No proposal under consideration to open up India’s legal sector to foreign law companies

No proposal under consideration to open up India’s legal sector to foreign law companies

M Veerappa Moily, Minister of Law and Justice, while addressing the Lok Sabha on Thursday in a written reply said that there is no proposal under consideration of the Government of India to open up India’s legal sector to foreign law companies. However, the issue of allowing foreign law firms to establish their officers to give legal advice and assistance on foreign law is being discussed with all the stake holders including the Bar Council of India.

193 Gram Nyayalayas to be set up in 09-10: Moily

193 Gram Nyayalayas to be set up in 09-10: Moily

M Veerappa Moily, Minister of Law and Justice, while addressing the Lok Sabha on Thursday in a written reply said one hundred and ninety three Gram Nyayalayas across the country are likely to be set up in the year 2009-10 in the States to which the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 applies.

The Central Government would bear the non-recurring cost of establishment of Gram Nyayalayas subject to a ceiling of Rs.18.00 lakhs per Gram Nyayalaya. The Central Government would also bear 50% of Rs.6.40 lakhs per annum as recurring cost of one Gram Nyayalaya for the first three years.

Courtesy: Miistry of law and justice release

UPSC announces result for CDS Exam ( I ) -2009

UPSC announces result for CDS Exam ( I ) -2009

The UPSC has announced the results of the Combined Defence Services Examination (I)-2009 held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the 128th Course of Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala and Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course i.e. 187th F(P) Course.

H K Dua and A S Ganguly nominated to Rajya Sabha

H K Dua and A S Ganguly nominated to Rajya Sabha

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of article 80 of the Constitution of India, read with clause (3) of that article, the President nominated to the Council of States H K Dua and Ashok Sekhar Ganguly to fill the vacancies caused due to the retirement of nominated members.

Courtesy: Ministry of home affairs release

Kendriya Hindi Samiti reconstituted

Kendriya Hindi Samiti reconstituted

The 41 Member Kendriya Hindi Samiti has been reconstituted, which has Prime Minister as its Chairman and the Union Home Minister as Deputy Chairman. The Union Ministers of Human Resource Development, Information & Broadcasting, Communication & IT, Railways, External Affairs and Minister of State for Official Languages in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions are among the Members.

Chief Ministers of Bihar, Rajasthan, Kerala, Punjab, Assam and Odisha are also among the Members besides several eminent personalities. Secretary, Department of Official Languages will be member Secretary.

Home Minister administers National Integration Pledge

Home Minister administers National Integration Pledge

The Home Minister, P Chidambaram administered the National Integration Pledge to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs in connection with the Quami Ekta Week on Thursday. The Week is observed every year from the 19th to 25th November to foster the spirit of patriotism, communal harmony and national integration. Several programmes would be part of activities with a specific theme for each of the seven days. Meetings, symposia, seminars, special literary functions, cultural functions and other programmes form part of activities to highlight the theme. National Integration, Welfare of Minorities, Linguistic Harmony, Weaker Section, Cultural Unity and Conservation are the themes for the Week and activities related to a specific theme would be under focus on each day.

Courtesy: Ministry of home affairs release

President dedicates Gyan Deep initiative to the nation with hope that open universities will also generate a movement in the rural areas

President dedicates Gyan Deep initiative to the nation with hope that open universities will also generate a movement in the rural areas

Speaking at the at the inauguration of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in New Delhi Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India, said that the Open University System can be useful for a wide section of society and should help in improving skills sets. Enhancing the skill sets of the workforce in the country is a challenge. Only 5 percent of the workforce in India has some kind of certification. This is in contrast to over 85 percent in the developed countries. Encouragement of work-integrated learning followed by examination, certification and accreditation through distance education will be of help. However, to make it effective there would be a need for active two way collaboration with industry and other players.

Open Universities should also generate a movement in the rural areas that will impel people to acquire knowledge and skills for self-empowerment. In this context, educational programmes like the Gyan Darshan Channel of IGNOU, which is reaching over 8 million homes, can be useful in motivating people.

Distance education offers an opportunity to those already in employment to upgrade their knowledge base, so that they can more effectively contribute to the productivity of work in their organizations. Studying, while in employment, also offers opportunities for enhancement of career opportunities. The Indian Army have decided to to create a process of certification of higher education of soldiers. Till now the skills that the Army personnel acquired while in service were not reflected through any formal degrees awarded to them. Through this new collaboration, they will get appropriate certification. This can be helpful in their work and to start a new professional life at the end of their careers in the Army. I therefore, welcome this new initiative and am pleased to dedicate Gyan Deep to the nation. Similarly, the Flexi Learn Platform which has also been launched today is significant as it provides an opportunity for prospective learners to sample a course before enrolling and thereby, help them in choosing appropriate courses and programmes.

Note: Excerpts from President’s speech

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan seeks to achieve universal secondary education by the year 2017’

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan seeks to achieve universal secondary education by the year 2017’

Speaking at the at the inauguration of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in New Delhi, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India, said that nations with high quality human resources would be counted amongst the front ranking nations of the world in the knowledge era.

Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, once remarked that the fate of nations depends on the education of its youth. Therefore, reaching education to young girls and boys must occupy a foremost position on the agenda, if India is to be firmly positioned as one of the leading nations of the world. Government has made education a priority sector. Free education to children between the ages 6 and 14 years is now a fundamental right. The Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan seeks to achieve universal secondary education by the year 2017.

The Gross Enrolment Ratio or GER in India in higher education is very low as compared to the world average. Strenuous efforts are required to reach our goal of enhancing GER in India to 20 percent by 2020. A massive expansion in higher education through new institutions is also underway, alongwith efforts to improve educational standards, including through undertaking structural reforms in the higher education system and using all available methods to spread education. The National Mission on Education through Information Communication Technology launched in February this year will create internet connectivity to about 20,000 colleges and educational institutions. This initiative will, I am confident bring in the use of modern technology in higher education in a more widespread manner.

Note: Excerpts from President’s speech

Depression over Arabian Sea-cyclone alert for South Gujarat and North Maharastra Coast

Depression over Arabian Sea-cyclone alert for South Gujarat and North Maharastra Coast

A depression formed over southeast and adjoining east central Arabian Sea lay centred 470 km. Southwest of Mangalore and about 700 km. South-southwest of Mumbai. According to Indian Meteorological Department, it is likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm and move in a northerly direction for some more time and then north-northeastwards and cross south Gujarat and north Maharashtra coast by early hours of 12th November 2009. Under its influence heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and isolated heavy rainfalls at most places is likely to occur over south Gujarat from Wednesday. Squally winds having speed up to 75 km per hour are likely along and off Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra coasts during next 48 hours and over Lakshadweep area and Kerala coasts during next 24 hours. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea along and off these coasts.
Courtesy: Ministry of Earth Science

520 MW NTPC’s Tapovan Vishnugad Hydro Power Project will start by 2012: Sushilkumar Shinde

520 MW NTPC’s Tapovan Vishnugad Hydro Power Project will start by 2012: Sushilkumar Shinde

Sushilkumar Shinde, Union Minister of Power took detailed review of 520 MW NTPC’s Tapovan Vishnugad Hydro Power Project situated in Joshimath, Uttarakhand and saw the functioning of the Double Shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) deployed at the project and visited the power house site on 9.11.2009. the minister also inaugurated the work for power house pressure shaft at the site. Expressing his satisfaction over progress of the project Shinde hoped that the project will start generating by 2012.

He even visited the control room set up to monitor the Double Shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) with precast concrete segmental lining, state of the art technology to mitigate the challenge of difficult terrain, adverse Himalayan geological conditions and social constraints. R S Sharma, CMD, NTPC was also present with the team from Tapovan Vishnugad on the occasion at the site. Tapovan Vishnugad Run of River (ROR) scheme project over Dhauliganga in Uttarakhand is under construction. The project is designed for annual generation energy of 2558.36 GWH and the beneficiaries of the project shall be Uttarakhand and states of northern region and Union territories.
Courtesy: Ministry of Power

Our aim is double contribution of mining sector to GDP: B K Handique

Our aim is double contribution of mining sector to GDP: B K Handique

Addressing the first meeting of the reconstituted Consultative Committee attached to Ministry of Mines on the theme- Paradigm shift in role of Government from Control to Regulation in mining sector, B K Handique, Minister of Mines and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region said that growth of the mining and metal sector is crucial to the continued sustainable economic development of the country.
He said “we must aim at doubling the contribution of the sector to the Gross Domestic”. Handique said that the basic approach of the National Mineral Policy of 2008 is to strengthen the existing systems, and develop new systems for regulating the sector for increasing its contribution to the national economy, and at the same time integrate the aspirations of the local people for sustainable mining. Handique said that in this approach, the mining legislation has to deal with emerging issues arising out of new socio-economic paradigm, which makes it necessary to address issue of reclamation & restoration of ecology, relief & rehabilitation, and most importantly, Sustainable Development Framework for the Indian mining sector.

During the meeting, Members wanted that in the proposed Act, the views of the state governments should be prevailed and the rights of the tribal and local peoples should be kept while mining. The Minister welcomed the Members’ views and thanked for their valuable suggestions.

The Members of Parliament present include:- Deoraj Singh Patel, Ramen Deka, Sohan Potai, Amarnath Pradhan, Biren Singh Engti, (Lok Sabha), Matilal Sarkar, Rudra Narayan Pany (Rajya Sabha). The Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Santha Sheela Nair, senior officers of the Ministry and officers of the public sector undertakings attached with the Ministry were also present in the meeting.
Courtesy: Ministry of Mines

Standard Maintenance Manual for National Highways to be published before 31st December, 2009

Standard Maintenance Manual for National Highways to be published before 31st December, 2009

To ensure uniformity in the approach to carry out maintenance of the 4-laned/ 6-laned National Highways implemented through EPC (Engineering Procurement Contracts) and O&M contracts, the National Highways Authority of India would come up with a Standard Maintenance Manual. An announcement to this effect was done by Kamal Nath, Minister for Road Transport & Highways in the capital, recently. The manual will not only ensure cost optimisation but also generate satisfaction among the road users due to timely and visible maintenance operations. The Consultant appointed by NHAI for this purpose has already submitted the draft manual comprising three parts -Maintenance Manual Part I, II and III- to NHAI for scrutiny and feedback. The final document will be published before 31st December, 2009. The Manual basically lays down the Operation and Maintenance Methodology to carry out various maintenance activities. Besides this, it also provides for Standard bidding document along with BoQ, Item rate analysis, specifications, drawings, performance standards for Short term Operation and Maintenance including monitoring mechanism for item based contracts and for Performance based contracts.

Courtesy: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

Bihar, Uttarakhand, J&K and UP lags behind in conversion of individual dry latrine into pour flush latrine

Bihar, Uttarakhand, J&K and UP lags behind in conversion of individual dry latrine into pour flush latrine

According to Kumari Selja, Minister Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, within the last one year, States of Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Nagaland and Assam have done away with dry latrines in their states. Presently only four States remain in the country who need to address this issue namely, Bihar, Uttarakhand, J&K and UP. Under the revised guidelines of ILCS, a total of 2,41,931 units for conversion and 32,305 units for construction have been sanctioned under the revised guidelines of ILCS during 2008-2009 and 2009-10 (up to 31.08.2009).

The "Integrated Low Cost Sanitation" Scheme aims at conversion of individual dry latrine into pour flush latrine thereby liberating manual scavengers from the age old, obnoxious practice of manually carrying night soil. ILCS scheme was initially started in 1980-81 through the Ministry of Home Affairs and later through Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The scheme was transferred in 1989-90 to Ministry of Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation and from 2003-2004 onwards to Ministry of UEPA/HUPA. The scheme has helped in constructing/converting over 28 lakh latrines to liberate over 60000 scavengers so far. While implementing the ILCS scheme, it was observed that the scheme did not perform well due to various reasons. To make the scheme more attractive and implementable the Guidelines have been revised w.e.f. 17th January, 2008.

The main objective of the Scheme is to convert low cost sanitation units through sanitary two pit pour flush latrines with superstructures and appropriate variations to suit local conditions (area specific latrines), but 25% of the funds of the scheme are also made available for construction of new latrines where EWS households have no latrines. Under the Scheme, central subsidy is 75%, State Subsidy 15% and beneficiary share is 10%. The upper ceiling cost is Rs.10,000/- for the complete unit. For the States falling in the category of difficult and hilly areas, 25% extra cost is provided. 2009-10 is aimed to be the last year of the scheme.

Courtesy: Ministry of housing and urban poverty alleviation.

Pawan Kumar Bansal addresses the consultative committee meeting of Ministry of Water Resources on 9 Nov,Monday

Pawan Kumar Bansal addresses the consultative committee meeting of Ministry of Water Resources on 9 Nov,Monday
While addressing the Consultative Committee Meeting of the Ministry of Water Resources on the subject “Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)” here on Monday, Pawan Kumar Bansal, the Union Minister of Water Resources said that water resources management plays an important role in the development of irrigation facilities and in improving the productivity and thereby ensuring food security.

The Government of India laid considerable emphasis during the initial Five Years Plans and which resulted in considerable development of the irrigation potential. Irrigation potential at the beginning of the first plan was about 22.6 million hectares which at present is at the level of about 106 million hectares. Bansal opined that we have to go a long way to achieve the ultimate irrigation potential of about 140 million hectares. As a matter of fact, we have to work towards creation of irrigation potential beyond 140 million hectares through better water management practices. However, this is a challenging task. The easy and best options for the development of water resources projects have since been tapped and new water resources development projects are bound to be more challenging from the view point of hydrological features and topographical constraints. The Minister said that today, we face many challenges in water sector, like declining per capita water availability, deterioration in water quality, decline in ground water table in some areas due to over-exploitation, etc. Of course, we continue to face recurring problems of flood and drought. These issues get further compounded when we look at the future scenario. With population growth, industrialisation and urbanisation, the water demand for various purposes is increasing day-by-day. He emphasised that in order to overcome the temporal variations, we have to resort to various means of conservation of water resources. The high spatial variation can be addressed through various measures for diverting surplus water from identified regions to deficient basins or regions.

The Members of Parliament present include:- Prabha Kishor Taviad, Ijyaraj Singh, Gajendra Singh Rajukhedi, Mohan Jena, Jyoti Mirdha, G S Basavaraj, Devji M Patel, Kirodilal Meena (Lok Sabha) , Prabha Thakur, Syeda Anwara Taimur and Gyan Prakash Pilania (Rajya Sabha). The Secretary, Water Resources U N Pujiar and senior officers of the Ministry were present in the meeting.

Courtesy: Ministry of Water Resources

India and Australia sign MoU on Cooperation in water resources management

India and Australia sign MoU on Cooperation in water resources management

The Government of of India and the Government of Australia have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the field of Water Resources Management here on 10 Nov,Tuesday. The MoU was signed by U N Punjiar, Secretary of Ministry of Water Resources and Peter N Varghese, Australian High Commissioner to India. Pawan Kumar Bansal, the Union Minister of Water Resources was present on the occasion. The cooperation will focus on sharing of policy and technical information and experiences in the development and management of water resources both surface and ground water and particularly river basin management and impact of climate change on water resources. Further, both the governments will encourage direct engagements between officials, study tours and other such activities in order to acquaint themselves of the developments in the above areas. Exchange of information and experiences in the field of water resources management between the two countries will be consistent with each Government’s respective domestic procedures and resources.

A Joint Working Group will be formed comprising of equal number of members from each of the countries which will monitor the engagement carried out in fulfilment of this Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU will be in effect for a period of five years and can be extended with the agreement between the two parties.
Courtesy: Ministry of Water Resources

Indian Railways carry 501.28 million tonnes of freight during April-October 2009

Indian Railways carry 501.28 million tonnes of freight during April-October 2009

Indian Railways have carried 501.28 million tonnes of revenue earning freight traffic during April-October 2009. The freight carried shows an increase of 33.31 million tonnes over the freight traffic of 467.97 million tonnes actually carried during the corresponding period last year, registering an increase of 7.12 per cent. During the month of October 2009, the revenue earning freight traffic carried by Indian Railways was 73.46 million tonnes. There is an increase of 7.38 million tonnes over the actual freight traffic of 66.08 million tonnes carried by the Indian Railways during the same period last year, showing an increase of 11.17 per cent.

Courtesy: Ministry of Railways

Elections date in four constituencies in Jharkhand rescheduled

Elections date in four constituencies in Jharkhand rescheduled

The Election Commission of India, in exercise of its inherent powers of superintendence, direction and control of elections to Parliament and State Legislatures and all other powers enabling it in this behalf, has recommended to the Governor of the State of Jharkhand that he may be pleased to rescind his above mentioned Notification No. ­­­­­­­­­­­­571, dated 31st October 2009, in so far as it relates to the elections from the aforementioned four Assembly Constituencies, namely, 7-Sikaripara (S.T.), 10-Dumka (S.T) 11-Jama (S.T.) and 12-Jarmundi .Elections in these four assembly constituencies will be held along with the third phase of Elections in Jharkhand.

Courtesy: Election Commission

To boost investment flows India-Columbia signs BIPPA

To boost investment flows India-Columbia signs BIPPA

The Bilateral Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement (BIPPA) between India and Columbia was signed here on Tuesday by Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Luis Guillermo Plata, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Tourism of Columbia. Both the Ministers hoped that the Agreement would serve as a catalyst in boosting investment flows between the two countries.

The Agreement aims at enhancing Bilateral Investment and Technology flows between the two countries, by creating favourable conditions for investors. These include a mutually acceptable definition of investment as also IPR, besides National Treatment and Most Favoured Nation Treatment on post-establishment basis, protection against expropriation, except for a public purpose against a fair & equitable compensation, full reparability of investment and returns. The Agreement provides elaborate dispute resolution mechanism to settle disputes between an investor and the host Government or between the two Governments. Dispute resolution mechanism includes recourse to negotiations, conciliation, domestic dispute resolution mechanism and to international arbitration. The Agreement shall remain in force for a period of ten years and thereafter, it shall be deemed to have been automatically extended unless either country gives to the other country a written notice of its intention to terminate the Agreement. The Agreement may be amended at any time after its entry into force by mutual consent.

Courtesy: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

GST to broaden the tax base and lower the tax rates: Pranab Mukherjee

GST to broaden the tax base and lower the tax rates: Pranab Mukherjee

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee at the meeting of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Minister here on 10 Nov,Tuesday said that the merits of GST are well-known. It will re-distribute the burden of taxation equitably between manufacturing and services bringing about a qualitative change in the tax system. With the minimisation of exemptions, it will broaden the tax base and lower the tax rates. By switching to the destination principle, the distortions will be reduced fostering a common market across the country. The compliance cost will come down and our trade and industry will become more competitive leading to an increase in exports and lower prices for domestic consumers.

Courtesy: Ministry of Finance

K Pillai Misquoted by Media

G K Pillai Misquoted by Media

A section of media has misquoted the Union Home Secretary, G K Pillai as saying that China has been supplying small arms to Maoist groups in the country. Actually, while speaking to newsmen here last Sunday, he simply conveyed that small arms made in China had been illegally brought by arms smugglers to India and supplied to Maoist groups. This observation was based on facts. At no point did the Union Home Secretary say that the Chinese Government was involved in the supply of arms to Maoists.
Courtesy: Ministry of Home Affairs

Sharad Pawar addresses the parliamentary consultative committee of agriculture and food ministries meets

Sharad Pawar addresses the parliamentary consultative committee of agriculture and food ministries meets

Addressing the members of Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to the Ministries of Agriculture, and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution here on 10 Nov,Tuesday, Sharad Pawar said that about 1.5 lakh seed minikits have been allocated for popularising the specific boro and summer rice varieties.

He said that about 5 lakh seed minikits of wheat that includes terminal heat tolerant and rust resistance wheat varieties of DBW 17 & PBW-550 and about 30 lakh quintals of seeds minikits of pulses, oilseeds and maize have been distributed to the farmers. Existing seed distribution subsidies under various ongoing schemes have also been enhanced. Apart from this, periodic visits of national level consultants to the States have also been initiated for catalyzing the efforts of the States in timely placement and distribution of inputs, the Minister informed the Committee. Arrangements for immediate short-term crop loan for the farmers are made and states have been regularly reviewing the credit disbursement in the state level bankers committee meetings, Pawar added.

Courtesy: Ministry of Agriculture

Ticket Examiner and RPF staff authorised to take action against smoking in trains & at stations

Ticket Examiner and RPF staff authorised to take action against smoking in trains & at stations

Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) and Asstt. Sub-Inspector of Railway Protection Force (RPF) have now been authorised to take action against person found smoking in trains and at railway stations. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as per its notification of dated 15.9.2009, has included the Travelling Ticket Examiner/Chief Ticket Inspector/Ticket Collector/Officer not below the rank of Ticket Collector or equivalent rank not below the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector of Railway Protection Force in Railways as person authorized to take action against smoking at public place. As per the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules 2008, the law imposes strict ban on the smoking at public places like auditoriums, hospitals, health centres, parks, hotels, pubs, Governments offices, courts, educational institutions, libraries, roads, shopping centres, malls, theaters, stadiums, bus stops, railway.

Courtesy: Ministry of Railways release

Technology Upgradation Funds Scheme enabled the textiles industry to successfully face challenges of global competition: Maran

Technology Upgradation Funds Scheme enabled the textiles industry to successfully face challenges of global competition: Maran

The Ministry of Textiles has disbursed Rs. 66,275 crore under the Technology Upgradation Funds Scheme (TUFS) from the inception of the Scheme on April 01, 1999, till June 30, 2009, stated Thiru Dayanidhi Maran, Union Minister of Textiles, while addressing the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of his Ministry on Friday. Maran said that the TUFS has stimulated additional investments of Rs.1,79,834 crore; benefited 25,809 textiles units, including 18,266 small scale units. The Scheme had enabled the textiles industry to successfully face challenges of global competition, reduced the cost of capital for acquisition of the state- of- the- art technology by 5%; ignited growth of processing, garmenting and technical textiles sectors by extending 10% capital subsidy; assisted the powerloom units by extending 20% margin money subsidy and empowered the small scale sector with 15% capital subsidy.
“The entire textiles value chain from cotton ginning and pressing till the clothing / made-up stage has availed of benefit under TUFS and the composite upgradation, spinning, processing and weaving segments of textiles chain are the major beneficiaries of TUFS”, Thiru. Maran said. The Textiles Minister further informed the Members of the Committee that the States of Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan are the major beneficiaries of the Scheme, because these States have potential textiles growth centres where textiles related activities have been carried out historically. The popularity of the Scheme can be assessed from the fact that the allocation on account of interest support has been increasing and it was Rs. 485 crore in 2005-06, Rs. 824 crore in 2006-07, and Rs. 945 crore in 2007-08, which was subsequently increased to Rs. 1,198 crore at R.E. stage. Rs. 1,090 crore was provided for 2008-09, Thiru. Maran added.. Thiru Maran said the Ministry had made a provision of Rs. 2,890 crore and released subsidy of Rs 2,546 crore under the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) on August 06, 2009. “This is for the first time that such a large amount of subsidy has been released in a single tranche and the amount was credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries in the record time of 72 hours (3 working days). To clear the subsidy till December 2009, we will be requiring additional amount of Rs. 1,884 crore at RE stage 2009-10”, said the Minister.

The meeting was attended by the members of the Committee, which included C Siyasami P Lingam, Ramesh V Katti and P Vishwanathan from Lok Sabha and S Anbalagan, Kanjibhai Patel and Moinul Hassan from Rajya Sabha.
Panabaka Lakshmi, Minister of State for Textiles also addressed the Members and Secretary Textiles, CMD, NTC and Senior Officers of the Textiles Ministry attended the meeting.
Courtesy: Ministry of Textiles

Expansion in domestic demand for steel: Virbhadra Singh

Addressing the Parliamentary Consultative committee, the Steel Minister Virbhadra Singh said that the steel industry in India recovered from the downturn due the timely action of the government. He said demand for steel saw a negative growth of (-) 13% during October to December last year.
He said the demand for steel in the domestic market will continue to grow with an increased expenditure on infrastructure projects which will not only result in growth in steel consumption but will also provide a stable market for steel, particularly TMT bars, structural steel and other items of mass consumption. Recovery of Automobile Industry and Real Estate has also given new hope to the steel sector. Virbhadra Singh said, in view of the expected expansion in domestic demand for steel there is an urgent need to add to domestic capacity. RINL is already doubling its capacity from 3 million tonnes per annum to 6.3 million tonnes per annum at the cost of Rs. 12,200 crore. NMDC, a Navratna company with Ministry of Steel is also increasing its production capacity of Iron Ore from 30 million tonnes at present to 50 million tonnes.
He said RINL has been consistently making profits since 2002-03 and has also attained techno-economic production parameters that are among the best in the country. The Ministry has recently got the approval of the Cabinet for restructuring of Bird Group of Companies (BGC).
RINL has been identified as strategic partner for acquiring controlling stakes in the Bird Group. The three companies in the Bird Group namely Orissa Mineral Development Company (OMDC), Bisra Stone Lime Company (BSLC) and Eastern Investments Ltd. (EIL) to be subsidiaries of RINL, which would be the holding company. Manganese Ore India Ltd. (MOIL) with a turnover of Rs. 1,284.84 crore is placed among the top five manganese ore/alloy/value added products producing companies in the world and has enormous potential. With a view to enhance the total production potential, MOIL is currently undertaking a number of mine deepening and shaft sinking schemes at its various mines. With these measures, MOIL would be in a position to consolidate its position further. Members of Parliament, who attended the Consultative Committee meeting on Friday included Rakesh Sachan, Yashbant N.Singh Laguri, Jayawant Gangaram Awale, Gorakhnath Pandey, Capt. Jai Narain Prasad Nishad, Shivarama Gouda, Naranbhai Kachhadia, Somendra Nath Mitra, Premchandra Guddy from Lok Sabha and Tapan Kumar Sen and Nandi Yellaiah from Rajya Sabha. Minister of State for Steel A Sai Prathap, Steel Secretary Atul Chaturvedi, senior officials of the Steel Ministry and SAIL, RINL and MOIL also attended the meeting.
Courtesy: Ministry of Steel

Parliamentary Consultative Committee of Steel Ministry condoles the death of Mahendra Sahni, MP

Parliamentary Consultative Committee of Steel Ministry condoles the death of Mahendra Sahni, MP

Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to the Steel Ministry on Friday mourned the death of Mahendra Sahni, a Rajya Sabha Member from Bihar and also a Member of the Consultative Committee. Members of the Committee stood in silence for two minutes and prayed for the departed soul. The Committee was meeting under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Steel, Virbhadra Singh.

Ambika Soni condoles demise of Prabhash Joshi

Ambika Soni condoles demise of Prabhash Joshi

The Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni expressed grief on demise of veteran journalist Prabhash Joshi and conveyed her condolences to the bereaved family.
Soni recalled Prabhash Joshi’s immense contribution to the world of Hindi journalism and his role as the founder editor of Hindi daily Jansatta in 1983.
“The journalistic fraternity has lost a multi-faceted personality in the demise of Joshi”, Ambika Soni added, recounting Joshi’s career as a noted columnist, political analyst and a popular television commentator in his later years.

Courtesy: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd. (BECIL) presents Rs1 crore dividend check to Ambika Soni

Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd. (BECIL) presents Rs1 crore dividend check to Ambika Soni
Harkesh Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd. (BECIL) presented a dividend cheque of Rs. 1 crore (for the Financial Year ending 31st March 2009) to Ambika Soni, Minister for Information & Broadcasting on Friday.

BECIL, a Government of India Enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, with all its shares owned by the government, is a profit making Public Sector Enterprise (PSE). BECIL is also a consultancy and turnkey solution provider in the specialised field of broadcast engineering.

Last dates for IFFI Delegate 10 November 09

Last dates for IFFI Delegate 10 November 09

The 40th International Film Festival of India 2009 will be held in Goa from 23rd November to 3rd December 2009. The festival is expected to see participation of around 50 countries and 200 world acclaimed films. Indian Panorama, 2009 will have 26 feature films and 18 non-feature films during the 40th International Film Festival of India, 2009.

The last date of Delegate Registration for the 40th International Film Festival of India, Goa is 10th November 2009. On line facility for delegate registration of IFFI 2009 is available on the website www.iffigoa.org. Criteria to become delegate, fee, etc. details are available on the website.

Consensus emerged on bringing more institutions under CAT at All India Conference of Central Administrative Tribunal

Consensus emerged on bringing more institutions under CAT at All India Conference of Central Administrative Tribunal

The All India Conference of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), held in New Delhi on November 1, 2009, which was inaugurated by the Chief Justice of India Justice K G Balakrishnan and witnessed participation of the Union Minister for Law and Justice M Veerappa Moily and the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Prithviraj Chavan. A few of the many significant recommendations made during the conference are as follows: (i) To approach the Central Government to consider amending Article 227(4) of the Constitution which would facilitate appeals against the orders of the Tribunal before the Supreme Court of India directly as is done in respect of Armed Forces Tribunal as was the position before the L. Chandra Kumar Judgment in 1997. (ii) It was indicated that Central Government may issue more notifications under Section 14(2) of the Administrative Tribunals Act bringing more institutions within the purview of the CAT, as it has expertise to deal with service matters. (iii) More autonomy was suggested to be extended for the Tribunal. Powers similar to those vested in Chief Justices of High Courts, under Article 229 are urged to be conferred on the Chairman, CAT. In terms of the amendment in the Administrative Tribunals Act (Sub Section 3 of Section 8) the conditions of service of the Chairman and Members are the same as applicable to the Judges of High Courts. Officers and employees of the Tribunal may be allowed scales of pay, of their counter parts in High Courts.

Courtesy: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Auction for Sale of Govt Stocks on November 13

Auction for Sale of Govt Stocks on November 13

Government of India have announced the sale (re-issue) of (i) “7.02 percent Government Stock 2016” for a notified amount of Rs.3,000 crore (nominal) (ii) “6.90 percent Government Stock 2019” for a notified amount of Rs.4,000 crore (nominal) and (iii) "8.24 percent Government Stock 2027" for a notified amount of Rs.3,000 crore (nominal) through price based auctions. The auctions will be conducted using uniform price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on November 13, 2009 (Friday).

Courtesy: Ministry of Finance release

Durgesh Shankar joins as Member CBDT

Durgesh Shankar joins as Member CBDT

Durgesh Shankar on Friday joined as Member of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Shankar belongs to 1973 batch of the Indian Revenue Service. Before joining the CBDT, he was a Chief Commissioner of Income Tax in Delhi. He has also served, on deputation, as Managing Director of Central Cottage Industries Corporation and Senior Director of Crafts Museum, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Department of Science & Technology and Ministry of Railways.

Courtesy: Ministry of Finance release

Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation to receive draft guidelines of Rajiv Awas Yojna on 15th November, 2009

Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation to receive draft guidelines of Rajiv Awas Yojna on 15th November, 2009

Kumari Selja, union minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, while addressing the Consultative Committee Meeting informed said that there is a large unmet need for housing in the country, especially for middle and low income groups. She said, Ministries under her have taken several initiatives for accelerated addition to the housing stock and for creation of livelihoods for the urban poor and unemployed and also for sustainable development of habitat. Referring to the proposed Rajiv Awas Yojna, the Minister said considerable exercise is going on in the Ministry of HUPA for launching the scheme aimed at Slum Free India based on ‘whole city approach’.
The in-principle approval of Planning Commission for the Scheme has been obtained. She said process for approval of EFC/Cabinet will start soon once comments from State Governments/Central Ministries will reach the Ministry. The date for receiving comments on the draft guidelines of Rajiv Awas Yojna is 15th November, 2009. She also apprised the Members of the Committee of National Policy on Street Vendors, 2009, the Integrated Low Cost Sanitation Scheme and Affordable Housing in Partnership Scheme

In 2007-08 contribution of tourism in the country’s GDP and total jobs was 5.92% and 9.24%

In 2007-08 contribution of tourism in the country’s GDP and total jobs was 5.92% and 9.24%

Kumari Selja, union minister of tourism, while addressing the Consultative Committee Meeting informed that the contribution of tourism in the country’s GDP and total jobs was 5.92% and 9.24% during 2007-08.

The Minister said infrastructure development of tourist destinations is a priority and the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance of Rs.25 crore and Rs.50 crore for development of mega destinations and circuits as against Rs.5 crore and Rs.8 crore for normal destinations and circuits. She said new initiatives have been taken to provide the required skilled manpower in hospitality sector which includes skill training in Food Production (Cooks) and F&B (waiters) sector under the Hunar se Rozgar tak scheme.

She said Reserve Bank of India has de-linked credit for Hotel projects from commercial real estate, thereby enabling hotel projects to avail credit at relaxed norms and reduced interest rates. Listing other initiatives of the Ministry, Kumari Selja said creation of additional room capacity for the Commonwealth Games 2010 in NCR region is under progress and so far over 55% hotel rooms were found to be complete. She said directions have been given to complete the remaining well before the Games. The Minister also referred to Incredible India campaign, wellness and rural tourism, cruise tourism and new policies of heliport and caravan tourism. She said the new thrust areas are Cruise tourism and wellness tourism.

Tourism industry in India well poised to come out of woods (Exclusive blog item)

Tourism industry in India well poised to come out of woods (Exclusive blog item)

As per the recent estimates released by the ministry of tourism, foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) during January - October 2009 at 40.23 lakh were marginally lower as compared to 43.24 lakh in January - October 2008. The growth rate in FTAs during Jan-Oct 2009 (-7.0%) marginally improved as compared to the growth rate during Jan-Sep, 2009 (-7.7%).

The above trend clearly reflects that the resilient tourism sector in India has weathered all the odds, which include global financial crisis, spread of contagious disease, and terrorist strikes that had made diminished the prospects of tourism industry in India.


Foreign exchange earnings (FEE) during January – October 2009 were Rs. 42,395 crore as compared to Rs. 40,712 crore in January – October 2008. FEE during January - October 2009 were US$ 8699 million as compared to US$ 9696 million during January - October 2008.
The growth rate in FEE in Rs. term during January-October,2009(4.1%) registered an improvement over the growth rate during January-September,2009 (3.1%) . The growth rate in FEE in US$ terms during January-October 2009 (-10.3%) also improved over the growth rate during January-September 2009 (-13.1%).

Courtesy: Ministry of Tourism release

Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in October slide 0.9% at 4.48 lakh

Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in October slide 0.9% at 4.48 lakh

As per the recent estimates released by the ministry of tourism, FTAs during the Month of October 2009 were 4.48 lakh as compared to FTAs of 4.53 lakh during the month of October 2008 and 4.45 lakh in October 2007. There has been a decline of 0.9% in FTAs in October 2009 over October 2008. However, there has been an improvement vis-a-vis the growth rate of (-) 4.1% observed in September 2009 over September 2008.

Foreign exchange earnings (FEE) during the month of October 2009 were Rs. 4806 crore as compared to Rs.4248 crore in October 2008. FEE in US $ terms during the month of October 2009 were US $ 1028 million as compared to US $ 873 million in October 2008.

Ministry of tourism compiles monthly estimates of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) from tourism on the basis of data received from major airports.

Filed under the Category: Ministry of Tourism

Government revises Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane up 51% at Rs. 129.84 per quintal

Government revises Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane up 51% at Rs. 129.84 per quintal

The Government has decided to fix Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane at Rs. 129.84 per quintal to be paid by the sugar factories with effect from 1st October, 2009, instead of the Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) fixed earlier. It is linked to a basic recovery rate of 9.5% subject to a premium of Rs.1.37 for every 0.1 percentage point increase in recovery above 9.5%.

The sugarcane farmer is legally guaranteed a price of Rs.129.84 per quintal. However, the sugar mills are free to offer any price above the FRP as deemed fit by them. The FRP for 2009-10 will be over 51% higher than the SMP for the year 2008-09.

Since the FRP gives adequate consideration for margins on account of profit and risk to the farmers, Clause 5A of the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 (SCO) which provided for sharing of additional profits by sugar mills, has been deleted.

It has also been provided in the SCO that if any State Government or any other Authority fixes any price for sugarcane above the FRP, the difference between such price fixed by the State Government or the Authority above the FRP fixed by the centre will be paid by the State Government or such Authority to the farmers or the sugarcane growers co-operatives, as the case may be.

Courtesy: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

National Meat and Poultry Processing Board (NMPPB) to open five research labs by 2012

National Meat and Poultry Processing Board (NMPPB) to open five research labs by 2012

India is blessed with rich livestock wealth and recognised as one of the most important livestock rearing country in the world with the largest livestock population of 449 million. Animal husbandry has been an integral part of rural livelihood and buffalo as a triple purpose animal (Milk, Meat & Draught) has imbibed well in the Indian rural hinterland.
As per the last census held, the country has about 200 million cattle, 79 million buffaloes, 46 million sheep, 110 million goats and 10 million pigs. Indian Meat Sector with such vast raw material base, increasing domestic demand and high potential of export is expected to grow significantly.

India has enormous growth potential from its current status of being the world's second largest food producer to be the world's number one producer.

Poultry meat is the fastest growing segment in domestic market with a CAGR of about 15 percent. However, Buffalo meat production has been growing at a relatively less rate at a CAGR of about 5 percent. The current production levels is estimated at about 1.9 Million tones of which about 21 percent is exported to counties like Malaysia, Egypt and in Middle east region. Mutton and lamb is a smaller segment where demand has been outstripping supply, which also explains their higher retail prices in Indian domestic market. Only 24% is exported. Meat is primarily exported to the Philippines, Malaysia, West Asian countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman etc., African and CIS countries.

Though fast growing, yet the level of processing in the meat industry is still lower as compared to other countries. The key challenges include organisation of meat sector in terms of meeting global quality standards, regulatory bottlenecks and higher no. of unorganized market players. Establishing Disease-Free Zones for rearing animals is another area of concern.

India has not been able to position itself as a major player in global trade for a variety of reasons including lack of appropriate support infrastructure for processing, vegetarianism, religious reservations, regional preferences and preference for fresh and hot meat etc.

In order to synergize the energies and efforts of every one related to the growth and development of meat and poultry processing in the country, the Ministry of Food processing Industries had formed a National Meat and Poultry Processing Board (NMPPB) as an autonomous body under the societies act and is functioning under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

The NMPPB aims at boosting the growth of the sector for the benefit of the producers and processors. The Board will provide help to the industry in setting up or modernization of abattoirs by providing technical consultancy for the production of wholesome meat and meat products, value added meat food products and utilization of slaughterhouse by products.

The Board plans for modernisation of Abattoirs in next five years by standardising size, technologies, equipments, costs, bench marking of Abattoirs, establishing a full-fledged self financing Consultancy Division and providing consultancy to 10 large Abattoirs and 10 class ‘B’ city Abattoirs to be set up.

The Board will cater to the backward linkages- disease free zone and traceability by organising meetings with the Department of Animal Husbandry regarding. One National Lab would be established by July 2010 and five Labs by July 2012 in alignment of domestic standards with international standards.

Courtesy: Ministry of Food Processing Industries

Two day investors meet launched in Guwahati to give a fillip to mineral and mining industry in North Eastern region

Two day investors meet launched in Guwahati to give a fillip to mineral and mining industry in North Eastern region

A two day Investors’ Meet went underway on Friday in Guwahati, which is being organised by the Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region in association with Governments of North Eastern States and Federation of Indian Mineral Industry, to encourage investment in exploration and exploitation of the minerals for the development of mineral based industry in the North Eastern States.
Addressing on the occasion, B K Handique, Minister of Mines and Development of North East Region (DoNER), said that there is mineral potential in the region, its development needs special emphasis because of technical, financial and organisational problems. He said that the mineral sector needs special attention as mineral industry requires heavy investments, long gestation period, multiplicity of disciplines and activities involved between mineral location, production and consumption.

The Minister said that the North Eastern States invariably express their strong desire to pursue development of Mineral Industries in their respective States. The states need to put in place proper mining laws and fiscal regimes to attract investors.
Handique informed that the Centre has taken several initiatives in National Mineral Policy – 2008 to empower the States, bring transparency and make the regulatory environment conducive to private investment. The Minister said that Indian Bureau of Mines, IBM and State Directorates of Mining will be strengthened with manpower, equipment and skill set to improve the regulatory environment and host of other measures. For capacity building of the States GSI has setup a Regional Training Institute for North Eastern Region at Shillong with the field unit at Aizwal for providing training in survey, exploration, geotechnical investigation and fundamental geosciences. In addition to vast resources, oil and gas large reserves of non-metallic/industrial minerals like coal, limestone, dolomite, quartzite, clays, dimension stones etc. are available in the North Eastern Region. The reserve of various minerals estimated by GSI in the region are 909 million tons of coal, 8793 million tones of limestone, 246.75 million tons of dolomite, 3.13 million tones of quartzite, 84.7 million tons of graphite, 26.32 million tons of clays, 0.71 million tons of fireclay besides significant quantities of silica sand and dimensional stone. The Meet is expected to give a direction and fillip to the much needed impetus to the mining and resultant employment and development in the region.
Tarun Gogai, Chief Minister of Assam, Santha Sheela Nair, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Sidharath Rungta, President, FIMI, Officers of the Government of North Eastern States, Government of India and other representatives of mining industry were also present on the occasion.
Courtesy: Ministry of Mines release

India to race past 500 million connection mark prior to official deadline

India to race past 500 million connection mark prior to official deadline

Speaking at the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of ‘India Telecom 2009’ on Friday, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Thiru A. Raja, while congratulating the industry in joining hands with Government in crossing the 500 million connection mark well before the timeline said, “About three years back we envisioned to achieve 500 million connections by the end of 2010. The conducive Government policies and the zeal of industry in this sector have helped to put the name of Indian telecom sector on the world map as we have crossed the milestone of 500 million connections in the month of September 2009 and achieved an over all teledensity of 44%”.
He said that with the current pace of growth in mobile sector, the nation is well poised to achieve 500 million wireless connections in December 2009 which will coincide with this event India Telecom 2009. The Ceremony was organised by FICCI in association with Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications & Information Technology. Thiru A Raja further said, “The consistent efforts both by the Government and the industry have helped in reducing the high imbalance of rural urban divide ratio from 1:10 to 1:5 in a short span of 3 years and the rural teledensity jumped from 4.5% to 19%. To further give impetus to telecom infrastructure in rural areas, USO Funds are being leveraged extensively. 6500 mobile towers out of 7500 towers of phase-I with subsidy support from USOF have already started radiating. USOF is also coming with various schemes including laying of dark fibre in a big way for creating adequate backhaul infrastructure in rural area. I am happy that the private sector has started participating in rural sector in a much bigger way and they now account for 80% of the rural telecom market. I am sure that the continued participation by the private sector will help us in achieving the Government target of 40% rural teledensity well before the set timeline of 2014”. Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, Sachin Pilot, also spoke on the occasion.
Courtesy: Ministry of Communications and Information Technology release

Need to enhance budgetary allocation for development of target groups – Mukul Wasnik

Need to enhance budgetary allocation for development of target groups – Mukul Wasnik

While reviewing the welfare schemes pertaining to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Mukul Wasnik the Minister told the members of the Consultative Committee that there is a great need to enhance budgetary allocation for the development of target groups, namely, Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Persons with Disability, Senior Citizens and Victims of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. He was chairing the meeting of the Consultative Committee of Social Justice and Empowerment here on Friday.

The Minister of State, D Napoleon was also present at the meeting. Wasnik also elaborated the functioning of the schemes. He further added that the Ministry has a pivotal role in extending its support to a substantial segment of the population. It is following a three pronged strategy for the educational, social and economic development of these groups. Additionally, the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and victims of substance abuse is an important element of the programmes. The Eleventh Plan Allocation for the Ministry is Rs. 13,043 crore. The budgetary allocation for 2009-10 is Rs. 2500 crore, of which around 76% is for social, educational and economic development of Scheduled Castes. He also assured the members to look into complaints regarding atrocities on the target groups and take stringent action against perpetrators. The Minster also thanked the members for their valuable suggestions regarding the betterment of the target groups. Apart from Secretary, K.M. Acharya and senior officials of the Ministry, some Members of Parliament also attended the meeting. They included - Usha Verma (LS, S.P.), Thol Thirumaavalavan (LS, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katch), Thangso Baite(LS, INC) and Krishna Lal Balmiki (RS, BJP).

Courtesy: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment release

Anand Sharma to address meeting of State Industry Ministers on 17 November

Anand Sharma to address meeting of State Industry Ministers on 17 November

Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry will address a meeting of state Industry Ministers on 17th Nov, 2009 in New Delhi to discuss and deliberate on ways for accelerating Industrial Investments in the country. As a precursor to that meeting, Ajay Shankar, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) on Friday chaired a preparatory conference of State Industry Secretaries. The discussions focused on feasible specific measures for accelerating Industrial Investments through creation of a business friendly policy cum procedural environment in the country.

Courtesy : Ministry of Commerce and Industry release