Mithila Darpan

Koshi Mahsetu:The Bridge That Has Abridged Mithila

2012-02-10T12:44:00.000+05:30

Koshi Mahsetu was inaugurated on 8.2.2011. It will have a great impact on the Koshi –Kamla belt and through East-West corridor the distance to any part of the country will be much less and also from the strategic point of view it will have a great military healp. It will also reduce the cost for essential transportation to Nepal as well. The bridge will decongest Mahatma Gandhi Mahsetu of Patna as well Rajendra Bridge of Mokamaa-Simariaghat and also Kursela bridge.
Hope a civilization in Koshi belt is getting relief after the tragedy it is facing for flood perrinealy.It was a dream for many of us who were born in the Koshi bed. Before 1934 earthquake OT Railway(Ouadh-Tirhut Railway, the old name of North Eastern Railway, which was called in joke AAloo Tambaku Railway) could reach to Sakri in few hours and it wou;ld be possible in coming days by train also on the railway bridge under construction side way.A Maithil of eastern side of Koshi need 299 km traveling by a circuitous route for a distance of mere 10 km which is swelled with Koshi in rainy season.

The bridge has bridged Mithila’s two parts.

Dr. Ashwani Kumar Meets Pakistan PM in Davos; Discusses Bilateral Issues

2012-02-06T19:26:00.002+05:30

Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Planning, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences met with Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani of Pakistan in the margins of the Annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. In his conversation with Dr. Kumar PM Gilani said that he was committed to a meaningful dialogue with India on all issues in order to move forward towards normalization of relations with India. He informed Dr. Kumar that he would be sending Pakistan’s Interior Secretary to India soon to continue the high level official consultations between the two countries and conveyed his greetings to PM Dr. Manmohan Singh. Both leaders agreed on the need of good neighboring relations between the two countries.

Dr. Kumar and PM Gilani are members of the Group of World leaders which met in Davos for a session on the Transformational Challenges that would shape the future of the 21st Century. The high powered group included the Prime Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Ministers of Turkey and Russia, the President of the World Bank Robert B. Zoellick, Secretary General of the OECD, Angel Gurria and the Director General of WTO Mr. Pascal Lamy.

Subodh Kant Inaugurates Sapporo Snow Festival

2012-02-06T19:25:00.002+05:30

Union Tourism Minister Shri Subodh Kant Sahai inaugurated Sapporo Snow Festival at Sapporo, Japan today to mark the 60th year of India Japan diplomatic relations. Speaking on the occasion the Minister said that Ice replica of Taj Mahal displayed at the festival will definitely help in attracting large number of visitors to India not only from Japan but also from neighbouring countries. He said Japan is an important source market for Indian Tourism with tremendous in bound tourism potential. Shri Sahai said as per records of the Tourism Ministry, India received more than 1,65,000 tourists from Japan during 2011. The Ministry of Tourism has set up an Incredible India booth at the festival.

The Tourism Minister is on a four-day visit to Japan. During his stay, the Minister will hold meetings with the representatives of Japanese Tourism Department and Tour and Travel Trade. The Minister will also host an India evening at the festival which will be attended by guests from Japanese Tourism and Travel Trade, media, opinion makers and stake-holders. During his stay at Tokyo, Shri Sahai will hold discussions with the senior officials of Japanese Tourism and representatives of travel trade.

The Sapporo Snow festival, one of Japan’s largest winter events attracts a large number of visitors from Japan and abroad every year. The festival began in 1950. During the weak long festival the statues and sculptures built of ice turns Sapporo into a winter dreamland of crystal like – ice and white snow

VIVAH MANDI:LATEST RATE CARD

2012-02-02T19:15:00.001+05:30

3.83 Crore New Voters Registered; 1.11 Crore Among them in Age-Group 18-19

2012-01-25T10:40:00.000+05:30

Second National Voters’ Day (NVD) will be observed tomorrow, a practice that was initiated last year to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India and also to enhance the participation of the voters, especially the youth, in the democratic process. The Former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will grace the second National Voters’ Day function and distribute Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to 20 newly eligible and enrolled voters of Delhi, belonging to different sections of society, along with a badge “Proud to be a Voter- Ready to Vote”. All present will be administered the NVD pledge. Dr. Kalam will also give away National Awards to District Electoral Officers (DEO’s)/ Superintendent Police (SP’s) for adopting “Best Electoral Practices” and Special Awards to officers other than DEO’s /SP’s for doing exemplary work by adopting “Best Electoral Practices”.

The Election Commission’s objective behind National Voters’ Day is to increase enrolment of voters, especially of the newly eligible ones, by using this occasion to make universal adult suffrage a complete reality, and thereby enhance the quality of Indian democracy. The day is also utilized to spread awareness among voters regarding effective participation in the electoral process.

25th January has already become a historic moment in India’s electoral democracy. As per the reports of Voters’ registration, approximately 3.83 crore new registrations have been done throughout the country, out of which 1.11 crore are in the age group 18-19 as on 01st January, 2012, which was the qualifying date. Last year 52 lakh young voters, who had attained the age of 18 years, had been enrolled which marked the biggest empowerment of youth on a single day anywhere in the world. This year, the number has more than doubled.

During the last 60 years, the Election Commission of India has conducted 15 General Elections to the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and 331 general elections to State Legislative Assemblies, thus facilitating peaceful, orderly and democratic transfer of power. In its delivery of free, fair and transparent polls, the Commission considers it sacred to stay uncompromising and to fiercely guard its credibility, besides affirming that the vote of every eligible Indian counts.

The Commission’s journey has also witnessed a change in both quality and scale of its operations. In 1962, the voting process moved from the balloting system to marking system and then, from 2004 onwards, to the present system based on Electronic Voting Machines. Multi-member constituencies have given way to single member constituencies. Printed electoral rolls have now been substituted by computerized photo-electoral rolls. The Elector’s Photo Identity Cards (EPICs), by now a cherished possession of all citizens, were issued to over 582 million voters in time for General Election 2009. Elections to the 15th Lok Sabha held in April-May 2009 have been described as the biggest management event in the world. It involved 714 million voters, 835,000 polling stations, 1.2 million Electronic Voting Machines and 11 million polling personnel. The management of elections in India has continually been evolving in order to match with the colossal proportions and ever-increasing complexity of the task.

Considering this mammoth election management exercise in the world, the Election Commission is concerned about greater participation of citizens in the country’s electoral process as against the present level of apathy and non-involvement among certain sections, especially the youth. In particular, the Commission has found that the new voters (18+) are missing from the electoral roll in a big way year after year. In certain cases, the level of their enrolment is as low as 20 to 25%.

In order to effectively deal with this problem, the Commission has decided to take up a vigorous exercise to identify all the eligible voters attaining the age of 18 years as on 1st of January every year, in each of the 8.5 lakh polling station areas of the country. This year, 1.6 crore persons will be enrolled on the occasion who will be administered a pledge that goes as follows: “We, the citizens of India, having abiding faith in democracy, hereby pledge to uphold the democratic traditions of our country and the dignity of free, fair and peaceful elections, and to vote in every election fearlessly and without being influenced by considerations of religion, race, caste, community, language or any inducement”. Besides the newly enrolled voters will also be given a badge with the slogan “Proud to be a voter – Ready to vote” during the felicitation ceremony along with their EPIC. This initiative is expected to give the youth a sense of citizenship, empowerment, pride and participation and also inspire them to exercise their franchise, when the occasion comes.

In keeping with the objectives of the National Voters’ Day, a countrywide special campaign was taken up to reach out to the newly eligible (18+ ) electors, and to register them in the just concluded revision of electoral roll with reference to 1.1.2012 as the qualifying date. The Chief Electoral Officers (CEO’s) of all states and UT’s have been instructed by the commission to enroll every youth who has attained the age of 18. The Commission has also been emphasizing this year to enroll as many women voters as possible by running women specific campaigns.

As a part of the run-up to NVD, the Election Commission has been running a comprehensive Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign to attract and educate voters across the country, especially the youth and the women. The messages from the youth icons, namely, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Shri M.S. Dhoni have been recorded asking the voters to be registered. Messages from the regional icons are also being used to ask the youth to register and vote. Certainly the message from the Commission is loud and clear: it will not relent until every single eligible voter is able to- and is willing to- vote.

New National Permit Scheme of Goods Carriages

2012-01-25T10:36:00.000+05:30

A new National Permit System has been implemented in all States and Union Territories in order to facilitate inter-State seamless movement of goods carriages,. As per the new arrangement, national permit can be granted by the Home State on payment of Rs 1,000/- as home State authorization fee and Rs 15,000/- per annum per truck towards consolidated fee authorizing the permit holder to operate throughout the country. The new national permit system has also been implemented electronically through a web portal developed by NIC.

Under the new National Permit Scheme, the consolidated fee collected by the Central Government through State Bank of India is distributed among the States / UTs on a pro-rata basis as per agreed formula.

The new National Permit System is being implemented successfully by all States / UTs and has been welcomed by the transporters and States as a significant step towards improvement in road transport system in the country.

Road Safety Schemes

2012-01-23T18:56:00.000+05:30

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways formulates policies for road safety so as to minimise road accidents. The important schemes formulated and managed by the Road Safety Cell of the Ministry include publicity programmes, National Highways Accidents Relief Service Scheme(NHARSS), refresher training to heavy vehicle drivers in unorganised sector, providing road safety equipments to States/UTs etc. The National Road Safety Policy recommended by the committee on Road Safety and Traffic Management, envisages on road safety issues, establishment of road safety information database, strengthening of driving licence system and training, better enforcement of road safety laws etc. The policy also envisages setting up of a dedicated agency namely National Road Safety & Traffic Management Board to oversee the road safety activities in the country.

The important schemes run by the Ministry to promote road safety are as follows:-

(i) Publicity Measures and Awareness Campaign on Road Safety : with a view to raise road safety awareness among the public, the Government undertakes various publicity measures in the form of telecast/broadcast of T.V. spots/Radio.. jingles; organizing Road Safety Week, Seminars, Exhibitions, All India Essay Competition on Road Safety; printing of posters, calendars, children activity books etc., containing road safety messages for various segments of road users viz. Pedestrians, cyclists, school children, heavy vehicle drivers etc.

(ii) Refresher Training of drivers in Unorganised Sector and Human Resource Development :- Financial assistance is being given to States/UTs for setting up of Model driving training schools to produce good drivers. In addition, refresher training to on the job drivers in unorganised sector is also given through a few reputed Organisations.

(iii) National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme (NHARSS):- The scheme entails providing cranes and ambulances to States/UTs for relief and rescue measures in the aftermath of accident by evacuation road accident victims to nearest medical aid centre and for clearing the accident site.

(iv) Road Safety and Pollution Testing Equipments and Programme Implementation: Road safety equipments like Interceptor are provided to States/UTs for enforcement and implementation of various rules as regulations relating to road safety.

Review Of Preparation for London Olympic Games-2012

2012-01-19T11:54:00.000+05:30

Review Of Preparation for London Olympic Games-2012- Wrestling,Four to Five Wrestlers Expected to Qualify ;Rs. 5.50 Crore Spent so far on Camps & International Exposures;Calendar Prepared for Intensive Training till Olympics Without any Gap

Four to five wrestlers are expected to qualify for the Olympics 2012 in the four qualifying tournaments to be held during February to May, 2012. This was stated by Shri Raj Singh, Secretary General, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), in the first of a series of Review Meetings of the preparation for Olympics, 2012, called by Shri Ajay Maken, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, which started yesterday evening. Shri Maken also enquired about problems faced by WFI in processing of visas of Sportsmen and support staff. The Minister asked the Ministry officials to prepare a list of upcoming qualifying events for this purpose to expedite the Visa clearance in future. The objective of the Review Meetings with the National Sports Federations planned in the next few days has been to know the status of the calendar of Training & International Exposures of Core Probables in various disciplines in the run-up to the Olympics, 2012, and to identify any financial or administrative problems, if any.

The other highlights of the Review Meeting with WFI are as follows:

(a) National Coaching Camps :

So far 05 Coaching Camps have been held for Wrestling. For men, the total duration of Camps has been 208 days so far while the same duration for women has been 223 days. National Camps with specific focus on London, 2012, have been initiated since 04.04.2011 comprising of training in both Free Style and Greco-Roman the details of which are as follows:

S.N.	Head	No. of players	No. of Indian Coaches	No. of Foreign Coaches	No. of Support Staff
1.	Free Style	35 Men	05	01	03
2.	Greco-Roman	35 Men	05	01	02
3.	Free Style (Female)	30 Women	05	01	02

The Total Expenditure on Coaching Camps as on December 31st, 2011 was Rs. 3.57 crore.

(b) International Exposure and Performance Highlights

Indian team participated in 6 International Competitions/Training Exposures during 2011, three of which were International Competitions while other three Training Exposures. The Total Expenditure incurred towards the International Competitions/Training was Rs.1.93 crore. The performance highlights of Indian Wrestling Team in the International events in 2011 are as follows:

S.N.	International Competition	Performance Highlights
1.	Senior Asian Wrestling Championship (Men & Women), held at Tashkent (Uzbekistan)-19-23 May, 2011	1. Anil Kumar 60 Kg-Greco-Roman Wrestler-Silver. 2. Rahul Balasaheb Aware-55 Kg FS Wrestler-Bronze. 3. Ms. Navjot Kaur-67 Kg-Bronze.
2.	Senior Commonwealth Wrestling Championship (Men & Women), held at Melbourne-5-7 August, 2011.	Indian Team won 15 Gold, 19 Silver and 04 Bronze medals.
3.	Senior World FS, GR & FW Wrestling Championship (Men & Women) held at Istanbul [Turkey] from 12^th to 18^th September, 2011.	Nil.

(c) Qualifying Events Held and Sportspersons Qualified so far:

So far one Qualifying event has taken place which was 2011 Senior World Free-Style, Greco-Roman and Free-Style (Women) held at Istanbul, Turkey, from 12th to 18th September, 2011. 07 Free Style, 07 Greco-Roman and 04 Female Free Style Wrestlers participated. However, none of Wrestlers was able to qualify.

(d) Qualifying Tournaments to be Held:

The following four events are scheduled to be held for securing a berth in London Olympics:

1. Senior Asian Wrestling Championship for Greco Roman/ Free Style and Female Wrestlers at Gumi (Korea) from 16-02-2012 to 19-02-2012.

2. Asian Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament for Greco Roman/Free Style and Female Wrestlers at Astana (Kazakhstan) from 28-03-2012 to 01-04-2012. (Mandatory but not Qualifying)

3. Olympic Qualifying Tournament- 3rd Phase for Greco Roman/Free Style and Female Wrestlers at Taiyuan (China) from 25-04-2012 to 29-04-2012

4. Olympic Qualifying Tournament- 4th Phase for Greco Roman/ free Style and Female Wrestlers at Helsinki (Finland) from 02-05-2012 to 06-05-2012.

(e) Road Map Leading to 2012 Olympics for Qualified Sports persons and their Training Partners:

The Indian Wrestling Team has to undergo following Competitions/ Training Camps till Olympics, 2012:

S.N.	NAME OF COMPETITION/VENUE	COMPOSITION OF TEAM
1.	Combined Training Camp with USA Team from 05.01.2012 to 01.02.2012 at colorado springs (USA)	36 Wrestlers + 08 Coaches
2.	National coaching camp/for men at Sonepat & for female at NIA Patiala from 06.02.2012 till Olympics 2012	100 Wrestlers +12 Indian coaches +02 Foreign coaches +05 support staff and 30 female wrestlers + 05 Indian coaches +01 Foreign coach+02 supporting staff
3.	Senior Asian Wrestling Championships, Gumi, Korea from 16.02.2012. to 19.02.2012	21 wrestlers + 09 coaches+06 supporting staff
4.	Asian Olympic Games qualifying tournament, Astana, Kazakhstan from 28.03.2012 to 01.04.2012	18 wrestlers+08 coaches+05 supporting staff
5.	Olympic Qualifying Tournament-3^rd phase, Taiyuang, China from 25.04.2012 to 29.04.20	18 wrestlers+08 coaches+05 supporting staff
6.	Olympic Qualifying Tournament-3^rd phase, Helsinki, Finland from 02.05.2012 to 06.05.2012	18 wrestlers+08 coaches+05 supporting staff

In the last Olympic Games held at Beijing in 2008, three Wrestlers, namely Yogeshwar Dutt (60 Kg), Sushil Kumar (66 Kg.) and Rajiv Tomar (120Kg.) participated. Sushil Kumar was able to win a Bronze Medal in Beijing four years ago in 66 kg category. Yogeshwar Dutt participated in the 60 Kg. Wt. Category and reached upto Quarter finals, whereas Rajiv Tomar participated in the 120 Kg. Wt. Category and lost in 1st round.

Nepal to Fast Track Karnali and Arun Projects

2012-01-19T11:41:00.000+05:30

Nepal has assured India of quick resolution of issues pertaining to Indian investment in Nepal. The Industry Minister of Nepal Mr Anil Jha in his meeting with Shri Anand Sharma , Minister of commerce Industry and Textiles, here today, singled out Karnali and Arun power projects for fast-track clearances. Shri Anand Sharma said that “this move on the part of Nepal will send a very positive signal for deepening of economic relations and boosting investor confidence.” Indian firms are the biggest investors in Nepal accounting for about 47.5% of total approved foreign direct investments. There are about 150 operating Indian ventures in Nepal engaged in manufacturing, services (banking, insurance, dry port, education and telecom), power sector and tourism industries. Indian joint ventures in Nepal have contributed significantly to increase in Nepal’s exports to India. They also provide direct employment to around 30,000 Nepali citizens and indirect employment to more than twice that number. As per extant FDI policy there is no restriction for inflows of FDI from Nepal. Both Governments have signed the text of bilateral investment protection and promotion agreement. Shri Anand Sharma assured Mr Jha of continued special relationship with Nepal.

The Nepalese Minister asked the Minister for better concessions for the jute products from Nepal. He also made a strong pitch for further concessions for Nepal imports and more investments from India. The bilateral trade between the two countries has increased from US$ 1985 mn in 2009-10 to around US$ 2700 in 2010-11 registering an increase of around 36%. Exports from Nepal to India have also grown from US$ 452mn in 2009-10 to US$ 476mn in 2010-11 (an increase of around 5.3%). Our growing mutual cooperation in the development of the hydropower potential of Nepal confirms the special relationship between our two countries. India would like to accelerate such cooperation which would usher in a new era of prosperity for citizens of Nepal. It is estimated that sale of electricity from the 40,000 MW hydropower potential of Nepal can generate revenues of more than 10 billion US$ per annum. Nepal could also attract a lot of investment in manufacturing/services sector by overcoming its present power shortage.

Covering The Statues Of Elephants And Statues Of Mayawati

2012-01-19T11:36:00.000+05:30

The Election Commission issued an Order on 8th January 2012 for suitably covering the statues of elephants and statues of Ms. Mayawati constructed in public places at government expenses for the duration of the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.
The Order of the Commission is in accordance with the law and in keeping with its Constitutional mandate for ensuring level playing field during the elections with the objective of ensuring free and fair polls. This Order is also in conformity with the Commission’s consistent practice to remove photographs, pictures, etc. of active political leaders at all public places, put up at the cost of public exchequer so that there is no undue advantage or disadvantage to political parties and candidates.

There are standing instructions of the Commission, again reiterated in 2009, that images and photographs of Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, Ministers and other political functionaries who are active in public life should not be displayed in government buildings and premises as that would have the effect of disturbing the level playing field. The statues depicting any party symbol and put up in public places at the cost of public money would also come in this category.

The basic philosophy of Model Code of Conduct is that the political parties, particularly the parties in power at the Centre and in the States, do not use their official power and official machinery in a manner which may give cause of complaint to others that the same have been misused by them to influence the voters. This basic philosophy of the Model Code of Conduct has met with the approval of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in a catena of cases.

The Commission’s enforcement only relates to statues of living leaders of political parties who are still active in politics and not leaders of the past. That is why statues of several icons including that of late Shri Kanshi Ram as well as of other parties have not been ordered to be covered. Any charge of discrimination on this ground can only be ill founded. In fact, the UP administration has been asked to bring to the Commission’s attention, statues of other political parties standing on similar footing and which have been erected at government cost so that appropriate action can be initiated.

The contention that the statues of elephants as erected are different from the election symbol of BSP is not acceptable. In that case, other Political Parties would be in a position to seek allotment of the Elephant symbol in different postures.

While enforcing the level playing field, the Commission does not take into account statues raised with private funds, whether of political leaders or election symbols or otherwise. Questions have been raised about various living and non-living objects that might resemble party symbols, some of them also created out of government funds. It is to be appreciated that many such common objects are created/ provided/ supplied by any government, irrespective of party affiliation in the course of its normal functioning and by no stretch of logic these can be compared with the statues as in the present case.

The issue of statues was the subject matter of some complaints before the Commission in 2009, wherein it was pleaded to freeze the elephant symbol. The Commission in its Order of 11th October, 2010, while not accepting the request, had made it clear that at the time of elections, the Commission would take appropriate measures to see that the statues do not disturb the level playing field.

It also needs to be clarified that in implementation of the MCC, Commission does not engage in prior consultations every time, but looks to take early remedial action in order to keep the electoral process on the track. In any case, here the Commission was covering a government property, hence the need to consult any political party does not arise.

Looking from whatever rules, facts and reasoning, the step to cover the statues was the most appropriate and available option before the Commission.

While Commission takes all views about its working in its stride, but it is truly disturbed that the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the national President of BSP, Ms. Mayawati, has cast serious aspersions on the Commission, in public, by attributing anti-Dalit and casteist motives to the Commission’s Order and also alleging that the Order is inspired by pressure from some political parties. Commission regrets that such an allegation was made and rejects the allegation. It expects a higher sense of responsibility and Constitutional decorum from major political parties and their leaders. It notes with concern such statements coming from those holding senior Constitutional positions.

The Commission needs to reiterate that it takes its decisions and enforces them within the provisions of the Constitution and that does not include considerations of religion, race, caste and community in the manner alleged. Rather it is one of the assigned responsibilities of the Commission to ensure that these aspects are not allowed to vitiate the election process.

The Commission hopes that the aforesaid explanation makes its stand on the covering of the statues amply clear. It does not intend to further engage in elaborating the matter in the thick of its election management work.

Grant of subsidy to Jute Corporation of India to maintain its infrastructure for MSP (Minimum Support Price) operations

2012-01-17T18:41:00.000+05:30

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the following:

(a) To provide subsidy to Jute Corporation of India on continuous basis to off-set the losses on account of MSP operations. The quantum of subsidy will include the difference between the expenditure incurred on MSP raw jute upto the point of sale and sale price of MSP raw jute. The reimbursement of fixed overhead cost would be maintained at a level of Rs.55 crore from the jute year 2011-12. It will be granted every year as preparedness expenses for conducting MSP operation, therefore, to be paid even for those years when there is no MSP operation.

(b) To regularise the subsidy given to Jute Corporation of India during 2009-10 and 2010-11 (Rs.36.59 crore and Rs.30crore respectively) and release the balance amount due for 2010-11 (Rs.6.59 crore) to make it at the same level as that of the previous years.

(c) To provide one-time government guarantee upto Rs.150 crore along with accrued interest, as applicable, for 10 years with effect from the financial year 2011-12 to public sector banks for availing of working capital loan facility as and when required by the Jute Corporation of India Ltd. for conducting the MSP operations.

This decision will provide financial support to Jute Corporation of India to protect the interest of the jute growers through procurement of raw jute under the MSP fixed by the Government of India and also to stabilize the raw jute market for the benefit of the 40 lakh farm families and the jute economy as a whole.

National Electricity Fund (Interest Subsidy) Scheme to subsidize interest rate on loans

2012-01-17T18:39:00.000+05:30

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved setting up of the National Electricity Fund (Interest Subsidy Scheme) to provide interest subsidy etc. aggregating to Rs.8466 crore for a period of 14 years for projects of electricity distribution sector.

The scheme will become operational within a period of 6 to 12 months.

The National Electricity Fund (Interest Subsidy Scheme) is being set up to provide interest subsidy on loans to be disbursed to the Distribution Companies (DISCOMS) - both in the public and private sector, to improve the distribution network for areas not covered by Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) and Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) project areas, The preconditions for eligibility are linked to certain reform measures taken by the States and the amount of interest subsidy is linked to the progress achieved in reforms linked parameters. The nodal agency for National electricity Fund(NEF) would be Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd(REC).

In order to evacuate and distribute the power generated as a result of the ambitious capacity addition programme, commensurate investment is required in transmission and distribution sector. The DISCOMS, which handle the distribution sector, are in financial stress due to a variety of reasons. The national average Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) loss during 2007-08 was 29.24%, ranging from 13.10% to 61.59% for different DISCOMS. The Thirteenth Finance Commission had reported that the projected aggregate losses of State Transmission and Distribution Utilities at 2008 tariffs would be at Rs.1,16,089 crore by 2014-15. Thus the Central government intervention is required for revamping and restructuring the distribution sector.

The investments in distribution sector are already being undertaken under the RGGVY and R-APDRP covers towns with population of more than 30,000 (10,000 in case of Special Category States). RGGVY primarily addresses the issue of providing access of electricity to un-electrified or partially electrified villages. The scope of works and amount of investment in these schemes is not adequate to meet the entire requirement of the distribution sector. There is no scheme to cover towns with population of less than 30,000 (10,000 in case of special category States); for reduction of AT&C losses in rural areas; for augmentation of distribution networks necessitated by capacity addition; for system strengthening and upgradation; and for encouraging States to undertake agricultural and domestic feeder separation in rural areas. While it is important to channelise investments in distribution sector, it is also equally important to link these investments to reforms, as the viability of the entire power sector depends on the viability of the distribution utilities. Accordingly, the proposed scheme links interest subsidy with reforms.

There would be two categories of States for working out the interest subsidy-special category and focused states, and States other than special category and focused states. The precondition of eligibility are operationalisation of State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC), formulation of business plan for turn around of utilities in a times bound manner, reorganization of State Electricity Boards (SEB), release of subsidy, submission of audited annual accounts and timely filing of tariff petition. Any pre-condition of eligibility can be relaxed/modified to overcome any difficulty in operating this Scheme, with the specific approval of Steering Committee, to be chaired by Secretary(Power).

Financial implications of the National Electricity Fund would be interest subsidy aggregating Rs.8466 crore spread over 14 years for loan disbursement amounting to Rs.25,000 crore for distribution schemes sanctioned during the 2 years viz., 2012-13 and 2013-14. The outlay of' Rs.8466 crore would cover payment of interest subsidy to the borrowers, service charges to the nodal agency, payments to independent evaluators and other incidental expenses.

The implementation of the scheme would result in reduction of AT&C losses, reduction of gap between Average Cost of Supply and average revenue on subsidy received basis, improving return on equity and issue of notification of multiyear tariff along with investment in distribution sector. This scheme will facilitate Central government intervention, and catalyst for revamping and restructuring the state sector distribution scheme.

Thrust to Potential Entrepreneurs: Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for MSME

2012-01-17T18:34:00.000+05:30

The Government launched the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises in August, 2000 with the objective of making available credit to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) for loans up to Rs. 100 lakh without collateral/third party guarantees. First generation entrepreneurs in MSE sector find it difficult to access credit from the organized banking sector. The banks on their part are concerned about the likely defaults in small loans and hence try to collateralize their exposure to the small borrowers. Keeping this in mind, it was thought fit to create the instrument of Credit Guarantee to enhance the comfort level of the banks for financing loans, as well as a new gateway for MSE entrepreneurs to get funding without collateral security and/or third party guarantee. The scheme is being operated by the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) set up jointly by the Government and SIDBI.

The scheme covers collateral free credit facility (term loan and/ or working capital) extended by eligible lending institutions to new and existing micro and small enterprises up to Rs. 100 lakh per borrowing unit. The guarantee cover provided is up to 75% of the credit facility up to Rs.50 lakh with an incremental guarantee of 50% of the credit facility above Rs.50 lakh and up to Rs.100 lakh (85% for loans up to Rs. 5 lakh provided to micro enterprises, 80% for MSEs owned/ operated by women and all loans to NER). One time guarantee fee of 1.5% of the credit facility sanctioned (0.75% for NER including Sikkim) and Annual Service Fee of 0.75% is collected from Member Lending Institutions (MLIs). The corpus of CGTMSE is contributed by the Government and SIDBI in the ratio of 4:1. At present the corpus is around Rs.3300 crore which enables substantial enhancement in the credit flow to MSEs by leveraging it many times over.

A total of 125 Member Lending Institutions comprising of 26 Public Sector banks, 18 Private Sector Banks, 68 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), 4 foreign banks and 9 other Financial Institutions have been registered which allows a wide coverage across country.. CGTMSE has been recognised internationally and has been made a member of the Asian Credit Supplementation Institutions Confederation (ACSIC), which promotes sound development of the credit supplementation system for Micro and Small Enterprises in the countries of Asia through exchange of information, discussions and interchange of personnel among credit supplementation institutions. CGTMSE was chosen to host the 24th ACSIC Conference, a annual conference for Heads of Guarantee Organisations of Asian region for the first time in India during October-November, 2011.

The scheme has helped around 7 lakh entrepreneurs by providing guarantee & enabling them loans worth more than Rs. 31 thousand crore. Success stories abound, from a small taxi driver to steel equipment manufacturer. Some of these stories are narrated below.

Driving Life, Collateral Free

Ghanshyam Dubey, a taxi driver in Mumbai, tells us how easy his life has become, thanks to the CGTMSE. In the 30 years of his driving career, the past owner of six cars had to struggle to raise loans. Without collaterals he could not get a loan from a bank and would typically be forced to look at the unorganized sector for funding. This time, however, he approached an MLI of CGTMSE, which not only gave him the loan without collateral but also helped him with all the paper work. Ghanshyam says his loan was sanctioned in a record 3 days time. Talking about his experience, he says that while his colleagues had to wait for more than 20 days just to clear the paper-work, his taxi was at his front door in just 5 days. All he has to do now is pay his monthly installments through post dated cheques. With his current monthly income he can now provide quality education to his children and take care of their other needs without any hassle. The Trust has presented him with a better life.

Funding Modernization

Raju Mathews, a steel equipment manufacturer in Mumbai, was faced with the proposition of modernizing his machinery involving an investment close to Rs 70 lakh. Changing his decade old equipment was essential to make his upcoming delivery, which meant he was running against a deadline to raise funds. The entrepreneur of 14 years, Raju approached an MLI of CGTMSE for a loan after learning of a scheme for MSEs, which provided a subsidy. Raju was hoping for more than a subsidy in a tough market. Could someone help him with collateral? Fortunately, Raju’s requirement was eligible under CGTMSE scheme which gave him a credit guarantee cover. The whole sanctioning process was completed in time for his delivery. Raju’s company manufactures steel equipment and makes them available in the markets of Iran, Africa, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, apart from selling it in India. His enterprise now boasts of a turnover of around Rs. 4 crores during the first quarter of FY 2011 as against the turnover of Rs. 15.45 crores during the previous year. The company now has a manpower of around 25 employees.

Life Sciences Entrepreneur All Praise For Collateral-Free Loans

Nidhi Saxena’s dream of floating her own company bore fruit in 2005. After having served 15 years in the IT and the BPO industry, she was keen to become an entrepreneur. This had been her goal ever since she completed her MBA from the SP Jain College, Mumbai, in 2002. Sensing unlimited potential in the life sciences business, Nidhi took the plunge and started Karmic Life Sciences with a fund of Rs. 80,000 backed by an angel investment. Initial year’s success meant that Nidhi had to raise funds to grow her business but she had no collateral to raise loans from banks. Private equity funding was her first natural choice until her angel investor, Indian Internetwork, put her on to an MLI of CGTMSE for collateral free loans. After evaluating Nidhi’s requirements, the MLI recommended the CGTMSE scheme and explained to her how the Trust can help her not only in getting a collateral free loan but also get timely advisory assistance. Since the fund requirement was higher than what CGTMSE could cover, it was decided that a mix of loan and equity investment could be worked out under the small and medium enterprise promotion loan of the MLI. The only thing Nidhi had to assure was the promoter’s guarantee. Moreover, CGTMSE scheme gave her business a clear window to pay back in easy quarterly installment, a real boon for a startup. Today, with about 45 professionals in its fold, Karmic Life Sciences is on the growth path. The company which is aiming at Rs. 8 crore turnover in 2011, has already got into the US market. The company has a 12,000-square feet facility in Mumbai. It is planning to go for full Gold Standard in terms of information security by September 2010. It also plans to set up a sales office in the US. Nidhi’s company is also working towards setting up a cancer hospital in India. Contented with the collateral-free loans availed by her, Nidhi now recommends the Trust to potential entrepreneurs.

CGS Puts Dattaray In Driver’s Seat

Dattaray Wedhikar’s career as an entrepreneur had begun when he set up a small scale unit called Bharti Industrial Corporation in Mumbai that manufactured components for sheet metal press. He was soon joined in the business by his son Sri Rajendra Wedhikar, who had just completed his Diploma in Engineering. Dattaray realized that Pune, which was then emerging as an industrial city, offered immense expansion potential for their business. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area in Bhosari, Pune, accommodated several industrial enterprises belonging to the MSME and large scale production sectors. Most of the MSMEs in the area were engaged in manufacturing automobile parts, components and small components as they fulfilled the role of OEM suppliers for large auto manufacturers based in India and overseas. Sensing an opportunity there, the Wedhikars relocated to Pune and set up a small unit in Bhosari in 1983 named Datsons Engineering Works, for supplying components mainly to TELCO. Dattaray raised the capital for this project by selling his modest flat in Mumbai and his meager savings. In its initial years, the unit struggled to provide adequate returns on the investment. It was crippled by poor infrastructure and the lack of a steady supply of raw materials, and their equipment that was unable to function at high capacities. Despite these problems, the unit was able to grow with the help of loans from a leading Public Sector Bank. The unit was aided in its growth momentum by the bank’s branch in Pune that provided four loans with collateral security in the unit’s initial years.

Government committed to provide markets to rural artisans: Jairam

2012-01-17T18:30:00.002+05:30

Union Rural Development Minister Shri Jairam Ramesh said that providing markets to the products of the skilled rural artisans remains the most important challenge facing the Centre and the state governments. Inaugurating the sixth Shishir Saras Mela at Dilli Haat in the capital, he said, the success of the mela lies in the wholehearted participation of the artisan community from all parts of the country. This year more than 300 women self-help groups, rural artisans and craftsmen from all parts of the country have put up stalls at Dilli Haat, which provides an opportunity to mostly the BPL beneficiaries to sell their products and earn additional income, besides gaining national and international exposure. Shri Ramesh said, efforts will also be made to provide space to the self help groups at the big airports to sell the valuable products. The Minister also asked the Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology, CAPART, to organize Saras Melas in bigger cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bangalore so that rural artisans get opportunities to market their products throughout the year.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director General of CAPART, Dr A.K.Singh said, the department is trying to provide a permanent marketing place to the rural artisans and talks are on with the DDA for a suitable plot in the capital. He said, moreover Saras artisans will visit Bangladesh, Pakistan and Mexico to put up stalls after the recent successful visit to Shanghai. He said, this exhibition-cum-sale covers a wide range of products from all over the country and paves the way for developing linkages with the buyers. The Mela will remain open till 31st of January.

Ram Vilas Paswan And His Strange Politics

2012-01-16T13:47:00.000+05:30

Ram Vilas Paswan and his Party, LJP ,has been opposing the government of Bihar tooth and nail on every count, without any valid reason whatsoever. But Nitish Kumar led government seems to be growing stronger each days.People have not forgotten the Jungle Raj as yet.They dread the prospect of a government led by Lalu,Rabri or Paswan.They are worried that in any such eventuality,law and order would collapse completely and goons will start dictating terms.like the way they used to do.Those who have bought Car or properties recently would be singled out for extortion.There would be complete anarchy and the state would plunge into darkness once again.
Though the LJP was not part of the RJD government and the audacity shown by Ram Vilas Paswan was much appreciated and he had received support from all section of Society for that also.But Paswan.squandered away all that and had to befriend Lalu in order to keep his chances alive for any future prospect.But that calculation went horribly wrong.

Physical and Hygroscopic Properties of Makhana -S.N.Jha

2012-01-16T13:20:00.000+05:30

Makhana is the popped expanded kernel of the gorgon nut (Euryale ferox) and is used as a delicious food in India. Presently, it is sorted, graded and used as an ingredient of various ready-to-eat products.

High volumetric expansion of makhana increases transport cost and makes it too expensive in distant places. Makhana thus requires further processing to get some value-added products of minimum volume.

To develop any kind of product and mechanized system for their production, physical properties are required. Furthermore, since makhana is a seasonal and regional crop its storage conditions are also needed for keeping it appropriately at processing centres.

Physical properties of makhana at moisture contents ranging from 5 to 20% (dry basis) and equilibrium moisture content at relative humidities ranging from 11·2 to 88% at temperature 30°C were determined using standard techniques.

Physical properties were found to be: test weight (weight of 1000 makhana) 286 to 384 g; bulk density 56·5–84·6 kg/m3; particle density 105–240·6 kg/m3; porosity 29·4–48·9%; angle of repose 33–35·6°; and static coefficient of friction 0·596–0·82 and 0·493–0·684 on galvanized iron and stainless steel, respectively. The equilibrium moisture content of makhana was found to be between 11·5 and 58·9% (dry basis) within the ranges of variables studied.

Status of implementation of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)

2012-01-12T17:26:00.000+05:30

The Cabinet today reviewed the implementation of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. The Scheme was launched on 1st October, 2007 as the health insurance scheme for families living below the poverty line. It was operationalised on April, 2008.

The basic features of the scheme are as follows:

(i) Government of India contributes 75% of the annual premium. State Governments contribute 25%. In case of North-East region and Jammu & Kashmir, the premium is shared in the ratio of 90:10.

(ii) The beneficiary family pays Rs. 30 per annum per family as registration/renewal fee. Administrative cost is borne by the State Governments.

(iii) Beneficiaries are entitled to smart card based cashless health insurance cover of Rs.30,000 per family per annum on a family floater basis.

(iv) Coverage of all pre-existing diseases.

(v) Coverage of hospitalisation expenses, including maternity benefit.

(vi) Payment of transportation cost of Rs. 100/- per visit.

As on 31st December, 2011, about 2.57 crore smart cards are active and more than 29.25 lakh persons have availed hospitalisation facilities in 24 States/UTs.

The RSBY has also been extended to following occupational groups:

(i) Building and other Construction Workers

(ii) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) beneficiaries

(iii) Street Vendors

(iv) Beedi Workers

(v) Domestic Workers

As is evident from the above, the scheme has been extended to a few segments of unorganised workers. In future, it is likely to be expanded to other segments of such workers.

PM’s Speech at the release of HUNGaMA (Hunger and Malnutrition) Report

2012-01-10T17:46:00.000+05:30

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh released the HUNGaMA (Hunger and Malnutrition) Report-2011 in New Delhi today. The following is the text of the Prime Minister’s address on the occasion:

“There are nearly 16 crore children in the country below the age of 6 years. In the years to come, these children will join our work-force as scientists, as farmers, as teachers, as data operators, as artisans, as service providers. Several of them will become social workers like many of you in this hall. The health of our economy and society lies in the health of this generation. We cannot hope for a healthy future for our country with a large number of malnourished children.

I have said earlier on a number of occasions and I repeat that the problem of malnutrition is a matter of national shame. Despite impressive growth in our GDP, the level of under-nutrition in the country is unacceptably high. We have also not succeeded in reducing this rate fast enough.

The first step in addressing the challenge of malnutrition lies in understanding it clearly. And it is for this reason that studies like the HUNGaMA survey are so important. I congratulate all those associated with the publication of this very valuable report. I would like to, in particular, compliment the Citizen’s Alliance against Malnutrition, the Nandi Foundation, Mahindra & Mahindra and other partners and supporters of the Alliance for carrying out this very significant survey. I understand that the surveyors have reached more than 73,000 households in 112 districts across 9 states. To measure the nutrition status of more than one lakh children and talk to 74,000 mothers is indeed an extraordinary accomplishment and I congratulate all those who are associated with this valuable survey.

The results of this survey are both worrying and encouraging. The survey reports high levels of malnutrition, but it also indicates that one child in five has reached an acceptable healthy weight during the last 7 years in 100 focus districts. This 20% decline in malnourishment in the last 7 years is better than the rate of decline reported in National Family Health Survey - 3. However, what concerns me and what must concern all enlightened citizens, is that 42% of our children are still underweight. This is an unacceptably high occurence.

We have always believed that a mother’s education level, the economic status of the family, the provision of sanitation and hygiene, the status of women in the family, breastfeeding and other good child-rearing practices do affect children’s nutrition. The HUNGaMA survey has broadly validated these hypotheses.

Though the ICDS continues to be our most important tool to fight malnutrition, we can no longer rely solely on it. We need to focus on districts where malnutrition levels are high and where conditions causing malnutrition prevail. Policy makers and programme implementers need to clearly understand many linkages -- between education and health, between sanitation and hygiene, between drinking water and nutrition – and then shape their responses accordingly.

These sectors can no longer work in isolation of each other. Health professionals cannot solely concentrate on curative care. Drinking water and sanitation providers cannot be oblivious to the positive externality of their actions. The school teacher needs to be aware of the nutritional needs of the adolescent girl. And above all, the Anganwadi workers should be aware of their contribution to nation-building by focusing on the care of our young citizens.

I chair a National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges, which met a year ago and decided upon four things:

• To launch a strengthened and restructured ICDS,
• To start a multi-sectoral programme for 200 high-burden districts.
• To initiate a nationwide communication campaign against malnutrition.
• And to bring nutrition focus to key programmes of agricultural development, research and development in agriculture, the Public Distribution System, the mid-day-meals programme, drinking water, sanitation, health and the latest on the horizon is the Food Security Bill etc.

The Ministries concerned are taking necessary action to implement these four decisions. We hope to see positive outcomes of these efforts, but we need the cooperation of all stakeholders: the government, the civil society the entrepreneurs and the business community. All of them have to effectively work together to bring malnutrition below unacceptable levels.

Let me end by once again congratulating all those who have contributed to this report.

The HUNGaMA report is an excellent example of how people from diverse areas can and should come together for a noble cause. It is my sincere hope that the report will enhance our understanding of the challenge of malnutrition and will help shape better policy responses to it. I wish you all success in the noble endeavour that you are engaged in.”

Prime Minister Greets African National Congress on its Centenary

2012-01-09T12:11:00.000+05:30

Calling the Centenary celebrations of the African National Congress (ANC) “a moving moment for all those across the world who cherish human dignity and freedom”, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said that economic engagement between the two countries have demonstrated dynamism in recent years and India and South Africa have coordinated their positions on many complex global issues. In a message to the President Jacob Zuma of South Africa the Prime Minister wrote “the dawn of 21st century has seen a dramatic shift in global, economic and political architecture and in the emerging paradigm, countries of the South are increasingly being called to play a much larger role. …today we (India and South Africa) share the same table at United Nations Security Council and G-20 and we are partners in IBSA and BRICS.”

Shri Anand Sharma, Minister for Commerce, Industry and Textiles, who is heading the Indian delegation to the Centenary celebrations of the African National Congress (ANC) in the South African city of Mangaung (Bloemfontein) called on President Jacob Zuma, who is also the President of the ANC, yesterday and personally handed over the message of the Prime Minister along with the message of the and President of the Indian National Congress (INC), Smt. Sonia Gandhi. Smt Gandhi recalled the shared past and shared national heroes by the two countries. She recalled Mahatama Gandhi’s 22 year stay in South Africa where he shaped his philosophy of Satyagrah and Non-violence. She also noted that the “leadership of Madiba (President Nelson Mandela) provided the moral anchor and the healing touch during the reconciliation process which was the emergence of a rainbow nation.” She thanked President Zuma for his invitation to join the celebrations and informed him that the India is represented by a senior leadership delegation, comprising of those who have been proactively engaged with struggle against apartheid, as mark of respect and solidarity.

President Zuma thanked Minister Sharma for the messages and stated that the ANC and the Indian National Congress shared historic and fraternal links forged over many years of struggle for freedom and justice. Minister Sharma stressed the continuing importance India attaches to the bilateral relationship between India and South Africa, and noted that the close party to party relations between the ANC and INC were a special facet of the overall bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Kolkata to Host 100th Indian Science Congress

2012-01-08T11:37:00.000+05:30

The 99th Indian Science Congress concludes at Bhubaneshwar today with Childrens’ Science Congress and Womens’ Science Congress. Shri B Hari Gopal, Adviser , Science and Technology to the Prime Minister took charge from Smt Geetha Bali, out going President of 99th Indian Science Congress. The Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh will be the President of the 100th Indian Science Congress which will be held at Kolkata next year.

Several awards were given away to the winners of best entries in various competitions like posters, essays etc which were held to create awareness in the field of science and technology in 14 sections.

The 99th edition of ISC was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday. More than 15,000 delegates, including scientists and students participated in the January 3-7 event held at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT University). The theme of the conference was "Science and Technology for Inclusive Innovation - Role of Women". Along with the event Women’s Science Congress and Childrens’ Science Congress were also organised.

The five-day event witnessed 35 special lectures and 30 plenary sessions and panel discussions, a `Pride of India` expo and other programmes. Experts from various science and technology related fields took part in the event which saw a huge attendance of school children from across the country. Around 250 delegates from abroad including NRIs and several noble laureates participated in the ISC.

Besides the emphasis on women and children, the other issue in focus at the Congress were missiles. India`s premier military weapons developer, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed models of the Agni, Prithvi, Nag, Akash, BrahMos and Astra missiles. Departments from various government departments and private organisations and industries exhibited various research modules and programmes.