IEC)

The Committee takes note of the suggestions made in the Mid-term appraisal and finds merit therein. It, therefore, recommends that the suggestions made during the Mid- term appraisal should be taken care of and implemented at the earliest. The Committee would like to be apprised of the follow-up action taken by the Department on the modifications suggested in the Mid-term appraisal. (Para 13.3)

The Committee observes that the enforcement of provisions of DMR (OA) Act leaves much to be desired. The Committee is therefore of the view that the effectiveness of the said Act needs to be looked into closely. The Committee also observes that the Department should not feel satisfied by merely issuing directions to the State Governments and instead acquaint itself with the progress made towards implementation of the directions so issued. The Committee also notes that regulation of content of ads aired over the electronic and published in the print media falls within the exclusive domain of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Department of AYUSH and the concerned State Governments should also approach that Ministry for containing such misleading ads. The Committee would, therefore, advise the Department to bring instances of misleading advertisements concerning AYUSH over TV and Radio and in print media to the notice of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for necessary remedial action. (Para 13.5) 37

The Committee was given to understand that a considerable number of AYUSH practitioners are making tall claims of very effective cure and treatment of various ailments, viral/bacterial/fungal infections, AIDS, cancer, Hepatitis etc. The Committee recommends that instead of ignoring such claims, the Department should make all out efforts to verify these claims and find out whether there is any substance therein. In case any of these claims are found to be true, the Department should initiate further research thereon and assist such claimants in developing their line of treatment in public interest. (Para 13.6)

MINUTES

X TENTH MEETING

The Committee met at 10.30 A.M. on Wednesday, the 11th April, 2012 in Main Committee Room, Ground Floor, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

MEMBERS PRESENT

RAJYA SABHA 1. Dr. Vijaylaxmi Sadhho — In the Chair 2. Shri Balbir Punj 3. Dr. Prabhakar Kore

LOK SABHA 4. Shri Ashok Argal 5. Dr. Monazir Hassan 6. Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal 7. Shri Datta Meghe 8. Dr. Jyoti Mirdha 9. Shri Sidhant Mohapatra 10. Shrimati Jayshreeben Kanubhai Patel 11. Shri M.K. Raghavan 12. Shri J.M. Aaron Rashid 13. Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma

SECRETARIAT Shri P.P.K. Ramacharyulu, Joint Secretary Shri R.B. Gupta, Director Shrimati Arpana Mendiratta, Joint Director Shri Dinesh Singh, Deputy Director

WITNESSES Department of AYUSH 1. Shri Anil Kumar, Secretary 2. Shri R.K. Jain, As & FA 3. Shri Bala Prasad, Joint Secretary 4. Shri V.S. Gaur, Joint Secretary 5. Shrimati Dharitri Panda, Chief Controller of Accounts 6. Shri P.K. Jha, Director 7. Shrimati Meenakshi Negi, Director 8. Shri Raj Kumar, Director

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2. In the absence of the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Vijaylaxmi Sadho was elected to the Chair. At the outset, she welcomed Members of the Committee and apprised them about the agenda of the meeting i.e., taking of oral evidence of the Secretary of the Department of AYUSH in connection with examination of Demands for Grants (2012-13) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 3. Thereafter, the Committee took oral evidence of the Secretary and other officials of the Department of AYUSH on Demands for Grants 2012-13 of the Department. 4. The Secretary, Department of AYUSH made a power-point presentation and highlighted issues such as total expenditure vis-a-vis the total Eleventh Plan outlay; Centrally-sponsored Schemes of AYUSH; steps taken to reduce pending Utilization Certificates; reasons for surrender of the budgeted amount; formulation and implementation of policies for propagation and development of AYUSH systems of Health Care; institutional framework consisting of statutory bodies; regulatory bodies; apex research bodies; apex educational institutes; Pharmacopoeial Committee for different traditional systems of medicines, etc. The Members sought clarifications on the activities and achievements of the Department and deliberated on the adequacy or otherwise of the budgetary allocation under different heads of the Department, reasons of under-utilization of funds, main achievements of the Eleventh Plan vis-a-vis the targets set, international promotion of AYUSH systems, protection of research in traditional medicine, standardization of AYUSH medicines, quality control of ASU&H drugs, regulation of quacks in Ayurveda, focus on naturopathy, etc. The Secretary and other officers of the Department replied to the queries raised by the Members and assured to furnish detailed written replies to the queries, which remained unanswered. 5. A verbatim record of the proceedings of the meeting was kept.

6. The Committee then adjourned at 12.49 P.M. 43

XI ELEVENTH MEETING

The Committee met at 3.00 P.M. on Monday, the 23rd April, 2012 in Main Committee Room, Ground Floor, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi. MEMBERS PRESENT

RAJYA SABHA 1. Shri Brajesh Pathak — Chairman 2. Dr. Prabhakar Kore 3. Shri Balbir Punj LOK SABHA 4. Dr. Jyoti Mirdha 5. Shri M.K. Raghavan 6. Shri Ashok Agral 7. Shrimati Harsimrat Kaur Badal 8. Dr. Monazir Hassan 9. Shri P. Lingam 10. Shri J.M. Aaron Rashid 11. Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma SECRETARIAT Shri P.P.K. Ramacharyulu, Joint Secretary Shri R.B. Gupta, Director Shrimati Arpana Mendiratta, Joint Director Shri Dinesh Singh, Deputy Director

2. At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the Members of the Committee and apprised them of the agenda of the meeting, i.e., consideration and adoption of draft 54th, 55th, 56th and 57th Reports on Demands for Grants (2012-13) pertaining to Departments of Health and Family Welfare, AYUSH, Health Research and AIDS Control, respectively. He invited Members to share their specific suggestions for improvements and incorporation in the Draft Reports. 3. The Committee then discussed the four draft Reports. A few changes were suggested by Members for incorporation in the Reports. After some discussion, the Committee adopted all the four Reports with some modifications. The Committee, thereafter, decided that the Reports may be presented to the Rajya Sabha and laid on the Table of the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the 25th April, 2012. The Committee authorized its Chairman and in his absence, Shri Balbir Punj and Dr. Prabhakar Kore to present the Reports in Rajya Sabha, and Dr. Jyoti Mirdha, and in her absence, Shri J.M. Aaron Rashid to lay the Reports on the Table of the Lok Sabha.

4. The Committee adjourned at 3.30 P.M.

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