Showing posts with label national. Show all posts
Showing posts with label national. Show all posts
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Proposal to Create a National Text Book Council
A Committee of Central Advisory Board of Education on “Regulatory Mechanism for Textbooks and Parallel Textbooks taught in schools outside Government system” has recommended establishment of “National Textbook Council” to monitor textbooks used in schools in the country so that standard of education could be maintained and the student community is not exposed to inferior quality of textbooks or undesirable content. A proposal has been circulated among the State Governments seeking their opinion.
Rajiv Awas Yojana
Learning from the experience of JNNURM, the Government has announced the bold vision of a Slum-free India through Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY). RAY envisages central support to States that are willing to assign property rights to slum dwellers. RAY would adopt a ‘whole city’, ‘whole slum’ strategy with city as the unit unlike JNNURM which turned out to be a ‘pick and choose’ approach towards slum redevelopment.
RAY would have a two-pronged strategy. The first is to bring the existing slums within the formal system and enable them to avail of the same level of basic amenities as the rest of the town. The second is to undertake measures to prevent the creation of new slums through appropriate urban land policy and restructuring of the master planning model.
There is a dire need to address the issues of faulty urban land policy and urban planning models responsible for mushrooming of slums. Current land policies would need drastic changes to address the interests of the urban poor. The States need to re-look at the policies of making land and living space available to the masses in cities, especially the poor at a much faster rate than the pace of urban population growth.
Community mobilisation and participation in decision-making are also going to be an important element in RAY. RAY would also focus on enabling the urban poor to undertake housing construction and improvement programmes empowered by property right. RAY would also promote private sector participation and public private partnership for creation of affordable housing stock for the Low Income Groups. For all this, the poor will need to be enabled with access to housing and livelihoods finance.
Excerpts from speech by H'ble Housing & Urban poverty alleviation Min.
RAY would have a two-pronged strategy. The first is to bring the existing slums within the formal system and enable them to avail of the same level of basic amenities as the rest of the town. The second is to undertake measures to prevent the creation of new slums through appropriate urban land policy and restructuring of the master planning model.
There is a dire need to address the issues of faulty urban land policy and urban planning models responsible for mushrooming of slums. Current land policies would need drastic changes to address the interests of the urban poor. The States need to re-look at the policies of making land and living space available to the masses in cities, especially the poor at a much faster rate than the pace of urban population growth.
Community mobilisation and participation in decision-making are also going to be an important element in RAY. RAY would also focus on enabling the urban poor to undertake housing construction and improvement programmes empowered by property right. RAY would also promote private sector participation and public private partnership for creation of affordable housing stock for the Low Income Groups. For all this, the poor will need to be enabled with access to housing and livelihoods finance.
Excerpts from speech by H'ble Housing & Urban poverty alleviation Min.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) approved
Keeping in view the various risks involved in agriculture production, the Ministry of Agriculture has been implementing the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) as a Central Sector Scheme since Rabi season 1999-2000 to insure the farming community against these risks. It was reviewed based on the experience gained from its implementation, in which many deficiencies in the scheme were identified.
The approved scheme has the following features:
(i) Actuarial premiums will be paid for insuring the crops, hence the claims liability would be on the insurer;
(ii) The unit area of insurance for major crops is village panchayat;
(iii) Indemnity amount shall be payable for prevented sowing/planting risk and for post harvest losses due to cyclone;
(iv) On account payment up to 25% of likely claims would be released as advance for providing immediate relief to farmers;
(v) Uniform seasonality discipline for loanee and non-loanee farmers;
(vi) More proficient basis for calculation of threshold yield and minimum indemnity level of 70% instead of 60%;
(vii) Modified NAIS with improved features will have two components i.e. compulsory and voluntary. Loanee farmers will be insured under ‘compulsory category’ while non-loanee farmers will be insured under ‘voluntary category’;
(viii) Private sector insurers with adequate infrastructure and experience would also be allowed in the implementation of MNAIS.
The approved scheme has the following features:
(i) Actuarial premiums will be paid for insuring the crops, hence the claims liability would be on the insurer;
(ii) The unit area of insurance for major crops is village panchayat;
(iii) Indemnity amount shall be payable for prevented sowing/planting risk and for post harvest losses due to cyclone;
(iv) On account payment up to 25% of likely claims would be released as advance for providing immediate relief to farmers;
(v) Uniform seasonality discipline for loanee and non-loanee farmers;
(vi) More proficient basis for calculation of threshold yield and minimum indemnity level of 70% instead of 60%;
(vii) Modified NAIS with improved features will have two components i.e. compulsory and voluntary. Loanee farmers will be insured under ‘compulsory category’ while non-loanee farmers will be insured under ‘voluntary category’;
(viii) Private sector insurers with adequate infrastructure and experience would also be allowed in the implementation of MNAIS.
Friday, September 17, 2010
BEL Gets “India Pride Award”
Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has won the Gold prize in the Heavy Industries category of the DNA-Dainik Bhaskar India Pride Awards 2010 for “Excellence in PSUs”.
BEL, India’s foremost defence electronics company, is a Rs. 5,000-crore multi-product, multi-technology, multi-Unit conglomerate with over 350 products in the areas of Military Communication, Radars, Naval Systems, Telecom & Broadcast, Electronic Warfare, Tank Electronics, Electro Optics, Professional Electronic Components and Solar Photovoltaic Systems.
While defence continues to contribute to nearly 80 to 85% of its revenue, BEL has expanded its horizons beyond defence electronics and touched a chord with the common man through civilian products like solar traffic signals and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). BEL’s customers include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary, Coast Guard, Police, Doordarshan, All India Radio, Department of Telecommunications and consumers of professional electronic components. BEL offers customised network-centric solutions to the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Company is also working on prestigious weapon system programmes such as the Akash Missile System.
Friday, September 10, 2010
E-Passport Manufacturing Facility Installed at India Security Press, Nasik
India Security Press (ISP), a unit of Security printing and Minting Corporation of India Ltd manufacturers Passports and other travel documents for Ministry of External Affairs.
ICAO has suggested implementation of e-Passport world wide, keeping in view the changing global scenario, faster and easier customs clearance and high tech security concerns. In compliance to the same, e-passport facility has recently been created at ISP.
This sophisticated e-Passport machine will manufacture e-Passport of international quality with due quality checks, high productivity and less rejection. With the introduction of this machine, SPMCIL will be in a position to manufacture more than 8 million e-passports in a year and meet the entire requirement of the country.
This sophisticated e-Passport machine will manufacture e-Passport of international quality with due quality checks, high productivity and less rejection. With the introduction of this machine, SPMCIL will be in a position to manufacture more than 8 million e-passports in a year and meet the entire requirement of the country.
Benchmarks for the Urban Water Supply
The Ministry of Urban Development has formulated Service Level Benchmarks for the urban water supply sector with the intention of emphasizing service delivery outcomes, enforcing accountability and facilitating performance monitoring.
The benchmarks indicators in respect of the water supply sector include coverage of water supply connections; per capita supply of water; continuity of water supply, quality of water supplied, efficiency in redressal of customer complaints etc. Benchmark values have been specified for each of the indicators.
The benchmarks indicators in respect of the water supply sector include coverage of water supply connections; per capita supply of water; continuity of water supply, quality of water supplied, efficiency in redressal of customer complaints etc. Benchmark values have been specified for each of the indicators.
Chief Vigilance Commissioner
| Chief Vigilance Commissioner |
| At a ceremony held today at 1315 hrs at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Shri P.J. Thomas was sworn in as the Central Vigilance Commissioner. He made and subscribed the oath of office before the President. Sh. Thomas holds Master’s Degree in Physics & Economics and has done a one year course in Public Administration at International Institute of Public Administration, Paris. He is proficient in French in addition to English, Hindi and Malayalam. Sh. Thomas has held important assignments in the Government of Kerala as Secretary in Finance, Industry, Agriculture, Law & Justice and Human Resource Development Departments. He was the Founder Director of Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode. He became Chief Secretary of Kerala in 2007 and moved to Government of India as Secretary in Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in January, 2009. He has been Secretary in Department of Telecommunication since October 2009 and is credited with steering 3G auction which created a new bench mark in the country. |
Bharat Tirth
Railways to Run ‘Bharat Tirth’ Trains Across the Country from Next Month a bid to promote tourism in the country and also to emphasize our ‘Unity in Diversity’, the Indian Railways will be launching 16 different circuits of ‘Bharat Tirth’ touching all the important destinations across the country from next month. The objective of Indian Railways in running ‘Bharat Tirth’ Trains is to provide a comfortable, affordable and memorable experience to the customers of different segments.
The itineraries are so designed that the Bharat Tirth trains would be taken to the rail heads nearest to the tourist destination from where tourists would visit the places of tourist importance. The road journey for sightseeing is organized in comfortable buses and tour escorts accompany them in trains as well as buses.
The itineraries are so designed that the Bharat Tirth trains would be taken to the rail heads nearest to the tourist destination from where tourists would visit the places of tourist importance. The road journey for sightseeing is organized in comfortable buses and tour escorts accompany them in trains as well as buses.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Some Luminaries of Post Independent India
60 years ago the founders of nation gave us a constitution that scripted a modern democratic republic and 60 years later we pay tribute to 10 remarkable Indians who had translate that vision into reality. The show will take a close look on the lives of these legends of modern India who have made substantial contributions in diverse fields like the Economy, Politics, Healthcare, Science and technology. Some of these legends of modern India who will be featured in ‘Makers of India’ are:
Dr. Sukumara Sen- India's first Chief Election Commissioner who successful oversaw independent India’s first general election in 1952. The show will focus on Sen's successful innovations to ensure that millions of Indians could successfully cast their votes. These include party symbols, multiple ballot boxes and indelible ink, none of which had been tried elsewhere in the world
Mridula Sarabhai- One of our most remarkable yet less publicized women leaders Mridula Sarabhai was a revolutionary democrat, a top women activist, feisty freedom fighter, philanthropist and above all a selfless soul committed to the ideals of freedom, equality and democracy. Apart from her contributions towards the independence struggle, she also fought tirelessly for the civil rights of the Kashmiri people post independence
Dr Ajay & Rani Bhang- This brilliant couple who could have been rich doctors catering to the city elite and lived a life of luxury, chose instead to serve poor adivasis in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. The Bhang couple also led a campaign against alcoholism. This got great support in more than 600 villages and now the district is a liquor free zone.
Dr. Satish Dhawan- Dr. Satish Dhawan served for many years as the Director of both ISRO and Indian Institute of Sciences, and was an architect in making them the pride of Indian science. In a country where centers of learning rise and fall with its founders, ISRO and IISc have managed to maintain their high standards till today.
Kamaladevi Chattopadyay - Described as the "supremely romantic figure of the freedom struggle," Kamaladevi Chattopadyay was to our cultural life what Mahatma Gandhi was to the life of the nation. She was a Brahmin turned socialist, a teenage bride turned feminist, a political leader who shunned office, an aristocrat who nurtured and renewed our crafts and was instrumental in setting up the Cottage Industries Emporium and the All India Handicrafts Board.
Chandi Prasad Bhatt-Chandi Prasad Bhatt is a great pioneering environmentalist, an actor and thinker of remarkable range and achievement who, by virtue of his own innate modesty and lack of command over English, remains much less known and honored than is his due. He has no trumpet, nor any trumpeters. In him lives a spirit, of quiet service, that once existed freely in Indian politics and activism.
V M Tarkunde-As a Judge of the Bombay High Court, Judicial discipline required that Tarkunde did not participate in social movements or in public decade. He, therefore, retired pre-maturely in 1969. He shifted to Delhi and started practicing in the Supreme Court. There, in the mid 1970s, he became a leading light of the anti - emergency movement. He helped found Citizens for Democracy and the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties. Much later, in the 1990s, he led the first investigation into human rights abuses in Kashmir. He was a democrat in the deepest sense, who sowed the seeds of humanism in post independent India.
Dr. Shivarama Karanth-No Indian since Rabindranath Tagore has excelled in as many fields as Karanth. He led environmental movements many decades before it became a serious issue in India. When he was 85 years old, Karanth trekked over 800 KM in the Western Ghats to create awareness about the importance of rain forests among the people. 87 year old Karanth even fought a Lok Sabha election on a Green platform in 1989.
Verghese Kurien-The remarkable life of Verghese Kurien illuminates, inspires and sometimes amuses. His speech and writings rise above the din of ideology and partisan rhetoric to provide clear and refreshing insights on varied subjects - Development, Technology, Marketing, and the Empowerment of India's Rural Producers. Here is a man who embodies the finest values of the Indian Republic as well as the deepest aspirations of Mahatma Gandhi's home state of Gujarat.
Dr. M S Swaminathan- In 1960s, India was facing a 'ship to mouth existence’ surviving on hand-outs of low quality wheat from the Western powers. Poverty and hunger was rife; our political sovereignty was threatened. These challenges were overcome through the work of a group of dedicated visionaries, one of whom was the scientist M. S. Swaminathan. Now in his eighties, Swaminathan still works and travels tirelessly throughout India.
Dr. Sukumara Sen- India's first Chief Election Commissioner who successful oversaw independent India’s first general election in 1952. The show will focus on Sen's successful innovations to ensure that millions of Indians could successfully cast their votes. These include party symbols, multiple ballot boxes and indelible ink, none of which had been tried elsewhere in the world
Mridula Sarabhai- One of our most remarkable yet less publicized women leaders Mridula Sarabhai was a revolutionary democrat, a top women activist, feisty freedom fighter, philanthropist and above all a selfless soul committed to the ideals of freedom, equality and democracy. Apart from her contributions towards the independence struggle, she also fought tirelessly for the civil rights of the Kashmiri people post independence
Dr Ajay & Rani Bhang- This brilliant couple who could have been rich doctors catering to the city elite and lived a life of luxury, chose instead to serve poor adivasis in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. The Bhang couple also led a campaign against alcoholism. This got great support in more than 600 villages and now the district is a liquor free zone.
Dr. Satish Dhawan- Dr. Satish Dhawan served for many years as the Director of both ISRO and Indian Institute of Sciences, and was an architect in making them the pride of Indian science. In a country where centers of learning rise and fall with its founders, ISRO and IISc have managed to maintain their high standards till today.
Kamaladevi Chattopadyay - Described as the "supremely romantic figure of the freedom struggle," Kamaladevi Chattopadyay was to our cultural life what Mahatma Gandhi was to the life of the nation. She was a Brahmin turned socialist, a teenage bride turned feminist, a political leader who shunned office, an aristocrat who nurtured and renewed our crafts and was instrumental in setting up the Cottage Industries Emporium and the All India Handicrafts Board.
Chandi Prasad Bhatt-Chandi Prasad Bhatt is a great pioneering environmentalist, an actor and thinker of remarkable range and achievement who, by virtue of his own innate modesty and lack of command over English, remains much less known and honored than is his due. He has no trumpet, nor any trumpeters. In him lives a spirit, of quiet service, that once existed freely in Indian politics and activism.
V M Tarkunde-As a Judge of the Bombay High Court, Judicial discipline required that Tarkunde did not participate in social movements or in public decade. He, therefore, retired pre-maturely in 1969. He shifted to Delhi and started practicing in the Supreme Court. There, in the mid 1970s, he became a leading light of the anti - emergency movement. He helped found Citizens for Democracy and the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties. Much later, in the 1990s, he led the first investigation into human rights abuses in Kashmir. He was a democrat in the deepest sense, who sowed the seeds of humanism in post independent India.
Dr. Shivarama Karanth-No Indian since Rabindranath Tagore has excelled in as many fields as Karanth. He led environmental movements many decades before it became a serious issue in India. When he was 85 years old, Karanth trekked over 800 KM in the Western Ghats to create awareness about the importance of rain forests among the people. 87 year old Karanth even fought a Lok Sabha election on a Green platform in 1989.
Verghese Kurien-The remarkable life of Verghese Kurien illuminates, inspires and sometimes amuses. His speech and writings rise above the din of ideology and partisan rhetoric to provide clear and refreshing insights on varied subjects - Development, Technology, Marketing, and the Empowerment of India's Rural Producers. Here is a man who embodies the finest values of the Indian Republic as well as the deepest aspirations of Mahatma Gandhi's home state of Gujarat.
Dr. M S Swaminathan- In 1960s, India was facing a 'ship to mouth existence’ surviving on hand-outs of low quality wheat from the Western powers. Poverty and hunger was rife; our political sovereignty was threatened. These challenges were overcome through the work of a group of dedicated visionaries, one of whom was the scientist M. S. Swaminathan. Now in his eighties, Swaminathan still works and travels tirelessly throughout India.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Railways’ New ‘R3i policy’
New R3i policy (Railways’ Infrastructure for Industry Initiative) which was recently formulated by the Ministry of Railways is aimed at attracting private sector participation in rail connectivity projects so that additional rail transport capacity can be created. The primary objective of this policy is to retain and increase rail share in freight traffic. It also aims at making rail option more competitive for prospective customers by sharing their burden in getting rail connectivity and allowing them to get a share in the freight revenues generated through freight traffic moving via new line. This policy shall not be applicable to lines intending to provide connectivity to coal mines and iron ore mines directly or indirectly.
Only those new line proposals which are 20 kms or more in length excluding the length of siding which may take off from this line) shall be eligible under this policy. The policy allows for four models viz., (a) Cost sharing-freight rebate model, (b) Full contribution- Apportioned earning Model, (c) the SPV model and, (d) the Private Line Model.
With the Indian economy growing at a rate of 8 per cent over the past few years, new areas are opening for investment many of which do not have any rail connectivity. These have significant potential for freight traffic and therefore Indian railways has to be proactive in seizing these opportunities in order that the high rate of growth of freight traffic in the last few years can be sustained. However, with too many competing demands, resources are a constraint and alternative sources of funding through private sector participation must be explored and encouraged. This policy explores such alternative sources.
Only those new line proposals which are 20 kms or more in length excluding the length of siding which may take off from this line) shall be eligible under this policy. The policy allows for four models viz., (a) Cost sharing-freight rebate model, (b) Full contribution- Apportioned earning Model, (c) the SPV model and, (d) the Private Line Model.
With the Indian economy growing at a rate of 8 per cent over the past few years, new areas are opening for investment many of which do not have any rail connectivity. These have significant potential for freight traffic and therefore Indian railways has to be proactive in seizing these opportunities in order that the high rate of growth of freight traffic in the last few years can be sustained. However, with too many competing demands, resources are a constraint and alternative sources of funding through private sector participation must be explored and encouraged. This policy explores such alternative sources.
HM’s Statement on Inclusion of Bhojpuri & Rajasthani Languages in the Eighth Schedule
The Union Home Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram made a statement in the Parliament on the need to include Bhojpuri and Rajasthani languages in the Eighth schedule to the Constitution. Following is the text of the Minister’s statement:
“No criteria has been laid down in the Constitution for inclusion of languages in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India. At present, 22 languages have been included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India. Of these, 14 languages were initially included in the Constitution. Sindhi language was included in 1967. Thereafter, three more languages viz., Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali were included in the year 1992. Subsequently, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali languages were added in the year 2004. The basis for inclusion of these languages in the Eighth Schedule were the circumstances and demands of the people, existing at that point of time.
At present, demands for inclusion of 38 more languages including Bhojpuri and Rajasthani in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution are pending.
“No criteria has been laid down in the Constitution for inclusion of languages in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India. At present, 22 languages have been included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India. Of these, 14 languages were initially included in the Constitution. Sindhi language was included in 1967. Thereafter, three more languages viz., Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali were included in the year 1992. Subsequently, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali languages were added in the year 2004. The basis for inclusion of these languages in the Eighth Schedule were the circumstances and demands of the people, existing at that point of time.
At present, demands for inclusion of 38 more languages including Bhojpuri and Rajasthani in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution are pending.
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.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
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.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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.
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.
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