PIB releases - December 10, 2015

List as at 9.20 pm, December 10, 2015
 Natural resources conflict, issue of gender equality, caste, communal, ethnic and sub-
national conflicts, environmental implications over developmental projects have become
part of Human Rights agenda: Vice President (10-Dec-2015:09:00:02)
 Dr Jitendra Singh calls for 'Make in India' health module (10-Dec-2015:08:43:25)
 Substantial contribution by Shri Sharad Pawar as Agriculture Minister led to India’s
success in agricultural production, says President (10-Dec-2015:08:23:16)
 NHRC celebrates Human Rights Day today (10-Dec-2015:08:21:31)
 Union Human Resource Development Minister Smt. Smriti Irani confers National Award
for Innovations in Educational Administration 2015 (10-Dec-2015:08:12:36)
 PM attends 75th birthday celebrations of Shri Sharad Pawar (10-Dec-2015:08:09:48)
 Reported case of neonatal tetanus at PGI, Chandigarh does not change the country’s
status on MNTE (10-Dec-2015:07:39:53)
 Two-Day 11th UIC World Security Congress concludes today i.e. 10th December 2015 at
New Delhi (10-Dec-2015:06:56:00)
 Text of PM's speech at Jagran Forum (10-Dec-2015:06:36:18)
 Establishments of Kendriya Vidyalayas (10-Dec-2015:06:34:46)
 Committee for 'No Detention' Policy (10-Dec-2015:06:33:27)
 Construction of Toilets for Girl Students (10-Dec-2015:06:33:15)
 National Uniform Education Policy for Regional Languages (10-Dec-2015:06:32:17)
 New Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (10-Dec-2015:06:31:46)
 Time Used for Preparation and Consumption of Mid-Day Meal (10-Dec-2015:06:30:57)
 Special Training Centre in Minority Concentrated Districts (10-Dec-2015:06:29:21)
 ISRO Performing Post Launch Orbit Raising Manoeuvres (10-Dec-2015:06:28:54)
 293 Observation and 47 Special Homes for juveniles functioning in States/UTs (10-Dec-
2015:06:26:41)
 Verdict on Sanskriti School (10-Dec-2015:06:26:01)
 Measures taken by the Government to improve the condition of Child Care Institutions
(10-Dec-2015:06:25:37)
 Steps taken by Government for survival, protection and education of Girl Child (10-Dec-
2015:06:24:25)
 Reservation in Promotion (10-Dec-2015:06:21:24)
 Lateral Entry in IAS (10-Dec-2015:06:18:58)
 Chairman, PFRDA calls for increasing the coverage of State Autonomous Bodies (SABs)
and to bring the unorganised workers including Anganwadi & Asha workers and SHGs
within the ambit of NPS; State Governments urged to generate awareness to maximise
coverage under Atal Pension Yojana (APY) as the benefit of Government co-contribution
would be available to those subscribers only who join APY before 31st December, 2015
(10-Dec-2015:06:16:10)
 President of India to mark 80th birthday tomorrow (10-Dec-2015:06:04:04)

 Shri Nadda releases “India Health Report: Nutrition 2015” and “Global Nutrition Report”
(10-Dec-2015:05:59:14)
 Setting up of Helipad at AIIMS (10-Dec-2015:05:45:53)
 MoU on Flight Safety (10-Dec-2015:05:44:04)
 Congestion at Delhi Airport Domestic Terminal (10-Dec-2015:05:42:30)
 Self Service Baggage Drop Kiosks at Airports (10-Dec-2015:05:40:38)
 Maharashtra breaks new ground under Atal Mission; to set up solar power plants to pump
water (10-Dec-2015:05:34:46)
 Facilities Along National Highways (10-Dec-2015:05:23:02)
 Increasing Interest of Youth In Research and Development (10-Dec-2015:05:21:58)
 Target for Road Construction in the North-East (10-Dec-2015:05:21:53)
 Work on Assam East-West Corridor Project (10-Dec-2015:05:20:44)
 Financial Assistance to Accident Victims (10-Dec-2015:05:19:33)
 Government Reviews National Highways Projects (10-Dec-2015:05:18:18)
 Skill Council for Artists/Crafts Persons (10-Dec-2015:05:18:17)
 Road Mapping Through Satellites (10-Dec-2015:05:17:01)
 Unemployment after vocational training (10-Dec-2015:05:16:27)
 Special funds for skill development (10-Dec-2015:05:16:11)
 Logistic Efficiency Enhancement Programme (10-Dec-2015:05:15:59)
 Central Road Fund (10-Dec-2015:05:14:41)
 IPO of Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (10-Dec-2015:05:05:23)
 Mobile Courts (10-Dec-2015:05:04:33)
 Cargo Handling by Ports (10-Dec-2015:05:04:01)
 E-Courts Mission Mode Project (10-Dec-2015:05:03:25)
 Use of Regional Languages in High Courts (10-Dec-2015:05:02:13)
 Realizing the Potential of Inland Waterways (10-Dec-2015:05:02:12)
 Logistic Cost (10-Dec-2015:05:00:59)
 Renaming of High Courts (10-Dec-2015:05:00:33)
 Development of Shipping Industry (10-Dec-2015:04:59:43)
 Kerala chief minister calls on the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers to discuss
the issue of revival of FACT (10-Dec-2015:04:49:19)
 ‘Pragati’ (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), Initiated by PMO, held
Seven Meetings so far to Monitor the Projects / Schemes (10-Dec-2015:04:47:56)
 Measures taken by the Government for gender equality/socio-economic
development/empowerment of women (10-Dec-2015:04:09:42)
 No deficiency of funds under ICDS Scheme: Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi (10-Dec-
2015:04:07:59)
 Textiles Minister launches e-Auction of National Textile Corporation yarn (10-Dec-
2015:04:07:36)
 426 cases registered under the Protection of Women against Domestic Violence Act,
2005 during the year 2014 (10-Dec-2015:04:06:19)

 ‘Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children 2015’ will help expand adoption
programme in the country and address delays in adoption process: Smt Maneka Sanjay
Gandhi (10-Dec-2015:04:04:07)
 Self Employment Under Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana (10-Dec-2015:03:28:05)
 People Employed in MSME Sector (10-Dec-2015:03:27:22)
 Grievances of Aged People (10-Dec-2015:03:23:43)
 Recommendations of National Commission for Backward Classes (10-Dec-
2015:03:21:40)
 Funds to NGOs and its Auditing (10-Dec-2015:03:20:02)
 Steps for Development of Underground Coal Gasification Technology (10-Dec-
2015:03:01:07)
 Solar Power to Farmers (10-Dec-2015:03:00:51)
 Research Work in Coal Sector (10-Dec-2015:02:59:44)
 Solar Power Systems on Railway Stations (10-Dec-2015:02:58:55)
 Setting Up of National Tourism Board (10-Dec-2015:02:57:43)
 Promotion of Remote Villages and Small and Medium Towns as tourist Spots (10-Dec-
2015:02:56:12)
 National Cleanliness Campaign on ‘Religious Places, Tourism and Heritage Sites’ is in
Progress from 1st to 15th Dec. 2015 (10-Dec-2015:02:56:12)
 Contribution of Tourism and Hospitality Sector to Economy (10-Dec-2015:02:54:52)
 Development of Buddhist Circuits (10-Dec-2015:02:53:58)
 Converting islands and light houses into Tourist attractions (10-Dec-2015:02:52:28)
 Bed and Breakfast Scheme (10-Dec-2015:02:50:58)
 Strengthening of Facilities at Tourist Destinations (10-Dec-2015:02:49:41)
 Delay in Supply by BHEL (10-Dec-2015:02:26:26)
 Global Economic Recession Affect (10-Dec-2015:02:26:10)
 Health Ministry inks Strategic Partnership with DD, Prasar Bharati for Enhanced
Awareness on Public Health Issues (10-Dec-2015:01:42:34)
 Shri Nadda invites private sector to contribute in health sector of the country (10-Dec-
2015:01:27:01)
 PM addresses Jagran Forum (10-Dec-2015:01:16:17)
 Clarification regarding Notices of defective returns issued to FII/FPIs (10-Dec-
2015:01:16:05)
 New facility of pre-filling TDS data while submitting online rectification (10-Dec-
2015:01:15:50)
 Shri Shripad Yesso Naik to inaugurate AROGYA Fair at Varanasi on 12th December,
2015 (10-Dec-2015:01:14:15)
 Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan says that a New Chapter in
India’s Relationship with the United Kingdom begins (10-Dec-2015:12:55:30)
 MoU Signed between ICIS and NBCC for Construction of ICIS at Tirupati and Noida
(10-Dec-2015:12:43:18)
 PM pays tribute to C Rajagopalachari on his birth anniversary (10-Dec-2015:11:40:41)

 Global Crude oil price of Indian Basket was US$ 36.75 per bbl on 09.12.2015 (10-Dec-
2015:10:08:07)

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas 10-December, 2015 10:08 IST
Global Crude oil price of Indian Basket was US$ 36.75 per bbl on 09.12.2015
The international crude oil price of Indian Basket as computed/published today by
Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas was US$ 36.75 per barrel (bbl) on 09.12.2015. This was lower than the price of US$
37.34 per bbl on previous publishing day of 08.12.2015.
In rupee terms, the price of Indian Basket decreased to Rs 2453.22 per bbl on
09.12.2015 as compared to Rs 2493.98 per bbl on 08.12.2015. Rupee closed stronger
at Rs 66.75 per US$ on 09.12.2015 as against Rs 66.80 per US$ on 08.12.2015. The table
below gives details in this regard:
Particulars Unit Price on December 09,
2015 (Previous trading day i.e.
08.12.2015)
Pricing Fortnight for 01.12.2015
(Nov 11 to Nov 26, 2015)
Crude Oil
(Indian Basket)
($/bbl) 36.75 (37.34) 41.17
(Rs/bbl 2453.22 (2493.98) 2725.87
Exchange Rate (Rs/$) 66.75 (66.80) 66.21
YKB/Rk/Daily Crude Oil Price- 10.12.2015
Release Id :132906

Prime Minister’s Office 10-December, 2015 11:40 IST
PM pays tribute to C Rajagopalachari on his birth anniversary
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Shri C. Rajagopalachari on his birth
anniversary.
“Shri C Rajagopalachari’s contribution to India is legendary. I bow to this freedom fighter
and profound thinker on his birth anniversary,” the Prime Minister said.
***
AKT/NT
Release Id :132911

Ministry of Tourism 10-December, 2015 12:43 IST
MoU Signed between ICIS and NBCC for Construction of ICIS at Tirupati and
Noida
The construction of Indian Culinary Institutes (ICIs) at Tirupati and Noida is all set to begin,
with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Culinary
Institute (ICI) Society and the National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd. (NBCC)
yesterday at the Ministry of Tourism, New Delhi. The MoU was signed by Dr. Preeti
Srivastava, Joint Secretary & Ex-officio Director, ICI on behalf of ICI Society and Sh.
Rajendra Chaudhari, Director (Commercial) on behalf of NBCC Ltd. Secretary, M/o Tourism
Shri Vinod Zutshi and Joint Secretary, M/o Tourism Shri Suman Billa also graced the
occasion.
Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) at Tirupati with its Northern Regional Chapter at Noida are
being set up by the Ministry of Tourism. Foundation Stones for both the Institutes have
already been laid. The Govt. of Andhra Pradesh has transferred land measuring 14.21 acres at
Tirupati in favour of ICI Society for construction of ICI Tirupati.
The main objective of setting up of ICI is to institutionalise a mechanism to support efforts
intended to preserve, document, promote and disseminate the Indian Cuisine, meet the
sectoral requirement of specialists specific to Indian Cuisine, as also of teachers, and promote
Cuisine as a Niche Tourism product. The ICIs are proposed as Institutes of Excellence that
will offer structured regular programmes of study specific to culinary arts leading to graduate
and post graduate level degrees, promote research and innovation, organize demand driven
certificate and diploma courses, document and create data base specific to Indian cuisine and
commission studies and survey on cuisine.
The need for ICI is felt as the formal education specific to Indian cuisine, a culinary art, with
pan-India sweep is conspicuous by its absence. There is no regular credible institutional
source at apex level for supply of cuisine specialists to the sector. Also, at present there is no
institutional mechanism to document and disseminate information related to cuisine.
In India at present, there is dearth of ideal training ground to groom chefs of international
standards. To fill this void, the ICIs would provide the appropriate training ground at par with
the culinary schools functioning in different parts of the developed world. The edifice to be
created would be exclusive and one of its kind at selecting and training the best talent through
intensive programmes of one to three years duration. This effort will facilitate building a
super-speciality food production work-force to assure positions of Chefs and beyond in the
hospitality industry.
*****
Sanjay Kumar/Tourism-1/10.12.2015
Release Id :132913

Ministry of Science & Technology 10-December, 2015 12:55 IST
Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan says that a New
Chapter in India’s Relationship with the United Kingdom begins
India-UK Technology Summit Knowledge Expo from 24-26 October 2016, Pragati
Maidan, New Delhi
Union Minister for Science & Technology & Earth Sciences Dr Harsh Vardhan, says
that a new chapter in India’s relationship with the United Kingdom begins. Announcing
holding of the India-UK Technology Summit Knowledge expo from 24th to 26th October
2016 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi along with the UK Minister of Universities & Science
Shri Jo Johnson, he said the relationship received a new fillip with the visit of our Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to the UK recently.
Both ministers during their bilateral discussions while recalling various collaborative
activities between the two countries, expressed resolve to further cement their ties in the field
of Science & Technology. Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that together both the countries should
now address grand challenges through scientific understanding and technology interventions
on Public Health & Well Being; Energy-Water-Food nexus; Sustainable Infrastructure; as
well as Manufacturing Technologies and Big Data Analytics. These are all priority focus
areas of the present government under our national missions like Make in India, Digital India,
Smart Cities, Clean India and Start-up India, Dr. Harsh Vardhan added.
Shri Jo Johnson said that his country will try to continue its support to the Newton –
Bhabha Programmes with increased funding. He assured that there will be a big participation
by the British at the India-UK Technology Summit Knowledge expo in October next year.
The Prime Ministers of India and UK in a joint statement during the visit of the Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi to London last month had announced that UK will be the
partner country for the 2016 Technology Summit in Delhi.
The two Prime Ministers announced that 2016 would be the UK-India year of
Education, Research and Innovation. This will highlight the strengths of the bilateral
relationship, drive further collaboration, including a range of digital technology enabled

education and training initiatives, so that both countries create a new 21st century framework
as partners in education, research and innovation partners, in the global context.
They welcomed the announcement by Innovate UK, the Department of Science and
Technology (DST) and the Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA), of the
opening of a third round of collaborative industrial R&D, making up to $3.5 million available
to support novel commercial solutions in the areas of clean-tech energy, affordable healthcare
and ICT related to clean-tech energy and healthcare.
The 2016 October summit is expected to bring together the best of UK and Indian
companies talking about technology cooperation under one roof. It will showcase the success
of the Science and Technology cooperation between the two nations and will explore
partnerships for future initiatives.
The India-UK Technology Summit & Knowledge expo 2016 will focus on critical
sectors such as Manufacturing, Information & Communication Technology, Affordable
Healthcare, and Clean Technology.
The summit, like the previous editions, will provide a wide-ranging knowledge
partnership platform to industry, institutions and government agencies from India and the UK
for forging knowledge-business partnerships in manufacturing, trade & investments and also
in facilitating a comprehensive convergence of key elements of Knowledge Economy, i.e.,
Science, Technology and Research & Development; Design; Intellectual Property Rights,
Higher Education and Skills; and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Five Concurrent India-UK conferences and large India-UK exhibition will provide
stakeholders from both sides for exploring knowledge-business partnerships. The major
beneficiaries of the summit & exposition will be micro small and medium enterprises which
are the backbone of Indian manufacturing and which need access to next generation
technologies to sustain growth into the next decade.
*****
KSP/ss
Release Id :132914

AYUSH 10-December, 2015 13:14 IST
Shri Shripad Yesso Naik to inaugurate AROGYA Fair at Varanasi on 12th
December, 2015
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik will
inaugurate AROGYA, a comprehensive national level fair on Ayurveda, Yoga &
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
on 12th December, 2015.
This AROGYA Fair has attracted importance as it would involve participation of
international delegates. The officials of 16 foreign missions in India would be attending the
inaugural function. In addition, the AYUSH Companies of 5 countries have confirmed their
participation in the AROGYA Fair.
The Ministry of AYUSH has been organizing AROGYA Fair in the major cities in India
since 2005 to promote awareness and showcase development in the various AYUSH
Systems. In view of the huge public response for the Fair, the Ministry is organizing
AROGYA at BHU from 12/12/2015 to 15/12/2015 in association with the state government
of Uttar Pradesh, BHU and Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(FICCI).
Central Research Councils/ National Institutes in the AYUSH System of medicine along with
the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB), Indian Medicines Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Limited (IMPCL) and about 80 private AYUSH Industries will participate in the four day
event and showcase their strength in the realm of research, education and development of
products to promote healthcare through AYUSH Systems. AROGYA Fair provides an all-
encompassing platform to all AYUSH stake holders to come together to project all facts of
AYUSH.
The fair aims to create awareness among the members of the public about the efficiency of
the AYUSH System, their cost effectiveness and the availability of herbs and plants used for
prevention and treatment of common ailments at their door steps through various mass media
channels to achieve the objective of health for all.
*****
NB
Release Id :132915

Ministry of Finance 10-December, 2015 13:15 IST
New facility of pre-filling TDS data while submitting online rectification
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has simplified the process of online
rectification of incorrect TDS details filed in the Income Tax Return. Taxpayers were
required to fill-in complete details of the entire TDS schedule while applying for rectification
on the e-filing portal of the Income-tax Department (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in).
Errors due to incomplete TDS details in rectification applications were leading to delays in
processing of such applications thereby causing hardship to the taxpayers.
To avoid this inconvenience, a new facility has been provided for pre-filling of TDS
schedule while submitting online rectification request on the e-filing portal to facilitate easy
correction or up-dating of TDS details. This is expected to considerably ease the burden of
compliance on the taxpayers seeking rectification due to TDS mismatch.
********
DSM/MAM/AK
Release Id :132917

Ministry of Finance 10-December, 2015 13:16 IST
Clarification regarding Notices of defective returns issued to FII/FPIs
Notices of defective returns were issued under Section 139(9) of the Income-tax Act to
Foreign Institutional Investors/Foreign Portfolio Investors (FIIs/FPIs) in cases where Balance
Sheet and P&L account were not filled.
In order to overcome this difficulty, it is clarified that such returns will not be treated as
defective in cases where the FIIs/FPIs:
i) is registered with SEBI
ii) has no Permanent Establishment/ Place of Business in India
iii) has provided basic information required under section 139(9)(f) of the
Income-tax Act, if there is business income
All such cases, where the SEBI registration number has been provided by the FIIs/FPIs in
the return for AY 2015-16 are being taken-up for processing at CPC Bengaluru. For previous
assessment years where the above information is not available in the Income Tax Return,
FII/FPI may provide such details in their online response on the e-filing portal of the Income-
tax Department (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) to the previously issued notice u/s
139(9) of the Income-tax Act.
*****
DSM/MAM/AK
Release Id :132918

Prime Minister’s Office 10-December, 2015 13:16 IST
PM addresses Jagran Forum
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the Jagran Forum, organized in
New Delhi by Jagran Prakashan Limited.
The Prime Minister used the quote “Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty,” to emphasize
the importance of awareness in democracy. He said a vibrant democracy requires Jan
Bhaagidaari – the participation of the people. The Prime Minister recalled how Mahatma
Gandhi had turned the freedom struggle into a people’s movement. He said this model of
“Jan-Andolan” should be applied to the country’s development process as well.
The Prime Minister said laws made before independence were based on the premise that
people should not be trusted. However, this approach should now change.
In this context, the Prime Minister gave examples of self-certification of documents, the
people’s participation in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and the Give-it-up campaign for LPG
subsidy.
The Prime Minister explained how the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and the “Start Up
India – Stand Up India” initiatives were creating a positive impact.
The Prime Minister also explained the approach of “Minimum Government, Maximum
Governance” and said archaic laws were being weeded out.
***
AKT/HS
Release Id :132919

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 10-December, 2015 13:27 IST
Shri Nadda invites private sector to contribute in health sector of the country
Sets up Special Task Force
“In spite of several challenges in the health sector in the country, our vision is to provide
universal health coverage i.e. ensure universal access to quality healthcare that they need
without financial hardship for our citizens”. This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union
Minister for Health and Family Welfare at the 12th India Health Summit, an annual flagship
event on healthcare, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), here today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister stated that today’s event gives us an
opportunity to strengthen partnerships to move towards our common goal of providing
equitable and affordable healthcare of quality to all. The Health Minister announced setting
up of a Special Task Force comprising the of Ministry and the private sector representatives
to further deliberate on the further contours of such partnership. He said, “We have been in
constant dialogue with the industry on health issues for so many years and now the time is
ripe for us to move forward. I assure the Government’s commitment to promote effective
public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience, expertise and
mutual trust. I also look forward to this Summit throwing up concrete suggestions and action
plans towards collaborating with government to achieve out health goals.”
Shri Nadda highlighted some challenges in the health sector such as like variation in health
facilities between urban and rural areas, variation between public and private health services
and issues of regulation regarding health activities. Concentration of health services in the
southern and western parts of the country don’t match in terms of health delivery system as
well as health infrastructure with the northern and central regions. The North-Eastern and the
Central tribal areas also need attention, he added. The Health Minister said generally the
focus lies on secondary and tertiary but primary healthcare also needs more attention. Paucity
of human resource in health, inadequate infrastructure, poor logistics and supply chain
arrangements to ensure essential drugs and supplies continue to be areas of concern, the
Health Minister added.
Shri Nadda said, “We need stronger partnership to achieve the target under the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all by 2030.
The country is broadly on track to achieve the three MDGs related to the health Sector.”
Enumerating the recent notable achievements of the Ministry, the Health Minister said that
with “Mission Indradhanush” (which is the world’s largest immunization programme) the full
immunization cover has increased to 65% while the aim is to extend this 90% by 2020. Shri
Nadda stated that the National Health Mission (NHM) and Mission Indradhanush have very
significantely contributed to strengthening health systems in the country. Since inception, a
total of over Rs. 1, 34,000 crores have been released under NHM. The Health Minister
further stated that the India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) aims to will bring down newborn
deaths and still births in single digit by 2030. The recently launched IPV as part of Routine
Immunization Programme will also play a major role in preventing child mortality. The
Health Ministry is planning to launch vaccines like for Adult JE, MR and Rotavirus soon, he
added.
The Health Minister informed that the Government has taken some major policy decision in
its fight against HIV-AIDS. He said that in view of the growing need for treatment services,
the Ministry has decided that the cut-off level for initiation of Anti Retrieval Therapy (ART)
will henceforth be a CD4 count of 500. With this decision an additional 1 lakh persons will
start getting benefit of treatment.

Shri Nadda invited suggestion from the private sector for the draft National Health Policy.
These suggestions will enable it to become holistic and truly meaningful, he said.
Also present on the occasion were, Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman, CII Healthcare Council
and Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta-The Medicity, Shri Malvinder Mohan Singh,
Executive Chairman, Fortis Healthcare Limited and Shri Rahul Khosla, Co-Chairman, CII
Healthcare Council and Managing Dirctor, Max India Limited.
*****
MV/BK
Release Id :132920

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 10-December, 2015 13:42 IST
Health Ministry inks Strategic Partnership with DD, Prasar Bharati for Enhanced
Awareness on Public Health Issues
In a significant move, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare signed a Strategic
Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Doordarshan (DD), Prasar Bharati,
here today. The MoU was signed by Shri K B Agarwal, Addl. Secretary in the Ministry of
Health & Family Welfare and Shri C Lalrosanga, Director General, DD, Prasar Bharati in the
presence of Shri B P Sharma, Secretary (HFW) and senior officers of the Health Ministry and
DD.
Highlighting the salient features of the MoU, Secretary (HFW) said that this is for the first
time that such a strategic partnership agreement has been signed between a Ministry and
Doordarshan. With this partnership, Doordarshan has agreed to provide a significantly high
amount of bonus airtime to the Ministry for its IEC activities. This presents a unique
opportunity for the Ministry to create heightened visibility on crucial public health issues
among the masses, especially in the rural and far flung areas where the reach of DD is very
high. The Secretary also stated that IEC activities form a very important component of any
health policy as the behavior change that awareness brings forth, plays a very significant role
in impacting the health outcomes. The enhanced broadcast airtime shall be fruitfully utilized
to create a health seeking environment in the country through focus on issues such as
handwashing, breastfeeding, shunning tobacco/drugs/alcohol etc., and adopting healthy
habits. Preventive and promotive healthcare have been the center of the IEC activities of the
Ministry, he added.
Also present at the MoU signing were Shri N S Kang, AS & DG (NACO); Dr. Rakesh
Kumar, JS (RCH, IEC); Smt. Dharitri Panda, JS and Shri K L Sharma, JS.
****
MV
Release Id :132921

Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises 10-December, 2015 14:26 IST
Global Economic Recession Affect
The Government has launched a “Make in India” initiative in September 2014 with 25 thrust
sectors to provide a push to manufacturing in India. An Investor Facilitation Cell with
support up to the State level has also been created in ‘Invest India’ to assist, guide, hand-hold
and facilitate investors during the various phases of the business life cycle. In addition,
various programmes such as inclusive development, including Financial Inclusion, Skill
India, Digital India, Industrial Corridors and Smart Cities are expected to provide boost to
growth and employment in India. These measures/initiatives will also benefit the Central
Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Selected CPSEs under Department of Heavy Industry
have been included in the “Make in India” initiative for restructuring and strengthening of
their capabilities and making appropriate business plans for the future.
This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and
Public Enterprises, Shri G.M. Siddeshwara in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
ST/rs
Release Id :132922

Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises 10-December, 2015 14:26 IST
Delay in Supply by BHEL
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has generally been supplying electrical equipments
in its scope as per requirements of various projects of utility power generating companies and
readiness of their project sites. However, delay in partial supplies can occur in certain
projects involving high level of complexities and inter-dependencies and sometimes delay is
due to non-readiness of required fronts at sites, constraints of proper storage, project coming
on hold, contractual issues etc.
This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and
Public Enterprises, Shri G.M. Siddeshwara in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
ST/rs
Release Id :132923

Strengthening of Facilities at Tourist Destinations
The Ministry of Tourism (MOT) is focusing on integrated development of tourist
circuits and destinations in the country. Following two new schemes have been launched in
2014-15 for this purpose:
1. Swadesh Darshan for Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits around
Specific Themes.
Under Swadesh Darshan, integrated development of theme based circuits is taken up
in order to provide engaging and complete tourism experience to both domestic and foreign
tourists.
Twelve theme based circuits i.e. North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit,
Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco
Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit and Ramayana Circuit have been
identified for development under “Swadesh Darshan”.
2) National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation
Drive (PRASAD) to beautify and improve the amenities and infrastructure at
pilgrimage centres of all faiths.
The PRASAD Scheme integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations
is taken up in a planned, prioritized and sustainable manner to provide complete religious
tourism experience to the tourists.
Under PRASAD, initially thirteen cities have been identified namely Ajmer,
Amritsar, Amravati, Dwarka, Gaya, Kamakhaya, Kanchipuram, Kedarnath, Mathura, Patna,
Puri, Varanasi and Velankanni.
The list of projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD in 2014-15 and
2015-16 (till 30.11.2015) is given below:-
The list of projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan during 2014-15 and 2015-16
(till 30.11.2015)
(Rs. in Crore)
Sl.
No.
Name of
the
Circuit
State Name of Project Year Amount
Sanctioned
1 Coastal
Circuit
Andhra
Pradesh
Development of Kakinada Hope
Island Konaseema as World
class coastal & Eco Tourism
Circuit in Andhra Pradesh
2014-
15
69.83
2. North-
East
India
Circuit
Arunachal
Pradesh
Bhalukpong-Bomdila-Tawang in
Arunachal Pradesh
2014-
15
50.00
3. Buddhist
Circuit
Bihar Cultural Centre, Bodhgaya 2014-
15
33.17
4 North- Manipur Development of Tourist Circuit 2015- 89.66

East
India
Circuit
in Manipur: Imphal-Moirang-
Khongjom-Moreh
16
5 North-
East
India
Circuit
Sikkim Development of Tourist Circuit
linking - Rangpo (entry) -
Rorathang - Aritar -
Phadamchen - Nathang -
Sherathang - Tsongmo - Gangtok
- Phodong - Mangan - Lachung -
Yumthang - Lachen - Thangu -
Gurudongmer - Mangan -
Gangtok - Tumin Lingee -
Singtam (exit) in Sikkim
2015-
16
98.05
6 Eco
Circuit
Uttarakhand Integrated Development of Eco-
Tourism, Adventure Sports,
Associated Tourism related
Infrastructure for Development
of Tehri Lake & Surroundings as
New Destination-District Tehri,
Uttarakhand
2015-
16
80.37
7 Desert
Circuit
Rajasthan Development of Sambhar Lake
Town and Other Destinations
under Desert Circuit in Swadesh
Darshan Scheme
2015-
16
63.96
8 Tribal
Circuit
Nagaland Development of Tribal Circuit
Peren –Kohima-Wokha,
Nagaland
2015-
16
97.36
Total 582.40
The State-wise details of the funds sanctioned under PRASAD Scheme during the
year 2014-15 and 2015-16 (till 02.12.2015)
(Rs. in Crore)
Sl.
No.
Name of the State & project Year Amount
Sanctioned
BIHAR
1. Development of basic facilities at
Vishnupad temple, Gaya, Bihar
2014-15 4.29
UTTAR PRADESH
2. Development of Mathura-Vrindavan as
Mega Tourist Circuit (Ph-II)
2014-15 14.93
3. Construction of Tourist Facilitation
Centre at Vrindavan, Distt. Mathura
2014-15 9.36

ODISHA
4. Infrastructure Development at Puri, Shree
Jagannath Dham- Ramachandi-Prachi
River front at Deuli under Mega Circuit
2014-15 50.00
PUNJAB
5. Development of Karuna Sagar Valmiki
Sthal at Amritsar
2015-16 6.45
RAJASTHAN
6. Integrated Development of
Pushkar/Ajmer
2015-16 40.44
Andhra Pradesh
7. Development of amaravati Town, Guntur
District of Andhra Pradesh as Tourist
Destination
2015-16 28.36
Assam
8. Development of Kamakhya Temple and
Pilgrimage Destination in and around
Guwahati.
2015-16 33.98
Grand Total 187.81
This information was given by Minister of State for Culture and Tourism
(Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a
written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
****
Sanjay Kumar/jk/Parl. No. 2/10-12-2015
Release Id :132924

Bed and Breakfast Scheme
The number of Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishments approved by the
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India as on date are as follows:-
REGION TOTAL NUMBER OF
UNITS
Northern Region 257
Southern Region 14
Eastern Region 9
Western Region 22
North East Region 3
TOTAL 305
Some State Governments also have their own schemes for approval of Bed and
Breakfast Establishments.
With a view to propagate and promote the Incredible India Bed & Breakfast Scheme,
the 05 Regional Offices of India Tourism at New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and
Guwahati alongwith the respective State and Union Territory Governments conducted
workshops in their region.
****
Release Id :132925

Converting islands and light houses into Tourist attractions
The Ministry of Tourism, as advised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, has
constituted a Sub-Group of Task Force comprising representatives from Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting; Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change;
Ministry of Shipping; Archaeological Survey of India; Coastal India Development Council;
Indian Coast Guard and Maritime Board of Government of Gujarat to provide inputs for
identifying islands for holistic development, indicate islands with historic places, and with
tourism potential for holistic development. An Interim Report on holistic development of
islands has been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Ministry of Shipping has informed that 78 lighthouses have been identified for
tourism development of which 44 are mainland lighthouses and 34 are island lighthouses.
The State-wise details of Lighthouses which are being developed as tourist attractions
are given below:-
Development and promotion of tourism including recreation facilities such as water
sports, resorts, light and sound shows at tourist attractions is the responsibility of the State
Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The Ministry of Tourism provides
Central Financial Assistance to the projects that are complete as per existing scheme
guidelines and are sanctioned subject to availability of scheme/funds and utilization of funds
released earlier.
LIST OF LIGHTHOUSES
Land Lighthouses Island Lighthouses
GUJARAT
1. Dwarka 1. Pirotan N. Point
2. Veraval 2. Kalubhar
3. Mandvi 3. Piram
4. Kachchigarh 4. Savaibet
5. Gopnath
6. Alang
MAHARASHTRA/ GOA
1. Uttan 1. Vengurla Rock
2. Korlai Fort 2. Sao George
3. Jaigarh 3. Kanhoji Angre
4. Ratnagiri 4. Sunk Rock
5. Umergaon
6. Devgad

7. Tolkeshwar
8. Kanai Creek
9. Aguada
KARNATAKA
1. Bhatkal 1. Oyster Rock
2. Suratkal
3. Kaup
KERALA
1. Chetwai
2. Vypin
3. Mannakodam
4. Vizhinjam
5. Thangesseri
6. Kannur
7. Alleppy
8. Kadalur Point
LAKSHADWEEP
1. Kadamat
2. Thinakara
3. Agathi
4. Androth W. End
5. Kavaratti
6. Suhelipar
7. Chetlath
8. Kalpeni
9. Kiltan
10. Minicoy
TAMILNADU
1. Manappad
2. Kilakkarai
3. Kodikkarai
4. Portonovo
5. Pulicat

6. Mahabalipuram
7. Kanyakumari – Muttam
PUDUCHERY
1. Pondicherry
ANDHRA PRADESH
1. Antervedi 1. Nagayalanka
2. Sacramento
3. Vakalpudi
4. Santapille
5. Kalingapatnam
ODISHA
1. Gopalpur 1. False point
2. Puri
3. Paradip
4. Chandrabhaga
WEST BENGAL
1. Dariyapur 1. Saugor island
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLAND
1. North point
2. North Cinque
3. Port Cornowallis
4. Sir Huge Rose
5. Aves
6. East island
7. Chidiya Tapu
8. Little Andaman
9. Rutland
10. Keating Point
11. South Sentinel
12. Narcondum

****
Release Id :132926

Development of Buddhist Circuits
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme in the year 2014-
15 with a vision to develop theme based tourist circuits on the principles of high tourist value,
competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner by synergizing efforts to focus on
needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment
opportunities. The Ministry has identified Buddhist Circuit as one of the twelve thematic
circuits for development under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.
The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance to State
Governments/Union Territory Administrations for tourism projects including Buddhist circuit
in consultation with them subject to availability of funds, liquidation of pending utilization
certificates and adherence to the scheme guidelines.
The details of projects sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan scheme till date are
given below:-
Details of the projects sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan
scheme.
(Rs. in Crore)
Sl.
No.
State Name of the project Sanctioned
Amount
Year- 2014-15
1 Andhra
Pradesh
Development of Kakinada Hope Island Konaseema
as World class coastal & Eco Tourism Circuit in
Andhra Pradesh
69.83
2 Arunachal
Pradesh
Bhalukpong-Bomdila-Tawang in Arunachal
Pradesh
50.00
3 Bihar Cultural Centre, Bodhgaya 33.17
Year – 2015-16
1 Manipur Development of Tourist Circuit in Manipur:
Imphal-Moirang-Khongjom-Moreh
89.66
2 Sikkim Development of Tourist Circuit linking -
Rangpo (entry) - Rorathang - Aritar -
Phadamchen - Nathang - Sherathang - Tsongmo -
Gangtok - Phodong - Mangan - Lachung -
Yumthang - Lachen - Thangu - Gurudongmer -
Mangan - Gangtok - Tumin Lingee - Singtam
(exit) in Sikkim
98.05
3 Uttarakhand Integrated Development of Eco-Tourism,
Adventure Sports, Associated Tourism related
Infrastructure for Development of Tehri Lake &
Surroundings as New Destination-District Tehri,
80.37

Uttarakhand
4 Rajasthan Development of Sambhar Lake Town and Other
Destinations under Desert Circuit in Swadesh
Darshan Scheme
63.96
5 Nagaland Development of Tribal Circuit Peren –Kohima-
Wokha, Nagaland
97.36
****
Release Id :132927

Contribution of Tourism and Hospitality Sector to Economy
As per the 2nd Tourism Satellite Account of India (TSA) - 2009-10 and subsequent
estimation for the next three years namely 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13, the contribution of
tourism to total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-
13 were 6.77%, 6.76%, 6.76% and 6.88%, respectively. The contribution of tourism to total
Employment of the Country during 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 were 10.17%,
10.78%, 11.49% and 12.36%, respectively.
Keeping in view this significant contribution of tourism in economy and employment of the
country, Ministry of Tourism makes adequate policies and programmes to attract more
tourists. Some of the major initiatives taken by the Ministry of Tourism to attract more
foreign tourists in the country are as below:
i. Central Financial Assistance (CFA):
Ministry of Tourism operates various schemes through which Central Financial Assistance
(CFA) is provided to States/UTs for overall development and promotion of tourism.
Recently, Ministry of Tourism has launched following two new schemes for development of
tourism in thematic manner:
Swadesh Darshan: Swadesh Darshan was launched for development of theme based tourist
circuits in a way that caters to both mass and niche tourism in a holistic manner. Twelve
Circuits namely North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal
Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural
Circuit, Spiritual Circuit and Ramayana Circuit have been identified for development under
this Scheme.
National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD):
This new Scheme has been launched for the development and beautification of pilgrimage
sites to tap the growth of domestic tourists driven by religious sentiments and to augment
tourism infrastructure at places of pilgrimage to facilitate pilgrims/tourists. In the first phase,
cities namely Amritsar, Kedarnath, Ajmer, Mathura, Varanasi, Gaya, Puri, Dwarka,
Amravati, Kanchipuram, Vellankanni, Guwahati and Patna have been identified for
infrastructure development.
ii. Publicity and Promotion:
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, promotes India as a holistic destination in the
international markets. As part of its promotional activities, the MoT releases campaigns in the
international markets under the Incredible India brand-line to showcase various tourism
destinations and products including its cultural heritage.
Moreover, a series of promotional activities are being undertaken in tourist generating
markets overseas through the India Tourism Offices abroad with the objective of showcasing
India’s tourism potential and promoting tourism to the country. These promotional activities
include participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising road shows, Know India
seminars & workshops; organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals;
publication of brochures, offering joint advertising and brochure support, and inviting media
personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality
programme of the Ministry.

The Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to Stakeholders and Tourism
Departments of States/Union Territories for undertaking promotional activities under the
Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme.
iii. e – Tourist Visa (e-TV):
The Government of India has introduced the facility of e-TV for the citizens of 113 countries
at 16 airports. Introduction of e-TV is a Path breaking measure by the Government in easing
entry formalities in the country.
Government of India has also revised the e-TV fee in four slabs of 0, US$25, US$48 and
US$60 from November 3, 2015. Earlier e-TV application fee was US$60 and bank charge as
US$2 which was uniform for all the countries. The revision of Visa fee has been done on the
principle of reciprocity. Bank charges have also been reduced from US$2 to 2.5 % of the e-
TV fee. During the period January to October, 2015 a total of 2,58,182 e-TV holders visited
India indicating the success of the new online process.
This information was given by Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent
Charge) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a written reply in
Rajya Sabha today.
****
Release Id :132928

National Cleanliness Campaign on ‘Religious Places, Tourism and Heritage Sites’ is
in Progress from 1st to 15th Dec. 2015
A National Cleanliness Campaign is being observed from 25th September, 2015 to 31st
October, 2016 for intensifying active participation in Swachh Bharat Mission. As part of this,
a theme based drive on ‘Religious Places, Tourism and Heritage Sites’ is being undertaken
from 1st December to 15th December, 2015.
The Ministry of Tourism has written to all State Government and UT Administrations to
observe the drive, to install flex board messages in religious places and heritage sites on
importance of cleanliness, to print new entry tickets to national heritage sites, with
cleanliness message on the back side, to contact NGOs and schools for undertaking
cleanliness drives with students from schools and universities – within the religious places
and heritage sites.
Heads of various religious organizations have been approached to issue open appeals to the
citizens of India to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in their day to day activities..
A dedicated Project Monitoring Unit for overseeing the work related to the Swachh Bharat
Abhiyaan has been constituted and is likely to become functional in December, 2015.
*****
Sanjay Kumar/jk/Tourism-9/10.12.2015
Release Id :132929

Promotion of Remote Villages and Small and Medium Towns as tourist Spots
Under the new Scheme Swadesh Darshan for Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits
around Specific Themes, twelve Thematic Circuits namely North-East India Circuit, Buddhist
Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit,
Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit and Ramayana Circuit have
been identified for development, which among other things, cover remote villages and small
and medium towns.
The Ministry of Tourism (MOT) promotes India as a holistic destination and as part of its on-
going activities, annually releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in
the international and domestic markets, under the Incredible India brand-line, to promote
various tourism destinations and products of the country. MOT also promotes the tourism
destinations and products through its websites and publicity and promotional material
produced by it from time to time. In addition, a series of promotional activities are
undertaken in important and potential tourist generating markets abroad through overseas
India tourism offices with the objective of showcasing India’s tourism potential and
increasing tourist arrivals to the country. The objectives are met through an integrated
marketing and promotional strategy and a synergized campaign in association with the Travel
Trade, State Governments and Indian Missions overseas.
These include participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising road shows, ‘Know
India’ seminars & workshops; organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals;
publication of brochures; offering joint advertising and brochure support and inviting media
personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality
Programme of the Ministry.
This information was given by Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent
Charge) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a written reply in
Rajya Sabha today.
****
Release Id :132930

Setting Up of National Tourism Board
The growth registered in the final figures of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India
during last two years was better than the provisional estimates of FTAs. The provisional
estimates and final figures of FTAs in India along with the growth rates over previous year is
given below:
Year 2013 2014
Provisional FTAs (in million) 6.85 7.46
Growth rate (%) 4.1 7.1
Final FTAs (in million) 6.97 7.68
Growth rate (%) 5.9 10.2
The Ministry of Tourism is currently in the process of formulating a National Tourism
Policy 2015 with the aim of positioning India as a “Must Experience” and “Must Revisit”
destination for global travellers, encouraging Indians to explore their own country and
realising the potential of tourism as a major engine for economic growth, employment
generation and poverty alleviation in a responsible framework. During the consultation
process with stake holders for getting input for the policy, one of the suggestions received for
the Policy includes the setting up of a National Tourism Authority/Board.
****
Release Id :132931

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy 10-December, 2015 14:58 IST
Solar Power Systems on Railway Stations
Government is encouraging installation of solar power systems particularly
on rooftops all over the country including on railway stations and airports
as well. This was stated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for
Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (IC) in a written reply to a
question in the Lok Sabha today. The Minster further stated that so far as
aggregate capacity of 17.69 MWp solar power systems have been installed at
airports and 1.5 MWp in railway stations . The details are solar power systems
installed at airports and railway stations
. Details of solar power systems installed at airports and railway stations
Sl.No. Name of
Airport/Railway
Station
Solar power
(ground mounted)
(MWp)
Solar power
rooftop (MWp)
A Airports
1. Cochin 13 0.10
2. IGIA, New Delhi 2.14 --
3. Mumbai -- 0.65
4. Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan,
Safdarjung Airport
--
0.25
5. Bhopal -- 0.10
6. Indore -- 0.10
7. Bhubaneswar -- 0.10
8. Raipur -- 0.10
9. Jaiselmer -- 0.10
10. Amritsar -- 0.40
11. Lucknow -- 0.50
12. Guwahati -- 0.05
13. Jaipur -- 0.10
Total 15.14 2.55
B Railways --
1. Katra railway station -- 1.00
2. Other railway stations -- 0.50
Total -- 1.50
The Minister further stated that the Government is promoting use of renewable energy
systems all over the country which includes airports and railway stations and other public
places in the country for which the following steps are being taken:

Ministry of Railways has set a target for setting upof 1,000MWp solar power plants
on railway/private land and railway buildings in next 5 years.
Financial support in the form of generation based incentives and viability gap
funding for solar power projects.
Subsidy for grid connected rooftop solar systems, solar pumping systems,
concentrated solar thermal and other off-grid solar applications.
Fiscal incentives such as accelerated depreciation, concessional custom duty, excise
duty exemptions, income tax holiday for 10 years
Concessional loans from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
Loans under Priority Sector Lending uptoRs. 15 crore for renewable energy projects.
Bank loans as a part of home loan/ home improvement loan for solar rooftop systems
Capacity building and public awareness through electronic and print media.
RM/PS
Release Id :132932

Ministry of Coal 10-December, 2015 14:59 IST
Research Work in Coal Sector
The Government of India through its Coal Science & Technology (S&T) scheme and
Coal India Limited (CIL) through its Research & Development (R&D) scheme undertake
R&D activities for improvement in production, productivity and safety in coal mines, coal
beneficiation and utilization, protection of environment and ecology and other related
activities. This was stated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal &
New and Renewable Energy (IC) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today .
R&D activities are administered through Standing Scientific Research Committee (SSRC
headed by Secretary (Coal) and R&D Board of CIL headed by Chairman, CIL.
The Minister further stated since introduction of research funding of Ministry of Coal
[MoC] and Coal India Limited, a large number of research projects have been carried out by
various academic and research institutes related to the coal and allied industries with active
participation of coal and lignite mining companies. Many of these projects have yielded
considerable benefits, resulting in operational improvement, safer working conditions, better
resource recovery and protection of the achievement.
Informing the Members, the Minister stated that at present, there are 34 on-going
research projects with total outlay of more than Rs. 200 Cr at various academic and research
institutions in association with coal and lignite producing companies. Under the above R&D
scheme, different Government academic/research institutions are involved in the
researchwork in coal sector. A few of the Government academic/research institutions which
have undertaken the research work for the last three years are given below:
1. Anna University, Chennai
2. Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi
3. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
4. Central Electro Chemical Research Institute, Karaikudi
5. Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad
6. Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur
7. Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
8. Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur
9. Institute of Mineral and Materials Technology, Bhubneshwar
10. Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad
11. National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad
12. National Institute of Technology, Surathkal
13. National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli
14. National Institute of Technology Rourkela
15. National Institute of Rock Mechanics, Kolar
16. The Energy and Resources Institutes, New Delhi
17. North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat
18. Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute, Gujarat

In Research projects, have been staff component which generally includes Project
Coordinator, Project Leader and a few Senior Research Fellows / Junior Research Fellows /
Research Associates are engaged by the concerned implementing agency to facilitate the
research work. Adequate funds are earmarked annually by the Ministry of Coal (MoC) and
Coal India Limited (CIL) to carry out research work in coal and lignite sector for the areas
mentioned above.
The expenditure on R&D activities for the last three years and current year by CIL and
through S&T grant of Ministry of Coal are as follows:-
(Rs. in Cr.)
Year Expenditure
2012-13 22.75
2013-14 22.73
2014-15 29.68
2015-16
(Till date)
8.60
For enhancing the research work needed to address the complexity of operations of the
coal industry and for wider involvement of research institutes including private
organizations with adequate infrastructure and expertise in India and abroad, requests are
made from time to time, inviting research proposals for undertaking research work
beneficial to the coal industry, the Minister added.
RM/PS
Release Id :132933

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy 10-December, 2015 15:00 IST
Solar Power to Farmers
The Ministry has been implementing Solar Pumping programme through States,
NABARD & other Government departments for setting up of Solar Power plants to pump
water for irrigation purpose. This was stated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for
Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (IC) in a written reply to a question in the Lok
Sabha today . Shri Goyal further said that the programme is demand driven. State
Governments send proposals to the Ministry based on the requirements in their respective
States. Ministry is providing 30% capital subsidy equivalent (Rs/Hp) for setting up of solar
water pumping systems, limited to maximum 5 HP, the Minister added. The subsidy pattern
is given as follows:
Central Financial Assistance (CFA) pattern for Off-Grid Solar PV Pumps
Rs per
HP
Sno. SPV Capacity
General
Category
Through
NABARD
NE States,
A&N,
Special
Category
Channel
Partners
System States
Lakshadweep
Islands States
1
DC
Pumps Up to 2 HP Rs. 43200 Rs. 57600 Rs. 47520 Rs. 43200 Rs. 41000
>2HP to 5HP Rs. 40500 Rs. 54000 Rs. 44550 Rs. 40500 Rs. 38500
2
AC
Pumps Up to 2 HP Rs. 37800 Rs. 50400 Rs. 41580 Rs. 37800 Rs. 36000
>2HP to 5HP Rs. 32400 Rs. 43200 Rs. 35640 Rs. 32400 Rs. 30700
>5 HP to 10
HP* Rs. 28800 Rs. 38880 Rs. 32076 Rs. 29160 Rs. 27630
*SPV water pumping system over 5HP may avail subsidy under State Government
Schemes where ever applicable. MNRE subsidy will be limited to 5 HP only even for higher
capacity pumps till any revision in the Scheme.
RM/PS
Release Id :132934

Ministry of Coal 10-December, 2015 15:01 IST
Steps for Development of Underground Coal Gasification Technology
.
Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) in consultation with
organizations like Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC), Geological Survey of
India (GSI), Director General of Mine Safety (DGMS), Singareni Collieries Company
Limited (SCCL) has identified following 7 blocks (5 lignite & 2 coal) for development
of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) technology in India. This was stated by Shri
Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy
(IC) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today . These Blocks are as
follows:
A. Lignite Blocks
1. Sindhari West, Barmer,Rajasthan
2. ChoklaNorth,Barmer,Rajasthan
3. Nimbalkot, Barmer,Rajasthan
4. Nagurda, Barmer,Rajasthan
5. Dungra,Surat,Gujarat
B. Coal Blocks
1. Yellendu(Dip Side)-SCCL
2. Bandha-Singrauli Main Basin
The Minister further stated that CMPDI has also identified 2 blocks within Coal
India Limited (CIL) areas namely, Kaitha in Ramagarh Coalfieldunder Central Coalfields
Limited (CCL) and Thesgora”C” in Pench-Kanhan Coalfield under Western Coalfields
Limited (WCL).
In India the work related to development of UCG was initiated in early 80’s by Coal
India and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) separately with Soviet Experts.
While CIL/CMPDI activities were confined to the coal seam having shallow occurrence
whereas ONGC took up the studies in areas having occurrence of coal/lignite in deeper
horizon., A Science &Technology (S&T) pilot project at Merta Road Lignite Deposit
was taken up by the CIL/CMPDI for ascertaining the techno-economic viability of the
project. However, on apprehension of contamination of groundwater, the project could
not be pursued further , Shri Goyal added.
RM/PS
Release Id :132935

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment 10-December, 2015 15:20 IST
Funds to NGOs and its Auditing
This Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched an NGO portal viz.
www.ngograntssje@gov(.)in for mandatory online submission and processing of GIA
applications w.e.f. 01-04-2015. During the year 2014-15, 4174 NGOs have submitted
applications for grants-in-aid for implementing the schemes of welfare of Scheduled Castes,
Other Backward Classes, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities and Drug & Alcohol
abuse prevention, on this portal. Of these, 1360 NGOs were sanctioned funds for
implementing the schemes.
The guidelines of the schemes do not stipulate auditing of the reports by Chartered
Accountants authorized by the Ministry. After release of grants-in-aid to NGOs, the final
accounts for a financial year are required to be rendered by them with utilization certificate
and audited accounts signed by a chartered accountant within six months of the close of the
financial year. In case the NGOs (i) do not get their accounts audited (ii) do not follow the
norms, and (iii) do no maintain their accounts properly then no further grants-in-aid is
released to the organization. Also, the Ministry can initiate action to blacklist such
organization and take legal action for recovery of funds released to them.
This information was given by the Minister of State, Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri
Vijay Sampla in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha here today.
****
AKP/ASB
Release Id :132936

Recommendations of National Commission for Backward Classes
NCBC in its report dated 26.10.2015 has stated that the children of MPs should fall under
creamy layer and MLAs and MLCs should not be brought under the creamy layer and the
Rule of Exclusion should not be made applicable to them.
National Commission for Backward Classes in its report dated 26.10.2015 has stated in the
proposed schedule category-I, the following in this regard under the heading “Who will fall
in the creamy layer”:-
“Persons holding constitutional posts/positions and of like nature including Ministers of
Central/States, sitting MPs, etc fall in the creamy Layer.”
Krishan Pal Gurjar in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha here today.
****
AKP/ASB
Release Id :132937

Grievances of Aged People
There are four Commissions, five Public Sector Corporations and three Statutory bodies
working under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The list is given at Annexure
Annexure
Referred to in reply to part (a) of Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1396, raised
by Smt Sarojini Hembram, M.P. regarding Grievances of aged people.
List of Commissions, Corporations and other Statutory Bodies working under the Ministy
of Social Justice and Empowerment:
Commissions;
1. National Commission for Scheduled Castes;
2. National Commission for Safai Karamcharis;
3. National Commission for Backward Classes;
4. National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes.
Corporations:
1. National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation;
2. National Safai Karamchari Finance and Development Corporation;
3. National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation;
4. National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation;
5. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India;
Other Statutory Bodies:
1. Rehabilitation Council of India;
2. Office of the Chief Commission for Persons with Disabilities;
3. National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental
Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.
There is no proposal under consideration of the Government for giving additional powers
to these bodies for addressing the grievances of senior citizens. However, the National
Institute for Social Defence (NISD), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment is working with the objective of strengthening and providing technical
inputs to the social defence programmes of the Government and to develop and train the
manpower resources required in the field of social defence. The Institute is mainly involved
in conducting training programmes pertaining to care for senior citizens, and also on
prevention of drug abuse and other social defence issues. Besides, the Maintenance and
Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, was enacted for ensuring need based
maintenance for parents and senior citizens and their welfare. The Act provides for
Maintenance of Parents/senior citizens by children/ relatives made obligatory and justiciable
through Tribunals; Revocation of transfer of property by senior citizens in case of negligence
by relatives; Penal provision for abandonment of senior citizens; Establishment of Old Age
Homes for Indigent Senior Citizens; Adequate medical facilities and security for Senior
Citizens and Protection of life and property. The Act is brought into force by individual State

Governments and has been notified by all State and Union Territories except Jammu &
Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh who have their own Acts for senior citizens.
Vijay Sampla in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha here today.
*****
AKP/ASB
Release Id :132938

People Employed in MSME Sector
The Government monitors the employment in the MSME sector in the country by
conducting All India Census of the sector, periodically. As per the latest Census (Fourth
Census), conducted (with base reference year 2006-07), wherein the data was collected till
2009 and results published in 2011-12, as well as data extracted from Economic Census,
2005 (EC, 2005) conducted by Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics &
Programme Implementation (MoSPI), for activities excluded from Fourth Census, namely
wholesale/retail trade, legal, educational & social services, hotel & restaurants, transports and
storage & warehousing (except cold storage), the total employment in the MSME sector is
805.24 lakh. The State-wise details of the employment in the MSME Sector are given is:
State-Wise Distribution of Employment in MSME Sector
Sl.
No.
State/UTs
Employment (in Lakh)
Registered
Sector
Unregistered
Sector*
EC, 2005# Total
1 JAMMU AND KASHMIR 0.90 2.17 2.68 5.75
2 HIMACHAL PRADESH 0.65 2.27 1.76 4.68
3 PUNJAB 4.16 14.16 8.48 26.79
4 CHANDIGARH 0.12 0.58 0.53 1.23
5 UTTARAKHAND 0.80 3.62 2.54 6.96
6 HARYANA 3.82 8.41 6.61 18.84
7 DELHI 0.58 5.94 13.29 19.81
8 RAJASTHAN 3.42 15.00 12.37 30.79
9 UTTAR PRADESH 7.55 51.76 33.06 92.36
10 BIHAR 1.48 15.97 10.81 28.26
11 SIKKIM 0.01 0.56 0.22 0.79
12 ARUNACHAL PRADESH 0.05 0.82 0.31 1.19
13 NAGALAND 0.16 1.00 0.54 1.71
14 MANIPUR 0.20 1.38 0.78 2.36
15 MIZORAM 0.26 0.30 0.25 0.81
16 TRIPURA 0.23 0.53 0.99 1.75
17 MEGHALAYA 0.13 1.04 0.75 1.92
18 ASSAM 2.11 4.48 7.66 14.25
19 WEST BENGAL 3.60 54.93 27.24 85.78
20 JHARKHAND 0.75 8.24 3.92 12.91
21 ODISHA 1.73 21.94 9.57 33.24

22 CHHATTISGARH 0.75 4.68 4.09 9.52
23 MADHYA PRADESH 2.98 17.32 13.36 33.66
24 GUJARAT 12.45 21.97 13.31 47.73
25 DAMAN & DIU 0.26 0.03 0.09 0.37
26
DADAR AND NAGAR
HAVELI 0.26 0.07 0.07 0.41
27 MAHARASHTRA 10.89 24.72 34.43 70.04
28 ANDHRA PRADESH 3.83 35.15 31.71 70.69
29 KARNATAKA 7.89 22.58 16.24 46.72
30 GOA 0.33 0.87 0.68 1.88
31 LAKSHADWEEP 0.00 0.05 0.02 0.06
32 KERALA 6.21 26.98 16.42 49.62
33 TAMIL NADU 14.26 38.89 27.82 80.98
34 PUDUCHERRY 0.21 0.25 0.55 1.01
35
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR
ISLANDS 0.06 0.18 0.15 0.38
ALL INDIA 93.09 408.84 303.31 805.24
* Excludes activities under wholesale/retail trade, legal, educational & social services, hotel
& restaurants, transports and storage & warehousing (except cold storage)
# For activities under wholesale/retail trade, legal, educational & social services, hotel &
restaurants, transports and storage & warehousing (except cold storage), which were
excluded from coverage of All India Census of MSM
Information about level of wages, social security, and job safety of the workers employed
in the MSME sector is not centrally maintained.
This information was given by the Minister of State, Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha here today.
****
AKP/ASB
Release Id :132939

Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises 10-December, 2015 15:28 IST
Self Employment Under Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana
The Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) was discontinued in 2007-08 and in 2008-09
a new scheme namely Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has
been introduced by merging the two schemes i.e. Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) and
Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP). Number of youth provided self
employment under PMEGP during the last two years and current year, State-wise is given is:
Sr.
No.
State/UT Estimated employment generated under PMEGP
(No. of persons)
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16#
1 Jammu& Kashmir 11818 11025 4294
2 Himachal Pradesh 5307 6352 652
3 Punjab 7536 6438 2655
4 UT Chandigarh 385 160 133
5 Uttarakhand 7335 7889 1687
6 Haryana 6352 7024 3920
7 Delhi 1136 1584 821
8 Rajasthan 13280 15002 4578
9 Uttar Pradesh 43449 48604 18163
10 Bihar 20043 9240 9992
11 Sikkim 255 54 11
12 Arunachal Pradesh 6570 2871 93
13 Nagaland 4365 2407 579
14 Manipur 5277 829 772
15 Mizoram 5050 6736 1552
16 Tripura 9175 6333 2997
17 Meghalaya 1037 3680 1776
18 Assam 24555 15535 9018
19 West Bengal 24189 24646 11623
20 Jharkhand 13060 8495 9536
21 Odisha 20482 10211 8240
22 Chhattisgarh 4435 5821 4178
23 Madhya Pradesh 19449 21896 4066
24 Gujarat* 13420 18107 5993
25 Maharashtra ** 14869 28311 9927

26 Andhra Pradesh 18170 12220 4191
27 Telangana -- 6604 4742
28 Karnataka 25261 21825 8033
29 Goa 214 406 0
30 Lakshadweep 0 93 0
31 Kerala 11507 9738 4839
32 Tamilnadu 29496 36190 7315
33 Puducherry 181 386 124
34 Andaman &
Nicobar Islands
887 790
157
Total 368545 357502 146657
# Upto 30th October 2015
* including Daman & Diu
** including Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Any individual above 18 years of age is eligible to apply under PMEGP. For setting up of
projects costing above Rs.10 lakh in the manufacturing sector and above Rs. 5 lakh in the
business /service sector, the beneficiaries should possess at least VIII standard pass
educational qualification. General category beneficiaries can avail of margin money subsidy
of 25 % of the project cost in rural areas and 15% in urban areas, personal contribution is
10% in rural areas and 5% in urban areas. For beneficiaries belonging to special categories
such as scheduled caste/scheduled tribe/OBC/minorities/women, ex-serviceman, physically
handicapped, North Eastern Region (NER), Hill and Border areas etc. the margin money
subsidy is 35% in rural areas and 25% in urban areas, personal contribution is
5%. Assistance under the Scheme is available only for new projects.
The maximum cost of projects is Rs. 25 lakh in the manufacturing sector and Rs. 10
lakh in the service sector. Any activity, barring a few indicated in the negative list of
PMEGP guidelines can be taken up under PMEGP.
Khadi and Village Industry Commission (KVIC) is the nodal agency at national level.
In States, State Directorates of KVIC, Khadi and Village Industry Boards (KVIBs) and
District Industries Centres(DICs) implement the Scheme. In urban areas, only the DICs are
the nodal agencies.
Project proposals are invited from potential beneficiaries at district level through
press, advertisement, radio, other-multi-media and Panchayati Raj Institutions. Beneficiaries
can also apply on-line. District Level Task Force Committees (DLTFCs) headed by the
District Collectors/Magistrates scrutinize the applications and recommend the same to the
Banks, which take their own credit decision on the basis of viability of each project and
sanction the loans. Number of applications recommended by the DLTFCs to the Banks
during the last two years and current year is given is:
Sr.
No.
State/UT Number of applications recommended and
forwarded to Banks by DLTFC

2013-14 2014-15 2015-16#
1 Jammu& Kashmir 4752 4282 143
2 Himachal Pradesh 2309 1344 1029
3 Punjab 3660 4206 1835
4 UT Chandigarh 205 184 105
5 Uttarakhand 2809 2403 1040
6 Haryana 3938 3900 651
7 Delhi 1026 1370 532
8 Rajasthan 6998 7150 2290
9 Uttar Pradesh 13002 20022 9305
10 Bihar 11892 11680 674
11 Sikkim 92 89 105
12 Arunachal Pradesh 1601 1364 0
13 Nagaland 693 1514 0
14 Manipur 1714 2392 2949
15 Mizoram 1309 1615 700
16 Tripura 4274 4549 3202
17 Meghalaya 1046 1190 360
18 Assam 16020 17899 4956
19 West Bengal 16942 13009 6924
20 Jharkhand 8437 8771 3814
21 Odisha 10621 11754 4810
22 Chhattisgarh 4329 4944 133
23 Madhya Pradesh 6941 5904 2441
24 Gujarat* 3355 4121 2402
25 Maharashtra ** 9054 13694 155
26 Andhra Pradesh 7590 4831 0
27 Telangana 0 3432 0
28 Karnataka 8746 12257 0
29 Goa 163 130 0
30 Lakshadweep 0 46 0
31 Kerala 5056 2933 1880
32 Tamilnadu 6913 8459 4882

33 Puducherry 162 227 191
34 Andaman &
Nicobar Islands
331 165
0
Total 165980 181830 57508
# Upto 30th October 2015
* including Daman & Diu
** including Dadra & Nagar Haveli
This information was given by the Minister of State, Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha here today.
****
AKP/ASB
Release Id :132940

Ministry of Women and Child Development 10-December, 2015 16:04 IST
‘Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children 2015’ will help expand adoption
programme in the country and address delays in adoption process: Smt Maneka Sanjay
Gandhi
The main features of the ‘Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children 2015’ include:
provisions for linking the orphan/abandoned/surrendered children of all Child Care
Institutions (CCIs) to the adoption system, making the entire adoption process online, treating
NRI Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) at par with the domestic PAPs and reducing the
timeframe for completion of Home Study Report of the PAPs from two months to one month.
The major objectives sought to be achieved through these Guidelines are: expanding adoption
programme in the country and addressing delays in the adoption process with an IT enabled
platform of Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS).
The Guidelines were brought into effect to make the entire adoption process hassle free by
minimizing delays at various levels. The provisions include declaring orphan, abandoned and
surrendered children legally free for adoption by Child Welfare Committee(CWC) in a time
bound manner, enabling online registration of PAPs for referral and matching, conducting
Home Study Reports of the PAPs within a period of one month, mandating District Child
Protection Unit(DCPU) to expedite placement of all adoptable children including setting up
of linkage between Specialised Adoption Agency(SAA) and Child Care Institution(CCI) to
reach all adoptable children etc.
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka
Sanjay Gandhi in reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
********
NB/UD
Release Id :132941

426 cases registered under the Protection of Women against Domestic Violence Act,
2005 during the year 2014
As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), they(NCRB) have started collecting
data on the Protection of Women against Domestic Violence Act, 2005 using Ministry of
Home Affairs approved revised proforma of ‘Crime in India’ since 2014. A total number of
426 cases have been registered under the Protection of Women against Domestic Violence
Act, 2005 during the year 2014. The number of cases filed under the Act clearly shows that
women are taking recourse the law to get reliefs from domestic violence.
State /UT Governments are responsible for implementation of the Protection of Women from
Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005. The Act provides for an inbuilt mechanism to
facilitate the entire system of access to justice. It identifies specific functionaries such as the
Protection Officers and Services Providers whose primary duty is to assist women in
accessing reliefs provided under the law. All the States/UTs are required to appoint the
Protection Officers, registration of Service Providers and notification of shelter homes and
medical facilities. As on date, all State Governments have appointed Protection Officers.
The Central Government has been emphasizing upon the need to impart training to First
Class Judicial Magistrates/Metropolitan Magistrates through National/State Judicial
Academies to deal with cases under Domestic Violence Act.
Continuous awareness creation among men and women in the society through workshops,
seminars, street plays, Nari ki Chaupals, Beti Janmotshav are being undertaken at the district
level. Further, advertisements in the press and electronic media educating people about issues
of domestic violence, Child Sex Ratio and Child Marriage etc are also being taken up.
Platforms such as the International Women’s Day and the National Girl Child Day are used
to create awareness on rights of women. Through Sabla programme of this Ministry,
adolescent girls in the age group of 11 to 18 years are imparted about training with regard to
legal rights of women.
*******
NB/UD
Release Id :132942

Ministry of Textiles 10-December, 2015 16:07 IST
Textiles Minister launches e-Auction of National Textile Corporation yarn
As part of its efforts for greater transparency, efficiency and better price discovery, the
National Textile Corporation (NTC) has commenced e-auction of yarn. The first e-auction of
NTC yarn was launched today by the Union Minister of State for Textiles (I/C), Shri Santosh
Kumar Gangwar, in his chamber in the Ministry of Textiles.
The decision to adopt e-auctions has been taken in order to give maximum opportunity to
dealers for lifting of NTC stock and thereby reduce inventory and improve cash flow. The
transparent electronic bidding process is also expected to result in better price discovery of
the yarn stock.
#textiles Minister @santoshgangwar launches #eAuction of National Textile Corporation
yarn pic.twitter.com/zMByqygYrD
— Ministry of Textiles (@TexMinIndia) December 10, 2015
To be extended to open market in future
Initially, three mills of NTC, namely, Vijamohini Mill, Kerala Lakshmi Mill and Rajnagar
mill have been selected for selling of its produce through e-auction.NSEiT, a National Stock
Exchange subsidiary that has been conducting e-auctions for various PSUs, has been roped in
to conduct the e-auction of yarn.
The e-auction route has been made open for all registered dealers of NTC. Each dealer has
been provided a unique ID and password, and trained by way of mock e-auctions and practice
sessions.
In future, e-auction shall be extended to the open market as well (after registering the
dealers).
Base prices will be fixed on Wednesday every week and e-auction will take place on
Thursday from 03:30 PM to 04:00 PM. The sale shall be completed and material will be
allotted as per the highest bid and quantity, as the case may be. There may be more than one
winner for one count of yarn.
An Improvement over the Current Process
Currently, yarn is sold through dealers, registered mill-wise with NTC as per due
procedure. Prices are fixed every Wednesday and the yarn is sold to dealers on the YPC rates
for the entire week (unless there is a mid-week change).
The stock at the fixed / agreed price is then made available to the registered dealers /
agents, who lift the material; payment is made as per NTC rules. At present, 4-6 dealers are
registered with each mill. If the material is not sold, the same remains unsold and stock piles
up.
The e-auction mechanism, launched today, provides an opportunity to circumvent this
problem, leading to higher stock up-take, reduced inventory and improved cash flow.
Ms. Anu Garg, Joint Secretary, Textiles; Shri P C Vaish, Chairman and Managing
Director, NTC Ltd; Shri N. Muralidaran, Managing Director & CEO, NSEiT and other senior
officials were present on the occasion.
DJM
Release Id :132943

No deficiency of funds under ICDS Scheme: Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi
There is no deficiency of budget under the ICDS Scheme. During 2015-16, the initial
allocation of Rs.8335.77 crores for ICDS has been increased to Rs.15485.77 crores through
Supplementary Grants. The funds for Supplementary Nutrition under SNP are released on the
basis of number of beneficiaries availing the service.
*****
NB/UD
Release Id :132944

Measures taken by the Government for gender equality/socio-economic
development/empowerment of women
According to the National Sample Survey Report (2011-12), the workforce participation rates
of male is 54.4% and female is 21.9%. As per the India Country Report, 2015 by Ministry of
Statistics and Program Implementation on the Millennium Development Goals, the
percentage share of females in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector during 2011-
12 increased to 19.3% which is higher than 18.6% reported during 2009-10 by National
Sample Survey Organisation.
Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner and Ministry of Statistics and
Program Implementation are involved in collection and dissemination of data covering wide
range of issues that affect women’s empowerment. The report titled “Women and Men in
India – 2015” by Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation, Government of India
highlights the status of women covering health, education, work and decision making along
with social obstacles in women’s empowerment.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is administering following schemes for
gender equality/socio-economic development/empowerment of women:
i. Swadhar and Short Stay Homes to provide relief and rehabilitation to destitute women and
women in distress.
ii. Working Women Hostels for ensuring safe accommodation for working women away
from their place of residence.
iii. Support to Training and Employment Program for Women (STEP) to ensure sustainable
employment and income generation for marginalised and asset-less rural and urban poor
women across the country.
iv. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) to provide micro-finance services to bring about the socio-
economic upliftment of poor women.
v. National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) to strengthen the overall
processes that promote all-round Development of Women
vi. Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme for Children of Working Mothers (including single
mother) to provide day care facilities for running a crèche of 25 children in the age group 0-6
years from families having monthly income of less than Rs 12,000.
vii. One Stop Centre to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by
violence.
viii. Scheme for Universalisation of Women Helpline intended to provide 24 hours
immediate and emergency response to women affected by violence.
ix. Sabla Scheme for holistic development of adolescent girls in the age group of 11-18 years.
x. In order to strengthen the process of gender budgeting the Ministry of Women and Child
Development has been undertaking various capacity building measures for the officials of the
State Governments by organising training programs/workshops regularly.
In order to improve employability a separate Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship has been created.
Equal Remuneration Act, 1973 provides for payment of equal remuneration to men and
women workers for the same work of similar nature without any discrimination. In order to

ensure social security to the workers including women in the unorganised sector, the
Government has enacted the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act 2008.
The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 regulates employment of women in certain establishments
for a certain period (12 weeks) before and after childbirth and provides for maternity and
other benefits.
Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY) Scheme is being implemented as
Conditional Maternity Benefit for pregnant and lactating women to improve health and
nutrition status to better enabling environment by providing cash incentives to pregnant and
nursing mothers to partly compensate wage loss both prior to and after delivery.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)
Act, 2013 has been enacted, which covers all women, irrespective of their age or employment
status and protect them against sexual harassment at all workplaces both in public and private
sector, whether organised or unorganised.
*******
NB/UD
Release Id :132945

Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation 10-December, 2015 16:47 IST
‘Pragati’ (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), Initiated by PMO,
held Seven Meetings so far to Monitor the Projects / Schemes
Government through the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation monitors on-
going Central Sector Infrastructure Projects costing Rs. 150 crore and above on time and cost
overruns, on the basis of information provided by the project implementing agencies.
As on 01.10.2015 a total of 783 projects were on the monitor of this Ministry. Of these, 220
projects were reporting time overruns with respect to their original project implementation
schedule.
The major steps undertaken to ensure completion of Central Sector Infrastructure Projects
without time and cost overruns include: rigorous project appraisal; On-line Computerized
Monitoring System (OCMS) for better monitoring; setting up of Standing Committees in the
Ministries for fixation of responsibility for time and cost overruns; regular review of
infrastructure projects by the concerned administrative Ministries; and setting up of Central
Sector Projects Coordination Committees (CSPCCs) in the States under the Chief Secretaries
for removal of bottlenecks and for facilitating the speedy implementation of major projects.
The Government of India (GOI) initiates projects through concerned Ministries /
Departments which are entrusted with the work of their implementation and direct
monitoring. However, the progress of various projects including stalled projects is also
monitored by Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) by convening meetings etc. at different levels
from time to time. A programme namely ‘PRAGATI’ (Pro-Active Governance And Timely
Implementation) has also been initiated by PMO to monitor the projects / schemes. This is a
three tier (PMO, GOI Secretaries and Chief Secretaries of States) Information Technology
(IT) based redressal and monitoring system where the Prime Minister interacts through
Video-Conferencing on various issues (including those relating to stalled projects).
This is a continuing on-going review mechanism at the highest level to expedite the
implementation of the programmes and projects. Seven (7) meetings of PRAGATI have been
held. Various projects have inter alia been reviewed, and directions given to resolve the
implementation problems and expedite the execution and completion.
State-wise, project-wise, details of the projects, installed due to disputes or court cases or
because of lack of coordination between Government Ministries/Departments/Bodies etc. is
not centrally maintained.
*****
KSP/ss
Release Id :132946

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers 10-December, 2015 16:49 IST
Kerala chief minister calls on the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers to
discuss the issue of revival of FACT
A delegation led by Kerala Chief Minister Mr. Oommen Chandy met the Union Minister of
Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Ananth Kumar in New Delhi today. The major issue of
discussion was revival of FACT Plant at Kochi. Later briefing the press, Shri Ananth Kumar
said that FACT, Kochi is the mother of all industries in the country. He said both the
Governments are taking keen interest in revival of FACT. Thanking the Kerala Government
for lending its full support, Shri Ananth Kumar said, the proposal of revival package for
FACT which is bigger than the one earlier thought of, is under active consideration of his
Ministry in consultation with the Union Finance Ministry. He expressed the hope that within
15 days, the revival package for FACT would be cleared. He said the package will not only
provide for revival of the Plant, but also its expansion. He said the Plant will add to the
fertilizer security of the South India, and will be a big boon to the Kerala farmers.
Issues concerning HOCL and HIL were also discussed. Regarding HOCL, Shri Ananth
Kumar said the issue is how to revive it in the wake of international competition. He said
various options are being explored, including proposal of bifurcating HOCL. Shri Ananth
Kumar said the Government of India is open to any suggestion. Regarding HIL, he said that
the Union Health Minister has approved the release of funds for payment of dues and arrears
of the employees of HIL. He said that the production of DDT in HIL is decreasing and the
Union Health Ministry has been requested to maintain the level of production of DDT.
On the issue of pricing of essential medicines, Shri Ananth Kumar said that the Department
of Pharmaceuticals is ready to sign a MoU with the Government of Kerala for opening up of
200 stores in the state under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme. These could be opened in District,
Sub-divisional and Corporation Hospitals. He said the Union Government has already
included 628 medicines whose prices are fixed under the Drug Price Control Order and this
has benefited the consumers by over 1000 crore rupees. Shri Ananth Kumar said the
Government further wants to expand the National List of Essential Medicines and has
requested the Health Ministry to come out with a new DPCO.
In today’s meeting, the Kerala Chief Minister was accompanied by other senior Cabinet
Ministers of the State and Shri K. V. Thomas, former Union Minister. The Secretaries of the
Department of Chemicals and the Department of Fertilizers and other senior officers of the
two Departments and the Kerala Government also took part in the meeting.
YKB/PB
Release Id :132947

Ministry of Shipping 10-December, 2015 16:59 IST
Development of Shipping Industry
The Government is committed to the sustainable development of Indian shipping industry.In
order to make the Indian shipping industry attractive and more competitive, the Government
has exempted Customs and Excise Duty leviable on bunker fuels used in Indian flag vessels
for transportation of mix of EXIM, domestic and empty containers between two or more
ports in India. In the Union Budget 2015-16, Government has brought in a uniform abatement
of service tax for transportation of goods by rail, road and sea vessels. Indian shipping
industry has been provided cargo support through Right of First Refusal (RoFR). Besides
this, Government has taken a policy decision to allow shipping enterprises based in India to
acquire ships abroad and also flag them in the country of their convenience. As a step
towards promoting “Ease of Doing Business”, methodology for computation of period of stay
of seafarers in India has been redefined. The period of stay in India henceforth will be
counted from the date entered into the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) in respect of
joining the ship by the said individual and ending on the date entered into the CDC in respect
of signing off by that individual from the ship. Online payment of light dues has been
operationalized for container ships.
This information was given by Minister of State for Shipping, Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in a
written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
***
NP/RS
Release Id :132948

Ministry of Law & Justice 10-December, 2015 17:00 IST
Renaming of High Courts
The State Governments of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have sent the
proposals for changing the name of ‘Bombay High Court’ as ‘Mumbai High Court’, ‘Madras
High Court’ as ‘Chennai High Court’ and ‘Calcutta High Court’ as ‘Kolkata High Court’
respectively. A suitable legislation to consider such requests is under consideration of the
Government.
This information was given by Union Minister of Ministry of Law & Justice, Shri D. V.
Sadananda Gowda in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
ST/rs
Release Id :132949

Logistic Cost
A Benchmarking study for Major Ports was conducted through a reputed consultancy
organisation. The consultants have recommended various initiatives/measures to strengthen
the infrastructure of Major Ports and improve their efficiency. These initiatives include
improvement in the shift change process to minimize the productive loss, twin lifting to boost
crane productivity for containers terminals, redesigning of operator incentive scheme, better
yard side planning and service based Tractor-Trailor (TT) dispatching, existing Iron Ore
Handling Plant (IHP) to be used for exporting coal cargo, wherever possible, development of
additional land, if required, improving Railway Rake Monitoring to reduce Turn Round Time
(TRT), reducing ship change over time and mechanisation of berths, reducing check point
delay for container movement by road, relaxation of cabotage on coastal goods and
development of coastal movement, installation of quick release systems on berths, effective
policy change to mandate usage of common testing facilities, reducing vehicle damage,
installation of higher capacity shore crane, navigational aids for night navigation, instituting
hot seat changes for crane operators, shift time change, instituting berth productivity norms
for liquid bulk, etc. The recommendations also include reducing time gap between haul-in
haul-out, reduction in non-working time, consolidation and improvement of spare capacity.
The identified initiatives will help in reducing the overall logistics cost in addition to
increasing efficiency in major ports.
30 Projects have been targeted for award in the current financial year. On completion, these
projects will lead to capacity addition of 162.20 MTPA at an estimated investment of
approximately Rs. 14225.98 Crores. 17 Projects have been awarded so far. These projects
would be completed within 24 months from the date of signing of the concession agreement,
in the case of PPP projects.
This information was given by Minister of State for Shipping, Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in a
written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
***
NP/RS
Release Id :132950

Realizing the Potential of Inland Waterways
The potential of the Inland Water Transport sector has not been fully
realised. The investment made for this sector has also been negligible vis-à-
vis expenditure incurred in the road / rail networks. Only Waterways which
are declared as National Waterways (NWs) come in the purview of Union
Government for development for navigable purposes. The Union Government
has so far declared following five waterways as National Waterways (NWs).
(i) Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system (Allahabad-Haldia-1620 km)
(ii) River Brahmaputra (Dhubri-Sadiya – 891 km).
(iii) West Coast Canal (Kottapuram-Kollam) along with Udyogmandal and
Champakara Canals – (205 km).
(iv) Kakinada- Puducherry canals along with Godavari and Krishna rivers
(1078 km).
(v) East Coast Canal integrated with Brahmani river and Mahanadi delta rivers
(588 km).
The cargo moved on National Waterways – 1, 2 & 3 in the last three years and
the current year till July, 2015 is as follows:
STRETCH Unit 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
(Upto October,
2015)
National
Waterway-1
MT 2,716,436 3,349,138 4,123,236 1,589,278
National
Waterway-2
MT 2,426,804 493,414 519,722 339,218
National
Waterway-3
MT 1,236,403 1,066,006 965,246 627,226
Total of National
Waterways
MT 6,379,642 4,908,558 5,608,204 2,555,722
The Goa
Waterways
MT 7,582,266 1,003,364 976,987 -
Mumbai
Waterways
(Dharamtar Creek)
MT 9,722,819 10,178,956 22,544,335 -
Grand Total MT 23,684,728 16,090,878 29,129,526 2,555,722
The following steps have been taken by the Government to encourage
growth in the transport of goods through coastal shipping and inland
waterways;

(i) A River-Sea Vessels (RSV) Notification for moderating the technical
and manning requirement for vessels operating within the Indian territorial
waters was issued by the Directorate General of Shipping on 31st July, 2013.
(ii) Directorate General of Shipping has issued an order declaring the Inland
Vessel (I V) limits for facilitating coastal trade operations.
(iii) Coastal Shipping Rules for coastal vessels operating within 20 miles off
the coast have been issued by the Directorate General of Shipping on
04thMarch, 2014.
(iv) All major ports have been advised to introduce Green Channel for coastal
cargo, Priority berthing for coastal vessels and construction of exclusive
coastal berths.
(v) Government has exempted customs and Central Excise duty on bunker
fuels (IFO 180 and IFO 380 CST) for carrying containerised cargo namely,
export-import cargo or empty containers or domestic cargo, between ports in
India.
(e) The total funds sanctioned and utilized by IWAI for the development of
existing National Waterways for the last three years are tabulated below.
(Rs in crore)
Year BE RE Exp.(IWAI)
2010-11 115.00 137.59 117.63
2011-12 130.00 115.79 97.97
2012-13 211.72 148.11 151.53
2013-14 200.00 144.00 136.41
2014-15 200.00 117.917 118.87
2015-16 300.00 698.00
(proposed)
185.00 (provisional
expenditure up to 30th
Oct. 2015)
This information was given by Minister of State for Shipping, Shri Pon.
Radhakrishnan in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
***
NP/RS
Release Id :132951

PIB releases - December 10, 2015

PIB releases - December 10, 2015

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PIB releases - December 10, 2015