Saturday, August 28, 2010
National Institute for Climate and Environment Studies
Department of Space (DOS) has proposed to setup a new Institute called “National Institute for Climate and Environment Studies (NICES)” with the involvement of Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). The institute will initially be located and nucleated at the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), Gadanki near Tirupati, which is an autonomous laboratory involved in monitoring the Earth’s atmosphere, and functions under DOS. There is no time frame for setting up this institute. Mandate of the Institute includes, inter alia, monitoring and measuring the impact of global warming on the Himalayan Glaciers and long term studies on the impacts of climate change.
Energy Policy - A relook 2
I literally donno , may be coincidence ! Today, I came across another article about Energy security by Shyam saran, on the same lines. Some Excerpts are below
In his address to the US Congress in 2009, President Barack Obama declared, “We know that the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the twenty-first century.”
The history of energy use is a history of burning carbon....This carbon lies congealed in wood, coal, oil and gas. 18th century industrial revolution by wood.. 19th by coal .. 20th by oil & natural gas.. 21st ... should be RE
more important because, " Energy, like ICT, is a force multiplier since it impacts the entire spectrum of economic activities." These include solar energy, wind power, bio-fuels, wave energy, hydrogen fuel cells and, of course, nuclear energy.
Diference for past is "is the unmistakable shift towards making them the mainstay of economic activity."
Wind power is being developed rapidly but technological constraints still limit potential capacity. It is, therefore, likely to remain a niche application for the time being.
Bio-fuels have a much larger potential and some promising R&D work is being carried out in countries which have strong capabilities in bio-technology and bio-chemistry. In India, an interesting project involves the cultivation of seaweeds in off-shore rafts to yield bio-fuels.
Nuclear energy is a fully tested technology but potential capacity is limited by the availability of uranium. However, with fast-breeder technologies becoming viable, the waste from each cycle of generation can be reprocessed to create fuel for the next cycle and thus qualify as renewable. India is one of the few countries which have an advanced fast-breeder reactor programme. It is, therefore, well positioned to take a lead.
Despite the promise of these new energy technologies, significant gains in the foreseeable future will have to come from increased energy efficiency.
Concerns over climate change are adding a compelling salience to this trend of enhancing energy efficiency and promoting renewable and clean energy. Climate change and energy are two sides of the same coin.
An ambitious National Solar Mission has been announced targeting 20,000 Mw capacity by 2022. The National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency is designed to release significant energy savings through the promotion of energy efficiency.
There will be need to work through multi-sectoral and cross-disciplinary processes and institutions. In India, both government and corporates still work in relatively isolated compartments permeated with hierarchical mindsets.
In his address to the US Congress in 2009, President Barack Obama declared, “We know that the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the twenty-first century.”
The history of energy use is a history of burning carbon....This carbon lies congealed in wood, coal, oil and gas. 18th century industrial revolution by wood.. 19th by coal .. 20th by oil & natural gas.. 21st ... should be RE
more important because, " Energy, like ICT, is a force multiplier since it impacts the entire spectrum of economic activities." These include solar energy, wind power, bio-fuels, wave energy, hydrogen fuel cells and, of course, nuclear energy.
Diference for past is "is the unmistakable shift towards making them the mainstay of economic activity."
Wind power is being developed rapidly but technological constraints still limit potential capacity. It is, therefore, likely to remain a niche application for the time being.
Bio-fuels have a much larger potential and some promising R&D work is being carried out in countries which have strong capabilities in bio-technology and bio-chemistry. In India, an interesting project involves the cultivation of seaweeds in off-shore rafts to yield bio-fuels.
Nuclear energy is a fully tested technology but potential capacity is limited by the availability of uranium. However, with fast-breeder technologies becoming viable, the waste from each cycle of generation can be reprocessed to create fuel for the next cycle and thus qualify as renewable. India is one of the few countries which have an advanced fast-breeder reactor programme. It is, therefore, well positioned to take a lead.
Despite the promise of these new energy technologies, significant gains in the foreseeable future will have to come from increased energy efficiency.
Concerns over climate change are adding a compelling salience to this trend of enhancing energy efficiency and promoting renewable and clean energy. Climate change and energy are two sides of the same coin.
An ambitious National Solar Mission has been announced targeting 20,000 Mw capacity by 2022. The National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency is designed to release significant energy savings through the promotion of energy efficiency.
There will be need to work through multi-sectoral and cross-disciplinary processes and institutions. In India, both government and corporates still work in relatively isolated compartments permeated with hierarchical mindsets.
Energy Policy - A relook
I have come across a good article regarding Energy security , which is simple, yet sounds logical which quickly cruises through various needs and issues pertaiing to power.
- The government’s integrated energy policy (IEP) estimates that electricity demand will grow 4-5 times by 2030”.
- Social stress by power projects viz conflicting interests ( land, water ) , displacement etc.
- Also a Need to emphasize on energy efficiency and conservation awareness along with increase in production - National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency
- Should Augment with renewable energy resources ( RER )- India has a grid-connected renewable energy capacity of 17GW, which is one-tenth of total power generation capacity.
- Problem with RER – cost – wind power cost 50% than coal – goal of 15% RE in power – price for solar power is nearly six times that of coal and four times that of wind power increase in tariff – pinch on poor
- Need for innovation - National Clean Energy Fund – clean energy technology – RE manufacturing industry – main driver in infrastructure inclusion
Courtesy ( www.livemint.com )
Friday, August 27, 2010
Amendments in RTE Act
Consequent upon examination of Representations received from organizations working for the welfare of the children with disabilities and minority institutions, a decision was taken to carry out certain amendments to the Right of Children to Free and compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Accordingly, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2010 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 16th April, 2010 incorporating the following amendments to the RTE Act.
i. Inclusion of children with disabilities in the definition of ‘child belonging to disadvantaged group’ in clause (d) of section 2 of the RTE Act.
ii. To provide that children with disabilities, including children with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism and multiple disabilities shall have the right to pursue free and compulsory education in accordance with Chapter V of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.”
iii. To provide that School Management Committee (SMC) of an aided minority school constituted under section 21 of the RTE Act shall function in an advisory capacity and further that the SMC of an aided minority school constituted under section 21 will not be required to prepare the School Development Plan under section 22 of the Act.
i. Inclusion of children with disabilities in the definition of ‘child belonging to disadvantaged group’ in clause (d) of section 2 of the RTE Act.
ii. To provide that children with disabilities, including children with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism and multiple disabilities shall have the right to pursue free and compulsory education in accordance with Chapter V of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.”
iii. To provide that School Management Committee (SMC) of an aided minority school constituted under section 21 of the RTE Act shall function in an advisory capacity and further that the SMC of an aided minority school constituted under section 21 will not be required to prepare the School Development Plan under section 22 of the Act.
Swavalamban Pension Scheme for the Poor
To encourage people from the unorganised sector to voluntarily save for their retirement and to lower the cost of operations of the New Pension System (NPS) for such subscribers, Government has approved a 'Swavalamban' scheme in the Budget 2010-11, whereby, the Government will contribute a sum of Rs. 1,000 per year to each NPS account opened in the year 2010-11. This scheme "Swavalamban" will be available for persons who join NPS with a minimum contribution of Rs. 1,000 and a maximum contribution of Rs. 12,000 per annum during the financial year 2010-11 and are not members of any statutory Provident Fund. This scheme will be available for another three years and is targeted to benefit about 10 lakh NPS subscribers of the unorganised sector during the year 2010-11.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Area Under Irrigation
The average rate of growth in the created irrigation potential during the I Plan to X Plan is about 1.47 Million Hectares per year. The ultimate irrigation potential has been assessed to be about 139.9 Mha against which creation of irrigation potential of about 102.7 Mha has been reported by the States up to the end of X Plan. Creation of irrigation potential of 5.51 Mha has also been reported during the first three years of XI Plan. The revised target of creation of irrigation potential during XI Plan is about 9.5 Mha. The report of the Task Force on Irrigation constituted by the Planning Commission has assessed that most of the ultimate irrigation potential would be created by XIII Plan. Further, additional irrigation potential of about 35 Mha is also envisaged Inter-Basin Water Transport.
The area under irrigation during the period First Five Year Plan to Tenth Five Year Plan, Plan-wise is given below :-
(in million hectare)
| Plan | Irrigation potential created during the Plan period |
| I Plan (1951 - 1956) | 3.66 |
| II Plan (1956 – 1961) | 2.82 |
| III Plan (1961 – 1966) | 4.49 |
| Annual Plans (1966 – 1969) | 3.53 |
| IV Plan (1969 – 1974) | 7.10 |
| V Plan (1974 – 1978) | 7.82 |
| Annual Plans (1978 – 1980) | 1.59 |
| VI Plan (1980 – 1985) | 8.61 |
| VII Plan (1985 – 1990) | 11.31 |
| Annual Plans (1990 – 1992) | 4.56 |
| VIII Plan (1992 – 1997) | 5.17 |
| IX Plan (1997 – 2002) | 7.69 |
| X Plan (2002 – 2007) | 8.82 |
This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources, Shri Vincent H. Pala in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Initiatives for Sustainable Urban Development
The Government of India has formulated the
The Minister said that the National Urban Sanitation Policy seeks to create fully sanitized Cities through awareness generation, State Sanitation Strategies and Integrated City Sanitation Plans.
The National Urban Transport Policy seeks to promote safe, affordable and sustainable transportation through integrated land use and transport planning, multimodal public transport, equitable allocation of road space and promotion of clean technologies.
The National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy seeks to promote sustainable development of habitat in the country with a view to ensure equitable supply of land, shelter and services at affordable prices to all sections of society.
The National Mission on Sustainable Habitat seeks to promote sustainability of habitats through improvements in energy efficiency in buildings, urban planning, improved management of solid and liquid waste including recycling and power generation, modal shift towards public transport and conservation.
The policy initiatives under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission include reforms related to governance, financial sustainability, land and property management, responsiveness to citizens, transparency and inclusive development.
- National Urban Sanitation Policy,
- National Urban Transport Policy and
- National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy
The Minister said that the National Urban Sanitation Policy seeks to create fully sanitized Cities through awareness generation, State Sanitation Strategies and Integrated City Sanitation Plans.
The National Urban Transport Policy seeks to promote safe, affordable and sustainable transportation through integrated land use and transport planning, multimodal public transport, equitable allocation of road space and promotion of clean technologies.
The National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy seeks to promote sustainable development of habitat in the country with a view to ensure equitable supply of land, shelter and services at affordable prices to all sections of society.
The National Mission on Sustainable Habitat seeks to promote sustainability of habitats through improvements in energy efficiency in buildings, urban planning, improved management of solid and liquid waste including recycling and power generation, modal shift towards public transport and conservation.
The policy initiatives under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission include reforms related to governance, financial sustainability, land and property management, responsiveness to citizens, transparency and inclusive development.
Steps to Create Awareness about ill effects of Drug Abuse
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has taken the following steps to create awareness in society including among the students about the ill-effects of drug abuse:-
(i) Under the Scheme of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse, financial assistance is provided to Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for organizing Awareness-cum-De-addiction Camps.
(ii) “International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking” is observed on 26th June each year. Workshop on awareness and demand reduction activities, in liaison with NGOs against ill-effects of drug abuse are organized on this event by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD). Further, all the State Education Departments have been advised to observe 26th June as “International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking” to create awareness among students.
(iii) Information regarding ill-effects of drug abuse is also disseminated in regional languages through the All India Radio programme “Sanwarti Jayen Jeevan Ki Rahen
(i) Under the Scheme of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse, financial assistance is provided to Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for organizing Awareness-cum-De-addiction Camps.
(ii) “International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking” is observed on 26th June each year. Workshop on awareness and demand reduction activities, in liaison with NGOs against ill-effects of drug abuse are organized on this event by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD). Further, all the State Education Departments have been advised to observe 26th June as “International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking” to create awareness among students.
(iii) Information regarding ill-effects of drug abuse is also disseminated in regional languages through the All India Radio programme “Sanwarti Jayen Jeevan Ki Rahen
Shresth -- Another Feat in cloning
National Dairy Research Institute, N.D.R.I, Karnal has achieved yet another feat by successfully cloning a male buffalo calf named ‘Shresth’. Scientists of N.D.R.I Karnal made this achievement during early hours today through the new and advanced ‘Hand-guided Cloning Technique’. The hand-guided cloning technique developed at NDRI, is an advanced modification of the “Conventional Cloning Technique”.
This cloned calf weighing 41 kg was born through normal delivery with slight assistance carried out by a team of doctors. This cloned buffalo calf is different from the earlier clone calves as, in this case, the foster mother was provided opportunity for normal delivery, the cloned calf was from ear somatic cell of 2 week old buffalo calf, and the embryo which led to successful pregnancy and normal delivery had remained frozen at -196C for one week in liquid nitrogen and brought back to active life upon thawing at room temperature. The earlier two calves were born through caesarean operation and were produced by using cells from foetus and embryonic stem cell, respectively.
The scientists are of the opinion that the cryopreservation of embryos will need to be made as part of technique, so that the embryos could be transported and used at several places.
Earlier the NDRI has produced the world’s first cloned buffalo calf on 6th February, 2009 followed by second on June 6, 2009 and third on August 22, 2010.
This cloned calf weighing 41 kg was born through normal delivery with slight assistance carried out by a team of doctors. This cloned buffalo calf is different from the earlier clone calves as, in this case, the foster mother was provided opportunity for normal delivery, the cloned calf was from ear somatic cell of 2 week old buffalo calf, and the embryo which led to successful pregnancy and normal delivery had remained frozen at -196C for one week in liquid nitrogen and brought back to active life upon thawing at room temperature. The earlier two calves were born through caesarean operation and were produced by using cells from foetus and embryonic stem cell, respectively.
The scientists are of the opinion that the cryopreservation of embryos will need to be made as part of technique, so that the embryos could be transported and used at several places.
Earlier the NDRI has produced the world’s first cloned buffalo calf on 6th February, 2009 followed by second on June 6, 2009 and third on August 22, 2010.
O + OEG - ENERGY SECURITY
The oil and oil equivalent gas reserves (O+OEG) in the country has been increasing over the years. On March end of 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10, the balance oil and oil equivalent gas reserves of the country have been 1657.93 Million Metric Tonne of Oil Equivalent (MMToe), 1667.38 MMToe and 1741.16 MMToe respectively.
Several measures have been taken to accelerate hydrocarbon exploration and production activities in order to enhance energy security of the country. These measures include:
(i) Carving out more and more areas for exploration under various rounds of New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) and Coal Bed Methane Policy (CBM).
(ii) Application of Enhanced Oil Recovery/Improved Oil Recovery techniques for increasing recovery factor from existing fields.
(iii) Acquisition of exploration acreages and producing properties overseas to bring in equity oil.
(iv) Arresting decline from ageing fields.
(v) Substitution of oil through use of non-conventional source of energy such as bio-diesel, ethanol etc.
Apart from the above, underground coal gasification and gas hydrates assessment are in the experimental stage.
Natural gas - availability and enhancement Strategy
The Minister further stated that cost of production of natural gas varies from field to field, depending on inter alia geological conditions, age of field, location of field, cost of equipments & services, etc. Gas available under Administered Price Mechanism (APM) and New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) is sold at US $ 4.2/million british thermal unit (mmbtu) inclusive of royalty. As regards customers in the North-East, subsidy of 40% is given by the Government. Gas available under pre-NELP contracts is sold at an average price of US $ 5.24/mmbtu. Further, LNG imported under long-term agreement is sold at US $ 6.53/mmbtu, while the price of spot cargo presently varies in the range US $ 5.40-9.4/mmbtu.
The Petroleum Minister added that Government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to enhance availability of natural gas in the country, consisting inter alia of the following:-
i) Intensification of domestic Exploration & Production (E&P) activities through NELP rounds,
ii) Coal Bed Methane(CBM),
iii) Underground Coal Gasification,
iv) Gas Hydrates,
v) Import of LNG from various countries, and
vi) Transnational pipelines, viz., Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) Pipeline and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The world’s largest container ports
THE changes in distribution and cargo-handling capabilities of the world's biggest container ports show the shifts that the world economy has undergone over the past two decades. The volume of cargo traded through the world’s biggest container ports has increased nearly sixfold in the past 20 years as globalisation has taken hold. Singapore has now nabbed the top spot and every other big port in 1989 has moved down the list. Twenty years ago more than half of the top 20 container ports were in America or Europe reflecting imports into both regions from around the globe. Now, Asia's strength as an exporter is more in evidence. Fourteen of the top 20 container ports are in that region, with eight in China.
CRITERIA FOR NH
An eleven point criteria broadly has been devised for declaring a state road/stretch as a National Highway (NH). Following is the criteria for declaration of National Highways:
1. Roads which run through the length and breadth of the country.
2. Roads connecting adjacent countries.
3. Roads connecting the National Capital with State Capital and roads connecting mutually the State Capitals.
4. Roads connecting major ports, large industrial centers or tourist centers.
5. Roads meeting very important strategic requirements.
6. Arterial roads which enable sizeable reduction in travel distance and achieve substantial economic growth thereby.
7. Roads which help opening up large tracts of backward area and hilly regions.
8. National Highways grid of 100 Km is achieved.
9. The road must be up to the standard laid down for State Highways-both in its technical requirements as well as the land requirements.
10. The road and right of way must be free of any type of encroachment and should be the property of the State Government.
11. The right of way required for the National Highways (preferable 45m, minimum 30m) must be available for acquiring, free of encroachments and the State Government would complete acquiring formalities within six months.
1. Roads which run through the length and breadth of the country.
2. Roads connecting adjacent countries.
3. Roads connecting the National Capital with State Capital and roads connecting mutually the State Capitals.
4. Roads connecting major ports, large industrial centers or tourist centers.
5. Roads meeting very important strategic requirements.
6. Arterial roads which enable sizeable reduction in travel distance and achieve substantial economic growth thereby.
7. Roads which help opening up large tracts of backward area and hilly regions.
8. National Highways grid of 100 Km is achieved.
9. The road must be up to the standard laid down for State Highways-both in its technical requirements as well as the land requirements.
10. The road and right of way must be free of any type of encroachment and should be the property of the State Government.
11. The right of way required for the National Highways (preferable 45m, minimum 30m) must be available for acquiring, free of encroachments and the State Government would complete acquiring formalities within six months.
INDU -
The Union Cabinet, in its meeting held on May 13, 2010, accorded “in principle” approval to the setting up of Indian National Defence University (INDU) at Binola in District Gurgaon, Haryana. The acquisition of land, creation of infrastructure and development of the University is likely to be completed in a period of seven years. An estimated expenditure of Rs. 395 crore (at current rates) including the cost of land is likely to be incurred.
Details of the new institutions proposed to be set up and courses proposed to be conducted in these institutions are as under”-
(i) College of National Security Policy (CNSP): It is proposed to conduct a ten-month Post Graduate instructional course for Colonel/equivalent civilian officers.
(ii) Institute of Advanced Technology Studies (IATS): This institute shall consist of College of Technology Studies and College of Information Studies in Security.
(iii) National Institute of Strategic Studies (NISS): This institute shall consist of the Department of Research and Department of War Gaming and Simulation. The Department of Research shall have the Centres of Neighbourhood Studies, Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism, Chinese Studies, Evaluation of Strategic Thought, International Security Issues, Maritime Security Studies, Eurasian Studies and South East Asian Studies.
(iv) Department of Distance Learning: This new Department will bring distance learning within the reach of service personnel and shall be instituted after INDU is established.
(v) Institute of Defence Management: It is proposed to upgrade the existing CDM, Secunderabad to Institute of Defence Management (IDM). A new institute namely college of Industrial Resource Management (CIRM) is proposed to be set up under IDM. CIRM is proposed to impart education in the resource component of national power with special emphasis on material acquisition and joint logistics and their integration into national security strategy in peace and war.
Details of the new institutions proposed to be set up and courses proposed to be conducted in these institutions are as under”-
(i) College of National Security Policy (CNSP): It is proposed to conduct a ten-month Post Graduate instructional course for Colonel/equivalent civilian officers.
(ii) Institute of Advanced Technology Studies (IATS): This institute shall consist of College of Technology Studies and College of Information Studies in Security.
(iii) National Institute of Strategic Studies (NISS): This institute shall consist of the Department of Research and Department of War Gaming and Simulation. The Department of Research shall have the Centres of Neighbourhood Studies, Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism, Chinese Studies, Evaluation of Strategic Thought, International Security Issues, Maritime Security Studies, Eurasian Studies and South East Asian Studies.
(iv) Department of Distance Learning: This new Department will bring distance learning within the reach of service personnel and shall be instituted after INDU is established.
(v) Institute of Defence Management: It is proposed to upgrade the existing CDM, Secunderabad to Institute of Defence Management (IDM). A new institute namely college of Industrial Resource Management (CIRM) is proposed to be set up under IDM. CIRM is proposed to impart education in the resource component of national power with special emphasis on material acquisition and joint logistics and their integration into national security strategy in peace and war.
Kaushal Vikas Yojana
A scheme titled ‘Kaushal Vikas Yojana’ has been formulated for setting up of 1500 new Industrial Training institutes (ITIs) and 5000 Skill Development Centers (SDCs) in PPP mode preferably in un- serviced blocks (where no ITI/ITC exists) including hilly, desert and minority concentration areas of the country. This division of the Government will definitely help in mitigating the regional imbalance in the field of vocational training.
As per existing instructions, there is no restriction in opening of ITIs/ITCs at any location in the country. Location for opening of ITI (Government ITI) is decided by the State Government. However, private entrepreneurs are free to set up ITCs (private) in any part of country and there is no restriction. For affiliation purpose they have to meet requirements of ‘National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT)’ norms.
Protection of Workers in the Unorganized Sector
Details of various social security measures proposed to protect the workers of small establishment in unorganized sector is as follows:
With a view to providing social security to unorganized workers, including workers engaged in the small establishments, the Government enacted the Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. The Act provides for constitution of National Social Security Board which shall recommend social security schemes viz life and disability cover, health maternity benefits, old age protection and any other benefit as may be determined by the Government for unorganized workers.
Pending above legislation, the Government launched the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) to provide smart card bases cashless health insurance cover of Rs. 30,000/- per annum to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in the unorganized sector. The scheme became operational from 01.04.2008. More than 1.84 crore smart cards have been issued as on 18.08.2010. RSBY has been extended to Building and other Construction workers registered under the Building and other Construction Workers (RECS), Act, 1996.
To provide death and disability cover to rural landless households between the age group of 18 to 59 years, the Government launched the “Aam Admi Bima Yojana”.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme was expanded by revising the eligibility criteria to provide old age pension to all citizens above the age of 65 years and living below the poverty line.
In the Budget for the year 2010-11, the Government has decided to extend benefits of RSBY to all such Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) beneficiaries who have worked for more than 15 days during the preceding financial year and to all licensed porters, vendors and hawkers, who are from the unorganized sector and are social challenged.
The Government has also set up of National Social Security Fund for unorganized sector workers with initial allocation of Rs, 1,000/- crore. This fund will support schemes for weavers, toddy tapers, rickshaw pullers, bidi workers etc.
The Government has set up the following Task Force:
(a) Domestic workers.
(b) Vendors, Auto & Taxi drivers, Rickshaw pullers and rag pickers.
(c) Sanitation workers.
Classification of Polluted Cities
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) through Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has not provided any specific incentives to the State Governments which have set new standards in controlling pollution, However, MoEF provides financial support to the State Pollution Control Boards for strengthening of Laboratories whereas CPCB provides financial support for setting up of continuous air quality monitoring stations for assessing ambient air quality on cost sharing basis.
Legislation for Whistleblowers
The Government is aware that many people are reluctant of becoming whistleblowers as they are susceptible to threats, harassment, victimization or even killed. The Government is ready with the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection to Persons Making the Disclosures Bill, 2010 for introduction in the Parliament. The Bill inter alia provides -
(i) For bringing within the scope of the Bill, public servants being the employees of the Central Government or the State Government or any corporation established by or under any Central Act or any State Act, Government Companies, Societies or local authorities owned or controlled by the Central Government or the State Government and such other categories of employees as may be notified by the Central Government or, as the case may be, the State Government, from time to time, in the Official Gazette;
(ii) Adequate protection to the persons reporting corruption or willful misuse of power or willful misuse of discretion which causes demonstrable loss to the Government or commission of a criminal offence by a public servant;
(iii) A regular mechanism to encourage such person to disclose the information on corruption or willful misuse of power or willful misuse of discretion by public servants or commission of a criminal offence;
(iv) The procedure to inquire or cause to inquire into such disclosure and to provide adequate safeguards against victimization of the whistle-blower, that is the person making such disclosure;
(v) Safeguards against victimization of the person reporting matters regarding corruption by a public servant;
(vi) Punishment for revealing the identity of a complainant, negligently or malafidely; and
(vii) Punishment for false or frivolous complaints.
Appointment of Lokayuktas
The States of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and NCT of Delhi have Lokayuktas. The Union Government is not considering to issue Advisory to the States not having Lokayukta to appoint them.
The Lokayukta at the State level falls in the domain of the State Governments. Therefore, it is for the State Government concerned to take a view in the matter. The jurisdiction, terms and conditions of Lokayuktas vary from State to State. While government servants are under the purview of all Lokayuktas, only some cover elected representatives.
The Lokayukta at the State level falls in the domain of the State Governments. Therefore, it is for the State Government concerned to take a view in the matter. The jurisdiction, terms and conditions of Lokayuktas vary from State to State. While government servants are under the purview of all Lokayuktas, only some cover elected representatives.
British Columbia apology for Komagata Maru
The exact text of the motion reads:
Province of British Columbia
Official Report of
Debates of the Legislative Assembly
Debates of the Legislative Assembly
2008 Legislative Session: 4th Session, 38th Parliament, Friday, May 23, 2008
B.C Government, Motion No 62 - Motion of Apology
Komagata Maru: Motion Unanimously Approved
"Be it resolved that this Legislature apologizes for the events of May 23, 1914, when 376 passengers of the Komagata Maru, stationed off the Vancouver harbour, were denied entry by Canada. The House deeply regrets that the passengers who sought refuge in our country and our province were turned away without benefit of the fair and impartial treatment befitting a society where people of all cultures are welcomed and accepted."
Under the leadership of Premier Gordon Campbell, the province of British Columbia is the first province in Canada to issue an apology for the Komagata Maru events of May 23, 1914 on the 75th anniversary of that May date, the city of Vancouver under his Worship Mayor Gordon Campbell, was the first city in Canada to place a plaque in remembrance of those that were wronged. In 2006, the government issued a statement of regret and this year we were to pass this important motion.
Re-Introduction of Cheetah
The Ministry had requested the Wildlife Institute of India and Wildlife Trust of India to undertake a feasibility study with a view to re-introduce Cheetah in India. The feasibility report has been received in which three potential sites, from amongst ten sites evaluated, have been found to be best suited for initiating the programme. These are Sahgarh landscape in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Kuno Palpur and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh. Re-introduction of Cheetah would require long term financial and administrative commitments. State Governments’ concurrence to this project is crucial for the successful implementation of the project.
The project would require, apart from interventions for habitat improvements, resettlement of above 800 families living in 80 seasonal ‘dhanis’ in Sahgarh and 21 villages in Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary. Kuno Palpur may not require immediate relocation as already 24 villages have been relocated to create inviolate space.
‘Mother Express’
Railways to Launch ‘Mother Express’ to Commemorate the Birth Centenary of Mother Teresa In a special gesture, Indian Railways have decided to run an exhibition train named ‘Mother Express’ to commemorate the birth centenary of Mother Teresa, the noted missionary social worker. Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata and who worked tirelessly in the service of the poor, sick, orphaned and destitute for over 47 years.
The ‘Mother Express’- a tribute from Indian Railways - would showcase life and philanthropic deeds of this great soul who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and India’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1980 for her humanitarian work.
The ‘Mother Express’- a tribute from Indian Railways - would showcase life and philanthropic deeds of this great soul who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and India’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1980 for her humanitarian work.
new Election Commissioner
| Shri H.S. Brahma has today assumed the charge as Election Commissioner in the Election Commission of India. He fills the vacancy in the Election Commission caused by the assumption of charge by Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, as the 17th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) succeeding Shri Navin B Chawla. |
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Extradition Treaty with Neighbouring Countries
India has no Extradition Treaty with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Maldives, Myanmar and Pakistan. For signing of an Extradition Treaty with any country, mutual consent is required for initiating negotiations through diplomatic channels.
India has Extradition Treaties with the USA (1999), Canada (1987), Britain (1993) and has Extradition Arrangements with Italy (2003) and Australia (1971). The Extradition Treaties/Arrangements signed with these countries are working smoothly.
It is the policy of the Government of India to conclude Extradition Treaties with as many countries as possible so as to ensure that fugitive criminals are extradited to face trial in India.
India has Extradition Treaties with the USA (1999), Canada (1987), Britain (1993) and has Extradition Arrangements with Italy (2003) and Australia (1971). The Extradition Treaties/Arrangements signed with these countries are working smoothly.
It is the policy of the Government of India to conclude Extradition Treaties with as many countries as possible so as to ensure that fugitive criminals are extradited to face trial in India.
Look East Policy of the Country
The ‘Look East Policy’ of the Government has been evolving since the early 1990s and has significantly deepened India’s engagement with the countries of East and Southeast Asia. India’s trade and Investment with that part of the world has been enhanced significantly. India had signed a ‘Trade in Goods’ agreement with ASEAN in 2009, which became operational from 1 January 2010. India has concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the Republic of Korea (RoK), which is also being implemented from 1 January 2010.
India and China have established a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity and have enunciated a Shared Vision for the 21st Century. There are regular high-level political contacts between the two countries. The two sides have established a dialogue architecture to discuss the entire range of bilateral relations. The functional cooperation between the two countries is expanding in all areas. During the visit of Commerce and Industry Minister to China in January 2010, the two countries signed a MoU on Expansion of Trade and Economic Cooperation. An Agreement on the Establishment of the Direct Secure Telephone Link between the Prime Minister of India and the Chinese Premier was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to China in April 2010. Both sides have agreed that they are committed to resolving outstanding differences, including on the Boundary Question, through peaceful negotiations, while ensuring that such differences are not allowed to affect the positive development of bilateral relations.
India and China have established a Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity and have enunciated a Shared Vision for the 21st Century. There are regular high-level political contacts between the two countries. The two sides have established a dialogue architecture to discuss the entire range of bilateral relations. The functional cooperation between the two countries is expanding in all areas. During the visit of Commerce and Industry Minister to China in January 2010, the two countries signed a MoU on Expansion of Trade and Economic Cooperation. An Agreement on the Establishment of the Direct Secure Telephone Link between the Prime Minister of India and the Chinese Premier was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to China in April 2010. Both sides have agreed that they are committed to resolving outstanding differences, including on the Boundary Question, through peaceful negotiations, while ensuring that such differences are not allowed to affect the positive development of bilateral relations.
Sustainable Urban Transport Project
The Government has launched the Sustainable Urban Transport Project at an estimated cost of Rs.1439.01 crore. The proposal involves grant from Global Environment Facility(GEF) through the World Bank and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and loan from the World Bank to the cities through the concerned State Governments as well as Central assistance under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM), Urban Transport Planning and Capacity Building Schemes and contribution by States and implementing agencies.
The main objectives of the Sustainable Urban Transport Project are:-
- To strengthen capacity of Government of India, States and cities in planning, financing, operating and managing sustainable urban transport systems; and
- To assist participating States and cities in preparing and implementing demonstration “Green Transport” projects (GT projects).
The project cities are Indore, Mysore, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune and Naya Raipur. More cities can join the project in future on ‘moving train’ concept.
The main objectives of the Sustainable Urban Transport Project are:-
- To strengthen capacity of Government of India, States and cities in planning, financing, operating and managing sustainable urban transport systems; and
- To assist participating States and cities in preparing and implementing demonstration “Green Transport” projects (GT projects).
The project cities are Indore, Mysore, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune and Naya Raipur. More cities can join the project in future on ‘moving train’ concept.
Prohibition of Child Marriages
As per the report of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) conducted by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare during 2005-06, the Infant Mortality Rate is 50.4 for mothers in age group (20-29) years and is 76.5 for mothers with age less than 20 years. The Maternal Mortality Ratio in India as per Sample Registration System (2004-06) 254 per lakh. Several factors including child marriage affect the infant mortality and maternal mortality rates.
To reduce Maternal mortality, several steps have been taken which include:
Promoting institutional deliveries, strengthening of infrastructure, training of doctors in management of emergency obstetric care and skilled Birth Attendance, providing Ante-natal and Post Natal Care, organising Village Health and Nutrition Days, engagement of an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) in the community.
For reducing child mortality/infant mortality rates, steps taken include:
Training of service providers in Integrated Management of Neo-natal & childhood illness, training of ASHAs in Home based new born care, setting up of sick new born care units at district hospitals, promoting exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding, strengthening routine immunisation programme, focussing on reduction in morbidity and mortality due to Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and Diarrhoeal Diseases.
In order to prohibit child marriage,
”The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006” has been enforced w.e.f 1st November 2007. Also, awareness generation and advocacy measures are continuously being undertaken by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
To reduce Maternal mortality, several steps have been taken which include:
Promoting institutional deliveries, strengthening of infrastructure, training of doctors in management of emergency obstetric care and skilled Birth Attendance, providing Ante-natal and Post Natal Care, organising Village Health and Nutrition Days, engagement of an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) in the community.
For reducing child mortality/infant mortality rates, steps taken include:
Training of service providers in Integrated Management of Neo-natal & childhood illness, training of ASHAs in Home based new born care, setting up of sick new born care units at district hospitals, promoting exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding, strengthening routine immunisation programme, focussing on reduction in morbidity and mortality due to Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and Diarrhoeal Diseases.
In order to prohibit child marriage,
”The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006” has been enforced w.e.f 1st November 2007. Also, awareness generation and advocacy measures are continuously being undertaken by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
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