Current affairs jan 14.

Anand Sharma Expresses Optimism for Economy in 2014
The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Anand Sharma expressed optimism
for the economy in 2014. In a statement, Shri Sharma said:
In 2013, India was rated as the most favored investment destination globally. The bold
decisions of the UPA Government for liberalizing Foreign Direct Investment Policy in
key sectors such as civil aviation, retail and telecom have resonated with the global
community and we have seen results in the last few months. The Government will
continue its endeavour for liberalizing the FDI Policy further in the coming weeks to
ensure that India retains its leadership position for attracting foreign investments.
I am also happy to see that manufacturing seems to be on the mend and there is
visible rebound in industrial activity. The Indian economy has inherent strengths which
give it resilience from external pressures and the series of steps taken by the
Government both on the fiscal and current account front have yielded positive results.
The coming months will see a greater push for development of industrial corridors
across the country and work will commence for establishment of the first few cities
along the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. I expect that with greater foreign
investment and technology collaborations, Indian manufacturing will also move up the
value chain and acquire greater competitiveness globally.

PARAM Supercomputer Among the Most Power Efficient Systems of
the World
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has achieved a
significant milestone with PARAM Yuva II supercomputer being ranked 1st in India, 9th in
the Asia Pacific Region and 44th in the world among the most power efficient computer
systems as per the Green500 List announced at the Supercomputing Conference (SC`2013)
in Denver, Colorado, USA.
Supercomputers, in general, consume a lot of electrical power and produce much
heat that necessitates elaborate cooling facilities to ensure proper operation. This adds to
increase in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a supercomputer. To draw focus towards
development of energy efficient supercomputers, Green500 ranks computer systems in the
world according to compute performance per watt, thus providing a world ranking based on
energy efficiency.
Energy consumed by supercomputers is measured at various Levels – L1, L2, L3 -
for purpose of reporting. As the level increases, accuracy and rigor of measurement exercise
also increases. It is also a measure of our capability and noteworthy that C-DAC is the
second organization worldwide to have carried out the Level 3 measurement of Power
versus Performance for the Green500 List.

Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister for Communications & Information Technology, has
congratulated C-DAC for this significant achievement. He said that supercomputing is
very important for the all round advancements in the country, and the Government is
planning a big impetus for capacity building and advanced R&D in this area. He would
expect many more contributions from C-DAC, as a key player, in this endeavour.
PARAM Yuva – II uses hybrid technology – processor, co-processor and
hardware accelerators - to provide the peak compute power of 520.4 Teraflop/s using
210 kiloWatt power. The interconnect network comprises of homegrown PARAMNet-
III and Infiniband FDR System Area Network. This system is designed to solve large and
complex computational problems. The system has 200 Terabytes of high performance
storage, and requisite system software and utilities for parallel applications
development.

VVIP Choper Agreement with AgustaWestLand International Ltd. (AWIL)
Terminated
The Government of India has terminated with immediate effect the Agreement that was
signed with M/s. AgustaWestLand International Ltd. (AWIL) on 08 February, 2010 for the
supply of 12 VVIP/VIP helicopters on grounds of breach of the Pre-contract Integrity Pact
(PCIP) and the Agreement by AWIL.
Based on the opinion received earlier from the Attorney General of India, it has been the
view of the Government that integrity-related issues are not subject to arbitration. However,
AWIL has since pressed for arbitration and appointed an arbitrator from its side. In view of
this, MoD sought afresh the opinion of the Attorney General. With a view to safeguard the
interests of the Government, MoD has nominated Hon’ble Mr Justice BP Jeevan Reddy as its
arbitrator.

In a major achievement for the power sector, Southern Grid synchronously connected with
the National Power Grid
Indian power system becomes one of the largest operating synchronous grids in the world
The Southern Grid has been synchronously connected to the rest of the Grid in the
country. With this, the mission of ‘One Nation – One Grid – One Frequency’ has been
successfully accomplished. The southern grid connectivity was achieved on the evening of
December 31, 2013 through commissioning of Raichur-Solapur 765 kV single circuit
transmission line by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, the Central Transmission
Utility of the country, interconnecting the Southern grid synchronously with the rest of the
national power grid facilitating bulk transfer of power across regional boundaries. This line
of 208 circuit kilometers (ckm) and 765/400 kV substations at Raichur and Sholapur has
been commissioned five months ahead of its contractual schedule i.e. 31st May, 2014 at a
cost of approximately Rs.815 crores. With this interconnection, Indian power system has
entered into a new era and become one of the largest operating synchronous grids in the
world with about 232GW of installed power generation capacity.
Synchronous integration of Southern Grid with rest of the national power Grid shall
not only augment the inter-regional power transfer capacity of Southern region but also
relieve the congestion being experienced in few transmission corridors. This will be a great
boost for further economic growth of the country. It is likely to take a few months before
power flow over this line is stabilized.

Indian Power System is operating through five Regional Grids and a Pan India
synchronous grid was envisaged for optimal utilization of the generation resources in
the country. Till now, four regional grids namely Northern, Eastern, Western and
North-eastern regions (NEW grid) were connected synchronously and Southern Region
(SR) was connected to this NEW grid through HVDC links. Synchronous
interconnection of SR with NEW grid was envisaged through high capacity 765 kV
Raichur – Sholapur lines, as an ultimate step towards establishment of an “All India
Synchronous National Grid” facilitating bulk transfer of power across regional
boundaries..

Honest implementation of the New Land Acquisition Act will curb
the Maoist menace, says Jairam
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition,
Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013 has come into force from today
and the Land Acquisition Act 1894 stands repealed and cannot be
invoked in any other acquisition proceedings from this day forth. Briefing
the media here, the Minister for Rural Development Shri Jairam Ramesh
said that if implemented properly, the new Act will help in curbing the
maoist menace in States like Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. He
said that under the old Act of 1894, the tribals in these states were not
given adequate compensation even after large scale displacements. The
Minister underlined that the 13 Central Acts under which land can also be
acquired have to be amended within one year to bring them at par with
the new Land Acquisition Act as far as compensation to the land losers
are concerned.
The Minister said, to aide and facilitate the implementation of the new
Act the Ministry of Rural Development is now taking the following steps:

Rules
Rules are intended to bring clarity to certain key processes defined in the parent
law. Work on a set of draft Rules to the new Act began almost immediately in the wake
of the new law being passed by both houses on September 5
th
, 2013. A draft set of
Rules had been prepared after a nationwide consultation process with stakeholders from
across the spectrum and it was submitted to the Law Ministry for approval.
· These Rules, as finalized by the Law Ministry, have now been notified
officially in the Gazette for the formal consultation with the public. While the Ministry
has carried out a process of consultation prior to the preparation of these draft rules, the
law requires a formal declaration to seek comments from the public for 45 days.
· These Rules will lay down processes for the conduct of Social Impact
Assessment and will also provide details for obtaining the consent of affected families.
· However it must be pointed out that the new law can function and operate even
without the Rules coming into force. Given that the law was drafted as a complete and
self-containing statute, the absence of Rules is not a detriment to the law being
invoked.

Other Highlights of the Ministry
Apart from the revolutionary Land Acquisition Act which will provide just and fair
compensation to farmers while ensuring that no land can be acquired forcibly, the year
also saw Rural Development Ministry coming out with phase II of the Pradhan Mantri
Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to build and upgrade rural roads. While the existing
PMGSY scheme will continue, under PMGSY phase II, the roads already built for rural
connectivity will be upgraded to enhance village infrastructure and better rural
connectivity. Another significant achievement was granting approval for setting up of
an independent society for transforming livelihoods and lives of rural households with
an emphasis on women in tribal areas.
The Rural Development Ministry`s proposal to set up the Bharat Rural Livelihoods
Foundation (BRLF) with a corpus of Rs 500 crore in partnership between the
government and private sector organisations was another highlight of the Ministry.
The Ministry also announced important changes to its flagship
MGNREGA programme seeking to ensure permanent and durable
asset creation in rural areas and introduction of penalty for delayed
wage payments.

..
“Incredible India Promotional Calendar 2014” launched by
Ministry of Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism today launched the ‘Incredible India Promotional Calendar
2014.” The calendar containing 24 photographs on double sided paper was launched by
Tourism Secretary Mr. Parvez Dewan in a function in the Capital today. Launching the
calendar, Mr. Dewan said that every State has been covered and suitable regions/
regional balance has been maintained. All the north-eastern States have also been
represented in the calendar. Mr. Parvez Dewan said that the calendar captures the rich
variety and wide spectrum of destinations offered by India.
The calendar has also been launched digitally wherein it can be seen at the website of
the Ministry www.incredibleindia.org. All the pages of the calendar have been made
available through high resolution photographs on the website.
The January month shows the Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep and Spiti Valley, Himachal
Pradesh. The February month takes the travellers to the Siang River, Arunachal Pradesh
and Aizawl, Mizoram.

• The month of March captures the Junagarh Fort, Gujarat and the Royal Bengal
Tiger and Sunderbans, West Bengal. Keeping in view the festival of Baisakhi, the
month of April has the picture of Golden Temple and Sri Meenakshi Temple,
Madurai, Tamilnadu.
The month of May depicts the scene of the Betla National Park, Jharkhand and the
Great Buddha, Bodh Gaya, Bihar whereas the month of June shows the pictures of
Manda Peak, Uttarakhand and Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi.
July month is depicted with the photos of Cave Temples & Monastries of Ellora,
Maharashtra and Chitrakoot Falls, Chattisgarh. The pictures of the Jagannath Temple,
Tripura and the Classical Dance Raas Leela, Manipur adorn the calender month
August.
Aayi Mandapam, Puducherry and the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple of Andhra
Pradesh are shown with the month of September. October shows the Diu Fort, Daman
& Diu and Dzukou Valley, Nagaland.
The calendar ends with the pictures of One-horned Rihonceros, kaziranga, Assam,
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa and Lingdum Monastery, Sikkim & Signature Golf Course,
Gurgaon, Haryana for the months of November and December respectively.

The Tourism Secretary also highlighted the efforts of the Ministry on revamping the
website of Incredible India. He said that the print ready material would be made
available on the website which would facilitate the professionals in the tourism
industry to bring out brochures and other publicity material. This information would be
provided in 10 languages – English, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, French, Korean
Japanese, Portugese, Italian, German in addition to Hindi. Mr. Dewan also highlighted
the fact that information about 15 Sound and Light Shows have been provided through
YouTube in Dolby sound which is the first of its kind in the entire world.

Additional allocation of foodgrains to States/Union Territories for natural
calamities/festivals/additional requirements
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved, that subject to availability of
foodgrains in the Central Pool, allocation of foodgrains for festivals and natural calamities to
States/ Union Territories (UTs) will be made at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and MSP
derived prices for wheat and rice respectively, and at economic cost for any other additional
foodgrains requirement of the States/UTs.
The CCEA has also approved the revision in price of allotment made to the
Government of Uttarakhand for flood relief in the current year from economic cost to
MSP/MSP derived prices in consonance with this decision regarding allocation for calamity
relief.
Background:
The Government of India allocates foodgrains to States/UTs under the Targeted Public
Distribution System (TPDS). However, requests are received from State Governments and UT
administrations for additional allocation on account of either higher coverage of population
under the Targetted Public Distribution System (TPDS) or for natural calamities such as
droughts, floods, earthquakes etc. or festivals like Onam, Kumbh Mela, Char Dham Yatra,
Amarnath Yatra etc. The Government has been making additional allocation of foodgrains
on the basis of the Cabinet`s instructions in February, 2000 and E-GoM`s decision dated
17.9.2009 at Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) prices, economic cost or MSP/MSP derived
prices at present.

Security for women in public road transport in the country
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved setting up of a unified system at
the national level (National Vehicle Security and Tracking System) and State level (City
Command and Control Centre) for Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking of the location
of emergency buttons in and video recording of incidents in public transport vehicles, in 32
cities of the country with a population of one million or more according to the 2011 census.
The implementation of the project will help in:
i) Mapping of routes of public vehicles;
ii) Tracking of vehicles on the route;
iii) Highlighting of violations through visual and text signals;
iv) Panic button alert to transport and police through visual, text and voice.
v) Permit, registration and licence cancellation based criteria for enforcement.
(vi) Providing safety and security to women / girl child in distress in minimum response
time.

The total estimated cost of the project will be Rs.1405 crore. The project will be
implemented within a period of two years after allocation of funds to set up a National Level
Vehicle Security and Tracking System and City Command & Control Centre with installation
of GPS / CCTV / Panic buttons in public road transport.
The scheme for security for women in public road transport has been formulated with
purpose of improving safety and protection of women from violence by using information
technology in the following manner:
I. Tracking of all public transport vehicles: This shall be done in accordance with Sections
72, 74, 75 and 76 of Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Defaults will be reported and
updated on the data base of the vehicle.
II. Emergency button in all public transport vehicles: The button will generate an alarm in
the system. For vehicles which are also provided with facilities for video recording, the City
Command and Control Centre can receive pictures of actual incidents and raise an alarm
with the nearest police and transport patrol to reach the bus.
III.Video recording in public transport vehicles with large seating capacity: Incidents
recorded will be kept for seven days in the on-board unit and can be used as evidence and
arrest of accused in case of any incident.

Background:
Women play an important role in the economy, politics and social sectors of a
country. People from smaller towns, including a large number of women, move to
cities in search of jobs or studies. With increasing participation of women in the
economic sphere, safer mobility of women is essential. As most people, particularly
women and the girl child, cannot afford their own transportation, they depend on
public transport.
The Justice JS Verma Committee constituted in December, 2012 to look into the
possible amendments in the criminal laws related to sexual violence against women
made various recommendations for public transport vehicles in its report.
The Report of Justice (Retired) Ms. Usha Mehra, Commission of Enquiry constituted
under the Commission of Enquiry Act, 1952 to look into the incident of gang-rape and
assault on a woman on 16.12.2012 in Delhi suggested measures for safety and
security of women in the NCT of Delhi and NCR.

Centrally sponsored scheme for establishment of new medical colleges attached with
existing district/referral hospitals
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare relating to the Centrally sponsored scheme for establishment
of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals.
The approval is for establishment of 58 new medical colleges by upgradation of existing
district hospitals in deficient states with intake capacity of 100 MBBS seats in each
medical college. This will result in an increase of about 5800 seats.
The central assistance share will be of Rs. 8457.40 crore and State/UT share of Rs.
2513.70 crore. The funding pattern will be 90:10 by Central and State Governments
respectively for North Eastern States and special category States and in the ratio of 75:25
for other States. The total cost of establishment of the one medical college is
approximately about Rs.189 crore. The distance between the district/referral hospital and
the medical college shall be within 10 kms and on two pieces of land.

Minimum Support Price of Raw Jute for 2014-15 season
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Minimum Support Price
(MSP) for 2014-15 season for TD-5 grade of Jute at Rs.2400 per quintal for the entire
country. This is an increase of Rs.100 per quintal over the MSP announced by the
Government for the last season. The increase in the MSP of raw jute is expected to
encourage farmers to step up investment in jute cultivation and thereby production and
productivity of jute in the country.
In order to incentivize farmers for the production of higher grades, the premiums for TD-3
and TD-4 varieties of raw jute will be maintained at 20 percent and 8 percent respectively
in relation to the price of TD-5.
The Jute Corporation of India (JCI) would continue to act as the nodal agency to
undertake price support operation at MSP in jute growing states.

The World Bank assisted Rural Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Project for Low
Income States of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the implementation of the Rural
Water Supply and Sanitation Project for Low Income States (RWSSP-LIS) of Assam, Bihar,
Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh with World Bank assistance over a period of six years (from
2013-14 to 2019-20).
The project is expected to directly benefit a rural population of about 78 lakh persons
including 44 lakh Scheduled Castes and more than 8 lakh Scheduled Tribes, with improved
piped water supply cov ering approximately 17,400 habitations in 2,150 Gram Panchayats
(GPs) in the following 33 districts of the four States:
a) Assam: 7 districts (Hailakandi, Kamrup, Jorhat, Morigaon, Bongaigaon, Sonitpur and
Sibsagar) with an estimated population coverage of about 14 lakh.
b) Bihar: 10 districts (Patna, Begusarai, Munger, Muzzafarpur, West Champaran, Nalanda,
Nawada, Saran, Purnia and Banka) with an estimated population coverage of about 24 lakh.
c) Jharkhand: 6 districts (East Singhbum, Dumka, Garwah, Palamu, Saraikela-Kharsawan and
Khunti) with an estimatedpopulation coverage of about 12 lakh.
d) Uttar Pradesh: 10 Eastern UP districts (Gorakhpur, Kushi Nagar, Deoria, Basti, Ghazipur,
Ballia, Allahabad, Sonbhadra, Bahraich and Gonda) with an estimated population coverage of
about 28 lakh.

The key features of the project are:
(i) Strengthening and empowering of Panchayati Raj Institutions
(PRIs) as well as ensuring direct involvement of beneficiary communities in the
scheme
implementation. Schemes will be implemented with integral involvement of GPs.
(ii) Sanitation in conjoint approach with water is conceptualized as an integrated
component of the proposed project,
(iii) The project will implement pilot programs such as 24/7 water supply provision in
select areas, and new technologies such as use of solar energy,
(iv) There shall be an intensive Capacity Building programme for all
stakeholders down to the GP level,
(v) Intensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and Behavioural
Change Communication (BCC) programs will be carried out.
(vi) The project will support the universal provision of household connections, meters
for bulk water supply, and promotion of household meters, wherever appropriate,
(vii) There will be a focus on monitoring and surveillance of drinking water quality,
(viii) Grievance redressal measures of a GP, District and State level will be captured by
the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system proposed under the project,

(ix) Technical, financial, procurement and social audits during scheme planning,
implementation and O&M will be conducted,
(x) Demonstration of beneficiary support for the schemes through a one time upfront
community contribution (Rs. 450 per household/ Rs. 225 for SC/ST household) towards
capital cost,
(xi) The Project will adopt a phased approach for achieving full Operation and Maintenance
(O&M) cost recovery through user fees.
The project will improve access and usage of piped drinking water supplied into individual
homes. Women and children will benefit significantly from project intervention as they
currently bear most of the burden of securing daily water supplies.
The Project will improve sanitation conditions in the targeted districts by adopting the
convergence approach with the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) and the National Rural Drinking
Water Programme (NRDWP) and saturate the project area in terms of access to water supply,
household and institutional toilets and solid and liquid waste management.
24 quality affected (arsenic/fluoride/iron) districts will be covered under the program to
provide potable water.

The rural population will benefit from effective IEC and Behavioural Change Communication
(BCC) programs.
The total Project cost of Rs. 6,000 crore will be financed through Government of India [from
the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) allocation – 33 percent], State
Government (fund sharing as per NRDWP guidelines – 16 percent), beneficiary contribution
(1 percent) and external financing (World Bank-IDA funds – 50 percent).
Government of India will repay the amount of US$ 500 million extended as credit by the
World Bank over a period of 25 years with 1.25 percent interest rate.
Background:
The 12
th
Five Year Plan for Rural Water Supply envisages achieving piped water supply
coverage for 50 percent rural population in the country with 30 percent rural population
having household tap connections. This project is therefore conceptualized to provide a
focused thrust in the four low income states of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand which have less than
10 percent piped water coverage) and Uttar Pradesh (Eastern) which has high incidences of
JE/AES cases.

Central Government to Release More Funds for Control of Pollution in Yamuna
River in Delhi
The Union Ministry of Urban Development has approved the proposal for release of 2nd
installment of Rs. 7128 lakhs for the project of laying interceptor sewers along the 3 major
drains for abatement of pollution in the Yamuna River in Delhi. The approval was given at
the recently held meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) on
JnNURM under the chairmanship of Dr. Sudhir Krishna, Secretary, Union Ministry of Urban
Development. The approved cost of the project is Rs. 135771.00 lakhs with a total central
share of Rs. 47520.00 lakhs. The physical progress of the project is about 55 percent with
delay in the project being caused by delay in getting permissions from the Department of
Forests and the Railways Authorities and also in acquisition and handing over of land by the
DDA. The project is likely to be completed by March, 2014.
The CSMC also approved a new project of BRTS of 31 Km for the city of Amritsar in Punjab.
The approved cost of the project is Rs. 49554.00 lakhs with a central share of 50 percent. The
proposal will now be processed for approval of Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Urban
Development and Shri P. Chidambaram, Union Finance Minister.
The CSMC approved the proposal for the release of 4th installment of Rs. 3678.00 for BRTS
Phase II of Ahmedabad. The physical progress of the project as reported is 79 percent and
the project is likely to be completed by March, 2014.

India Signs Credit Afreement with World Bank for Rajasthan Road Sector Modernisation
Project
An agreement for credit of US$ 160 million (equivalent) from World Bank for the Rajasthan
Road Sector Modernisation Project was signed today at New Delhi by Mr. Nilaya Mitash,
Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs Ministry of Finance o n behalf of the
Government of India and Mr. Manoj Jain, Acting Director, New Delhi Office on behalf of
World Bank.
Similarly the Project Agreement was signed by Mr. J.C.Mohanty, Principal Secretary, Public
Works Department on behalf of Government of Rajasthan.
The Objective of the project is to improve rural connectivity, enhance road safety and
strengthen road sector management capacity of the state of Rajasthan.
Project Components: The new project has three main components: (i) Rural Connectivity
Improvement; (ii) Road Sector Modernisation and Performance Enhancement; (iii) Road
Safety Management.
The closing date of RRSMP is December 2018.

The Lokpal And Lokayuktas Bill, 2013
Receives the Assent of the President
Published in the Gazette of India as Act No. 1 of 2014
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2013 has received the assent of the President of India. It has
now been published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II, Section-1, dated the 1st
January 2014.

Security for women in public road transport in the country
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved setting up of a unified system at
the national level (National Vehicle Security and Tracking System) and State level (City
Command and Control Centre) for Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking of the location
of emergency buttons in and video recording of incidents in public transport vehicles, in 32
cities of the country with a population of one million or more according to the 2011
census.
The implementation of the project will help in:
i) Mapping of routes of public vehicles;
ii) Tracking of vehicles on the route;
iii) Highlighting of violations through visual and text signals;
iv) Panic button alert to transport and police through visual, text and voice.
v) Permit, registration and licence cancellation based criteria for enforcement.
(vi) Providing safety and security to women / girl child in distress in minimum response
time.

The total estimated cost of the project will be Rs.1405 crore. The project will be
implemented within a period of two years after allocation of funds to set up a National
Level Vehicle Security and Tracking System and City Command & Control Centre with
installation of GPS / CCTV / Panic buttons in public road transport.
The scheme for security for women in public road transport has been formulated with
purpose of improving safety and protection of women from violence by using information
technology in the following manner:
I. Tracking of all public transport vehicles: This shall be done in accordance with Sections
72, 74, 75 and 76 of Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. Defaults will be reported and
updated on the data base of the vehicle.
II. Emergency button in all public transport vehicles: The button will generate an alarm in
the system. For vehicles which are also provided with facilities for video recording, the City
Command and Control Centre can receive pictures of actual incidents and raise an alarm
with the nearest police and transport patrol to reach the bus.
III.Video recording in public transport vehicles with large seating capacity: Incidents
recorded will be kept for seven days in the on-board unit and can be used as evidence and
arrest of accused in case of any incident.

Background:
Women play an important role in the economy, politics and social sectors of a country.
People from smaller towns, including a large number of women, move to cities in
search of jobs or studies. With increasing participation of women in the economic
sphere, safer mobility of women is essential. As most people, particularly women and
the girl child, cannot afford their own transportation, they depend on public transport.
The Justice JS Verma Committee constituted in December, 2012 to look into the
possible amendments in the criminal laws related to sexual violence against women
made various recommendations for public transport vehicles in its report.
The Report of Justice (Retired) Ms. Usha Mehra, Commission of Enquiry constituted
under the Commission of Enquiry Act, 1952 to look into the incident of gang-rape and
assault on a woman on 16.12.2012 in Delhi suggested measures for safety and security
of women in the NCT of Delhi and NCR.

Central Government to Release More Funds for Control of Pollution
in Yamuna River in Delhi
The Union Ministry of Urban Development has approved the proposal for release of 2nd
installment of Rs. 7128 lakhs for the project of laying interceptor sewers along the 3 major
drains for abatement of pollution in the Yamuna River in Delhi. The approval was given at
the recently held meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) on
JnNURM under the chairmanship of Dr. Sudhir Krishna, Secretary, Union Ministry of Urban
Development. The approved cost of the project is Rs. 135771.00 lakhs with a total central
share of Rs. 47520.00 lakhs. The physical progress of the project is about 55 percent with
delay in the project being caused by delay in getting permissions from the Department of
Forests and the Railways Authorities and also in acquisition and handing over of land by the
DDA. The project is likely to be completed by March, 2014.
The CSMC also approved a new project of BRTS of 31 Km for the city of Amritsar in Punjab.
The approved cost of the project is Rs. 49554.00 lakhs with a central share of 50 percent.
The proposal will now be processed for approval of Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of
Urban Development and Shri P. Chidambaram, Union Finance Minister.
The CSMC approved the proposal for the release of 4th installment of Rs. 3678.00 for BRTS
Phase II of Ahmedabad. The physical progress of the project as reported is 79 percent and
the project is likely to be completed by March, 2014.

Gross direct tax collections during april-december of the current financial year
2013-14 is up by 12.33 percent and stood at rs. 4,81,914 crore as against rs.
4,29,023 crore in the same period last year
Gross direct tax collections during April-December of the F.Y. 2013-14 is up by 12.33
percent at Rs.4,81,914 crore as against Rs.4,29,023 crore in the same period last year.
While gross collections of Corporate taxes have shown an increase of 9.35 percent and
stood at Rs.3,10,126 crore as against Rs. 2,83,605 crore during the same period in last
year. Gross collection of Personal income tax is up by 18.53 percent and stood at
Rs.1,67,589 crore as against Rs. 1,41,385 crore during the same period in last year. Net
direct tax collection is up by 12.53 percent and stands at Rs. 4,15,328 crore, as compared
to Rs. 3,69,067 crore in the same period in the last fiscal.
The collection of Securities Transaction Tax (STT) stands at Rs. 3427 Crore showing the
growth of 4.04 percent. The Wealth Tax collection has posted a growth of 11.92 percent
and stood at Rs. 742 crore as against Rs. 663 crore during the same period in last year.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2014 to Connect India Diaspora Across Generations
India’s efforts to engage with the India Diaspora will receive a shot in the arm when the
three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas from January 7, 2014to January 9, 2014 is organised in
Delhi at Vigyan Bhawan which will seek to connect persons of Indian origin and non-
resident Indians across generations. The main event will be inaugurated on January 8, 2014
by the Prime Minister of India.
The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, will deliver the valedictory address on
January 9th and will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.
Addressing a press conference Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Sh. Vayalar Ravi said the
purpose of the PBD is to have a meaningful integration with overseas Indians that would
address their issues and concerns. The PBD Convention provides a unique platform for
overseas Indians to interact among themselves and with the Government of India and the
Governments of various Indian States. It is forum where the Government of India
showcases investment opportunities in India and its potential in various sectors.

Sh Ravi said that the key focus area of PBD 2014 is Youth PBD on January 7th. The event is
expected to open new horizons of a strong network of Young Overseas Indians to
contribute to India’s engagement with youth in all sectors. The Ministry of Youth Affairs
and Sports will be the Partner Minstery for the event. India is a young nation and youth is
one of the engines that drive a nation and if we are to propel India to greater heights, we
need to harness this energy, Hence, it is in the fitness that the 12th editions of PBD is
focusing on youth, the Minister added.
He said that India is fast emerging as a youthful and exuberant nation where
approximately 50 percent of the working population falls in the age group 18-35 years.
There has been a sharp reversal in migration trends and a number of experienced and
educated NRIs are now returning home to use their knowledge to build an inclusive and
economically sound future for the country. This led to the creation of a unique synergy
where in young Indians worldwide are now set to shape the future of the Indian growth
story. This synergy is expected to be directed by the core principal of inclusive prosperity
and driven by innovation and technology.

Sh. Vayalar Ravi said that the demographic dividend expected from this synergy is the one
which creates a self sustaining impetus where in young Indians are expected to contribute
towards all the variables that determine economic growth. They are attracting investment
into the economy; being more educated than their previous generations they are providing
the human capital required to service industrial growth; and finally are working towards
building institution that are becoming a medium of change in society, he added, On the first
day a session on ‘Aspiration of Diaspora Youth’ will be held during the Youth PBD. Followed
by concurrent session on ‘Sharing a Common Heritage: ‘The Emotional Connect’, and on
Young Achievers.
On January 8th, after the inauguration session, Plenary sessions on ‘India’s Growth &
Development Agenda’, ‘India’s Soft Power and ‘PBD Oration’ will be held.
The final day of PBD will witness sessions on ‘Investment Opportunities in State’ and
“Parallel State Sessions’ Concurrent sessions on ‘Innovation and Technology’; ‘Healthcare
Opportunity in India’; ‘Meeting of Diaspora organization’; ‘Making India the Hub of Media &
Entertainment Industry’ and “Issues of NRIs in the Gulf’ will be organised.
PBD 2014 will showcase the participation of the state governments, corporate, financial
institutions, NGOs and other sectors through the Exhibition that is behind the Vigyan
Bhawan.

Growth of 6.3 percent in the number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA’s) in the
month of December, 2013
There has been a growth of 6.3 percent in the number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA’s) in the
month of December, 2013 as compared to FTA’s in the month of December, 2012.
The following are the important highlights regarding FTAs and FEEs from tourism during the
month of December 2013.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs):
• FTAs during the Month of December 2013 were 8.00 lakh as compared to FTAs of 7.53 lakh
during the month of December 2012 and 7.37 lakh in December 2011.
• There has been a growth of 6.3% in December 2013 over December 2012 as compared to a
growth of 2.2% registered in December 2012 over December 2011.
• FTAs during the period January to December 2013 were 68.48 lakh with a growth of 4.1%, as
compared to FTAs of 65.78 lakh with a growth of 4.3% during January to December 2012 over
the corresponding period of 2011.

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from Tourism in rupee terms and US$ terms
• FEEs during the month of December 2013 were ` 11,680 crore as compared to ` 10,549
crore in December 2012 and ` 8,870 crore in December 2011.
• The growth rate in FEEs in rupee terms in December 2013 over December 2012 was
10.7% as compared to 18.9% in December 2012 over December 2011.
• FEEs from tourism in rupee terms during January to December 2013 were ` 1,05,836
crore with a growth of 12.0%, as compared to the FEEs of ` 94,487 crore with a growth of
21.8% during January to December 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011.
• FEEs in US$ terms during the month of December 2013 were US$ 1.886 billion as
compared to FEEs of US$ 1.931 billion during the month of December 2012 and US$ 1.688
billion in December 2011.
• The growth rate in FEEs in US$ terms in December 2013 over December 2012 was a
negative growth of 2.3% as compared to the growth of 14.4% in December 2012 over
December 2011.
• FEE from tourism in terms of US$ during January to December 2013 were US$ 18.133
billion with a growth of 2.2%, as compared to US$ 17.737 billion with a growth of 7.1%
during January-December 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011.

Amendment no. 2 to the Notice Inviting Applications for the Spectrum Auction
by the Department of Telecommunications
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications & Information
Technology, has issued the 2nd Amendment to the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for the
Spectrum Auction of 1800 MHz band and 900 MHz band. As per the Amendment, some
changes have been made in some parts of Clause Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and Annexure 2A. The
details of the Amendment are available on the website of DoT.
Meanwhile, as per the first Amendment to the NIA, the Department issued clarifications on
the queries raised about the NIA on 2nd January 2014 which are also available on the DoT
website.
As per the revised schedule of the Auction process, the last date for submission of
application is January 15, 2014.

Prithvi Launch Successful
A missile unit of the elite Strategic Forces Command (SFC) successfully launched a Prithvi
missile today from the test range at Chandipur, off the Odisha Coast as part of a scenario
based live launch training exercise. The launch was flawless and achieved all its targeting
and technical parameters set out for the training exercise.
‘The launch was conducted as a culmination to a strategic training exercise. The aim of
this exercise was to validate our readiness by undertaking launches in various
contingencies’, said an SFC spokesperson.
Prithvi missiles are indigenously produced and are equipped with improved high accuracy
navigation and manoeuvring system. Inducted into India’s Strategic Forces Command in
2003, the Prithvi missile, the first missile to be developed under India’s prestigious IGMDP
strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence

4th India-South Korea Finance Ministers Meeting to Discuss Macro
Economic Situation and Policy Responses, Cooperation Among
Both Countries in Trade and Investement as Well as in Taxation and
Finance Matters Among Others
The 4th Indo-Korea Finance Ministerial meeting will be held tomorrow in the national
capital. The meeting will be attended by the Finance Minister of India, Mr. P. Chidambaram
along with Mr. Sumit Bose, Finance Secretary, Dr. Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department
of Economic Affairs, and other senior officials on behalf of the Government of India while
Mr. Hyun Oh Seok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, Republic of
Korea along with Mr. Yoon Tae Yong, Director General, International Economic Affairs
Bureau, Mr. Gwak Bum Gook, Director General, Treasury Bureau and Mr. Han Myung Jin,
Director General, Tax Analysis and International Tax Affairs Bureau among others on behalf
of the Republic of Korea.

Both the sides will discuss Macro Economic outlook of the world economy in general and
of the two countries in specific along with general directions of policy responses to the
same. Besides it, both the sides will also discuss about cooperation between the two
countries under multi-lateral framework including the G20 and EAS and direction of
bilateral collaboration. Both the sides will also discuss issues of mutual cooperation in
trade and investment including establishing a road map for mid-term and long term
cooperation between Korea and India, cooperation between custom authorities and
reducing difficulties in customs clearance, permitting SME cooperation between Korea and
India and providing more investment opportunities in both the countries. The two sides
will also discuss revision of the Korea-India Double Taxation Convention (DTAC), bi-lateral
cooperation between supervising agencies in the financial sector and cooperation in
permission obtaining process to establish branches of Korea commercial banks in India.
Both the sides will have general discussion on policies for permitting infrastructure
development in India and Korea with opportunities for further cooperation.

Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad launches the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram
(RKSK)
Shri Azad: Rksk will Comprehensively Address the Health Needs of the
Country’s Adolescent Population
Shri Ghualm Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare launched the
Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), here today. He also inaugurated the
three-day National Adolescent Health Consultation.
The Union Health Minister, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad while addressing the gathering
stated that the programme will comprehensively address the health needs of the 243
million adolescents, who account for over 21% of the country’s population. He said that
so far the efforts have been partial, confined to sexual and reproductive health, that too at
select government facilities. The Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) will
bring in several new dimensions, which he listed as- mental health, nutrition, substance
misuse, gender based violence and non-communicable diseases. The programme
introduces community based interventions through peer educators, and is underpinned by
collaborations with other Ministries and State governments, knowledge partners and more
research. Referring to the strategic approach to RMNCH+A(Reproductive, Maternal,
New born, Child Health + Adolescent) in which `A` denotes adolescents, unveiled last
year at Mahabalipuram, the Health Minister said that new focus on adolescents is in
recognition of the fact that without adolescent health, maternal and child health outcomes
may continue to elude us.

Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the 5 by 5 RMNCH+A matrix has been developed which lists
out the 5 high impact interventions under each of the 5 pillars, all of which need to be
implemented together, at the same time, with high coverage and quality.
Speaking at the occasion, Sh K Desiraju, Health Secretary said that the programme is an
effort to move away from a ‘doctor-driven’ effort towards a holistic and participative
programme. The RKSK recognizes that all adolescents need attention even before the
occurrence of any disease or problem, and in order to make informed decisions and choices.
Highlighting the salient features of the programme and the need for an enhanced and sharper
focus on adolescents, Smt Anuradha Gupta, Addl. Secretary and Mission Director, NRHM
stated that adolescents present a unique opportunity to reap the country’s demographic
dividends. This, she pointed out, will not be possible without investing in their health needs.
She explained that lifestyle and behavior related diseases such as substance abuse, inflicting
self harm, tendency towards gender-based violence, low nutrition and physical inactivity,
which begin and occur more during this phase, are fast becoming the causes for the highest
mortality in this age group. She stated that in the coming years in the developing countries,
seven out of ten deaths will be due to non-communicable diseases.

The RKSK programme defines an adolescent as a person within 10-19 years of age, in urban
and rural areas, includes both girls and boys, married and unmarried, poor and affluent,
whether they are in school or out of school. This broad definition helps to address the
myriad problems of adolescents across various groups and categories, she stated. The
programme emphasis seven ‘Cs”- coverage, content, communication, counselling, clinics
and convergence. She stated that active use of new technologies and social media platforms
will form an integral part of the programme to reach the adolescents in their own spaces,
with strategic partnerships with communities and peers.
The Health Minister also launched the handbooks on strategy frameworks which includes
the framework for monitoring, supervision and evaluation of the programme once it is rolled
out; the handbook on operational framework which will help to translate the programme into
action; and the resource pack for the ANMs, ASHAs, medical officers, LHVs and peer
educators.
Also present at the launch function were Ms. Kate Gilmore, Deputy Executive Director,
UNFPA, Ms. Fredika Meijer, UNFPA representative for Bhutan and India, senior officers
from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Health Secretaries from different States,
and representatives from UNICEF.

Improving travel experience of NRI youth is high on Civil Aviation Ministry’s
agenda: K.C. Venugopal
Shri K.C. Venugopal, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, has underlined the Govrnment’s
commitment to improve the travel experience of the youth who search for greener pastures
across the world.
Addressing a session on ‘Young Achievers’ at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the Minister
said, “Air India as the National Carrier is indebted to the Overseas Indians and always offers
you the opportunity to fly you around. Air India had a bad time combating with debts. Now
we are regaining the ground. We are happy that the improved customer confidence is being
reflected in the bookings as well. There were certain issues and concerns about the
performance of Air India Express, the low cost carrier from Air India Group. Air India Express
is specially designed for Gulf sector services. The process of empowering Air India Express
as an independent business entity is progressing. We have rolled out many initiatives to
make Air India Express complaint free. We have also increased our services to Gulf Sector,
and on time performance is monitored at the apex level to ensure customer satisfaction. To
hear from the NRIs personally about their concerns about Air India Express, I started a mail
service too”, he said.

The Minister said that every generation of NRIs has its own specific opportunities and
challenges. The long cultural exchange and bartering between the countries have set the
soil ready for larger acceptance of young Indians.
He said, “The second generation NRIs are the ambassadors of a resurgent India, which has
opened its doors for the world. Ambition, innovation and management expertise in
international trade are the trademarks of a successful Young Indian. They have enhanced
footsteps of Indian business across the world. Even in Kerala, we have many such young
investors who ventured to go out from their middle class houses in small towns to
international business hotspots. However, the expectation levels and competencies of new
generation NRIs are manifold compared to their predecessors. They deserve more
handholding and enabling policies by the Indian Government. It is a fact that there are
initiatives to motivate the young investors back home in India. But I do believe that we
have to expand our net so that a government umbrella for Young Overseas Indians can be
set up. Such a body will have to extract data regarding investment potential in each sector,
may tie up prospective cash flow for various PPP models, may ensure single window
clearance for NRI investments etc.”
“As a country and a responsible government we are committed to provide young Indians
similar opportunities elsewhere, so that they can confidently invest in India. It is high time
that we need to develop our own engineering research and reduce dependence on the
borrowed technologies. In this liberalized economy now we can afford to integrate R&D
into the prime business of Indian companies. The companies also need to promote the
synergy between industries & education,” said Shri Venugopal

PBD should evolve non-formal and seamless connect for Diaspora and Indian
youth: Manish Tewari
The aspirations of Diaspora youth and resident Indians were articulated here on the
opening day of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) with Shri Manish Tewari, Minister for
Information and Broadcasting, stating that while border control, visa regulations and
immigration formalities were the ground realities in connecting the global youth, it was
undeniable that the march of technology, through the use of the internet, has enabled
them to become a part of the global conversation.
Speaking at the Plenary Session of Youth PBD, Shri Tewari said that the internet
represented the largest ungoverned space on earth and every two days more data is
produced than since the dawn of civilization to the year 2000. This technology has given
rise to a virtual civilization that allows young people who have the desire and passion to
connect with others with similar aspirations around the world.
The Minister said that during his overseas travel in recent months he has discovered that
the younger generation has a common aspiration: to make a life for themselves and make
the world a better place to live in. In this context, Shri Tewari suggested that PBD should
evolve a non-formal connect in an unstructured manner to allow the youth across the
world to connect with one another seamlessly.

The session provided insights into India’s fast emergence as a youthful and exuberant
nation where approximately 50% of the working population falls in the age group of 18-
35 years. There has been some reverse migration in which a number of experienced and
educated NRIs are now returning home to use their knowledge to build an inclusive and
economically sound future for the country. This has led to the creation of a unique
synergy wherein young Indians worldwide are now set to shape the future of the Indian
growth story. This synergy is expected to be directed by the core principle of inclusive
prosperity and driven by innovation and technology.

Greater connectivity Between Indian and Diaspora Youth Will Result In
Creation of Wealth and Prosperity: Shri Vayalar Ravi
Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affirs, Launches Youth Session of
the 12th Pravashi Bharatiya Divas
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi, today called for greater connectivity
between Indian and diaspora youth ‘which should eventually result in economic
cooperation leading to the creation of wealth, livelihoods and prosperity.’
Shri Ravi was addressing the youth session of the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Today’s
session precedes the main session of the three day event to be formally inaugurated by
the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, tomorrow.
Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Jitendra Singh, also addressed the session.
The following is the full text of his speech:
I am very happy and privileged to meet you in this youth session of the 12th edition of
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi. As you know, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is being
celebrated on the 9th of January every year to mark the return of our greatest Pravasi,
Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa. Thus, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is of great importance
as it symbolises the struggle for freedom of our mother country, India.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas fosters a new bond between India and her overseas Indian
citizens who work and live in various parts of the world for generations. The PBD will be
formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister tomorrow. Today we are meeting for
the special sessions organised for youth. It is very heartening to see young diaspora
delegates from second and third generations of people of Indian origin in this august
gathering. Your mother country, India has been recognising and appreciating the valuable
contribution of its diaspora by granting Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to its
distinguished diaspora members who have excelled in various fields.
On this occasion, I would like to mention that we will have the privilege of having Datuk
Seri G. Palanivel, Federal Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Government of
Malaysia as our Chief Guest for this 12th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
This 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is very significant in view of the fact that a Youth PBD is
being celebrated on the first day. India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is the partner
Ministry for this event. You have already heard my colleague, Shri Jitendra Singh, who is in
charge of this Ministry. Considering the fact that the youth population in India is one of
the largest in the whole world, this makes India a very youthful and vibrant country. It is
estimated that more than 50% of our working population is between the age group of 18-
35 years and are contributing immensely to the growth and development of our great
country India.

It is also exhilarating to note that diaspora youth are also excelling in various fields and
contributing immensely to the growth of their host countries, in the same way their
parents and forefathers did. Many young people of Indian origin are beginning to occupy
important positions of leadership in their countries. It is also pertinent to note that the
youth diaspora is upholding the great traditions and cultural heritage of their mother
country India, thereby setting valuable examples for the youth population of their host
countries. It is necessary for our youth to interact with their Pravasi counterparts and
today’s sessions provide an important forum for this.
The various sessions of this Youth PBD like ‘Aspirations of Diaspora Youth’, ‘Sharing a
Common Heritage: The Emotional Connect’ and that on ‘Young Achievers’ should witness
meaningful dialogue and interaction between eminent speakers from among the
representatives of Indian Diaspora and the Youth delegates. It is hoped that these sessions
will also serve to inform the participants of India’s cultural heritage. They will also expose
the youth diaspora from various countries to the opportunities for growth and
development India’s growing economy presents today. Indeed, the interactions today
should foster greater connectivity between Indian and diaspora youth, which should
eventually result in economic cooperation leading to the creation of wealth, livelihoods
and prosperity.

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has been in the forefront in engaging the youth
diaspora residing in various countries by introducing various schemes and projects like
Know India Programme (KIP); Study India Programme (SIP) and Scholarship Programme
for Diaspora Children (SPDC). These schemes and programmes have benefitted the
diaspora youth as well as the diaspora children immensely by exposing them to the
cultural heritage and the growth and development story of their mother country, India.
It is our endeavour to further enrich and expand these programmes so that our young
diaspora continue to benefit and stay connected to their mother country. This
association will be mutually beneficial to all of you and your host country as well as to
your ancestral country, India. It is my hope that the deliberations in today’s meetings
will throw up new ideas for us to engage more with Pravasi youth.

Government to unveil a new National Youth Policy with the vision of
empowering the youth of the country to achieve their full potential: Jitendra
Singh
The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Jitendra Singh has said that the Government
of India is in the process of introducing a new National Youth Policy with the vision of
empowering the youth of the country to achieve their full potential. Addressing the youth
session of the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here today, he said, the new Youth Policy
focuses on Developing the Youth into a productive work force, by providing them the right
education and skills and promoting entrepreneurship, Developing a strong and healthy
generation through effective healthcare and promotion of a healthy lifestyle and sports,
Promoting social values and spirit of community service, Effectively engaging with the
youth and facilitating their participation in governance process and Inclusive policies to
take care of disadvantaged sections of youth and the youth with special needs. He said,
The Government of India, through the proposed new National Youth Policy, also intends to
promote ‘social entrepreneurship’ as an attractive employment proposition and to create
an enabling policy regime for setting up of venture funds and provide angel investment
that the social entrepreneurs require. This would facilitate setting up of social ventures in
India by the Overseas Indians.

Here is the full text of Minister’s speech:
“I would like to compliment the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for creating an excellent
platform, in the form of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, for engaging with the distinguished
Indian Diaspora from across the world and more so, for deciding to celebrate the first day
of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas this year as the Youth PBD. I also express my gratitude for an
opportunity to share my views with all of you on this occasion.
The youth are the most important and dynamic segment of the population in any country.
In India, 27.5% of the population belong to the 15-29 year age group while 41.3% are in the
13-35 years age group. By the year 2020, the population of India is expected to have a
median age of 28 years only as against 38 years for US, 42 years for China and 48 years for
Japan; making India one of the youngest nations in the world. This “demographic dividend”
is a fantastic opportunity which we must capitalise on.
A significant section of Indian Diaspora consists of highly skilled young professionals, who
have been successful in their respective spheres of work and have earned a name for
themselves as well as for the country of their origin making us proud. A recent trend in the
past few years has been that a number of young Indians have started returning home –
attracted by opportunities created by the fast-growing Indian economy. Most of these
individuals are highly skilled young men and women who are either taking senior
management positions or are setting up their own enterprises in emerging industries.
Many of them have also started working on developing self-sustaining non-for-profit
institutions that work towards promoting various social causes like access to quality
education, health education, gender empowerment, social cohesion, etc.

I am glad to mention that the Government of India is in the process of introducing a new
National Youth Policy with the vision of empowering the youth of the country to achieve
their full potential. The new Youth Policy focuses on:
(i). Developing the Youth into a productive work force, by providing them the right
education and skills and promoting entrepreneurship.
(ii). Developing a strong and healthy generation through effective healthcare and
promotion of a healthy lifestyle and sports.
(iii). Promoting social values and spirit of community service.
(iv). Effectively engaging with the youth and facilitating their participation in governance
process.
(v). Inclusive policies to take care of disadvantaged sections of youth and the youth with
special needs.

In this context, the two youth volunteer networks created by the Ministry of Youth Affairs
and Sports, Government of India, with pan-India presence, namely, Nehru Yuva Kendra
Sangathan (NYKS) and National Service Scheme (NSS) can play a very crucial role. NYKS
currently has about 8 million non-student youth volunteers enrolled through about 2.80
lakh youth clubs across rural India. NSS has about 3.25 million student volunteers in
senior secondary schools and colleges all over the country. These networks promote
social values and the spirit of community service. I encourage the Overseas Indian
community to connect to these networks and work with them. In fact, some of brightest
NSS volunteers, who have been chosen to participate in the Republic Day Parade this
year, are present here today and so are some NYKS volunteers. This is an opportunity for
the Indian Diaspora to interact with them.
The Government of India, through the new National Youth Policy, also intends to promote
‘social entrepreneurship’ as an attractive employment proposition and to create an
enabling policy regime for setting up of venture funds and provide angel investment that
the social entrepreneurs require. This would facilitate setting up of social ventures in
India by the Overseas Indians.
I wish to add that my Ministry will seriously work to create an institutional framework
under which the Overseas Indians will get an opportunity to come and work with NYKS,
NSS or other Social Organisations in India, thereby further strengthening their ties with
India.

India And Korea Share A Common Vision Towards Building An Equitable And
Just Politico-Economic International Order: FM
The Union Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram said that India and Korea share a
common vision towards building an equitable and just politico-economic international
order. Shri Chidamabaram said that relations between India and Korea are based on strong
historical ties, shared cultural heritage, commitment to democracy and a mutual desire to
establish and strengthen long-term comprehensive strategic partnership. The Finance
Minister Shri Chidambaram was speaking at the 4
th
India-Korea Finance Ministerial
Meeting here today.
The Finance Minister stressed that India’s economic fundamentals are strong. He said that
between 2005 and 2007, India achieved its growth potential – in fact exceeded it – and
recorded growth rates of over 9 percent. During the 20-year period from 1991 to 2011, the
average growth rate was close to 7 percent. As is evident, even in face of most adverse
global factors, we have remained as one of the fastest growing economies in the world,
the Minister added. He said that in this uncertain global situation, both India and Korea
can and should articulate common positions and play a vital role in international
economic diplomacy.

The Union Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram said that to promote domestic and
foreign investments in infrastructure, we have taken two major steps: First, a Cabinet
Committee on Investment (CCI) has been set-up to expedite decisions and clearances for
implementation of projects. This is headed by the Prime Minister. Second, is the creation
of Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDFs) to raise low-cost long term resources for refinancing
infrastructure projects. The Finance Minister said that he is confident that Korean
companies will make good use of these opportunities to our mutual advantage.
The Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram said that India is in the process
of deepening policy reforms in its financial sector and addressing gaps in the overall
regulatory architecture. The Finance Minister said that India and Korea could collaborate
more intensively in this area through experience sharing. Financial inclusion remains a
very high priority for us, the Minister added. He said that we had constituted the Financial
Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) to review and rewrite the legal-
institutional framework of the Indian financial sector laws. Its recommendations are
currently being examined for implementation, he added.
The Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram said that since the country’s growth potential is
around 8%, several steps have been in the recent months to reverse the economic
slowdown, rein in the fiscal stress and improve investment climate. These measures inter-
alia include liberalization in the FDI regime, measures to improve performance of the
manufacturing sector, promotion of exports, banking reforms, deepening of financial
markets, and fiscal consolidation. He said that in the case of POSCO plant in Orissa, he is
made to understand that the land acquisition process has been completed.

Beside the Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram, Shri Sumit Bose, Finance Secretary, Dr
Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri K.P. Krishnan
Additional Secretary along with other senior officers from the Ministry of Finance were
part of the Indian delegation. Korean side was led by Mr. Hyun Oh Seok, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, Republic of Korea along with Mr. Yoon
Tae Yong, Director General, International Economic Affairs Bureau, Mr. Gwak Bum
Gook, Director General, Treasury Bureau and Mr. Han Myung Jin, Director General, Tax
Analysis and International Tax Affairs Bureau among others.
Following is the text of the Agreed Minutes of the Fourth India-Korea Finance
Ministerial Meeting which were signed here today at the end of the aforesaid Meeting
by both the Finance Ministers i.e. the Finance Minister of India Shri P.
Chidambaram and Mr Hyun Oh Seok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Strategy and Finance, Republic of Korea:
“The Fourth Korea-India Finance Minister’s Meeting (hereinafter the "Finance Minister’s
Meeting") was held here today between the Ministry of Strategy and Finance of the Republ
ic of Korea (hereinafter “Korea”) and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of India (her
einafter “India”).

The delegation of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter the "Korean side") was led by Mr
Oh-Seok Hyun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance and the
delegation of the Republic of India (hereinafter the "Indian side") was led by Shri
P.Chidambaram, Minister of Finance.
Both sides exchanged views on macroeconomic outlook and policy directions and
measures necessary to reinforce cooperation under the multilateral framework and
appreciated the deepening and developing bilateral economic cooperation.
Both sides had in-depth discussions on issues of mutual interest in areas of trade
and investment, public service and fiscal affairs, taxation and finance, and infrastructure
development and cooperation.
Macroeconomic Developments and Policy Directions
Both sides exchanged views on the current economic situation and policies of each
country, and recognized the need for strengthening economic cooperation between the two
countries.

Cooperation between Korea and India under Multilateral Framework
Both sides recognized the need to strengthen cooperation under the multilateral framewor
k, and agreed to facilitate discussions at the G20 level and regional cooperation forums to
actively address other global issues.
Cooperation in Trade and Investment
Both sides underscored the need to evolve a vision for medium and long-term cooperatio
n between the two countries for systematic and close bilateral cooperation, and agreed th
at identified research institutes of the two countries would jointly discuss this subject.
The India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreemen
t (CEPA) has contributed to enhancing trade and investment flows between the two count
ries. It has brought the two economies closer. Both sides agreed to continue their consulta
tions on the CEPA.
In order to enhance trade relations, both sides further agreed that, i
n case either Customs Authority notifies its counterpart of difficulties encountered in the
process of Customs clearance, the two Authorities will make efforts to address the difficu
lties expeditiously.

Both sides agreed to make efforts to promote SME cooperation between th
e two countries by sharing knowledge and experience gained on SME policie
s and by creating strategic industrial partnerships for investment and technic
al cooperation.
Cooperation in Public Service and Fiscal Affairs
Both sides shared the view that a financial management i
nformation system contributes to strengthening of a nation’s financial mana
gement. Both sides agreed to boost mutual benefits through closer cooperat
ion in the subject.
Both sides agreed on the importance of management of state proper
ty and agreed to strengthen cooperation in the development of systems that will enable the
management of state property. Furthermore, both sides agreed to promote the sharing of id
eas for efficient management of state property and hold regular meetings on the issue whe
n required.
Both sides agreed to cooperate and work together to imp
rove public procurement systems including e-procurement systems. Both si
des agreed to cooperate to facilitate mutual exchange between the public pr
ocurement entities of Korea and India.
The Korean side proposed cooperation through a Knowle
dge Sharing Programme (KSP) in order to facilitate mutual economic cooper

In accordance with the MOU on cooperation between the
Ministry of Strategy and Finance of Korea and the Ministry of Finance of Indi
a, both sides agreed to promote a short-term training course for identified o
fficials of the two Finance Ministries at a mutually agreed location and time.
Cooperation in Taxation and Finance
Both sides agreed to make an effort to conclude the revision of the Korea-India D
ouble Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) expeditiously after reviewing their respect
ive positions on major pending issues for the revision.
Both sides agreed to consider issue of license necessary to establish Bank B
ranches and offices in each other’s country if an applicant bank is judged to
have qualified based on relevant laws, regulations and eligibility requirement
s.
Both sides shared recognition of the necessity for cooper
ation in financial supervision and agreed to discuss and conclude an MOU o
n financial supervision between The Reserve Bank of India and the Financial
Services Commission, Korea.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the infrastructure sector bet
ween the two countries by the signing of an MOU between the Export-Impor
t Bank of Korea and India Infrastructure Financing Company Ltd in January 2
014 for the purpose of mutual exchange of information on infrastructure dev
elopment projects.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in bilateral trade by means of the Master Inter
bank Export Credit Agreement worth USD 200 million between the Export-Import Bank
of Korea and State Bank of India to be signed in January 2014, which will facilitate the pr
ovision of export credit to India.
Cooperation in Infrastructure Development
The Indian side agreed to the proposal from the Korean si
de for the two sides to sign the MOU on railway cooperation and for holding
a senior officer level railway cooperation meeting between the two countries.
The Indian side agreed to the proposal by the Korean sid
e for the two sides to sign the Framework of Cooperation (FOC) on roads an
d to hold a Joint Committee Meeting on road cooperation between the two c
ountries after the FOC has been signed.

The Indian side requested the Korean side to encourage investment by Kore
an long-term infrastructure related funds in the various infrastructure invest
ment instruments that have been and are being launched in India. The Kore
an side agreed to consider the same positively.
The Korean side requested for facilitation from the Gover
nment of India for speedy administrative support including issue of clearanc
es and licenses required in the various projects that Korean companies are
participating in and committed to at the State level. The Indian side agreed t
o provide all possible assistance within the federal structure in India.
Both sides agreed to hold the next round of air consultati
ons in a mutually beneficial way recognizing the importance of air services i
n promoting, economic, social and cultural exchanges and people-to-peop
le interactions.
The Korean side proposed to conclude an MOU including establishing cooperation chann
el, a joint committee at the Director General level, for enhanced cooperation and exchang
es in the field of electric power and the Indian side agreed to consider the proposal includ
ing holding a joint committee meeting on cooperation in electric power at a mutually agr
eed time.

Recognizing that a Science and Technology Cooperation fund of USD 10
million has served to implement joint research projects, both sides agreed t
o step up cooperation by creating an additional joint fund of USD 10 million
(with a contribution of USD 5 million by each side) to promote applied rese
arch and development programmes which will be conducted jointly by acad
emia, research institutes and businesses of both countries.
Both sides recognized that the Korea-India Finance Ministers’ Meeting can contribute
practically to reinforcing economic cooperation between the two countries and
reaffirmed their commitment to making efforts to strengthen basis for mutual
cooperation in the future. Both sides agreed to hold the Fifth Korea-India Finance
Ministers’ Meeting in Korea in 2014.”

Salman Khurshid’s Call to Expatriates to Help Build India’s Brand Image
By 2025, 90 crore Working Age Indians will Knock at Government’s Doors for
Infrastructure and Growth Opportunities: Kapil Sibal
Minister of External Affairs Sh. Salman Khurshid, has exhorted the overseas Indians to
become India’s best ambassadors to spread and popularize the country’s values, beliefs,
culture and heritage overseas. Presiding over the session on ‘India Soft Power’ on Day-2 of
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014, Sh. Khurshid called upon the delegates to be active in social
networking to enable India to build its brand name and image so that deeper economic
engagements are concluded with overseas economies, irrespective of their size.
Addressing the session, Sh. Kapil Sibal, Minister of Communication & Information
Technology and Law & Justice said, the present aspirational India will begin to inspire the
remaining part of the globe by 2025, as it will have 90 crore people in the working age
population, throwing a lone challenge for successive governments to provide infrastructure
and growth opportunities for the people to realize their collective potential.
Sh. Sibal said that by 2020, 60 crore Indians would have migrated to large cities, embracing
latest technologies with the best of education at their command. This would create
windows for them to unleash their potential and make India a hub to interact and
interconnect with the rest of the world.

The revenue generated in 2006 through IT &ITEs was estimated at $40 billion which has
gone up to $100 billion now. Of this, $75 billion was contributed by export earnings. This
was indicative of the strides made by the Indian economy, he added.
Sh. Sibal complimented the diaspora present at the convention, saying that it epitomized
India’s soft power and has done India proud and hoped that it continued to serve India.
Minister of Culture, Smt Chandresh Kumari Katoch in her presentation, stated that the
Indian diaspora should actively spread its civilization, heritage and cultural ethos in their
host countries and organize promotional events.

Government Introduces “Know India Programme” for NRI and PIO Youth
The Government has introduced a programme named “Know India Programme” for
young persons of Overseas Indians with a view to provide them an exposure to the
country of their origin so that they can understand it better and more intimately.
Addressing a press conference on the 2nd day of PBD -2014, Minister for Overseas Indian
Affairs, Sh. Vayalar Ravi said that under the Programme, 20 young persons of Indian
origin in the age group of 18 to 24 from different countries visit India extensively every
year, which will provide them an opportunity to have a deeper insight into Indian people
and society.
Sh. Ravi said more than 900 delegates of Overseas Indians from about 50 countries have
participated in this PBD and the highest number of 200 delegates are from Malaysia
only.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Centre in Delhi which was scheduled to be completed in
September last year, will be completed very soon, he added,

Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India
The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting for bringing out a comprehensive regulatory framework in the form of
guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India. These guidelines cover detailed
procedures for registration of rating agencies, eligibility norms, terms and conditions of
registration, cross-holdings, methodology for audience measurement, a complaint
redressal mechanism, sale and use of ratings, audit, disclosure, reporting requirements
and action on non-compliance of guidelines etc. The proposal is based on
recommendations made by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on
"Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies" dated 11th September, 2013.
Based on the recommendations of TRAI, comprehensive policy guidelines for television
rating agencies have been formulated.
Salient features of these guidelines are as follows:
• All rating agencies including the existing rating agencies shall obtain registration from
the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Detailed registration procedure, eligibility norms, terms and conditions, cross-holding
norms, period of registration, security conditions and other obligations have been
delineated.

• No single company / legal entity either directly or through its associates or interconnect
undertakings shall have substantial equity holding that is, 10 percent or more of paid up
equity in both rating agencies and broadcasters/advertisers/advertising agencies.
• Ratings ought to be technology neutral and shall capture data across multiple viewing
platforms viz. cable TV, Direct-to- Home (DTH), Terrestrial TV etc.
• Panel homes for audience measurement shall be drawn from the pool of households
selected through an establishment survey. A minimum panel size of 20,000 to be
implemented within six months of the guidelines coming into force. Thereafter the panel
size shall be increased by 10,000 every year until it reaches the figure of 50,000.
• Secrecy and privacy of the panel homes must be maintained. 25 percent of panel homes
shall be rotated every year.
• The rating agency shall submit the detailed methodology to the Government and also
publish it on its website.
• The rating agency shall set up an effective complaint redressal system with a toll free
number.

• The rating agency shall set up an internal audit mechanism to get its entire
methodology/processes audited internally on quarterly basis and through an
independent auditor annually. All audit reports to be put on the website of the rating
agency. Government and TRAI reserve the right to audit the systems
/procedures/mechanisms of the rating agency.
• Non-compliance of guidelines on cross-holding, methodology, secrecy, privacy, audit,
public disclosure and reporting requirements shall lead to forfeiture of two bank
guarantees worth Rs. one crore furnished by the company in the first instance, and, in the
second instance shall lead to cancellation of registration. For violation of other provisions
of the guidelines, the action shall be forfeiture of bank guarantee of Rs. 25 lakh for the
first instance of non-compliance, forfeiture of bank guarantee of Rs.75 lakh for the second
instance of non compliance and for the third instance, cancellation of registration.
• 30 days time would be given to the existing rating agency to comply with the
guidelines.

• The guidelines would come into effect immediately from the date of notification.
The Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India are designed to address aberrations in
the existing television rating system. These guidelines are aimed at making television ratings
transparent, credible and accountable. The agencies operating in this field have to comply
with directions relating to public disclosure, third party audit of their mechanisms and
transparency in the methodologies adopted. This would help make rating agencies
accountable to stakeholders such as the Government, broadcasters, advertisers, advertising
agencies and above all the people.
Background:
Television Rating Points (TRPs) have been a much debated issue in India since the present
system of TRPs is riddled with several maladies such as small sample size which is not
representative, lack of transparency, lack of reliability and credibility of data etc.
Shortcomings in the present rating system have been highlighted by key stakeholders that
include individuals, consumer groups, government, broadcasters, advertisers, and advertising
agencies etc. Members of Standing Committee on Information Technology had also
expressed concern over the shortcomings.

In 2008, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) had sought recommendations of
TRAI on various issues relating to TRPs and policy guidelines to be adopted for rating
agencies. TRAI, in its recommendations in August 2008, had amongst other things
recommended the approach of self-regulation through the establishment of an industry-led
body, that is the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC).
The Ministry had constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Amit Mitra, the
then Secretary General FICCI, in 2010 to review the existing TRP system In India. The
committee also recommended that self-regulation of TRPs by the industry was the best way
forward.
Since, the BARC could not operationalise the TRP generating mechanism, the Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting sought recommendations of TRAI in September 2013 on
comprehensive guidelines/accreditation mechanism for television rating agencies in India to
ensure fair competition, better standards and quality of services by television rating
agencies. TRAI recommendations on Guideline for Television Rating Agencies were received
in September 2013. While supporting self-regulation of television ratings through an
industry-led body like BARC, TRAI recommended that television rating agencies shall be
regulated through a framework in the form of guidelines to be notified by MIB. It also
recommended that all rating agencies, including the existing rating agency, shall require
registration with MIB in accordance with the terms and conditions prescribed under the
guidelines.

Introduction of National Youth Policy-2014
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for introduction of the National Youth Policy-
2014 (NYP-2014), replacing NYP-2003 currently in force.
The vision of NYP-2014 is to empower youth to achieve their full potential, and through
them enable India to find its rightful place in the community of nations. For achieving this
vision, the Policy identifies five well-defined objectives and 11 priority areas and suggests
policy interventions in each priority area. The priority areas are education, skill
development and employment, entrepreneurship, health and healthy lifestyle, sports,
promotion of social values, community engagement, participation in politics and
governance, youth engagement, inclusion and social justice.
The focused approach on youth development and empowerment involving all
stakeholders, as envisaged in NYP-2014, would result in development of an educated and
healthy young population, who are not only economically productive, but are also socially
responsible citizens contributing to the task of nation-building.
It will cover the entire country catering the needs of all youth in the age-group of 15-29
years, which constitutes 27.5 per cent of the population according to Census-2011, that is
about 33 crore persons.It will replace NYP-2003, to take care of developments since 2003
and future policy imperatives.

The NYP-2014 proposes broad policy interventions for the youth consistent with the
12thPlan priorities and does not propose any specific programme/ scheme, having
financial implications. All concerned Ministries/ Department would be requested to bring
focus on youth issues within the framework of their plans/ programmes/ schemes etc.
Background:
India is one of the youngest nations in the world and is expected to have a very favourable
demographic profile in the near future. This is a great opportunity as well as a challenge.
NYP-2014 seeks to suggest a framework for appropriate policy interventions by
Government and non-Government stakeholders, to empower the youth to enable them to
realize their full potential as also to contribute to the progress of the nation.

India Signs Loan Agreements With World Bank for US $ 250 Million for
Uttarakhand Disaster Recovery Project
The Loan Agreements for World Bank (IDA) assistance of US$ 250 million for Uttarakhand
Disaster Recovery Project were signed between the Government of India and the World
Bank here today.
The Loan Agreement was signed by Shri Nilaya Mitash,Joint Secretary, Department of
Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India and Mr Onno
Ruhl, Country Director (India) of World Bank on behalf of the World Bank. The Project
Agreement was also signed by Shri Rakesh Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary,
Uttarakhand on behalf of the Government of Uttarakhand.
The objective of the project is to restore housing, rural connectivity and build resilience of
communities in Uttarakhand and increase the technical capacity of the State entities to
respond promptly and effectively to an eligible crisis or emergency.
The primary beneficiaries of the project would be the communities in the State that
would benefit from the restoration of housing, rural connectivity, and risk mitigation
infrastructures. By strengthening disaster risk management systems and institutions, the
Project has the potential to benefit the entire State of Uttarakhand.

The project will have six components which are (i) Resilient Infrastructure
Reconstruction, (ii) Rural Road Connectivity, (iii) Technical Assistance and Capacity
Building for Disaster Risk Management, (iv) Financing Disaster Response Expenses, (v)
Project Implementation Support, and (vi) Contingency Emergency Response.
The Project constitutes a large multi-sector engagement on risk and vulnerability
reduction, with assistance for reconstructing damaged infrastructure, restoring
connectivity and improving technical support for enhancing disaster risk management
systems. The Project Design has incorporated lessons learned from previous national
and global post-disaster recovery projects to ensure that the recovery is targeted,
effective and is built back “smarter” in order to build resilience of local communities to
risks in the future.
It is a loan for an implementation period of four (4) years. Government of Uttarakhand
is the implementing agency.

Efforts being made to set-up a National Offshore Wind Energy Agency
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is making efforts to set up a National Offshore
Wind Energy Agency to explore wind generation potential in the offshore areas. Speaking
on the occasion of a daylong “National Level Consultation on National Wind Energy
Mission” in the capital today, Dr.Farooq Abdullah, Minister for New and Renewable
Energy said that the potential of generatingpower through wind energy in the offshore
areas was immense and the Ministry will approach the Union Cabinet soon for a decision.
Dr. Abdullah also expressed the hope that the Finance Ministry will restore the benefits of
Accelerated Depreciation for Wind Power Producers in the Interim Budget to be
presented next month. The Union MNRE Minister also supported the idea of appropriate
financial support to the wind power producers.
The one day long National Consultation has been organised by the Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy to discuss the need and scope of a National Wind Energy Mission
which work towards improvinginvestment climate by resolving issues connected with
resource potential, land availability, grid connectivity, clearance procedure and zoning.
This initiative is part of the efforts of the Ministry to remove hurdles in wind power
development in the country, and bring together all stakeholders on a common platform to
work in a coordinated and concerted manner. The Consultation is being attended by
industry representatives, state electricity regulators, State and Central Government
officials and research and development experts.

NABARD Initiates A Slew of Measures for Promoting Rural Credit and Rural
Infrastructure
NABARD has initiated a slew of measures for improving rural credit and rural infrastructure
particularly warehousing as decided at the 198th Meeting of the Board of Directors chaired
by Dr Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, Chairman, NABARD, held here yesterday.
The Board has approved the launch of three crop specific Pilot Projects with production and
post-production interventions to be implemented through Primary Agriculture Co-operative
Society (PACS). The three Pilot Projects include business models for potato in Hooghly
district, West Bengal, tomato in Karnal district, Haryana, and onion in Nasik district,
Maharashtra. The total outlay for the projects is Rs 37.20 crore, comprising loan and grant
support from NABARD of Rs 18.43 crore and Rs 2.43 crore respectively and a subsidy
support of Rs 16.34 crore from the Central/State Governments.
The Pilot Projects envisage crop-specific market surveys, identification of specific market
players and marketing support through establishment of Project Market Facilitation Centres
(PMFCs). The Projects will provide for productivity enhancing measures and post-harvest
interventions. These measures include support for irrigation particularly micro-irrigation,
scientific storage facility, cold storages and setting-up of agro-service centres. The pilots will
also support promotional interventions including field demonstrations, crop and activity
specific training and capacity building of farmers, exposure visits, etc. for ensuring
technology adoption by them.

NABARD has sanctioned 548 warehousing projects in seven states amounting to Rs
1,046 crore under the NABARD Warehousing Scheme (NWS). These projects on
completion will create an additional storage scientific space of 11.30 lakh MT for
agriculture commodities and also help in better price discovery for farmers.
NABARD Warehousing Scheme 2013-14 has been formulated as per the announcement
made in the Union Budget with a corpus of Rs 5,000 crore. The scheme envisages
financial support for construction of warehouses, godowns, silos, cold storages and cold
chain infrastructure to store agriculture produce, both in public and private sectors.
As decided by its ALCO, NABARD has revised the rate of interest on refinance provided
to banks for investment credit with effect from January 7, 2014. The refinance rate has
been reduced by 20 basis points, and the revised rate of interest on refinance for a
period of five years for Commercial Banks, State Cooperative Banks, Regional Rural
Banks and Primary Urban Cooperative Banks will be 9.70%. The revised rate of interest
for refinance for a period of three to five years will be 9.90%.
Further, banks drawing refinance of Rs 500 crore and more in a single drawal will be
allowed further reduction of 10 basis points, making the effective rate 9.60% and 9.80%
respectively. However, for State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks
(SCRDBs), 10 basis points reduction is allowed for a single drawal of Rs 200 crore and
above.

SAMARTH 2014 – A Curtain Raiser
SAMARTH 2014 – Celebrating Diversity is a national festival for showcasing the abilities of
Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) is being organized by the Department of Disability Affairs
under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India during 15 – 16
January, 2014 at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. This event will be inaugurated by Smt.
Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, United Progressive Alliance.
As per Census 2011, there are 2.68 crore persons with disabilities and constitute 2.22
percent of the total population of the country. The persons with disabilities form a very
diverse group and include persons with impairments such as visual (18.8%), hearing
(18.9%), speech (7.5%), loco- motor (20.3%), mental retardation (5.6%) mental illness
(2.7%) and multiple disability (7.9%).
The Constitution of India ensures equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all
individuals and implicitly mandates an inclusive society for all including persons with
disabilities. The Government recognises that persons with disabilities are valuable human
resource for the country and seeks to create an environment that provides them equal
opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation.

The Department of Disability Affairs under the Ministry of Social Justice &
Empowerment’s mandate and rehabilitation and empowerment of PwDs. As rehabilitation
is multidisciplinary, the Department has adopted a multi-pronged collaborative
approach involving all the appropriate partners: Governments/UTs, Central/State
undertakings, local authorities, NGOs etc.
India has also signed and ratified the United Nations Convention for protection
and promotion of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Among the many
commitments towards the said Convention, a major one is building capacity among
people with disabilities and raising awareness about disability issues. SAMARTH is an
important step in this direction.
The objectives of organizing Samarth are to showcase the abilities and potential
of PwDs; create awareness about their rights and entitlements; and provide PwDs and
those working for them an opportunity for an interface with each other.

Sports Ministry releases Standard Operating Procedure to be followed for grant of
various National Sports Awards
For streamlining the procedure for grant of various National Sports Awards viz. Rajiv Gandhi
Khel Ratna, Arjuna Awards, Dronacharya Awards and Dhyan Chand Awards to be followed by
various agencies viz. the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India (SAI),
National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), State Governments, National Sports Federations
(NSFs), and Sports Promotion and Control Boards, it has been decided with the approval of
competent authority to prescribe the following Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be
followed and kept in view in processing the cases relating to above mentioned National
Sports Awards starting from inviting nominations to constitution of Selection Committees :
(i) Nominations for the National Sports Awards would be called for in January each year in
the prescribed application format. Last date for receipt of nominations will be 30
th
April or
the last working date in April each year.

(ii) The authorized signatory for sending nominations will be as follows:-
1. Indian Olympic Association – President/Secretary General.
2. National Sports Federations – President/Secretary General [In the case of Cricket,
there is no federationrecognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports. Nominations for cricket will need to be sent by President/ Secretary General
of the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI)].
3. State/ UT Governments/ Sports Control/ Promotion Boards – An officer of not
less than the rank of Secretary or Director (Sports) of the organization after taking due
approval of the competent authority.
4. Sports Authority of India- Director General/Secretary
(iii) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardees of previous years may send nominations for Rajiv
Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dhyan Chand and Dronacharya Awards in their own disciplines.
(iv) Arjuna, Dhyan Chand and Dronacharya awardees of previous years may send
nominations for any of these awards in their respective disciplines.
Nominations forwarded by any office-bearer other than those mentioned above will not be
considered.
(v) Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports may suo-moto also nominate
sportspersons/coaches from any sports discipline.
(vi) Following undertaking has been included in the application form for the award (to be
given by the sportsperson being nominated) :-

"That I have carefully read the provisions of the Scheme for the Award and hereby accept
all its provisions. I have never been penalized for any unfair practice like age fraud/ doping
etc."
In case any enquiry has been initiated or warning given, details should be given by the
sportsperson.
(vii) Following undertaking has been included in the application form for the award (to be
given by the person/organization nominating the sportsperson for the award):-
"That I have carefully read the provisions of the Scheme for the Award and hereby confirm
that the sportsperson is eligible for the same.
It is certified that the nominee is clear from vigilance/ disciplinary angles and is not
involved in acts of criminal nature and moral turpitude. In case of sportspersons employed
with Central Government/State Governments/PSUs or in private organizations, a certificate
has been obtained from the concerned employer (copy enclosed) to this effect". (Employer
also to give details of charge sheet/ disciplinary action taken/ pending, if any).
(viii) A copy of those nominations received within stipulated time period from
organizations/agencies other than the NSF of the concerned sports discipline, will be sent
to the concerned NSF for verification of the details and achievements stated in the
nomination form and for checking if the sportsperson has ever been warned/ penalized
for any unfair practice like age fraud/ sexual harassment, doping etc. All details in this
regard, if any, to be given by the NSF along with the verification report.

This activity will be completed latest by 31
st
May.
(ix) A copy each of all nominations received before the last date and through the
prescribed agencies will be sent to Sports Authority of India (SAI) by 15
th
May, which will
independently verify the details stated in the nomination form including character
verification. SAI will carry out the verification of details latest by 31
st
May.
(x) A Screening Committee consisting of Joint Secretary (Sports), Secretary, SAI, Director
(Sports) and Director (Teams), SAI will meet preferably before 15
th
June for scrutiny of the
nominations received.
Based on the reports of NSFs and SAI, the eligibility will be checked by Ministry of Youth
Affairs & Sports (except for verification from doping point of view). Thereafter, the
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports will shortlist the required number of
sportspersons/coaches in various sports disciplines as per guidelines.
(xi) Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports will seek a report from the National Anti Doping
Agency (NADA) about each of the sportspersons, who has been short- listed for verifying
if anyone of them has ever been found positive for doping.
(xii) Since dope testing laboratories are now accredited to World Anti Doping Agency
(WADA) and not to International Olympic Committee, provision about ineligibility of
positive dope-tested applicants has been re-phrased as under in the case of Rajiv Gandhi
Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Awards, Dhyan Chand Awards:

"Sportspersons who have been penalized or against whom enquiry is pending/ongoing for
use of drugs/substances banned by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) based on a
sample collected by the National Anti- Doping Agency (NADA) or any other agency
authorized by WADA and tested by National Dope Testing Laboratory or any other WADA
accredited laboratory, will not be eligible for the Award."
In respect of Dronacharya Award, relevant para has been re-worded as follows:
"A coach found encouraging the use of drugs/substances, banned by the World Anti
Doping Agency, by a sportsperson whom he/she is coaching, will not be eligible for the
Dronacharya Award. A coach against whom enquiry is going on/pending in this regard will
also not be eligible".
(xiii) Selection Committee in each category of the Awards will be constituted preferably
by 15
th
June.
(xiv) All the eligible cases will be put up before the concerned Selection
Committees. Meetings of Selection Committee should be held preferably by 30
th
June.

Do not disturb fragile tribal communities in the name of development, says
President while inaugurating the Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Research
Institute
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Andaman and Nicobar
Tribal Research Institute (ANTRI) today (January 12, 2014) at Port Blair.
Speaking on the occasion, the President made a passionate plea against forced
assimilation into mainstream of marginal and highly fragile tribal communities. He said
such tribal communities should not be disturbed in the name of development, lest they
get destroyed as has happened in the past as a result of attempts to assimilate them. Any
assimilation should come from within, not imposed from outside.
Complimenting the ANTRI for its proposed research plans, he said research should form
the basis of policy making and decisions vis a vis the tribals. Institutions like ANTRI should
guide policy makers on how to avoid decisions which are contrary to the natural instincts
and practices of the tribals. He said policy should not be static but adjusted as per
developments.

The President expressed appreciation for ANTRI`s plans to create a non conventional
museum and said such a museum should not be for tourism or commercial
exploitation of the artifacts and handicrafts of tribals. Instead, it should encourage
the tribals tell their own stories and through this process help them identify their
needs as well as shortcomings. It should empower them address deficiencies on their
own. He said ANTRI should study how tribal practices have evolved over centuries,
how such practices are suited to them and provide relevant inputs for policy making.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan sigh Lays Foundation Stone of 2800 MW
Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (Nuclear Power Project) Says Nuclear
Power Plant will Usher in Opening of New Vista’s of Development
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today laid the foundation stone of 2800 Megawatt
Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (Nuclear Power Project) in the Gorakhpur Village
of Fatehabad district of Haryna. He was accompanied by Shri Jagannath Pahadia, Governer
of Haryana and Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
Detailing the specifications of GHAVP Dr. Manmohan Singh said the 1st phase will see the
commissioning of two units producing 1400 MWe of electricity. The Commissioning of 1st
phase will be completed by 2020-21. The second phase will start after that which will
double the capacity tio full 2800 MWe,
The Prime Minister said Nuclear Energy is one of the safest and clean option for electricity.
India is among those few nations where technology to establish nuclear power projects has
been developed. Today we are capable of producing 4800 MW power and in the coming 10
years we will be able to produce more than 27,000 MW of electricity.
Dr. Manmohan Singh said this nuclear Power project based on the indigenous technology
developed by our scientists and we are proud of it. The Technology being used in this
project is very effective and duly tested. The types of reactors established here will also be
commissioned in Kakrapar of Gujarat and Rawatbhata of Rajasthan. Also, the state of art
and most advanced security measures will be enacted in this project.

He also emphasised on the international cooperation in coping with the energy
requirements of country.
Dr. Manmohan Singh said the environmental concerns have already been addressed
before approving this projects, He said no one will be displaced from his house while
commissioning of this project. He also stated that persons giving their land for this project
will be given an annual additional money for next 33 years in addition to compensation.
Around 8-10 thousand person are also expected to get employment during 1st phase
through contractual assignments. He further expressed the hope that on completion and
commissioning of all the four units of 700 MW each in this project , the energy needs of
country particularly Haryana will be fulfilled to a large extent as half of this will be for It is
bound to produce local employment also. Priority will be given to persons who are likely
to be affected by this project.
Dr. Manmohan sigh lauded the role of NPCIL and DAE authorities in the progress so far
made.
Gorakhpur Anu Vidyut Pariyajana (GHAVP-1 to 4) is an ambitious initiative of The Nuclear
Power Corporation of India Limited, A Govt. of India Enterprise. Being built at an
estimated cost of Rs. 20,594 Crore, this will be the 1st Nuclear Power Plant of Haryana
and will be 21st in the country. For it the Haryana State Government has provided 1319
Acre ( 534 Hectare) land for the project and neqrly 186 acre (75 Hectare) for the housing
colonies of plant personnel and CISF personnel.

The proposed 700 MWe PHWR rectors are indigenous and similar o the ones currently
under construction in Gujrat State (KAPP-3 &$) and Rajasthan state (RAPP-7 & 8). Also,
the reactor size and the design features of 700 MWe are similar to that of 540 MWe of
TAPP 3 &4 Units, except that partial boiling of the coolant upto about 3% (nominal ) at
the coolant channel exit has been allowed.
The function witnessed the presence of by Shri Jagannath Pahadia, Governer of Haryana
and Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Ms. Sailaja, Union Minister of Social Justice and
Empowerment and Dr. Ashok Tanwar, MP from SIRSA.
The function was moderated by DR. r.k.Sihha, Secretary Deptt. Of Atomic Energy and
Chaiman Atomic Energy Commision. The Chairman of NPCIL Shri K.C. Purohit was also
present on the occasion.

Statement of Srikant Kumar Jena on Consumer Price Index
Shri Srikant Kumar Jena, Minister of State (Independent charge), Ministry of Statistics
and Programme Implementation announced the release of the monthly provisional
Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Base 2010=100 along with annual inflation rates for
December 2013, compiled by the Central Statistics Office. Final CPI numbers for the
month of November 2013 have also been released simultaneously.
All India General (all groups) CPI numbers of December 2013 for Rural, Urban and
Combined are 140.1, 135.3 and 138.0 respectively. Provisional annual inflation rate
based on all India general CPI (Combined) for December 2013 on point to point basis
(December 2013 over December 2012) is 9.87%. The corresponding inflation rates
(provisional) for Rural and Urban areas are 10.49% and 9.11% respectively. Inflation rates
(final) for Rural, Urban and Combined for November 2013 are 11.66%, 10.53% and
11.16% respectively.
Provisional annual inflation rates of December 2013 for Rural, Urban and Combined in
respect of ‘food and beverages’ are 12.76%, 11.06% and 12.16% respectively.

Conversion of 1500 Volt D.C. Into 25000 Volt A.C. Traction System Over Central
Railway
The historic milestone has been achieved by the Indian Railways in the early morning
hours of yesterday i.e. 12th January, 2014 with the conversion from 1500 Volt d.c. to
25000 Volt a.c. traction system over Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) to Thane (exclusive)
via 5th & 6th line & Thane (exclusive) to Kalyam. This smooth and major transition has
been achieved without traffic block and without any disruption or inconvenience to the
travelling public. Out of total project cost of Rs. 1299.91 crore, the cost of this portion of
conversion work is Rs. 147.70 crore.
The major benefits of this conversion includes seamless operation on 25000 Volt electric
traction services for 43 pairs of mail/express trains (including non-daily), coming/going
from lgatpuri side to LTT and vice versa. This will release 20 WCAM3 (AC/DC
Locomotives) thereby leading to saving towards lease charges of Rs. 14.5 crore per
annum. Due to energy efficiency associated with AC traction system, energy savings of
Rs. 51 crore per annum would be achieved, besides staff savings of Rs. 3.5 crore per
annum.
Another major benefit of this work is that incoming traction power supply has been
shifted from Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) to TATA which is cheaper by Rs.
2.05 per unit, thereby resulting into annual saving to the tune of Rs. 12crore/annum.

Therefore, total recurring annual savings would be about Rs. 81 crore. In addition, there
will be other benefits which includes elimination of technical halt of 15 minutes at lgatpuri
for 43 pairs of Mail/Express trains as Kalyan-Kasara-lgatpuri section has already been
converted on 25000 Volt a.c. system, increased traffic flows, improvement in speed and
sectional capacity, reduced cost of operation and substantially higher reliability. Trial run on
a.c. traction services ahs been started on this section since 12.01.2014.
To cater to the ever increased traffic requirement in Mumbai area and for better reliability
to sub-urban services, the work of 1500 V d.c. to 25000 a.c. conversion was sanctioned in
1996-97 on Central Railway. The project cost is Rs. 1299.91 crore. The A.C. system has
added advantage of substantial higher reliability, more than 30 per cent energy saving and
substantial reduction in maintenance cost.
Mumbai sub-urban section (Mumbai V.T. to Kalyan) was electrified in 1925 at 1500 D.C.
traction system which was the only modern traction system available at that time. Since,
then this system was catering to the sub-urban commuter services over the years. For any
increase in services (i9ncreased frequency and longer trains), additional power is required.
Over the years, 1500 V d.c. system was not able to handle any further additional power
requirement on account of steep fall in reliability and increased propensity to fire hazards.
Space availability for additional sub-stations also posed a serious limitation.

Measures Taken to Enhance Safety in Train Operation During Foggy Weather
In an order to enhance safety in train operation during foggy weather, works to provide
Modified Automatic Signal between two stations has been completed before onset of fog
in Automatic Block Signalling territories in North Central Railway and Northern Railway.
Automatic Train Protection System is a vital technological aid to the loco pilot to control
the train speed as per signal aspect preventing signal passing at danger which is very
critical in foggy weather. Works have been sanctioned for provision of Train Protection
system on 3330 route kilometres on Automatic Signaling sections and Heavy Density
Network which also covers fog prone sections of Northern Railway and North Central
Railway.
Earlier, instructions on “Winter precautions for Signaling Systems” have been issued to all
Zonal Railways so as to enhance the level of safety in train operation during foggy
conditions prevailing in winter season.

India and Canada sign Letter of Intent for Co-operation in Iron and Steel Sector
The Union Minister of Steel, Shri Beni Prasad Verma, taking forward his efforts to foster
cooperation in mining and steel sector, interacted with a high-level delegation from Canada
headed by Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Canada, Mr. Joe Oliver here
today. During the interaction, A Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed to further supplement the
dialogue of co-operation in the iron and steel sector.
Through the LoI, both countries plan to develop and expand mutual co-operation, inter-
alia, through information exchanges in areas of mutual interest including iron-ore, coking
coal and other steel making raw materials and encourage bilateral investment
opportunities in iron and steel related business. Efforts made by the two countries would
ensure raw material security and forge alliances with global entities for tapping new
market.
On the occasion, Shri Verma held discussions with the Canadian Minister which aimed at
expanding and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and also
identifying areas of cooperation and assistance where India could be benefitted from
Canada, endowed with a huge wealth of natural resources especially coking coal. They
exchanged their views on prospects and growth of the iron and steel industry, as well as
investment opportunities in raw materials, including pelletization plants and other
associated industries in both the countries.

Present on the occasion were the Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Shri G. Mohan Kumar, Joint
Secretaries of Ministry of Steel and CMDs of PSUs under the Ministry of Steel. The
Canadian delegation comprised Mr. Stewart Beck, High Commissioner of Canada, Ms.
Rosaline Kwan, Deputy Commercial Program Manager, Mr. Jay Khosla, Assistant Deputy
Minister, Energy Sector, NRCan and officials from Energy Division & International Affairs.

Salaries Through Aadhaar Payment Bridge
A project was launched to disburse salaries to employees of a private corporate company
leveraging Aadhaar Payment Bridge (APB) in New Delhi today by the Deputy Chairman,
Planning Commission of India , Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Shri Nandan Nilekani,
Chairman, Unique Identification Authority of India(UIDAI).
Speaking on the occasion the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, complimented the
Trident Group of companies and UIDAI for successful launch of Aadhaar Linked Disbursal
of Salary to employees of this company.
The Chairman UIDAI, congratulated the group for being the first corporate in the country
to implement Aadhaar linked salary disbursal for its employees. Speaking on the Aadhaar
generation, Shri Nilekani added that Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has
completed issuance of 54 crore Aadhaar numbers and with generation of about 11 lakh
Aadhaar every day, the flagship programme appears all set to complete its mandate of
covering 60 crore population in coming months.
The Chairman Trident Group, Sh. Rajinder Gupta, speaking on the occasion said has
decided to link all their future recruitment with Aadhaar number for demographic
verification.

National Convention to Monitor the Progress of RTE Act Inaugurated
Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister for Women & Child Development inaugurated a two-day
National Convention on ‘Three Years of Completion of the RTE Act” in New Delhi today.
Inaugurating the Convention Smt. Tirath said that the onus is on the Government to
provide and ensure free and elementary education to all children in the age group of 6 to
14 years.
She further added that the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
and SCPCRs should monitor out-of-school children to facilitate their access and
participation in the schooling system. This would include children who have never
enrolled or have dropped out, children who are temporarily absent, and children who
are permanent migrants or who migrate seasonally with their parents.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri R. Bhattacharya, Secretary, Education and Literacy said
that considerable progress has been made by the states and UTs with regard to meeting
the standards given in the schedule of the RTE Act. He further said that most eligible
habitations in the country are being provided with neighborhood schools, residential
schools and transportation facilities to provide access to elementary education. He
further went on to state that 98% of the habitation in this country have elementary
schools within 1 km and 92% have upper primary schools within 3 km of their locations.

Welcoming the delegates, Chairperson NCPCR Ms. Kushal Singh urged all the
participants to come out with constructive ideas and participate in the discussions to
make the Convention meaningful and successful. Mr. Louis-Georges Arsenault, Country
Representative, UNICEF and Dr. Narendra Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission also
spoke on the occasion.
This Convention has been jointly organized by National Commission for Protection of
Child Rights (NCPCR) and UNICEF. Around 300 participants associated with the
implementation of RTE Act and other stakeholders from across the Country are
attending the Convention.

Petroleum Minister Veerappa Moily provides a major thrust to secure oil
assets and downstream projects abroad by Indian Oil PSUs
Bilaterals with Oil Ministers of Ecuador, Uganda, Canada, Sudan,
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan held on sidelines of Petrotech 2014
Petrotech 2014 has been an emphatic success and the best ever so far, said Dr. M
Veerappa Moily, Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, while addressing the
media today on the penultimate evening of the mega international event at Greater
Noida, organized by ONGC under the Aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Announcing a major development on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India
(TAPI) pipeline project, Dr. Moily shared that the framework is being readied on a fast-
track basis by the officials of the four stakeholder nations. The transactional advisor for
the project has been appointed and sale purchase agreement has been drawn. The aim
is to bring gas from Turkmenistan to the Indian border by 2017.
“Apart from gas, this TAPI pipeline would usher in peace among the nations as well”.
The gas is expected to reach the border of India by August 2017, said the Minister, who
had a hectic schedule of bilateral and multilateral meetings with his counterparts of 15
emerging nations, who participated in this edition of Petrotech.

Another major development was the signing of MoU between ONGC and Kuwait’s PIC for
cooperation in hydrocarbon value chain. The MoU will see bilateral cooperation among
the two nations in the upstream and downstream hydrocarbon sector, especially
petrochemicals.
Sharing the successes in brief, Dr. Moily announced the technological cooperation
opportunities thrown up in the Petrotech, especially in the domain of hydraulic
fracturing (‘Fracking’) required for production of shale gas. The premier of Province of
Alberta, Canada is expected to offer Indian upstream companies like ONGC state-of-art
fracking technologies, to develop the vast potential of shale in this country.
In exchange, more of Indian national Oil & Gas companies will increase their investments
and presence in the Canadian Hydrocarbon sector. A term contract for Canadian crude is
under finalization by Indian Oil Corporation. The Minister was happy to see that the
Canadian government would consider Indian suggestion to review its investment norms
to facilitate participation by Indian companies.
Dr. Moily and the team also held Bilateral meetings with Ministerial delegations of
Ecuador, Uganda, Sudan, and Azerbaijan to open up vast possibilities for cooperation in
exploration (both offshore & onshore), petrochemicals, refineries, providing training to
their oil and gas personnel, etc. A joint Indo-Ugandan working team is under formation
to look into opportunities for cooperation in the newly opened up Ugandan hydrocarbon
sector.

Similar opportunities are expected to be leveraged in Ecuador, especially in exploration
of oil and gas, petrochemicals and urea.
“Sudan and South Sudan are coming to terms with the emerging opportunities in global
cooperation and Indian companies are tapping the potential opportunities. Two blocks
have been offered to India,” he informed. ONGC Videsh Limited is already present in
Sudan in a big way and the future may see the presence expanding its frontiers.
Azerbaijan, a prolific oil producer, invited upstream Indian companies like ONGC to
participate in their oil and gas industry and enable skill development in the new country.
“It is a full cycle for skill development, as ONGC learnt the oil business from the former
USSR, and now imparting the skills to Azerbaijan”, said Dr. Moily. Indian Oil Corporation
has a term contract for Azeri crude also while BPCL and HPCL too were keen to enter
term contract for sourcing crude oil from Azerbaijan.
Regarding attracting foreign investment to Indian oil and gas sector, the Minister said
that the platform of Petrotech-2014 has been used to launch the NELP X. “We will hold
Roadshows soon to offer the details of the Blocks”.

Smt. Krishna Tirath Inaugurates National Convention on the RTE Act
Smt. Tirath: RTE Act is a Revolutionary Act
Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister for Women and Child Development Ministry
inaugurated a two-day National Convention on ‘Three Years of Completion of the
RTE Act” in New Delhi, here today. This convention has been jointly organized by
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and UNICEF. Around
300 participants associated with the implementation of RTE Act and other
stakeholders from across the country are participating in the convention.
Inaugurating the convention Smt. Tirath said that the title of the RTE Act
incorporates the words ‘Free and Compulsory Education’, which implies that the
onus is on the Government to provide and ensure free and elementary education
to all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. It casts a legal obligation on both
the central and State Governments to implement this fundamental child right as
enshrined in the Article 21’A’ of the Constitution of India in accordance with the
provisions of the RTE Act, 2009, she added. She said that the Act is a revolutionary
Act.

Stating that there is an urgent need to bring about a synergy and convergence with
various departments and ministries of the Government, Smt. Tirath urged that other
ministries such as HRD, Social Justice & Empowerment, Health & Family Welfare, Tribal
and Minority Affairs should also be taken on board to ensure that there is no duplication
of efforts and the resources can be used to the optimum level.
Appreciating NCPCR’s role in monitoring the progress of RTE Act the Minister said that
NCPCR and SCPCRs should also monitor out-of-school children to facilitate their access
and participation in the schooling system. This would include children who have never
enrolled or have dropped out, children who are temporarily absent, and children who
are permanent migrants or who migrate seasonally with their parents. She also asked
NCPCR to carry forward its initiatives of linking and networking with civil society
organizations for monitoring.
The purpose of holding the National Convention is to jointly take an overview of
the RTE Act implementation so far and to review the progress made since its coming into
effect on April 1, 2010. The convention bring togethers, on a common platform,
representatives from NGOs, Civil society partners, International Organizations,
concerned Central Government Ministries, State and Local Governments, and
SCPCRs/REPAs, who are all involved in making RTE Act implementation a reality, and to
solicit their opinions, concerns and suggestions. This forum will provide stakeholders
such as community members, teachers and principals of both, the government
supported and private schools, an opportunity to share their experiences and views on
the Act’s implementation since its coming into effect.

Welcoming the delegates, Chairperson NCPCR Ms. Kushal Singh urged all the
participants to come out with constructive ideas and participate in the discussions to
make the convention meaningful and successful. The two-day convention will discuss
various aspects that hinder the effective implementation of the RTE, and ways to make
it sharper in its focus and more effective. The participants will bring their knowledge
and experience of working with the Act during the discussions and deliberations.
Shri R. Bhattacharya, Secretary School Education highlighted the many appreciable
outcomes that have been a result of the RTE such as drop-out rates have come down
by about 7% in various categories in the last decade, and about 4% among the SC
students. Enrolment figures have gone up due to better infrastructure, focus on
providing amenities and facilities within the school campus, building primary schools
within one km radius, teacher training and evaluation modules. Enrolment numbers
have increased among girl students at the primary and upper primary levels, and also
for Muslim students, he stated.
Mr. Louis-Georges Arsenault, Country Representative, UNICEF; and Dr. Narendra
Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission were also present during the inaugural
ceremony.

Extension of Special Package of Industrial Incentive for the States of Himachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today gave its approval for extension
of the Special Package of Industrial Incentive for the States of Himachal Pradesh and
Uttarakhand from 7th January, 2013 to 31st March, 2017. Union Commerce and Industry
Minister Shri Anand Sharma while welcoming the decision ofand Uttarakhand and
generate gainful employment especially for the rural youth. It will also give a fillip to
manufacturing and the Small and Medium Enterprises in these two States.”
The objective of the scheme is to create an enabling growth and industrialization of these
States and generation of more employment.
All new industrial units and existing units on substantial expansion would be eligible for
Central Capital units at the rate of 15 percent of their investment in plant and machinery.
Subsidy would be available to all new and existing units on substantial expansion located
in notified areas as well as to “thrust industries" for units located anywhere in these
States. Only those units that pre-register under the scheme, commence commercial
production/ operation before 31st March 2017 and file claims within one year of the
commencement of commercial production shall be eligible for subsidy under the scheme.

Incentive on substantial expansion will be given to units affecting an increase by not
less than 25 percent in the value of fixed capital investment in plant and machinery
for the purpose of expansion of capacity. Expenditure on purchase / procurement /
installation of second hand plant and machinery will not be eligible for subsidy under
the Central Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme. A single unit cannot avail subsidy
both from the Central as well as State Government for the same purpose.
Background:
The New Industrial Policy and other concessions for the States of Himachal Pradesh
and Uttarakhand were announced on 7th January, 2003 for a period of ten years,
keeping in view the facts that these States lag in industrial development. The
objective of the Policy is to provide the required incentives as well as enabling
environment for industrial development, improve availability of capital and increase
market access to provide fillip to private investment.
The policy package announced on 7th January, 2003 for Himachal Pradesh and
Uttarakhand was for a period of ten years. The State of Himachal Pradesh has been
able to attract 300 percent more investment as compared to the pre-incentive
package level. On an average, total investment generated in Himachal Pradesh is
above Rs.12,500 crore and number of units set up has grown by 28 percent while
growth in employment generation is more than 33 percent.

Extension of Special Package of Industrial Incentive for the States of Himachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today gave its approval for extension
of the Special Package of Industrial Incentive for the States of Himachal Pradesh and
Uttarakhand from 7th January, 2013 to 31st March, 2017. Union Commerce and Industry
Minister Shri Anand Sharma while welcoming the decision of the CCEA for extending the
special package of industrial incentives for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand mentioned
that “the UPA Government has always been sensitive to the aspirations of the hill people.
This decision will catalyse industrial development in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
and generate gainful employment especially for the rural youth. It will also give a fillip to
manufacturing and the Small and Medium Enterprises in these two States.”
The objective of the scheme is to create an enabling environment for industrial
development to provide a fillip to private investment in these States. Private
entrepreneurs will be encouraged to set up more industrial units in Himachal Pradesh
and Uttarakhand, leading to overall growth and industrialization of these States and
generation of more employment.
All new industrial units and existing units on substantial expansion would be eligible for
Central Capital Investment Subsidy at the rate of 15 percent of investment in plant and
machinery subject to a ceiling of Rs.30 lakh. Further, the cap on amount of subsidy will be
raised from Rs. 30 lakh to Rs.50 lakh for MSME units at the rate of 15 percent of their
investment in plant and machinery.

Subsidy would be available to all new and existing units on substantial expansion located
in notified areas as well as to “thrust industries" for units located anywhere in these
States. Only those units that pre-register under the scheme, commence commercial
production/ operation before 31st March 2017 and file claims within one year of the
commencement of commercial production shall be eligible for subsidy under the
scheme.
Incentive on substantial expansion will be given to units affecting an increase by not less
than 25 percent in the value of fixed capital investment in plant and machinery for the
purpose of expansion of capacity. Expenditure on purchase / procurement / installation
of second hand plant and machinery will not be eligible for subsidy under the Central
Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme. A single unit cannot avail subsidy both from the
Central as well as State Government for the same purpose.

Background:
The New Industrial Policy and other concessions for the States of Himachal Pradesh and
Uttarakhand were announced on 7th January, 2003 for a period of ten years, keeping in
view the facts that these States lag in industrial development. The objective of the Policy
is to provide the required incentives as well as enabling environment for industrial
development, improve availability of capital and increase market access to provide fillip
to private investment.
The policy package announced on 7th January, 2003 for Himachal Pradesh and
Uttarakhand was for a period of ten years. The State of Himachal Pradesh has been able
to attract 300 percent more investment as compared to the pre-incentive package level.
On an average, total investment generated in Himachal Pradesh is above Rs.12,500 crore
and number of units set up has grown by 28 percent while growth in employment
generation is more than 33 percent.
In Uttarakhand, investment generated is close to Rs. 30,000 crore, which is 42 times the
level in the year 2000. The number of units set up has grown by more than 130 percent
while growth in employment generation is more than 490 percent for the same period.

Commissioning of Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS ‘Abhinav’
The Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Abhinav’, the third in the series of twenty Fast Patrol Vessels
(FPVs), designed and built by M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited, was commissioned today at
Kochi by the Director General of Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal.
The 50 meter indigenous FPV displaces 290 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 33
knots with an endurance of 1500 nautical miles at economical speed of 13 knots, equipped
with state-of-the-art weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipment.
She makes an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious close-coast missions such as
surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation. The special features of
the ship include an Integrated Bridge Management System (IBMS), Integrated Machinery
Control System (IMCS) and an integrated gun mount with indigenous Fire Control System
(FCS).
In his address during the commissioning ceremony, Vice Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal termed
the FPVs as the work horses of Coast Guard. The Flag Officer also dwelt upon the fast paced
development of the Indian Coast Guard and acknowledged the support of Government for
the Coast Guard’s plan to increase force levels substantially to face the emerging security
challenges in the maritime domain. He emphasised the importance Government of India
accords to Coastal Security in view of the asymmetric threats from the sea. Indian Coast
Guard will be a 150 ships/boats and 100 aircraft maritime force in next five years. In addition
to these operational assets, a Coastal Surveillance Network is being established with 46
stations to ensure real time coastal surveillance.

Indian Defence Technologies on Display at Bahrain International Airshow
India is showcasing during the Bahrain International Airshow, its state-of-the-art airborne
platforms and associated sensors & communication systems designed and developed by
Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO). DRDO, along with some of its
production partners is displaying India’s strength and expertise in design, development and
leading to production at the ‘Bahrain International Airshow’ being held at Sakhir Airbase,
Bahrain from 16 – 18 Jan 2014, with the aim of exploring the potential of exporting these
advanced systems to friendly countries in the region.
The show will witness flying demonstration of the ‘AEW&C India’ the latest and state of the
art Airborne Early Warning and Control system that can detect, identify and classify threats
present in the surveillance area and act as a command and control centre to support variety
of air operations. The system with its multiple Communication and data links can alert and
direct fighters against such threats while providing “Recognizable Air Surface Picture” to the
Commanders at the Ground Exploitation Stations. It also comprises of electronic and
communication support measures that intercept and classify unfriendly radar transmissions
and communication signals. "AEW&C India" with Mission Systems developed by DRDO with
modular design and seamlessly integrated on an Embraer 145 aircraft provides a very cost
effective solution for C4ISR capabilities. It is based on modern state of art technologies and
can be adapted to the needs of any country.

DRDO is also displaying models of Light Combat Aircraft ‘TEJAS’, the ‘Four plus’
generation and highly cost effective fighter aircraft designed and developed by the
Department of Defence R&D of the Ministry of Defence and being produced by the
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Models of trainer and the Naval versions are also on
display. The other items include models of ‘Expendable high Speed Aerial Target’,
‘NISHANT’, the multi mission UAV with Day and Night operational capability for
battlefield surveillance & reconnaissance, target tracking & localization and artillery fire
correction and OBOGS (On Board Oxygen Generation System)
A high level DRDO delegation led by Dr Avinash Chander, Scientific Adviser to Defence
Minister and Secretary Defence R&D is participating in the event. The delegation
includes Dr S Christopher, Distinguished Scientist and Director ‘Centre for Air Borne
Systems (CABS), Mr Radhakrishnan, Outstanding Scientist and Director Industry
Interface & Technology Management and Senior level officials from Indian Industries
partnering DRDO in the production of various systems.

Girija Vyas Launches Housing Start up Index Logo, Web Site and Monitoring Tool
for Rajiv Awas Yojana
Dr Girija Vyas , Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation has launched the
Housing Start Up Index (HSUI) logo, web site and monitoring tool “Integrated Urban Poverty
Monitoring System” (IPoMs) for JnNURM and Rajiv Awas Yojana ( RAY) here today.
While addressing on the occasion, Dr Vyas said that the Housing Start Up Index is a joint
initiative, of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA) through its
integral arm, the National Building Organization and the Reserve Bank of India. The HSUI, is
an index, that tracks the, number of houses, being constructed, every year, across the
country. The Housing and Construction related activities, in our country, with its backward
and forward linkages, with nearly 254 ancillary industries, have huge multiplier effects on
the economy. Thus making the HSUI, a leading indicator of the National Economy itself, Dr
Vyas added. She also disclosed that the results of the pilot index initiated in 25 cities will be
released in the last week of this month or first week of February 2014.
In her address, the Minister spoke about the various schemes of Mo HUPA viz. JnNURM,
Rajiv Awas Yojana, (RAY), Rajiv Rinn Yojana (RRY) and National Urban Livelihoods Mission
(NULM). Dr Vyas also highlighted the Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC), developed by the
Mo HUPA, which is a first time initiative in the country. The other achievements highlighted
were the Real Estate regulation Bill and the Street Vendors Bill .

The event culminated with the launch of the web based MIS system “Integrated Urban
Poverty Monitoring System” (IPoMS) for JnNURM & RAY. In order to closely monitor the
submission of the Detailed Project Reports under RAY, by the States, a web-based tool
called the Integrated Urban Poverty Monitoring System or IPoMs, has been designed by
the Ministry. Through this tool, the implementation, of the scheme, can be expedited
and tracked effectively. This will also ensure transparency and accountability in the
implementation of the scheme.
In his welcome address, Shri VP Baligar, Chairman and Managing Director, Housing and
Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) briefly listed out various
achievements made by HUDCO in the last one year. The function was attended by Shri
A.K. Mishra, Secretary,M/HUPA and several senior officers of the Ministry and HUDCO.

India and Mozambique seeks early monetization of Rovuma Area 1 offshore gas
block Two countries to soon sign MoU for enhancing cooperation in oil and gas
sector Mozambique Minister for Mineral Resources promises early LNG deals
with Indian companies
In a crucial bilateral meeting between Indian petroleum Minister Dr M VeerappaMoily and
his Mozambique counterpart MsEsperanca Bias, Mozambique Minister for Mineral Resources
e during Petrotech 2014 at greater Noida today, the two Ministers agreed to concluded a
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Mozambique for accelerating the
cooperation in hydrocarbon sector.Dr. Moily said that a draft of the MoU between the Indian
and Mozambique governments have been framed and sent to the Indian High Commission at
Mozambique. “We need to expedite the signing of this MoU as soon as possible.”
Mozambique Minister invited the Indian ministerial delegation for the formal signing of this
MoU, to document this G-2-G cooperation.Dr. Moily said that India will respond to the
invitation very soon.
Dr. Moliy urged the Mozambique minister to expedite the consortium related issues and also
fast-track the development of the discovered assets. The Indian companies hold 30 per cent
of the project , the operatorship of which lies with Anadarco. The visiting Minister for Mineral
Resources exuded optimism that the deals relating the LNG project will fructify soon. This
was one of the 11 bilateral meetings lined up during the Petrotech-2014, organized by
ONGC.

The Indian minister also said that India has large demand for natural gas including in the
power sector where 18,000MW gas based power projects have been commissioned and
another 10,000MW gas based power projects are under implementation. Keeping this in
mind we need about 8 trains of LNG. Given the expertise of Indian upstream companies like
ONGC in petroleum business, Mozambique asked for training their youth. “We are starting
just now and our people need training from Indian companies who have been there for a
long time”, said the Mozambique Minister. Minister assured that India has the expertise to
train oil and gas personnel in entire value chain .The meeting was also attended resented by
Petroleum Secretary, ONGC CMD, OVL MD and other corporate honchos.

PM’s statement to the media during the State Visit of the President of Republic of
Korea
Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s statement to the media
during the State Visit of the President of Republic of Korea, in New Delhi today:
“I am delighted to welcome President Park on her State Visit to India. We have just concluded
wide-ranging discussion on matters of bilateral interest and regional and global importance.
This has enabled us to impart further substance, greater content and new momentum to the
Strategic Partnership between our two countries.
President Park and I agreed that sustaining trade growth and expanding economic exchanges
are vital for a stronger India-Korea relationship. Korean businesses were in the vanguard of
the discovery of India unleashed by our structural reforms in the early 1990s. Today, as a
result of further reforms, India offers greater avenues and opportunities for them.
Our negotiations for revision of the existing Double Taxation Avoidance Convention have
concluded. We have been exploring the possibility of establishing a Korean Industrial Park in
India. President Park and I have agreed to set up a CEOs Forum comprising captains of
industry and commerce from both countries to provide us with new ideas for deepening our
economic collaboration.

I am very happy that the large-scale POSCO steel project in Odisha is set to be
operational in the coming weeks, following the revalidation of its environmental
clearance. Grant of mining concession for the project is also at an advanced stage of
processing. I conveyed to President Park our hope that this project will confirm that
economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand.
Political and security cooperation between our two countries is expanding steadily.
President Park and I have decided to establish an annual interaction between the
national security structures of our two countries. We also have agreed to launch a Cyber
Affairs Dialogue between our Governments.
India and the Republic of Korea recently held the first round of structured consultation
between senior defence officials. President Park and I have recognized the possibility of
defence trade and joint production by further promoting collaboration between our
defence research organizations. The Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military
Information signed today will also boost our defence engagement.
In the area of Science and Technology, our collaboration has been highly rewarding,
with many practical projects being financed through the 10 million US dollar Joint Fund
that we established in 2010. The Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Applied
Research signed today will enable our scientists to work together and develop
technologies for our common benefit. We are also stepping up collaboration in the
peaceful uses of space science and technology.

Distance has been no barrier to communication between the people of India and Korea
since ancient times, and we are determined to bring them ever closer in the years that
lie ahead. The Cultural Centres set up in Seoul and New Delhi have energized people-to-
people engagement. Korean tourists are visiting India in increasing numbers. I have
conveyed to President Park the decision of the Government of India to extend a ‘tourist
visa on arrival facility’ to nationals of the Republic of Korea. We are also exploring the
possibility of better civil aviation links.
President Park and I have also had an opportunity to touch upon regional issues,
particularly developments in the Korean peninsula and our cooperation in the East Asia
Summit processes.
The visit of President Park has imparted fresh momentum to our partnership. I am
confident that our talks today have laid out a road map for the expansion and
enhancement of our Strategic Partnership in the coming years.

Steps to Safeguard the Interest of Indian Women from Fraudulent
Marriages with Overseas Indians
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has launched an educational –cum- awareness
campaign for the Indian brides getting married to overseas Indians and published a Guidance
Pamphlet on “Marriages to Overseas Indians” in English, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and
Punjabi. A booklet in English have been published containing information on safeguards
available to women deserted by their NRI spouses, legal remedies available, authorities that
can be approached for redressal of grievances and NGOs which can provide assistance. This
is also posted on Ministry’s website.
The Government has taken several steps to safeguard the interest of Indian women from
fraudulent marriages with overseas Indians. The steps taken in this direction include
providing legal/financial assistance to the Indian women who are deserted/divorced by their
overseas spouses.
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs also implements a scheme for legal assistance to
Indian women deserted by their overseas husbands. Under the scheme, assistance of
US$3000 in developed countries and US$2000 in developing countries is given through
Indian Missions for filling cases in the local courts or for legal counseling through the NGOs
empanelled with Indian Missions/posts.
The Ministry promotes publicity-cum-awareness campaign through audio visual
advertisement on regional TV network and print media from time to time.

Petroleum Minister Calls for highest priority to conservation of Petroleum
Products by all Consuming Sectors
Dr Moily inaugurates OGCF 2014
BEE Presents Star Labels for LPG hot stoves & Diesel Mono Set pumps
Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dr M Veerappa Moily has called for
according the highest priority to conservation of petroleum products by all consuming sectors
in the country. He has also said that there was an urgent need for conservation of petroleum
products in view of the fast depleting fossil fuels. Inaugurating Oil and Gas Conservation
Fortnight (OGCF) here today, Dr Moily emphasized the role of children as a prime mover in
the concerted effort towards conservation & environmental sustenance. He further lauded the
efforts of Petroleum Conservation and Research Association (PCRA), in spreading the
message of Oil & Gas conservation to every corner of the country & extolled the recently
concluded mega media campaign by PCRA in association with oil PSU’s. Inaugural event of
OGCF was also attended by the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Smt
Panabaka Laxmi , Petroleum Secretary Shri Vivek Rae, and other senior officials from Govt.
and Oil Companies. This year the OGCF theme is “SAVE FUEL, SAVE MONEY, SAVE
ENVIRONMENT”. The OGCF-2014 inaugural Function was held on 16.01.2014 at
Manekshaw Center, Parade Road, Delhi Cantt. The event was also attended by
approximately 800 young students from different schools of Delhi

The function also witnessed presentation of Star Labels by Director General (DG), Bureau
of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to Additional Secretary, MoP&NG for newly approved
benchmarking initiatives for LPG hot stoves & Diesel Mono Set pumps. During the
function, PCRA book titled “Handbook on Energy Efficiency in Pharma Sector” was also
released.
The Minister gave away awards for exemplary work in Oil & Gas conservation by
oil industry & also to the winners of National Level essay & Painting competition for
school children..The function culminated with flagging-off of publicity vans by dignitaries
carrying PCRA conservation messages to various towns and villages of Northern India.
Petroleum Conservation and Research Association (PCRA), a National Body which was
setup under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), Govt. of India,
has been engaged in formulating & implementing strategies for effective utilization of
petroleum products .The key mandate of PCRA is to create awareness amongst the masses
as regards the importance and methods of conserving them.
OGCF is a significant annual event of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas,
which is organized by PCRA in association with Public Sector Oil & Gas Companies
every year from 16th to 31st January.

Guidelines on New Land Policy for Major Ports Released
The Union government today unveiled new policy guidelines for major ports, aimed at
helping them leverage their land resources for commercial advantage. Participating in the
`Ports in India` annual conference in Mumbai, Shipping Secretary Vishwapati Trivedi said the
new guidelines provide necessary regulatory framework for land allotment by major ports.
Mr.Trivedi said these guidelines have been drawn to help the ports to carry out leasing and
licensing of port land in a transparent manner. Discretionary powers have been reduced and
tender-cum-auction has been prescribed as the most preferred method of allotment, he
added.
Major ports in India have between them 2.64 lakh acres of land, which is a major resource.
So far, the land utilization has not been optimum and often yielded lesser returns. The thrust
of the new policy has been on linking the value of land with prevailing market rates.
Under the new policy guidelines, land can be allotted only through licensing in custom bond
areas by inviting competitive bidding, while land outside custom bond areas can be leased
through tender-cum-auction. There is also a provision to license land outside custom bond
areas, but it should be only for port related activities. The Boards of respective ports can
approve leasing of land for a period up to 30 years. For leasing of land beyond 30 years and
up to 99 years, approval of the Government has to be obtained through the mechanism of
Empowered Committee.

[ All the 12 major ports of the country are required to draw land use plan covering all land
owned or managed by them. The new guidelines are applicable to all major ports in India
except for the land relating to township areas in Mumbai, Kolkata and Kandla.
The new policy guidelines for land management are part of the on going process of port
reforms and liberalization. While Major Ports, owned by the Centre operate in a
comparatively more regulated environment, the non-major ports, comprising state ports
and private ports enjoy substantial degree of flexibility. The government has been
working towards creating a level playing field for major and non-major ports. Earlier, in
2013, as a part of reform process in the Ports sector tariff setting in major ports was
liberalized and indexed to inflation and minimum efficiency standards were prescribed for
cargo terminals.
The 12 major ports in India – Kandla, Mumbai, JNPT, Marmugao, New Managlore, Cochin,
Chennai, Ennore, V O Chidambarnar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including
Haldia) handle approximately 61% of cargo traffic. The Government is committed to
further augmenting the port capacity in the major ports sector.
During 2013-14 it is planned to augment port capacity by 220 mtpa through 30 port
projects. Out of these 20 port projects, with a capacity of approximately 100 mtpa have
already been approved. The remaining port projects, including the ambitious Rs 8,000
crore JNPT Terminal-4, are likely to be approved during the fourth quarter of the current
fiscal.

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues 56 crore Aadhaar Numbers
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has completed issuance of 56 crore
Aadhaar Numbers. With generation of about 13-14 lakhs Aadhaar Numbers every day, the
flagship programme appears all set to complete its mandate of covering 60 crore population
in the next few weeks.
Established as an Attached Office of the Planning Commission, through a Government
Notification in January 2009, the UIDAI issued the first Aadhaar Number on 29th September
2010, after completing necessary preliminaries including establishing various standards
relating to collection of data and biometric information such as finger prints and iris images.
The UIDAI issued 25 crore Aadhaar Numbers in the period up to December 2012 at an
average rate of almost one crore Aadhaars per month. During 2013, UIDAI issued a total of
29.1 crore Aadhaars at an average rate of over 2.4 crore Aadhaars per month.
With an increased capacity of Aadhaar generation, UIDAI is currently generating more than 3
crore Aadhaar Numbers per month and has a capacity to process 15-16 lakh enrolment
packets every day leading to generation of 13-14 lakhs Aadhaar Numbers per day.

Edible Oil, Oilseeds, Rice Exempted from Stock Holding Limit Under the
Essential Commodities Act
The Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Anand Sharma has welcomed the Order issued
by Department of Consumer Affairs to exempt stocks of edible oil, edible oilseeds and
rice meant for export from the stock holding limit under the Essential Commodities Act.
The exporters have been demanding that they should not be subjected to stock holding
limit prescribed under the Essential Commodities Act, if they have merchandize stocks of
such commodities meant for exports.
The DGFT had taken up this matter with the Department of Consumer Affairs. The
Department of Consumer Affairs have issued Removal of (Licensing requirements, Stock
limits and Movement Restrictions) on Specified Foodstuffs Order, 2002 on 9th January
2014.
This will address the long felt need of such exporters and reduce their transaction cost.

States Asked to Open More Purchasing Centers for Increased Procurement of
Foodgrains for Implementation of National Food Security Act
State Governments have been urged to open more purchasing centers and assess all
necessary infrastructure requirements for increased procurement of foodgrains for
implementation of Food Security Act. It should include storage space, credit and staff
requirement. A meeting of Food Secretaries of various States has been convened in the
second week of February by the Government of India to review the arrangements for
procurement of wheat for coming marketing season and other infrastructure requirements.
In order to implement the National Food Security Act, requirement of foodgrains is estimated
to be 614.3 lakh tons against the average procurement of 514 Lakh tons in last five years.
Under the National Food Security Act, the Government of India will now provide assistance
to States in meeting the expenditure incurred by them on transportation of foodgrains within
the State, its handling and FPS dealers’ margin as per norms to be devised for this purpose.
In the meeting, estimated marketable surplus ratio of wheat for each State and estimated
procurement of wheat for Rabi Marketing Season will also be discussed.

Under the Act, Grievance Redressal Mechanism at the District and State levels have to be
set up and provisions have to be made for disclosure of records relating to PDS. The Act
also provides for social audits and setting up of Vigilance Committees in order to ensure
transparency and accountability. Provision for penalty on public servant or authority, to be
imposed by the State Food Commission, in case of failure to comply with the relief
recommended by the District Grievance Redressal Officer, has also been made in the Act.
One of the most significant features is the provision for Food Security Allowance to entitled
beneficiary in case of non-supply of entitled foodgrains or meals. No doubt, the Act will
provide food security to two-third population of the country and with its focus on
nutritional support to children and pregnant women it will address the problem of
malnutrition also effectively.

FCI to move foodgrains through ship in coastal areas
For the first time in its history, Food Corporation of India (FCI), which has been moving
huge quantities of food grains from one part of the country to another mainly through
road and railways, has decided to take recourse to movement of food grains through sea
route also. A beginning in this regard has been made with Prof. K.V. Thomas, Union
Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution approving the container
movement of 20,000 MTs of rice per month from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh to Kochi in
Kerala through ship. Tenders to this effect have been finalised and operations are
expected to start in the near future. The first ship carrying the containers is expected to
proceed from Kakinada in February, 2014.
The decision to open sea route has been taken to reduce the bottlenecks and stress
experienced in the inland transportation of food grains and also to open up multi-model
transportation methodology involving sea route as well which would be cheaper as also
easier in the long run. In future, it will be explored if more ports in Kerala and other
parts of the country could take recourse to the sea route for transportation of food
grains from one part of the country to another.
Traditionally, Kerala receives boiled rice from Andhra Pradesh to the extent of
70000 to 80000 MTs per month. Initially the depots in Southern Kerala such as Kochi,
Alleppey, Arakkulam, Mavelikkara, Chingavanam and Anagammally will get the benefit of
movement of food grains from Kakinada through Vallarpadam Container Terminal of the
Kochi Port.

Special Gram Sabha Meetings in January /February 2014
Government has asked all the Gram Panchayats in the country to hold special Gram Sabha
meetings on various programmes relating to economic well-being of people on any day in
January/ February-2014.
It has been emphasized that in these meetings, officials in-charge of programmes relating to
Agriculture, Horticulture, Dairy, Fisheries National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM),
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Backward
Region Grant Found (BRGF), Watershed, Soil conservation, Irrigation, Electrification,
Handlooms, Handicraft, Food processing, Small and Micro enterprises etc. should remain
present.
The District and Block level officials will coordinate the dates of the meeting so
that the above mentioned functionaries will be able to participate in all Gram Sabha
meetings. The officials in-charge of all the above Departments, Schemes and Programmes
should attend these meetings because this will improve the progress in their schemes and
also make them transparent thereby resulting in making the programmes more effective.
The Gram Panchayats have been asked to report the participation to the Block/ District
Administration and in particular any instance of non-cooperation.
The purpose of special Gram Sabha meetings is to make Gram Sabhas more active as well as
empowering people and making panchayats accountable.

Seven States/UTs Get Allocations Under National Food Security Act
With the implementation of National Food Security Act in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh
also, the National Food Security Act has taken off now in seven states/ UTs- Haryana,
Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh . The
Government of India has made foodgrain allocations to these States/UTs as per
requirements projected by them for the implementation of the Act. Uttrakhand and
Chandigarh are also expected to join this group soon.
The people as identified beneficiaries by the State Governments will now get foodgrains
at highly subsidized prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per kg for rice, wheat and coarse grains. Each
beneficiary will get five Kg. foodgrain per month. However, existing entitlement of
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households’ which is 35 kg. of per household per month will
be protected, since AAY constitute poorest of the poor.
The Center has also decided to protect existing allocation of each state in case the
allocation under the proposed legislation is lower than its current allocation. It will be
protected upto the level of average offtake during last three years, at prices to be
determined by the Central Government.

With the implementation of the Act now pregnant women and lactating mothers and
children in the age group of 6 months to 14 years will be entitled to meals as per
prescribed nutritional norms under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and
Mid-Day Meal (MDM) schemes. Higher nutritional norms have been prescribed for
malnourished children upto 6 years of age. Beside this pregnant women and lactating
mothers will also be entitled to receive maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000.
The Act will also give significant contribution in the women empowerment in the country
with its provision of declaring eldest woman of the household of age 18 years or above as
the head of the household for the purpose of issuing of ration cards.
The Government has notified the National Food Security Act, 2013 on September10, 2013
to further strengthen the efforts to address the food security of the people. The Act
provides for coverage of upto 75% of the rural population and upto 50% of the urban
population for receiving subsidized foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System
(TPDS), thus covering about two-thirds of the population. The Act also has a special focus
on the nutritional support to women and children.

Centre issues directive for 150 days work under MGNREGA for STs in Forest
Areas.
The Ministry of Rural Development has issued a directive to provide 150 days of wage
employment under MGNREGA for Scheduled Tribe households living in forest areas. The
move will benefit about Eight lakh people in the states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh
and Andhra Pradesh, The additional 50 days of employment beyond the stipulated 100 days
under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will be
applicable to those individuals who got pattas under Forest Rights Act, FRA( 2006).
Approximately, 14 lakh individual and community titles have been distributed under FRA
2006. Of these around 8 lakh individual titles have been given in Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa. It is these individuals who will be able to claim the
benefit of 150 days.
The Ministry of Rural Development thinks that this is an important initiative since a lot of
land-levelling, plantation and other activities are required to be undertaken on these lands
to make them more productive. The additional days through MGNREGA will allow the
households to undertake additional work on their own land. Further, FRA beneficiaries have
already been automatically included for assistance under the Indira Awaas Yojana.

Other initiatives for ensuring effective implementation of MGNREGA in naxal affected
areas have also been taken like a convergence project with National Rural Livelihoods
Mission (NRLM) in 250 most backward blocks of the country. Several of these ST-
dominated blocks are located in Naxal districts. The Ministry has also allowed for cash
payments of wages in 88 Integrated Action Plan (IAP) districts. To proactively register
demand, the Ministry has launched Kaam Maango Abhiyan and the project is being
implemented in 6 pilot districts including West Singhbhum in Jharkhand and is being
upscaled to all naxal affected areas.
Morever, it has initiated the Governance and Accelerated Livelihood Support project in
collaboration with UNDP in 12 naxal affected districts and they are Latehar, Palamu,
Gumla and West Singhbhum in Jharkhand, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada and Kalahandi
in Odisha and Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Balrampur in Chhattisgarh. The Project will
focus on livelihood assets creation through MGNREGA IN 500 Gram Panchayats in these
districts.
Finally, new works have been added to the existing list of permissible works under
MGNREGA with a focus to strengthen synergy between MGNREGA and rural livelihoods,
particularly in agriculture. Besides ensuring durable quality assets, the expansion of
MGNREGA works is likely to improve the socio-economic condition of marginalized
section of the society like SC/ST, Small and Marginal farmers, IAY beneficiaries, Forest
Right Act beneficiaries etc as most of the new works are now permitted on the land or
homestead of specified individual beneficiaries.

Setting up of Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor and formation of Amritsar
Kolkata Industrial Corridor Development Corporation
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for setting up the Amritsar-Kolkata
Industrial Corridor (AKIC) and formation of the AKIC Development Corporation
(AKICDC).
The AKIC is proposed to be developed in a band of 150-200 kms on either side of
Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), in a phased manner, and would therefore
comprise a belt of at least 5.5 lakh square kms in the seven States of Punjab,
Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal.
Phase-1 will be in the nature of a pilot project, during which at least one Integrated
Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) of 10 square kms each, in each of the seven States
would be set up, as identified by State Governments. The States would however, be
free to set up more than one IMC, if they choose to do so. Uttarakhand, being a hill
state would be given flexibility with regard to the size of the cluster. Both brownfield
as well as green field IMCs can be set up.

At least 40 percent of the land in each IMC will be permanently earmarked for
manufacturing and agro-processing, considering that substantial part of the area in these
States, except Jharkhand, is under agriculture.The IMCs envisaged under the project
would be entitled to all the benefits available under the National Manufacturing Policy
(NMP), 2011, provided they are organized as envisioned in the NMP.
For infrastructure development, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode would be
encouraged. While viability gap funding would be available for infrastructure amenable
to PPP, trunk infrastructure not amenable to PPP will be developed through grant-in-aid
from the Central Government.
The Central Government will also provide interest subsidy to States for land
acquisition, grant-in-aid for project development and master planning of IMCs, set up
AKICDC, provide external connectivity and all benefits under NMP, 2011, facilitate the
establishment of tool room in clusters, enable technology partnership with Indian
Institutes of Technology/National Institutes of Technology, grant of approvals for the IMC
as well as help State Governments to promote global investments in clusters.
State Governments would be responsible for ensuring availability of land for
development of IMCs, necessary spurs for road infrastructure, facilitate generation,
transmission and distribution of electricity in IMCs, putting in place single window
clearance mechanism, setting up Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for development of
clusters, identify and facilitate anchor industries in the IMCs, ensure provision of built up
places and low cost housing.

Inclusion of Jains as a minority community under Section 2(c) of the National
Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act, 1992
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval forinclusion of Jains as a minority under Section 2
(c ) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 and the Attorney General through
the Ministry of Law and Justice has opined that this would be neither be illegal nor
unconstitutional. The Cabinet approved the inclusion of Jains in the list of notified minority
communities under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992
pending the outcome of court cases in addition to the five communities already notified as
minorities under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.These
communities are Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs and Zoroastrians (Parsis)
Background:
Under Section 2(c) of National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act, 1992, five religious
communities; Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis are declared as minority
communities through a Government Notification issued in October 1993. Thereafter, the
Ministry of Minority Affairs has been receiving regular representations and RTI applications
for inclusion of Jains as a minority community under this Section.

Approval for development of trunk infrastructure for integrated industrial
township at Vikram Udyogpuri, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh in the Delhi Mumbai
Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Project
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the development of trunk
infrastructure for the integrated industrial township at Vikram Udyogpuri near Ujjain,
Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) in the Pithampur, Dhar Mhow investment region of the Delhi
Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project at an estimated project cost of Rs.808.60 crore
for Stage 1 of the Project.
CCEA has also approved investment of Rs.59.50 crore as 50 percent equity contribution of
DMIC Trust to the JVC for the Project and further investment of Rs.372.80 crore as debt with
a 10 year moratorium from the start of the project and 12 year repayment at an annual
interest of 8.5 percent. The remaining 50 percent of the equity will be met by the State Govt.
The balance funding required for trunk infrastructure will be met from internal accruals of
the JVC.

The development of infrastructure industrial township at Vikram Udyogpuri is expected
to attract private sector investments of around Rs.13,000 crore. The primary objectives
of development of the township is to initiate industrial development, enabling the
Pithampur, Dhar Mhow Investment region to take off, while providing essential
infrastructure and services to support establishment of institutions that would create
the skilled and employable work force. It will drive manufacturing and act as a catalyst
for the growth of industrial development of the DMIC region by attracting skilled human
resources. In addition to significant economic benefits the project will also have a
multiplier effect on the region including employment generation and revenue
generation. The development of the integrated industrial township mainly targets non-
polluting industries and knowledge related uses on the lines of a "green city".
In the first stage of the Project, the JVC consisting the subsidiaries of the Government of
Madhya Pradesh and DMIC Trust would take up creation of trunk infrastructure for the
development of the township at Vikram Udyogpuri. In the second stage, the JVC will
invite private developers to develop, operate and maintain real estates and commercial
development on PPP basis as well as operation and maintenance of selected trunk
infrastructure. Development of trunk infrastructure will be undertaken on design-build
basis by the JVC who will engage Transaction Adviser (s) for structuring and bidding out
PPPable projects and monitoring the execution of the projects.

Approval for development of trunk infrastructure for integrated industrial
township at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh in the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor
project
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the formation of a Joint Venture
Company (JVC), with equity contribution of 50 percent each from the Delhi Mumbai
Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Trust and the Government of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) represented by
the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA). The JPC is for development of
trunk infrastructure of the integrated industrial township at Greater Noida, in the Dadri-
Noida-Ghaziabad Investment Region of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor.
The development of the infrastructural industrial township is expected to attract private
sector investments of over Rs.33,000 crore over a period of 30 years, generate significant
employment (direct or indirect) and lead to multiplier effect in each of the target industry
sectors, including backward and forward linkages with other sectors of the economy. The
project will drive manufacturing and catalyse the growth of industrial development in the
DMIC region by attracting skilled human resources at the Integrated Industrial Township at
Greater Noida.
The project cost of Rs.1714.70 crore is proposed to be met by equity contribution of
Rs.617.20 crore by the DMIC Trust and the State Government. The equity from the State
Government would be in the form of land which would be transferred to the JVC. The capital
expenditure of Rs.480.30 crore will be met from internal accruals.

The project is proposed to be implemented in two stages. In the first stage, the JVC
formed by DMIC Trust and Govt. of UP will ensure the creation of trunk infrastructure
for the overall infrastructural industrial township development. This will attract private
sector investments and enhance the marketability of the project. In the second stage,
private players will be invited for the phased development of the township. The JVC
will evaluate the results of PPP developments and consider the development of the
subsequent phases through PPP or land monetization as may be appropriate.
Background
The Government of India is developing the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
Project as a global manufacturing and investment destination by utilizing a high
capacity 1483 Km long western dedicated Freight Corridor as the backbone. The Dadri
Noida Gaziabad Investment Region (DNGIR) located in Uttar Pradesh is one of the eight
investment regions/industrial areas identified for development in the first phase of the
DMIC Project. Delhi Mumbai Industrial Development Corporation (DMICDC), in
consultation with the Govt. of UP, has identified the development of the infrastructural
industrial township to drive manufacturing activities and promote sustainable
development. The site for the township at Greater Noida is a part of the delineated
DNGIR planned within the notified Greater Noida Master Plan -2021 and covers a total
area of 302.5 hectares (747.5 acres).

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a proposal to provide
financial support of Rs. 2727.10 crore to Nalanda University over a period of 12 years
from 2010-11 to 2021-22.
The salient features of the financial support are:-
i) Rs. 1749.65 crore will be spent towards capital cost of the project.
ii) Rs. 977.45 crore has been provided to meet the University`s recurring expenditure for
eight years from 2014-15 to 2021-22.
iii) iv) The main campus, including residences of teaching and non-teaching staff is being
built on a plot measuring 455 acres, provided free of cost by the Government of Bihar
on a 99-year lease.
v) vi) The University has already received US$ 11.55 lakh as voluntary contribution from
China, Thailand and Laos. Singapore has offered to build a library at a cost of US$ 5
million. Australia has commited Australian $ 1 million for a Chair in the School of
Ecology and Environment Studies. Japan has pledged assistance for the renovation of
highways leading to the University. Other participating countries will contribute as the
University progresses.

vii) viii) An Endowments Committee has been constituted to raise funds through public-
private partnerships.
ix) x) The University will also start generating its own revenues to meet a part of its
recurring expenditure when teaching commences in phases.
xi) xii) The approved financial support will be other than voluntary contributions from
participating countries, endowments to be received through public-private
partnerhsips, and the revenues generated by the University in due course.
The establishment of Nalanda University will benefit 2450 Indian and foreign students
by the end of 2021-22.
The funding by the Government of India would enable the University to establish itself
as an international institution of excellence.
455 acres of land has been provided by the Government of Bihar. Construction in
the first phase is expected to begin this year. Teaching in the first two Schools is
expected to begin from leased premises in September, 2014. Teaching in all the seven
Schools will commence in the academic year 2017-18.
A Headquarters Agreement granting privileges and immunities to the academic
staff has been signed between the Government of India and Nalanda University in July,
2013 to facilitate hiring of the best faculty from across the world.

Approval for formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle for implementation and
operation of Model Solar Power Project at Neemrana, Rajasthan
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the formation of a Special
Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for implementation and operation of the Model Solar Power Project
at Neemrana, Rajasthan as a 100 percent subsidiary of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor
Development Corporation (DMICDC).
The total financial implications for the Government of India is around Rs. 35.34 crore, out of
which the equity component is Rs. 13 crore and the debt component is Rs. 22.34 crore.
The project demonstrates the integration of solar power with industrial diesel generator
sets (as the backup facility). The project has the latest cutting edge technological
breakthroughs in the field of solar generation and smart grid from Japan and is expected to
yield the following benefits:
a) Production of green power while reducing CO2 emissions by cutting down diesel
consumption.
b) Demonstrating the concept of integrating solar power with industrial diesel generator
sets through smart micro grid technology;

c) Enable the dissemination of solar PV and smart micro grid technology on a large scale
and promote replication of this technology in other industrial areas which will help in
reducing the carbon footprint by combining solar power with DG power;
d) Promote manufacturing of solar panels and other equipment facilities.
The Government of India is developing the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
Project as a global manufacturing and investment destination by utilizing a high capacity
1483 km long western dedicated Freight Corridor as the backbone. The Government of
India in association with the Government of Japan has proposed to develop a model Solar
Power Project at Neemrana, Rajasthan using cutting edge Japanese technology.
The SPV for the implementation and operation of the Model Solar Power Project will be a
100 percent subsidiary of DMICDC. A sum of Rs 13 crore required for subscription to the
equity of DMICDC (i.e., the proposed SPV) as well as Rs 22.34 as debt to the SPV will be
released by the DMIC Trust to DMICDC. The upsides from such investment will flow back
to the DMIC Trust. The power generated through the 5MWp component would be sold to
NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN) at a tariff of Rs. 8.77 per unit (derived as weighted
average of tariffs arrived in the bidding for 350 MW Solar Power in Batch-11 of Phase I of
JNNSM). 1 MW Smart Micro Grid (1 MW Solar PV integrated with 1 MW Diesel Generator
sets) will be used for supplying power to identified industrial consumers in the Neemrana
Industrial Park and will be operated for a period of 10 years. The tariff applicable to
industrial consumers will be determined at the time of signing the Power Purchase
Agreement by the SPV with users.

Utilisation of Japanese Assistance under Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA) through Special Terms For Economic Partnership (STEP) of Japanese Official
Development Assistance loans for the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor project
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the utilisation of Japanese
assistance under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through Special Terms
for Economic Partnership (STEP) of Japanese official development assistance loans for the
Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project and the operational rules, terms and
conditions of this tied loan facility.
The Government of India is developing the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Project
as a global manufacturing and investment destination by utilizing a high capacity 1483 Km
long western dedicated Freight Corridor as the backbone. The development of industrial
cities with world class infrastructure in the DMIC region will attract an estimated investment
of around US $ 90-100 billion, while providing employment opportunities for over three
million people. The proposal for availing the US $ 4.5 billion facility through a STEP loan is
expected to bring in Japanese funding, cutting edge technology and knowhow into projects
implemented in DMIC. This would also enable the Japanese companies to establish their
manufacturing facilities in India and enable transfer of technology from Japan to India.

JICA will conduct consultation with Japanese companies for a project to be financed by
a STEP loan to promote more appropriate formulation and prompt implementation of
the project as well as to promote more active participation of Japanese companies. All
efforts will be made by JICA/ DMICDC/ Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry,
Government of Japan (METI) to ensure that there is price discovery through
participation of a minimum of two companies/ consortia. The conditions of the STEP
loan permit that the 30 percent of the goods to be sourced from Japan can be procured
from local companies in India, where Japanese companies hold 10 percent or more
equity. This will encourage Japanese companies to create joint ventures in partnership
with Indian companies and address concerns regarding high cost of goods procured
from Japan.
The ODA loan under the STEP scheme is available at an interest rate of 0.1 percent for a
repayment period of 40 years covering up to 100 percent of the project cost. The
scheme also provides for a moratorium of 10 years. Based on a cost comparison
communicated by DMICDC, the ODA loan under the STEP scheme provides for
substantial savings, in comparison to other standard ODA loans with interest rates
ranging from 0.8 percent to 1.4 percent for a repayment period of 15 to 30 years.

Moily Approves setting up Multi Organisation Team (MOT) for Re-assessment of
Hydrocarbon Resources of India
Resources Estimation Exercise covering all 26 Sedimentary Basins to be completed
within 30 months
The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Dr. M. Veerappa Moily has approved constitution
of a Multi Organization Team (MOT) to carry out re-assessment of Hydrocarbon Resources of
India in all its 26 sedimentary basins. The Exercise will cover all the 26 sedimentary basins of
India. Resource assessment is required to be completed within 30 months. The Keshav Dev
Malviya Institute of Petroleum Engineering (KDMIPE) of ONGC will act as leader with
Director (Exploration) of ONGC as Chairman and Director (Exploration & Development) of
Oil India Ltd (OIL) as Co-chairman. A National Level Committee headed Petroleum
Secretary will monitor & review the progress of work periodically.
It may be recalled that during the course of implementation of pre-NELP (New Exploration
Licensing Policy) and NELP rounds and other exploration and production activities,
substantial geo-scientific data have been acquired and interpreted. New oil and gas fields
have also been discovered by utilizing improved geological understanding and new
technology. With the increase in exploration spread and quantum jump in availability of geo-
scientific data generated under NELP there is a need to revisit the Hydrocarbon Resource
assessment of India.

Japanese Health Ministry Fixes MRL for Ethoxyquin in Shrimps
Marine Products Export Development Authority Chairman Ms. Leena Nair today said that
the Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare has officially notified the MRL for Ethoxyquin. The
Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) has been fixed at 0.2 ppm in crustaceans including farmed
shrimp. This ends the 18 month long battle by MPEDA, with the support of Ministry of
Commerce & Industry and Embassy of India, Tokyo. In its meeting of 29th November 2013,
the committee of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour & Welfare has approved to fix a
Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of 0.2 ppm in crustaceans including farmed shrimp. The MRL
was notified on 2nd December 2013 for public comments in Japan, besides was also placed
in WTO.
It may be recalled that the import inspection authorities of Japan had suddenly enforced the
default level of 0.01ppm for Ethoxyquin in shrimps from India and Vietnam without any
reason in August 2012. The issue was immediately taken up with the Japanese Ministry of
Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), METI and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan by Ministry
of Commerce & Industry, MPEDA and Embassy of India, Tokyo citing the lack of scientific
reasoning behind their action. Subsequently, then Minister of Health, Labour & Welfare
referred the matter to the Food Safety Commission (FSC) under Cabinet Secretariat to asses
and recommend Accepted Daily Intake (ADI) of Ethoxyquin in shrimps. The issue was also
taken up at almost all bilateral meetings between India and Japan including at the Prime
Minister’s level. Subsequently, the subcommittee of Food Safety Commission fixed the ADI
for Ethoxyquin as 0.0083 mg /kg body weight in its meeting on 19th November 2013.

Meanwhile, the imports of shrimp from India has shown an increase of 20.10% in quantity
and 61.79% in value on an year on year basis for the period January –November 2013
compared to 2012. The increased intake in the country is attributed to short supply of
shrimps from other major shrimp farming countries due to the Early Mortality Syndrome
(EMS) disease and increased confidence in Indian farmed shrimp, especially the white leg
(Litopenaeus vannamei) variety. The total shrimp imports upto November 2013 is 29153
tons worth 29651 million Yen. India stands at third position in shrimp imports to Japan
during 2013. The first position is occupied by Vietnam, followed by Indonesia. However,
India became the largest supplier of frozen shrimp to Japanese market since September
2013. Overall seafood imports from India also showed an increase of 44.15% in value during
the same period, though the quantity showed a slight decline of 0.17%.

Visible improvement in School Infrastructure since implementation of RTE Act,
2009
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, came into force from
1st April 2010. The Act laid down a three year time frame to attain various norms and
standards as specified in the Schedule to the RTE Act. The Department of School
Education & Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development has been documenting
the progress made by States and UTs every year since the RTE Act came into force on the
basis of DISE data. Recently the Ministry has published RTE: The 3rd Year on the basis of
DISE Data 2012-13 with respect to children’s enrolment, teacher availability and
infrastructure indicators for each State as well as at the national level. RTE: The 3rd Year
has also captured additional indicators on the child centered provisions as well as quality.
The publication focuses on the progress made by States and UTs since the enactment of
the Act in the last three years. State wise stock taking of various indicators is helpful in
analyzing the trends and also for further planning.

All States and UTs have notified the State RTE Rules. Major notifications with regard to
setting up systems to implement the RTE Act have also been put in place. All States/UTs
have notified their State Academic Authorities and issued notifications with regard to the
elementary education cycle of 8 years. Also notifications with regard to no corporal
punishment, banning of private tuitions, banning of screening procedure and capitation
fees and no board examinations up to the elementary level have been put in place by all
the States/ UTs. By 2012-13, 88% of the schools had a School Management Committee as
per provisions of the RTE Act. 75% of the members of SMCs are parents of children
studying in school and at least 50% of these are women.
Total enrolment in the elementary education have been steadily rising and stands at 13.47
crores at primary and 6.49 crores at upper primary level with girls forming 48% and 49% of
the enrolment respectively. There is also a very encouraging trend of the enrolment of
SC/ST and Muslim children which is representative of their share in the population.
The pupil teacher ratio at the national level has shown a dramatic improvement. It has
come down from 32 in 2009-10 at the elementary level to 27 in 2012-13. 26 States/UTs
had also conducted one/more rounds of Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) by September 2012.

School infrastructure has been steadily improving since coming into force of the RTE Act.
Number of elementary schools in the country (Government and unaided) stands at
11,53,472. The student-class room ratio is down to 29 students per class room. 95% of
the schools have been provided with drinking water facility and coverage of separate
girls’ toilets has increased from 59% in 2009-10 to 69% in 2012-13. States/UTs like
Chandigarh, Delhi, Daman & Diu, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Punjab,
Puducherry etc. have covered all schools with drinking water facility.
The RTE Act also lays down the working hours and instructional hours in schools. Each
state has issued its own notification in this regard. 30 States have developed a Continuous
Comprehensive Education module and in 26 States, it has been implemented universally
in all schools.

Minister of Mines Dedicates Advanced Light Helicopter – Garuda Vasudha to
the Nation
Shri Dinsha Patel, Minister of Mines, dedicated the Advanced Light Helicopter “Garuda
Vasudha” of Geological Survey of India equipped with Heliborne Geophysical Survey
System (HGSS) to the nation here today through video-conferencing. The helicopter was
launched from the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) Complex, Bangalore. The Minister
also laid the foundation stone of a Centre of Excellence Laboratory building of GSI at its
Bangalore complex at a cost of Rs. 42 crore..
The Garuda Vasudha a ‘Dhruv’ category helicopter has been indigenously built by HAL and
the HGSS comprising four aerogeophysical sensors, namely Time Domain Electromagnetic,
Magnetic, Spectrometric and Gravimetric alongwith Data Acquisition Systems, have been
procured from M/s Pico Envirotec Inc., Canada. The installation and integration of the
sensor system has been carried out at HAL. The total cost of the HGSS is about Rs. 63
crores.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Dinsha Patel, Minister of Mines, expressed his pleasure in
dedicating Garuda Vasudhawhich would be used for extensive surveys by the GSI for
locating hidden mineral health.

The Minister further added that the state-of-the-art Heliborne Geophysical Survey System
(HGSS) will bolster the probing prowess of aerogeophysical surveys for locating concealed
and deep seated mineral deposits of the country.
The Minister said that the moment has come when Remote Sensing and Aerial Survey Wing
of Geological Survey of India would be using both the aerial and heliborne survey together
and would be effectively used in locating mineral resources which is going to fulfill rising
demands and will also result in saving valuable foreign exchange.
Praising GSI for its Centre of Excellence, the Minister said that the establishment of one
more Centre of Excellence at Bangalore is part of the modernization Program. The objective
is to create a highly modernized and sophiticatedly equipped state-of-the-art centre for
carrying out diverse geoscientific studies. The Centre will be equiped Electron Probe Micro
Analyser, In Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, X-ray
fluorescence Spectrometer, X-ray diffraction spectrometer, Raman Spectroscopy, Atomic
absorption spectrometer. The Centre will further have facilities for Fluid inclusion studies,
petrological studies, Geophysical data analyses etc. The centre of excellence will give a huge
fillip to the laboratory support for mineral exploration and research.
At present GSI has three Centres of Excellence in the cities of Faridabad, Kolkata and
Bangalore. On the occasion two brochure ‘ Remote Sensing and Aerial
Surveys and Heliborne Geophysical Survey System were released.
Present during the videoconferencing were senior officers from the Ministry of Mines and
Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence and GSI.

India and Japan Enter into Memorandum in the Field of Tourism
India and Japan have entered into a Memorandum for strengthening cooperation in the field
of tourism. The Memorandum was signed between Ministry of Tourism, Government of
India and the Japan Tourism Agency, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure , Transport and Tourism,
Government of Japan in New Delhi on 22nd January, 2014. Mr. Parvez Dewan, Secretary,
Ministry of Tourism in his capacity as Director General, Tourism and Mr. Shigeto Kubo,
Commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency signed the Memorandum.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shigeto Kubo, Commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency expressed
the hope that the Memorandum would facilitate travel and tourist visits and further
strengthen the tourism partnership between the two countries.
Mr. Parvez Dewan , Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India said that religious
tourism in the form of Buddhist heritage sites is a great attraction for Japanese tourists to
India. He said that Japanese tourists have been availing visa-on-arrival in a major way and
the highest number of visas on arrival were issued to the tourists from Japan during 2013, as
in previous years.
Japan is an important source market for Indian Tourism. During 2013, India received 2.20
lakh tourists from Japan.

This Memorandum between India and Japan is intended to serve as the key instrument for
greater action oriented cooperation and further strengthening the close tourism partnership
between the two countries. The main objectives of the Memorandum are :
a) To expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector;
b) To exchange information and data related to tourism ;
c) To encourage cooperation between Tour Operators and tourism stakeholders including
Hotel owners;
d) To establish exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resource Development;
e) To exchange visits of Tour Operators/Media/ Opinion Makers for promotion of two way
tourism;
f) To exchange experience in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development
and management;
g) To participate in travel fairs/exhibitions in each other’s country; and
h) To promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism.

Chairperson and Members of Lokpal to be Appointed Shortly
More Anti Corruption Legislations being Expedited
As a first step towards the setting up of Lokpal, the Government has invited applications for
filling up one post of Chairperson and eight posts of Members in the Lokpal. Out of eight
Members in the Lokpal, four posts are of Judicial Members and other four posts are for other
than Judicial Members. Fifty percent of members of Lok Pal shall be from amongst SC, ST,
OBC, Minorities and Women.
The Government has circulated these vacancies to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, the
Registrars of High Courts, Chief Secretaries of State Governments and Secretaries in the
Central Government Departments and Ministries, calling for nomination of eligible
candidates by Feb 7, 2014. The new enactment is indicative of the resolve of the Parliament
and the Government to give to the nation an effective anti-corruption framework.
The historic Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 passed by Parliament (December 17, 2013 in
Rajya Sabha and December 18, 2013 in Lok Sabha) paves the way for setting up of the
institution of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in States by law enacted by the respective
State Legislatures within one year of coming into force of the Act. The new law provides for
a mechanism for dealing with complaints of corruption against public functionaries, including
those in high places.

Another significant feature of the Act is that it has taken its present shape after repeated
consultations with all stake holders including civil society. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act is
perhaps the only legislation in the history of independent India, which has been so widely
discussed, both inside and outside Parliament and has, thus generated so much awareness in
the public mind about the need to have an effective institution of Lokpal to tackle
corruption.
The Government has decided to expedite some of the pending important anti-corruption
legislations such as Whistle-blowers Protection Bill, 2011, Foreign Bribery Bill and Private
Sector Corruption, Amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act and Right to Time-
bound Delivery of Goods and Services Bill in the Parliament.
Whistle-blowers Protection Bill, 2011
Persons who report the corruption or wilful misuse of power or wilful misuse of discretion
which ceases demonstrable loss to the Government or commission of a criminal offence by a
public servant need statutory protection. The Whistle-blowers Protection Bill,2011 was
passed by the Lok Sabha on Dec.27, 2011 and the said bill is now pending in the Rajya Sabha.

Foreign Bribery Bill and Private Sector Corruption
The prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public officials and officials of Public International
Organisations Bill, 2011 was introduced in Lok Sabha in March, 2011. The Department
related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law & Justice and Personnel has submitted
its report on the Bill and the majority of recommendations contained in the Report of the
Committee have been accepted by Government. The Bill could not be taken up for
discussion during the recent winter session of Parliament.
Amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act
The Government has decided to amend the prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 by
incorporating provisions for confiscation and forfeiture of property illegally acquired by
corrupt public servants. The Bill for the purpose was introduced in Parliament on Aug.19,
2013 and has been referred to the Department related Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, and Law & Justice for examination.
Right to Time-bound Delivery of Goods and Services Bill
The Government has introduced a Bill to empower the citizen and to improve
accountability and transparence in governance titled ‘The Right of Citizens for Time-
bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill’ in the Lok
Sabha in December, 2011. The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice has submitted its report on the Bill to
Parliament and the Bill is presently pending in Lok Sabha.

Smt. Krishna Tirath launches the Multi-Sectoral
Nutrition Programme (MSNP) and Nutrition Resource Platform (NRP) on the occasion of
National Girl Child Day
The Women and Child Development Minister, Smt Krishna Tirath launched the Multi
Sectoral Nutrition Programme (MSNP) and National Resource Platform (NRP) on the
occasion of National Girl Child Day, here today. The National Girl Child Day is celebrated on
24th January to commemorate the day when late Smt. Indira Gandhi was sworn in as the
first woman Prime Minister of the country. This year’s theme of Girl Child Day is ‘Safety and
Development of girl child’.
Speaking at the occasion Smt. Krishna Tirath said that the Multi -Sectoral Nutrition
Programme (MSNP) aims to bring inter-sectoral convergence and coherence in policy,
planning and action with core focus on both direct interventions and indirect interventions
for maternal and child under nutrition, thus providing a continuum of care and follow a life
cycle approach. The programme will be implemented as a special intervention in 200 high
burden districts spread over 19 States, beginning with 100 districts in the current financial
year, she added.

The Minister also launched the Nutrition Resource Platform (NRP) that aims to collect,
collate and make available resources and materials on nutrition and child development to
various stakeholders. It will also be an interactive knowledge resource base which
facilitates real time interaction, exchange of ideas and discussions. NRP is functional at
National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) and is a virtual
repository with the support of Food and Nutrition Board and NIC.
Smt. Tirath said that child sex ratio in the 0-6 year age group declined steeply from 927 in
2001 to 919 in 2011 implying that millions of girls went missing in just a decade. The
practice of child marriage is still prevalent in the country as 47 % of women in the age 20-
24 were married before the age 18.Thus the Ministry has embarked on a
multidimensional strategy for the welfare of the girl child for bringing about attitudinal
changes in the society towards the girl child through legislative, preventive, advocacy and
programmatic inputs. Highlighting the success of Sabla scheme the Minister said that one
crore sablas will be trained as Ahimsa Messengers through NIPCCD and they will help to
spread awareness on gender issues.
The Minister stated that the efforts of Ministry of Women and Child Development are to
ensure the survival of the girl child and her right to be born and nurture her so that she
grows up to be an informed, secure and productive participating member of the
community and society. Smt. Tirath said that all private institutions should also provide
child care leave to their women employees so that they can look after their children
better and help in development of the nation.

Speaking at the occasion the Secretary WCD, Shri A.K Jain said that the Ministry aims to
develop girl child as a National resource. He said that poor nutrition starts before birth and
is carried on to adolescents and then to adults as mothers. This intergenerational cycle of
undernourishment is more likely to experience health failures. There are problems like
gender discrimination, early marriage, etc which lead to a cycle of multiple deprivation for
girl. The recent initiative named Multi Sectoral Nutrition Programme (MSNP) will help to
overcome the under nutrition in girls. Rs 1213 crores have been approved for the
programme during 12th Plan period and 75% of this amount i.e. around Rs 944crores will
be provided by the Government of India. The NRP is an e-platform and is a valuable source
of information. The Ministry will see to it that the schemes are properly implemented, he
added.
On the occasion cultural programmes were organised by National Mission for
Empowerment of Women (NMEW) which included Nehru Bal Sangh, 2014 Declaration from
Mini India including signatures signed by 600 children culminating with ‘Adhikaarin’, a
beautiful choreographed presentation and a group song in Hindi on the theme of declining
child sex ratio and welfare of the girl child by Read India which is a thematic partner of
NMEW.
Present at occasion were Ms. Preeti Sudan, Additional Secretary WCD, Ms. K Ratna Prabha,
Additional Secretary WCD, various officials from WCD Ministry, officials from NIPCCD,
NMEW, Planning Commission and State Governments.

Anand Sharma Invites Japanese Companies to Establish Chip and Semiconductor
Manufacturing Units Offers Incentives for Electronic System Design and
Manufacturing
India today extended a package of incentives to Japan in order to encourage Investment in
Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) in the country. In a meeting with Mr.
Hiromasa Yonekura, Chairman, Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) along with the top
Japanese Business representatives in India, here today, the Union Minister of Commerce
and Industry Shri Anand Sharma said, “Government of India has decided to offer a package
of incentives to attract domestic and global investments into ESDM sector within Electronic
Manufacturing Clusters (EMC) Schemes. In addition, the Government has recently approved
the proposal for setting up of two Semi-conductor Wafer Fabrications (FAB) manufacturing
facilities in the country.” Shri Sharma invited all Semi Conductor Wafer Fabrication (FAB)
manufacturers in Japan to avail subsidy/other benefits/support being offered by
Government of India for establishing FAB facilities in India.

The Indian Minister conveyed that Information Technology Agreement (ITA) (now also
known as ITA-1), a plurilateral agreement of WTO has not benefitted India as far as
manufacturing in the domestic hardware industry is concerned. it has led to sharp
decline in investments in manufacturing of components, raw materials, parts and even
electronic sub-assemblies, loss of investment in high value added manufacturing
,decline in the share of domestically manufactured electronic components .In light of
this many measures have been taken by the Government to build a sound
manufacturing environment in the field of Electronics and Information Technology and
Japanese companies can benefit from them.
Shri Sharma also stressed strengthening of cooperation in creative industries, which
ranges from design, apparel, fashion, food, house-hold goods, music, movies, animation
and traditional craft would further promote and deepen mutual understanding of the
two countries. Shri Sharma and METI Minister Mr Edano met on 30th April 2012 in New
Delhi and reached the common recognition that enhancing bilateral cooperation in the
area of Creative Industries will be regarded as an important new pillar of Japan and
India industry cooperation. Secretary DIPP Shri Saurabh Chandra met his counterpart in
May 2013 and December 2013 to take the process forward. Six MOUs between
Japanese companies and Indian companies in areas such as traditional/regional
products, animation, apparel/fashion, lifestyle/luxury products and food were signed in
recent past. National Institute of design (NID), Ahmadabad is taking lead in
implementing the tasks assigned to them as regards to cooperation on Creative
Industry.

MSME and National Innovation Council Launch
The India Inclusive Innovation Fund
The National Innovation Council (NInC) and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME) jointly announced the creation of the India Inclusive Innovation Fund
(IIIF) here today. IIIF approved by the Union Cabinet seeks to combine innovation and the
dynamism of enterprise to solve the problems of citizens at the base of the economic
pyramid in India.
Speaking about the Fund, Sam Pitroda, Chairman of NInC and Advisor to the Prime Minister
on Public Information, Infrastructure and Innovation said: “The needs of the people at the
base of the economic pyramid are today served by philanthropy and Government grants /
subsidies which can never be either adequate or scalable. IIIF seeks to leverage the model of
Venture Capital to transform the lives of the less privileged”.
The Fund will be registered under SEBI’s Alternative Investment Fund Category I guidelines
with an initial corpus of Rs. 500 crores, with the Ministry of MSME committing to 20% (Rs 100
crores) and the balance being given by Banks, insurance companies, overseas financial and
development institutions. The Fund will endeavour to provide modest financial returns, while
ensuring significant social impact to the community. The Fund’s eventual aim is to expand the
corpus to Rs. 5,000 crores over the next 24 months.

Speaking on the occasion the Secretary, MSME, Shri Madhav Lal said that the underline
philosophy of the programme is to bring various stakeholders together not only for
financing the enterprises but also providing handholding support in different manner
through technical inputs to connect with the markets. A number of initiatives will be
brought on board and will have a bearing in future on this programme. The Ministry of
MSME is very happy on playing an important role, so that programme reaches new
heights. The Programme is first of its kind in the country.
The IIIF seeks to create a new class of capital which helps set up and scale entrepreneurial
skills and innovation which address the needs of the base of the economic pyramid. The
Fund will invest in innovative ventures that are scalable, sustainable and therefore
profitable but address social needs of our less privileged citizens in areas such as
healthcare, food, nutrition, agriculture, education / skill development, energy, financial
inclusion, water, sanitation, employment generation, etc.
Lack of Capital is one of the major reasons why ventures and entrepreneurs seeking to
address the needs at the base of the economic pyramid have failed to take off. IIIF seeks to
address exactly this gap and therefore at least 50% of its investments initially will be to
enterprises that fall in the MSME stage. It has been observed globally that new enterprises
have the highest potential for job creation and hence IIIF will seek to address this aspect as
well.

The IIIF will also partner the entire ecosystem in this space, including incubators, angel
groups, and also public R&D programmes and laboratories to support the
commercialisation and deployment of socially relevant innovative technologies and
solutions.
The Government will not be involved in the day to day operations of the Fund, which
will be entrusted to an Asset Management Company (AMC), set up as a Section 25 not
for profit company. The AMC will appoint a professional management team for this
purpose as also an Investment Committee comprising professionals of repute, which
will take all investment / divestment decisions. A Governing Council comprising
government nominees as well as eminent persons from the fields of public service,
industry, finance, entrepreneurship, etc. will provide oversight and ensure the Purpose
of the Fund is maintained. The AMC will also build a mentoring network, enable
incubation and provide training and skills development programmes to entrepreneurs
and IIIF assisted companies.
Present on the occasion were Mr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman, CA Technologies, Dr. B.
K. Gairola, Member Secretary, National Innovation Council and Mission Director, NeGP
and other Senior official of the Ministry of MSME and National Innovation Council.

TRAI Releases Recommendations on ‘Working Guidelines for Spectrum Trading’
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has finalized its recommendations on the
‘Working Guidelines on Spectrum Trading’. The salient features of the recommendations are
given below:
· Under spectrum trading, only outright transfer of spectrum is permitted, i.e. the
ownership of the usage right is transferred to the buyer. Spectrum leasing is not permitted at
this point of time.
· Spectrum trading will not alter the original validity period of spectrum assignment.
· For the present, Spectrum Trading shall be permitted only on a pan-LSA (Licensed
Service Area) basis i.e. spectrum cannot be traded for a part of the LSA.
· The seller and the buyer shall be required to inform the Licensor regarding
the spectrum trade, 6 weeks prior to the effective date of trade. However, no permission will
be required from the Licensor/Government for Spectrum Trading.
· All spectrum bands earmarked for Access Services by the Licensor will be treated as
tradable spectrum bands. Currently spectrum in 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz,
2300MHz and 2500MHz spectrum bands have been allocatedfor Access Services.

· Only CMTS/UASL/UL (AS)/UL licensees shall be eligible to participate in the
spectrum trading. The entire spectrum held by the licensee in a particular spectrum band
within an LSA should be tradable i.e. it has either been assigned through an auction in
the year 2010 or afterwards, or on which the TSP has already paid the prescribed market
value (as decided by the Government from time to time) to the Government.
· A TSP will not be permitted to trade any spectrum in the spectrum band in which
it has acquired any spectrum through trading (or auction) for a period of 2 years from the
effective date of transfer of spectrum (or effective date of assignment), i.e. TSP is
required to hold spectrum for at least two years from the date it acquires the spectrum.
Earlier, TRAI in its recommendations on ‘Valuation and Reserve price of Spectrum’ dated
9
th
September 2013 had recommended that spectrum trading should be permitted in
the country. In its reference dated 11
th
October 2013, the DoT conveyed its in-principle
acceptance of TRAI`s recommendation to permit spectrum trading in the country.

Clarification on Media Reports on Drinking Water Supply Scheme to Tumkur,
Bangalore (Rural), Kolar & Chikaballapur Districts Published on 24.1.2014
The proposal of Drinking Water Supply Scheme to Tumkur, Bangalore (Rural), Kolar &
Chikaballapur Districts by diverting excess floodwater from west flowing rivers such as
Yettinahole, Kadumanehole, Kerihole and Hongadallahole located in Sakleshpur of Hasan
District in Western Ghats region by M/s. Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd, a PSU of
Government of Karnataka seeking clarification on requirement of Environment Clearance
(EC) under EIA Notification, 2006 received in October, 2012 in the Ministry of Environment
& Forest.
The proposal was discussed by the designated Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) in its
63rd meeting held during 26th – 27th December, 2012.
• The proposal being a Drinking Water Supply Scheme, the EAC upon appraisal of the
project observed that the proposal is neither for hydro power development nor comprises
irrigation component and therefore, expressed its inability to consider the project for the
purpose of TOR/EIA/EMP etc as this does not fall within the purview and mandate of the
EAC, as drinking water schemes do not attract the provisions of EIA Notification, 2006 and
its subsequent amendment, 2009. This was accordingly clarified to M/s Karnataka
Neeravari Nigam Ltd by the Ministry.

UPA Government fully committed to the Strengthening of AYUSH in the Country:
Smt. Santosh Chowdhry
Two days AROGYA Health Mela begins at Phagwara
Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Smt. Santosh Chowdhry has
said that the UPA Government is fully committed to the strengthening of AYUSH System in
the country. Addressing the inaugural function of Arogya Mela at Phagwara of District
Kapurthala in Punjab today she said health facilities are being provided to the common man
at their door-step. Mrs. Chawdhry said the AYUSH system is totally free from side effects of
medicines and it is also cheaper too. She said that more than Sixteen Thousand AYUSH
Centre have been set-up in the Country and Mobile Ambulances are also being provided for
the AYUSH system.
Smt. Chowdhry exhorted the people to take maximum benefits of Arogya Mela and
encourage others to participate in the comprehensive AYUSH health fair on Ayurveda, Yoga,
Homeopathy and Unani. Those who spokes on the occasion includes Secretary Department
of AYUSH Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Shri Nilanjan Sanyal and Secretary Health
Govt. of Punjab Shri Hussan Lal.
On the 1st day hundreds of people thronged to the Ramgarhia Polytechnic
College, Phagwara, venue of the Arogya Mela to avail the facilities of free Health check-up
and free medicines. Many departments and Health Organizations have put-up exhibition
stalls for display of AYUSH Medicines, Herbal Products and Medicinal plants. Live Yoga
demonstration of treatment of various diseases by experts of Morarji Desai National
Institute of Yoga New Delhi is one of the main attractions of the Arogya Mela.

NRLM emerges as biggest programme for women empowerment, says Jairam
Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Jairam Ramesh said that NRLM (National Rural
Livelihoods Mission) is the biggest programme for women empowerment in India. Talking to
the media here after signing of an MoU between NRLM and Digital Green, a Microsoft
Research Project, he said, Women Self Help Groups Movement is going to stay despite
political changes. He said, at present there are 3 crore women, who are members of Self Help
Groups, SHGs and in the next 5 to 7 years , Seven crore women households will be covered
under it. Shri Ramesh said, at present Bank linkages to NRLM are to the tune of Rs 20,000
crore, which will be expanded to One lakh crore in the next five years in the Central and
Eastern India as 80 percent of the current loan disbursement is concentrated in the Four
Southern States. The Minister also emphasized that new direction is being given to NRLM to
make Sanitation part of the scheme and he underlined that women must take up the
ownership of sanitation as this is linked to their dignity and self respect.
Referring to the success stories of NRLM in States like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya
Pradesh, Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Ramesh said, the use of technology will help
in documenting of best farm practices in the rural hinterland.
He also informed that in areas where farmers have 2
nd
source of income apart from traditional
crop agriculture like livestock or Non timber forest produce, the cases of farmer’s suicides
are low. Quoting data, the Minister said that at present one third of all farm households are
owned by women in India.

A Release Issued by the Ministry States that National Rural Livelihoods Promotion
Society (NRLPS) has a strategy to partner with various stakeholders like NGOs, CSOs to
enhance the pace of the program delivery. NRLM can draw from these learning and use
the knowledge created in the course to reach out to the marginalized communities of
rural India. National Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society has already partnered with
PRADAN, a reputed NGO as National Support Organization on Livelihoods, and entered
into an MOU with them recently.
Digital GREEN works with partners to effectively exchange relevant livelihood
practices among rural communities using locally produced videos and mediated
dissemination. Incubated as a research project in Microsoft Research India’s Technology
for Emerging Markets team in 2006, digital GREEN spun off as an independent non-
profit charitable trust in 2008. digitalGREEN’s innovative ICT based approach focuses on
low cost and effective peer-to-peer learning processes which strives to empower poor
households to increase their productivity and incomes in a sustainable manner. It builds
on the existing extension systems of public, private, and civil society organizations and
strengthens them to be more effective and efficient. This has been widely applied in
the context of agriculture and agri-based livelihood in the different parts of country.

Australia Can Supply Coking Coal to Indian Steel Industry on Priority: Steel
Minister
The Union Minister of Steel, Shri Beni Prasad Verma, leading a delegation to Australia for
strengthening ties between the two countries in areas of mining and coal supply, met with
the Australian Minister of Industry and Resources, Mr. Ian Macfarlane, in Brisbane today.
He also met with the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Julie Bishop during a
meeting of Australia-India Business Council. Discussions were held on forging collaborative
partnerships between the two countries in the areas of mining and coal trade.
Interacting with Mr. Macfarlane, Shri Verma spoke about the potential for supply of coal to
India. He said, “There is a huge potential for consumption of coking coal in India. Our
country is looking for reliable raw material suppliers. I think Australia can consider supply
of coking coal to Indian steel Industry on priority basis.”
Describing the quantum of this demand he said, “We plan to increase our steel production
to 300 million tonnes from the present level of about 80 million tonnes. Our coal
requirement is also set to rise in a decade’s time”. Shri Verma also talked about exploring
the possibility of a long term agreement between Australian miners and Indian steel
producers for export of coking coal.

Talking about cooperation between India and Australia in the field of mineral exploration
and its trade, Mr. Macfarlane said that Australia has been supplying coking coal to India
and understands the potential of Indian steel industry. He was of the view that the
relationship between the two countries should be taken forward.
During the Australia – India Business council meeting, Shri Verma shared his views about
the steel industry and on issues of the economic cooperation. Assuring support to
Australian miners, Shri Verma invited Australian businessmen to jointly collaborate with
Indian companies in areas of mining and coal trade. He also spoke about the huge
potential for increasing import of coking coal from Australia.
The Indian delegation comprises Chairman, SAIL, NMDC and ICVL, Shri C.S. Verma, Joint
Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Shri S. Abbasi, CMD, MOIL Ltd., Shri G.P. Kundergi and CEO,
ICVL, Shri Ajay Mathur.

Curtain Raiser – Beating Retreat Ceremony 2014
Like yesteryears, this year also the Indian tunes will be the flavour of the ‘Beating the
Retreat’ ceremony. As many as 18 out of 21 performances have been composed by Indian
musicians and just three popular tunes by foreign musicians. Salient feature of this year’s
Beating Retreat Ceremony lies in the fact that 10 new compositions are being played for
the first time – four by Army (‘Jahan Daal Daal Pe Sone ki Chidiya’, ‘Swarnim Desh’,
‘Blessing of the God’ and ‘Dhruv’) and six by Navy and Air Force (‘Skylord’, ‘Brave
Warriors’, ‘Stride’, ‘The Western Seas’, ‘Rejoice in Raisina’ and ‘Fidos’). Also for the first
time ‘Gagan Damama Bajio’ quick march tune is being played in Beating the Retreat
Ceremony. Other than ‘Abide with Me’ and ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ rest of the tunes are
being played after a gap of six or more years. This year for the first time Indian Army is
introducing a drum ‘Tum Tum’ comprising of four sets of small drums in the Beating the
Retreat Ceremony.
The ceremony at the Vijay Chowk on January 29th every year marks the culmination of
the four-day-long Republic Day celebrations. This year, 14 Military Bands, 17 Pipes and
Drums Bands, 85 Buglers and 14 Trumpeters from various Regiments of Army are
participating in Beating the Retreat Ceremony. Besides, four Military Bands each of Indian
Navy and Indian Air Force will also form part of the event.

The principal conductor of the Beating Retreat ceremony will be Sqn Ldr G Jayachandran
while military bands conductor will be Subedar Major (Musician) Ramesh Singh and Navy
and Air Force bands commander will be Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician) Ramesh
Chand. Buglers will perform under the leadership of Subedar Major (Musician) Hem Raj and
pipes and drums bands will play under the instructions of Subedar Major (Musician) Vijayan
TV.
‘Beating the Retreat’ has emerged as an event of national pride when the Colours and
Standards are paraded. The ceremony traces its origins to the early 1950s when Major
Roberts of the Indian Army indigenously developed the unique ceremony of display by the
massed bands. ‘Beating Retreat’ marks a centuries old military tradition, when the troops
ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the
camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat. Colours and Standards are cased and flags
lowered. The ceremony creates a nostalgia for the times gone by.

Overall Teledensity in the Country increases to 73.69 at the end of November
2013
With the number of telephone subscribers in the country increasing to 910.14 million at
the end of November 2013, the overall Teledensity in India has increased from 73.32 at the
end of October, 2013 to 73.69 at the end of November, 2013. This shows a monthly growth
of 0.62%. As per the latest data released by TRAI, the share of urban subscribers has
declined from 60.26% to 60.06% whereas share of rural subscribers has increased from
39.74% to 39.94% in the month of November 2013.
As per the latest data, subscription in the urban areas increased from 545.09 million in
October, 2013 to 546.64 million at the end of November, 2013. Subscription in rural areas
increased from 359.48 million to 363.50 million during the same period. The monthly
growth rate of urban and rural subscription is 0.28% and 1.12% respectively. The overall
urban Tele-density has increased from 144.28 to 144.46 and Rural Tele-density increased
from 42.00to 42.43 in November 2013.

India and the Republic of Fiji Sign Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with
Respect to Taxes on Income
The Government of the Republic of India signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
(DTAA) with the Government of Republic of Fiji for the avoidance of double taxation and
for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. The Agreement was
signed here today by Shri P. Chidambaram, Union Minister of Finance on behalf of the
Government of India and by Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Attorney General and Minister of
Justice, Anti-Corruption, Public Enterprises, Communications, Civil Aviation, Tourism,
Industry and Trade, on behalf of the Government of Republic of Fiji.
Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram said that the need for
the DTAA between the two countries was felt and negotiations were completed in 2011.
He said that the Agreement will provide tax stability to the residents of India and Fiji and
facilitate mutual economic cooperation as well as stimulate the flow of investment,
technology and services between India and Fiji. The Finance Minister further said that the
Agreement incorporates provisions for an effective exchange of information and assistance
in collection of taxes between tax authorities of the two countries including exchange of
banking information.

The DTAA provides that business profits will be taxable in the source State if the activities
of an enterprise constitute a permanent establishment in the source state. Profits derived
by an enterprise from the operation of aircraft in international traffic shall be taxable in
the country of place of effective management of the enterprise. Dividends, interest,
royalty income and fees for technical or professional services will be taxed both in the
country of residence and in the country of source. However, the maximum rate of tax to
be charged in the country of source will not exceed the prescribed limit for such dividends,
interest, royalties and fees for technical services. Capital gains from the sale of shares will
be taxable in the country of source. The Agreement also incorporates anti-abuse
provisions to ensure that the benefits of the Agreement are availed of only by the
residents of the two countries and to prevent any abuse of treaty.

he Government of India and Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization
(GAVI) Sign A Contribution Agreement to Facilitate Contribution of Government
of India to GAVI; India Assumes Leading Role Towards Global Commitment for
Vaccination and Immunization in Particular and Health of Children in General
A Contribution Agreement was signed here today between the Government of India and
Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI). The agreement was signed by Dr
Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance on
behalf of the Government of India and Mr Seth Berkley, CEO, GAVI on behalf of the Global
Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI) to facilitate contribution of Government
of India to GAVI. As per the terms of agreement, the Government of India has decided to
contribute to GAVI @ US$ one million per year for the four years from 2013-14 to 2016-17
(i.e. during 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17).
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mayaram, Secretary, DEA said that India has a tradition of
reaching-out to needy and lending support to various activities carried out by different
agencies/government. He said that India is giving aid internationally through loans and
grants. Dr Mayaram said that it is expected that this effort of the Government of India will
place it as an important leading player, towards global commitment for vaccination and
immunization in particular, and health of children in general.

India supports multi-lateral institutions such as the GFATM and now GAVI in the health
sector. The GAVI Alliance (formerly the “Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation”),
a public-private global health partnership committed to increasing access to
immunisation in poor countries, was launched on January 29, 2000.
GAVI is doing work in India – including GAVI’s role in the pentavalent national roll-out.
GAVI has an HSS grant to India (USD 107m). It is famous as an innovative health PPP
namely ‘The Vaccine Bonds Programme (IFFI) and Matching Fund’ that encourages
corporate sector to commit resources. India is committed to tackling the Millennium Goal
to save children’s lives. In this direction, the Government of India has decided to
contribute 1 million USD each year (for 4 yrs) to GAVI Alliance, impressed at the
achievements of GAVI – 440 million children immunized globally and 6m lives saved.

India and Netherlands sign MoU in the field of Health and Medicine
India signed a MoU with The Netherlands in the field of health and medicine to
strengthen bilateral cooperations, here today. The MoU was signed by the Union Health
and Family Welfare Minister, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ms. Edith I Schippers, Minister
of Health, Welfare and Sport, Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Speaking at the occasion Sh Azad said that development and strengthening of
cooperation between the two countries will result in mutually beneficial exchanges in
the areas of communicable diseases; anti-microbial resistance; public health policy;
health systems strengthening including e-health and governance; medical equipment
and pharmaceutical products; and life sciences and medical technology. Under the
agreement both countries can also encourage greater research collaboration between
universities, foundations, industry and the health services in both the countries, he
noted.
Shri Azad said that this is a very positive development and a step forward from the
sectoral MoU between respective food regulatory authorities in the area of food safety.
He expressed his happiness that the United Nations has recognized the important role of
health in the next generation of global development goals beyond 2015, suggesting an
illustrative goal of “Ensuring healthy lives”.The agreement coincides with the on-going
debate on the development goals the global community should set next, he added.

Ms. Edith I Schippers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Kingdom of the
Netherlands had visited New Delhi in May 2012, when discussions were done on
possibilities of co-operation in public health and drug regulatory mechanisms. That was
followed by Shri Azad’s visit to Netherlands in October 2012 to attend the Ministerial
Conference on "Responsible Use of Medicines & Anti-Microbial Resistance" at
Amsterdam. Since then, there has been substantial progress to address the twin issues
of rational use of medicines and the anti-microbial resistance. Speaking at the signing,
Ms. Edith I Schippers said that this MoU will strengthen ties between the two countries
in the areas of health. She stated that the Netherlands has experience of PPPs in health;
the two countries can cooperate in this area to learn from the experiences of both.
Present during the MoU signing were Sh K Desiraju, Secretary, MoHFW; Dr Katoch, DG
ICMR, Sh Jagdish Prasad, DG CGHS and senior offices of the Ministry. Mr Alphonsus
Stoelinga, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India was also present.

Guidelines and Strategy for National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm
(NMOOP) Issued
Focus on Increasing Production of Traditional Crops and Trees and Bringing
More Area Under Oil-Palm Cultivation
Agriculture Ministry has issued detailed guidelines and strategy to be adopted for
implementation of the National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP).
Rs. 3507 crore have been sanctioned for NMOOP in the 12
th
Plan. The scheme
aims at enhancing production of traditional oilseed and tree-borne oilseed. In addition,
significant area is sought to be brought under oil palm.
The strategy to implement the proposed Mission includes
· increasing Seed Replacement Ratio (SRR) with focus on Varietal Replacement;
· increasing irrigation coverage under oilseeds from 26% to 36%;
· diversification of area from low yielding cereals crops to oilseeds crops; inter-
cropping of oilseeds with cereals/ pulses/ sugarcane;
· use of fallow land after paddy /potato cultivation;
· expansion of cultivation of Oil Palm and tree borne oilseeds in watersheds and
wastelands;

· increasing availability of quality planting material enhancing procurement of
oilseeds and collection; and
· processing of tree borne oilseeds.
Inter-cropping during gestation period of oil palm and tree borne oilseeds would
provide economic return to the farmers when there is no production.
The scheme would be implemented in mission mode through active involvement of
all the stakeholders. The Centre and States will bear costs in the ratio of 75:25. Fund flow
would be strictly monitored to ensure that benefit of the Mission reaches the targeted
beneficiaries in time to achieve the results.

Sh Ghulam Nabi Azad Inaugurates ‘Mother and Child Tracking Facilitation
Centre’
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad inaugurated the
Mother and Child Tracking Facilitation Center at the National Institute of Health and
Family Welfare, here today.
Speaking at the occasion Sh Azad said that Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS)
initiative was launched under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in December
2009. While earlier a call center operated from the Ministry premises, the Facilitation
Centre shall be able to reach out to a much larger number of pregnant and feeding
mothers through the larger infrastructure. MCTS is a name based web based service that
captures the details of pregnant women and children up to 5 years and tracks delivery of
due services to them. Over 10.5 crore pregnant women and children have been registered
in MCTS till now. The aim of MCTS is to ensure that every pregnant woman gets complete
and quality ante and post natal care and every child receives a full range of immunisation
services. Details of pregnant women and children are captured through the web based
system. Regular SMSes are being sent to pregnant women and parents of children to
make them aware of the services due to pregnant women / children so that they may get
those services. More than 71 lakh SMSes have been sent to beneficiaries in January 2014
alone, the Health Minister stated.

Sh Azad said that the tracking system will help to gather very valuable data from the states
on the health schemes and facilities reaching the beneficiaries. This will help to better the
facilities and also evaluate them.
The Health Minister while inaugurating the Facilitation Centre himself spoke to some of
the beneficiaries to find out about the status of services being provided to them, and the
outreach help by ANMs and ASHAs. He also interacted with some ASHA workers.
Besides monitoring delivery of MCH services to the pregnant women and children, MCTS
system will make full use of opportunity to directly communicate with the ANMs, ASHAs
and pregnant women and parents of young children on their mobiles. Over 8.92 crore
mobile numbers of beneficiaries have so far been captured. It will also generate awareness
about their entitlements under various government programs and schemes.
This facility will inter-alia be used for:
Ø Sending appropriate health promotion messages in voice and text to beneficiaries
that are relevant according to the month of pregnancy or age of the child.
Ø Transfer of JSY benefits to pregnant women as is presently being done in 121
DBT districts.
Ø Transfer of ASHA payments directly into their accounts. This will help to ensure
that ASHAs receive full range of incentives payment timely and regularly.
Ø Training of ASHAs through an IVR system as per need and requirement.

Aajeevika -Interest subvention for Women SHGs to get loans at 7%
Interest subvention for the loans taken by women Self Help Groups, SHGs is an important
initiative underAajeevika-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), a flagship programme
of the Ministry of Rural Development, for empowerment and promotion of livelihoods of
rural poor women. The interest subvention component was approved by Govt . of India in
May, 2013, and is applicable for loans availed by women S.H.G s from 1
st
April 2013.
The operational Guidelines were issued by R.B.I and N.A.B.A.R.D in November, 2013 and
subsequently the Ministry has completed all the preparations, in coordination with the
Ministry of Finance, for implementing the scheme. Instructions have been issued to all
Public Sector Banks, RRBs and Co operative banks for implementation of the Scheme.
Accordingly, from 1
st
Feb 2014, all Banks (PSBs, RRBs, Cooperative Banks and Private Banks)
will lend to all the women SHGs at upfront 7% interest(for loans upto Rs. 3 lakhs) in 150
select backward districts (details in Annexure). These SHGs will get a further 3% subvention
on prompt repayment, thus the effective charge on all such loans will be 4% only. In
addition, all women SHGs with outstanding loans (from 1
st
April 2013 onwards for loans
upto Rs. 3 lakhs) will pay interest only at 7% from February 1
st
. They will be reimbursed the
differential interest amount for the period 1
st
April 2013 to 31
st
January, 2014.
In the remaining districts, women SHGs that are NRLM compliant and are regular in
repaying Bank loans will enjoy interest subvention on reimbursement basis, making
effective interest 7% for loans upto Rs. 3 lakhs. This is also with effect from 1
st
April 2013.

Current affairs jan 14.

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