Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The vision of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is to empower India through
application of nuclear science and technology, and to provide better quality of life to its
citizens. During the period from May, 2014 till December 31, 2014, the programmes of the
Department achieved impressive growth in various segments and domains. These are
described below.
In Nuclear Power generation,Unit 1 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project-1
(KKNPP-1) of 1000 MWe commenced commercial operation on December 31, 2014. With
this, the total number of operating power reactors is 20 with an installed capacity of
5680MWe. The second Unit, KKNPP 2 is also in advanced stage of commissioning. During
the calendar year 2014 the highest ever generation of 37146 MUs was recorded which is 10%
higher than last year's generation. The Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS)-5 recorded a
continuous run of 765 days which is the best in Asia and the second best in the world.
Consent of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) was obtained in
October 2014 to establish the Gorakhpur AnuVidyutPariyojanaHarayana (GHAVP) Units1&2 (2x700 MWe PHWRs).
In the area of uranium exploration, over 16,535 tonnes of additional Uranium Oxide
(U3O8) reserves have been established in Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and Jharkhand during
the year thus taking the country's uranium resources to over 2, 14,158 tonnes of U3O8.
The Tummalapalle uranium project is readying for commissioning in 2015-16. The
mine has achieved the desired ore production capacity and adequate ore has been stockpiled.
Heavy Water production during the financial year 2014-15 was more than 104% of
the target.
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) being constructed at Kalpakkam in
Tamilnadu is nearing completion and is expected to be operational this year. The entire
quantity of enriched Boron for the 1st core of the PFBR has been successfully
prepared. With this,India has found place in the few handful countries possessing such
capability.
DAE has been playing a significant role in the development and applications of
various radioisotopes and radiation technologies in healthcare, industry, agriculture and
research. India is one of the leading countries in the isotope technology today.
In Nuclear Medicine and Healthcare, more than 23,000 consignments of ready to use
radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy of thyroid disorders, neuroendocrine cancers,
bone pain palliation were supplied to various nuclear medicine centres and hospitals all over
India. Over 2, 08,245 in-vivo diagnostic investigations were carried out this year with varied
diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. Around 5575 Radioimmunoassay (RIA) and Immunoradiometric Assay (IRMA) kits amounting to carry out about 572,000 in-vitro investigations
were supplied to various hospitals, research centres and immunoassay laboratories throughout
India.
2014. An agreement for co-operation with the Radiation & Nuclear Safety Authority of
Finland was also signed on 15th of October, 2014 by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
The Department of Atomic Energy and its constituent units organised collective
cleaning programme on 2nd October, 2015 on the eve of 150th Birth Anniversary of Father
of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi under the Swachcha Bharat Mission along with
SwachchataShapath called by the Prime Minister's Office.A series of seminars on DAE
technologies relevant to Swachcha Bharat Abhiyan have been started. First such seminar in
the series was held at Gujrat Technological University, Ahmedabad. A publication with
details of such technologies has also been brought out.
DAE is participating in the National Mission on Clean Ganga as adviser and
technology provider.
DAE, for the first time displayed a tableau in the prestigious 66th Republic Day
Parade Ceremony at Rajpath, New Delhi. The tableau, based on the theme Atoms in the
Service of the Nation, presented nuclear power as a clean and environment friendly energy
option for peace, power and prosperity by showcasing the achievements and services of the
Department in the areas of healthcare management and food & agriculture.
DEPARTMENT OF SPACE
1. With the successful Mars Orbit Insertion of Mars Orbiter Spacecraft on September
24, 2014, ISRO became the fourth Space Agency and first Asian country to
successfully send a spacecraft to Mars and the first nation in the world to do so in its
first attempt. All the five scientific instruments are providing valuable data about the
Mars surface features and Martian atmosphere. The images captured by the Mars
Color Camera are found to be of good quality. Apart from the technological
achievements, Mars orbiter Mission has generated substantial interest in Space
Sciences among the youth in the country. Mars orbiter Mission has been awarded
Space Pioneer Award for science and engineering category for the year 2015 by the
US based National Space Society. The Indira Gandhi Peace prize for Peace,
Disarmament and Development is awarded to ISRO in recognition of its path
breaking achievement, culminating in Mars Orbiter Mission, its significant
contribution in strengthening international cooperation in peaceful use of outer space.
2. The successful launch of first experimental flight of Indias future heavy lift launch
vehicle GSLV Mk III, also known as LVM3-X, on December 18, 2014, which carried
Crew Module atmospheric re-entry Experiment (CARE) as its payload, marked
Indias progress towards self-reliance in launching four ton class of communication
satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. This flight has validated the complex
atmospheric regime of flight and demonstrated the integrity of design of GSLV Mk
III heavy lift next generation launch vehicle. With the successful splash down and
recovery of CARE module, this flight has also demonstrated re-entry characteristics
of the Crew module which is of relevance for future Human Spaceflight.
3. Indias Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C26) successfully launched Indias
third satellite IRNSS-1C, from Sriharikota on October 16, 2014. As part of Space
Commerce, French Remote Sensing Satellite SPOT-7 and four more co-passenger
satellites from Canada, Germany and Singapore were successfully launched using
PSLV-C23 on June 30, 2014. On March 28, 2015 ISROs PSLV-C27 successfully
launched India's Fourth Navigation Satellite IRNSS-1D from Satish Dhawan Space
Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. This is the fourth satellite in the Indian Regional
Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). In the coming months, the next satellite of this
constellation, namely, IRNSS-1E, is scheduled to be launched by PSLV. The entire
IRNSS constellation of seven satellites is planned to be completed by 2016.
4. Indias new communication satellite GSAT-16 carrying 48 communication
transponders (24 Ku-band, 12 C-band and 12 Ext. C Band) was successfully launched
on December 7, 2014 on-board Ariane-V from French Guiana. GSAT-16 has
augmented the INSAT/GSAT system capacity for DTH. TV broadcasting
telecommunication, rural communications and other societal benefits.
5. To maximize the use of space technology and its applications in governance and
development, Department of Space has constituted 18 expert teams to hold proactive
interactions with the Central Ministries/Departments and prepare a joint document on
More Effective Use of Space Technology Tools including identification of potential
Space Applications meeting the requirements of the Ministries/Departments. As on
date, DOS has received response on specific requirements of space technology based
tools from 68 Ministries/Departments. The joint documents detailing the scope of
space applications (short/medium/long term), roles and responsibilities, action plan &
timeline have been prepared. Also, Secretary to Secretary level interactions have
been concluded with 43 Ministries/Department. A National Meet at Vigyan Bhavan,
New Delhi is proposed with participation from all Central Ministries/Departments and
State Governments. It is planned to present the action plan developed for each
Ministry/Department in the National Meet and also showcase success stories on Space
applications and chart out the way forward.
MINISTRY OF AGRI
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
Human Resource Development
MoU has been signed to convert Rajendra Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar
into a Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa.
A new Central Agricultural University has been planned at Barapani, Meghalaya
A Post Graduate Institute of Horticulture is to be established in Amritsar.
National Agricultural Education Project is to be launched with World Bank funding
for development of quality human resource in higher agricultural education and
research.
The number of International Fellowships for pursing Ph.D. in overseas Universities
for Indian students and in Indian Universities for students from overseas has been
increased to 30.
Four Regional Centres have been set up to strengthen National Agricultural
Education Accreditation Board for ensuring and maintaining quality of higher
agricultural education
Strengthening of Research
Indian
Institute
of
Agricultural
Biotechnology is being established at
Ranchi (Jharkhand).
First batch of PG students (M.Sc., 201516) have been admitted in two newly
established national agricultural research
institutes at Asom and Jharkhand being
developed on the pattern of the Indian
Agricultural Research Institute (IARI),
New Delhi popularly known as PUSA
Institute.
IARI has initiated its outreach programme to further expand the PG education by
offering courses in Horticulture and Agricultural Engineering in collaboration
with ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru andICAR-Central
Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal respectively.
National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases has been established at Bhopal
to address the emergence of exotic and trans-boundary animal and zoonotic diseases.
National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics(NIVEDI) has
been established at Bengaluru to study the changing pattern of emerging and reemerging animal diseases.
A Centre for Zoonoses was established at Nagpur in collaboration with Indian
Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to strengthen surveillance on prevalence of
zoonotic diseases.
Agriculture and Technology Foresight Centre (ATFC) is to be established to foresee
the coming changes in agricultural sector and plan accordingly.
Referral Testing Laboratory will be established to improve quality, efficiency and
authenticity of testing of agriculture and allied commodities.
Land resource inventorization at 1:10,000 scale has been initiated for micro-level
agricultural land use planning.
A project has been formulated on hill agriculture under National Mission on
Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem.
Development of countrywide digital agricultural research database - Knowledge
based Resource Information Systems Hub for Innovations (KRISHI) in Agriculture.
Consortia Research Platforms have been planned in following 16 high priority areas of
agricultural research involving multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary teams - Agrobiodiversity Management, Hybrids, Molecular Breeding, Bio-fortification, Borer
(Network Mode), Nanotechnology, Phytochemical & High Value Compounds (Network
Five new Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) were opened in Baksa, Morigaon and
Bogaigaon in Asom, Raigarh in Jharkhand and Banaskantha in Gujarat.
Farmer First- aims to enrich knowledge and integrating technologies in the
farmers conditions and to enhance farmers-scientist interface.
Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav- This scheme is being launched involving agricultural
experts of agricultural universities and ICAR institutes for effective and deeper reach
of scientific farming to the villages. A group of experts will be associated with one
particular village to create awareness and adoption of new technologies including
farm investment, loans, availability of inputs and marketing. All the scientists from
ICAR and agricultural universities will
participate in this initiative.
Krishi Dak - IARI initiated this novel
scheme in 20 districts in which postmen
supplied seeds of improved varieties of
crops to the farmers in far-flung areas.
Owing to its success and popularity, this
scheme is being extended in 100 districts of 14 states with the association of Krishi
Vigyan Kendras. This will provide improved seed to farmers at their doorstep.
New Policies
The first high-resolution SNP -based genetic map of Jute with seven linkage groups
has been developed in agreement with its karyotype.
To address the issue of nodal blight disease of pomegranate, for the first time more
than 300 accessions of pomegranate were imported and on the same lines 16 elite
grape accessions were also imported.
For the first time, the tissue culture protocol were standardized in date palm the
protocol for pomegranate tissue culture were developed and commercialized.
Developed 27 smart technologies for mainstreaming and up-scaling under National
Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.
Under the lab to land activities, 1,24,381 on-farm trials and frontline
demonstrations were conducted at farmers fields and 12.36 lakh farmers,
rural youth and in-service extension personnel were trained. More than 106
lakh participants to part in various extension activities.
KVK produced 10859 ton seeds and 285 lakh planting materials for
distribution among farmers.
Cutting edge research
demand from other State Governments i.e. Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Gujarat
etc. Department proposed to increase the number of plastic parks to be setup from 4 to 10.
The Standing Finance Committee in its meeting held on 8th December, 2014 recommended
the setting up of 10 plastic parks in 12th and 13th Plan Period. The competent authority has
also approved the proposal to be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs.405 crore. During
March, 2015 Rs. 7.5 crore has been released for the Assam Plastic Parks, as the
2nd Installment.
SEMINARS ON CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT POSITIVE
ATTRIBUTES OF PLASTICS & WASTE MANAGEMENT
Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals has approved an amount of Rs.49.50
lakhs to Central Institute of Plastic Engineering & Technology (CIPET ) for
holding Technical Seminars on Promoting Programmes on creating awareness about
positive attributes of plastics/recyclable properties of plastics at six (06) different places
during the year 2014-15. The objectives of organizing the Technical Seminar are in line with
the guidelines of National Policy on petrochemicals announced by the Government of India
pertaining to appropriate methodology for effective plastics waste management in the
country. The details of the Seminars conducted by CIPET are as under:
6.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(v)
8.
INDIA-CHEM 2014: Department of Chemicals and Petrochemical and FICCI
jointly organized the 8th edition of India-Chem, an International Exhibition and Conference,
during October 9-11, 2014 at Mumbai to promote the Indian Chemical Industry. The theme
of the event was Spurting the growth of Indian Chemical and Petrochemical Industry. Iran
participated as the partner country and Japan was the focus country. The Partner State was
Gujarat. State Pavilions of Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana
were also set up. Total 278 exhibitors including 144 international companies from 12
countries such as Germany, U.K., Singapore, UAE, China, Vietnam, Turkey, Iran, Japan,
USA, participated in the Exhibition. More than 15000 Business visitors form a number of
countries attended the event. It facilitated business growth and provided entrepreneurs
exposure and access to new innovative technologies.
9.INTERACTION
WITH
MAJOR
PETROCHEMICALS
INDUSTRY
ASSOCIATIONS AND PREPARATION OF ROADMAP FOR FUTURE: Minister
(Chemicals & Fertilizers) met representatives of Industry Associations viz. Chemicals &
Petrochemicals Manufacturers Association (CPMA), All India Plastics Manufacturers
Association (AIPMA), Organization of Plastics Processors of India(OPPI), Association of
Synthetic Fibre Industry (ASFI), All India Flat Tape manufacturers Association
(AIFTMA), and Plastic Machinery Manufacturers Association of India (PMMAI) related
to petrochemicals and discussed the issues affecting the sector. Based on their suggestions,
a roadmap is being prepared to address issues related to duty structure for the
petrochemical value chain, impact of Foreign Trade Agreements (FTAs), Technology
upgradation, skilling manpower, plastic waste management, standardization of plastic
products, Plastic Processing Machinery etc.
10.
12. CENTRAL
INSTITUTE
OF
PLASTICS
ENGINEERING
AND
TECHNOLOGY
(CIPET):
Skill Development:
(i)
Skill training to around 43000 candidates in 2014-15 to meet the needs of
plastics and allied industries, MoUs signed with some State Governments.
(ii)
Achieved almost 100% placement of trained students from CIPET.
(iii)
Exercise to assess skilled manpower requirement of plastics sector completed.
Around 11 lakh manpower required during the next decade.
(iv)
Schemes with revised outlay of around Rs. 587 crore have been processed as part
of Mid-Term Assessment of the 12th Five Year Plan for hostel facilities, 6 new
Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) / High Learning Centre (HLC) and
strengthening of R&D / technology infrastructure.
Make in India:
Tied up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) & Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and
other organizations for indigenization of plastic products, technology solutions, R&D with
focus on MAKE IN INDIA.
Technology & R&D:
MoUs with Moscow State University, Russia, I-CREATE and SABIC Technology Centre
India for joint collaborative research work / student exchange.
Outcomes & Benefits:
The downstream plastic processing industries require a range of skilled manpower for shop
floor processing, maintenance work etc. The strengthening of civil & technical infrastructure
and R&D activities / tie ups in CIPET enhances its capability and resources for providing
practical skill development training to unemployed & under privilege segment of the society
for tapping a large existing job opportunities. In addition, specialised education across the
spectrum of polymer science & technology from the diploma to the Ph.D levels, also add to
the growth of the plastic & allied industries.
13. OTHERS:
The Department has deepened its engagement with the chemical and petrochemical
industry. Meetings have been held with the industry in March, 2015 to discuss
(i)
issues and roadmap related with alternate feedstock like Oleo Chemicals in the
country;
(ii)
the status, gaps and way forward for the Skill Development in the Chemicals
Sector; and
(iii)
the problems faced by Pesticides Industry.
As a follow-up action with respect to short-term initiatives such as `Administrative
integration under one umbrella, Department has inter-alia taken up the issue of reallocation
of (i) the administration of Insecticides Act 1968 and the rules made there under with
Department of Agriculture and Cooperation and (ii) transfer of subjects like paint, soap and
detergent with Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.
DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS
1. Revival of PSUs, setting up of new projects :
S.no. Subject
1
Present status
Action plan in 3
yrs
Revival of Barauni Cabinet in its meeting held on Commissioning
Unit of HFCL
31.3.2015 approved revival of expected in 3 yrs
Barauni unit through bidding
route. CCEA Note to be submitted
by 30/6/2015
Revival of Gorakhpur Cabinet in its meeting held on
unit of FCIL
31.3.2015 approved revival of
Gorakhpur unit through bidding
route. CCEA Note to be submitted
by 30/6/2015
Revival of Sindri unit Comments on draft CCEA Note
of FCIL
were sought from stake holder
Ministries/ Deptts which has now
been received and Cabinet Note is
under finalization and expected to
be submitted by 30/6/2015
Financial
A CCEA Note was sent to Cabinet
Restructuring
of Secretariat & PMO. PMO directed
FACT
to resolve the issues raised by
Department of Expenditure ( DOE).
A meeting was held at the level of
Secretaries
of
the
both
Departments.
The
comments/
minutes are awaited from DOE.
CCEA Note to be submitted by
30/6/2015
Financial
Cabinet note sent to Cab Sectt and
Restructuring
of expected to be approved by
BVFCL and setting 30/6/2015
up
of
Namrup
ammonia/urea plant
Revival
of
Ramagundam
and
Talcher units of FCIL
Setting up of a SSP
plant in Rajasthan
Setting up of a new
Commissioning
expected in 3 yrs
Commissioning
expected in 3 yrs
Financial
Restructuring of
FACT in 3 yrs
Financial
Restructuring of
BVFCL in 3 yrs
setting up of
Namrup ammonia
/ urea plant by JV
It is proposed to be revived by Commissioning
nominated PSUs for setting up expected in 3 yrs
of 1.30 mt per annum. The
commissioning dates are 30.9.2018
and 31.12.2018 resp.
The process has been started.
Setting up of a
SSP plant in
Rajasthan
by
FAGMIL
RCF is in the process to firm up Setting up of a
envisaging a tracking system where each bag of fertilizer supplied, eligible for
government subsidy, can be traced across the supply chain points. The subsidy to be
paid by the government will be linked with the scanning of fertilizer bag at
wholesalers/retailer end. Each fertilizer bag will be tagged with a barcode at the
manufacturing site/port. The fertilizer bag then will be scanned at certain number of
pre-defined locations during the movement from plant/port to the retailers outlet for
tracking and tracing. An Expression of Interest was issued by the department in
Oct14 and department is in process of taking next steps to shortlist the eligible
bidders.
10. Project mFMS (Mobile Fertilizer Monitoring System): DOF launched a new
project mFMS in Nov 2012 to capture the availability of fertilizers at the last point
(retail shop) in the supply chain from whom farmers buys the fertilizers. mFMS
system is proposed to be implemented in four phases as follows:
Phase I: Phase I will capture fertilizer receipts at the wholesale and retail level and a
portion of the subsidy (5-15% depending on the grade of fertilizer) will be given to
manufacturers only when the retailer acknowledges the receipt in the mFMS. An
incentive of INR 50 MT will also be given to the retailers in this phase for
acknowledging the transactions. These acknowledgements are transferred from
mFMS to FMS for generation of balance claims.
Phase II: Part subsidy payment to the manufacturers on the basis of the information
of retailer sales of fertilizers captured in mFMS.
Phase III: Subsidy payment to the retail customer on the basis of fertilizer sales
made to him/her.
Phase IV: Subsidy payment to the farmer on the basis of details of sales made to
him/her.
Current Status:
Phase I is now stabilized and Phase II of mFMS which capture the retailer sales of
fertilizers to buyer is in pilot state and was rolled out in 6 districts (NawanshaharPunjab, East Godavari- Andhra Pradesh, Sonipat- Haryana, Bilaspur- Himachal
Pradesh, Ajmer- Rajasthan, and Madurai- Tamil Nadu) on 1st August 2013. At
present, conclusion/ feedback reports have been received from Lead fertilizer
suppliers (LFS), who were given the responsibility of implementing phase II in the
allocated districts. The LFS have implemented Phase II as outsourcing model
wherein data is collected through outsourcing agencies. As feedback from LFS is that
this model is not scalable, DoF has decided to discontinue this model and is
evaluating alternate methods of implementation.
Next steps:
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data For Phase II, DoF has undertaken
initial discussions with Department of Agriculture and an Unstructured
Supplementary Service Data based application to capture retailers sales through
mobile is proposed to be implemented which would be integrated with mFMS. This
would capture retailers sale only and not the buyers data.
1. As part of capturing retailers sales, the product wise daily sales will be captured
through USSD
2. For, the same, the retailer has to select the product he has sold on his mobile screen
and enter total quantity of that product which has been sold during the day. No
internat connection is required for the same and the data can be transferred through
GSM based mobile phone.
USSD messages as received from the retailer will carry cumulative sales data (product-wise)
and will eventually be uploaded to mFMS
Hyderabad Airport has been ranked as best airport in the world in the capacity of 515 million passengers by ACI.
Kolkata airport has been awarded as best improvement category airport in Asia
Pacific region by ACI.
AAI prepared a roadmap for the commissioning of Common User Domestic Air
Cargo Terminal (CUDCT) at 24 airports managed by AAI in a phased manner.
AAI has commissioned Common User Domestic Air Cargo Terminals at
Coimbatore, Jaipur and Lucknow Airports.
Anti Hijacking Bill 2014 was introduced in Rajya Sabha on 17-12-2014. The
department related Parliament Committee has given its comments on it and is now
under submission for putting up to Cabinet as per due procedure.
Award of contract of Port Blair Airport: To improve facilities to air travellers to
Andamans and Nicobar islands, which has emerged as a major tourist destination,
AAI has awarded the contract to construct a new integrated terminal building at Veer
Savarkar International airport, Port Blair. The cost of the project is about Rs. 374
cores and on commissioning, the airport will have the capacity to handle 600
domestic and 600 international passengers. The contract for construction of new
integrated terminal building has been finalized. The new terminal building would
provide comfortable and modern facilities to the passengers. Besides promoting
tourism, the augmented airport infrastructure would facilitate economic activities
between the islands and rest of the country.
State-of-the-art Automation system at Kolkata has been installed and Data from
9 Radars and 8 ADS B stations have been integrated into the System. The training
requirements w.r.t. CNS-ATM has been completed and the system has been put into
operations from 11th August 2014. The system provides the Controllers with the
decision-making tools, safety alerts and conflicted prediction/detection tools leading
to enhanced safety and efficiency of aircraft operations. The automation system is an
enabler for the on-going implementation of upper airspace harmonization in Kolkata
FIR with anticipated benefits of improved operational efficiency, uniform procedures
and seamless ATM.
ATM Automation system at Mumbai has been upgraded and Radar data from
Mumbai ,Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Hyderabad, Porbander, Bellary and Nagpur
Radars have been integrated into the System, leading to enhanced and seamless
Radar coverage and permitting enhanced safety of aircraft operations.
Facilitation of disabled passengers: - An order in the form of Civil Aviation
Requirements (CAR) has already been issued on facilities to be provided to disabled
passengers. The said Order extends following facilities to the disabled persons:
1. Two window seats have been blocked till 24 hours of departure of flight for the
disabled persons, provided these seats are not on the door of emergency exit.
2. Checkin baggage will be delivered to disabled persons either at the ladder point or
exit of escalator belt.
3. Airline Ground Handling Staff will be provided specialised training to handle
disabled persons.
4. On damage of assistive equipment of disabled persons, he will be compensated
by Airport Operator or Airline or GSA who is responsible for the damage.
CISF has established Helpdesk on 59 airports for assisting the passengers.
QR code based mobile application for Public Grievance System started at 65
Airports out of 66 airports of AAI.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation:
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (KYR) PORTAL OF DGCA : A new Portal KYR has been
finalised by DGCA and will be launched within a week for passenger-related
information, their rights and grievance redressal mechanism, etc. The information will
be provided on the rights of passengers in cases of delays, cancellation and denied
boarding; Lost, delayed, misplaced and damaged baggage; and on matters relating
to booking, airfare components & on refund of air tickets. The information will also
cover the passengers requiring special assistance i.e. passengers with reduced
mobility or disability and senior citizens, expectant mothers, first time travellers, etc.
The information on availability of Grievance Redressal Mechanism under the
relevant Civil Aviation Requirements, Names of Nodal Officers & Appellate Authority
of airline/airport operator along with their contact number and email address as also
the dedicated email of DGCA sugam.dgca@nic.in shall be shared with the public.
FAAs Audit of DGCA India under International Aviation Safety Assessment
Programme (IASA): Based on the identification of Significant Safety Concerns by International Civil
Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in December 2012, FAA conducted an audit of DGCA
in September 2013 under the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA)
programme with a follow-up visit in December 2013. On 31st January 2014, FAA
informed DGCA that India has been downgraded to Category 2.
The impact of downgrade is that no expansion/ changes to the services of Indian
air carriers operating to US are allowed. The existing operations of Indian air carriers
to US are subjected to heightened FAA surveillance. This leads to an economic
impact to the nation and also setbacks countrys image worldwide with an adverse
fall out by other countries.
DGCA completed actions to address the above findings which were presented to
the FAA team during the final discussions held on 30th and 31st March 2015. Based
on the positive outcomes of these final discussions, FAA has made the
determination that India meets requirements under international oversight standards
of the Chicago Convention and the Annexes thereto and Indias IASA Category has
been upgraded to Category 1. State Safety Programme/Safety Management System
Implementation in India:-
In accordance with the ICAO SARPs, India has established State Safety
Programme which is to be implemented in the phased manner. As part of Phase III
implementation DGCA- India has established following Seven (07) key State safety
priorities. They have been established based upon the available data and majority of
these key safety priorities are also being monitored by other leading countries in
Aviation. Historically, these have accounted for the majority of accidents or serious
incidents globally and in India.
Airborne conflict
Controlled flight into terrain
Runway excursions and overruns
Wildlife and bird strikes
Loss of control in flight
Ground collisions and ramp safety
Deficient Maintenance
Air India joined the largest and most prestigious of Airline Alliances Star Alliance
on 11th July, 2014 after a close scrutiny of its financial safety and operational
performance by the 26 most influential airlines of the world. This was achieved after
a prolonged effort of 7 years. The integration with star Alliance was achieved within a
record 5 months once the in principle decision was taken by the Star Top
Management to induct Air India. The induction of Air India will provide our
passengers seamless connectivity to 1300 destinations served by the 26 partner
airlines and also give Frequent Fliers of Air India an opportunity to earn and burn
miles of other partner carriers. It will also add premium class passengers to Air
Indias traffic.
Air India implemented an ambitious Customer Service Improvement Plan within 5
months of joining the Star Alliance to match the highest standards of international
airlines.
Air India complied with Prime Ministers directive to go digital. Went in the Facebook
and Twitter in a short span of three months. Developed an interactive website and
mobile app during this year.
Adopted e office and digitized all current files.
Air India has embarked on consultation with vendors to implement the next
generation concept of interest of things, an ideal floated by Honble Prime Minister in
as far as Electronic Flight bag and monitoring of all preflight activities is concerned.
The concept will be implemented in the next three months.
Entered into Code Share with Air Canada and signed MOUs with Air Aviana and Air
Eva. Successfully negotiated Code Shares with Air New Zealand, LOT Polish and
Tap Portugal which shall be signed formallyafter Government approval.
Expanded the network by adding Moscow from 18th July, 2014 and Rome and
Milan, Italy from 6th July, 2014 in an effort to recreate the traditional international
footprint old air India.
MOU was signed with DONER to expand services in the remote corners of North
East to fulfil the commitment of serving undeserved and unserved areas.
Massive Evacuation operations were conducted to bring out stranded Indians and
foreigners from war stricken Libya, Iraq and Yemen. Air India successfully evacuated
1361 Indian workers and 9 children from Iraq and Libiya in its six special flights from
04.07.2014 to 18.08.2014. Outstanding feats of bravery were achieved by Air India
pilots, Cabin crew and Engineers during the evacuation operations.
Air India discharged its responsibility as a National Carrier when it conducted a
massive exercise to evacuate nearly 2000 people from the flood affected areas of
Jammu and Ladakh. About 300 tonnes of relief material was flown to Srinagar during
exercise. Air India gave the lead by carrying out the entire operation grantis as a
mark of national service. Sanction was also issued for voluntary contribution of one
days salary of the employees of the Ministry and its attached offices to PM Relief
Fund.
In compliance with PMs diplomatic initiative, new flights have been announced to
Colombo and Toronto. A free flowing Code Share has been signed with Mauritius in
the wake of PMs visit to Mauritius in March 2014.
Air India has undertaken an ambitious plan of labour reforms by initiating process of
unifying its existing 14 trade unions into only 3. The process is likely to be completed
in 2015.
Initiatives taken by Pawan Hans Limited
Countrys first Integrated Heliport is being constructed at Rohini, New Delhi at a
cost of approx. Rs.95 crores. The construction of this project commenced in August,
2014 and the scheduled completion date is March, 2016.
MRO services shall be established for helicopters 1st of its kind in country.
Emergency Medical Evacuation / Air Ambulance Services
(a) MoUs signed with AIIMS and Apollo Hospitals at New Delhi and GNRC hospital
at Guwahati for providing helicopters as and when required basis to meet such
requirements.
E-office has been made fully functional in the MoCA since 25th December 2014. EOffice is being introduced in all subordinate offices as well. Switchover from manual
filing system to electronic filing system, including electronic leave management and
tour management system is done. Digitisation of nearly 20 lakh pages/13000 files
including service books of employees of this Ministry done.
To integrate all allocations aviation sector, aConcept paper for adoption of Internet
of Things has been prepared and circulated .
The entire office building has now been Wi-fi enabled since July 27, 2014.
MINISTRY OF COAL
3. Automatic transfer of coal linkage/LoA granted to the old plants while scrapping
and replacing them with new plants
The issue of formulation of a policy regarding automatic transfer of coal linkage in case
of
scrapping of old plants by replacing them with new plants has been under consideration for some
time. The matter was placed before the SLC (LT) meeting held on 27.06.2014. The Committee
decided that LoA / linkage granted to the old plant shall be automatically transferred to the new
plant of nearest supercritical capacity. If the capacity of the new supercritical plant is higher than the
old plant, additional coal may be accorded priority subject to the availability of coal on best effort
basis from CIL. At least 50% of capacity of new supercritical plant has to be retired. This policy shall
be applicable to pre-NCDP plants in public sector only, which have already been granted long term
Linkages/ LoAs. Automatic transfer of LoA as explained above shall be permissible only when the
new plant is set up within the State in which the old plant was located and the old plant is actually
scrapped. The old plant shall continue to operate till the CoD of new plant.
The proposal of GSECL and NTPC has been agreed to. The domestic coal against FSA of GSECL from
Korea-Rewa has been allowed to be used by NTPC for their Sipat plant. Destination change of
domestic coal has been allowed, keeping all other terms constant, subject to railway logistics.
Arrangement with respect to imported coal may be on their mutual terms, subject to decision in this
regard by CEA/MoP. The system is in place and working satisfactorily.
B. Coal block auction and allotment under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015
In order to allocate coal mines under the provisions of the Act:-
Accrual from auctioned blocks:The total estimated amount of revenue likely to be raised over the leased period in respect of 29
coal mines already auctioned is Rs. 1,71,962 crore.
Apart from this, royalty of Rs. 20,621 crore, upfront payment of Rs. 932 crore accrues to the
States.
The auction proceeds to be transferred to the respective State Governments. Eastern states
would be the biggest beneficiary and would financially empower them.
Rs. 69,310 Crore by way of tariff concession to the consumers of power from the 12 blocks
auctioned for Power Sector.
Accrual from allotted blocks:Notice inviting application for allotment of 43 coal mines to Government companies issued on
18.02.2015. Allotment of 38 mines done on 23.03.15.
Overall value creation of Rs. 4.04 lakh crore from 67 coal blocks auctioned and allotted so
far.
6. Coal production:
1 Billion Tonnes production program of CIL by 2019-20 has been finalised.
Coal production target and achievement in the Coal India & Singareni Collieries Co. Ltd,
for the year 2014-15 given as under
April- March, 2015
% Achievement
Target
Actual
507.000
494.228
97%
55.000
52.563
96%
Launching and managing Coal Project Monitoring Portal (CPMP) to resolve issues of coal
companies pending at State Govt. as well as Central Ministries. The portal has now been open to
the recent allottees of Coal Blocks.
12.Disinvestment of CIL
To comply with the SEBI guidelines of minimum public shareholding for listed companies, 10%
out of 89.65% of Government of India Shareholding has been disinvested though offer for sale
(OFS) method on 30.01.2015.
GOI is building a pentagon of corridors across the country to boost manufacturing and
to project India as a Global Manufacturing destination of the world.
Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) is being developed as a global
manufacturing and investment destination utilising the 1483 km long, high capacity
western Dedicated Railway Freight Corridor (DFC) as the backbone.
The project is featured in KPMGs 100 Most Innovative Global Projects as one of the
worlds most innovative and inspiring infrastructure projects.
Plan to develop new manufacturing cities, logistic hubs and residential townships along
the DFC.
24 manufacturing cities envisaged in the DMIC project.
Sectors of focus include general manufacturing, IT/ITES, electronics including hightech industries, automobiles & auto ancillary, agro & food processing, heavy
engineering, metals and metallurgical products, pharmaceuticals & biotech and
services sector.
Other four corridors which have been conceptualised are Bengaluru-Mumbai Economic
Corridor(BMEC), Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Development Corridor(AKIC),
Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor(CBIC), East Coast Economic Corridor(ECEC)
with Chennai Vizag Industrial Corridor as the first phase of the project (CVIC).
NEW SECTORS
With the easing of investment caps and controls, Indias high-value industrial sectors
defence, construction and railways are now open to global participation.
Policy in Defence sector liberalised and FDI cap raised from 26% to 49%.
Portfolio investment in Defence sector permitted upto 24% under the automatic route.
100% FDI allowed in Defence sector for modern and state of the art technology on case
to case labels.
100% FDI under automatic route permitted in construction, operation and maintenance
in specified Rail Infrastructure projects.
FOREIGN TRADE POLICY 2015-2020
Released On 01-04-2015
Foreign Trade Policy closely integrated with Make in India, Digital India and Skills
India initiatives.
Focus of the new policy is to support both the manufacturing and services sectors with
a special emphasis on improving the ease of doing business.
FTP for 2015-20 based on principles such as encouraging the export of labour intensive
products, Agricultural products, high tech products with high export earning potential
and eco-friendly and green products and work on focussed market diversification.
FTP for 2015-20 introduces two new schemes. The Merchandise Exports from India
Scheme(MEIS) is for export of specified goods to specified markets. The Services
Exports from India Scheme(SEIS) is for increasing exports of notified services.
Duty credit scrips issued under MEIS and SEIS and the goods imported against these
scrips are fully transferable.
The FTP supports Maki in India through measures to encourage procurement of of
capital goods from indigenous manufacturers under EPCG Scheme by reducing
Export Obligation by 25%.
In order to boost exports from SEZs, benefits of both the reward schemes MEIS &
SEIS extended to units located in SEZs.
Ministry of CIT
I.
DIGITAL INDIA
After the formation of the new Government, Digital India has been envisioned as an
ambitious umbrella programme to prepare India for knowledge based transformation. This
programme is viewed as a Game Changer, from the perspective of delivery of pro-citizen
good governance, with the synchronized and coordinated engagement of the entire
Government. The Programme was conceptualized within 100 days of Government
formation.
To realize the vision of the Prime Minister, Digital India Programme has identified the
three key areas, viz.(i) Digital infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen, (ii) Governance
and Services on Demand, and (iii) Digital Empowerment of Citizens. The focus of Digital
India programme is on being transformative to realize IT (India Today) + IT (Information
Technology) = IT (India Tomorrow) and on making technology central to enabling change.
This programme aims to provide the required thrust to the nine pillars of growth viz.
Broadband Highways; Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity; Public Internet Access
Programme; E-Governance: Reforming Government through Technology; eKranti Electronic Delivery of Services; Information for All; Electronics Manufacturing: Target Net
Zero Imports; IT for Jobs and Early Harvest Programmes.
Digital India is coordinated by DeitY and implemented by the entire Government.
During the past over seven months, certain projects under the Early Harvest Programmes
and other Pillars of the Digital India referred above have been implemented, while the work
is proceeding at a fast pace in respect of others Pillars for timely implementation, as
indicated below:
II.
It is estimated that demand of electronics products and systems in India would grow
to about USD 400 Billion by 2020. At the conventional rate of growth of domestic
production, it would only be possible to meet demand of about USD 100 Billion by 2020.
The Government attaches high priority to electronics & IT hardware manufacturing. It has
the potential to generate domestic wealth and employment, apart from enabling cybersecure ecosystem.
There have been some efforts for rapid growth of the electronics (including telecom)
hardware manufacturing sector in the past like 100% FDI permitted under automatic
route, no Industrial license requirement, payment of technical know-how fee and royalty
for technology transfer under automatic route. However, these efforts have not led to a
substantial impact; partly because of India is a signatory to the Information Technology
Agreement (ITA-1) that has resulted in a zero duty regime on import of the goods
covered under the Agreement. India has also executed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA) with several countries/ trading blocks, which
has enabled zero duty import of items not covered under ITA. Other factors hampering
the growth of electronics includes lack of reliable power, high cost of finance, poor
logistics & infrastructure, weak components manufacturing base, lack of targeted &
proactive R&D in collaboration with industry etc.
The development of the electronics system design & manufacturing sector in the
country will lead to greater economic growth through more manufacturing and
consequently greater employment. The Government has taken various initiatives in this
area. It is up-to stakeholder including Industry and states to take advantage of these
policies and promote electronics manufacturing in a big way, especially because the
electronics sector has potential to create large number of employment opportunities for
the youth as well as spur the economic development of the State as well.
The achievements after the inception of new government are as below:
III.
Human Resource Development
Skill Development Scheme for electronic sector attracting 3.28 lakh persons
at an estimated cost of Rs. 411 crore approved.
A scheme for increasing the number of PhDs in Electronics & IT started
implementation from academic year 2014-15. 291 Full time and 38 part-time
PhD students supported across universities in India.
A scheme for setting up of 7 new regional Electronics & IT Academies across
the country to improve quality of graduate education in electronics and IT
approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 147.48 crore.
A scheme to provide Digital Literacy (DISHA) for 42.5 lakh persons at an
estimated cost of Rs. 380 crore approved. Under implementation, especially
targeting ASHA workers, Aanganwadi workers and Authorized Ration Shop
dealers.
New Centres of NIELIT at Ranchi and Kokrajhar have been made operational
and centres at Muzaffarpur and Buxor in Bihar are in pipeline.
IV. IT Promotion
A Scheme to incentivise the growth of IT Industry in the North East Region
through BPO Operations has been approved, with a view to create
employment opportunities and expand the base of IT Industry. Further steps
are being taken for the implementation of this Scheme. Besides, another
Scheme to promote growth of IT Industry particularly in the smaller cities
towns in other parts of the country is separately under formulation.
products, leads to the generation of huge quantities of electronic waste (ewaste), which is one of the fastest growing waste streams worldwide
today. There is huge gap between generation and recycling needs to be
bridged by improving the channelization of the e-waste for proper recycling
and establish a system of accountability in e-waste management. A Major
Program for Creating awareness of Electronic waste has been initiated to
improve the situation of e-waste management. The DPR was finalized and
money transferred to STPI in 2014-15. Implementation initiated.
VII.
Updated Indian Language Toolkit CD for Windows 8.1 and Ubuntu 11.04
A software toolkit containing fonts and tools for processing 22 scheduled Indian
languages on computers have been made available since year 2006. This toolkit is
continuously being upgraded with useful software for latest operating systems. In the
year 2014 it has been upgraded for windows 8.1 and Ubuntu 11.04. This user
friendly kit facilitates users with standards complaint and free of cost software to carry
out their day to day computer related tasks in local languages like word processing,
create presentations, spread sheets, create and access online multilingual knowledge
resources, databases, drawings, Email, Chat, etc. So far there has been over 12 lakh
shipments and 1.25 crore downloads. The kit contains various updated software tools
like Localized Libre Office, Open Type Fonts, Keyboard Drivers, Firefox Web Browser,
E-mailing Client, etc and new localized software namely GNUCash, Inkscape, Tuxpaint
and Joomla for public use. These software tools can be freely downloaded
from http://www.ildc.in/. or CD can be obtained on request.
Best Practices for Localization of Mobile web applications in Indian Languages
Realising the potential of mobile device as future access device for the web. Which is
already popular with select younger generation, a set of guidelines were formulated as
Best Practices to help developers to localize their software products / services on
Mobiles in Indian languages. Various important topics have been addressed in this
document like Inputting, storage and rendering Indian language data, Unicode migration
from legacy data, Usage of Common Locale Data Repository (CLDR), Characters
encoding for proper representation on various platforms, Unicode, directionality issues
with right to left scripts such as Urdu and the problem of using Cascading Style Sheets
(CSS ) in context Indian languages.
This will lead to better integration and interoperability of localised web applications
being made available on mobile.
Indic Layout Draft
There have been challenges in getting correct display of Indian languages in various
web browsers. This needs to be catered at browser level for which standards are
produced by W3C which are globally adopted. Therefore, for addressing this issue
a draft web standard for correct display of Indian languages have been produced by
this department and communicated to W3C for adoption. The W3C Internationalization
Working Group has published a First Public Working Draft of Indic Layout Requirements
(http://www.w3.org/TR/2014/WD-ilreq-20141216/) on behalf of the Indic Layout Task
Force, chaired by DeitY representative and is part of the W3C Internationalization
Interest Group.
This document describes the basic requirements for Indic script layout for text
support on the Web and in eBooks. These requirements provide information for Web
technologies such as CSS, HTML and SVG about how to support users of Indic
scripts. This draft covers major issues of e-content of Hindi language and definition of
ABNF(Augmented BackusNaur Form) based valid segmentation-Indic syllable in order
to create standardize format of text layout on the web. The draft discusses some of the
major layout requirements in first letter pseudo-element, vertical arrangements of
characters, letter spacing, text segmentation, line breaking and collation rules in Indic
languages.
Recognition of use of Optical Character Recognition Software with Braille
Interface
The Gift of New Abilities, a project started in Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in
Bengaluru developed with DeitY support, uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
technology for Tamil language to enable the blind to access printed text. So far, more
than 500 Tamil books (school, college, story and general) have been converted by OCR
and delivered as Braille books to hundreds of blind students in Tamil Nadu. OCR has
been installed free of charge in several computers of RCMCT Worth Trust Rehabilitation
Centre, Chennai and they have been running it as a service for blind students. Worth
Trust uses the OCR to recognize and convert printed text to Unicode first and then to
Braille code and prints them on a Braille printer and gives the Braille book to the
requesting blind person. Similarly, the Kannada version has been given to some
voluntary agencies and individual blind students in Karnataka. Availability of this software
saved time and cost in converting Tamil books into Braille format.
VIII.
E-Learning
Development of Online Labs (OLabs) is an innovative, interactive simulation and eLearning initiative jointly developed by CDAC, Mumbai and Amrita University. It is a
virtual online laboratory experiment, which provides students with the ease and
convenience of conducting experiments over the internet.
It has been developed to supplement the traditional physical labs and bridge the
constraints of time and geographical distances. OLabs content are aligned to the
CBSE syllabus for class 9, 10, 11 and 12. Thirty online experiments for class 9 & 10
in Physics and Chemistry were already developed in phase I. In phase II as on today,
total of 76 experiments/activities for classes IX, X, XI and XII have been developed.
These include 12 Physics labs, 22 Chemistry labs, 17 Biology labs, 18 Mathematics
activities and 7 English activities. About 51 more are under development and
remaining 31 experiments are yet to be done. Making all these virtual labs
compatible to Android based tablets is going on. Prototype for translation of Labs in
Marathi, Hindi, etc. was completed. OLabs reached a significant milestone when the
CBSE officially endorsed it via a circular send to all 15,000 schools to use OLabs as
a
teaching
aid,
which
is
available
at: http://cbseacademic.in/web_material/Circulars/2013/15_Olabs.pdf
OLabs has been found to supplement traditional lab activities. This not only reduces
the costs incurred for conducting experiments in real time but gives a student the
flexibility to explore and repeat experiments till they are well versed with the
experiments.
Typically, in Indian Schools, students in Class 9 and 10 do not get sufficient
exposure to Science Practical. In many schools, many of the science equipments for
practical are not available. OLabs supplements learning and allows them to practice
multiple times. OLabs allow conceptual understanding of science practical and our
research studies in controlled environments have shown that students are motivated
and have comparable learning when compared to traditional labs. Its major impact is
given as under:
Over 60,000 students are registered at OLabs website. More students use
them in schools (without internet).
OLabs has been showcased at various conferences. Teacher training for 4,300
teachers provided at workshops and directly at schools.
OLabs Video Conferencing for 1000 schools was organized by Centre for
Innovations in Public Systems. http://www.cips.org.in/Video?ID=31
Adaptable e-Learning Accessibility Model for the Disabled (e-Saadhya) implemented by
CDAC, Bangalore jointly with CDAC, Hyderabad. Major achievement of this project is the
development of a framework, namely e-Saadhya, which is an education framework for
children with autism and mild mental retardation.
The e-Saadhya framework includes a special educators environment with standard
assessments, Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and lesson plans along with a
multimedia based individual learning environment. The child logs in to the framework
to access the personalized lessons and exercises which are created by the educator/
parent from their login environment.
More particularly, e-Saadhya framework supports creation of education plans for
individuals based on profile information of individuals and monitoring status of the
individuals towards the education plans. The solution framework supports both
IX.
teaching and learning for individual and associated stakeholder including educators,
parents and therapists.
National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIMH) is associated with e-Saadhya
project. Awareness Programmes through workshop etc. were conducted where
above framework was demonstrated. The framework is deployed in 20 special
schools in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi and is found to be useful.
Cyber Security
Millions of people in the country (both in rural and urban areas) rely on the services
and information available in cyber space. Increasingly, the work of government, business
and national infrastructure is being highly dependent on cyber space. As the quantity
and value of electronic information have increased so too have the business models and
efforts of criminals and other adversaries who have embraced the cyber space as a
more convenient and profitable way of carrying out their activities anonymously. Hence,
security of cyber space has become an important part of national agenda.
Considering the vital importance, DeitY is implementing a programme on Cyber
Security that is aimed at building a secure and resilient cyberspace for citizens,
businesses and Government, by way of actions to protect information and information
infrastructure in cyberspace, build capabilities to prevent and respond to cyber threats,
reduce vulnerabilities and minimize damage from cyber incidents through a combination
of institutional structures, people, processes, technology and cooperation.
A number of initiatives have been taken towards securing cyber space. These
initiatives have focused on the issues such as cyber security threat perceptions, threats
to critical information infrastructure and national Security, protection of critical information
infrastructure, adoption of relevant security technologies, enabling legal processes,
mechanisms for security compliance and enforcement, Information Security awareness,
training and research.
The following initiatives taken up have significantly contributed to the creation of a
platform that is capable of supporting and sustaining the efforts to securing the cyber
space. These are being continued, refined and strengthened to meet the requirements of
dynamic nature of cyber threat scenario.
time based on DNS traffic, (d) System to analyze online content of multiple
social media sites, (e) Anti-malware solution for web applications and mobiles
, (f) Password recovery tool implemented for MsOffice, PDF, WinRar and
Winzip , (g) Security Solutions for SCADA system and (h) Mobile Device
Security Solution for Android and Tizen OS platforms.
CERT-In is setting up a centre for detection of computer systems infected by
malware and bots and to notify, enable cleaning and securing systems of end
users to prevent further malware infections. Approval for the project has been
received and implementation is in progress.
The Department has prepared plans to establish National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) at an estimated cost of Rs. 800 crores, for
monitoring the web traffic to ensure prevention from cyber attacks and any
malicious cyber activity. This shall also have the capability for detection and
cleaning of infected systems (Botnets).
X.
National Informatics Centre
With the launching of Digital India Programme by Honble Prime Minister with
the objective to transform India into a digital empowered society and
knowledge economy, the role of NIC has increased manifold.
Application development of MyGov Portal, Aadhar Enabled Biometric
Attendance System (AEBAS), Jeevan Praman for Pensioners, eSameeksha,
eGreetings, eSampark Programme, National Portal for lost and found
children, Tourist Visa on Arrival, Secure email within Government, Shram
Suvidha Portal etc. are the key achievements.
NIC has been responsible for country-wide implementation of various eGovernance projects including many Mission Mode Projects of the department
and other major projects such as Mobile Fertilizer Monitoring System (mFMS),
ePanchayat, Cooperative Core Banking Solution (CCBS), National Portal on
eTransaction Analysis and Aggregation Layer (eTaal), National Animal
Disease Reporting System (NADRS), e-Courts, ePrisons, Immigration Visa
Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT), Central Plan Schemes
Monitoring System (CPSMS), e-Scholarship, e-procurement, e-office, e-health
etc.
NKN is a state-of-the art multi-gigabit pan-India Network for providing a
unified high speed network backbone for various knowledge related
institutions in the country. During FY 2014-15, NKN has connected 178
number of edge links.
DEPARTMENT OF POSTS
This government has taken various initiatives to revamp the 1,55,000 Post
Offices network to meet the growing challenges of changing times.
(A) Post Office to become vehicles for Financial Inclusion:
(B) Post Office to facilitate and partner with eCommerce companies in India:
eCommerce can revolutionise the rural India and Post Office can play a
significant role.
Tie-ups have been made with eCommerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart,
Snapdeal, YepMe and Naaptol for delivery of eCommerce parcels.
Parcel booking and transfer facilities have been augmented all over the
country.
This has resulted in 13% growth in business parcel traffic in last 10 months.
Post Office at your door step: Though solar charged mobile hand-held
devices with biometric facility, 1,30,000 rural post offices can offer money
order, saving banks, registered/speed post and parcel bookings/delivery, and
social security payments at door steps.
Indias largest Wide Area Network (WAN): By connecting 27,247 post
offices, mail offices, accounts offices, administrative offices and store depots
through Indias largest Wide Area Network (WAN), the Department can now
offer ATM and anywhere banking facilities. 100 ATMs already installed and
Core Banking Solution extended to 2148 Post Offices.
SMS alert facility for Speed Post sender as well as recipient started.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for the education and welfare of the girl child was
launched by the Honble PM on 22nd January 2015.
Within a short span of 2 months close to 22 lakh Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
accounts have so far been opened in Post Offices across the country. (All
Public sector and 4 Private sector Banks have only opened 1.8 lakh such
accounts so far.)
Total amount of Rs. 6715 crore have been disbursed to 6.80 crore
MGNREGA account holders across the country through Post Offices during
the financial year 2014-15 (upto February, 2015)
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Outcome: India with more than 97 crore mobile phone users, more than 30 crore internet
connections and the great future which awaits digital India has created further confidence in
the industry leading to this historic success.
Success Story: This transparent Auction has restored the confidence in the Sector which
will go in long way in implementing the Digital India Mission of the Honble PM. As against
the approved reserve price of Rs 80277 crore, the auction fetched a record realisation of
Rs.109875 crore.
INITIATIVE NO.2 :FULL MOBILE NUMBER PORTABILITY BY MAY, 2015:
Under this initiative, the customers can retain their mobile number even if they shift from one
part of the country to the other parts. They can also select the mobile service provider as per
their choice. All the necessary instructions and amendments to license conditions have been
issued to achieve the initiative within the targeted time schedule have been issued
Outcome: It will benefit more than 97 crore mobile phone users in the country. This will also
help the Government in developing mobile numbers as an identity of individuals for providing
various government services and move towards JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile) Trinity.
Outcome: This initiative will provide the mobile connectivity to the unconnected
villages in the identified Regions/Areas/Islands of the country.
Benefits to States: LWE affected 9 states i.e. Andhara Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa,
Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal, all 8 North
Eastern States, Andaman Nicobar and Lakshdweep Islands will be benefited under this
initiative.
INITIATIVE NO 6: SKILL INDIA:
Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) has been set up to provide skilled manpower for the
Telecom sector.
Outcome: So far, TSSC skilled 1.86 lakh students in 14 job roles in 24 states, covering 161
cities and towns during 2014-15. Department of Telecommunications is working with service
providers so that they tie up with local ITIs for providing skill training to local students.
Benefits to the States: 24 States/UTs viz Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh,
Chhatisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Jharkhand, Karnataka,
Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu,
Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand & West Bengal will be benefited under this initiative.
INITIATIVE NO 7: GYANSETU:
GyanSetu is an internet based real-time ICT system designed by C-DOT primarily to provide
various e-services to the under privileged rural population of India. Such systems are
envisaged to be deployed in Gram panchayat as a carrier of information and knowledge
along with the traditional other government e-services. This common infrastructure will serve
the entire village population and can be accessed easily due to its simplified design.
GyanSetu was inaugurated by Honble Minister of Communications & IT on the occasion of
Good Governance Day.
Outcome: Gyansetu, in each Gram panchayat of the country, would extend the benefits of
internet technology to rural India and narrow down the digital divide between literate, highend societies and rural community by taking knowledge and information to the doorsteps of
our rural folks.
Benefits to states: The entire rural population of the country would be benefitted by this
initiative.
INITIATIVE NO 8: FACILITATING MAKE IN INDIA IN TELECOM SECTOR:
Under this initiative, Government has taken following steps to provide the desired boost to
Make in India in Telecom Sector:
Outcome: This will create a level playing field for the domestic manufacturers, who suffer
severe disability due to poor infrastructure and inverted duty structure and to give fillip to
domestic telecom electronic manufacturing.
INITIATIVE NO 9: BUILDING ROBUST AND SECURE NETWORK FOR DEFENCE
FORCES:
Under this initiative, Network For Spectrum (NFS), planned as an Exclusive Optical Fibre
based Nationwide Communication Network for Defence Services, has been given a big
push for its early completion. The project is being implemented by BSNL.
Ministry of CAFPD
SDOC
The Bureau of Indian Standards was traditionally allowing use of ISI mark after the
field verification at manufacturers premises, processes and products. This led to red-tapsim,
Inspector Raj and corruption. The department has introduced a new concept called SDOC
(Self Declaration of Conformity) under which manufacturers can declare that they meet the
laid down Indian Standards and specification after getting their products assessed in any BIS
recognized Laboratory. This will help ease of doing business and encourage foreign
investment.
3.
CONSUMER AWARENESS THROUGH JAGO GRAHAK JAGO
CAMPAIGNDuring the last year the Department of Consumer Affairs has intensified its
multimedia campaign under the banner of Jago Grahak Jago. With special emphasis on rural
areas, tribal areas and North East, the campaign makes consumers aware of their
rights/obligations. Joint campaigns were organized with the Reserve Bank of India, the
Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance to focus on specific issues of consumer
interests. Doordarshan, private Television channels, All India Radio, Print Media, Outdoor
Media and social networking areas were also extensively used to communicate the rights of
Consumers and procedures for their grievance redressal. All States / UTs and all segments of
the population benefited from the campaign.
4.
(GRAHAK SUVIDHA KENDRAS) THE CONSUMER CARE SERVICE The department has decided to establish one setup Grahak Suvidha Kendra in every
State to provide single window facility for redress of consumer grievances. These centers
supported by the department will be run by Voluntary Consumer Organizations. They will
provide guidance to consumers regarding consumer laws, the rights of the consumers, the
procedure of approaching Consumer Courts and various other consumer related issues
including quality assurance and safety of products. Initially these Grahak Suvidha Kendras
are being setup on pilot basis in six locations: Delhi, Kolkata, Bangaluru, Patna, Ahmedabad
and Jaipur. The scheme will be extended to all States in phased manner.
5.
PORTAL
FOR
COMPLAINT
AGAINST
MISLEADING
ADVERTISEMENTS (GAMA)The department has setup a web based portal GAMA (Grievances against misleading
advertisements) on which consumers can lodge their complaints against misleading
advertisements. Earlier, several different departments were dealing with the subject and
consumers did not know as to which authority should be approached for their complaints).
This portal will act as a central focal point for registering and initiating coordinated action
against defaulting companies. This portal has been launched on 18th March, 2015.
6.
IDENTIFICATION MARK ON PRODUCTSThe Department has introduced a regulation to ensure that all cosmetic carry marks
(Red / Green dots) on the packaging to indicate whether they contain only nonvegetarian/vegetarian ingredients respectively. Earlier, only edible food items contained
these marks. With introduction of this regulation the consumers can choose whether to use
non-veg original cosmetics on the body.
Direct purchase of paddy from the farmers through purchase centres opened by
the Government Agencies enabling availability of MSP to the farmer.
Impact:
This has improved delivery of MSP to the farmers even in the situation of market
prices ruling below the MSP, especially in the states of Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, where the farmers are substantially
dependent on millers for selling their paddy.
During Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2013-14 only a quantity of 8.52 lakh
MT of paddy had been purchased directly from the farmers by the State Agencies
in unified Andhra Pradesh, but in KMS 2014-15, such direct purchase of paddy
has gone upto 36.76 lakh MT in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana together. The
reduction of levy in KMS 2014-15 has not resulted in any substantial reduction
of overall procurement of rice in these two States till date compared to KMS
2013-14.
Similarly in Uttar Pradesh, the procurement of paddy has gone up from 9.07 lakh
MT in previous season to 18.18 lakh MT in current season and overall
procurement of rice has gone up from 11.05 lakh MT of previous season to 16.10
lakh MT till April, 2015.
In West Bengal also, the procurement of paddy has gone up from 5.79 lakh MT
in previous season to 13.29 lakh MT in current season and overall procurement
of rice has gone up from from 8.27 lakh MT to 13.31 lakh MT till April, 2015.
Benefits:
Improved procurement environment to the benefit of the farmer with quicker
payments for their produce.
3.Efficient procurement and delivery mechanism
Background:
The essence of food security lies in the availability and affordability of food,
especially for the economically under-privileged sections of the population.
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the nodal government agency entrusted
with the task of procurement and distribution of food grains.
The felt need is to improve the mechanism of procurement and distribution.
Policy Intervention:
The Government in August 2014 constituted a High Level Committee (HLC) to
examine and recommend on the restructuring of the administrative, functional
and financial structure of FCI.
The aim of such effort is to improve the overall management of food grains and
to suggest the way forward for strengthening and integration of supply chain of
food grains in the country.
Farmers in Eastern UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Assam are facing
distress sale and exploitation by the middlemen, as procurement system is weak
and it has poor outreach to the farmers.
Amongst the various actions being taken based on the recommendations of the
Committee, an action plan is being finalized by FCI to provide better price
support services to the farmers in the Eastern States, especially to the small and
marginal farmers. As per this plan, procurement operations are proposed to be
expanded and streamlined with the assistance of various stakeholders including
State government and private agencies.
Impact:
The new approach will help in expanding the procurement operations, which will
provide benefit of MSP to large number of farmers who are left uncovered at the
moment.
Improved MSP coverage will encourage farmers to adopt technology and
improve yield of paddy/ rice in these States, where productivity levels at present
are below national average.
This will increase farm income and will bring in prosperity to the farmers of the
region.
Benefits:
Improved procurement environment and remuneration for the farmers.
A High Level Committee (HLC) has been constituted to suggest measures to access the
implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies by companies at their
level and by the Government under the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act,
2013 vide General Circular No. 01/2015 dated 03.02.2015. The Committee is expected to
submit its report by the end of August, 2015. Till date the Committee has held two
meetings.
Notification of IFRS-converged Ind AS
Consequent to announcement in the budget of Financial Year 2014-15 (para128), accounting
standards converged with global standards, namely, International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) were framed in consultation with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
India and National Advisory Committee on Accounting Standards. These thirty nine
standards, called Indian Accounting Standards (Ind As) have been notified on 16.02.2015 as
Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015. These accounting standards are
significantly congruent with the global standards, with minimum carve-outs and are expected
to boost investor confidence.
Dealing with Corporate Delinquency
SFIO has completed investigations into the affairs of 42 so-called Chit Fund Companies
unravelling their modus operandi. Apart from prosecuting such companies for failure to
comply with provisions of Companies Act, evidence gathered has been shared with the CBI
as well as other investigating agencies such as, Enforcement Directorate and Economic
Offences Wings of the concerned State Police authorities which are looking into criminal
offences of such companies.
Investor Education Initiatives
1491 programs were conducted in various locations to familiarize small investors of the
opportunities and pitfalls in making investments.
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
1. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and HERITAGE
1.1 E-ticketing: The process to have a web-based e-ticketing platform for ASI ticketed
monuments has been initiated. The pilot project was started w.e.f. 26th December,
2014 for Taj Mahal, Agra and Humayun Tomb, Delhi. e-ticketing will be rolled out
for all other ticketed monuments throughout the country within 2015. The project is
being implemented with the help of IRCTC.
1.2 National Policy on Archeological Exploration and Excavation approved on 9th of
March 2015.
1.3 Under the Village to Village Survey Scheme, the Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal,
Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Dharwad, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow,
Patna, Ranchi, Shimla, Thrissur and Vadodara Circle surveyed, 1340 villages and 519
villages have yielded antiquarian remains/ancient mounds/structures etc.
1.4 The work of architectural survey and documentation of heritage buildings in the city
of Varanasi was started by ASI and sixty nine buildings/temples have been
documented/listed so far.
1.5 The Survey/Documentation work of several important historical monuments and sites
including Structural Temples of the Pallavas, District Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu;
decorated rock shelters in Gawilgarh Hills (M.P.) , thorough exploration of middle
reaches of Vaigai river valley comprising Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram
districts and documentation of about 293 sites containing various forms of
archaeological remains there, were some of the important tasks completed during the
year
1.6 Rani ka Vav (Gujarat) and Great Himalayan National Park (H.P.) have been inscribed
on World Heritage List during the 38th Session of World Heritage Committee held
from 15-25 June, 2014 at Doha, Qatar.
1.7 The 9th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage was held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. Indias
nomination of Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the
Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India was unanimously accepted for
inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
humanity. India now has a total of 11 elements inscribed, bringing it to number 8
position overall, in terms of inscriptions of UNESCOs list of intangible treasures.
1.8 India has been elected for the next four years (2014-18) to the Inter-governmental
Committee for the safeguarding of the intangible Cultural Heritage in a vote on
4th June 2014 at UNESCO headquarters, by the Central Assembly of the States Parties
to the Convention for the safeguarding of the ICH. India won the election by a
resounding 135 votes against a total of 142 votes cast.
1.9 India was nominated as Vice Chair to the Committee for the Safeguarding of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage from November 2014 until November 2015.
2.1
2.2
2. 25 ADARSHSMARAK
25 ASI sites have been launched as AdarshSmarak on 26th December, 2014 for
providing improved visitor amenities, especially for the physically challenged,
besides cleanliness, drinking water, and interpretation centres etc.
All the 25 monuments will be conserved on project mode basis. The civic amenities
facilities will be augmented at these sites.
2.3
2.4
3.1
3.2
ASI has already concluded anMoU with ONGC for providing these amenities at Taj
Mahal at an estimate of Rs. 20.75 crore. Similar MoUs will be concluded for 5 more
monuments.
ASI also proposes to conclude MoU with BHEL and NBCC for providing such
monuments with these facilities.
3. DIGITIZATION
One of the important mandates of the Ministry of Culture is the development and
upgradation of the Museums within the country. Under the 14 point Museum reform
programme the Ministry of Culture has embarked upon an ambitious project of the
digitization of the collections of the Museums under it with the twin purpose of
making effective utilization of technology in museum management and bringing the
collections of these museums closer to the public by making them available for
online viewing over the internet. In this endeavour, the Ministry of Culture, through
the technical expertise of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C
DAC) Pune and the Art Institute of Chicago got standardized a software entitled
"Jatan" for implementation in its Museums.
In the first phase of the digitization project the Jatan software has been
implemented in 10 selected Museums of the Ministry / Archaeological Survey of
India as detailed below:
i. National Museum, New Delhi
ii. Indian Museum, Kolkata
iii. Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata
iv. National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi
v. National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai
vi. National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru
vii. Allahabad Museum
viii. Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
ix. ASI Nagarjunakonda Museum
x. ASI Goa Museum
3.3
3.4
The implementation of the Jatan software will ensure the development of Digital
Accession Register for all the antiquities in these museums which could then be
regularly up-dated as and when more antiquities / artifacts are acquired by the
museum. The implementation of this software will also ensure that a uniform pattern
of collections management is followed in the museums under the Ministry. In future
it is also proposed to get the Jatan software implemented in the 42 remaining ASI
site museums also in a phased manner.
In order to achieve the ultimate aim of bringing the collections of these Museums
closer to the public from all walks of life, the Ministry of Culture has set up a Digital
repository of the collections of these Museums in technical collaboration with CDAC, Pune along with a unified web portal at www.museumsofindia.gov.in on
which details of more than 28,800 objects from the collections of these museums
along with their images are presently available.
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
4.1
5.1
Further, in order to enable the Museums controlled by the State Governments and
Societies/Trusts etc to digitize their collections the Ministry of Culture has
formulated a Plan Scheme for providing financial grants for Digitization of Museum
collections.
Similarly ASI has also concluded an MoU with M/s Google for uploading of 3D
images of ASI monuments on web. So far 113 such monuments, walk through have
been uploaded by M/s Google.
National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities has uploaded about 4lakh entries
pertaining to documentation of Antiquities from various Museums/ Documentation
Resource Centres (DRCs) across India on the NMMA website.
Digitization of records and open access to archival resources has been taken up in a
big way. National Archives of India has launched its online search portal AbilekhPatal on its 125th Foundation Day on 11th of March, 2015. 2 million catalogue
entries and 2000 digital images have been uploaded. About 15 lakh pages have been
already digitized and more projects are underway.
After the recent weeding out of the records by various Ministries, transfer of
official records from Ministries to NAI has commenced. 2000 officials of various
Ministries were trained on Records Management Practices by the National Archives
of India (NAI).
4. SAARC CULTURE MINISTERS MEETING
The SAARC Heads of Government met in Kathmandu and agreed for enhanced focus
on cultural relations. The SAARC Culture Ministers met in Delhi and agreed on the
SAARC agenda for Culture for 2014-17 in the form of Delhi Resolution. India hosted
the SAARC Traditional Dance Festival from September 26-29, 2014. Seventh
meeting of the Governing Board of SAARC is scheduled to be held in September,
2015.
5. LOOK EAST POLICY
To promote Indias soft power and to further the MEA focus on East Asia and South
East Asia, several Festivals of India have been held in these geographical locations,
in particular in the countries of Laos PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam,
China, and Japan. Festivals of Indian in Indonesia and Malaysia are going on and
Myanmar, South Korea, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Australia and Srilanka
are in the offing. The running central theme of most of these festivals has been the
core contribution of Buddhism, especially the local context and the bilateral relations.
Indian Museum, Kolkata has organized an international exhibition titled Indian
Buddhist Art at Shanghai and Tokyo. Most of these festivals have been spread over
several weeks and have been multicity. These festivals have been quite successful
and have registered high footfalls as well as tremendous local media coverage and
attention.
6. PROJECT MAUSAM
6.1 Launched on 21st June, 2014
6.2 Project Mausam is an exciting, multi-disciplinary project that rekindles long-lost ties
across nations of the Indian Ocean world and forges new avenues of cooperation and
exchange. The project, launched by India in partnership with member states, will
enable a significant step in recording and celebrating this important phase of world
history from the African, Arab and Asian-world perspectives.
6.3
7. REMEMBERING GANDHI
All components of Dandi project namely construction of National Dandi Memorial,
development of Dandi Heritage path from Ahmedabad to Dandi and development of
21 Night Halt places have been approved. Govt. of India has also accorded its
approval for the construction of National Dandhi Memorial at Dandi. Construction of
the Heritage path has begun. Work on 21 Night Halt places is in progress.
7.2 Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission has taken up several projects. Its includes upgradation
and modernization of Gandhi Ashram Trust at Noakhali (Bangladesh); upgradation of
the Gandhi SmarakSangrahalaya, Barrackpore, Kolkata; curating exhibition of
permanent nature of Pietermaritzburg RailwayStation, South Africa and creation of
data base relating to Dandhi Heritage sites etc.
7.3 Approximately 7,38,462 pages have been uploaded on Gandhi Heritage Portal.
7.4 The jury for the Gandhi Peace Prize under the chairmanship of Honble Prime
Minister of India has decided that the Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2014 be
conferred on Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in recognition of its
outstanding contribution in use of space technology for the social, economic and
political transformation of the nation through non-violence.
7.1
9.4
Instructions have been issued that apart from ensuring that the work place, museums,
monuments, akademisetc are kept clean.
9.5 Organisations should work out innovative action plan for propagating cleanliness
amongst visitors/audiences.
9.6 Instructions have also been issued that guarantee organizations that receive grants
from the Ministry or its Organisations under various Schemes may be asked to
propogate the idea of Swachh Bharat through their events/programmes as a condition
of grant.
9.7 A special drive has been undertaken to review old files/records under which 8362 old
files weeded out.
10. CENTENARIES/ CELEBRATION
The inaugural function of major two commemorations Centenary of Komagata
Maru incident on 29th September, 2014 and Birth Centenary of Begum Akhtar on
7th October 2014 have been held. 125th Birth Centenary of Jawaharlal Nehru has also
been inaugurated on 14th November, 2014. The Centenary is being celebrated with
focus on sanitation and promotion of Scientific Temper. Some more commemorations
have been approved for celebration like that of Lala Lajpat Rai, Shri Deen Dayal
Upadhyay, Maharana Pratap etc.
10.2 The National Archives of India is celebrating its 125th Foundation Year in 2015-16.
The inaugural ceremony was held on the Foundation Day on 11th March, 2015.
10.1
11. E-GOVERNANCE
The process to have a web-based e-ticketing platform for ASI ticketed monuments
has been initiated. The pilot project started w.e.f. 26th December, 2014 for Taj
Mahal, Agra and Humayun Tomb, Delhi. After the initiation of the pilot project, eticketing will be rolled out for all other 116 ticketed ASI monuments throughout the
country within 2015.
11.2 The administration/ implementation of the various schemes previously run by the
Ministry of Culture have been delegated to Autonomous Bodies under the
administrative control of the Ministry. All major seventeen schemes have been made
on-line.
11.1
12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Make in India:
For speedy indigenization Government has increased the Foreign Direct Investment
(FDI) limit from 26% to 49% through approval route in August 2014. Above 49%, the
proposal may be considered on case to case basis.
Defence products list for the purpose of industrial licensing has been substantively
shortened and notified.
Acquisitions:
Government of India and Government of France have agreed to conclude an InterGovernmental Agreement for supply of the 36 Rafale jets to Indian Air Force.
Technological Advancement:
The maiden canisterised trial of India's first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Agni-5
was successfully carried out on 31st January 2015.
Indian Navy successfully test fired indigenously developed ship launched ballistic missile
'Dhanush' on Nov 14, 2014.
Phase IV User trials for demonstrating Trench Crossing and Step Climbing
capabilities of Arjun MBT Mk-II has been completed in-Sep 2014.
Capability Enhancement
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, embarked on the newly inducted Indias
largest aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya on 13 June 2014. He dedicated the aircraft
carrier to the Nation.
A new state of the art Very Low Frequency (VLF) Transmitting Station was inaugurated on
31 July, 2014 at INS Kattaboman.
INS Kolkata, an indigenous destroyer built at Mazagaon Dock Limited, Mumbai, the biggest
warship ever to be built in India to date, was commissioned by the Prime Minister on 16
August, 2014.
INS Kamorta, an ASW corvette built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited,
Kolkata, was commissioned on 23 August, 2014.
Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sumitra built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), was commissioned
on 04 September, 2014.
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) inducted into Air Force. Tejas trainer PV6, the two-seater version
of Tejas LCA for Air Force took its first flight. LCA (Navy) Prototype 1, the first indigenously
designed and developed combat aircraft designed to operate from aircraft carriers, took-off
from a Ski-Jump facility.
The Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) created to replicate the aircraft carrier with a Ski Jump
for take-off and arrested landing, became operational at INS Hansa.
The first Su-30 MKI aircraft integrated with BrahMos Missile and
75th HAWK MK 1321 Advanced Jet Training aircraft handed over by HAL
to Indian Air Force.
Maiden flight of the upgraded strike aircraft, Jaguar Darin-III was carried
out successfully on Mar 25, 2015.
In order to enable long term planning, Army is sharing their perspective plan with
OFB. Simultaneously, Army has placed second round of roll on indent for a 5 year
period.
Coastal Security:
Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Abhiraj, which will strengthen Coastal Surveillance
initiatives, commissioned at Tuticorin.
Three Services and the Coast Guard conduct the Defence of Gujarat Exercise.
More financial and operational powers delegated to DG, BRO and his officers for
faster implementation of the projects.
BRO has been transferred under Ministry of Defence from Ministry of Road
Transport & Highways for better orientation of BRO towards strategic road
construction.
Long Term Roll on Work Plan (LTROWP) for Rs. 21333 Cr has been
finalized for BRO.
A road map has been drawn in the form of a long term Equipment Plan
(LTEP from 2014-15 to 2018-19 for Rs. 3913.47 Cr.
Defence Cooperation
The first ever Warship, built by GRSE, Kolkata, was exported to the
Government of Mauritius and was Handed Over to the Govt. of Mauritius
on 20th December, 2014. India also handed over a Fast Attack Craft INS
Tarasa to Seychelles Coast Guard.
Joint exercises with militaries of several foreign countries such as United States, UK,
Russia, Japan, Singapore and China were held.
Projects on Anvil
War Memorial: The Government of India has decided to build a National War
Memorial to honour Defence Forces personnel who were martyred in wars after
Independence in 1947. A War Museum will also be constructed.
Indian National Defence University: A draft INDU Bill 2015 is under preparation
for consideration of Cabinet.
Welfare of Veterans:
Pension Reforms
Approval for implementation of One Rank One Pension for retired defence
personnel is in final stage.
A Defence Pension Call Centre has been established with a Toll Free
number 1800-180-5321.
Ten (10) Pension Adalats held in various parts of the country having
high density of Defence pensioner population.
Resettlement of Ex-Servicemen
New MoU signed with Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries for
implementing Coal Transportation Scheme for ESM.
A Reservation Monitoring Cell approved for monitoring reservation of
ESM in various Govt departments/PSUs/Banks.
The pilot run of the project to issue electronic Pension Payment Orders has
been completed.
DRDO has introduced Project Evaluation Assessment and Readiness Level (PEARL)
which is a highly modified version of Decision Aid for Technology Evaluation
(DATE) to ease the process of project monitoring.
Initiative by Services
IT project on sharing of knowledge between training institutions of all three
Services over National Knowledge Network (NKN).
I-Aushadhi: Networking of all Medical Stores, Depots and DGAFMS office for
online procurement.
Hospital Information System: Integration of three Services Hospital Network.
Hospital Smart Card: A smart card containing the medical history and prescription
of each individual and dependants.
Cantonment Administration
Separate Toilets for Girls & Boys: Separate Toilets for Girls & Boys
have been provided in all co-educational schools run by the Cantonment
Boards.
Out of 57 medals India bagged in the Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea, sportsmen from
Indian Armed Forces got 18 medals. In the Commonwealth Games held at Glasgow, Scotland
from 23 July to 03 August, 2014, Services sportsmen bagged 08 medals which include 02
gold, and 05 silver out of the countrys medal tally which stood at 64.
NRDWP
Formulation of guidelines to provide minimum of 8 to 10 Liters per
capita per day of potable drinking water through suitable community
water purification plants in water quality affected habitations as short
term measure.
Providing Piped Water Supply system through Solar Power based Dual
Pumping in total 10,000 habitations in 88 IAP districts in 10 States with the
assistance of National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF).
Provision of Piped Water Supply (PWS) system through Solar Power based
Dual Pumping in 20,000 Habitations across the country in 2014-15 in
collaboration with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Launched PWS system in 4 States (Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and UP) under
Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project (RWSSP) costing Rs. 6000 Crore
with the assistance of World Bank in 2014 which is planned to benefit
approximately 78 lakh rural population in the said States.
Process initiated for NABL accreditation of Water Quality Testing Labs has
been initiated.
During the massive floods in Kashmir Mobile water treatment plant and
drinking water bottles / pouches were airlifted to J&K.
Water Helpline - Water Helpline numbers for various states has been put in
place for all rural beneficiaries for complaints related to water / water quality.
Initiatives Common to SBM(G) and NRDWP
Exhibition of Innovations (Indovation) organized - Two Exhibitions were
organized in New Delhi on 26-27th August 2014 and 23-24 January 2015
wherein various innovative technologies in respect of Toilet, Solid Liquid
Waste Management and Water Treatment had been showcased to various
Stakeholders / Users including various State Governments, NGOs and
Research & Academic Institutions.
An Expert Committee headed by Dr. R.A. Mashelkar to examine the
Innovative Technologies has been formed. This committee has enlisted
various innovative technologies and a Compendium consisting of such
technologies has been published and uploaded in the website of the Ministry
for benefits of various stakeholders.
Conference of State Ministers in-charge of Rural Drinking Water and
Sanitation had been organized on 25th Aug, 2014 and 22nd January, 2015 in
which the Honble Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, GoI reviewed the
programme with State Ministers. New initiatives to accelerate the pace of
programme were discussed.
A link has been created in the website of the Ministry to where innovators,
manufactures and other stakeholders can showcase their technologies/ ideas
/innovations.
Water and Sanitation awareness week was celebrated across the country
from 16th to 22nd March , 2015.
e-office - Effective implementation of e-office in the Ministry whereby
ensuring every paper in the ministry is accounted for thus introducing more
transparency in the working of the Ministry.
Launch of E-book and Pocket Book- An E- book and a Pocket Book (
ready reckoner) on drinking water and sanitation has been launched on
1st January , 2015 which gives in brief an overview of the work being done in
the Ministry.
2. Outcomes and Benefits
SBM(G)
Physical achievement 2014-15: Against the yearly target of 50 lakh for
individual latrines, 53,81,728 latrines were constructed, which is achievement
of 107.6% of the target. Besides, 824 Community Sanitary Complexes,
22,940 school toilets unit and 7,311 anganwadi toilets were constructed.
There has been more than 394% increase in construction of toilets after the
launch of SBM(G) as compared to pre-SBM period of 2014-15. Also there is
an increasing trend in each quarter after the launch of SBM(G).
587 Gram Panchayats have been selected for award of Nirmal Gram
Puraskar (NGP)
NRDWP
All the policy initiatives taken are for the benefit of rural population. Piped
water schemes from distant surface water sources have long gestation period.
Once the schemes are commissioned, health as well as economic & social
benefits will be obviously known.
The coverage of habitations with piped water supply has increased from
46.77 % to 50.71 % during 2014-15.
RO based water purification plants have already benefitted more than 3000
rural habitations. Such a facility is planned in approximately 20,000 more
water quality affected habitations.
During 2013-14, 1,036 habitation were covered though PWS system with
Solar Power based Dual Pumping in IAP districts in 10 States with the
assistance of NCEF. However, in 2014-15, 3,228 habitations were covered.
Benefits of PWS system through Solar Power based Dual Pumping in
collaboration with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will be
visible in 2015-16.
Benefits of PWS system under RWSSP will be visible in batches starting from
2017.
The Nos. of Water samples tested in the laboratories increased to 38 lakh i.e.
an increase by 23% over previous year.
3. Benefits to States and takeaways
The rural sanitation coverage, which was 40.36% as per the baseline survey
carried out in 2012-13, has increased to 44.51%.
VISION
2.
More than 650 public and private projects worth thousands of crore with
an employment potential of over hundred thousand have been cleared.
Designed with features like search layer tool, draw and measure tool,
identify tool and print tool, the GIS based Decision support system
would help the government classify forests of the country into various
ecological classes and categories.
Hydrological layer, net present value of forest, time series of forest cover
map, important wildlife habitats outside protected area network,
recorded forest area boundaries would be incorporated and monitored
through this system.
3.
4.
This means that 90% of the files will not travel to Delhi, but will be
decided by Regional Empowered Committees (RECs), where States
have been made partners.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Ministry has got approval of the Government for introducing the Compensatory
Afforestation Fund Bill in the Parliament for transferring 90% of the
accumulated funds amounting to about Rs. 38, 000 crore to State/UT
governments. This will facilitate faster implementation of programmes of
afforestation and re-forestation and ensure environment friendly
development and promotion of industries.
9.
Emission norms for Cement industry have been enhanced and made
more stringent to ensure lesser pollution and cleaner air.
National Air Quality Index (AQI) developed for One Number, One Colour
and One Description in consultation with an expert group was launched
by the Prime Minister on 6th April 2015. Cities where Continuous
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) have been
operated are presently covered to depict AQI. It is further plannedto
cover all 46 million plus cities to have CAAQMS to disseminate AQI.
CPCB has finalized standards for sewage treatment plants (STPs) which
stipulate that treated effluent from STP shall be utilized for non-potable
use and if, such effluents are to be disposed into surface water body of
ground in such case, STPs will have to meet stricter standards.
10.
Protection of Wildlife
The NBWL Rules, 2003 were amended vide Gazette Notification dated
10th December 2014, to enable the continuation of term of office of
members of NBWL till the Board is re-constituted.
Proposals pending for over a year were placed before the Standing
Committee of NBWL which in its three meetings considered a total of
231 proposals and recommended 185 proposals.
70 per cent of the worlds Tiger population is in India. Within four years,
the Tiger population has increased by 30 per cent from 1706 to 2226.
MIS is being developed for village relocation for all tiger reserves in
collaboration with NIC.
11.
Protection of Biodiversity
International legitimacy for which India was the Chair of the first
meeting of Nagoya Protocol in October, 2014.
The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) guidelines notified on
21st November 2014 with Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Rules 2004
thereof, India already has domestic ABS mechanism in place.
With Nagoya Protocol now being legally binding, it would be easy to
track flight of Indian Genetic Resource overseas and seek benefit
sharing on mutually agreed terms, in the event of commercialization of
accessed resources.
India submitted its Fifth National Report to the CBD in 2014, which
provides an update on biodiversity status, trends and threats, and
Indias progress towards global Aichi biodiversity targets.
With respect to finalization of Eco-sensitive zones, a total of 178 cases
have been received from Wildlife Division. Out of that, 70 proposals
have been approved by the Ministry, 9 draft notifications issued, 23
final notifications issued and 59 are under process.
12.
13.
Streamlining of Laws
14.
A State Environment & Forest Ministers Conference was held on 67th April, 2015 after a gap of more than five years. After detailed
deliberation, a 34-point resolution was adopted to strengthen the
environment protection system and associated laws and also to take
effective steps for enforcement of environment regulations and
introduce greater transparency in procedures.
15.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
When the present government came to power, as far as the Indian economy is concerned, there
was a negative mood in the country. The new Government on assuming office had to contend with
low economic growth, high inflation, high fiscal deficit ,low investment sentiment, low employment
generation, concerns over black money among others. Business as usual was no longer an
alternative, because there was a loss of confidence as far as the Indian economy was concerned.
Decision making had considerably slowed down and the challenges for the new Government were
extremely serious.
The people of India had voted resoundingly for quick change, faster growth and highest level of
transparency.The clear mandate from the people provided the government a unique opportunity to
redeem its promises. Major task was how best to operationalise these promises into the
programmes of the Government. The Government through its activities clearly demonstrated in the
short time that it would continue to be clear, transparent, firm and decisive and focus on national
interest. With nearly 10 months on, the landscape has vastly changed. Economic stability has
returned, reforms are being undertaken and the external environment has moved in India's
favour.And above all, the economy has started looking up with a stable and decisive Government
bent upon bringing major and fundamental reforms under the dynamic leadership of the Prime
Minister.
The CPI inflation decreased to 5.17 per cent in March of 2015 from 5.37 percent in
February, below market expectations. It is the lowest rate in three months due to a slowdown
in food cost. Inflation Rate in India averaged 8.69 percent from 2012 until 2015, reaching an
all time high of 11.16 percent in November of 2013 and a record low of 4.38 percent in
November of 2014.wholesale price inflation is negative at -2.33 percent. WPI inflation is
negative ie -2.33, which was 5.44 in April 2014.The real GDP growth is expected to
accelerate to 7.4 per cent, making India the fastest growing large economy in the world;
foreign inflows since April 2014 have been about $55 billion, so that our foreign exchange
reserves have have come a long way from where we had started. increased to a record $340
billion; the rupee has become stronger by 6.4 per cent against a broad basket of
currencies.Current account deficit would be less than 1.3% in 2014-15 .Both fiscal and
revenue deficit has been showing a declining trend.
Ratings firm Moodys Investor Service raised Indias credit rating outlook to positive
in April 2015, signaling the global acceptance of the reforms initiatives of the new government. As
expected, the Government has clearly demonstrated in the short time that it has undertaken more
pro-people reform oriented measures than any Government in recent memory. Some of the
important initiatives which is really remarkable in the history of economic reforms in the country,
inter alia, includes (i) tackling price rise and corruption (ii) widening the platform through
empowerment, creation of job opportunities by way of bridging infrastructure deficits, skill
upgradation and make in India initiative for developing India as a global manufacturing hub (iii)
unleashing an era of financial inclusion, by implementing the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. Who
would have thought that in a short period of 100 days, over 12.5 crore family could have been
brought into the financial mainstream. (iv) extending urban facilities in rural areas through RURBAN
mission and improving urban centres bydeveloping smart cities, urban habitations and Swachh
Bharat Abhiyan (v) the Swachh Bharat which the new Government has been able to transform into
a movement to regenerate India, is not only a programme of hygiene and cleanliness but, at a
deeper level, a programme for preventive healthcare and building awareness. (vi) with a view to give
further boost toSwachh Bharat and Clean Ganga Campaign, Indian corporates have also been taken
on board by including these activities under their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR). (vii)
embarking upon to more game-changing reforms through the use of Jan Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile
(JAM),a unique combination of three to implement direct transfer of benefits. Thisinnovative
methodology will allow transfer of benefits in a leakage-proof, well-targeted and cashless
manner.Their woulb be cut in subsidy leakages but not in subsidy themselves (viii) building a
national consensus and introducing a bill to amend the Constitution to implement the Goods and
Services Tax (GST). The GST will put in place a state-of-the-art indirect tax system by 1st April, 2016.
This will create a unified and common domestic market by replacing a confusing array of taxes and
preventing their cascading effects.
Proposed Steps - Sabka Budget 2015-16
2.
The General Budget 2015-16 fully respects the promises made by the new
Government, especially, to the poor people, youth, farmers and the middle class. The
Government is of the view that the relation between pro-business and pro-poor measures as
one of the complementarity and not of conflict.Necessary financing required for welfare
measures for the poor people and the common man can only be achieved through a wider
resource base derived from a vibrant business environment. Promises made by the
Government and steps proposed in the Budget 2015-16 is to be seen in the above
context.Some of the initiatives proposed to be taken by the present Government in the
Sabka Budget 2015-16 for the poor, youth and the common people could be summarised
as follows:
Focus on Poor People with Universal Social Security
Social Security:Jan Dan to Jan Suraksha
PM Suraksha Bima Yojana with the objective to cover accidental death risks. It
provides a cover of Rs. 2 lakh for a premium of Rs. 12 per year
PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana to cover natural and accidental death risks. It provides a
cover of Rs. 2 lakh for a premium of Rs. 330 per year
Atal Pension Yojana to provide a defined pension for which the Government would
contribute 50 per cent of beneficiaries premium (upto Rs. 1000) for 5 years in new
accounts opened before December 31, 2015
PM Jan Dhan Yojana ;unleashed an era of financial inclusion.Objective is to over all
households in the country with banking facilities and have a bank account for each
household.It is technology driven and will be part of JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan Yojana,
Aadhar Number and mobile number) . Every account is online with RuPay and Mobile
banking facility. Aadhar Enabled Payment system(AEPS) is used for inter
operability.Insurance benefits are included.(Accident Insurance Rs 1lakh and life
insurance of Rs 30000) More than 12.5 crore families have been brought into the
financial mainstream in a short period.Guiness Book of World Records has acknowledged
this
feat
On 31.3.2015 ,14.71 crore bank accounts are opened under PMJDY and 13.14 crores
Rupay cards are issued .
Basic needs: (i) electrification targets for all villages by 2020. (ii)to continue supporting
important national priorities like food security, MGNREGA, and kerosene/fertilizer
subsidy.Rs34,691 crore for MGNREGA and Rs 1,24.419 crore for food subsidy has
been allocated in the Budget(iii) providing access to medical services and schools for
all.
Housing: (i) six crore urban and rural houses by 2020 with each house to have
uninterrupted power supply, clean water and a toilet.
Kisaan ka Apna Budget:
Soil fertility and irrigation: (i) with a view to improve the soil fertility on a sustainable
basis, soil health cards for all farmers. (ii) To achieve this goal, the organic farming
schemeof the Ministry of Agriculture Paramparagat Krish Vikas Yojana to be fully
supported (iii) Rs. 5,300 crore support for micro irrigation, watershed development and
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojana.
Access to Credit: (i) target of Rs. 8.5 lakh crore of agricultural credit during 2015-16.(ii)
to facilitate effective and hassle-free agriculture credit with special focus on small and
marginal farmers, Rs.1 lakh crore to be made available through 4 different funds
including rural infrastructure development fund (RIDF) implemented through NABARD.
Universal Market: proposal to create a National Agricultural Market (NAM) with the
objective to benefit farmers and ensuring moderation in price rise.
Yuva ka Apna Budget:
Jobs: (i) more jobs with Make in India initiatives and revival of investment cycle (ii)
big boost given to innovation and entrepreneurship (iii) National Skill Mission backed
with a digital voucher (iv) Rs.1500 crore for Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushal
Yojana.
Education: (i)new IITs, AIIMSs and several other institutes to be set up with a view to
provide one major Central Institute in each of the states (ii) setting up of a fully IT based
Student Financial Aid Authority to administer and monitor scholarship as well as
educational loan schemes, through the Pradhan Mantri Vidya Lakshmi Karyakram. (iii)
senior secondary school within 5 km reach of every child.(iv) an integrated education and
livelihood scheme called Nai Manzil to enable minority youths, who do not have a
formal school leaving certificate to obtain one and find better employment.
Quality of Life: (i) boost to infrastructure funding with focus on rail, road and irrigation
sectors. (ii) with 50 lakh toilets already during constructed 2014-15, Government is
committed to achieve the target of building six crore toilets under Swachh Bharat (iii)
uninterrupted power supply by 2020.
Pro-Middle Class Budget:
Tax Saving: (i) total deduction progressively increased to Rs. 4.44 lakh (ii) after taking
benefits of all deductions, income tax savings upto Rs. 40,087on an annual income of Rs.
10 lakh, as compared to 2013-14 (iii) minor increase in service tax (Rs. 164 for a monthly
expense of Rs. 10,000) (iv) encouragement given to savings and insurance.v)Limit of
deduction of health insurance premium increased from Rs 15000/- to Rs 25000/- .For
senior citizens limit increased from Rs 20000/- to Rs 30000/-.vi)Limit on dedeuction on
account of contribution to a pension fund and the new pension scheme from Rs 1 lakh to
Rs 1.5 lakh.vii)Service tax exemption on Varishta Bima Yojana.vii)Senior citizens above
the age of 80 years , who are not covered by health insurance to be allowed deduction of
Rs 30000/- towards medical expenditures.Viii)additional dedeuction of Rs25000/allowed for differently abled persons under section 80DD and section 80U of the IT
act.ix) Transport allowance exemption increased from Rs800 to Rs1600/- per month.
Less Household Expenses: (i)with reduction in policy rates by RBI, banks interest rates
expected to go down. With a 0.5 per cent decrease in banks lending rate, the EMIs for a
loan worth Rs. 20 lakh will get reduced by Rs. 10,000. (ii) subsidies directly coming into
bank accounts through direct benefit transfers.
Quality of Life: (i) more jobs through Skill India and Make in India initiatives (ii)
improved roads and better railway connectivity (iii) Swachh Bharat (iv) 24x7 power
supply by 2022 (v) better medical facilities and more school for children
Inclusive Growth - Funding the Unfunded:MUDRA BANK
While large corporate and business entities do have a role to play in generating inclusive
growth, this has to be complemented by informal sector enterprises, which generate
maximum employment. Hence it has been proposed to create a Micro Units Development
Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank, with a corpus of Rs. 20,000 crore, and credit
guarantee corpus of Rs. 3,000 crore. MUDRA Bank will be responsible for
refinancing micro-finance institutions (MFIs) in the business of lending to small entities
through Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. Under this initiative, priority in lending will be
given to SC/ST enterprises. These measures will greatly increase the confidence of
young, educated or skilled workers who would now be able to aspire to become first
generation entrepreneurs; existing small businesses, too, will be able to expand their
activities. The Prime Minister of India launched MUDRA (Micro Units Development
and Refinance Agency) Bank on 8th April, 2015 at a well attended function at Vigyan
Bhawan, New Delhi.Postal Network with 1,54,000 points of presence spread across
villages will be used for increasing access to formal financial system.
Change in Fiscal Architecture:
Cooperative Federalism: In keeping with the true spirit of co-operative federalism, the
Government accepted the recommendation of the 14th Finance Commission and decided
to devolve 42 per cent share of the divisible pool of taxes to States. Though, this
naturally leaves far less money with the Central Government, the Government of India
has taken the recommendations of the 14th FC in a positive spirit as they strengthen and
provide autonomy to states in designing and implementing schemes as per their priorities
and needs.The States will get 48.4 per cent of total tax revenue as compared to 37 per
cent previously. This is an unprecedented increase, which would empower states in all
possible ways - they would be allowed to chalk out their programmes and schemes with
greater financial strength and autonomy, while observing financial prudence and
discipline. Without this, local development needs cannot be met and marginalised
communities and backward regions cannot be brought into the mainstream. States now
will have the advantage to either continue or change the erstwhile schemes and
programmes as per their discretion and requirement. In all these, the Union Government,
particularly the NITI Aayog, will support States in developing a strategy and in its
execution through ideas, knowledge and technology.
Resources transferred to States in crores
Make in India
Definite steps were taken by the Ministry of Finance which would boost the Make in
India initiative of the Government.Revival of growth and investment in domestic
manufacturing has helped in job creation. Simplified Tax system is formulated for Ease
of doing Business .Basic custom duty on 22 inputs/raw materials reduced manufacturing
cost in various sectors .GAAR to be deferred by two years. Rate of Income Tax on
royalty and fees from technical services reduced from 25% to 10% to facilitate technology
inflow.
Ease of Doing Buisiness
Inorder to facilitate the ease of doing business measures were taken . Definite time
frame have been fixed for the implementation of GST ,ie 1.4.2016. Simplification ,
Rationalization and digitization of processes. Online central excise and service tax
registration to be done in 2 working days .Stable tax policy and non adversial tax
regime put in place.
Measures to Curb Black money
Various measures were taken at different level to curb Black money .The
Governemnet approved the Undisclosed Foriegn Income and Assets (Imposition of
Tax ) Bill 2015.the Act will apply to all persons resident in India .The provisions of
the Act will apply to both undisclosed foreign income and assets(including financial
interest in any entity).the undisclosed forign income or assests shall be taxed ast the
flat rate of 30%.Government is coordination with Swiss government in getting
information of cases investigated by IT dept, confirming its genuineness of Bank
accounts etc.Various preventive steps were also taken.It has made mandatory to
quote PAN for purchase /sale above RS 1 lakh. Provision made to tackle splitting of
reportable trasanctions. is leveraged to access information .Cash advances above Rs
20000 for immovable property is prohibited.
Disinvestment
Highest ever disinvestment receipts in a single financial
year.Govt raised Rs24,277 crore in 2014-15. CIL disinvestment in Jan 2015 alone
realized Rs 22.558 crore.
138 projects sanctions under Cold Chain Scheme and additional 30 projects are
likely to be announced shortly.
14 cold chain projects have been completed since June14 while previous UPA
government completed only 12 projects.
Rs.274.91 crore of grant-in-aid will attract Rs. 744.3 crore of private
investment in these 30 proposed cold chain projects.
These 30 approved project will create total capacity as 11.10 lakh liters per day
Milk processing, 112408 MT Cold Storage, 28.5 MT/hour IQF, 1434 MT/per
day Ripening Chamber, 209 Nos Reefer Carrier & tanker, 8000MT/hr
Irradiation.
2014 to end all preventable newborn deaths and still births to a single-digit by 2030. The
present neonatal mortality rate is 28 per thousand live births.
Salient features:
ANMs can now administer a pre-referral dose of antenatal corticosteroid (Injection
Dexamethasone) to pregnant women going into preterm labour and pre-referral dose
of Injection Gentamicin and Syrup Amoxicillin to newborns for prevention of Sepsis
and Prematurity in young infants (up to 2 months of age) at the sub-centers.
Under the Life Cycle approach, attention is paid to health of adolescents in addition
to care of the mothers during pregnancy, at the time of and after delivery.
Kangaroo mother care for strengthening of care for preterm newborn and for sick
newborn. Nearly half a million newborn can be saved every year with promotion of
Kangaroo Mother Care.
Ensuring injection Vitamin K to all newborn children at the time of birth at the
facility. This will prevent death due to bleeding disorders.
3. National Deworming Day
Worms adversely affect crores of children in the 1-19 year age group across the country. Soil
Transmitted Helminths (STH) are a significant public health concern in the country.
According to WHO estimates, 24.1 crore children in the age group 1-14 year (68% of the
total cohort) are at risk of parasitic intestinal worm infections that impair physical growth and
cognitive development.
The Ministry observed the first National Deworming Day on 10 February 2015, followed
with mop-up activities till 14 February 2015. It was implemented in 277 districts covering 11
States/UTs across 4.7 lakh schools and 3.67 anganwadi centers. Against a target of 10.31
crore children in the 1-19 year group, about 8.98 crore children received deworming tablets.
While the average national coverage was more than 85%, it touched 95% in places such as
Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The Ministry trained 9.49 lakh frontline functionaries, school
teachers and principals to accomplish the target.
4. Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Eliminated (MNTE) from the country
Total of 32 States/UTs have been validated for Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination
(MNTE) and the formal communication from WHO has been received. For the remaining
four states of Nagaland, Meghalaya, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Jammu & Kashmir, field
visits have been conducted by the joint team of WHO and UNICEF and the parameters for
MNTE validation were found to be satisfactory. However, the formal communication from
WHO is expected in two months.
This has been possible through systems strengthening including improvement of institutional
delivery which is also a proxy indicator for clean delivery and clean cord care practices and
by strengthening Routine Immunization. Strategies to improve clean delivery have been
included in the innovative Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha
Karyakaram (JSSK).
Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE) is defined as less than one neonatal
tetanus case per thousand live births per year in every district. In 1989, global deaths from
Neonatal Tetanus (NT) were estimated at 7.87 lakh per year of which India contributed
approximately 2 lakh deaths.
5. Decision to introduce new vaccines
In a bid to protect the children from more vaccine preventable diseases, new vaccines are
proposed to be introduced as part of Indias Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
Introduction of these vaccines will be done in a phased manner over a period of time,
depending upon the field level assessments and preparedness. In addition, it has been decided
to introduce an adult vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the high burden districts.
The new vaccines are:
a. Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
India is Polio free but to maintain this status, the Injectable Polio Vaccine will be introduced
in October 2015. This will benefit 2.7 crore children every year.
b. Adult Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine
20 high burden districts have been identified in Assam, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal for
adult JE vaccination in the age-group of 15-65 years. This will cut down deaths and
morbidity due to Japanese Encephalitis in adults as well.
c. Rotavirus vaccine
Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhoea among infants and young children in the
world. Each year India loses approximately 2 lakh children to diarrhoea out of which 1 lakh
deaths are caused by Rotavirus. Rotavirus vaccine implemented to full scale would save
approximately 1 lakh lives every year.
d. Measles Rubella vaccine
Measles Rubella vaccine eliminates measles and controls Rubella in the country.
The vaccine will help to reduce incidence of Congenital Rubella Syndrome. As on
date, approximately 25,000 cases of CRS are estimated each year and if the child
survives, this adds to the disabilities in the country.
MR vaccination campaign will be carried out after appropriate planning and will
cover 45 crore children.
6. Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight
The Fortnight was observed during July-August, 2014. It was later extended to one month
with the ultimate aim of zero child deaths due to childhood diarrhoea. During the fortnight,
health workers visited the households of under-five children, conducted community level
awareness generation activities and distributed ORS packets to the families with children
under 5 years of age. School children and mothers were sensitised in addition to
demonstration of ORS preparation in the schools and communities. Approximately 2 crore
ORS packets were distributed to families having children up to 5 years of age. This will help
in reducing mortality and morbidity due to Diarrhoea in the country.
7. Integrated Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (IAPPD)
The IAPPD was launched in four states with highest child mortality (UP, MP, Bihar and
Rajasthan) to address the two biggest killers of children- pneumonia and diarrhoea. Each year
we lose approximately 5 lakh under-5 children to Dairrhoea and Pneumonia.
8. National Leprosy Eradication Programme
Approximately 1.15 lakh leprosy cases detected in 2014-15 (till date).
As many as 2483 reconstructive surgeries conducted.
Intensive Case Detection Drive (ICDD) carried out in high endemic blocks as a
special activity.
Leprosy fortnight was observed from 30 Jan to 14 Feb 2015 for active case
detection.
58.67 lakh blood units collected across the country; 84% of this was through
voluntary blood donation.
66 new Targeted Interventions have been established taking the total to 1,818 that
provide HIV prevention services to female sex workers, injecting drug users,
migrants, truckers, etc.
National Helpline launched to facilitate easy dissemination of information related
to HIV/AIDS to general public in all Indian languages.
National Strategic plan for Elimination of Parent to Child transmission of syphilis
launched on 25 February 2015.
Computerized Inventory Management System launched to strengthen the supply
chain management system of Anti-Retroviral Drugs, enhance efficient use of the
drugs and minimize wastages across the country.
22 proposals have been approved and Rs. 128.53 crore has been released to the
states.
17. North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences
(NEIGRIHMS), Shillong
Expansion of nursing college and hostel at a cost of Rs.68 crore has been approved
and conveyed to the Institute to take further action.
Setting up of Undergraduate Medical College and hostel and a Regional Cancer
Centre at an estimated cost of Rs.474 crore also approved.
18. Funds provided to Tertiary Cancer Care Facilities
Under the scheme for enhancing the Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities in the country, funds have
been released to five State Cancer Institutes (SCI): (i) Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology
(RCC), Bengaluru (ii) Cancer Hospital (RCC), Agartala, (iii) Gujarat Cancer Research
Institute, Ahmedabad, (iv) Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar and (v)
Cancer Institute (RCC) Adyar, Chennai, and two Tertiary Care Cancer Centers (TCCC): (i)
Government Medical College, Kozhikode and (ii) Government Medical College, Burdwan.
The enhanced tertiary care facilities for cancer patients in different states will bring treatment
facilities closer to the patients and help to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.
Sl.
No
State
4
5
SCI
105
Amount
released by
Govt of
India
(Rs. in
crores)
47.25
SCI
120
67.50
SCI
120
67.50
SCI
120
67.38
TCCC
44.49
25.03
TCCC
39.54
22.24
SCI
81.48
55.00
630.50
351.90
Jammu &
Kashmir
Sher-e-Kashmir
Institute of Medical
Science,
Gujarat
Gujarat Cancer
Research Institute
Ahmadabad
Karnataka Kidwai Memorial
Institute of Oncology
(RCC), Bangaluru
Tamil
Cancer Institute,
Nadu
Adyar, Chennai
Kerala
Govt. Medical
college,
Kozhikode
West
Burdwan Medical
Bengal
College,Kolkata,
W.B.
Tripura
Cancer Hospital
(RCC), Agartala
Total
Total
approved
amount
(Rs. in
crores)
The Government of India has approved setting up of second campus of the Chittranjan
National Cancer Institute (CNCI) at Rajarhat, Kolkata at a cost of Rs. 534 crore including
share of the West Bengal Government of 25%.
20. National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)
So far 906 cities/towns have been covered under NUHM.
Funding provided for strengthening of 3,995 existing facilities such as Urban Family
Welfare Centres, Urban Health Posts, Urban Primary Health Centers etc.
Funds provided for establishment of 1426 new Urban Primary Health Centers
(UPHCs).
Support provided for establishment of 35 new Urban Community Health Centers.
2353 full-time medical officers, 2973 part-time medical officers, 160 medical
specialists, 17584 ANMs, 7209 staff nurses, 2978 pharmacists and 3231 lab
technicians have been sanctioned, in addition to 56,002 ASHAs.
21. National Health Portal (NHP)
The National Health Portal (http:/nhp.gov.in) was launched on 14 November 2014 to
provide authentic healthcare information to the citizens of the country. It aims to:
Improve health literacy
Improve access to health services
Decrease burden of disease by educating citizens on preventive aspects of
various diseases
It is available in five languages English, Hindi, Tamil, Bangla, and Gujarati.
22. Central Government Health Services (CGHS)
Orders for opening up of CGHS Wellness Centre in 11 state capitals issued. The
CGHS Wellness Center at Vishakhapatnam has started operating.
Empanelment of private hospitals under CGHS has been completed under
continuous empanelment scheme.
CGHS facilities extended to retired employees of statutory/ autonomous bodies
whose serving employees are already covered under CGHS.
23. National Health Policy-2015
The Ministry has formulated the Draft National Health Policy, 2015 and placed it in public
domain on 30th December, 2014 for wide stakeholder consultation. The feedback received
from the stakeholders is presently being analysed.
The aim of the National Health Policy 2015 is to inform, clarify, strengthen and prioritize the
role of the Government in shaping health systems in the country. This covers investment in
the health sector, organization and financing of healthcare services, prevention of diseases
and promotion of good health through cross sectoral action, access to technologies,
developing human resources, encouraging medical pluralism, building the knowledge base
required for better health, financial protection strategies and regulation and legislation for
health.
24. National Mental Health Policy
The Health Ministry launched the countrys first ever Mental Health Policy in October 2014.
The Policy aims to provide universal access to mental healthcare by enhancing understanding
With BHEL, ARAI, AYCL and HEC; Discussions with Fraunhofer Institute, Germany for
technology acquisition
Advanced Ultra Super Critical (Adv-USC) Technology for Thermal Power Plants
Deptt. of Heavy Industry and BHEL have proposed the Development of Advanced Ultra Super Critical
(Adv-USC) Technology for Thermal Power Plants which will increase fuel efficiency by 45-46% and
achieve a reduction in coal consumption and CO2 emission by 11% as compared to the Super-critical
Thermal Power Plants. This AUSC technology is in the R&D stage in the European Union, USA, Japan
and China and with this two and half year project, at an estimated cost of Rs.1,100 crores, India will
emerge as one of the primary developers of this technology. The R&D Project has been approved by
the Expenditure Finance Committee and a Cabinet Note seeking approval of project by Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA) has been forwarded to Cabinet Secretariat on 15.4.2015. Also
a provision of Rs 50 cr has been made in BE 2015-16 for the project.
Department of Public Enterprises has issued Guidelines on Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) & Sustainability-2014 for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in October, 2014. These
guidelines are to supplement the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules 2014 issued by Ministry of Corporate
Affairs under the provisions of Companies Act, 2013. The guidelines are intended to reinforce the
complimentarity of CSR and sustainability and advise the CPSEs not to overlook the larger objective
of sustainable development in the conduct of business and in pursuit of CSR agenda. The guidelines
are in the nature of initiatives or endeavour which the key stakeholders expect of CPSEs in
discharging their CSR. In the guidelines, the need for taking sustainability initiatives is emphasized in
addition to requirement of mandatory compliance with CSR Rules.
4.
5.
In September 2014 itself Govt of india has approved number of relaxations for
Long Term Visa (LTV) holders of Pakistani minorities which include the
facilitation for studies of their children, visit to additional places, easy renewal of
LTVs and renewal for prolonged period. They have also been permitted to engage
themselves in employment of purely private category i.e., excluding
Government/Semi Government, Local Bodies, Cooperative jobs etc. Further
children of Pak nationals staying on LTV can take admission in schools, colleges,
universities, technical/professional institutions etc. subject to usual conditions.
Also the State Government/UTAdmn concerned may grant additional places
limited to a maximum of two places at any given point of time in addition to the
place of stay to such Pak nationals.
6.
The LTV /Citizenship camps for such applicants are being conducted in 24
districts of 8 States for expediting the processing of their applications. Since
constitution of task force 3362 LTVs and 485 Citizenship Certificates have been
issued.
7.
8.
9.
PIO card scheme was introduced on 19-08-2002 and thereafter OCI card scheme
was commenced w.e.f 01-12-2005. Both the schemes were running parallel even
though OCI card scheme has become more popular. This was causing unnecessary
confusion in the minds of applicants. Keeping in view the problems being faced
by applicants and to provide enhanced facilities to them, Government of India
decided to formulate one scheme after merging PIO & OCI containing positive
attributes of both. Hence for achieving this main objective, Citizenship
(Amendment) Act 2015 was enacted. PIO scheme was rescinded w.e.f. 9.1.2015
and it was also notified that all existing PIO cardholders are deemed to be OCI
cardholders.
10.
12.
The Government has reviewed the cross border firing across the International
Border of India-Pakistan and has decided given clear direction to firmly deal with
this issue.
13.
Border Infrastructures: 103 km of fencing has been completed along the IndoBangladesh (23 km) and Indo-Pakistan (80 km) border; 218 km of floodlighting
has been completed along the Indo-Bangladesh Border; 39 BOPs have been
completed along the Indo-Bangladesh (16) and Indo-Pakistan Border (23)
border. An amount of Rs. 800 crore has been released to the Bordering States for
development of the socio-economic infrastructure in the bordering villages under
BADP.
A decision to locate marine Police Training Institute (MPTI) at
the Pindara Village, Dist. Devbhumi, Dwarka, Gujarat for imparting training to
the Marine Police Personnel of Coastal States has been taken.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Governments to manage such disasters, which have restricted the loss of human
lives to minimum.
18.
19.
20.
Since, May, 2014, 327 selection drives were organized including 13 mega drives
at
Jammu,
Srinagar,Udhampur, Kupwara, Budgam, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Reasi,
Kathua and Chandigarh selecting nearly 9000 candidates for training. Of
them 3700 candidates have already joined the training. During the period training
of 3361 candidates was completed, of whom 3133 candidates were offered jobs
and about 2500 are currently working in various companies across the country.
21.
22.
Following the success of pilot project, a Resource Centre at Kupwara has been
setup to train 3000 trainees and 500 master trainers. So far 1369 trainees and 291
master trainers have been trained. During the period from May 2014, 500 trainers
and master trainers have been trained by SEWA.
23.
Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a National Policy and Action Plan to
address Left Wing Extremism in the country and the same has been circulated to
States and other stakeholders in January, 2015. The Central Government has
multi-pronged strategy to tackle LWE menace; Security Related Measures,
Development Related Measures, Ensuring Rights & Entitlements of Local
Communities , Public Perception Management and good governance. Declining
trend in the quantum of Left Wing Extremism(LWE) violence as well as resultant
killings which started in 2011 has continued. There has been 22% less killings in
2014 compared to 2013. However, recent attacks in Chhattisgarh are cause of
concern.
25.
The UAV Base has been shifted from Hyderabad to Bhilai in March, 2015. This
would more than double the flying time available to the forces in the LWE
affected areas.
26.
27.
Two Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorist (CIAT) Schools were sanctioned for
the newly created States ofTelangana and Andhra Pradesh.
28.
33% reservation for women in Police Forces of UTs: With the objective to
effectively implement the women specific laws on the ground and to ensure
proper and speedy investigation and successful prosecution of women-related
crimes, the Cabinet has approved on 20th March, 2015 reservation of 33% for
women horizontally and in each category (SC, ST, OBC & others) in direct
recruitment in Non-Gazetted posts from Constable to Sub-Inspector in the police
forces of all the Union Territories including Delhi Police. Enhancement of
representation of women in police will alter the existing police work culture,
creating gender sensitive service delivery mechanism, inculcating a sense of
security in the minds of women who constitute half the population and is expected
to have a game changing impact. Visibility of women police personnel will
encourage women to approach the Police as they can confide or report the
incident to female Police officer, thereby, leading to reporting of crimes,
particularly so in respect of sex related crimes. Moreover, in a vibrant democracy
like ours, the participation of women in public protests, demonstrations, political
activities etc. has become common. Such situations can be managed in a dignified
and humane way with more women police personnel at the functional level.
29.
Mobile App Himmat: With the view to instill confidence in women, to help
women in distress and to ensure their safety in Delhi, Mobile App 'Himmat' has
been launched on 1st January, 2015 for android based smart phones. Himmat
application for i-phone users has also been launched on 19th March, 2015. The
application is functioning 24X7 in the Central Police Control Room, Delhi. This
application downloaded in the smart phone helps women to raise SOS alert in case
of any emergency and the same gets reported along with victim/ caller location in
real time on the computer consoles placed in the Central Police Control Room. An
automatic 30 second audio video recording is also triggered off on pressing the
SOS button. Immediately after the SOS is received, SMS alerts relating to the
distress will be sent simultaneously to PCR, Delhi, SHO of local Police Station
and Police Patrol Vans in the areas to reach scene of crime without loss of time.
SMS alert will also be sent to the predefined relatives/friends of women. The App
downloaded in a womans mobile phone will be a boon to ensure her safety in
NCT of Delhi as a touch of a button in times of emergency will instantly connect
her to Central Police Control Room, Delhi and trigger response from Delhi
Police. The launching of this application is a major achievement towards
instilling a sense of security and confidence in women, with technology at their
tips to save them instantly at the time of distress. The application has received
overwhelming response. As on 7.4.2015, there are around 31000 downloads;
7298 registered users; and 2749 SOS calls (Delhi-1712, NCR-259; outside Delhi769; and outside India-9).
30.
Web-based App for Police Clearance Certificate: With a view to curb human
interface, to ensure transparency in police functioning and to provide efficient and
time-bound services to the people of NCT of Delhi, Delhi Police has taken the
significant step of launching a web-based App. for Police Clearance Certificate
(PCC) on 08.08.2014. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is required for the
purpose of applying for visa, admissions to several educational institutions, Job,
etc. One can use this web-based App for obtaining a PCC. The basic details filled
up by an applicant are automatically checked with the Crime Records Bureau and
digitally signed PCC is sent to the applicants e-mail ID. This move has solved
the major difficulty that was faced by the public who were in the need of a
PCC. This is one of the significant steps towards providing citizen-centric
services. Till March, 2015, around 50000 applications have been received under
the App.
These initiatives have been aimed to bring justice to the victims of the 1984 riots.
33.
34.
35.
Govt. of India has sanctioned 08 additional IR Bns, 04 IR Bns each for Andhra
Pradesh and Telangana on 24.12.2014.
36.
Considering the increased demand of women police in tackling law & order
situations and also to raise the level of representation of women in the Force,
Government has approved to raise 2 Mahila battalions in place of 2 male
Battalions sanctioned for raising during 2015-16 and 2016-17 in CRPF.
The financial powers delegated to Director Generals of different CAPFs (Central
Armed Police Forces) (i.e. BSF, AR, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, IB, & NIA)
have been enhanced on 24.12.2014: to a maximum of Rs.10 crore (from
Rs.5.00 crore) in case of Major Works and Rs.50 lac (from Rs.30.00 lac) in case
of Minor Works; to Rs.34 lac (from Rs.20.00 lac) for land acquisition and to a
maximum
of
Rs.75,000/(from
Rs.45,000/-)
for
hiring
of
buildings/accommodation.
37.
38.
39.
In addition to this, Rs. 86 crores also have been provided under the Swachh
Bharat Kosh for the repair/reconstruction of 12951 toilets.
carry out activities on routine basis round the year for cleanliness, sanitation and
hygiene.
In our support to sustain the momentum for generating full awareness, all the states
are being provided with Rs. 5.00 lakh per district in the Annual Work Plan and
Budget (AWP&B) for 2015-16 for undertaking activities to inculcate the spirit of
hygiene, cleanliness, so that every child in the country appreciates the value of good
clean, hygienic living. As a part of teachers training calendar, 1-2 days has been
specifically allocated under SSA for cleanliness, hygiene aspects to sensitise
teachers on the issue of sanitation, hygiene and behavioural change. Apart from this
other stake holders particularly UNICEF and Rotary International have also
approached us to contribute in behavioural change for sanitation and hygiene in
schools.
b) Padhe Bharat Bhare Bharat:
BACKGROUND & AIMS
FEATURES
The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) scheme provides for setting
up residential schools at the upper primary level for girls belonging to SC, ST, OBC
and minority communities. The KGBVs are opened in the educationally backward
blocks (EBBs) where the female literacy is lower than the national average female
literacy as per Census 2001. These schools are set up only in those EBBs which do
not have residential schools at upper primary level for girls under any other scheme
of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of Tribal Affairs or the
State Government.
There are three models of KGBVs which have been sanctioned to the
States. Model I KGBV is a school with hostel for 100 girls. Model-II KGBV is a
school with hostel for 50 girls and Model-III KGBV comprises of hostel in existing
schools normally for 50 girls.
Benefits
No. of
Current
KGBVs
Total seats
KGBVs
Operational sanctioned enrolment
sanctioned
3609
3593
370360
346308
ST
OBC
BPL Minority
Of the total 3609 KGBVs sanctioned till date 508 KGBVs are in the districts
with a dominant Scheduled Tribe population, 330 KGBVs are situated in districts with
a dominant SC population and 544 districts are situated in areas with dominant
Muslim population.
The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan programme provides for the construction cost of
the KGBVs in accordance with the schedule of rates notified by the concerned
States. Of the total KGBVs sanctioned the civil works with respect to 3064 i.e.
86.29% buildings have been completed.
d) Reaching out to children belonging to SC/ST category and Economically
Weaker Sections:
There are two schemes for benefitting children belonging to the SC/ST
Communities and Economically Weaker Sections, namely:
1. NATIONAL SCHEME OF INCENTIVE TO GIRLS FOR SECONDARY
EDUCATION (NSIGSE)
Background / Objective
7.09
withdraw it along with interest thereon on passing 10th class and attaining
18 years of age.
One lakh scholarships of Rs.6000/- per annum (Rs.500/- per month) per
student are awarded to selected students of class IX every year and
their renewal in classes X to XII for study in Government, Government-aided
and Local body schools.
Partners
(contribute
resources,
run
ecourses, events, etc.)
Groups
Through NROER platform, the users are also allowed to upload resources
which are subject to review by experts. In addition to this, NROER allows teachers to
download, share, comment and rate media resources on the same platform. Till date
a total of 1, 19, 373 unique visitors visited over 25, 43, 861 pages on NROER;
number of hits is 65, 33, 166.
Core teams set up in each State and UT are helping organize activities for
NROER, particularly translation into their languages.
Digital Gender Atlas for Advancing Girls Education in India
Outcomes/Benefits
As per UDISE 2013-14, Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) is 100.1% for boys and
102.3% for girls, which indicates universal enrolment at primary level. The GER
at upper primary level is 85.9 % for boys and 91.1% for girls.
The Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) has improved from 32 in 2009-10 to 26 in 201314.
The total enrolment in elementary schools has risen from 18.79 crore children
in 2009-10 to 19.89 crore children in 2013-14.
Percentage of girls enrolment has gone up from 48.12% in 2009-10 to 48.49 %
in 2013-14 at elementary level.
Number of out of school children has reduced from 81 lakh in 2009 to 61 lakh in
2013.
Average Annual Dropout rate at primary level has come down from 6.76%
(DISE, 2010-11) to 4.67% (UDISE, 2013-14) and at upper primary level is
3.13% as per UDISE, 2013-14.
The transition rate from primary to upper primary has gone up from 83.53% in
2009-10 to 89.58% in 2013-14.
The Gender Parity Index (GPI) in 2013-14 has reached 1.02 for primary level
and 1.06 at upper primary level.
Enrolment of SC children has gone up from 19.06 % in 2010-11 to 20.24 % in
2013-14 at elementary level which is more than their share in population
(16.20%).
Enrolment of ST children has gone up from 10.70% in 2010-11 to 10.85 % in
2013-14 at elementary level which is more than their share of population
(8.20%).
Enrolment of Muslim children has grown up from 12.50% in 2010-11 to 13.52 %
in 2013-14 at elementary level (13.43%).
As per Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE) 2013-14,
88.15%, 95.06%, 57.53%, 52.39%, 79.05% and 62.65% Government schools
comply with the norms specified under the Right of Children to Free and
Compulsory Education (RTE) Act in terms of toilet, drinking water, boundary
wall, playground, library facilities and pupil teacher ratio respectively.
States have made necessary notifications under RTE Act for regulation of
elementary education sector e.g. no private tuitions and grievance redressal
mechanisms etc.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) will provide assistance to States/UTs for
reimbursement of the expenditure incurred towards the minimum 25%
admissions of the children belonging to weaker section and disadvantaged
group (including SCs and STs) as notified by respective State Government in
private unaided schools under Section 12 (1) (c) of the RTE Act, 2009, based
on per child cost norms notified by the State Government, subject to a
maximum ceiling of 20% of the size of the SSA Annual Work Plan and Budget
with effect from the year 2015.
Chart 1: Enrolment Trends
Pre-SSA Period
District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) was launched in 1993-94, with the
aim of achieving the objective of universal primary education. DPEP, over several
phases, covered 272 districts in 18 states of the country. The expenditure on the
programme was shared by the Central Government (85%) and the State
Governments. Under DPEP there was provisioning of only new primary schools for
habitations that did not have access to schooling facilities. SSA has focused on the
entire elementary sector.
Table 1: A Comparison of Elementary Education Sector for Pre-SSA and PostSSA period
Sl.
No.
Category
DPEP/ PreSSA
1998-99
PostSSA
(launched in 200001)
Year 2013-14
1.
6.27 Lakhs
8.6 Lakhs
1.90 Lakhs
5.9 Lakhs
83%
98%
76%
97%
3.
3.3
2.04
4.
84%
98.7%
5.
Number of Teachers
31.82 Lakhs
(2000-01)
2.
46.12 lakhs
6.
7.
Ratio
(PTR)
at
42:1
25:1
37:1
17:1
Upper
Enrolment : Primary
111 Million
132.4 Million
40 Million
66.5 Million
GER : Primary
92%
101.36%
58%
89.33%
48.20%
40%
4.67%
57%
4.17%
3.2 crore
61 lakh
(2001 census)
48.66%
(2014 Survey)
f) Teacher Reforms:
Subject/Item
Input
Name of Initiative
Focus
Salient Features
Expected Outcome/
Benefit to
Stakeholder
The Central Government has requested the States to consider the concept of
TithiBhojan for mid day meal in a suitable manner, to encourage local community
participation in the programme.
Social Audit:
Social audit means the process in which people collectively monitor and
evaluate the planning and implementation of the scheme. It is viewed as an ongoing
process of public vigilance. The twin objectives of this social intervention are to
create awareness among beneficiaries under the scheme and empower them to hold
Government accountable through monitoring of the MDMS. Government has to be
more accountable and socially responsible towards the programmes implemented
for the welfare of the people of the country. Social accountability through Social
audit done by the community members ensures transparency, reduces leakages,
forces proper spending of funds, generates trust and creates demand led
improvement in services. It helps in analyzing impacts of the scheme and provides
complete transparency.
The success of the Mid Day Meal Scheme mainly depends on active
participation of the community.
i) Guidelines on Food Safety and Hygiene for School Level Kitchens under
Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme
Guidelines on Food Safety and Hygiene for School Level Kitchens under Mid-Day
Meal (MDM) Scheme were issued on 13.2.2015. These broad guidelines are
prepared with a goal to help the States/UTs on the safety aspects of procurement,
storage, serving & waste disposal of the food items. These guidelines also aims to
address the issues of personal hygiene of the students and those involved in cooking
and serving of Mid-day Meal.
Emphasis has been given on the methods for cooking of green leafy vegetables and
other food articles with minimal loss of vitamins and minerals so that the prepared
mid-day meal should provide adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins to the
children for their proper physical and mental development.
The processes of procurement and storage of fresh vegetables and other perishable
items have been provided so that the nutrient losses are minimal and the prepared
Mid-day meal should provide prescribed calories proteins & other nutrients.
Importance of training of cook cum helper on food hygiene and food safety aspects
along with personal hygiene, the nature of food, its handling, preparation, service
and distribution has been provided. The States can prepare Standard Operating
Procedures (SOP) for the purpose.
The tasting of the food by a teacher/SMC member shall bring the community closer
and develop sense of ownership among the community towards this flagship
Programme. Testing of cooked Mid-day Meal at a set interval shall create a
monitoring/check on the calorific value and bacteria free Mid-day meal.
To help the children by inculcating the good habits of hand washing and eating Midday Meal in an orderly manner will add to nation building by making them worthy
citizen of India.
Year wise Projected Demand and Releases So Far
Year
Children
Food
Projected Budget
Releases
Covered
grain
Demand Estimates
(In Cr.
allocated
(Rs.
in (Rs. in Cr.)
(Rs.
In Cr.)
(Lakh
Cr)
MTs)
2012-13
10.68
29.55
13359.21
11937.00
10867.90
2013-14
10.80
29.77
14503.00
13215.00
10927.21
2014-15
10.33**
29.33
17594.50
13215.00
10526.97
16583.00
9236.40#
*2460.00
2015-16
In a bid to boost confidence and help in overall personality development of girl child,
Self Defense trainings in schools are being supported under Rashtriya Madhyamik
Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA).
Teacher training undertaken under various National have been made gender
sensitive with use of specially designed modules developed by institution like
National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
To ensure access and better infrastructure facilities for girls, the Ministry has granted
financial support for infrastructure development and for construction, maintenance of
facilities like Girls Hostels and toilets for girls across the country.
Punjab Best Practice
The rise in number of cases of atrocities against girls in the country has led MHRD to
encourage and introduce self defense trainings in the school and education
curriculum, not only to ensure safety and security for girls, but to enhance their self
confidence and overall personality.
Punjab is one prominent state which has showed its commitment towards girls
security issues with a 30 days karate training to the girls in all Government schools
which are supported under schemes like Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abiyan
(RMSA). The training has been highly appreciated by the parents and students.
Many parents have agreed that the training has been able to address the safety
concerns for the girls in the state. The parents need not be bothered to send their
girls to schools anymore.
Along with safety and security, the training has also catered to health issues with
regular drills on aerobic activities, stretching and breathing techniques.
k) National Programme on School Standards and Evaluation (Npsse)
In view of the increasing emphasis on `quality education and ever growing
`demand and `need for development of common and objective schools standards
across the country, the Ministry of Human Resource Development has launched the
National Programme on School Standards and Evaluation (NPSSE) as a
comprehensive instrument for school evaluation leading to school improvement.
The framework identifies seven domains as the `key performance areas of the
schools. Under each key domain, the core standards are defined and placed as
reference points for evaluation and improvement.
The school Standards and Evaluation Unit (SSEU) has developed following
documents under NPSSE:-
Vision
M/o I&B has utilized 95 % of RE of the Plan Outlay for the Plan
period
so far (2012-13 to 2014-15).
M/o I&B has utilized 98.16 % of RE of the Plan Outlay for the year
2014-15.
Wing-wise Expenditure of RE (2014-15)
Wing
% of Expenditure of RE (2014-15)
*Expenditure as on 31.03.15
Information
98.30 %
Film
89.16 %
Broadcasting
99.78 %
Kisan
Channel The
Government has announced in the
Union Budget, 2014-15, that a new Kisan TV channel dedicated to agrarian
sector would be launched in the current financial year. The Government has
allocated an amount of Rs.100 crore for the purpose.
E-auction of first batch of private FM radio channels Phase III Cabinet approval obtained on January 16, 2015 for e-auctioning of the first
batch of Phase-III FM channels consisting of 135 channels in the 69 cities
already covered under Phase-II. It has also approved migration (renewal) of
private FM licenses from Phase-II to Phase-III on payment of migration fee as
per TRAI recommendations.
Vividh Bharati FM Kolkata, Mumbai & Chennai inaugurated AIR's popular Vividh Bharati Service, launched in 1957, was recently
extended to FM platforms in Kolkata and Chennai on December 26, 2014 and
February 20, 2015 respectively to expand local listenership.
18th March 2015) and 4th National CR Awards presented during the
Sammelan.
Simulcast by DD
e-book released
Disaster Management:
PMs State visits, BRIC, Brazil, SAARC- Nepal, UNGA, New York, East Asia
Summit- Myanmar, G-20-Australia etc
Launch of Schemes: Digital India, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Make in India, Good
Governance Day
News Service Division sends SMS in 16 languages, three times per day on major
headlines
Over 6 lakh subscribers covered in the country (SMS data report as on 27th March
2015.
enhance efforts to create permanent infrastructure for the festival as well as the profile
of the festival.
Audio-visual co-production agreement with China signed-There is an enhanced level
of cooperation between India and China in the Audio-Visual sector. Both the countries
have set up a Joint Working Group for this purpose. An Indian Film Festival was held in
Beijing during August 2014. In September 2014, an Audio Visual Co-production
Agreement was signed with China.
North-East Film Festival held in New Delhi (Aug 2014) - For the first time, a three-day
North East Film Festival was held in Delhi (Siri Fort Complex) on a grand scale. The
Festival concluded on August 24, 2014. It will henceforth be an annual feature, a
prominent event in the film festival calendar of the Directorate of Film Festivals.
First National Childrens Film Festival held in New Delhi (14th Nov 2014) - The first
edition of the National Childrens Film Festival was Organized by the Childrens Film
Society of India (CFSI) from November 14 to 16, 2014 at Siri Fort Auditorium in New
Delhi. The Festival was inaugurated by the Honble Union Minister for Finance,
Corporate Affairs and Information and Broadcasting Shri Arun Jaitley.
45th International Film Festival of India held in Goa (Nov 2014) - The festival had a
spectacular opening on November 20, 2014.
Shri Amitabh Bachchan was the Chief Guest. Shri
Rajnikanth was awarded the Centenary Award for
Indian Film Personality of the Year 2014 by the
Honble Minister for Information and Broadcasting
Shri Arun Jaitley. Life-time Achievement Award was
conferred upon the renowned Chinese film maker Mr.
Wong Kar Wai by the Minister of State for Information
and Broadcasting Shri Rajyavardhan Rathore in the presence of celebrities.The festival
concluded on November 30, 2014.
3rd National Students Film Awards and Film Festival held in FTII, Pune (Feb 2015)
Photography
Workshop
nd
September 2014 - In
pursuance of the decision taken in the Committee of Secretaries (CoS) Meeting held
on July 1, 2014 to consider measures to upgrade the efficacy of control and response
systems of the Government in crisis situation, the Ministry of Information organized a
one day training session for senior officers of various Ministries/ Departments on
Newspapers for India, M/o I&B has streamlined its Single Window Public dealing
mechanism at its office. The RNI has achieved 100% success in online e-filing of
annual statements by publishers for 2013-14. The software module has been
finalized for online filing of title verification applications. It has also started sending
automatic SMS intimation about status of title and registration applications to the
publishers.
E-version of 100 volumes of Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi prepared with
Gujarat Vidyapeeth.
Digitization of other publications such as India/Bharat 2015
DPD stall at Delhi World Book Fair 2015 - The Directorate of Publications
Division participated in the New Delhi World Book Fair organized from February 14 22, 2015 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi by the National Book Trust, under the Ministry
of Human Resource Development & India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO),
under the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. The 14-stall huge pavilion of
Publications Division in Hall No. 11 displayed 800-900 titles, mainly in English, Hindi
and a few regional languages.
a Communication University in the country with particular
emphasis Communication Technology.
Establishing
India Green India. While the theme of Swachh Bharat was portrayed visually in the
conventional mode, the Mobile Application of the Calendar exemplifies the
governments vision of Digital India. The mobile application incorporated the official
calendar of the Government for the year 2015. The App would also provide access to
the latest tweets from the PMO, the YouTube Channel of the Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting, and Press Releases on the PIB website. In addition to being a
window for all websites of Government of India, this informative application would
serve as a planner for users, bringing news updates from AIR and DD News.
20th Dec. 2014- On the occasion of the 90th Birth Anniversary of former Prime
Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, DAVP and Photo Division organized a Photo
Exhibition at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi on December 20,
2014. This exhibition portrayed the life of Shri Vajpayee through a display of around
250 photographs. These rare pictures took the spectators not only through the
political journey of this visionary leader, but also provided a glimpse into the diverse
facets of his life - as a poet and a great thinker. It also showcased his life through an
electronic exhibition.
The
and
meetings of Central
19.12.2014.
Board
of
Trustees
(EPF)
held
on
21.08.2014
1.
2.
3.
4.
(i) Unique labour identification number (LIN) will be allotted to Units to facilitate
online registration.
(ii) Filing of self-certified and simplified Single Online Return by the industry
instead of filing 16 separate returns. Amendments to 10 Rules has been taken
up.
(iii) Timely redressal of grievances.
(iv) 12 states have shown interest in joining the portal.
(v) The unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) has been issued to 930146
Units as on April 01, 2015.
Transparent Labour Inspection Scheme for efficient inspections.
(i)
Registration of Establishments:
Online portal launched on 30.06.2014
Hassle free, transparent and efficient.
No interaction with EPF office required.
The process is being improved and stabilized.
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS (2014-15) 10.37 crore member accounts pertaining
to 103 of 122 EFP offices have been updated as on 1616 hrs., 1 April 2015.
Claims as on 31st march, 2015 (Provisional)
Claims
Amount (inrs.)
Provident fund
73,02,634
4,06,89,65,78,544
Pension
56,59,971
1,16,49,02,09,770
EDLI
30,095
1,83,83,32,607
Total
1,29,92,700
5,25,22,51,20,921
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(iii)
LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES
Labour Law Reforms for economic development with inclusive growth
Industrial harmony can only be achieved when the objectives of employment and
employability are interwoven with the goals of industrial development and
national growth.. The Ministry of Labour & Employment is therefore committed to
good governance through transparency and accountability in the enforcement of
labour laws.
Amendments done so far:
(i)
This Bill aims to bring the provisions under multiple labour laws concerning the Small
Factories employing less than 40 workers, at one place. This Bill will help in easy
compliance of the Labour Laws by these small units.
For having a unified, effective and efficient mechanism for the Digital
monitoring of court cases through Legal Information and Management Based
System (LIMBS), The the NIC has been approached for a robust web-based
application having all the required features including monitoring of the case at
every stage, facilities of alert SMSs, monitoring of performance of the litigant
departments, counsel, etc. so as to ensure legal intervention at the required
stages have been developed. Security audit is being done by NIC, then the
application will be introduced and managed. In the meantime personnel &
training team & implementation team are being obtained from NICSI after
following due procedure.
Advice on legal matters including interpretation of the Constitution and the laws
including the conveyancing work of the Central Government.
During the period total of 9493 references from various Ministries/Departments were
handled.
For handling litigation work of the Central Government in the Supreme Court, High
Court and subordinate courts, 2180 counsels have been empanelled during the
period in various High Courts for smooth conduct of government litigation. This
has come as a welcome relief to the Government as it enables the Government to
represent itself before the courts & tribunals.
Nineteen Law Officers, including the Attorney General of India, Solicitor Generals
of India, for the Supreme Court and various High Courts were appointed. Thirty
Two Assistant Solicitor Generals were also appointed in various High Courts.
Initiatives to enter into Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in Civil and
Commercial matters are being taken with Oman, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kuwait,
France, Bulgaria, HKSAR, Iran, Ukraine, UAE and Azerbaijan.
During the period, 694 Notaries were appointed and 462 notary certificates were
renewed. Notaries are accessible to common man at District, Taluka, Tehsil and
sub-tehsil level for of documents. Increased numbers of Notaries have resulted
into increased options for general public to get their documents authenticated.
The Appellate Tribunal for Foreign Exchange is working with its full strength of
the Chairman and Members. The Tribunal disposed off 49 cases during the last
calendar year.
The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal decides second appeals against orders of the
Departmental Appellate Authorities under Income Tax Act, 1961 & other direct
tax laws. There are 63 benches of ITAT with sanctioned strength of 63 Judicial
Members and 63 Accountant Members including one President, one Senior Vice
President and 9 Vice-Presidents.
After amendment of the Income Tax Act, recently for the first time a former Judge
of the high court has been appointed as President of the Tribunal. The selection
process for selection of 48 members of the Tribunal has been completed by
holding interviews of 546 candidates. Approvals received in respect of the 35
candidates is being processed to offer appointments to the selected candidates.
During the last calendar year ITAT has disposed off 29817 cases.
The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body constituted by the
Government from time to time. The 20thLaw Commission of India was
constituted for a period of three years with effect from 1st September, 2012. Its
term is upto 31st August, 2015. The successive Law Commissions have so far
submitted 256 Reports, all of which have been forwarded to the concerned
Ministries/Departments for examination/implementation.
During the current financial year the Law Commission of India has submitted 12
Reports. Since the Law Commission of India is continuously functioning from
1955 and is reconstituted for every three years, it is now proposed to explore the
possibility of making it a permanent body either by an executive order of by an
Act of Parliament.
INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN WHICH ENHANCES THE PUBLIC
DELIVERY SYSTEM
1.Introduction of e-Office in the Department of Legal Affairs.
The existing File Tracking System (FTS) is proposed to be replaced by Eoffice. Provision for Rs.40 lakhs has been made for the purpose. NIC had been
requested to take necessary action in the matter. Information with regard to total
location-wise sanctioned strength of the Department has been made available to
NIC.
2.Redesigning/Updation of the Website of the Department of Legal Affairs.
The Ministry has already conveyed willingness to migrate website to Content
Management Framework of the DeitY and necessary information in the prescribed
proforma has already been handed over to NIC in respect of Department of Legal
Affairs. .
3.Preparation and updation of e-Book
An e-Book was prepared and uploaded on the Departments website. However, the
e-Book needed to be designed as per DeitYs guidelines having bi-lingual interface
and graphic images. The updation is being done accordingly.
4.Transition from IPv4 to IPv6
The necessary action to switch over from IPv4 to IPv6 is being done in
consultation with NIC.
5.Development of a Software for Notary applications
The NIC submitted that the software for online Notary application is ready for
implementation. The NIC informed that they will conduct a demo very soon in
consultation with the Notary Cell.
6.ProActive Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI)
In view of PMO launch of a new web-based application titled Pro-Active
Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) with a view to centrally
monitor all Central Projects State projects and also the public grievance set-up the
department may sooner or later have to work out modalities for coordinating
PRAGATI application . For the present, one CPGRAMS web-based application is
working which is being monitored by DoP&T. It is given to understand that the
CPGRAMS version may be switched over to PRAGATI
7. Cyber Security
Instructions have been received on cyber security. Action on the subject is being
undertaken.
The Parliament has enacted the Constitution (Ninety-Ninth Amendment) Act, 2014 and
the National Judicial Appointment Commission Act, 2014 to bring about a transparent
and participative mechanism of appointments in higher judiciary.
A sum of Rs. 933 crores has been released to the State Governments during the year
2014-15 for infrastructure development of subordinate judiciary,2251 court halls and
1799 residential units for judicial officer of district and subordinate courts are under
construction.
The sanctioned strength of High Court Judges has increased from 906 as on 31-03-2014
to 998 as on 31-03-2015. The sanctioned strength of Judicial Officers in District and
Subordinate Courts has increased from 19,518 as on 31-12-2013 to 20,214 as on 31-122014.
Against the target of computerising 14249 district and subordinate courts in the
country under the eCourts Mission Mode Project , 13672 courts (95.6%) have been
computerised at the end of the phase-I of the project on 31-03-2015. Case data in
respect of more than 4.5 crore cases and 95 lakh judgements has been uploaded to the
National Judicial Data Grid. Litigants and lawyers are now able to access this case
information online.
Pendency of cases in District and Subordinate courts has declined from 2.68 crores as
on 31-12-2013 to 2.64 crores cases as on 31-12-2014. Pendency of cases in High Courts
has declined from 44 lakh cases as on 31-12-2013 to 41 lakh cases as on 31-12-2014.
(Matter as send to Secy I&B by the Deptt. of Justice on 10th April 2015)
The Central Government has undertaken many initiatives to improve the justice
delivery system. Rs. 3131 crore has been released to States for development of
infrastructure since 2011 and another Rs. 1947 crore was released under the 13th
Finance Commission for ADR Centres, Judicial Academies, Lok Adalats, Training etc.
The first Phase of the e-Court Mission Mode Project has just concluded with an
investment of about Rs. 600 crore, under which case data of 13672 courts is now online.
The National Judicial Data Grid presently covering courts under the jurisdiction of 21
out of 24 High Courts is available to the judiciary for improving case and court
management and judicial performance.
Significant investment has been made by the Central Government in the justice sector.
The country today has more court halls then the total functioning courts. Almost 96% of
the district and subordinate courts have been computerised and are providing case
information to litigants and lawyers online through the district court websites.
With the increased devolution of funds to the States by the 14th Finance Commission,
to the tune of of Rs.9749 crore States should improve the justice delivery system.
Law & Justice Minister D.V.Sadananda Gowda says he himself will be available for
discussions with the Chief Ministers as well as the Chief Justices of High Courts to carry
forward the efforts to provide litigant friendly environment in courts and to eliminate
the long-pending arrears of cases in courts.
******
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
The Parliament has enacted the Constitution (Ninety-Ninth Amendment) Act, 2014
and the National Judicial Appointment Commission Act, 2014 to bring about a
transparent and participative mechanism of appointments in higher judiciary.
A sum of Rs. 933 crores has been released to the State Governments during the year
2014-15 for infrastructure development of subordinate judiciary. 2251 court halls and
1799 residential units for judicial officer of district and subordinate courts are under
construction.
The sanctioned strength of High Courts Judges has increased from 906 as on 31-032014 to 998 as on 31-03-2015.The sanctioned strength of Judicial Officers in District
and Subordinate Courts has increased from 19,518 as on 31-12-2013 to 20,214 as on
31-12-2014.
Against the target of computerising 14249 district and subordinate courts in the
country under the eCourts Mission Mode Project, 13672 courts (95.6%) have been
computerised at the end of the phase-I of the project on 31-03-2015. Case data in
respect of more than 4.5 crore cases and 95 lakh judgements has been uploaded to the
National Judicial Data Grid. Litigants and lawyers are now able to access this case
information online.
Pendency of cases in District and Suborinate Courts has declined from 2.68 crore
casesas on 31-12-2013 to 2.64 crore cases as on 31-12-2014. Pendency of cases in
High Courts has declined from 44 lakh cases as on 31-12-2013 to 41 lakh cases as on
31-12-2014.
units. Assistance under CVY is also provided for participation in international and domestic
exhibitions/Fairs. Coir Board won Gold Medal in ITPO exhibition in Nov 2015.
4. Change of definition of MSMEs
The Cabinet, in its meeting held on 25.3.2015 approved the proposal of this Ministry for
introduction of a Bill, namely, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development
(Amendment) Bill, 2015, in Parliament to amend the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Development Act 2006. The objective of proposed amendments are to (i) enhance the
existing limit for investment in plant and machinery considering changes in price index and
cost of inputs consistent with the emerging role of the MSMEs in various Global Value
Chains, (ii) include in such classification, the micro or tiny enterprises or the village
enterprises, as part of medium enterprises apart from small enterprises so as to enable the
aforesaid category of enterprises to avail the benefits and become competitive, and (iii)
empower the Central Government to revise the existing limit for investment, by notification,
considering the inflation and dynamic market situation. Steps have been taken to introduce
the Bill in Parliament.
5. National portal for filing of EM
The Ministry, through National Informatics Centre (NIC), has developed a web portal for
online filing of Entrepreneurship Memorandum (EM) I & II. The portal can be viewed at
http://em.msme.gov.in/. The Objective is to make the process of filing of EM-I & II forms
easier for the applicant through any-time-anywhere registration. Adoption of online system
would encourage higher rates of EM registration and enable more MSMEs to avail benefits
under various Government schemes. The portal would enable the applicant to track the status
of his application thereby promoting accountability and transparency in the system. It also
provides a critical monitoring tool to the Government by way of tracking investments.
Currently, this portal is being adopted by 13 States/UTs. Over 36765 EM1 and 8244 EM2
application has been filed online.
In order to facilitate the adoption of this portal by various States and UTs, this
Ministry has been proactively engaging with them by periodic meetings with senior officials
and providing hands-on training to the officials of the Directorate of Industries and the
District Industries Centres.
6. De-reservation of items
Items are reserved/de-reserved for exclusive manufacture in MSE sector in accordance with
Section 29(B) of the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951. The decisions are
taken by the Government after considering the recommendations of the Advisory Committee,
constituted under the Act. As on date, 20 items are reserved for exclusive manufacture in
MSE Sector. A meeting of the Advisory Committee was held on 20.10.2014 which has
recommended De-reservation of the remaining 20 items. The Notification for Dereservation of these items is being processed by Department of Industrial Policy &
Promotion, M/o Commerce & Industry (Notification is with M/o Law & Justice for Vetting).
With this de-reservation there will be no item reserved for exclusive manufacture in MSE
sector.
7. Quality Management System (ISO) in Ministry of MSME, KVIC and Coir Board
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has been awarded ISO 9001:2008
certification, demonstrating the Ministrys mission of promoting the growth and development
of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with dedication and commitment. It is a matter of
pride that the Ministry is one of the first in Government of India to be awarded ISO
certification for Ministry-wide application. Implementation of ISO standards will enable
the Ministry to identify areas for improvement and also bring in transparency and
accountability in the functioning. Similarly Organizations of the Ministry viz. KVIC and Coir
Board have also adopted ISO standards and have obtained certification.
8. Technology Centre Systems Programes
Under Technology Centre System Programme (TCSP), 15 New Technology Centres (Tool
Rooms) would be set up and existing Tool Rooms would be upgraded with support of World
Bank. The expanded and upgraded network would be supplied by (a) Technology partners to
strengthen technical capabilities of MSMEs (b) Clusters Network Managers to establish
linkages amongst all key stakeholders of entire ecosystem and (c) National portal for creating
a vibrant and interactive platform to meet various needs of MSMEs. Loan Agreement
between GOI and World Bank has been signed on 10.11.2014 and the loan has become
effective w.e.f. 19.12.2014. Locations have been identified at 9 states and a total of 150
acres of land has been taken possession at 9 places.
9. District Industry Profile
Office of Development Commissioner (MSME), through its field formations i.e. MSME-DIs,
have compiled brief Industrial Profile of each district of the country, which contains the
details of resources as well as Industrial set-ups in the respective districts. Till date 606
District Industrial Profiles have been compiled and uploaded on the website of O/o
Development Commissioner (www.dcmsme.gov.in). These District Industrial Profiles also
have Industrial Clusters in each district indicating potential areas in the industrial sectors.
Efforts are being made to update the District Industrial Profiles.
10. Skill Mapping
On the basis of District Industrial Profiles of 606 districts we have also compiled districtwise Skill Development Needs. The District-wise Skill Development Needs have been
made on the basis of Industry Clusters situated in the respective Districts. Further, on the
basis of Industry Clusters, the type of Skills required to produce products and subsequently,
the need of training programmes to be conducted for skilling un-employed youth have been
identified. 29 column forms for skill mapping on each district on the basis of industry
clusters have been developed to cover all possible informations including name of the
technical institutions (ITIs, Polytechnics, Engineering Colleges with the facilities) have been
developed. The draft has been shared with Ministry of Skill Development, National Skill
Development Council and Industry Associations.
11. Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Development
Harnessing of demographic dividend requires a business-friendly eco-system that promotes
entrepreneurship and job creation to enable them to become job providers from being job
seekers. In order to ensure that young entrepreneurs are encouraged and suitably equipped to
go into new ventures, the Ministry and its organizations undertake the task of promotion of
entrepreneurship and skill development training on a regular basis. The key achievements and
future plans are given below:
(Rs in crore)
Year
Budget
Estimate (BE)
Revised
Expenditure
Estimate (RE)
% of
expenditure
w.r.t. RE
2013-14
2977.00
2600.00
2281.15
87.73
2014-15
3327.00
2500.00
2389.90
95.60
The plan outlay for the Ministry of MSME for 2015-16 is Rs. 2612.51 crore and this gross budgetary
support has been allocated amongst the different wings of the Ministry as follows:(Rs. in crore)
(a)
ARI Division
1651.22
(b)
832.01
(c)
SME Division
128.28
(d)
RGUMY
Total
1.00
2612.51
In addition, NSIC is expected to generate IEBR to the tune of Rs. 430.00 crore in 2015-16.
The non-plan outlay of the Ministry is Rs. 394.91 crore. This expenditure is to be incurred on
KVIC (Rs. 229.09 crore), Coir Board (Rs. 26.75 crore), MGIRI (Rs. 3.24 crore), Secretariat Service of the
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Rs. 11.50 crore), the office of Development
Commissioner, MSME (Rs. 21.86 crore) and the Promotional Services Institutions and Programmes
(Rs. 102.47 crore).
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
MINISTRY OF MINES
INCREASED REVENUE TO STATES DUE TO REVISION IN RATES OF
ROYALTY
The Central Government has revised the rates of royalty for major minerals (except for coal,
lignite and sand for stowing) on 01.9.2014. State Governments, who receive 100% of the
royalty, are benefited through this increase in rates of royalty for major minerals. For some of
the States, this revision in rates of royalty may have resulted in an increase of even more than
45% in revenue collection through royalty.
AMENDMENTS TO THE MMDR ACT, 1957
The MMDR Act, 1957 was amended by the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015. Through this
amendment, the Central Government has replaced the First-come-First-serve discretionary
mechanism for grant of mineral resources by a transparent and competitive auction process.
This will enable the States to have enhanced share for mineral resources. It also takes care of
the local people affected by mining activities through establishment of District Mineral
Foundation wherein the existing miners will pay an amount not more than royalty and new
miners, in addition to the auction amount, will pay an amount not more than one-third of the
royalty. Requirement of prior approval of the Central Government in case of 10 important
minerals, like iron ore, bauxite etc., has been done away with. Provisions have been made to
ensure certainty of tenure and easy transferability of mineral concession. National Mineral
Exploration Trust is provided to promote exploration in the country. Stricter penalty
provisions have been made to deter cases of illegal mining. These provisions will remove
ambiguity in grant of mineral resources and their regulation, and will attract investment in the
mining sector.
EMPOWERMENT OF STATES THROUGH NOTIFICATION OF 31 MINERALS AS
MINOR MINERALS
The Central Government has notified 31 minerals as minor minerals on 10.2.2015 to
delegate entire regulation for these 31 minerals to States. This increased the number of
minerals notified as 'minor' minerals from 24 to 55. It will empower States to frame their own
rules for grant and regulation of these 31 minerals. States are also enabled to prescribe the
method for grant of mineral concessions, rates of royalty, contribution to DMF etc. for these
minerals.
FIVE CENTRAL PSUS ENLISTED TO DO PROSPECTING OPERATIONS
WITHOUT PROSPECTING LICENCE
The Central Government vide notification dated 16.2.2015 notified five Central Government
Public Sector Undertakings viz. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, Steel Authority of India
Limited, NMDC Limited, KIOCL Limited, and MOIL Limited under second proviso to
section 4 (1) of the MMDR Act, 1957. This enables theses PSUs to do prospecting operations
without obtaining prospecting licence.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA (GSI)
Accelerating Mineral Exploration Activities in the country
In consonance with the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015, emphasis is being laid on
intensifying mineral exploration activities in the country to bring up the mineral deposits to a
mineable stage. The government has opened up the arena of exploration to other agencies and
has, accordingly, notified five Central PSUs to carry out prospecting operations without
obtaining prospecting license. The Geological Survey of India (GSI), primarily engaged in
regional exploration, has been re-entrusted the work of taking up detailed mineral exploration
at G2 and G1 levels of UNFC from 2015-16 onwards. Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd.
is being strengthened to intensify its detailed exploration activities by carrying out
exploration of the deposits identified by GSI. These initiatives are expected to give a huge
boost to the mineral exploration initiatives of the government.
Acceleration of the National Geochemical Mapping (NGCM) and National Geophysical
Mapping (NGPM) Programs of GSI
In keeping with the priorities of the Central Government for national development, plans for
accelerating the geochemical and geophysical mapping of the country have been prepared.
NGCM and NGPM programs have a significant import in the exploration for concealed
mineral deposits besides other geoscientific activities. Accordingly, the core areas of the
identified Obvious Geological Potential area of the country are envisaged to be covered by
NGCM within the next two years, and by NGPM, within the next three years, starting from
2015-16. It is expected that with this, mineral exploration in the country will get a huge fillip.
NATIONAL ALUMINIUM COMPANY LIMITED (NALCO)
The net profit during the 9 months ended December 2014 has increased by 106%
compared to same period of previous year. The same is due to improved sales
realization coupled with pragmatic decision of the management to restrict production
of aluminium to a level supported by linkage coal only.
Investment decision accorded in Dec14 to set up a 1 million ton Alumina Refinery
at Damanjodi at an investment of Rs. 5540 crore based on Pottangi mine deposit.
Responding to the call of Honble Prime Minister, NALCO has committed to
construct toilets in 160 schools in Odisha under Swachh Bharat-Swachh Vidyalaya
Abhiyan at an approx. Cost of Rs. 5 crore.
The 10th and 11th Stockyards of the Company were opened at Vadodara and New
Delhi respectively.
260 KWp Rooftop Solar Power System has been made operational at Office and
Township, Bhubaneswar during the year.
The company commercialized the laboratory scale R&D process titled
Development of heat treatment process for destruction of toxic cyanide and recovery
of valuables from spent pot lining material (developed in collaboration with
JNARDDC, Nagpur).
NALCO has committed to supply 50,000 MT of Aluminium metal to Angul
Aluminium Park which has been formed as a JV between NALCO & Industrial
Development Corporation of Odisha.
HINDUSTAN COPPER LIMITED (HCL)
HCL has purchased the secured assets of Jhagadia Copper Limited (JCL) at
Bharuch, Gujarat, which include land, building, plant & machinery from Asset
Reconstruction Company (India) Limited. JCL was in liquidation under
Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security
interest Act' 2002 (SARFAESI Act) and Honble High Court of Gujarat has approved
the sale in favour of HCL. JCL has a capacity to produce 50,000 tonnes of copper
cathode annually. The sale of secured assets of JCL has been confirmed by Asset
Reconstruction Company (India) Limited on 17.02.2015.
As a steps towards Make in India, the HCL has initiated steps to manufacture
value added products of copper like contact wire for Railways, copper foils, sheet,
tubes, bus bars, profiles, etc. in joint venture with a private player, which is expected
to start by June, 2015.
The company is actively participating in the Swachha Vidyalaya Abhiyan and has
committed expenditure of Rs. 2 crore approximately for construction/repair of 207
toilets covering 140 schools.
More than 85.40 lakh minority students received scholarships and more
than Rs.2009 crorereleased under the various scholarship schemes of this
Ministry.
74.96 lakhs students received Pre-matric scholarships incurring
expenditure to the tune ofRs.1129.27 crore.
10.44 lakhs students received Post-matric and Merit-cum-Means based
scholarships. For the first time the scholarship amount were credited
directly into the bank account of the students through DBT mode. The
amount released under these two schemes is Rs. 879.97 crore.
Under the scheme of Financial support to candidate clearing Prelims
conducted by Union Public Services Commission and Staff Selection
Commission (SSC) for Civil Services, Rs.2.96 crore was spent for
supporting 786 candidates.
The Scheme of PadhoPardes was operationalized during 2014-15. Under
this scheme 573students received Interest Subsidy amounting to Rs.3.50
crore.
Under Free Coaching & Allied Scheme including New Component
(intensive coaching along with classes for students 11th& 12th with
Science subject), 8118 candidates have been covered incurring an
expenditure of Rs.31.34 crore.
From 2015-16, all scholarships including the Pre-matric Scholarship
Scheme will be transferred Directly to the students bank account through
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
Waqf
NAWADCO
MsDP
During the last ten months, project proposals of Rs.756.62 crores were approved
for different types of projects and Rs.770.89 crores have been released to the
States/UTs under MsDP. The projects approved include 7 Degree Colleges, 85
School Buildings, 86 Hostels, 36 ITIs, 1 Polytechnic, 145 Health Centres,
95924 Skill Training for Minority Youths, Cyber Gram for 361257 students etc.
SeekhoaurKamao (Learn & Earn)
During the last ten months of 2014-15, 20720 minority youths have been trained
at a total cost of Rs.46.02 crores.
NaiRoshni
During the last ten months of 2014-15, 68,675 women were trained at a cost of
Rs.13.48 crores.
NMDFC
The Union Cabinet on 10thFebruary, 2015 increased the Authorized Share
Capital of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation
(NMDFC) from Rs. 1,500 crore to Rs. 3,000 crore, and also modified the share
holding pattern from 65:26:09 to 73:26:01 for Central Government, State
Government and Private Institutions respectively. As a result, the equity
contribution of Central Government has also been increased from 65% to 73%.
NMDFC disbursed credit amounting to Rs.431.20 crores covering 1,08,747
minority beneficiaries.
New Schemes
1. USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional
Arts/Crafts for Development):To conserve traditional arts/crafts and
build capacity of traditional artisans and craftsmen belonging to minority
communities.
2. HamariDharohar: To preserve and showcase rich cultural heritage of
minority communities, the Government has also launched the scheme of
HamariDharohar to support the iconic exhibitions, supporting
calligraphy and related crafts, and research & development.
3. Cyber Gram: To impart Digital Literacy, Ministry took initiative to
include programme within the scheme of Multi-sectoral Development
from 2014-15. To assist the Ministry, Common Service Centre (CSC) eGovernance Services India Ltd. Of Department of Electronics and
Information Technology has been engaged.
4. NaiManzil: The Central Government in the Budget 2015-16, has
announced the launching of an integrated education and livelihood
initiative namely, NaiManzil", for the benefit of the minority youths
who do not have a formal school leaving certificate, i.e., those in the
category of school-dropouts or educated in the community education
institutions like the Madarsas, with a view to enabling them to seek better
employment in the organized sector and thus to equip them for better
lives. The schemealsovisualizes providing bridge courses to Madarsa
educated youth to enable them to seek higher education. The scheme will
be launched shortly.
New Institution:
2.
Installed
capacity at
the end of
11th Plan
Capacity
addition
Target for
12th Plan(201217)
Revised
Targets for
2022
Solar Power
941
10,000
1,00,000
Wind power
17,352
15,000
60,000
Small Hydro
3,395
2,100
10,000
Biomass
Power
3,225
2,900
5,000
TOTAL
24,914
30,000
1,75,000
First Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet & Expo (RE-INVEST) 2015
The Meet & Expo organized in New Delhi from 15-17 February 2015 was
inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister of India. The Event has been a
tremendous success as it attracted around 3,000 participations from a wide
range of stakeholders Investors, Banks, Project developers, including
Ministerial and Government delegations from Germany and the U.K. and
industry delegations from several countries including China.
The most significant outcome of the 3-day event was the signing of Green
Energy Commitments by various public and private sector companies and
proprietorship firms to invest in the country's renewable energy sector in the
five year period from 2015 - 2019. The commitments were invited for any
quantum of generation, starting from 1 MW in any renewable sector. It is
heartening to note that this initiative by the Government was met wholeheartedly, with a total commitment of an astounding 217 GW being made by
the Power Producers (Solar: 1,66,246 MW, Wind: 45,296 MW, Others: 3685
MW). The manufacturing sector also witnessed substantial commitment of 41
GW being made by the stakeholders (Solar: 5,050 MW, Wind: 36,350 MW) and
significantly, commitments were also made by Financial Institutions for
financing a cumulative capacity of 11.5 GW of renewable projects
3. Scheme for development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power
Projects :
The Government has approved on 10th December, 2014 a Scheme for setting
up of 25 Solar Parks, each with the capacity of 500 MW and above and Ultra
Mega Solar Power Projects to be developed in next 5 years in various States
and will require Central Government financial support of Rs 4050 crore. These
parks will be able to accommodate over 20,000 MW of solar power projects.
Approval for setting up of 17 Solar Parks, with capacity of 12,759 MW, is given
in 12 so far. They are: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
and Odisha. These solar parks will be developed in collaboration with State
Governments and their agencies. Total Central Financial Assistance (CFA)
amounting to Rs 172.50 crore have been released to SECI under Scheme
during 2014-15 (31.3.2015)
4. Setting up of over 300 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by
Defence establishments and Para Military Forces with viability gap
funding
Under this Scheme over 300 MW of Grid-Connected and Off-Grid Solar PV
Power Projects will be set up by Defence Establishments under Ministry of
Defence and Para Military Forces under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with
Viability Gap Fund (VGF) under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission
(JNNSM) in five years that is from 2014 to 2019. Under the Scheme there is a
stipulation of mandatory condition that all PV cells and modules used in the
solar plants set up under this Scheme will be made in India. To implement this
Scheme a provision of an amount of Rs 750 crore for MNRE from the National
Clean Energy Fund has been earmarked.
The solar project developers will be provided VGF based on the bid. The
bidders will be selected on the basis of bids for minimum VGF requirement for
the project with commitment to supply solar power at Rs. 5.50/KWh for 25
years. However, the upper limits of the VGF are as follows:
Category-I:
Rs.2.5 crore/MW for project capacity up to 5 MW or 30% of the
project cost whichever is lower;
Category-II: Rs. 2 crore/MW for project capacity greater than 5 MW up to
25 MW or 30% of the project cost whichever is lower; and
Category-III: Rs. 1.5 crore /MW for project capacity greater than 25 MW or
30% of the project cost whichever is lower.
5. Implementation of Scheme for setting up 1000 MW of Grid Connected
Solar PV Power projects by CPSUs and GoI organisations with Viability
Gap Funding :
The Government has also approved the Scheme for setting up of 1000 MW
of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects with VGF (Viability Gap Fund)
support of Rs.1000 crore, by CPSUs under various Central/State Schemes, in
three years period from 2015-16 to 2017-18. The Scheme will have a
mandatory condition that all PV cells and modules used in solar plants set up
under this Scheme, will be made in India. The CPSUs and Government of
India organisations like NTPC, NHPC, CIL, IREDA, Indian Railways, etc. are
10.
11.
14.
An MOU was signed on 1st October, 2014 for setting up a Joint Venture
Company (JVC) to undertake first Demonstration Offshore Wind Power
Project in the country along the Gujarat coast. The signatories of the MoU
were Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), National Institute of
Wind Energy (NIWE), and Consortium of partners consisting of National
Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd
(PGCIL), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), Power
Finance Corporation (PFC), Power Trading Corporation (PTC), and Gujarat
Power Corporation Ltd (GPCL). The JVC will undertake detailed feasibility
study and necessary steps as deemed necessary for implementation of the
first offshore demonstration wind power project.
15. Conclave on R& D in New and Renewable Energy
MNRE organized a one-day "Conclave on R& D in New and Renewable
Energy" on 5th August 2014 at New Delhi with a view to review the progress
of on-going Research, Development and Demonstration Projects in New and
Renewable Energy funded by MNRE and seek the views from experts for
taking further steps for faster development of technology for
commercialization. The conclave was inaugurated by Hon'ble Minister of
Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy, and was also addressed to
Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India. A Compendium on
R&D Projects funded by MNRE was released on the occasion. Around 200
participants including the Principal Investigators and scientists working in R&D
projects, researchers, eminent experts on the related subjects, industry
representatives associated with R&D, policy makers attended the conclave.
The Conclave recommended a strong emphasis on strengthening R&D
Programme in new and renewable energy for faster development of
technologies for commercialization to achieve the installable potential in the
sector for meeting growing energy needs.
16. Formation of an Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States
(AREAS)
To promote the interaction amongst the State Nodal Agencies (SNAs)
implementing the renewable energy programmes to enable them to learn from
each other's experiences and share their best practices, MNRE took an
initiative in consultation with SNAs and formed an Association of Renewable
Energy Agencies of States (abbreviated as "AREAS), registered as a society
on 27 August 2014, under Society Registration Act 1860. It has now been
decided to create an initial corpus with a contribution of Rs 5 crore by MNRE
to encourage SNAs to mobilize matching contribution of equal amount to the
corpus from their respective States. The corpus so created will be invested in
financial instruments like fixed deposit etc. and interest earned will be used by
the AREAS in meeting its day-to-day expenses as also undertaking some of
the activities as listed in the MoA and Rules and Regulations of the Society.
Addendum/amendments to this effect have been incorporated in the HRD
Programme of the Ministry. MNRE has already released Rs 3.96 crore as its
contribution to corpus being maintained by IREDA.
(x) A software application has been prepared and rolled out to assess the performance of
Panchayats for the selection of Panchayats for the Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puarskar.
(xi) One day State Level Workshops have been conducted in eight Fifth Schedule States to
review the implementation of Provision of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas)
Act, 1996 at the State level with various line departments and other stakeholders from Aug,
2014 to March, 2015.
(xii) Recommendations were made for release of General Area Performance Grants for
23 States and Special Area Performance Grants to 14 States by the Ministry. The releases are
made by Ministry of Finance.
(xiii) In keeping with national priority, a sanitation plan lor the Ministry has been prepared
year-wise for five years and is under implementation.
(xiv) Advisories have been issued to the States under BRGF and RGPSA to give priority to
the implementation of activities under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).
(xv) The whole Ministry has begun to use e-office. Digitization of all old files/records is
about to be completed. This has resulted in increased cfficiency in disposal of files and papers
and savings on paper and manpower.
(xvi) ISO 19001:2008 certification for the whole Ministry lias been obtained
(xvii) An eBook of MoPR was also launched.
(xviii) Software Application of online processing ofdistrict plans under BRGF from the States
upto release of funds by the Ministry has been developed and demonstrated to the States. This
Application is being rolled out to the States for use after necessary customisation according to
the States' requirements.
(xix) Ten model e-Panchayat Gram Panchayats have been identified for complete and proper
usage ofall the ten PES Applications developed under e-Panchayat which will serve as
models for otllers to emulate.
(xx) The website of the Ministry has been revamped and maximum possible information
about the schemes/programmes and activities of the Minisntry have been uploaded and being
updated frequently.
(xxi) A face book page has been opened for the Ministry which provides latest information
on the activities and initiatives of the Ministrv.
2.
Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has been using the
software CPGRAMS on which the public can lodge their grievances and the same are then
forwarded to the concerned authorities for redress. There earlier existed 15 categories in
CPGRAMS software, under which the grievances could be classified. There was a separate
portal at the PM level (PMO PG Portal) for the public for lodging grievances. Under
PRAGATI, the PM Portal for grievances has been integrated with the CPGRAMS and the
categories under CPGRAMS have been broadened for better classification. There are now 20
main categories with 98 sub-categories for lodging of grievances.
3.
4.
The first two video conferences were held on March 25, 2015 and April 23, 2015.
With the introduction of PRAGATI, Ministries/Departments have become more active and
are taking the issue of redressal of Public Grievances more seriously.
2.
Abolition of affidavits and adoption of self certification
The 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission, in its 12th Report titled Citizen-centric
Administration- The Heart of Governance recommended adoption of self-certification for
simplifying procedures.
2.
Government of Punjab is the first state to comprehensively address the issue by removing
the requirement of affidavits/ attestation form Gazetted officers for most of the services being
provided by the Government.
3.
DARPG endeavors to simplify administrative procedures and make governance citizencentric. Taking a cue from the success of the Punjab Government, the Department adopted a two
pronged approach. On the one hand, all the Central ministries/ Departments were requested to do
away with the provision of affidavits and attestation, wherever possible, State Governments were
also requested to explore the possibility of abolishing them in a phased and time bound manner.
4.
Central Ministries/Departments and States/UTs are being requested repeatedly to review
the e requirement and to replace it with self-certification. The services in which this requirement
has been abolished largely relate to birth and death certificates, admissions, Government jobs,
caste and SC/ST Certificates, etc.
5.
27 States/UTs and 50 Central Ministries/Departments have taken action on the subject, as
on April 30, 2015.
3.
After the formation of NDA Government, the Hydrocarbon Sector has seen
major reforms. They have also found a mention in the speeches of the Honble Prime
Minister. A number of these reforms are aimed at extending benefits of Government
schemes to the poorer sections of the society. Further, these reforms have also
resulted in huge savings on account of subsidy, which is reflected in the budgetary
allocation given below:
S.No.
Year
1.
2.
3.
4.
2012-13 (Actual)
2013-14 (Actual)
2014-15 (Actual)
2015-16 (B.E.)
Budgetary
Allocation
(in Rs. Crore)
96,880
85,335
60,263
30,000
the consuming sector. The increase in gas prices on the basis of the present formula
is 75% less than the original formula arrived at by the previous government. This
increase in gas price, while incentivizing exploration and production of gas in the
country, significantly reduces the increase inthe prices of piped and compressed
natural gas, cost of production in gas based power plants and urea subsidy (about
Rs. 12,000 crore at the time of approval of new gas price formula). A higher outgo on
urea subsidyif the old formula was implemented mayhave resulted ina cut-back in
the budgetary allocation to priority sector schemes.
5.
"Give It Up":
The Government has approved the MoPNG proposal to supply pooled Natural
Gas at uniform delivered price to all grid connected gas based fertilizer plants for
urea production. It has also approved the scheme for utilization of stranded gas
based power generation capacity which was a joint proposal from MoPNG and
Ministry of Power and will help in revival of 16000 MW stranded gas based power
plants.
10.
In a key step aimed at benefitting the common man, Public Sector OMCs
have launched the sale of 5 kg LPG Cylinders under free trade LPG scheme in 129
cities. Under the scheme, people can buy a 5 kg LPG cylinder at market price on
"Cash and Carry" basis. This scheme is in addition to 5 kg LPG cylinder regular
connections available for people at subsidized rates.
11.
In order to help poor families get LPG connections, security deposit of LPG
cylinder and pressure regulator is borne by Public Sector OMCs from the
CSR fund. More than 19 lakh poor families have already benefitted from this
scheme, utilising CSR funds to the tune of around Rs. 300 cr.
12.
A
newweb-based
application
at www.mylpg.innow
provides
LiquefiedPetroleum Gas (LPG) consumersan integrated solution for allservices
related to supply of cooking gas and tracking their LPG cylinders fromthe comfort of
their home. This application is available in 13 languages and is a part of the Digital
India campaign.
13.
Biodiesel
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas will facilitate the increase in
capacity for R-LNG to 32.5 Million MetricTonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) from the
current level of 22 MMTPA.
21.
Reassessment of Hydrocarbon Potential to Bolster Oil & Gas
Production
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rolled out an elaborate project
to reassess hydrocarbon resources in India's sedimentary basins. This project is
likely to be completed by March, 2016 andwill provide quality data to investors on the
prospectivityof the basins.
22.
India
23.
Oil Ministry Chalks Out Plan to Give "Make in India" Big Push
Following Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clarion call to make India a
manufacturing hub, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set in motion the
process to identify equipment and products in the oil sector, such as LNG ships, that
can bemanufactured in India. IOC R&D has successfully developed INDMAX (lndane
Maximization) technology. Each of the PSUs under the Ministry of Petroleum and
Natural Gas hasconstituted a specialized Indigenization Development Group
(INDEG) to promote indigenization.
27.
Skill Development Mission
With the participation of all the major companies in the oil industry, the
Hydrocarbon Sector Skill Council (HSSC) has identified 134 roles (QPs) pertaining to
the Upstream, Midstream and Gas, Downstream as well as Construction and
Services sub-sectors. The HSSC roadmap for Skill Development provides for 19.27
lakh persons to be trained and certified by empanelling 500 institutions and training
1250 trainers.
28.
region of the country. On 1st December 2014, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi dedicated the Unit II of OTPC Power Plant atPalatana,Tripura to the Nation.A
vision group has been constituted to preparehydrocarbon vision for the North East
covering upstream,midstream and downstream sector.
For incentivizing exploration and production in the North East region, 40%
subsidy on gas operations has been extended to the private companies operating in
the region. This will boost the exploration activities, increase gas production and
enhance the level of economic activities in the region.
29.
Given that India imports nearly 77% of its crude oil requirement, the Ministry
of Petroleum and Natural Gas under Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has carried out a
series of engagements with oil & gas producing nations to secure India's interests.
30. Measures to Achieve Fuel Efficiency
Standards & Labelling programme is a key initiative undertaken by Ministry
through Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA). Under this
programme, fuel efficient equipment meeting stipulated standards are awarded Star
Rating (1 to 5) by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
31. Oil Sector Introduces Student Scholarship to Generate Interest in Areas of
Energy Efficiency
Scholarshipshave been introduced by PCRA to ignite and nurture interest in
energy efficiency and fuel conservation among meritorious students, who
areselectedthrough National-levelQuiz, Debate, Essay andPainting competitions.
32. Retail Outlets Opting for Solar Energy to Power Operations
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan
Petroleum Corporation Ltd - are progressively using solar energy for lighting their
retail outlets. So far, 2140 of their retail outlets have been powered by solar energy
resulting inestimaged savings of Rs. 1.92 crore. The target is to increase the number
to 7200 retail outlets by 31stMarch, 2017.
33.
MINISTRY OF POWER
Title
Date of announcement/launch
Implementation Status
Expected Outcomes
(tariff capped at Rs.5.50 per unit) the scheme envisaged sacrifices by all stakeholders
including support to Discoms from Power Sector Development Fund (PSDF) through
reverse e-bidding process.
[4] ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Government has approved on 6th August, 2014 National Mission for Enhanced Energy
Efficiency (NMEEE) with an outlay of Rs. 775 crore.
Demand Side Management (DSM) based Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) Work in progress in 114 cities, targeted consumers 676.17 lakh, 20.45 crore LED
bulbs
LED Street Lighting Programme 235 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in 14 States for installing 29.88 lakh LED streetlights
[5] INITIATIVES FOR TRANSMISSION SECTOR
Earlier, compensatory afforestation on double degraded land was applicable for
transmission lines upto 220 KV and exemption was given for central PSUs projects only.
VideMoEF circular dated 11th July 2014 it has been extended to all types of transmission
lines irrespective of voltage level and implementation including by private sector.
Nine Transmission schemes worth Rs 12,272 crores have been approved for
implementation under Tariff Based competitive bidding (TBCB) in July, 2014.
Subsequently, another 7 transmission schemes worth around 21,861 crore have been
approved for implementation under TBCB and notification to this effect is under process.
In order to expedite the clearances of transmission projects, power for according
approval under Section 68 and 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003, has been delegated to
Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority.
Presently Power System Operation Company(POSOCO) is a subsidiary of PGCIL. Govt.
has approved on 10thDecember 2014 a proposal for conversion of POSOCO into a Govt
company for independent power system operation.
[6]NATIONAL SMART GRID MISSION
Government has approvedthe establishment of National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) on
3rd March, 2015, to plan and monitor implementation of policies and programmes related
to Smart Grid activities. The outlay for NSGM activities for 12th Plan is Rs 980 crore
with a budgetary support of Rs 338 crore.
[7] INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity) signed during 18th
SAARC summit during 26-27 November,2014.
Indo-Nepal Agreement on Electric Power Trade, Cross-border Transmission
Interconnection and Grid Connectivity signed on 21st October, 2014.
******
(ii)
(a)
(b)
(c)
Feeders already segregated by the States Discoms / Power Deptt. shall not be eligible to be
covered under this scheme. However, the feeders already segregated by virtual means could
be considered for undertaking physical separation under the scheme.
2.
Strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution system in rural areas to
address critical gaps
The following works shall be eligible to be covered under the scheme based on
study/assessment carried by the respective State Discoms / Power Deptt. for identifying
critical gaps in sub-transmission and distribution network considering all relevant parameters
(such as voltage regulation, HT & LT ratio, optimum loading of transformers & lines,
reactive power management, power factor improvement, standard of performance, ongoing
works under other schemes etc.):
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
3.
Metering
(i) Installation of suitable static meters for feeders, distribution transformers and all
categories of consumers for existing un-metered connections, replacement of faulty
meters & electro-mechanical meters.
(ii) Installation of Pillar Box for relocation of meters outside the premises of consumers
including associated cables and accessories
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
INITIATIVES FOR PASSENGERS
Passenger Helpline No. 138 and security helpline 182
Indian Railways provided the All India Helpline Number 138 for passengers, as
an interface for queries/complaints related to medical emergency, cleanliness,
food & catering, coach maintenance, linen etc. A security helpline 182has also
been launched to report any unsavory incidents. This service is very important
public service and may play an important role in emergencies like crime against
women, onboard unlawful activity, train accidents, medical attention required and
fire etc. These helpline numbers viz.138&182 and existing 139 are now to be
printed on the tickets for the convenience of passengers.
Launching of e-catering service in trains
The Ministry of Railways is providing e-catering service in trains through its PSU,
Indian Railways Catering &Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). This is a service where
a passenger is able to place an order for a meal, to be served at his seat in the
train enroute, through a phone call or an SMS. Presently this service is available
in 120 pairs of trains.
Go-India Smart card
Go-India smart card scheme has been launched on pilot basis on two sectors i.e.
New Delhi-Mumbai and New Delhi-Howrah. At present, the Go-India smart card
enables passengers to pay for reserved and unreserved tickets. The scheme is
intended to reduce the transaction time at the booking counters for the convenience
of passengers as it facilitates cashless transaction.
Introduction of Next Generation e-ticketing system
Next generation E-ticketing system introduced, which can book 7200 online
tickets instead of 2000 tickets per minute and to attend 2,00,000 enquiries instead
of 50000 per minute.
SMS Alerts to passengers
Indian Railways added another milestone by launching yet another innovative
scheme called the SMS Gateway, which will enable passengers to get SMS
alerts on the status of reserved tickets. Moreover SMS alerts giving wakeup calls
has also been introduced.
Mobile security App.for women
Mobile app for security of women has been launched in Mumbai suburban
trains.This is the first phase and it will be extended in other areas in a phased
manner.
Yatri Ticket Sewa Kendra scheme
A new scheme called the Yatri Ticket Sewa Kendra (YTSK) Scheme has been
launched. Under this scheme, agents of Indian Railways can operate ticketing
terminals at various locations in the cities and towns for issuing reserved tickets
and unreserved tickets. This will offer greater convenience to passengers in
getting rail tickets.
Adarsh Station
The scheme of Adarsh stations for better amennities has been introduced in the year
2009. Under this scheme, 1052 stations have been selected for development as
Adarsh Station upto 2013-14. 108 stations have been developed under the scheme
during 2014-15, as such a total of 934 stations have been developed as Adarsh
station so far.
Pilgrim special tourist trains
With a view to promote rail tourism in the country and to provide reasonably priced
tourism package to tourists, especially the pilgrims in the country, India Railways
through its PSU IRCTC has launched six pilgrim special tourist train packages in
the first phase. The tourist packages are; Sukhamngalam Yatra, Dham special
with Dakshin Darshan via Lucknow, Dham special with Dakshin Darshan via
Jaipur, Shikharji Circuit Yatra, Jyotirling Yatra, and Takht Parikrama.
Braille Signages on coaches
For the help of visually impaired passengers, Indian
taken the initiative of providing Braille signages on coaches.
Railways
has
CCTV on coaches
In order to improve security measures on trains and especially for women
passengers, it has been decided to provide CCTV cameras on coaches especially
in ladies compartments in doorway and aisle area without infringing on the
privacy.
Waiting chairs/benches etc. under MPLAD Scheme
Guidelines issue for installations of chairs/benches/overhead sheds at stations
under
Member
of
Parliament
Local
Area
Development
Scheme(MPLAD).Comprehensive guidelines have been issued for improvement
of passenger amenities at stations through NGOs, Trusts, Corporate etc.
R.O. drinking water at stations
Provision of Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) drinking water units at selection stations on
experimental basis has been planned. To begin with, eight stations namely,
Madurai, Gadag, Tirupati, Guwahati Dwarka, H.Nizammudin, Patna & Bhopal
were identified for provision of R.O. drinking water units. While R.O. drinking water
units have already been commissioned at Dwarka, Gadag, H.Nizammudin,
Katihar (in lieu of Guwahati), Madurai and Tirupati stations R.O. units at Patna &
Bhopal are planned to be commissioned shortly.This will help provide safe
drinking water to passengers.
Seperate Food safety officer in every division
With a view to ensure better quality check on the food installations in Railway, it
has been decided to appoint one Food Safety Officer in every Division of the
Railways. Earlier a Food Safety Officer was entrusted with more than one Division
which was causing difficulty in ensuring proper supervision.
In 2014-15, 1983 km of railway lines have been commissioned. This is the highest
ever. In 2014-15, 1375 km of railway electrification completed. This is the highest
ever.
SAFETY
Geo-spatial technologies for unmanned level crossings
In a significant move to make Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs) safer for road
users thereby avoiding accidents thereat, Geo-spatial technologies are proposed
to be used with the help of ISRO. Under such technologies which combine Global
Positioning System(GPS), Geographic Information System(GIS) and Remote
Sensing, an alert message will be flashed automatically in the mobile phones of
all the road users carrying GPS enabled mobile phones in the vicinity of an
Unmanned Level Crossing, about the approaching train. This will save many lives
as many fatal accidents occur at unmanned level crossing.
Quick evacuation of injured persons from tracks
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are being put in place regarding quick
evacuation of the injured persons from the railway track so that human lives are
saved.
MoU on construction of ROBs/RUBs
In a move to further enhance safety of road users, Ministry of Railways and
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) on policy related to constructions of Road Over Bridges and Road Under
Bridges on National Highway corridors.
MAKE IN INDIA
Expansion project of DLW factory
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the commencement of
Expansion Project of Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW), a production unit of Indian
Railways at Varanasi on some of the features of the expansion plan are; a new
block shop, loco frame shop and loco assembly shop, new plant shop having
advanced paint booths, induction of high productivity machines and generation of
250 kw Green Power by roof mounted grid connected solar power plant. The
project will herald the Make in India campaign in the holy city, Varanasi.
Ministry of Railway also successfully floated RFP for state of the Art Electro Loco
Factory at Madhepura and Diesel Loco Factory at Marhowra. Again RFP were
issued for manufacturing 9000 HP electric locos for western DFC. Locos will be
manufactured at Dankuni and Technology will be transferred to CLW,
Chittanranjan.
New production units
Rail Wheel Plan, Bela commissioned and regular production started.
2nd unit for manufacture of LHB coaches fit to run at 160kmph made functional at
Integral Coach Factory, Chennai.
DEMU factory Haldia commissioned.
Mid-life Rehabilitation Workshop for coaches at Jhansi completed.
New Loco and New Green Train
5500 HP Diesel Locomotive introduced in Indian Railway System which is the
highest horse power Diesel Engine.
First Green DEMU rail introduced on Northern Railway to run between RewariRohtak Section.
HIGH SPEED PROJECTS
Status of Railways Semi High Speed Projects
Indian Railways is working on increasing speed of trains raising it to 160kmph/200
kmph referred as Semi-High speed. It has identified nine corridors for this
purpose. Trial run in Delhi-Agra corridor successfully completed for running trains
at semi-high speed of 160 km. per hour. The commercial services will be started
after obtaining the CRS sanction.
The feasibility study for semi high speed on Chennai-Bangaluru-Mysore Corridor is
being taken up by Chinese Railways.
Feasibility study for New Delhi-Chandigarh Corridor to be undertaken with French
Railway.
Discussions are on with Germany for undertaking feasibility study of NagpurSecunderabad Corridor.
5 other identified corridors under examination for semi high speed trains.
Mumbai-Ahemdabad High Speed Bullet train project
Ministry of Railways took steps for introduction of High Speed Bullet
Trains(300+kmph) in the country on Mumbai-Ahmadabad corridor. It is part of the
Ministrys ambitious plan to have Diamond Quadrilateral network of High Speed
Rail connecting major metros and growth centers of the country. French Railway
submitted business model study of this corridor. The interim report of feasibility
study being undertaken by Japan has been received and final report is expected in
June, 2015. One new route between New Delhi and Chennai has been identified
for introducing bullet train and China has been entrusted with the task of
undertaking feasibility study of this line.
JAMMU & KASHMIR AND NORTH EAST
Opening of Lumding-Silchar broad gauge section
The much awaited Lumding-Silchar Broad Gauge section (Assam) inaugurated
with the running of goods trains. The passenger train services will be started soon
on this section. This line will provide seamless BG connectivity to Barak Valley of
Assam with the rest of the country.It is a very crucial rail link for the N.E region.
crore compared to Rs. 140761.27 crore during the same period last year,
registering an increase of 12.16 per cent.
Improved Freight loading
Indian Railways carried 1097.57 million tonnes of revenue earning freight traffic
during the financial year 2014-15 i.e. from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2015. The
freight carried shows an increase of 44.02 million tonnes over the freight traffic of
1053.55 million tonnes actually carried during the corresponding period last year,
registering an increase of 4.18 per cent.
MISCELLANEOUS
Pathbreaking Railway Budget
Railway Budget 2015-16 was completely depoliticized making it a long term
perspective document.
The thrust areas identified in the budget include Quality of life in journeys, station
redevelopment, capacity augmentation, safety, technology upgradation,
partnerships for development, improvements to management processes and
systems, resource mobilization, human resources, energy and sustainability,
transparency and governance initiatives.
28 announcements made in the Budget speech already implemented.
Railways players bring laurel to the nation
Railway sportspersons as a part of Indian contingent at recently concluded
Commonwealth Games-2014, (CWG) at Glasgow, Scotland, again brought glory
to the nation by bagging 9 medals out of total 64 medals won by India.
Renovation of National Rail Museum
A big renovation exercise was undertaken in National Railways Museum,
Delhi. Musical Fountain, Toy Train and Renovated Exhibits have been added at
the Museum.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has initiated several measures to benefit the
common road users during the last few months. Foremost among these is the Road Transport and
Safety Bill, which aims at a paradigm shift in the legal framework for Transport and Road Safety in
the Country.
India has the dubious distinction of the leading the world in the number of deaths due to road
traffic-related crashes. Road crashes are the sixth leading cause of deaths in India. India accounts for
nearly 5,00,000 road crashes every year with about 1,40,000 fatalities. Resultantly, 10,00,000 people
have lost their lives in road crashes in the past decade and 50,00,000 people were seriously injured
or disabled. Every day, nearly 400 people lose their lives on Indian roads of which 20 are children
below the age of 14 years.
Not only is this a major public health issue, but such high fatalities on Indian roads also impact
the economy estimated at 3% of GDP. It is time that the nation tackles road safety to improve the
lives of our citizens. The draft Road Transport and Safety Bill aims to do just that through an
integrated approach to both road safety as well as road transport in order to give to the nation a
modern road transportation system which is not only safe but also efficient and convenient. It is a
crucial step for the sustainable development of the nation.
The draft Bill has adopted the best practices in the world in road transportation and safety
standards and has adapted them to the unique Indian milieu. It aims to ensure the adoption of bestin-class safety standards for vehicles and roads including their design and construction. It aims at the
development of the national road network and multi-modal integration of transport and allied
infrastructure so that all modes of transport feed into and feed off each other and ensure that the
transportation sector is low-carbon, energy efficient and eco-friendly. It provides special
consideration to vulnerable road users such as women, children, senior citizens and differently-abled
persons. It provides an efficient insurance and compensation framework so as to enable prompt
treatment of road crash victims and compensation for sufferings endured. It also aims to rationalize
the byzantine regulatory framework around driver licensing, vehicle registration and public transport
permits to improve efficiency and convenience for the users. To achieve these goals the bill seeks to
establish two national independent lead agencies, namely the National Road Safety and Vehicle
Regulation Authority of India and National Transport Authority along with subordinate state and
local-level authorities.
The National Road Safety and Vehicle Regulation Authority of India is envisaged as the lead
agency for road safety and vehicle regulation. It will be legally empowered and accountable to
Parliament. It has the overall goal of saving more than 2,00,000 lives over five years. It will be tasked
with overall coordination of road safety agenda. Its principal objective is to eliminate practices
adverse to transport and road safety. It shall regulate matters regarding vehicle safety standards,
driver licensing and working condition of drivers, standards for road design to promote safety. The
National Authority has been given a special mandate to secure the safety and security of vulnerable
road users such as women, children, senior citizens and the differently-abled.
Today licensing and registration is a complicated system. Applying for a licence is not only
time consuming, but often requires the citizen to deal through middlemen. Those relocating to new
cities require re-registering of their vehicles at high costs. The new RTS bill will allow any time
anywhere license application through a transparent single-window process. Internet enabled
licensing and registration system will allow convenient applications for driving licenses, vehicle
registration and easy transfer of vehicles across states. This will save time, money and remove
corruption. There shall be only one license for every driver. Licenses will be made tamper proof and
contain biometric or other unique ID information to prevent fraud. The draft Bill ensures more
scientific driving tests to ensure greater safety on roads. Automated driving test systems, when
implemented, will ensure only safe drivers receive their licenses. Such objectively-measured test
will remove corruption from licensing. These driving tests can be given at authorized testing
establishment run by the private sector and regulated by the National Road Safety and Vehicle
Regulation Authority, making testing convenient and less time-consuming for applicants.
Many citizens also suffer from double taxation of their motor vehicles when they move from
one state to another. Under the RTS bill, the taxes paid on your car will be shared between the
previous state of residence and the new state of residence. Electronic registration will allow this
process to be done seamlessly online. To ensure safe and eco-friendly vehicles on the streets
certificates of fitness are a requirement for registration. The draft RTS Bill envisages that such
certificates of fitness shall be issued by vehicle testing stations authorized by the National Road
Safety and Vehicle Regulation Authority. Thus vehicle owners can go to any authorized vehicle
testing stations to obtain certificates of fitness thus providing them choice and preventing needless
delays. Several such vehicle testing centers will provide jobs to lakhs of trained technical persons.
This will on one hand improve the road safety and lower emission scenario in the country, and bring
about better repair centers on the second.
The draft Bill will also ensure that every application for a driver license or vehicle registration will be
accompanied with proof of an operating bank account. Thus the draft Bill will be linked to the
successful Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojana and promote financial inclusion.
The National Road Safety and Vehicle Regulation Authority of India and the corresponding
State Road Safety Authorities will bring better driver training institutes for skill development and
employment of literate youths under its supervision. This will also help address the shortage of
trained drivers for Heavy Motor vehicles.
A key focus of the draft Bill is to decrease the number of road crashes and
the associated death, injury, pain and misery. We require stricter road safety norms
to ensure compliance with laws. We need to improve road behavior such as giving
way for emergency vehicles, and punish drinking and driving and overloading. The
Bill uses combination of monetary penalties, penalty points, community service,
impoundment and incarceration for effective enforcement and deterrence. Repeat
offenders will be subject to tougher penalties. The draft Bill has rationalized
penalties which have not been revised for a long time and hence, due to inflation,
have lost their deterrence value. The government will adopt electronic enforcement
by using CCTVs and Speed cameras.
The draft Bill makes special provisions for the safety of children including
child zones and mandating use of child restraint systems. The bill empowers the
creation of child zones, i.e. areas frequented by children e.g. parks, schools and
surrounding areas, which have special traffic regulation measures including lower
speed limits and other engineering interventions to ensure the safety of children.
The draft Bill aims to achieve global standards of safety and security for Indian cars. Safer cars
will result in lesser accidents, and safer roads. Vehicles will be given approval to be used on roads
only after passing stringent safety assessment tests. To promote India as a global manufacturing hub
for error and risk-free manufacturing, the Bill provides for recall of vehicles. This will ensure that the
domestic automotive industry is zero-defect, and consumers do not suffer due to defective vehicles.
Manufacturers will be required to compensate or remedy defective equipment. The draft Bill also
introduces certificates of conformity to provide fillip to a new economy around spare part
production in the country which will also provide vehicle owners with access to cheaper spare parts.
A core goal of the draft RTS Bill is the promotion of eco-friendly cost-effective public transport
to improve road safety. The RTS Bill will require the center, state and metropolitan authorities to
adopt policies to promote public transport that ensure greater choice and mobility and increase the
share of public passenger transportation. This will reduce congestion on roads and polluting
emissions, thereby improving air quality. This is a crucial step in the development of 100 smart cities
throughout the nation. The National Transport Authority, the State Transport Authorities and the
Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority will design, frame and declare schemes for public
passenger transport at the interstate, intrastate and metropolitan level. The schemes will take into
consideration economic vitality, accessibility, mobility, connectivity, environment protection.
The RTS Bill will improve logistics efficiency which will make domestic manufacturing globally
competitive and reduce inflation. Current inefficiencies in the logistics sector results in losses
amounting to 4.5% of the GDP. The bill envisages a simplified permit with online payment and single
portal clearances which will be a boon to transport operators. National Transport Authority shall also
identify freight network to link urban and rural habitations with centers of production and ports of
entries and develop a national freight strategic plan to identify best practices for improving
performance of the freight network, identify bottlenecks and forecast freight volumes. The bill will
also simplify the tax regime to be developed for interstate transportation of passengers and goods.
The Bill will promote the development of modern transport hubs like to the Vadodara Bus
Depot, which has world class amenities. These transport hubs will be integrated passenger hubs as
well as intermodal transport facilities that connect different modes of travel such as air and road, or
rail and road. These hubs will be equipped with modern amenities like rest areas, waiting areas,
recreational facilities, food courts, information kiosks, parking spaces, warehousing facilities for
freight.
A major reason for the high number of deaths on Indian roads is the lack of timely and
effective medical intervention following a road crash. The draft Bill enshrines the concept of the
golden hour, the time period lasting up to one hour following a traumatic injury during which time
there is the highest likelihood of preventing death by provision of prompt medical care. The bill will
provide schemes funded by insurance companies to ensure that all affected persons receive cashless
treatment during this time period to ensure survival and recovery and to ensure that no victim
suffers due to lack of finances. The bill also aims to establish a single toll-free nationwide road crash
emergency access telephone number to alert and access first-response emergency services that shall
provide emergency services including golden-hour trauma care. The bill will provide for a motor
vehicle crash fund to provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users which shall ensure all
road users are covered in case of emergencies. Under the bill the government will work with
insurance companies to ensure that the minimum compensation for any road crash related death is
set at Rupees 20 lakhs.
Currently, claims for compensation take a long time and many times the victim dies before
the claims are resolved. This leads to the abatement of the claim The RTS Bill will ensure that such
claims do not abate and that the legal representatives of the victim can continue the claim to ensure
that the person at fault does pay for the damage caused.
In addition to the above, the bill also conceives the establishment of a dedicated national
highway traffic regulation and protection service to cover national highways and other roads. The
service will ensure efficient movement of passenger and freight, enforce traffic regulations, help and
secure medical assistance for road crash victims and investigate road crashes. The service will be
established by respective State Governments and is modeled on the Draft Model Police Act by the
Sorabjee Committee and Maharashtra Highway Police.
In addition to the above, several other initiatives have been rolled -out keeping in view
interest of road users, as follows:
2. Discontinuation of fee collection on 62 plazas
It has been decided to discontinue the tolling on the Bridges and Structures where capital cost
had been recovered and the further tolling was unviable and leading to public nuisance. In order to
provide relief from tolling, Govt. exercising the power conferred in NH Fee Rules, 2008 has
discontinued the fee collection on 62 plazas on National Highways. Some of the toll plazas where
tolling has been discontinued in the public interest include High level Bridge over Indrawati River in
Chhattisgarh, Hagari Bridge, Across river Nethravathi, Veervaishnavi bridge, Sharavati bridge in
Karnataka, Yenegur bridge in Maharastra, Bandhan bridge in Odisha, Morel bridge in
Rajasthan,SanjaySetu, Bridge of Kosi river, Benda Ghat toll plaza, KhajuriSetu, Sai bridge, Chandra
Shekhar Azad Setu in Uttar Pradesh etc.
various categories of vehicles at any Toll Plaza, helping road users to ascertain the exact toll amount
at a particular plaza or select a route between two locations. Road users can also find out location of
the nearest 100plazas while travelling as well as facilities available near the Toll plazas. The web
portal is user friendly and public can access the information through mobile phones and SMS.
Ministry has issued notification making it mandatory to install RFID tags by the vehicle
manufacturers and ICICI Bank and Axis Bank have been selected as service providers for
implementing the Programme. This will be the largest network of Highways in any country
connected with a single RFID Tag system. State Governments are also being encouraged to bring
State Highways under the same architecture for convenience of road users.
5. Weigh-in Motion Bridge (WIM) and Automatic Vehicle Counter & Classifier (AVCC) System
Overloading in vehicles is not only detrimental to the economic life of their highways and the
roads on which the mechanical vehicles ply but it also leads to larger safety related
issues. Overloading is punishable offence under Section 113 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. To
enforce the provisions of MV Act, 1988 and NH(Fee) Rules 2008 Weigh-in-motion Bridge along with
AVCC system will be installed at all Toll Plaza on National Highways.
For the purpose of Implementation of the System, the country has been divided into seven zones
and traffic survey has already started at fourteen locations.
For the purpose of implementation CCTV Surveillance System as also other systems viz Weighin Motion Bridge (WIM) and Automatic Vehicle Counter & Classified(AVCC) System on Public Funded
Toll Plazas, the country has been divided into four zones. Work order for implementing these
systems (in approximately 25 fee Plazas in every Zone) has been issued.
8.
Another important issue pertains to the way driving licenses are being granted by the
RTOs. To reduce human intervention and make the process of testing the drivers tough as well as
transparent, CIRT, Pune has developed a camera based automatic driving test system, known as
Innovative Driving Test System (IDTS), which provides an unbiased and transparent driving test
mechanism with a complete back up of data and videos for generation of reports and redressal of
grievances, if any. This system has been developed in-house and is being used by CIRT, Pune, for the
Motor Vehicle Department, Government of Maharashtra for grant of licenses to driving license
aspirants through the IDTR. RTO Officers from the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad regions are testing
approximately 150 candidates per day to assess the driving skills of the license applicants and issue
license in a transparent manner. The system has generated a positive response from the licensees as
well as licensors i.e. RTO.
The
camera
based
driving
skill
assessment
system
enables
driving
instructor/licensing/selection officer to test the driving skills of the applicant with lesser human
intervention. The system has been developed by CIRT with the financial assistance of the MoRTH as
an advanced version of the earlier sensor based testing technologies which are in place at some
locations. The system performs several computations for determining driving competency of the
driver by estimating the deviations from the standard path developed along with a number of
parameters identified for each test track.
Similar system is being set up at Chandigarh also by CIRT, Pune. Considering the benefits of
the system, several states have shown interest in implementing such system which will be useful in
eradicating mal practices and providing effective and transparent services to the license
seekers. The system has been set up at a very low cost of Rs. 20 lakh per track (which depends on
track dimensions).
(ii)
The pilot project Vadodara Mumbai stretch are being implemented in association with ICICI
Lombard General Insurance Company whereas IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company Limited is
executing at Ranchi Rargaon Mahulia stretch.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with ICICI Lombard General
Insurance Company and IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company for executing the pilot project.
The objective of the project is to save lives of accident victims by providing prompt and appropriate
medical care during 'Golden Hour", and thereby reduce fatalities in road accidents. The project
envisages transport of accident victims from the accident scene to hospital and, where required,
from one hospital to another for treatment at a public or private hospital for the first 48 hours or Rs.
30,000/-, whichever is earlier.
A Toll free No. 1033 has been started for reporting of accidents. A 24x7 Call Centre to receive
reports of accidents, deploy nearest ambulance and alert local police authorities, hospital and Road
Safety Volunteers. Data from the Pilot Project would be used for formulating a pan-India scheme for
cashless treatment of road accident victim. Till February 2015, around 300 road accidents victims
have been provided the relief.
ensure complete transparency in the supply of cement, so as to achieve reduction in the cost of
construction of rigid pavement.
Cement companies are facilitated to update their offered stocks on the portal with the prices
agreed upon with this Ministry. They would in turn get instant intimation about the orders placed
and would be able to approve the delivery schedules as requested by the cement buyers without
hassles and delays. This would also help cement companies plan their annual production in advance
and schedule deliveries with better precision. Cement companies would also have the facility to
increase the cement stock offerings based on market demand and reduce prices to attract more
buyers.
In addition, using INAM Pro, companies would be able to track orders, add more products
(grade/type), add cement offerings, view listed buyers, and submit their complaints/suggestions to
Ministry. Similarly, Buyers would be able to view and track the orders placed with different
companies and also submit their suggestions/complaints.
With the help of INAM Pro, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways would be able to track
and monitor the activities of buyers and suppliers, and remove impediments of either of the parties
(Cement Suppliers/Buyers) and help accelerate the execution of infrastructure projects in the most
cost effective manner. INAM Pro would also enhance transparency and allow the buyers and
material providers to have fair understanding of stocks, prices and orders placed.
36 cement companies with more than 100 plants have given commitment for 95 Lakh MTs of
cement for this year. On the other hand, more than 50 buyers have registered out of which 13
contractors engaged in public infrastructure projects have been authorized to do transactions so far.
In future, INAM-PRO would have the potential to become a comprehensive window for the
Infrastructure materials and technology providers to reach out to the Infrastructure providers and
vice versa and accelerate the pace of infrastructure creation in the most cost effective and efficient
ways in our country.
etc. This initiative will help in timely completion of the projects. Efforts are being made to implement
this initiative on State Highways as well as major District Roads. The Ministrys portal for online
movement has been inaugurated by Honble Minister on 06th January, 2015.
12.
The Bridge Design Cell has been set up at IAHE, Noida, which was inaugurated by the Honble
Minister on 20thFebruary, 2015 and is equipped with latest software for design of roads and bridges.
IHMCL, a company promoted by NHAI has been entrusted for facilitating development of
wayside amenities on NHs. "M/s Mukesh & Associates - Genesis Leisure Consulting Consortium" has
been appointed as Project Management Consultant (PMC) for providing end to end solutions for
setting up Wayside Amenities. Entries have been invited from public through Mygov.in for a suitable
LOGO and Brand name. There are 770 entries received for the LOGO and 1700 for Brand names. The
Brand name and LOGO will soon be finalized. 10 locations for setting up Model Wayside Amenities
have been identified. Construction of model wayside amenities will begin from June this year.
14.
[i]
e-Tendering
e-Tendering process through Central Procurement Portal of the Ministry of Finance is being
implemented for all procurement activities.
A Platform For Infrastructure and Materials Providers for linking the cement suppliers to the roads
contractors(INAM-PRO) has been launched by the Honble Minister(S,R&TH) for 10.3.2015.
[ii]
Security of Women in public road transport in the country: Nirbhaya Fund Scheme
The objective of the scheme is to ensure safety of women and girl children in public transport
by monitoring location of State owned public transport and private transport vehicles and to provide
immediate assistance in minimum response time to the victims in distress. The proposed scheme
under the Nirbhaya Fund envisages setting up of a unified system at the National Level (National
Vehicle Security and Tracking System) and State level (City Command and Control Centre) for GPS
tracking of the location of, emergency buttons and video recording of incidents in public transport
vehicles. In the first phase, it will cover 32 cities with a population of 1 million or more in 13 States
of the country. The proposed scheme is to be implemented within a period of two years. A contract
has been signed between MoRTH and Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit Systems Ltd (DIMTS) to
provide Project Management Consultancy for smooth implementation of the project. The scheme is
in Project Preparation stage under which following activities have been undertaken:-
Concept Report has been finalised in Project Steering Committee meeting held on
9.9.2014.
Detailed Specification document for GPS and detailed specification document for
CCTV have been finalised on 27.1.2015.
Draft Request for Proposal for selection of Implementation agency for design,
implementation, operation and maintenance of the backend system for National Level
Vehicle Security & Tracking
System has been submitted by DIMTS and is being examined.
Draft State Support Agreement and Central Motor Vehicle Amend Rules are being
prepared by DIMTS.
The goal of Govt. is to usher in a system of easier access and process for vehicle registration
and Licenses. Accordingly Govt. has developed applications: http://vahan.nic.in - for Vehicle
Registration and http://sarthi.nic.in - for Driving License. As of now 100% Success has been
achieved by NIC in terms of deployment of Core Scheme/Product for Vehicle Registration
(VAHAN) and for Driving Licenses(SARATHI) across the country. Subsequently to consolidate the
database, State Register(SR) for all the States and National Register(NR) were established. Almost all
the sites in 36 States /UTs except the recently added ones are connected. More than 16 crores
Vehicle records and 6 crore License records are available in National Register repository. State
Transport Departments and enforcement agencies have been provided access to data on National
Register to facilitate instant verification of all driving licences (DLs)/ Registration Certificates (RCs)
and the digitalised data is also made accessible through Mobile by sending SMS from their registered
number.
As per policy of MORTH, online access privileges have been provided to various Government
Non-Government agencies on the consolidated Transport Databases(NR and SR) (some paid access,
some limited access , some unlimited free access, some data access through web service). Based on
the NR and SR applications, a large number of online applications and services for Citizen, Business
and Other Government Agencies have been rolled out. The citizen-centric applications/services are
being extended to other States on regular basis. Features like e-payment, SMS intimation, OTP
based authentication etc are provided on these applications.
Now under a new initiative, the RTO centric Vahan and Sarathi applications are being
revamped to Centralised, Web-enabled architecture with a view to providing ease of service,
security, maintainability, and to provide, unified, cloudenabled delivery of services. This application
is designed to be made modular and configurable to meet varied requirements of different
States/UTs and will incorporate features like single sign on, bio-metric authentication, multiple
options for e-payment, SMS intimations, Open ApI, Mobile Apps and so on. Advanced informational
services will be provided through Dashboard, MIS, charts and Graphs. Quality and scope of G-G/G-
B/G-C services will be enhanced. The application development is almost complete and user
acceptance testing is in progress. Tentative timeline for rollout is April, 2015.
Ministry has also taken steps to incentivize State governments to enter legacy data in order to
have a complete set of single database for the whole country.
[v]
ePACE (Projects Appraisal & Continuing Enhancements) is an online tool to monitor and
improve the progress of works at the click of a button. The initiative captures the static and dynamic
information for all the projects executed by MORTH, NHAI and NHIDCL. The information captured is
across the lifecycle of the projects starting from inception till its completion. The system has role
based access and would allow capturing the project information and would help in monitoring and
accelerating the pace of the projects. The tool would allow supervisory levels to set monthly/yearly
targets and enable field units/staff to update the information in real time. More than 1200 projects
data has so far been entered. Once the data is captured in its entirety, the information would be
available in public domain. MIS in various forms would also help the stakeholders to cull out the
necessary information in the ways they want. This would also be a precursor to develop over the
top applications through crowdsourcing wherein project photographs/videos can be uploaded to
collate and compare the official information.
B.
(i)
Online web based application for Bill processing Monitoring System (BPMA) for ROs has been
developed, through which Divisions, Regional Offices, PAOs would enter bill and can communicate
between these offices. The bill will be processed on First-in-First-out (FIFO) basis in a given time
period and will obviate delays. Any citizen can track the status of the bills. This has been rolled out.
(ii)
A concept paper was submitted by NIC in January, 2014 to this Ministry on the Roads &
Highways Information System(RAHI) which intended to provide an important citizen centric service
in real time on the condition of roads/highways using ICT infrastructure in an integrated manner.
DeitY had at that time sent us a draft concept paper on NeGP 2.0 titled e-Kranti. Transforming eGovernance for Transforming Governance. DeitY had requested this Ministry to furnish comments
and suggestions on the aforesaid concept paper on e-Kranti. This Ministry vide OM dated 27.2.2014
sent the Concept Note on RAHI and requested DeitY to include the same in the proposed Concept
Paper e-Kranti. DeitY included RAHI as one of the 10 MMPs in their Concept Note on e-Kranti and
placed before the Apex Committee of NeGP held on 18.3.2014. Subsequently, the proposals of DeitY
in the DCN seeking approval of Cabinet for implementing e-Kranti was also supported by
us. Secretary, DeitY also wrote to us vide letter dated 19.5.2014 to initiate action for preparing DPR
indicating that Deity would give technical advisory support. Subsequently, JS(EIC) had taken an interdepartmental meeting on 13.8.2014. Subsequently, on the basis of suggestions received from CEO,
National e-Governance Division, on various alternatives for hiring DPR which included NIC, NICSI,
NISM, NeGD etc, the Ministry requested them to send us a proposal for hiring of DPR Consultant on
23.2.2015.
C.
(i)
Guidelines for Right of Way (RoW) permission to Telecom Service Licensees/
Infrastructure providers for laying of telecom cables/ ducts on NH Land, issued by the
Ministry on 6.8.2013.
(ii)
Guidelines
for
granting
RoW
permissions
to
Telecom
Service
Licensees/Infrastructure Providers for installing telecom infrastructure along NHs within NH
RoW issued by the Ministry on 2.4.2014.
Ministry is also incorporating items of developing such infrastructure facilities on pilot basis
for projects on Bhatinda-Amrtisar and Guwahati-Borapani stretches of NHs. A cost recovery
mechanism will be worked out based on the experience of these pilots.
As regards Bhatinda-Amritsar stretch, the work has been divided into four packages. In
respect of package from Amritsar-Tarn Taran Section, Bids hae been invited and the due date
is 25.3.2014. The proposals in respect of remaining 3 packages are under examination. The
other stretch is with NHAI.
As regards cost recovery mechanism aspects, a Committee has been constituted under the
chairmanship of DG(RD)&SS to go into the matter.
D.
(i)
OTHERS
E-Samiksha
e-Samiksha portal developed by NIC Cell of Cabinet Secretariat
facilitates monitoring and review the follow up actions in respect of decisions taken in the
meetings at the apex level of the Government. The portal is currently deployed for reviewing
the follow up actions on decisions taken during the presentations made to Honble PM. The
NIC Cell , Cabinet Secretariat has also developed separate customised portals of e-Samiksha
for Ministry of HRD, Shipping, etc.In the above context this Ministry addressed Deity
informing them that MORTH also intends to implement a similar portal to enable proper
monitoring and follow up on plans and actions within the Ministry and its associate
offices/organisations.NIC Team of Cabinet Secretariat also gave a presentation on the
working of the customised MORTH specific e-Samiksha portal with the facility of feedback intra-Ministry and its associate offices in electronic mode for reviewing and monitoring
purposes. The specific areas for monitoring have been identified and NIC Team of Cabinet
Secretariat has been given the relevant inputs and the customisation of the software is under
progress.
(ii)
E-Office
e-Office has been part of national e-Governance programme. e-Office includes the components of
knowledge management systems, File Management Systems, File (including Receipts) Tracking
System (FTS), Leave Management Systems, Personal Profile, Pay Slips, Income Tax etc. Various
components of e-Office viz file tracking system, e-leave, knowledge management system(including
availability of orders /instructions in e-Office), personal profile , pay slips etc stands implemented in
MO
In order to implement e-office i.e processing and movement of files electronically(paper less
office) , provision of DSCs is mandatory. Accordingly, NIC had provided DSCs but subsequently the
DSCs provided were revoked and NIC no longer issues DSCs. A decision was taken to procure DSCs
through NICSI and implement e-Office accordingly. The O&M Section, Budget Section(Audit Para
Unit) , EI/EIB Sections have been identified for implement e-Office in the first instance. Approval of
Finance Division have been obtained for procuring DSCs.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is mainly responsible for development and
maintenance of National Highways (NH). Besides, it is also responsible of implementation of
centrally sponsored road sector schemes. Works however, are executed following the agency system
and State Public Works Department (PWDs) are one of the executing agencies.
For payment of works and services related to NHs, division office of PWD after verification of
bills, forward it to the Regional Office of the Ministry. Regional Officer after exercising checks in the
capacity of Drawing and disbursing officer forward bills to Regional Pay and Accounts Office, who
makes payment. Ministry has already issued direction to entertain bills on the first cum first serve
basis. Time limit of five working days to dispose off a bill has also been prescribed.
To make payment process more transparent, payment monitoring system has been
developed and being implemented. Besides making system open and transparent, the monitoring
system will facilitate easy communication between various offices and allow an user to track the
status of a bill.
This system has features whereby Ministry can independently check status of processing of
bills office wise, utilisation of funds scheme wise etc. Feedback generated from the system will assist
Ministry in identifying bottlenecks and making entire process more efficient.
16.
The highways sector in the country has, of late, been facing difficulties in the award and
implementation of project stretches, particularly through the Public Private Partnership (PPP)
mode. This is due to overall economic downturn as well as sector specific issues. Though no effort is
being spared by the Ministry in identifying and addressing the sector specific issues in consultation
with the stakeholders, it is a fact that availability of equity in the market will be a critical factor to
bring the sector back on track.
Till such time, it would be prudent to pursue the public funded, or EPC mode of
implementation as the preferred mode by the Government, subject, of course to the availability of
resources. As a consequence, when the award of projects will increase, the highways construction
sector would regain its lost momentum and importantly, financial liquidity would become
increasingly available in the sector. After the market reaches a certain level of maturity and stability
as the private sector regains confidence, we may gradually switch back to PPP mode, particularly the
BOT (Toll) mode, as the preferred mode of implementation.
Following the above strategy, during the current year Ministry has awarded works for 7980
km which is more than double the length awarded during the last financial year i.e. 2013-14. During
the last year length awarded was only 3621 km. Out of the 7980 km, the works awarded on BOT
basis, however were only 734 kms.
The 7980 km awarded during the year are spread all over the Country and were awarded
under National Highway Development projects (NHDP), Special accelerated road development
programme for North-East (SARDP-NE), development of roads in Left Wing Affected area (LWE),
National Highway Interconnectivity improvement programme (NHIIP) and National Highway
(Original Works) schemes. Ministry intends to continue with the same pace for award so as to have
adequate works in hand to achieve accelerated road development in the Country.
17.
Highway Sector
1.
In order to make visible impact of National Highway Projects, the Ministry has
targeted the procedural issues, acting as roadblocks and major bottlenecks in achieving the
desired progress of the Infrastructure.
Apart from the policy initiatives taken during previous years, the new initiatives taken
during this year are as under:
2.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), in its meeting held on
th
27 August, 2014 empowered the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to decide on the
mode of delivery of implementation of Highways Projects and decision on any amendment to
the Model Concession Agreement shall be taken by a Committee under the Cabinet Secretary
and comprising Secretaries of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Department of
Economic Affairs, Department of Expenditure, Department of Financial Services and
Department of Legal Affairs. This will expedite the implementation of the road infrastructure
in the country.
3.
A new Hybrid Annuity model has been adopted by MoRTH for implementation of
highway projects in order to encourage private sector participation through adequate
incentives. The objective is to maximize the quantum of implemented highway projects
within available financial resources of the Government. As per this model, 40% the Project
Cost is to be provided by the Government as Construction Support to the private developer
during the construction period and the balance 60% as annuity payments over the concession
period along with interest on outstanding amount to the concessionaire. There is separate
provision for O&M payments by the Government to the concessionaire. The private party
does not have to bear the traffic risk. The template bid documents for supporting the model
along with the draft Model Concession Agreement has been prepared and around twenty
projects have been initially identified for being taken up under the model.
4.
The National Highways have a total length of 96260 km to serve as the arterial network of
the country. The development of National Highways is the responsibility of the Government of India.
The Government of India has launched major initiatives to upgrade and strengthen National
Highways through various phases of National Highways Development project (NHDP), which are
briefly as under:
Overall status of NHDP:
Status as on 31.03.2015
Phases
Total
Length in
km
Date of
Approval
Approved
Cost
(Expenditure
till
30.10.2014)
in Rs Crore
Length
Completed
in km
Length
under
Imp.
To be
awarded
7,522*
12.12.2000
30,300
7519
GQ,NS-EW corridors,
Port connectivity &
others
II
(41342.71)
6,647
18.12.2003
4/6-laning North
South- East West
Corridor, Others
III A
5859
418
370
(67377.91)
4,815
05.03.2005,
27.10.2006
& 12.4.2007
33,069
4074
741
7,294
12.4.2007
47,557
2409
3755
1130
12,109
80,626
6483
4496
1130
1116
6030
Upgradation, 4/6laning
III B
34,339
Upgradation, 4/6laning
Total phase III
(phase III A + III B)
IV
(85823.19)
20,000!
6,500
July -2008
27,800
February,
2012
(10266.59)
05.10.2006
41,210
6-laning of GQ and
High density corridor
VI
2096
1984
2420
NIL
NIL
1000
22
20
659
(31282.80)
1000
02.11.2006
Expressways
VII
7653
16,680
(93.87)
700 km of
ring
roads/
bypass +
flyovers
06.12.2007
16,680
(1728.07)
18.
E-Rickshaw
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (MV Act), no person can be granted a learners license
to drive a transport vehicle unless he has held the driving license for a period of at least one year. Erickshaws and E-carts are being defined to have three wheels and limited power of 4000 watts.
Further the specification for speed and dimension can be regulated through the rules which can be
made under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. These vehicles may be allowed to be driven by drivers
who have been found eligible to drive E-rickshaws and E-carts through tests. As most of the Erickshaw and e-Cart drivers do not have any licence, the extant provision will debar them from
operating e-Rickshaws/e-Cards for a year.
2.
In order to remove this difficulty and facilitate plying of e-Rickshaw and e-Cart, the Central
Government amended sub-section (1) of Section 7 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 which will give
relaxation to e-Rickshaw and e-Cart drivers only. In addition, the definition of e-Rickshaw and e-Cart
has also been included under the said Act.
19.
M/s Scania Commercial Vehicles Indias Team on 9th July, 2014 stated that they would like
to commence the operation of Ethanol city bus at Nagpur. This Bus will be available for the start of
operations within the next couple of weeks subject to the availability of fuel. This Ethanol city bus
meets the highest safety standards and emission level Bharat 5 EEV, which reduce CO2 emissions
with 70%.
2.
Request received from M/s Scania Commercial Vehicles India Private Limited, Bangalore to
run Ethanol city Bus in India using ethanol and bio-fuels was approved by the Honble Minister
(RT&H). ARAI has inspected the bus at Nagpur and examined available test reports and verified that
the bus fulfils necessary conditions of road worthiness as prescribed in the CMVRs 1989. ARAI
furnished the following suggestions:-
Though the said City Bus Model has already been type approved by European
authorities at the system level and vehicular level, it is suggested that the bus be inspected
and verified for safety aspects, viz. emergency exit provision in case of fire accident, seat
layouts, gang ways, etc. to allow quick evacuation of passengers.
During the course of trial run for a limited period, M/s SCANIA may be informed to
submit periodic reports on fortnightly basis, addressing issues concerning safety and routine
maintenance to the Ministry.
Provisional clearance for the specific bus may be considered for a limited period (i.e.
for 1 year) and further reviewed at the end of this period.
After obtaining approval, permission was granted to M/s Scania Commercial Vehicles under
section 52 and Section 110 of the MV Act, 1988, with the following conditions:
During the course of trial run for a period of one year, M/s SCANIA will submit
periodic reports on fortnightly basis, addressing issues concerning safety and routine
Provisional clearance for the specific bus may be considered for a limited period (i.e.
for 1 year) and further reviewed at the end of this period.
The fitness of the vehicle to be carried out as per normal practice for transports
vehicles.
Provisional clearance for the specific bus may be considered for a limited period (i.e.
for 1 year) and further reviewed at the end of this period.
The trial run of the buses shall be conducted under the supervision of ARAI.
3. After due consideration and in consultation with testing agency, Ministry proposed to
amend rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 by inserting rule 115D
which will provide technical specifications in respect of Flex Ethanol Fuel Vehicles.
Accordingly, draft notification was issued vide GSR 882(E) dated 10.12.2014 giving
30 days time to the stakeholders/Public. Final notification is under process for
publication.
20.
International Cooperation
The Joint survey for starting bus service on Guwahati-Dhaka route via Shillong was
conducted by the delegations of India and Bangladesh in December 2014.
After detailed deliberations, India and Myanmar have agreed to take steps to start a
bus service between Imphal and Mandalay. A draft agreement and Protocol for starting a bus
service from Imphal, Manipur to Mandaly in Myanmar was initialed by the representatives of
delegations from India and Myanmar in June, 2014. A Joint technical inspection of the route
has been held by the representatives of both the countries on 11-15 January 2015.
Agreement for the regulation of Passenger, Personal and Cargo vehicular Traffic between
four countries. This agreement will help transform transport corridors linking the 4 countries
into economic corridors and enhance people to people contact. The text of BBIN Motor
Vehicle Agreement has been finalized and it has been decided that respective countries will
take internal approvals before this agreement could be signed during a meeting of Transport
Ministers in 2015.
Steps have been initiated to forge a motor vehicles agreement among India,
Myanmar and Thailand on the lines of BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement to facilitate
passenger and cargo vehicular movement between the three countries. A meeting of
Transport Secretaries of India, Myanmar and Thailand was held on 18.4.2015 at Chennai at
the initiative of MoRTH for arriving at a draft framework Agreement. While there was
substantial convergence on the draft Agreement, a second meeting of the three Secretaries to
finalise the Agreement is tentatively scheduled to be held in May 2015.
Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2015
Ministry is working on a proposal to replace the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 with a new Motor
Vehicle Act. The draft Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2015 has been uploaded on the Ministrys
Official website: www.morth.nic.in for seeking comments/suggestion. Draft Cabinet Note has been
circulated to all the concerned Ministries/Departments for their comments.
3.38 crore houses have been constructed across the country with assistance
given under the scheme, since its inception in 1985-86. Central funds to the
tune of Rs.96,585 crore has been expended for the purpose.
During 2014-15, Rs 13,557.25 crore have been allocated for construction of
25.18 lakh houses. Rs. 11,105.88 crore has been released to States.
States have so far reported sanctioning of 20.45 lakh houses. 12.55 lakh
houses have been sanctioned to SC/ST and 2.94 lakh houses to families of
Minority communities.
12.45 lakh houses have been allotted in the name of women beneficiaries
and another 3.50 lakh in the name of the wife and husband jointly.
18,991 houses have been sanctioned to beneficiaries from those among
people with disabilities
States have expended an amount of Rs.11,766.37 crore under the scheme
and construction of 13.06 lakh houses has been reported so far for the year
2014-15 (as on 31.03.2015). Some States are yet submit final progress
reports for 2014-15.
With the objective of improving the quality of house constructed and to
compensate the beneficiary, for the forgone wage employment hitherto
unaccounted, house construction in rural areas have been included as
permissible activity under MGNREGA. Necessary Guidelines have been
issued to States and to ensure that all IAY beneficiaries avail 90/95 mandays
of unskilled labour, the capture of NREGA Job Card number during
registration of beneficiaries on AwaasSoft has been made mandatory for the
year 2015-16.
Construction of toilets in IAY houses are done in convergence with Swaach
Bharat Mission. States have been directed to ensure that IAY beneficiaries
avail benefits of Deen Dayal Upapdhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, Unnat
Chulha Abhiyan of MNRE and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
(PMJDY).
IAY Guidelines have been suitable amended to give priority to beneficiaries
of Gram Panchayats identified under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.
As part of the overall effort to simplify procedures and processes for the rural
poor, Ministry has issued instructions regarding:
(i)
Ensure coverage on priority of manual scavengers
(ii) Sanctions to be issued in name of women or in joint name.
(iii) Placing list of beneficiaries in prominent place
(iv) Regular on line reporting, along with uploading of photographs
on MIS
Ministry, in collaboration with UNDP, has initiated study of prevalent house
construction technologies in 5 States of Tripura, Meghalaya, Bihar, Odisha
and Maharashtra. Findings from these studies have been shared with stake
holders and action plan for capacity building and transfer of technology is
being devised. The exercise is to be expanded to 12 other States in the year
2015-16.
In 2014-15, under PMGSY 35,850.81 km of rural roads were constructed. This works out
to 98.22 km. of PMGSY roads being constructed every day in the country (This figure was
67 km / day in 2013-13 and 2013-14).
Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)
SAGY was launched on 11th October, 2014. So far, 671 Gram Panchayats(GPs)
have been identified by Members of Parliament. By October, 2016, one GP will be
transformed into a model for other GPs to replicate and by 2019, two more GPs will
be developed into Adarsh Grams. Some initiatives under SAGY are as follows1. Dwarapudi Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh which has been identified by Shri
Pusapati Ashok Gajapathiraju, Hon'ble Minister for Civil Aviation: The Member
of Parliament held Gram Sabha Charcha where it was found that more than 50% male
population in that Gram Panchayat were alcoholics. Due to the persistent persuasion
and motivation of MP during the Charcha, a license holder of the Liquor shop
voluntarily came forward and surrendered his license. The GP is well on its way to be
free from the bane of alcoholism.
schemes of the Government. This health camp made the people work
towards the fact that only a healthy village can be an Adarsh Village.
5. Department of Social Forestry of Gujarat State had organized tree
plantation program in Dhinkva Gram Panchayat adopted by Shri. Ramsinh
Patalyabhai Rathwa in Chhota Udaipur Constituencyas part of SAGY
project. The local people with support from district officials, have planted
around 300 trees. All these plants have been adopted by the school students
for their upkeep and maintenance.
6. In Sanbhundu GP of Mayurbhanj, Orissa adopted by Smt. Sarojini
Hembrum (Rajya Sabha Member) steps have taken for quick redressal of
grievances. Special attention is being given at every level to ensure that the
petitions are addressed with no loss of time. A toll free no. 1800-34567-32 has
been opened at DRDA office and this number is written on the walls of public
offices all over the district for wide dissemination.
7. In Gondhkoroi GP adopted by Shri. Gauav Goroi in Kaliobor
Constituency, Assam , Consumer Awareness Camps have been conducted
in villages in order to improve the Public Distribution System .
8. In Balpa GP adopted by Shri. Nalin Kumar Kateel in Dhaskin
Kannad constituency of Karnataka the villagers decided to form the School
Development and Monitoring Committee to monitor the education of the four
primary
schools
located
in
the
villages
of
Balpa
Gram
Panchayat.
Accordingly, Ahara khathri Samithi and
Sowkarya
Samithi have been formed by the Parents Association to monitor the
quality of education and food distribution system.
Department of Science and Technology implements various schemes for promotion of research and
development including technology development. Some of the new initiatives
launched/approved during the last one year of NDA Government are as following:-
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
I. Healthcare
(1) India is today a leading Vaccine Manufacturing Hub
The Vaccine Grand Challenge Programme is under implementation to encourage novel and
innovative vaccine related discoveries, accelerated development of candidate vaccines for
which earlier leads are available, research of basic & applied nature to improvise current
understanding of vaccine science and to strengthen the scientific basis for future vaccine
design. R&D projects supported through VGCP are focusing on Development of candidate
vaccines & Development of vaccine related technologies. Some major initiatives are:
(i) Rotavirus vaccine launched by Honble Prime Minster
The first indigenously developed and manufactured Rotavirus vaccine 'Rotavac.' from an
Indian strain 116E was launched by the Honble Prime Minister on 9th March, 2015. The
indigenously developed vaccine will boost efforts to combat infant mortality due to
diarrhoea. ROTAVAC developed in collaboration with Bharat Biotech under the PublicPrivate Partnership mode is efficacious in preventing severe rotavirus diarrhoea in lowresource settings in India. ROTAVAC significantly reduced severe rotavirus diarrhoea by
more than half - 56 percent during the first year of life, with protection continuing into the
second year of life. Moreover, the vaccine also showed impact against severe diarrhoea of
any cause. The developed Rotavirus Vaccine at $1 per dose has been cleared for market
license. Potential to prevent >500K childhood diarrheal deaths. The NTAGI of M/o Health &
FW has approved introduction of the vaccine in EPI in a pilot mode.
(ii) Malaria Vaccine: To promote the development of vaccines against P. falciparum and
P. vivax malaria, Department has provided continued support to MVDP (Malaria Vaccine
Development programme)- A consortium of DBT, ICGEB, Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI),
PATH, EMVI and WHO-TDR. Currently MVDP is involved with developmental of malaria
vaccine JAIVAC1 & JAIVAC 2 at ICGEB.
(iii) Dengue Vaccine: Department is supporting the group at International Centre for Genetic
Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) for developing a safe, efficacious and inexpensive
tetravalent dengue vaccine. The recombinant EDIII-based sub-unit dengue vaccine candidate
is being developed in the form of VLPs using the yeast P. pastoris as an expression host.
(2) Celiac Disease Diagnostics kit was commercially launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the then
Minister for Science and Technology, Government of India, at an event held in the International
Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, on 28th October 2014. These
kits have been developed through a collaborative, multi-institutional, inter-disciplinary approach
funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of
India. The participating institutions were ICGEB, New Delhi, Translational Health Science and
Technology Institute, Gurgaon; All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and M/s J. Mitra
and Co., New Delhi (Industrial partner).
Two types of diagnostic kits would now be available:
(i)
(ii)
Celiac Microlisa is useful for centralized diagnostic laboratories with adequate infrastructure where
large number of samples could be handled. The Celiac Card can be used by smaller hospitals and
clinics which lack adequate facilities.
The newly launched diagnostic kits are expected to cater to the need for accurate identification of
Celiac Disease in Indian population. The disease is a lifelong digestive and auto-immune disorder
that results in damage to the lining of the small intestine when foods with gluten such as wheat, rye,
barley and oats are eaten. The affected individuals display symptoms like prolonged diarrhea,
abdominal, fullness and anemia, owing to decreased absorption of nutrients by the intestine. The
kits would now be made commercially available by M/s J. Mitra & Co. Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi. These
indigenous kits are rapid, sensitive, specific and would be much cheaper as compared to the
imported kits.
(3)
DBT has significantly augmented the infrastructure for diagnosis & treatment of
human genetic disorders in India
Impact
- 21 Genetic Diagnosis cum Counselling Units established
>5 lakh affected families and >1 lakh tribal families benefited
- DNA typing of 25 autosomal markers in 53 ethnic groups (tribal, caste and religious
communities) completed
Revealed evidence of human migration from India to SE Asia.
(4)
A major flagship programme on International Cancer Genome (ICG) specific to
Oral Cancer is under implementation.
(5) India Bio-design makes new advances
Technologies developed: - 5
Ostomy Management device;
Emergency medical alert device;
A breathable and customized cast for immobilization of the fractured limb;
Fluid extraction device;
Posture support device
Technologies Transferred: - 2
Technology for Fetomaternal Parameter Monitoring System transferred to M/s.
Brun Health Private Limited, Telangana, startup Company formed by Fellows
2013 Batch.
Technology for A Portable Hand Sanitization device transferred to M/s.
Observe Design Private Limited, New Delhi.
Fecal Incontinence device technology received USFDA 510 approval for their
device.
Patents, Trademark, Industrial Design Filing:
6 Indian patents and 6 PCT applications filed; 6 trademark applications filed;
and One design registration filed for the Accufeed Invention.
Patents have been granted in 4 countries namely Singapore, Japan, USA and
Europe for the device for collecting fecal discharge in incontinent patients
New initiatives:
i-Fellowship program initiated with Australia as a new international partner
BMJ Innovations launched.
(6)
(ii) Decoding the Wheat Genome: A strong partnership in Decoding the Wheat Genome has
been built. 15 countries joined hands to complete this huge task of decoding 17,000 million
bases. Indian Scientists participated in Decoding Chromosome 2A.
(iii) Maize hybrid (Vivek 9) with High Quality Protein and Increased Provitamin A was developed
and released.
(iv) High zinc rice has been developed for the first time which has 22-24 ppm zinc and named as
CGZR-1 and after all India trials would be available to farmers in another two years.
(v) 12 popular rice varieties to be grown in the rain fed agri-eco systems have been developed by
incorporating major quantitative trait loci (QTL) or genes for flood, drought and salt tolerance.
(vi) Bread wheat and durum wheat genotypes with high
micronutrient concentration in optimum soil zinc have been developed.
yield
and
high
(vii) First indigenous technology developed for commercial production of Ethanol from
lignocellulosic waste: DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences established at Institute of Chemical
Technology, Mumbai has developed Cellulosic ethanol technology. Based on this indigenous
technology a demo/pilot plant designed by an Industry, India Glycol Limited with financial
support from DBT-BIRAC with a capacity of 10 tonnes lignocellulosic biomass per day to
produce 3000 L ethanol/day on a continuous basis. It is expected that the commercial plants
based on the technology will be built in 2016, which is not far behind the technologies being
implemented in the USA.
(viii) Under a Mission programme on microbial prospecting: Drugs from Microbes Involving
nine institutes and an industrial partner in a public-private partnership model, 2.50 lakhs
microbes were screened for four activities i.e. anti cancer, anti diabetic, anti inflammation and
anti infective activities. A total of 16123 three stars hits were obtained- Anti-infective- 5286; anti
cancer-518; anti inflammation-3643 ; anti diabetic-6676. One New Chemical Entity with
anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity and 12 probable new use of compound were identified.
Efforts are being made to explore the strategies for moving some of the active molecules
obtained in the current program from discovery to Pre- Investigational New Drug (IND) studies,
thereby creating a path of development of molecules. The Countrys largest Microbial Culture
Collection Centre was set up at NCCS, Pune will 2,00,000 culture.
Womens health, hygiene & nutrition is the current focus under DBTs
womens societal upliftment programme of DBT. The Department has supported
major programme on cervical cancer screening, genetic disorder & counseling,
pregnancy-related complications, breast cancer screening & post-operative care.
While education on menstrual hygiene, cervical cancer & preventive measures
were conducted in several villages involving more than 2,000 women, including
school girls, around 5,000 women were offered cervical cancer screening services
through village based camps. A network programme on Breast Cancer Screening
was implemented in 4 districts of North-East, namely Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram and Tripura with the help of Cancer Foundation of India, Kolkata.
A project for awareness, counseling, screening & education to prevent genetic and
congenital disorder has been implemented in West Bengal and a web based portal
(www.genomegyan.com) on genetics has been developed to popularize it as a
subject among medical students and physicians.
(V) Biotech Based Developments in North Eastern Region of India
The North Eastern Region (NER) of India comprises of eight sister states. The region is one
of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions of Asia and the home for more than 150
tribes. In order to give focused attention for the North Eastern Region, the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) has allocated 10% of its annual budget for promoting/strengthening
biotechnology driven activities in North Eastern States of India. A dedicated cell, North
Eastern Biotechnology Programme Management Cell (NER-BPMC) has been established by
DBT in the year 2009-2010 and the cell is assisting DBT to evolve, implement and
monitoring of various programmes for the benefit of NER states.
Some of the major flagship programmes/schemes implemented and created impact on biotech
based developments in North Eastern States during the last one year are as follows:
Twinning Programme
The goal of this programme is to strengthen R&D activity in the North East India through joint
collaborations. Financial assistance is provided to competitive R&D projects from scientists in
the North Eastern States in collaboration with Scientists from National Institutions from other
parts of the country.
The programme has supported nearly 400 R&D projects, leading to more than 200 papers
published in peer reviewed journals, and more than 450 young scientists of NER trained in
advamced biotechnology. Every year approximately 70-80 projects under this flagship
programme are being supported to NER.
The biotech startup scenario in India was transformed by one of BIRACs flagship
scheme called BIG (Biotechnology Ignition Grant). BIG has supported 140
entrepreneurial ideas over 5 calls at pre-proof-of-concept stage. 22 new startups were
created (in 18 months) and the total number of employment generated is 231.
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING
1.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN SHIPPING SECTOR:Financial performance of Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI): Breaking the trend
of the last three years of incurring losses till 2013-14, SCI made profits in the last quarter of
2013-14 and successively in the first 3 quarters of 2014-15 amounting to Rs 99.44 crores.
Impact: The efforts of the Shipping Corporation and the Ministry in this context have
started showing fruitful results.
Evacuation from Yemen: During the recent operation launched by the Govt. of India to evacuate
Indian nationals from strife-torn Yemen, two Indian flag merchant vessels M.V. Kavaratti and M.V.
Coral belonging to Lakshadweep Administration had been deployed at Djibouti to assist the said
official mission. These two vessels on their return voyage from Djibouti to India w.e.f. the early
hours of 12.04.2015 have brought back 157 & 318 passengers, respectively. While M.V. Kavaratti
evacuated 27 Indians, 65 Bangladeshi and 65 Yemeni nationals, M.V. Coral evacuated 46 Indians
and 272 Bangladeshi nationals. All these passengers, after following all procedural formalities,
disembarked at Kochi on 18.04.2015 and proceeded for onward destinations. The entire operation
was closely coordinated by the Ministry of Shipping along with Directorate General of Shipping,
Shipping Corporation of India and Cochin Port Trust.
Impact of evacuation operation: The timely and sustained rescue efforts taken to evacuate
the Indian nationals trapped in Yemen was highly appreciated especially because of the
strife-torn and hostile conditions prevailing in Yemen.
Ferry service between Indian and Myanmar launched in October, 2014: In order to
accelerate the trading relations between India and Myanmar, Shipping Corporation of India
has started a direct container shipping service from Chennai Port on 03.10.2014. The service
has been started initially on a fortnightly basis. With the commencement of the Service, the
transit time for Indian exports to Myanmar and Indian imports from Myanmar has reduced
considerably. The total volume of EXIM cargo transported upto 13.03.2015 was 5305
TEUS.
Impact: The transit time for Indian exports/import has reduced and improved Indias trading relation
with Myanmar .
Simplification of procedures to determine light dues for container ships by Director General of
Lighthouse and Llightships (DGLL): The Ministry adopted a new mechanism for collection of light
dues for container ships. It has now simplified the process of collection of light dues for container
vessels by adopting the unit of collection on TEU (Twenty feet Equivalent Unit) basis instead of net
tonnage in respect of container ships. Further Syndicate Bank has now been accredited to collect the
light dues through online banking. This will facilitate faster clearance of ships and reduce detention
time of vessels for payment of light dues. Now online collection of light dues will help in the
following:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Smooth traffic
More cargo can be loaded
Less turn around/waiting time
(iv)
(v)
Increased revenue
Win-win situation from both ship owner & DGLL
Scheme of Financial Assistance For On-Board Ship Training For Indian Merchant Navy
Cadets/Trainees: The scheme is to provide financial support to about 2000 cadets of Indian
Maritime University and its affiliates for the batches who have passed out/completed their on-shore
classroom training in the years 2010, 2011 & 2012, but were not able get on-board ship training due
to non-availability of training berths in Indian Flagships. The scheme provides them financial
assistance to the tune of 30% of the training cost or Rs. 3 lakhs, whichever is less, as grant-inaid. The cadets belonging to SC-ST-OBC and Minorities will be free to obtain loan towards
the remaining cost of training through the Finance and Development Corporations of the respective
social sector Ministries.
Impact: The availability of qualified seafarers will increase. This will help these youths seeking to
pursue a maritime carrier achieve their goals and aspirations.
Construction of Lighthouse tender vessel of DGLL: The work of construction of lighthouse tender
vessel was completed by M/s. Cochin Shipyard Limited two months ahead of delivery schedule. This
vessel was dedicated to the nation by Honble Minister of Shipping on April 10, 2015. The new vessel
is equipped with state of art modern technologies like provision of helipad and Fi-Fi (Fire Fighting
pumps) etc. The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has certified the vessel on completion of sea trials.
Impact: This ship will help in establishment, maintenance and operation of lighthouses spread over
across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and help in the navigational safety of ships in this area.
Delivery of vessels: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered seven ships during the last one
year including six Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) for the Indian Coast Guard and one Platform Supply vessel
for M/S. Sea tanker, Norway. The financials of CSL continue to be robust and the Shipyard has
continued to post excellent performance despite the recession in shipbuilding and ship repair
business.
Product Diversification - Technology tie up: CSL has tied up with M/s Samsung Heavy
Industry for building LNG vessels in India. This is a significant achievement considering
that the Korean giant has assessed CSL to possess capabilities to build such a complex
vessels with assured quality.
Technology Tie up for Constructing Dredgers: CSL has entered into a MoU with M/s
IHC Holland, who are the world leaders in manufacturing dredgers. This MoU would
enable CSL to build Cutter Suction Dredgers of 500 mm suction discharge pipe capacity and
Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers of 10,000 m3 hopper capacity. This will enable CSL to
tap the huge dredger market potential within the country.
Impact: This has helped in establishing the reputation and quality of Indian shipyards and is
a step towards Make in India initiative.
Record dredging order begged by Dredging Corporation of India (DCI). Kandla Port Trust and
Kolkata Port Trust has awarded the work of dredging in the Navigational channel and Maintenance
dredging contract to maintain the Navigational channel at Haldia at a cost of Rs.295.00 crores and
Rs.375 crores respectively. The maintenance dredging work was awarded to DCI by Cochin Port
Trust at the contract cost of Rs.150 crores. Southern Naval Command, Kochi has awarded the
maintenance dredging work to DCI for 02 years 2014-15 & 2015-16 for a value of Rs.60 crores. DCI
bagged the Capital Dredging work at Northern Arm of Visakhapatnam Port by bidding lowest price to
achieve the depth of (-) 16.10 Mtrs. on Lumpsum contract basis of Rs.32 crores. The value of
dredging contract awarded by Kamarajar Port Limited, Ennore is Rs.48.00 crores
Removal of customs and excise duty on bunker fuel: Recognizing the need to encourage the
growth of Indian tonnage, the Government vide their Notification dated January 7, 2015 has
exempted Customs and Excise Duty leviable on bunker fuels, namely IFO 180 CST and IFO 380 CST
used in Indian flag vessels for transportation of EXIM and empty containers between two or more
ports in India.
Impact: This tax incentive will be a stepping stone to enhance Indian tonnage as well as in promoting
development of transhipment hubs in India.
Tax exemption granted to boost ship repair sector: Governments vide Notification dated
July 11, 2014 has granted Service tax exemption for repair of foreign going vessels by Indian
shipyards to reduce operational costs of ship repair units.
Impact: The Indian ship-repair sector will get more business and help in generating
employment.
Indian ship owners have been allowed to buy ships and flag these ships
abroad: Government has taken a policy decision to allow shipping enterprises based in India
to acquire ships abroad and flag them in the country of their convenience. This will facilitate
Indian ship-owners to get access to finance and business abroad.
Impact: The Indian tonnage as well as Indian economy will grow.
Reduction of service tax incidence on coastal shipping: Realising the need for encouraging
transportation of goods through coastal shipping rather than road or rail, the Government has,
in the Union Budget 2015-2016, brought the abatement of service tax at par with road and
rail i.e. 70%. With this change, only 30% of the value of the service for transportation of
goods by vessels would be subject to levy of service tax.
Impact: It is expected to boost transportation of goods through coastal shipping, which is
more fuel efficient, comparatively cheaper mode of transport and less prone to accidents.
One time licensing of ships to remove burden of periodic licensing: The Directorate
General of Shipping has been granting General Trading Licence (GTL) to Indian ships with a
validity of one year. Recognizing the need for further simplification of the procedure for
issuance of GTL, Ministry of Shipping has decided that the shipping companies who are
already in possession of a valid GTL may approach the Registrar of Indian Ships for issuance
of a new one time GTL, at any time before expiry of the GTL.
Impact: This has removed the requirement of obtaining GTL every year.
Simplification of procedure for registration of Ship Repair Units: As a step towards
creating a climate of ease of doing ship repairing business in the country, the procedure for
registration of Ship Repair Units has been simplified by dispensing with the requirement for
their registration with the Director General of Shipping, Mumbai with immediate effect.
Impact: More ship-repair units are likely to come-up which would maximise employment
potential.
Indian flag vessel as well as Indian dredgers have been allowed to exercise Right of First
Refusal (RoFR) provided they match the lowest rate quoted by the foreign flag
vessel: Keeping in view of the Governments policy of strengthening and promoting the
Indian shipping and dredging industry in a competitive framework, the Indian flag vessel as
well as Indian dredgers have been allowed to exercise Right of First Refusal (RoFR) provided
they match the lowest rate quoted by the foreign flag vessel.
Impact: The Indian flag vessels as well as dredgers will get more business.
2.
Cargo Growth Rate Doubled : The Cargo handled by the Indian Ports increased by 8% in 2014-15 as
compared to 4% in the previous year. This included 4.6% increase in traffic growth in Major Ports as
against negative and sluggish growth in the previous three years.
Capacity Addition : Major Ports added an additional capacity of 71 MTPA in 2014-15 which is the
highest in any particular year so far. This was achieved by close monitoring of the on-going Projects.
Efficiency Parameters : The Major Ports showed continuous decline in turnaround time and preberthing detention of ships. The pre-berthing detention time decreased by 13.40% over the year. A
study to bench-mark the efficiency parameters of Major Ports to comparable International Ports has
been awarded and the results would be available by 31.12.2015.
Renewable Energy Development by Major Ports : 151 MW of renewable energy would be
generated by the Major Ports in the next five years.
Port Community System (PCS): PCS has been developed to integrate electronic flow of information
among all port stakeholders like shipping lines, stevedores, bank etc.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Five Major Ports have ERP Systems. By June 2016, all
12 Major Ports would become smart and paperless.
3.
INLAND WATERWAYS:Transportation of coal through River Ganga: Project to transport 3 MT of coal through
River Ganga from Haldia to NTPC Power Plant at Farakka has been implemented. To
facilitate this movement, a transloading zone has been notified at Konika Sands off Dhamra
Port.
NEW INITIATIVES DURING THE YEAR:The Ministry of Shipping has taken several new initiatives during the year to promote coastal
shipping and inland water transport in the country. The focus of the schemes is on modernisation of
major ports along the countrys coastline, improving port connectivity and strengthening of river
navigation system. The sector-wise details of the new initiatives are as follows:
PORT SECTOR:Sagarmala Project: Considering port led development as a backbone of economic development,
"Sagarmala Project" has been launched with an objective of modernizing the ports along India's
coastline and achieving rapid expansion of port capacity and development of inland and coastal
navigation. The initiative aims at supporting port-led development through appropriate policy and
institutional interventions, port infrastructure enhancement, including modernization and setting up
of new ports, and efficient evacuation to and from hinterland. Sagarmala will also lead to large scale
employment generation of skilled and semi-skilled manpower. An allocation of Rs. 200 crores has
been made during the year 2015-16 for implementation of the project. The work under Sagarmala
project will be done in close collaboration with the Maritime State Governments.
Improving Port Connectivity: The Cabinet has given approval to create a Special Purpose Vehicle
(SPV) to focus on providing efficient evacuation systems in major ports and to improve their
connectivity. The SPV would undertake the following Projects:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Coastal Berths: In order to promote & encourage Coastal Shipping a new Scheme for Coastal Berths
has also been approved by the Govt. and necessary guidelines issued to all the Ports. Under the
Scheme financial assistance upto 75% of the cost of the project subject to maximum of Rs. 30 crores
would be given to the Ports to construct exclusive coastal berths.
Incentive to make Major Ports Green: A new incentive scheme has been evolved to
encourage major ports to become green ports. Under the scheme, green projects such as waste
water treatment, renewable energy generation, use of bio-diesel and provision of shore power
would be supported upto 50% of the project cost. Each major port would be given a financial
grant of upto Rs.25 crores for undertaking these initiatives. Nine major ports have given a
commitment to generate at least 150 MW of renewable energy through solar and wind power
in the next five years. This includes 25 MW generation by Jawaharlal Nehru Port and 20 MW
each by Paradip Port, Kamarajar Port and Kandla Port.
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT): Foundation stone has been laid
for SEZ in JNPT. The project would cost in phase-l Rs. 4000 crore. Project planning and execution has
commenced. The project has the potential of generating over 1.5 Lakh direct and indirect jobs. This
will develop free trade warehousing zones, engineering goods sector, textile and other sectors.
Green channel clearance for Coastal Cargo: In order to ensure faster clearance of cargo, the
Ministry introduced Green Channel Clearance system for coastal cargo in Major Ports.
New Major Ports: The Government has decided to take steps for setting up of 2 new major
ports in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal at Durgarajapatnam and Sagar respectively. The
two Ports will be developed in PPP mode.
Oil Pollution Cess: Govt. has approved a new central scheme for providing assistance to the Ports
handling Crude Oil and POL for combating Oil Pollution and Mitigation measures. Financial
assistance under the Scheme would be given in the form of Grant-in-aid upto 50% of the total cost of
the procurement of Pollution response (PR) equipment/material.
Delegation of Powers To Major Ports: The M/o Shipping has issued orders on 11/2/2015 for
enhancement of the financial powers delegated to Major Port Trust Boards as also Chairman, Dy.
Chairman and Heads of Departments in the Port Trusts. The enhanced delegation is expected to
speed up decision making in the Port Trusts in general. Keeping in view the need for simplifying and
rationalizing the delegated powers the earlier distinction between plan and non-plan expenditure
and category I and II Ports as also new and replacement works have been done away with. The
Powers for sanctioning and incurring expenditure on capital works have been enhanced from Rs.
50/Rs.100 crore for new/replacement works to Rs.200 crore for all capital works, facilitating speedy
decision making.
Indias participation in development of Chahbahar Port in Iran : The Cabinet Committee on Security
approved the MEA proposal regarding Indias participation in the Chahbahar Port Project on
18.10.2014 with a capital investment of approximately US $ 85.21 million to be spent over a 3 years
or 1 year period depending on what mobilization period is negotiated. In pursuance of the CCS
decision, an SPV which will be a holding company, with equity participation from Jawaharlal Nehru
Port Trust and Kandla Port Trust has been formed on 22.01.2015. Kandla Port will be associated
with general cargo berth and JNPT in the Container berth. A qualified and competent professional as
the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the company will be appointed soon. The MoU for
operationalising the Chahbahar Project is proposed to be signed between Indian and Iranian
Authorities.
highways. The inland waterways mode of transportation has immense potential for domestic cargo
transportation as well as for cruise, tourism and passenger traffic.
Dredging and navigational facilities are being created in National Waterway 1 by Inland Waterways
Authority which will result in 2.2 Mtrs. least available draft and movement of about 1000 MT vessels
up to Varanasi by June, 2016.
Similarly projects in National Waterways 2 to 5 are also underway to promote this mode of
transportation.
The Ministry has initiated new schemes on Inland Water Transport. This include Jal Marg Vikas
Project, announced in the Budget for the year 2014-15. The project aims at strengthening of open
river navigation technique and hardware including dredging, modern river information system,
Digital Global Positioning System (DGPS), night navigation facilities, latest state of art terminal
facilities and modern methods of channel marking. The completion of project would provide assured
Least Available Depth (LAD) of 3.0 metre for plying 1500 to 2000 DWT vessels for commercial
navigation between Haldia and Allahabad. The project is being implemented with financial
assistance of World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs. 4200 crore. Varanasi-Haldia segment of the
project is to be completed by June 2019. Varanasi to Allahabad segment of the project is slated for
completion by December 2020. After putting up all the required infrastructures, the total traffic
expected to get diverted by 2021-22 from Rail and Road to National Waterways-1 is estimated
around 44 million tonnes.
Further, in order to give boost to inland water transportation, the Government has given its approval
for enactment of a central legislation for declaring 101 additional Inland Waterways as National
Waterways (NW) for navigation A Bill for declaration of additional 101 Waterways has been placed
before the Parliament.
Progress: By end of March 2015, the NSDC Board had approved 203 skilling proposals and
37 Sector Skill Councils with total financial commitment of over INR 2500 cr. In the last
year, for the important sectors of Green Jobs, Persons with Disabilities etc, Sector skill
councils were approved for focussed industry led approach in skilling in these sectors.
Outcome: NSDC has developed a wide network for skilling with 207 NSDC approved
training partners, 2,904 operational NSDC partner centres, including 676 mobile centres with
coverage across 28 states and 5 UTs in 471 districts across India. In the last year, the NSDC
ecosystem had trained 24,12,862 people in skill training programmes.
4. Strengthening Standards & Quality Assurance
The NSQF is a competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications according to a
series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude. NSQF in India was notified on 27th
December 2013. National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe best practices by bringing
together performance criteria, knowledge and skills pertaining to a job role. A set of NOSs
related to a specific job role is called Qualification Pack (QP).
Progress and Outcome: The process of alignment of NVEQF (National Vocational
Educational Qualification Framework) and (NCVT) to the NSQF has been initiated by the
Ministry of Human Resource Development and Ministry of Labour and Employment. The
actual roll-out of NSQF was initiated and three qualifications of National Council for
Vocational Training, four of the plumbing sector, and six of the Capital Good Sector were
approved by National Skills Qualifications Committee for inclusion in the Qualifications
Register. As on date across 28 Sectors, standards for 1319 Job Roles pegged at NSQF levels
1 to 8 have been defined by the Sector Skill Councils. As on date, 14 SSCs have covered
development of 80% of entry level workforce QPs.
5. Multi Skill Institute Scheme
Progress: An Approach Paper on the proposed Multi Skill Institutes in Public Private
Partnership mode (PPP) has been prepared after extensive stakeholder consultations. This
included a workshop held on 9th Feb, 2015 with training providers, industry representatives,
State Government representatives and donor agencies. A detailed list of inputs received were
incorporated into the Approach Paper and efforts to develop a model for a National Skill
University were initiated.
Udaan scheme is targeted at helping the ambitious and progressive youth of Jammu and
Kashmir who are seeking global and local opportunities that the state may not be in a position
to offer currently. It aims to make employable 40,000 youth of J&K over a 5 year period in
key high growth sectors. The programme is targeted at providing well-paying jobs to the
trained manpower.
Outcome: 327 Selection drives were conducted in FY 14-15 and 4,903 youth have joined
Udaan training programs in the financial year. As of 31st March 2015, the scheme has 74
corporates who have partnered with Udaan and placement offers were made to 3,133
candidates.
8. National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015
Progress: The draft has been prepared after several meetings of the Working Committee and
internal consultation on the first and second draft of the Policy. Meetings within the Ministry
have focussed on ensuring that all aspects of the 2009 Policy have been accounted for and
revised as required.
9. State engagement
Progress: Ministry will be holding a National Consultation Workshop in early May
2015 to discuss convergence of skill development efforts with the States facilitating platform
for the Ministry and States to align their expectations and coordinate efforts in the skill
development and entrepreneurship space. Meanwhile, a Scheme for the States is also under
consideration. NSDC has signed MoUs with several states for collaboration in skill
development including West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkand
etc
training. A similar MoU is about to be signed with NTPC. Collaborations with other
PSUs and private sector companies have been initiated.
13. Consolidation of Skill Gap studies
Outcomes: Sector skill gap studies have been completed for 24 sectors. The objective of
these skill gap reports is to understand the sectoral and geographical spread of skill
requirements that exist. They were launched on 9th April by Honble MoS.
1. National Fellowship for 300 OBC students (NF-OBC) launched. The rates were
revised from Rs 18000 per month for JRF to Rs 25000 per month and for SRF
from Rs 20000 per month to Rs 28000 per month. UGC has finalized the list of
300 JRFs.
2. Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for
Overseas Studies for OBCs was launched in 2014-15 to encourage higher studies
leading to Post graduate, M.Phil and Ph. Dabroad.
3. The norms for the Construction of Hostels for the OBC Boys and Girlsrevised with
unit cost enhanced from Rs1.40 lakhs per hostel seat to Rs 3.50 lakhs for Northeast, Rs 3.25 lakh for Himalayan states and Rs 3.00 for rest of country. This has
encouraged more proposals from States/UTs/NGOs/Central Institutions and will
improve the quality of construction of hostels.
4. Under this Construction of Hostels for OBCs scheme, now hostels constructed under
state plan also can avail one time grant for purchase of furniture, at the rate
of Rs 2500 per seat. Also now the Pradhan MantriAdarsh Grams can avail central
assistance to construct hostels.
5. Under the scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls, a significant
achievement was made in encouraging Central Universities/Institutions, who availed a
major portion of the budget as Central Assistance for construction of hostels in 201415.
6. The scheme of Assistance to Voluntary Organisations working for the Welfare of
the OBCswas revised withfocus on Skill Development.
7. The Ministry is forging partnership with Central Universities/Institutions to invite
proposals and ideas oneffectiveand innovative methods for monitoring, evaluating,
creating databases and preparing reports for the welfare schemes.
8. New
Schemes
for DNTs namely,
Dr Ambedkar Pre-Matric and
PostMatric Scholarship for the DNTs and NanajiDeshmukh Scheme of Construction
of Hostelshave been launched. Under these schemes, Central Assistance has been
released to the States of Karnataka and Maharashtra in 2014-15.
9. For Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), the Dr Ambedkar PostMatric Scholarship Scheme has been launched. Central Assistance has been released
to the State of Rajasthan in 2014-15.
10. Release of 98.25% fund has been achieved under BC Schemes during 2014-15.
11. Skill Development training has been provided to 11410 beneficiaries. Further, stipend
at the rate of Rs 1000 per month provided to the trainees for the first time.
12. In order to increase coverage of loans to OBCs, One Time settlement for waver of
penal
interest
amounting
to
Rs.2.04 crore for
Manipur
and
Rs.1.53 crore for Sikkim has been done.
13. A new website which is interactive has been launched by the NBCFDC.
14. E-marketing of the products of the artisans to provide market value to them.
15. E-tracking of loans in order to improve recovery initiated by the NBCFDC.
16. The Recruitment Rules for strengthening the functioning of National Commission for
Backward Classes (NCBC) framed and notified.
17. The DNT Commission has been made operational with appointment of Chairperson
and Member.
(vii)
Dr. Ambedkar International 'Centre' for Social Justice: The Government
has approved setting up of the Centre at an approximate cost of Rs.195 crore at 15 Janpath,
New Delhi. The architectural plan and design of the Centre has been approved by the New
Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on 20.11.2014.
(viii) Dr. Ambedkar Memorial: The Government has taken a decision to fully develop
the
Memorial with an approximate cost of Rs. 100 Crore at 26, Alipure Road, Delhi. The
CPWD has started the preliminary work. The architectural Plan has been approved by
the Hon'ble Minister (SJ&E) on 27.11.2014.
(ix)
Release of Braille (English) Edition of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar-Writings &
Speeches: The Minister (SJ&E) & Chairman Dr. Ambedkar Foundation released the 4
Volumes (1, 5, 7& 11) of Braille (English) edition of Dr. BabasahebAmbedkar-Writings &
Speeches on 29.10.2014 at Vigyan Bhavan, New delhi.
(x)
Dr.Ambedkar Foundation National Essay Competition Awards: The
Minister Social Justice & Empowerment and Chairman, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation
gave away Dr. Ambedkar Foundation National Essay Competition awards for the
year 2013 &
2014 to the winners in a function held on 29.10.2014
at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
(xi)
Pre-Matric Scholarship to the children of those engaged in occupations
involving cleaning and prone to health hazards: The name of the Scheme has been
changed
from "Pre-Matric Scholarship to those engaged in 'unclean' occupations" to
"Pre-Matric Scholarship to the children of those engaged in occupations involving
cleaning
and prone to health hazards".
(xii)
Revision of the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme: The Central Sector
Scheme 'National Overseas Scholarship' for the Scheduled Castes has been revised and
conveyed to the States/UTs vide letter dated 28.01.2015 by increasing the number of awards
from 60 to 100 with effect from the selection year 2014-15.
(xiii) Enactment of the Constitution (SC) Orders (amendment) Act,
2014:
Modifications in the list of Scheduled Castes- The Constitution (Scheduled
Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2014, which incorporates inclusion of ten synonym castes
as Scheduled Castes in relation to the States of Kerala (two), Madhya Pradesh
(one), Odisha (four), Tripura (three), exclusion of a Scheduled Caste in relation
to Sikkim and substitution of the name of the State from Orissa to Odisha was passed by
the Lok Sabha on 27.11.2014 and Rajya Sabha on 08.12.2014. The Constitution (Scheduled
Castes) Orders (Amendment) Act, 2014 received the assent of the
President on
17.12.2014 and was notified in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary on 18.12.2014.
(xiv) Amendments in the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act, 1989: The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention
of
Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2014 to amend the PoA Act was introduced in
the Lok Sabha on
16.07.2014. The Bill was referred to the Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment on 16.09.2014, by the directions of
the Honble Speaker, Lok Sabha,
under Rule 331E (b) of the Rules of Procedure and
Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, for
examination and report. The Committee has
since finalized and presented its report in both
houses of Parliament on 19.12. 2014.
Action has been initiated to seek decision of the
Government in regard to
recommendations contained in the Report of the Committee.
3. Future proposals:
(i) Scheme of Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan
(SCSP):
The Scheme is at an advanced stage of revision with an enhancement in
subsidy
amount from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 per beneficiary and other major
structural
changes.
(ii) Enhancement in the authorized share capital of the National Scheduled
Castes
Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC): The authorized share capital
of
NSFDC is proposed to be enhanced from Rs. 1000 Crore to Rs. 2000 Crore.
Social Defence
1. International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking celebrated on
26.06.2014 and National Awards conferred by President of India.
2. International Day of Older Persons celebrated on 01.10.2014.
3. Ministry has assigned a rapid survey for estimation of the extent, trend and
pattern of the drug abuse in these two States of Punjab and Manipur.
4. A National toll free helpline for Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
has been set up on 7th January, 2015.
5. Under the Schemes for Integrated Programme of Older Persons and
scheme of prevention for Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse online
processing of proposals of NGOs has been initiated from the current
financial year (2014-15).
6. National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), 1999 the policy is being revised
keeping in view the changes in demographic pattern, socio-economic needs
of senior citizens, social value system and advancement in the field of
science and technology. The draft of the news National Policy for Senior
Citizens is being finalized.
7. The First National Policy on Drug Demand Reduction is under finalization.
During 2014-15, total 1600 ADIP/ADIP-SSA camps were organized in 150 districts and about
2.50 lakh beneficiaries were benefitted. 36 Mega Camps for distribution of aids and assistive
devices were organized from June 13, 2014 to June 5, 2015, covering 15 States in which Aids &
Assistive Devices costing Rs.2518.48 Lakh were distributed to 39,813 beneficiaries under the ADIP
Scheme. In Nagpur, more than 5000 beneficiaries were benefited in one day. Grant-in-aid ofRs.
101.28 crore was released to implementing agencies which was the highest ever since inception of
the scheme.
ALIMCO, a Government PSU has taken major steps with emphasis on Make in India mission by
signing agreement for Artificial Limbs with M/s Ottobock, India; agreement with Motivation India for
high technique wheelchair, inclusion of high end devices for distribution to PwDs under CSR Project;
and introduction of Cochlear Implant surgery to empower Persons with Hearing Disability. Total 134
Cochlear Implant surgeries have been done till 10.06.2015.
ALIMCO has been serving the Persons with Disabilities for past 4 decades through available
machineries and equipments.Modernization and over all face lift of ALIMCO is being done at a total
cost of Rs. 286 crores through creation of advanced facilities including modern R&D centre to
manufacture and provide world class quality aids and assistive devices free of cost or at an
affordable price to economically weaker section of society under ADIP Scheme of Government of
India.
National Action Plan for Skill Training of Persons With Disabilities has been launched by which
25 Lakh PwDs will be Skill Trained by the year 2022.
A Job portal for the PwDs for facilitating employment of PwDs has been developed.
Total number of beneficiaries of rehabilitation services provided by 7 National Institutes was
10,19,799 which is approximately 15% more than the previous year.
National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation distributed Rs. 101.49 crore as loan to
14,703 beneficiaries belonging to the Persons with Disabilities for self-employment ventures; NHFDC
also organized 2 Mega Camps and 11 Job Fairs.
National Trust is running a unique health insurance scheme for Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy,
Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities and during the period from May 2014 to April 2015, an
amount of Rs. 4.97 crore was released to 9,372 beneficiaries.
Scholarship schemes for students to pursue Pre-Matric,
education, Overseas studies, and free coaching have been launched.
Post-Matric,
Top
Class
Scheme for Modernization of 10 existing and Establishment of 15 new Braille Presses to augment
production of Braille pages has been launched for which an amount of Rs.3.86 crore has been
released for implementing the Scheme.
National Institute for the Visually Handicapped, Dehradun has developed a Braille Course for
Nepali, Garo and Khasilanguages under the North-East Project.
Scheme for setting up State Spinal Injury Centres has been launched for which an outlay of Rs.
20 crore has been earmarked.
Scheme for Establishment of College for deaf in each of the five regions of the country has been
launched in January, 2015. The object of the Scheme is to provide equal educational opportunities to
hearing impaired students for pursuing higher studies and improve the chances of employability and
better quality of life through higher education.
Awareness Generation & Publicity Scheme has been launched with the objective of promoting
awareness about the legal rights of PwDs and sensitizing society on causes leading to disabilities etc.
Two "Raahgiri" days for persons with disabilities were organized in Delhi and Gurgaon.
Accessible India Campaign was launched as a nation-wide flagship campaign for achieving universal
accessibility forPwDs.
Scheme on Research on Disability Related Technology, Products and Issues has been launched.
An on-line system has been introduced for improving transparency, and simplifying the application
procedure for grant-in-aid to NGOs.
The new series of national accounts, revising the base year from 2004-05 to
2011-12 have been released. As a part of the base year revision exercise, a
comprehensive review of the methodology and datasets was made. The new
series incorporates the latest available datasets along with the
recommendations laid down under the System of National Accounts, 2008.
Provisional results of Sixth Economic Census (EC) were released on 30th
July, 2014. All India Report of the sixth Economic Census is expected to be
released by September 2015.
The Ministry has started releasing the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI)
since May, 2014 in order to give a clear picture of the movement of retail
prices in respect of food items.
The Base Year of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been revised from
2010=100 to 2012=100, taking into account the latest consumption patterns of
the households. In this revised series, many methodological changes have
been incorporated in order to make the indices more robust.
Web-based system for collection of Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data
has been introduced. Using the dedicated web-portal the results of the ASI
2012-13 have been released on 24.03.2015 which is an improvement in terms
of time-lag of release of final results, as compared to the earlier years.
A workshop was organized on 2nd July, 2014 to interact with the data users
in the field of Industrial Statistics, National Accounts and Price Statistics. A
large number of participants from a wide cross-section of data users including
students, researchers, and representatives of private economic institutions,
industry associations, media houses and government organizations attended
the workshop.Another such workshop on new series of national accounts with
base year 2011-12 was organized on 13th April, 2015.
In the process of development of the system of Computer Assisted Personal
Interviewing (CAPI), NSSO has undertaken a pilot exercise for Periodic
Labour Force Survey in consultation with World Bank using Android based
Tablet devices. The field testing is in progress. Introduction of CAPI will
reduce processing time and the system will be paperless. This will also
integrate the processes of data collection, validation, analysis and
presentation of reports etc.
The National Accounts Division of the Central Statistics Office has
been certified IS/ISO 9001:2008 for Compilation and dissemination of macroeconomic indicators including national income and consumer price indices by
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Process of similar certification for Survey
Design and Research Division of the National Sample Survey Office is under
progress.
MINISTRY OF STEEL
Steel is a deregulated sector. The role of the Ministry of Steel is that of a
facilitator i.e. to facilitate growth of sector through policy intervention and
removal of bottlenecks for infrastructure development. Ministry of Steel has not
formulated nor has it been allocated any Social sector scheme which directly
affects the lives of the people.
However, the Ministry of Steel has undertaken the following initiatives: The Steel & Steel Products (Quality Control) Orders, 2012, have come
into effect from 1st October, 2014 on all 15 products having direct
bearing on safety & security of human beings and infrastructure. After the
said Order came into being, the import of steel & steel products is now as
per norms set by Bureau of Indian Standard and any foreign supplier of
steel & steel products is now supposed to get registered with BIS and
supply the material as per standard set by BIS.
Further, the Ministry of Steel has taken several measures to enhance the
Steel Production Capacity and consumption of Steel throughout the
country. Some of these measures include:-
India was the 4th largest producer of crude steel after USA in the world
in the calendar year 2014. As per the World Steel Associations
provisional figures available for the month of January-February, 2015,
India has overtaken United States of America.
and Honble Prime Minister has dedicated the same to the nation. The
expansion of
Rourkela Steel Plant has resulted in addition of about 2.5 million tonnes
of crude steel capacity. Further, Expansion of IISCO Steel Plant of SAIL
at Burnpur is also ready to be dedicated to the nation. It would further add
2.2 million tonnes of crude steel capacity.
CPSEs under the Ministry of Steel have been expanding their dealer
network with special focus on Rural Dealership Scheme to widen the
reach of items of mass consumption.
MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
Under the inspiring leadership of the visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi the new Government at centre,Ministry of Textiles have taken a number of new
initiatives for achieving the main objectives of making the development participative and
inclusive, sabka saath, sabka vikaas, giving particular attention to the under privileged
regions and disadvantaged segments of the society.
Further based on the make-in-India initiative, the organized textile industry has been
assisted with specific stress on skill, scale, speed and zero-defect, zero-effect for scaling
up employment, production and export.
The administrative mechanism and procedures are being revised based on minimum
government maximum governance for improving ease of doing business.
Some of the major initiatives taken in the past months in the textile sector have been indicated
below.
1. Setting up infrastructure for Textile Industry under the Scheme for Integrated
Textile Park (SITP)The Ministry has cleared 20 proposals for new Textile parks in
dierent states of the country facilitating investments upto Rs. 4500 crores and generating
employment for 66000 persons. Also, to enable a better and more meaningful
participation of State Governments / State Industrial Development Corporations, Joint
ventures by Industrial Development Corporations have been encouraged under the
scheme.
2. Launching Organised Textile industry in the North East
With a view to generate productive employment opportunities for the youth
in general and women in particular in the North Eastern region of the country, Setting up
centres for production of garment and apparels, in each of the Northern Eastern States was
announced by the Honble Pime Minister in Nagaland on 1st December 2014.
Under the initiative, three units with 100 machines in each unit are being set up, with
a nancial implication of Rs. 18 crores per centre to be funded by Government of
India on 100% basis.
Foundation stones for the apparel and garment units for Nagaland at Dimapur, for
Manipur at Imphal, for Sikkim at Gangtok were laid by Honble Minister of State for
Textiles (Independent Charge) in the presence of Honble Chief Ministers and other
dignitaries on 24th February 2015, 24th March 2015 and 25th March 2015 respectively.
Construction, acquisition and installation of machineries in all the eight states have
been started by the National Building Construction Corporation. This has generated
lots of enthusiasm in the local youth in general and women in particular.
Foundation stone for Apparel and Garmenting making center in Assam is scheduled
on 11th May 2015 and Foundation stone for Garment making Center and Silk
Printing unit is scheduled in Tripura on 12th May 2015
3. Safeguarding interest of the Cotton growers
To safeguard the interests of domestic Cotton growers, a well-planned, largest ever Minimum
Support Operations were carried out by the Cotton Corporation of India in all the 11 cotton
producing States by opening 341 centres. As result of close and constant monitoring over 86
lakh bales of cotton have been procured during the season (October 2014 - March 2015). On
line payment directly to the account of cotton farmers was done as an innovative
measure in Andhra Pradesh in consultation with the State Government, which was
appreciated by the farmers.
4. Revival of National Textile Corporation (NTC)
National Textile Corporation (NTC), a central public sector undertaking dealing with sick
textile mills was turned around and was discharged by BIFR on 28th October, 2014, after
several years on its network becoming positive. After the new government took charge,
10 more units have become profitable, taking the total number of profitable units to 13.
Provisions of the NTC Act were amended under, the The Textile Undertakings
(Nationalization) Laws (Amendment and Validation) Act 2014 for overcoming
legal hurdles in dealing with lease-hold land.
Steps have been initiated for diversification of business, taking up garment
production, technical-textile production and skill development for making it a strong
and vibrant undertaking in a time-bound manner.
The Honble Prime Minister presided over the signing of the tripartite agreement
by the Union Ministry of Textiles, the Government of Maharashtra and the
National Textile Corporation, for transfer of 12 acres of land adjacent to the
Chaityabhoomi in the Indu Mills Compound in Mumbai, where the last rites of
Babasaheb Ambedkar were performed, for construction of a Memorial for
Babasaheb Ambedkar.
5. British India Corporation (BIC) Asset Utilization
A new scheme (outlay Rs. 427 crores) was launched at Imphal on 24th March 2015 to
popularize the use of Geotechnical textiles in the North Eastern States for providing
quality infrastructure like Roads, Hill slope protection and efcient water usage by
water reservoir lining.
This will lead to optimal use of resources, generation of employment and growth of
technical textiles.
The 4th International Exhibition - Technotex 2015 was inaugurated by Honble
Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge) in Mumbai on 9th April 2015.
To safeguard interests of the producers and manufacturers of Jute and Jute products
estimated at about 4.35 million families, the Government has, in January 2015, approved
the orders for Mandatory Packaging of food grains in Jute bags and subsidy to Jute
Corporation of India to support MSP operations in jute.
For promoting more usage of value added diversied products, development of
higher technology products and also to expedite the use of assets with state owned jute
mills, the Honble Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge)
held a review meeting in Kolkata with all stakeholders including the state
government, on the 23rd February 2015.
Due to various policy initiatives and scheme interventions like cluster approach,
aggressive marketing initiative and social welfare measures, the handloom sector
has shown positive growth and the income level of weavers has improved.
The sector provides employment to 43.31 lakh persons engaged on about 23.77 lakh
handlooms.
During the current year, seven Common Facility Centres each per block have been set
up in the Benaras Mega Cluster.
A Memorandum of Understanding with Flipkart for online sale of handloom
products. Primary Weavers
Cooperative
Societies
are
being assisted for
development of
infrastructure for production of
quality
fabrics withnew design which can be sourced through e-marketing.
Introduction of India Handloom brand for quality product and development of group
of weavers along with required facilities will give a boost to e-marketing.
Laying of foundation stone of one of the seven CFCs at Kardhana by the Honble
Minister of Textiles and Governor, U.P. is scheduled on 13th May 2015.
Indian Handloom Brand developed to give distinct identity to handloom products
and their quality
11. Handicrafts
12. Powerloom
The draft policy has been discussed further with concerned stakeholders. The revised
draft New Textile Policy is under process for approval by the Government.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
1. Foreign Tourist Arrivals and Foreign Exchange Earnings
1.1 There has been a commendable increase in Foreign Tourist
Arrivals(FTAs) during the last one year. During the period June 2014-March
2015, the number of FTAs were 6770076, registering a growth of 8.1% over the
period June 2013-March 2014 when the number of FTAs were 6260914.
1.2 Similarly, the growth in Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) in rupee terms from
the tourism sector during the above mentioned period was 9.5%.
1.3 The FEEs (in US $ terms) grew by 10.0% during the same period.
Progress in Foreign Tourist Arrivals
June 14
June 13 to
to March
March 14
15
Growth
FTAs (in
6260914
6770076
8.1%
number)
FEEs (in Rs.
95,706
1,04,817
9.5%
Crore)
FEEs (in US$
15.517
17.073 10.0%
billion)
2. Swadesh Darshan
2.1
In the Budget for 2014-15, a new scheme announced for developing 5 tourist
circuits around specific themes with an outlay of Rs 500cr. The Revised Budget
provision for the Scheme was Rs. 20.00 crore.
2.2
Rs 600 cr allocated in the current year i.e., 2015-16
2.3
The circuits identified for development under the scheme are North-East Circuit,
Buddhist Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Himalayan Circuit and Krishna Circuit.
2.4
Mission objectives include development of circuits having tourist potential in a
planned and prioritized manner, integrated development of infrastructure in
identified circuits, promote cultural heritage of country, developing world-class
infrastructure in circuit destination, pro-poor tourism approach, promote local arts,
handicrafts, cuisine, generate employment
2.5
This scheme is proposed to be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme during
12th Five Year Plan and beyond.
2.6
One of the major efforts to increase Indias share in Global tourism to 1%. The
outcome shall be measured in terms of:-
2.7
2.8
5.4
5.5
6. Welcome Cards
6.1
Special welcome cards to be handed to all the tourists, landing at the 9
International airports where e-Tourist Visa facility is operational.
6.2
Launched in December, 2014
6.3
This card will carry the information of the local India Tourism office along with
online and offline contact information which the tourists can use in case of any
queries.
6.4
The main idea behind this being to make the experience of exploring the country
pleasant.
7. BadteKadam, a Hunar Se Rozgar Tak (HSRT) Phase-II launched
7.1
In December, 2014, the HSRT Initiative was opened to private participation
under a distinct vertical titled Hunar Se Rozgar Tak : Badhate Kadam . The
objective is to enhance the programmes reach and delivery. Now the Industrial
units, associations of industries, professional/ skill developing agencies with
proven credentials; and Hospitality Institutes approved by the AICTE / National
Skill Development Authority / State Governments / Union Territory
Administrations can participate and contribute to the skill needs in the hospitality
trade. The trades opened are : food production, food & beverage service, housekeeping and bakery & patisserie.
8. Swachh Bharat Swachh Pakwan (Hunar Zaika)
8.1
This program is aimed at upgrading the skills and hygiene standards of Street
Food Vendors, so that they become a distinctive aspect of the Indian tourism.
8.2
Launched in December, 2014
8.3
The Ministry of Tourism is partnering with the National Association of Street
Vendors of India (NASVI) for the specific purpose of orientation, skill testing and
certification of the vendors will be in terms of the following:The NASVI will either directly or through its city co-ordinators nominate vendors in
groups for training at one of the Institute of Hotel Management (IHMs)/ Food Craft
Institute (FCIs) authorized by the MoT to conduct such programmes.
8.4
Since the vendors will also be sensitized, as part of the orientation, to personal,
environmental and waste disposal hygiene, this MoTs effort in partnership with
NASVI will also visibly contribute to the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan.
9. Indian Culinary Institute (Tirupati & Noida)
9.1
Foundation stone laid in September, 2014 for ICI, Tirupati.
9.2
Foundation stone laid in January, 2015 for ICI, NOIDA.
9.3
The ICI will offer programs in kitchen management, molecular gastronomy, plate
presentation, food styling and displays, anthropology, etc.
9.4
Besides documentation and research of regional and global cuisines, the institute
would comprise a patent and legal cell and a museum of traditional foods.
9.5
Aims to enhance culinary skills of youth looking for employment in hospitality
sector, promote and preserve traditional Indian foods
16.
17.
Bamboo (iii) Mahua seed (iv) Sal Leaf (v) Sal Seed (vi) Lac (vii) Chironjee
(viii) Wild Honey (ix) Myrobalan (x) Tamarind (xi) Gums (Gum Karaya) and
(xii) Karanj. The Ministrys agency, TRIFED has hosted MFPNET, a webbased portal through which current price of MFPs can be known across
important Mandis of different States. (b) Inauguration of Call Centre and Toll
Free Number: In order to provide real time information, daily prices of Minor
Forest Produce in various Mandis across the country can now be obtained
through Toll Free Number 1800-180-1551 which was inaugurated by the
Honble Minister for Tribal Affairs on 02.09.2014. (c) E-Commerce Portal: A
portal for direct selling has been launched by TRIFED. In addition, TRIFED
has tied up with snapdeal.com
6. Role of Tribal Research Institutes
6.1 A road map has been drawn to convert TRIs into repositories of
knowledge on Tribal issues and become vibrant institutions. Strengthening
of TRIs with skilled manpower and core programmes has been funded
from 2014-15. While some TRIs have done great work in documentation of
ethnography, culture and language, they have been urged to strengthen
themselves in socio-economic sectors keeping in view specific problems of
tribal people of the State. 6.2 The attention of Chief Ministers has been
drawn by the Minister for Tribal Affairs to strengthen these institutions.
Some of the areas in which improvement has been sought are : As far as
possible, convert the TRI into a Registered Society so that funds can be
released directly and approval process of projects can be expedited.
Projects sanctioned by Union Government in which the component of
research scholars etc. is supported should not require another round of
approvals by various departments in the State Government. The TRIs
have been assigned projects to document traditional tribal medicines and
medicinal practices for which they have been advised to constitute Task
Forces. The entire cost of the documentation would be borne by the Union
Government. The project period for completion of the work has been
suggested to be one or two years. These should be exempted from the
need for further approvals by the state government. In a State having
substantial tribal population, if there is no TRI, it should be set up. There
should be a full time Director for the TRI. Only willing and qualifying
persons should be posted. Another important assignment for the TRIs
will be to document tribal language in local script. Some States like Odisha
have done excellent work in this regard. But a lot more work is to be done.
This will also be supported by us. Besides this, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
(SSA) will support preparation of primers in tribal language and local
script. TRIs should also be on Tourist Map if they have a robust museum.
The museum should also showcase live demonstration such as painting,
handicrafts, handlooms etc. TRIs museum should not only have
architecture, musical instruments, artifacts but also have tribal medicines,
literature on tribals, documentary film and so on. Sale Centre should also
be opened up on these places. TRIs should be central to tribal festivals.
6.3 The Ministry supports strengthening active research in Universities and
reputed institutions in order to involve them in a more focused, long term
and policy-oriented work relating to scheduling of Tribes. Currently three
institutions are functioning with support from the Ministry: i) National
31st March, 2014) in the Tribal Areas are significantly less as compared to
such infrastructure functioning for all population in the States/ UTs, namely,
Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and
Lakshadweep. As the population density of tribal habitations is lower, the per
sq.km area availability of health services is expected to be even lower for
areas with tribal population.
10.2 But the availability of health services particularly doctors, paramedics
and equipments is much less than what is shown here because the actual
presence of a doctor in a health centre may not happen even if he is posted.
We are sharing this information with field officials of Tribal Welfare
Departments to improve monitoring.
10.3 Remoteness, lower demand and lower levels of comfort are some of the
reasons why doctors and paramedics do not stay in these remote areas.
Many experiments have been attempted such as single doctor PHC
supported by a Pharmacist. This does not work for various reasons. Such
doctors are often fresh from college. Today, some of the brightest boys and
girls go to medical colleges and the discomfort of these remote habitations
and the loneliness cannot be compensated by any kind of money. In the
absence of equipments, medicines, para-medics and peer group support
these doctors have little work. In fact, monetary incentives for remote areas
have been attempted in many States, but it has not resulted in better
presence of doctors. From field visits across the country, we have observed
that the only pattern which works, is a large hospital in every Block which
were known as Community Health Centres (CHC) and earlier as Primary
Health Centres (PHC). These should have three to four MBBS Doctors, and
specialist in disciplines like Medicine, Pediatrics, Obsetrician & Gynaecology,
Pathology, Anesthesia and Orthopedics. There should also be supporting
paramedic staff and residential facility for doctors and Paramedics. These
hospitals should have 100-200 beds. In such large hospitals, doctors and
paramedics will have more comfort including a social life. In view of the large
number of sanctioned posts, absence of doctors due to non-posting or
absenteeism is likely to be low. Once, the people know that medical services
are bound to be available to some degree or other in a particular hospital,
then people will also come to these hospitals and this will give a sense of
satisfaction to the doctors and paramedics. Once the institutions of single
doctor PHCs are withdrawn, there will be enough doctors for the Block Level
CHC.
10.4 A major area in tribal health relates to public health and not treatments.
In earlier days, the presence of ANMs in remote areas was quite good, but
owing to change in value systems, even the ANMs presence in remote areas
has become irregular. One initiative started by MoTA in 2014-15 is to identify
tribal students, particularly girl students, who do reasonably well in science
subjects, train them as paramedics and keep them attached to an ANM or any
other institution with a regular remuneration. A similar effort was started many
years ago in Rajasthan where women with very low level of education, but
having leadership qualities, were engaged as Health workers by the State
Government for elimination of guineaworm epidemic. They have been able to
eradicate this scourge in remote areas.
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Urban Transport
Metro Rail Project for Nagpur approved in April 2014 and for Ahmedabad in
October, 2014
In-principle approval accorded in November, 2014 for Monorail project on
PPP basis between Poonamalle and Kathipura with a link from Porurl to
Vadapalani in Tamil Nadu
Rs.884.12 cr released during 2014-15 for procurement of 7,509 buses for
different cities.
Activities
Achievements Collaboration / bilateral agreement / cooperation with other countries
in the field of water resources including signing of memorandum of understanding, capacity
building and training. Matters relating to participation of Indian delegation in International
conferences, workshops and trainings in India and aboard on issues concerning water sector.
15 ongoing externally funded projects being implemented in different States with
the assistance of World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Japan International Cooperation
agency. 11 MOUs with other countries (Australia, Rwanda, Cambodia, Iran, Iraq, Fiji,
China & Bahrain) on bilateral cooperation on water sector.
Activities
1. INDUS WATERS TREATY MATTERS
I. Tours of Indus basin to ascertain developments/ facts. II. Meeting at least once a
year, also when either Commissioner requests. III. Supply of daily river flow data every
month (India-280 sites; Pak.345) IV. Supply of annual Tehsil wise Irrigated Crop Area - on
Western Rivers by India V. Supply of information of every new HEP/ storage project to Pak.
VI. Examine and reply Pakistans objections VII. Advance flood messages to Pak. during
monsoon (July 1st to Oct 10th ) 2. INTERSTATE ISSUES RELATED TO INDUS BASIN
Achievements
I.
To discuss Pakistans objections on various hydroelectric projects of India in
Indus basin, the Commission held one meeting at Lahore during August 2427, 2014. II. Two tours of Permanent Indus Commission to hydroelectric
projects in Indus basin in India were held between 22nd to 28th May 2014 and
20th to 25th September, 2014. III. In fulfillment of the requirement of Indus
Water treaty the daily G&D data of hydrological sites on six basins, The
Indus, The Jhelum, The Chenab, The Ravi, The Beas and The Sutlej of Indus
system being sent to Pakistan every month.
II.
IV. Irrigated Cropped Area statistics for the year 2013-2014 for the Indus was
sent on 27 November 2014 as per provisions of the Treaty. V. Flood flow data
for agreed sites on the river Ravi, Sutlej Tawi and Chenab was also
communicated by India to Pakistan for their benefit through telephone during
1st July to 10th October, 2014 to undertake advance flood relief measures
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Assistance of Rs. 5782 Crore has been released to State Governments and 20814
thousand ha. of irrigation potential has been utilized by State Governments. For
improving/reclamation of water logged areas, 823 schemes have been sanctioned with
estimated cost of Rs.195.39 crore and 70.741 thousand ha. has been reclaimed by the
States under reclamation of water logged area component. Under the scheme of RRR
of Water Bodies have been re-claimed so far at a total cost of Rs 1309.16 crores Apart
from the above.
1.9 Peninsular Rivers
Activities
To supervise and coordinate the implementation of Dam Rehabilitation and
Improvement Project with the following Activities: (a) Rehabilitation and
improvement of about 223 large dams in four states (Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Kerala
and Tamil Nadu) with World Bank funding. Some more States to join during project
implementation phase. (b) Dam safety institution strengthening of party States and
Central Water Commission (c) Project Management DRIP is a six year project. It has
become effective from 18th April 2012. Central Water Commission has hired the
services of an Engineering and Management Consultant for assisting Central Project
Management Unit of DRIP.
Achievements
Design flood reviews of 189 DRIP dams completed.
Dam Safety Review Panels have inspected 182 DRIP dams.
Project Screening Template in respect of 74 DRIP dams approved by World Bank.
Works awarded for 26 tenders, while 14 more tenders invited and to be awarded
shortly.
Twenty five trainings conducted by the CPMU, wherein about 840 officials trained
on different aspects of DRIP implementation.
World Bank given their approval for Karnatakas joining the DRIP project as new
State for rehabilitation of their 27 dams.
So far ten meetings of Technical Committee for DRIP have been held for guiding
and expediting the pace of project implementation. World Bank has also completed
five of its Review Missions, wherein road blocks as well as way forward in project
implementation have been discussed.
Ganga Activities
Plan scheme Farakka Barrage Project covers operation & maintenance of Farakka
Barrage Project (FBP) located on River Ganga in Murshidabad district of West
Bengal. FBP is essential for protection of Kolkata Port by supplying sufficient water
from the project through Farakka Barage, Feeder Canal and 38 Km feeder canal and
Navigation Lock at Farakka are import part of largest National Water Way No-1 of
India i.e. from Haldia to Allahabad. This project is instrumental in implementation of
Ganga Water Sharing Treaty of 1996 with Bangladesh which is a land mark in
maintaining friendly relations with the neighbouring countries.
International Cooperation with Bangladesh
(a) Monitoring of implementation of Ganga Water Treaty 1996.
(b) Bank Protection/embankment works on common border rivers between India and
Bangladesh.
(c) Sharing of Waters of other common rivers.
Achievements
FBP Plan Scheme has been approved by CCEA in June, 2013 for an amount of
Rs.558 crores for XII Plan period. This scheme also consists of replacement of all the
123 Gates in phased manner. In the first phase, 6 gates have already been replaced.
Similarly in the 2nd phase, work on replacement of 33 gates is under execution. Out
of 33 gates, 17 gates are already replaced. Process for 3rd and last phase for
replacement of remaining gates is also being initiated so that all the gates are replaced
in time bound manner. The anti-erosion works for safety of barrage have been
executed as per the recommendation of Technical Advisory Committee of FBP
headed by Member (D&R), CWC.
As per the Ganga Water Treaty, 1996, monitoring its implementation is done by this
wing and for this purpose, Joint Observation Teams are deputed every year at Harding
Bridge in Bangladesh during the lean season i.e. 1st January to 31st May. In addition,
inspection of sites and bi-lateral meetings of the joint committee are also held thrice in
a year alternatively in both the countries and accordingly annual report is also
finalized for submission to both the Governments. Bi-lateral Technical Level
meetings are also held with Bangladesh for agreeing to the necessary bank protection
/embankment works on common/border rivers and as per the decision necessary
works are carried out by both the sides on annual basis. Discussions are continued for
sharing of other common rivers between India and Bangladesh.
Flood Forecasting
Automatic Data Acquisition System installed at 445 stations. 3 Earth receiving
stations at New Delhi, Jaipur and Burla have been set up. 21 modelling centres
equipped with state of art computer equipment for expeditious data analysis, forecast
formulation and its speedy dissemination. Further modernization and expansion of
CWCs network has been proposed in XII Plan.
River Management in Border Areas
DPR for Panchehswar Multipurpose Project had been prepared and for mutual
agreement on it as well as implementation of project. Pancheshwar Development
Authority has been set up at Kathmandu. Field investigations for Sapta Kosi High
Dam have been undertaken jointly by India and Nepal.
Flood Management Programme
In October, 2013 the Cabinet approved continuation of FMP in XII Plan with an 11
outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore. During XII Plan, 97 new projects were approved and
central assistance of Rs. 751.84 crore has been released towards ongoing and new
works in XII Plan till 15.01.15. So far, 252 projects have been completed which
have been provided reasonable protection in 19.7 lakh hectore of flood affected area
in the county.
Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project on Mahakali river (Sharda in India)
Field investigations for the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project had been completed by
Joint Project Office (JPO-PI) in 2002 (except for some confirmatory tests) and draft
DPRs prepared. But, mutually acceptable DPR of Pancheshwar Project could not be
finalized due to differences on certain contentious issues. In terms of Article 10 of
the Mahakali Treaty signed in 1996, Pancheshwar Development Authority (PDA) for
in Dec. 2014 for training & capacity building of multiple Stakeholders and Panchayat
Raj Institution in the area of water conservation.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tata Institute of Social Sciences
(TISS) and National Water Mission (NWM signed in September, 2014 for
undertaking activities related to promotion of citizen and state action for water
conservation, augmentation and preservation
Activities
Goal III : Focused attention to vulnerable areas including overexploited areas
Achievements
Pilot aquifer mapping in six areas completed in 2014 by Central Ground Water Board
(CGWB).
Asian Development Bank (ADB) initiated the study Operational Research to
support mainstreaming of integrated flood management with focus on non-structural
measures. Work on Phase- II is in progress. Two basins, i.e, BuhriGandak in Bihar
and Brahmani and Baitarni in Odisha selected for pilot study.
Activities
Goal-IV : Increasing water use efficiency by 20%
Achievements
Enhancing Water Use Efficiency of home appliances in association with the Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS).
To promote, regulate and control efficient use of water in irrigation, industrial and
domestic sectors, it is proposed to set up a National Bureau of Water Use Efficiency
(NBWUE).
Goal-V : Promotion of basin level Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
Guidelines prepared For Improving Water Use Efficiency in Irrigation, Domestic &
Industrial Sectors in November 2014.
Preparation of State Specific Action Plans of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tripura and
Uttarakhand has been initiated through WAPCOS, on a pilot basis.
2. Central Water Commission :
Activities
Techno-economic appraisal of water resources projects
Achievements
One of the important activities assigned to Central Water Commission is techno-economic
appraisal of irrigation, flood control and multipurpose projects proposed by State
Governments. During the year 2013-14, 40 major / multipurpose projects (23 new & 17
revised) have been appraised up to March,2014. Out of that, 8 major / multipurpose projects
(5 new & 3 revised) have been accepted by the Advisory Committee of MoWR.
Monitoring of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects
A three tier system of monitoring of major/medium irrigation projects at Centre, State and
Project level was introduced in 1975. At Central level, this work was entrusted to CWC. The
main objective of monitoring is to ensure the achievement of physical and financial targets
and achieve the targets of creation of irrigation potential. As per the present arrangement in
CWC, Inter-State, Externally Assisted and Centrally aided projects are being monitored by
monitoring units at Headquarters and other projects by respective field units. During 2013-14,
a total of 47(18 Major and 29 Medium) projects under general monitoring and 147(81 Major,
49 Medium and 17 ERM) on-going projects under AIBP were also targeted for monitoring by
CWC. In addition, 7 Interstate Major Projects, parts of which were also being monitored
under AIBP by CWC field Units, were also targeted to be monitored from CWC (HQ). The
CWC made monitoring visits to the projects in accordance with these targets.
S.No
1
General Monitoring by Regional Offices
47
9
2
AIBP Monitoring by Regional Offices
147 108
3
Inter State Projects Monitoring by HQ
7
1
Design and consultancy for water resources projects
Design and Research Wing of Central Water Commission plays a pivotal role in the field of
design and consultancy for water resources projects, Technical Studies and Research &
Development activities in the water resources sector. In addition to above, technical appraisal
of Detailed Project Reports of water resources development projects prepared by different
agencies is also carried out in this Wing. Design consultancy work in respect of 77 projects is
being carried out in the design units of D&R Wing during the year 2013-2014
Flood Forecasting & Warning Services
About 6000 forecasts being issued every during Flood Season on 12 to 48 hours in advance.
For the purpose of flood forecasting, hydrological and meteorological data being observed at
878 sites and communicated through a network of 544 wireless stations. Synoptic weather
situations, weather forecast/heavy rainfall warnings etc. are also being collected from FMOs
of IMD. During the flood season 2014 (May to Oct.), 4772 flood forecasts (3884 level
forecasts and 888 inflow forecasts) were issued out of which 4667 (97.80%) were found
within accuracy limit of 0.15 m for level forecast and 20% for inflow forecast
Modernization of Flood Forecasting Services
During XI plan, 222 telemetry stations have been installed in different river basins.
Moreover, 1 Earth Station at New Delh (UYD) and 10 Modelling Centres at Patna (MGD-V)
in Bihar, Jalpaiguri (LBD) in West Bengal, Lucknow (MGD-I) and Varanasi (MGD-III) in
Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun (HGD) in Uttarakhand, Gandhinagar (MD) and Surat (TD) in
Gujarat, Bhusaval (UTSD) in Maharashtra, Shimla (SHD) in Himachal Pradesh and FFM
Directorate in NCR, Delhi have been installed. The data reception from all the sites
modernised is being monitored from FFM Directorate, CWC, New Delhi. To improve the
flood forecast modelling, windows based MIKE-11 software were procured and supplied to
modelling centres established under IX and X Plans. Development of MIKE-11 models for
Flood Forecasting of Sankosh, Godavari, Brahmaputra and Yamuna Basins have been taken
up. Regular training for working staff in the field are organised for working on MIKE-11
models.
Systematic Collection and Compilation of Hydrological Data
Through network of 954 hydrological observation stations in different river basins of the
country data on (i) water level, (ii) discharge, (iii) water quality, (iv) silt and (v) selected
meteorological parameters including snow observations are being collected . The data
collected helps in planning and development of water resources projects, studies related to
assessment of impacts due to climate change, water availability studies, design flood and
sedimentation studies, flood forecasting, international & inter-state issues, river morphology
studies, development of inland waterways, research related activities etc. During the Year
2013-14, hydro-meteorological data from all 954 sites has been observed. Water quality
monitoring has been strengthened by providing sophisticated water quality analysis
equipments in the laboratories. Also monitoring of glacial lakes/ water bodies in Himalayan
region have been undertaken and model for snowmelt runoff forecasting has been developed
with collaboration of NRSC, Hyderabad.
Development of Water Resources Information System (WRIS)
CWC & ISRO has jointly undertaken the work of development of web-enabled Water
Resources Information System (WRIS) during 11th plan. The project comprises of 30 major
GIS layers (viz. River network, basins, canal network, water bodies, hydro meterological
network, administrative layers etc.) of the country at a scale of 1: 50000. The First full
version of website of INDIA WRIS was launched on 07 Dec, 2010 in New Delhi by Hon' ble
Minister Water Resources. 2nd version INDIA WRIS was launched by Chairman, CWC on
World Water Day i.e. 22nd March 2012. The development of Information System is under
progress and in continuation of above, following achievements have been made till March
2014. i. River Basin Atlas of India was released by Honble Minister of Water Resources on
01 Nov 2012. ii. The updated version i.e 3rd version (that includes live telemetry data in
respect of CWC hydrological stations, Mobile Application version 1.0 for Android platform,
Climate Trend analysis, 2D-3D linked view) was launched by Honble Minister of Water
Resources on 04 Dec. 2012. iii. All unclassified data of CWC G&D stations has been
uploaded on WRIS website as per Hydro-meteorological data dissemination policy 2013. iv.
The latest version has been launched in December, 2014. Few modules added and/or updated
(Reservoir Module, Watershed info system, Advanced Report Generation, Basin Reports
made downloadable)
Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project (DRIP)
To supervise and coordinate the implementation of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement
Project(DRIP) with the following
Activities: (a) Rehabilitation and improvement of about 223 large dams in four states
(Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu) with World Bank funding. Some more
States to join during project implementation phase. (b) Dam safety institution strengthening
of party States and Central Water Commission (c) Project Management DRIP is a six year
project. It has become effective from 18th April 2012.
National Water Development Agency :
Established in 1982 as Autonomous Society
Activities
.
A. Peninsular 1. Preparation of Water 137 no. water balance studies of
balance studies of basins/sub-basins
basins/sub-basins completed
2. Preparation of Water balance studies 52 no. Water balance studies of
of diversion points
diversion points completed
. Preparation of Toposheet and storage 58 no. Toposheet and storage capacity
capacity studies of reservoir
studies of reservoir completed
Preparation of Toposheet studies of link
18 no. Toposheet studies of link
alignment
alignment completed
Preparation of Pre-Feasibility Reports
18 no. Pre-Feasibility Reports
(PFR)
(PFR) completed
14 no. Feasibility
completed
Reports
(FR)
Achievement
Operation & Maintenance of Main
Review of Groundwater
Resources
in
the
IndoGangetic Basin: A
Case Study on Resilience
of Groundwater in the
Punjab to Withdrawal and
Environmental
Change
(British
Geological
Survey, UK)
National
Research
WAPCOS Ltd. :
(Public Sector Undertaking established in 1969)
Activities
ahive
Main fields of specialization of the Companys Operations expanded from 8
company cover Irrigation and Land Countries to 38 Countries, at
Drainage, Flood Control and Land present. Secured Excellent Rating
Reclamation, River Management, with MoU Composite score of 1.0. This
Dams, Reservoir Engineering and is the highest achievable score as per
Barrages,
Integrated
Agriculture Performance Evaluation criteria of the
Development,
Watershed Department of Public Enterprises, Govt.
Management,
Hydropower
and of India. Secured Excellent Rating
Thermal Power Generation, Power
1.6.
1.7.
1.8.
1.9.
1.10.
1.11.
1.12.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
4.
6.3.
6.4.
6.5.
6.6.
6.7.
The railway stations will have NGOs/Child Help Groups working with them who
will work for restoration of children to their parents/guardians or their
rehabilitation in absence of the former.
These stations will also help Child Help Desk/kiosk/Booths with a telephone
facility to call child helpline 1098.
SoPs will be accompanied by awareness generation programme by M/o WCD in
form of signages/posters, announcements and video spots at railways stations and
coaches.
20 railway stations have already started implementing these SOPs
The aim of of SoPs is to Rehabilitate, rescue, restore those children who
runway/abandoned/trafficked through medium of railways . It is expected to
Reduce number of missing children drastically
9.4.
9.5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Programme/ Activity
Unit of
Measurement
Training on Youth Leadership No. of Youth
and Community Development
Skill Upgradation Training of No. of Youth
youth club members of NYKS
and Skill Training of NSS
Volunteers
Training/ Capacity Building of No. of Youth
youth and youth functionaries
on various contemporary issues
(through RGNIYD).
Awareness and Education No. of Youth
Programmes on contemporary
issues
Adventure
Camps
for No. of Youth
promoting the spirit of
adventurism
Life Skill Education Camps for No. of
development of adolescent Adolescents
youth
Awareness Programmes on No. of Youth
Days
of
National
and
International Importance
Promoting
National No. of Youth
Perspective
among
youth
through:
National Youth Festival
National Integration Camps
NSS Mega Camps and North
East Youth Festivals
Tribal
Youth
Exchange
Programme (for youth from
LWE Districts)
Promoting
International No. of Youth
Perspective
among
youth
through
youth
exchange
Achievement
2013-14
2014-15
98,584
1,00,745
1,39,955
1,39,684
6,704
9,437
3,77,568
4,68,060
1,404
4,803
--
5,840
9,29,960
10,82,189
5,000
17,200
1,700
5,000
15,462
2,380
1,247
2,500
132
133
S. No
10.
2.
Programme/ Activity
Unit of
programmes with China, South Measurement
Korea, and other countries
(youth exchange with Nepal
started in April, 2015).
Youth-led
Development No. of Youth
Outreach
Programme
of
RGNIYD through linkage with
250 colleges
Achievement
--
3,703
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Programme/ Activity
Unit of
Measurement
Environment
Conservation No. of Saplings
(Plantation of Saplings)
(in Lakhs)
Blood Donation
No. of Units (in
Lakhs)
Pulse Polio Immunisation by No. of children
NSS volunteers
benefitted
(lakhs)
Formation of Self Help Groups No. of SHGs
(SHGs)
Health
Check-up
Camps No. of Camps
(DOTs, Hypertension, Diabetics
and others)
Achievement
2013-14
2014-15
69.66
92.29
4.66
5.02
3.71
19.41
24,139
89,486
58,408
64,726
NYKS/ NSS volunteers have been very actively participating in Swachh Bharat
Mission activities all over the country right from September, 2014. The volunteers
participated in programmes for creating awareness on social issues/ against social
evils, round the year. NYKS is implementing projects in Punjab for creating
awareness on prevention of drug abuse and alcoholism and for prevention of female
feticide. NYKS volunteers also participated in various other activities such as
immunisation of pregnant mothers and children, facilitating institutionalised
deliveries, motivating girls and their parents to postpone marriage of girls till attaining
18 years, camps for cataract operations, providing access of iron folic acid tablets to
adolescent girls, facilitating enrolment of children in schools, facilitating issue of
voter ID cards, etc.
3.
Young Leaders Programme (NYLP) in December, 2014. The Scheme has the
following 5 components, namely,
a) Neighbourhood Youth Parliament: To develop the platform of youth clubs of
NYKS (Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan) in the shape of vibrant neighbourhood
youth parliament to educate the youth club members aboutcontemporary socioeconomic development issues and to involve them in debate/ discussions on such
issues.
b) Youth for Development Programme: To channelise the immense youth energy
towards the nation-building, by involving them in Shramadaan (voluntary labour)
on a large-scale all over the country.
c) National Young Leaders Awards: To motivate the youth to strive for excellence
in their respective fields by recognising and rewarding the outstanding work done
by them.
d) National Youth Advisory Council: To seek active involvement of the youth
leaders as well as other stakeholders in the decision-making process on the youth
related issues.
e) National Youth Development Fund: To mobilise funds for youth development
from non-Government sources like CSR funds.
The implementation of the Scheme started in last quarter of the financial year 201415. The full impact of the Scheme will be felt in financial year 2015-16 only, but the
benefits of the Scheme have started flowing. During 2014-15, 3,750 Neighbourhood
Youth Parliament (NYP) Programmes were organised at Block level, in which
3,00,000 members of NYK affiliated Youth Clubs participated. In these Programmes,
the youth debated on important contemporary issues of significance to the community
in general and youth in particular. The local administration and local bodies are
actively involved in these programmes. The impact of these programmes is to actively
involve the youth in governance process. Steps have also been initiated for
implementation of other components of the Programme as well.
4.
like Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Andolan,
etc.
***
DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS
The role of the Department of Sports is to create the infrastructure and promote capacity
building for broad-basing sports as well as for achieving excellence in various international
and national competitive events. The schemes being implemented by the Department are
geared towards achieving these objectives. Keeping in line with the growing demands for
advanced infrastructure, equipment and scientific supports, Department of Sports has taken
several initiatives and is providing the necessary assistance to sportspersons by way of
training and exposure in international competitions backed up with scientific and equipment
support as well as cash incentives for boosting their morale.
INITIATIVES AND POLICIES UNDERTAKEN
1.
NSDF Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme: Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports (Department of Sports) have formulated NSDF Target Olympic Podium (TOP)
Scheme in the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) with the objective of identifying
and supporting potential medal prospects for 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. Focused
disciplines will be Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling, Weightlifting and
Shooting. The selected athletes will be provided financial assistance for their customized
training at Institutes having world class facilities and other necessary support. Benchmark for
selection of athletes under the scheme will be in relation to international standards. There
will be annual/semi-annual review of performance of selected athletes.
Initially, National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) will provide funds for the operation of
the scheme. Partnership and involvement of Corporate Sector are expected for successful
operation of the Scheme.
A Committee namely, TOP Scheme Elite Athletes Identification Committee has been
constituted under the Chairmanship of Shri Anurag Thakur, M.P. for laying down elaborate
norms for selection of the right candidates, review of performance and operation of the
scheme. Shri Rahul Dravid, Shri Pullela Gopichand, Shri Abhinav Bindra and Ms MC Mary
Kom are, among other members in the Committee. The Committee, after detailed
deliberations, has identified athletes in the following disciplines for assistance under the
scheme:
(i)
Athletics (19 athletes) (Athletes for 4x400 Womens Relay Team and Race
Walking Team are yet to be identified)
(ii)
Archery (16 archers) (yet to be identified)
(iii)
Badminton (6 Players)
(iv)
Boxing (8 boxers)
(v)
Shooting (17 shooters)
(vi)
Wrestling (7 wrestlers)
(vii)
Yachting (2 sailors)
Another Committee namely, TOP Scheme Operating Committee has also been constituted
for implementation of the scheme. Training programmes/competition schedule of the
selected persons are being finalized. Other aspects like medical support, insurance cover etc.
are also being addressed.
2.
Setting up of Junior Sports Academies (JSA) and National Sports Academies
(NSA)
For implementation of the announcement made in Finance Ministers Budget Speech 201415 regarding setting up of national level Sports Academies for major games in different parts
of the country to mainstream sports and setting up academies for junior and sub-junior level
also, the Department of Sports is preparing a Scheme for setting up of Junior Sports
Academies and National Sports Academies.
Salient features of the proposed academies are as under:
Junior Sports Academies
Provide high quality coaching for sporting talent identified at Sub-junior and
Junior levels in identified priority sports disciplines.
Provide an organized and competitive environment by encouraging participation
in different sports competitions.
Create minimum bench strength in identified sports disciplines per annum to
form a pool for talent identification for the National Sports Academies (High
Performance Centres / Centres of Excellence) and also national camps.
Develop the club / league culture in specific identified sports disciplines in the
country.
The Roadmap in this regard is as follows:
The JSA in Athletics, Gymnastics and Swimming will be set up in 10 15
locations in the country with a total annual intake of about 1000 1500 athletes in
the age group of 8 years pursuing class 1 3. There will be 100 110 athletes at
each location.
The JSA in other sports disciplines will be located in 3 - 7 locations with a total
intake of 400 - 720 athletes per annum in the age group of 11 12 years pursuing
Class VI.
Induction in the Academies will be through a nationwide National Sports Talent
Search mechanism involving a battery of tests at school, block, district and state
level under National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS).
The number of athletes inducted will be reduced on an average by about 10% per
annum through rigorous annual testing as per standard criteria under respective
sports disciplines.
The annual filtration will start from the completion of 2nd / 3rd year in the JSA,
depending on the sports discipline. At the same time, the shortfall will be met
through lateral entry of suitable athletes selected through a detailed selection
procedure.
The total no. of athletes per JSA should be about 700 over a period of 7 years.
In addition, about 100 elite athletes who have earned medals at state level but
could not make it to NSA / National Camps are expected to be trained for periods
varying from 1 3 months at each JSA.
The total cost of setting up and running one JSA would be around Rs. 70.00
crores (non - recurring) and the recurring cost per annum will be Rs. 18.50 crores.
The total cost of setting up and running one NSA would be around Rs. 70.00
Crores (non - recurring) and the recurring cost per annum will be Rs. 18.50 crores.
3.
National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS)
A new Scheme National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) has been formulated.
Scheme and Guidelines of new scheme have been communicated to State Governments/UTs
on 20.2.2015. In the Budget 2014-15, a provision of Rs. 50 crore has been made for NSTSS.
Salient features of the Scheme are as under:
Identification of Sporting Talent amongst children (both Boys and Girls) in the age
group of 8-12 in Schools all over the country by conducting a battery of 6 tests at each
selection level in each School of a block.
4 boys and 4 girls securing the total highest marks will be shortlisted from each
school for block level tests.
16 boys and 16 girls securing the highest total marks in the Block level tests will be
shortlisted for the District level tests.
The total marks obtained in the District level tests by each of these 32 students per
block will be compiled and a common merit list prepared.
Out of this combined merit list, the top 1000 boys and 1000 girls from different
districts securing the highest total marks will be shortlisted from each state.
Admission in the State sports schools/Central Sports Schools/Junior Sports
Academies/State Sports Academies/State Sports Hostels etc., and benefit under
various other state sports schemes will be based on this list of boys and girls having
sports talent/potential and identified through the NSTSS.
Besides, high performing candidates of 8-12 age group in RGKA Rural Competitions
will also be eligible for admission in the State Sports Schools etc., mentioned above.
4.
National Sports University at Manipur
The proposal for setting up of National Sports University in Manipur was formally
announced by the Honble Finance Minister in his Budget Speech 2014-15. Location of the
proposed University has been identified in Thoubal district of Manipur. Land acquisition has
been started by the Government of Manipur. As per latest information, an area of 163 acres of
land has already been taken over by the Government of Manipur and 47-49 acres will be
taken over shortly. However, handing over land for the proposed University will take some
more time. Therefore, it is proposed to start the University at the Integrated Sports Complex
at Khuman Lampak, Imphal, from the academic year 2015-16. Initially, it would be affiliated
to the existing North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC) of Laxmibai National Institute of
Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior. After the necessary infrastructure is created along
with the engagement of Faculty, the National Sports University would be fully functional.
5.
Special Package for Development of Sports Infrastructure of Jammu and
Kashmir
For implementation of the 2014-15 Budget announcement for upgrading the indoor and
outdoor sports stadiums to international standards in Jammu and in the Kashmir Valley., the
Department of Sports is working in consultation with the Sports Department of the
Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
It has been decided to develop Sports Infrastructure in the States of Jammu & Kashmir with
the following objectives:
A proposal has been submitted by the J & K Government for Rs. 200 crore with the
following features:
Reconstruction of the entire existing stadia on international specification with
RCC frame structure, ten lane athletic track, sports hostel for 500 inmates
both at Srinagar and Jammu at an estimated cost of Rs. 70 crores each.
Upgradation of indoor stadium both at Srinagar & Jammu.
Creation of water sports centre at Manasbal, Srinagar at a cost of Rs. 2 crore.
Construction of multipurpose indoor sports halls at an estimated cost of Rs. 4
Crore each at 8 places in the State.
The Proposal involves an estimated expenditure of Rs. 100 crores each for
Srinagar & Jammu region with a total cost of Rs. 200 crores.
The MOS (I/C), YAS has approved the proposal in principle subject to the possible change of
project by new Government in J&K. Draft SFC has been submitted for approval and
subsequent appraisal.
6.
Annual Sports event in the Himalayan Region
Finance Minister has in his Budget Speech for 2014-15 stated that Unique sports traditions
have developed in the Himalayan region countries and the states which are a part of it. To
promote these, India will start an annual event to promote these games and would invite
countries such as Nepal and Bhutan also to participate in addition to the Indian states such as
J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and the North Eastern States.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is proposing to implement the above announcement
on priority basis. In this connection letters were sent to Secretaries of Youth Affairs & sports
of the concerned States and to the counsellors in charge of Cultural Activities in the
Embassies of Nepal and Bhutan requesting them to forward the names of traditional sports
which are popular and played by the masses in their States/Countries and can be included in
the proposed sports event.
It was decided to hold a meeting with the representatives from the Embassy of Nepal and
Indian States in the Himalayan Region on 14.11.2014 at New Delhi to discuss and finalize
the games for the Sports event in the Himalayan Region, structure of the sports event,
modalities, venues etc. A draft concept paper was circulated in the above meeting to elicit
their views. Each Country/State is expected to participate at least in two sports disciplines in
competitions format and choose two indigenous games and martial arts for demonstration.
The participants were requested to intimate the names of the sports disciplines in which they
will participate in competition format and at-least two traditional games, which they will
present in the demonstration format.
The representatives have given details of sports disciplines for competitions and names of the
traditional games for demonstration.
Concept note has been approved by the MOS (I/C), YAS. The meeting of SFC was held and
the SFC has appraised the proposal in consultation with the FA. Draft scheme for holding the
above competitions have been prepared and submitted for approval by Competent Authority.
Modalities for holding of the above festival were discussed with the Secretary (Sports) of
Governments of Assam and Manipur and other officials Sport Authority of India on
19.01.2015. It was recommended by them that the competitions may be held annually
sometimes in the month of October in Guwahati, Assam. For this purpose, a budget provision
of Rs. Five Crore is being made. Scheme document has also been approved by MoS (I/C),
YAS.
existing Rs. 20 lakh (gold medal), Rs. 10 lakh (silver medal) and Rs. 6 lakh (bronze
medal) to Rs. 30 lakh, Rs. 20 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh respectively. In the category of the
World Championships, Asian Championships and Commonwealth Championships,
three separate categories of award money have been provided depending on whether
the championships is held once in four years, once in two years or held annually.
Amount of award money for medalists of Paralympic Games (summer & winter), ParaAsian Games and Commonwealth Games (Para-Athletes) have been fixed at par with
medalists of Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
IBSA World Championship of Blind, Deaflympics and Special Olympics (summer & winter)
have been included in the revised scheme of special awards.
Under the revised scheme, the number of days of training/coaching imparted by coaches to
medal winners preceding the event to be taken into account for deciding eligibility of coaches
for award money have been reduced from existing 240 days to 180 days.
8.
experience and are eligible as per the rules and guidelines of the International Olympic
Committee (IOC)/Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)/Organizing Committees of the
Games/respective International Federations.
II.
2.
Revision of the Scheme of Special Awards to Medal Winners in International
Sports Events and their Coaches: Enhancement in amount of award money for medal
winners in Olympic Games (summer and winter) from existing Rs. 50 lakh (gold medal), Rs.
30 lakh (silver medal) and Rs. 20 lakh (bronze medal) to Rs. 75 lakh, Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 30
lakh respectively, for medal winners in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games from
existing Rs. 20 lakh (gold medal), Rs. 10 lakh (silver medal) and Rs. 6 lakh (bronze medal) to
Rs. 30 lakh, Rs. 20 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh respectively.
Amount of award money for medalists of Paralympic Games (summer & winter),
Para-Asian Games and Commonwealth Games (Para-Athletes) has been fixed at par
with medalists of Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
IBSA World Championship of Blind, Deaflympics and Special Olympics (summer &
winter) have been included in the revised scheme of special awards.
3.
Identification of 45 elite athletes in the discipline of athletics, archery, badminton,
boxing, shooting, wrestling and yachting and 30 more elite athletes to be identified, for their
customised training at institutes having world class facilities and other necessary support in
order to maximise the medal prospects of India at Rio Olympics 2016 and Tokyo Olympics
2020.
4.
2.
Annual Sports event in the Himalayan Region will provide one more opportunity
to the youth from Nepal and Bhutan, and the Indian states such as J&K, Uttarakhand,
Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and the North Eastern States for participation in Annual Sports
Event to be held every year.
3.
Setting up National Sports University at Manipur will result in giving an
opportunity for educated youth of country in general and of North Eastern States in particular
for pursuing courses such as B.PEd, MPEd, Diploma / certificate courses in coaching,
physiotherapy, fitness, sports management, sports journalism, etc.
4.
National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS): Under this Scheme talented boys
and girls in age group of 8 12 years will be identified from all States / Uts of the country
and they will be trained in sports schools across the country.