Pib Andhra March June

Ministry of Rural Development30-June, 2017 13:25 IST
Impact Assessment of DAY-NRLM by IRMA
The Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana –National Rural Livelihood Mission(DAY-NRLM) was
launched in June, 2011 with the objective to organize all rural poor households in the country
and continuously nurture and support them till they come out of abject poverty. This was sought
to be achieved through universal social mobilization by organizing at least one-woman member
from each rural poor household into Self Help Groups (SHGs) and federating the SHGs at
various levels, their training and capacity building, facilitating their micro-livelihoods plans, and
enabling them to implement their livelihoods plans through accessing financial resources from
their own institutions and the Banks. All 29 states and 5 UTs [except New Delhi and
Chandigarh] are currently implementing the Mission in 3,814 blocks across 556 districts. The
Mission is expected to mobilize all rural poor households (about 9 crore) by 2024-25.

Keeping in view that the Mission had been under implementation for the past five years and that
it had made significant progress, an assessment of the Mission was carried out. The task of
carrying out the assessment was entrusted to Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA),
Gujarat with the following broad terms of reference:

i. To evaluate the key design features, components, implementation architecture and
systems established, strategies, and key processes adopted by the Mission;

ii. To assess the key processes adopted and emerging results of the mission in different
component areas viz., social inclusion, institution building, financial inclusion,
livelihoods promotion, and entitlements and convergence;

iii. To study the functioning of community institutions promoted;

iv. To assess preliminary outcomes/ impacts of the intervention; and

v. To assess the implementation strategy, functioning and intermediate outcomes of
Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs)

IRMA study adopted multiple methods viz. (i) Qualitative methods for exploration of design,
implementation structures, implementation process and strategies of DAY-NRLM intervention;
(ii) micro-econometric approach for impact evaluation of key outcome variables; and (iii) fuzzy
cognitive mapping (FCM) for qualitative assessment of full range of impacts through personal
interviews, feedbacks and group discussions. The study was conducted during July, 2016 –
January, 2017 in eight sample states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand,
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tamil Nadu.

The study indicates that the households covered under NRLM:

(i) have a higher number of livestock assets as compared to uncovered areas;
(ii) show a higher proclivity to save in formal institutions, though the difference in the
quantum of savings is not statistically significant;
(iii) have a higher loan size (about 67% more than the loan size in the uncovered areas)
and are more likely to borrow from formal financial sources;
(iv) spend less on food consumption but more on education. However, the total
household consumption expenditure is similar in covered and uncovered areas.
(v) have 22% higher (net) income than the households in the uncovered areas, largely
due to income from enterprises. In fact, the propensity scores estimate that covered
villages on an average have 25 enterprises compared to an average of 14 enterprises
in the uncovered villages.

Overall, the report states that the Mission has largely been successful in creating sensitive
support structures right up to the block level. Further, several State Missions have customised the
implementation strategy to suit their local context. The report also takes cognizance of the rapid
growth in the promotion of Self Help Groups, federations and the increase in disbursement of
bank credit. The program had most impact on women’s empowerment, access to microfinance,
increase in livestock production and high cost debt reduction, while lesser impact on
augmentation of natural resources, increase in agricultural production and infrastructure
development.

The report has also made several recommendations to improve the Mission implementation viz.
(i) The pace of promotion of the primary and secondary level federations should be increased
and they should be registered under the appropriate acts; (ii) While the sequential model of social
mobilisation followed by livelihoods promotion has worked well in some states, the two could
go hand-in-hand provided adequate emphasis is paid on the principles of collective action. (iii)
Efforts should be made towards developing value chains and the creation of sustainable
enterprises; (iv) Experience of leading agencies in livelihoods sector should be leveraged for
promotion of sustainable livelihoods - innovative solutions such as creation of sector-specific
corridors should be explored; (v) Efforts to enable the SHG members in accessing bank credit in
the traditionally poorly banked areas should be increased and; (vi) Systems (HR, MIS and
financial management) need be strengthened in all State Rural Livelihoods Missions. The
experienced professional manpower also needs to be retained.

The report concludes that ‘Expectations from DAY-NRLM are rightly high because it is one of
the most important poverty eradication programmes. Hence, the Mission requires higher order
of funding and commitment from both the implementing agencies and community based
organisations’.

The full report is placed at www.aajeevika.gov.in

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Government Of India
Ministry of Water Resources
(29-June, 2017 16:24 IST )
Water Storage Level of 91 Major Reservoirs of the Country continues to be at 19% of their Capacity
The water storage available in 91 major reservoirs of the country for the week ending on
June 29, 2017 was 29.665 BCM, which is 19% oftotal storage capacity of these reservoirs. This
percentage was at 19 for the week ending on June 22, 2017. The level of June 29, 2017
was 126% ofthe storage of corresponding period of last year and 91% of storage of average of
last ten years.
The total storage capacity of these 91 reservoirs is 157.799 BCM which is about 62% of
the total storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the
country. 37 Reservoirs out of these 91 have hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more
than 60 MW.
REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:-

NORTHERN REGION

The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are six
reservoirs under Central Water Commission (CWC) monitoring having total live storage
capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 4.66 BCM which is
26% of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of
last year was 24% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 31% of
live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is better than the
corresponding period of last year but is less than the average storage of last ten years during the
corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION

The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15
reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total
live storage available in these reservoirs is 2.86 BCM which is 15% of total live storage capacity
of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 17% and average
storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 17% of live storage capacity of these
reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year
and is also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION

The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 27 reservoirs under
CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of 27.07 BCM. The total live storage
available in these reservoirs is 5.84 BCM which is 22% of total live storage capacity of these
reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 9% and average storage of
last ten years during corresponding period was 20% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs.
Thus, storage during current year is better than the storage of last year and is also better than the
average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.
CENTRAL REGION
The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and
Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity
of 42.30 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 11.83 BCM which is 28% of
total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last
year was 20% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 17% of live
storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is better than the storage of
last year and is also better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding
period.
SOUTHERN REGION
The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, AP&TG (Two combined
projects in both states) Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 31 reservoirs under CWC
monitoring having total live storage capacity of 51.59 BCM. The total live storage available in
these reservoirs is 4.47 BCM which is 9 % of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The
storage during corresponding period of last year was 10% and average storage of last ten years
during corresponding period was 21% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage
during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and is also less than the
States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Punjab, West
Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana
and Karnataka. States having equal storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal
Pradesh, AP&TG (Two combined projects in both states). States having lesser storage than last
year for corresponding period are Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh,
Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Samir/JD/jk
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Government of India
Ministry of Agriculture
30-June-2017 17:31 IST
Kharif Crop Sown in 222.30 Lakh Hectare so far
The total sown area as on 30th June 2017, as per reports received from States, stands at
222.30 lakh hectare as compared to 187.03 lakh hectare at this time last year.

It is reported that rice has been sown/transplanted in 38.93 lakh ha, pulses in 18.80 lakh
ha, coarse cereals in 38.12 lakh ha, sugarcane in 47.52 lakh hectare and cotton in 46.10 lakh ha.

The details of the area covered so far and that covered during this time last year are
given below:

Lakh hectare
Crop Area sown in 2017-18 Area sown in 2016-17
Rice 38.93 39.08
Pulses 18.80 13.04
Coarse Cereals 38.12 35.41
Oilseeds 25.90 28.35
Sugarcane 47.52 44.82
Jute & Mesta 6.93 7.25
Cotton 46.10 19.07
Total 222.30 187.03

SS: weather watch 30.06.2017

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Government of India
Prime Minister's Office
25-June-2017 12:21 IST
English rendering of the text of PM’s ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme on All India
Radio on 25.06.2017
My Dear Countrymen. Namaskar. The weather is changing. It has been extremely hot this
year. But it is good that the monsoon is moving ahead on schedule on its natural course.
The weather has become pleasant in several parts of the country with abundant showers.
As a result of the rains, the cool breeze has brought about some respite from the
oppressive heat of past few days. One has seen that no matter how hectic the life is, no
matter how tense we are, whether its one’s personal or public life, the arrival of the rains
does lift one’s spirits.
The Car festival of Lord Jagannath, the Rath Yatra, is being celebrated in several parts of
the country with great piety and fervour. This festival is now also celebrated in some
parts of the world. The underprivileged of the country are deeply connected to Lord
Jagannath. Those who have studied the life and works of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar,
would have observed that he had wholeheartedly praised the Lord Jagannath temple and
its traditions, since, social justice and social equality were inherent to these. Lord
Jagannath is the God of the poor. But few would know that in English, there is a word,
‘juggernaut’ which means, a magnificent chariot, that is unstoppable. In the dictionary,
the etymology of the word ‘juggernaut’ traces its roots to the chariot of Lord Jagannath.
And therefore, we can observe that the world has in its own way accepted the
significance of the Car Festival of Lord Jagannath, The Rath Yatra. On the occasion of
Lord Jagannath’s Car Festival, I extend my heartiest greetings to all my fellow
countrymen, and offer my obeisance to Lord Jagannath.
India’s diversity is its unique characteristic, and India’s diversity is also its strength. The
holy month of Ramzan is observed all across, in prayer with piety. And now the festival
of Eid is here. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, my heartiest greetings to one and all.
Ramzan is a month of charity, and sharing joy. The more you share joy, the more it
multiplies. Let us come together and take inspiration from these holy festivals and share
their joyous treasures, and take the nation forward.
In this holy month of Ramzan, I came across a very inspiring incident at Mubarakpur
village of Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh. About three and a half thousand families of our
Muslim brethren reside in that little village and in a way, form a majority of its
population. During this Ramzan the villagers decided to get together and construct toilets.
Now, to construct these household toilets, the government gives financial assistance,
under which, they were provided a sum of 17 lakh rupees. You will be pleasantly
surprised and happy to know that, during this holy month of Ramzan, these Muslim
brothers and sisters, returned this money to the government, saying, they would construct
these toilets with their own labour and their own money; and that this sum of 17 lakh
rupees be used for providing other facilities in the village. I felicitate the residents of
Mubarakpur, for transforming the pious occasion of Ramzan into an opportunity for the
welfare of society on. Each and everything about them is inspiring. And the most
important of it all is that they have freed Mubarakpur of the scourge of open defecation.
We know that in our country there are three states that have already been declared Open
Defecation Free states, that is, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala. Uttarakhand and
Haryana have also been declared ODF, this week. I express my gratitude to the
administration, government and especially the people of these five states, for achieving
this objective.
We know very well, that tremendous hard work is required to achieve anything
worthwhile, whether it is in one’s own life or for the society. If we have bad handwriting,
and we want to improve it, we have to consciously practice for a long time. Only then
will the habit of the body and mind will change. Cleanliness is also similar to this. These
bad habits have become a part of our nature. We have become accustomed to them. To
free ourselves of these habits we will have to constantly strive and persevere. Everyone’s
attention will have to be drawn. We will have to repeatedly remind ourselves of good
inspirational incidents. And I’m happy to see that cleanliness is no longer confined to
being a government programme. It is getting transformed into a movement by the society
and the people. And when government functionaries take this initiative forward with the
participation of the masses, it becomes even stronger.
Recently I came across a wonderful incident, which I would like to share with you. This
happened in the Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh. The district administration
there undertook a huge task with people’s participation. From 6 a.m. on the 10th of
March, till 10 am of the 14th of March. A hundred-hour non-stop campaign. And what
was the objective? To construct 10,000 household toilets in 71 gram panchayats in those
hundred hours. And my Dear Countrymen, you will be happy to learn that the
administration and the people together did construct 10,000 toilets in hundred hours
successfully. 71 villages became ODF. I congratulate the people in the government,
government officials and the citizens of Vizianagaram district on this great
accomplishment of achieving this feat through immense hard work and setting a very
inspiring example in the process.
These days, people have been regularly sending their suggestions for ‘Mann Ki Baat’, on
the NarendraModiApp, on MyGov.in, through letters and Akashvani.
Shri Prakash Tripathi reminiscing about the Emergency, has written, presenting 25thof
June as a Dark period in the history of Democracy. Prakash Tripathi ji’s commitment to
democracy is praiseworthy. Not only is Democracy a system, but also a ‘sanskar’- a part
of our ethos. Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty. One needs to be constantly alert
about our Democracy, that is why we must also keep remembering the events that
inflicted harm upon our democracy; and at the same time move ahead, carrying forward
the virtues of democracy. 1975 – 25th June – it was a dark night that no devotee of
democracy can ever forget. No Indian can ever forget. The country had virtually become
a prison. The voice of the opposition had been smothered. Several prominent leaders
including Jai Prakash Narayan had been jailed. The judicial system too could not escape
the sinister shadows of the Emergency. The press was completely muffled. The present-
day students of journalism and the champions of democracy have been endeavouring
towards raising awareness about that dark period, by constant reminders, and should
continue to do so. Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji was also in jail at that time. After one year of
Emergency, Atal ji wrote a poem, in which he describes the state of mind during those
turbulent times.
The scorching summer month,

The sad winter moonlight,
The sobbing monsoon,
An emptiness pervading within
An entire year has gone by.
The world confined behind bars,

But the soul like a restless bird
The freedom song resonates
From the earth to the sky,
The eyes are in anticipation

Counting days and moments
The beloved who went away,
Shall return one day,
The believers of democracy fought a prolonged war, and the great nation that India is,
where the spirit of democracy pervades the very being of all its people, the strength of
that spirit was demonstrated when the opportunity of elections came. We have to further
fortify that legacy.
My dear countrymen, every Indian today, is proud and holds his head high. 21st June
2017 – Yoga has permeated the entire world. From the seashores to the mountains,
people welcomed the first rays of the sun, with Yoga. Which Indian wouldn’t be proud of
this! It isn’t as if Yoga didn’t exist before, but now the threads of Yoga have bound
everyone together, and have become the means to unite the world. Almost all the
countries in the world made Yoga Day their own. In China, Yoga was practiced on the
Great Wall of China, and on the World Heritage site of Machu Picchu in Peru, at 2400
metres above sea level. In France, yoga was performed in the vicinity of the Eiffel Tower.
In Abu Dhabi in UAE, more than 4000 persons participated in mass yoga. In Herat, in
Afghanistan, on the India Afghan Friendship Dam, Salma Dam, Yoga added a new aspect
to India’s friendship. In a small country like Singapore, programs were organised in 70
places, with a week long campaign. On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, the
UN released ten stamps. A ‘Yoga Session with Yoga Masters’ was organised at the UN
headquarters. The staff of the UN and diplomats from across the world participated.
Yoga has created a world record again this time also. In Ahmedabad in Gujarat, around
55 thousand people performed Yoga together and created a new world record. I too had
the opportunity to participate in the Yoga event held in Lucknow. But I also had the good
fortune to practice Yoga in the rain for the first time. Our soldiers practiced yoga in
Siachen where temperatures reach minus 20, 25, 40 degrees. Whether it is our armed
forces, or the BSF, ITBP, CRPF and CISF, each one of them, apart from their duties has
made Yoga a part of their lives. On this Yoga Day, since this was the third International
Day of Yoga, I had asked you to share photos of three generations of the family doing
yoga together. Some TV channels also took this idea forward. I received a lot of
photographs out of which, selected photographs are compiled and uploaded on the
NarendraModiApp. One significant outcome of the way the yoga is being talked about all
around the world is the portent that today’s health conscious society is now taking steps
from fitness to wellness, and they have realised that fitness is, of course, important, but
for true wellness, yoga is the best way.
Sound bite.
“Respected Prime Minister Sir, I am Dr. Anil Sonara speaking from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Sir, I have a question. Recently in Kerala, we heard you speak about replacing bouquets
that we give as gifts, with good books as mementos. You had started this practice while
you were in office in Gujarat, Sir, but in the recent days we have not been seeing much of
this. So, can we do something about it? Is there nothing we can do to have this
implemented throughout the country, Sir?”
Recently, I had the opportunity to go to one of my favorite events. A very good

programme is being run in Kerala for the past few years, by the P.N. Panicker
Foundation, which encourages people to cultivate the habit of reading books and to
enhance their awareness towards this, by organising celebrations such as ‘Reading Day’,
and ‘Reading Month’. I had the opportunity to go for the inaugural function, where I was
told that instead of bouquets, they gift books. I liked it. Thus I was also reminded of what
had slipped my mind. Because when I was in Gujarat, I had set this tradition of
welcoming, by not giving bouquets, but books or handkerchiefs instead. And that too, a
‘Khadi’ handkerchief, so that it promotes ‘Khadi’. Till the time I was in Gujarat, this
habit had been ingrained in us, but after coming here, I had lost that habit. When I went
to Kerala, it was rekindled. I have already begun to issue instructions in the government.
Here too we can gradually nurture this habit. And the life span of a bouquet is very short.
You receive it in your hand for a moment and then abandon it. But when you present a
book, it becomes a part of the household, a part of the family. One can also use a ‘Khadi’
handkerchief to welcome people, and be a support to the innumerable underprivileged.
The expenses are reduced as well, and the gift is well utilized too. I say this, thinking of
the historical value of such gifts. During my past UK visit, in London, the Queen of
Britain, Queen Elizabeth had invited me to dine with her. The atmosphere was imbued
with maternal warmth, and I was served with great affection. Afterwards when she
showed me a small thread-spun khadi handkerchief, her eyes lit up. With great respect
and in an emotion filled voice, she said, that Mahatma Gandhi had sent this handkerchief
to her as a wedding gift. So many years have passed and yet, Queen Elizabeth has
treasured the handkerchief gifted by Mahatma Gandhi. And she was happy to show it to
me, when I went there. As I gazed at it, the Queen encouraged me to touch it. A small gift
by Mahatma Gandhi, has become a part of her life and a part of history. I know that these
habits do not change overnight, and when we talk about it, we invite criticism. Despite
that, one should keep talking about it, and keep making the effort. Now, I cannot say that
if I go somewhere and somebody brings a bouquet I will refuse it. No, I won’t do that,
but we will talk about it even though there is criticism, and then gradually, the change
will happen.
My dear countrymen, as Prime Minister, there are numerous tasks to be handled. I have
to remain deeply absorbed in files, but for my own self, I have developed a habit of
reading daily, at least a few of the letters I receive and because of that I get a chance to
connect with the common man. I get a variety of letters, written by all sorts of people.
Recently, I had the opportunity to read a letter, which I feel, I should share with you.
From the far south, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Arulmozhi Sarvanan, a housewife, sent me
a letter. And what was in that letter? She wrote, that she thought about engaging in some
economic activity keeping in mind her responsibilities such as children’s education, to
lend some financial assistance to her family. She got some money from the bank, under
the ‘Mudra’ Scheme and commenced working towards procuring some items from the
market for sale. Then she came to know of the ‘Government E-Marketplace’ system
initiated by the government. She tried to find out the details, and asked people about it.
And then she registered herself for the scheme. Here I want to tell my countrymen, that if
you get the opportunity, you should also visit, the E-G-E-M, E-GEM website on the
Internet. This is a great new system. Whoever wants to supply any item to the
government, small things such as electric bulbs, dustbins, brooms, chairs and tables, they
can register themselves. They can mention the quality of the goods, the rate at which they
sell, and it is compulsory for the government departments to visit the site and see whether
the supplier can supply the goods at reasonable prices without compromising on the
quality. And then the orders can be placed. That is how the middlemen can be removed
from the system. The entire process becomes transparent. There is no interface.
Everything is done through technology. So, when people register in E-GEM, all the
government departments become aware of them. As there are no middlemen, the goods
are available at very reasonable rates. Now whatever goods Arulmozhi Madam could
supply, she got all those registered on this government website. And the best part is, what
she has written in this letter is very interesting. She has written that she got the money
from the ‘Mudra’ Scheme and started her business, then she registered the inventory of
all her products on the E-GEM website, and then she got an order from the Prime
Minister’s Office. It was news to me also, I wondered what the PMO would have
ordered. She wrote that the PMO had ordered two thermoses, and she was paid Rupees
1600/-. This is empowerment. This is an opportunity for encouraging entrepreneurship.
Had Arulmozhi not written to me I wouldn’t have realised that because of E-GEM, a
housewife living far away and running a small business can have the items on her
inventory purchased directly by the Prime Minister’s Office. This is the nation’s strength.
This has transparency, this has empowerment, this has entrepreneurship too. Government
E-Marketplace - GEM. I would certainly like that whoever wishes to sell their products
or business items to the government, should increasingly get connected with this website.
I believe that this is an excellent example of Minimum Government and Maximum
Governance, and it’s objective is Minimum Price and Maximum Ease, Efficiency and
Transparency.
My dear countrymen, on the one hand, we take pride in Yoga, on the other we can also
take pride in our achievements in space science. And this is the unique attribute of India,
that whereas we have our feet firmly on the ground with Yoga, we have our dreams to
soar beyond horizons to far away skies. Recently, India has had many achievements in
sports, as well as science. Today, India’s flag is flying high not only on earth but also in
space. Just two days ago, ISRO launched 30 Nano satellites with the ‘Cartosat-2 Series
Satellite.’ And besides India, these satellites are of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain
and America, nearly 14 such countries. And with India’s Nano Satellite Mission, we will
get a lot of help in the field of agriculture, farming, and dealing with natural disasters. We
are all aware that a few days ago, ISRO has successfully launched the GSAT-19. And of
all the satellites launched by India, this was the heaviest satellite. The newspapers of our
country have compared it with elephantine weights. You can well imagine the magnitude
of the achievement of our scientists in space. On the 19th of June, our Mars Mission
completed one thousand days. You may be aware that when we had successfully created
a place for the Mars Mission in orbit, this entire mission was planned for a duration of 6
months. It had a life expectancy of 6 months. But I’m happy that the strength of the
endeavours of our scientists has been such that not only has this crossed six months; even
after a thousand days, our Mangalyaan Mission is at work, sending images, providing
information, collating scientific data, way beyond its expected duration and life
expectancy. The completion of one thousand days, is an important milestone in our
scientific journey, our space odyssey.
These days we see that our youth are getting increasingly inclined to the field of sports. It
is becoming evident that along with studies, our new generations can see a future in
sports as well. And our sportspersons, through their prowess, skills and accomplishments
win laurels for the country as well. Recently India’s Badminton player, Kidambi Shrikant
has brought glory to the nation by winning Indonesia Open. I extend my heartiest
congratulations to him and his coach for this victory. I had the opportunity, a few days
ago to be associated with the inaugural function of the Synthetic Track of the renowned
athlete, P.T. Usha’s Usha School of Athletics. The more we promote sports, the more we
see the spirit of sportsmanship. Sports play an important role in personality development
also. There is a great significance of sports in overall personality development. There is
no dearth of talent in our country. If the children in our family are interested in sports,
they should be given opportunities. They should not be forced off the playing fields to be
locked in rooms with books. They should study as well, if they can do well in studies,
they should certainly do so, but if they have the potential and the inclination to do well in
sports, that should be encouraged and supported by the school, college, family and all the
people around them. Each one should nurture dreams for the next Olympics.
My dear countrymen, let me mention once again, that this Season of Rains, with its
abundance of festivals and festivities, brings with it a unique new feeling of the times. I
extend my heartiest greetings to you all, until the next episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, when I
shall share my thoughts with you once again. Namaskar.
*******
AK
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Government of India
Ministry of Urban Development
23-June-2017 16:26 IST
Quality of life in 116 major cities to be assessed; City Liveability Index launched
Andhra Pradesh tops in urban reforms; Rs.500 cr incentive disbursed to 16 good

performers
In yet another major initiative, the Ministry of Urban Development today launched the
‘City Liveability Index’ for measuring the quality of life in 116 major cities including
smart cities, capital cities and cities with a population of above one million each.
The Index, a Common Minimum Reference Framework to enable the cities know where
they stand in terms of quality of life and the interventions required to improve the same
was today launched by the Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu here
today at a National Workshop on Urban Transformation.
Stating that cities are now moving on a well thought out course of infrastructure
development under new urban missions launched during the last three years, Shri Naidu
said “ Time has now come to measure life quality in cities and rank them accordingly”.
In a first of its kind Index to be introduced in the country, cities will be assessed on a
comprehensive set of 79 paratmeters to capture the extent and quality of infrastructure
including availability of roads, education and health care, mobility, employment
opportunities, emergency response, grievance redressal, pollution, availability of open
and green spaces, cultural and entertainment opportunities etc.
After selecting the agency for undertaking this assessment next month, data collection
will be completed in the next about six months.
The Ministry of Urban Development today disbursed Rs.500 cr as incentive to 16 States

that performed well in implementing urban reforms during 2016-17. Progress in respect
of reforms like e-governance, Audit of accounts, Tax revision policies and extent of tax
revenue collection, Energy and Water Audit, Establishing State Level Financial
Intermediaries for resource mobilization, Credit Rating etc., was taken into account.
Andhra Pradesh topped the list scoring 96.06% marks. Others who received the incentive
fund in order of merit were; Odisha (95.38%), Jharkhand (91.98%), Chattisgarh
(91.37%), Madhya Pradesh (90.20%), Telangana (86.92%), Rajasthan (84.62%), Punjab
(77.02%), Kerala (75.73%), Goa (75.38*), Mizoram (75.00%), Gujarat (73.80%),
Chandigarh (72.73%), Uttar Pradesh (70.67%) and Maharashtra (70.52). Marks scored by
these States was considered for deciding the quantum of incentive with high scorers
getting more.
Shri Rajiv Gauba, Secretary (UD) said that reform incentive fund for the next three
financial years will be increased from the present allocation of Rs.900 cr to Rs.10,000 cr
to promote next generation reforms that would make a substantial difference to urban
governance and service delivery and resource mobilization by urban local bodies.
AAR/KM/
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Government of India
Ministry of Power
29-June-2017 18:31 IST
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Implement Energy Efficiency Programmes, Signs
MoU with EESL
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the administration of Ministry of
Power, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Energy
Services Company, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to implement energy efficiency
programmes and scale-up demand side measures in the Gulf country. The MoU was
signed by Mr. Waled Alghreri, Chief Executive Officer, National Energy Services
Company and Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director, EESL.
As per the MoU, EESL will provide consultancy and expand the capacity of the National
Energy Services Company, which is instituted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to
execute energy efficiency programmes. The move comes in the wake of the Arab
Kingdom working ardently towards reducing its power subsidies and introducing energy
efficiency initiatives. With rapidly increasing population coupled with soaring energy
prices, the electricity demand of Saudi Arabia is growing at a rapid pace. According to
the estimates by the World Bank, the electricity generated in Saudi Arabia completely
relies on non-renewable sources like oil, gas and coal sources .
Keeping this in mind, the National Energy Services Company has engaged with EESL to
replicate the success of latter’s street lighting national programme and retrofit of
buildings, with energy efficient appliances in Saudi Arabia.
EESL has also agreed to depute its officials in Saudi Arabia to provide technical and
financial consultancy and monitor the execution of energy efficiency projects.
EESL is working towards promoting energy efficiency in all sectors and is implementing
the world’s largest energy-efficiency portfolio (worth £5.6bn over a period of 3 years),
marking a 20-fold growth. So far, EESL has retrofitted over 23 crore LED bulbs and 20
crore smart LED streetlights across India through self-sustaining commercial models. In a
short span, EESL has retrofitted energy efficient appliances in nearly 30 buildings and
has a strong pipeline of covering 1500 more buildings. EESL has pioneered innovative
business approaches to successfully roll-out large-scale programmes that allow for
incentive alignment across the value chain and rapidly drive transformative impact. EESL
aims to leverage this implementation experience and exploit the new opportunities
overseas to diversify its portfolio. As of now, EESL has begun its operations in UK,
South Asia and South-East Asia.
RM/VM
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Government of India
23-June-2017 15:39 IST
Smart city development is a shared vision of city governments and citizens; not
imposed by Centre, says Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu
Minister lauds city governments for fast projects launch and execution under new urban
missions
Only 39% of JNNURM projects completed in time; 47% projects under new missions
already under execution, says Shri Naidu
Asserts that smart city plans benefits whole cities and not limited to one area or a few
people
Country’s first city level Integrated Command and Control Centre to become operational
on June 25
Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu today asserted that smart city
development is based on the shared vision of citizens and respective city governments and not
imposed by the central government. Rebutting the criticism in certain quarters that Smart City
Mission is elitist, he spoke at length on the objectives and design of Smart City Mission at a
National Workshop on Urban Transformation, here today.
Shri Naidu clarified that the mission guidelines do not impose any restrictions on the
extent of area in mission cities to be selected for Area Based Development as it is left to the city
governments and citizens. He said that on account of limitations of financial resources and
inadequacies of planning and execution abilities, mission cities are choosing relatively small
areas to start with for addressing infrastructure deficit. Further elaborating on this Shri Naidu
said in case of Vellore in Tamil Nadu, the area chosen for development accounts for 55% of total
city area, 24% in case of Dharmashala in Himachal Pradesh and 20% in case of Kalyan-
Dombivili and in several cities it comes to more than 10% of total city area. In terms of
population, people residing in area chosen for development account for 85% of total city
population in Dharmashala, 38% in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and 33% in Varanasi in Uttar
Pradesh.
Shri Naidu further said “It is a huge distortion to say that “To argue that Area Based
Development under Smart City Mission benefits the people of that area only is a huge distortion.
It will certainly benefit other citizens as well in several ways.”
Explaining how smart city development benefits the common man, Shri Naidu stated that
of the 30 smart cities announced today, 26 of them have proposed affordable housing projects
benefiting the urban poor, 26 cities will be taking up school and housing projects while 29 intend
to take up smart road projects for widening besides enabling cycling and walking that help the
common man. All the 30 cities will develop Integrated Command and Control Centres that
enable better coordination among various city agencies for better service delivery and effective
management of scarce resources like water and Power. He said “ Hence, smart city projects are
not mere real estate projects and meant for just cosmetic changes”.
The Minister said that for the first time in the country, Command and Control Centres of
Pune and Nagpur will become operational on the 25th of this month on the occasion of second
anniversary of launch of Smart City Mission.
The Minister also rebutted the criticism that smart city mission is only a playground for
global technology players. He said that consciously, mission guidelines have prescribed that only
less than 25% of the cost of smart city plan shall be spent on technology based Pan-city solutions
precisely to prevent the mission becoming primarily technology driven.
Explaining the major break from the past in respect of timely project formulation,
approval and execution, Shri Naidu said while only 39% of 3,138 basic urban infrastructure
projects approved during 2005-14 under JNNURM were completed in time, 47% of the 11,705
projects approved during the last two years are already under implementation and would be
completed by the stipulated timeline of 2019-20. He complimented city governments for rising to
the occasion to enable the much desired urban transformation by working with new enthusiasm.
AAR/KM
June 23, 2017
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Government of India
Ministry of Finance
22-June-2017 17:56 IST
India Signs Loan Agreement for co-financing of part funding through World
Bank for USD 240 million and USD 160 Million from AIIB for “24X7 Power for
All in Andhra Pradesh Project”
A Loan Agreement for part funding of USD 240 million from the World Bank (IBRD)
and USD 160 Million from AIIB (60:40 ratio) for “24X7 Power for All in Andhra
Pradesh Project” was signed here today by Shri Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary (MI),
Department of Economic Affairs,Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of
India, Mr. Hisham Abdo, Operations Manager and Acting Country Director, World Bank
(India) on behalf of the World Bank and Mr. D.J. Pandian Vice-President & Chief
Investment Officer, AIIB. The Program Implementing Entity Agreement was signed by
Mr. K. Ranganatham, Adviser (Energy), Department of Energy, Government of Andhra
Pradesh on behalf of Government of AP, the Country Director (India) on behalf of the
World Bank and the Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, AIIB on behalf of the
AIIB.
Total Cost of the project is USD 570 million, out of which USD 240 million is from
World Bank (IBRD) and USD 160 million from AIIB. The rest will be counterpart
funding from GoAP.
The objective of the project is to increase the delivery of electricity to customers and to
improve the operational efficiency and system reliability in distribution of electricity in
selected areas in Andhra Pradesh.
*****
DSM/SBS/KA
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Government of India
Ministry of Tourism
23-June-2017 10:33 IST
Positive Growth registered in both Domestic and Foreign Tourist visits during
2016
Number of Domestic Tourist visits to States/ UTs registers a growth of 12.68 %

during 2016 over 2015
Number of Foreign Tourist visits (FTVs) to states/ UTs registers a growth of

5.92% during 2016 over 2015
Market Research Division of Ministry of Tourism compiles data on domestic and

foreign tourist visits to States/Union Territories (UTs) received from Departments of
Tourism of various State Governments and UT Administrations. Following are the
salient features of the compilation for 2016:
Domestic Tourist Visits to States/ UTs
During 2016, the number of domestic tourist visits to the States/ UTs was 1613.55
million as compared to 1431.97 million in 2015 registering a growth of 12.68 % over
2015.
The top ten States in terms of number of domestic tourist visits (in millions), during
2016, were Tamil Nadu (343.81), Uttar Pradesh (211.71), Andhra Pradesh (153.16),
Madhya Pradesh(150.49), Karnataka (129.76), Maharashtra (116.52), Telangana
(95.16), West Bengal (74.46), Gujarat(42.25) and Rajasthan (41.5).
The contribution of top 10 States was about 84.21% to the total number of domestic
tourist visits during 2016.
Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh have maintained the first, second and
third rank respectively in terms of DTVs in 2016. Madhya Pradesh has gained the
fourth position leaving Karnataka at fifth position.
The top three States/UTs in terms of growth rates of domestic tourist visits (in %),
during 2016, were Madhya Pradesh (93), Punjab (50.03), Andaman & Nicobar Island
(29.62).
Foreign Tourist Visits to States/ UTs
During 2016, the number of foreign tourist visits (FTVs) to the States/ UTs was 24.71
million as compared to 23.33 million in 2015 registering a growth of 5.92% over
2015. Print
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Government of India
23-June-2017 10:51 IST
30 more smart cities announced; takes the total to 90 so far
Thiruvananthapuram tops the list; Capitals Amaravati, Patna, Srinagar,

Bengaluru, Shimla, Dehradun, Aizawl, Gangtok selected
20 cities to contest for remaining 10 slots
No compromise in selection of cities and quality of smart city plans, says Shri
M.Venkaiah Naidu
Central government today announced another list of 30 cities for development as smart
cities taking the total cities picked up so far to 90 under Smart City Mission launched on June 25,
2015.
Announcing the new batch of smart cities at a National Workshop on Urban
Transformation here today, Minister of Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty
Alleviation Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu said that 45 cities contested for 40 available smart city slots
but only 30 were selected to ensure feasible and workable plans that match the aspirations of the
citizens as directed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi while launching the mission.
The 30 cities announced today in the order of marks scored are:
S.No City State/UT

1 Trivendrum Kerala
2 Naya Raipur Chattisgarh
3 Rajkit Gujarat
4 Amaravati Andhra Pradesh
5 Patna Bihar
6 Karimnagar Telangana
7 Muzaffarpur Bihar
8 Puducherry Puducherry
9 Gandhinagar Gujarat
10 Srinagar Jammu & Kashmir
11 Sagar Madhya Pradesh
12 Karnal Haryana
13 Satna MP
14 Bengaluru Karnataka
15 Shimla Himachal Pradesh
16 Dehradun Uttarakhand
17 Tiruppur Tamil Nadu
18 Pimpri chinchwad Maharashtra
19 Bilaspur Chattisgah
20 Pasighat Arunachal Pradesh
21 Jammu Jammu & Kashmir
22 Dahod Gujarat
23 Tirunelveli Tamil Nadu
24 Thootukkudi Tamil Nadu
25 Tiruchirapalli Tamil Nadu
26 Jhansi UP
27 Aizawl Mizoram
28 Allahabad UP
29 Aligarh UP
30 Gangtok Sikkim

Shri Naidu informed that the 30 cities announced today proposed a total investment of
Rs.57,393 cr under respective smart city plans. This includes Rs.46,879 cr for ensuring core
infrastructure in the areas identified by citizens for area based development and Rs.10,514 cr for
technology based solutions for improving governance , service delivery and utilization of
infrastructure. With this the total investment approved under the smart city plans of 90 cities has
gone up to Rs.1,91,155 cr.
The Minister said that 20 cities will be contesting for the remaining 10 slots under smart
city mission. These are; Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), Biharsharif (Bihar), Diu (Daman & Diu),
Silvassa (Dadra and Nager Haveli), Kavaratti (Lakshadweep), Navimumbai, Greater Mumbai
and Amaravati (Maharashtra), Imphal (Manipur), Shillong (Meghalaya), Dindigul and
Erode(Tamil Nadu), Bidhannagar, Durgapur and Haldia (West Bengal), Meerut,Rai Bareilly,
Ghaziabad, Sharanpur and Rampur (UP).
Shri Naidu said selection of cities for smart city development is running ahead of
schedule and the remaining cities would submit revised smart city plans for filling up the vacant
slots.
AAR/KM

The top ten States in terms of number of FTVs (in millions) during 2016 were Tamil
Nadu (4.72), Maharashtra (4.67), Uttar Pradesh (3.16), Delhi (2.52), West Bengal
(1.53), Rajasthan(1.51), Kerala(1.04), Bihar(1.01), Goa (0.68) and Punjab (0.66).
The contribution of top 10 States was about 87.02% to the total number of FTVs in
the country during 2016.
In 2016, while the top 8 states retained their previous rankings, Punjab entered the top
10 most visited states.
The top three States in terms of growth rates of foreign tourist visits (in %), during
2016, were Punjab (172.21), Sikkim (71.55) and Chhattisgarh (44.2).
****
Sanjay Kumar/jk/Tourism-1/23-06-2017
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Government of India
Ministry of Finance
21-June-2017 14:08 IST
All States/UTs except the State of Jammu & Kashmir, approves the State GST
Act and are ready for the smooth roll-out of GST with effect from 1st July, 2017.
As of today, all the States and Union Territories (having assemblies), except the State of
Jammu & Kashmir, have approved the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) Act. The
State of Kerala issued an Ordinance today approving State GST Act while the State of
West Bengal had issued an Ordinance in this regard on 15 th June, 2017. Now only one
State is left i.e. the State of J&K which is yet to pass the State GST Act. Thus, almost the
entire country including all the 30 States/UTs are now on board and ready for the smooth
roll-out of GST with effect from 1st July, 2017.

The details of the States which have passed the State GST Act till today are as
follows:
Name of the Date on which SGST Act passed

Sl. No.
State in the Assembly
1. Telangana Act Passed on 9th April 2017
2. Bihar Act Passed on 24th April, 2017
3. Rajasthan Act Passed on 26th April 2017
4. Jharkhand Act Passed on 27th April, 2017
5. Chhattisgarh Act Passed on 28th April, 2017
6. Uttarakhand Act Passed on 2nd May, 2017
7. Madhya Pradesh Act Passed on 3rd May, 2017
8. Haryana Act Passed on 4th May, 2017
9. Goa Act Passed on 9th May, 2017
10. Gujarat Act Passed on 9th May, 2017
11. Assam Act Passed on 11th May, 2017
Arunachal
12. Act Passed on 12th May, 2017
Pradesh
13. Andhra Pradesh Act Passed on 16th May, 2017
Act Passed on 16th May, 2017 (in
14. Uttar Pradesh
both the Houses)
15. Puducherry Act Passed on 17th May, 2017
16. Odisha Act Passed on 19th May, 2017
17. Maharashtra Act Passed on 22nd May, 2017
18. Tripura Act Passed on 25th May, 2017
19. Sikkim Act Passed on 25th May, 2017
20. Mizoram Act Passed on 25th May, 2017
21. Nagaland Act Passed on 27th May, 2017
22. Himachal Pradesh Act Passed on 27th May, 2017
23. Delhi Act Passed on 31st May, 2017
24. Manipur Act Passed on 5th June, 2017
25. Meghalaya Act Passed on 12th June, 2017
26. Karnataka Act Passed on 15th June, 2017
Ordinance Passed on 15th June,
27. West Bengal
2017
28. Punjab Act Passed on 19th June, 2017
29. Tamil Nadu Act Passed on 19th June, 2017
Ordinance Passed on 21st June,
30. Kerala
2017
STATE YET TO PASS THE SGST ACT
Sl. No. Name of the State

Jammu &
1.
Kashmir
*****
DSM/SBS/KA
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Government of India
Ministry of Rural Development
19-June-2017 15:25 IST
144 Awards given for effective initiatives in Rural Development
The Ministry of Rural Development organized an Award function on 19 th June, 2017.
The Programme showcased achievements under different programmes implemented by the
Ministry of Rural Development. States, Institutions and Government Functionaries, who have
done commendable work under different schemes were awarded in the function. Short films on
Water Conservation under Geo-MGNREGA, Construction of houses under Pradhan Mantri
Aawaas Yojana of Jadia Bai, a 100 year old tribal women of Madhya Pradesh and an audio
visual song on PMGSY which was sung by Shanwere also shown. A Citizen centric mobile
application on MGNREGA capable of providing information on different aspects of GNREGA
Programme was launched by the Minister for Rural Development. The Department of Rural
Development extensively uses Information and Space Technology in its programme management
and the “Jan-MGNREGA” App is a third such citizen centric initiative of the department after
“Meri Sadak” and “Aawas” mobile app.

Total of 144 Awards were given under different programmes. Awards on Sustainable
Livelihood, Transparency and Accountability, Aadhaar Seeding, Conversion and Geo-
MGNREGA were given under MGNREGA. Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, awards
were given to States for highest amount of rural roads (Bihar) and use of Non conventional
construction material (Madhya Pradesh). Haryana, Gujarat and Karnataka received a special
prize for completing more than 95 percent of PMGSY (Phase I &II) targets. Under PMAY-G
Awards were given to States which performed well on different parameters, Central Building
Research Institute, Roorkee which provided technical vetting of housing typologies, NIC team of
the Department of Rural Development for technical support and Dr. Prabir Kumar Das, Senior
citizen, Advisor, UNDP for significant contribution in use of innovative technologies. 9 District
Collectors who have completed largest number of PMAY-G houses were also awarded, the
significant part being 5 of the 9 District Collectors coming from Odisha.

Awards were given to National Resource Organizations, State Rural Livelihood Missions and
Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Allahabad Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank,
Central Bank of India and ICICI Bank. The States which received awards were Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Kerala, Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar,
Karnataka and West Bengal under different categories. Under skill development category the
best performing States, best champion employers and best training partners, received the awards.

There was also a presentation on the key findings of evaluation of National Rural Livelihood
Mission carried out by Indian Institute of Rural Management, Anand. Evaluation report had
highlighted the main strength of the programme and has given many suggestions for
strengthening and expansion of the programme across the country.

The Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav, complimented the award
winners and highlighted the role of institutional partnerships in successful implementation of
rural development programmes. The Minister for Rural Development, Shri Narendra Singh
Tomar congratulated the award winners. He highlighted the major transformation that was
brought by the Government in programme execution. He indicated that the Government has
completed restructure MGNREGA. The investments are channelized for Water harvesting,
Water Conservation and Agricultural and Allied activities to strengthen resource base of the rural
poor. Targets under PMAY–G and PMGSY have been set for 2019 and the Government is fully
committed to provide financial support to the States to achieve these targets. He also highlighted
the use of Information Technology and Space Technology in programme monitoring and in
obtaining citizens feedback through mobile applications. Shri Tomar, mentioned employment
generation under different programmes of the department, especially the skilling of rural youth
and skilled employment opportunities being created for them. He also highlighted challenges
that people faced in rural areas and exhorted the State Governments, Officials and other Stake
Holders to work together to overcome these challenges and provide a better deal to people.

<><><><><><>
SNC

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Government of India
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
19-June-2017 13:53 IST
Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot Chairs second meeting of National Council of Senior
Citizens (NCSrC)
Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment chaired the ‘Second
Meeting of National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC)’ organized by the Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment here today. Shri Vijay Sampla, Minister of State for Social Justice and
Empowerment, Smt. Latha Krishna Rao, secretary, M/o SJ&E, representatives of many
ministries and participants from different parts of the country were present. The National Council
of Senior Citizens had its first meeting on 30th August, 2016.

The Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment is the Chairman and Minister of State (Social
Justice and Empowerment) is the Vice-Chairman of the Council. The members of the Council
includes Secretary (SJ&E), Joint Secretary (Social Defence), related central ministries such as
Finance, Rural Development, Home Affairs, Law and Justice, Human Resource Development
etc., National Commissions like NHRC, NCW etc., State Governments (on rotation), Oldest
member of the Lok Sabha, Oldest member of the Rajya Sabha, alongwith representatives of
Senior Citizens Associations, Pensioners’ Associations, eminent senior citizens working on
issues related to senior citizens etc.
Addressing on the occasion, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot informed that Rastriya Vayoshri Yojana
for free of cost distribution of Physical Aids and Assisted- Living Devices to senior citizens
belonging to BPL category was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
which aims at providing senior citizens suffering from age related disabilities/infirmities, such
assisted living devises which can restore near normalcy in their bodily functions overcoming the
disability/infirmity manifested. The scheme is being implemented through ALIMCO, a PSU
under the Ministry. The national launch of the scheme was done on 1 st April 2017 at Nellore,
Andhra Pradesh.
Shri Gehlot said that corpus of the Senior Citizens Welfare Fund comprise of any credit balance
in any of the accounts under the small savings like Post Office Saving Schemes, Banks, etc.
remaining unclaimed for 7 years from date of declaration as an inoperative account, shall be
transferred by the Institution holding such amounts to the Senior Citizens Welfare Fund.
He also dwelt upon Scheme of Integrated Programme for Older Persons(IPOP) which is being
implemented since 1992 and was revised in 2008. Subsequently, the cost norms of various
components of the scheme were revised with effect from 01.04.2015.
The Minister said that at present, there is no central legislation or executive order prescribing
minimum standards for the services facilities to be made available in Old Age, Homes across
sectors, either run by private, Central or State Government/ UT. As a result, it has been observed
that there are widespread disparities in the services offered and facilities available in various Old
Age Homes. Therefore, it has been considered desirable that certain standards be evolved and
prescribed for the Old Age Home, touching all facets of their functioning from infrastructure to
facilities to manpower etc. so that a senior citizens getting admitted to the home could
legitimately expect certain level of standardized service. Action for evolving the standards and
method of its statutory prescription is underway.
Shri Gehlot said that regarding the Schemes of Aadhaar Based Smart Card for Senior Citizens, a
proposal is under consideration for formulation of a scheme for Aadhaar Based Smart Card for
Senior Citizens. It is envisaged that the proposed Smart Card would contain all the relevant
details including health related information.
In pursuance of the National Policy for Older Persons (NPOP), a National Council for Older
Persons (NCOP) was constituted in 1999 under the Chairpersonship of the Minister for Social
Justice and Empowerment to oversee implementation of the Policy. The NCOP is the highest
body to advise the Government in the formulation and implementation of policy and
programmes for the aged. In order to have a definite structure as well as regional representation,
the National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) has been reconstituted and renamed as National
Council of Senior Citizens (NCSrC) vide a resolution dated 17 th February, 2012 which was
published in the Gazette of India on 22 ndFebruary, 2012. The NCSrC advises Central and State
Governments on the entire gamut of issues related to welfare of senior citizens and enhancement
of their quality of life.

*****
Sanjay Kumar/MoSJ&E/19.06.2017
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Government of India
19-June-2017 16:36 IST
Press Brief about The Achievements of The Ministry of Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation During The Last Three Years
A number of challenges in the field of water sector have been identified by Ministry of
Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. A few can be listed as bridging
gap of Irrigation Potential Created and Irrigation Potential Utilised , over exploitation of ground
water, flood management, drought resilience, conflict resolution, dam safety, reliable data
availability, deteriorating water quality etc. Ministry of Water Resources, River Development
and Ganga Rejuvenation has taken a number of steps to mitigate these challenges.

PRADHAN MANTRI KRISHI SINCHAYEE YOJANA (PMKSY) is one of the flagship
scheme of this Ministry which has been launched in Mission mode. The scheme has been
divided into 99 prioritized projects with different timelines. Total expected expenditure in the
complete project shall be Rs 77595 Cr with Central share of Rs 31342 Cr. Total irrigation
potential utilization after completion of entire project is expected to be 76.03 Lakh Ha. Many
projects which were at standstill such as Gosikhurd (2.5 Lakh Ha.) Maharashtra, were
streamlined and put on track for timely completion. The details of the project under PMKSY are
as under:

Fund required for completion Central Irrigation
No. of (Rs. in crore) Share Potential
Category
Projects (Rs. in Utilisation
AIBP CAD TOTAL crore) (Lakh Ha.)
Priority-I
projects
23 7956 5466 13423 6535 14.53
(Completion
by 3/2017)
Priority-II
projects
31 8080 4825 12905 4269 12.95
(Completionb
y 3/2018)
Priority-III
projects
45 32510 18757 51268 20538 48.55
(Completion
by 12/2019)
TOTAL 99 48546 29049 77595 31342 76.03

PMKSY dashboard has also been launched for online information on the status of the project
which can be readily accessed by general public.
Funds released under PMKSY during 2016-17 are as under:
Srl No Item Funds Released – in crs
1 AIBP 3308
2 CAD 854
3 Polavaram Project 2514
4 State Share from LTIF 3334
Total Rs. 10010 cr

State budget Rs 7870 cr
Projects in pipeline Rs. 1200 cr
Total funds leveraged by LTIF Rs 19080 cr

for PMKSY

Under ‘HAR KHET KO PANI’ and ‘MORE CROP PER DROP’ scheme 22 projects of
Maharashtra, 6 projects of Odisha, 17 projects (including phases) of Madhya Pradesh (45 in all)
have been put on fast track and likely to be completed in advance of the scheduled time.
Potential Utilization through the prioritized projects is expected to be more than 14 Lakh Ha
during 2016-17. Innovative means such as installation of underground pressure pipelines to
resolve issues of land acquisition has been adopted. Focus is on CADWM – HKKP, from only
39 projects under CADWM initially – currently 75 projects are under various stages of
Command Area Development – HKKP.
Polavaram Multi-purpose Project (AP/Telangana) has been put on a fast track and is likely to
irrigate 2.9 Lakh ha. And generate 960 MW of power. Since May 2014, an amount of Rs.
3349.70 Crores has been released to the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for early
completion of Polavaram Irrigation Project, a multi-purpose project on the river Godavari.
RAISING OF SARDAR SAROVAR DAM (SSD): With lowering of gates of SSD, the live
storage capacity would increase from 1565 to 5740 MCM i.e. by 4175 MCM (267%). The clean
(hydro-power generation) would increase by present 1300 MW to 1450 MW with increase in
annual generation by about 1100 Million Units (i.e. about Rs.400/- crore per annum). In addition,
this additional storage would irrigate about 8 lakh hectares.

KEN BETWA LINK PROJECT (KBLP) AND OTHER NEW PROJECTS: The
Government has accorded high priority to Inter Linking River projects due to which Ken Betwa
is likely to be rolled out soon. All mandatory clearances and statutory clearances have been
obtained from designated authorities. Draft Cabinet Note for implementation of project has been
circulated for inter-ministerial consultations and copies have also been shared with States of
Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for obtaining their Views. The KBLP is the first ILR project
to be taken up for implementation, which will provide irrigation and drinking water supply in the
drought prone and backward Bundelkhand region and transfer surplus water of Ken basin to
water deficit Betwa basin, besides power generation. A 77m high Daudhan Dam with gross
storage capacity of 2953 million cubic meters (MCM) and reservoir submergence area of 9000
hectares(ha) along with a 221 Km long main canal is proposed. KBLP phase-I shall provide
irrigation to an area of 6,35,661 ha annually (3,69,881 ha in MP and 2,65,780 ha in UP) in the
culturable command area (CCA) of 5,15,215 ha (2,87,842 ha in MP and 2,22,373 ha in UP) in
the Chhattarpur, Tikamgarh and Panna districts of Madhya Pradesh and Mahoba, Banda and
Jhansi district s of Uttar Pradesh. The project will provide 49 MCM of water for enroute drinking
water supply to population of 13.42 lakh of UP & MP. The project will also generate 78 MW of
power. The project when completed will add about 10% to the present irrigation potential of
Madhya Pradesh as additional irrigation. Par-Tapi-Narmada and Daman-Ganga-Pinjal are other
new ILR projects in the pipeline.

PANCHESWAR PROJECT: As a result of Prime Minister’s initiative, Pancheshwar
Development Authority (PDA) has been set up jointly by India and Nepal in 2014 for execution,
operation and maintenance of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project on river Sharda. The
project envisages a storage of the order of 6 BCM; will generate 5050 MW power, irrigate 4.3
lakh ha out of which 2.6 lakh ha is in India, at a total cost of Rs. 33108 crore. The project will
generate an annual benefit of Rs.4,592crores which includes Rs. 3665 crores as power benefit,
Rs. 837 crore as irrigation benefit and Rs. 90 crore as flood benefit. The Pancheshwar storage
dam would play a significant role in mitigating floods. The disaster due to floods year after year
and associated costs could be avoided to Nation’s advantage. The project will promote eco-
tourism as part of the environmental management plan. Most of the inputs, labour etc. would
come from India and therefore the project will benefit the Indian economy.

NORTH KOEL PROJECT: A 67.86 m high and 343 m long concrete dam to store 116 MCM
water has been planned. Project includes a 819.6m long barrage at Mohammadganj, 96 km
downstream of the dam, two canals originating from left and right banks of Mohammadganj
Barrage with distributaries system for irrigation.44.0 MCM drinking and industrial water is
expected from this project.

NORTH EASTERN STATES: Focus has also been given towards development of North-
Eastern States. Some of the significant developments are as under:
 Brahmputra board is being restructured.
 4 projects with a balance CA of 617 crores taken up under PMKSY to generate an
Irrigation Potential of 1.62 lakh ha.
 So far, Rs.184 crore has been spent on protection of Majuli, largest habitated river island
in the world on river Brahmputra, from floods and erosion. Now, the Government of
India has sanctioned a project amounting to Rs.237 crores for major works for protection
of Majuli.
National Hydrology Project is the path breaking Rs 3640 Crores project approved by the
Government in April, 2016 through which Country's water resources operation and planning will
be modernized through reliable, accurate and irrefutable automated data collection and
dissemination. Rs. 47.83 Crore was released to the States under NHP for the year 2016 -17.
Further, Rs 124.42 crore is in the process of release to the States under NHP for the year 2017-
18. This is a new initiative by present Government.
Inter-State Water Dispute Tribunal: The Cabinet Note for amendment to existing Inter-State
River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (amended lastly in 2002), has been approved by the Cabinet on
07.12.2016 for constitution of a stand-alone Tribunal with common establishment. The Inter-
State River Water Dispute Amendment Bill has been introduced in the Parliament on
14.03.2017.
The Dam Safety Bill has been prepared to provide for robust institutional and legal framework
to ensure safety of dams and prevent dam related disasters. This Bill was essential because there
are over 5200 dams in India and many of them are over 50 years old. The Bill provides for
surveillance, inspect ion, operation and maintenance of dams in the country. Most of the States
have supported t his proposal. The Bill has been vetted by the Ministry of Law & Justice and is
shortly being brought up before the Union Cabinet for its approval.
MoU on Water Resource Management and Development has been signed with European Union,
Israel, Hungary and Tanzania during July 2016 to November 2016.
NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN GANGA
a) Namami Gange programme is an integrated conservation mission approved by the Union
Cabinet in May 2015 with a budget outlay of Rs. 20000 Crores for five years. Namami Gange
programme made 100 percent centrally funded programme with provision for 15 years
operation and maintenance.
b) Union Cabinet in January 2016 approved Hybrid Annuity based Public Private partnership
(PPP) model for construction of sewage infrastructure with an aim to ensure long term
satisfactory performance of sewage infrastructure.

c) Union Cabinet in January 2016 approved “The River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and
Management) Authorities Order, 2016” which empowers NMCG to discharge its functions in an
independent and accountable manner and also empowers NMCG with certain regulatory powers
as an authority under EP Act.
d) Authority Order also provides for constitution of State Ganga Committees and District Ganga
Committees as authorities under EP Act.
e) Details/status of Municipal Sewage Management in Towns along Ganga Main Stream are as
appended below:
Sr. State Total Total Treatmen
No Sewerage Existing t Capacity Projects under Implementation
. Generation STP Gap (MLD)
(MLD) Capacit (MLD)
201 2035 y 2016 2035 Ongoing Under Approved Proposed
Tenderin
6
(MLD) g
Uttarakhan
1 160 210 83 79 128 1 113 19 0
d
Uttar 120
2 1688 811 428 878 390 50 72 158
Pradesh 3
3 Bihar 556 869 0 556 869 173 0 60 319
4 Jharkhand 15 20 0 15 20 12 0 4 0
158
5 West Bengal 1861 586 1031 1297 85 0 0 486
6
352 1480 661 163 155 963

Total 4648 2109 3192
0 43 Town 20 Town 7 Town 8 Town 20 Town

f) Progress of Sewage treatment works along Ganga stream is as under:

g) Status on Industrial pollution control & Regulation are as under:
h) In addition, 11.04 lac Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) have been constructed in
villages located on Ganga and 4076 villages have been declared open defecation free.
j) There has been a continuous improvement in the quality of water in the tributaries of river
Ganga before confluence. It has been observed that Dissolved Oxygen level and BoD level of
water has increased and decreased respectively in rivers Dahela, Bahela, Kosi and Ramganga.
k) A new initiative has been taken by the present government for rural sanitation in Ganga Gram
villages and a total of Rs 578 Cr has been released to Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
towards Swachh Bharat (Rural).
l) River Surface cleaning work starting at 11 important locations by use of trash skimmers.
m) Real time effluent monitoring Station of Gross Polluting has started.

n) In addition to Manual Water Quality Monitoring at 110 locations, Real Time Water Quality
Monitoring of Ganga started at 44 locations.

o) Under biodiversity programme, two rescue and rehabilitation centers for turtles have been set
up at Narora and Sarnath and for the first time comprehensive baseline survey of aquatic animals
including Gangatic dolphins in the entire stretch of River Ganga is in progress.
p) MoUs have been signed with 10 Central Ministries with a view to ensure adequate flow in the
River. Steps have been taken to fix e-flow and improve water use efficiency in various
consuming sectors.
q) Afforestation planned along Ganga: This includes plantation in Natural, Agricultural & Urban
landscape, Conservation interventions i.e. wetlands, Soil & water management and Research,
Awareness & Capacity building etc. The status of the work is as under:

FY 2016-17: Advance soil work - 3,486 ha, plantation -1,36,759 no.;

FY 2017-18: 8,046 ha. Planned; Medicinal plants - in 7 districts of Uttarakhand.

r) Information, Education and Communication Activities for Public Awareness,
Communication and Public Outreach towards Ganga Mission:
• Ganga Swachta Pakhwada-16-31st March 2017 observed at 17 major locations.
• Activities: Pad Yatras, Shram Daan , Cultural Programmes, Painting Competitions
for children,, Talk Shows/Dialogues , Photo Exhibitions etc.
• Ganga Swachta Sankalp Divas : Observed on 2nd May 2017
• Ganga Vichar Manch- A Volunteer group created by NMCG is actively involved in
awareness activities.
• MoU with Rotary for awareness in Schools along Ganga.
• Newspaper, TV/Radio advertisements, publication of special featured articles and
advertorials on Namami Gange Programme.

GROUND WATER:
(a) Indiscriminate GW development in some parts has led to decline of in GW levels, drying up
of Shallow Wells, reduction in sustainability of wells, increased energy consumption,
deterioration in GW quality, sea water ingress in coastal areas, decrease in base flow in many
small river, increase of CO2 emission footprints due to electric & diesel pump sets etc.

b) CGWB has embarked in to an innovative programme of Aquifer mapping in 8.89 lakh sq. km
during 2012-2017, out of total mappable area of ~ 23 lakh sq.km of the country. The broad
objectives include establishing the lateral and vertical extent of aquifer, assessment of
development potential in terms of quantification of aquifer wise resources and their quality,
preparation of Aquifer maps and management plans for implementation under IWRM
framework. Focus is towards priority water stressed areas in eight states viz. Haryana, Punjab,
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bundelkhand. The
aquifer maps and management plans for an area of about 5.90 lakh sqkm has already been
completed. The maps and management plans are reviewed in three tier arrangement before
finally accepted. It is envisaged to cover 4.60 lakh sq km during 2017-18 (out of 13.74 lakh sq
km area targeted for 2017-20). The aquifer maps & Management plans are shared with the state
government.
c) Regulation, Development and Management of Ground Water Resources: Model Bill -2005

circulated to states for regulation of Ground water, so far 15 States/UTs enacted legislation based
on Model Bill.Roof top rain water harvesting made mandatory by 30 States/UTs through
inclusion in Building bye laws /Rules/Regulations for urban areas. Revised Model Bill- 2017,
state level workshop held for wider consultation and a presentation was made by Dr Mihir Shah
to NITI Aayog in May, 2017.The Model bill 2017 is under consideration of NITI Aayog.
****
Samir/JD/jk
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Government of India
16-June-2017 12:36 IST
Water Storage Level of 91 major reservoirs of the Country continues to be at
20% of their capacity
June 15, 2017 was 30.903 BCM, which is 20% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This
percentage was at 20 for the week ending on June 08, 2017. The level of June 15, 2017
was 126% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 107% of storage of average of
last ten years.
than 60 MW.
NORTHERN REGION
The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are six
reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is better than the corresponding period of last year
but is less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.
EASTERN REGION
and is also better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.
WESTERN REGION
CENTRAL REGION
period.
SOUTHERN REGION
these reservoirs is 3.88 BCM which is 8 % of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The
States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal
Pradesh, Punjab, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. States having equal storage than last year for
corresponding period are AP&TG (Two combined projects in both states). States having lesser
storage than last year for corresponding period are Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Samir/JD/jk
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Government of India
Ministry of Environment and Forests
15-June-2017 18:07 IST
‘Undertake One Small Environment-Friendly Act Every Day’: Environment
Minister
Swacchta Pakhwada in Environment Ministry Concludes, But Cleanliness

Campaign to Continue Uninterrupted Throughout the Year
Exhorting the people to undertake one small environment-friendly act every day,
Environment Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has invited people to share any environment-
friendly act with the Ministry on the website. Addressing a large gathering at the
concluding function of the Ministry’s Swacchhta Pakhwada at the National Zoological
Park here today, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that the Ministry will publicise such
environment-friendly acts with the people of the country. The Minister also said that 35
senior officers of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will work in
the campaign together to galvanise it into a peoples’ movement and take the Swacchhta
Abhiyaan to 125 crore people of the nation. ‘The officers will involve State forest
officers, officials from other institutions under the Ministry, school and college students,
scouts and guides, NSS and common people’, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said. The Minister
referred to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of delivering a New India by
the year 2022 and added that though Swacchhta Pakhwada concludes today, the spirit of
the campaign will continue uninterrupted throughout the year.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan emphasised that today, when the entire world discusses issues related
to climate change, global warming and environment protection, it looks with hope
towards India. “The world believes that India’s culture and philosophy possesses the
inspiration and energy, which can spell welfare of the entire mankind”, the Minister said.
“Protection of environment, forests, nature and rivers has been taught to us by our
ancestors. The inherent richness and strength of our culture is our legacy. The day we
renew the pledge to protect the environment, we will be able to regain the old glory”, Dr.
Harsh Vardhan said.
The Minister pointed that the concluding function of Swacchta Pakhwada has been
organised at the National Zoological Park to celebrate the birth of a baby hippopotamus
in the Zoo.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate

Change, Shri Ajay Narayan Jha said that World Environment Day falls in the middle of
Swacchta Pakhwada. The Secretary added that like the ecosystem of the environment, the
Ministry also has an ecosystem in each state, comprising various institutions – Central
Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control Boards, Forest Survey of India,
Botanical Survey of India, Zoological Survey of India, Eco-clubs NGOs and this strength
needs to be connected to the cleanliness campaign.
As part of Swacchhta Pakhwada, several activities including tree plantation, ‘Shram

Daan’ and cleaning of waste were undertaken at NOIDA on June 9, at Lodhi Garden on
June 12, at Indraprastha Park on June 13 and in Nehru Park on June 14. Another feature
of Swacchhta Pakhwada includes cleaning of four railway stations by the Science
Express Climate Action Special train, which is presently running in the states of Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka. Some of the prominent themes of Swacchta Pakhwada include -
Plastic free Tiger Reserve/Protected Areas/National Parks, under which all tiger reserves
shall ensure cleanliness and be declared plastic free by 31.03.2018; “Bring back waste”
along with memories from nature visit; Cleanliness around the lakes and rivers in cities,
towns and villages; Five beaches in five States/Union Territories to be taken up for
cleaning and to be made “Trash Free”.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan also administered a Green Pledge to reuse and reduce the waste, plant
more trees and conserve energy and water, on the occasion. Earlier, the Environment
Minister and other senior officers planted saplings at the Delhi Zoo.
Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer also spoke
on the occasion. Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change, Smt. Amita Prasad made a presentation titled “Swacchh Bharat-Harit Bharat” to
the gathering. Director, National Zoological Park, Ms. Renu Singh gave the vote of
thanks.
Director General of Forests and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change, Shri Siddhanta Das, Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change, Shri Rajani Ranjan Rashmi and other senior officers of MoEFCC,
Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and hundreds of school students were among
those present in the gathering.
***
HK
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Government of India
NITI Aayog
15-June-2017 11:06 IST
States shortlisted by NITI for transformative change in Health and Education
NITI Aayog has initiated a unique and novel initiative to catalyse transformational
change in key Social Sectors. Under SATH (Sustainable Action for Transforming Human
Capital), NITI Aayog and its knowledge partners will provide strategic, technical and
implementation support to three states for each sector. A Committee comprising of
Member, NITI Aayog , Sh Bibek Debroy, CEO, Amitabh Kant, Advisers of NITI Aayog
and representatives of Health and Education Ministry spent two days assessing and
vetting presentations by 14 States for each of the two social sectors. The States
showcased the initiatives undertaken by them thus far, their willingness to accelerate
improvement and justified why they should be selected for the institutional support being
offered by NITI Aayog under the program.
Transformative change in social sector is challenging as the pace is slow, as compared to

the infrastructure sector. The issues are multi-layered and complex, involving both
governance and building capacity of human capital. NITI Aayog has taken up this
challenge and has decided to deep dive into handholding the States through a time bound
and outcome oriented process. After final selection of the States, a Program Management
Unit to push for efficiency and efficacy in governance structures and service delivery will
be available at the State level for a period of 30 months. It is expected that these 36
months of focussed attention and support from the premier think tank will lead to a
marked transformation and will also provide a model for other States to replicate and
adapt.
In Health sector, five States have been shortlisted as run up to the final selection of three.
These are, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Karnataka and Gujarat. Similarly in Education,
the shortlisted States are Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Andhra
Pradesh. In both sectors, the States have to commit to a time-bound focus, governance
reforms and delivery of outcomes for final selection for the partnership. The proposed
partnership of NITI Aayog, States and a knowledge partner is challenging and ambitious
as the baseline of various indicators and parameters of education and health in the States
are in public domain. All stakeholders will be under pressure from the day of signing of
the MOU to initiate reforms or processes which will show improvement in education and
learning outcomes.
The initiative is interesting on another theoretical level too, as it defines a new dimension
for cooperative federalism, where NITI Aayog and its knowledge partner will actively aid
implementation of their recommendations, in addition to just policy inputs. Depending on
the promptness of the response of governance commitments posed to them, the final
selection of the three States in each of the sectors is expected to be completed in July
2017.
*****
AKT/AK/VK
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Government of India
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
12-June-2017 17:31 IST
Consumer Price Index Numbers on Base 2012=100 for Rural, Urban and
Combined for the month of May 2017
The Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme

Implementation has revised the Base Year of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from
2010=100 to 2012=100 with effect from the release of indices for the month of January
2015.
2. In this press note, the CPI (Rural, Urban, Combined) on Base 2012=100 is being
released for the month of May 2017. In addition to this, Consumer Food Price
Index (CFPI) for all India Rural, Urban and Combined are also being released for
May 2017. All India Inflation rates (on point to point basis i.e. current month over
same month of last year, i.e., May 2017 over May 2016), based on General Indices
and CFPIs are given as follows:
All India Inflation rates (%) based on CPI (General) and CFPI
May 2017 (Prov.) April 2017 (Final) May 2016 (Final)

Indices Rur Urba Comb Rur Urba Comb Rur Urba Comb
al n d. al n d. al n d.
CPI
(Genera 2.30 2.13 2.18 3.02 3.03 2.99 6.45 4.89 5.76
l)
CFPI -0.60 -1.85 -1.05 0.69 0.46 0.61 7.67 7.24 7.47
Notes: Prov. – Provisional, Combd. - Combined
3. 3. Monthly changes in the General Indices and CFPIs are given below:
Monthly changes (%) in All India CPI (General) and CFPI: May 2017 over Apr.
2017
Rural Urban Combined

% %
Index Index Index
% Chan Chan
Indices Value Value Value
Chan ge ge
May. Apr. ge May. Apr. May. Apr.
17 17 17 17 17 17
CPI
(Gener 133.3 132.9 0.30 129.3 129.1 0.15 131.4 131.1 0.23
al)
CFPI 132.5 132.2 0.23 132.3 132.0 0.23 132.4 132.1 0.23
Note: Figures of May 2017 are provisional.
4. 4. Provisional indices for the month of May 2017 and also the final indices for
April 2017 are being released with this note for all-India and for State/UTs. All-
India provisional General (all-groups), Group and Sub-group level CPI and CFPI
numbers for May 2017 for Rural, Urban and Combined are given in Annexure I.
The inflation rates of important categories of items are given in Annexure II.
State/UT wise provisional General CPI numbers for Rural, Urban and Combined
are given in Annexure III. Inflation rates of major States, having population more
than 50 lakhs as per population Census 2011, are given in Annexure IV. State/UT–
wise Group CPIs are available on the Ministry’s website (mospi.gov.in).
5. Price data are collected from selected towns by the Field Operations Division of
NSSO and from selected villages by the Department of Posts. Price data are
received through web portals, maintained by the National Informatics Centre.
Next date of release: 12th July 2017 (Wednesday) for May 2017.
Annexure I
All India Consumer Price Indices
(Base: 2012=100)

Su Ap Ap Ap
Gro b- Ma Ma Ma
r. r. r.
up gro Descript y 17 y 17 y 17
17 17 17
Co up ion Wei Ind Wei Ind Wei Ind
Ind Ind Ind
de Co ghts ex ghts ex ghts ex
ex ex ex
de (Pr (Pr (Pr
(Fi (Fi (Fi
ov.) ov.) ov.)
nal) nal) nal)
(11
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (12)
)
Cereals
1.1. 12.3 133 133. 132 132. 133 132.
and 6.59 9.67
01 5 .2 1 .7 6 .0 9
products
1.1. Meat 138 140. 140 144. 139 141.
4.38 2.73 3.61
02 and fish .7 4 .6 1 .4 7
1.1. 127 126. 124 125. 126 126.
Egg 0.49 0.36 0.43
03 .1 8 .5 6 .1 3
Milk
1.1. 137 138. 136 136. 137 137.
and 7.72 5.33 6.61
04 .7 2 .3 9 .2 7
products
1.1. Oils and 121 120. 113 113. 118 118.
4.21 2.81 3.56
05 fats .3 8 .5 4 .4 1
1.1. 141 140. 137 135. 139 137.
Fruits 2.88 2.90 2.89
06 .8 2 .7 3 .9 9
1.1. Vegetabl 121 123. 127 129. 123 125.
7.46 4.41 6.04
07 es .5 7 .1 2 .4 6
Pulses
1.1. 144 141. 133 131. 140 138.
and 2.95 1.73 2.38
08 .5 7 .8 5 .9 3
products
Sugar
1.1. and 117 118. 120 121. 118 119.
1.70 0.97 1.36
09 Confecti .4 6 .8 0 .5 4
onery
1.1. 134 134. 141 139. 136 136.
Spices 3.11 1.79 2.50
10 .1 0 .3 9 .5 0
Non-
alcoholi
1.2. 130 130. 123 123. 127 127.
c 1.37 1.13 1.26
11 .0 2 .8 8 .4 5
beverage
s
Prepared
meals,
1.1. 145 145. 142 142. 144 144.
snacks, 5.56 5.54 5.55
12 .5 8 .6 9 .2 5
sweets
etc.
Food
and 54.1 133 133. 36.2 133 133. 45.8 133 133.
1
beverag 8 .5 8 9 .4 6 6 .5 7
es
Pan,
tobacco
144 145. 148 148. 145 146.
2 and 3.26 1.36 2.38
.4 5 .0 3 .4 2
intoxica
nts
3.1. 142 142. 131 131. 138 138.
Clothing 6.32 4.72 5.58
01 .4 6 .2 5 .0 2
3.1. Footwea 136 137. 123 123. 131 131.
1.04 0.85 0.95
02 r .8 3 .0 2 .1 4
Clothin
g and 141 141. 130 130. 137 137.
3 7.36 5.57 6.53
footwea .6 8 .0 2 .0 2
r
21.6 131 132. 10.0 131 132.
4 Housing - - -
7 .7 1 7 .7 1
Fuel
135 135. 121 120. 129 129.
5 and 7.94 5.58 6.84
.0 0 .4 1 .8 4
light
Househo
6.1. ld goods 134 135. 126 126. 130 131.
3.75 3.87 3.80
01 and .3 0 .0 5 .4 0
services
6.1. 131 131. 123 123. 128 128.
Health 6.83 4.81 5.89
02 .0 4 .4 6 .1 4
6.1. Transpor 7.60 119 119. 9.73 114 114. 8.59 116 116.
03 t and .2 4 .3 3 .6 7
commun
ication
Recreati
6.1. on and 128 129. 122 122. 125 125.
1.37 2.04 1.68
04 amusem .3 4 .6 8 .1 7
ent
6.1. Educatio 135 136. 133 133. 134 134.
3.46 5.62 4.46
05 n .7 2 .6 8 .5 8
Personal
6.1. 123 123. 122 122. 123 123.
care and 4.25 3.47 3.89
06 .7 9 .2 0 .1 1
effects
Miscella 27.2 127 127. 29.5 122 122. 28.3 125 125.
6
neous 6 .5 9 3 .5 6 2 .1 3
General Index 100. 132 133. 100. 129 129. 100. 131 131.
(All Groups) 00 .9 3 00 .1 3 00 .1 4
Consumer Food 47.2 132 132. 29.6 132 132. 39.0 132 132.
Price Index 5 .2 5 2 .0 3 6 .1 4
Notes:
1. : Provisional.
2. - : CPI (Rural) for housing is not compiled.
3. The weights are indicative to show relative importance of groups and sub-
groups. However, all India indices have been compiled as weighted average of
State indices.
Annexure II
All India annual inflation rates (%) for May 2017 (Provisional)
(Base: 2012=100)
Gr Su Descri Rural Urban Combined

ou b- ption M Ma Infl M Ma Infl M Ma Infl
p gr ay y atio ay y atio ay y atio
Co ou 16 17 n 16 17 n 16 17 n
de p In Rat In Rat In Rat
Co de In e de In e de In e
de x de (%) x de (%) x de (%)
(Fi x (Fi x (Fi x
nal (Pr nal (Pr nal (Pr
) ov. ) ov. ) ov.
) ) )
(2 (1 (11
(1) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (12)
) 0) )
Cereals
1.1 and 12 13 12 13 12 13
4.31 6.08 4.81
.01 produc 7.6 3.1 5.0 2.6 6.8 2.9
ts
Meat
1.1 13 14 14 14 13 14
and 2.11 1.41 1.87
.02 7.5 0.4 2.1 4.1 9.1 1.7
fish
1.1 12 12 12 12 - 12 12
Egg 1.93 0.72
.03 4.4 6.8 7.0 5.6 1.10 5.4 6.3
Milk
1.1 and 13 13 13 13 13 13
4.38 4.98 4.56
.04 produc 2.4 8.2 0.4 6.9 1.7 7.7
ts
Oils
1.1 11 12 10 11 11 11
and 2.20 3.47 2.70
.05 8.2 0.8 9.6 3.4 5.0 8.1
fats
1.1 13 14 13 13 13 13
Fruits 1.52 1.35 1.40
.06 8.1 0.2 3.5 5.3 6.0 7.9
- - -
1.1 Vegeta 14 12 15 12 14 12
12.7 14.6 13.4
.07 bles 1.8 3.7 1.4 9.2 5.1 5.6
6 6 4
Pulses
- - -
1.1 and 16 14 18 13 17 13
14.6 28.0 19.4
.08 produc 6.0 1.7 2.8 1.5 1.7 8.3
4 6 5
ts
Sugar
1.1 and 10 11 10.3 11 12 10 11
8.91 9.84
.09 Confec 7.5 8.6 3 1.1 1.0 8.7 9.4
tionery
1.1 13 13 14 13 - 13 13
Spices 1.36 0.52
.10 2.2 4.0 1.5 9.9 1.13 5.3 6.0
Non-
alcohol
1.2 12 13 12 12 12 12
ic 3.25 1.89 2.66
.11 6.1 0.2 1.5 3.8 4.2 7.5
bevera
ges
1.1 Prepar 13 14 5.42 13 14 4.84 13 14 5.17
.12 ed 8.3 5.8 6.3 2.9 7.4 4.5
meals,
snacks,
sweets
etc.
Food
and 13 13 13 13 - 13 13 -
1 0.15
bevera 3.6 3.8 4.6 3.6 0.74 4.0 3.7 0.22
ges
Pan,
tobacc
13 14 14 14 13 14
2 o and 6.99 4.29 6.17
6.0 5.5 2.2 8.3 7.7 6.2
intoxic
ants
3.1 Clothin 13 14 12 13 13 13
5.32 3.38 4.54
.01 g 5.4 2.6 7.2 1.5 2.2 8.2
3.1 Footwe 13 13 12 12 12 13
4.73 2.07 3.63
.02 ar 1.1 7.3 0.7 3.2 6.8 1.4
Clothi
ng and 13 14 12 13 13 13
3 5.19 3.17 4.41
footwe 4.8 1.8 6.2 0.2 1.4 7.2
ar
Housi 12 13 12 13
4 - - - 4.84 4.84
ng 6.0 2.1 6.0 2.1
Fuel
12 13 11 12 12 12
5 and 5.97 4.43 5.46
7.4 5.0 5.0 0.1 2.7 9.4
light
House
hold
6.1 goods 12 13 12 12 12 13
5.06 2.68 3.97
.01 and 8.5 5.0 3.2 6.5 6.0 1.0
service
s
6.1 12 13 12 12 12 12
Health 4.45 2.74 3.80
.02 5.8 1.4 0.3 3.6 3.7 8.4
Transp
ort and
6.1 11 11 11 11 11 11
commu 3.74 3.25 3.46
.03 5.1 9.4 0.7 4.3 2.8 6.7
nicatio
n
Recrea
tion
6.1 12 12 11 12 12 12
and 4.69 2.50 3.46
.04 3.6 9.4 9.8 2.8 1.5 5.7
amuse
ment
6.1 Educat 12 13 12 13 12 13
5.50 4.53 4.90
.05 ion 9.1 6.2 8.0 3.8 8.5 4.8
Person
6.1 al care 11 12 11 12 11 12
3.51 2.95 3.27
.06 and 9.7 3.9 8.5 2.0 9.2 3.1
effects
Miscel
12 12 11 12 12 12
6 laneou 4.41 3.29 3.81
2.5 7.9 8.7 2.6 0.7 5.3
s
General
13 13 12 12 12 13
Index (All 2.30 2.13 2.18
0.3 3.3 6.6 9.3 8.6 1.4
Groups)
Consumer
13 13 - 13 13 - 13 13 -
Food Price
3.3 2.5 0.60 4.8 2.3 1.85 3.8 2.4 1.05
Index
Notes:
1. : Provisional.
Annexure III
State/UT wise General Consumer Price Indices
(Base: 2012=100)

Ap Ap Ap
Stat Ma Ma Ma
Name r. r. r.
e/U y y y
of the 17 17 17
T 17 17 17
State/ Wei Ind Ind Wei Ind Ind Wei Ind Ind
Cod ghts ex ghts ex ghts ex
UT ex ex ex
e (Fi (Fi (Fi
(Pr (Pr (Pr
nal nal nal
ov.) ov.) ov.)
) ) )
(10 (11
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)
) )
Jammu
& 138 139 127 128 134 135
01 1.14 0.72 0.94
Kashm .6 .1 .8 .4 .8 .3
ir
Himac
hal 134 134 126 126 133 133
02 1.03 0.26 0.67
Prades .9 .9 .0 .4 .3 .4
h
129 129 126 127 128 128
03 Punjab 3.31 3.09 3.21
.6 .5 .6 .1 .3 .4
Chandi 138 137 125 124 126 125
04 0.02 0.34 0.17
garh .1 .5 .7 .6 .4 .3
Uttara 127 127 121 121 125 125
05 1.06 0.73 0.91
khand .6 .8 .2 .6 .2 .5
Harya 130 130 124 124 128 128
06 3.30 3.35 3.32
na .8 .8 .8 .9 .0 .0
129 130 133 133 133 133
07 Delhi 0.28 5.64 2.77
.7 .1 .6 .9 .4 .7
Rajast 134 135 130 129 133 133
08 6.63 4.23 5.51
han .7 .1 .0 .9 .0 .2
Uttar
14.8 128 129 128 128 12.3 128 128
09 Prades 9.54
3 .9 .0 .8 .1 7 .9 .7
h
133 133 125 124 132 131
10 Bihar 8.21 1.62 5.14
.4 .2 .1 .1 .2 .9
140 141 133 134 138 139
11 Sikkim 0.06 0.03 0.05
.4 .2 .8 .8 .2 .1
Aruna
chal 140 141
12 0.14 0.06 -- -- 0.10 -- --
Prades .2 .9
h
Nagala 141 142 129 130 136 137
13 0.14 0.12 0.13
nd .9 .5 .6 .0 .7 .2
Manip 142 142 128 129 138 138
14 0.23 0.12 0.18
ur .7 .5 .9 .7 .3 .4
Mizora 133 132 124 125 128 128
15 0.07 0.13 0.10
m .7 .9 .3 .0 .0 .1
Tripur 139 140 134 134 138 138
16 0.35 0.14 0.25
a .4 .0 .2 .3 .1 .5
17 Megha 0.28 134 134 0.15 125 125 0.22 131 131
laya .8 .5 .2 .5 .8 .7
127 128 128 128 127 128
18 Assam 2.63 0.79 1.77
.1 .0 .4 .9 .4 .2
West 130 130 128 128 129 129
19 6.99 7.20 7.09
Bengal .6 .5 .2 .8 .5 .7
Jharkh 135 135 125 125 131 131
20 1.96 1.39 1.69
and .4 .1 .7 .7 .7 .5
135 136 126 127 133 134
21 Odisha 2.93 1.31 2.18
.9 .9 .7 .2 .3 .2
Chhatt 135 136 125 125 131 132
22 1.68 1.22 1.46
isgarh .8 .3 .7 .7 .9 .2
Madhy
a 127 128 127 128 127 128
23 4.93 3.97 4.48
Prades .7 .1 .6 .2 .7 .1
h
Gujara 135 136 125 125 130 130
24 4.54 6.82 5.60
t .9 .3 .6 .8 .1 .4
Daman 156 157 130 129 145 145
25 0.02 0.02 0.02
& Diu .4 .3 .3 .3 .5 .6
Dadra
& 140 140 125 124 130 130
26 0.02 0.04 0.03
Nagar .4 .5 .6 .9 .5 .1
Haveli
Mahar 134 136 18.8 125 125 13.1 128 129
27 8.25
ashtra .8 .2 6 .7 .8 8 .7 .3
Andhr
a 136 137 131 131 134 135
28 5.40 3.64 4.58
Prades .7 .5 .1 .8 .6 .4
h
Karnat 136 136 136 137 136 136
29 5.09 6.81 5.89
aka .2 .7 .9 .0 .6 .9
143 142 127 127 133 133
30 Goa 0.14 0.25 0.19
.5 .4 .3 .7 .6 .4
Laksha 129 129 112 115 120 122
31 0.01 0.01 0.01
dweep .0 .7 .9 .5 .8 .4
135 135 134 134 134 135
32 Kerala 5.50 3.46 4.55
.1 .5 .0 .8 .7 .3
Tamil 133 133 133 133 133 133
33 5.55 9.20 7.25
Nadu .6 .5 .1 .7 .3 .6
Puduc 136 137 129 130 131 131
34 0.08 0.27 0.17
herry .2 .2 .9 .0 .5 .8
35 Anda 0.05 136 138 0.07 124 124 0.06 130 131
man &
Nicoba
.9 .8 .6 .1 .6 .3
r
Islands
Telang 135 135 132 131 133 133
36 3.16 4.41 3.74
ana .5 .7 .1 .9 .6 .6
All 100. 132 133 100. 129 129 100. 131 131
99
India 00 .9 .3 00 .1 .3 00 .1 .4
Notes:
1. Prov. : Provisional.
2. -- : indicates the receipt of price schedules is less than 80% of allocated
schedules and therefore indices are not compiled.
Annexure IV
Major State/UT wise annual inflation rates (%) for May 2017 (Provisional)
(Base: 2012=100)
Combine
Rural Urban
d
Na MM MM MM
Sta me ay ay ay ay ay ay
Inf Inf Inf
te/ of 16 17 16 17 16 17
lati lati lati
UT the In In In
on on on
Co Stat de In de In de In
Ra Ra Ra
de e/U x de x de x de
te te te
T (F x (F x (F x
(% (% (%
in (P in (P in (P
) ) )
al ro al ro al ro
) v.) ) v.) ) v.)
(3 (4 (6 (7 (9 (1 (11
(1) (2) (5) (8)
) ) ) ) ) 0) )
Jam
mu 12 13 12 12 12 13
7.3 4.3 6.2
01 & 9. 9. 3. 8. 7. 5.
3 1 8
Kas 6 1 1 4 3 3
hmir
02 Him 12 13 4.6 12 12 4.7 12 13 4.7
acha 8. 4. 5 0. 6. 2 7. 3. 1
l
Prad 9 9 7 4 4 4
esh
12 12 12 12 12 12
Punj 4.0 2.9 3.4
03 4. 9. 3. 7. 4. 8.
ab 2 1 6
5 5 5 1 1 4
Utta 12 12 11 12 12 12
3.0 1.5 2.5
05 rakh 4. 7. 9. 1. 2. 5.
6 9 3
and 0 8 7 6 4 5
12 13 12 12 12 12
Har 3.4 2.0 2.8
06 6. 0. 2. 4. 4. 8.
yana 8 4 1
4 8 4 9 5 0
12 13 12 13 12 13
Delh 4.5 5.1 5.1
07 4. 0. 7. 3. 7. 3.
i 0 0 1*
5 1 4 9 2 7
Raja 13 13 12 12 12 13
3.0 2.7 2.9
08 stha 1. 5. 6. 9. 9. 3.
5 7 4
n 1 1 4 9 4 2
Utta
12 12 12 12 12 12
r 0.9 1.3 1.1
09 7. 9. 6. 8. 7. 8.
Prad 4 4 0
8 0 4 1 3 7
esh
13 13 12 12 - 13 13
Biha 1.2 0.9
10 1. 3. 5. 4. 0.8 0. 1.
r 2 2
6 2 2 1 8 7 9
12 12 12 12 12 12
Assa 1.1 3.3 1.5
18 6. 8. 4. 8. 6. 8.
m 1 7 8
6 0 7 9 2 2
Wes
12 13 12 12 12 12
t 1.4 1.3 1.4
19 8. 0. 7. 8. 7. 9.
Ben 8 4 1
6 5 1 8 9 7
gal
Jhar 13 13 12 12 12 13
1.9 1.4 1.7
20 khan 2. 5. 3. 5. 9. 1.
6 5 8
d 5 1 9 7 2 5
13 13 12 12 13 13
Odis 0.3 1.1 0.6
21 6. 6. 5. 7. 3. 4.
ha 7 9 0
4 9 7 2 4 2
Chh 13 13 - 12 12 13 13 -
0.3
22 attis 8. 6. 1.4 5. 5. 3. 2. 0.8
2
garh 3 3 5 3 7 3 2 3
23 Mad 12 12 0.2 12 12 1.7 12 12 0.7
hya 7. 8. 3 6. 8. 5 7. 8. 9
Prad
8 1 0 2 1 1
esh
13 13 12 12 12 13
Guja 3.6 1.3 2.4
24 1. 6. 4. 5. 7. 0.
rat 5 7 4
5 3 1 8 3 4
Mah 13 13 12 12 12 12
4.6 2.3 3.1
27 aras 0. 6. 2. 5. 5. 9.
1 6 9
htra 2 2 9 8 3 3
And
13 13 13 13 13 13
hra 1.2 0.2 0.8
28 5. 7. 1. 1. 4. 5.
Prad 5 3 9
8 5 5 8 2 4
esh
Kar 13 13 13 13 13 13
1.2 2.4 1.9
29 nata 5. 6. 3. 7. 4. 6.
6 7 4
ka 0 7 7 0 3 9
12 13 13 13 13 13
Kera 4.8 2.7 4.0
32 9. 5. 1. 4. 0. 5.
la 0 4 8
3 5 2 8 0 3
Tam
13 13 13 13 13 13
il 2.6 2.6 2.6
33 0. 3. 0. 3. 0. 3.
Nad 1 9 1
1 5 2 7 2 6
u
Tela 13 13 12 13 13 13
3.9 1.6 2.6
36 ngan 0. 5. 9. 1. 0. 3.
8 2 9
a 5 7 8 9 1 6
All 13 13 12 12 12 13
2.3 2.1 2.1
99 Indi 0. 3. 6. 9. 8. 1.
0 3 8
a 3 3 6 3 6 4
Notes:
1. : Provisional.
2. * : More than that of Rural and Urban due to rounding.

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Government of India
NITI Aayog
10-June-2017 07:31 IST
SATH program launched by NITI Aayog
Furthering the agenda for cooperative federalism, NITI Aayog has launched
SATH, a program providing ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human
capital’ with the State Governments. The vision of the program is to initiate
transformation in the education and health sectors. The program addresses the
need expressed by many states for technical support from NITI .
SATH aims to identify and build three future ‘role model’ states for health
systems. NITI will work in close collaboration with their state machinery to
design a robust roadmap of intervention, develop a program governance
structure, set up monitoring and tracking mechanisms, hand-hold state
institutions through the execution stage and provide support on a range of
institutional measures to achieve the end objectives. The program will be
implemented by NITI along with McKinsey & Company and IPE Global
consortium, who were selected through a competitive bidding process.
To select the three model states, NITI defined a three-stage process –

expression of interest, presentations by the states and assessment of
commitment to health sector reforms. NITI invited all states and UTs to
participate in the program. Sixteen states expressed prima facie interest, of
which fourteen made their presentations. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar,
Chandigarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,
Odisha, Punjab, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh presented their project proposal
to a Committee headed by Member of NITI Aayog, Shri Bibek Debroy and
comprising of CEO, Amitabh Kant as well as a representative from the Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare.
Of these fourteen states, five have been shortlisted. Subsequently, three will be
selected on the basis of further evaluations and objective assessment of criteria
affecting the potential for impact and likelihood of success. Metrics such as
MMR, IMR, incidence of malaria and others have been considered for
determining potential impact while density of doctors and nurses, compliance
to IPHS norms are some of the metrics used to determine likelihood of success.
The program will be launched in the three selected states after the signing of
MoUs.
****
AKT/NT
ReleasesPhotosFeaturesInvitations
Government Of India
Ministry of Finance
(09-June, 2017 13:17 IST )
GST Council constitutes 18 Sectoral Groups for smooth roll-out of GST
As decided in the 14th Meeting of the GST Council held on 18th-19th May, 2017 in

Srinagar, J&K, 18 Sectoral Groups have been constituted representing various sectors of the
economy in order to ensure smooth roll-out of GST. These 18 Sectoral Groups representing
various sectors of the economy and containing Senior Officers of the Centre and the States are
being set-up to ensure smooth implementation of GST by timely responding to the issues and
problems of their respective Sector(s).
In fact, they are being with the following objectives:

i) Interact and examine representations received from trade and industry
associations/bodies of their respective sector.
ii) Highlight specific issues for the smooth transition of the respective sector to the
GST regime.
iii) Prepare sector specific draft guidance.

These Sectoral Working Groups consist of Senior Officers from the Centre and the States.

18 Sectoral Groups along with the names of Co-convenor(s) are as follows:

S. Sector Central Government State Government
No.
Name & Designation Name & Designation
1 Banking, Financial & Upender Gupta, Dhananjay Akhade, Jt.
Insurance Commissioner, GST Policy Commissioner, Maharashtra
Wingh, CBEC
2 Telecom Amitabh Kumar, Jt. Sh. Mukesh Kumar
Secretary (TRU-II), CBEC Meshram, CCT, Uttar
Pradesh
3 Exports (incl EOUs and Dr. Tejpal Singh, ADG, Amitabh Jain, Principal
SEZs) DGEP, CBEC Secretary, Chhattisgarh
4. IT & ITes M. Vinod Kumar, Chief Ms. Smaraki Mahapatra,
Commissioner, CBEC CCT, West Bengal
5 Transport & Logistics J.M. Kennedy, ADG, DRI, Ms. Sujatha Chaturvedi, Pr.
CBEC Secretary, Bihar
6 Textiles Yogendra Garg, Ms. Mona Khandhar,
Commissioner, CBEC Secretary (EA), Gujarat
7 MSMEs (incl. job work) Manish Sinha, H. Rajesh Prasad,
Commissioner, CBEC & Commissioner, VAT, Delhi
GST Council
8 Oil & Gas (upstream & P.K. Jain, Chief Anurag Goel, CCT, Assam
downstream) Commissioner, (AR), CBEC
9 Gems & Jewellery Reyaz Ahmad, Director Dr. P.D. Vaghela, CCT,
(TRU) Gujarat
10 Services received and D.P. Nagendra Kumar, Pr. Arun Mishra, Additional
provided by Government Commissioner, CBEC Secretary (CT) Bihar
11 Food Processing Ajay Jain, Chief Khalid Anwar, Sr. Jt. CCT,
Commissioner, CBEC West Bengal
12 E-commerce R. Sriram, Commissioner, Ritvik Pandey, CCT,
CBEC Karnataka
13 Big Infra (Airport & Sea Sandeep Prakash, J. Syamala Rao, CCT,
ports including Commissioner, CBEC Andhra Pradesh
Maintenance, Repair &
Overhaul, Power Sector,
Housing and Construction)
14 Travel & Tourism Smt. Sungita Sharma, Pr. Raghwendra Kumar Singh,
Commissioner, CBEC CCT, Madhya Pradesh
(Indore)
15 Handicrafts Pradeep Goel, Ms. Sangeetha P. CCT,
Commissioner, CBEC Chhattisgarh
16 Media & Entertainment M. Srinivas, Commissioner, Omnarayan Chainsukhji
CBEC Bhangdiya, Addl.
Commissioner, Sales Tax,
Maharashtra, Pune
17 Drugs & Pharmaceuticals A.R.S. Kumar, Dr. M.P. Ravi Prasad, Joint
Commissioner, CBEC CCT, Karnataka
18 Mining S.N. Singh, Chief, Praveen Gupta, Secretary
Commissioner, CBEC (Finance), Rajasthan

The officials of these Sectoral Groups will deal with the issues and the problems of the
respective sector(s) they represent. Concerned industry Groups/Associations or even individual
industry representative(s) may approach the respective Sectoral Group officers with their
problems, if any, relating to GST implementation who, in turn, will try to guide and help them in
resolving the same. This exercise will help in dealing with most of the sectoral problems and
issues at the local/regional level.

******************
DSM/KA

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Government of India
09-June-2017 10:48 IST
Water level of 91 Major Reservoirs of the country goes down by One per cent
June 08, 2017 was 31.862 BCM, which is 20% of total storage capacity of these
reservoirs. This percentage was at 21 for the week ending on June 01, 2017. The level of
June 08, 2017 was 130% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 107% of
storage of average of last ten years.
country. 37 Reservoirs out of these 91 have hydropower benefit with installed capacity of
more than 60 MW.
NORTHERN REGION
The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There
are 6 reservoirs under Central Water Commission (CWC) monitoring having total live
storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 4.72
BCM which is 26% of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during
corresponding period of last year was 22% and average storage of last ten years during
corresponding period was 28% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage
during current year is better than the corresponding period of last year but is less than the
EASTERN REGION
The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura.
There are 15 reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of
18.83 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 4.31 BCM which is
23% of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding
period of last year was 18% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding
period was 17% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current
year is better than the corresponding period of last year and is also better than the average
storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.
WESTERN REGION
The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 27 reservoirs
under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of 27.07 BCM. The total live
storage available in these reservoirs is 6.00 BCM which is 22% of total live storage
capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was
12% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 21% of live
storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is better than the
storage of last year and is also better than the average storage of last ten years during the
CENTRAL REGION
Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage
capacity of 42.30 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 13.04 BCM
which is 31% of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during
during current year is better than the storage of last year and is also better than the
SOUTHERN REGION
The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, AP&TG (Two
combined projects in both states) Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 31
reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of 51.59 BCM. The
total live storage available in these reservoirs is 3.79 BCM which is 7 % of total live
storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year
was 10% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 17% of
live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the
corresponding period of last year and is also less than the average storage of last ten years
during the corresponding period.
States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal
Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. States having
equal storage than last year for corresponding period are AP&TG (Two combined
projects in both states). States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding
period are Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
*******
Samir/JD/jk
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Government of India
Ministry of External Affairs
17-June-2017 17:11 IST
Opening of new Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) in the Second
Phase
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts (DOP) have
decided to utilize the Head Post Offices (HPO)/ Post Offices in the country as Post Office
Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for delivery of passport related services to the citizens of the
country. The objective of this partnership is to extend passport related services on a larger scale
and to ensure wider area coverage. In the first phase, it has been decided to open 86 POPSK in
the country. 52 POPSK have become functional. MEA and DOP are working closely for the
operationalization of passport related services at the remaining 34 POPSK in the first phase.

Following the successful functioning of these POPSK and the positive response received
from the people, MEA and DOP have now decided to open another 149 POPSK at the following
places to take the total number of POPSK to 235 in the country:

S.No. Tota
State/UT Place
. l
Andhra Anantpur, Chitoor, Guntur, Krishna, Ongole, Rajamundry,

1 7
Pradesh Srikakulam
Arunachal
2 Changlang, Tirap 2
Pradesh
Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar,
3 Assam 9
Mangaldoi, North Lakhim Pur, Sonitpur, Tinsukia
Begusarai, Buxar, East Champaran, Gaya, Madhubani,
4 Bihar 9
Samastipur, Supaul, Munger, Navada
5 Chattisgarh Durg, Rajnandgaon 2
Anand, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Junagarh, Kheda,
6 Gujarat 8
Navsari, Valsad
7 Haryana Bhiwani, Kaithal, Narnaul, Panipat, Rohtak, Sonipat, 7
S.No. Tota
State/UT Place
. l
Yamunanagar
Himachal
8 Kangra, Mandi, Una 3
Pradesh
9 J&K Anantnag, Baramula, Kathua 3
10 Jharkhand Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Medininagar 3
Bellary, Bidar, Raichur, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Udipi,
11 Karnataka 7
Vijayapur
12 Kerala Chengannur, Idukki 2
Madhya Balaghat, Chhindwara, Dewas, Hoshangabad, Sehore, Sidhi,
13 9
Pradesh Ujjain, Betul, Shivni
Ahmednagar, Jalna, Latur, Pandharpur, Sangli, Sindhudurg,
14 Maharashtra 11
Wardha, Navi Mumbai, Dombivali, Panvel, Nanded
15 Meghalaya Baghmara, Tura 2
16 Odisha Balasore, Berhampur, Bhawanipatna 3
Moga,Sangrur, Tarn Taran, SBS Nagar (Nawan Shahar),
17 Punjab 5
Phagwara
18 Puducherry Karaikal 1
Ajmer, Churu, Dungarpur, Hanumangarh, Karauli-Dhaulpur,
19 Rajasthan 11
Nagaur, Sriganganagar, Alwar, Chittorgarh, Banswara, Pali
Cuddalore, Dindigul, Namakkal, Perambalur, Pudukkottai,
20 Tamil Nadu Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Tiruppur, Viluppuram, 11
Virudhunagar, Kanyakumari(N)
21 Telangana Adilabad, Medak, Khammam, Siddipet, Nalgonda 5
22 Uttarakhand Pauri, Roorkee, Rudrapur 3
Aligarh, Amethi, Azamgarh, Bahraich, Ballia, Balrampur,
23 Uttar Pradesh Barabanki, Basti, Gonda, Jaunpur, Kushinagar, Mau, Sitapur, 19
Muradabad, Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli, Rampur, Saharanpur, Unnao
24 West Bengal Bardhman, Barrackpore, Darjeeling, Malda 4
25 Delhi Krishna Nagar, Lodhi Road, Saket 3
Total 149

The Ministry of External Affairs has opened 14 Passport Seva Laghu Kendras (PSLK)
after May 2014 including all the North Eastern States. Two more PSLK at Siliguri in West
Bengal and at Sholapur in Maharashtra are scheduled to be inaugurated shortly to take the total
number of Passport Seva Kendras in the country to 93. With the addition of 235 POPSK, the
total number of Passport Seva Kendras including POPSK to be added by the present Government
for the benefit of the citizens would be 251.

*****
YSK/AK/SJ
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Government of India
07-June-2017 17:17 IST
RSETI Diwas 2017
As part of multi-pronged strategy to address rural poverty, Ministry of Rural

Development (MoRD) is undertaking two initiatives in skill development under the
National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM):

(i) Placement linked skill development program called DDU-GKY which allows
skilling and assured wage employment.
(ii) Skill development through 587 Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes
(RSETI) in the country, which provides skilling, thereby enabling the trainee to take bank
credit and start his/her own Micro-enterprise.

The Ministry today celebrated 4th RSETI Diwas in recognition of outstanding
performance of RSETIs in various states. A total of 88 awards were given for the years
2014-15 and 2015-16 to best performing States, lead Banks administering RSETIs and
Directors of RSETIs. Top performing States in different categories include Jharkhand,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Amongst Banks the top performers
are State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Syndicate Bank, ICICI and Andhra Bank.

Top performing RSETIs include training institutes of SBI Vijayanagaram, SBI
Vishakapatinam, PNB Gaya, Canara Bank Halial and Davangere, Syndicate Bank
Manipal and Meerut, Andhra Bank Srikakulam, ICICI Jodhpur and Udaipur, and
RUDSETI Ananthapur and Bijapur.

At present 587 RSETIs are functioning in the Country, covering 32 States/UTs with the
participation of 37Sponsor Banks. Over 22 Lakh unemployed youth have been trained by
RSETIs and 13 Lakh of them are engaged in self-employment. Of these credit linkage
has been provided to nearly 6 lakhs candidates.

RSETIs have aligned their curriculum with Common Norms for skill development
courses. It offers skilling in 56 NSQF aligned courses specially designed for
entrepreneurship development.

The 4th RSETI Diwas celebration was chaired by Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union
Minister, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation. He
emphasised the need for increase in rural entrepreneurship for sustainable livelihoods. He
also emphasised on how rural livelihoods playing a strategic role in development of the
rural clusters. To carry forward this momentum he appealed to the Banks to give their
cooperation.

Dr. Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State for Finance, appealed to the Banks who
have sponsored the RSETIs in their Lead Districts to develop these Centres as ‘Centres of
Excellence’ in the field of Entrepreneurship development as also increase lending to the
youth skilled in RSETIs.

Shri Ram Kirpal Yadav, Minister of State for Rural Development lauded the role of
RSETIs in the nation building exercise by capacity building of the unemployed youth
throughout the Country.

.
The founder member of RUDSET Self-employment initiative, Dr D Veerendra Heggade,
also participated in the event and blessed budding entrepreneurs’ success.
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Government of India
07-June-2017 15:55 IST
33,76,793 Individual Household Toilets and 1,28,946 Community Toilet Seats
built so far, says Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu
43,200 out of 81,015 urban wards achieved 100% Door to Door collection and
transport of Municipal Solid Waste
The Union Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the 9th
foundation day of The Foundation for Restoration of National Values (FRNV) here today. The
event is co-sponsored by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and ‘Swachh Bharat’ is the
theme of the event.

Addressing the gathering, Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu complimented FRNV for selecting Swachh
Bharat as the theme for its foundation day. He said that the lack of cleanliness and unhygienic
living conditions that we see in India today is a reflection of rapidly declining values and fading
culture. Mounds of garbage on the road, littering in public places, destroying forests, clearly
reflect that there is complete lack of respect for others and basic human values, he added. The
Minister said that there is a need to radically change our perception of ‘waste’ as ‘assets’ or
‘resources’ rather than something to be discarded.

Shri Naidu said that Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in October, 2014, is the biggest ever mass
mobilization undertaken, to make our country clean. He said that women are playing a key role
in this movement. He cited some instances like,
 Sangita Ahwale of Saikheda village in Washim district Maharashtra has sold her
‘mangalsutra’ to build a toilet.
 104 year old Kunwar Bai of Kotabharri village in Dhamtari district of Chattisgarh sold
her goats to do the same.
 20 year old Priyanka Adivasi of Gopalpur village of Kolras block returned to her parents
as there is no toilet at her in-laws house and her husband now promised to build one.
 A Muslim woman in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh gifted a toilet to her new
daughter-inn-law since she did not want the new member of her family suffer the way she
did without a toilet.
 A school girl Lavanaya from Karnataka went on hunger strike demanding toilets for all
the 80 households in her village.
 A few weeks ago, Versova beach in Mumbai, which was infamous for its filth has now
transformed into a clean and beautiful beach. People toiled for about 80-90 weeks,
extracting thousands of tonnes of waste materials. This campaign was owned by Versova
Residence volunteer, a gentleman called Afroz Shah who started this mission from
October, 2015 whole heartedly with all his might and slowly people started joining his
bandwagon and turned it into a people's movement.

Shri Naidu said that the mission has gained significant momentum over the last three years. He
said that 33,76,793 Individual Household Toilets and 1,28,946 Community Toilet Seats have so
far been built. The Minister said that 688 cities have been so far declared Open Defecation free
(ODF) and 531 of them have been independently verified and certified as ODF. Andhra Pradesh
and Gujarat have declared all cities and towns as ODF, he added. Shri Naidu said that 100%
Door to Door collection and transport of Municipal Solid Waste has been achieved in 43,200
wards out of the total 81,015 urban wards.

The Minister said that in a short span of about three years, the initiative Swachh Bharat Mission
has truly become a people’s movement in the country and it is only because of involvement of
Public Representatives, SHGs, officials, media, NGOs, UN agencies, celebrities, educational
institutions, trade unions, Business Icons and Spiritual leaders. He said that FRNV as an
organisation has done considerable work in the space of sanitation, hygiene and cleanliness and
we need more and more organisations like this to help us achieve the goal.

During the event, Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu also released a Souvenir, which contains the case
studies on Waste Management.

The President, FRNV Dr E. Sreedharan said that Swachh Bharat Mission is more important than
some of the economic reforms ushered in the country. He said that Swachh Bharat initiative
deserves all our support and assistance. Cleanliness shall start from our heart, our home and our
surroundings, he added.

****
KM
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Government of India
Ministry of Power
05-June-2017 14:33 IST
Government to implement India’s first Rural LED Street Lighting Project in
Andhra Pradesh
10 lakh LED street lights to be installed in Gram Panchayats of 7 districts in

State; Guntur, Prakasham, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Ananthapur & Chittoor
in first phase
Estimated Annual Savings in Energy Consumption to be 147 million units and

prevent 12 crore tonnes equivalent of CO2 emissions
Government of India, through the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the
Ministry of Power, would be retrofitting 10 lakh conventional street lights with LED
lights in Gram Panchayats of 7 districts in Andhra Pradesh. This is the first project for
rural LED street lighting in the country under the Government of India’s Street Lighting
National Project (SLNP). In the first phase, the replacement will be undertaken in gram
panchayats of the districts of Guntur, Prakasham, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Ananthapur
and Chittoor.
This replacement drive in rural areas will help the gram panchayats to cumulatively save
approximately 147 million units of electricity annually and lead to reduction of 12 crore
tonnes of CO2. The entire upfront capital cost of this project is being funded by French
Development Agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD). As part of the
project, EESL would be carrying out the entire annual maintenance and warranty
replacement in these gram panchayats for a period of 10 years.
Earlier this year, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, had
stated that approximately 30 lakh conventional street lights across villages in the state
would be replaced by LED street lights by 2018. Through the installation of 10 lakh LED
street lights, EESL has assured the State government of approximately 59 percent savings
in electricity, which translates to annual monetary savings of ₹88.2 crores.
Andhra Pradesh was the first state to seek assistance from EESL to replace conventional
street lighting with LED lighting in Visakhapatnam, after the cyclone Hudhud caused
extensive damage to the then existing street lighting infrastructure. Ever since then, EESL
has installed over 5,90,000 LED street lights in the State. These installations have led to
an annual savings of over 7.8 crore kWh, translating into an annual reduction of over
65,000 tonnes of CO2.
Nationally, over 23 lakh conventional street lights have been replaced by LED street
lights in 21 States of India. As per the 18th Electric Power Survey of Central Electricity
Authority (CEA), the estimated energy consumption in Indian public lighting sector is
8478 M KWh in 2012-13 and is constantly growing at a CAGR of 7 percent. Keeping in
mind this growth rate, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched 100 cities National
Programme on January 5, 2015 to convert conventional street and domestic lights with
energy efficient LED lights. Under Street Light National Programme (SLNP), the
government aims at replacement of 1.34 crore conventional street lights across the
country.
*****
RM/VM
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Government of India
Ministry of Finance
05-June-2017 19:15 IST
24 States pass the State GST (SGST) Act While 7 States viz.
Meghalaya,Punjab,Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir and
West Bengal have yet to pass the SGST Act.
Twenty Four (24) States have passed the State GST (SGST) Act till today i.e. 5 th June,
2017 while 7 States viz. Meghalaya, Punjab,Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka,
Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal have yet to passthe State GST (SGST) Act .
The details of the States which have passed the State GST Act till today are as
follows:

7 States viz. Meghalaya, Punjab,Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir
and West Bengal have yet to pass the SGST Act.

Sl. No. Name of the State Date on which SGST Act passed
in the Assembly
1. Telangana Act Passed on 9th April 2017
2. Bihar Act Passed on 24th April, 2017
th
3. Rajasthan Act Passed on 26 April 2017
th
4. Jharkhand Act Passed on 27 April, 2017
th
5. Chhattisgarh Act Passed on 28 April, 2017
6. Uttarakhand Act Passed on 2nd May, 2017
rd
7. Madhya Pradesh Act Passed on 3 May, 2017
th
8. Haryana Act Passed on 4 May, 2017
9. Goa Act Passed on 9th May, 2017
th
10. Gujarat Act Passed on 9 May, 2017
th
11. Assam Act Passed on 11 May, 2017
12. Arunachal Act Passed on 12th May, 2017
Pradesh
13. Andhra Pradesh Act Passed on 16th May, 2017
14. Uttar Pradesh Act Passed on 16th May, 2017 (in
both the Houses)
15. Puducherry Act Passed on 17th May, 2017
th
16. Odisha Act Passed on 19 May, 2017
nd
17. Maharashtra Act Passed on 22 May, 2017
th
18. Tripura Act Passed on 25 May, 2017
19. Sikkim Act Passed on 25th May, 2017
th
20. Mizoram Act Passed on 25 May, 2017
th
21. Nagaland Act Passed on 27 May, 2017
22. Himachal Pradesh Act Passed on 27th May, 2017
st
23. Delhi Act Passed on 31 May, 2017
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24. Manipur Act Passed on 5 June, 2017

STATES YET TO PASS SGST ACT

Sl. No. Name of the State
1. Meghalaya
2. Punjab
3. Tamil Nadu
4. Karnataka
5. Kerala
6. Jammu & Kashmir
7. West Bengal

*****
DSM/KA
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Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
05-June-2017 16:52 IST
Leading Importers and Exporters participate in the Mango Buyer Seller Meet
Twenty one leading importers from China, Iran, Japan, Australia, Mauritius, Republic of
Korea and UAE, participated in the Mango Buyer Seller meet(BSM) organized by
APEDA today. More than 100 exporters from across the country participated in the
Buyer Seller meet. One of the leading importers M/s Dalian Yidufrom China having a
chain of stores interacted with the Indian exporters and expressed his positive response
towards the Indian fruit offered. Some of the leading exporters such as M/s Bombay
Exports, M/s Asar Brothers, Kaybee Exports, etc. informed about the very good response
during the BSM. Another important highlight of the event was wet sampling of different
commercial varieties of mango like, Alphonso, Kesar, Banganpalli, Totapuri, Dussheri,
Langda, Chausa, etc. Local indigenous varieties of mango like SelamGundu, Mallika,
Peter, Rumani, Neelam, HimamPasand, Mulgoa, Kundath, ArkaAnmol, Fazli, etc.
State horticulture departments from ten mango producing states displayed wide range of
varieties grown in respective states. These states were provided with stall for showcasing
their products along with their strengths. APEDA showcased range of fresh fruits at its
pavilion to sensitize the importers about the offerings by India in fresh sector. Along with
the fresh fruits segment, value added products of mango such as MangoPulp, Pickles,
Chutneys, Jams & Jellies, Juices, etc. were also displayed.
The event was inaugurated by Mr. AlokVardhanChaturvedi, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of

Commerce & Industry and was joined by Mr. DK Singh, Chairman APEDA, Dr. Shakil P
Ahammed, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture &Farmers’ Welfare, Mr.
KadireGowda, Managing Director, Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing
Corporation, Mr. ChiranjivChaudhary, Commissioner Horticulture, Andhra Pradesh, Ms.
MadhumitaSinha Ray, Commissioner Horticulture, West Bengal and senior officers from
various State Governments.
On the second day of the BSM, visit of importers to the common infrastructure facilities
in Mumbai is being organized to showcase the India’s capability to export quality and
pest free produce which will create confidence among the importers.These facilities
included, Gamma Irradiation facility, Hot water treatment facility, Vapor Heat treatment
facility and integrated pack house.
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Government of India
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
05-June-2017 17:59 IST
Handbook, Module & Guidelines on Safe Childhood Programme for Gram
Panchayats Released
A Handbook along with Module & Guidelines on protection of Child Rights at Gram
Panchayat level was released jointly by National Commission for Protection of Child
Rights (NCPCR), Ministry of Panchayati Raj and UNICEF at New Delhi today. The
Handbook, Module & Guidelines will be useful for the functionaries of the Panchayati
Raj Institutions in protecting the rights of children at the village level.
Releasing the Handbook, Secretary of Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Jitendra
Shankar Mathur called it as a landmark occasion. He said, “Unless and until communities
are involved, making a difference in the lives of children at the village level is an uphill
task.” Shri. Mathur also said that the beneficial legislations which are available in the
country should be implemented in reality to empower the children of the country. He
suggested that the initiative by NCPCR and UNICEF should be “pursued vigorously” for
quick outcomes.
NCPCR Chairperson, Smt. Stuti Kacker, who spoke about the importance of community
support which was available in earlier times said that today, with changing socio-
economic conditions, children are not always safe. Therefore, she said, involvement of
Gram Panchayats will go a long way for a safe and secure childhood. Smt. Kacker said
keeping that in view, the Handbook, Module & Guidelines have been prepared in
collaboration with UNICEF.
Highlighting that children migrate towards cities because they feel cities have luxuries
and better opportunities, NCPCR Member Smt. Rupa Kapoor said the idea of community
participation is to retain children in villages. Child-friendly Panchayats or Bal
Panchayats, recreational activities for children at the Panchayat level and vocational
training for children to make a livelihood for themselves are some of the additions
proposed to be made to the already-existing Panchayat systems in the country. Stating
that no new resources will be required for the initiative and mentioned that the
Programme will be launched in 14 States initially (Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar,
Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka,
Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Uttharakhand, Uttar Pradesh) where State
Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) have a proven track-record of
initiatives pertaining to children and are strong and active in the field of Child Rights.
The Programme will cover the entire country later.
Stating the importance of Panchayats in preventing incidences of child abuse and in

protecting rights of children at the village level, Chief, Child Protection, UNICEF, Shri.
Javier Aguilar, emphasized the need of mobilizing communities for trickling down of
information on their rights and services to the children.
Safe Childhood Programme will contribute in improving the current scenario related to
health, development, education and protection of children. Children are vulnerable and
subject to abuse and exploitation in day to day life. To counter it, this Handbook will help
Panchayat Members and other stakeholders to understand their role and actions in
protection of children at the village level resulting in better convergence of programmes
and increased allocation of resources to address Child Right issues. NCPCR will receive
reports on its implementation each month from the 14 States. After one year, the
Commission will evaluate the impact and felicitate those States which achieve good
results.
NCPCR Member Shri. Yashwant Jain and Member Secretary, Smt. Geeta Narayan,
Chairpersons/Members of the 14 State Commissions were also present on the occasion.
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SNC
Buyer Seller Meet on Mangoes on 5th -6th June at Mumbai
APEDA is organizing a Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) on 5th -6th June, 2017 at Mumbai. The programme will facilitate
the interaction of Buyers of mangoes from China, Japan, Australia, Iran, Mauritius, South Korea and Dubai with the
concerned Government officials of mango exporting states and the mango exporters. About 30 leading importers
from their countries are exported to participate in the event.
The objective of the event is to provide a platform for interaction of exporters and importers of mangoes, to promote
exports of mangoes from the country. The Buyer Seller Meet has been scheduled on the first day (5th June, 2017) in
Hotel Fortune, Navi Mumbai. There are about 60 exporters from the country who would be participating in the
event. State Governments of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telanagana, Kerala,
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are participating in the BSM and would be showcasing their variety of mangoes through a
stall put up separately for each State. Information related to mangoes would be disseminated through various
publicity material prepared. Further, a provision has been made for wet sampling of mangoes to the buyers of the
different countries, so that they can appreciate a vast range of mango and its taste. The second day (6th June, 2017)
of the event is plan to showcase the critical infrastructure set up for export of mangoes namely Hot Water Treatment
facility, Vapour Heat Treatment facility and Irradiation Facility. The idea is to create confidence among buyers
about the quality improvements made by India and its commitment to export safe food products. The event is going
to be inaugurated by Shri Alok Vardhan Chaturvedi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
Govt. of India. The event would be joined by Shri D.K. Singh, Chairman, APEDA, Dr. Shakil P. Ahamed, Joint
Secretary, MIDH, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry
of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
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Government of India
02-June-2017 11:52 IST
PM greets people of Telangana, on the Statehood Day; Extends wishes to people
of Andhra Pradesh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has greeted the people of Telangana, on the
Statehood Day. The Prime Minister also extended his wishes to the people of Andhra
Pradesh.
"Statehood Day wishes to the people of Telangana. I pray for the progress and prosperity
of the state in the times to come.
My good wishes to the dynamic people of Andhra Pradesh. May AP touch new heights of
development and continue to contribute to India's growth", the Prime Minister said.
***
AKT/AK
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Government of India
NITI Aayog
02-June-2017 13:07 IST
Highlights of initiatives under NITI Aayog
NITI Ayog, The National Institution for Transforming India, was formed via a resolution of
the Union Cabinet on January 1, 2015. NITI Ayog has emerged as the premier policy ‘Think
Tank’ of the Government of India fostering the spirit of cooperative federalism under the
dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Ever since its inception the
institution has taken a series of initiatives aimed at giving a push to the economy and
transforming the lives of millions across the country.
Following are the highlights of the initiatives taken by NITI Ayog:
I. Vision Document, Strategy & Action Agenda beyond 12 th Five Year

Plan: Replacing the Five Year Plans beyond 31 st March, 2017, NITI Aayog is in the
process of preparing the 15-year vision document keeping in view the social goals set
and/ or proposed for a period of 15 years; A 7-year strategy document spanning 2017-
18 to 2023-24 to convert the longer-term vision into implementable policy and action
as a part of a “National Development Agenda” is also being worked upon. The 3-year
Action Agenda for 2017-18 to 2019-20, aligned to the predictability of financial
resources during the 14th Finance Commission Award period, has been completed and
will be submitted before the Hon’ble PM on April 23rd at the 3rd Governing Council
Meeting

II. Reforms in Agriculture:

a. Model Land Leasing Law
Taking note of increasing incidents of leasing in and out of land and suboptimal use of
land with lesser number of cultivators, NITI Aayog has formulated a Model Agricultural
Land Leasing Act, 2016 to both recognize the rights of the tenant and safeguard interest
of landowners. A dedicated cell for land reforms was also set up in NITI. Based on the
model act, Madhya Pradesh has enacted separate land leasing law and Uttar Pradesh and
Uttarakhand have modified their land leasing laws. Some States, including Odisha,
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are already at an advance stage of formulating
legislations to enact their land leasing laws for agriculture.
b. Reforms of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act
NITI Aayog consulted with the States on 21 October 2016 on three critical reforms –
(i) Agricultural marketing reforms
(ii) Felling and transit laws for tree produce grown at private land
(iii) Agricultural land leasing

Subsequently, Model APMC Act version 2 prepared. States are being consulted to adopt
APMC Act version 2.
c. Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index
NITI Aayog has developed the first ever ‘Agriculture Marketing and Farmer Friendly
Reforms Index’ to sensitise states about the need to undertake reforms in the three key
areas of Agriculture Market Reforms, Land Lease Reforms and Forestry on Private Land
(Felling and Transit of Trees). The index carries a score with a minimum value “0”
implying no reforms and maximum value “100” implying complete reforms in the
selected areas.
As per NITI Aayog’s index, Maharashtra ranks highest in implementation of various
agricultural reforms. The State has implemented most of the marketing reforms and offers
the best environment for undertaking agri-business among all the States and UTs.
Gujarat ranks second with a score of 71.50 out of 100, closely followed by Rajasthan and
Madhya Pradesh. Almost two third States have not been able to reach even the halfway
mark of reforms score, in the year 2016-17. The index aims to induce a healthy
competition between States and percolate best practices in implementing farmer-friendly
reforms.
III. Reforming Medical Education

A committee chaired by Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog recommended scrapping of the
Medical Council of Indi and suggested a new body for regulating medical education. The
draft legislation for the proposed National Medical Commission has been submitted to
the Government for further necessary action.
IV. Digital Payments Movement:
a. An action plan on advocacy, awareness and co-ordination of handholding efforts

among general public, micro enterprises and other stakeholders was prepared.
Appropriate literature in print and multimedia was prepared on the subject for
widespread dissemination. Presentations/ interactions were organized by NITI
Aayog for training and capacity building of various Ministries/Departments of
Government of India, representatives of State/UTs, Trade and Industry Bodies as
well as all other stakeholders.
b. NITI Aayog also constituted a Committee of Chief Ministers on Digital Payments

on 30th November 2016 with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh,
Chandrababu Naidu, as the Convener to promote transparency, financial inclusion
and a healthy financial ecosystem nationwide. The Committee submitted its
interim report to Hon’ble Prime Minister in January 2017.
c. To incentivize the States/UTs for promotion of digital transactions, Central

assistance of Rs. 50 crore would be provided to the districts for undertaking
Information, Education and Communication activities to bring 5 crore Jan Dhan
accounts to digital platform.
d. Cashback and referral bonus schemes were launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister
on 14.4.2017 to promote the use of digital payments through the BHIM App.
e. Niti Aayog also launched two incentive schemes to to promote digital payments
across all sections of society - the Lucky Grahak Yojana and the Digi Dhan
Vyapar Yojana –Over 16 lakh consumers and merchants have won Rs. 256 crore
under these two schemes .
f. Digi Dhan Melas were also held for 100 days in 100 cities, from December 25th to
April 14th.

V. Atal Innovation Mission: The Government has set up Atal Innovation Mission
(AIM) in NITI Aayog with a view to strengthen the country’s innovation and
entrepreneurship ecosystem by creating institutions and programs that spur innovation
in schools, colleges, and entrepreneurs in general. In 2016-17, the following major
schemes were rolled out:
a. Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): To foster creativity and scientific temper in students,
AIM is helping to establish 500 ATLs in schools across India, where students can
design and make small prototypes to solve challenges they see around them, using
rapid prototyping technologies that have emerged in recent years.
b. Atal Incubation Centres (AICs): AIM will provide financial support of Rs.10
crore and capacity buidling for setting AICs across India, which will help startups
expand quicker and enable innovation-entrepreneurship, in core sectors such as
manufacturing, transport, energy, education, agriculture, water and sanitation, etc.

VI. Indices Measuring States’ Performance in Health, Education and Water
Management: As part of the Prime Minister’s Focus on outcomes, NITI has come out
with indices to measure incremental annual outcomes in critical social sectors like health,
education and water with a view to nudge the states into competing with each other for
better outcomes, while at the same time sharing best practices & innovations to help each
other - an example of competitive and cooperative federalism..

VII. Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Rationalization of Centrally Sponsored

Schemes: Based on the recommendations of this Sub-Group, a Cabinet note was
prepared by NITI Aayog which was approved by the Cabinet on 3 rd August, 2016.
Among several key decision, the sub-group led to the rationalization of the existing
CSSs into 28 umbrella schemes.

VIII. Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Constituted by NITI
Aayog on 9th March, 2015, the Sub-Group has submitted its report to the Hon’ble
Prime Minister in October, 2015 and most of its recommendations have been
accepted.

th
IX. Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Skill Development: Constituted on 9 March,
2015, the report of the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Skill Development was
presented before the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 31/12/2015. The recommendation and
actionable points emerging from the Report were approved by the Hon’ble Prime
Minister and are in implementation by the Ministry of Skill Development

th
X. Task Force on Elimination of Poverty in India: Constituted on 16 March, 2015
under the Chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, the
report of the Task Force was finalized and submitted to Hon’ble Prime Minister on
11th July, 2016. The report of the Task Force primarily focusses on issues of
measurement of poverty and strategies to combat poverty. Regarding estimation of
poverty, the report of the Task Force states that “a consensus in favour of either the
Tendulkar or a higher poverty line did not emerge. Therefore, the Task Force has
concluded that the matter be considered in greater depth by the country’s top experts
on poverty before a final decision is made. Accordingly, it is recommended that an
expert committee be set up to arrive at an informed decision on the level at which the
poverty line should be set.” With respect to strategies to combat poverty, the Task
Force has made recommendations on faster poverty reduction through employment
intensive sustained rapid growth and effective implementation of anti-poverty
programs.

XI. Task Force on Agriculture Development: The Task Force on Agricultural
development was constituted on 16th March, 2015 under the Chairmanship of Dr.
Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog. The Task Force based on its works
prepared an occasional paper entitled “Raising Agricultural Productivity and Making
Farming Remunerative for Farmers” focusing on 5 critical areas of Indian Agriculture.
These are (i) Raising Productivity, (ii) Remunerative Prices to Farmers, (iii) Land
Leasing, Land Records & Land Titles; (iv) Second Green Revolution-Focus on
Eastern States; and (v) Responding to Farmers’ Distress. After taking inputs of all the
States on occasional paper and through their reports, the Task Force submitted the
final report to Prime Minister on 31st May, 2016. It has suggested important policy
measures to bring in reforms in agriculture for the welfare of the farmers as well as
enhancing their income.

XII. Transforming India Lecture Series: As the government’s premier think-tank, NITI
Aayog views knowledge building & transfer as the enabler of real transformation in
States. To build knowledge systems for States and the Centre, NITI Aayog launched
the ‘NITI Lectures: Transforming India’ series, with full support of the Prime Minister
on 26th August 2016. The lecture series is aimed at addressing the top policy making
team of the Government of India, including members of the cabinet and several top
layers of the bureaucracy. It aims is to bring cutting edge ideas in development policy
to Indian policy makers and public, so as to promote the cause of transformation of
India into a prosperous modern economy. The Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister of
Singapore, Shri Tharman Shanmugaratnam, delivered the first lecture on the topic:
India and the Global Economy. On November 16 th, 2016, Bill Gates, Co-Founder, Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation, delivered the second lecture in the series under the
theme: 'Technology and Transformation'.

****

AKT/NT/RK
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Government of India
02-June-2017 11:13 IST
Water Level of 91 major Reservoirs of the Country goes down by One per cent
June 01, 2017 was 33.407 BCM, which is 21% of total storage capacity of these
reservoirs. This percentage was at 22 for the week ending on May 25, 2017. The level of
June 01, 2017 was 128% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 105% of
more than 60 MW.
NORTHERN REGION
are six reservoirs under Central Water Commission (CWC) monitoring having total live
during current year is better than the corresponding period of last year but is less than the
EASTERN REGION
18.83 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 4.86 BCM which is
26% of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding
period of last year was 20% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding
period was 20% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current
year is better than the corresponding period of last year and is also better than the average
storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.
WESTERN REGION
CENTRAL REGION
SOUTHERN REGION
The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, AP&TG (Two
total live storage available in these reservoirs is 3.89 BCM which is 8 % of total live
States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Punjab, Rajasthan,
Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. States having equal storage than last year for
corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, AP&TG (Two combined projects in both
states). States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are
Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
*****
Samir/JD/jk
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Government of India
Ministry of Mines
02-June-2017 18:31 IST
Secretary Mines Arun Kumar Chairs CCEC Meeting of 17 Major Mineral States
71 Major Mineral Blocks in Pipeline for E-Auctioning in Seven States during
2017-18
The Secretary Mines Shri Arun Kumar chaired a meeting of the Coordination- Cum-
Empowered Committee (CCEC) of the major mineral producing states in New Delhi
today. Representatives from seventeen states were present in the meeting. The discussion
mainly focussed on the states’ preparedness for e-auction of mineral blocks for 2017-18.
The seven states informed the Secretary Mines, that as many as 71 blocks have been
identified for e-auctioning during the remaining part of year 2017-18.
These blocks include 6 blocks (2 Gold, 4 cement grade Limestone) in Andhra Pradesh, 11
blocks (4 Bauxite, 7 Limestone) in Chhattisgarh, 12 blocks (3 Bauxite, 9 Limestone) in
Gujarat, 9 blocks (1 Bauxite, 3 Limestone,1 Gold, 1 Graphite, 2 Emerald, 1 Iron Ore) in
Jharkhand, 18 blocks (4 Bauxite, 7 Limestone,1 Gold, 1 Graphite, 2 Manganese, 2 Iron
Ore, 2 Copper) in Maharashtra, 7 blocks (1 Limestone,1 Graphite, 5 Iron Ore) in Odisha
and 8 blocks (7 Limestone, 1 Copper) in Rajasthan.
The Secretary Mines Shri Arun Kumar addressing the CCEC meeting, asked the States to
expedite and monitor the auctions, as recently a large number of leases have elapsed due
to the section 10A(2)(c) of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act
1957, which should now come up for auction route only. He further said that as a large
number of merchant mining leases will come up for auction on 31.3.2020, the States need
to prepare their plans in advance latest by September this year and share it with Mines
Ministry so that production slack can be met and the supply of essential minerals and iron
ore remain smooth. He said, the auctions conducted so far will fetch Rs. 85250 crores to
States of which the additional contribution due to auction is Rs. 67,501 crores over the
licence period of 50 years. Just 4 States constitute 90 % of this takeaway and other states
need to expedite their mining auctions.
The CCEC meeting also discussed other key issues of the mining sector like Minor
Mineral Rules, Status of project implementation under Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra
Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) and the creation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) after
the MMDR Amendment Act with effect from 12 Jan 2015 to address the development
goals of the people affected by mining. The meeting also reviewed the progress in
Mining Tenement System (MTS) implementation, Mining Surveillance System (MSS),
Star rating of mines, and the action plan for auctioning the mining leases expiring in
March 2020.
YSK
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Government of India
01-June-2017 16:18 IST
India is a World leader in Milk Production for the past 15 years primarily due to
the contribution of smallholder milk producers, processors and all other
stakeholders involved: Shri Radha Mohan Singh
In the year 2014-17, milk production increased by 16.9% to 465.5 million tonnes as
compared to 398 million tonnes during 2011-14: Shri Singh
In the year 2014-17, income of farmers increased by 13.79% to Rs.33 per litre as compared
to Rs.29 per litre during 2011-14: Shri Singh
Rashtriya Gokul Mission is a new initiative in the country: Shri Singh
The government of India has approved a new program called National Mission for Bovine
Productivity (NMBP) and allocated Rs.850 crore for increasing milk production and
making dairying more remunerative for farmers: Shri Singh

Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh stated that India is a
World leader in milk production for the past 15 years and this achievement is primarily due to
the contribution of smallholder dairy farmers, milk producers, milk processing and marketing
organisations and various other stakeholders involved. He further said that although considerable
progress has been made in Milk Production, still we have miles to cover in order to provide milk-
based nutrition support to all the children in the country. The Minister was speaking on the
occasion of World Milk Day Celebration at NASC Complex, New Delhi.
Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister said that in the year 2014-17, milk
production increased by 16.9% to 465.5 million tonnes as compared to 398 million tonnes during
2011-14. Similarly, in the year 2014-17, income of farmers increased by 13.79% to Rs.33 per
litre as compared to Rs.29 per litre during 2011-14.
Shri Singh stated that in order to increase the productivity of Indigenous Cattle, the
allocation for preservation and development of Indigenous Breeds has been increased manifold.
For the first time in the country, an initiative called Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been taken with
an objective to preserve and develop indigenous bovine. Major objectives of the mission are
establishment of Gokul Gram, Field Performance recording, awarding farmers and institutes
involved in the scientific rearing of Indigenous animals, strengthening Bull Mother farms, and
inducting high genetic merit Bulls of Indigenous Breed into Semen Stations. Further, two
National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres are being established as centres of excellence for
preservation and development of Indigenous Breeds in a scientific way. Besides being a
storehouse of Indigenous Germplasm, National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres would also be a
source of proven genetics.
Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister said that an amount of Rs.25 crore has
been released for each centre in Madhya Pradesh in North region and Andhra Pradesh in South
region for the establishment of National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre. National Kamdhenu
Breeding Centre in Andhra Pradesh is almost ready.
Shri Singh said that Indigenous Breeds, besides being heat tolerant and resistant to
diseases, are popular for producing A2A2 type milk which protects us from various chronic
health problems such as Cardio Vascular Diseases, Diabetes and Neurological Disorders besides
providing several other health benefits. There is a need to market A2A2 milk separately in the
country.
Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister further, stated that in order to meet the
growing demand of milk and to make milk production more profitable, Government of India has
approved new scheme - National Mission for Bovine Productivity - and allocated Rs.825 crore
for the same. For the first time in the country, E-Pashu Haat portal has been established under
Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The portal would play a vital role in making available quality bovine
germplasm by linking farmers with livestock rearers. This portal would help the livestock rearers
and the farmers to sell and purchase Cattle and Buffaloes of Indigenous Breeds. The Minister
said that Hon’ble Prime Minister has an objective to double farmer’s income by 2022. The dairy
sector will play a significant role in achieving this objective. He stated that all the stakeholders
will have to work together to achieve this objective.
On this occasion, the Minister also distributed National Gopal Ratna and Kamdhenu
Awards to dairy farmers for the year 2017. Both these awards were introduced this year.

SS

compr7.pdf

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Government of India
01-June-2017 16:18 IST
India is a World leader in Milk Production for the past 15 years primarily due to
the contribution of smallholder milk producers, processors and all other
stakeholders involved: Shri Radha Mohan Singh
In the year 2014-17, milk production increased by 16.9% to 465.5 million tonnes as
compared to 398 million tonnes during 2011-14: Shri Singh
In the year 2014-17, income of farmers increased by 13.79% to Rs.33 per litre as compared
to Rs.29 per litre during 2011-14: Shri Singh
Rashtriya Gokul Mission is a new initiative in the country: Shri Singh
The government of India has approved a new program called National Mission for Bovine
Productivity (NMBP) and allocated Rs.850 crore for increasing milk production and
making dairying more remunerative for farmers: Shri Singh

Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh stated that India is a
World leader in milk production for the past 15 years and this achievement is primarily due to
the contribution of smallholder dairy farmers, milk producers, milk processing and marketing
organisations and various other stakeholders involved. He further said that although considerable
progress has been made in Milk Production, still we have miles to cover in order to provide milk-
based nutrition support to all the children in the country. The Minister was speaking on the
occasion of World Milk Day Celebration at NASC Complex, New Delhi.
Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister said that in the year 2014-17, milk
production increased by 16.9% to 465.5 million tonnes as compared to 398 million tonnes during
2011-14. Similarly, in the year 2014-17, income of farmers increased by 13.79% to Rs.33 per
litre as compared to Rs.29 per litre during 2011-14.
Shri Singh stated that in order to increase the productivity of Indigenous Cattle, the
allocation for preservation and development of Indigenous Breeds has been increased manifold.
For the first time in the country, an initiative called Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been taken with
an objective to preserve and develop indigenous bovine. Major objectives of the mission are
establishment of Gokul Gram, Field Performance recording, awarding farmers and institutes
involved in the scientific rearing of Indigenous animals, strengthening Bull Mother farms, and
inducting high genetic merit Bulls of Indigenous Breed into Semen Stations. Further, two
National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres are being established as centres of excellence for
preservation and development of Indigenous Breeds in a scientific way. Besides being a
storehouse of Indigenous Germplasm, National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres would also be a
source of proven genetics.
Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister said that an amount of Rs.25 crore has
been released for each centre in Madhya Pradesh in North region and Andhra Pradesh in South
region for the establishment of National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre. National Kamdhenu
Breeding Centre in Andhra Pradesh is almost ready.
Shri Singh said that Indigenous Breeds, besides being heat tolerant and resistant to
diseases, are popular for producing A2A2 type milk which protects us from various chronic
health problems such as Cardio Vascular Diseases, Diabetes and Neurological Disorders besides
providing several other health benefits. There is a need to market A2A2 milk separately in the
country.
Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister further, stated that in order to meet the
growing demand of milk and to make milk production more profitable, Government of India has
approved new scheme - National Mission for Bovine Productivity - and allocated Rs.825 crore
for the same. For the first time in the country, E-Pashu Haat portal has been established under
Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The portal would play a vital role in making available quality bovine
germplasm by linking farmers with livestock rearers. This portal would help the livestock rearers
and the farmers to sell and purchase Cattle and Buffaloes of Indigenous Breeds. The Minister
said that Hon’ble Prime Minister has an objective to double farmer’s income by 2022. The dairy
sector will play a significant role in achieving this objective. He stated that all the stakeholders
will have to work together to achieve this objective.
On this occasion, the Minister also distributed National Gopal Ratna and Kamdhenu
Awards to dairy farmers for the year 2017. Both these awards were introduced this year.

SS

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Government of India
Ministry of Women and Child Development
25-May-2017 17:54 IST
National Commission for Women holds Interactive Meeting with State
Commissions for Women
Important issues of safety, protection and rights of women discussed at the
meeting
The National Commission for Women organised an Interactive Meeting of the State
Commissions for Women in New Delhi today with a view to strengthening the process of
NCW’s networking with State Commissions for Women and to gain from each other’s
experience. The primary mandate of the National Commission for Women and State
Commissions for Women Commission is to safeguard and protect the interests of women.
It has wide responsibility covering almost all aspects of women development.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson NCW Smt. Lalitha Kumaramangalam, reiterated

on the need for strengthening the process of NCW’s networking with State Commissions
and to gain from each other’s experiences. Smt. Rekha Sharma, Member, NCW in her
address emphasized on the need of setting up of women’s hostels in the States. Smt.
Sushma Sahu, Member, NCW addressing gathering raised the issue of Acid Attack and
implementation of Supreme Court guidelines on ban of unregulated sale of acid. Shri
Alok Rawat, Member , NCW pointed out the problems and issues of women and girls
from the North east who migrate to cities for employment and studies.
The meeting was attended by Chairpersons, Members and Member secretaries of various
State Commissions for Women. 18 States were represented i.e. Assam, Arunachal
Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Mizoram, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh,
Manipur, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Sikkim, etc.
During the meeting participants deliberated on - Safeguards provided for women under
various statutes working in the States, recommendations for effective implementation of
safeguards for improving the condition of women in States, issues and challenges before
the State Commissions for Women, suggestions on how to strengthen convergence
between the Commissions. After the day long deliberations, Dr. Satbir Bedi, Member
Secretary, NCW summed up the recommendations as below:-
i) State Commissions for Women should take up with their respective State Government
for setting up of Hostels for girls and women.
ii) State Commission should pro-actively coordinate and send feedback on the complaint
matters forwarded to them by NCW in the last six months.
iii) SCWs may pursue with the state Government on the implementation of the Supreme
Court judgment on ban of un-regulated sale of acids with a view to prevent horrific
crimes against women specifically acid attacks.
Initiatives by Maharashtra State Commission for Women were applauded by all and it
was decided by other members to initiate similar ones in their states. Other States,
especially from the North East, raised the need for providing vocational guidance to
women. Suggestions about setting up “Women’s courts” and premarital counselling were
also discussed.
*****
NB/UD
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Government of India
Ministry of Culture
24-May-2017 14:31 IST
Exhibition ‘Return of the Three Stone Sculptures from Australia to India’ begins
in National Museum
An exhibition “Return of the Three Stone Sculptures from Australia to India” has begun in
National Museum, Janpath, New Delhi. It has been organised to mark the safe return of three
stone sculptures (Seated Buddha; Worshippers of Buddha; & Goddess Pratyangira) from
Australia to India. These sculptures were purchased by National Gallery of Australia from the
Nancy Wiener, New York in 2007 and Art of the Past, New York, 2005.

Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism Dr. Mahesh Sharma inaugurated the exhibition
yesterday. He attended a special event at National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra,
Australia in which Senator Mitch Fifield formally handed over three ancient artefacts stolen and
smuggled out of India and inadvertently acquired by National Gallery of Australia.

Earlier, during the visit of Australian Prime Minister to India in September, 2014, the Australian
government had also returned sculpture of ‘Dancing Shiva’.

This exhibition is important as it celebrates the return of rare heritage sculptures that were stolen
from the country.

I. The statue of Worshippers of the Buddha : (Satavahana, Ist Century BCE to 2nd Century
CE, Andhra Pradesh, South India, Lime Stone, size: 96.5x106.7x12.7cm). This architecture
piece adorning a stupa (possibly drum slab) is made of limestone. The panel depicts the
worship of some of the Buddhist symbol (possibly chakrastambha or Bodhi tree but it is not
visible as the piece is damaged at the top) kept on a throne, below which the Buddha-pada are
visible. The central objects are flanked by worshipper couples on either sides in standing
posture. On both the sides, male worshippers are represented first followed by the female
worshippers. The most probable offering objects held in their hands are vases with flower or
garlands. This sculpture was unearthed in 1970s during the excavation of a Buddhist stupa at
Chandavaram (District, Prakasham) in Andhra Pradesh.

II. Seated Buddha with large halo : (Kushan, 2nd century CE, Maholi, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Spotted Red sand stone, size: 129.5x101.5x30.5cm). This image represents the Buddha seated
cross legged (Padmasana) wearing ekansika sanghati (drapery covering one shoulder and
arrayed with additional pleats). The transparent effect of the cloth is apparent through the
conspicuous marking of the navel. The image indicates that the right hand was raised in
the abhaya mudra (protection pose) and the left rests on the thigh. The large halo with a
scalped border (hasti nakha) emerges just above the waist. He is shown with an urna,
pralamba karna (elongated ear-lobes), ushnisha and with a filing contemplation on his face.

III. Standing Pratyangira : (Chola, 13th Century CE, Tamil Nadu, South India Grey coloured
granite stone, size: 125.1x55.9x30.5cm). In order to carry out his supreme task of
preservation, Lord Vishnu took incarnation in the form of Narasimha in which he is
represented by a human body and a lion’s head, who destroyed the demon kind
Hiranykashipu, the personification of evil. The deity represented here is a tantric deity who
is the female aspect of God Narasimha also known as Narasimhi. She is invoked in
the Sadhanamala also. She is standing in pralambapadita pose, the face of a roaring and
furious lion while the body is of a female. Flames are coming out of her head. However, the
attributes tridents (trisula) and drum (damaru) in her right hands suggest her to
be Pratyangira, a form of Bhairavi as per Saivite cult. The image was under worship in
Vriddhachalam temple near Chennai before its theft.

*****
Sanjay Kumar/jk/Culture-02/24/05/2017
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Government of India
Cabinet
24-May-2017 19:36 IST
Cabinet approves setting up of new AIIMS in Kamrup, Assam
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its
approval for establishment of new AIIMS at Kamrup (North Guwahati Revenue circle).
The cost of the project is Rs.1123 crore and it will be set up under the Pradhan Mantri
Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
The new AIIMS will be completed in a period of 48 months from the zero date (that is
the date of the approval of Government of India), broadly comprising a pre-construction
phase of 15 months, a construction phase of 30 months and stabilization / commissioning
phase of three months.
Details:
The Institution will consist of a hospital with a capacity of 750 beds, trauma center
facilities, medical college with an intake of 100 MBBS students per year, nursing college
with an intake of 60 B.Sc. (Nursing) students per year, residential complexes and allied
facilities / services, broadly on the pattern of AIIMS, New Delhi. The hospital will have
22 Speciality/Super-Speciality Departments including 16 Operation Theaters. It will also
have an AYUSH department with 30 beds for providing treatment facilities in traditional
system of medicine.
Impact:
The establishment of new AIIMS will serve the dual purpose of providing super
speciality health care to the population while also help create a large pool of doctors and
other health workers in this region that can be available for primary and secondary level
institutions / facilities being created under National Health Mission (NHM).
Background:
Under this scheme, AIIMS have been established in Bhubaneshwar, Bhopal, Raipur,
Jodhpur, Rishikesh and Patna while work of AIIMS Rae Bareli is in progress. Also, three
AIIMS in Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kalyani (West Bengal) and Mangalagiri in Guntur
(Andhra Pradesh) have been sanctioned in 2015 and two AIIMS have been sanctioned at
Bathinda and Gorakhpur in 2016.
*******
AKT/SH
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Government of India
24-May-2017 17:27 IST
PM’s interaction through PRAGATI
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired his nineteenth
interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform
for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.

The Prime Minister reviewed the progress towards handling and
resolution of grievances related to postal services. He asserted that the
importance of postal services is on the rise again. He sought to know
what changes have been made in procedures, and what action has been
taken against officers responsible for lapses. He stressed on the
importance of human resource management, systemic improvement, and
infrastructure strengthening in the Department of Posts.
The Prime Minister reviewed the progress of vital infrastructure projects
in the railway, road and power sectors, spread over several states
including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and
Maharashtra.
The Prime Minister comprehensively reviewed the “Crime and Criminal
Tracking Network and Systems” (CCTNS). He urged the States to
accord high priority to this network, so that maximum benefit could be
taken from it, in the interest of law and order, and bringing criminals to
justice.
***

AKT/NT
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Government of India
22-May-2017 18:08 IST
International Day for Biodiversity Celebrated all over the Country
National-Level Celbrations Held at Goa
The International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) 2017 was celebrated all over the country
today, by different States and various organisations. The national level celebrations of
IDB were held at Dinanath Mangeshkar Auditorium, Kala Academy in Goa, with
enthusiastic participation of all stakeholders. Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar
Parrikar was the chief guest on the occasion.
In his address, Shri Parrikar stressed upon the community connect and people’s
participation for Biodiversity Conservation. He also gave a message on afforestation and
called for responsible development through effective and scientific pollution control
system by citing the experiences of solid waste disposal of Goa, which is a model system
for others to emulate. The Chief Minister inaugurated an exhibition on the theme and
Green Haat, which had exhibits from 12 States including Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh besides stalls from UNDP, GIZ, Zoological
Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Goa Forest Department, Goa State
Biodiversity Board and NBA. Exhibits, posters and other material highlighting the role of
biodiversity in sustaining livelihoods were depicted at the exhibition. Several students
and others interested participated enthusiastically in the exhibition. The dignitaries too
walked through the exhibition.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Amita Prasad referring to the theme and key objective of the
Day (Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism), highlighted the important role played by
biodiversity in various economic sectors. Referring to the intrinsic linkages between
biodiversity and tourism, she said that the country has succeeded in making the crucial
paradigm shift from development and environment being seen as two ends of a spectrum,
to having development while protecting the environment. Referring to the contribution of
tourism industry in creating jobs, promoting local culture and fueling development, she
highlighted the challenges and opportunities that sustainable tourism presents, while
supporting nature conservation.
Recalling the teachings and preachings of ancient texts and philosophers on environment
and biodiversity, Dr B. Meenakumari exhorted the people to contribute towards
biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism. Referring to the diversity in
gastronomic tourism in different parts of the country, she in particular highlighted the
delightful and unique culture and cuisine of Goa.
Ms. Marina Walter, in her remarks, said that protection of biodiversity and ecosystem
services is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action among several actors -
the industry, the policy makers, civil society and local communities.
During the event, Call for 2018 India Biodiversity Awards, and a newsletter ‘Biodiversity
Matters’ was launched. The dignitaries presented awards to the winners of a photography
contest, organised as a pre-event to celebrate India’s incredible biodiversity. Some
knowledge products and communication material were also released on the occasion.
In India, a recognized megadiverse country rich in biodiversity, nearly 300 million people
are dependent on biodiversity for subsistence and livelihoods. Across India, people,
communities, governments and civil society organizations are demonstrating ways to
conserve biodiversity, sustain livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development.
Additional Secretary MoEFCC, Dr Amita Prasad, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa,

Shri Dharmendra Sharma, Principal Secretary, Department of Environment & Forests,
Goa, Dr. Ranbir Singh, Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority, Dr. B.
Meenakumari, and Deputy Country Director, United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), Ms. Marina Walter attended the celebrations. Other representatives from
Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, National Biodiversity Authority,
Goa State Biodiversity Board, UNDP, representatives from other States, specialised
Central and State Government institutes, State Forest Departments, civil society
organisations, academic institutes, students, local communities, and biodiversity
enthusiasts were also present at the event.
A two-minute silence was observed in the memory of Late Shri Anil Madhav Dave,
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment Forest and Climate
Change, who was to preside over this event, but Shri Dave suddenly passed away on May
18, 2017.
***
HK
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Government of India
18-May-2017 16:27 IST
Separate Department of Disability Affairs to be set up by States
15th National Review Meeting Made 26 Recommendations for Effective

Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment while
addressing the “15th National Review Meeting of State Commissioners for Persons with
Disabilities on Implementation of Act-1995” stressed for the need that States should create/setup
separate Department of Disability Affairs with appointment of full time Independent State
Commissioner in accordance with provisions of PwD Act, 1995 for effective implementation of
the Act as well as welfare Programmes & Schemes of Education, Training, Skill Development
and rehabilitation of the Disabled (Divyangjan) in the society.

He chaired the opening session of the 2-day long National Review Meeting, which was
attended by 11 States Commissioners and 15 representatives of the State Commissioners/State
Government and representatives from Central Ministries and National Bodies under Ministry of
Social Welfare. He stated that there is great need for empowering and strengthening the
Divyangjan in the Country by safeguarding their rights and privileges entrusted by the Act. The
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has become an important & prominent among all
Ministries of the Central Government for making all round efforts for better education,
vocational training & rehabilitation of the Divyangjan in society so that could lead a respectable
life.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has set up new milestone & world record
in distribution of Aids & Appliances to Divyangjan, launching innovative programmes and
schemes for all round development and their Socio-Economic rehabilitation in the society. The
Programmes and Schemes of the Ministry have been recognised and appreciated worldwide and
has become role model Ministry of Government of India. Highlighting the Provisions of New
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Minister added that the categories of
Disability have been increased to 21 from the Presently 7 and now the privileges and Rights of
Divyangjan have been brought at Par with the developed Countries.

Sh. N. S. Kang, Secretary, DEPwD in his speech stated that the States should consider to
create/set up separate Department of Disability Affaire in their respective states and the State
Commissioner should act as watchdog for effective implementation of Act, Programmes and
Policies for Welfare of Divyangjan in State. He should ensure that 4% reservation is given to
Divyangjan in all Programmes & Schemes of the State Government and local bodies. He should
take initiative and be instrumental in clearing of backlog of vacancies reserved for PwD through
Special Drives and Wider Publicity should be given to new Act in their State.

Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Commissioner for PwDs in his address stated that
State Commissioners should review the implementation of the Act at State and District level
vigoursly. They should organise Mobile Courts and conduct reviews at Districts. They should
organise Special Camps for issuing Disability Certificate to all Divyangjan in the State at their
doorstep and should mobilise people participation in their programmes. They should also ensure
timely conduct of State Coordination, Executive and advisory Committee meetings at regular
intervals and promote better & larger avenues for employment and Rehabilitation of
Divyangjans. He also added that State should promote Skill Development and training
programmes for rehabilitation of Divyangjans in society.

On this occasion the State Commissioners and Central Government Ministries made
Power Point Presentations showing various measures being taken by their respective
states/ministreis for effective implementation of the PwD Act, Programmes and Policies of Govt.
of India for welfare of Divyangs. The Prominent Ministries were Panchayati Raj, Deptt. Of
Personnel & Training, Deptt. of Revenue and Deptt. of Financial Services. The State
Commissioners from J&K, North East States, Union Territories, Himanchal, Andhra Pradesh,
Chhatisgarh also made presentations before the Minister.

In the afternoon session today the Chief Commissioner presented the recommendations
of the 2 days long meeting towards effective implementation of the Act & Programmes for
welfare of Divyangjan. On this occasion Dr. Pandey also informed the State Commissioners
about Proposed institution of “Annual Award for Best State Commissioner” from the year 2017-
18 onwards for Extra Ordinary performance made by State Commissioner for Welfare of
Divyangjans.

The 15th National Review Committee made 26 recommendations for effective
implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 as well as Programmes &
Schemes for the welfare of Divyangjan in the States.

*****

Sanjay Kumar/jk/SJ&E/18.05.2017
=

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Government of India
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
17-May-2017 16:29 IST
Cabinet approves construction of double line with electrification between
Guntur-Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister

Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of double line with electrification
between Guntur-Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh.

The total length of the line will be 401.47 km. The anticipated cost of the
Project will be Rs.3631 crore which will be funded through cost sharing of 50:50 by
State Government and Ministry of Railway. The project is likely to be completed in
five years.

The project fulfils the commitment given in the Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation
Act regarding the increased rail connectivity to the Rayalaseema region to the
Amravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

There is significant amount of cross traffic moving on Guntur-Guntakal section
besides the scope for further increase in additional originating and terminating traffic
once the line is doubled. Besides travelling people. Industries in and around Guntur-
Guntakal route will have additional transport capacity to meet their requirements.

Background:

The Guntur-Guntakal section falls in Guntur, Prakasham, Kurnool and
Ananthapur districts of Andhra Pradesh. This is most accessible shortest route to
Bangaluru from many important cities of Eastern and North Eastern States.

***
AKT/VBA/SH
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Government of India
Ministry of Railways
17-May-2017 16:59 IST
Minister of Railways Releases Third Party Audit Report on Station Cleanliness
Vishakhapatnam is the Cleanest Station in A1 Category Station
Beas is the Cleanest A Category Station For the Second Year in a Row

South East Central Becomes the Cleanest Railway Zone

Khammam station Comes 2nd Rank in Station Cleanliness in A Category from 285 Rank
previous Year

Minister of Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu released Third Party Audit Report on
Station Cleanliness and Inaugurated Swachh Rail Portal. Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and
Beas in Punjab is the Cleanest Station in A1, A Category Stations Respectively. Khammam
station Comes 2nd Rank in Station Cleanliness in A Category from 285 Rank previous Year.

Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain was specially present to grace the occasion.
Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A. K. Mital, Member Rolling Stock Shri Ravindra Gupta, other
Railway Board Members, Shri Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman, Quality Council of India and senior
officials were also present on the occasion. Adviser Environment & Housekeeping Management
Shri AK Tewari conducted the proceedings.

Minister of Railways dedicated a “SWACHH RAIL PORTAL” to showcase rankings of stations
and trains, methodology adopted for rankings and stations/trains specific dashboards. This web
portal http://www.railswachh.in will also be leveraged to seek passenger feedback on cleanliness
on a continual basis.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhu said that Indian Railways
started third party Cleanliness Index of Stations since last year. Railways have accomplished a
significant improvement in cleanliness at station. This index instils competitive spirit among the
stations. The biggest challenge for cleanliness at the platforms is visitors along with the
passengers, even the toilets are used by large number of visitors who are not Railway travellers.
However, Railways have to move forward. The focus is on Platform cleanliness, coach
cleanliness, toilets cleanliness in the coach & track cleanliness. Railways have introduced Clean
My Coach services which is getting overwhelming response of the passengers, Four green
corridors have been marked which are free from discharge of human waste. I urge the municipal
corporation of the cities which have encroachments to come forward and cooperate in
eliminating human waste from the tracks. He said that Vishakhapatnam has emerged as the
winner in Cleanliness Index by securing Ist position in A1 category, Beas has emerged as Ist
winner in A category station. Guwahati, Varanasi, Mughalsarai & Hazrat Nizamuddin Station
have shown tremendous improvements, He said that lot of NGO’s, Students group have come
forward to clean and beautify their stations. He also thanked & dedicated this achievement to the
people in respective areas,

Background:
Indian Railways is the third largest rail network with 66,000 route kilometre stretch covering
more than 8000 stations. Consequent to the launch of ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ on 2nd
Oct’2014 by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Indian Railways had also launched
‘Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ to achieve the vision of ‘Clean India’ by 2nd Oct’ 2019,
which shall be the 150th Birthday of father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.

In the Rail Budget presented in Feb’2015, 2016 and 2017, series of measures to improve the
cleanliness of stations were announced to take forward the momentum of ‘Swachh Rail Swachh
Bharat’. One of the measures given in Feb’2016 Budget is ranking of A1 and A category stations
based on regular periodic third party audit and feedback from passengers, with a view to identify
unclean spots/gaps and to improve cleanliness standards and also to propel healthy competition
among railway stations. Ministry of Railway (Environment and Housekeeping Management
Directorate, Railway Board) commissioned a passenger feedback survey on cleanliness at major
railway stations. The task of survey was entrusted to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism
Corporation (IRCTC).

First survey conducted by IRCTC in 2016 by conducting interviews of passengers at the stations
on various parameters of cleanliness and rating them on these basis. The second survey has been
conducted by Quality Council of India (QCI) who with the help of their partners have conducted
the survey of 407 major railway stations (75 A1 category and 332 A category stations) of Indian
Railways.

The parameters adopted for conducting the survey are: Evaluation of Process of cleanliness in
Parking, main entry area, main platform, waiting room,(33.33%) direct observation by QCI
assessors of cleanliness in these areas (33.33%) and passenger feedback(33.33%). A 24x7
control room was set up and images were geo-tagged to monitor progress.

The survey was conducted through interviews with respondents on the questionnaire on
cleanliness indicators, which was done face to face by survey teams by visiting each of the 407
stations across 16 Zonal Railways. Every passenger was asked to rate the cleanliness of stations
objectively on 40 different cleanliness parameters.

Purely based on the survey on the cleanliness of stations and the analysis thereof, 407 major
stations have been given rankings in this Report submitted by the survey agency to Ministry of
Railways for scrutiny and further action. Final report is expected to be submitted by QCI shortly,
which will include specific actionable items for each division. Ministry of Railways will take
further action for improving the cleanliness standards at major stations of Indian Railways
thereupon.

Railway
A1 Category Station A Category Station
Rank Zone
(Out of 75) (Out of 332)
(Out of 16)
Vishakhapatnam, South East

Beas, Northern
1 East Coast Railway, Central
Railway, Punjab
Andhra Pradesh Railway
Secunderabad, South Khammam, South-
East Coast
2 Central Railway, Central Railway,
Railway
Telangana Telangana
Jammu Tawi, Northern

Ahmednagar, Central Central
3 Railway, Jammu
Railway, Maharashtra Railway
Kashmir
Vijayawada, South
Durgapur, Eastern South Central
4 Central Railway,
Railway, West Bengal Railway
Andhra Pradesh
Anand Vihar Terminal, Mancherial, South

Western
5 Northern Railway, Central Railway,
Railway
Delhi Telangana
South
Lucknow, Northern Badnera,Central
6 Western
Railway, Uttar Pradesh Railway, Maharashtra
Railway
Rang iya Junction, North

Ahmedabad, Western
7 North Frontier Eastern
Railway, Gujarat
Railway, Assam Railway
Warangal, South North

Jaipur, North Western
8 Central Railway, Western
Railway, Rajasthan
Telangana Railway
Damoh,West Central
Pune, Central Railway, Southern
9 Railway. Madhya
Maharashtra Railway
Pradesh
Bangalore City, South North

Bhuj, Western
10 Western Railway, Frontier
Railway, Gujarat
Karnataka Railway

*********
AKS/MKV/AK/ENS
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Government of India
12-May-2017 17:30 IST
Consumer price index numbers on base 2012=100 for Rural, Urban and
Combined for the month of April 2017
The Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has
revised the Base Year of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 2010=100 to 2012=100 with effect from the
release of indices for the month of January 2015.
2. In this press note, the CPI (Rural, Urban, Combined) on Base 2012=100 is being released for the
month of April 2017. In addition to this, Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) for all India Rural, Urban and
Combined are also being released for April 2017. All India Inflation rates (on point to point basis i.e. current
month over same month of last year, i.e., April 2017 over April 2016), based on General Indices and CFPIs are
given as follows:
April 2017 (Prov.) March 2017 (Final) April 2016 (Final)
Indices
Rural Urban Combd. Rural Urban Combd. Rural Urban Combd.
CPI (General) 3.02 3.03 2.99 3.75 3.96 3.89 6.17 4.68 5.47
CFPI 0.69 0.46 0.61 1.85 2.42 2.01 6.66 5.97 6.40

3. Monthly changes in the General Indices and CFPIs are given below:
Monthly changes (%) in All India CPI (General) and CFPI: Apr. 2017 over Mar. 2017
Indices Index Value Index Value Index Value

% % %
Change Change Change
Apr.17 Mar.17 Apr.17 Mar.17 Apr.17 Mar.17
CPI (General) 132.9 132.8 0.08 129.1 128.7 0.31 131.1 130.9 0.15
CFPI 132.2 132.2 0.00 132.0 131.1 0.69 132.1 131.8 0.23
Note: Figures of March 2017 are provisional.

4. Provisional indices for the month of April 2017 and also the final indices for March 2017 are being
released with this note for all-India and for State/UTs. All-India provisional General (all-groups), Group
and Sub-group level CPI and CFPI numbers for April 2017 for Rural, Urban and Combined are given in
Annexure I. The inflation rates of important categories of items are given in Annexure II. State/UT wise
provisional General CPI numbers for Rural, Urban and Combined are given in Annexure III. Inflation
rates of major States, having population more than 50 lakhs as per population Census 2011, are given in
Annexure IV. State/UT–wise Group CPIs are available on the Ministry’s website (www.mospi.gov.in).
5. Price data are collected from selected towns by the Field Operations Division of NSSO and from
selected villages by the Department of Posts. Price data are received through web portals, maintained by
the National Informatics Centre.
Next date of release: 12th June 2017 (Monday) for May 2017.
Annexure I
(Base: 2012=100)
Sub- Rural Urban Combined
Grou Mar. Mar. Mar.
grou Apr. 17 Apr. 17 Apr. 17
p Description Weight 17 Weight 17 Weight 17
p Index Index Index
Code s Index s Index s Index
Code (Prov.) (Prov.) (Prov.)
(Final (Final (Final
) ) )
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
Cereals and
1.1.01 12.35 133.6 133.2 6.59 132.7 132.7 9.67 133.3 133.0
products
1.1.02 Meat and fish 4.38 138.8 138.8 2.73 139.4 140.5 3.61 139.0 139.4
1.1.03 Egg 0.49 128.8 127.2 0.36 128.4 124.6 0.43 128.6 126.2
1.1.04 Milk and products 7.72 137.2 137.6 5.33 134.9 136.3 6.61 136.3 137.1
1.1.05 Oils and fats 4.21 121.6 121.3 2.81 114.0 113.5 3.56 118.8 118.4
1.1.06 Fruits 2.88 139.7 142.0 2.90 136.8 137.6 2.89 138.3 139.9
1.1.07 Vegetables 7.46 119.7 121.5 4.41 122.2 127.0 6.04 120.5 123.4
Pulses and
1.1.08 2.95 148.0 144.4 1.73 135.8 133.8 2.38 143.9 140.8
products
Sugar and
1.1.09 1.70 116.9 117.4 0.97 120.3 120.8 1.36 118.0 118.5
Confectionery
1.1.10 Spices 3.11 135.6 134.4 1.79 142.6 141.4 2.50 137.9 136.7
Non-alcoholic
1.2.11 1.37 129.8 130.1 1.13 123.6 123.8 1.26 127.2 127.5
beverages
Prepared meals,
1.1.12 5.56 145.4 145.5 5.54 142.4 142.6 5.55 144.0 144.2
snacks, sweets etc.
Food and
1 54.18 133.4 133.5 36.29 132.6 133.3 45.86 133.1 133.4
beverages
Pan, tobacco and
2 3.26 144.2 144.4 1.36 147.5 148.0 2.38 145.1 145.4
intoxicants
3.1.01 Clothing 6.32 141.6 142.4 4.72 130.8 131.2 5.58 137.3 138.0
3.1.02 Footwear 1.04 136.2 136.9 0.85 122.8 123.0 0.95 130.6 131.1
Clothing and
3 7.36 140.8 141.6 5.57 129.6 130.0 6.53 136.4 137.0
footwear
4 Housing - - - 21.67 131.1 131.7 10.07 131.1 131.7
5 Fuel and light 7.94 134.2 134.9 5.58 120.8 121.4 6.84 129.1 129.8
Household goods
6.1.01 3.75 134.1 134.3 3.87 125.6 126.0 3.80 130.1 130.4
and services
6.1.02 Health 6.83 130.6 131.0 4.81 123.1 123.4 5.89 127.8 128.1
Transport and
6.1.03 7.60 119.8 119.2 9.73 115.6 114.2 8.59 117.6 116.6
communication
Recreation and
6.1.04 1.37 128.3 128.3 2.04 122.4 122.6 1.68 125.0 125.1
amusement
6.1.05 Education 3.46 135.2 135.8 5.62 132.8 133.6 4.46 133.8 134.5
Personal care and
6.1.06 4.25 123.3 123.8 3.47 121.7 122.2 3.89 122.6 123.1
effects
6 Miscellaneous 27.26 127.4 127.5 29.53 122.6 122.5 28.32 125.1 125.1
General Index (All Groups) 100.00 132.8 132.9 100.00 128.7 129.1 100.00 130.9 131.1
Consumer Food Price Index 47.25 132.2 132.2 29.62 131.1 132.0 39.06 131.8 132.1
Notes:
3. The weights are indicative to show relative importance of groups and sub-groups. However, all India
indices have been compiled as weighted average of State indices.
Annexure II
All India annual inflation rates (%) for April 2017 (Provisional)
(Base: 2012=100)
Sub- Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr.
Grou grou 16 17 16 17 16 17
p p Description Inflatio Inflatio Inflatio
Inde Inde Inde Inde Inde Inde
Code Cod n Rate n Rate n Rate
x x x x x x
e (%) (%) (%)
(Fina (Prov (Fina (Prov (Fina (Prov
l) .) l) .) l) .)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
1.1.0 Cereals and 127. 133. 124. 132. 126. 133.
1 products 4 2
4.55
9 7
6.24
6 0
5.06
1.1.0 Meat and 135. 138. 139. 140. 136. 139.
2 fish 4 8
2.51
3 5
0.86
8 4
1.90
1.1.0 123. 127. 119. 124. 122. 126.
3
Egg
4 2
3.08
9 6
3.92
0 2
3.44
1.1.0 Milk and 131. 137. 130. 136. 130. 137.
4 products 3 6
4.80
2 3
4.69
9 1
4.74
1.1.0 118. 121. 108. 113. 114. 118.
5
Oils and fats
2 3
2.62
9 5
4.22
8 4
3.14
1.1.0 138. 142. 131. 137. 134. 139.
6
Fruits
1 0
2.82
1 6
4.96
8 9
3.78
1.1.0 134. 121. 136. 127. 135. 123.
7
Vegetables
1 5
-9.40
8 0
-7.16
0 4
-8.59
1.1.0 Pulses and 162. 144. - 176. 133. - 167. 140. -
8 products 7 4 11.25 9 8 24.36 5 8 15.94
Sugar and
1.1.0 105. 117. 109. 120. 106. 118.
9
Confectione
0 4
11.81
1 8
10.72
4 5
11.37
ry
1.1.1 131. 134. 140. 141. 134. 136.
0
Spices
4 4
2.28
4 4
0.71
4 7
1.71
Non-
1.2.1 125. 130. 121. 123. 123. 127.
1
alcoholic
4 1
3.75
1 8
2.23
6 5
3.16
beverages
Prepared
1.1.1 meals, 137. 145. 135. 142. 136. 144.
2 snacks, 4 5
5.90
9 6
4.93
7 2
5.49
sweets etc.
Food and 131. 133. 131. 133. 131. 133.
1
beverages 8 5
1.29
8 3
1.14
8 4
1.21
Pan,
135. 144. 141. 148. 137. 145.
2 tobacco and
5 4
6.57
5 0
4.59
1 4
6.05
intoxicants
3.1.0 135. 142. 126. 131. 131. 138.
1
Clothing
0 4
5.48
8 2
3.47
8 0
4.70
3.1.0 130. 136. 120. 123. 126. 131.
2
Footwear
6 9
4.82
5 0
2.07
4 1
3.72
Clothing
134. 141. 125. 130. 131. 137.
3 and
4 6
5.36
8 0
3.34
0 0
4.58
footwear
125. 131. 125. 131.
4 Housing - - -
6 7
4.86
6 7
4.86
Fuel and 127. 134. 114. 121. 122. 129.
5
light 0 9
6.22
6 4
5.93
3 8
6.13
Household
6.1.0 128. 134. 122. 126. 125. 130.
1
goods and
0 3
4.92
8 0
2.61
5 4
3.90
services
6.1.0 125. 131. 120. 123. 123. 128.
2
Health
2 0
4.63
0 4
2.83
2 1
3.98
Transport
6.1.0 and 114. 119. 110. 114. 112. 116.
3 communicat 4 2
4.20
0 2
3.82
1 6
4.01
ion
6.1.0 Recreation 123. 128. 119. 122. 121. 125.
4 and 2 3
4.14
5 6
2.59
1 1
3.30
amusement
6.1.0 127. 135. 127. 133. 127. 134.
5
Education
9 8
6.18
6 6
4.70
7 5
5.32
Personal
6.1.0 118. 123. 117. 122. 118. 123.
6
care and
4 8
4.56
6 2
3.91
1 1
4.23
effects
Miscellaneo 121. 127. 118. 122. 120. 125.
6
us 7 5
4.77
2 5
3.64
0 1
4.25
General Index (All 129. 132. 125. 129. 127. 131.
Groups) 0 9
3.02
3 1
3.03
3 1
2.99*
Consumer Food Price 131. 132. 131. 132. 131. 132.
0.69 0.46 0.61
Index 3 2 4 0 3 1

Notes:
3. * : Less than those of Rural as well as Urban due to rounding.

Annexure III
(Base: 2012=100)
Mar. Apr. Mar. Apr. Mar.
State/U Apr.
Name of the State/UT 17 17 17 17 17
T Code Weight Weight Weight 17
Index Index Index Index Index
s s s Index
(Final (Prov. (Final (Prov. (Final
(Prov.)
) ) ) ) )
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)
01 Jammu & Kashmir 1.14 138.4 138.4 0.72 127.1 127.8 0.94 134.4 134.7
02 Himachal Pradesh 1.03 134.1 134.9 0.26 125.4 126.0 0.67 132.5 133.3
03 Punjab 3.31 129.7 129.5 3.09 126.6 126.6 3.21 128.3 128.2
04 Chandigarh 0.02 138.0 138.1 0.34 125.3 125.7 0.17 126.0 126.4
05 Uttarakhand 1.06 127.4 127.7 0.73 120.4 121.2 0.91 124.8 125.3
06 Haryana 3.30 130.6 130.9 3.35 124.2 124.8 3.32 127.6 128.0
07 Delhi 0.28 129.8 129.7 5.64 133.1 133.6 2.77 132.9 133.4
08 Rajasthan 6.63 134.9 134.7 4.23 129.9 130.0 5.51 133.1 133.0
09 Uttar Pradesh 14.83 129.0 128.8 9.54 128.1 128.7 12.37 128.7 128.8
10 Bihar 8.21 133.8 133.2 1.62 125.6 125.1 5.14 132.6 132.0
11 Sikkim 0.06 139.8 140.4 0.03 133.3 133.8 0.05 137.7 138.2
12 Arunachal Pradesh 0.14 139.8 139.9 0.06 -- -- 0.10 -- --
13 Nagaland 0.14 142.0 141.9 0.12 129.4 129.6 0.13 136.6 136.7
14 Manipur 0.23 142.9 142.7 0.12 129.2 128.9 0.18 138.6 138.3
15 Mizoram 0.07 133.9 133.7 0.13 123.6 124.3 0.10 127.6 128.0
16 Tripura 0.35 138.4 139.2 0.14 133.4 134.2 0.25 137.1 137.9
17 Meghalaya 0.28 134.1 134.8 0.15 125.2 125.1 0.22 131.3 131.8
18 Assam 2.63 126.6 127.1 0.79 125.5 128.4 1.77 126.4 127.4
19 West Bengal 6.99 130.5 130.6 7.20 127.8 128.2 7.09 129.2 129.5
20 Jharkhand 1.96 134.9 135.4 1.39 124.7 125.2 1.69 131.0 131.5
21 Odisha 2.93 134.8 135.8 1.31 126.4 126.7 2.18 132.5 133.3
22 Chhattisgarh 1.68 135.3 135.9 1.22 125.1 125.7 1.46 131.4 132.0
23 Madhya Pradesh 4.93 128.1 128.0 3.97 127.3 127.5 4.48 127.8 127.8
24 Gujarat 4.54 135.2 135.9 6.82 124.6 125.6 5.60 129.2 130.1
25 Daman & Diu 0.02 156.2 156.4 0.02 128.7 130.3 0.02 144.7 145.5
26 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 0.02 133.0 140.4 0.04 124.4 125.6 0.03 127.3 130.5
27 Maharashtra 8.25 134.1 134.8 18.86 125.3 125.7 13.18 128.2 128.7
28 Andhra Pradesh 5.40 136.3 136.8 3.64 131.5 131.1 4.58 134.5 134.7
29 Karnataka 5.09 136.0 136.2 6.81 136.4 136.9 5.89 136.2 136.6
30 Goa 0.14 143.6 145.3 0.25 126.7 127.3 0.19 133.2 134.3
31 Lakshadweep 0.01 129.0 129.0 0.01 112.7 112.9 0.01 120.7 120.8
32 Kerala 5.50 134.5 135.4 3.46 133.4 134.0 4.55 134.1 134.9
33 Tamil Nadu 5.55 133.3 133.6 9.20 132.9 133.1 7.25 133.1 133.3
34 Puducherry 0.08 136.5 136.2 0.27 130.0 129.9 0.17 131.7 131.5
Andaman & Nicobar
35 0.05 137.9 136.9 0.07 125.0 124.6 0.06 131.3 130.6
Islands
36 Telangana 3.16 135.5 135.4 4.41 131.9 132.1 3.74 133.5 133.6
99 All India 100.00 132.8 132.9 100.00 128.7 129.1 100.00 130.9 131.1
Notes:
2. -- : indicates the receipt of price schedules is less than 80% of allocated schedules and therefore indices are
not compiled.

Annexure IV
Major State/UT wise annual inflation rates (%) for April 2017 (Provisional)
(Base: 2012=100)
State/U Name of the Apr. Apr. Apr.
Apr. 16 Inflation Apr. 16 Inflation Apr. 16 Inflation
T Code State/UT 17 17 17
Index Rate Index Rate Index Rate
Index Index Index
(Final) (%) (Final) (%) (Final) (%)
(Prov.) (Prov.) (Prov.)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)
01 Jammu & Kashmir 127.2 138.4 8.81 122.5 127.8 4.33 125.5 134.7 7.33
03 Punjab 123.3 129.5 5.03 122.8 126.6 3.09 123.1 128.2 4.14
05 Uttarakhand 123.0 127.7 3.82 118.3 121.2 2.45 121.2 125.3 3.38
06 Haryana 124.9 130.9 4.80 121.9 124.8 2.38 123.5 128.0 3.64
07 Delhi 123.4 129.7 5.11 126.2 133.6 5.86 126.0 133.4 5.87*
08 Rajasthan 130.1 134.7 3.54 125.6 130.0 3.50 128.5 133.0 3.50
09 Uttar Pradesh 127.3 128.8 1.18 125.5 128.7 2.55 126.7 128.8 1.66
10 Bihar 130.9 133.2 1.76 124.1 125.1 0.81 129.9 132.0 1.62
18 Assam 125.6 127.1 1.19 124.1 128.4 3.46 125.3 127.4 1.68
19 West Bengal 127.5 130.6 2.43 125.9 128.2 1.83 126.7 129.5 2.21
20 Jharkhand 131.0 135.4 3.36 123.4 125.2 1.46 128.1 131.5 2.65
21 Odisha 134.4 135.8 1.04 124.1 126.7 2.10 131.5 133.3 1.37
22 Chhattisgarh 135.1 135.9 0.59 123.4 125.7 1.86 130.6 132.0 1.07
23 Madhya Pradesh 127.0 128.0 0.79 124.9 127.5 2.08 126.1 127.8 1.35
24 Gujarat 130.1 135.9 4.46 122.8 125.6 2.28 126.0 130.1 3.25
27 Maharashtra 129.3 134.8 4.25 122.1 125.7 2.95 124.5 128.7 3.37
28 Andhra Pradesh 133.4 136.8 2.55 128.7 131.1 1.86 131.7 134.7 2.28
29 Karnataka 133.4 136.2 2.10 131.9 136.9 3.79 132.6 136.6 3.02
32 Kerala 127.3 135.4 6.36 129.4 134.0 3.55 128.0 134.9 5.39
33 Tamil Nadu 128.1 133.6 4.29 128.0 133.1 3.98 128.0 133.3 4.14
36 Telangana 127.8 135.4 5.95 126.8 132.1 4.18 127.3 133.6 4.95
99 All India 129.0 132.9 3.02 125.3 129.1 3.03 127.3 131.1 2.99

Notes:
2. * : More than those of Rural as well as Urban due to rounding.

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Government of India
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
12-May-2017 13:34 IST
“Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas” - Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
(PMBJP)
BACKGROUNDER/ FACT SHEET

 Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi said,
“The poor must have access to affordable medicines; the poor must not lose their lives because
of lack of medicines …That’s why Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been planned across the
country”.

 With a view to achieve the objective of making available quality generic medicines at
affordable prices to all, ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme’ was launched by the Department of
Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India in November,
2008 across the country. The Scheme is being implemented through the Bureau of Pharma
PSUs of India (BPPI), under administrative control of Department of Pharmaceuticals,
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India.
 In September 2015, the ‘Jan Aushadhi Scheme’ was revamped as ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan
Aushadhi Yojana’ (PMJAY). In November, 2016, to give further impetus to the scheme, it
was again renamed as “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana” (PMBJP). The
Hon'ble Minister of Finance while presenting the Budget for the year 2016-17 in Parliament,
made a special mention on PMJAY. The excerpt of the Budget Speech of Hon'ble Finance
Minister is reproduced below:

“Making quality medicines available at affordable prices has been a key challenge. We will
reinvigorate the supply of generic drugs. 3,000 Stores under Prime Minister’s Jan Aushadhi
Yojana will be opened during 2017.”

 Status of the Rollout: -
The year-wise status and present status of PMBJKs opened in the country is as under:
As on 31.03.14 As on 31.03.15 As on 31.03.16 As on 31.03.17 As on

30.04.2017
80 99 269 1080 1253

Till 31st March, 2016 Till 30th April, 2017
No. of States/UTs covered 22 29
No. of Districts covered 149 419

 Salient features of the scheme:
 Ensure access to quality medicines

 Extend coverage of quality generic medicines so as to reduce the out of pocket
expenditure on medicines and thereby redefine the unit cost of treatment per person
 Create awareness about generic medicines through education and publicity so that quality
is not synonymous with only high price
 A public programme involving Government, PSUs, Private Sector, NGO, Societies, Co-
operative Bodies and other Institutions
 Create demand for generic medicines by improving access to better healthcare through
low treatment cost and easy availability wherever needed in all therapeutic categories.

 Quality assurance: To ensure high quality, medicines are procured from WHO Good
manufacturing practice (GMP), Current Good Manufacturing Practice (USFDA) and CPSUs
manufacturers for supplying to Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras. Each batch of
drugs procured is tested random at BPPI’s empanelled National Accreditation Board for
Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited laboratories thereby ensuring
quality, safety and efficacy of medicines and conformance with required standards. Only
after being certified by these laboratories, medicines are dispatched to C&F agents,
Distributors and JAKs.

 Likely Impact: PMBJP seeks to keep product price within 50% of branded product price to
make it affordable for all, especially the poor. It has resulted in substantial amount of savings
for the people.

 Budget & Expenditure Status - Details of budget allocation and expenditure for PMBJP for
financial years 2008-18 are as under:

Year Amount Released Expenditure Reported as
incurred (in Rs.)
(in Rs.)
2008-09 17250000/- 5505000/-
2009-10 20000000/- 10624000/-
2010-11 30000000/- 12039000/-
2011-12 NIL 10580000/-
2012-13 16600000/- 22482000/-
2013-14 152000000/- 14563000/-
2014-15 NIL 137612000/-
2015-16 169147000/- 135238000/-
2016-17 497500000/- 497500000/-
2017-18 NIL -

 Financial Support to the Applicants – following financial assistances are given to the
applicants for opening of PMBJP Kendras:
(a) For opening PMBJP Kendras in Government Hospitals / Medical College premises, one-time
financial assistance up to Rs. 2.50 lakh is provided as per the details given below:
(i) Rs. 1 lakh reimbursement of furniture and fixtures.
(ii) Rs. 1 lakh by way of free medicines in the beginning.
(iii) Rs. 0.50 lakh as reimbursement for computer, internet, printer, scanner, etc.

(b) For PMBJP Kendras run by private entrepreneurs / pharmacists / NGOs / Charitable
organizations that are linked with BPPI headquarters through internet (using BPPI provided
software) will get incentive up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs. This will be given @ 15% of monthly sales
subject to a ceiling of Rs. 10,000/ per month up to a total limit of Rs. 2.5 lakhs.

(c) In north eastern states, naxal affected areas and tribal areas, the rate of incentive will be 15%
and subject to monthly ceiling of Rs. 15,000/- up to a total limit of Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
(d)The applicants belonging to weaker sections like SC/ST/Differently abled are provided
medicines worth Rs. 50,000/- in advance within the incentive of Rs. 2.5 lakhs which will be
provided in the form of 15% of monthly sales subject to a ceiling of Rs. 10,000/- per month up to
a total limit of Rs. 2.5 lakhs.

 Potential for Job Creation: PMBJP gives self-employment and income opportunity. It will
help unemployed pharmacist to start a business.

 Progress made since the launch of scheme:

Parameter 2008-14 2014-17
Name of Scheme Jan Aushadhi Yojana (JAY) Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Pariyojana (PMBJP)
Number of Pradhan 2008-09 - 7 2014-15 - 99

Mantri Bhartiya 2009-10 - 36 2015-16 - 269
Janaushadhi 2010-11 - 43 2016-17 - 1080
Kendrasoperational 2011-12 - 55 2017-18 - 1253
as on 31stMarch 2012-13 – 98 (Till 30th April, 2017)
2013-14 - 104
Eligibility conditions Kendras opened in Kendras may be opened outside the

of operating agencies Government hospitals only premises of hospitals also. Any NGO/
charitable society/ institution/ Self Help
groups/ Unemployed pharmacists/ doctors/
registered medical practitioners were made
eligible for applying for opening of drug
store
Coverage of Scheme – 16 states /UTs 29 states /UTs

Presence
Product basket 361 medicines 600 medicines and 154 surgical and
consumables
Available medicines 90-100 561 medicines and 128 Surgical
Coverage of Product basket was Product basket covers all 23 major

Therapeutic Groups incomplete therapeutic categories such as Anti-
infective, Anti-diabetics, Cardiovascular,
Anti-cancers, Gastro-intestinal medicines
etc.
Supplier PSU’s for 138 medicines PSU’s + 125 Private suppliers
Supply Chain Non existent IT enabled supply chain system

Management
Professional agency to manage Central
Warehouse.
8 C&F and 43 Distributors as on date
Trade Margin for 16% 20%

Pradhan Mantri
Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Kendras
Trade Margin for 8% 10%

Distributors
Incentive to Private Rs.1.5 Lakhs Rs. 2.5 Lakhs

PMBJP Kendras
Grant–in–aid to To PMBJP Kendras opened Has been extended to PMBJP Kendra

Government PMBJP inside Government Hospitals opened by State government or
Kendras Government agencies in any government
buildings owned by government bodies like
Railways/ State Transport Department/
Urban local bodies/ Panchayati Raj
Institutions/ Post Offices/ Defence/PSU’s
etc.
Assistance to The Applicants belonging to weaker

SC/ST/Differently- sections like SC/ST/Differently-abled may
NA
abled persons be provided medicines worth Rs. 50,000/-
in advance within the incentive of Rs.2.5
lakhs which will be provided in the form of
15% of monthly sales subject to a ceiling of
Rs. 10,000/- per month up to a total limit of
Rs.2.5 lakh

 Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) functional across States:

Functional PMBJKs till 30th
S.No. State/UT
April, 2017
1 Andhra Pradesh 65
2 Assam 19
3 Arunachal Pradesh 20
4 Bihar 11
5 Chandigarh 4
6 Chhattisgarh 149
7 Dadar & Nagar Haveli 5
8 Delhi 18
9 Gujarat 119
10 Haryana 23
11 Himachal Pradesh 17
12 J&K 18
13 Jharkhand 24
14 Karnataka 38
15 Kerala 193
16 Madhya Pradesh 37
17 Maharashtra 84
18 Manipur 5
19 Mizoram 3
20 Nagaland 11
21 Odisha 31
22 Punjab 31
23 Rajasthan 40
24 Tamil Nadu 53
25 Telangana 22
26 Tripura 8
27 UP 169
28 Uttarakhand 30
29 West Bengal 6
Total 1253
******

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Government of India
Special Service and Features
08-May-2017 11:12 IST
Special Feature – 10

India takes giant leap on Green Energy Targets

*Neeraj Bajpai

In a decisive move to accomplish twin objective of safeguarding climate and tapping renewable
energy resources to meet growing demands for power supply, the Narendra Modi Government,
during its first three years of governance, has carried forward its commitment of Green Energy,
initiating largest ever renewable energy production plans.
In tune with India’s Intended Nationally Determined contributions (INDC), submitted to the
United Nations Frame work convention on Climate change, that India will achieve 40%
cumulative Electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 with the
help of transfer of technology, Mega plans are being implemented in the Renewable Energy (RE)
sector.
The initiatives will pave way for energy security while ensuring power supply in far flung rural
swathes where grid supply is inaccessible.

Presently, per capita electricity consumption is only one fifth of the world average. Putting
rationale behind thrust on the RE sector, the MNRE officials say the country’s present
consumption is about 1150 BU and it should reach 1570 BU by 2022. “Even with our ambitious
goal of 175 GW renewable power, out of additional requirement of 420 BU, solar will add about
140 BU and Wind around 60 BU, thus 220 BU will be required from conventional power
projects.”

India has an estimated renewable energy potential of about 900 GW from commercially
exploitable sources viz. Wind – 102 GW (at 80 meter mast height); Small Hydro – 20 GW; Bio-
energy – 25 GW; and 750 GW solar power, assuming 3% wasteland.
Recently, Record low solar and wind power tariffs in latest biddings have added another positive
dimension to the sector. Bidders quoted a price of Rs.3.46 per kWh for 1 GW wind tender and
Rs.2.97 per kWh for setting up of 750 MW solar power plant in Rewa. It made wind and solar
competitive energy source. Lower clean energy tariffs will pose major challenge to fossil fired
power. Experts say if power evacuation is ensured, developers may lower tariffs further.
Encouraged by RE sector’s big strides, Southern state of Andhra Pradesh, according to sources,
may soon start Solar farming under which farmers will replace existing pump sets with wind
energy pumps, and surplus power will be evacuated to grid for additional income.
Sources indicate Plans are being mooted to tap hydro power in big way by lacing the sector with
incentives like bringing all hydro projects under the ambit of RE scheme against existing
benchmark of considering hydro projects of 25 MW only under the sector.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set another record in the wind power
capacity addition by adding over 5400 MW in 2016-2017 against the target of 4000 MW. This
year’s achievement surpassed the higher capacity addition of 3.423 MW achieved in the previous
year.
Now, the Government has also approved the enhancement of capacity from 20,000 MW to
40,000 MW of the Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power
Projects. The enhanced capacity would ensure setting up of at least 50 solar parks each with a
capacity of 500 MW and above. Smaller parks in Himalayan and other hilly States where
contiguous land may be difficult to acquire in view of the difficult terrain, will also be
considered under the scheme.
Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects will be set up by 2019-20 with Centre’s
financial support of Rs.8100 crore. The total capacity when operational will generate 64 billion
units of electricity per year which will lead to abatement of around 55 million tons of CO2 per
annum during its life cycle.
A total of 852 projects (based on Solar PV) have been operational under Decentralized
Distributed Generation (DDG) of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY}. The
MNRE is already implementing a scheme for development of at least 25 solar parks with an
aggregate capacity of 20,000 MW, which was launched in December 2014. More than 34 solar
parks of aggregate capacity 20,000 MW have been approved which are at various stages of
development.
According to Latest statistics, under the scheme of setting up of 1000 MW Grid connected Solar
PV power projects by CPSUS and Government organization with VGF( Viability Gap Funding),
Total VGF of Rs.450.55 cr has been released so far. Rs.90 Cr will be released soon to take total
release to 549.55 cr.
Of the total sanctioned capacity of 1037.26 MW to 15 CPSUs/ Government organization within

sanctioned funds of Rs.1000 crore for the scheme, solar projects of 441.50 capacity have already
been commissioned so far.
Implementing Pilot projects for development of grid connected solar PV power plants on canal
banks and canal tops, 50 MW canal tops and 50 MW canal bank solar PV projects have been
allotted to eight states. Three MW canal top SPV power project and 16 MW canal bank projects
have been commissioned till February, this year.
The Government has set a target of 175 GW renewable power installed capacity by the end of
2022. This includes 60 GW from wind power, 100 GW from solar power, 10 GW from biomass
power and 5 GW from small hydro power.
A target of 16660 MW grid renewable power (wind 4000 MW, solar 12000 MW, small hydro
power 250 MW, bio-power 400 MW and waste to power 10 MW), has been set for 2016-17.
Besides, under off-grid renewable system, targets of 15 MW eq. waste to energy, 60 MW eq.
biomass non-bagasse cogeneration, 10 MW eq. biomass gasifiers, 1.0 MW eq. small wind/hybrid
systems, 100 MW eq. solar photovoltaic systems, 1.0 MW eq. micro hydel and 100,000 nos.
The Biomass Cook stove division of MNRE, under the Unnat Chullha Abhiyan (UCA) is also
providing improved stoves kitchens of Midday (MDM) scheme, Forest rest houses, families in
rural areas, Dhabas, units etc.
The Biogas Technology development division, installed 84,882 of biogas plants during 2014-15
and 74,705 plants in 2015-16 and 47,304 in 2016-17 so far. There are as many 49.5 lakh Biogas
plants are there in the country. Officials say total estimated Biogas generation is about 4 lakh
cubic meters per day, replacing annually estimated 44.10 lakh numbers of LPG cylinders of
domestic size.

A Rs.38,000 crore Green Energy Corridor is being set up to ensure evacuation of Renewable
Energy.

Many other parallel initiatives were also taken. These include: amendments in the Tariff Policy
for strong enforcement of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), for providing Renewable
Generation Obligation (RGO); provision of roof top solar and 10 percent renewable energy as
mandatory under Mission Statement and Guidelines for development of smart
cities; amendments in building bye-laws for mandatory provision of roof top solar for new
construction or higher FAR; raising tax free solar bonds; making roof top solar a part of housing
loan, ;compulsory net-metering; raising funds from bilateral and international donors,creation of
Surya Mitras for installation and maintenance of the Solar Projects.
******

*Author is a former editor of the United News of India. Widely travelled journalist, he has
covered many national and international events during his 30 years career and was also the
member of the Press Council of India.

Views expressed in the article are author’s personal.

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Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
08-May-2017 12:27 IST
Union Home Minister addresses the Review Meeting of Left Wing Extremism
affected States
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh presided over the Review Meeting
of Left Wing Extremism affected States here today. Following is the text of his Opening
Remarks made during the Inaugural Session this morning on Security Issues:

“Chief Ministers and Ministers of participating States, my colleagues the Ministers of
State in the Home Ministry, National Security Advisor, Union Home Secretary, Union Defence
Secretary, DIB, Director Generals of Central Armed Police Forces, Chief Secretaries and
Director Generals of Police of the State Governments, Collectors and SPs of the 35 worst
affected districts and other senior officers of the Government of India and the States.
- This meeting has been convened to jointly understand the different aspects of Left
Wing Extremism with the 10 affected States, so that Left Wing Extremism can be
countered with full force and competence. To discuss and work out an integrated
strategy of Security and by giving impetus to Development in the 35 worst affected
districts, the LWE influence can be eliminated.
- The whole country is agitated with the martyrdom of 25 CRPF personnel in the
incident of April 24, 2017 in Burkapal, Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. In such
situations, the challenge before us is to maintain focus and move towards our goal with
speed, in a planned manner.
- I am concerned but not perturbed by the attack on the CRPF Camp by the Left Wing
Extremists. Today’s meeting is therefore important because we have to consider and
deliberate in totality, as to what would be our thinking, our strategy, our preparedness
and how we have to use our resources. I have full confidence on you, and our forces
and together, with a new strategy and with full force we will counter and achieve
victory against Left Wing Extremism.
- India is the largest democracy in the world. However, Left Wing Extremism desires to
weaken and make the roots of democracy hollow. The development of new India that
our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji is envisaging is based on
development and strength of democracy. In order to free India from the influence of
LWE that encourage violence and killing, it is necessary that we all should think and
work in this direction. I believe that efforts to suppress democracy through the
influence of the gun will never succeed.
- Today in this room Chief Ministers and Heads of Administrative and Police
department of 10 States are present. You are the policy-makers as well as the
implementation agencies. The fight against Left Wing Extremism is a coordinated
battle on security and development fronts that has to be fought to finish and won. Who
could be more suitable and competent than you all? The presence of our forces should
instil fear in the Left Wing Extremists and a sense of confidence among the local
people and tribals – ‘Let your action speak for itself’’.

- 12000 citizens of our country have lost their lives in violent activities of the Left Wing
Extremists.
- Out of these 12000 people, 2700 are jawans of the Security Forces and the remaining
9300 are innocent and simple common people who are not guilty.
- The anti-development Left Wing Extremism not only target the Security Forces but
also public property like roads, culverts, railway tracks, electricity and telephone towers,
hospitals, schools, anganwadi and panchayat bhawans etc, that are created by the Government
for benefit of the common man.
- It is evident from the destruction caused by the Left Wing Extremists that they do not
want people to get facilities and access to the development, in the remote and inaccessible
areas, because these facilities provide the path of economic and social progress, to the local
people. It also joins them to the mainstream of the nation. The cancer of LWE flourishes in
poverty or backwardness. Therefore, the LWE strategy is to ensure that the people of this area
stay without electricity, without road, without education, so that the vested interest of the Left
Wing Extremists continues unabated.
Solution SAMADHAN-
- The solution to the LWE problem is not possible with any silver bullet. There is no
short-cut for it. For this short term, medium term and long term policies need to be formulated
at different levels. There is need to find a solution for this problem and the strategy is available
and encompassed in the word ‘SAMADHAN’ which means-
1. S- Smart Leadership
2. A- Aggressive Strategy
3. M- Motivation and Training
4. A- Actionable Intelligence
5. D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result
Areas)
6. H- Harnessing Technology
7. A- Action plan for each Theatre
8. N- No access to Financing

I would like to elaborate the new Doctrine ‘SAMADHAN’ for use in Security
Operations:
1. S – Smart Leadership-
- You also know that effective leadership can lead to any desired outcome. A leader is
the one who makes the impossible possible, converts failure to success and defeat to victory.
- The key properties of ‘Smart Leadership’ are:
Vision, Mission, Passion and Self belief.

- A leadership full of self confidence should have a solid vision on how he would
envisage the challenges of the future and prepare his team and energise his team to a mission
mode, in order to achieve his objectives. To make his team secure, disciplined and victorious,
should be of paramount importance for him.
- The success stories of many police officers in India are inscribed in the minds of the
common people, as to how they kept their teams alive with energy. On the Left Wing
Extremism front, we also need such leadership, who despite adversity, keep their jawans full of
enthusiasm and teach them only to win.
- Be it Central Forces or the district police, they will have to work under a coordinated
strategy and plan. The most important thing is that the officers will have to lead from the front.
Success in this regard cannot be achieved only by sitting in Delhi, Ranchi or Raipur.
- Unified Co-Ordination and Command is needed in the LWE Front. Along with
Strategic Command, Unified Command is also required at the Operational and Tactical Level.
Intelligence sharing is important too.

2. A-Aggressive Strategy-
You are aware that in the last three years, Government has seen good results from the
Multi Pronged Strategy against Left Wing Extremism. Statistics of violence from 2014 to 2016
indicates this. In the year 2016, 150 percent Left Wing Extremists were killed as compared to
the previous year 2015, and arrests and surrender taken together has seen an increase of 47
percent.

- In the year 2016, Left Wing Extremists have suffered heavy losses. They also
mentioned this in their statements and documents. It is also true that Left Wing Extremists are
constantly trying to take action against the security forces to increase the morale of their
cadres, and undoubtedly the incident of the Burkapal of Sukma is one such example.

- Even in the year 2017, figures show that LWE incidents have decreased by 23.3
percent (377 to 289). But two to three incidents have occurred in which Security Forces have
suffered heavy losses. Therefore, it is necessary that an analysis of these events is carried out,
in order to assess the reasons as to why such incidents occur. The first session of the meeting
will analyse the mechanism in place to combat Left Wing Extremism and other related issues.

- Today, we need to consider whether to react only after the occurrence of such events?
Should our role not be Proactive?
- Learning from the old incidents, we need to bring aggression into our policy.
Aggression in thinking, Aggression in strategy, Aggression in deployment of forces,
Aggression in operations, Aggression in development and Aggression in road construction.
- We will have to be cautious that extremely defensive deployment may result in
reduction of operational offensive.
- We have to consider that although the figures of the surrenders of the Left Wing
Extremisms are increasing, but whether benefit of intelligence from these surrendered LWE
cadres is being derived.
- We must ensure that the States take the ownership of LWE operations and CAPFs
cooperate with them fully. At the same time, the forces on the Ground level should not lack
leadership. "Unity of Purpose" and "Unity of Action" are essential for the success of
operations.

3. M - Motivation and Training -
- The Government has superior resources, training, technology, than the Left Wing
Extremists. But there is a need for better coordinated efforts to counter the strategy of the
LWE.
- Success on this front cannot be achieved only by being emotional in this regard. The
right vision, right strategy, efficient use of resources, knowledge of enemy strengths and
weaknesses, training of their security forces, their facilities and arrangements of tools are
necessary for success. So we have to consider all these issues correctly, point wise. Today's
meeting is important in this regard.
- In the camps where the security forces are residing, proper facilities of power, water,
connectivity should be provided so that the Security Forces may remain stress free. They
should also be able to contact their family as per requirement.
- In addition to information about the place of posting, security forces should also have
knowledge of language, dialects, traditions and culture so that they can adapt to the local
conditions and earn the trust of the local people.
- Security forces must adhere to Standard Operating Procedures so that they are
conscious about their own security.

4. A-Actionable Intelligence
- To develop actionable intelligence it is important that all intelligence agencies and
security forces establish a good network with local people.
- Surrendered LWE cadre should be used for intelligence collection to the maximum
possible.
- In comparison to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the Technical Intelligence Inputs in
Bastar Zone of Chhattisgarh are very low and the reason for this is only 20 percent effective
connectivity in Bastar. It is only 4 percent in a district like Sukma. There is a need to create
special action plans through the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to increase
connectivity across the entire LWE affected area.
- From the point of view of Intelligence, I believe that there is a need to depute Shadow
Intelligence Officers to trace the prominent targets associated with Left Wing Extremism.
- There is a need to establish specific procedures between State Police and Central
Forces for the exchange and use of intelligence.

5. D-Dashboard based KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result
Areas)
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Result Areas (KRAs) should be
determined both for the State Police and the CAPFs. This would not only help to assess the
preparedness but also their performance, regular progress of its unit and individual abilities of
each police officer.

6. H - Harnessing Technology -
- We are all aware that Technology is a Force Multiplier.
- Many technologies including Space, IT and Communication have brought
revolutionary changes in the world. Many new techniques are also being used in dealing with
law and order and the crime. On the LWE front, there is a need to use more of such latest
technologies.
Now I would like to talk about the use of some Cutting edge Technologies : -
- Currently the use of the UAV is sub-optimal, that needs to be augmented both by
numbers and by use in the right place.
- The Mini UAVs are extremely useful. Therefore, they should be procured and
available in more quantities. We must try that with every battalion there must be atleast one
UAV / Mini UAV.
- We need to use high resolution PTZ Cameras, GPS Tracking, Handheld Thermal
Imaging, Radar, Satellite Image etc.
- We also know that Left Wing Extremists mostly use looted weapons. In order to
prevent this, it would be advisiable to have
- Trackers in Weapons,
- Biometrics in smart gun triggers.
- Trackers should also be embedded in Shoes, BP jackets etc.
- In addition, Unique identification numbers should also be used in Gelatine and other
explosive materials.
- States that do not have expertise in such state of the art technology, the Central
Government can assist in this regard.

7. A-Action plan for each theatre-
- You are also aware that the situation of Left Wing Extremism in different States is not
the same.
- In different States, to fight Left extremism, there is a need to fight on multiple fronts
and to create a specific action plan for each of such fronts, in order to achieve success on a
systematic basis.
- There is a need to create separate short-term, medium-term, long-term strategies,
whose goals and deadlines are clearly defined. The Implementation should be done on a
Mission Mode defining the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for continuous monitoring and
Key Result Areas (KRAs), that should also be aligned with these strategies.

8. N-No access to financing-
- It is well-known that economic resources play an important role in any war or any
such exercise, because when money is available, only then will it be possible to buy, eat, drink
and possess ammunition and weapons. Therefore, choking the financial resources of the LWE
is the most basic mantra in this fight.
- I would like to remind you how the US took the 9/11 incident as a challenge, in order
to prevent it from repeating itself. In the report it was stated that the 9/11 incident was not a
"failure of intelligence but the failure of Imagination". Therefore, the 'Samadhan' which we
have discussed today has inbuilt potential for imagination. We have to work on imaginative
thinking on the whole situation so that we can "Out Think" and "Out Manoeuvre" the LWE.
- We have come a long way in defeating the fight with Left Wing Extremists. In the
remote areas, our young men are constantly working for the development and protection of the
area endangering their lives. In the yagya for the security of the country many soldiers have
been martyred. I am convinced that their martyrdom will not go in vain. That day is not far
when this mindless violence will be completely finished and once again the atmosphere of
peace and prosperity will prevail and people will rapidly join the main stream along with
enjoying the fruits of development.
- Now I would like to also mention the ongoing Security related Assistance given to the
State Governments by the Government of India. Under this, 118 Battalions of CAPF have been
deployed in the States. Besides, States have been given the sanction for IR Battalions and
SIRB to strengthen the security Apparatus of the States. 10 CoBRA Battalions have been
deployed, in addition to handle this kind of LWE issues.
- In the last few years, the Ministry of Home Affairs has assisted the States through
various schemes for Capacity Building. Under the SRE Scheme, reimbursement of security
related expenses, such as ex-gratia, transportation, training, honorarium for SPOs etc, was done
by the Central Government in 106 districts of 10 States. In the financial year 2016-17, the
Home Ministry has reimbursed Rs 210 crore.
- Under the Special Infrastructure Scheme, 122.13 crores was given to strengthen the
special forces of 6 States. Apart from this, a sum of 24 crores was provided for setting up 16
CIAT schools in 6 States. More than 4000 police personnel are being trained every year by
Army and Greyhounds.
- Similarly, under the Fortified Police Station Scheme, the Central Government has
made available Rs. 624 crores to the States for the construction of 400 Fortified Police Stations
in 10 States.
- LWE Affected States have been sanctioned 56 IRB and 10 SIRB. States have been
given these sanctions to increase their force resources. The SIRB is a major step towards
providing security for the State's infrastructure projects, especially in these sensitive areas. But
now 20 IR Battalion and 06 SIRB are yet to be raised with both the security and engineering
components. In addition, engineering components of 02 SIRBs are pending.
- The Home Ministry has provided support to security forces for other facilities such as
Helicopters, UAVs etc. From time to time, the amount required for the CRPF is being provided
by the GOI for the basic facilities, due to lack of resources of the State Governments.
- We assure the States that we will continue to provide full support to them for their
capacity building and training needs. Intelligence sharing and deployment of Central security
forces will continue as per requirement. But the States must take initiative to conduct
Operations and use Resources optimally.
- I have full confidence that today's deliberations will be fruitful and we will be able to
realize the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister of building a Left Wing Extremism free
India.”

****
KSD/NK/PK

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(04-May, 2017 14:15 IST )
Swachh Survekshan 2017 Rankings
Ranking City State

1 Indore Madhya Pradesh
2 Bhopal Madhya Pradesh
3 Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Andhra Pradesh
4 Surat Gujarat
5 Mysuru (Mysore) Karnataka
6 Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) Tamil Nadu
7 New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Delhi
8 Navi Mumbai Maharashtra
9 Tirupati Andhra Pradesh
10 Vadodara Gujarat
11 Chandigarh Chandigarh
12 Ujjain Madhya Pradesh
13 Pune Maharashtra
14 Amdavad (Ahmedabad) Gujarat
15 Ambikapur Chattisgarh
16 Coimbatore Tamil Nadu
17 Khargone Madhya Pradesh
18 Rajkot (M. Corp) Gujarat
19 Vijayawada Andhra Pradesh
20 Gandhinagar (NA) Gujarat
21 Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh
22 Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Telangana
23 Sagar Madhya Pradesh
24 Murwara (Katni) Madhya Pradesh
25 Navsari Gujarat
26 Vapi Gujarat
27 Gwalior Madhya Pradesh
28 Warangal Telangana
29 Greater Mumbai Maharashtra
30 Suryapet Telangana
31 Tadipatri Andhra Pradesh
32 Varanasi Uttar Pradesh
33 Bhavnagar Gujarat
34 Kalol Gujarat
35 Jamnagar Gujarat
36 Omkareshwar Madhya Pradesh
37 Kumbakonam Tamil Nadu
38 Rewa Madhya Pradesh
39 Jetpur Navagadh Gujarat
40 Narasaraopet Andhra Pradesh
41 Chas Jharkhand
42 Erode Tamil Nadu
43 Kakinada Andhra Pradesh
44 Tenali Andhra Pradesh
45 Siddipet Telangana
46 Rajahmundry Andhra Pradesh
47 Shimla Himachal Pradesh
48 Ratlam Madhya Pradesh
49 Godhra Gujarat
50 Gangtok Sikkim
51 Singrauli Madhya Pradesh
52 Junagadh Gujarat
53 Chhindwara Madhya Pradesh
54 Bhilai Nagar Chattisgarh
55 Sehore Madhya Pradesh
56 Shirdi (Shirdhi) Maharashtra
57 Madurai Tamil Nadu
58 Dewas Madhya Pradesh
59 Hoshangabad Madhya Pradesh
60 Bharuch Gujarat
61 Pithampur Madhya Pradesh
62 Tambaram Tamil Nadu
63 Mangaluru (Mangalore) Karnataka
64 Jamshedpur (NAC) Jharkhand
65 Karnal Haryana
66 Dwarka Gujarat
67 Gandhidham Gujarat
68 Tiruppur Tamil Nadu
69 Nadiad Gujarat
70 Ongole Andhra Pradesh
71 Chittoor Andhra Pradesh
72 Pimpri-Chinchwad Maharashtra
73 Khandwa Madhya Pradesh
74 Mandsaur Madhya Pradesh
75 Satna Madhya Pradesh
76 Chandrapur Maharashtra
77 Korba Chattisgarh
78 Betul Madhya Pradesh
79 Botad Gujarat
80 Nandyal Andhra Pradesh
81 Giridih Jharkhand
82 Hosur Tamil Nadu
83 Machilipatnam Andhra Pradesh
84 Velankani (Vellankanni) Tamil Nadu
85 Durg Chattisgarh
86 Eluru Andhra Pradesh
87 Bhimavaram Andhra Pradesh
88 Faridabad Haryana
89 Ambarnath Maharashtra
90 Panaji Goa
91 Hazaribag Jharkhand
92 Chhatarpur (Chhattarpur) Madhya Pradesh
93 Guntakal Andhra Pradesh
94 Bhubaneswar Town Odisha
95 Palanpur Gujarat
96 Morbi Gujarat
97 Tadepalligudem Andhra Pradesh
98 Bhuj Gujarat
99 Mehsana Gujarat
100 Leh Jammu and Kashmir
101 Veraval Gujarat
102 Deoghar Jharkhand
103 Anand Gujarat
104 Raigarh Chattisgarh
105 Aizawl (NT) Mizoram
106 Dindigul Tamil Nadu
107 Chilakaluripet Andhra Pradesh
108 Vellore Tamil Nadu
109 Dhanbad Jharkhand
110 Karaikkudi Tamil Nadu
111 Patan Gujarat
112 Gurugram (Gurgaon) Haryana
113 Pudukkottai Tamil Nadu
114 Nagda Madhya Pradesh
115 Solapur Maharashtra
116 Thane Maharashtra
117 Ranchi Jharkhand
118 Guntur Andhra Pradesh
119 Srikakulam Andhra Pradesh
120 Deesa Gujarat
121 S.A.S. Nagar Punjab
122 Imphal Manipur
123 Amreli Gujarat
124 Dhule Maharashtra
125 Rajapalayam Tamil Nadu
126 Vizianagaram Andhra Pradesh
127 Kancheepuram Tamil Nadu
128 Bhind Madhya Pradesh
129 Raipur Chattisgarh
130 Mira-Bhayandar Maharashtra
131 Mango (NAC) Jharkhand
132 Bathinda Punjab
133 Proddatur Andhra Pradesh
134 Guwahati Assam
135 Salem Tamil Nadu
136 Neemuch Madhya Pradesh
137 Nagpur Maharashtra
138 Burhanpur Madhya Pradesh
139 Vasai Virar City Maharashtra
140 Ludhiana Punjab
141 Ichalkaranji Maharashtra
142 Valsad Gujarat
143 Udupi Karnataka
144 Adityapur Jharkhand
145 Aligarh Uttar Pradesh
146 Biharsharif Bihar
147 Shivamogga (Shimoga) Karnataka
148 Mandya Karnataka
149 Dharmavaram Andhra Pradesh
150 Surendranagar Dudhrej Gujarat
151 Nashik Maharashtra
152 Tumakuru (Tumkur) Karnataka
153 Gondal Gujarat
154 Kadapa Andhra Pradesh
155 Pallavaram Tamil Nadu
156 Gudivada Andhra Pradesh
157 Satara Maharashtra
158 Kulgaon Badlapur (Badlapur) Maharashtra
159 Kavali Andhra Pradesh
160 Hindupur Andhra Pradesh
161 Nagaon Assam
162 Jalgaon Maharashtra
163 Seoni Madhya Pradesh
164 Rajnandgaon Chattisgarh
165 Nellore Andhra Pradesh
166 Jhansi Uttar Pradesh
167 Gadag Betageri Karnataka
168 Raurkela Odisha
169 Avadi Tamil Nadu
170 Panvel Maharashtra
171 Bundi Rajasthan
172 Delhi Cantonment Delhi
173 Vidisha Madhya Pradesh
174 Nagercoil Tamil Nadu
175 Kanpur Uttar Pradesh
176 Kurnool Andhra Pradesh
177 Kolhapur Maharashtra
178 Nizamabad Telangana
179 Bilaspur Chattisgarh
180 Sikar Rajasthan
181 Nandurbar Maharashtra
182 Miryalaguda Telangana
183 Ahmednagar Maharashtra
184 Porbandar Gujarat
185 Nagapattinam Tamil Nadu
186 Pali Rajasthan
187 Berhampur(Brahmapur Town) Odisha
188 Pathankot Punjab
189 Puducherry (Pondicherry) Puducherry
190 Balasore(Baleshwar Town) Odisha
191 Ramagundam Telangana
192 Nanded Waghala Maharashtra
193 Tirunelveli Tamil Nadu
194 Puri Town Odisha
195 Adilabad Telangana
196 East Delhi Municipal Corporation Delhi
197 Anantnag Jammu and Kashmir
198 Thanjavur Tamil Nadu
199 Hubli-Dharwad Karnataka
200 Nalgonda Telangana
201 Karimnagar Telangana
202 South Delhi Municipal Corporation Delhi
203 Bagalkote(Bagalkot) Karnataka
204 Cuttack Odisha
205 Morena Madhya Pradesh
206 Ozhukarai Puducherry
207 Ulhasnagar Maharashtra
208 Kohima Nagaland
209 Jodhpur Rajasthan
210 Bruhat Bengaluru (BBMP) Karnataka
211 Panchkula Haryana
212 Bhilwara Rajasthan
213 Ananthapuramu (Ananthapur) Andhra Pradesh
214 Srikalahasti Andhra Pradesh
215 Jaipur Rajasthan
216 Itanagar Arunachal Pradesh
217 Bhadravathi(Bhadravati) Karnataka
218 Roorkee Uttarakhand
219 Osmanabad Maharashtra
220 Ranebennur (Ranibennur) Karnataka
Andaman and Nicobar
221 Port Blair Islands
222 Ferozepur Punjab
223 Thoothukudi (Thoothukkudi) Tamil Nadu
224 Adoni Andhra Pradesh
225 Chickamagaluru (Chikmagalur) Karnataka
226 Ajmer Rajasthan
227 Hassan Karnataka
228 Shivpuri Madhya Pradesh
229 Parbhani Maharashtra
230 Yavatmal Maharashtra
231 Amravati Maharashtra
232 Jagdalpur Chattisgarh
233 Jalandhar Punjab
234 Kalyan-Dombivli Maharashtra
235 Greater Chennai (Chennai) Tamil Nadu
236 Khammam Telangana
237 Sangli Miraj Kupwad Maharashtra
238 Tiruvannamalai Tamil Nadu
239 Malegaon Maharashtra
240 Udgir Maharashtra
241 Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir
242 Damoh Madhya Pradesh
243 Sonepat (Sonipat) Haryana
244 Haridwar Uttarakhand
245 Saharanpur Uttar Pradesh
246 Jaunpur Uttar Pradesh
247 Allahabad Uttar Pradesh
248 Belagavi (Belgaum) Karnataka
249 Mahabubnagar Telangana
250 Cuddalore Tamil Nadu
251 Jammu Jammu and Kashmir
252 Ayodhya Uttar Pradesh
253 Thanesar Haryana
254 Kozhikode (Calicut) Kerala
255 Gangapur City Rajasthan
256 Kashipur Uttarakhand
257 Kishanganj Bihar
258 Amritsar Punjab
259 Kullu Himachal Pradesh
260 Dabra Madhya Pradesh
261 Baripada Town Odisha
262 Patna Bihar
263 Agra Uttar Pradesh
264 Silvassa (Silvasa) Dadra and Nagar Haveli
265 Jind Haryana
266 Guna Madhya Pradesh
267 Ambur Tamil Nadu
268 Rameswaram (Rameshwaram) Tamil Nadu
269 Lucknow Uttar Pradesh
270 Bettiah Bihar
271 Kochi (Cochin) Kerala
272 Hajipur Bihar
273 Orai Uttar Pradesh
274 Sirsa Haryana
275 Bhagalpur Bihar
276 Shillong Meghalaya
277 Dimapur Nagaland
278 Sasaram Bihar
279 North Delhi Municipal Corporation Delhi
280 Silchar Assam
281 Madanapalle Andhra Pradesh
282 Kaithal Haryana
283 Ballari(Bellary) Karnataka
284 Barnala Punjab
285 Beawar Rajasthan
286 Palakkad Kerala
287 Barshi Maharashtra
288 Davanagere Karnataka
289 Datia Madhya Pradesh
290 Agartala Tripura
291 Hisar Haryana
292 Jhunjhunu Rajasthan
293 Bodh Gaya Bihar
294 Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) Karnataka
295 Rohtak Haryana
296 Akola Maharashtra
297 Dibrugarh Assam
298 Bareilly Uttar Pradesh
299 Aurangabad Maharashtra
300 Sujangarh Rajasthan
301 Chittorgarh(Chittaurgarh) Rajasthan
302 Beed(Bid) Maharashtra
303 Rewari Haryana
304 Muzaffarpur Bihar
305 Chandausi Uttar Pradesh
306 Guruvayur Kerala
307 Jehanabad Bihar
308 Ambala Sadar (Ambala) Haryana
309 Sultanpur Uttar Pradesh
310 Udaipur Rajasthan
311 Achalpur Maharashtra
312 Vijayapura (Bijapur) Karnataka
313 Wardha Maharashtra
314 Gorakhpur Uttar Pradesh
315 Bidar Karnataka
316 Dehradun Uttarakhand
317 Hosapete (Hospet) Karnataka
318 Latur Maharashtra
319 Bikaner Rajasthan
320 Lalitpur Uttar Pradesh
321 Moradabad Uttar Pradesh
322 Sambalpur Town Odisha
323 Hoshiarpur Punjab
324 Thrissur (M.Corp) Kerala
325 Rudrapur Uttarakhand
326 Shamli Uttar Pradesh
327 Buxar Bihar
328 Raichur Karnataka
329 Tonk Rajasthan
330 Nainital Uttarakhand
331 Loni Uttar Pradesh
332 Hanumangarh Rajasthan
333 Akbarpur Uttar Pradesh
334 Dehri Bihar
335 Panipat Haryana
336 Etawah Uttar Pradesh
337 Chitradurga Karnataka
338 Deoria Uttar Pradesh
339 Meerut Uttar Pradesh
340 Diu Daman and Diu
341 Kota Rajasthan
342 Purnia Bihar
343 Gondia Maharashtra
344 Muzaffarnagar Uttar Pradesh
345 Bhiwani Haryana
346 Yamunanagar Haryana
347 Robertson Pet Karnataka
348 Motihari Bihar
349 Bhadrak Odisha
350 Daman Daman and Diu
351 Ghaziabad Uttar Pradesh
352 Mathura Uttar Pradesh
353 Bahadurgarh Haryana
354 Baran Rajasthan
355 Hinganghat Maharashtra
356 Darbhanga Bihar
357 Aurangabad (Bihar) Bihar
358 Sawai Madhopur Rajasthan
359 Ganganagar Rajasthan
360 Modinagar Uttar Pradesh
361 Ballia Uttar Pradesh
362 Gaya Bihar
363 Malerkotla Punjab
364 Alwar Rajasthan
365 Kollam Kerala
366 Kannur Kerala
367 Hindaun Rajasthan
368 Jalna Maharashtra
369 Moga Punjab
370 Maunath Bhanjan Uttar Pradesh
371 Bharatpur Rajasthan
372 Thiruvananthapuram Kerala
373 Kolar Karnataka
374 Pilibhit Uttar Pradesh
375 Firozabad Uttar Pradesh
376 Siwan Bihar
377 Farrukhabad-cum-Fatehgarh Uttar Pradesh
378 Sambhal Uttar Pradesh
379 Mainpuri Uttar Pradesh
380 Alappuzha (Alleppey) Kerala
381 Gangawati Karnataka
382 Mughalsarai Uttar Pradesh
383 Faizabad Uttar Pradesh
384 Nagaur Rajasthan
385 Banda Uttar Pradesh
386 Basti Uttar Pradesh
387 Dhaulpur Rajasthan
388 Badami Karnataka
389 Mirzapur-cum-Vindhyachal Uttar Pradesh
390 Arrah Bihar
391 Dinapur Nizamat (Danapur) Bihar
392 Bhiwandi-Nizampur(Bhiwandi) Maharashtra
393 Amroha Uttar Pradesh
394 Rae Bareli Uttar Pradesh
395 Haldwani-cum-Kathgodam Uttarakhand
396 Saharsa Bihar
397 Palwal Haryana
398 Azamgarh Uttar Pradesh
399 Rampur Uttar Pradesh
400 Khanna Punjab
401 Shikohabad Uttar Pradesh
402 Jhalawar Rajasthan
403 Bhiwadi Rajasthan
404 Begusarai Bihar
405 Churu Rajasthan
406 Etah Uttar Pradesh
407 Sitapur Uttar Pradesh
408 Hathras Uttar Pradesh
409 Kasganj Uttar Pradesh
410 Lakhimpur Uttar Pradesh
411 Patiala Punjab
412 Fatehpur Uttar Pradesh
413 Ghazipur Uttar Pradesh
414 Jamalpur Bihar
415 Munger Bihar
416 Kavaratti Lakshadweep
417 Unnao Uttar Pradesh
418 Batala Punjab
419 Kishangarh Rajasthan
420 Badaun(Budaun) Uttar Pradesh
421 Baraut Uttar Pradesh
422 Chapra Bihar
423 Bulandshahr Uttar Pradesh
424 Hapur Uttar Pradesh
425 Khurja Uttar Pradesh
426 Shahjahanpur Uttar Pradesh
427 Abohar Punjab
428 Muktsar Punjab
429 Bahraich Uttar Pradesh
430 Katihar Bihar
431 Hardoi Uttar Pradesh
432 Bagaha Bihar
433 Bhusawal Maharashtra
434 Gonda Uttar Pradesh

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Government of India
07-May-2017 16:07 IST
State review of Left Wing Extremism situation by Union Home Minister Shri
Rajnath Singh
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh will review the situation in Left Wing
Extremism affected States here tomorrow. The Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh,
Telangana and West Bengal have been invited to attend the meeting. The Union
Ministers in charge of Ministries of MoRTH, Railways, Civil Aviation, MoRD, Power,
New & Renewable Energy and Telecom will also attend. A holistic review of the
situation will be undertaken covering a wide canvas of security and development issues,
particularly infrastructure building.
The Government of India has a multi-pronged strategy centred around security,
development and ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc. The Centre
has been providing assistance to States in terms of CAPF Battalions, intelligence, training
and capacity building of State Police Forces. It is also assisting the States through
Schemes that support building of infrastructure, specially Road, Railways and Power etc.
The meeting will focus on devising new strategies to maintain the momentum achieved in
2016, notwithstanding a couple of incidents. Development issues will also be discussed
with a view to ensure rapid development of LWE affected areas.
The day-long meeting will include two sessions to discuss upon operational issues like
role of States in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) Operations, raising and
employment of India Reserve (IR) Battalions and Special India Reserve Battalion
(SIRB), etc, capacity building and Intelligence issues like vacancies in State Police
Forces, capacity building of State Intelligence Units, etc and other Ministry-wise related
matters.
The meeting will also be attended by the Secretaries of the Central Ministries, Chief
Secretaries and DGsP of the LWE affected states.
******
KSD/NK/PK
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Government of India
07-May-2017 09:19 IST
South Asian Satellite to boost regional communication
*K V Venkatasubramanian

India’s successful launch of the first-ever South Asia Satellite (SAS) to boost communication
and improve disaster links among its six neighbours has “opened up new horizons of
engagement” in the region and helped it carve a unique place for itself in space diplomacy.

Projecting the 2,230-kg communication spacecraft as India's "priceless gift" to its neighbours,
Prime Minister Modi said the "unprecedented" development sends out a message that "even sky
is not the limit when it comes to regional cooperation".

Built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and funded entirely by India, the
Geostationary Communication Satellite-9 (GSAT-9) was launched on board GSLV-F09 rocket
from the Sriharikota spaceport, off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, on May 5.

Termed India's technology largesse from the sky to the peoples of the region, the satellite will
prove to be a boon in the entire region’s progress. It is also expected to cement bonds among
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The successful launch by ISRO was celebrated jointly through a video conference by Modi,
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutanese Prime
Minister Thering Tobgay, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen, Nepalese Prime Minister
Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Srisena.

Pakistan is not a part of the project as it had refused to accept India's "invaluable gift", proposed
by Modi soon after he became the Prime Minister in 2014. The initial proposal to name it
as “SAARC Satellite” was changed to South Asia Satellite following Pakistan’s refusal. The
satellite’s footprint, extending all over South Asia, is for use by neighbours. Globally, the gift
has perhaps no precedent.
The 2,230-kg communication spacecraft, with a mission life of 12 years, will support effective
communication, broadcasting and Internet services in a region that is geographically challenging,
economically lagging with limited technological resources.

The SAS or GSAT-9 is a geosynchronous communications and meteorology satellite. It will
provide significant capability to each of the participating countries in terms of DTH (direct-to-
home), besides linking the countries for disaster information transfer. It will help them in better
governance, better banking and education in remote areas, more predictable weather forecasting
and efficient natural resource mapping, linking people with top-end medical services through
telemedicine and quick response to natural disasters. Its benefits also include deeper IT
connectivity and fostering people-to-people contact.

The satellite has 12 Ku band transponders which the six nations can utilise to increase
communications. Each South Asian country will get access to one transponder through which it
will be able to beam its own programming, besides common “South Asian programming”. The
countries will have to develop their own ground infrastructure. India is willing to extend
assistance and knowhow.

Tweeting immediately after the launch, the prime minister congratulated ISRO scientists on
achieving a flawless lift-off. He said, “With this launch we have started a journey to build the
most advanced frontier of our partnership. With its position high in the sky, this symbol of South
Asian cooperation would meet the aspirations of economic progress of more than 1.5 billion
people in our region and extend our close links into outer space.”

Modi’s view was shared by leaders of six other countries of South Asia. They hailed India’s
gesture as a new face of cooperation in space for common good of the neighbourhood. In his
remarks, Ashraf Ghani noted that South Asia was one of the least integrated regions in the world.
“South Asia today has taken a giant step towards regional integration…If cooperation through
land is not possible, we can be connected through space.”

Sheikh Hasina said the new satellite would change the face of South Asia and expand
connectivity from land and water to space.

Tshering Tobgay described the launch as an “impressive milestone in the history of the world”
with one country launching a satellite for the “free use of its neighbours”.

Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said it underlined India’s “neighbourhood first” foreign policy
and showed its commitment to the development of the region.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal said the satellite was a “testimony” to South Asia becoming self-reliant in
space science. It would boost connectivity in the region that, in turn, would spur development.

Maithripala Sirisena said the satellite would help alleviate poverty and improve the living
standards of South Asians.

The project cost India nearly RS 450 crore, with the satellite itself costing Rs 235 crore. This was
GSLV’s 11th launch. The SAS is orbiting the Earth in its Geosynchronus Transfer Orbit
(GTO). In the coming days, the satellite orbit will be raised to the final circular Geostationary
Orbit (GSO) by firing the satellite's Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) in stages. It will be
commissioned into service after the completion of orbit-raising operations and the satellite’s
positioning in its designated slot in the GSO following in-orbit testing of its payloads.

The successful run of India’s premier space agency, ISRO, continues. The launch has added yet
another feather to ISRO’s cap. India created space history and broke record by launching 104
satellites from a single rocket in one go in mid-February, this year. So far, ISRO has ferried 226
satellites into orbit, including 180 from abroad. ISRO is attempting to increase its capacity to
deliver by scaling up the frequency of launches to 12 per year from the seven, currently, by
building more satellites and lowering the cost of access to space.

India’s second moon landing mission Chandrayaan-2, a fully Indian affair, is slated to hit the
skies in early 2018.
******

*The author is an independent journalist and columnist, with four decades of experience in all
media streams-print, online, radio and television. He writes on developmental issues.
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Government of India
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
05-May-2017 19:19 IST
MoUs Worth Rs 2 Lakh Crores Signed in the India Integrated Transport &
Logistics Summit
Thirty-four MoUs amounting to about Rs 2 lakh crores were signed in the three day India
Integrated Transport and Logistics Summit that was concluded in New Delhi today. These MoUs
were in the areas of port connectivity, Integrated Check Posts (ICP) in the states of Bihar,
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Manipur, access to land port in Tripura, Assam and
Mizoram, development of Logistics Parks in Telengana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya
Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Mizoram, development and furthering of multi modal logistics parks in
Mumbai and Bengaluru and Haryana, exploring investment opportunities in logistics sector,
dredging of inland waterways, implementation of 79 port connectivity projects under Sagarmala,
development of port roads to Chennai and Vishakhapatnam ports, and connectivity to airport in
Navi Mumbai, among others. Some of these MoUs are between Government agencies while
others are between Government to Business and Business to Business.
The Summit was attended by around 3000 delegates from India and abroad, which included
central and state government organizations , international organizations like World Bank and
ADB, delegates, global transport and supply chain experts and representatives of private
companies. The sessions focused on six major themes that included Multi Modal Logistics Parks,
New developments in Urban Transportation, Freight Corridors for Economic Development,
Supply Chain Transformation- Storage Innovations, GST and Role of Digitization for
Decongestion and Standards and Skills for Logistics. Fifty speakers from across the globe shared
their views, expertise and experience about developing the logistics and integrated multi modal
transport sector in India.
Speaking at the concluding session of the summit, the Minister of Road Transport & Highways
and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari said that there is an urgent need to bring down logistics cost in
the country to globally comparable rates if we hope to achieve double digit growth figures and
ensure the welfare of the weakest sections of society. Shri Gadkari said that the summit is a very
welcome, first step towards realizing this objective. The participation of both Government and
private sector has been very encouraging, he said, and even states from the North East have come
forward to sign MoUs. He said the suggestions of all stakeholders will be considered and a road
map will be drawn for progress along these lines.
The Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje spoke about the ongoing developments in the
transport and logistics sector in her state and welcomed the steps being taken to develop multi
modal integrated transport in the country. She said Rajasthan has the highest length of National
Highways in the country. Six economic corridors pass through the state. The state has close
proximity to the prosperous northern and western regions of the country. Air infrastructure in the
state is also good with Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur having full fledged airports. She said multi
modal integrated transport and logistics would benefit Rajasthan to a great extent.
Haryana Chief Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar also welcomed the organization of the summit
and said Haryana is fully capable and prepared to participate in the upcoming transport and
logistics revolution in the country. He said the state has a lot of potential to contribute to the
growth of warehousing and supply chain logistics. He also informed that the state is working in a
big way to enhance and modernize its transport and warehousing network.
The Ministry also gave away awards to the winners of a contest for designing solar toll plazas.
Click here to see pdf file

****
UM/NP/MS

Indore emerges as the Cleanest City of India
Bhopal, Visakhapatnam, Surat, Mysuru, Tiruchirapally, NDMC, Navi Mumbai, Vadodara, Chandigarh
make the Top 10
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana are the Movers and
Shakers, says Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu
12 Gujarat cities, 11 from MP, 8 from AP among the top 50 Clean Cities
Varanasi ranked 32 this year as against 418 in 2018 ; Faridabad fastest mover among big cities
Swachh Survekshan-2017 Results announced; it’s Citizens’ Verdict, says Shri Naidu
Mysuru slipped to fifth rank this year but no decline in sanitation standards, says Minister
Indore has emerged as the India’s Cleanest City in the Swachh Survekshan-2017 conducted in
434 cities and towns, the results of which were announced here today by the Minister of Urban
Development Shri M.Venakaiah Naidu.
Bhopal, Visakhapatnam, Surat, Mysuru, Tiruchirapally, New Delhi Municipal Council, Navi
Mumbai, Vadodara and Chandigarh are among the Top 10 clean cities in that order.
10 towns that came at the bottom of the 434 surveyed are; Gonda (UP) ranked 434 followed by
Bhusawal (Maharashtra), Bagaha (Bihar)- 433, Hardoi (UP)-432, Katihar (Bihar)-431, Bahraich (UP)-429,
Muktsar (Punjab)-427, Muktsar (Punjab)-426 and Khurja (UP)-425.
Announcing the Survey Results, Shri Naidu described Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand and
Chattisgarh followed by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as the Movers and Shakers for having
significantly improved their rankings from that of the Survey conducted in 2014 before the launch of
Swachh Bharat Mission in October, 2014. Swachh Survekshan conducted in 2016 covered 73 cities with
over million population each besides capital cities.
The Minister further informed that in Swachh Surekshan-2017, all the cities surveyed in
Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand have substantially improved their rankings over that of 2016 and 2014.
Gujarat did so in respect of all cities excepting Rajkot and similar being the case in respect of Chattisgarh
except Bilaspur. In Telangana, only two cities have dropped in rankings this year while it happened in
respect of four cities in Andhra Pradesh.
Shri Naidu stated that a total of 14 States were represented in the Top 50 clean cities with
Gujarat accounting for 12, followed Madhya Pradesh-11, Andhra Pradesh-8 and one each from
Chandigarh, Chattisgarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh.
25 towns from Uttar Pradesh are ranked among the bottom 50 cities with followed by
Rajasthan and Punjab with five each, two in Maharashtra and one each from Haryana, Karnataka and
Lashadweep.
Varanasi has however, improved its rank from 418 in 2014 to 32 this year to become the
Fastest Big City Mover in the North Zone.
The Minister said that UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab and Kerala need to substantially step up
efforts to improve sanitation standards in urban areas.
Faridabad in Haryana has improved its rank from 379 in 2014 to 88 this year and has been
awarded for being the ‘Fastest Mover’ among cities with a population of above one million each.
Shri Venkaiah Naidu stressed that this year’s survey results are “Citizens’ Verdict” on
cleanliness in urban areas of the country with 37 lakh citizens’ enthusiastically providing feedback on
cleanliness in 434 cities and towns accounting for about 60% of the total urban population in the
country. He stated that such survey will be commissioned in all the 4,041 statutory towns and cities.
Shri Naidu further referred to India improving its position by 12 places in the global Travel and
Tourism Competitive Index and feedback from media persons as further confirmation of improving
sanitation in urban areas.
Referring to Mysuru in Karnataka which topped the ranks in 2016 and 2014 and ranked five in
this year’s survey, Shri Naidu asserted that in no way it meant that cleanliness has declined in the city or
the city government scaled down its efforts. He explained that Mysuru scored over 87% out of the total
score of 2,000 in both 2017 and 2016 indicating that sanitation level has not come down this year while
other cities have scored over Mysuru. “This spirit of competition is sought to be promoted through such
surveys to help cities know where they stand in absolute terms and in relation to other cities as well”
said the Minister.
38 cities were awarded including the Top five clean cities at the national level, cleanest cities
and fastest movers in different zones in 5-10 lakh and 2-5 lakh population categories.
Swachh Survekshan-2017 aimed at capturing the outcomes on ground of the ongoing efforts to
make urban areas Open Defecation Free and to improve door-to-door collection, processing and
disposal of Municipal Solid Waste. Of the total score of 2,000, 900 marks were assigned for performance
in respect of ODF and solid waste management, 600 marks for Citizen Feedbak and 500 marks for
Independent Observation.
Quality Council of India that conducted the survey during January-February this year deployed
421 assessors for on the site inspection of cleanliness in 434 cities and towns and another 55 for real
time monitoring of progress of survey and field inspections. Field inspectors used geo-tagged devices for
collecting evidence in real time of their inspection at 17,500 locations.
(Sanitation rankings in order of rank, State and City-wise, improvements in ranks of MP, Gujarat, Jharkhand
and Chattisgarh available on PIB website)
AAR/KM
May 4, 2017
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Government of India
04-May-2017 12:18 IST
Swachh Survekshan – 2017: Sanitation Rankings of Cities/Towns State/UT-wise
S.No State/UT and no.of cities Cities/Towns with rankings

surveyed
1 A and N Islands (1) Port Blair-221
2 Andhra Pradesh (32) Visakhapatnam-3, Tirupati-9, Vijayawada-19, Tadipatri-31,
Narasaraopeta-40, Kakninada-43, Tenali-44, Rajahmundry-46, Ongole-70,
Chittore-71, Nandyal-80, Machilipatnam-83,Eluru-86, Bhimavaram-87,
Guntakal-93, Tadepallegudem-97, Chilakaluripeta-107, Guntur-118,
Srikakulam-119, Vizianagaram-126, Proddatur-133, Dharmavaram-149,
Kadapa-154, Gudivada-156, Kavali-159, Hindupur-160, Nellore-165,
Kurnool-176, Anantapuram-213, Srikalahasti-214, Adoni-224,
Madanapalle-281
3 Arunachal Pradesh (1) Itanagar-216
4 Assam (4) Guwahaty-134, Nagaon-161, Silchar-280, Dibrugarh-297
5 Bihar (27) Biharsharif-147, Kishanganj-257, Patna-262, Bettiah-270, Hajipur-272,
Bhagalpur-275, Sasaram-278, Bodh Gaya-293, Muzaffarpur-304,
Jehanabad-307, Buxar-327, Dehri-334, Purnea-342, Motihari-348,
Darbhanga-356, Aurangabad-357, Gaya-362, Siwan-376, Arrah-390,
Danapur-391, Saharsa-396, Begusarai-404, Jamalpur-414, Munger-415,
Chapra-422, Katihar-430, Bagaha-432
6 Chandigarh (1) Chandigarh-11
7 Chattisgarh(8) Ambikapur-15, Bhilai Nagar-54, Durg-85, Raigarh-104, Raipur-129,
Rajnandgaon-164, Bilaspur-179, Jagdalpur-232
8 Dadra & Nagar Haveli (1) Silvassa-264
9 Daman & Diu (2) Diu-340, Daman-350
10 NCT of Delhi (5) NDMC-7, Delhi Cantonment-172, East MCD-196, South MCD-202, North
MCD-279
11 Gujarat (31) Surat-4, Vadodara-10, Ahmedabad-14, Rajkot-18, Gandhinagar-20,
Navsari-25, Vapi-26, Bhavnagar-33, Kalol-34, Jamnagar-35, Jetpur
Navagadh-39, Godhra-49, Junagadh-52, Bharuch-60, Dwaraka-66,
Gandhidham-67, Nadiad-69, Botad-79, Palanpur-95, Morbi-96, Bhuj-98,
Mehsana-99, Veraval-101, Anand-103, Patan-111, Deesa-120, Amreli-123,
Valsad-142, Surendranagar Dudhrej-150, Gondal-153, Porbandar-184
12 Goa (1) Panaji-90
13 Haryana (18) Karnal-65, Faridabad-88, Gurugram-112, Panchkula-211, Sonepat-243,
Thanesar-253, Jind-265, Sirsa-274, Kaithal-282, Hissar-291, Rohtak-295,
Rewari-303, Ambala Sadar-308, Panipat-335, Bhiwani-345, Yamunanagar-
346, Bahadurgarh-353, Palwal-397
14 Himachal Pradesh (2) Shimla-47, Kullu-259
15 Jammu & Kashmir (4) Leh-100, Anantnag-197, Srinagar-241, Jammu-251
16 Jharkhand (9) Chas-41, Jamshedpur-64, Giridh-81, Hazaribagh-91, Deogarh-102,
Dhanbad-109, Ranchi-117, Mango-131, Adityapur-144
17 Karnataka (27) Mysuru-5, Mangaluru-63, Udupi-143, Shivmoggar-147, Mandya-148,
Tumkuru-152, Gadag Betagiri-167, Hubbali-Dharwad-199, Bagalkot-203,
Bengaluru-210, Bhadravati-217, Ranebennur-220, Chikmagalur-225,
Hasan-227, Belgavi-248, Bellary-283, Davanagere-288, Kalaburgai-294,
Vijayapura-312, Bidar-315, Hospet-317, Raichur-328, Chitradurga-337,
Robertsonpet-347, Kolar-373, Gangavati-381, Badami-388
18 Kerala (9) Kozhikode (Calicut)-254, Kochi (Cochin)-271, Palakkad-286, Guruvayoor-
306, Thrissur-324, Kollam-365, Kannur-366, Thiruvananthapuram-372,
Alappuza -380
19 Lakshadweep (1) Kavaratti-416
20 Madhya Pradesh (35) Indore-1, Bhopal-2, Ujjain-12, Khargone-17, Jabalpur-21, Sagar-23, Katni-
24, Gwalior-27, Omkareshwar-36, Rewa-38, Ratlam-48, Singrauli-51,
Chindwara-53, Sehore-55, Dewas-58, Hoshangabad-59, Pithampur-61,
Khandwa-73, Mandsaur-74, Satna-75, Korba-77, Betul-78, Chattarpur-92,
Nagda-114, Bhind-128, Neemuch-136, Burhanpur-138, Seoni-163,
Vidisha-173, Morena-205, Shivpuru-228, Damoh-242, Dabra-260, Guna-
266, Datia-289
2 Maharashtra (44) Navi Mumbai-8, Pune-13, Greater Mumbai-29, Shirdi-56, Pimpri
Chindwad-72, Chandrapur-76, Ambarnath-89, Solapur-115, Thane-116,
Dhule-124, Mira Bhayander-130, Nagpur-137, Vasai Virar-139,
Ichalkaranj-141, Nashik-151, Satara-157, Kulgaon Badlapur-158, Jalgaon-
162, Panvel-170, Kolhapur-177, Nandurbar-181, Ahmadnagar-183,
Nanded Waghala-192, Ulhasnagar-207, Osmanabad-219, Parbhani-229,
Yavatmal-230, Amaravati-231, Kalyan-Dombivili-234, Sangli Miraj
Kupwad-237, Malegaon-239, Udgir-240, Barshi-287, Akola-296,
Aurangabad-299, Beed-302, Achalpur-311, Wardha-313, Latur-318,
Gondia-343, Hinganghat-355, Jalna-368, Bhiwandi Nizampur-392,
Bhushawal-433
22 Manipur (1) Imphal-122
23 Meghalaya (1) Shillong-276
24 Mizoram (1) Aizawl-105
25 Nagaland (2) Kohima-208, Dimapur-277
26 Odisha (9) Bhubaneswar-94, Rourkela-168, Berhampur-187, Balasore-190, Puri-194,
Cuttack-204, Baripada-261, Sambalpur-322, Bhadrak-349
27 Puducherry (2) Puducherry city-189, Ozukarai-206
28 Punjab (16) SAS Nagar-121, Bhatinda-132, Ludhiana-140, Pathankot-188, Firozepur-
222, Jalandhar-233, Amritsar-258, Barnala-284, Hoshiarpur-323,
Malerkotal-363, Moga-369, Khanna-400, Patiala-411, Batala-418, Abohar-
427, Muktsar-428
29 Rajasthan (29) Bundi-171, Sikar-180, Pali-186, Jodhpur-209, Bhilwara-212, Jaipur-215,
Ajmer-226, Gangapur City-255, Beawar-285, Jhunjhuni-292, Sujangarh-
300, Chittorgarh-301, Udaipur-310, Bikaner-319, Tonk-329,
Hanumangarh-332, Kota-341, Baran-354, Sawai Madhopur-358,
Ganganagar-359, Alwar-364, Hindaun-367, Bhaaratpur-371, Nagaur-384,
Dhaulpur-387, Jhalawar-402, Bhiwadi-403, Churu-405, Kishangarh-419
30 Sikkim (1) Gangtok-50
31 Tamil Nadu (28) Tiruchirapally-6, Coikbattore-16, Kumbakonam-37, Erode-42, Madurai-57,
Tambaram-62, Tiruppur-68, Hosur-82, Vellankini-84, Dindigul-106,
Vellore-108, Karaikkudi-110, Puthukottai-113, Rajapalayam-125,
Kanchipuram-127, Salem-135, Pallavarm-155, Avadi-169, Nagercoil-174,
Nagapattinam-185, Thirunelveli-193, Thanjavur-198, Thuthukkudi-223,
Greater Chennai-235, Thiruvannamalai-238, Cudalore-250, Ambur-267,
Rameswaram-268
32 Telangana (12) Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation-22, Warangal-28, Suryapet-30,
Siddipeta-45, Nizamabad-178, Miryalaguda-182, Ramagundam-191,
Adilabad-195, Nalgonda-200, Karimnagar-201, Khammam-236,
Mahboobnagar-249
33 Tripura (1) Agartala-290
34 Uttarakhand (6) Rourkee-218, Haridwar-244, Kashipur-256, Dehradun-316, Nainital-330,
Haldwani-Kotgodam-395
35 Uttar Pradesh (62) Varanasi-32, Aligarh-145, Jhansi-166, Kanpur-175, Sahranpur-245,
Jaunpur-246, Allahabad-247, Ayodhya-252, Agra-263, Lucknow-269, Orai-
273, Bareilly-298, Chandausi-305, Sultanpur-309, Gorakhpur-314,
Lalitpur-320, Moradabad-321, Rudrapur-325, Shamli-326, Loni-331,
Akbarpur-333, Etawah-336, Deoria-338, Meerut-339, Muzaffarnagar-344,
Ghaziabad-351, Mathura-352, Modinagar-360, Ballia-361, Maunath
Bhanjan-370, Pilibhit-374, Firozabad-375, Farukhabad-377,Sambhal-378,
Mainpuri-379, Mughalsarai-382, Faizabad-383, Banda-385, Basti-386,
Mirzaput-389, Amroha-393, Raibareily-394, Azamgarh-398, Rampur-399,
Sikohabad-401, Etah-406, Sitapur-407, Hathras-408, Kasganj-409,
Lakhimpur-410, Fatehpur-412, Ghazipur-413, Unnao-417, Badaun-420,
Baraut-421, Bulandshahr-423, Hapur-424, Khurja-425, Shahjahanpur-426,
Bahraich-429, Hardoi-431 and Gonda-434.

AAR/KM
May 4, 2017
Results and conclusions of Swachh Suvekshan-2017:
-Top 10 clean cities of India in 2017 are : Indore -1, Bhopa-2, Visakhapatnam-3, Surat-4, Mysuru-5,
Tiruchirapally-6, New Delhi Municipal Council-7, Navi Mumbai-8, Tirupati-9 and Vadodara-10
Performance of these top 10 clean cities of India in sanitation surveys of 2016 and 2014:
S.No City Rank in 2017 Rank in 2016 Rank in 2014
(434 AMRUT (73 Million plus (476 cities/towns
Cities/Towns population cities Surveyed)
surveyed) and Capitals
Surveyed)
1 Indore 1 25 149
2 Bhopal 2 21 105
3 Visakhapatnam 3 5 205
4 Surat 4 6 63
5 Mysuru 5 1 1
6 Tiruchirapally 6 3 2
7 NDMC 7 4 15
8 Navi Mumbai 8 12 3
9 Tirupati 9 Not surveyed 137
10 Vadodara 10 13 214

-From the above, it reveals that 6 of the top 10 clean cities of 2017 viz., Indore, Bhopal,
Visakhapatnam, Surat, Tirupati and Vadodara have improved their sanitation rankings in 2017 over
the 2016 and 2014 rankings.
-Bottom 10 clean cities/towns of India in 2017 are: Gonda (UP)-434, Bhusawal (Maharashtra)-433,
Bagaha (Bihar)-432, Hardoi (Uttarakhand)-431, Katihar (Bihar)-430, Bahraich (UP)-429, Muktsar
(Punjab)-428, Abohar (Punjab)-427, Shahjahanpur (UP)- 426 and Khurja (UP)-425.
Four of the bottom 10 clean cities are from UP, two each from Bihar and Punjab and one each from
Uttarakhand and Maharashtra.
These bottom 10 cities were not surveyed in 2016.
Comparison of rankings of bottom 10 cities of 2017 with that of 2014:
S.No City/Town 2017 ranking 2014 ranking

1 Gonda (UP) 434 151
2 Bhusawal (Maharashtra) 432 267
3 Bagaha (Bihar) 431 453
4 Hardoi (Uttarakhand) 430 235
5 Katihar (Bihar) 429 385
6 Bahraich (UP) 428 449
7 Muktsar (Punjab) 427 384
8 Abohar (Punjab) 426 420
9 Shahjahanpur (UP) 425 425
10 Khurja (UP) 424 366

While Bagaha and Bahraich have improved their rankings from 2014, Shajahanpur remained stay put
while the other 7 have slipped from 2014.
Composition of top and bottom 50 rankings:
-Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh account for 31 of the top 50 clean cities with 12 in
Gujarat, 11 in MP and 8 in AP. Telangana and Tamil Nadu account for 4 cities each in top 50, followed by
Maharashtra with 3.
Chandigarh, Chattisgarh, Delhi, HP, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Sikkim and UP account for one city each in top
50 clean cities of the country.
While 14 States/UTs find a place among the top 50 clean cities, competition is not so much for a place in
bottom 50, with UP alone accounting for 25 of the bottom 50 towns.
Rajasthan and Punjab have 5 towns each in the bottom 50, followed by Maharashtra-2 and one each
from Haryana, Karnataka and Lakshadweep.
Out of the 62 cities and towns surveyed in UP in 2017, 41 of them figure among the bottom 100
cities/towns.
Surprises of 2017 Sanitation Survey:
Jharkhand and Chattisgarh have emerged as the major success stories in Swachh Survekshan -2017.
While all the 9 cities/towns of Jharkhand surveyed in 2017 have substantially improved their rankings
over that of 2016 and 2014, 7 of 8 in Chattisgarh have achieved this feat.
Comparison of swachh rankings of cities/towns in Jharkhand:
City/Town 2017 Ranking 2017 Ranking 2016 Rankings of 2014 Rankings of

among 434 among 72 73 million plus 476 cities/towns
cities/towns million plus Cities/capitals
population Surveyed
cities/towns
Chas 41 Not applicable Not applicable 371
Jamshedpur 64 26 66 109
Giridh 81 NA Not applicable 298
Hazaribagh 91 NA Not applicable 325
Deogarh 102 NA Not applicable Not surveyed
Dhanbad 109 33 72 343
Ranchi 117 36 62 223
Mango 131 NA Not applicable 284
Adityapur 144 NA Not surveyed 404

Comparison of swachh rankings of cities/towns in Chattisgarh:
City/Town 2017 Ranking 2017 ranking 2016 Ranking 2014 Ranking

among 72 million among 73 million among 476
plus cities plus cities cities/towns
surveyed surveyed
Ambikapur 15 Not applicable Not applicable 464
Bhilainagar 54 “ “ 379
Durg 85 28 46 170
Raigarh 104 Not applicable Not applicable 294
Raipur 129 38 68 293
Rajnandgaon 164 Not applicable Not applicable 399
Bilaspur 179 “ “ 95
Jagdalpur 232 “ “ 394

So, while Gujarat, MP, Andhra Pradesh continued their good work scoring well in Sanitation Rankings
of 2017, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh emerge as the major success stories given sanitation levels in 2016
and 2014 with substantial improvement.
How did Delhi fare over the years?
Urban Local Body 2017 Ranking 2017 Ranking 2016 Rankings of 2014 Rankings of
among among 72 million 73 million plus 476 cities/towns
434 cities/towns plus cities population cities surveyed
surveyed
NDMC 7 7 4 15
Delhi Cant 172 Not applicable Not applicable 14
East MCD 196 45 52 397
South MCD 202 47 39 397
North MCD 279 65 53 397

-NDMC and the three Municipal Corporations of East, South and North have significantly improved
over 2014 Sanitation Rankings, Delhi Cantonment have reported substantial decline.
While East and South MCDs have improved over 2016 rankings, NDMC has slipped marginally.
Matters of concern:
UP: 50 of the 62 cities/towns surveyed in 2017 are ranked 305 and below among the 434 cities/towns
surveyed. 41 cities and towns are among the bottom 100 cities. Varanasi is the only saving grace with
a rank of 32.
Bihar: 19 of 27 cities and towns surveyed in 2017 are ranked beyond 300 with best rank in the State
being 147 for Biharsharif. 15 of these 27 cities are among the bottom 100.
Rajasthan : 18 of 29 cities/towns surveyed in 2017 are ranked beyond 300 and 13 are among the
bottom 100. Best Rank for the State being 171 for Bundi.
Kerala : Of the 9 cities surveyed in 2017, best rank for the State is 254 for Kozhikode (Calicut) and four
are among the bottom 100.
Punjab: Of the 16 cities/towns surveyed in 2017, best rank for the State is 121 for SAS Nagar and 7
among the bottom 100 ranks.
May 3, 2017

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Government of India
05-May-2017 10:55 IST
Water level of 91 major reservoirs of the country goes down by one per cent
The water storage available in 91 major reservoirs of the country for the week ending on May 04,
2017 was 41.066 BCMwhich is 26% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This percentage
was at 27 for the week ending on April 27, 2017. The level of May 04, 2017 was 128% of the
storage of corresponding period of last year and 106% of storage of average of last ten years.

The total storage capacity of these 91 reservoirs is 157.799 BCM which is about 62% of the total
storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country. 37
Reservoirs out of these 91 have hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW.


NORTHERN REGION
The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6
live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is better than the
corresponding period of last year but is less than the average storage of last ten years during the

EASTERN REGION
and is also better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION
Thus, storage during current yearis better than the storage of last year and is equal to the average
storage of last ten years during the corresponding period

CENTRAL REGION
period.

SOUTHERN REGION
these reservoirs is 4.68BCM which is 9 % of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The

Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. States having equal storage than last year for corresponding period
is AP&TG (Two combined projects in both states). States having lesser storage than last year for
corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,
Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Samir/jk

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Government of India
Cabinet
03-May-2017 20:19 IST
Cabinet approves Vijayawada Airport as International Airport
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its
approval for the declaration of Vijayawada Airport as International Airport, as per the
provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
The proposal will add to improved connectivity to the State capital. It will provide wider
choice of services at competitive costs to the air-travelers and give a boost to
domestic/international tourism and socio-economic development of Andhra Pradesh by
bringing in international passengers and cargo traffic.
Background:
Declaration of an airport as International Airport depends upon traffic potential and

demand from airlines for operation of international flights. Further, availability of
Ground Lighting Facilities, Instrument Landing System for operation of aircrafts at night,
adequate runway length to cater to medium capacity long-range aircraft or equivalent
type of aircraft, availability of Customs, Immigration, Health and Animal & Plant
Quarantine Services are also required for international operations.
The declaration of Vijayawada Airport as International has been taken up in accordance

with the provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 and keeping in view the
passenger traffic growth, demands from airlines and Andhra Pradesh Government.
Airports Authority of India has undertaken upgradation of requisite infrastructure and
facilities for international operations.

****
AKT/VBA/SH
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Government of India
29-April-2017 13:55 IST
Dada Saheb Phalke Award : 3rd May
K. Vishwanath – A Legend of Indian Cinema
*Pradeep Sardana
Veteran Telugu Director Kasinadhuni Vishwanath will be conferred with the
prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award 2016, for his outstanding contribution to the growth and
development of Indian cinema. The recommendation of the 48th Dadasaheb Phalke award
committee to recognise Vishwanath was approved by I&B minister Sh. M Venkaiah
Naidu, which is surely a great and appreciated decision.
“A presenter of classical and traditional art, music and dance, Shri K. Viswanath has been a
guiding force in the Indian film industry. As a director, he has made fifty films since 1965
known for their strong content, endearing narrative, honest handling and cultural authenticity,”
the I&B ministry said in the statement.
K Vishwanath would receive a golden lotus, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs and a shawl as part of
Dadasaheb Phalke Award, considered the highest recognition in Indian cinema, which will be
given away by President Pranab Mukherjee at the 64th National Film Awards Function on May
3 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Vishwanath has made a series of films based on varied themes of art, music and dance. Culture,
along with music and dance always played a prominent role in the progression of the story of his
films. Viswanath's filmography is known for addressing the societal evils such as caste system,
dowry, untouchability and violence. The films like Saptapadi, Swayam Krushi, Subhalekha and
Sutradharulu were highly recognized for making strong comment on such issues. He has also
successfully portrayed the human issues of physical and mental disability with the films
like Sarada and Sirivennela.
In spite of the sensitivity of these subjects, they are presented in a creative manner that puts the
right amount of emphasis on the intended message. Yet Vishwanath's films were never
considered as offbeat cinema but proved to be complete package of entertainment for the
viewers. Being a director, he believes cinema can bring out desirable change in society if
presented aesthetically. He has been known for blending parallel cinema with mainstream
cinema, in a distinguished and highly acceptable way.
Born on 19th February 1930 in Andhra Pradesh, Vishwanath is a sound designer-turned director
and character actor, known for his work in Telegu, Tamil and Hindi cinema. He has been
associated with almost 60 films in his career span of 60 years as Sound recorder, Screenplay &
Story writer, Assistant Director, Actor or Director.
Awards have been rained upon him, for his brilliant sense of film making, which itself defines
the success story and quality of his works. He made films which have been recognised not only
by the Indian film industry but also made a strong inkling on the world. During the years, he has
been honoured with 5 National Film Awards (for Sankarabharanam, Saptapadi, Swati
Mutyam, Sutradharulu, and Swarabhishekam), 20 Nandi Awards (awarded by the Andhra
Pradesh Government for films like Shruti Layalu, Subha Sankalpam and Kalisundam Raa etc.),
10 Filmfare Awards including Lifetime Achievement Award (for O Seeta Katha, Jeevana
Jyoti, Saagara Sangamam, Subhalekha and others), and the prestigious Padma Shri Award.
His films like Swayam Krushi, Swati Kiranam and Swarnakamalam have been premiered and
recognized at International Film Festivals as well, such as International Film Festival of India,
Tashkent Film Festival, Moscow International Film Festival, Besancon Film Festival
of France and Asia Pacific Film Festival. His film Swati Mutyam, represented India at the 59th
Academy awards in the best foreign films category.
In 1965, Vishwanath debuted as a director with Telugu film Aatma Gowravam, which won
the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film of the year. Since then, most of his films were able to get
critic acclaims along with success at Box office as well. He has worked with leading actors from
across the industry including Kamal Haasan, Jayaprada, Rishi Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rakesh
Roshan, Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi, Mithun Chakravarti, Vanisri, N T Rama Rao, Shoban Babu and
Chiranjeevi , and became the mentor and patron for many.
In 1995, Vishwanath debuted as an actor with Telugu film Subha Sankalpam. Later he got
popularity as a character actor, and appeared in Telugu - Tamil films such as Kakkai
Siraginilae (2000), Narasimha Naidu (2001), Bagavathi (2002), Pudhiya
Geethai (2003), Tagore (2003), Swarabhishekam (2004), Pandurangadu (2008) and many more.
He has also acted in few television serials, and endorsed for few brands as well.
Here is the list of few classic films among others from his splendid career, all of which are ahead
of each other because of one reason or other.
Sankarabharanam- It shows the chasm between Classical and Western Music based on two
people from different generations. The film gave the message that art does not differentiate
between caste, class or religion.
Saptapadai- The film revolves around conservatism and talks about an individual's journey to
break away from all the norms to finding a path of understanding, encompassing and
enlightenment. It also focuses on the rituals of marriage, and its importance in one’s life.
Swati Mutyam: The film is about an autistic man who falls in love with a widow. It comments
about re-marriage of a widow and brings forward the difference between autism and mental
illness.
Swayamkrushi: The message is that there are no short cuts to success. The story revolves around
a man who becomes rich because of his dedication. The film also focuses on the pure
relationship between parents and child.
K Vishwanath is a true legendary icon for Indian Film Industry, and his exceptional and
exemplary work would undoubtedly continue to inspire many. He has set a prominent
benchmark for the art of film making that would be arduous for others to touch.
****
*Author is a senior journalist and film critique. Regularly writes in major Newspapers on a
wide range of subjects. The Views expressed in the Article are his personal.
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Government of India
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
28-April-2017 15:22 IST
Shri Kalraj Mishra Chairs the meeting of the State Ministers of MSME
A meeting of Ministers and Principal Secretaries (MSME/Khadi/Coir) of all States/ UTs under
the Chairmanship of Shri Kalraj Mishra, Union Minister for MSME, Government of India was
held here today.

Shri Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary, Minister of State for MSME, Government of India, and
senior officers of the Ministry were also present on this august occasion. From the States/ UTs,
Prof. Jagdish Mukhi. Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri Rohit Bhai Patel, Minister
from Gujarat, Shri Vipul Goyal, Minister from Haryana, Shri TH. Biswajit Singh, Minister from
Manipur, Shri H. Rohluna, Minister from Mizoram, Shri Jogendra Behera, Minister from Odisha,
Shri Satyadev Pachauri, Minister from Uttar Pradesh and Shri Madan Kaushik, Minister from
Uttarakhand, participated and presented views of their respective UT/ States. Shri C. P.
Radhakrishnan, Chairman, Coir Board, and Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chairman, KVIC, were
also present.

The Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri
Kalraj Mishra chairing the meeting with the Ministers and Principal
Secretaries of State Governments/Union Territories to discuss the
issues pertaining with MSME sector, in New Delhi on April 28, 2017.
The Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri
Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary and the MSME Secretary, Shri K.K.
Jalan are also seen.

It is a unique effort of the Government in line with its emphasis on the spirit of the cooperative
federalism and discussions with the States/UTs. Shri Kalraj Mishra, speaking on the occasion,
said that, for overall development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Sector, the
coordination between Centre and State is an essential ingredient. This meeting is one such effort
in this regard. There are numerous areas in which the effort of Centre can be, and need to be,
complemented by the State and vice-versa.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for
MSME stated that India could become the manufacturing hub of the world if both Centre and
States work in tandem. It may also benefit all the stakeholders. He also stressed on the huge
potential of the MSME Sector in the matter of providing employment. He also pointed out that
the present Government wants more people to be self-employed so that the number of job-
seekers comes down.

Lt. Governor and Ministers from States spoke about the problems faced by their respective UT/
States and gave valuable suggestions.

The issues discussed in the meeting are listed below:
1. Development and Growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), issues of
separate MSME Department and MSME policies in the State and regulatory issues
hampering the growth of MSMEs:
(i) Government of India has given special attention to the Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs). The Budget of the Ministry has increased, at one go, by
87% during the Financial year 2017-18 as compared to that in 2016-17. Hon'ble
Prime Minister has also mentioned about the facilities to the MSMEs in his
address to the nation on 31.12.2016. MSMEs find a special mention in the Union
Budget for the year 2017-18. It is well recognised that the employment is mainly
provided by the MSMEs.
(ii) It is, therefore, felt that various States must also focus on the development and
growth of MSMEs. A few States have already created separate Department of
MSMEs. All the States have been requested again in today’s meeting to create a
separate Department or at least a separate Directorate for the development and
growth of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
(iii) Some of the States such as West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan
have come up with MSME Policies in their respective States. Every State has also
been requested again in today’s meeting to come up with MSME Policy in their
States so that the MSMEs are encouraged.
(iv) It has also been noticed that the major problem areas for the MSMEs are lack of
availability of credit facilities, technology advancements, availability of skilled
man-power, availability of infrastructure and also a prevalence of higher cost on
regulatory compliances. All the State Governments have again been requested to
work in all these areas, especially after the ease-of-doing business campaign. It is
heartening to note that various States have simplified their processes and it would
be appropriate that these processes are further rationalised, especially for MSMEs.
2. Review of implementation of Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme
(PMEGP)
3. NIMSME, training of DIC staff and introduction of Udyog Bandhu: In the changed policy
scenario, the District Industries Centres should be redeveloped as Udyam/Udyog Bandhus
with the necessary infrastructure for providing counselling, mentoring and handholding
services. A specialized cadre of trained officials employed by the Udyam/Udyog Bandhus
need to work with local partners to counsel, mentor and to train small entrepreneurs. These
Udyam/Udyog Bandhus can comprise of "Facilitator Business Development Cell as one
stop services" to give counselling, mentoring and handholding towards complying rules
required for setting up services or manufacturing enterprises.
4. Promotion of Khadi and the various schemes of KVIC
5. Implementation of Technology Centres System Programme and Review of Working of
Existing Technology Centres
6. Review of various schemes of the Ministry namely, SFURTI, ASPIRE, MATU, MAS, IC
and PCRS
7. Discussion regarding One-Man Committee's recommendations on MSME.
8. Implementation of National SC/ST Hub (NSSH)
9. Progress on Micro & Small Enterprises - Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP)
10. Best Practices of various States for growth of SMEs:
a. Automaticity of Statutory Clearances for starting a business in Telangana
b. The ‘Clearing House Model’ for Statutory Clearances in Gujarat
c. Capital Investment Subsidy, Interest Subsidy and Benefits under the Purchase Policy
by Govt. of Gujarat.
d. Consolidation of unused Government plots by Madhya Pradesh
e. Efforts taken by Maharashtra for quick disposal of Delayed Payments cases
f. Trade Facilitation Centre at DICs in West Bengal

The concerned States were commended for adopting such practices and today’s deliberations
documented the outlines of these practices so that other States, too, could adopt such best
practices.
********
AK
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Government of India
28-April-2017 17:44 IST
‘Oorja’ –CAPFs Under -19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament-2017 begins in
Goa from Monday
India is hosting FIFA Under – 19 World Cup in October this year. The Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi has called for the support of not only children, but also parents to encourage
boys and girls to play football and develop both skill and fitness. The tournament will be a
milestone event in many ways, but perhaps most lasting aspect will be Mission XI Million,
which is a grassroot programme designed to encourage children to play this popular game.

Keeping in view of the appeal of the Prime Minister, the Central Armed Police Forces
(CAPFs) have been tasked to conduct ‘Oorja’, - CAPFs Under-19 Football Talent Hunt
Tournament – 2017. CAPFs will be jointly organizing the tournament under the aegis of All
India Police Sports Control Board throughout the country from May 1-15, 2017. The Central
Industrial Security Force (CISF) is tasked to conduct the tournament for the States of
Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and the Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar
Haveli and Daman & Diu.

In Goa, CISF is organizing the Oorja – 2017 for Boys and Girls under the age of 19 from
May 1-10, 2017. Opening Ceremony is scheduled on May 1, 2017 at Bambolim Football
stadium, Goa in which Governor of Goa, Smt. Mridula Sinha will be the Chief Guest. Chief
Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar will grace the Closing Ceremony scheduled on May 10, 2017.
Bruno Coutinho, Arjuna Awardee, will be the brand ambassador for Oorja -2017, in Goa.

Mission XI Million is a school contact programme that aims at improving the football
ecosystem and ultimately widening the talent pool for the national team. Vying to reach out to
over 37 cities and 12,000 schools across all 29 states of India, the initiative will focus on games
that can be adapted to different field sizes and conditions, with special emphasis on small-sided
games. It is divided into three phases: seminars for teacher and educators, in-school activities and
football festivals, which will run up to September, 2017.

****
KSD/NK/PK/KM

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Government of India
Ministry of Power
28-April-2017 12:24 IST
Over 21 lakh LED Street Lights installed across India under Street Light
National Programme
 Scheme is being implemented in 23 States and Union Territories

 Annual energy s avings of 295 million units

Under the Government of India’s Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) over 21 lakh
conventional street lights have been replaced with LED street lights across the country. The
newly installed lights have led to brighter streets, feeling of enhanced safety and security among
the residents and motorists. Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a Public Energy Services
Company under the administration of Ministry of Power, Government of India (GoI) is the
implementing agency for SLNP.

The installation of LED street lights has resulted in Annual energy savings of 295 million unit
kWh, avoided capacity of over 73 MW and reduction of 2.3 lakh tonnes of CO 2 annually. The
project has been implemented across 23 states and union territories. The lighting level on
roads have increased significantly after the replacement. The highest replacement of LED lights
has happened in the following states:

State Number of Street Lights Energy Saved per year
(kWh)
Rajasthan 7,04,891 99,054,808
Andhra Pradesh 5,86,037 82,352,849
Delhi 2,64,185 37,124,579
Gujarat 2,00,536 28,180,321
Goa 94,856 13,329,639

EESL is also implementing a special heritage lighting project, wherein 1000 LED street lights
have been installed in Kashi region of Uttar Pradesh, and another 4000 lights are being installed.

The procurement price of the LED Street Lights has been reduced from Rs. 135/watt to Rs.
80/watt due to mass procurement of the lights. EESL makes the entire upfront investment in
installation of the Street Lights and no additional budget allocation from the Municipalities is
required. Municipalities pay EESL from the savings in energy and maintenance cost over a 7
year period, making the LED lights affordable and accessible. EESL also undertakes social
audits in all states post the completion of the project.

EESL procurements conform to BIS specification & carry a 7 year warranty against technical
defects. EESL conducts appropriate quality checks right from the bidding stage to the field level.
This has resulted in the LEDs’ overall technical fault being less than 1% in the 21 lakh lights
installed by EESL in the country. EESL has maintained an uptime of 95% for all street lights
across the country.

Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi launched 100 cities National Programme on 5th
January 2015 to convert conventional street and domestic lights with energy efficient LED lights.
Under Street Light National Programme (SLNP), Government aims to replace 1.34 crore
conventional street lights with energy efficient LED lights.

RM/VM/PS

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Government of India
Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
26-April-2017 16:06 IST
Over Rs.one lakh cr investment approved for housing of urban poor
Over one lakh more houses sanctioned; 57,131 for Madhya Pradesh, 24,576 for
Tamil Nadu
Madhya Pradesh pips Tamil Nadu to lead in houses sanctioned under

PMAY(Urban)
18.75 lakh houses sanctioned for urban poor in 2,151 cities and towns so far
Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation has sanctioned 1,00,537 more houses
for urban poor under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) with an investment of Rs.4,200 cr
taking the total investment so far approved to Rs.1,00,466 cr. This is 307% more than the
investment approved of Rs.32,713 cr during 2004-14 for affordable housing in urban areas.
With the latest sanctions, the Ministry has so far approved construction of 18,75,389
houses for Economically Weaker Sections under PMAY(Urban) in 2,151 cities and towns in 34
States/UTs as against 13.80 lakh houses sanctioned during 2004-15 with an approved investment
of Rs.32,009 cr.
The total investment approved so far includes central assistance of Rs.29,409 cr,
assistance from State Governments and beneficiary contribution.
In the latest sanctions, Madhya Pradesh got 57,131 houses, Tamil Nadu-24,576, Manipur-
6,231, Chattisgarh-4,898, Gujarat-4,261, Assam-2,389, Kerala-643, Jharkhand-331 and Daman
& Diu-77.
With total houses sanctioned of 2,66,842, Madhya Pradesh has emerged the leader for the
first time in approvals under PMAY(Urban) with a total investment of Rs.18,283 cr. Tamil Nadu
is second with 2,52,532 houses with a total project cost of Rs.9,112 cr.
Of the total houses so far sanctioned, 10,65,058 were under the Beneficiary Led
Construction component of PMAY(Urban) wherein beneficiaries undertake new construction or
enhancement of existing houses for which central assistance of Rs.1.50 lakh each is provided.
5,87,115 have been sanctioned under Affordable Housing in Partnership under which state
governments provide land/financial assistance for housing projects for which central assistance
of Rs.1.50 lakh each is given per beneficiary.
Details of houses sanctioned and project investments approved in major States are:
State No of affordable houses Investment approved

sanctionerd (Rs. cr)
Madhya Pradesh 2,66,842 18,283
Tamil Nadu 2,52,532 9,112
Andhra Pradesh 1,95,047 10,697
Gujarat 1,48,948 9,772
Karnataka 1,46,548 6,288
West Bengal 1,44,369 5,870
Maharashtra 1,26,081 13,458
Bihar 88,293 3,909
Telangana 82,985 4,998
Jharkhand 64,898 2,423
Odisha 48,855 2,108
Tripura 45,908 1,264
Punjab 42,681 1,199
Rajasthan 37,856 2,646
Chattisgarh 34,973 2,962
Kerala 28,918 963
Assam 26,742 801
Uttar Pradesh 20,682 1,056
Manipur 15,979 414
Nagaland 13,560 335
Mizoram 10,459 219
Uttarakhand 7,904 510
Jammu & Kashmir 6,243 292
Himachal Pradesh 4,890 222
Haryana 4,299 338

Of the total houses sanctioned, construction has begun in respect of 6,89,829 and
construction of 1,00,395 houses have been completed.
****
AAR/KM
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Government of India
26-April-2017 17:44 IST
PM’s interaction through PRAGATI
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired his eighteenth interaction
through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance
and Timely Implementation.
The Prime Minister reviewed the progress towards handling and resolution of grievances
related to Railways. Noting that a large number of complaints were related to corrupt
practices of officials, he directed strictest possible action against Railway officials found
guilty of corruption. He asked the Indian Railways to work towards a unified single
telephone number for all grievances and queries, including helpline in the case of an
accident.
The Prime Minister reviewed the progress of vital infrastructure projects in the railway,
road and power sectors, spread over several states including Maharashtra, Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and
Nagaland.
Among the projects reviewed today are: the Mumbai Metro, the Tirupati-Chennai
Highway, long-pending road projects in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Manipur, and
important power transmission lines in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East.
Reviewing Mission Indradhanush for universal immunization of children, the Prime

Minister asked for targeted attention in strict timeframes for the 100 worst performing
districts in this regard. He said youth organizations such as NCC and Nehru Yuva Kendra
could be involved in the outreach effort to ensure that no child was left without the
benefit of immunization.
Reviewing the implementation of Swachhta Action Plans, the Prime Minister said that
events such as Swachhta fortnights should be converted into movements towards
permanent solutions. On the AMRUT Mission, the Prime Minister asked officials to
quantify and document the gains achieved through the use of latest technology, such as
LED bulbs, so that the benefits could be better appreciated by one and all.
The Prime Minister urged all Secretaries of the Government of India, and all Chief
Secretaries of States, to come up with concrete plans and objectives for transformative
change, to be achieved by the 75th anniversary of independence in 2022. With regard to
cleanliness, he urged for maximum efforts ahead of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth
anniversary by 2019.
***
AKT/HS
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Government of India
Ministry of Science & Technology
26-April-2017 11:54 IST
CSIR-CLRI’s Initiatives for Enabling Indian Leather Industry
BACKGROUNDER

CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, a constituent laboratory of the CSIR, established in
1948 is entering into its 70thyear. Year-long activities and programmes have been planned to
commemorate 70 years of service in enabling leather through an academy-industry-research
partnership forged from the very beginning. CSIR-CLRI nurtures the skilled manpower
required for the sector at the global level. CSIR-CLRI represents the leather sector in all its
planning and policy development. Over the years, the institute has transformed into a global
hub for innovative technology driven development of the leather sector. Technologies for
bioprocessing of leather, zero waste water discharge, value added materials from leather and
indigenous chemicals for processing are some of the highlighting features of this institute.
Reaching the unreached through grass root level artisanal training programmes, training of
trainers etc. is an important feature of the S&T dissemination activities of the institute.

Through the institute, Indian leather sector strives to achieve economic and environmental
sustainability, leading to more than doubling of the annual turnover from the present in about
4 years. The reinstatement of the tanneries in Tamil Nadu in 1996 stands a strong testimony to
the contributions of this institute.

Skill development initiatives

Growth of any industry strongly depends on the availability of associated skill as well. The
CSIR-CLRI has a strong mandate to develop, train and re-train the required manpower for this
sector. About 60% of the skilled manpower in leather industry is from CSIR-CLRI. Training
comes at all levels, be it the technical degrees or vocational programs, the institute has tailor
made programs to suit the needs of the industry from time to time. Currently CSIR-CLRI has
more than 30 different types of training programs. The institute hosts nearly 700 students at
any point of time. On 23rdSeptember 2016, integrated skill initiative program of the CSIR,
which includes a major training program for under-privileged was launched. This would
increase the training capacity of the institute to nearly 3000 per annum. In this, the National
Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation, LIDCAP and Andhra Pradesh
Scheduled Castes Co-operative Finance Corporation Limited have joined us. Through these
programs the institute envisages

 almost 30% enhancement of per capita income of 10000 people in different villages
 improvement in social status significantly
 standardization and global visibility to Indian ethnic products

This initiative would fulfil the dream of the Hon’ble Prime Minister in developing a skilled
India.

Shift towards Sports Footwear

Hon’ble Prime Minister directed CSIR-CLRI to develop affordable sports footwear for
enabling our sports personnel to do well in International events like Olympics during the
Platinum Jubilee celebrations of CSIR in September 2016. Towards this direction, CSIR-
CLRI initiated a roundtable discussion on “Sports Footwear” with members from industry in
November 2016 during the CSIR Technofest and a road map for developing sports footwear
has been developed. Currently, CSIR-CLRI has a state-of the art Gait lab for analysis of
comfort parameters for footwear to support this development.
Role of CLRI for re-enabling tanneries

In 1973, the implementation of the recommendation of Dr. Seetharamaiah committee to
promote only export of finished leathers brought the CSIR-CLRI facilitated technological
transition of the industry from semi-finished to finished leather exporter. During the same
time, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was passed in 1974. CSIR-CLRI
played a pivotal role in establishing CETPs not only in Tamil Nadu but also all over the
country. CSIR-CLRI has also been providing prodigious service to the leather industries in
Tamil Nadu to maintain and operate the CETPs successfully.

In 1991, Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum filed a case before the Supreme Court of India.
This writ petition no. 914, filed under Article 32 prayed shutting down of the tanneries for not
having adhered to the discharge norms of pollution control boards. Supreme Court in its
order on 1st May 1995 directed the closure of around 700 tanneries in Tamil Nadu for not
having met the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) requirement. CSIR-CLRI on request of
the All India Skins and Hides Merchants Association (AISHMA), implemented cleaner
technology measures and in-plant pollution control techniques and ensured the attainment of
BOD norm. This facilitated the resumption of business in all the tanneries.

In 2001, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) asked the two tanning clusters at
Dindigul and Pernambut to reduce the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of the treated wastewater
from about 22 g/L to 7500 mg/L. CSIR-CLRI through implementation of the cleaner
technology measures brought down the TDS level to about 5500 mg/L in six months in these
two clusters. This fostered the confidence and technological capabilities of the Dindigul
tanning cluster, which strived for discharge of treated wastewater through dilution with
treated domestic wastewater. CSIR-CLRI provided all the necessary technical support and
guidance in this respect.

In 2007, Madras High Court ordered the implantation of membrane-based technologies to
attain zero liquid discharge. CSIR-CLRI provided all the necessary support in establishment
of Reverse Osmosis units in individual tanneries and also in CETPs. CSIR-CLRI helped the
tanneries of Dindigul and Trichy to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) for the historical
process methodology of East India Tanning (EI). In 2008, GI for the EI leather was awarded
to Trichy and DIndigul tanning clusters. Apart from these, CSIR-CLRI has been providing
testing and analytical services for leather and leather products industries. The consultation
services provided by CSIR-CLRI, to the tanneries of Tamil Nadu assured them of the
production of quality products.

Recently, CSIR-CLRI along with AISHMA is addressing the issue of rendering the currently
used Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) methodology sustainable. Technology upgradation
towards sustainability of compliance to zero liquid discharge norms in tanneries in Tamil
Nadu is being developed. Tannery waste liquor is being presently subjecting to RO
desalination and the reject water is evaporated up to dryness stage using forced evaporation.
The solid residue generated during the process is found to be a mixture of sodium chloride,
sodium sulphate and calcium sulphate as its major constituents with minor quantities of
magnesium chloride and other insoluble and soluble impurities. Inorder to solve this salt
problem, AISHTMA will assume the role of the coordinating agency on behalf of the tannery
sector in Tamil Nadu and the industry association will engage the CSIR laboratories (CLRI
and CSMCRI) for designing and developing economically viable and environmentally
sustainable solutions in a time bound manner. Thus, AISHTMA and CSIR labs will make a
joint initiative to find secured solutions for salt problems associated with ZLD.

Recent technologies from CLRI

The research theme of the institute is the “Sustainability of the leather industry”. Leather
sector makes a significant contribution to the GDP and also provides direct and indirect
employment to people in the lower strata of income. To turn the industry from one, which
used to consume large quantities of water and discharges a variety of liquid and solid
pollutants, paradigm changes in the processing methodologies are required. Some of the
developments in this area, which have been validated at industrial scales and also have been /
will be translated to the industry, are:

 Water free chrome tanning technologies
 Zero wastewater discharge process
 Cocktail of enzymes for bioprocessing
 Development of syntans devoid of toxic chemicals
 Developing soles for footwear from solid wastes of leather industry
 Operational cost reduction and sludge minimisation in treatment plants
 Hitherto unexplored exotic raw materials for Leather Life style products (Chicken
feet skin, fish skin, ostrich skin etc.)
 Children footwear for the growing feet
 Footwear for diabetic and obese
 Collagen and Collagen-Peptide based Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering
Applications
 Pharmaceutical grade gelatin from tannery wastes

Game changing technologies for leather processing

Waterless Tanning Technology

Chromium is the most sought after tanning agent with about 2.0 billion sq. ft. of leather being
made in India. About 20 thousand tons of chrome tanning agent is discharged in the
wastewater. CSIR-CLRI has a basket of technologies by which chromium uptake by the
leather could be increased. Amongst these, the recent technologies, viz., the waterless chrome
tanning technology and a product for facilitating dry tanning have made giant strides.

The waterless tanning technology has now found PAN INDIA acceptance, with tanners in all
clusters enrolling for its adoption. This is truly a game changing technology that has emerged
from the CSIR through CLRI. Significance of this technology is that a) it completely
eliminates two processes before and after tanning, b) eliminates the use of water in tanning, c)
reduces the total dissolved solids in wastewater from this process by 20% and also d) brings
down the usage of chromium by 15-20%, resulting in material saving.

Efforts are now on to translate this technology both nationally and globally. Several countries
including Ethiopia, South Africa, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Vietnam and Brazil have
evinced interest in this CSIR technology.

First of its kind chemicals for leather processing

The institute from its beginning has been contributing to the indigenous development of
syntans and fatliquors. This process continues even today with the introduction of a chromium
based product free of formaldehyde and specifically suited for poor quality raw materials to
increase the per square feet value realization from leather.

Generating wealth from tannery solid waste

Through the decades sustainability of the sector has gained more and more attention. The
institute has addressed the problems associated with the large solid wastes generated by this
industry in a holistic manner. Today technologies that generate value, almost equal to that of
leather itself have been developed by the CSIR from the leather wastes. Some of these
technologies that have caught the attention are:

a. biofuels from wastes
b. hair composts for vegetation
c. shoe soles from limed flesh wastes
d. regenerated leather from leather trimmings and
e. fabrics from leather wastes

Towards environmental sustainability

Technologies for end-of-pipe treatment of wastes and increasing the efficiency of the
common effluent treatment plants have been addressed through the institute. CSIR-CLRI
technology for chrome recovery/reuse has been implemented in all tanneries in the country.
Under the Namami Gange program, the institute has provided a detailed plan for waste
management in tanneries at Jajmau, Kanpur. Institute closely works with various central and
state government bodies in ensuring the environmental compliance of the leather industry.
The highlight of the technology support of CSIR-CLRI is in

a. State-of-art technologies for recovery and reuse of water by adopting membrane
systems to control pollutants and meet water demands of the industry in Tamil Nadu.
b. The indigenously developed decentralized secured landfill setup has contributed to the
environmental compliance by the industry.
c. Keeping in mind the need to control greenhouse gas emissions and sludge generated
by effluent treatment plants, the institute has developed a series of advanced oxidation
treatment processes that reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and sludge
generation by 80%. This technology has found acceptance not only by the leather
industries but also by other industries as well as for municipal sewage treatment.
d. Technologies for biomethanisation of wastes using high rate anaerobic treatment
process have been implemented not only in tanneries but also for pharma, agro and
other industries.
e. Electro-oxidation technologies for zero wastewater discharge with negligible sludge
generation

These technologies have also found acceptance in many of the manufacturing nations.

Heath care products impacting society

Collagen the predominant constituent protein of skin has been one of strong research points of
CSIR. While modulating collagen structure and crosslinking for tanning, the institute has also
developed a range of health care products based on collagen and other proteinous material like
gelatin and keratin. Some of the products from the institute such as

 wound healing materials
 surgical sutures
 burn dressing materials
 high grade gelatin and
 demineralized bone

have been commercialized and are finding acceptance globally.

Planning for future leather sector

The institute has prepared and submitted to the Government, a Technology Mission plan for
Leather sector at a cost of approximately Rs. 2400 Crores. Through this plan, it is envisioned
to provide proactive measures to upgrade and expand the technologies and thus the capacity
of CETPs, along with skill development required. The envisioned modules include

a. Systematic collection of raw hides/skins
b. Technologies for capacity utilization of tanneries
c. Enhanced environmental management
d. Framework for quality benchmarking and certification

CSIR-CLRI would be the implementing agency for the above development plan.

As a part of the TIFAC led initiative to develop a roadmap for the manufacturing sector in the
country for 2035, the CSIR has prepared a roadmap for the leather sector. Through this
roadmap an innovation led transformation of the industry has been envisaged.

CSIR alignment to National Agenda

CSIR through leather developmental initiatives has contributed significantly to the national
agenda laid out by our Hon’ble Prime Minister in the following manner

Swachch Bharat Technologies for treatment of solid & liquid wastes and value
Abhiyan generation from them
Clean and renewable Bioenergy - Biogas from tannery wastes
energy
Namami Ganga Safeguarding Ganga: CSIR as an enabler
Enhancing CETP capacity
Improved collection/ conveyance of wastes
Secure landfills
Game Changer Sustainable Manufacture: CSIR-CLRI Technology
Zero Chromium discharge, Waterless Chrome Tanning
Technology, Dry Tanning
Make in India Doubling value from Indian Leather by 2020
CSIR as an enabler – Technology Mission
Quantum jump in R/M collection
Augmenting tanning capacity
Matching CETP capacities
Benchmarking and Branding
Innovate in India Enzyme based fibre opening
Leather goods from Ray fish, Chicken feet leathers
Leather + Natural fibre based products
Swasthya Bharat Footcare solutions for obese and arthritic
Wound/burn dressing materials/sutures
Benign and aesthetic children shoes
Samarth – Sasakth Academy-Industry-R&D
Bharat CSIR-CLRI as an enabler
Min. of skill development training programs
Capacity building in Africa
World-wide hub for leather education
Impact of CSIR-CLRI in growth of Leather Sector
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More than 80% of the leather sector is under the MSME. CSIR-CLRI technologies are
developed for easy implementation at the MSME level. Requisite training for adoption of the
technologies are provided from CSIR through various modes.

The mission of CSIR through CSIR-CLRI is to meet the requirements of global leather
sector, relevant regulatory and statutory bodies and other stake holders with continual
improvement in its services, while aligning itself to the National agenda through
technology innovation led solutions for the sector.

RDS/nb
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Government of India
25-April-2017 16:15 IST
Centre giving priority to agriculture sector by allocating maximum funds for the
farmers’ welfare: Agriculture Minister
To achieve target of doubling farmers' income by 2022, Agriculture Ministry

written letters to States/Uts to strategise and work on it: Shri Singh
Total food grain production target for 2017-18 to be 273 million tonnes: Shri Singh

Price stabilization Fund now increases from Rs 500 crore to Rs 1500 crore: Shri
Radha Mohan Singh

Shri Singh inaugurates two-day National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif
Campaign-2017

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Radha Mohan
Singh said that the central government is giving priority to agriculture sector by
allocating maximum funds for the farmers’ welfare.Shri Singh said that the
government aims at increasing the agriculture production, determining productivity
and boosting dairy/livestock/fisheries while promoting agriculture education, research
and extension organisation. It was stated by Shri Singh while inaugurating two-day
National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign-2017, which started today in
New Delhi.
The Minister of States for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Parshottam
Rupala and Shri Sudarshan Bhagat and senior government officials were present on
this occasion. Discussion at the conference was centred on last year’s agricultural
production, how to increase the production of next year’s Kharif crop, raising
agricultural productivity in consultation with the state governments, ensuring the
availability of inputs before the cropping season, implementation of technology and
new innovations in the agriculture sector.
Shri Singh said that to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's target of
doubling farmers' income by 2022, Agriculture Ministry has written letters to the state
governments urging them to strategise and work on it. Agriculture Minister said that
while strategising, the state governments will have to closely monitor agricultural
production and agricultural products processing activities.
Shri Singh said that the government has launched various schemes for the
farmers. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima
Yojana, Soil Health Management, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, E-Nam,
Agroforestry (Medh Par Ped) and Neem coated Urea to name a few. To increase milk
production, National Dairy Mission was initiated. Blue Revolution is emphasising on
inland fisheries and deep sea fishing. The schemes aim to increase the agricultural
productivity and improve farmers’ income.
Union Minister said that for the success of schemes, we will have to work
together with dedication and sincerity. Shri Singh further informed that this year’s
growth rate for the agriculture and allied sectors was about 4 percent.
For the welfare of agriculture sector, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Ministry has converted all its schemes into special missions, schemes and
programmes. With joint efforts of all stakeholders, the 2nd advance estimates predict
about 271.98 MT production of food grain, which is 8.11 percent higher as compared
to the year 2015-16. Shri Singh also said that the production of the foodgrains is 5.82
percent more than the last five years’ average production. There was a record
foodgrains production in 2013-14, however, this year’s yield was 2.61 percent higher
as compared to 2013-14.
Agriculture Minister said that the farmers have started reaping the benefit of
the schemes initiated by the department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers
Welfare. The schemes include National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National
Horticulture Mission (NHM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), and Total
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Shri Singh said that the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), one of the
most important schemes of the agriculture ministry covers rice, wheat, pulses, cereals
and other main crops. Before the current government came to the power, NFSM was
being implemented in 482 districts of 19 states. When the NDA government came to
the power, the implementation of NFSM was extended to 638 districts of 29 states.
Apart from that, 2.70 lakh hectare area is being used for organic farming. While
ensuring the overall growth of agriculture and allied sectors, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana or RKVY’s aims at achieving annual growth and maintaining the same during
the 12th Plan.
Agriculture Minister said that the Ministry is focusing on the production and
productivity of oilseeds and equal attention is also being given to the fruits, vegetables
and horticulture. The government is also focusing on quality and availability of seeds.
Apart from that national seed mission has been initiated under the scheme grants will
be given for seed processing, seed storage, improving the quality of seeds and storing
of seeds for the emergency.
Shri Singh said that the government is trying to safeguard farmers’ interest by
announcing a minimum support price for main agricultural commodities. The thrust of
the policy is to create a balanced and integrated structure to meet the overall needs of
the economy. To support the prices, central nodal agencies such as FCI, CCI, JCI,
NAFED, SFAC etc. start procurement process to ensure that the market price doesn't
slip below the MSP fixed by the government. In case the market price of the
commodity falls below the announced minimum price, govt agencies intervenes under
Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and procures the entire quantity offered by the
farmers at the announced minimum price. During the period of 2014-15 to 2016-17,
Indian government procured chilli, apple, ginger, potato, oil palm, grapes, onion
betelnut, etc from the farmers of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,
Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram and
Nagaland. Any sharp rise or fall in prices not only causes harm to consumers but
farmers too. To mitigate volatility in the prices of agricultural produce, a Price
Stabilisation Fund of Rs.500 Crore for agricultural commodities was announced,
which has been now increased to Rs.1500 crore. To control the rising pulses price,
40,000 metric tonne pulses have been distributed to the states at their behest and
meanwhile, the government is creating a buffer stock of 20 lakh metric tonne pulses.
Simultaneously government is procuring 20,000 metric tonne onion for buffer stock.
Shri Singh also said that the Kharif season is around the corner, therefore, it is
imperative for the state governments to make plans to procure high-quality seeds of
several types of crops and fertilisers for the farmers. The state governments should
ensure that there is no scarcity of inputs during the cropping season.
To ensure that the farmers avail the benefits of Fasal Bima Yojana, the
government launched Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana from 2016 Kharif season
after improvising the earlier insurance scheme. The insurance is vast and covers the
pre-sowing to post-harvest losses. For soil health, the government has started Soil
Health Card scheme. To promote organic farming, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
has been launched. To increase farmers’ income, the government is also focusing on
agroforestry and bee-keeping.
In the end, Shri Radha Mohan Singh urged all the ministers to make efforts for
the smooth and timely implementation of all the schemes so that the farmers get the
funds on time to start their work. Shri Singh also stressed on transparency in
governance.
***
SS (Kharif Campaign-2017)

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Government of India
Ministry of Human Resource Development
25-April-2017 16:28 IST
Prakash Javadekar inaugurates National Consultation on revised Accreditation
Framework
Suggests more Agencies for Accreditation for Ensuring quality Education
Union Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Prakash Javadekar today inaugurated the
one day National Consultation on Revised Accreditation Framework here in New Delhi.
Highlighting the importance of quality education the Minster said any accreditation process or
any certification or assessment process must also take into account the final product of it. Subject
knowledge is one thing, the delivery of subject knowledge, infrastructure and building skill
component in a student are another part. But ultimately the aim of education should be to build a
good human being and only that kind of education could be termed creative that is capable of
doing so and hence it should also be checked whether the parameters of intention, policy and
schemes are getting reflected in the very institution, he said.

Shri Javadekar appreciated the observations of MoS Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey in this
connection and emphasised to think of education in totality and said it must reflect in the ranking
of institutions He said quality of education imparted by any institution will be reflected in its
adaptability to change.

The Minister referred to the recent advertisements of institutions citing its NAAC
ranking, its certifications and assessment reports and on its basis the trend of students in selecting
institutes for further education. He said now the institutes have also added up NIRF ranking as a
feather in their caps. The Minister said now the students as well as the society can’t be misguided
any more as the pressure of quality is now working. He said there is no substitute for quality and
it must be sharpened regularly. Shri Javadekar said our government exists not merely on the
majority mandate we have got, rather we are here to reform, transform and perform. He said
complete transformation of education is a dire need now. He advised NAAC authorities to
expand its team in order to make inroads into reaching out more and more institutions. He also
stressed upon the cross checking of data collected and ensure sanctity and authenticity of Data
Base created in this area.

The Minister said the system created for this purpose must be transparent with clear cut
rules and regulations and there should be no scope for fraudulent means. He hoped that today’s
deliberations will pave way for a new transparent accreditation system. Shri Javadekar also
pressed for using Aadhar linking and gave examples of stopping of malpractices in LPG
distributions, Neem coated urea distributions to farmers thereby savings checking of syphoning
of funds. He also cited the example of 4.5 lakh fake registrations in Mid Day Meal schemes in
Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh after the scheme was linked with Aadhar. He said so far 112
crore Aadhar cards have been made which is a glaring proof of our nation’s changing and
marching ahead.

The Minister also suggested for having more than 4-5 agencies for issuing rankings of
higher education institutes as it will give more credibility. The Minister informed that in the
forthcoming meeting of IIT Council on 28 th April this month we will see whether IITs can also
have a say in granting accreditation to institutions. Shri Javadekar said “If we want to reach
institutions in a time bound manner and assess them properly we need more valuators and
therefore we want to build at least 3-4 more institutes and we should also give a message to
institutions in this regard”. He further said that the commitment of Modi Government towards
quality of education is unmatched and final as only the quality improvement will lead the nation
in marching ahead. He said research and innovations are possible only there we respect the
talent. He said the new ranking assessment system being chartered today is very important. The
Minister urged the participants to complete this process in next three months preferably before
next Independence Day.

Today’s meeting was also addressed by MoS HRD Shri Mahendra Nath Pandey and
Secretary Higher Education Shri K.K.Sharma.

The National Consultation is being organized to discuss the revised Accreditation Framework
developed recently by the NAAC. The foci of the revised framework are augmented use of
technology, greater objectivity, and transparency of the process. Working groups of experts have
deliberated and developed the formats for universities, autonomous colleges and affiliated
colleges. The outcome of pilot study to validate the framework and feedback by stakeholders
will also be considered in National Consultation. Approximately 100 experts comprising of
eminent educationists, current and former Vice Chancellors / Directors, Statutory Bodies,
Academics, Principals of Colleges will participate in the National Consultation. The inputs of the
National Consultation would be used to fine-tune and finalise the revised Accreditation
Framework which is slated to be launched from July 2017.

******
GG/ST/IA/

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Government of India
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
24-April-2017 17:16 IST
Renowned Film Director & Actor Shri KasinadhuniViswanath to be conferred
DadasahebPhalke Award for the year 2016
I&B Minister Shri Venkaiah Naidu approves recommendation of DSPA

Committee
Renowned Film Director & Actor Shri KasinadhuniViswanath is to be conferred the

th
48 DadasahebPhalke Award for the year 2016. I&B Minister Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today
approved the recommendation of the DadasahebPhalke Award committee. The Award is
conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and
development of Indian Cinema. The Award consists of a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash
prize of Rs. 10 lakhs and a shawl. The Award shall be conferred by the President of Indiaat a
function on May 3rd2017 at Vigyan Bhawan.
A presenter of classical and traditional art, music and dance, Shri K Viswanath has been a
guiding force in the Indian film industry. As a director he has made fifty films since 1965 known
for their strong content, endearing narrative, honest handling and cultural authenticity. His films
on wide range of social & human issues had great appeal to the masses.
Shri K Viswanath was born in February 1930 at Gudivadain Andhra Pradesh. An ardent
art lover, he made a series of films based on varied themes of art, music and dance. His films
empathized with courage and frailty, aspirations and convictions, perseverance and distractions,
social demands and individual struggle and at the core believed in the goodness of the human
spirit.
His contributions have received recognition in the form of Padmashri Award in 1992 by
the Government of India for his contribution to film making. He has also been awarded 5
National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards (awarded by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh),
10Filmfare Awards including Lifetime Achievement Award. His national award winning
SwathiMuthyam was the India’s official entry to the 59th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign
Film category.
The stories that Shri K Viswanath told through his films were seemingly simple. They
provide an uncomplicated, direct and pleasant cinematic enjoyment to the audience. At the same
time they lend themselves to a nuanced and layered interpretation leading many to watch them
again and again and come back with a new hitherto unseen aspect or a deeper understanding and
realization.
One of his most memorable films, Sirivennelawas a sensitive story of a blind flutist and a
mute painter who fall in love with each other, over the love of music and their individual
setbacks. It helped in changing the viewers’ perception of disability, to a large extent. The
musical compositions of this film are still fresh and soothing to the ears.
His film, Sankarabharanam, is one of India’s most memorable classics, which was
appreciated across the world. A remarkable feature of his films is that all of them remain
wholesome family entertainers. They have a fair share of humor, sentiments and contain scenic
beauty, good music, powerful and realistic characters and most importantly concrete storylines.
*****
CP/GV
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Government of India
20-April-2017 16:12 IST
Government did more for housing urban poor in 3 years than what was done in
previous 10 years, asserts Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu
Thrust, scale of financing, speed and scale of approvals prove ‘Government with a
difference’ says Minister
Affordable housing projects coming up on private lands too to be made eligible for central
assistance
15 States/UTs to meet Housing for All target by 2019; rest by 2022
Shri Naidu says Rental Housing Policy to complement Housing for All Mission to be announced
soon
All sections of Real Estate Act notified; Builders to register projects within 3 months from May
1
Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu today asserted
that the Government has done more for meeting the housing needs of urban poor during the
last three years than what was done in the previous ten years proving that it is a ‘Government
with a difference’ as desired by the people.

Shri Naidu stated that to enable inclusive development benefitting the urban poor,
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) ‘ to
ensure Housing for All by 2022 and gave the following evidence in support of his
assertion :

1. Under PMAY(Urban), 17,73,533 affordable houses have been approved for 2,008 cities
and towns in the last less than two years as against 13,82,768 sanctioned for 1,061 cities
in the earlier 10 years;
2. An investment of Rs.96,266 cr has been approved so far for construction of houses for
urban poor as against Rs.32,713 cr during 2004-14;
3. Central assistance of Rs.27,883 cr has already been approved for release to States/UTs
under PMAY(Urban) as against Rs.20,920 cr during the ten years of previous
government;
4. PMAY(Urbana) has been extended to Middle Income Groups there by benefitting people
with annual incomes up to Rs.18 lakhs, covering large sections of the society;
5. Specific time limit of 2022 has been fixed for achieving the Housing for All target as
against the open ended approach of the previous government; and
6. More importantly, an enabling eco-system has been created to promote affordable
housing through various initiatives like granting Infrastructure Status for this segment,
concessions like exemption of profits from affordable housing projects from Income Tax
etc.

Shri Naidu stated that to promote private investments in affordable housing on a large
scale, his Ministry is considering to extend central assistance of Rs.1.50 lakh per each eligible
beneficiary belonging to Economically Weaker Sections under projects taken up even on private
lands. So far, the Ministry has approved construction of 5,83, 427 houses under Affordable
Housing in Partnership component of PMAY(Urban) only with State Governments partnership.

Elaborating on the strategy to meet the Housing for All target by 2022, Shri Naidu
informed that 15 States/UTs are being targeted to meet the target by 2019. These are: Kerala,
Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland,
Sikkim, Tripura, Andaman & Nicobar Islands,Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman &
Diu and Puducherry.

Other large States have been asked to submit housing proposals by end 2018 so that
construction of houses could be completed by the targeted 2022.

The Minister further informed that within 22 months of launch of PMAY (Urban), 97,489
houses have been constructed for urban poor. Shri Naidu gave details of States leading in
implementation of PMAY(Urban) as below:

State Affordable houses Houses grounded for Houses completed

Approved for construction
construction
Tamil Nadu 2,27,956 86,132 8,382
Madhya Pradesh 2,09,711 58,938 3,331
Andhra Pradesh 1,95,047 54,082 2,892
Karnataka 1,46,548 79,317 14,328
Gujarat 1,44,687 92,367 28,070
West Bengal 1,44,369 45,269 5,665
Maharashtra 1,26,081 39,957 6,963
Bihar 88,293 35,752 2,460
Telangana 82,985 20,640 776
Jharkhand 64,567 42,654 2,672
Odisha 48,855 17,389 1,472
Tripura 45,908 40,639 5,665
Stressing on the need for promoting rental housing stock to meet the housing needs in the
context of urbanization being a continuous process and driven by migration, Shri Naidu informed that a
National Urban Rental Housing Policy would be soon announced to meet the needs of migrant workers,
students, single working women etc. The policy outlines measures to be taken to encourage investments
in Social Rental Housing with government support and Market Driven Rental Housing without
government support. The Minister said rental housing would be an effective complement to the Housing
for All mission.
Shri Venkaiah Naidu informed that the remaining 32 Sections of Real Estate Act, 2016 have been
notified last night relating to registration of ongoing projects that have not received Completion
Certificate, penalties for non-compliance etc which would be effective from first of next month. He said
that under the Act, projects and Real Estate Agents have to be registered with Regulatory Authorities
within three months thereafter.
The Minister urged the States/UTs to ensure that Real Estate Rules and other institutional
infrastructure were in place by the stipulated time failing which they would come under public pressure.

Asserting that housing of urban poor has received unprecedented attention form the
Government, Shri Naidu said “ The Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has done
what was required and the ball is now in the courts of Chief Ministers’ courts to ensure Housing for All
by 2022”.
*****
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Government of India
20-April-2017 16:12 IST
Government did more for housing urban poor in 3 years than what was done in
previous 10 years, asserts Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu
Thrust, scale of financing, speed and scale of approvals prove ‘Government with a
difference’ says Minister
Affordable housing projects coming up on private lands too to be made eligible for central
assistance
15 States/UTs to meet Housing for All target by 2019; rest by 2022
Shri Naidu says Rental Housing Policy to complement Housing for All Mission to be announced
soon
All sections of Real Estate Act notified; Builders to register projects within 3 months from May
1

Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu today asserted
that the Government has done more for meeting the housing needs of urban poor during the
last three years than what was done in the previous ten years proving that it is a ‘Government
with a difference’ as desired by the people.
Shri Naidu stated that to enable inclusive development benefitting the urban poor,
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) ‘ to
ensure Housing for All by 2022 and gave the following evidence in support of his
assertion :

1. Under PMAY(Urban), 17,73,533 affordable houses have been approved for 2,008 cities
and towns in the last less than two years as against 13,82,768 sanctioned for 1,061 cities
in the earlier 10 years;
2. An investment of Rs.96,266 cr has been approved so far for construction of houses for
urban poor as against Rs.32,713 cr during 2004-14;
3. Central assistance of Rs.27,883 cr has already been approved for release to States/UTs
under PMAY(Urban) as against Rs.20,920 cr during the ten years of previous
government;
4. PMAY(Urbana) has been extended to Middle Income Groups there by benefitting people
with annual incomes up to Rs.18 lakhs, covering large sections of the society;
5. Specific time limit of 2022 has been fixed for achieving the Housing for All target as
against the open ended approach of the previous government; and
6. More importantly, an enabling eco-system has been created to promote affordable
housing through various initiatives like granting Infrastructure Status for this segment,
concessions like exemption of profits from affordable housing projects from Income Tax
etc.

Shri Naidu stated that to promote private investments in affordable housing on a large
scale, his Ministry is considering to extend central assistance of Rs.1.50 lakh per each eligible
beneficiary belonging to Economically Weaker Sections under projects taken up even on private
lands. So far, the Ministry has approved construction of 5,83, 427 houses under Affordable
Housing in Partnership component of PMAY(Urban) only with State Governments partnership.

Elaborating on the strategy to meet the Housing for All target by 2022, Shri Naidu
informed that 15 States/UTs are being targeted to meet the target by 2019. These are: Kerala,
Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland,
Sikkim, Tripura, Andaman & Nicobar Islands,Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman &
Diu and Puducherry.

Other large States have been asked to submit housing proposals by end 2018 so that
construction of houses could be completed by the targeted 2022.

The Minister further informed that within 22 months of launch of PMAY (Urban), 97,489
houses have been constructed for urban poor. Shri Naidu gave details of States leading in
implementation of PMAY(Urban) as below:

State Affordable houses Houses grounded for Houses completed
Approved for construction

construction
Tamil Nadu 2,27,956 86,132 8,382
Madhya Pradesh 2,09,711 58,938 3,331
Andhra Pradesh 1,95,047 54,082 2,892
Karnataka 1,46,548 79,317 14,328
Gujarat 1,44,687 92,367 28,070
West Bengal 1,44,369 45,269 5,665
Maharashtra 1,26,081 39,957 6,963
Bihar 88,293 35,752 2,460
Telangana 82,985 20,640 776
Jharkhand 64,567 42,654 2,672
Odisha 48,855 17,389 1,472
Tripura 45,908 40,639 5,665
Stressing on the need for promoting rental housing stock to meet the housing needs in the
context of urbanization being a continuous process and driven by migration, Shri Naidu informed that a
National Urban Rental Housing Policy would be soon announced to meet the needs of migrant workers,
students, single working women etc. The policy outlines measures to be taken to encourage investments
in Social Rental Housing with government support and Market Driven Rental Housing without
government support. The Minister said rental housing would be an effective complement to the Housing
for All mission.
Shri Venkaiah Naidu informed that the remaining 32 Sections of Real Estate Act, 2016 have been
notified last night relating to registration of ongoing projects that have not received Completion
Certificate, penalties for non-compliance etc which would be effective from first of next month. He said
that under the Act, projects and Real Estate Agents have to be registered with Regulatory Authorities
within three months thereafter.
The Minister urged the States/UTs to ensure that Real Estate Rules and other institutional
infrastructure were in place by the stipulated time failing which they would come under public pressure.
Asserting that housing of urban poor has received unprecedented attention form the
Government, Shri Naidu said “ The Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has done
what was required and the ball is now in the courts of Chief Ministers’ courts to ensure Housing for All
by 2022”.
*****
AAR/MK/April 20, 2017
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Government of India
14-April-2017 17:52 IST
National consultation on transforming lives through livelihoods thrust and
Strategy for Poverty Free Gram Panchayats
Aajeevika Mela – A National exhibition and sale of SHG products
14th April, 2017 – 23rd April, 2017
Deendayal Antodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission is an important rural

poverty alleviation program implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development with the
support of State Governments. The Mission is currently being implemented in about 3400
blocks 2.3 lakh villages spread across 520 districts of 29 States and 5 UTs. The Mission
has mobilized about 3.63 crore households into 31 lakh SHGs. The women from rural
poor households are provided financial assistance in addition facilitating access to bank
loans for undertaking livelihoods activities.
The Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India held a national consultation
with SHG women of all States and UTs on “transforming lives through livelihoods thrust
and Strategy for Poverty Free Gram Panchayats” at Pragati Maidan on 14th April, 2017.
The event also marked the inauguration of a 10 day Aajeevika Mela that is being
organized to promote exhibition and sale of products produced by SHGs from different
parts of the country. As part of the mela, 500 Stalls have been set up in Hall No. 18 of
Pragati Maidan. About 3,500 SHG women from all states and UTs participated in the
consultation.
Shri Amarjeet Sinha, Secretary (RD), Government of India inaugurated the consultation
and the mela, while Shri L.C. Goyal, Chairman, ITPO delivered a special address. Shri
Sinha outlined the contours of the Mission Antyodaya that seeks to bring 1 crore
households from 50000 gram panchayats spread across 5000 clusters out of poverty. He
emphasized the need for promoting effective convergence of all rural development and
related programs at the village level.
Shri Sinha also acknowledged the pivotal role played by SHG members in the successful
implementation of the rural development programs. In this context, he requested select
SHG members to share their experiences in tackling poverty and diversifying their
livelihoods.
About 23 SHG members from 12 states who have come out of poverty and overcoming
multiple obstacles shared their experiences. All the SHG members narrated how SHGs
have transformed their lives by enhancing their awareness, improving the access to
formal credit, entitlements and public services and livelihoods. Apart from improving
their own livelihoods, several women have narrated how their SHGs became instrumental
in accessing public services like NREGA work, SBM benefits, housing and other
entitlements. Further, SHG members particularly from Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar,
Jharkhand elaborated how they were able to tackle social evils such as illicit distillation.
The underlying theme of all experiences was the enhanced level of empowerment and
confidence that the women felt by being members of SHGs.
Shri L.C. Goyal in his message stated that the DAY-NRLM program is the real answer to
rural poverty alleviation in the country as the SHGs promoted could become the effective
service delivery agents in the last mile. Shri Goyal acknowledged the critical role played
by SHG members working as Community Resource Persons in implementation of DAY-
NRLM.
After the consultation, Shri Amarjeet Sinha inaugurated the mela comprising 500 Stalls
and went around the exhibition cum sale. The wide range of handlooms, handicrafts,
artefacts, heritage products, fashion and beauty articles, cane and bamboo products, tribal
ornaments, metallic products etc. The special attraction of this Mela are metal products
from Madhya Pradesh, Sambalpuri sarees from Odisha, wood carving work from Andhra
Pradesh, bamboo products from Tripura, Madhubani paintings from Bihar, Terrakota
from Chhattisgarh, shawls and carpets from Jammu and Kashmir, handicrafts from Uttar
Pradesh, tribal jewellery from Jharkhand, handlooms from North Eastern states etc.
The exhibition is open from all days from 14th April 2017 to 23rd April 2017 in centrally
air-conditioned Hall No. 18 of Pragati Maidan.
*****
SNC
NITI Aayog
(09-April, 2017 16:58 IST )
Mega Prizes of Rs. 1 crore, Rs.50 lakh and Rs. 25 lakh for Consumers making digital payments of less
than Rs.1600
President picks up the lucky winners from the 100th draw of lots under Digital Payments Promotion
Schemes; lauds Aadhar and says India is at the cusp of a digital revolution
Prime Minister to felicitate the winners on 14th April, Ambedkar Jayanti in Nagpur
Digital transactions have gathered momentum giving a fillip to the less cash economy post
demonetization thanks to the initiatives taken by the Government. NITI Aayog’s two schemes-
Lucky Grahak Yojana for consumers and the Digidhan Vyapar Yojana for the merchants have
played a catalytic role in making it a mass movement.
A mega draw of lots was held at Rashtrapati Bhawan today to select the winners of the Lucky
Grahak Yojana and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana. The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee picked up
six lucky winners on the final day of the 100 day scheme. In the consumer category, three mega
Prizes of Rs. 1 crore, Rs.50 lakh and Rs. 25 lakh went to the Consumers using Rupay Debit
Cards making digital payment of less than Rs.1000. Three mega prizes for merchants worth
Rs. 50 lakh, Rs. 25 lakh and Rs. 12 lakh were also declared at the event through the 100th mega
draw. The details are as follows-
Consumers Category:
Prize Prize Money Bank

First Prize Rs.1 crore Central Bank Of India
Second Prize Rs.50 lakh Bank Of Baroda
Third Prize Rs.25 lakh Punjab National Bank

Merchant Category:
Prize Prize Money Bank
First Prize Rs.50 lakh ICICI Bank
Second Prize Rs.25 lakh Punjab National Bank
Third Prize Rs.12 lakh Karur Vaisya Bank

The winners will be felicitated by the Prime Minister on April 14 th, 2017 at Nagpur, on the
occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti.
Union Ministers Shri Ravishankar Prasad, Shri Kalraj Mishra, Shri Thavarchand Gehlot, Shri
Jual Oram, Shri Piyush Goyal, Shri Santosh Gangwar, Shri Rao Inderjeet Singh along with the
Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Shri Aravind Panagariya, CEO NITI Aayog Shri Amitabh Kant
and senior officials attended the event.
In his address, the President Pranab Mukherjee urged all citizens to extend their unstinted
support to the mission of a less cash India. He said India is on the cusp of a digital revolution.
More than one billion Indians have a unique identity number in Aadhaar with a biometric
identifier which is unique in its own way. He appreciated that the Aadhaar enabled payment
system has made digital payments possible for even those section of the population who may not
have mobile phones. The President complemented the Government on its bold initiatives for
promoting the culture of digital payment in the country. He said it was in line with such bold
initiatives that the Parliament made a new beginning in Financial Management through passage
of Annual Budget by March 31, 2017.

The two schemes were launched on December 25th, 2016. Under the scheme, daily, weekly and
monthly rewards worth Rs. 256 crore has been disbursed to over 16 lakh citizens over the past
100 days for making and accepting small transactions digitally. Modeled after a careful study of
best practices undertaken internationally to create an economy that is minimally reliant on cash,
the schemes have been executed over a period of 100 days. Combined with Digi Dhan Melas
held across India, in 100 cities over a period of 100 days, the initiative has had a transformational
impact in enabling the adoption of digital payment methods in all walks of life.

Over the past 100 days, everyday 15,000 consumers have qualified for total prize money of Rs.
1.5 crore. Additionally, 14,000 weekly winners, both consumers and merchants, have received a
total prize money of over Rs. 8.3 crore every week. Customers and merchants using RuPay
Card, BHIM / UPI (Bharat Interface for Money / Unified Payments Interface), USSD based *99#
service and Aadhaar Enabled Payment Service (AePS) have been eligible for wining daily and
weekly lucky draw prizes.

“The draw has seen a positive impact from various age groups and occupations in adopting
digital payments methods. We have seen a steady increase in the number of transactions made
using all payment methods,” said A. P. Hota, MD & CEO, NPCI, which has been responsible for
conducting the draws.

An analysis of digital payments’ users across India reveals that Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar
Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi and Karnataka have emerged as the top five states / UTs with
maximum number of winners. An analysis of winners profiles’ reveals that they are spread
across a range of occupational categories including salaried employees, housewives, farmers and
daily wage labourers. While majority of the winners were in the age group of 21 to 30 years,
there are also a significant number of winners who are above 60 years of age.

Over 18 million people have downloaded Bharat Interface for Money or the BHIM App, creating
a new world record. The UPI based transactions crossed Rs.2000 crore mark in the month of
March showing an increase of 20% since January this year. The rise in digital transactions is a
reflection of the people’s resolve to give a push to the Prime Minister’s quest for ending the
black money through digital payments and penetration of formal finance in the hinterland of the
country. Digital payment methods are now gaining the proportions of a mass movement.

*****
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Government of India
13-April-2017 16:08 IST
Water level of 91 major reservoirs of the country goes down by one per cent
April 13, 2017 was 48.42 BCM, which is 31% of total storage capacity of these
reservoirs. This percentage was at 32 for the week ending on April 06, 2017. The level of
April 13, 2017 was 132% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 106% of
more than 60 MW.
NORTHERN REGION
are six reservoirs under Central Water Commission (CWC) monitoring having total live
during current year is equal to the corresponding period of last year and is less than the
EASTERN REGION
18.83 BCM.
The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 9.21 BCM which is 49% of total live
live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is better than
the corresponding period of last year and is also better than the average storage of last ten
years during the corresponding period.
WESTERN REGION
CENTRAL REGION
SOUTHERN REGION
The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, AP&TG( Two
total live storage available in these reservoirs is 6.23 BCM which is 12% of total live
Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, AP&TG (Two combined projects in both states) and
Telangana. States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are
Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Samir/jk
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Government of India
Cabinet
12-April-2017 18:12 IST
Cabinet approves setting up of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE)
at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh
approval for setting up of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) at
Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh as "an Institute of National Importance" through an
Act of Parliament. The Institute will have the governance structure as well as legal
mandate to grant degrees in a manner similar to that enjoyed by IITs. A separate Act will
also impart the required status to the Institute to become a "Centre of Excellence" in
petroleum and energy studies.
The Cabinet has also approved Rs 655.46 crore as capital expenditure to set up IIPE and
contribution of Rs 200 crore towards its Endowment Fund (in addition to a contribution
of Rs 200 crore from Oil Companies towards the Endowment Fund).
As committed under the 13 Schedule of Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014, it has
been decided to set up this Institute. The objective is to meet the quantitative and
qualitative gap in the supply of skilled manpower for the petroleum sector and to promote
research activities needed for the growth of the sector. The academic and research
activities of IIPE will derive strength from the Institute's proximity to sector-related
activities such as KG-Basin, Visakhapatnam refinery and the planned Petrochemical
complex at Kakinada.
Background:
Andhra Pradesh Government has allocated 200 acres of land, free of cost, for setting up
of IIPE at Sabbavaram Mandal in Visakhapatnam district. IIPE has been registered as a
Society under the AP Society Registration Act, 2001 on 18/04/2016. A temporary
campus of IIPE has been set up from academic session 2016-17 from the Andhra
University Campus with two undergraduate programmes namely, Petroleum Engineering
and Chemical Engineering (with capacity of 50 students each). IIT, Kharagpur has taken
up the responsibility of mentoring the Institute.
***
AKT/VBA/SH
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Government of India
12-April-2017 17:31 IST
Consumer Price Index Numbers on Base 2012=100 For Rural, Urban and
Combined for the Month of March 2017
The Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme

Implementation has revised the Base Year of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from
2010=100 to 2012=100 with effect from the release of indices for the month of January
2015.
1. In this press note, the CPI (Rural, Urban, Combined) on Base 2012=100 is being
released for the month of March 2017. In addition to this, Consumer Food Price
Index (CFPI) for all India Rural, Urban and Combined are also being released for
March 2017. All India Inflation rates (on point to point basis i.e. current month
over same month of last year, i.e., March 2017 over March 2016), based on
General Indices and CFPIs are given as follows:
March 2017 February March 2016

(Prov.) 2017 (Final) (Final)
Indic
es Co Co
Ru Ur Ru Ur Ru Ur Com
mbd mbd
ral ban ral ban ral ban bd.
. .
CPI
3.7 3.8 3.6 3.5 5.7 3.9
(Gen 3.81 3.65 4.83
5 8 7 5 0 5
eral)
1.8 2.2 2.0 1.8 5.7 3.9
CFPI 1.93 2.01 5.21
5 7 8 7 9 8

1. 3. Monthly changes in the General Indices and CFPIs are given below:
Monthly changes (%) in All India CPI (General) and CFPI: Mar. 2017 over Feb.
2017
Combine
Rural Urban
d
Index Index Index
Ind % Value % Value %
Value
ices Ch Ch Ch
M Fe an M Fe an M Fe an
ar. b. ge ar. b. ge ar. b. ge
17 17 17 17 17 17
CP
I 13 12 13
13 0.1 12 0.3 13 0.1
(Ge 2. 8. 0.
2.8 5 8.6 1 0.8 5
ner 6 2 6
al)
13 - 13 13 -
CF 13 13 0.2 13
2. 0.2 0. 1. 0.0
PI 2.2 0.9 3 1.7
5 3 6 8 8
Note: Figures of March 2017 are provisional.
1. 4. Provisional indices for the month of March 2017 and also the final indices for
February 2017 are being released with this note for all-India and for State/UTs.
All-India provisional General (all-groups), Group and Sub-group level CPI and
CFPI numbers for March 2017 for Rural, Urban and Combined are given in
Annexure I. The inflation rates of important categories of items are given in
Annexure II. State/UT wise provisional General CPI numbers for Rural, Urban
and Combined are given in Annexure III. Inflation rates of major States, having
population more than 50 lakhs as per population Census 2011, are given in
Annexure IV. State/UT–wise Group CPIs are available on the Ministry’s website
(mospi.gov.in).
2. Price data are collected from selected towns by the Field Operations Division of
NSSO and from selected villages by the Department of Posts. Price data are
received through web portals, maintained by the National Informatics Centre.
Next date of release: 12th May 2017 (Friday) for April 2017.
Annexure I
(Base: 2012=100)
Combi
Rural Urban
ned
S F F F
u e e e
G b M M M
b. b. b.
r - ar ar ar
1 1 1
o g . . .
7 7 7
u r Desc 1 1 1
I I I
p o ripti W 7 W 7 W 7
n n n
C u on ei In ei In ei In
d d d
o p gh d gh d gh d
e e e
d C ts ex ts ex ts ex
x x x
e o (P (P (P
( ( (
d ro ro ro
Fi Fi Fi
e v. v. v.
n n n
) ) )
al al al
) ) )
(
( ( ( (
(4 (6 (7 (9 (1 1 (1
1 2 (3) 5 8
) ) ) ) 0) 1 2)
) ) ) )
)
Cere
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
als 12
1. 3 3 6. 3 3 9. 3 3
and .3
0 3. 3. 59 2. 2. 67 3. 3.
prod 5
1 3 6 8 7 1 3
ucts
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
Mea
1. 4. 3 3 2. 3 3 3. 3 3
t and
0 38 8. 8. 73 9. 9. 61 8. 9.
fish
2 3 9 8 4 8 1
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. 0. 2 2 0. 2 2 0. 2 2
Egg
0 49 9. 8. 36 9. 8. 43 9. 8.
3 3 8 3 3 3 6
1. Milk 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. and 7. 3 3 5. 3 3 6. 3 3

0 prod 72 7. 7. 33 3. 4. 61 5. 6.
4 ucts 2 2 5 8 8 3
1. Oils 4. 1 1 2. 1 1 3. 1 1
1. and 21 2 2 81 1 1 56 1 1
0 2. 1. 4. 4. 9. 8.
fats
5 1 6 3 0 2 8
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. Fruit 2. 3 4 2. 3 3 2. 3 3

0 s 88 8. 0. 90 1. 5. 89 5. 8.
6 7 1 4 6 3 0
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
Veg
1. 7. 1 1 4. 2 2 6. 1 2
etabl
0 46 9. 9. 41 0. 2. 04 9. 0.
es
7 1 5 2 1 5 4
Puls
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
es
1. 2. 5 4 1. 4 3 2. 5 4
and
0 95 6. 8. 73 3. 5. 38 2. 3.
prod
8 9 0 1 8 2 9
ucts
Suga
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
r and
1. 1. 1 1 0. 1 2 1. 1 1
Conf
0 70 6. 7. 97 9. 0. 36 7. 8.
ectio
9 2 0 5 3 3 1
nery
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. Spic 3. 3 3 1. 4 4 2. 3 3

1 es 11 6. 5. 79 4. 2. 50 8. 7.
0 0 6 0 5 7 9
Non
-
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
alco
2. 1. 2 2 1. 2 2 1. 2 2
holic
1 37 9. 9. 13 3. 3. 26 6. 7.
beve
1 4 5 4 6 9 0
rage
s
Prep
ared
meal
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
s,
1. 5. 4 4 5. 4 4 5. 4 4
snac
1 56 4. 5. 54 1. 2. 55 3. 4.
ks,
2 4 4 9 3 2 0
swee
ts
etc.
1 Foo 54 1 1 36 1 1 45 1 1
d .1 3 3 .2 3 3 .8 3 3
and 8 3. 3. 9 2. 2. 6 3. 3.
beve 6 5 1 5 0 1
rage
s
Pan,
toba
1 1 1 1 1 1
cco
3. 4 4 1. 4 4 2. 4 4
2 and
26 3. 4. 36 6. 7. 38 4. 5.
into
7 3 3 0 4 0
xica
nts
3. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. Clot 6. 4 4 4. 3 3 5. 3 3

0 hing 32 0. 1. 72 0. 0. 58 6. 7.
1 9 7 5 9 8 4
3. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. Foot 1. 3 3 0. 2 2 0. 3 3

0 wear 04 5. 6. 85 2. 2. 95 0. 0.
2 8 2 5 6 3 6
Clot
hing 1 1 1 1 1 1
and 7. 4 4 5. 2 2 6. 3 3
3
foot 36 0. 1. 57 9. 9. 53 5. 6.
wea 2 0 3 6 9 5
r
1 1 1 1
21 10
Hou 3 3 3 3
4 - - - .6 .0
sing 0. 1. 0. 1.
7 7
5 1 5 1
1 1 1 1 1 1
Fuel
7. 3 3 5. 1 2 6. 2 2
5 and
94 3. 4. 58 9. 0. 84 7. 9.
light
2 3 2 8 9 2
Hou
seho
6. ld 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. good 3. 3 3 3. 2 2 3. 2 3

0 s 75 3. 4. 87 5. 5. 80 9. 0.
1 and 6 3 3 6 7 2
servi
ces
6. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. Heal 6. 3 3 4. 2 2 5. 2 2

0 th 83 0. 0. 81 2. 3. 89 7. 7.
2 1 6 9 2 4 8
6. Tran 7. 1 1 9. 1 1 8. 1 1
sport
and
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
com
0 60 9. 9. 73 5. 5. 59 7. 7.
mun
3 5 7 5 7 4 6
icati
on
Recr
eatio
6. 1 1 1 1 1 1
n
1. 1. 2 2 2. 2 2 1. 2 2
and
0 37 7. 8. 04 2. 2. 68 4. 4.
amu
4 7 3 2 3 6 9
sem
ent
6. 1 1 1 1 1 1
Edu
1. 3. 3 3 5. 3 3 4. 3 3
catio
0 46 4. 5. 62 2. 2. 46 3. 3.
n
5 9 1 4 4 4 5
Pers
6. onal 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. care 4. 2 2 3. 2 2 3. 2 2

0 and 25 3. 3. 47 1. 1. 89 2. 2.
6 effec 2 3 7 7 6 6
ts
Mis 1 1 1 1 1 1
27 29 28
cella 2 2 2 2 2 2
6 .2 .5 .3
neo 7. 7. 2. 2. 4. 5.
6 3 2
us 0 4 4 5 8 0
General 1 1 1 1 1 1
10 10 10
Index 3 3 2 2 3 3
0. 0. 0.
(All 2. 2. 8. 8. 0. 0.
00 00 00
Groups) 6 8 2 6 6 8
Consume 1 1 1 1 1 1
47 29 39
r Food 3 3 3 3 3 3
.2 .6 .0
Price 2. 2. 0. 0. 1. 1.
5 2 6
Index 5 2 6 9 8 7
Notes:
1. : Provisional.
3. The weights are indicative to show relative importance of groups and sub-
groups. However, all India indices have been compiled as weighted average of
State indices.

Annexure II
All India annual inflation rates (%) for March 2017 (Provisional)
(Base: 2012=100)
Combi
Rural Urban
ned
M M M
S Ma Ma Ma
u a r. a r. a r.
G b r. 1 r. 1 r. 1
r - In In In
1 7 1 7 1 7
o g fla fla fla
6 6 6
u r Desc I I tio I I tio I I tio
p o ripti n n n n n n n n n
C u on d d R d d R d d R
o p at at at
e e e e e e
d C e e e
x x x x x x
e o ( ( (
( ( ( ( ( (
d % % %
Fi P Fi P Fi P
e ) ) )
n r n r n r
al o al o al o
) v. ) v. ) v.
) ) )
(
( ( ( (
(5 (6 (8 (9 1 (1 (1
1 2 (3) 4 7
) ) ) ) 0 1) 2)
) ) ) )
)
Cere
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
als
1. 2 3 4. 2 3 6. 2 3 5.
and
0 7. 3. 95 4. 2. 33 6. 3. 38
prod
1 3 6 8 7 5 3
ucts
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
Mea
1. 3 3 3. 3 3 2. 3 3 2.
t and
0 4. 8. 35 6. 9. 27 5. 9. 96
fish
2 4 9 3 4 1 1
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. 2 2 2. 2 2 3. 2 2 3.
Egg
0 5. 8. 96 3. 8. 72 4. 8. 21
3 1 8 7 3 6 6
1. Milk 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. and 3 3 5. 2 3 3. 3 3 4.

0 prod 0. 7. 13 9. 4. 93 0. 6. 69
4 ucts 5 2 7 8 2 3
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
Oils
1. 1 2 2. 0 1 5. 1 1 3.
and
0 8. 1. 79 7. 4. 65 4. 8. 76
fats
5 3 6 9 0 5 8
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
13
1. Fruit 3 4 6. 1 3 2 3 9.
.0
0 s 1. 0. 38 9. 5. 6. 8. 35
9
6 7 1 9 6 2 0
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
Veg - - -
1. 3 1 2 2 2 2
etabl 8. 4. 7.
0 0. 9. 8. 2. 9. 0.
es 57 68 24
7 7 5 1 1 8 4
Puls
1. 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 -
es -
1. 6 4 7 3 20 6 4 12
and 8.
0 1. 8. 0. 5. .2 4. 3. .4
prod 19
8 2 0 3 8 6 3 9 2
ucts
Suga
1. r 1 1 1 1 1 1
16 18 17
1. and 0 1 0 2 0 1
.5 .1 .0
0 Conf 0. 7. 1. 0. 0. 8.
3 7 5
9 ectio 4 0 8 3 9 1
nery
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. Spic 3 3 3. 4 4 1. 3 3 2.

1 es 0. 5. 67 0. 2. 71 3. 7. 99
0 8 6 1 5 9 9
Non
-
1. 1 1 1 1 1 1
alco
2. 2 2 3. 2 2 2. 2 2 3.
holic
1 4. 9. 68 0. 3. 40 3. 7. 17
beve
1 9 5 7 6 1 0
rage
s
1. Prep 1 1 6. 1 1 5. 1 1 5.
1. ared 3 4 13 3 4 10 3 4 65
1 meal 7. 5. 5. 2. 6. 4.
2 s, 0 4 4 3 3 0
snac
ks,
swee
ts
etc.
Foo
d 1 1 1 1 1 1
and 3 3 2. 2 3 2. 2 3 2.
1
beve 0. 3. 38 8. 2. 79 9. 3. 54
rage 4 5 9 5 8 1
s
Pan,
toba
1 1 1 1 1 1
cco
3 4 6. 4 4 4. 3 4 6.
2 and
5. 4. 89 0. 7. 55 6. 5. 23
into
0 3 6 0 5 0
xica
nts
3. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. Clot 3 4 5. 2 3 3. 3 3 4.

0 hing 4. 1. 43 6. 0. 56 1. 7. 65
1 4 7 4 9 3 4
3. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. Foot 3 3 4. 2 2 1. 2 3 3.

0 wear 0. 6. 61 0. 2. 91 6. 0. 57
2 2 2 3 6 1 6
Clot
hing 1 1 1 1 1 1
and 3 4 5. 2 2 3. 3 3 4.
3
foot 3. 1. 38 5. 9. 27 0. 6. 60
wea 8 0 5 6 5 5
r
1 1 1 1
Hou 2 3 4. 2 3 4.
4 - - -
sing 4. 1. 96 4. 1. 96
9 1 9 1
1 1 1 1 1 1
Fuel
2 3 5. 1 2 5. 2 2 5.
5 and
7. 4. 75 4. 0. 23 2. 9. 56
light
0 3 8 8 4 2
6. Hou 1 1 5. 1 1 2. 1 1 4.
1. seho 2 3 17 2 2 70 2 3 08
0 ld 7. 4. 2. 5. 5. 0.
1 good 7 3 3 6 1 2
s
and
servi
ces
6. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. Heal 2 3 4. 1 2 2. 2 2 3.

0 th 4. 0. 65 9. 3. 92 2. 7. 99
2 8 6 7 2 9 8
Tran
sport
6. 1 1 1 1 1 1
and
1. 1 1 5. 0 1 6. 1 1 6.
com
0 3. 9. 37 8. 5. 64 0. 7. 04
mun
3 6 7 5 7 9 6
icati
on
Recr
eatio
6. 1 1 1 1 1 1
n
1. 2 2 4. 1 2 2. 2 2 3.
and
0 2. 8. 73 9. 2. 69 0. 4. 57
amu
4 5 3 1 3 6 9
sem
ent
6. 1 1 1 1 1 1
Edu
1. 2 3 5. 2 3 4. 2 3 5.
catio
0 7. 5. 96 6. 2. 75 6. 3. 20
n
5 5 1 4 4 9 5
Pers
6. onal 1 1 1 1 1 1
1. care 1 2 5. 1 2 3. 1 2 4.

0 and 7. 3. 03 7. 1. 93 7. 2. 52
6 effec 4 3 1 7 3 6
ts
Mis 1 1 1 1 1 1
cella 2 2 5. 1 2 4. 1 2 4.
6
neo 1. 7. 20 7. 2. 43 9. 5. 78
us 1 4 3 5 3 0
General 1 1 1 1 1 1
Index 2 3 3. 2 2 3. 2 3 3.
(All 8. 2. 75 3. 8. 88 6. 0. 81
Groups) 0 8 8 6 0 8
Consume 1 1 1 1 1 1
r Food 2 3 1. 2 3 2. 2 3 1.
Price 9. 2. 85 8. 0. 27 9. 1. 93
Index 8 2 0 9 2 7

Notes:
1. : Provisional.
Annexure III
(Base: 2012=100)
Combin
Rural Urban
ed
F F F
M M M
Na e e e
St ar ar ar
me b. b. b.
ate . . .
of 1 1 1
/U 17 17 17
the W 7 W 7 W7
T In In In
Stat ei In ei In ei In
Co de de de
e/U gh d gh d gh d
de x x x
T ts ex ts ex ts ex
(P (P (P
(F (F (F
ro ro ro
in in in
v. v. v.
al al al
) ) )
) ) )
(3 (4 (5 (6 (7 (8 (9 (1 (1
(1) (2)
) ) ) ) ) ) ) 0) 1)
Jam
1 1 1
mu 13 12 13
1. 3 0. 2 0. 3
01 & 8. 7. 4.
14 7. 72 5. 94 3.
Kas 5 1 5
8 7 5
hmir
Him
1 1 1
acha 13 12 13
1. 3 0. 2 0. 3
02 l 4. 5. 2.
03 4. 26 4. 67 2.
Prad 1 4 5
4 5 6
esh
03 Punj 3. 1 12 3. 1 12 3. 1 12
ab 31 2 9. 09 2 6. 21 2 8.
9. 7 6. 6 7. 3
0 0 7
1 1 1
Cha 13 12 12
0. 3 0. 2 0. 2
04 ndig 8. 5. 6.
02 8. 34 4. 17 5.
arh 0 3 0
2 3 1
1 1 1
Utta 12 12 12
1. 2 0. 1 0. 2
05 rakh 7. 0. 4.
06 7. 73 9. 91 4.
and 4 4 8
3 9 5
1 1 1
13 12 12
Har 3. 3 3. 2 3. 2
06 0. 4. 7.
yana 30 1. 35 4. 32 8.
6 2 6
5 2 1
1 1 1
12 13 13
Del 0. 2 5. 3 2. 3
07 9. 3. 2.
hi 28 9. 64 2. 77 2.
8 1 9
5 1 0
1 1 1
Raja 13 12 13
6. 3 4. 2 5. 3
08 stha 4. 9. 3.
63 5. 23 9. 51 3.
n 9 6 0
1 8 2
Utta 1 1 1
14 12 12 12 12
r 2 9. 2 2
09 .8 9. 8. .3 8.
Prad 8. 54 7. 8.
3 0 0 7 6
esh 8 9 5
1 1 1
13 12 13
Biha 8. 3 1. 2 5. 3
10 3. 5. 2.
r 21 3. 62 6. 14 2.
8 6 6
4 4 4
1 1 1
13 13 13
Sikk 0. 3 0. 3 0. 3
11 9. 3. 7.
im 06 9. 03 2. 05 6.
8 2 6
1 4 9
Aru
1
nach 13
0. 3 0. 0.
12 al 9. -- -- -- --
14 9. 06 10
Prad 8
6
esh
1 1 1
Nag 14 12 13
0. 4 0. 2 0. 3
13 alan 2. 9. 6.
14 2. 12 9. 13 6.
d 0 0 5
0 3 6
14 Man 0. 1 14 0. 1 12 0. 1 13
ipur 23 4 2. 12 2 9. 18 3 8.
3. 8. 8.
9 1 5
4 5 7
1 1 1
Miz 13 12 12
0. 3 0. 2 0. 2
15 ora 3. 3. 7.
07 4. 13 4. 10 8.
m 9 7 7
2 0 0
1 1 1
13 13 13
Trip 0. 3 0. 3 0. 3
16 8. 3. 7.
ura 35 9. 14 2. 25 7.
4 4 1
2 7 5
1 1 1
Meg 13 12 13
0. 3 0. 2 0. 3
17 hala 4. 5. 1.
28 4. 15 5. 22 1.
ya 1 2 3
7 6 9
1 1 1
12 12 12
Ass 2. 2 0. 2 1. 2
18 6. 5. 6.
am 63 6. 79 4. 77 6.
6 5 4
4 9 1
Wes 1 1 1
13 12 12
t 6. 3 7. 2 7. 2
19 0. 7. 9.
Ben 99 0. 20 7. 09 9.
5 7 2
gal 9 7 4
1 1 1
Jhar 13 12 13
1. 3 1. 2 1. 3
20 kha 4. 4. 1.
96 4. 39 4. 69 0.
nd 9 7 0
8 4 8
1 1 1
13 12 13
Odis 2. 3 1. 2 2. 3
21 4. 6. 2.
ha 93 4. 31 6. 18 2.
9 4 5
6 1 2
1 1 1
Chh 13 12 13
1. 3 1. 2 1. 3
22 attis 5. 5. 1.
68 5. 22 5. 46 1.
garh 3 1 4
0 4 3
Mad 1 1 1
12 12 12
hya 4. 2 3. 2 4. 2
23 8. 7. 7.
Prad 93 8. 97 6. 48 7.
2 1 7
esh 2 7 6
1 1 1
13 12 12
Guj 4. 3 6. 2 5. 2
24 5. 4. 8.
arat 54 5. 82 3. 60 8.
2 1 9
1 6 6
25 Da 0. 1 15 0. 1 12 0. 1 14
man 02 5 6. 02 2 8. 02 4 4.
& 3. 8. 3.
2 7 7
Diu 9 4 2
Dad
ra & 1 1 1
13 12 12
Nag 0. 3 0. 2 0. 2
26 3. 4. 7.
ar 02 3. 04 5. 03 8.
0 4 3
Hav 5 2 0
eli
1 1 1
Mah 13 18 12 13 12
8. 3 2 2
27 aras 4. .8 5. .1 8.
25 4. 4. 7.
htra 2 6 3 8 3
1 7 8
And 1 1 1
13 13 13
hra 5. 3 3. 3 4. 3
28 6. 1. 4.
Prad 40 6. 64 1. 58 4.
4 4 6
esh 6 3 6
1 1 1
Kar 13 13 13
5. 3 6. 3 5. 3
29 nata 5. 6. 6.
09 5. 81 5. 89 5.
ka 9 4 2
2 6 4
1 1 1
14 12 13
0. 4 0. 2 0. 3
30 Goa 3. 6. 3.
14 1. 25 6. 19 2.
6 8 3
6 6 4
Lak 1 1 1
12 11 11
shad 0. 2 0. 1 0. 2
31 6. 2. 9.
wee 01 9. 01 3. 01 1.
9 7 6
p 5 1 1
1 1 1
13 13 13
Ker 5. 3 3. 3 4. 3
32 4. 3. 4.
ala 50 3. 46 3. 55 3.
4 4 0
8 3 6
Tam 1 1 1
13 13 13
il 5. 3 9. 3 7. 3
33 3. 2. 3.
Nad 55 2. 20 2. 25 2.
3 9 1
u 6 4 5
1 1 1
Pud 13 13 13
0. 3 0. 3 0. 3
34 uche 6. 0. 1.
08 6. 27 0. 17 2.
rry 5 0 7
9 3 0
35 And 0. 1 13 0. 1 12 0. 1 13
ama 05 4 8. 07 2 5. 06 3 1.
n& 0. 0 6. 0 3. 4
Nic 3 4 2
obar
Isla
nds
1 1 1
Tela 13 13 13
3. 3 4. 3 3. 3
36 nga 5. 1. 3.
16 5. 41 0. 74 2.
na 9 8 7
3 7 8
1 1 1
All 10 13 10 12 10 13
3 2 3
99 Indi 0. 2. 0. 8. 0. 0.
2. 8. 0.
a 00 8 00 6 00 8
6 2 6
Notes:
2. -- : indicates the receipt of price schedules is less than 80% of allocated
schedules and therefore indices are not compiled.
Annexure IV
Major State/UT wise annual inflation rates (%) for March 2017 (Provisional)
(Base: 2012=100)
Combin
Rural Urban
ed
MM MM MM
Na ar ar ar ar ar ar
St Inf Inf Inf
me . . . . . .
ate lat lat lat
of 1 17 io 1 17 io 1 17 io
/U
the 6 n
6
n
6
n
T
Stat In In Ra In In Ra In In Ra
Co
e/U d de te d de te d de te
de
T ex x ( ex x ( ex x (
(F (P (F (P (F (P
% % %
in ro in ro in ro
) ) )
al v. al v. al v.
) ) ) ) ) )
(3 (4 (6 (7 (9 (1 (1
(1) (2) (5) (8)
) ) ) ) ) 0) 1)
01 Jam 1 13 9.4 1 12 4.6 1 13 7.7
mu 2 8. 0 2 7. 1 2 4. 7
&
Kas 6. 1. 4.
5 1 5
hmi 6 5 8
r
Hi
mac 1 1 1
13 12 13
hal 2 5.7 1 6.6 2 5.9
02 4. 5. 2.
Pra 6. 6 7. 3 5. 2
1 4 5
des 8 6 1
h
1 1 1
12 12 12
Pun 2 6.1 2 4.2 2 5.2
03 9. 6. 8.
jab 2. 4 1. 0 1. 5
7 6 3
2 5 9
Utta 1 1 1
12 12 12
rak 2 4.5 1 2.8 2 3.9
05 7. 0. 4.
han 1. 1 7. 2 0. 1
4 4 8
d 9 1 1
1 1 1
Har 13 12 12
2 5.0 2 2.9 2 4.0
06 yan 0. 4. 7.
4. 7 0. 9 2. 8
a 6 2 6
3 6 6
1 1 1
12 13 13
Del 2 6.2 2 6.7 2 6.6
07 9. 3. 2.
hi 2. 2 4. 4 4. 6
8 1 9
2 7 6
1 1 1
Raj 13 12 13
2 4.6 2 4.5 2 4.5
08 asth 4. 9. 3.
8. 5 4. 2 7. 6
an 9 6 0
9 0 2
Utta
1 1 1
r 12 12 12
2 2.2 2 3.3 2 2.6
09 Pra 9. 8. 8.
6. 2 3. 9 5. 3
des 0 0 6
2 8 3
h
1 1 1
13 12 13
Bih 3 2.6 2 2.4 2 2.6
10 3. 5. 2.
ar 0. 9 2. 5 9. 3
8 6 6
3 6 2
1 1 1
12 12 12
Ass 2 1.2 2 1.9 2 1.3
18 6. 5. 6.
am 5. 0 3. 5 4. 6
6 5 4
1 1 7
19 We 1 13 3.2 1 12 2.3 1 12 2.8
st 2 2 2
0. 7. 9.
Ben 6. 4 4. 2 5. 7
5 7 2
gal 4 8 6
1 1 1
Jhar 13 12 13
2 4.0 2 2.2 2 3.3
20 kha 4. 4. 1.
9. 1 2. 1 6. 1
nd 9 7 0
7 0 8
1 1 1
13 12 13
Odi 3 0.6 2 2.9 3 1.2
21 4. 6. 2.
sha 4. 0 2. 3 0. 2
9 4 5
1 8 9
Chh 1 1 1
13 - 12 13
attis 3 2 2.8 3 0.9
22 5. 0.2 5. 1.
gar 5. 1. 8 0. 2
3 2 1 4
h 6 6 2
Ma
dhy 1 1 1
12 12 12
a 2 1.5 2 3.2 2 2.2
23 8. 7. 7.
Pra 6. 8 3. 5 4. 4
2 1 7
des 2 1 9
h
1 1 1
13 12 12
Guj 2 4.6 2 2.5 2 3.4
24 5. 4. 8.
arat 9. 4 1. 6 4. 5
2 1 9
2 0 6
Ma 1 1 1
13 12 12
hara 2 5.1 2 3.8 2 4.3
27 4. 5. 8.
shtr 7. 7 0. 1 3. 1
2 3 3
a 6 7 0
And
1 1 1
hra 13 13 13
3 2.8 2 3.5 3 3.1
28 Pra 6. 1. 4.
2. 7 6. 5 0. 4
des 4 4 6
6 9 5
h
1 1 1
Kar 13 13 13
3 2.7 3 4.7 3 3.8
29 nata 5. 6. 6.
2. 2 0. 6 1. 1
ka 9 4 2
3 2 2
1 1 1
13 13 13
Ker 2 6.1 2 4.3 2 5.5
32 4. 3. 4.
ala 6. 6 7. 8 7. 1
4 4 0
6 8 0
33 Ta 1 13 4.3 1 13 4.9 1 13 4.7
mil 2 3. 9 2 2. 8 2 3. 2
Nad 7. 6. 7.
3 9 1
u 7 6 1
1 1 1
Tel 13 13 13
2 7.3 2 5.4 2 6.3
36 ang 5. 1. 3.
6. 5 5. 4 5. 6
ana 9 8 7
6 0 7
1 1 1
All 13 12 13
2 3.7 2 3.8 2 3.8
99 Ind 2. 8. 0.
8. 5 3. 8 6. 1
ia 8 6 8
0 8 0
Notes:
1. : Provisional.

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Government of India
Cabinet
12-April-2017 18:10 IST
Cabinet approves measures to increase oil palm area and production in India
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has
approved measures to increase oil palm area and production in India. These
include:

i. Relaxation of land ceiling limit for oil palm cultivation under NMOOP
(National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm).

The Cabinet approved relaxation in restrictions for providing assistance to
more than 25 hectare area also under NMOOP to attract corporate bodies
towards oil palm and derive maximum benefit of 100% FDI.

ii. Revision of norms of assistance under Mini Mission-II of NMOOP.
The Cabinet further gave its approval to revise the norms of assistance
mainly for planting materials, maintenance cost, inter-cropping cost and
bore-well to make oil palm plantations attractive.

The measures will yield following results:

 To encourage oil palm plantation on large scale by corporate bodies and
to utilize wastelands. By relaxing restrictions under NMOOP, private
entrepreneurs/cooperative bodies/joint ventures will show their interest in
investment in oil palm plantation and availing the NMOOP support.

 To encourage farmers for oil palm cultivation in a bigger way. The revision
of cost norms will motivate fanners for oil palm plantation.

Annual Action Plan (AAP) of the State / Agencies will be approved by
Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare on revised cost
norms. The private entrepreneurs/ cooperative bodies/ joint ventures will be
invited by the respective state Governments for oil palm plantation in their state.

At present, the programme is being implemented in 12 States, namely,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu. Mizoram, Odisha, Kerala, Telangana.
Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland & Assam. Nearly 133
districts are under oil palm cultivation in these 12 states, However, all the
potential states of Oil palm are covered under NMOOP.

There will be some financial implication in relaxing restrictions of area and
up-scaling the norms of subsidies but the same would be accommodated within
NMOOP fund. Therefore, no additional funds would be required.

The year-wise physical & financial progress for the 12th five year plan is
given below:

Year Name of Scheme Oil Palm Area Amount (Rs. in
Expansion (ha) lakhs)

Target Achievement _Allocation Release

Ta
rget

2012-13 ISOPOM & OPAE 49932 26300 22705.74 6412.62

2013-14 ISOPOM & OPAE 41347 23183 19776.19 11849.09

2014-15 NMOOP 28146 17143 7290.58 4112.47

2015-16 NMOOP 27337 14425 6683.80 3823.49

2016-17* NMOOP 30061 9968 8038.68 4241.57

*up to December, 2016

At present, oil palm development programme is being promoted in
individual farmer's field. There is no scope to provide assistance directly to
private entrepreneurs/Cooperative bodies/Joint ventures for large scale
plantation. The waste land/degraded land/cultivable land in the oil palm growing
states can be given on lease/rent or bought by private entrepreneurs/
cooperative bodies/ joint ventures for oil palm plantation. However, financial
assistance under NMOOP is available for 25 hectare. Therefore, there is a need
for relaxation of restrictions under NMOOP to attract corporate bodies towards oil
palm and derive maximum benefit of 100% FDI. A combination of individual
farming, contract farming and captive plantation (by relaxing land ceiling norms)
can only boost oil palm cultivation in the country.
The norms of assistance for various interventions were decided on the
basis of prevailing prices at the time of formulation of the NMOOP programme. In
view of large investment towards the cost of planting material, digging of pits,
planting, manuring, irrigation and maintenance of plantation for four years without
any income, farmers particularly small and marginal have shown reluctance in
taking up oil palm plantation. Besides, in North Eastern States, which have good
potential for oil palm needs additional investment in land preparation being hilly
terrain.

Background:

Edible Oil is an important component of household food basket. The total
production of edible oil in the country is about 9 million MT. while the domestic
requirement is around 25 million MT. The gap between demand and supply is
being met through imports, which amounted to Rs. 68,000 crores in 2015-16
(Prov.). Palm oil contributes 70% of vegetable oil import and is one of the
cheapest oil due to high productivity per hectare.

Oil Palm is one of the world's most efficient crop in terms of yield of
vegetable oil per ha and today it is largest source of vegetable oil in the world.
Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Thailand and Columbia are the major oil palm
producing countries. An average oil yield of 4-5 tonnes/ hectare has been
recorded with oil palm against the highest oil yield of 1.3 tonnes/ hectare from
rapeseed.

Government of India is promoting oil palm by implementing several
programmes since 1986-87 and from 2014-15 through NMOOP. NMOOP aims to
bring an additional area of 1.25 lakh hectare under oil palm cultivation by the end
of 2016-17. The developmental efforts have resulted in area expansion under oil
palm from 8585 hectare in-1991-92 to around 3 lakh hectare by the end of 2015-
16. Similarly, production of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) and crude palm oil (CPO)
have increased from 21,233 ton and 1,134 ton respectively (1992-93) to
11,50,000 ton and 1,98,000 ton during the year 2014-15.

*****

AKT/VBA/SH

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Government of India
12-April-2017 11:52 IST
PMEGP Scheme
Under PMEGP Scheme micro enterprises are set up broadly in the following categories of
Industries:
(i) Agro Based & Food Processing Industry (ABFPI),
(ii) Forest Based Industry (FBI),
(iii) Mineral Based Industry (MBI),
(iv) Polymer & Chemical Based industry (PCBI),
(v) Rural Engineering & Bio Technology Industry (REBTI),
(vi) Handmade Paper & Fibre Industry (HMPFI), and
(vii) Service & Textiles.(S&T)

Year-wise number of enterprises setup under these categories is given below:
2015-16 2014-15 Category S.I
8065 8772 ABFPI 1
1839 2188 FBI 2
929 1057 HMP/FI 3
3634 4344 MBI 4
1781 1907 OCBI 5
6870 7452 REBT 6
21222 22448 S&T 7
44340 48168 Total

Details of Margin Money (subsidy) released by the Government under PMEGP Scheme
since FY 2014-15 and the margin money disbursed is as given below:

Margin money Margin money Year
subsidy utilized# subsidy released
(Rs crore) (Rs crore)
1122.54 1073.16 2014-15
1020.06 1254.68 2015-16
1280.93 1082.90 2016-17
3423.53 3410.74 Total

# including un-utilized balance funds of previous year.

Number of Units/ benefeciaries assisted during the last three Financial Years under PMEGP

2016- 2015-16 2014-15 State/UT Sr. No.
17
1492 2207 1565 Jammu& 1

Kashmir
941 1077 1244 Himachal 2

Pradesh
1266 966 1153 Punjab 3
47 43 36 UT Chandigarh 4
1345 1136 1333 Uttarakhand 5
1377 1248 1175 Haryana 6
119 256 198 Delhi 7
1749 1988 1976 Rajasthan 8
4074 4365 4891 Uttar Pradesh 9
3234 2430 1639 Bihar 10
27 110 16 Sikkim 11
301 35 652 Arunachal 12

Pradesh
1018 623 416 Nagaland 13
1265 685 747 Manipur 14
425 1134 817 Mizoram 15
2297 642 787 Tripura 16
329 603 555 Meghalaya 17
6028 3483 5015 Assam 18
3528 1873 3397 West Bengal 19
1300 1839 1699 Jharkhand 20
3029 2876 2013 Odisha 21
1598 1277 847 Chhattisgarh 22
1940 1979 2737 Madhya Pradesh 23
1386 1419 1289 Gujarat* 24
2325 2497 3469 Maharashtra ** 25
1357 642 937 Andhra Pradesh 26

664 660 604 Telangana 27
3575 2140 2431 Karnataka 28
90 91 78 Goa 29
00 0 31 Lakshadweep 30

1584 1369 1344 Kerala 31
2941 2463 2858 Tamilnadu 32
66 65 58 Puducherry 33
195 119 161 Andaman & 34

Nicobar Islands
52912 44340 48168

This Press Release is based on information given by the Minister of State for MSME Shri Giriraj
Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 12.04.2017 (Wednesday).

********

AK/RM

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Government of India
11-April-2017 20:20 IST
Funds for Pollution Abatement
“Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in association with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) /
Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) monitors air quality across the country under National Air Quality
Monitoring Programme (NAMP). The NAMP network comprises of 680 monitoring stations located in
300 cities/towns covering 29 states and 6 union territories. State-wise details of funds released to
various monitoring agencies during the years 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 for ambient air
quality monitoring as operational and maintenance cost under National Air Quality Monitoring
Programme (NAMP) (See Annexure).
United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) proposal regarding monitoring of air
quality in the country largely entails exchange of technical expertise. Technical discussion with USEPA in
this regard is an ongoing process and two meetings with USEPA in regard have already been held.
The Government has formulated the environmental regulations and statutes for management
and control of pollution. The Government has also laid down National Ambient Air Quality standards
and notified 115 emission/effluent standards for 104 different sectors of industries, besides 32 general
standards for ambient air. The compliance and implementation of these provisions and standards by
the polluting industries is mandatory and binding. In so far as scheme for abatement of pollution is
concerned, it allows for participation of Public as well as Private Sector.”
This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Annexure
Details of Payment Released to Various Monitoring Agencies under National Air Quality Monitoring
Programme (NAMP)
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

Name of Monitoring
S.No.
Agency
(Amount in Rs.) (Amount in Rs.) (Amount in Rs.) (Amount in Rs.)
Andhra Pradesh SPCB 8450000 7666250 - -
Assam SPCB 8690000 7842500 - -
1986667 - - 4113833

Chandigarh PCC
Chhattisgarh ECB - - 1526250 -
Gujarat SPCB 3809583 - - -
8882500 7125000 7789333 -

Goa SPCB
Jharkhand SPCB - - - -
Himachal Pradesh SEP &

5578333 - 10128333 -
PCB
Karnataka SPCB - 354167 6749583 -
10. Kerala SPCB - 6474167 - -
16316919
11. Maharashtra SPCB 7467083 - -

12. Meghalaya SPCB 2297500 - 7845833 -
13. Madhya Pradesh SPCB - - - 7984417
14. Mizoram SPCB 5931667 1765000 5413333 4253333
15. Nagaland SPCB 1360000 906667 - 3658667
16. Orissa SPCB - 5734583 - 5872500
17. Punjab SPCB - 7795417 - -
18. Puducherry - - - 5110333
19. Rajasthan SPCB - - 4218750 -
20. Tamil Nadu SPCB 4399166 2358333 - -
21. Uttar Pradesh SPCB 9586667 - 7263333 -
22. Uttarakhand EP&PCB 3694334 - 4085833 -
23. NEERI - 7047000 13612000 22288000
24. IIT Kanpur 450000 3709378 - -
Note:- SPCB – State Pollution Control Board, SEP&PCB – State Environment Protection & Pollution
Control Board, EP& PCB – Environment Protection & Pollution Control Board, PCC – Pollution Control
Committee. NEERI is at present monitoring in 6 cities in 5 different states/Union territories namely Delhi,
Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

***
HK

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Government of India
Ministry of Power
11-April-2017 16:07 IST
Power today, comes from Information sharing and not by withholding it; URJA
MITRA empowers citizens by real time information sharing on power supply:
Shri Piyush Goyal
Uttar Pradesh to Sign “Power for All” Document On 14th April, 2017
Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy, and Mines,
Shri Piyush Goyal, while presiding over the launch of ‘URJA MITRA App’ and
inauguration of the ‘Rural Feeder Monitoring Scheme’ here today, said that the
Government is engaged in preparing the Nation to truly get 24x7 affordable, quality and
uninterrupted adequate power.
Shri Goyal noted that “Power today, comes from information sharing and not by
withholding it. URJA MITRA empowers citizens by real time information sharing on
power supply.” He further added that the app is a first of its kind application which
provides a central platform, Web-Portal (www.urjamitra.com) as well as Mobile App
(iOS version and android version), for State Power Distribution utilities to disseminate
power outage information to urban/rural power consumers across India through
SMS/email/push notifications. Nevertheless, Shri Goyal directed the Ministry officials to
strive harder and ensure that progressively the need to send messages for power outages
should decline to zero, thereby ensuring uninterrupted 24x7 power for all.
The Minister also informed that power consumers across the nation would have prior
intimation of expected duration and cause of scheduled power outages and post fault
intimation of unscheduled power outages duration. Consumer can also view real time
power outages in any part of the country, lodge a complaint on power outages in its area.
Complaints can also be lodged on helpline number 1912. Empowerment of all section of
society has been ensured by providing vernacular mobile apps. Field staff can trigger
power outage and take corrective action on outage complaints etc, he added.
Commenting on the utility of Urja Mitra App, Shri Goyal said that this will be the life
changing for millions of people in this country. “I would like to urge all the states to join
in this excellent initiative to be a part of this effort so that anywhere in the country, if
there is a problem of power outage, the people know about it in advance and present
scenario. It will help save many lives in hospitals, help people better plan their lives like
study schedules, daily household chores etc.”, the minister added.
Speaking on the Rural Feeder Monitoring Scheme, Shri Goyal informed that the
Government has launched ‘Rural Feeder Monitoring Scheme’ to monitor the quantity and
quality parameters of power supply in rural areas of the country. The entire data shall also
be hosted on National Power Portal (NPP) on real time basis and may be accessed by
various stake holders through web services. The Minister informed that the Government
has set December 2017 as the deadline to achieve 100% rural feeder monitoring by
installing additional meters and modems on all feeders across the country, in order to
facilitate real time communication of faults appearing in the power supply. Further, these
meters would be geo-tagged to pin point the cause and location of the fault and address it
at the earliest, he added.
Shri Goyal also announced that on 14th April 2017, birth anniversary of Baba Saheb
Bhimrao Ambedkar, Uttar Pradesh will be executing ‘Power for All’ document with the
Government of India. Uttar Pradesh will become the last state to join ‘Power for All’
initiative, he added.
Interacting with the audience, Shri P.K. Pujari, Secretary, Ministry of Power, said that the
app is a milestone and it will bring pressure on the system to improve itself. It is a
proactive Citizen-Government Connect that will bring in transparency, accountability in
the power supply system in the country. Shri Pujari said that already 8 crore consumers
have joined on the Urja Mitra app which have resulted in their empowerment. It is
expected that all power consumers in the country to make use of the app and get
empowered, he added.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Arun Kumar Verma, Joint Secretary, Power, said that
approximately seventy percent of the population resides in rural India. In order to ensure
quality of life in rural India, it is of paramount importance to improve the quality and
availability of power supply as it has direct relation with quality of life and socio
economic upliftment of all sections of society. In order to get a complete picture of the
entire power distribution network in rural part of the country, it is essential to capture real
time power supply parameters of rural India.
Also present on the occasion were Smt. Shalini Prasad, Additional Secretary, Power, Shri
Ajay Jain, Principal Secretary (Energy), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Shri R.K.
Verma, Chairperson, CEA and other senior officials of the Ministry and State Power
Departments of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
*****
VM/PS
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Government of India
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
11-April-2017 16:21 IST
1.86 lakh fair price shops installed PoS devices so far
The Department of Food and Public Distribution has prepared guidelines for Fair Price
Shop (FPS) automation, which have been shared with all States/UTs. FPS automation involves,
installation of Point of Sale (PoS) devices at FPS for authentication of beneficiaries, recording of
sales to beneficiaries at the FPS; and uploading of transaction data in central server. There are
5.26 lakh Fair Price Shops in the country out of which 1.86 lakh FPSs have been automated so
far installing ePoS devices/mobile terminals across 22 States/UTs. A statement showing the total
number of FPSs in each States/UTs including Andhra Pradesh and automation of FPSs is given
below.

Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is operated under the joint responsibility
of the Central and State/UT Governments wherein operational responsibilities including the
issuance of licenses to the Fair Price Shops (FPSs) rest with the concerned State/UT
Governments.

This information was given by Shri C.R. Chaudhary, the Minister of State for Consumer
Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
BCK/AK

*****
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Government of India
11-April-2017 16:21 IST
Consumer Rights Awareness
The Government carries out a multi-media “Jago Grahak Jago” campaign on Pan-India
basis covering both rural and urban areas through print, electronic and outdoor media. Grants-in-
aid are also released to States/UTs for creating consumer awareness in the respective States/UTs
at local level in their regional languages so as to further ensure that the campaign reaches the
rural and backward areas of the country. The details of allocations made to various States/UTs
from Consumer Awareness (Publicity) fund in the Financial Year 2016-17 is given below in
table. This Department has also started taking part in rural Fairs/Melas where a large number of
people congregate.

This apart, grant is also given from Consumer Welfare Fund (CWF) to the States/UTs
for setting up of Corpus Fund of Rs.10.00 crores for undertaking Consumer Awareness/welfare
activities in their respective States/UTs including the rural and backward areas. The ratio of
Centre: State share in the Corpus Fund is 75:25. In case of special category States/UTs, the ratio
is 90:10. So far, Corpus Fund has been set up in 13 States/UTs. The details of States/UTs wise
allocation fund from Consumer Welfare Fund is given below in table.

(Rupees in crores)
Releases made from
Consumer
Awareness(Publicit
y) fund during
S. No. Name of State 2016-17 (Rupees in crores)
S.No.
1. Name of States
Arunachal Pradesh Releases made so far from Consumer Welfare
0.20
2. Goa
Fund for setting up Corpus Fund by States/UTs
0.19
1. 3. Gujarat
Himachal Pradesh 0.20
7.50
2. Andhra Pradesh 7.50
4. Madhya Pradesh 0.50
3. 5. Orissa
Meghalaya 0.20
7.50
4. West Bengal 7.50
6. Nagaland 0.20
5. Bihar 0.18 7.50
7. Telangana
6. Nagaland 8.40
8. West Bengal 0.50
7. Karnataka
West Bengal 7.50
8. Tamil NaduProject)
(Special 0.75 7.50
9. Madhya Pradesh
Andaman and 7.50
10. Nicobar
Kerala Islands 7.50
9. (UT) 0.10
11. Haryana 7.50
10. Lakshadweep (UT) 0.10
12. Jharkhand 4.00
Total 3.12
13. Telangana 2.71
Total 90.11

This information was given by Shri C.R. Chaudhary, the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs,
Food & Public Distribution, in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
*****
BCK/AK

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Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
11-April-2017 14:36 IST
Steps for Elimination of TB
The estimated incidence of Tuberculosis in the country has been declining:

Year Incidence (per lakh/year)
2013 228
2014 223
2015 217

Total Case Notification of Drug Sensitive TB (2014-16)
State/UT 2014 2015 2016

Andman and Nicobar Islands 738 605 534
Andhra Pradesh 106505 68922 74373
Arunachal Pradesh 2602 2779 2788
Assam 36810 39978 40851
Bihar 69519 81731 97001
Chandigarh 2926 3320 3413
Chhattisgarh 26287 35339 39484
Dadra and Nagar Haveli 411 553 552
Daman & Diu 742 414 487
Delhi 51035 59309 62706
Goa 1780 1893 1966
Gujarat 80535 109828 126665
Haryana 40393 44970 47545
Himachal Pradesh 14002 14965 14961
Jammu and Kashmir 11241 10046 9937
Jharkhand 35828 35985 39515
Karnataka 61940 64684 68462
Kerala 24856 29529 47293
Lakshadweep 23 40 23
Madhya Pradesh 96355 111317 129915
Maharashtra 148300 182974 195139
Manipur 2329 2370 2393
Meghalaya 6009 5568 4586
Mizoram 2014 2139 2205
Nagaland 3621 3504 2821
Odisha 45271 46630 43851
Puducherry 1458 1290 1421
Punjab 37700 39611 39836
Rajasthan 95199 102032 106756
Sikkim 1637 1400 1539
Tamil Nadu 82252 86729 96079
Telangana - 40934 45003
Tripura 2541 7404 2374
Uttar Pradesh 257355 265454 297746
Uttarakhand 13735 15590 15081
West Bengal 90661 88147 89656
Total 1454610 1607983 1754957

The state level incidence for Tuberculosis has not been estimated, however the total case notified
across the states in the last three years is at Annexure.

The total case notification for the last three years for the state of Rajasthan including that from
the private sector has been 95199 in 2014, 102032 in 2015 and 106756 in 2016 respectively.
The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme is being implemented under the aegis of
the National Health Mission with the following steps
 strengthening and improving quality of basic TB services,
 addressing TB HIV co-infection, other co-morbidities and MDR-TB
 engaging with care providers both in the public and the private sector
 targeted intervention in the vulnerable population and strengthening urban TB control
along with active case finding activities
 integrating newer molecular diagnostics for TB in the health system (CBNAAT) for
early diagnosis of MDR TB
 leveraging of Information Communication Technology for enhancing TB notification
and strengthening of monitoring.
According to the WHO Global TB Reports, the estimated proportion of Multi- Drug Resistant
TB Cases in India is not increasing. The proportion of MDR cases is estimated to be in between
1.9 – 2.6 percent among new TB cases and between 11- 19 percent among retreatment cases.
However, the detection of MDR-TB/XDR-TB cases has been increasing due to availability of
more diagnostic facilities for MDR TB/XDR-TB and coverage of the entire country through
Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB under the Revised National TB Control
Programme (RNTCP).

Cases of Multi Drug Resistant TB detected for Rajasthan for the last three years are 2050 in
2014, 1930 in 2015 and 2118 for 2016 respectively.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Sh Faggan Singh Kulaste stated this in a
written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.

*****

MV/LK
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Government of India
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
13-April-2017 15:34 IST
Government to incentivize growth in local content in goods and services in O&G
Sector by policy for providing Purchase Preference to the manufactures/services
providers (linked with local content) – PP LC
Progressively increasing targets of Local Content stipulated for procurement of goods,

services and EPC contracts for O&G business activities

Manufacturers/service provider who meet local content targets & whose quoted price is
within 10% of lowest valid price bid, would be eligible for 10% purchase preference for a
stipulated portion of the purchase order, on matching such price

PPLC policy is to encourage suppliers and service providers to progressively adopt ‘Make
in India’ practices and add value to their goods and services

Indo Bangladesh Hydrocarbon cooperation is comprehensive and deep; FoU to promote
energy trade and integration of oil and gas grids of the two countries

Framework of Understanding shall remain in force for a period of five years; shall be
automatically renewed thereafter for a period of every five year

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved
signing of Framework of Understanding (FoU) on Cooperation in the Hydrocarbon Sector with
Bangladesh, setting up of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) at Visakhapatnam in
Andhra Pradesh as "an Institute of National Importance" through an Act of Parliament and also
approved the Policy to provide Purchase Preference (linked with Local Content PP-LC) in all
Public Sector Undertakings under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas on 12th April, 2017.
The Secretary for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri K D Tripathi held a press conference
and briefed the media on the various cabinet decisions taken for the Ministry.
The Secretary said that the ‘Make in India’ initiative was launched by Prime Minister in
September, 2014 as part of a wider set of nation-building initiatives devised to transform India
into a global design and manufacturing hub. In tune with the campaign, the Government has
decided to incentivize the growth in local content in goods and services while implementing oil
and gas projects in India through a policy for providing Purchase Preference to the
manufactures/services providers who meet the local targets in oil and gas business activities.
Under the policy, progressively increasing targets of Local Content are being stipulated
for procurement of goods, services and EPC contracts for oil and gas business activities. The
manufacturers/service provider who meet the local content targets and whose quoted price is
within 10% of lowest valid price bid, would be eligible for 10% purchase preference for a
stipulated portion of the purchase order, on matching such price. For example,
Drilling/Workover Rigs/WSS units construction in the onshore sector the local content would be
pegged at 50% in the first year and progressively increased to 60% in the next two years and they
to 70% in last two years. Similarly, for premium bids as wells as specialized drilling and
completion services the local content stipulated is 10% in the first year and progressively
increased to 15% in the next two years and then to 20% in the last 2 years.
He added that the policy is expected to encourage suppliers and service providers to
progressively adopt ‘Make in India’ practices and add value to their goods and services within
the country. It will facilitate growth of activities related to manufacturing, services and EPC in
the Indian economy. This will boost productivity and help in growth of employment at all levels
in the oil and gas sector.
Shri Tripathi said that this policy is applicable to all the Public Sector Enterprises and
their wholly owned subsidiaries under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas; Joint Venture
that have 51% or more equity by one or more Public Sector Enterprises under the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas; attached and subordinate offices of MoPNG.
The Cabinet had approved a Framework of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of
Hydrocarbons. This was first discussed during the visit of Petroleum Minister Shri Dharmendra
Pradhan to Dhaka in April 2016 with the objective to work as an umbrella framework to initiate,
monitor and pursue activities of mutual interest in the oil and gas sector. It will give an
institutional mechanism for our engagement with Bangladesh in the Hydrocarbon sector.
Salient Features of the proposed Framework document include -
 Promotes the energy trade and integration of oil and gas grids of the two countries
 Promotes investments in each other’s countries as well as in third countries, technology
transfer, R&D, conducting joint studies and capacity building of human resources.
 Provides increased trans-border economic cooperation and connectivity.
 Promotes bilateral cooperation at the sub-regional and regional levels
 Exchange of information to energy policy formulation in the region.
 This Framework of Understanding shall remain in force for a period of five years, and
shall be automatically renewed thereafter for a period of every five year.
The visit of PM Sheikh Hasina which took place on April 8-10 has given a further impetus to
the Indo Bangladesh relations, as 22 documents were signed, including many in the field of oil
and gas. Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan had visited
Bangladesh during 18-19 April, 2016 and in the last two years there have been at least 7
meetings between him and his counterpart in Bangladesh. There is an institutionalised Energy
Dialogue at the level of Secretary which met last month in Dhaka.
The comprehensiveness of the relationship between India and Bangladesh comes from the
fact that we are already engaged in Supply of HSD from Siliguri to Parbatipur, Setting up LNG
Terminal at Kutubdi island, Setting up LPG Terminal in Chittagong / Kutubdi island, Providing
gas for the Khulna Power plant in Bangladesh, Working of gas grid connectivity, Refurbishment
of refineries, Building of pipelines and Upstream activity in Bangladesh by Indian companies
etc.
India and Bangladesh have signed three Documents: Sale Purchase Agreement between
Numaligarh Refineries Ltd (NRL) and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation for supply of High
Speed Diesel to Bangladesh; Setting up of an LNG terminal in Kutubdia Island by Petronet LNG
Ltd and Setting up of an LPG Terminal by IOCL in partnership with Petrobangla. In addition to
these Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi along with Prime Minister of Bangladesh
flagged off the Rail Rake carrying 2200 MT of HSD from Radhikapur in India to Parbatipur in
Bangladesh. The rail rake travelled on the newly constructed rail route. The length of the new
route is around 260 kms, almost half of the old route.
****
RG
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Government of India
10-April-2017 14:19 IST
AP Investment Meet
23rd CII Partnership Summit and second Sunrise Andhra Pradesh Investment Meet was
held in Visakhapatnam on January, 27-28, 2017. The theme for the Summit was centered
on “Partnerships for sustained growth in an emerging global economic order”. The
Summit witnessed participation of over 2500 delegates from across 50 countries
including trade ministers and delegates from 12 countries, eight Union Ministers and
many leading Industrialists of India.
The business transacted in the Summit inter-alia included:-
(i) Three Sectorial Round table sessions with Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on
Aerospace &Defence, Electronics and Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology.
(ii) Bilateral meetings of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh with trade delegations from
12 countries including Ukraine, Tunisia, Switzerland, France, Singapore, Australia,
Nepal, Zimbabwe, UAE, Russia, Thailand and Bahrain.
(iii) Bilateral meetings with 35 industry leaders, both global and domestic.
This information was given by the Commerce and Industry Minister Smt.
NirmalaSitharaman in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
*****
MJPS

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Government of India
Ministry of Labour & Employment
10-April-2017 17:39 IST
Linking of Aadhaar Cards with Universal Account Numbers

A total of 1,68,87,580 Aadhar numbers have been linked with Univarsal
Account Numbers. The process is entirely online and a continuous activity and all
new subscribers including those who are left out are consistently urged by the
Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) through their respective
employers to complete the uploading of their Aadhaar number to achieve complete
linking of Aadhaar number with UAN.
The State/UT-wise details of Aadhaar numbers linked with Universal
Account Number (UAN) are as under:

State Aadhaar
Contributing Members
Sl. Nos.
(As on 31.03.2016)
No. Linked
1 Andhra Pradesh 8,92,387 5,26,452
2 Bihar 2,88,521 84,833
3 Chhattisgarh 3,60,161 1,21,583
4 Delhi 24,92,295 11,90,325
5 Goa 1,64,211 83,272
Gujarat (including Daman
6 & Diu and Dadra & Nagar 24,97,818 12,25,346
Haveli)
7 Haryana 19,12,950 8,81,225
8 Himachal Pradesh 2,59,115 1,98,362
9 Jharkhand 4,23,030 2,28,253
10 Karnataka 45,61,741 22,00,893
11 Kerala 10,07,327 6,88,059
12 Madhya Pradesh 9,03,547 5,97,018
13 Maharashtra 74,99,726 31,70,270
North East Region
(including Assam,
Arunachal Pradesh,
14 2,86,388 16,241
Tripura, Meghalaya,
Nagaland, Manipur &
Mizoram
15 Odisha 6,77,821 2,34,796
Punjab (including
16 9,88,937 7,06,990
Chandigarh)
17 Rajasthan 8,75,822 3,40,242
Tamil Nadu (including
18 45,27,430 13,17,319
Puducherry)
19 Telangana 24,00,146 12,65,575
20 Uttar Pradesh 16,44,799 8,81,087
21 Uttarakhand 4,75,648 2,31,298
22 West Bengal 24,82,614 6,98,141
TOTAL 3,76,22,433 1,68,87,580

This information was given by Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of
State (IC) for Labour and Employment, in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha
today.
****
BCK/AK

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Government of India
10-April-2017 14:20 IST
Export of Organic Produce
Ministry of Commerce & Industry has formulated the National Programme for Organic
Production (NPOP) for certification of organic products. NPOP is being implemented since
2001. Organic products can be exported from the country only when certified by an accredited
certification body under the NPOP.

The details of export of organic products during the last three years (2014-15 to 2016-17)
are as under:
Year Export Export Export
(Quantity in MT) (Value in Rs. Crore) (Value in USD million)
2016-17 309767 2478.17 370
2015-16 263687 1975.87 298
2014-15 285663 2099.16 327
Source: APEDA

Data for the current year (2017-18) is not yet available. Biodynamic agricultural products
are those which are certified under private International Standards like Demeter Standards. Data
for exports of Biodynamic products is not maintained.

There were 6674 Operators certified under NPOP as on 31 st March 2017, which included
individual producers, processors, traders, grower groups and wild collection operators.

The State wise export of certified organic products under NPOP for the year 2016-17 is
at Annexure-I.

This information was given by the Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in
a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

*****
MJPS

Annexure – I

State Wise Export under NPOP during 2016-17
S. State Name Exported Qty (In MT) Total Value In INR (In Lac)
No.
1 Andhra Pradesh 348 11187.39
2 Assam 11 51.79
3 Chhattisgarh 32 290.41
4 Goa 442 18190.45
5 Gujarat 53327 33293.45
6 Haryana 5468 3507.07
7 Himachal Pradesh 9 14.61
8 Jammu & Kashmir 821 1047.34
9 Jharkhand 0 6.33
10 Karnataka 8538 16526.52
11 Kerala 4282 17649.10
12 Madhya Pradesh 141346 62599.93
13 Maharashtra 31629 18967.72
14 Meghalaya 1 19.61
15 New Delhi 45720 26364.51
16 Odisha 9 18.25
17 Punjab 205 171.95
18 Rajasthan 5760 5344.89
19 Tamil Nadu 1402 3108.23
20 Telangana 3511 4048.14
21 Uttar Pradesh 1999 3395.81
22 Uttarakhand 446 645.60
23 West Bengal 4461 21368.60
Total 309767 247817.67
Source: APEDA
****

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Government of India
10-April-2017 14:21 IST
Business Reform Action Plan
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
had circulated to all States/Union Territories in October 2015, a 340 point Business Reform
Action Plan (BRAP) with an objective to increase transparency and efficiency of various
Government regulatory functions and services for business in India. The result of the
Assessment of Implementation of Business Reforms 2015-16 by States/UTs was released on
31.10.2016. The Assessment studies the extent to which States/UTs have implemented DIPP’s
340-point BRAP, covering the period July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. The BRAP includes
recommendations for reforms on 58 regulatory processes, policies, practices and procedures
spread across 10 reform areas, that is, access to information and transparency enablers; single
window; environmental registration enablers; obtaining electricity connection; availability of
land; construction permit enablers; inspection reform enablers; labour regulation enablers;
online tax and return filing and commercial dispute resolution enablers spanning the lifecycle of
a typical business.

Data for assessment of Implementation of Business Reforms was collected from
States/UTs on the BRAP portal http://eodb.dipp.gov.in. The portal, among the first of its kind
globally, allowed States and UTs to submit evidence of implemented reforms. At least 32 States
and UTs submitted evidence of implementation of 7,124 reforms. These submissions were
reviewed by the World Bank team and validated by DIPP’s team to study whether they met the
objectives of the BRAP. The portal allowed collaborative dialogue between DIPP and the
States/UTs to analyse the evidence submitted. The results of the assessment demonstrate that
States/UTs have increasingly risen to address the challenge of making it easier to do
business. The national implementation average stands at 48.93%, which is significantly
higher than the previous year’s national average of 32%. The table below demonstrates the
progress made by States and their implementation score:

2016 State Score (%) 2015
Rank Rank
1. ANDHRA 98.78 2
PRADESH
1. TELANGANA 98.78 13
3. GUJARAT 98.21 1
4. CHHATTISGARH 97.32 4
5. MADHYA 97.01 5
PRADESH
6 HARYANA 96.95 14
7. JHARKHAND 96.57 3
8. RAJASTHAN 96.43 6
9. UTTARAKHAND 96.13 23
10. MAHARASHTRA 92.86 8
11. ODISHA 92.73 7
12. PUNJAB 91.07 16
13. KARNATAKA 88.39 9
14. UTTAR PRADESH 84.52 10
15. WEST BENGAL 84.23 11
16. BIHAR 75.82 21
17. HIMACHAL 65.48 17
PRADESH
18. TAMIL NADU 62.80 12
19. DELHI 47.62 15
20. KERALA 26.97 18
21. GOA 18.15 19
22. TRIPURA 16.67 26
23. DAMAN & DIU 14.58 -
24. ASSAM 14.29 22
25. DADRA & NAGAR 1.79 -
HAVELI
26. PUDUCHERRY 1.49 20
26. NAGALAND 1.49 31
2016 State Score (%) 2015
Rank Rank
28. MANIPUR 1.19 -
29. MIZORAM 0.89 28
30. SIKKIM 0.60 27
31. ARUNACHAL 0.30 32
PRADESH
31. JAMMU & 0.30 29
KASHMIR
31. CHANDIGARH 0.30 24
31. MEGHALAYA 0.30 30
31. ANDAMAN & 0.30 25
NICOBAR
ISLANDS
31. LAKSHADWEEP 0.30 -

The status of implementation of the said BRAP was reviewed by World Bank team and validated
by DIPP based on the submissions made by States/UTs.

NirmalaSitharaman in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

*****
MJPS

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Government of India
09-April-2017 16:39 IST
Shri Rajnath Singh chairs 11th Standing Committee meeting of Inter-State
Council
Standing Committee examines in detail various recommendations of Punchhi

Commission
The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the 11th Standing Committee
meeting of the Inter-State Council here today. The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate
Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Dr. Raman
Singh, Chief Minister of Tripura, Shri Manik Sarkar, Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri
Naveen Patnaik and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath attended the
meeting. The Ministers from states of Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan represented
these states at the meeting. Senior officers from the Union Ministries and from the state
Governments also assisted the members of the Standing Committee in the discussion
along with the officers from the Inter-State Council Secretariat.
In his inaugural address, the Home Minister said that we share a common desire to take
this nation forward and we are fully convinced that prosperity can come only when there
is peace and stability. He further emphasized that India, is a nation characterized by unity
in diversity, and hence it is important that trust and cordiality form the bedrock for
Centre-State cooperation and we rise above narrow sectarian interests to focus on the
larger picture of national development. Today’s meeting was in pursuance of the
decisions of the Inter-State Council meeting held on July 16, 2016.
The Punchhi Commission notified in 2005, submitted its report in 2010. The
recommendations of the Punchhi Commission, which are contained in seven Volumes
pertain to History of Centre-State Relations in India; Constitutional Governance and
Management of Centre-State Relations; Centre-State Financial Relations and Planning;
Local Self-Governments and Decentralized Governance; Internal Security, Criminal
Justice and Centre State Co-operation; Environment, Natural Resources & Infrastructure;
and Socio-Economic Development, Public Policy and Good Governance. The various
Union Ministries and all the State Governments responded to the recommendations made
in the report by providing detailed comments. The comments have been analysed in the
Inter-State Council Secretariat.
The Standing Committee examined in detail various recommendations of the Punchhi

Commission contained in Volume II & III. The Volume II of the report is related to
provisions of the Constitution that are concerned with important aspects of Constitutional
governance such as role of Governors, deployment of Central forces, federal balance of
power, ensuring better coordination between Centre and States and other important issues
of Centre-State relations. The recommendations in Volume III of the Punchhi
Commission report are related to Centre-State financial relations and cover the subjects
of (a) fiscal transfers to states (b) Goods and Services Tax and (c) the Centre-State fiscal
relations. The discussions centred around various aspects of Centre-State relations having
implications for governance and flowing from Constitutional provisions.
The remaining volumes of the Punchhi Commission recommendations will be taken up in

subsequent meetings of the Standing Committee along with the implications of the recent
developments in terms of the GST Act, the 14th Finance Commission Report and
formation of NITI AAYOG, rationalisation of Centrally sponsored schemes etc.
The recommendations of the Standing Committee finalized at this meeting will be placed
before the Inter-State Council.
*****
KSD/NK/PK/KM
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Government of India
09-April-2017 16:49 IST
The Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri Venkaiah Naidu
today launched 352 housing projects in 53 cities
This is the First largest private investment initiative in affordable housing
The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) members to

invest over Rs.38,000 cr to build over two (2) lakh affordable houses
Over one lakh units to be built in Maharashtra, 41,921 houses in National Capital Region,
28,465 in Gujarat, 7,037 in Karnataka, 6,055 in UP
Cost of construction of these houses to be in the range of Rs.15 lakh to Rs.30 lakh per house

The Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu today
launched 352 housing projects in 53 cities in 17 States across the country with an investment of
over Rs.38,000 cr to build over two lakh (2) houses..
These housing projects to be taken up by the members of Confederation of Real Estate
Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) across the country is the first major private
investments initiative into affordable housing. These projects were launched at a function in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat today. As per the details furnished by CREDAI today, the cost of
construction of these affordable houses will be in the range of Rs.15 lakh to Rs.30 lakh with
average cost of construction coming to Rs.18 lakh per house.
The event was held in the backdrop of several initiatives by the Government of India to
promote affordable housing for Economically Weaker Sections, Low and Middle Income Groups
including sanction of ‘infrastructure status’ for the housing sector. The new President of the
CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India) took charge of the
confederation at the glittering function attended by the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay
Rupani, Gujarat Deputy CM Shri Nitinbhai Patel, Gujarat Minister of Urban Development Sh
Shankar Chaudhary, outgoing President of CREDAI Sh Gitambar Anand and more than 3000
delegates from across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Venkaiah Naidu complimented CREDAI and its members
for coming forward to invest in affordable housing projects and assured them that his Ministry
and Central Nodal Agencies like the National Housing Bank and HUDCO will extend full
cooperation in reaching the benefits prescribed under PMAY (Urban) to the beneficiaries who
join the projects launched today.
Details of affordable housing projects launched today for implementation are:
State/cities No of affordable Investment (Cr)

houses to be
built
Maharashtra 1,03,719 15,576
(Mumbai,Nagpur, Ahmednagar,Jalna,
Banm,Nashik, Malegaon,Pune, Satara,
Solapur)
Gujarat 28,465 9,525
(Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar,Rajkot,
Mehsana,
Bharuch, Bhavnagar,Navsari,
Modasa,Palanpur,
Swarnakantha,Vadodara, Vapi,Surat)
National Capital Region of Delhi 41,921 6,211
Karnataka (Bengaluru, Gulbarga, Hubli) 7,037 1,679
Uttar Pradesh (Agra, Allahabad,Bareily, 6,055 1,108
Jhansi,
Kanpur and Varanasi)
Rajasthan(Ajmer, Jaipur,Jodhpur) 4,406 389
West Bengal (Kolkata) 2,955 663
Goa 1,932 464
Telangana (Hyderabad) 1,784 663
Madhya Pradesh (Indore, Ujjain) 1,517 284
Kerala (Trivendrum, Calicut, Kochi, 1,372 186
Ernakulam)
Assam (Guwahati) 860 145
Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimattore, 834 145
Tiruchirapalli)
Odisha (Bhubaneswar) 520 53
Chattisgarh (Raipur) 244 26
Andhra Pradesh (Tirupati) 50 10

Shri Naidu said while Mahatma ensured political freedom for our country, Sardar Patel
ensured its unification, Shri Modi is now working on giving content and real meaning to these
accomplishments through building a New India.
The Minister said such a New India has no meaning if we don’t ensure houses for all and
that too in a specific time frame. He said that the Prime Minister Shri Modi has set the year 2022
as the deadline for roofing all Indians.
Shri Naidu said that within a short span of just 21 months since the launch of
PMAY(Urban) in June, 2015, his Ministry has earlier approved construction of 17.73 lakh
affordable houses for urban poor with an investment of Rs.95,660 cr in 30 States and Union
Territories.. For building these houses, central assistance of Rs.27,879 cr has also been approved,
he said.
These approved projects are to be executed with assistance from central and state
governments and beneficiary contribution under the four components of PMAY (Urban). Under
this urban housing mission, central assistance in the range of Rs.1.00 lakh to Rs.2.35 lakh will be
provided to each beneficiary. PMAY (Urban) was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi on June 25, 2015.
The Government of India on December 31, 2017 extended the Credit Linked Subsidy
Scheme component of PMAY (Urban) to Middle Income Groups with annual incomes in the
range of Rs.12 lakh to Rs.18 lakh under which interest subsidy of 4% and 3% on housing loans
will be provided. With this, beneficiaries belonging to EWS, LIG and MIG with annual incomes
up to Rs.18 lakh have been brought under the ambit of PMAY (Urban) opening up substantial
investment opportunities for developers both at the bottom and middle of the pyramid.
************
KSP/ahmedabad

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Government of India
Ministry of Defence
08-April-2017 14:30 IST
TU-142M receives a formal welcome at INS Dega
Hon’ble Chief of Andhra Pradesh Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the TU-
142M Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft of the Indian Navy which landed at INS Dega for the
last time this morning. A special ceremony organised at INS Dega to formally welcome the
aircraft at Visakhapatnam was attended by Shri P Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Hon’ble Union Civil
Aviation Minister, Govt. of India, Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Flag Officer
Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, MPs, MLAs and host of other Civil
Dignitaries. On arrival of the TU, the Hon’ble CM interacted with the crew members and
exchanged mementos.
Govt. of Andhra Pradesh had earlier requested the Ministry of Defence for allotment of
one de-inducted TU-142M for converting it into a museum. The request of Govt. of Andhra
Pradesh is being processed at the Ministry of Defence, New Delhi. Visakhapatnam Urban
Development Authority (VUDA) would be coordinating all activities related to aircraft museum
on behalf of Govt. of AP. The TU is likely to be dismantled and transported by road on trailers
and re-assembled on the Beach Road near Kursura Submarine Museum.
With the imposing looks and a lethal punch to match, the TU-142M aircraft which have
been nothing short of a ‘Flying Destroyer’, was given an impressive welcome as it landed for the
last time at Visakhapatnam by a flypast of three Chetak helicopters, two Kamov helicopters, two
Dorniers, and one P-8I Aircraft. After having served the Indian Navy with pride and élan for 29
years, during which it accomplished 30,000 hrs of accident free flying, the TU-142M aircraft
were given a befitting farewell on 29 March 2017 at INS Rajali, India’s premiere Naval Air
Station in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu. Over the years, the TU-142M has rendered yeoman service
to the nation and has taken part in all major exercises and operations including Operation Cactus
in Maldives, Op Vijay in 1998, Op Parakram in 2002 and Anti-piracy Operations. The Squadron
was awarded Unit Citation by the Chief of Naval Staff in the year 2002 for outstanding
professionalism and momentous contribution to the Service and adjudged the Best Frontline
Squadron on numerous occasions over the years.
Earlier, the Hon’ble Chief Minister interacted with the family members of Shri B
Sambha Murthy, Chargeman, Shri P Nagendra Rao, Shri RV Prasad Babu both Highly Skilled
(HSK) Grade II, Shri N Chinna Rao and Shri G Srinivas both Tradesman Mate (TMM) of NAD
who went missing in Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft last July and distributed Cheques of Rs. 5
Lakhs as ex-gratia.

CGR/VZ/36-17
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Government of India
08-April-2017 13:07 IST
Shri Rajnath Singh to chair the 11th Standing Committee meeting of Inter-State
Council tomorrow
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh will chair the 11 th Standing Committee meeting of
the Inter-State Council here tomorrow. The meeting will discuss the recommendations of the
Punchhi Commission on Centre-State Relations.

The members of the Standing Committee include the Union Minister for External Affairs, Union
Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and
Urban Poverty Alleviation & Information and Broadcasting, Union Minister for Road Transport,
Highways & Shipping and the Chief Ministers of the States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh.

The Punchhi Commission, notified in 2005, submitted its report in 2010. The recommendations
of the Punchhi Commission, which are contained in seven Volumes, pertain to History of Centre-
State Relations in India, Constitutional Governance and Management of Centre-State Relations,
Centre-State Financial Relations and Planning, Local Self-Governments and Decentralized
Governance, Internal Security, Criminal Justice and Centre State Cooperation, Environment,
Natural Resources & Infrastructure and Socio-Economic Development, Public Policy and Good
Governance.

The concerned Union Ministries and all the State Governments responded to the
recommendations made in the report by providing detailed comments. The comments have been
analysed and will be discussed at this high level forum.

The forthcoming meeting of the Standing Committee of Inter State Council will be examining
the first three volumes of the Punchhi Commission's report. The subjects expected to be
discussed at the meeting include significant issues concerning Centre-State relations, such as:

a) Role of Governors
b) Centrally sponsored schemes and financial transfers from the Centre to the States
c) Creation of a unified agricultural market for the nation
d) Measures to involve the States more closely in planning and delivery of services
e) Steps to be adopted to make Inter State Council more vibrant and
f) Measures directed towards better fiscal management by the Centre and the States.

The meeting acquires special significance in that the Standing Committee of the Inter State
Council is being convened after a gap of 12 years. The recommendations of the Standing
Committee will be placed before the Inter State Council at its next meeting.

***
KSD/NK/PK/KM
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Government of India
07-April-2017 15:22 IST
e-National Agriculture Market
So far, 417 markets from 13 states have been integrated with e-National Agriculture
Market (e-NAM) against the set target of 400 markets by March, 2017. State-wise number of
mandis intergrated with e-NAM is given below.
As per the approved e-NAM Scheme, 585 regulated mandis across the country are to be
integrated with the portal by March, 2018.
State-wise number of Mandis Integrated with e-NAM (as on 03.04.2017)
S. No. State Total number of mandis integrated

with e-NAM
1. ANDHRA PRADESH 22
2. CHHATTISGARH 14
3. GUJARAT 40
4. HARYANA 54
5. HIMACHAL PRADESH 17
6. JHARKHAND 19
7. MADHYA PRADESH 58
8. MAHARASHTRA 44
9. ODISHA 9
10. RAJASTHAN 25
11. TELANGANA 44
12. UTTAR PRADESH 66
13. UTTARAKHAND 5
Total 417

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare,
Shri Parshottam Rupala, in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
***
SS
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Government of India
07-April-2017 13:20 IST
National Oral Health Programme
The Government had launched National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) in the year 2014-15 to
strengthen the public health facilities of the country for an accessible, affordable and quality oral
health care delivery.
The programme was started in 9 states in 2014-15 and now it is under implementation in 294
districts of 32 States/UTs. The present status of implementation of NOHP State/UT wise is
given below:

State/UT wise NOHP Implementation Outcomes
( 2014 to 2017 )
S.N State/UT Districts Approval Only HR Only Clinics
covered Given for full support for Equipment functional
support of Dental clinics Support
Dental clinics
1 Bihar 10 10 Nil Nil Nil
2 Chhattisgarh 27 9 130 Nil Nil
3 Himachal Pradesh 12 12 Nil Nil 5
4 Jammu and 5 5 Nil Nil Nil

Kashmir
5 Jharkhand 24 6 Nil Nil 6
6 Madhya Pradesh 1 2 Nil Nil Nil
7 Odisha Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
8 Rajasthan 3 3 30 Nil 3
9 Uttar Pradesh 8 8 Nil Nil 1
10 Uttarakhand 5 5 Nil Nil 5
11 Andhra Pradesh Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
12 Telengana 5 5 Nil Nil 5*
13 Gujarat 8 8 Nil Nil Nil
14 Goa 1 1 Nil Nil 1
15 Haryana 18 Nil Nil 18 18
16 Karnataka 13 13 Nil Nil NIl
17 Kerala 2 Nil Nil 2 2
18 Maharashtra 26 26 Nil Nil Nil
19 Punjab 22 Nil Nil Nil Nil
20 Tamil Nadu 32 55 Nil Nil 295
21 West Bengal 20 50 Nil Nil Nil
22 Andaman and Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
Nicobar Island
23 Chandigarh Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
24 Dadra and Nagar 1 1 Nil Nil 1
Haveli
25 Daman and Diu 1 Nil 1 Nil 1
26 Lakshadweep 1 1 Nil Nil 1
27 Delhi Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
28 Pondicherry 1 1 Nil Nil Nil
29 Arunachal Pradesh 16 16 Nil Nil 8
30 Assam 2 2 Nil Nil Nil
31 Manipur 7 Nil Nil 7 Nil
32 Meghalaya 8 8 Nil Nil 4
33 Mizoram 6 6 Nil Nil 3
34 Nagaland 5 5 Nil Nil 2
35 Sikkim 4 5 Nil Nil Nil
36 Tripura Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
TOTAL 294 263 161 27 356

The programme has two components as under:

1. NHM Component: This is for the support of health facilities [District level and below] of
the States/UTs with the following components of a Dental Unit:
 Manpower support [Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant];
 Equipments including dental Chair;
 Consumables for dental procedures.

The State/UT-wise grants approved/released/spent for NOHP under NHM component are
given below:
Allocation, Release & Expenditure under NOHP (Expenditure updated as on 3rd Quarter i.e.
31.12.2016)
Figures in crore of Rupees
2015-16 under Mission 2016-17under Mission

2014-15 under NOHP
S. Flexipool * Flexipool *
State
N.
Alloc Relea Alloc Rele Exp* Allocat Releas
Exp Exp**
ation se ation ase * ion e
Andam
an &
0.00
Nicobar
1 Islands 0.00 0.00 3.31 6.87 - 5.82 - 0.00
Andhra 177.5
0.00
2 Pradesh 0.00 0.00 153.63 7 0.39 161.69 170.74 0.00
3 Arunac 0.05 0.05 0 57.62 0.00
hal
Pradesh 58.49 - 62.05 46.54
335.4
0.00
4 Assam 0.00 0.00 334.77 6 - 355.15 319.63 0.00
375.8
0.00
5 Bihar 0.00 0.00 417.67 9 - 441.19 397.07 0.00
Chandi
0.00
6 garh 0.00 0.00 0.76 0.94 - 1.63 1.72 0.00
Chattis 147.1
0.00
7 garh 0.00 0.00 159.96 6 - 168.97 178.41 0.02
Dadra
&
0.00
Nagar
8 Haveli 0.00 0.00 2.97 4.37 0.03 5.24 3.93 0.06
Daman
0.00
9 & Diu 0.00 0.00 1.78 2.29 - 3.13 2.35 0.00

0.00
10 Delhi 0.00 0.00 11.96 15.42 - 25.84 41.11 0.00

0.00
11 Goa 0.00 0.00 4.43 4.43 - 4.67 2.34 0.00
0 196.3
0.16
12 Gujarat 0.16 175.38 2 - 184.54 194.85 0.01
Haryan
0.00
13 a 0.00 0.00 69.10 69.11 - 72.83 76.90 0.00
Himach 0.01
al 0.31
14 Pradesh 0.31 78.12 78.12 0.72 82.52 87.13 0.15
Jammu 0
&
0.28
Kashmi 158.2
15 r 0.28 152.13 2 - 160.70 152.60 0.00
Jharkha 118.8
0.00
16 nd 0.00 0.00 158.47 6 - 167.39 88.37 0.00
Karnata 185.5
0.00
17 ka 0.00 0.00 185.57 7 - 195.32 206.22 0.00

0.00
18 Kerala 0.00 0.00 66.29 71.59 - 69.89 52.42 0.00
Laksha
0.00
19 dweep 0.00 0.00 0.78 1.60 - 1.38 0.69 0.00
Madhy 0
a 0.41 0.41 427.4
20 Pradesh 371.21 4 0.06 392.12 414.01 0.00
Mahara 314.5
0.00
21 shtra 0.00 0.00 302.46 6 - 318.36 352.84 0.00
Manipu
0.00
22 r 0.00 0.00 35.41 35.48 - 37.57 18.79 0.00
Meghal
0.00
23 aya 0.00 0.00 37.89 37.97 - 40.19 - 0.47
24 Mizora 0.17 0.17 0.14 13.98 0.19
m 18.25 0.14 19.36 14.52
Nagala 0.00
0.16 0.16
25 nd 25.74 25.79 - 27.30 20.48 0.00
217.5
0.00
26 Orissa 0.00 0.00 217.57 7 - 229.82 218.39 0.00
Puduch
0.00
27 erry 0.00 0.00 2.13 3.11 - 6.70 10.90 0.00

0.00
28 Punjab 0.00 0.00 75.22 90.89 - 79.27 83.70 0.00
Rajasth 0 411.4
0.12 0.12
29 an 377.60 1 0.16 398.87 421.15 0.24
0.03
0.05 0.05
30 Sikkim 9.01 9.02 0.02 9.56 8.60 0.05
Tamil 208.4
0.00
31 Nadu 0.00 0.00 181.29 8 - 191.06 201.72 9.01

0.00
32 Tripura 0.00 0.00 38.33 38.79 - 40.66 30.49 0.00
Uttar 688.8
0.00
33 Pradesh 0.00 0.00 765.42 8 0.10 808.53 768.32 0.22
Uttarak
0.00
34 hand 0.00 0.00 89.66 83.39 - 94.71 90.00 0.18
West 179.8
0.00
35 Bengal 0.00 0.00 233.55 3 - 246.39 260.15 0.00
Telanga 121.6
0.00
36 na 0.00 0.00 109.80 1 - 115.56 115.91 0.00

4,926. 4,915 5,226.0
5,052.
Grand Total 1.72 1.72 0.18 09 .60 1.62 0 99 10.60
No
te:
* Mission Flexipool covers as many as 29 activites/Programme/Scheme out of which NOHP is one.
Hence, programme wise releases is not available
** Expenditure given NOHP wise and it includes against Central Releases, State share & unspent
balance as the beginning of the year.
The above figures are provided by NHM as NOHP covered under Health System Strengthening
since 2015-16
The above figures of expenditure during 2016-17 are updated to 31.12.2016. Hence, the figures are
provisonal

2. Tertiary Component:
 Designing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials like Posters, TV
Commercial, Radio Spots, Training Modules;
 Organizing national, regional nodal officers training program to enhance the
programme management skills, review the status of the programme;
 Preparing State/District level Trainers by conducting national, regional workshops to
train the paramedical health functionaries associated in health care delivery.

For Tertiary activities, the following table provides information on the actual expenditure vis-à-
vis the approved outlay:

(Amount in crore of Rupees)
Year RE Actual Expenditure
2014-15 1.01 1.01
2015-16 1.01 0.44
2016-17 1.01 0.92

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched an IVRS Help line for Oral Health
Programme on the occasion of World Oral Health Day on 20 March 2017 Which can be
accessed through a toll free number by any individual by dialling 1XXX-XX-2032 with the
aims to:
 Provide information regarding common oral health concerns;
 Create awareness regarding the importance of oral health;
 Dispel common myths regarding oral diseases;
 Provide emergency instructions in case of common oral health diseases.

NOHP provides support to States/ UTs for IEC and outreach activities. Under the NHM
component, the programme provides support for setting up of Dental Care Units at the District
level and below. It encourages States/UTs to celebrate World Oral Health Day in March by
conducting awareness generating activities (such as outreach camps and screening camps etc.).

At the Central level, under its Tertiary activities, the following steps have been taken:

 NOHP in collaboration with Centre for Dental Education & Research (CDER), AIIMS,
New Delhi has developed posters, pamphlets and badges for distribution to States/ UTs as
well as Government Dental Colleges.
 As a part of the World Oral Health Day celebrations on 20th March 2017, Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare launched a TV commercial and radio jingle on oral health
which have been aired on the Doordarshan network and Radio.
 MoHFW also launched 5 one page interactive games for school children helping them
learn about tooth brushing and mouth rinsing while motivating them to maintain good
oral hygiene.
 The IVRS help line was launched as a means of generating awareness and providing
knowledge pertaining to oral health.
 To promote awareness about oral health among the people, the posters have been
distributed to States/UTs.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), Smt Anupriya Patel stated this in a written
reply in the Lok Sabha here today.

*****

MV/LK

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Government of India
Election Commission
07-April-2017 20:04 IST
Press Release
Subject:Enquiry report on Bhind (MP) Episode

Special Enquiry teamled by Shri Bhanwar Lal, Chief Electoral Officer, Andhra Pradeshhas
submitted its report to the Commission. The team has found no anomaly or tampering in EVM
and VVPAT used during demonstration in Ater (Bhind) on 31 st March, 2017. The enquiry was
instituted by Election Commission of Indiato enquirein to all aspects of various allegations raised
in the media and by the political parties.
2. The technical examination of the Ballot Unit (BU), Control Unit (CU) and VVPAT of
31stMarch demonstration, oral examination of the officials present during the demonstration, data
retrieved from the CU have conclusively established that during the demonstration, 4 buttons of
BU were pressed in the following order:

Button No. Symbol Name of Candidate

03 Handpump Raju Pal
04 Lotus SatyaDev Pachori
03 Handpump Raju Pal
01 Hand Ambuj Shukla
Therefore it is clear that on pressing of various buttons on EVMS during the demonstration,
corresponding symbols were displayed.

3. The team in its reportconcludedthat it is completely false to say thatat multiple times slips of
lotus were printedon pressing different buttons during the demonstration on 31st March as
alleged.

4. The lapserelated to non-deletion of the pre-loaded data of Govind Nagar AC of Kanpur Nagar
from where VVPATs (not EVMs) were received and reloading with the symbols/data of dummy
candidate before demonstration as per the laid down protocol of the Commission.necessitate
appropriate actionby the Commission.

The conclusion of the enquiry committee on the allegations are as follows:

1. The EVMs used in the demo in Bhind was not brought from UP. However, the VVPAT
used in the demonstration was brought from UP. Since the VVPATs are limited in number and
had been used by all the poll going states during the last 5 states elections, the distribution of
VVPATs for 10 states bye-elections was made by the Commission by allocating VVPATs from
different poll-gone statesto different poll-going states. In this case, the VVPAT was allocated
from UP and brought from Govind Nagar AC of Kanpur Nagar,UP.
2. Bringing the VVPAT from UP is not in violation of law. As per the law, only the EVMs
used in the Poll and the VVPAT slips contained in the box are required to be preserved for the
period of 45 days in a secured manner for the purpose of Election Petition, if any. There is no bar
on the movement of VVPATs machines as the same are not required to be preserved for Election
Petitions as the paper slips printed through the VVPAT and contained in the Box are
required to be preserved separately. In this case, however, further precaution was taken to
move only the reserve VVPATs used as substitutes during poll on which no restriction applies.
The Committee has recommended that the enquiry conclusively establishes that
1. The accuracy of the functioning of the EVMs and VVPATs including the said EVM/VVPAT
is beyond doubt.
2. Commission may like to fix responsibility on DEO and RO for the lapses brought out in the
enquiry reports.
3. Commission may like to prescribe check list for handling each activity relating to
EVM/VVPAT which should be mandatorily adhered to by the electoral authorities and the same
should be monitored through MIS online by the Commission. The existing instructions issued
from time to time may be compiled in the form of these checklists. The said revised
checklistslaid down by the Election Commission of India regarding handling of various activities
on EVMs/VVPATs, must be rigorously followed by the entire electoral machinery from the level
of Presiding Officer to the CEO.
4. Commission may like to reiterate that there should be no room for casualness in handling the
electoral matters, least of all, such unwarranted remarks, as the sanctity of electoral process
forms the foundation of India’s democracy.

******

(DhirendraOjha)
Director
RM

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Government of India
07-April-2017 17:08 IST
Uma Bharti launches MIS for monitoring PMKSY Projects
Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri
Uma Bharti launched MIS for monitoring PMKSY project in New Delhi today. Speaking on the
occasion the Minister said the MIS will help in quick monitoring of PMKSY projects.
Expressing satisfaction over the execution of various PMKSY projects the Minister said that 21
projects having irrigation potential of 5.22 Lakh hectare will be over by June this year. She said
another 33 projects will be over by 2017-18 (Potential Utilization of 12.95 Lakh Hect.) and the
balance 45 projects have been identified to be completed by March, 2019 (Potential Utilization
of 48.54 Lakh Ha.).
The Minister said issues in respect of many other projects which were at standstill such
as Gosikhurd in Maharashtra have been streamlined and are getting back on track so as to meet
the completion targets of March 2019. This project is likely to create an irrigation potential of
2.50 lakh ha. Similarly, Polavaram Project has been put on a fast track when completed this
project is likely to irrigate 2.9 lakh ha. Sushri Bharti said many States like Maharashtra have
undertaken innovative means such as installation of underground pressure pipelines to get over
the difficulties of land acquisition for timely completion of these projects.

Under the new MIS, Projectwise nodal officers have been nominated for regularly
feeding the physical and financial progress of the projects. The MIS has been put in the public
domain.Project wise/ Priority wise /Statewise physical/financial details in tabular/graphical
format are available in MIS. It has the feature of comparing the progress of the project on
quarterly basis and also provides details of the constraints affecting the progress of the project.
The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has taken
up a programme for completion of 99 prioritised incomplete major and medium irrigation
projects in the country under PMKSY. Total fund required for completion of all the 99 identified
projects have been estimated at Rs.77595 crore (Rs.48546 crore for Project Works and Rs.29049
crore for Command Area Development works). The Central Assistance (CA) is estimated at
Rs.31342 crore. The likely total potential utilization through these projects is estimated to be
76.03 lakh hectares.

During 2016-17, Central Assistance (CA) of Rs.3308 crore was released for projects under AIBP
and Rs.854 crore for projects under CAD&WM.Further, an amount of Rs.3334 crore towards
State share has been released through NABARD, for six States.In addition, an amount of
Rs.2514 crore has been released for Polavaram project of Andhra Pradesh.
Samir/JKD/jk
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Government of India
Ministry of Tourism
07-April-2017 17:45 IST
India Moves 12 Places up from 52nd to 40th Position in Travel and Tourism
Competitive Index of World Economic Forum
Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism & Culture shared the news about the
improvement in ranking of India in the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index (TTCI) of World
Economic Forum released on 5th April 2017 with media persons here today. India has moved 12
places up in this ranking from 52nd to 40th position. He acknowledged the vision, guidance and
support of Prime Minister for the tourism sector of the country that is the driving force and
motivation for all of us to continuously work for the growth of Tourism in India.

The tourism sector in the country has been on a growth trajectory since the present government
came into power in May, 2014. India’s ranking in the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index
(TTCI) of World Economic Forum moved from 65 rdposition to 52nd position in 2015. Now India
has moved up by another 12 positions and ranked at 40th position. In all, in last three years India
has cumulatively improved its ranking by 25 places which is a significant achievement.

India continues to charm international tourists with its vast cultural and natural resources with a
ranking of 9th and 24th respectively which are the USP’s of Indian Tourism product. In terms of
price competitiveness advantage, we are ranked 10th.

India continues to enrich its cultural resources, protecting more cultural sites and intangible
expressions through UNESCO World Heritage lists, and via a greater digital presence.

In terms of International openness, India is ranked 55th, up by 14 places. This has been possible
through stronger visa policies. Implementing both visas on arrival and e-visas, has enabled India
to rise through the ranks.

The T&T sector benefited from improvements in the country's ground transport infrastructure,
which has traditionally been a challenge (29th). India is taking small but important steps in the
right direction. The Indian T&T sector presents significant opportunities that are yet to be
reaped.

The World Economic Forum has, for the past 11 years, engaged leaders in travel and tourism to
carry out an in-depth analysis of the Travel and Tourism competitiveness of 136 economies
across the world. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index measures “the set of factors
and policies that enable the sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector, which in
turn, contributes to the development and competitiveness of a country”. The Travel and Tourism
Competitiveness Index enables all stakeholders to work together to improve the industry’s
competitiveness in their national economies.

At a macro level, the primary reasons for India’s jump in the Travel and Tourism Competitive
Index 2017 should be attributed to the pro-active steps taken by our Government in terms of
development of tourism infrastructure, easing of entry formalities for tourists by introducing the
e-visa facilities in November 2014.

Some of the key achievements of the Ministry of Tourism in the last 3 years are as follows:-

 Two new schemes for development of tourism infrastructure in the country with a holistic
coverage of an entire circuit instead of individual tourist spots. PRASAD Scheme is targeted
towards the development of tourism infrastructure in and around famous religious and
pilgrimage cities. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme aims at the development of a complete circuit
on a specific theme.

 56 projects covering 29 States /UT’s worth Rs. 4,823.91 crores have been sanctioned under
the Swadesh Darshan Scheme since its launch on 1 st January 2015. 13 thematic circuits have
been identified under which projects are sanctioned.

 18 projects worth Rs. 488.45 crores have been sanctioned under the PRASAD Scheme since
its launch on 1st January 2015. 25 religious cities have been identified under the scheme for
development.

 Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) which were 6.97 million tourists in 2013, increased to 7.68
million in 2014, 8.03 million in 2015 and 8.89 million in 2016. FTA has grown with a CAGR of
8.45% against the international growth rate of 4 - 5%.

 FTA registered a growth of 16.5% in January 2017 compared to January 2016. FTAs during
the period January- February 2017 were 19.40 lakh with a growth of 14.7%, as compared to the
FTAs of 16.91 over January-February 2016.

 Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) which were US$18.45 billion tourists in 2013, increased
constantly, to US$20.24 billion in 2014, US$21.07 billion in 2015 and US$23.15 billion in
2016. FEE has grown with a CAGR of 7.86% against a contraction of 5% in international
tourism receipts. FTA has registered a growth of 16.3% in January 2017 when compared to
January 2016.

 The e-Tourist Visa was introduced in September 2014 for 46 countries. This facility is
now called e-Visa. It is now available for nationals of 161 countries and allows visits for
business and medical treatment. The process of obtaining the e-Tourist Visa has been simplified
significantly by addressing issues like more than one entry and longer lead period for applying
for e-Visa.10,79,696 tourists visited India on the e-Tourist Visa in 2016.

 Incredible India Tourist Helpline was launched on 8th February 2016. The helpline provides
assistance and information to tourists in 12 major languages of the world including Hindi
& English. The helpline is available 24x7 and can be accessed on the Toll-free Number 1800-
11-1363 or on a short code 1363. The languages covered are Hindi, English, Arabic, French,
German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

 The Ministry of Tourism has launched a ‘Welcome Card’ for distribution at immigration
counters to tourists arriving at international airports. From 15th February 2017 the Ministry has
introduced free SIM Cards with pre-loaded talktime and data to all tourists arriving in India on
the e-Tourist Visa.

 The Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh was set up and
commenced its academic session with the 3-year regular B.Sc. course (Culinary Arts) from
August 2016.

 The Ministry of Tourism created a task force for Cruise Tourism on 24th November 2015 to
formulate a common Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for promotion of Cruise Tour- ism in
India.

 The Ministry of Tourism set up a Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board on
5th October 2015 for the promotion of Medical and Wellness tourism in India.

*****
Sanjay Kumar/jk/Tourism/07.04.2017

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Government of India
06-April-2017 17:59 IST
Tamil Nadu, MP, UP, AP, Chattisgarh lead in implementing urban poverty
alleviation programmes
Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh are ahead
of other States in addressing urban poverty during the last three years i.e 2014-17.
As per the information furnished to Rajya Sabha today by the Minister of State for
Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Tamil Nadu is in the forefront in assisting urban poor
with subsidized loans for self-employment through setting up of individual and group micro
enterprises and formation of Self-Help Groups under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-NULM
(DAY-NULM) and Uttar Pradesh led in skilling urban poor. Madhya Pradesh stood second in
skill training and providing loans support.
Details of performance of leading States under different components of DAY-NULM are
as below:
State No of urban poor No of beneficiaries Self-Help Groups

given gven subsidized loans formed
skill training
Tamil Nadu 1,04,448 30.258 24,245
Madhya Pradesh 1,17,133 26,558 8,973
Uttar Pradesh 1,89,831 14,138 15,954
Andhra Pradesh 45,236 15,617 12,278
Chattisgarh 30,022 8,185 14,393
West Bengal 64,277 2,418 10,871
Karnataka 38,007 8,799 5,021
Maharashtra 29,317 8,202 6,921
Bihar 29,762 890 8,390
Telangana 12,546 3,182 10,097
Gujarat 12,090 2,216 7,186

National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) was launched in September,2016 with the
objective of reducing the poverty and vulnerability of urban poor households by enabling them to
access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities for improvements in
their livelihoods on a sustainable basis. NULM which was launched in 790 cities and towns in
2013 was subsequently extended to all the statutory 4,041 cities and towns in February, 2016.
During 2014-17, 8,07,187 urban poor were given skill training, 1,35,158 beneficiaries
were given subsidized bank loans for setting up own enterprises and 1,62,285 Self-Help Groups
have been formed for taking up income augmenting activities with the support of bank loans.
AAR/KM
April 6, 2017

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Government of India
Ministry of Labour & Employment
06-April-2017 14:27 IST
National Child Labour Project for Rehabilitation of Child Labour

Government is implementing the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme for
rehabilitation of child labour since 1988. At present, the Scheme is sanctioned in 280 Districts in
the country. As per reports received from the District Project Societies, at present 3234 Special
Training Centres (STCs) under the Scheme are in operation with an enrolment of 1,33,843
children.

This information was given by Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State (IC) for Labour
and Employment, in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

******
BCK/AK

ANNEXURE-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) & (b) OF RAJYA SABHA UN-
STARRED QUESTION NO. 3771 FOR 5.4.2017 BY SHRI BHUPENDER YADAV,
HON’BLE MP REGARDING STCs FUNCTIONING UNDER NCLP SCHEME FOR
ERADICATING CHILD LABOUR.

STCs running and children enrolled under NCLP

Sl. No. Name of State Number of STCs Number of
running Children enrolled
1. Andhra Pradesh 62 2554
2. Assam 179 7183
3. Bihar 156 7708
4. Chattisgarh 0 0
5. Delhi 0 0
6. Gujarat 17 361
7. Haryana 66 3264
8. Jammu & Kashmir 17 501
9. Jharkhand 195 9510
10. Karnataka 51 2403
11. Madhya Pradesh 292 12800
12. Maharasthra 356 14005
13. Nagaland 44 2200
14. Punjab 98 4849
15. Rajasthan 105 3149
16. Tamil Nadu 321 9745
17. Telangana 168 7419
18. Uttar Pradesh 440 18951
19. Uttarakhand 0 0
20. West Bengal 667 27241
Total 3234 133843

ANNEXURE-II

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (c) OF RAJYA SABHA UN-
STARRED QUESTION NO. 3771 FOR 5.4.2017 BY SHRI BHUPENDER YADAV,
HON’BLE MP REGARDING STCs FUNCTIONING UNDER NCLP SCHEME FOR
ERADICATING CHILD LABOUR.

Grant Released under NCLP Scheme State wise during last three years:
(Rupees in lakh)
Sl. No. Name of State 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
(As on 30.3.2017)
1. Andhra Pradesh 143.33 196.58 213.01
2. Assam 471.64 807.97 230.34
3. Bihar 1071.82 948.42 168.92
4. Chhattisgarh 432.53 26.00 0
5. Gujarat 7.0 8.25 33.78
6. Haryana 218.71 161.79 412.18
7. Jammu & 62.97 47.13 61.04
Kashmir
8. Jharkhand 406.78 375.97 543.72
9. Karnataka 204.60 212.08 132.26
10. Madhya Pradesh 768.71 701.12 878.68
11. Maharashtra 830.08 1017.66 1192.54
12. Nagaland 151.17 131.45 192.69
13. Odisha 355.31 290.91 8.00
14. Punjab 350.24 256.63 325.14
15. Rajasthan 269.25 223.70 138.50
16. Tamil Nadu 731.14 643.08 1015.07
17. Telangana 521.60 547.10 475.76
18. Uttar Pradesh 1103.72 430.07 1333.25
19. Uttarakhand 9.00 4.00 12.34
20. West Bengal 2100.87 2269.34 1916.85

********
BCK/AK

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Government of India
Ministry of Mines
06-April-2017 16:02 IST
Inauguration of Multi-Sensor Aero-Geophysical Surveys over Obvious
Geological Potential (OGP) Areas Engaging International Agencies by Shri
Piyush Goyal Tomorrow
Shri Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for

Power @MinOfPower, Coal @CoalMinistry, New and Renewable Energy @mnreindia and
Mines @MinesMinIndia, will inaugurate the multisensory aero-geophysical survey of the
Obvious Geological Potential (OGP) and adjoining areas of the country through video
conferencing in the Constitution Club New Delhi tomorrow i.e. 7 April 2017. Two aircrafts
equipped with geophysical sensors belonging to a consortium of service providers led by M/s
McPhar International (India) with partners EON Geosciences Inc. (Canada) and Kiwi Air Ltd.
(New Zealand) and brought from New-Zealand will be launched from Dr. Babsaheb Ambedkar
International Airport, Nagpur for the aero-geophysical data acquisition.

The other two selected agencies i.e. M/s Scientific Production Centre GEOKEN Ltd Liability
Partnership (Kazakhstan) with Helica s.r.l (Italy) and Secon Pvt. Ltd. (India) and M/s IIC
Technologies Ltd (India) along with Geophysique GPR International Inc. (Canada) and Goldak
Airborne Surveys (Canada) will start their operations in the third week of April 2017. The Mines
Minister will also release a brochure of GSI on the Multi-sensor Aero-Geophysical Surveys over
Obvious Geological Potential and adjoining areas.

With the exhaustion of conventional geological methods for mineral exploration based on
surface manifestations in hard rock areas, necessity has arisen for search of concealed mineral
deposits based on multi-thematic earth science (geological, geochemical, geophysical and remote
sensing) data. The regional multi-sensor aero-geophysical surveys are considered worldwide as
an important tool to scan large areas to demarcate favourable geological environments for hidden
mineral resources in a short span of time. High quality aero-geophysical data are available over
most of the already explored areas of many parts of the world such as Australia, Canada etc. and
has resulted in locating many new concealed mineral deposits.
Geological Survey of India @GeologyIndia [#GSI] has been carrying out multi-sensor aero-
geophysical surveys in different geological terrains of India since 1965. About 24 lakh square
kilometres area with about 15 lakh line km has been covered with various survey specifications
under different projects until date. The study of aero-geophysical surveys has led to the discovery
of number of mineral deposits like Kayar (Zn-Pb, 9.2 million tonnes), Aladahalli (massive
sulphides, 4.5 million tonnes) in Karnataka and Golapalle (Pb-Zn, 14 million tonnes) in Andhra
Pradesh. In addition to this, survey has also delineated significant Uranium anomaly in
Nalgonda, Andhra Pradesh.
The National Mineral Exploration Policy NMEP unveiled in July 2016 has provisioned the
implementation of a national geophysical mapping programme for acquiring baseline geoscience
data in order to target concealed and deep-seated mineral deposits.
GSI has planned for multi-sensor Aero-geophysical Surveys over OGP and its adjoining areas by
engaging international agencies through global tender process. Under this project, around 8.13
lakh sq. km. area divided into 12 blocks is planned to be covered with line spacing of 300
m and at an altitude of 80 m above ground level. Initially four blocks have been taken up for the
multisensory survey as a pilot project. In the first phase, GSI has taken up Magnetic-
Gradiometric and Radiometric surveys by engaging Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) for
data acquisition, processing, integration and interpretation. The promising areas of mineral
potential once identified by this project, further high resolution Electromagnetic, Gravity,
Gravity-Gradiometric and Magnetic surveys will be done in selected smaller blocks. GSI has
selected a consultant for the Technical Supervision and Quality Control (TS-QC) by global
tender process for the completion of the pilot project to cover four identified blocks during 2017.
The National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) is wholly funding the project and these surveys
will be completed by December 2017.
Three PIAs are selected to carry out the multisensory survey. A consortium led by M/s McPhar
International (India) with partners EON Geosciences Inc. (Canada) and Kiwi Air Ltd. (New
Zealand) will cover two blocks, 59,111 sq. km. area ( Block-1) falling in Barmer, Jodhpur, Pali,
Jalore and Sirohi districts of Rajasthan and Palanpur district, Gujarat and 48,052 sq. km. area
(Block-4) in Bhandara distict, Maharashtra and Balaghat, Rajnandgaon, Durg & Raipur
districts, Chhattisgarh. The consortium led by M/s Scientific Production Centre GEOKEN Ltd
Liability Partnership (Kazakhstan) with Helica s.r.l (Italy) and Secon Pvt. Ltd. (India) will cover
59,409 sq. km. area (Block-2) falling in Gwalior, Morena, Datia, Shivpuri, Tikamgarh,
Chhatrapur & Panna districts of Madhya Pradesh and Hamirpur, Fatehpur , Banda, Orai, Lalitpur
& Jhansi districts of Uttar Pradesh. M/s IIC Technologies Ltd (India) along with Geophysique
GPR International Inc. (Canada) and Goldak Airborne Surveys (Canada) will cover 39,452 sq.
km. area (Block-3) falling in Mirzapur district, U.P., Satna, Rewa districts, M.P. and
Aurangabad, Sasaram & Daltungunj districts, Bihar.
M/s IDP Geosciences Services Pvt. Ltd. UK, a consortium of M/s Paterson, Grant & Watson
Ltd. (Canada), International Geoscience Services Ltd (UK) and Datacode (India) has been
appointed as TS-QC consultant. The geoscientists of the GSI will also be imparted hands on
training by these international experts during each phase of the project implementation. The
total cost of the project including the TS-QC consultancy is estimated as Rs 111.34 Crore.
The Government believes that this will not only help in identifying mineral potential areas of the
country but with the release of the acquired geophysical data private investment will be attracted
in the mineral exploration sector.
***
YSK/Uma

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Government of India
05-April-2017 14:10 IST
Promotion of NIMZs
Government notified the National Manufacturing Policy (NMP) on 4th November, 2011

with the objective of enhancing the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25% and creating 100
million jobs over a decade or so. National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs) are
one of the important instruments of the Policy to achieve its objectives. So far Government has
granted ‘in-principle’ approval to the fourteen NIMZs (outside the DMIC region). These are:

i. Nagpur in Maharashtra
ii. Prakasam in Andhra Pradesh
iii. Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh
iv. Medak in Telangana
v. Hyderabad Pharma NIMZ at Rangareddy and Mahabubnagar Districts in Telangana.
vi. Tumkur in Karnataka
vii. Kolar in Karnataka
viii. Bidar in Karnataka
ix. Gulbarga in Karnataka
x. Kalinganagar, Jajpur District in Odisha
xi. Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu
xii. Ponneri Taluk, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu
xiii. Auraiya District in Uttar Pradesh and
xiv. Jhansi District in Uttar Pradesh

Of these, the NIMZ at Prakasam in Andhra Pradesh; Medak in Telangana and Kalinganagar,
Jajpur district in Odisha have been granted final approval.

Eight Investment Regions along the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project
have also been announced as NIMZs. The details are as under:

i. Ahmedabad-Dholera Investment Region, Gujarat
ii. Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Park city near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
iii. Manesar-Bawal Investment Region, Haryana
iv. Khushkhera-Bhiwadi-Neemrana Investment Region, Rajasthan
v. Pithampur-Dhar-Mhow Investment Region, Madhya Pradesh
vi. Dadri-Noida-Ghaziabad Investment Region, Uttar Pradesh
vii. Dighi Port Industrial Area, Maharashtra ; and
viii. Jodhpur-Pali-Marwar Region in Rajasthan

This information was given by the Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

*****
MJPS

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Government of India
Department of Atomic Energy
05-April-2017 17:02 IST
Expansion of Nuclear Programme
The MoS (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh met with Australian Minister for Resources
on March 8, 2017 in New Delhi during which both sides had general exchange of
views regarding promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation between India and
Australia in the field of civil nuclear energy.
Uranium Corporation of India Ltd., a Public Sector Undertaking under Department of
Atomic Energy is engaged in mining and processing of uranium ore in the country.
The company is currently operating seven uranium mines (Bagjata, Jaduguda, Bhatin,
Narwapahar, Turamdih, Banduhurang and Mohuldih) and two processing plants
(Jaduguda plant and Turamdih plant) in the state of Jharkhand. Construction of mine
and plant has been started at Tummalapalle in Andhra Pradesh. UCIL has outlined a
plan for massive expansion which includes plan to maintain sustained supply from
existing facilities, capacity expansion of some existing units and construction of new
production centers (mines and plants) in different parts of the country. Considering
the resources already identified in different geological basins by Atomic Minerals
Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), UCIL’s major production centers
are planned in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Rajasthan and
Meghalaya.
The details of sites accorded “in-principle” approval for setting up nuclear power
plants in the northern and eastern region are as follows:

Location & State Capacity (MW)

Northern Region
Gorakhpur, Haryana 4 x 700
Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan 4 x 700

Eastern Region
Haripur, West Bengal 6 x 1000

There is presently no proposal to set up nuclear power plants in the North Eastern
region. The region falls in Seismic Zone V as per IS 1893. As per the Atomic Energy
Regulatory Board (AERB) code on Site Evaluation of Nuclear Facilities, Nuclear
Power plants are not set up in Seismic Zone V.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge)
Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public
Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply
to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****
KSD/NK/PK
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Government of India
05-April-2017 14:24 IST
MGNREGS – Governance transformation and water conservation thrust areas
in 2016-17
The financial year 2016-17 witnessed an unprecedented governance transformation in

MGNREGS with a sustained thrust on water conservation. With over 82% active workers
(9.1 crore) with Aadhaar seeding in NREGASoft, 4.6 crore workers on AadhaarBased
Payment Bridge, electronic payment of 96% wages through Bank/Post Office
accounts,more than 89 lakh assets geo tagged so far, 93 lakh jobcards deleted so far
through proper verification, large scale drought proofing water conservation works in
rainfall deficient regions, MGNREGS established itself as a well governed programme
creating durable assets for livelihood security in poor regions, while providing
employment on demand.
For the first time, deprivation levels of States were taken into account while approving
Labour Budget. The April to July period in the financial year2016-17 witnessed an
unprecedented demand for work on account of the continued drought. Thereafter, on
account of a good monsoon in over 75% districts, the demand remained concentrated in
drought affected regions like Karnataka. December onwards, as happens every year,
demand for work again rose. MGNREGS achieved 230 crore person days which is higher
than the revised labour budget. The total provisional expenditure of Rs. 58,056Crore
(Central plus State) is the highest ever in MGNREGS in any year. 56% women in the
wage employment generated is also the highest ever.
The pace for water conservation was set by the Prime Minister’s meetings on water
conservation with the Chief Ministers of the drought affected States. States undertook
their region specific unique water conservation initiatives using MGNREGS resources.
MukhyaMantri Jal Swalamban Yojana to drought proof 3200 villages with 92000 water
conservation structures in Rajasthan, Dobhas or farm ponds in clusters in every revenue
villages of Jharkhand, NeeruChettu in Andhra Pradesh with thrust on farm ponds,
Mission Kakatiya in Telengana, Kapildhara dug wells in Madhya Pradesh, Jal
YuktaShivar and other water conservation measures in Maharashtra, all used MGNREGS
as a resource for drought proofing for livelihood security. 15.47 lakh water related works
were completed in FY 2016-17 including 5.66 lakh farm ponds. Nearly 90 lakh hectares
of irrigation potential has been created through MGNREGS in FY 2015-16 and FY 2016-
17, as revealed by the new practice of preparing Annual Performance Outcome Report of
MGNREGS. An independent, multi- institution, multi disciplinary evaluation of all the
water conservation works taken up in FY 2015-17 period under MGNREGS is being
undertaken to ascertain the impact. The Report will be ready by 30 September 2017.
MGNREGS promoted large scale individual beneficiary schemes (over 14.61 lakh
beneficiaries) for livelihood security like construction of poultry, goat breeding and dairy
sheds; farm ponds and dug wells; support for housing and individual household latrines
(IHHLs) in FY 2016-17. It also undertook innovative convergence initiatives for solid
waste management in 11000 villages of Tamil Nadu and constructed over 4 lakh ‘magic
pits’ for liquid waste management inTelengana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and many
other States. To move unskilled MGNREGS workers up the skilling ladder, 29704 were
trained for self-employment at Rural Self Employment Training Centres, 3812 were
trained to become Barefoot Technicians, besides placement based wage employment to
over 3000 workers under DDUGKY and training of Rural Masons under PMAY
(Gramin).
In FY 2016-17 there was considerable emphasis on completion of incomplete works.
More than 56 lakh works have been completed during the year which is the highest since
the inception of the programme. Nearly 68% of the expenditure was on agriculture and
allied activities and 62% of the expenditure was on Natural Resource Management works
(NRM). In collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Department of Land Resources, Mission Water
Conservation guidelines were issued. 22 States held State level workshop on Mission
Water Conservation with representatives from all relevant departments including Central
Water Ground Board (CGWB) and State Remote Sensing Centre. States have been
advised to ensure that not less than 65% of the expenditure in 2264 identified water
stressed blocks will be pertaining to water conservation and water management in FY
2017-18.
Reduction in the delay in payment of wages will be a major thrust area for the Ministry
in FY 2017-18. While States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and
Kerala are ensuring timely payment in 75% or more number of transactions, other States
are lagging behind. The Ministry will be focusing on handholding other States and
monitoring this item of work very closely so as to ensure timely payments of wages.
Besides, social audits based on notified auditing standards, with the help of women SHG
members as village resource persons will be another key area of work in the FY 2017-
18.The Department shall release funds to States in early April to enable full scale water
conservation works during the period of need.
<><><><><>
SNC

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Government of India
05-April-2017 11:35 IST
Schemes to promote work of Rural Artisans
To generate rural employment and to promote the entrepreneurs in the rural areas of the country,
Ministry of MSME is implementing the following schemes through Khadi and Village Industries
Commission (KVIC) and Coir Board:

I. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC):

i) Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit linked
subsidy scheme, for setting up of new micro-enterprises and to generate employment
opportunities in rural as well as urban areas of the country through KVIC, State Khadi & Village
Industries Board (KVIB) and District Industries Centre (DIC). General category beneficiaries
can avail of margin money subsidy of 25% of the project cost in rural areas and 15% in urban
areas. For beneficiaries belonging to special categories such as
SC/ST/Women/PH/Minorities/Ex-Servicemen/NER, the margin money subsidy is 35% in rural
areas and 25% in urban areas. The maximum cost of projects is Rs.25 lakh in the manufacturing
sector and Rs.10 lakh in the service sector.

ii) Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) was launched in
2005-06 for making Traditional Industries more productive and competitive by organizing the
Traditional Industries and artisans into clusters.

iii) A Scheme for Promoting Innovation, Rural Industry and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE)
was launched on 18.3.2015 to promote Innovation & Rural Entrepreneurship through rural
Livelihood Business Incubator (LBI), Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and Fund of Funds
for start-up creation.

iv) Market Promotion Development Assistance (MPDA) – MDA scheme of KVIC has been
modified as MPDA scheme formulated as a unified scheme by merging different schemes/ sub-
schemes/components of different Heads implemented in the 11 th Plan, namely, Market
Development Assistance, Publicity, Marketing and Market Promotion. A new component of
Infrastructure namely setting up of Marketing Complexes /Khadi Plazas has been added to
expand the marketing net worth of Khadi & VI products. Under the erstwhile MDA scheme
financial assistance was distributed amongst Producing Institutions (30%), Selling Institutions
(45%) and Artisans (25%). Under the Modified MDA (MMDA) financial assistance is
distributed amongst Producing Institutions (20%), Selling Institutions (40%) and Artisans (40%).

v) Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC) Scheme provides credit at concessional rate
of interest through Banks as per the requirement of the Khadi institutions. The institutions are
required to pay interest of only 4%, any interest charged by banks over 4% will be paid by
Central Government through KVIC.

vi) Workshed Scheme for Khadi Artisans was introduced in 2008-09 to provide financial
assistance for construction of workshed to khadi artisans belonging to BPL category through the
khadi institutions with which the khadi artisans are associated. This empowers khadi spinners
and weavers to chart out a sustainable path for growth, income generation and better work
environment.

vii) Strengthening infrastructure of weak Khadi institutions and assistance for marketing
infrastructure: This scheme provides need-based support towards the Khadi sector for nursing
the sick/problematic institutions elevated from “D” to “C” category as well as those whose
production, sales and employment have been declining while they have potential to attain
normalcy and to support creation of marketing infrastructure in other identified outlets. Under
this scheme, financial assistance is provided to existing weak Khadi institutions for strengthening
of their infrastructure and for renovation of selected khadi sales outlets.

II. Coir Board:

i) Coir Vikas Yojana:

1. Skill Upgradation & Mahila Coir Yojana - Under the scheme programmes like
Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Awareness Programme, Workshop, Seminar,
Exposure Tour, etc. are implemented for attracting more entrepreneurs to start coir processing
units. In order to create skilled man power required for the industry, Coir Board is implementing
training programmes in value added products. The candidates undergoing training programmes
are given stipend amounting to Rs. 1000/- per month.

Under the ‘Mahila Coir Yojana’ Scheme which is exclusively for rural women artisans training
in spinning of coir yarn/various coir processing activities is provided to rural women. The
scheme envisages distribution of motorized ratts/motorized traditional ratts and other coir
processing equipments to women at subsidised rates after completion of training. During the
training period, the women artisans are given stipend amounting Rs.1000 per month. The trained
women are given ratts and other coir processing equipments at 75% subsidy subject to a
maximum of Rs.7500/-.

2. Scheme for the Development of Production Infrastructure - Under the scheme financial
assistance is extended for setting up of coir units and modernization of existing units. Under the
scheme subsidy to the tune of 25% of the cost of equipments and other infrastructural facilities
subject to a maximum of Rs.6 lakh for setting up of defibering unit, Rs. 4 lakh for Automatic
Spinning Unit and Rs.5 lakh for others. For a composite or a multiple unit the maximum ceiling
of assistance would be Rs.9 lakh. In the case of modernization of existing unit the subsidy will
be limited to 25% of the cost of equipments and infrastructural facilities subject to a maximum of
Rs.2 lakh.

ii) Coir Udyami Yojana (formerly known as REMOT Scheme) is a credit linked subsidy
scheme providing assistance for setting up of coir units. The maximum admissible cost of project
under the scheme is upto Rs.10 lakhs plus working capital, which shall not exceed 25% of the
project cost. The pattern of assistance under the scheme is 40% as Govt. of India subsidy, 55% as
loan from Banks and 5% as beneficiary contribution. Assistance under the Scheme is made open
to all individuals, companies, SHGs, NGOs, Institutes registered under Societies Registration
Act 1860, Production Co-operative Societies, Joint Liability Groups and Charitable Trusts.

Fund Allocation/Target and fund utilized/Achievement of Margin Money under PMEGP during
the last three years and current year

(MM Rs. in lakh)
Achievement (Margin Target (Margin Money) State/UT Sl
Money) .
2016 2015- 2014- 2013- 2016- 2015- 2014- 2013- N
- 16 15 14 17# 16 15 14 o.
17@
853.0 3781.1 3274.6 3226.2 3541.2 4006.8 2919.5 2983. Jammu 1.
1 9 3 0 6 0 0 59 &
Kashmir
662.3 1767.2 2237.7 1613.8 1970.1 1721.5 1687.4 1730. Himachal 2
0 6 3 4 1 7 5 87 Pradesh .
2000. 2902.9 3190.8 2477.0 3504.0 3026.8 2711.4 2665. Punjab 3.
31 7 8 6 9 0 9 96
55.42 87.72 61.46 59.11 100.00 90.00 287.99 304.7 U.T. 4.
4 Chandiga
rh
566.5 3112.0 3012.9 2075.5 2140.9 3747.4 2716.3 2771. Haryana 5.
4 9 8 1 3 0 6 26
1799. 254.05 189.24 164.74 3371.3 257.35 1061.0 1075. Delhi 6.
67 1 4 38
107.2 4384.0 5249.6 4064.9 300.00 4188.1 5369.7 5554. Rajastha 7
5 7 2 4 4 8 14 n .
1737. 1740.8 2153.3 2099.9 5500.9 1909.9 1882.3 1934. Uttarakh 8.
72 6 2 9 9 3 5 23 and
9369. 14456. 16937. 15104. 12981. 17535. 13339. 13786 Uttar 9.
35 87 53 91 52 32 41 .28 Pradesh
4320. 2829.3 2045.6 2118.6 6909.7 4303.8 3474.4 3623. Chhattisg 1
47 8 8 1 7 1 56 arh 0.
7.97 8117.1 9241.7 7973.0 200.00 7729.4 8182.7 8466. Madhya 1
7 0 2 0 4 23 Pradesh 1.
252.0 186.11 33.52 108.09 500.00 227.38 541.34 584.5 Sikkim 1
0 6 2.
1099. 38.85 1004.9 889.42 1751.6 200.08 1793.4 1852. Arunacha 1
99 9 8 2 57 l Pradesh 3.
981.0 1392.8 878.59 1125.7 1741.7 1255.8 1563.6 1705. Nagaland 1
3 1 7 0 3 4 43 4.
140.4 1213.9 1600.7 1591.3 1253.4 2855.9 1403.6 1557. Manipur 1
7 8 6 4 9 2 5 67 5.
2040. 1026.3 807.98 886.40 1578.6 924.99 1043.3 1117. Mizoram 1
75 5 2 9 83 6.
177.6 945.84 1333.6 2225.2 1748.1 2748.2 985.02 1163. Tripura 1
7 5 5 0 6 93 7.
3205. 1056.1 971.14 600.13 5636.4 1250.6 1184.7 1333. Meghala 1
69 2 1 2 9 04 ya 8.
4996. 2869.7 5397.0 7393.0 3680.3 4969.8 5388.7 6210. Assam 1
11 4 1 7 0 7 5 97 9.
989.9 6588.5 4111.3 7725.1 4165.7 7118.5 8277.1 8675. Bihar 2
9 5 2 9 3 9 4 93 0.
4438. 3400.6 6010.1 5596.7 5201.6 4765.4 4396.3 4627. West 2
86 5 1 2 5 9 2 57 Bengal 1.
1600. 3559.7 2871.2 4533.1 4493.3 3462.6 4547.0 4738. Jharkhan 2
62 4 9 1 0 4 6 31 d 2.
4116. 5736.3 3945.8 4075.7 8527.3 6282 5621.4 5854. Odisha 2
84 2 9 6 2 7 95 3.
5444. 65.11 92.32 164.94 5398.4 158.00 593.09 619.2 A&N 2
14 5 0 Islands 4.
2364. 6339.7 6200.5 4401.8 6111.2 6536.1 4346.7 4375. Gujarat* 2
16 3 2 1 9 6 2 58 5.
3999. 5285.0 7843.8 4737.6 2336.5 9718.4 6299.3 6539. Maharas 2
24 3 1 2 9 2 8 82 htra** 6.
2056. 165.43 141.76 143.86 2004.8 159.40 466.91 490.6 Goa 2
89 6 8 7.
1012 2262.3 3492.1 4610.5 4941.6 4496.8 2667.8 4829. Andhra 2
9.53 7 1 4 2 5 7 17 Pradesh 8.
126.2 2217.5 1889.3 0 371.62 2094.0 1954.4 0 Telangan 2
8 7 5 0 4 a 9.
005898.0 6479.1 7837.3 50.00 10846. 4512.9 4538. Karnatak 3
1 0 1 89 9 84 a 0.
2066. 0.00 28.61 3.18 2446.0 90.00 704.68 758.5 Lakshad 3
70 6 5 weep 1.
4397. 2720.4 2679.2 2756.9 5291.2 2731.6 2306.5 2278. Kerala 3
55 8 8 4 3 0 1 34 2.
62.03 5497.5 6733.8 5216.9 150.00 7110.8 4974.9 4969. Tamil 3
4 9 3 0 1 70 Nadu 3.
32.26 106.37 112.10 43.17 100.00 100.00 100.00 781.1 Puducher 3
2 ry 4.
7619 10200 11225 10764 11000 12862 10930 11450 Total
8.81 6.33 3.87 4.48 0.00 0.30 6.00 0.00

* including Dadra & Nagar Haveli ** including Daman & Diu # BE
Targets @ as on 28.2.2017

State/UT-wise Number of beneficiaries benefitted under PMEGP Scheme during the last three
years
(Projects in numbers)
Beneficiaries benefitted (Projects) State/UT Sl.
No.
2016- 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14
17#
514 2207 1565 1855 Jammu & 1.

Kashmir
319 1077 1244 1112 Himachal 2.

Pradesh
889 966 1153 979 Punjab 3.
29 43 36 55 U.T. Chandigarh 4.
405 1248 1175 935 Haryana 5.
686 256 198 142 Delhi 6.
80 1988 1976 1280 Rajasthan 7.
728 1136 1333 1236 Uttarakhand 8.
2685 4365 4891 4354 Uttar Pradesh 9.
1712 1277 847 921 Chhattisgarh 10.
6 1979 2737 2462 Madhya Pradesh 11.
177 110 16 66 Sikkim 12.
566 35 652 657 Arunachal 13.

Pradesh
664 623 416 421 Nagaland 14.
118 685 747 733 Manipur 15.
1256 1134 817 777 Mizoram 16.
144 642 787 1307 Tripura 17.

4129 603 555 397 Meghalaya 18.
2927 3483 5015 8255 Assam 19.
499 2430 1639 3121 Bihar 20.
1933 1873 3397 3216 West Bengal 21.
580 1839 1699 2612 Jharkhand 22.
969 2876 2013 2146 Odisha 23.
1075 119 161 224 A & N Islands 24.
968 1419 1289 914 Gujarat* 25.
1115 2497 3469 2186 Maharashtra** 26.
537 91 78 79 Goa 27.
3134 642 937 1453 Andhra Pradesh 28.
61 660 604 0 Telangana 29.
00 2140 2431 2778 Karnataka 30.
900 0 31 4 Lakshadweep 31.
1504 1369 1344 1505 Kerala 32.
47 2463 2858 2268 Tamil Nadu 33.
47 65 58 43 Puducherry 34.
31403 44340 48168 50493 Total

* including Dadra & Nagar Haveli ** including Daman & Diu # as on 28.2.2017

Rural artisans who have benefitted from the schemes of Coir Board
2016-17 (Apr- 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 State
Dec. 2016)
867 1312 820 353 Kerala
1207 1483 2340 1887 Tamil Nadu
179 102 418 250 Karnataka
340 879 234 622 Andhra

Pradesh
118 325 287 518 Odisha
150 108 212 0 Others
2861 4209 4311 3630 Total

This Press Release is based on information given by the Minister of State for MSME Shri
Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 05.04.2017
(Wednesday).

********
AK/RM

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Government of India
Ministry of Railways
05-April-2017 15:21 IST
Adarsh Railway Station Scheme
Modernisation/upgradation of railway stations is a continuous and on-going process.

At present, upgradation of stations is being undertaken under ‘Adarsh Station
Scheme’.
1253 stations have been identified for development under ‘Adarsh Station
Scheme’ out of which 1022 railway stations have been developed so far and the
remaining stations are planned to be developed by 2017-18. State-wise number of
stations identified to be developed under the scheme is as under:-

State No. of Stations State No. of
Stations
Andhra 44 Madhya Pradesh 44
Pradesh
Assam 28 Maharashtra 110
Bihar 59 Nagaland 01
Chhattisgarh 17 Orissa 47
Delhi 04 Puducherry 02
Goa 02 Punjab 32
Gujarat 32 Rajasthan 40
Haryana 16 Telangana 25
Himachal 02 Tamil Nadu 48
Pradesh
Jammu & 05 Tripura 01
Kashmir
Jharkhand 30 Uttar Pradesh 152
Karnataka 44 Uttarakhand 08
Kerala 77 West Bengal 383

No separate fund is allocated for development of stations identified under
‘Adarsh Station Scheme’. The expenditure on works of development of railway
stations is generally funded under Plan Head – ‘Passenger Amenities’. ` 917.91 crore
(Budgetary sources) have been allocated under this Plan Head in Revised Estimates
2016-17.
This Press Release is based on the information given by the Minister of State
for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on
05.04.2017 (Wednesday).
****

AKS/MKV/AK/SM
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Government of India
Ministry of Earth Science
05-April-2017 18:39 IST
Current Temperature Status and Warning for next five days
Heat Wave and Temperature Observed in past 24 hours (0830 hrs IST of 4 April to 0830
hrs IST of 5 April)

Heat Wave
Heat wave conditions observed at many places with severe heat wave at a few places over West
Rajasthan; at a few places over East Rajasthan, north Madhya Pradesh & Jharkhand and at
isolated places over East Uttar Pradesh & Chhattisgarh

Maximum Temperatures
Yesterday maximum temperatures > 43.0°C were observed at Khajuraho: 43.2°C and
Wardha: 43.0°C.

Maximum temperature departures as on 04.04.2017: Maximum temperatures were markedly
above normal (5.1°C or more) at many places over Himachal Pradesh; at a few places over
Jharkhand; at isolated places over East Madhya Pradesh, appreciably above normal (3.1°C to
5.0°C) at many places over Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, rest MadhyaM Pradesh,Jharkhand &
Uttar Pradesh; at a few places over Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Madhya
Maharashtra,Marathawada and Vidarbha; at isolated places over rest Jharkhand; above normal
(1.6°C to 3.0°C) at many places overVidarbha, Telangana & South Interior Karnataka; at a few
places over Konkan & Goa, Odisha and at isolated places over Gangetic West Bengal, Saurashtra
& Kutch. They were markedly below normal (5.0°C or less ) at many places over Sub-
Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim; at a few places over Bihar, Assam & Meghalaya, Nagaland,
Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura; appreciably below normal (3.1° C to 5.0° C) at a few places
over Jammu & Kashmir and at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh & Odisha and near
normal over rest of the country. Yesterday, highest maximum temperature of 43.2°C recorded
at Khajuraho (East Madhya Pradesh)
Temperatures Recorded at 1430 Hours IST of Today, the 5th April 2017
o Temperature are more than 40.0°C at isolated places over north Madhya Pradesh,
Vidarbha; interior Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Rajasthan, North Interior Karnataka and
Rayalaseema.
o Temperature rose by 1-2°C at a few places over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and
Assam & Meghalaya.
Heat Wave Warnings for Next 5 Days

04 April (Day 1): Heat wave conditions very likely isolated places over West
Rajasthan, East Uttar Pradesh and East Madhya Pradesh.

05 April (Day 2): NIL




RDS/nb

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Government of India
Ministry of Culture
05-April-2017 17:17 IST
Establishment of Science Cities

The following Science Cities have been set up by Ministry of Culture through National Council
of Science Museums (NCSM), an Autonomous Organisation under the Ministry of Culture.

Sl. No. Names of the Science Cities State-wise
functioning under NCSM location
01 Science City, Kolkata West Bengal
02 Regional Science City, Lucknow Uttar Pradesh

In addition, Pushpa Gujral Science City at Kapurtala, Punjab and Gujarat Science City at
Ahmadabad, Gujarat have been set up by Council of Pushpa Gujral Science City, Punjab and
Gujarat Council of Science City, Gujarat respectively with financial assistance from the Ministry
of Culture.

The proposal for setting up of a Science City at Guwahati in the state of Assam has also been
approved.

The Science Cities Scheme provides for setting up of Science Cities in all the states of the
country is subject to availability of funds for this purpose. States desirous of setting up a Science
City under the Science Cities Scheme have to provide land, share the cost of setting up of
facilities and corpus for upkeep and maintenance, and meet other commitments as per norms of
the Scheme.

Proposals have been received from Governments of Bihar, Karnataka, Haryana, Odisha,
Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to set up Science Cities.

The Scheme does not specify any time limit for setting up of Science Cities in all States/Union
Territories. In case of approved projects, the time frame for completion of the project as per the
Scheme is about 54 months from the date of start of the project.

The objectives for establishing a Science City, inter alia include:

 To portray the growth of science and technology and their applications in industry and
human welfare.
 To popularize and to enhance understanding of science and technology in cities, urban and
rural areas for the benefit of students and for the common man

This information was given by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism
(Independent Charge) in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

****
Sanjay Kumar/jk/Parl. No. 2/05-04-2017
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Government of India
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
02-April-2017 11:05 IST
Record Capacity Addition of Wind Power of 5400MW in Last Fiscal
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set another record in the wind power
capacity addition by adding over 5400 MW in 2016-17 against the target of 4000 MW. This
year’s achievement surpassed the previous higher capacity addition of 3.423 MW achieved in the
previous year.
The leading States in the wind power capacity addition during 2016-17 are Andhra Pradesh 2190
MW, followed by Gujarat 1275 MW and Karnataka 882 MW. In addition Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra ,Telangana and Kerala have reported 357 MW, 288 MW,
262 MW, 118 MW , 23 MW and 8 MW wind power capacity addition respectively during 2016-
17. These figures are tentative.
During 2016-17 MNRE has taken various policy initiatives in the wind energy sector that
includes Introduction of Bidding in Wind Energy Sector, Re -powering Policy, Draft Wind-Solar
Hybrid Policy, New Guidelines for Development of Wind Power Projects, etc.
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Government of India
31-March-2017 18:01 IST
Background Notes for- Smart India Hackathon 2017:
Driving innovation in the youth

A hackathon is an innovative computer programming challenge done on a marathon mode. The
computer programmers are challenged to create a software programme that would address a
social or educational issue, by working continuously for 36 hours. Finally, the
programme/software prepared is tested for accuracy, robustness and utility by experts, before
adjudging them.

The starting point of the Smart India hackathon is the Digital India, Start up India and Make in
India campaigns, which need skilled and innovative workforce. Although Indians played a
major role in building robust technology systems worldwide, creation of IT products within the
Country has a lot of unexploited potential. One reason for this is the preoccupation of the
students with finding a job, rather than creating units that provide jobs. Such a creation can come
only with out-of-the-box thinking, through disruption of the business-as-usual approach.

As per statistics of World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), India registers 40 patents
per million population as against 396 per million population of China. In 2015, 38% of all
Patents filed in the world are from China, as against 2% contribution by India. Considering the
intellectual capability of Indians, there is a lot that can be done in the field of innovation. The
drive to improve innovation has to begin in the educational institutions. This can be done by
encouraging students to apply knowledge to the real-life situations, and to find innovative
solutions to the day-to-day problems.
The Smart India Hackathon is an effort in this direction.

Features of SIH

 The Smart India Hackathon is intended for promoting innovation, out-of-the-box thinking
in young minds, especially engineering students.
 It is focused on the problems of social importance as identified by 29
Ministries/Departments of Govt of India.
 The problem statements identified by the Ministries/Departments were placed on the
MyGov website, inviting students (in groups of 6 students with at least one female
student and two mentors) to come forward to send ideas and outlines of a possible
solution.
 Leadership talks were broadcast through facebook live.
 Orientation and awareness programmes were conducted by AICTE and I4C in 26
different cities to motivate students to participate in this event.
 As many as 7531 entries were received from 2100 colleges.
 These entries were evaluated by a set of experts who shortlisted 1266 student groups for
the Grand Finale.
 The Grand Finale will be held on April 1 and 2, 2017 in 26 different locations in the
Country, each location handheld by one Department/Ministry of Govt of India. The host
institution will provide the accommodation and the computer labs free of cost.
 AICTE is providing travel support to all student teams.
 During the Finale, the selected groups will sit locked in for 36 hours continuously from 8
am on April 1, 2017 till 8 pm on April 2, 2017 and complete digital solutions for the
problem statements through programming to create a computer software or a mobile app.
 The software so created is evaluated by judges drawn from the respective ministry and
industry experts and the best solutions are awarded @ Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 75,000 and Rs.
50,000 for the top three teams respectively.

Major Players
 Ministry of HRD spearheaded the campaign through AICTE as the main anchor.
 The Minister for HRD Sri Prakash Javadekar was the Chief Patron of the campaign.
 The IT industry especially M/S i4C and Persistent Systems, and NASSCOM have led the
effort. Mr Abhay Jere of the Persistent Systems has coordinated efforts by various
Departments and Ministries of the Government of India;
 29 different departments are partners.

The Grand Finale

 Starts at 8 a.m. on 1st April and would end at 8 p.m. on 2nd April
 Hon’ble PM will address to the students at 10 p.m. on 1st April
 On conclusion, the judges go through the code and would judge the best software.
 With more than 10,000 programmers participating, this would be largest
Hackathon anywhere in the world.

Preparations for the Finale

 Online trainings given to students
 (2110) Mentors appointed to guide students
 Finale in each subject area is located in one town/City, hosted by the respective
department
 (26) locations are identified - Engineering colleges with facilities for hosting the students
(Annexure – I)

Problem Statements and participation

 598 problem statements identified by 29 Departments.
o (Some of the Problem Statements are given in Annexure – II)
 7,531 teams – 42,000 students responded.

 Shortlisted for the finale: 1266 teams – 10000 participants
 28 States participated.
 Highest from Maharashtra
 Second from Tamil Nadu
 Third from Andhra Pradesh/Telangana

Post-Finale plan of action

 This would be an annual affair and the brand of Smart India Hackathon would be built so
that more students are attracted into participation.
 The awarded software would be used by the Ministry/Departments for improving their
governance systems, if necessary, with suitable upgradation.
 All the prize winners would be connected to form a Community of Innovative Minds
 Similar innovation sweeps would be conducted spanning the entire science and
technology domains. The MHRD would coordinate this action between
IISC/IITs/NITs/Central Univs for participation of their student teams.
****

Annexure -I
List of venues for the Grand Finale
participa
Ministry/Dept Teams Venue City Colleges/Venue
nt
Airport Authority of India, Civil Aviation Training
55 440 Allahabad, UP
Ministry of Civil Aviation Institute
All India Council for
JSS College of
Technical Education 60 480 Noida, UP
Engineering, Noida
(AICTE)
Prin Welingkar Institute of
Mumbai,
Department of Atomic Management Development
26 208 Maharashtra
Energy & Research
Department of C.V. Raman College of
30 240 Bhubaneshwar
Biotechnology Engineering
Department of Chemicals New Delhi Institute of
12 96 New Delhi
and Petrochemicals Management
Department of Defence 62 496 Bangalore, Sri Venkateshwara College
Production Karnataka of Engineering
Department of
CVR College of
Empowerment of Persons 37 296 Hyderabad,
Engineering
with Disabilities
Jaipur Engineering College
Department of Industrial
16 128 Jaipur, Rajasthan & Research Centre
Policy and Promotion
(JECRC)
Jaipur Engineering College
Department of Posts,
26 208 Jaipur, Rajasthan & Research Centre
Ministry of Communications
(JECRC)
Department of Rural Thiruvananthapura Rajadhani Institute of
43 344
Development (DRD) m Engineering & Technology
Department of Science and C.V. Raman College of
27 216 Bhubaneshwar
Technology Engineering
Indian Council of Medical Gurunanak Institute of
35 280 Kolkata
Research (ICMR) Technology,Kolkata
Indian Space Research Ahmadabad, Gujarat University
50 400
Organisation (ISRO) Gujarat Convention Center
BVB College of
Ministry of AYUSH 37 296 Hubli, Karnataka Engineering & Technology,
Hubli
Ministry of Development of Girijananda Chowdhury
North Eastern Region Institute of Management &
(DoNER) 26 208 Guwahati, Assam Technology
Chennai, Tamil Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar

Ministry of Earth Sciences 58 464
Nadu College of Engineering
Ministry of Electronics and

Information Technology College of Engineering
(MeitY) 48 384 Pune, Maharashtra
Pune
Ministry of Environment, Sri Krishna College of
Forests & Climate 53 424 Coimbatore, Engineering and
Change Technology
New Delhi Institute of
Ministry of External Affairs 11 88 New Delhi
Management
Amritsar College of
Ministry of Food Processing 35 280 Amritsar
Engineering
Raj Kumar Goel Institute of
Ministry of HRD 45 360 Ghaziabad, UP Technology & Mgmt,
Ghaziabad
Techno India NJR Institute
Ministry of Railways 61 488 Udaipur, Rajasthan
of Technology
Shri Ramdeobaba College

Ministry of Road Transport Nagpur, of Engineering and
84 672 Management
and Highways Maharashtra
Ministry of Skill
Chandigarh Group of
Development & 29 232 Chandigarh
Colleges
Entrepreneurship
Oriental University,
Ministry of Steel 54 432 Indore, MP
Campus, Indore
Mar Baselios Institute of
Ministry of Tourism 52 416 Cochin, Kerala
Technology and Science
Sagar Institute of Research
NCPCR 35 280 Bhopal
& Technology, Bhopal
Koneru Lakshmaiah
Education Foundation (KL
Students' Voice 40 320 Guntur, Andra University), Guntur,
Manipal Institute of
University Grants Manipal,
46 368 Technology, Manipal
Commission (UGC) Karnataka
University,

Annexure – II
Sample problems posed to the students
Ministry Title Content
Impersonation detection is a major problem in
conducting any examination, especially in
Online examination. The main cause of the
Ministry of
difficulty is the lack of efficiency and/or
Electronics and Accurate detection of
integrity on the part of the Invigilator. In order
Information impersonation in online
to have a fool-proof automated system, it is
Technology examination
advised to remove the human factor in
(MeitY)
impersonation detection. Hence, an accurate
system for detection of impersonation in online
examination is the need of the hour
Ministry of Easy Navigation System for GIS based navigation system to help blind
Electronics and Visually Impaired Persons persons to navigate in open & constrained
Information areas, buildings, offices and specific locations.
Technology The system should have multi-lingual support
(MeitY) and speech interface integrated with it.
A single security App for women security over
Ministry of
Security App for Women entire network of Indian Railways can help in
Railways
improving safety and security of women.
India Post with its network of 155,000 post
office closes and open several lakh bags on a
daily basis. The mail transport is a complex
arrangement of rail, road and air transport. The
chance of misplacement and loss of bags is a
possibility with this number involved. One bag
Department of lost will invite 50 complaints and possible
Posts, Ministry monetary compensation.
Bag Tracking and Alert
of With these numbers and pressure of time to
System
Communication connect the bag to the next destination, manual
s tallying of bags is extremely difficult. Effort has
been made to barcode each bag and scan them at
predefined points.
Is it possible to design a system that will help
India Post to assess the accident points and take
steps to minimize delays and losses? Data
sample is available.
Students absenteeism often leads to drop out.
Also, teachers absenteeism is a major concern
for quality education. However, the absenteeism
reporting system in most schools relies on daily
paper-based attendance of children as well as
teachers. The data is then complied on
completion of the year. This lag in data
Real-time school attendance
reporting is an inhibitor in planning preventive
NCPCR of children and teachers in
measures for out-of-school children. There is a
schools all over India
need of a real-time reporting system on school
attendance that will result in automatically
sending data from all schools to a centralized
database for further analysis and presentation,
for monitoring patterns of absent students and
prevent such students from dropping out of
school.
Ministry of App to connect Farmers Farmers are paid low prices by Mandis.
Food Processing directly with Retailers and Inadequate cold storage to store excess produce.
Food Processing Industries Mandis charge higher prices from retailers and
FPI.
Households pay higher prices.
The app would distribute traders margin
between farmers and retailers/FPIs.Households
would pay lower prices
AICTE grants approval for establishment of
new technical institutions and starting of new
courses in the field of Engineering and
Technology, Management, Pharmacy,
Architecture etc. At present the criteria for grant
of approval for such courses is based mainly on
infrastructure available as per the minimum
norms prescribed by AICTE (Approval Process
Handbook). However due to lack of information
on employment potential for the proposed
courses AICTE is giving approval and the
students pass out from such
Prediction of Admission & Institutions/Branches of
All India
Jobs in Engineering & Engineering/Management/Pharmacy etc remain
Council for
Technology unemployed. At present, there is no mechanism
Technical
/Management/Pharmacy available to find out how to estimate/forecast
Education
with respect to demographic employment potential for any
(AICTE)
locations branch(s)/course(s) in
Engineering/Management/Pharmacy etc on
short term and long term basis by correlating
data from various sources and formulating
computer program/application using neural
networks OR any other programming tools.
Development of Application Software to
estimate/forecast employment potential of
Graduates/Post Graduates in different
branches/courses on short term and long term
basis by correlating data from various sources
could be useful for granting approval along with
infrastructure and other facilities.
All India One Point Student/Faculty AICTE data base has information about
Council for Details Verification through Faculties and students of AICTE Approved
Technical Functional Application Institutions including Aadhaar, PAN and Bank
Education Software Details. Aadhaar & Aadhaar Seeded Bank
(AICTE) Account Details are maintained by UID &
NPCI (National Payment Corporation of India).
Currently there is no common facility that exists
to verify the Aadhaar, Aadhaar Seeded Bank
Account Details from UID, NPCI and PAN.
Availability of such an functional application
software for automating the process of collating
the information on Aadhaar, Aadhaar Seeded
Bank Account Details and or PAN received
from faculties/students for verifying these
details from UID & NPCI. As such, the
availability of functional application software
will be extremely useful.
Issue of bypassing checks related to IP and
multiple IDs creation are reported on e-ticketing
website irctc.co.in.Â A solution to the issue by
Ministry of
E-ticketing linking of IP address, Machine ID, User ID etc.,
Railways
needs to be developed to ensure implementation
of checks regarding maximum number of tickets
being booked by an individual.
At several places, railway tracks are at the level
of road. Due to resource constraints, no railway
staff is posted at many such crossings of railway
Ministry of Accidents at Unmanned Level
track and road. Accidents are often reported due
Railways Crossings
to negligence by the road users. Solution to this
problem. needs to be developed which is
effective and cost efficient.
The existing process of registering attendance
for MGNREGS workers includes major
challenges such as manual tracking and
capturing of attendance on muster rolls and lack
of authenticity.
A solution is required to streamline the
attendance tracking process and introduce
Mechanism to effectively
Department of automation in system with ease of
track and capture Attendance
Rural implementation, high accuracy and process
on work sites for MGNREGS
Development effectiveness. An IRIS based attendance capture
workers using IRIS based
(DRD) and monitor system to be created using IRIS
attendance monitoring system
recognition technology. The attendance of
worker will be recorded using the IRIS
recognition system which will be installed on
the officials phone and only after the IRIS
details of the workers are captured, uploaded,
scanned and validated, attendance will be
recorded.
Department of Provision for a centralized The development of Gram Panchayats identified
Rural one stop source for under SAGY is intended to take place through
Development information about all the convergence and implementation of existing
(DRD) government Government Schemes and Programs without
programs/schemes drillable to allocating additional funds.
village level for SAGY. The Ministry of Rural Development has brought
out a document named Samanvay - compilation
of 223 Central sector, Centrally sponsored and
1806 State schemes.
Ministry intends that this data may be leveraged
for a mobile application with user friendly
search options for better utilization by all the
stakeholders of rural development. The mobile
application may be named as e-SAMANVAY.
The information may be made available in both
English and Hindi with provision for adding
regional languages later.
There are many services provided by NSDC,
details of which are available on websites of
NSDC and Skill Exchange etc. The services are
listed below
Enrollment yourself for PMKVY
Become an NSDC training Partner,
Partner with Skill India
Contribute your CSR Funds to Skill India
Ministry of Skill
Mission
Development
Participate in World Skills Competition
& Skill India App
Find a training Center Nearby
Entrepreneurshi
Setup a call or attend our weekly webinar
p
Tenders or RFPs
Skill GAP Study
Report issues regarding a training institute
Design a Skill India App that can aggregate all
services above which is able to integrate and
create a product which becomes our ONE STOP
SOLUTION. It would be an effective way of
disseminating knowledge.
Inadequate cold chain facilities spoil perishable
agri-produce.
Processing prevents perishable agri-produce
from spoiling.
App of small videos on food Inexpensive and home operable processing
Ministry of
processing techniques for techniques can help farmers stock food.
Food Processing
farmer community Stocked food can be consumed or sold
alleviating poverty.
The app would provide exposure to the farming
community of best global practices on home
based processing techniques.
Ministry of Automatic System to Power- Streets lights are lighten in day light also.
Steel off Street light in day time/ System for turning off street lights in day time is
Powering off alternate street sought.
lights at Mid Night System shall also include turning off alternate
street lights at midnight for energy conservation.
In case of accident, user is directed to nearest
Ministry of ambulance service, through the app. A list for
Ambulance Service on
Road Transport all ambulance services to be prepared and
National Highway
and Highways mapped in the app, along with contact details as
well as calling through the app facility.
1-2 km before the toll plaza, a notification
should be received on the mobile phone of the
approaching user with Toll Name and amount of
applicable Toll Fee. Payment can be facilitated
Ministry of
through mobile wallets and credit cards payment
Road Transport Online Toll payment system
integration. An electronic receipt be generated,
and Highways
with bar code/QR code which can be shown at
the Toll Booth. A list for all the toll plaza and
respective services to be made available in the
app.
In case of tyre burst/puncture, the nearest
Ministry of mechanic with contact details can be found
Road Transport Mobile Mechanic through the app. The mechanics can be
and Highways registered on the app and they will receive a
notification for a nominal charge.
Driving Licenses and Vehicle Registration
Certificates can now be accessed through
Mobile App. integration of DigiLocker with
Driving Licenses (DL) & Vehicle
Registration Certificates (RC). With this
Ministry of integration people no longer need to carry
Road Transport Potential of Digilocker around physical copies of their RCs and Driving
and Highways Licences. They can instead access digital copies
of the same on their mobile phones via the
DigiLocker mobile app. We want further
development of app to check the insurance as
well as pollution expiry details through same
app.
The condition of Railway track is critical for
safety of train operations. The condition of
tracks needs to be monitored proactively. A
Ministry of software solution which keeps track of the
Condition of Railway Tracks
Railways condition of the track and allied infrastructure
and generates auto warning messages about the
need of urgent maintenance can help in
preventing untoward incidents.
Ministry of A Standalone application for Tuna inhabits over a wide range of ecosystems
and hence search for these resources by fishery
fleets/vessels are a high cost activity. ESSO-
INCOIS has streamlined the operational
generation of Tuna fishery advisories using the
satellite derived parameters that helps fishermen
to catch Tuna fish.
The idea is to enable users to generate their own
decision support for Tuna Fisheries using a
desktop application with basic features like
retrieving & storing of satellite images
Generation of Tuna Fishing
Earth Sciences & in situ data from INCOIS server, create
Advisory
suitability maps based on satellite parameters
threshold, offline geo-processing capabilities
like analysis, data management, geostatistics,
data interoperability, editing etc, create user-
friendly maps and texts. Parameters threshold
for suitability maps should be customisable at
the user end so that best suited observed value
can be incorporated. The application should be
able to store onboard fishing operation details,
as feedback, to be provided by fishermen.

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Government of India
Ministry of Defence
31-March-2017 15:05 IST
Army Hospitals
There are 132 Armed Forces Hospitals in the country. The State / UT-wise number of such
hospitals is as under:

S. No. State Number of Armed Forces Hospitals
Army Air Force Navy
1. Andhra Pradesh - - 1
2. Arunachal Pradesh 1 - -
3. Assam 5 2 -
4. Bihar 2 - -
5. Goa 1 - 1
6. Gujarat 5 - -
7. Haryana 3 - -
8. Himachal Pradesh 6 - -
9. Jammu & Kashmir 11 - -
10. Jharkhand 2 - -
11. Karnataka 1 1 1
12. Kerala 2 - 2
13. Madhya Pradesh 6 1 -
14. Maharashtra 9 - 2
15. Manipur 1 - -
16. Meghalaya 1 - -
17. Nagaland 2 - -
18. Odisha 1 - 1
19. Punjab 9 1 -
20. Rajasthan 10 1 -
21. Sikkim 1 - -
22. Tamil Nadu 3 1 -
23. Telangana 2 1 -
24. Tripura 1 - -
25. Uttarakhand 5 - -
26. Uttar Pradesh 12 3 -
27. West Bengal 7 1 -
28. Andaman & Nicobar - - 1
Islands
29. Delhi 2 - -
Total: 111 12 9

There are 98 Field Hospitals, which are located in different parts of the country based on
operational requirement. In addition, one Military Hospital is being raised at Likabali, Assam
and approval has been granted for raising a Military Hospital at Panagarh, West Bengal.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written
reply to Shri Sunil Kumar Singh in Lok Sabha today.

NAMPI/Ranjan

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Government of India
31-March-2017 17:24 IST
Cancer Institutes
Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) were earlier recognized and supported under the erstwhile
National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). The scheme is not operational now. The list of
RCCs is given below:

LIST OF REGIONAL CANCER CENTRES
Sl. No. Name of State / Union Name of the Institution

Territory
1. Andhra Pradesh M.N.J. Institute of Oncology& Regional Cancer Centre,
Hyderabad.
2. Assam Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati.
3. Bihar Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna.
4. Chandigarh Post Graduate Institute Medical Education & Research,
Chandigarh
5. Chhattisgarh Pt. J.L.N Medical College &Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Memorial Hospital, Raipur
6. Delhi Dr.B.R.Ambedkar. Institute - Rotary Cancer Hospital,
AIIMS,New Delhi
7. Gujarat The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad.
8. Haryana Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak.
9. Himachal Pradesh Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.
10. Jammu & Kashmir Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences., Srinagar.
11. Jammu & Kashmir Government Medical College, Jammu.
12. Karnataka Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore.
13. Kerala Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
14. Madhya Pradesh Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Gwalior.
15. Maharashtra RashtrasantTukdoji Regional Cancer Hospital &
Research Centre, Nagpur.
16. Maharashtra Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
17. Manipur Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal.
18. Mizoram Civil Hospital, Aizawl.
19. Orissa Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack.
20. Puducherry Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate medical Education &
Research
21. Rajasthan Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment & Research
Institute, Bikaner.
22. Tamil Nadu Govt. Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Research Institute
& Hospital, Kancheepuram.
23. Tamil Nadu Cancer Institute (WIA),Adyar, Chennai.
24. Tripura Civil Hospital, Agratala.
25. Uttar Pradesh Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical
Sciences, Lucknow.
26. Uttar Pradesh Kamla Nehru Memorial Hospital, Allahabad.
27. West Bengal Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Calcutta.
Cancer treatment is available in different State and Central Government Hospitals. Government
of India is implementing “Tertiary Care Cancer Centre” scheme under National Programme for
Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).
Under the scheme, Government of India assists to establish/set up State Cancer Institutes (SCI)
and Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) in different parts of the country. As per the
guidelines of the scheme, the assistance under this scheme will be utilized by the Institutions for
procurement of radio-therapy equipment, diagnostic equipment, surgical equipment,
enhancement of indoor patient facility for cancer and such other purpose relevant for diagnosis,
treatment and care of cancer.

The details of proposals received from various States including Gujarat, under the said scheme
are given below:
List of proposals for SCI and TCCC received under Tertiary Care Cancer Centre scheme
of NPCDCS.
S. States/UTs Tertiary Care Cancer Centre State Cancer Institute

No (TCCC) (SCI)
.
1. Andhra ACSR Government Medical Kurnool Medical College,
Pradesh College, Nellore Kurnool
2. Assam Assam Medical College, Gauhati Medical College &
Dibrugarh Hospital, Guwahati
3. Arunachal Government Hospital, -
Pradesh Naharlagun
4. Bihar 1. Dharbhanga Medical College, Indira Gandhi Institute of
Dharbhanga Medical Sciences (RCC), Patna
2. Jawaharlal Nehru Medical
College,
Bhagalpur
5. Chhattisgarh Central Hospital, SECL, Chhattisgarh Institute of
Manendragarh, District Koriya Medical Sciences, Bilaspur
6. Delhi LokNayak Hospital (Maulana -
Azad Medical College)
7. Gujarat 1. PanditDeenDayalUpadhyay Gujarat Cancer Research
Medical Institute (RCC), Ahmedabad
College, Rajkot
2. Government Medical
College and SSG
Hospital, Vadodara
8. Goa Goa Medical College, Panaji, -
Goa.
9. Haryana Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt -
10. Himachal 1. Indira Gandhi Medical -
Pradesh College (RCC)
Shimla
2. Regional Hospital, Mandi
11. Jammu & - 1. Government Medical College
Kashmir (RCC)Jammu
2.Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of
Medical Sciences (RCC),
Srinagar
12. Jharkhand MGM Medical College, Rajendra Institute of Medical
Jamshedpur Sciences , Ranchi
13. Karnataka 1. Govt. Medical College, Kidwai Memorial Institute of
Mandya Oncology(RCC), Bangaluru
2. Govt. Medical College,
Gulbarga
14. Kerala Govt. Medical College, Regional Cancer Centre,
Kozhikode Thiruvananthapuram
15. Madhya 1. G. R. Medical College, -
Pradesh Gwalior
2. District Hospital, Vidisha
16. Maharashtra 1. Vivekanand Medical Government Medical College,
Foundation & Aurangabad
Research Centre, Latur
2. RashtrasantTukdoji
Regional Cancer
Hospital & Research Centre,
Nagpur
17. Manipur Regional Institute Of Medical -
Sciences (RIMS) , Imphal
18. Nagaland District Hospital, Kohima -
19. Mizoram Civil Hospital Aizawl -
20. Odisha 1. Burla Medical College (Dist. Regional Cancer Centre,
Sambalpur) Cuttack
2. M.K.C.G. Medical College
Hospital,
Berhampur
3. District Hospital,
Bhawanipatna, District
Kalahandi
21. Punjab 1. District Hospital, Government Medical College,
Hoshiarpur Amritsar
2. District Hospital, Fazilka
22. Rajasthan 1. S. P. Medical College, SMS Medical College, Jaipur
Bikaner
2. Govt. Medical
College/District Hospital,
Jhalawar
23. Sikkim District Hospital, Sikkim -
24. Tamil Nadu - Cancer Institute (RCC) Adyar,
Chennai
25. Telangana - M.N.J. Institute of Oncology
(RCC), Hyderabad
26. Tripura - Cancer Hospital(RCC), Agartala
27. Uttar Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Kamla Nehru Memorial
Pradesh Medical Sciences, Lucknow Hospital (RCC), Allahabad
28. Uttarakhand Himalayan Institute of Medical Government Medical College,
Sciences, Dehradun Haldwani
29. West Bengal 1. Government Medical -
College, Burdwan
2. Murshidabad Medical
College &
Hospitals
3. Sagore Dutta Memorial
Medical College
and Hospital, Kolkata
Total 37 19

The proposals for setting up of 11 State Cancer Institute and 13 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres
have been approved and funds have been released. The details of funds released under the said
scheme during the last three years isgiven below:

State-wise funds released for setting up/establishing State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and
Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) under Tertiary Care of Cancer scheme of National
Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and
Stroke (NPCDCS):
(1) Funds released during the financial year 2014-15:
S State/UTs Name of the Institute SCI/ Amount

No. TCCC Released
(in Crore)
1 Karnataka Kidwai Memorial Institute of SCI 67.50
Oncology(RCC), Bangaluru
2 Kerala Government Medical College, Kozhikode TCCC 25.03
3 Tripura Cancer Hospital(RCC), Agartala SCI 55.00
4 Gujarat Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, SCI 67.50
Ahmedabad
5 West Government Medical College, Burdwan TCCC 22.24
Bengal
6 Jammu & Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, SCI 47.25
Kashmir Srinagar
7 Tamil Cancer Institute (RCC) Adyar, Chennai SCI 67.38
Nadu
Total 351.90

S State/UTs Name of the Institute SCI/ Amount

No. TCCC Released
(in Crore)
1 Himachal Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla TCCC 14.87
Pradesh
2 Bihar Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, SCI 33.06
Patna
3 Mizoram Civil Hospital, Aizawl TCCC 14.64
4 Uttar Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of TCCC 11.43
Pradesh Medical Sciences, Lucknow
5 Rajasthan S P Medical College, Bikaner TCCC 17.123
6 Karnataka Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences TCCC 17.257
7 Telangana MNJ Institute of Oncology& RCC, SCI 18.12
Hyderabad
Total 126.50

(3) Funds released during the financial year 2016-17 (till 17th January 2017):
S State/ Name of the Institute SCI/ Amount

No UTs TCCC Released
(in
Crore)
1 Kerala Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram SCI 46.957
2 Punjab Govt. Medical College, Amritsar SCI 51.58
3 Delhi LokNayak Hospital TCCC 25.40
4 Punjab District / Civil Hospital, Fazilka TCCC 20.119
5 Odisha Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, SCI 35.829
Cuttack
6 Nagaland District Hospital, Kohima TCCC 13.23
7 Haryana Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt TCCC 9.2253
8 West Bengal Murshidabad Medical College & Hospital, TCCC 10.9793
Berhampore, Murshidabad
9 Maharashtra RashtraSantTukdoji Regional Cancer Hospital TCCC 15.3196
& Research Centre, Nagpur
10 Rajasthan SMS Medical College, Jaipur SCI 40.6683
Total 269.3075

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), SmtAnupriya Patel stated this in a written

*****

MV/LK

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Government of India
Ministry of Finance
31-March-2017 19:43 IST
JAPAN’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan of RS. 21,590 Crore to
India for Financial Year 2016-17
The Joint Statement dated September 1, 2014 of the two Prime Ministers’ of India and
Japan mentions the intention of Government of Japan to realize 3.5 trillion Yen of publicand
private investment and financing from Japan, including Official Development Assistance (ODA),
to India in five years, to finance appropriatepublic and private projects of mutual interest. 50% of
3.5 trillion Yen i.e. 1.75 trillion Yen is expected to be in the form of ODA loan for five years
from 2015-16 onwards.
The Government of Japan has committed JICA Official Development Assistance loan for
an amount of Yen 371.345 billion (=Rs.21,590 crore approx.) under FY 2016-2017 loan
package. The Notes in this regard were exchanged here today between Mr. S. Selvakumar, Joint
Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India and H.E. Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu,
Ambassador of Japan to India.Total commitment of JICA ODA during two Financial Years
2015-16 and 2016-17 is JPY 761.40 billion Yen, which is 43.50% of the total targetfor five
years.
For the Financial Year 2016-17, the ODA loan assistance has been committed to Mumbai
Trans Harbour Link Project (JPY 144.795 billion), Dedicated Freight Corridor Project
(Procurement of Electric Locomotives) (JPY 108.456 billion), Chennai Metro Project (V) (JPY
33.321 billion), Andhra Pradesh Irrigation and Livelihood Improvement Project (Phase 2) (I)
(JPY 21.297 billion), Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project (I) (JPY 13.725
billion), Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (Phase 2) (JPY 14.512 billion), Delhi
Eastern Peripheral Expressway Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Installation Project (JPY 6.87
billion), Nagaland Forest Management Project (JPY 6.224 billion) and Tamil Nadu Investment
Promotion Program (Phase 2) (JPY 22.145 billion).
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), a State

Government entity, has been allowed to borrow directly from Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan for Mumbai Trans Harbour Link
(MTHL) project. The estimated project cost for Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) is
Rs.17,854 crore, out of which JICA loan portion is expected to be Rs.15,109 crore.
India and Japan have had a long and fruitful history of bilateral development cooperation
since 1958. In the last few years, the economic partnership between India and Japan has steadily
progressed. This further consolidates and strengthens the Strategic and Global Partnership
between India and Japan.
(Exchange Rate: Re.1 = Yen 1.72)
*************
DSM/VKS

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Government of India
30-March-2017 15:09 IST
Campus and Hostels in Newly Formed IITS/IIMS
Pursuant to the Budget Announcements 2014-15 and 2015-16, (6) new IITs at Palakkad (Kerela),
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Jammu (J&K), Bhilai (Chhattisgarh), Dharwad (Karnataka) and Goa
(Goa) and (7) new IIMs at Amritsar (Punjab), Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh), Sambalpur
(Odisha), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Bodhgaya (Bihar), Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), and
Jammu (J&K) have been established. All these Institutes are functioning from their temporary
campuses with required infrastructures including hostel facility, till the construction of
permanent campuses. Sufficient funds for operationalisation from temporary campuses have
been provided to these institutes, as follows:

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)

Sl. No. Name of the institute Fund released (Rs. in
lakhs)
1. IIT Palakkad 6884.00
2. IIT Tirupati 4200.00
3. IIT Jammu 6934.00
4. IIT Bhilai 2100.00
5 IIT Dharwad 3118.00
6. IIT Goa 2618.00

Indian Institute of Management (IIM)

1. IIM Amritsar 1785.00
2. IIM Sirmaur 1500.00
3. IIM Sambalpur 1500.00
4. IIM Nagpur 1900.00
5. IIM Bodhgaya 1500.00
6. IIM Vishakhapatnam 2963.77
7. IIM Jammu 2216.50

This information was given by the Minister of State (HRD), Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey today in
a written reply to a Rajya Sabha question.

*****
GG/AK/RK/IITS/IIMS

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Government of India
30-March-2017 14:55 IST
Gujarat far ahead of other States in construction of houses for urban poor
Gujarat built 25,873 houses accounting for 32% of 82,048 houses built under
PMAY(Urban) so far
Rajasthan built 10,805 houses, Karnataka-10,447, Tamil Nadu-6,940, Maharashtra-5,506
Ahmedabad leads cities with 10,183 houses built, Jaipur-7,434, Bengalur-3,428, Gaya-1,334
Chennai-1,279, Visakhapatnam-1,094, Rai Bareli-802
Gujarat is far ahead of other States in construction of affordable houses for urban poor
under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi on June 25, 2015. In Gujarat, 25,873 houses have so far been built for the benefit of urban
poor accounting for 32% of the total 82,048 such houses built under PMAY(Urban) in 30 States
and Union Territories.
According to the written information furnished by Minister of Housing and Urban
Poverty Alleviation Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu in reply to a Starred Question in Rajya Sabha today,
Gujarat is followed by Rajasthan with 10,805 houses constructed so far (13.17% of total),
Karnataka-10,447 (12.70%), Tamil Nadu- 6,940 (8.00%), Maharashtra-5,506 (6.70%), Uttar
Pradesh-3,822 (4.65%), Madhya Pradesh-2,666 (3.%), Bihar-2,409 (2.90%), Jammu & Kashmir-
1,986 (2.42%) and Andhra Pradesh -1,650 houses accounting for 2% of the total houses so far
built.
City-wise, Ahmadabad led others with construction of 10,183 followed by Jaipur-7,434,
Surat-5,216, Rajkot-3,817, Bengaluru-3,428, Vadodara-1,665, Gaya-1,334, Tumkur(Karnataka)-
1,286, Chennai-1,279, Gulbaraga(Karnataka)-1,203, Jamnagar(Gujarat)-1,111, Dhanbad-1,156,
Visakhapatnam-1,094,Alwar(Rajasthan)-883 and Rai Bareli (UP)-802.
Under PMAY(Urban), beneficiaries belonging to Economically Weaker Sections. Low
Income Groups and Middle Income Groups under the components of In-Situ Slum
Redevelopment, Affordable Housing in Partnership, Beneficiary Led Construction and Credit
Linked Subsidy Scheme.
Central assistance of up to Rs.1.00 lakh is provided for each dwelling unit to be built for
the benefit of slum dwellers using land as resource there by slum dwellers getting new pucca
houses free of cost. Central assistance of Rs.1.50 lakh per each beneficiary is provided under
AHP and BLC components while interest subsidy of 6.50% is extended under CLSS for LIG and
interest subsidy of 3% and 4% under recently announced CLSS for Middle Income Groups.
During the last three years, 3.55 lakh affordable houses have been constructed for urban
poor including those sanctioned under JNNURM prior to March, 2014.
AAR/KM
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Government of India
Ministry of Textiles
30-March-2017 18:25 IST
Steps taken by Government to strengthen Handicrafts sector
The details of contribution of handicrafts sector, including handmade carpets, to the economy of
the country through exports during the last three years and the current year is as follows:

Year Export figures (in Rs. Crores)

2013-14 - Rs. 26212.29 Crores
2014-15 - Rs. 28524.48 Crores
2015-16 - Rs. 30939.27 Crores
2016-17 - Rs. 31516.92 Crores
(April to February, 2017)

The steps taken by the Government to boost and strengthen handicrafts sector, which includes
handmade carpets, so as to compete with machine-made products are as follows:

1. Market Development Assistance (MDA) Grant and Market Access Initiative (MAI)
Assistance for participation in Fairs & Exhibitions/Reverse/Buyer-Seller Meets in India &
abroad.

2. Assistance provided by the Government for marketing study, branding/International
publicity, participation in Fairs & Exhibitions, Buyer-Seller Meet in India & abroad etc.
through Marketing and other Schemes.

3. Thematic display and live demonstration of crafts by Master Craftspersons in exhibitions
abroad.

4. Brand image promotion of Indian handicrafts abroad through seminars and publicity as well
as awareness programs in India.

5. Organizing Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair twice a year besides product-specific shows.

6. Display of new design through exporters for creating awareness and marketing.

7. To provide technological support to wooden crafts, a Technological Upgradation centre has
been set up in Saharanpur.

8. To facilitate manufactures/ exporters for developing new design and finishing products,
Common Facility Centres have been setup in Jodhpur and Saharanpur.

9. International Lace Trade Centre has been sanctioned in Crafts Cluster of Lace & Crocheted
crafts at Narasapur, Andhra Pradesh.

10. Moradabad Resource Centre setup at Moradabad to facilitate information relating to
business development, word market trends, marketing and publicity and to cater to the
changing tastes and requirements of international market and remain abreast with the latest
development.

11. Setting up of Mega Clusters in Bhadohi-Mirzapur & Srinagar for increasing
manufacturing and exports of carpets.

12. Providing Skill Development Training for Carpets weaving.

13. Providing financial assistance for running Carpet Weaving Training Centers in Bhadohi-
Varanasi-Mirzapur areas for creating new Artisans/ Weavers with stipend.

14. The Excise & Customs Duties paid for importing inputs are refunded through Duty
Drawback channel.

15. Setting up of Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) at Bhadohi.

16. Interest subvention and grant of MUDRA loan schemes to the handicrafts artisans so as
to compete with machine-made products

The above information was given by the Minister of State, Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta today, in a
written reply to a Lok Sabha question.

***
GG/DJM

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Government of India
Ministry of Steel
29-March-2017 18:01 IST
Contribution of Steel PSUs in Constructing Toilets
There are two steel manufacturing Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India namely
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and RashtriyaIspat Nigam Limited (RINL). The details
of construction of new toilets/reconstruction of dysfunctional toilets by SAIL and RINL under
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at various locations across India are as under:-

Name of No. of New Places of construction of new toilets/
the CPSE Toilets constructed/ reconstruction of dysfunctional toilets
reconstruction of District State
dysfunctional
toilets carried out
SAIL 672 Durg, Kanker,Balod, Chhattisgarh
Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur
Sundergarh Odisha
Katni Madhya Pradesh

West Singbhum, Bokaro Jharkhand
Bankura, Bardhaman West Bengal
Salem Tamil Nadu
RINL 86 Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh

Under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, an amount of about Rs.1629.75 lakh and Rs.90.04 lakh
has been spent on construction of these new toilets / reconstruction of dysfunctional toilets by
SAIL and RINL respectively.

The Minister of Steel Shri Chaudhary Birender Singh gave this information in a
statement laid on the Table of the Rajya Sabha today in reply to a question.

YSK/Uma

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Government of India
29-March-2017 16:31 IST
Balloon Flights for Scientific Expedition
Scientific Ballooning was started in India during the 1950’s by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha under
the aegis of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), an autonomous body
under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and was established in the outskirts of
Hyderabad in the 1970’s. Since then, more than 490 balloon flights of various sizes have
been conducted from this center till date. This is one of the unique facilities in the world
where stratospheric zero pressure balloons are designed, fabricated with indigenous
material, launched and the instruments recovered. The balloons designed and fabricated
in this facility have also been exported to foreign scientific institutions and many foreign
scientific missions have also been flown from the Hyderabad balloon facility.
Balloons supplied by this facility are used to measure vertical wind profiles at SDSC-
SHAR before launch of satellites by ISRO and also for qualifying many instruments in
near space environments before being incorporated in satellites. This facility is also
involved in experimental strategic programs of the armed forces. Experiments carried out
on the earth’s atmosphere have also helped in rain prediction as well as pollution
monitoring and control. Any scientific institution which desires to conduct scientific
balloon flights can approach Balloon Facility, Hyderabad and send the proposal for
conducting the scientific experiment. TIFR ensures that all the concerned agencies are
kept informed about the flights, their expected trajectory and their likely recovery area.
At the time of the balloon flights, all Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) in the corridor
allotted for balloon flights are kept informed by TIFR well in advance of the trajectory of
the balloon flight. During the balloon flight, the ATCs are kept informed of the actual
position of the balloon on minute by minute basis. The police stations in the vicinity of
the expected landing of the instruments are also informed. Pamphlets regarding the
instruments are attached to the instruments in various local languages and the persons to
contact in case these instruments are sighted by any person, are prominently displayed.
Also, an advance party of TIFR technicians is always following the balloon trajectory in
a vehicle so as to reach the landed instrument in the shortest possible time. Care is taken
to try and release the payload in sparsely inhabited areas of the corridor and only in broad
daylight so that the instrument descending on a brightly colored parachute is easily
visible to any person on the ground.
In addition, for every flight window season, the Balloon Facility communicates with the
Chief Secretary of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Police Wireless of Telangana, Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra for awareness of balloon drift and instrument
recovery. In the case of balloon flights conducted for Government funded and private
institutions, the cost is recovered from the institution concerned. With regard to in-house
experiments and research and with regard to improving balloon design and efficiency and
for procuring equipment for safely conducting balloon flights, funding from the
Government (DAE) in terms of Plan Funds is about Rupees One crore per year.
Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public
Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a
question in Lok Sabha today.
*****
KSD/NK/PK/KM
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Government of India
Ministry of Power
29-March-2017 16:26 IST
UDAY is a classic example of Comprehensive, Cooperative, Collaborative,
Competitive, Consensual and Compassionate Federalism: Shri Piyush Goyal
Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura join UDAY, to derive Overall Net
Benefits of approximately Rs. 4178 crores, Rs. 309 crores and Rs. 810 crores
respectively
“UDAY is the most comprehensive power sector reform ever planned and executed in the
country”, said Shri Piyush Goyal,Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New &
Renewable Energy and Mines, while addressing a distinguished gathering of Analysts and Media
persons covering the Power sector, especially the progress of the UDAY Scheme, here today.

Shri Goyal noted that the UDAY scheme is a classic example of Comprehensive, Cooperative,
Collaborative, Competitive, Consensual and Compassionate Federalism, where in the
Governments at the States are envisaged to work in complete cohesion and collaboration with the
Centre so as to compassionately focus on the comprehensively serving the people of India in
meeting their power demands. Further, the scheme encourages State Governments to engage in
constructive competition amongst themselves so as to achieve the financial and operational
turnaround of their power departments and DISCOMs, the Minister added.

Shri Goyal, in a motivating statement for all stakeholders of UDAY, said that the Government’s
aim is to provide ‘Assured, Quality, Affordable and Reliable 24x7 Power for All’ and it looks
forward to a constructive partnership with all stakeholders to break all silos like Centre vs State,
Private vs Public sector and among Ministries and Departments to achieve the above aim.

The Government has a deep focus on monitoring and fixing stakeholder accountability at each
step, the Minister said. Itis working towards a clear strategy with visionary goals, for which the
roadmap has been drawn with a view to bring in efficiency in the whole value chain in the power
sector, Shri Goyal added. The Minister also reviewed the presentations made by States of Andhra
Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan on their DISCOM operational and financial turnarounds under
UDAY and later released a booklet on the journeyof the UDAY scheme.

During the event, Government of India, the State of Kerala and Kerala State Electricity Board
Limitedexchanged the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the Scheme Ujwal
DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) for operational improvement of the Power Utility. Further,
the States of Arunachal Pradesh and Tripuraalso joined the schemefor operational improvement
of the States’ Power Distribution Departmentshere today. With this the total count of States/UTs
under UDAY reaches 26.

An overall net benefit of approximately Rs.4178 crores, Rs. 309 crores and Rs. 810 crores
would accrue to the States of Kerala,Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura respectively, by
opting to participate in UDAY, by way of cheaper funds, reduction in AT&C and transmission
losses, interventions in energy efficiency, etc. during the period of turnaround.

The MoU paves way for improving operational efficiency of the DISCOM of
theseStates. Through compulsory Distribution Transformer metering, consumer indexing & GIS
mapping of losses, upgrade/change transformers, meters etc., smart metering of high-end
consumers, feeder audit etc. AT&C losses and transmission losses would be brought down,
besides eliminating the gap between cost of supply of power and realisation.

The reduction in AT&C losses and transmission losses to 11% and 4.40% respectively by
Kerala, 10% and 3.50% by Arunachal Pradesh and 15% and 4% by Tripura is likely to
bring additional revenueof around Rs.92crores, Rs. 279 crores and Rs. 554 croresto Kerala,
ArunachalPradeshand Tripura respectivelyduring the period of turnaround.

While efforts will be made by the Power Utilityto improve their operational efficiency, and
thereby reduce the cost of supply of power, the Central government would also provide
incentives to the State Governments for improving Power infrastructure in the States and for
further lowering the cost of power. The Central schemes such as DDUGJY, IPDS, Power Sector
Development Fund or such other schemes of MOP and MNRE are already providing funds for
improving Power Infrastructure in the States and additional/priority funding would be considered
under these schemes, if the States/Power Utilities meets the operational milestones outlined in
the scheme. With improved operational efficiency, the DISCOMs would be in a better position to
borrow funds at cheaper rates for Power infrastructure development/improvement in the States.

Benefits such as coal swapping, coal rationalization, correction in coal grade slippage,
availability of 100% washed coal would also help the states to further reduce the cost of
Power. Kerala is expected to benefit around Rs.3600 crores and Tripura around Rs. 156
croresdue to coal reforms.

Demand Side interventions in UDAY such as usage of energy-efficient LED bulbs, agricultural
pumps, fans & air-conditioners and efficient industrial equipment through PAT (Perform,
Achieve, Trade) would help in reducing peak load, flatten load curve and thus help in reducing
energy consumption in the State. The gain is expected to be around Rs.480 crores, Rs. 26
crores and Rs. 96 crores for Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura respectively.

The ultimate benefit of signing the MOU would go to the people of the three States. Reduced
levels of transmission and AT&C losses would mean lesser cost per unit of electricity to
consumers. Further, financially and operationally healthy DISCOMs would be in a position to
supply more power. Higher demand for power would mean higher PLF of Generating units and
therefore, lesser cost per unit of electricity which would again mean lesser cost per unit of
electricity to the consumers. The scheme would also allow speedy availability of cheaper power
to households in the States that are still without electricity. Availability of 24*7 power to hitherto
unconnected villages/households etc. would boost the economy, provide more employment
opportunities for the people of the three States and thereby, improve the standard of living of the
people.

Other dignitaries present during the event were Shri P.K. Pujari, Secretary, Power, Shri Susheel
Kumar, Secretary, Coal along with other senior officials of the Union Ministry of Power, PSUs
under the Ministry and State Power departments.

*****
RM/VM

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Government of India
28-March-2017 17:20 IST
Allocation under Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Government of India has initiatedRashtriyaGokul Mission in December 2014 exclusively for the
development and conservation of indigenous breeds in a scientific and holistic manner with an
allocation of Rs.500crore for the first time in the country.Gokul Grams are being established
under the scheme which will function as centres for the development and protection of
Indigenous Cattle breeds.

Funds have been sanctioned under the scheme for the establishment of 14 Gokul Grams in the
country. Details of gokul grams is as under:

State No. of Gokul Grams
Andhra Pradesh 1
Chattisgarh 2
Gujarat 1
Haryana 2
Karnataka 1
Maharashtra 3
Madhya Pradesh 1
Punjab 1
Uttar Pradesh 2
TOTAL 14

The details of funds released under RashtriyaGokul Mission during the last 2 years and the
current year State wise and year wise is given below.

The aim of these centres is to develop and conserve existing indigenous breeds recognised by
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources.No new breeds are proposed to be developed at
these centres.

Provision has been made under the scheme for training of man power required for
implementation of the scheme.

Funds Released for implementation of RashtriyaGokul Mission part of National programme for
Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development
Rs in lakh
S. No State 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
1 Andhra Pradesh 400.00 0
2 Arunachal Pradesh 0.00 111.00 0
3 Assam 150.00 0
4 Bihar 0.00 350.00 0
5 Chhattisgarh 729.00 0
6 Gujarat 0.00 803.22 0
7 Haryana 200.00 1000.00
8 Himachal Pradesh 350.00 0
9 Jammu & Kashmir 0.00 25.00 0
10 Jharkhand 35.00 200.00
11 Karnataka 0.00 60.00 0
12 Kerala 250.00 400.00 200.00
13 Madhya Pradesh 2000.00 1881.50 500.00
14 Maharashtra 100.00 1250.00
15 Manipur 450.00 280.02 220.82
16 Mizoram 0.00 50.45 0
17 Nagaland 448.00 350.10 31.91
18 Odisha 856.00 900.00
19 Punjab 0.00 600.00 0
20 Rajasthan 300.00 0
21 Sikkim 450.00 0
22 Tamil Nadu 1776.00 750.00
23 Telangana 300.00 0
24 Tripura 417.00 327.00
25 UP 800.00 200.00 0
26 Uttarakhand 500.00 500.00
27 West Bengal 0.00 480.28 0
Total 10511.00 5591.57 5879.71
Note : Initiated by the Government from December 2014.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri
SudarshanBhagat, in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

SS

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Government of India
28-March-2017 16:18 IST
Impact of Mission Indradhanush
Mission Indradhanush has led to vaccination of around 2.1 crore children of which more than 55
lakh children have been fully immunized. The state-wise details of the performance of three
phases of Mission Indradhanush are given below:

Performance of three phases* of Mission Indradhanush
S. State No. of Mission No. of children immunized
No. Indradhanush districts
1 Uttar Pradesh 66 9551572
2 Madhya Pradesh 38 1700001
3 Rajasthan 24 1403946
4 Bihar 20 1001533
5 Delhi 8 970782
6 Haryana 16 918857
7 Jharkhand 13 656527
8 Karnataka 17 611420
9 Tamil Nadu 26 599023
10 Gujarat 23 466361
11 West Bengal 15 435922
12 Chhattisgarh 19 418618
13 Odisha 23 346955
14 Maharashtra 28 295346
15 Assam 26 292598
16 Uttarakhand 5 202010
17 Telangana 9 163526
18 Punjab 14 155632
19 Andhra Pradesh 13 145694
20 Kerala 9 102985
21 Jammu & Kashmir 11 84016
22 Meghalaya 7 71270
23 Manipur 8 35053
24 Arunachal Pradesh 16 33616
25 Nagaland 11 29679
26 Himachal Pradesh 6 11340
27 Tripura 8 10996
28 Mizoram 7 9475
29 Chandigarh 1 4530
30 Goa 1 826
31 Daman & Diu 1 629
32 Puducherry 3 598
33 D&N Haveli 1 458
34 A&N Islands 2 67
35 Sikkim 2 65
India 497 20847403
*Fourth Phase of Mission Indradhanush ongoing in 68 districts of 8 North-eastern states from
7th February’17 and is proposed in 188 districts across 19 states from 7th April 2017.

According to the report of Integrated Child Health & Immunization Survey (INCHIS), the first
two phases of Mission Indradhanush have led to 5-7% increase in full immunization coverage of
children.

*****

MV/LK

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Government of India
28-March-2017 16:16 IST
Caesarean Deliveries
The percentage of deliveries conducted by Caesarean section in the country is 17.2% as per
National Family Health Survey-IV (2015-16). State-wise data is given below:

Birth in Health Facility by Caesarean Section (%)
S.No. States Birth delivered by C section
India 17.2
1 Andaman & Nicobar 19.3
2 Andhra Pradesh 40.1
3 Arunachal Pradesh 8.9
4 Assam 13.4
5 Bihar 6.2
6 Chandigarh 22.6
7 Chhattisgarh 9.9
8 Delhi NCT 23.7
9 Daman & Diu 15.8
10 Dadar & Nagar Haveli 16.2
11 Goa 31.4
12 Gujarat 18.4
13 Haryana 11.7
14 Himachal Pradesh 16.7
15 Jammu & Kashmir 33.1
16 Jharkhand 9.9
17 Karnataka 23.6
18 Kerala 35.8
19 Lakshadweep 37.9
20 Madhya Pradesh 8.6
21 Maharashtra 20.1
22 Manipur 21.1
23 Meghalaya 7.6
24 Mizoram 12.7
25 Nagaland 5.8
26 Puducherry 33.6
27 Sikkim 20.9
28 Odisha 13.8
29 Punjab 24.6
30 Rajasthan 8.6
31 Tamil Nadu 34.1
32 Telangana 58
33 Tripura 20.5
34 Uttar Pradesh 9.4
35 Uttarakhand 13.1
36 West Bengal 23.8
Source-NFHS-IV (2015-16)

World Health Organization (WHO) in its statement released in April, 2015 has said that at
population level, Caesarean section rates higher than 10% are not associated with reductions in
maternal and newborn mortality rates. Government of India (GoI) has already written to all
States and UTs sharing the latest WHO statement. In addition, States have been informed to
conduct periodic prescription audits in the private health facilities under the Clinical
Establishment Act. They have also been informed that prescription audits can be extended to
public health facilities. The Government of India has enacted the Clinical Establishments
(Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 with the objective of registration and regulation of
health care institutions including those in the private sector. 10 States and 6 UTs have adopted
the Clinical Establishment Act. Health being a state subject, it is the responsibility of the state to
effectively implement the act.


*****

MV/LK

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Government of India
Ministry of Culture
28-March-2017 20:06 IST
Dr. Mahesh sharma inaugurates ‘national tribal and north east art conclave’

Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism inaugurated the “National
Tribal and North East Conclave-2017” organized by Lalit Kala Akademi under Ministry of
Culture here today. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahesh Sharma applauded the creativity of
the tribal communities, as also of the artists from the North East region and select contemporary
artists. He said that the Conclave is a unique artistic event representing the important schools of
Indian tribal art, alongside other art genres. He wished them grand success in their creative
endeavours.
The conclave platform features more than a dozen forms of tribal art. Most of these artists from
100 and more artist contingents, have showcased their art forms at Festivals of India held abroad
and distinguished platforms elsewhere. The handpicked coteries are fielding their master painters
for the event. Some of the noteworthy forms on schedule are Cheriyal painters from Telangana,
southern miniature paintings, Patachitra art from Odisha, fresco paintings from Rajasthan, as also
Bhil, Mina works, and paintings on leather by artists from Andhra Pradesh. The event includes
demonstrations of folk traditions that allow visitors to gauge the in-depth sourcing of their
output.
As part of its ongoing effort to discover, nurture, promote and propagate quality art in India, the
Akademi has organized this 7 days Conclave from 28th March, 2017 till 4th April, 2017 at the
Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan Lawns, 35 Ferozshah Road, New Delhi. There was a gala
Folk dance from the folk traditions of Rajasthan to kick start the Conclave in the right mood. The
participating artists will be creating their genres of art and will also speak and interact with
visitors and others, on all days of the event, from 11am to 5:00 pm.

*****
Sanjay Kumar/jk/M/o Culture/28.03.2017

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Government of India
28-March-2017 16:11 IST
Women in Police Force
As on 01.01.2016, the representation of women police personnel is 7.10 % at all India

level.
As ‘Police’ is a State subject falling in List-II of seventh schedule of the Constitution of

India, it is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/UT Administrations to
make adequate representation of women in the State Police Forces. However, Ministry of
Home Affairs has issued advisories dated 04.09.2009 and 22.4.2013 to all the State
Governments/UT Administrations to increase the strength of women police upto 33% of
the total strength.
All the State Governments have been requested to create additional posts of women
constables/SIs by converting the vacant posts of male constables into the posts of women
constables. It has also been aimed that each police station should have at least 3 women
sub-inspectors and 10 women police constables.
Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) in collaboration with the Ministry of
Home Affairs has envisaged engagement of Mahila Police Volunteers (MPV) in
States/UTs who will act as a link between police and community and help women in
distress. All the Chief Secretaries of States/UTs were requested to adopt this initiative in
their respective States. The MPV will encourage women to come forward with
complaints of violence and discrimination, provide information to them on remedies for
this and assist them in taking their cases to police authorities. MPV will serve as an
example to the village and encourage a woman friendly environment both within and
outside the police station. Any empowered woman from the community, who is of 21
years of age and is at least 12th pass can be selected to be a MPV.
Haryana has become the first state to operationalise the Mahila Police Volunteer scheme.
It was launched jointly by the Ministry of WCD and Government of Haryana at Karnal
on 14th December, 2016 for the districts of Karnal and Mahendragarh. A Proposal from
Andhra Pradesh has also been sanctioned for implementation of Mahila Police
Volunteers (MPVs) in two districts namely Anantapur and Kadapa on pilot basis under
Nirbhaya Fund.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir
in a written reply to question by Dr. Kambhampati Haribabu in the Lok Sabha today.
****
KSD/NK/PK/KM/4266
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Government of India
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
28-March-2017 15:39 IST
Integrated Cold Chain Projects
The objective of the scheme for Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure
of Ministry of Food Processing Industries is to provide integrated cold chain, preservation
and value addition infrastructure facilities without any break, from the farm gate to the
consumer in order to reduce post-harvest losses of horticulture and non-horticulture agri-
produce. This will enable linking groups of producers to processors and market through a
well-equipped supply chain and cold chain, thereby ensuring remunerative prices to
farmers and year-round availability of food products to consumers.

Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing the Central Sector Scheme for
Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure,wherein financial assistance in
the form of grant-in-aid upto maximum of Rs. 10 crore per project is provided for setting
up the cold chain infrastructure in the country.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is presently assisting 135 integrated cold
chain projects. Of this, 97 have already been achieved completion and commenced
commercial operation. Operationalization of 135 cold chain projects envisages creation
ofa cold chain capacity of 5.01 lakh MT of Cold Storage/Controlled Atmosphere/Deep
Freezer, 116.40 MT/Hr of Individual Quick Freeze, 52.65 lakh LitrePer Day of Milk
Processing/Storage and 766 nos. of Reefer Vehicles. Out of this, Ministry has so far
created a capacity of 3.70 lakh metric tonnes of cold storage, 95.04 metric tonnes per
hour of Individual Quick Freezing (IQF), 37.96 lakh litres per day of Milk processing/
storage and 552 reefer vans.

State-wise details of Cold Chain Projects sanctioned by Ministry of Food Processing
Industries during the last three years and current year are at Annexure-I.
Government has further approved taking up 100 new integrated cold chain projects in
2016-17 for financial assistance. Accordingly, revised operational guidelines for scheme
for Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure for taking up 100 new cold
chain projects in 2016-17 have been issued on 29.08.2016.Based on the revised
operational guidelines an Expression of Interest (EOI) was issued on 31.08.2016 inviting
applications/proposals from prospective entrepreneurs for taking up 100 new integrated
cold chain projects. Total 308 integrated cold chain proposals all over the country have
been received against the Expression of Interest (EOI).

This information was given by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries
SadhviNiranjanJyoti in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

*********
MJPS

Annexure-I
ANNEXURE REFERRED IN REPLY TO PART (b)&(c) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED
QUESTION NO. 4327 FOR 28thMARCH, 2017 REGARDING INTEGRATED COLD
CHAIN PROJECTS

State-wise details of Cold Chain Projects sanctioned by Ministry of Food Processing
Industries during the last three years and current year .
State 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 Total No. of

(As on Projects sanctioned
24.03.2017)
Nos. Nos. Nos. Nos. Nos.
Andhra Pradesh 0 0 1 0 1
Assam 1 0 0 0 1
Bihar 0 0 1 0 1
Chhattisgarh 0 0 0 0 0
Gujarat 4 0 1 0 5
Haryana 1 0 4 0 5
6
Himachal Pradesh 5 0 0 1
Jammu & 0 4
Kashmir 3 0 1
Karnataka 2 0 0 0 2
Kerala 0 0 0 0 0
0 3
Madhya Pradesh 2 0 1
Maharashtra 15 0 2 2 19
Manipur 0 0 0 0 0
Mizoram 0 0 0 0 0
Odisha 1 0 0 0 1
Punjab 4 0 3 0 7
Rajasthan 2 0 1 0 3
Tamil Nadu 0 0 1 0 1
Telangana 1 0 0 0 1
Uttar Pradesh 3 0 3 0 6
Uttarakhand 7 0 5 1 13
West Bengal 0 0 2 0 2
Total No. of 51 0 26 4 81
Projects
Approved
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Government of India
28-March-2017 15:54 IST
Price Stabilization Fund
The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) was set up in 2014-15 under the Department of
Agriculture, Cooperation & Famers Welfare (DAC&FW) to help regulate the price
volatility of important agri-horticultural commodities like onion, potatoes and pulses
were also added subsequently. The PSF scheme was transferred from DAC&FW to the
Department of Consumer Affairs (DOCA) w.e.f. 1st April, 2016.
The scheme provides for maintaining a strategic buffer of aforementioned commodities

for subsequent calibrated release to moderate price volatility and discourage hoarding and
unscrupulous speculation. For building such stock, the scheme promotes direct purchase
from farmers/farmers’ association at farm gate/Mandi. The PSF is utilized for granting
interest free advance of working capital to Central Agencies, State/UT
Governments/Agencies to undertake market intervention operations. Apart from domestic
procurement from farmers/wholesale mandis, import may also be undertaken with
support from the Fund.
The fund allocated under PSF has been primarily utilized towards building the buffer of
upto 20 lakh tonnes of pulses. In addition, other activities like creation of a buffer of
17,747 tonnes of Onions; import of 5000 tonnes of Tur and 2000tonnes of Onions;
purchase of 6011 tonnes of Onions by NAFED and SFAC ; financial assistances to States
like West Bengal ( Rs. 2.5 crores), Andhra Pradesh ( Rs. 25 crores) and Telangana ( Rs.
9.15 crores) for setting State Level PSF; etc. were also undertaken.
*****
BCK/AK
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Government of India
28-March-2017 15:57 IST
End to End Computerization of TPDS
The Department of Food and Public Distribution is implementing a Plan Scheme on ‘End-to-
end Computerization of TPDS Operations’ during 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17). Initially the
implementation of the project was slow and uneven across the country due to delay in finalization of
action plans by States/UTs, late submission of their proposal for financial assistance and practical
problems faced during implementation of the project. However, due to vigorous efforts and constant
monitoring of the project through meetings, Video Conferences, visits, letters and advisories with
States/UTs to review their progress/problems being faced etc., there has been significant progress in
implementation of the project and ration cards have been completely digitized in all States/UTs,
transparency portal and online grievance rederessal facility/Toll-free number have been implemented in
all States/UTs, online allocation has been implemented in 29 States/UTs and supply chain has been
computerized in 20 States/UTs. The validity of the scheme has been extended by one year i.e. upto
31.03.2018 without any escalation in the project cost to complete the project. The present status of
implementation of scheme ‘End-to-end Computerization of TPDS Operations’ is given below.

Status of End-to-End Computerization of TPDS Operations
(as on14.03.2017)
Computerizatio Online
Digitization Aadhaar Online Toll Free
n of Supply- Transparenc Grievanc
Sl. States/UTs of Ration Seeding Allocation of Helpline
chain y Portal e
Cards in RCs Foodgrains Numbers
Management Redressal
1 Andhra Pradesh 100 100% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
2 Chandigarh 100 100% NA NA Yes Yes Yes
3 Chhattisgarh 100 97% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
Dadra & Nagar
4 100 94% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
Haveli
5 Daman & Diu 100 100% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
6 Gujarat 100 91% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
7 Puducherry 100 100% NA NA Yes Yes Yes
8 Jharkhand 100 96% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
9 Karnataka 100 98% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
10 Madhya Pradesh 100 87% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
11 Rajasthan 100 95% Implemented - Yes Yes Yes
12 Tamil Nadu 100 99% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
13 Telangana 100 100% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
14 Andaman & Nicobar 100 97% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
15 Delhi 100 100% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
16 Goa 100 89% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
17 Haryana 100 91% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
18 Himachal Pradesh 100 96% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
19 Maharashtra 100 87% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
20 Odisha 100 86% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
21 Punjab 100 97% Implemented - Yes Yes Yes
22 Sikkim 100 72% Implemented - Yes Yes Yes
23 Tripura 100 92.55% Implemented Implemented Yes - Yes
24 Uttar Pradesh 100 74% Implemented - Yes Yes Yes
25 Arunachal Pradesh 100 44.50% - - Yes - Yes
26 Assam 100 0 Implemented - Yes Yes Yes
27 Bihar 100 43.15% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
28 Jammu and Kashmir 100 62% Upto TSO - Yes - Yes
29 Kerala 100 98% Implemented - Yes Yes Yes
30 Lakshadweep 100 98% - NA Yes Yes Yes
31 Manipur 100 1.28% Partial - Yes Yes Yes
32 Meghalaya 100 0% - - Yes Yes Yes
33 Mizoram 100 11.86% - - Yes Yes Yes
34 Nagaland 100 6.50% - - Yes Yes Yes
35 Uttarakhand 100 90% Implemented - Yes Yes Yes
36 West Bengal& 100 61% Implemented Implemented Yes Yes Yes
Total 100% 76.21% 29 20 36 33 36

****
BCK/AK

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Government of India
27-March-2017 19:55 IST
Meeting of Consultative Committee of Ministry of Social Justice &
Empowerment Held
The Meeting of Consultative Committee of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

held here today under the chairmanship of Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social
Justice and Empowerment. Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri
Krishan Pal Gurjar, Shri Ramdas Athawale, and Shri Vijay Sampla were present in the
meeting. Agenda of the Meeting was ‘Allocation for the Welfare of Schedule Castes’ and
‘Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana’.
Addressing on the occasion, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot said that all the
States/Ministries/Departments earmark funds under Allocation for the welfare of
Schedule Castes (formerly Schedule Caste Sub Plan) out of their Plan outlay, in
proportion to the percentage of Schedule caste population as per the consolidated
guidelines of SCSP issued by Planning Commission. M/o Social Justice and
Empowerment has been entrusted to monitor its implementation.
Referring to “Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana”, Shri Gehlot said that this new Central sector
scheme has been formulated in pursuance of the Budget 2015-16 announcement and is
100% funded by the Central government. This scheme aims at providing Senior citizens,
belonging to BPL category and suffering from any of the age related disability/infirmity
viz. Low vision, Hearing impairment, Loss of teeth and locomotor disability, with such
assisted-living devices which can restore near normalcy in their bodily functions,
overcoming the disability/infirmity manifested. This scheme first of its kind in the
country, is expected to benefit 5,20,000 senior citizens over a period of three years. These
devices will distributed free of cost in Camp mode. It will be launched on 1st April, 2017
in District Nellore in Andhra Pradesh followed by on 8th April, 2017 in Ujjain in Madhya
Pradesh.
Members of Parliament who took part in the meeting included ; Shri Hariom Singh
Rathor, Dr. (Smt.) Mamtaz Sanghamita, Shri Vinod Chavda and Shri Virender Kashyap
(All Lok Sabha); and Shri K. Somaprasad (Rajya Sabha).
Secretary, M/o SJE Smt. Latha Krishna Rao and senior officers of M/o SJ&E were also
present in the Meeting.
*****
Sanjay Kumar/jk/MoSJ&E (Consultative)/27.03.2017
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Government of India
26-March-2017 14:24 IST
Credit Rating of Urban Local Bodies gain Momentum
94 cities assigned Credit Ratings as Smart Cites and AMRUT cities gear up to
issue Municipal Bonds
59% cities get Investment Grade rating
NDMC, Navi Mumbai and Pune lead with AA+ Rating
Ahmedabad, Visakahapatnam, Hyderabad come next with AA Rating
Kolkata-A+, Bhopal and Jaipur-A-, Thiruvananthapuram and Panaji-BBB, Ranchi-BBB-,
all investment grade
Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu reviews progress of Credit Rating of Smart Cities and AMRUT
cities

With the exercise of Credit Rating of cities and towns gaining momentum, 94 of the 500
cities included in Smart City Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
Transformation (AMRUT) have obtained such ratings which are necessary for issuing Municipal
Bonds for mobilization of resources.
During the review of progress of Credit Rating exercise taken by Minister of Urban
Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu yesterday, it was revealed that 55 of these cities have got
‘Investment Grade’ ratings. Shri Naidu noted that 59% of cities assessed getting Investment
Grade rating was better than what was thought of about the financial situation of Urban Local
Bodies in the country.
The 94 cities that have so far been assigned Credit Ratings are spread across 14 States.
Ministry of Urban Development is promoting Credit Rating of cities as one of the five
Transformational Reforms under which about 500 cities and towns that account for about 65% of
total urban population were to be given Credit Ratings during this year.
Of the total 20 ratings ranging from AAA to D, BBB- is the ‘Investment Grade’ ratings
and cities rated below BBB-need to undertake necessary interventions to improve their ratings for
obtaining positive response to the Municipal Bonds to be issued.
Credit Ratings are assigned based on assets and liabilities of Urban Local Bodies,
revenue streams, resources available for capital investments, Double Entry Accounting practice
and other governance practices. Besides the Credit Rating of Urban Local Bodies, ratings for
individual projects for which resources are to bemobilised through Municipal Bonds would have
a bearing on the response to such bonds.
Details of cities and towns and respective Credit Ratings are as below:
Credit Cities/Towns
Rating
New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Navi Mumbai and Pune
AA+ (3)
AA (3) Ahmedabad, Visakhapatnam and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation
AA- (4) Surat, Nashik, Thane and Pimpri-Chindwad
A+ (5) Indore, Kishanganj(Rajasthan), Kolkata, Vadodara(Gujarat) and
Warangal(Telangana)
A (1) Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan)
A-(8) Alwar, Bhiwadi, Beawar, Jaipur(Raj), Bhopal,Jabalpur(MP), Mira Bhayandar(Maha)
and New Town Rajarhat(W.Bengal)
BBB+ (5) Ajmer , Kota and Udaipur(Rajasthan), Ludhiana(Punjab) and Jamnagar(Guj)
BBB (14) Kakinada, Anantapur, Kurnool and Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Davanagere and
Hubbali-Dharwar(Karnataka), Kochi and Trivendrum (Kerala), Panaji (Goa),
Kolhapur and Nagpur(Maharashtra), Jodhpur, Nagaur and Tonk(Rajasthan)
BBB- (12 Amaravati (Maharashtra), Belgavi (Karnataka), Bharuch and Bhavnagar (Gujarat),
) Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Bikaner and Hanumangarh(Rajasthan), Chittor and Cuddapah
(Andhra Pradesh), Cuttack (Odisha), Ranchi (Jharkhand).
BB+ (14) Proddatur, Nandyal and Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), Kollam and Kozhikode (Kerala),
Kalol, Nadiad and Navsarai (Gujarat), Nanded and Solapur (Maharashtra), Gangapur
City, Dhaulpur, Pali and Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan)
BB (14) Adoni and Tadipatri (Andhra Pradesh), Dwaraka (Gujarat), Aizawal (Mizoram),
Thrisur (Kerala), Berhampur, Rourkela and Sambhalpur (Odisha), Bundi, Churu,
Chittorgarh, Hindaun, Jodhpur and Sujangarh (Rajasthan)
BB- (7) Adityapur, Chas, Deogarh and Giridh (Jharkhand), Mori (Gujarat), Baran and
Jhalawar (Raj)
B+ (3) Baripada and Puri (Odisha) and Hazaribagh (Jharkhand)
B (1) Bhadrak (Odisha)

As per the reforms timelines suggested by the Ministry of Urban Development, 39 cities
that have got Credit Ratings below the investment grade (BBB-) have to undertake necessary
interventions for improving the ratings in one year.
****
AAR/KM
March 26, 2017

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Government of India
26-March-2017 18:13 IST
Prime Minister attends Ugadi celebrations in the Capital
Says: Diversity of India is its Identity as well as its Strength

Shri Venkaiah Naidu hosts Ugadi Milan function
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today joined in the Ugadi Milan celebrations in the
capital today, and emphasized that diversity of India is its identity as well as its strength. The
event was hosted by Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Urban Development and
Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri M Venkaiah Naidu at his residence.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister while greeting the nation for the New Year,
said that the festivals are a reflection of the changing facets of Nature and linked to our culture
and traditions. Citing the Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat initiative of the Government, Shri Modi said
that this would enable the coming generations to understand the diversity of different states and
their cultures. This would strengthen the feeling of oneness and unity amongst all Indians. He
called upon the States collaborate with each other thereby promoting uniqueness of their
respective cultures and traditions in different regions.

Regarding the Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat initiative, the Prime Minister gave the example
of the MoU signed between Haryana and Telangana, which provided an opportunity for the two
states to collaborate in the areas of Film festivals, Language, Cuisines, and Exchange between
sportspersons, policy makers and legislators.

While appreciating the cultural performance of Jatayu Moksham, the Prime Minister said
that the struggle of Jatayu was an inspiration for all of us to fight terrorism courageously which
currently posed a huge challenge to the entire humanity today.

Welcoming the guests on the occasion, Shri Naidu said that Ugadi was the beginning of
New Year as per Indian calendar. It is celebrated all across India on different days in the
month. He said Ugadi Pachhadi, a combination of six different tastes (shat ruchi) consisting of
sweet, sour, spicy or pungent, salty, astringent and bitter symbolized various emotions of
happiness, disgust, anger, fear, surprise and sadness. He said that Indian Culture was unique and
most civilized as there was science in every festival and every tradition.

Shri Naidu mentioned that the onset of the New Year would bring prosperity and Growth
to the country under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Ugadi which heralds the arrival of spring and warmer weather signifies the start of a new
year in many parts of South India. The joyous festival signifies growth and prosperity and as
with all new year festivals, it provides an opportunity to start new ventures.

The function was attended by Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker, Lok Sabha, Lt Governor
of Delhi Shri Anil Baijal, Minister of Law and Justice Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister for
Tourism and Culture Shri Mahesh Sharma, Minister for S&T Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for
Sports & Youth Affairs Shri Vijay Goel, Minister of State for I&B Col. Rathore, Members of
Parliament, Senior Judges of the Supreme Court, High Court and Senior officials from the
Ministries of I&B, Urban Development, HUPA.

Artists from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh gave cultural
performances on the occasion.

****
CP/GV
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Government of India
26-March-2017 12:44 IST
English Translation of the Text of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme on All India
Radio on 26.03.2017
My dear countrymen, Namaskar. Parents in most parts of the country must be busy with
their children’s examinations. There would be a sense of relief where the examinations
are over, but where the examinations are still on, there certainly would still be some
amount of pressure. However, at a time like this I would only say that students may listen
again to what I had said in my ‘Mann Ki Baat’ last time. I am sure that my suggestions
there will be of substantial help while they sit for their examinations.
Today is the 26th of March. 26th March is the Independence Day of Bangladesh. It was a
historic war against injustice, which was fought under the leadership of “Banga-Bandhu”
and led to the unprecedented victory of the people of Bangladesh. I extend my heartfelt
greetings to the brothers and sisters of Bangladesh, on this significant day. And I hope
that Bangladesh marches ahead on the path of progress. I also assure the citizens of
Bangladesh that India is a strong partner, and a good friend, and we will continue to work
together shoulder to shoulder to contribute towards the peace, security and development
of this entire region.
It is a matter of great pride for all of us that Rabindranath Tagore and his memories are a
shared heritage. The National Anthem of Bangladesh too, has been composed by
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. There is a very interesting fact about Gurudev that in
1913 he was not only the first Asian to receive the Nobel Prize, but Knighthood was also
conferred upon him by the British. After the Jallianwallah Massacre by the British in
1919, Rabindranath Tagore was one of the legendary figures, who raised their voices in
protest. And it was at the same time, that this event left a very deep impact on a twelve-
year-old boy. The inhuman massacre at Jallianwalla Bagh, provided a new inspiration
and mission in life to that young teenager, who until then had spent his days playing
merrily in his fields. And Bhagat, that 12-year old boy in 1919, evolved to be the martyr
Bhagat Singh, our dear hero and inspiration. On the 23rd of March, Bhagat Singh Ji and
his comrades, Sukhdev and Rajguru, were hanged to death by the British, and we are all
aware of that. There was a sense of fulfillment on the faces of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev
and Rajguru for having served Mother India - - there was no fear of death. They had
sublimated all their dreams for the freedom of Mother India. These three heroes inspire
us to this day. It would be impossible to express in words the story of the supreme
sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. And the entire British Empire feared
these three young men. They were in jail, certain to be hanged, but still the British
remained anxious about how to deal with them. That is why, though the scheduled date
was the 24th, they were hanged on the 23rd of March. This was done clandestinely,
which is not the usual practice. And later, their remains were brought to present day
Punjab, and were secretly cremated. Many years ago, when I first got the chance to go
there, I could feel a certain vibration in that place. And I would certainly urge the youth
of our country to go to Punjab, whenever they get the chance, and visit the ‘samadhi’ of
Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Bhagat Singh’s mother and Batukeshwar Dutt.
That was the period when the desire for freedom, its intensity, and spread were on the
rise. On the one hand, brave hearts like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, were
inspiring the youth towards an armed revolution. And on the other hand, exactly one
hundred years ago on the 10th of April, 1917, Mahatma Gandhi had launched the
Champaran Satyagraha. This year marks the centenary of the Champaran Satyagraha. In
India’s struggle for freedom, Gandhian thought and Gandhian practice became manifest
for the first time in Champaran. This was a turning point in the entire journey of India’s
freedom struggle, especially in the context of the methodology of the struggle. This was
the period when, in the Champaran Satyagraha, Kheda Satyagraha, and the mill-workers’
strike in Ahmedabad, the deep impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts and practices was
amply and clearly visible. Gandhi returned to India in 1915, and in 1917, he went to a
small village in Bihar and gave the country a new inspiration. We cannot evaluate the
Champaran Satyagraha on the basis of the image of Mahatma Gandhi that we cherish in
our hearts today. Just imagine that one man, who came to India in 1915, and had been in
the country for barely two years. The country didn’t know of him, he bore no influence
then; it was just the beginning. We can only imagine the hardships that he must have
endured, how hard he must have had to toil. And it was the Champaran Satyagraha that
brought to the fore, Mahatma Gandhi’s organisational skills, and his strong ability to
gauge the pulse of Indian society. Mahatma Gandhi, through his demeanour and deeds,
could inspire the poorest of the poor, the most illiterate, to unite and come together out
into the open for the struggle against the British Rule; this was a manifestation of an
incredible inner strength, through which we can experience the vastness of Mahatma
Gandhi’s great persona. But if we reflect upon the Gandhi of a hundred years ago, the
Gandhi of the Champaran Satyagraha, that would be a subject of deep study for anyone
about to enter public life. We can all learn from Gandhi Ji what it means to begin a life of
public service, how hard one has to work, as Gandhi did. And that was the period when
all the stalwarts, that we hear about today: Rajendra Babu, Acharya Kripalani Ji, and
others were all sent to the villages by Gandhi Ji. Ways and means to connect with the
people and lending hues of freedom to their day to day work were taught. And the British
were simply unable to comprehend Gandhi Ji’s unique style of working, which
encompassed both struggle and creation together. In a way, Gandhi created two sides of
the same coin; one being struggle and the other, creativity. To get themselves arrested
voluntarily to fill jails, on the one hand, and on the other to immerse themselves in
creative work. Gandhi’s style of working had an incredible balance. What the word,
‘Satyagraha’ means, what disagreement can mean, what Non-Cooperation in the face of
such a vast Empire could be –Gandhi Ji established a completely new vision of
resistance, not through mere words, but through a successful experiment.
Today, as the nation observes the centenary of the Champaran Satyagraha, the immense
power of the common man, so visible in the struggle for freedom, manifests again in the
journey from Swaraj to Suraaj, the resolve, the perseverance of the 125 crore
countrymen, following the tenet of ‘Sarvyajan Hitaay, Sarvajan Sukhaay’ i.e. for the
benefit of all, for the happiness of all, and the ceaseless enterprise to achieve something
for the country, the society, would bring about the realisation of the dreams of the great
souls who laid down their lives for the sake of Freedom.
Today, as we live in the 21st century, which Indian wouldn’t want to see India change,
which Indian wouldn’t want to be a partner in the transformation of the country! This
desire of 125 crore countrymen for change, the effort to change, is what will lay a strong
foundation of a ‘New India’. ‘New India’ is neither a government programme, nor is it
the manifesto of a political party, nor is it a project. ‘New India’ is the clarion call of 125
crore countrymen. It is the essence of the emotions of the 125 crore Indians wanting to
come together and create a magnificent India. 125 crore Indians nurture a hope, a zeal, a
resolve, a desire.
My dear countrymen, if we, for a moment, pause to look with empathy at the happenings
in society around us, and if we try to understand these, we would be amazed to see that
there are lakhs of people, who besides their own personal responsibilities are working
selflessly, for society - the exploited, victimised, deprived; for the poor and the
oppressed. That too silently, and with devotion, as if they are performing ‘tapasya’ or
‘sadhana’. There are many who regularly go to hospitals to serve patients. There are
many who rush to donate blood, when required. There are many who try to provide food
to the hungry. Our country is a many splendoured land. The belief that Service to
humanity is service to God, is innate to us. If we look at it in its collectiveness, in an
organised manner, it comes across as a major force. When there is a talk of ‘New India’,
its criticism, its analysis, it counter views, are but natural, and that is a fundamental of
democracy. But it is true that if 125 crore countrymen resolve, and decide to walk step by
step on a path to realise that resolve, the dream of ‘New India’ can be fulfilled in our
lifetime. And all these things are not necessarily achieved through the Budget,
government projects, or government money. If every citizen resolves to obey traffic rules,
if every citizen resolves that he will discharge his duties honestly, if every citizen
resolves that he will not use petrol or diesel one day in a week - - these are not very big
things. But these will contribute to the realisation of the dream of this country, this ‘New
India’, that is being nurtured by 125 crore countrymen, and this realisation will be
achieved before their eyes. In essence, every citizen must discharge his civic duties and
responsibilities. This in itself would be a good beginning to the New India.
As India gets ready to celebrate 75 years of Independence in 2022, come let us remember
Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru. Let us remember the Champaran Satyagraha. Why
don’t we too, be a part of this journey from ‘Swaraj to Suraaj’ by making our lives
disciplined, and filled with resolve. Come, I invite you.
My dear countrymen, today I want to express my gratitude to all of you. Over the last few
months the country has witnessed a certain atmosphere in which people in large numbers
have participated in the digital payment, ‘Digidhan’ movement. There has also been an
increase in curiosity about cashless transactions. The poorest of the poor are making an
attempt to learn, and people are gradually moving towards doing businesses without cash.
There has been a surge in various modes of digital payment after demonetisation. The
BHIM-App was launched just about two to two and a half months ago, but approximately
one and half crore people have downloaded it.
My dear countrymen, we must take our fight against black money and corruption to the
next level. Can 125 crore countrymen resolve to undertake 2500 crores digital
transactions during this year? We have made an announcement in the Budget. Our 125
crore countrymen, if they wish to do so, they need not wait for a year; they can do it in
six months. 2500 crore digital transactions - - - if we pay school fees, we shall do so not
by cash but digitally, if we travel by train, travel by air, we shall pay digitally, if buy
medicines, we shall pay digitally, if we run fair price shops, we will use the digital mode.
We can do this in our day to day lives. You can’t imagine how you can serve the country
in this way and become a brave soldier in the fight against black money and corruption.
Recently, several Digidhan-mela programmes were organised to educate the people and
to increase public awareness. The resolve was to organise 100 such programmes all over
the country. About 80-85 programmes have already been conducted. There was also a
reward scheme. Close to 12 and half lakh people have won prizes. Seventy thousand
traders also won the prizes instituted for them. Each and every one of them also resolved
to carry this mission forward. The birth anniversary of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar is on
the 14th of April. And as was decided much earlier, the Digimela will be brought to a
culmination on the 14th of April, the birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. On the
completion of a hundred days, a grand closing ceremony will be held. There is a
provision of a bumper draw also in that. I believe that in whatever time that is left before
Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, we should popularise and promote the BHIM-
App. We should contribute towards ensuring reducing the use of cash, of currency notes.
My dear countrymen, I am glad that every time, I request people for suggestions in Mann
Ki Baat, numerous suggestions pour in. But I have seen that there is always an emphasis
on the topic of cleanliness.
Gayatri, a young girl from Dehradun, who is a student of class 11, has phoned in with a
message: -
“Esteemed Principal, Prime Minister Sir, my respectful greetings to you. To begin with,
heartiest congratulations on your victory in the elections, with a huge margin. I wish to
share the issue close to my heart with you. I want to say that people will have to be made
aware about the importance of cleanliness. Every day I pass by a river, in which people
dump a lot of garbage and pollute rivers. The river flows under the Rispana Bridge before
passing by my home. For the sake of this river we went to settlements on its banks, spoke
to people and took out rallies too, but to no avail. I want to request you to kindly
highlight this issue by sending a team there, or through the newspapers. Thank you.”
Brothers and sisters, look at the agony of this young daughter, the 11th class student.
How enraged she is by seeing the river strewn with trash. I consider this to be a good
omen. This is exactly what I want - - that 125 crore countrymen be angered by filth. Once
there is anger, dissatisfaction, rage, we will be compelled to act against this scourge. The
good thing is that Gayatri is expressing her own anger, and giving suggestions to me, but
she also goes on to say, that she has made several efforts but could not succeed. There
has been an awareness ever since the launch of the Cleanliness Movement. Each person
has become associated with it in a positive manner. This has now truly taken the form of
a movement. There has been an increase in the disgust towards squalor. When there is
awareness and active participation in the movement, it has its own significance. But
cleanliness is more about a habit than a movement. This movement is geared towards
bringing about a change in the habit, a movement to inculcate the HABIT of cleanliness.
This movement can be accomplished collectively. It is a difficult task, but we have to do
it. I am sure that this resolve that has arisen in the younger generation, in children, in
students, in the youth, augurs well for achieving good results. I would urge my fellow
countrymen, who have heard Gayatri’s message in my ‘Mann Ki Baat’ today, that it
should be a message to all of us.
My dear Countrymen, right from the beginning since I have started the programme
‘Mann Ki Baat’, I have been receiving a lot of suggestions on one issue, and in most of
those, people have expressed concern about food wastage. We know that at home and at
feasts and social gatherings, we tend to serve ourselves more food than we need. We put
each and everything on offer, on our plates, but we fail to finish what we have taken. We
can’t even finish half of what is on our plates and then leave it uneaten. Have you ever
thought about how much food we waste? Have you ever thought how many poor people
can be fed if we don’t thus waste our food? This is not something that needs to be taught.
As it is, in our families, mothers always tell their children to take only as much food they
can eat. There is always some effort made in this direction, but still the apathy on this
issue is a crime against society. It is an injustice to the poor. On the other hand, if we are
able to avoid wastage, the family too benefits economically. So while it is good to care
about society, this is beneficial to the family as well. I am not urging too much on this
issue, but I would like this awareness to spread. I do know some young persons, who are
active in such campaigns. They have created Mobile Apps. And when people call them
about there being leftover food anywhere, they collect it and put it to good use. They
work hard, and these are our own young people. You will find such people somewhere in
each and every state of India. The lives of these people can inspire us not to waste food.
We should take only as much as we can eat.
See, these are the pathways leading towards change. And those who are health conscious
always say that, there should always be some space left both in the stomach and on the
plate. Now that we are talking about health, 7th April is World Health Day. United
Nations has resolved to provide universal health coverage for all by 2030. This year on
the occasion of World Health Day on the 7th of April, United Nations has focused on
Depression, which is the theme this year. We are familiar with this word, depression.
According to one estimate, more than 35 crore people in the world suffer from
depression. The problem is that we are unable to fully comprehend it even amongst those
around us, and perhaps we also hesitate to talk about it openly, with our family and
friends. The person suffering from depression too doesn’t speak out himself as he feels a
sense of shame about it.
I want to tell my countrymen, that depression is not incurable. There is a need to create a
psychologically conducive environment to begin with. The first mantra is the expression
of depression instead of its suppression. Share openly what you are going through, with
your colleagues, friends, parents, brothers, and teachers. Sometimes one is overcome by a
sense of loneliness - - - students living in hostels are particularly vulnerable to it. We are
fortunate that we have been raised in joint families, large families, where there is
communication, which eliminates the chances of getting into depression. But I would still
like to tell parents that if you notice your son or daughter or any other member of your
family - - - earlier the entire family used to dine together. But if someone in the family
says, “No, I will eat later.” He doesn’t come to the dining table. When the entire family is
going on an outing, he just says, “No, I don’t want to come today.” He professes a desire
to be alone. Have you ever wondered why he does so? You can be sure that this the first
step towards depression. If he prefers to stay away from a group, and tends to be all by
himself, do make an effort to ensure that this does not happen. He should be given an
opportunity to be amongst people with whom he speaks openly. Try to encourage him to
express himself, to reveal and bring out his insecurities and complexes while engaging
him in light-hearted happy conversation. This is a very good way of dealing with it.
Depression can be the root cause of many mental and physical ailments. Just as diabetes
can be the root cause of all sorts of diseases, depression too, destroys all our abilities to
sustain, to fight, to display courage and to take a decision. Your friends, your family,
your surroundings, and environment, all these can prevent you from going into
depression and if you unfortunately has gone into it, they can also pull you out of it.
There is another way. If you are unable to express yourself to your family and friends,
then do one thing, go out in society with a sense of service. Devote yourself with all your
heart into helping others and sharing their joys and sorrows. You will find that along with
it your own inner sufferings will go on disappearing. If you try to sympathise with the
sufferings of others with a sense of service, a new self-confidence will be born within
you. By connecting with others, serving them and serving them selflessly, you will easily
be able to shed the weight oppressing your own heart and mind.
Yoga too is a good means for mental wellbeing. Yoga helps in relieving tension and
stress, and leads one towards a happy state of mind. 21st June is the International Day of
Yoga. This will be the third year of its observance. You all should start preparing for it
right away. Collective Yoga festivals should be celebrated with the participation of
millions. If you have any ideas for the Third International Yoga Day, please do send me
your suggestions and guidance through my mobile Application. You could compose as
many songs and poems on Yoga, as possible, as these can be easily understood by the
masses.
Today I would like to say something especially to mothers and sisters also, since health
and wellbeing have been a major part of our conversation today. Recently, the
Government of India has taken a very important decision. The working-class women in
our country - their numbers are increasing day by day, their participation is increasing
and this is a welcome trend. But women also shoulder certain special responsibilities.
They look after the family. They also have to share the financial responsibilities of
running the household, and because of that sometimes, the newborn has to bear some
injustice of neglect. The Government of India has taken a very important decision. These
working women will now be given maternity leave of 26 weeks, instead of the earlier 12
weeks, for their pregnancy and delivery. There are now only two or three countries in the
world that are ahead of us in this matter. India has taken a very important decision for
these working women sisters of ours. The basic aim is to ensure proper care of the
newborn, the future citizen of India, from the time of birth. The newborn should get the
complete love and attention of the mother. That is how these children will become true
assets of the country when they grow up. Mothers too will remain healthy. And that is
why, this is such a landmark decision, and this will benefit 18 lakh women working in the
formal sector.
My dear countrymen, we will celebrate the auspicious day of Ram Navami on the 5th of
April, Mahavir Jayanti is on the 9th of April, and on the 14th of April is the birth
Anniversary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. May the lives of all these great luminaries inspire
us, and give us the strength to resolve ourselves to the cause of New India. My heartiest
new year greetings for Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, Varsh Pratipada, and Nav Samvatsar,
which are two days from now. After Vasant Ritu or the season of Spring, it is now the
time for the ripening of the crops, and the time for the farmers to reap the benefits of their
hard work. The new year is celebrated in different ways in different parts of our country.
New year is Gudi Padva in Maharashtra, Ugadi in Andhra and Karnataka, for the Sindhi
it is Cheti Chand, Navreh in Kashmir, Samvatsar Pooja in the Awadh Region, Jud-
Sheetal in the Mithila region of Bihar and the festival of Satuvani in the Magadh region.
India is a country blessed with rich diversity. My heartiest greetings and best wishes to
you all on this New Year. Many thanks.
****
AKT/AK
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Government of India
Ministry of Finance
25-March-2017 11:27 IST
Economic Corridor Development (ECD) now at the forefront in promoting
Sustained Growth in the SASEC Sub-region; India and Asian Development
Bank (ADB) partnering on the economic corridor approach yields useful lessons
on ECD, through their joint work on the East Coast Economic Corridor
(ECEC).
India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have been partnering on the economic
corridor approach for some time now. Economic Corridor Development contributes to
and stimulates economic development along the route. The economic corridor approach
involves leveraging infrastructure connectivity and developing urban areas as growth
centers and gateways, to unlock the full potential of markets.
Since late 2013, ADB has been supporting studies on how to transform transport
corridors into dynamic economic corridors. These studies considered how to best link the
existing and planned transport corridors in various modes (surface, maritime, and
multimodal transport) with other economic corridors such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial
Corridor, the Bangalore-Chennai Economic Corridor, Amritsar- Kolkata Industrial
Corridor and the corridors in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.
“This India-ADB partnership has in fact yielded useful lessons on Economic Corridor
Development (ECD), through their joint work on the East Coast Economic Corridor
(ECEC), India’s first coastal corridor” noted Mr. Ronald Antonio Butiong, Director of
ADB South Asia Department’s Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination
Division. “The ECEC, which runs along the entire east coast from Kolkata to
Kanyakumari, is a multimodal, regional maritime corridor that can play a vital role in
unifying the large domestic market, as well as integrating the Indian economy with the
dynamic global value chains of Southeast and East Asia.” Aside from an ambitious
infrastructure program, the ECEC involves developing skills, and creating an attractive
regulatory environment, bringing in new investments, and nurturing existing businesses
to grow and innovate, and create much needed jobs.
Phase 1 of the ECEC is the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) which

covers 11 districts in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. ADB helped prepare the
Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) and Regional Perspective Plan (RPP) for VCIC,
which served as the bases for the Visakhapatnam–Chennai Industrial Corridor
Development Program, which was approved by the ADB Board in September 2016. The
Program comprises a multi-tranche financing facility (MFF), a grant, and a policy-based
loan (PBL) for a total investment amount of $631 million. The MFF and grant will
support priority infrastructure investments in the VCIC region and the PBL will support
policy reforms and institutional development in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
ADB’s indicative lending pipeline for 2017–2019 to support economic corridor

development in South Asia includes: (i) the VCIC Development Program MFF Tranche 2
in India in 2018, with an ADB loan: $250 million; and (ii) Regional Urban Development
Project in Nepal in 2017, with an ADB loan: $150 million.
Earlier, ADB has developed a SASEC Operational Plan (OP) 2016-2025 which identifies
promoting economic corridor development (ECD) as of one its key strategic focus areas.
The SASEC OP, adopted by the SASEC member countries in June 2016, is the SASEC
program’s first comprehensive long-term plan to promote greater economic cooperation
among its member countries, bringing regional cooperation to a higher level with the aim
of extending physical and economic linkages not only within SASEC but also with East
and Southeast Asia.
Under the SASEC OP, the operational focus on economic corridors will involve
promoting synergies between corridors across SASEC countries. “Such approach adopted
by the SASEC program should maximize the corridors’ development impacts through
improved cross-border linkages between corridors, and better coordination of policies,
plans and programs for multi-sector infrastructure interventions. This would result in
stronger consistency between and among transport, urban and industrial development
efforts within the sub-region”, stressed Mr. Dinesh Sharma, Special Secretary,
Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
******
DSM
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Government of India
24-March-2017 14:13 IST
Water level of 91 major reservoirs of the country goes down by Two per cent
The water storage available in 91 major reservoirs of the country for the week ending on March
23, 2017 was 54.962 BCM,which is 35% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This
percentage was at 37 for the week ending on March 16, 2017. The level of March 23, 2017
was 132% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 101% of storage of average of
last ten years.

than 60 MW.


NORTHERN REGION

The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6
corresponding period of last year and is also less than the average storage of last ten years during
the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION

live storage available in these reservoirs is 10.53 BCM which is 56% of total live storage
capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 40% and
average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 44% of live storage capacity of
these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is better than the corresponding period of last
year and is also better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION

CENTRAL REGION
period.
SOUTHERN REGION
these reservoirs is 8.00 BCM which is 16% of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Punjab,
Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, AP&TG (Two combined projects in both states) and
Telangana. States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal
Pradesh, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
****
Samir/jk
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Government of India
24-March-2017 12:45 IST
Setting up of National Cancer Research Institutes/Hospitals
National Cancer Institute at Jhajjar and second campus of Chittaranjan National Cancer
Institute, Kolkata are being set up at a cost of Rs. 2035 crore and Rs. 534 crore respectively. The
implementation of the projects is at initial stage. These institutes will be apex institutes for
activities related to cancer including research and treatment.

The Government of India is also implementing Tertiary Care Cancer Centre scheme in the
country under which State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) are
being set up in different parts of the country. The SCI and TCCC shall mentor all Cancer related
activities including research and treatment inter alia. Setting up of 11 State Cancer Institutes and
13 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres is approved. The details of SCI and TCCC approved along
with the funds released under the said scheme during the last two years and the current year is
given below:
State-wise funds released for setting up/establishing State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and Tertiary Care
Cancer Centres (TCCCs) under Tertiary Care of Cancer component of National Programme for
Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS):
S No. State/UTs Name of the Institute SCI/ Amount

TCCC Released
(in Crore)
1 Karnataka Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology(RCC), Bangaluru SCI 67.50
2 Kerala Government Medical College, Kozhikode TCCC 25.03

3 Tripura Cancer Hospital(RCC), Agartala SCI 55.00
4 Gujarat Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Ahmedabad SCI 67.50
5 West Bengal Government Medical College, Burdwan TCCC 22.24
6 Jammu & Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar SCI 47.25
Kashmir
7 Tamil Nadu Cancer Institute (RCC) Adyar, Chennai SCI 67.38
Total 351.90
S No. State/UTs Name of the Institute SCI/ Amount

TCCC Released
(in Crore)
1 Himachal Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla TCCC 14.87
Pradesh
2 Bihar Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, SCI 33.06
Patna
3 Mizoram Civil Hospital, Aizawl TCCC 14.64
4 Uttar Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical TCCC 11.43
Pradesh Sciences, Lucknow
5 Rajasthan S P Medical College, Bikaner TCCC 17.123
6 Karnataka Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences TCCC 17.257
7 Telangana MNJ Institute of Oncology& RCC, Hyderabad SCI 18.12
Total 126.50
(3) Funds released during the financial year 2016-17 (till 15th March 2017):
S State/ Name of the Institute SCI/ Amount

No UTs TCCC Released
(in Crore)
1 Kerala Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram SCI 46.957
2 Punjab Govt. Medical College, Amritsar SCI 51.58
3 Delhi Lok Nayak Hospital TCCC 25.40
4 Punjab District / Civil Hospital, Fazilka TCCC 20.119
5 Odisha Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack SCI 35.829
6 Nagaland District Hospital, Kohima TCCC 13.23
7 Haryana Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt TCCC 9.2253
8 West Bengal Murshidabad Medical College & Hospital, TCCC 10.9793
Berhampore, Murshidabad
9 Maharashtra Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Regional Cancer Hospital & TCCC 15.3196
Research Centre, Nagpur
10 Rajasthan SMS Medical College, Jaipur SCI 40.6683
Total 269.3075

Under erstwhile National Cancer Control Programme, 27 Regional Cancer Centres were
assisted to be set up. The list of these 27 centres is given below
LIST OF REGIONAL CANCER CENTRES
Sl. No. Name of State / Union Name of the Institution

Territory
1. Andhra Pradesh M.N.J. Institute of Oncology& Regional Cancer Centre,
Hyderabad.
2. Assam Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati.
3. Bihar Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna.
4. Chandigarh Post Graduate Institute Medical Education & Research,
Chandigarh
5. Chhattisgarh Pt. J.L.N Medical College & Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Memorial Hospital, Raipur
6. Delhi Dr.B.R.Ambedkar. Institute - Rotary Cancer Hospital,
AIIMS,New Delhi
7. Gujarat The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad.
8. Haryana Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak.
9. Himachal Pradesh Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.
10. Jammu & Kashmir Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences., Srinagar.
11. Jammu & Kashmir Government Medical College, Jammu.
12. Karnataka Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore.
13. Kerala Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
14. Madhya Pradesh Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Gwalior.
15. Maharashtra Rashtrasant Tukdoji Regional Cancer Hospital &
Research Centre, Nagpur.
16. Maharashtra Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
17. Manipur Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal.
18. Mizoram Civil Hospital, Aizawl.
19. Orissa Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre, Cuttack.
20. Puducherry Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate medical Education
& Research
21. Rajasthan Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment & Research
Institute, Bikaner.
22. Tamil Nadu Govt. Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Research Institute
& Hospital, Kancheepuram.
23. Tamil Nadu Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai.
24. Tripura Civil Hospital, Agratala.
25. Uttar Pradesh Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical
Sciences, Lucknow.
26. Uttar Pradesh Kamla Nehru Memorial Hospital, Allahabad.
27. West Bengal Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Calcutta.
:
In addition, research activities for research on Cancer prevention and control are taken up by the
Institutes/Departments such as Indian Council of Medical Research, Department of Science and
Technology and Department of Atomic Energy.


*****

MV/LK

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Government of India
24-March-2017 12:43 IST
Sex Determination Tests
Inspections are conducted regularly by the Appropriate authorities in the States/UTs. As per the
quarterly progress report (QPR) received from States/ UTs, a total of 2316 court cases have been
filed by the District Appropriate Authorities for violating the provisions of the PC&PNDT Act,
out of which 294 cases have been filed against unregistered diagnostic centres and 1683
machines have been sealed/seized. A total of 388 convictions have been secured under
PC&PNDT Act, 1994. Following the convictions, the medical licenses of 108 doctors have been
suspended by the various State Medical Councils.

As per the information received from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), NCRB has
started collecting data on female foeticides since 2014 and as reported by NCRB, a total of 50
foeticides were reported in 2014 and 45 foeticides were reported in 2015 in the country, showing
a decrease of 10% in female foeticides during 2015 over 2014. However, in Maharashtra it has
increased from 1 foeticide to 5 foeticides

The Government has enacted the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques
(Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994, for prohibition of sex selection before or after
conception and for prevention of misuse of pre-conception and pre-natal diagnostic techniques
for sex determination.

The Government is rendering financial support to the States and UTs for operationalization of
PNDT Cells, Capacity Building, Orientation & Sensitisation Workshop, Information,
Education and Communication campaigns and for strengthening structures for the
implementation of the PC & PNDT Act under the National Health Mission (NHM). In the
financial year 2016-17 total Rs.1241.33 Lakhs have been approved for the effective
implementation of PC&PNDT Act. The State/UT-wise details are given below:

B e t i Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, to address

the declining Child Sex Ratio and related issues of empowerment of women on a life-cycle
continuum. It is a tri-ministerial, convergent effort of Ministries of Women and Child
Development, Health & Family Welfare and Human Resource Development with a focus on
awareness and advocacy campaign for changing mind sets, multi-sectoral action in selected
100 districts and now extend to additional 61 districts (low on CSR), enabling girls' education
and effective enforcement of Pre-Conception & Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT)
Act. Awareness campaign has already been started in these districts. The details are given below:
List of 161 districts of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
SN Name of State / UT Number of Census Census 2011
Districts 2001
INDIA 927 918
1 Gujarat (9) Surat 859 835
2 Mahesana 801 842
3 Gandhinagar 816 847
4 Ahmadabad 835 857
5 Rajkot 854 862
6 Anand 849 884
7 Amreli 892 886
8 Patan 865 890
9 Bhavnagar 881 891
10 Haryana (20) Mahendragarh 818 775
11 Jhajjar 801 782
12 Rewari 811 787
13 Sonipat 788 798
14 Ambala 782 810
15 Kurukshetra 771 818
16 Rohtak 799 820
17 Karnal 809 824
18 Yamunanagar 806 826
19 Kaithal 791 828
20 Bhiwani 841 832
21 Panipat 809 837
22 Gurgaon 807 830
23 Jind 818 838
24 Faridabad 847 843
25 Hisar 832 851
26 Fatehabad 828 854
27 Sirsa 817 862
28 Panchkula 829 863
29 Palwal 854 866
30 Himachal Pradesh (3) Una 837 875
31 Kangra 836 876
32 Hamirpur 850 887
33 Jammu & Kashmir (15) Jammu 819 795
34 Pulwama 1046 829
35 Kathua 847 831
36 Badgam 963 832
37 Anantnag 977 841
38 Samba 798 779
39 Baramula 961 863
40 Ganderbal 1014 863
41 Rajouri 905 865
42 Srinagar 983 865
43 Shupiyan 1011 878
44 Kupwara 1021 879
45 Kulgam 1003 885
46 Udhampur 912 886
47 Bandipore 967 892
48 Madhya Pradesh (6) Morena 837 829
49 Gwalior 853 840
50 Bhind 832 843
51 Datia 874 856
52 Rewa 926 885
53 Tikamgarh 916 892
54 Maharastra (16) Bid 894 807
55 Jalgaon 880 842
56 Ahmadnagar 884 852
57 Buldana 908 855
58 Aurangabad 890 858
59 Washim 918 863
60 Kolhapur 839 863
61 Osmanabad 894 867
62 Sangli 851 867
63 Jalna 903 870
64 Hingoli 927 882
65 Solapur 895 883
66 Pune 902 883
67 Parbhani 923 884
68 Nashik 920 890
69 Latur 918 889
70 NCT of Delhi (7) South West 846 845
71 North West 857 865
72 East 865 871
73 West 859 872
74 North 886 873
75 North East 875 880
76 South 888 885
77 Punjab (20) Tarn Taran 784 820
78 Gurdaspur 789 821
79 Amritsar 792 826
80 Muktsar 811 831
81 Mansa 782 836
82 Patiala 776 837
83 Sangrur 784 840
84 Sahibzada Ajit
Singh Nagar 785 841
85 Fatehgarh Sahib 766 842
86 Barnala 792 843
87 Firozpur 822 847
88 Faridkot 812 851
89 Bathinda 785 854
90 Ludhiana 817 860
91 Moga 818 860
92 Rupnagar 799 863
93 Hoshiarpur 812 865
94 Kapurthala 785 871
95 Jalandhar 806 874
96 Shahid Bhagat
Singh Nagar 808 885
97 Rajasthan (14) Jhunjhunun 863 837
98 Sikar 885 848
99 Karauli 873 852
10
0 Ganganagar 850 854
10
1 Dhaulpur 860 857
10 Jaipur 899 861
2
10
3 Dausa 906 865
10
4 Alwar 887 865
10
5 Bharatpur 879 869
10
6 Sawai Madhopur 902 871
10
7 Jaisalmer 869 874
10
8 Hanumangarh 872 878
10
9 Jodhpur 920 891
11
0 Tonk 927 892
11 Uttar Pradesh (21)
1 Baghpat 850 841
11 Gautam Buddha
2 Nagar 854 843
11
3 Ghaziabad 854 850
11
4 Meerut 857 852
11
5 Bulandshahr 867 854
11
6 Agra 866 861
11
7 Muzaffarnagar 859 863
11
8 Mahamaya Nagar 886 865
11
9 Jhansi 886 866
12
0 Mathura 872 870
12
1 Etawah 895 875
12
2 Aligarh 886 877
12
3 Etah 880 879
12 Firozabad 887 881
4
12
5 Jalaun 889 881
12
6 Bijnor 905 883
12
7 Mainpuri 892 884
12
8 Hamirpur 904 886
12
9 Saharanpur 872 887
13
0 Farrukhabad 897 889
13
1 Mahoba 900 892
13 Uttarakhand (5)
2 Pithoragarh 902 816
13
3 Champawat 934 873
13
4 Hardwar 862 877
13
5 Dehradun 894 889
13
6 Chamoli 935 889
13
7 Andaman& Nicobar Nicobars 937 945
13
8 Andhra Pradesh Y.S.R. 951 918
13
9 Arunachal Pradesh Dibang Valley 874 889
14 Kamrup
0 Assam Metropolitan 943 946
14
1 Bihar Vaishali 937 904
14
2 Chandigarh Chandigarh 845 880
14
3 Chhattisgarh Raigarh 964 947
14 Dadra & Nagar
4 Dadra & Nagar Haveli Haveli 979 926
14
5 Daman & Diu Daman 907 897
14
6 Goa North Goa 938 939
14
7 Jharkhand Dhanbad 951 916
14
8 Karnataka Bijapur 928 931
14
9 Kerala Thrissur 958 950
15
0 Lakshadweep Lakshadweep 959 911
15
1 Manipur Senapati 962 893
15
2 Meghalaya Ribhoi 972 953
15
3 Mizoram Saiha 950 932
15
4 Nagaland Longleng 964 885
15
5 Odisha Nayagarh 904 855
15
6 Puducherry Yanam 964 921
15
7 Sikkim North District 995 929
15
8 Tamil Nadu Cuddalore 957 896
15 Telengana
9 Hyderabad 943 914
16
0 Tripura South Tripura 961 951
16
1 West Bengal Kolkata 927 933

Note: Districts highlighted with bold are newly seleceted districts as a pert of extension of the BBBP
Scheme

Under BBBP scheme advocacy and Media Campaign at PAN India level has been started with a
360 degree approach which includes Radio and TV campaign, Cinema Halls, community
engagement through Song & Drama Division, and online digital media. Radio, TV and IVR
based 139 (the universal railway enquiry number) campaigns. Effective use of Social
Media enhanced outreach on BBBP especially amongst the youth. Variety of social media
platforms have been used for spreading positive messages about value of girl child in the public
domain. This included extensive use of MyGov platform, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,
Vikaspedia, G+, Google Hangout, WhatsApp etc.

The government has constituted National Inspection and Monitoring Committee at the central
level for effective monitoring of PC&PNDT Act. Accordingly, the States/UTs have been
directed to constitute Inspection and Monitoring Committees at State and District levels.


*****

MV/LK
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Government of India
23-March-2017 15:57 IST
‘Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana’ to be launched on 1st April, 2017 in Nellore,
Andhra Pradesh
“Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana”, a ‘Scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living
Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category’ will be launched in District Nellore,
Andhra Pradesh on 1st April, 2017. Briefing media persons here today, Shri Thaawarchand
Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment said that the Physical Aids and Assisted-
living Devices for Senior citizens will be distributed in Camp mode and the Scheme will be
implemented through the sole implementing agency, ‘Artificial Limbs Manufacturing
Corporation (ALIMCO)’, (a PSU under M/o SJ&E), which will undertake one year free
maintenance of the aids & assisted living devices. The devices will help the Senior Citizens to
overcome their age related physical impairment and to lead a dignified and productive life with
minimal dependence on care givers or other members of the family. The ambitious Scheme, first
of its kind in the country is expected to benefit 5,20,000 Senior Citizens over a period of the 3
years, he added.
Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and Shri Vijay
Sampla were also present.
As per the Census figures of 2011, the population of senior citizens in India is 10.38 crore. More
than 70% of the population of senior citizens live in rural areas of the country. A sizeable
percentage (5.2%) of the senior citizens suffers from some sort of disabilities related to old age.
Projections indicate that the number of elderly population will increase to around 173 million by
2026.

The Central Government proposes to launch a new Central Sector Scheme to be put in place to
provide Physical aids and Assisted Living Devices for such senior citizens suffering from age
related disabilities/ infirmities, who belong to BPL category.

The proposal for formulation of a Scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-Living
Devices for Senior Citizens belonging to BPL Category was announced in the Budget 2015-16.
Pursuant to this, the “Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana” has been formulated. The Scheme aims at
providing Senior Citizens, belonging to BPL category and suffering from any of the age related
disability/infirmity viz. Low vision, Hearing impairment, Loss of teeth and Locomotor disability,
with such assisted-living devices which can restore near normalcy in their bodily functions,
overcoming the disability/infirmity manifested. The assistive devices shall be of high quality and
conforming to the standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards, wherever applicable.
This is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Central Government. The expenditure for
implementation of the scheme will be met from the "Senior Citizens' Welfare Fund". Under the
Scheme, the following Aids and Assisted-Living Devices will be provided to eligible elderly
beneficiary senior citizens, depending upon their physical impairment :-
1. Walking sticks
2. Elbow crutches
3. Walkers / Crutches
4. Tripods / Quadpods
5. Hearing Aids
6. Wheelchair
7. Artificial Dentures
8. Spectacles

Salient features of the Scheme are as under:-
 Free of cost distribution of the devices, commensurate with the extent of

disability/infirmity that is manifested among the eligible senior citizens.

 In case of multiple disabilities/infirmities manifested in the same person, the
assistive devices will be given in respect of each disability/impairment.

 The devices will help the Senior Citizens to overcome their age related physical
impairment and to lead a dignified and productive life with minimal dependence
on care givers or other members of the family.

 The Scheme will be implemented through the sole implementing agency,
‘Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO)’, (a PSU under the
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment).

 ALIMCO will undertake one year free maintenance of the aids & assisted living
devices.
 Beneficiaries in each district will be identified by the State Governments/UT

Administrations through a Committee chaired by the Deputy
Commissioner/District Collector.
 As far as possible, 30% of the beneficiaries in each district shall be women.

 The State Government/UT Administration/District Level Committee can also
utilize the data of BPL beneficiaries receiving Old Age Pension under the NSAP
or any other Scheme of the State/UT for identification of senior citizens
belonging to BPL category.

 The devices will be distributed in Camp mode.

 The expected financial outlay over the next three years (i.e. upto 2019-20) is Rs.
483.6 Crores.

The ambitious Scheme, first of its kind in the country is expected to benefit 5,20,000 Senior
Citizens over a period of the 3 years.

State/Union Territory-wise list of districts selected for implementation of the 'Scheme of
Providing Physical Aids and Assisted-Living Devices to Senior Citizens in BPL category'
during 2016-17

S. NO. STATE/ UT DISTRICT

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands South Andaman, Middle & North
Andaman
2. Andhra Pradesh Vishakhapatnam
Nellore
3. Arunachal Pradesh West Kameng
Pasinghat
4. Assam Kamrup
Sonipur
5. Bihar Buxar
West Champaran
6. Chandigarh Chandigarh

7. Chhattisgarh Raipur
Bastar
8. Dadra and Nagar Haveli Dadra and Nagar Haveli

9. Daman and Diu Daman and Diu

10. Goa North Goa
South Goa
11. Gujarat Vadodara
Ahmadabad
12. Haryana Karnal
Ambala
13. Himachal Pradesh Shimla
Hamirpur
14. Jammu and Kashmir Srinagar
Udhampur
15. Jharkhand Gumla
Ranchi
16. Karnataka South Bangalore
Dharwad
17. Kerala Kochi
Thiruvananthapuram
18. Madhya Pradesh Khandwa
Ujjain
19. Maharashtra Nagpur
Dhule
20. Delhi Karol Bagh
Chandni Chowk
21. Odisha Sundargarh
Angul
22. Punjab Gurdaspur
Hoshiarpur
23. Rajasthan Jhalawar
Bikaner
24. Tamil Nadu Kanyakumari
South Chennai
25. Telangana Hyderabad
Karimnagar
26. Uttar Pradesh Lucknow
Varanasi
27. Uttarakhand Haridwar
Almora
28. West Bengal Asansol
Darjeeling
29. Manipur Imphal (West)
Imphal (East)
30. Meghalaya East Jaintia Hills
Ri Bhoi
31. Mizoram Aizwal
Champhai
32. Nagaland Dimapur
Kohima
33. Tripura Unokoti
Dhalai
34. Lakshadweep Lakshadweep

35. Puducherry Olukara
Karaikal
36. Sikkim East Sikkim
South Sikkim

*****
Sanjay Kumar/jk/M/o-SJ&E-01/23/03-2017
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Government of India
23-March-2017 17:55 IST
Union Home Minister chairs HLC meeting for Central assistance to States
HLC approves assistance of about Rs. 5021 crore from NDRF and NRDWP
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the High Level
Committee (HLC) here today for Central assistance to 10 states namely Andhra Pradesh,
Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu,
Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.
The Committee examined the proposal based on the reports of the Inter-Ministerial
Central Team (IMCT) which visited the above states affected by flood/ landslides,
cloudburst, hailstorm, cyclones and drought (Kharif).
The assistance of Rs.5020.64 crore has been approved including Rs.4979.97 crore from
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and Rs.40.67 crore from the National Rural
Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP).
The HLC approved the assistance to the tune of Rs.584.21 crores for Andhra Pradesh, Rs.
269.40 crore for Assam, Rs.822.96 crore for Bihar, Rs.152.28 crore for Himachal
Pradesh and Rs.171.69 crores for Karnataka. The Committee also approved the assistance
for Rs. 19.11 crore for Manipur; Rs.370.27 crore for Rajasthan, Rs. 2014.45 crore for
Tamil Nadu, Rs.314.22 crore for Telangana and Rs.303.05 crores for Uttar Pradesh.
The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, the
Union Home Secretary, Shri Rajiv Mehrishi and senior representatives from NITI Aayog,
MHA, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Finance also attended the meeting.
*****
KSD/NK/.PK/KM/sk
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Government of India
23-March-2017 19:15 IST
Four Lanning of National Highways

The total number of road accidents in the country during 2015 was about 5,01,423 which
resulted into about 1,46,133 numbers of persons killed. The National Highways (NHs) accounted
for about 29.1 % share of total road accidents and 35.0 % of total persons killed. Although the
existing NHs comprise of about 1.9 % of total road network, they carry about 40% of total road
traffic.
Keeping in view the requirements to enhance Road Safety, reduce congestions, improve
road connectivity and conditions, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken
decision to augment the NHs Network of existing 1,13,298 km. About 57,500 km length of State
Roads have been approved “In-Principle” for their declaration as new NHs subject to outcome of
their Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and initiatives have been taken for their DPR
preparations.

Further, the Ministry has reduced threshold traffic for 4-laning of NHs from 15,000;
11,000; and 8,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) per day to 10,000; 8,500 and 6,000 PCUs/day for
Plain, Rolling, and Mountainous/Steep Terrains respectively. Decisions have been taken to
entrust 4-laning of all such NHs to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for their
implementation through additional market borrowings, etc., in a phased manner by leveraging
limited available budgetary allocation. About 5,575 km length of NHs have been identified
accordingly for their upgradations to 4 / 6 lane standards by NHAI and process have
been initiated for their DPR preparations.
The State / Union Territory-wise and lane-wise distribution of NH length in km
(Provisional). (Lane-length status as on 31.12.2016)
(Length in km)
Sl. State/ UT Single Lane/ Intermediate 4 Lane and
2-Lane
No. Lane Above
1. Andhra Pradesh 1,138 2,717 1,802
2. Arunachal Pradesh 1,910 584 19
3. Assam 958 2,266 621
4. Bihar 747 3,303 789
5. Chandigarh 0 0 15
6. Chhattisgarh 418 2,452 362
7. Delhi 0 0 80
8. Goa 51 174 37
9. Gujarat 448 2,177 2,392
10. Haryana 110 1,444 1,069
11. Himachal Pradesh 1,150 1,463 29
12. Jammu & Kashmir 1,039 1,360 202
13. Jharkhand 261 2,092 301
14. Karnataka 997 3,904 1,860
15. Kerala 399 1,290 122
16. Madhya Pradesh 3,128 3,421 1,314
17. Maharashtra 8,665 3,354 3,418
18. Manipur 290 1,424 31
19. Meghalaya 696 452 57
20. Mizoram 1,347 34 0
21. Nagaland 1,081 92 0
22. Odisha 97 3,914 826
23. Puducherry 0 40 25
24. Punjab 302 1,479 987
25. Rajasthan 117 5,101 2,688
26. Sikkim 213 250 0
27. Tamil Nadu 10 2,869 2,127
28. Telangana 836 1,577 922
29. Tripura 682 124 0
30. Uttar Pradesh 808 5,420 2,473
31. Uttarakhand 1,948 692 75
32. West Bengal 441 1,470 1,045
33. A & N Island 319 11 1
34. Dadra Nagar Haveli 31 0 0
35. Daman & Diu 22 0 0
Total 30,659 56,950 25,689

This information was given by the Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways
Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
….
UM/NP/MS
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Government of India
23-March-2017 17:37 IST
Prakash Javadekar Briefs on Smart India Hackathon 2017
Through Smart India Hackathon We Hope to Create ‘World’s Biggest Open

Innovation Model’ That Other Countries Can Replicate- HRD Minister

Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar today interacted with the
media here in New Delhi about the ‘Smart India Hackathon 2017’ which has already been
launched in collaboration with i4c, MyGov, Persistent Systems, NASSCOM and Rambhau
Mhalgi Pabodini.

Speaking on the occasion the Minister detailed out the uniqueness of this initiative and said “the
scale and reach of Smart India Hackathon 2017 is unprecedented, for the first time so many
different ministries/departments came together, and posted their 598 problems for students
seeking innovative solutions”

He said ‘Smart India Hackathon 2017’ has been launched to build Digital India of our dreams
and to engage our youth directly with nation building. About 30 different Govt
departments/ministries are involved as partners eg. Ministry of Railways, External affairs, Steel,
Postal Services, ISRO, NCPCR, etc. For the first time, govt. departments were directly engaging
with students and challenging them to build digital solutions to improve their efficiency, plug
revenue leakages and corruption.

Shri Javadekar said that Smart India Hackathon 2017 will be 36 hrs non-stop digital product
development competition during which teams of thousands of technology students will build
innovative digital solutions for the problems posted by 29 different central govt. ministries/
departments e.g. Ministry of Railways, External Affairs, Ministry of Defense, ISRO, Ministry of
Tourism, Dept. of Atomic Energy, etc. The ‘Grand Finale’ of Smart India Hackathon 2017 will
be organized, simultaneously across 26 different cities and the winners will get support for
converting their ideas into startups apart from cash prizes.

The minister said through Smart India Hackathon we hope to create ‘world’s biggest open
innovation model’ that other countries can replicate.

Shri Javadekar further said that the concept of Hackathon is still new in India, so AICTE has
arranged 26 awareness workshops across India to sensitize students about Smart India
Hackathon 2017. These workshops helped connect students with problems of our nation.

The minister said for 598 problems posted by 29 govt. department, we received ideas from 7531
teams (each team has 6 students and 2 mentors, Total 42,000+ participants) from 2100+ colleges
across India. We have even received entries from Andaman.

Also, out of 7531 teams, 1266 teams (per team 8 members, 10,000 participants) are shortlisted
for the ‘Grand Finale’ on 1stand 2nd April 2017, during which these teams will work nonstop for
36 hours to build products based on their ideas across 26 locations in India. For the first time,
10,000 youngsters will work non-stop for 36 to develop products for our nation.

We have multiple prizes worth Rs. 50 lakhs for students but more importantly, we hope the
participating ministries will adopt many of the products developed during the Grand Finale.
Moreover, we also expect NASSCOM and other funding agencies like AICTE, DST, DBT and
ICMR to select best ideas and support them to convert into startups, Shri Javadekar added..

He said to ensure the success of Smart India Hackathon 2017, we are also doing multiple online
training sessions for students
and for the first time, we hope to train more than 30,000 students through these online training
sessions. For the first time, we hope to train more than 30,000 students through these online
training sessions.

The minister hoped that Smart India Hackathon 2017 will be certainly world’s biggest
Hackathon till date. We hope that our initiative also enters into ‘Guinness Book of World
Records’ and Limca Book of Records.

More importantly, ‘Smart India Hackathon 2017’ will establish the model of using our
demographic dividend (student community) for national development, Shri Javadekar further
added..

SMART INDIA HACKATHON 2017 AT A GLANCE

Total Number of Departments participating 29 ( and NIC + MyGOV for Tech support)
Departments giving problem statements 29
Number of Problem Statements Given 598
Total Number of Teams sending entries 7531
Number of Participants Per team 6
Number of Students applying 40,000+
Total Number of Colleges participated 2183
Total Number of Teams shortlisted for 1266 in List 1 and 75 in List 2
Hackathon
Team confirmed participation 1268
Total Teams with Mentors 1058 (some team still do not have mentors)
Mentor (2 Mentors per selected Team) 2110
Total participants during Grand Finale Approx.9500 to 10,000

No. of No. of teams
State Teams selected
Andaman and Nicobar
Islands 2 1
Andhra Pradesh 506 80
Arunachal Pradesh 4 1
Assam 27 5
Bihar 22 6
Chhattisgarh 97 18
Delhi 221 59
Goa 48 15
Gujarat 359 64
Haryana 182 32
Himachal Pradesh 13 2
Jammu and Kashmir 31 6
Jharkhand 35 8
Karnataka 429 71
Kerala 249 40
Madhya Pradesh 292 43
Maharashtra 1197 269
Manipur 7 1
Meghalaya 5 0
Odisha 119 28
Punjab 180 33
Rajasthan 305 56
Sikkim 11 0
Tamil Nadu 1990 263
Telangana 332 58
Uttar pradesh 292 79
Uttarakhand 24 6
West Bengal 138 22
Blank 19 0

******
GG/ST/AK
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Government of India
23-March-2017 19:21 IST
Textile Workers Rehabilitation Fund Scheme

Government of India introduced the Textile Workers Rehabilitation Fund Scheme (TWRFS)
with effect from 15.09.1986 to provide relief to the workers rendered jobless due to permanent
closure of Non-SSI Textile Mills in private sector. Under the scheme, relief is given to workers
rendered jobless, for a period of three years on a tapering basis, i.e., wages equivalent to 75% in
the first year, 50% in the second year and 25% in the third year. So far, Rs.32,297.49 lakhs have
been disbursed to1,19,704 eligible workers of 96 eligible closed mills.

The number of persons also benefited and the amount disbursed under TWRFS in the country
during last three years and the current year, state-wise including Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya
Pradesh is as under:
State 2013-14 2014-15 2015-2016 2016-2017
(Till February)
Amount No. of Amount No. of Amount No. of Amount No. of
allocate workers allocate workers allocate workers allocate workers
d and benefite d and benefite d and benefite d and benefite
Utilized d Utilized d Utilized d Utilized d
(Rs. in (Rs. in (Rs. in (Rs. in
lakh) lakh) lakh) lakh)
Gujarat 0.93 2 4.41 12 2.51 5 -- --
Maharashtr 12.66 31 32.31 89 1.95 4 0 --

a
Karnataka -- -- 6.88 39 2.88 7 0 0
Andhra 109.45 273 56.56 356 7.55 55 0.13 1

Pradesh
Tamil Nadu 328.68 854 105.92 271 -- -- 0 0
Punjab 49.1 134 56.28 151 6.26 17 0.92 3
Telangana -- -- 15.62 56 36.87 91 5.87 15
Uttar -- -- -- -- 119.43 558 54 263

Pradesh
Madhya -- -- -- -- 0.49 1 438.9 1096

Pradesh
Bihar -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Rajasthan -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Total 500.82 1294 277.98 974 177.94 738 499.82 1378
The Office of the Textile Commissioner has given wide publicity for the scheme across the
country and has pursued with State Governments and mill unions/associations to cover more
workers of closed eligible mills under the purview of TWRF Scheme.

written reply to a Lok Sabha question.

***
GG/DJM

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Government of India
22-March-2017 11:21 IST
MGNREGA - Lifeline to millions

*Shambhu Nath Chaudhary

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has come a long
way since its inception and has become a lifeline to millions. The Act was notified on 7th
September, 2005 to provide minimum of 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial
year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
Social inclusion, gender parity, social security and equitable growth are the founding pillars of
Mahatma Gandhi NREGA.

Achievements
During Financial Year (FY) 2015-16, 235 crore Persondays were generated which was the
highest compared to the previous five years. During FY 2016-17 so far, 4.8 crore households
were provided employment in 142.64 lakh works. In the process 200 crore person-days of
employment were generated. Out of the total employment, 56% have been generated for women.
This is the highest ever participation of women since inception of the programme.

Total expenditure in the programme since its inception is Rs. 3,76,546 crore and Rs.48,000 crore
is the allocation of fund for FY 2017-18, which is the highest ever allocation for MGNREGA.
The expenditure in FY 2016-17 so far is Rs.51,902 crore and is the highest since inception.

On an average, 25 to 30 lakh works were completed every year (till FY 2013-14). On the
contrary, 51.3 lakh works have been completed so far in current FY 2016-17.

For the first time since inception of the programme, Consolidated Guidelines for Water
Conservation were drafted. Mission Water Conservation - Planning and monitoring Framework
for Natural Resource Management (NRM) related works under MGNREGA in convergence with
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and Integrated Watershed Management
Programme (IWMP) has been prepared for scientific planning and execution of water
management works with the use of latest technology is the focus area of the Ministry.

In FY 2016-17 (so far) 63% of total expenditure is on NRM (Natural Resource Management)
works. Expenditure on agriculture and allied sector works in FY 2016-17 is nearly 70%, which
was only around 48 % in FY 2013-14.

GeoMGNREGA is a path breaking initiative that uses space technology for geo-tagging all
assets created under MGNREGA for improved planning, effective monitoring, enhanced
visibility and greater transparency. The initiative was implemented in FY 2016-17, and so far,
nearly 65 Lakh assets have been geotagged and made available in the public domain.

Direct Benefit Transfer
To further streamline the fund flow mechanism and bring down delay in payment of wages, the
Ministry of Rural Development has implemented National Electronic Fund Management System
(NeFMS) in 21 States and 1 Union Territory. Around 96% of the wages are being paid
electronically into the Bank/Post Office accounts of MGNREGA workers through Electronic
Fund Management System (eFMS). In FY 2013-14, only 37% of the wages were paid
electronically.

8.9 crore active workers have their Aadhaar numbers seeded in NREGASoft-MIS so far, while
the number was merely 76 Lakh in January 2014. As of now, 4.25 crore workers have been
enabled for Aadhaar Based Payment System (ABPS).

Good Governance Initiatives
Job card verification and updation was taken up during FY 2016-17, and 75% of active job cards
have been updated/ verified in campaign mode.

Initiative has been taken to simplify MGNREGA through issuance of Annual Master Circular
(AMC) for FY 2016-17 by superseding 1039 circulars/advisories issued earlier. The AMC for
FY 2017-18 will be issued.

Reduction in number of Registers being maintained at Gram Panchayat level to 7 simplified
Registers from an average of 22 Registers has been implemented. So far, 2.05 lakh Gram
Panchayats have already adopted it.

The programme is progressing towards a more independent and empowered system of Social
Audit and Internal Audit to ensure growth with accountability through a trained community
cadre of social auditors drawn from women SHGs.

New Initiatives
The Ministry has taken up skill development of the MGNREGA workers through initiatives like
Bare Foot Technicians and Project LIFE (Livelihood In Full Employment) in order to move them
up the skilling ladder.

The Ministry initiated Inter State Exchange Programmes, a process ensuring sharing of ideas and
good practices. So far, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and
Chhattisgarh have already been visited by various States during FY 2016-17.

For the first time, guidelines for Non-PMGSY Roads were developed based on PMGSY
Guidelines for basic layer. The asset will be durable with a possibility of upgradation to PMGSY
standards in future.

The Performance Outcome Report of MGNREGA was for the first time published during FY
2015-16, and will be published for FY 2016-17.

******
*Author is posted at Press Information Bureau, New Delhi. The article is based on the inputs
from M/o Rural Development.
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Government of India
Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises
22-March-2017 14:35 IST
Reopening of CCI, Adilabad
Cement Corporation of India Limited (CCI) is a sick BIFR (erstwhile) referred company.
As per the revival plan, as approved by the Government and sanctioned by erstwhile BIFR,
seven non-operating units of CCI including Adilabad are envisaged to be closed and sold
out. Accordingly, all the non-operating units except Adilabad unit have already been
closed. The closure of Adilabad Unit could however not be effected due to interim orders passed
by Hon’ble High Court of Andhra Pradesh to maintain status quo.
In the meantime, the Hon’ble High Court of A.P. has dismissed the W.P. No.5487 of 2007
filed by CCI Employees Union, Adilabad Cement Factory, Adilabad, AP (now Telangana State)
and the matter has been decided in favour of CCI for closure of Adilabad unit. Accordingly
closure Notice for Adilabad Unit has been issued.
Further, CCEA in its meeting held on 27.10.2016 has approved the strategic disinvestment
of the non-operating Units of the CCI. Accordingly, the process of disinvestment of the non-
operating units of CCI has been set in motion as per Department of Investment and Public Asset
Management (DIPAM) guidelines.
This information was given by Minister of State in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and
Public Enterprises Shri Babul Supriyo in reply to a written question in the Rajya Sabha today.
******
ST/IA
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Government of India
Department of Space
22-March-2017 15:46 IST
Forecast of Natural Disasters by ISRO

ISRO is working on systems to forecast the natural disasters that could be used as input by
States/ disaster management agencies.

ISRO is carrying out studies to facilitate best use of the satellite derived information to develop
methodologies for forecasting the natural disasters. Some of such methodologies developed include:

i. Cyclone formation, track and Intensity: ISRO has developed methodologies for forecasting the
cyclone formation, it’s track and intensity using satellite based observation. The methodology developed
has been transferred to India meteorological Department (IMD) who is mandated for cyclone forecast.

ii. Flood Early Warning System: The North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) of ISRO
has developed the Flood Early Warning System (FLEWS) as a Research & Development (R&D) project
in Assam State in association with Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). The FLEWS
model is being used in all 25 flood prone districts of Assam. Another model for forecasting floods in
Godavari floodplains in Andhra Pradesh is developed by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of
ISRO. The methodology is being used by Central Water Commission (CWC). ISRO is developing similar
systems for Krishna, Brahmani-Baitarani, Ghagra, Gandak, and Kosi rivers.

iii. Heavy Rainfall/ cloud burst alerts: Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO has developed a
model, for heavy rainfall / cloud burst alerts, which is being experimentally carried out for Indian region.
The information is made available on ISRO’s MOSDAC (Meteorological & Oceanographic Satellite Data
Archival Centre) website.

iv. Rainfall triggered landslide alerts for the Uttarakhand Region: An experimental early warning
system for rainfall triggered landslides is developed for use along the pilgrimage route corridors leading
to Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath as well as along the Pithoragarh-Malpa route in Uttarakhand. The
forewarning is generated based on the statistical relation between the terrain (geological, morphological)
and temporal (primarily long term rainfall events) factors.

v. Extreme weather events: ISRO has developed experimental methodologies for early warning
extreme weather events such as heat wave using numerical weather predictions. The information derived
is being made available on the MOSDAC website.

ISRO has realised two satellite missions, Viz., MeghaTropiques (launched in Oct 2011) and SARAL
(launched in Feb 2013), in collaboration with French National Space Agency (CNES). Presently, ISRO is
working with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), USA towards joint realisation of
a satellite mission, namely, ‘NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), to be launched by 2020-21
timeframe. The fund allocation for MeghaTropiques is Rs. 81.6 Crores, SARAL is Rs. 73.75 Crores and
for NISAR is Rs. 513 Crores.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of
North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy
and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****
KSD/NK/PK

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Government of India
Ministry of Culture
22-March-2017 17:50 IST
Science Cities Set Up by Ministry of Culture
The following Science Cities have been set up by Ministry of Culture through National Council
of Science Museums (NCSM), an Autonomous Organisation under the Ministry of Culture

Sl. No. Names of the Science Cities State-wise location
functioning under NCSM
01 Science City, Kolkata West Bengal
02 Regional Science City, Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow

In addition, Pushpa Gujral Science City at Kapurtala, Punjab and Gujarat Science City at
Ahmadabad, Gujarat have been set up by Council of Pushpa Gujral Science City, Punjab and
Gujarat Council of Science City, Gujarat respectively with financial assistance from the Ministry
of Culture.

The proposal for setting up of a Science City at Guwahati in the state of Assam has also been
approved.

The Science Cities Scheme provides for setting up of Science Cities in all the states of the
country subject to availability of funds for this purpose. States desirous of setting up a Science
City under the Science Cities Scheme have to provide land, share the cost of setting up of
facilities and corpus for upkeep and maintenance, and meet other commitments as per norms of
the Scheme.

Proposals have been received from Governments of Bihar, Karnataka, Haryana, Odisha,
Chattisgarh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to set up Science Cities.

The Scheme does not specify any time limit for setting up of Science Cities in all states/Union
Territories. In case of approved projects, the time frame for completion of the project as per the
Scheme is about 54 months from the date of start of the project.

(Independent Charge) in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

****
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Government of India
22-March-2017 18:28 IST
Photograph is Information with Confirmation: Shri Venkaiah Naidu
I&B Minister confers 6th National Photography Awards
Shri Raghu Rai conferred Life Time Achievement Award
Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri M .Venkaiah Naidu has said that Photography as a
communication tool was an influential medium to spread awareness and ensure Good Governance.
Photographs along with Social Media had been a potent combination in today’s digital world. The ‘Selfie
with Daughters’ campaign launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi came out to be a
powerful instrument of social change. This way of posting photos created a powerful impact on societal
behaviour and ingrained cultural traditions. The Minister stated this at the inaugural function of
6thNational Photography Awards ceremony here today. Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Minister of State for
Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ajay Mittal, Secretary I&B were also present on the occasion.
Shri Naidu, while speaking on the role of photographs as a powerful medium of
communication, quoted that “A picture is worth a thousand words”. They formed a means of
artistic statement that provided insight into the thought and mental makeup of the communicator,
while enabling them to transcend the limitations and boundaries of the linguistics of a written or
spoken language.
Elaborating further Shri Naidu said that photographs were a powerful language
which spoke to our emotions and became a part of our legacy. The photograph of a 3 year
old dead Syrian child washed ashore on a beach changed the entire world opinion on the
Refugee Crisis thereby shaking collective consciousness of the humanity.
Speaking about the basic essence of photography, Shri Naidu said that there were no specific set
of rules to take a good photograph. A photographer was not bound by technique or theory. They were
free to interpret and capture the subject the way they likes. It was imperative to have the right
amalgamation of art, angle and aperture to capture and process pictures, which only comes through
years of practice.
On the role of fast changing technology in communication domain, Shri Naidu said that the
Internet has brought out the resurgence of visual image into our everyday communication. Digital
cameras and cell phones with integrated cameras have generated an explosion of images into
everyone’s lives. Social Media has provided a new platform to people to Share, Communicate and
Inform through photographs.
Shri Venkaiah Naidu conferred the Life Time Achievement Award to Shri Raghu Rai, Professional
Photographer of the year award to Shri K.K. Mustafah and Amateur Photographer of the year award to
Shri Ravinder Kumar. Shri Venkaiah Naidu and Col. Rathore also released the brochure of 6 th National
Photography Awards. Shri Naidu along with Col. Rathore also inaugurated the Photo Exhibition put by
DAVP and Photo Division.
The theme for this year’s awards for Professional category was “Skilled India”, while in the
Amateur category the topic was “Swatch Bharat”. The jury committee comprised the following eminent
Photo Journalists. Shri S.N. Sinha, Former Editor (Photo) Hindustan Times was the chairman with Shri
Dhritiman Mukherjee, Professional Wildlife Photographer, Shri K.N. Santh Kumar, Sr. Editor and
Photojournalist, Kannada Daily Prajavani were the members of the committee and Shri Sanjiv Misra,
Photographic officer, Photo Division was Member Secretary.

Shri Raghu Rai began his career as a photographer at the age of 23 in 1965. In the early years of
his career, he was the Chief Photographer at the Statesman and later the picture Editor of Sunday
Magazine. He became the picture Editor – Visualizer Photographer of “India Today” where he received
acclaims for his series for his series on Great Masters of Indian classical music, Satyajit Ray and Mother
Teresa. In 1992, he was awarded “photographer of the year” in U.S. and was conferred “officiere des
Arts et des Letters” by the Government of France. Shri Rai has also exhibited his works around the
world. He continues to be an associate of Magnum Photos. He had tirelessly continued to Photograph
India through the 20thCentury and now into the 21st. He has done about 55 books on India on myriad
themes. He also started Centre for Photography in 2011 to enhance and enrich creative explorations of
young Indians.
List of Award Winners

S.No. Name of the Awardee Category of Awards
1 Shri Raghu Rai, New Delhi Life-Time Achievement Award
2 Shri K.K. Mustafah, Trissur, Kerala Professional Photographer of the Year
3 Shri Ravinder Kumar, Shakarpur, Delhi Amateur Photographer of the year
4 Shri Atul Choubey, Thane Maharashtra Special Mention Awards in

the Professional Category
5 Shri Ch Narayana Rao, Vijayawada, -do-

Andhra Pradesh
6 Shri Dipayan Bhar, Kolkata, West Bengal -do-
7 Shri G. Nagasrinivasu, -do-
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
8 Shri O.P. Soni, Indore, Madhya Pradesh -do-
9 Shri Deepak Bhau Kumbhar, Kolhapur, Special Mention award in

Maharashtra the Amateur Category
10 Ms. Prabha Jayesh Patel, Ahmedabad, -do-

Gujarat
11 Shri Ravindra Mavi, Indore, Madhya -do-
Pradesh
12 Shri Sudipta Maulik, Salt Lake City, Kolkata, -do-
West Bengal
13 Shri Sumit Gulati, Pitam Pura, Delhi -do-
National Photography Award is an annual event organized by Photo Division a media unit under
Ministry of I&B. The event is organized to promote art, technique of photography and to encourage
professional and amateur photographers from all corners of the country. The Photo awards have been
classified into three categories, with total of 13 awards. The awards include Life Time Achievement
Award, Photographer of the year award in Professional and Amateur category with 5 Special Mention
Awards in both categories each.
****
CP/GV

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Government of India
21-March-2017 16:42 IST
Marine Police Academy in Andhra Pradesh
Government of India was initially considering to set up one Marine Police

Training Institute each on the eastern coast and the western coast of the country.
Government of Andhra Pradesh submitted a proposal for establishing a Marine Police
Training Academy at Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. However, the Government of
India decided to establish only one National Marine Police Training Institute in
Dwarka in the state of Gujarat.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a
written reply to question by Shri Konakalla Narayana Rao in the Lok Sabha today.

****
KSD/NK/PK/AK-3202
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Government of India
Ministry of Civil Aviation
21-March-2017 17:34 IST
Development of New Airports
Government of India has granted "in principle" approval for setting up of the 18
Greenfield airports in the country. The list of these airport is as under: Mopa in Goa, Navi
Mumbai, Shirdi and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Hasan and Shimoga
in Karnataka, Kannur in Kerala, Durgapur in West Bengal, Dabra in Madhya Pradesh,
Pakyong in Sikkim, Karaikal in Puducherry, Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, Dholera in
Gujarat and Dagadarthi Mendal, Nellore Dist., Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram District
near Visakhapatnam and Oravakallu in Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh. Government of
India has granted "site clearance" approval for setting up of the 5 Greenfield airports in
the country. The list of these airports is as under: Machiwara, Ludhiana Airport, Itanagar
in Arunachal Pradesh, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, Alwar in Rajasthan and Kothagudem in
Telangana.
Mopa Airport in Goa, Navi Mumbai and Shirdi Airport in Maharashtra, Kannur Airport
in Kerala, Kushinagar Airport in Uttar Pradesh, Dholera Airport in Gujarat, Bhogapuram
Airport in Andhra Pradesh, Machiwara Airport in Ludhiana and Alwar Airport in
Rajasthan are International Greenfield Airports.
As regards construction of new Greenfield airports, execution of project including

finalization of project cost and financing arrangement is the sole responsibility of the
respective airport promoters. However, as per the information provided by the respective
airport developer, the total estimated cost for setting up of above mentioned 18
Greenfield Airports in the country comes out to Rs. 30,000 crore (approx.).
This information was given by Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha in a
written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
*****
UM/AC
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Government of India
Ministry of Defence
21-March-2017 14:38 IST
Final Status of INS Virat
INS Viraat has already been decommissioned on 6.3.2017.
A proposal for conversion of INS Viraat as an Aircraft Museum including tourist and
hospitality components on commercial basis was forwarded by the State Government of
Andhra Pradesh to Ministry of Defence on 26th October 2016.
Andhra Pradesh Government has requested 50% equity participation by Ministry of

Defence in their proposed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the proposal contained in
reply to para (b) & (c). The proposal for equity participation was not accepted by the
Ministry of Defence and the same has been communicated to Government of Andhra
Pradesh on 14.12.2016.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a
written reply to Shri V. Vijayasai Reddy in Rajya Sabha today.
NAMPI/ Ranjan
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Government of India
AYUSH
21-March-2017 17:04 IST
Steps Taken by Government for Promoting Ayush Treatment
The Government of India has approved and notified Centrally Sponsored Scheme of
National AYUSH Mission (NAM) on 29th September 2014 which envisages better access to
AYUSH services; strengthening of AYUSH educational institutions, facilitate the enforcement
of quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani & Homoeopathy (ASU &H) drugs and
sustainable availability of ASU & H raw-materials by promotion of medicinal plants in the
States/UTs during 12th Plan. Under NAM, the Central Government provides financial assistance
to the States/UTs for encouraging Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and
Homoeopathy Centers for the health care of the people of the country as per the State Annual
Action Plan (SAAP).
The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) inter-alia makes provision for the following: -
(i) Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health
Centers (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs).
(ii) Up gradation of exclusive State Government AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries.
(iii) Setting up of up to 50 bedded integrated AYUSH Hospital.
(iv) Upgradation of State Government Educational Institutions.
(v) Setting up of new State Government AYUSH Educational Institutions in the State
where it is not available.
(vi) Strengthening of State Government/ Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Ayurveda,
Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) Pharmacies and Drug Testing Laboratories
(DTL).
(vii) Cultivation and Promotion of Medicinal Plants.
Under the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of Information, Education and
Communication (IEC), the Ministry takes up initiatives for propagation and promotion of
AYUSH systems of medicines by organizing Arogya fairs/melas, conferences, exhibitions,
seminars, workshops, symposium and also undertakes publicity through electronic
multimedia/print media campaign for awareness amongst the citizens.

Ministry of AYUSH celebrated ‘National Ayurveda Day’ on the day of Dhanvantari
Jayanti (Dhanteras). The theme for year 2016-17 i.e. the first National Ayurveda Day was
‘Ayurveda for Prevention & Control of Diabetes’ which was celebrated on 28th October 2016.
Mission Madhumeh was launched on this occasion and Ministry also released a protocol for
Prevention & Control of Diabetes through Ayurveda.

Also, AYUSH intervention in National Program for Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular
disease & Stroke (NPCDCS) program is being implemented in one District each in six States viz.
Bhilwara (Rajasthan), Surendranagar (Gujarat), Gaya (Bihar), Lahimpur Khiri (Uttar Pradesh),
Krishna (Andhra Pradesh) and Darjeeling (West Bengal).

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH,
Shri ShripadYesso Naik in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

*****
NB/SK/UD
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Government of India
20-March-2017 17:30 IST
Highways Development in Andhra Pradesh
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has plan for an investment of Rs.75000
Crore towards development of about 3000 kms National Highways in the State of Andhra
Pradesh. 18 works amounting to Rs. 4466 crore including 11 works amounting to
Rs.1872 crore in the Rayalaseema region have been sanctioned by the Ministry under
NH(O) and NHDP Phase-IV during 2016-17 for development of National Highways in
Andhra Pradesh. Ministry allocated Rs. 700 crore under NH (O) and Rs. 1310 crore
under NHDP Phase-IV during 2016-17 in the State of Andhra Pradesh.
This information was given by Minster of State for Road Transport and Highways, Shri
Mansukh l. Mandaviya) in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
*****
UM/AC
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Government of India
Ministry of Tourism
20-March-2017 17:06 IST
Inclusion of sites under Prasad Scheme
Identification of new sites for development under PRASAD scheme is a continuous

process subject to availability of resources and adherence to scheme guidelines.

PRASAD Scheme was launched in 2014-15 with 12 identified sites namely Ajmer
(Rajasthan), Amritsar (Punjab), Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), Dwarka (Gujarat),
Gaya (Bihar), Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), Kamakhya (Assam), Kanchipuram (Tamil
Nadu), Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), Puri (Odisha), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and
Vellankani (Tamil Nadu).

During 2015-16, Patna (Bihar) and in 2016-17, 12 more sites were added in the
scheme for development namely Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), Badrinath (Uttarakhand),
Belur (West Bengal), Deoghar (Jharkhand), Guruvayur (Kerala), Hazratbal and Katra
(Jammu & Kashmir), Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh), Somnath (Gujarat), Srisailam
and Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra).

This information was given by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and
Tourism (Independent Charge) in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

****
Sanjay Kumar/jk/Parl. No. 1 /20-03-2017
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Government of India
20-March-2017 18:12 IST
NBCC to execute social housing project in Mauritius
MoU signed in the presence of Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu and visiting Vice-Prime
Minister of Mauritius
Singapore Minister holds discussions with Shri Naidu on execution of new urban
missions
NBCC, a Navratna construction major under the Ministry of Urban Development will
execute a US $ 20 million (Rs.130 cr) social housing project in Mauritius. A
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed here today in the
presence of Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu and the visiting
Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Lands Shri Showkutally Soodhun.
As per the MoU, NBCC will undertake construction of 700 duplex type houses with 50
sq.mt net floor area with two bedrooms, living and dining rooms, kitchen, bathrooms and
toilets each in 18 months in Dagotiere and Mare Tabac The visiting dignitary also
informed that NBCC will also execute construction of new Supreme Court Building at a
cost of US $ 33 million (Rs.220 cr) in Port Louis in 24 months. An agreement has been
signed earlier this month in this regard.
Government of India has sanctioned a grant of US $ 353 million for execution of five
projects in Mauritius including Metro Express Project, new ENT Hospital and supply of
digital tablets to primary school children.
The visiting Mauritius leader thanked India for assisting his country in several fields. Shri
Venkaiah Naidu said that bilateral cooperation between the two countries has a strategic
dimension and both the countries have an important role to play in ensuring peace and
prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. He expressed happiness over commencement of
construction of the World Hindi Secretariat and the Chancery Project of Indian High
Commission in Mauritius.
Singapore Minister of Trade and Industry Shri S.Iswaran also called on Shri M.Venkaiah
Naidu and held wide ranging discussions relating to implementation of new urban
missions and development of Amaravathi as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The two
leaders, in particular, discussed about municipal solid waste management and water
recycling.
AAR/KM
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Government of India
Ministry of Culture
20-March-2017 17:10 IST
Digitisation of Manuscripts

As per our estimates India has the largest collection of Manuscripts. For documentation,
conservation /preservation and digitization of Manuscripts project, National Mission for
Manuscripts (NMM) was launched by the Ministry of Culture in 2003. Till date it has
documented about 42 lakh Manuscripts in different scripts and languages. For conservation of
Manuscripts, Manuscripts Conservation Centres (MCCs) have been established by NMM all
over the country, which conduct preventive and curative conservation of Manuscripts requiring
conservation in their region.

Digitization of Manuscripts is done by NMM itself through invitation of open tenders.

1. Number of Manuscripts documented – 42 lakhs Manuscripts.
2. Number of Manuscripts digitized – 2.80 lakh Manuscripts.
3. Number of Manuscripts conserved – preventive conservation of

733 lakh folios and curative
conservation of 16 lakh folios.

Funds are not allocated state-wise by the Government. However, Government allocated the
following funds to National Mission for Manuscripts during the last three years and the current
year.
Year Budget allocation (in Rs.Lakhs)
1. 2013-14 950.00
2. 2014-15 950.00
3. 2015-16 625.00
4. 2016-17 1200.00

STATE WISE EXPENDITURE INCURRED BY NATIONAL MISSION FOR
MANUSCRIPTS DURING LAST THREE YEARS AND CURRENT YEAR

Amount in Lakh

Funds
S. Funds Funds Funds allocated
No State allocated allocated allocated 2016-17
. 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 upto
28-02-2017
1 Andhra Pradesh 35.43 15.00 9.50 27.55
2 Assam 11.80 9.54 10.50 4.5
3 Bihar 30.00 28.50 33.00 28
4 Delhi 9.29 8.00 16.5
5 Gujarat 7.00 2.5
6 Haryana 18.70 7.00 14.4
7 Himachal Pradesh 18.00 23.00 14.00 21.5
8 Jammu & Kashmir 21.50 16.50 21.00 23.5
9 Karnataka 32.90 21.50 27.28 27.9
10 Kerala 15.75 21.00 21.00 24
11 Madhya Pradesh 13.25 11.50 7.00 4.5
12 Maharashtra 13.35 4.50 13.15 13.5
13 Manipur 12.00 14.50 7.50 2.5
14 Odisha 57.50 43.50 35.91 37.41
15 Punjab 4.24
16 Rajasthan 24.70 14.50 13.58 14.5
17 Sikkim 3.30 2.64 0.49
18 Tamil Nadu 63.70 51.00 14.00 3.04
19 Tripura 5.00 2.50 10
20 Uttar Pradesh 83.85 67.06 50.00 46.58
21 Uttrakhand 5.00 15.00 19.00 15
22 West Bengal 16.00 16.00 26.03
Total 495.26 375.10 321.06 363.9

(Independent Charge) in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

****

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Government of India
Ministry of Shipping
19-March-2017 12:11 IST
Shri Mansukh Mandavia visits Vishakhapatnam : Reviews Dredging, Port
activities and National Highways projects
On a visit to Vishakhapatnam earlier this week Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of

State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemical & Fertilizers reviewed the
National Highways projects in the state of Andhra Pradesh, the dredging activities being
undertaken by the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) and the work being done by
Vishakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) .
Shri Mandavia visited the dredging site of Dredging Corporation of India Limited
(DCIL), along the beach road in Vishakhapatnam. He inspected the beach nourishment
activity carried out by DCI Dredge-17, near the Kurusura Subamrine Museum and also
participated in the cleanliness drive of the beach area as part of the “SWACHHTA
PAKHWADA” initiative being celebrated throughout the country . He also inspected the
public toilet facility constructed by DCI near RK Beach as part of SWACHH BHARAT
Mission. During the inspection the Minister interacted with top officials of DCI and
VPT . He was informed that DCI was undertaking various diversified activities in the
fields of dredging, land reclamation and beach nourishment, both at Indian ports and
internationally, for example at Mongla Port, Bangladesh.
Talking about the National Highways projects Shri Mandaviya said that the long pending
demand for Vizianagaram bypass has been fulfilled. The work of Rs. 4 laning of
Vizainagaram bypass with concrete road for Rs.430 Cr has been sanctioned. He said that
during the current financial year, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has
sanctioned 14 major projects costing Rs. 4500 Crore. on National Highways under
corridor approach and NHDP 4 scheme for Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam area grid
separator at Convent Junction on Visakhapatnam Old Road is being developed at a cost
of Rs.60 Crore. Out of this, Rs.30 Crore will be funded under Sagarmala programme,
Rs.15 Crore by NHAI and Rs.15 Crore by Vishakhapatnam Port Trust. Another project is
the Six laning of Anakapalli- Andapuram access controlled highways as part of NH16,
providing connectivity of 12 Km to Visakhapatnam Port with service road on both sides.
This will be dedicated corridor to Port. Visakhapatnam Ranasthalam, NH 16 is to be 6
laned in a length of 47 Km at a cost of Rs.1000 Cr. Bids for the project are already done
and the construction will start in the next 4 to 5 months. For the Outer Ring Road of186
KM around Amaravathi, Rs 20000 Crore has been sanctioned. Land acquisition is to be
done by State Government. Nandigama and Kanchicharla bypasses which were pending
since 2007 have been sanctioned by MoRTH. The Amaravathi Anadapur Expressway
with connectivity to Kadapah and Kurnool in a lenght of nearly 690 Km at a cost of
nearly 28000 Crore would be taken up by NHAI. Land acquisition is to be done by State
Government.Avenue plantations along the National Highways are to be taken up with the
partnership of local industrialists, farmers and NGOs.
The Minister also witnessed the fully mechanized coal unloading at the outer
harbourwhich is visited the outer harbour. He was briefed about the various activities of
VPT . He also reviewed the petroleum, chemicals and petrochemical investment region:
******
UM/NP/MS
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Government of India
17-March-2017 17:19 IST
Estimates of Milk Production During 2013-14 TO 2015-16
The major milk producing States in the country during the period 2013-14 to
2015-16 are Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab
and Maharashtra. The detail of milk production of all States and UTs is given below.

The Department is implementing the following Dairy Development Schemes in
which assistance is provided among others for creation and strengthening infrastructure
for providing market access to milk & milk products which helps to reduce spoilage of
milk:

(i) National Dairy Plan (Phase-I): Under this scheme Bulk Milk Coolers
(BMCs) for milk of 5200 KL (Kilo Liters) capacity has been approved to
help in reducing spoilage of milk due to high temperature.

(ii) National Programme for Dairy Development under the Central Sector
Scheme “National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy
Development (NPBBDD): The new Scheme, National Programme for
Dairy Development (NPDD) approved during 2013-14 with the budget
provision of Rs. 600 crore for implementation during 12 th Plan. The
objective of the scheme is to create/strengthen dairy infrastructure for
improved procurement, processing and marketing of milk and milk
products. The scheme is implemented through State Cooperative Dairy
Federation.

Under NPDD, 32 projects have been approved with a total outlay of Rs.
355.49 crore out of which Rs. 155.99 crore has been released to the
implementing agencies. Under this scheme, Bulk Milk Cooler for milk of
496 KL capacity and processing capacity of 1860 Thousand Liters Per Day
(TLPD) capacity has been approved to help in reducing losses in milk.

Estimates of Milk Production During 2013-14 to 2015-16

Sl. Name of State/ 2013-14 Name of State/ 2014-15 Name of 2015-16
No. UT UT State/UT
1. Uttar Pradesh 24193.9 Uttar Pradesh 25198.4 Uttar Pradesh 26386.8
2. Rajasthan 14573.1 Rajasthan 16934.3 Rajasthan 18500.1
3. Andhra 13007.1 Gujarat 11690.6 Gujarat 12262.4
Pradesh*
4. Gujarat 11112.2 Madhya 10779.1 Madhya 12148.4
Pradesh Pradesh
5. Punjab 10011.1 Punjab 10351.4 Andhra 10817.0
Pradesh
6. Madhya 9599.2 Andhra 9656.2 Punjab 10774.2
Pradesh Pradesh
7. Maharashtra 9089.0 Maharashtra 9542.3 Maharashtra 10152.6
8. Haryana 7441.7 Haryana 7901.4 Haryana 8381.3
9. Bihar 7197.1 Bihar 7774.9 Bihar 8288.4
10. Tamil Nadu 7049.2 Tamil Nadu 7132.5 Tamil Nadu 7243.5
11. Karnataka 5997.0 Karnataka 6120.9 Karnataka 6344.0
12. West Bengal 4906.2 West Bengal 4961.0 West Bengal 5038.5
13. Kerala 2654.7 Telengana 4207.3 Telengana 4442.5
14. Odisha 1861.2 Kerala 2711.1 Kerala 2649.8
15. Jharkhand 1699.8 Jammu & 1950.9 Jammu & 2273.4
Kashmir Kashmir
16. Jammu & 1614.7 Odisha 1903.1 Odisha 1930.5
Kashmir
17. Uttarakhand 1550.2 Jharkhand 1733.7 Jharkhand 1812.4
18. Chhattisgarh 1208.6 Uttarakhand 1565.4 Uttarakhand 1655.8
19. Himachal 1150.8 Chhattisgarh 1231.6 Himachal 1282.9
Pradesh Pradesh
20. Assam 814.5 Himachal 1172.2 Chhattisgarh 1277.3
Pradesh
21. Delhi 284.3 Assam 829.5 Assam 843.5
22. Tripura 129.7 Delhi 280.1 Delhi 280.8
23. Meghalaya 82.2 Tripura 141.2 Tripura 152.2
24. Manipur 81.7 Meghalaya 83.0 Meghalaya 84.0
25. Nagaland 80.6 Manipur 82.2 Manipur 79.0
26. Goa 67.8 Nagaland 75.7 Nagaland 77.0
27. Puducherry 47.3 Goa 66.6 Sikkim 66.7
28. Sikkim 46.0 Sikkim 50.0 Goa 54.3
29. Chandigarh 44.4 Puducherry 47.6 Arunachal 50.1
Pradesh
30. Arunachal 43.4 Arunachal 46.1 Puducherry 48.0
Pradesh Pradesh
31. Mizoram 15.3 Chandigarh 44.0 Chandigarh 43.2
32. A & N Islands 14.2 Mizoram 20.5 Mizoram 22.0
33. D & N Haveli 11.0 A & N 15.6 A & N Islands 15.4
Islands
34. Lakshadweep 6.1 D & N Haveli 8.5 D & N Haveli 8.5
35. Daman & Diu 0.8 Lakshadweep 4.2 Lakshadweep 3.3
36. Telangana 0.0 Daman & Diu 0.8 Daman & Diu 0.8
All India 137685. All India 146313.6 All India 155490.
Total 9 Total Total 5

* Include Telangana for the year 2013-14
Source: State/UT Animal Husbandry Departments
This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare, Shri sudarshan Bhagat, in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

***
SS

***

SS
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Government of India
17-March-2017 17:22 IST
Implementation of Crop Insurance Scheme
Various suggestions have been received from time to time both from individuals
and farmer organisations to provide insurance coverage for specific crops/specific risks
for their respective areas. Taking these into
account, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched from Kharif 2016
to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for all food crops (cereals, millets &
pulses), oilseeds crops and annual commercial/horticultural crops against all non-
preventable natural risks. This is however subject to yield data being made available for
the particular crop for a sufficient number of years and the capacity of State Governments
to conduct requisite number of Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) to assess the yield
loss. Perennial horticultural crops can also be insured under Restructured Weather Based
Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS). Inclusion of crops and areas under the
PMFBY/RWBCIS are however, decided/notified by the concerned State Governments.
The Central Government on its part, has continuously persuaded the State Governments
to notify maximum number of crops and areas under crop insurance schemes, so that the
coverage can be enhanced from the present level of about 30% of cropped area in 2016-
17 to 50% of cropped area over the next two years.

This is the first year of implementation of PMFBY/RWBCIS and 23 States
implemented the schemes during Kharif 2016 and 25 States and 3 Union Territories
during Rabi 2016-17. Details of State-wise coverage of number of farmers
during Kharif and Rabi 2016-17 under the schemes are given below. Disparities among
States in coverage is attributable to the schemes being optional for States, notification by
States of food and oilseeds crops & annual commercial/horticultural crops on selective
basis, poor infrastructure of insurance companies for coverage of non-loanee farmers
etc. Apart from these factors, coverage of farmers differs from State to State also due to
perception of risk of areas and crops, being higher in more risky areas and crops.
Government is keeping a close watch on the implementation/progress of the schemes
which are being monitored at the highest level and through weekly video conferences
with State Governments, insurance companies and financial institutions. Due to the
improved features of the new schemes and efforts made by the Government, coverage
under PMFBY/RWBCIS has increased substantially over that of the erstwhile schemes.

State-wise tentative coverage of farmers under PMFBY/RWBCIS
during Kharif and Rabi 2016-17

NO. OF FARMERS COVERED
S.No (IN LAKH)
. STATE Kharif 2016 Rabi 2016-17
ANDAMAN & NILOBAR NOT 0.00324
1. ISLAND IMPLEMENTED
2. ANDHRA PRADESH 15.89 1.44
3. ASSAM 0.52 0.078
4. ARUNACHAL PRADESH NOT IMPLEMENTED
5. BIHAR 14.86 11.54
6. CHANDIGARH NOT IMPLEMENTED
7. CHHATTISGARH 13.96 1.46
NOT DATA NOT
8. DAMAN & DIU IMPLEMENTED AVAILABLE
9. DADRA AND NAGAR HAVELI NOT IMPLEMENTED
10. DELHI NOT IMPLEMENTED
11. GOA 0.007 0.00013
12 GUJARAT 18.42 1.16
13 HARYANA 6.95 5.75
14 HIMACHAL PRADESH 1.37 2.03
NOT DATA NOT
15. JAMMU & KASHMIR IMPLEMENTED AVAILABLE
16. JHARKHAND 8.28 0.54
17. KARNATAKA 17.39 11.72
0.32 DATA NOT
18. KERALA AVAILABLE
19. LAKSHADWEEP NOT IMPLEMENTED
20. MADHYA PRADESH 40.29 28.80
21 MAHARASHTRA 110.21 8.05
0.09 NOT
IMPLEMENTE
22 MANIPUR D
.0006 DATA NOT
23 MEGHALAYA AVAILABLE
24 MIZORAM NOT IMPLEMENTED
25 NAGALAND NOT IMPLEMENTED
26 ODISHA 17.64 0.58
NOT 0.09
27 PUDUCHERRY IMPLEMENTED
28 PUNJAB NOT IMPLEMENTED
29 RAJASTHAN 50.22 30.76
NOT DATA NOT
30 SIKKIM IMPLEMENTED AVAILABLE
31 TAMILNADU 0.16 15.19
32 TELANGANA 6.80 1.56
33 TRIPURA 0.02 .15
34 UTTAR PRADESH 33.96 36.26
35 UTTARAKHAND 1.75 0.90
36 WEST BENGAL 30.91 9.08
TOTAL 390.02 167.14

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers
Welfare, Shri ParshottamRupala, in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

***
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Government of India
17-March-2017 16:32 IST
15.33 lakh tonnes of pulses procured towards building the buffer stock
The pulses procured and imported by the designated agencies are stored in their own godowns
as well as godowns hired from CWC/SWC/Private parties. The storage capacity available with FCI, CWC,
SWC and other state agencies along with private warehouses available in the country are adequate for
storing the buffer stock of pulses.
As on 14.03.2017, Government has created a buffer of around 15.33 lakh tonnes of pulses including 4.01
lakh tonnes contracted for imports. The variety-wise, State-wise stock available is given below in table.
A) Pulses Procured Domestically
Stock of Buffer Available-State-wise and Variety-wise of Domestic Pulses As on 14.03.2017 in MTs
S.No. State Tur Moong Urad Chana Masur
1 Madhya Pradesh 60090.94 28809.73 9233.53 374.61 7941.51
2 Maharashtra 270800.85 15446.92 7275.36 1126.31 0.00
3 Andhra Pradesh 582.95 702.30 3665.60 156.10 0.00
4 Telangana 175087.24 72.70 3381.41 0.00 0.00
5 Karnataka 163220.17 2105.75 5050.65 0.85 0.00
6 Gujarat 67273.00 1422.45 77.44 0.00 0.00
7 Rajasthan 0.00 19254.22 189428.97 10101.45 254.49
8 Uttar Pradesh 0.00 22729.92 0.00 0.00 382.29

9 Tamil Nadu 0.00 118.54 0.00 0.00 0.00
10 Haryana 0.00 0.00 1069.35 0.00 0.00
11 Bihar 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 16.20
Total 737055.15 90662.53 219182.31 11759.32 8594.49
B) Imported pulses
Stock of Imported Pulses of MMTC and STC As on 16.03.2017 in MTs
Desi Chick peas

State Tur Urad Red Lentils (Masur)
(Chana)
Tamil Nadu 28453 22353
Maharashtra 26615 16922 2838 42472
Andhra Pradesh 45374 16900 38000
Gujarat 45378 31484 40301
West Bengal 9888
Total 145820 39275 51222 130661
This information was given by Shri C.R. Chaudhary, the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food &
Public Distribution, in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
***
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Government of India
17-March-2017 13:26 IST
Upgradation of Medical Colleges under PMSSY
73 Government Medical Colleges/Institutes have already been approved for up-gradation in

different phases under PradhanMantriSwasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). Details of these
colleges are given below:

Status of upgradation of Medical Colleges under PMSSY Phase-I & II

S. Name Name of Medical Outlay Funds Date of Completi Remarks
No of State College (Rs. Crore)
releas commen on/
GOI State Total ed out ce- Likely
share share of mentof date of
centr work completi
al on and
share progress
(Rs.
Cr)
Phase-I
1. Kerala Trivandrum Medical 100. 20.0 120.0 87.62 Jan., Complet

College 00 0 0 2008 ed in
Mar.
2010
2. Karnatak Bangalore Medical 100. 26.6 126.6 96.72 Jan. Complet
a College 00 9 9 2008 ed in
June,
2010
3. Tamil Govt. Mohan 100. 39.3 139.3 93.57 Jan., Complet
Nadu Kumara- 00 1 1 2008 ed in
mangalamMedical August,
College, Salem 2010
4. Telangan NIMS, Hyderabad 100. 96.2 196.2 94.93 Mar. Complet

a 00 6 6 2008 ed in
Dec.
2010
5. Uttar SGPGIMS, Luckno 100. 20.0 120.0 90.80 Jan. Complet .
Pradesh w 00 0 0 2008 ed in
Aug.
2010
6. IMS, BHU, Varanasi 100. 46.7 147.0 96.05 Oct., Complet
00 0 0 2008 ed in
Sept.
2013
7. Jammu Jammu Medical 115. 20.0 135.0 112.8 Feb.200 Complet
releas commen on/
centr work completi
& College 00 0 0 1 8 ed in
Kashmir Sept.
2011
8. Srinagar Medical 115. 20.0 135.0 97.14 Apr. Complet
College 00 0 0 2008 ed
9. West Kolkata Medical 100. 60.7 160.7 62.88 OPD OPD &
Bengal College 00 3 3 and Academi
(OPD and Academic Academ c Block
Block in first ic Block Complet
stage andSSBinsecon - Jan. ed in
d stage of 2008 Oct.,
construction) 2011
SSB Schedule
-Dec.20 d date –
15 Dec.,
2017

Progress-
51%
1 Jharkhan RIMS, Ranchi 100. 20.0 120.0 89.36 Oct., Complet
0. d 00 0 0 2009 ed in
June,
2013
1 Gujarat BJ Medical 100. 20.0 120.0 86.75 2008 June, Mainly involves
1. College,Ahmedabad 00 0 0 2017 procurement of
medical
equipments and
the work is
nearing
completion.
1 Andhra SVIMS, Tirupati 60.0 60.0 120.0 57.87 2008 Complet
2. Pradesh 0 0 0 ed
1 Maharas Grant Medical 100. 20.0 120.0 92.31 2008 Mar., Involves
3. htra College, Mumbai 00 0 0 2017 procurement of
medical
equipments and
the work is
nearing
completion
1290 469. 1759. 1158.
releas commen on/
centr work completi
69 99 81
Phase-II
1 Punjab Amritsar Medical 125. 25.0 150 90.90 Jan. Complet
4. College 00 0 2012 ed
1 Himacha Tanda Medical 125. 25.0 150 108.0 Nov. Complet
5. l Pradesh College 00 0 2 2011 ed in
Feb.,
2014
1 Uttar JN Medical College, 125. 25.0 150 100.9 Nov. Complet
6. Pradesh AMU, Aligarh 00 0 2 2011 ed
1 Haryana PGIMS, Rohtak 125. 25.0 150 96.44 Nov. Expected
7 00 0 2012 date -
June,
2017.
Progress
– 83.90%
1 Maharas Nagpur Medical 125. 25.0 150 111.5 2010 Expected Involves
8 htra College 00 0 2 date - procurement
March, only and
2017. procurement
Progress work is being
– 70% undertaken
by State
Government/Ins
titute
1 Tamil Madurai Medical 125. 25.0 150 63.37 Feb., Progress
9. Nadu College 00 0 2014 – 48.11%

Total 750 150 900 571.1
7

Status of 39 Govt. Medical Colleges/Institutions being taken up for up-gradation under Phase-III of
PMSSY -
(Total outlay: Rs.150.00Cr.(Central Share: Rs.120 Cr. & State Share: Rs.30 Cr.) - Data regarding
civil work
S Na Name of Name of App Appr Date Sch Ph Fun Hindrances
. me the Executing Agency rove oved of edu ysi d
N of GMC/ / Contractor d Cont Awa led cal rele
o the Institute DP ract rd of dat Pr ased
. Stat R value wor e of og (Rs)
e Cost (Rs. ) k/Ta co res
for rget mpl s
Con date etio
stru of n
ctio com
n pleti
Wor on
k
(Rs.
Cr)
And May'
Siddhartha
hra HSCC(I) Ltd./ 65,97 2016 Oct. 21,7
Medical 80.0 22
1 Pra M/s.KMV Projects ,96,8 / 201 0,75
College, 3 %
des Ltd. 31 Oct.' 7 ,310
Vijayawada
h 2017
14.0
And
Govt 5.20 06.
hra HITES / 75,27 17,5
Medical 16 / 12. 9
2 Pra M/s. HaigreevaIntr 80 ,57,0 1,85
College, A 06.1 201 %
des atechProjects Ltd. 00 ,778
nantapur 2.20 7
h
17
Aproval from
Jan.'
Gauhati Me HSCC(I) Ltd./ July GuwahatiMet
68,41 2017 7,18
Ass dical M/s.ShreeGautam , ropolitan
3 80 ,01,8 / ,87,
am College, G Constructions Co. 201 Development
80 July' 132
uwahati Ltd. 8 Authority aw
2018
aited.
Aug.'
Assam 2016 Mar Existing
HSCC(I) Ltd./ 73,11 19,3
Ass Medical / . 7 structures to
4 M/s.KMV Projects 80 ,99,1 1,19
am College, Di Marc 201 % be
Ltd. 25 ,913
brugarh h' 8 demolished
2018
04.1 Delay in
Srikrishna HITES / M/s. 1.20 31. cutting of
86,27 8,58
Bih Medical Gannon Dunkerle 16 / 05. 2 trees coming
5 85 ,22,0 ,90,
ar College, M y& Co. Ltd., New 31.0 201 % in the layout
10 541
uzaffarapur Delhi 5.20 8 of the
18 building
30.0 Delay in
Govt HITES / 9.20 31. shifting of
85,35 8,52
Bih Medical M/s. VijetaProjects 16 / 05. 1 underground
6 85 ,56,2 ,48,
ar College, Da & Infrastructure 31.0 201 % utilities and
06 934
rbhanga Ltd., Ranchi 5.20 8 existing
18 structures
work
Goa Removal of
yet to 11,5
Medical 386. encroachmen
7 Goa be 9,00
College, Pa 35 ts/ statutory
awar ,000
naji clearances
HSCC ded
8 Guj Govt HITES / 88.5 69,29 08.0 7,50 Work yet to
commence as
Medical
M/s. KunalStructur ,80,2 6.20 ,08, non-
arat College,
es Pvt. Ltd., Rajkot 42 16 617 availability
Rajkot
of clear site.
DPR is being
Him revised based
ach Indira Gand on the
6,25
al hi Medical proposal
9 HSCC ,50,
Pra College, Sh submitted by
947
des imla State Govt. to
h change
location.
27.0
Patliputra 8.20 31.
Jhar 50,08 22,0
1 Medical 85.7 16 / 03. 21
kha CPWD ,00,0 7,10
0 College, D 1 26.1 201 %
nd 00.00 ,000
hanbad 2.20 8
17
1. Delay in
getting
approval
14.0 from local
Vijayanaga
5.20 14. bodies 2.
Kar rInstitute of HITES / 59,50 26,0
1 16 / 09. 16 Electrical
nata Medical M/s. HaigreevaIntr 65 ,45,3 7,12
1 06.0 201 % connection to
ka Sciences, atechProjects Ltd. 38 ,509
9.20 7 be provided
Bellary
17 by Medical
College for
Trauma
Centre
14.0
Karnataka
HITES / 5.20 10.
Kar Institute of 69,70 14,6
1 M/s. Harsh 16 / 02. 10
nata Medical 75 ,95,3 9,93
2 Construction Pvt. 10.0 201 %
ka Sciences, H 83 ,064
Ltd. 2.20 8
ubli
18
Work on
hold on
account of
change in
designs/draw
ings
proposed by
State Govt.
Kozhikode HITES /
71,13 01.0 10,4 Commitment
1 Ker Medical M/s. CheriayanVar
80 ,94,1 6.20 0,27 of State
3 ala College, keyConstruction
46.51 16 ,590 Govt. for
Kozhikode Projects Ltd.
additional
funds
received.
However,
State cabinet
approval is
pending for
the same.
Work on
hold on
account of
change in
designs/draw
ings
proposed by
State Govt.
Govt HITES /
74,14 01.0 10,5 Commitment
1 Ker TD Medcia M/s. CheriayanVar
80 ,80,3 6.20 4,77 of State
4 ala lCollege, A keyConstruction
42 16 ,624 Govt. for
lappuzha Projects Ltd.
additional
funds
received.
However,
State cabinet
approval is
pending for
the same.
Ma
May'
dhy Shyam Sha Oct.
HSCC(I) 66,24 2016 29,9
1 a h Medical 77.8 , 22
Ltd/ M/s.KMV ,81,8 / 9,48
5 Pra College, Re 3 201 %
Projects Ltd. 96.33 Oct.' ,381
des wa 7
2017
h
Ma
Netaji Subh May'
dhy HSCC(I) Oct.
ashChBose 65,69 2016 32,7
1 a Ltd/ M/s.RamaCo 77.8 , 39
Medical ,06,4 / 8,45
6 Pra nstruction 9 201 %
College, 06.29 Oct.' ,320
des Company 7
Jabalpur 2017
h
Ma
June'
dhy GR No
HSCC(I) 64,38 2016 18,4
1 a Medical 79.9 v., 14
Ltd/ M/s.Anurag E ,30,0 / 3,83
7 Pra College, 6 201 %
nterprises 66.95 Nov.' ,007
des Gwalior 7
2017
h
Govt May'
Ma Dec
Medical HSCC(I) 63,17 2016 11,1
1 hara 74.9 ., 21
College, Ltd/ M/s.TirupatiS ,20,0 / 7,20
8 shtr 2 201 %
Aurangaba arjan Ltd. 08.58 Dec.' ,401
a 7
d 2017
June'
Ma Govt Jan.
HSCC(I) 58,72 2016 10,8
1 hara Medical 74.3 , 18
Ltd/ M/s.KMV ,18,4 / 4,05
9 shtr College, La 6 201 %
Projects Ltd. 69.66 Jan.' ,293
a tur 8
2018
10.0
Ma Govt 9.20 09.
48,19 14,9
2 hara Medical 74.7 16/ 01. 8
CPWD ,00,0 5,00
0 shtr College, 5 09.0 201 %
00.00 ,000
a Akola 1.20 8
18
2 Ma ShriVasantr 74.3 48,47 12.0 11. 7 14,8
CPWD
1 hara aoNaikGov 6 ,00,0 9.20 01. % 7,20
16/
tMedical
shtr 11.0 201
College, Ya 00.00 ,000
a 1.20 8
vatmal
18
May'
MKCG HSCC(I)
65,94 2016 Oct. 16,0
2 Odi Medical Ltd/ M/s.Haigreev 23
80 ,78,0 / 201 1,63
2 sha College, Be aInfratechProjects %
93.47 Oct.' 7 ,466
rhampur Ltd.
2017
1.
Dismantling
work of existing
VSS
yet to 2,40 structures
2 Odi Medical 79.1
HSCC be ,00,
3 sha College, Bu 5
awar 000 2. Approval
rla
ded from local
bodies
awaited
work
Govt Aproval from
yet to 2,48
2 Pun Medical 82.7 local bodies
HSCC be ,00,
4 jab College, 4 for Building
awar 000
Patiala Plan
ded
May'
Oct.
Raj SP Medical HSCC(I) 60,62 2016 26,7
2 ' 34
asth College, Ltd/ M/s.NKG 72 ,49,5 / 7,37
5 201 %
an Bikaner Infrastructure Ltd. 20.41 Oct.' ,466
7
2017
July'
RNT HSCC(I) Feb
Raj 53,51 2016 15,3
2 Medical Ltd/ M/s.Shivalay 74.9 .' 22
asth ,82,9 / 5,18
6 College, aConstruction Co. 5 201 %
an 23.16 Feb.' ,292
Udaipur Pvt. Ltd. 8
2018
May'
Govt Oct.
Raj HSCC(I) 61,39 2016 29,0
2 Medical 79.6 ' 27
asth Ltd/ M/s.TirupatiS ,00,4 / 3,38
7 College, 1 201 %
an arjan Ltd. 49.89 Oct.' ,031
Kota 7
2017
01.0
Ta Thanjavur 6.20 14.
79,79 35,5
2 mil Medical HITES / M/s. 79.9 16 / 12. 16
,91,2 1,22
8 Nad College, Th KMV Projects Ltd. 3 14.1 201 %
66 ,916
u anjavur 2.20 7
17
01.0
Ta Tirunelveli 6.20 21.
79,63 37,3
2 mil Medical HITES / M/s. 83.9 16 / 12. 19
,75,3 1,27
9 Nad College, Ti KMV Projects Ltd. 5 21.1 201 %
36 ,839
u runelveli 2.20 7
17
Rajiv 14.0
15. Shifting of
Tela Gandhi HITES / 77,57 5.20 24,0
3 01. 10 water
nga Institute of M/s. KMV 80 ,72,9 16 / 2,67
0 201 % pipeline and
na Medical Projects Ltd. 52.29 31.1 ,166
8 open drain
Sciences, A 2.20
dilabad 17
14.0
Kakatiya M 5.20 31.
Tela HITES / 78,64 25,1
3 edical 16 / 12. 9
nga M/s. KMV 80 ,76,8 9,60
1 College, 31.1 201 %
na Projects Ltd. 79.25 ,099
Warangal 2.20 7
17
work
AgartalaGo 31.
yet to 17.0 20,0
3 Trip vtMedical 114. 10.
CPWD be 1.20 0,00
2 ura College, 54 201
awar 20 ,000
Tripura 9
ded
Utta May'
Govt HSCC(I)
r 66,68 2016 Oct. 16,0
3 Medical Ltd/ M/s.Kamladit 78.7 21
Pra ,84,0 / '201 2,81
3 College, yaConstruction 2 %
des 99.20 Oct.' 7 ,887
Jhansi Pvt. Ltd.
h 2017
19.0
Utta 5.20
Govt CPWD / M/s. 31.
r 43,96 16 20,9
3 Medical KashyapiInfrastrct 69.8 01. 25
Pra ,97,0 / 4,70
4 College, urePvt. Ltd. 7 201 %
des 00 31.0 ,000
Gorakhpur Ghaziabad 8
h 1.20
18
Utta May'
MLN HSCC(I) No
r 57,93 2016 20,1
3 Medical Ltd/ M/s.Akasva I v., 20
Pra 70 ,71,9 / 7,87
5 College, nfrastructure Pvt. 201 %
des 96.52 Nov.' ,048
Allahabad Ltd. 7
h 2017
11.0
Utta
LLR 6.20 10.
r CPWD / M/s. 41,74 18,9
3 Medical 69.9 16 / 11. 45
Pra SomProjects Pvt. ,77,0 7,90
6 College, 9 10.1 201 %
des Ltd. 59.00 ,000
Meerut 1.20 7
h
17
05.0
Wes 8.20 31.
BS Medical 54,79 40,9
3 t 79.9 16/ 03. 8
College, Ba CPWD ,00,0 9,60
7 Ben 8 31.0 201 %
nkura 00.00 ,000
gal 3.20 8
18
Site not
clear. Nurses
17.1
hostel
Wes Govt. 2.20 31.
44,96 16,1 existing on
3 t Medical 61.3 16/ 12.
CPWD ,00,0 3,90 the site is
8 Ben College, M 9 16.0 201
00.00 ,000 being
gal alda 8.20 8
demolished
18
by the
college.
3 Wes North HSCC(I) 80 71,94 June' Jan. 15 17,1 Shifting of
9 t Bengal Ltd/ M/s.Gannon ,38,8 2016 , % 9,43 Services.
Ben Medical &Dunkerley& Co. 28.39 / 201 ,883
gal College, Sil Ltd. Jan.' 8
iguri, 2018
Darjeeling

Upgradation of 13 existing Govt. Medical Colleges under PMSSY Phase-IV at the cost of
200.00 Crore each (Central Share: Rs.120 Cr. & State Share: Rs.80 Cr.). Project to be
completed by December, 2018 as approved by CCEA on 03.08.2016.

S.No State Sl. No. of Government Medical Colleges/Institutes
. College
1 Bihar 1 Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna
2 Government Medical College, Bhagalpur
3 Government Medical College, Gaya
2 Chhattisgarh 4 Government Medical College, Bilaspur
5 Government Medical College, Jagdalpur
3 Delhi 6 University College of Medical Sciences
(UCMS)-Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB)
Hospital
4 Gujarat 7 Government Medical College, Surat
8 Government Medical College, Bhavnagar
5 Madhya Pradesh 9 Government Medical College, Indore
6 Odisha 10 Government Medical College, Cuttack
7 Rajasthan 11 Government Medical College, Jaipur
8 Uttar Pradesh 12 Government Medical College, Agra
13 Government Medical College, Kanpur

Present Status

 CPWD has been finalized as Executing agency for GMCs at Sl no. 1 to 5 above.
 Gap Analysis of GMC at Bilaspur, Jagdalpur, Cuttack, Agra & Kanpur has been finalized.

Upgradation under PMSSY Phase-V(A)

Ministry has approved the proposal for creation of a Super Specialty block in Institute of Medical
Sciences, BHU at a cost of Rs 200 crore and establishment of a Hospital Block
at SreeChitraTirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala at a cost of Rs 230 crore under PMSSY.CPWD has been finalized as Executing agency for
both the projects.
The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), ShFaggan Singh Kulaste stated this in a
written reply in the Lok Sabhahere today.

*****

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Government of India
17-March-2017 13:18 IST
New TB Drug Regimen
Under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), daily regimen for drug
sensitive TB is implemented across the country for TB-HIV co-infected patients and for all drug
sensitive TB patients in five States (Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Bihar, Maharashtra and Kerala).
The daily regimen will be scaled up across all the States/UT of the country.

Theprogramme has initiated Bedaquiline conditional access in 6 Institutes (National Institute of

Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases and RajanBabu Institute of Pulmonary Medicine &
Tuberculosis, New Delhi, B.J.Medical College Ahmedabad, Government Hospital for Thoracic
Medicine, Tambaram, Chennai, Guwahati Medical College Guwahati and Guru Teg Bahadur
Sewree, Mumbai).

The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme has been successful in decreasing the
Incidence of Tuberculosis from 279/lakh population per year to 217/lakh population per year
from 2005 to 2015. Also the mortality due to Tuberculosis has decreased from 50/lakh
population per year to 36/lakh population per year in the same period.

The funds allocated and spent State/UT wise is given below:
State wise Allocation and Release (Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme)
(Rs. In Lakhs)
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
Allocatio Release/spe Allocatio Release/spe Allocatio Release/spe Allocatio Release/spe
State/UT n nt n nt n nt n nt
Andhra Pradesh 4907.34 3947.42 2861.96 2411.67 2200.34 2315.49 2194.68 2194.68
Andaman &
Nicobar 87.15 75.23 87.15 69.8 90.9 90.9 90.9 69.06
Arunachal
Pradesh 565.36 418.48 565.36 577.51 552.32 552.32 564.48 440.64
Assam 4303.74 1535.01 4303.74 2500.55 2527.13 2527.13 2776.33 2776.33
Bihar 4094.59 1013.72 4094.59 2089.95 2963.81 2464.15 2962 2253.07
Chandigarh 154.54 134.74 154.54 191.71 156.14 156.14 156.14 83.07
Chattisgarh 1440.6 912.66 1440.6 1620.95 1401.08 1152.24 1398.15 1398.15
D & N Haveli 68.05 52.68 68.05 44.55 72.03 64.3 72.03 54.88
Daman & Diu 43.47 25.83 43.47 12.62 45.98 45.98 45.98 35.09
Delhi 1820.02 1426.7 1820.02 1844.34 1705.12 1705.12 1018.43 3018.43
Goa 116.34 103.08 116.34 134.56 127.78 72.77 127.61 98.48
Gujarat 4857.52 5845.89 4857.52 3623.03 3298.04 3423.41 3282.1 4282.1
Haryana 1292.26 604.37 1292.26 1125.74 1207.93 1261.1 1204.96 953.15
Himachal
Pradesh 581.22 548.08 581.22 819.6 837.57 852.38 833.82 833.82
Jammu &
Kashmir 943.43 680.01 943.43 720.57 1038.26 829.1 1036.78 802.14
Jharkhand 1783.56 1001.41 1783.56 855.1 1512.16 1216.61 1511.23 1148.87
Karnataka 3195.23 1789.59 3195.23 3084.58 3186.19 2011.15 3177.65 4141.93
Kerala 1440.91 1807.19 1440.91 1246.72 1395.33 1365.74 1393.01 1083.37
Lakshadweep 35.39 19.91 35.39 23.16 37.95 37.95 37.95 0.6
Madhya Pradesh 3081.84 2105.28 3081.84 2483.31 2880.71 3031.22 2878.14 2878.14
Maharashtra 6657.74 6708.83 6657.74 9688.05 8085.75 8438.54 8059.4 6483.16
Manipur 657.22 277.82 657.22 446.82 524.57 524.57 548.31 444.9
Meghalaya 550.67 288.08 550.67 685.85 427.62 427.62 453.95 453.95
Mizoram 414.39 304.09 414.39 386.57 392.75 392.75 402.29 315.27
Nagaland 596.41 253.26 596.41 377.66 460.49 460.49 477.38 382.03
Orissa 2141.81 1205.67 2141.81 2031.3 1991.54 1664.56 1986.79 1986.79
Puducherry 183.56 177.96 183.56 148.63 187.88 204.88 110.57 275.57
Punjab 1207.19 1239.71 1207.19 1414.16 1273.22 1332.87 1270.01 1005.85
Rajasthan 3653.38 2404.08 3653.38 2956.61 2792.23 2934.77 2781.23 2268.95
Sikkim 242.98 181.61 242.98 488.26 426.92 426.92 474.88 474.88
Tamilnadu 3131.84 2519.66 3131.84 3622.28 3367.31 3515.37 3353 3353
Tripura 583.71 184.02 583.71 138.76 290.2 290.2 300.38 300.38
Uttar Pradesh 7631.54 4982.92 7631.54 7856.69 7350.9 10455.95 7337.9 12337.9
Uttrakhand 661.14 537.47 661.14 826.36 651.62 672.4 650.44 507.49
West Bengal 3834.82 2685.07 3834.82 3191.68 3187.7 3383.41 3183.1 3683.1
Telangana − − 2045.38 1795.27 1672.53 1429.96 1667 367.81
Total 66960.96 47997.53 66960.96 61534.97 60320 61730.46 59819 63187.03

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), ShFaggan Singh Kulaste stated this in a written

*****

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Government of India
17-March-2017 13:16 IST
National Health Mission
The National Health Mission (NHM) aims for attainment of universal access to equitable,
affordable and quality health care services, accountable and responsive to people’s needs, with
effective inter-sectoral convergent action to address the wider social determinants of health.

Under NHM, support to States/UTs is provided for five key programmatic components:
(i) Health Systems Strengthening including infrastructure, human resource, drugs & equipment,
ambulances, MMUs, ASHAs etc under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and
National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).

(ii) Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Services (RMNCH + A)

(iii) Communicable Disease Control Programmes

(iv) Non-Communicable Diseases Control Programme interventions upto District Hospital level

(v) Infrastructure Maintenance- to support salary of ANMs and LHVs etc.

The objectives of NHM are summarised as under:
i.
Reduction in child and maternal mortality
ii. Prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, including
locally endemic diseases.
iii. Access to integrated comprehensive primary health care.
iv. Population stabilisation, gender and demographic balance.
v. Revitalize local health traditions & mainstream AYUSH.
vi. Universal access to public services for food and nutrition, sanitation and hygiene
and universal access to public health care services with emphasis on services
addressing women’s and children’s health and universal immunisation.
vii. Promotion of healthy life styles.

The NHM has been successful in accelerating the decline of Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR),
Under 5 Mortality Rate (U5MR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Total Fertility Rate (TFR). It
has also achieved many of the disease control targets.
The key targets and achievements of NHM are given below:

Targets as per NHM Framework for Implementation
S.no. Targets (2012-17) Achievements
1 Reduce IMR to 25/1000 live births IMR has reduced to 37 in 2015 (SRS).
MMR has reduced to 167 in 2011-13

2 Reduce MMR to 100/1,00,000 live births
(SRS).
3 Reduce TFR to 2.1 TFR has reduced to 2.3 in 2014 (SRS).
Tuberculosis Prevalence and mortality

reduced to half as compared to 1990 level.

Incidence reduced from 300 / lakh in 1990
to 217/ lakh in 2015
Reduce annual prevalence and mortality from
4
Tuberculosis by half
Mortality reduced from 76/ lakh in 1990
to 32/ lakh in 2015

Data Source : WHO Global TB report
2016
Prevalence rate of Leprosy reduced to

Reduce prevalence rate of Leprosy to <1/10000
5 Less than 1/10000 population in 551
population in all districts.
Districts as on 31st March 2016.
Annual Malaria Incidence is 0.67 in 2016.

6 Annual Malaria Incidence to be <1/1000
(Prov)
Out of 256 LF endemic districts, 222

Less than 1 per cent microfilaria prevalence in
7 districts have reported Mf rate less than
all districts
1% as per reports of 2016.
Out of 628 endemic blocks 492 (78%)
Kala-Azar Elimination by 2015, <1 case per
8 have already achieved elimination till
10000 population in all blocks
2016.

Variousprogrammes running under theNHM has been regularly evaluated, inter-alia, through
external surveys such as, National Family Health Survey (NFHS), District Level Household
Survey (DLHS) and Sample Registration System (SRS). Further, Common Review Missions
(CRMs) also undertake a review of NRHM/NHM annually.
The details on different evaluations are available in public domain as under:
NFHS-4:
http://nrhm-mis.nic.in/SitePages/NFHS.aspx
DLHS 4:
https://nrhm-mis.nic.in/SitePages/DLHS-4.aspx
SRS:
http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-Common/Sample_Registration_System.html
CRM reports:
http://nhm.gov.in/monitoring/common-review-mission.html

A statement showing State/UT-wise Central Release and Expenditure during the last three years
is given below:
Statement Showing State/UT-wise Central Release and Expenditure under NHM from the F.Y. 2013-14 to 2015-16
Rs. in cro
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
Sl. No. States
Central Release Expenditure Central Release Expenditure Central Release Expenditure
Andaman & Nicobar
1 Islands 29.06 29.12 23.36 24.33 37.30 11.47
2 Andhra Pradesh 878.73 1,044.81 519.73 902.91 643.52 1,090.17
3 Arunachal Pradesh 78.60 92.03 139.41 69.50 162.65 146.27
4 Assam 1,077.81 956.89 877.13 915.88 971.35 1,186.01
5 Bihar 1,110.32 1,480.68 1,148.32 1,427.40 1,159.49 1,621.67
6 Chandigarh 11.46 14.42 12.15 15.26 23.89 20.98
7 Chattisgarh 355.98 805.50 500.41 716.04 412.26 758.28
8 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 9.23 9.83 8.40 8.56 14.37 15.54
9 Daman & Diu 6.50 8.40 6.91 7.67 10.53 15.69
10 Delhi 129.78 132.59 154.04 222.64 163.80 137.29
11 Goa 19.35 30.58 26.03 29.50 16.77 24.92
12 Gujarat 833.72 977.48 832.86 873.66 693.78 1,272.42
13 Haryana 315.94 423.79 273.60 438.18 291.96 493.23
14 Himachal Pradesh 205.29 158.60 185.84 306.92 246.49 281.26
15 Jammu & Kashmir 395.10 391.10 335.51 393.29 367.90 420.94
16 Jharkhand 396.38 521.49 359.62 372.01 411.50 590.18
17 Karnataka 611.11 812.56 697.24 858.18 740.45 1,141.61
18 Kerala 360.98 673.07 521.99 509.83 304.14 632.88
19 Lakshadweep 3.20 2.28 5.08 1.36 5.69 2.72
20 Madhya Pradesh 865.94 1,583.60 1,162.50 1,738.02 1,132.19 2,046.60
21 Maharashtra 1,218.51 1,806.86 1,431.76 1,834.40 1,085.92 1,734.44
22 Manipur 88.93 74.57 128.81 86.91 112.16 105.51
23 Meghalaya 125.51 71.53 104.13 70.72 102.22 133.55
24 Mizoram 77.43 91.89 103.28 93.29 94.68 172.38
25 Nagaland 99.73 90.40 114.92 63.04 104.85 81.05
26 Orissa 604.20 901.65 667.16 944.10 652.62 1,205.77
27 Puducherry 18.10 25.43 22.56 23.35 18.61 21.77
28 Punjab 333.47 437.57 379.35 460.59 295.23 649.49
29 Rajasthan 922.93 1,457.06 1,115.96 1,722.69 1,287.84 1,799.11
30 Sikkim 45.91 44.82 51.60 41.36 41.01 50.71
31 Tamil Nadu 906.24 1,430.28 952.75 2,248.06 1,093.22 1,633.37
32 Tripura 140.15 101.93 123.11 130.15 136.29 118.77
33 Uttar Pradesh 3,024.60 2,924.38 2,431.06 3,671.26 2,862.83 4,451.78
34 Uttarakhand 245.25 255.28 270.55 324.42 276.41 335.95
35 West Bengal 948.51 1,271.71 1,058.62 1,196.78 959.51 1,487.62
36 Telangana - - 378.72 334.68 436.63 505.55

Total 16,493.93 21,134.19 17,124.48 23,076.94
17,370.07 26,396.94
ote:
The above Releases relate to Central Govt. Grants & do not include State share contribution.
The above releases are as per revised allocation
Expenditure (As per FMR submitted by States/UTs) includes Expenditure against Central Release, State release & Unspent balances at the beginning of the year.

The Minister of State (Health and Family Welfare), ShFaggan Singh Kulaste stated this in a
written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.

*****

MV/LK

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Government of India
17-March-2017 18:48 IST
Placement under Integrated Skill Development Scheme
State wise details of students placed under Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) is given
below:

State wise details of students placed under ISDS
No. of trainees placed after training
S. No. State (as on 14.03.2017)
1. Andhra Pradesh 62989
2. Arunachal Pradesh 139
3. Assam 2957
4. Bihar 18031
5. Chandigarh 100
6. Chhattisgarh 6684
7. Daman & Diu 301
8. Delhi 8728
9. Gujarat 81558
10. Haryana 29663
11. Himachal Pradesh 724
12. Jammu & Kashmir 2371
13. Jharkhand 6918
14. Karnataka 84156
15. Kerala 6284
16. Madhya Pradesh 41016
17. Maharashtra 21493
18. Manipur 1205
19. Meghalaya 517
20. Nagaland 29
21. Odisha 21800
22. Pondicherry 282
23. Punjab 6412
24. Rajasthan 32567
25. Sikkim 273
26. Tamil Nadu 124657
27. Telangana 20671
28. Tripura 5308
29. Uttar Pradesh 45939
30. Uttarakhand 146

31. West Bengal 35658
Total 669576

So far, an amount of Rs. 735.99 crore has been released to implementing agencies under ISDS.

As per the Management Information System of ISDS, a total of 54787 persons were trained
during last three years in Karnataka, of which 42,691 persons have been provided placement.

written reply to a Rajya Sabha question.

***
GG/DJM

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Government of India
17-March-2017 17:29 IST
Progress of Soil Health Card
The Government has introduced Soil Health Card Scheme in all States/UTs with an aim
to assist all State Governments to evaluate fertility in all farm holdings across the country and
issue soil health cards to farmers regularly in a cycle of 2 years. Soil Health Cards provide
information to farmers on nutrient status of their soil along with recommendations on appropriate
dosage of nutrients to be applied for improving soil health and its fertility.

Against the target of 2.53 crore soil samples, the States have collected 2.71 crore samples
and tested 2.05 crore samples to print about 11 crore soil health cards. As on 14.03.2017, 5.66
crore cards have been distributed to farmers. State-wise details are given below.

A study conducted by National Productivity Council (NPC) in 2016 has shown that 84%
of farmers have expressed that they have applied the nutrients recommendations suggested in
soil health card that have proven to be beneficial to them in reducing the cost of cultivation and
improving productivity of crops.

State-wise number of soil samples collected, analysed and number of soil health
cards issued to farmers.

Total soil Total soil
Soil
samples health card
Sl.No Soil samples Health
State target for target for
. Card
2015-16 & 2015-16 &
issued
2016-17 Collected Tested 2016-17
I. SOUTH ZONE
1 Andhra Pradesh 1348382 1491304 1374653 7455204 4355143
2 Karnataka 1665765 1675090 1484491 9210012 3553732
3 Kerala 127585 219922 155843 705420 199272
4 Tamil Nadu 1274536 1269784 1262281 7046911 5537237
5 Telangana 1034678 1023188 975680 5720737 2807095
II. WEST ZONE
6 Gujarat 1589236 3334235 3050832 8786883 2414631
7 Madhya Pradesh 2313977 2315843 1825478 12793976 4387336
8 Maharashtra 2347121 2614912 2424000 12977232 10105000
9 Rajasthan 2308013 2343000 1217000 12761005 3210000
10 Chhattisgarh 703691 776174 730573 3890709 3516045
11 Goa 25000 25000 25000 25000 20372
III. NORTH ZONE
12 Haryana 788670 788670 788670 4360555 448260
13 Punjab 835526 534820 295779 4619621 635277
14 Uttarakhand 135738 128342 119318 750494 567178
15 Uttar Pradesh 4770399 4846592 2370896 26391089 7258903
16 Himachal Pradesh 69635 91947 89897 385011 456606
17 J&K 165318 100142 65160 914044 127633
IV. EAST ZONE
18 Bihar 1308778 1394248 828436 7236233 2866557
19 Jharkhand 115302 115302 91506 637507 180968
20 Odisha 668635 651607 546791 3696881 1617978
21 West Bengal 1300349 1080000 669000 7189629 2024000
V. NE ZONE
22 Arunachal Pradesh 20532 20262 19001 113523 9670
23 Assam 278707 181041 51119 1540968 139150
24 Manipur 20713 9719 6380 114522 5351
25 Meghalaya 39372 37958 34372 209561 47213
26 Mizoram 11986 12412 9216 11986 8216
27 Nagaland 33423 24995 20675 184797 17700
28 Sikkim 13217 13217 13217 46000 27000
29 Tripura 32736 33000 33000 180998 78334
VI. Union Territories
30 Andaman & Nicobar 1405 2176 2176 7799 1918
31 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 2162 0 0 12000 0
32 Puducherry 3530 4736 4736 19594 1261
33 Chandigarh 277 544 0 277 0
Total 25354394 27160182 20585176 139996178 56625036


***

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Government of India
17-March-2017 13:36 IST
Atal Mission investments for Telangana approved for the five year mission
period
Rs.1,673 cr to be spent on improving basic urban infrastructure in 12 cities

Centre to provide assistance of Rs.832 cr
Rs.425 cr to be spent on improving water supply in Warangal during the next 3 years alone

Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
Transformation (AMRUT), an expenditure of Rs.1,673 cr will be incurred on improving basic
urban infrastructure in 12 mission cities in Telangana by 2019-20, the last year of the mission.
Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu approved an investment of
Rs.703 cr under Atal Mission over the next three financial years i.e 2017-20, taking the total
mission investment to Rs.1,673 cr.
Expenditure of Rs.415 cr for 2015-16 and Rs.555 cr for 2016-17, as proposed by the
State Government under the State Annual Action Plans for respective years was earlier
approved by the Ministry of Urban Development.
Ministry of Urban Development provides a total central assistance of Rs.832 cr for the
five year mission period which is almost half of the total expenditure to be incurred in 12
mission cities and towns of Telangana.
Of the Rs.703 cr approved for 2017-20, Rs.560 cr will be spent on water supply projects,
Rs.126 cr on expanding sewerage networks and Rs.17 cr for development of parks and green
spaces in mission cities. Of this, a lion’s share of Rs.424.26 will be spent on water supply
projects in Warangal.
Details of investments over the next three years (2017-20) in the 12 mission cities in
Telangana are as below:
S.No City/Town Water supply Sewerage and Green spaces Total
(Rs. cr) Septage and parks (Rs. cr)
management (Rs. cr)
(Rs. cr)
1 Warangal 424.26 0.00 1.44 425.70
2 Siddipet 0.00 100.00 1.50 101.50
3 Khammam 47.84 0.00 1.00 48.84
4 Mahaboobnagar 41.58 0.00 1.50 43.08
5 Nizamabad 4.52 26.00 1.79 32.31
6 Karimnagar 24.98 0.00 1.50 26.48
7 Nalgonda 11.28 0.00 0.75 12.03
8 Miryalaguda 4.07 0.00 1.80 5.87
9 Suryapet 1.45 0.00 1.25 2.70
10 GHMC 0.00 0.00 2.02 2.02
11 Ramagundam 0.00 0.00 1.50 1.50
12 Adilabad 0.00 0.00 0.95 0.95

Telangana Government has proposed expenditure in different mission cities over the next
three years based on the proposals approved for various cities and towns for 2015-17.
Under AMRUT, provision of water taps to all urban households in mission cities and
augmenting water supply to the normative level of 135 litres per head per day is given priority
followed by expanding sewerage and drainage networks while development of open and green
spaces every year in mission cities is mandatory.
Under this mission, central assistance is allocated to States/UTs for five years based on
urban population and number of statutory Urban Local Bodies in each State/UT. Cities and
towns with a population of above one lakh each are included in the Mission and accordingly, 12
cities and towns from Telangana are among the 500 mission cities. State and city governments
propose action plans with matching contributions.
For Andhra Pradesh, a total investment of Rs.2,890 cr with central assistance of Rs.1,057
was earlier approved for the five year mission period of 2015-20 for 33 mission cities.
Central Government has approved Rs.50,000 cr for providing central assistance for
improving basic urban infrastructure in 500 mission cities during 2015-20.
AAR/KM
March 17, 2017
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Government of India
17-March-2017 17:24 IST
Promoting the Use of Organic Manure
Organic fertilizers have been tested scientifically in Indian Council of Agriculture

Research (ICAR), institutions and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) on various crops and
soil types and found suitable for improving soil health and crop productivity. The organic
fertilizers presently available may supplement (N,P) by nearly 20-25%. Biofertilizers when
applied along with compost @ 5t/ha or vermicompost @ 2t/ha, fertilizer saving is almost
50%. The advantages of these organic fertilizers are that they are eco-friendly and not only
provide nutrients for maintaining soil fertility but also improve soil physical & biological
health. Government is promoting judicious use of chemical fertilizers in conjunction with
organic manures and biofertilizers to maintain soil health and productivity.
Organic fertilizers largely are produced on-farm by the farmers. When on-farm organic
inputs are used, cost of production per unit area is less than 13% under organic agriculture than
inorganic management. However, if organic inputs from outside the farm are purchased and
utilized, the cost of production increases by about 15-20% depending on the nature of inputs
used. Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) models being developed under National
Project on Organic farming (NPOF) promises to meet 70-80% of organic inputs within the farm
thus reducing the market input cost considerably.

Government is promoting the use of Organic manures under the scheme Paramparagat
Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) of National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). The
Government is promoting the use of organic inputs in the country, through assistance as under:

(i) Financial assistance is provided under the component Integrated Manure
Management of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) for Phosphate Rich
Organic Manure (PROM) as per specification given in FCO, 1985 @Rs.1000/acre for
procuring and application of PROM to soil to meet phosphorus/Zinc deficiency in soil.

(ii) Financial Assistance is provided for vermi-compost (size 7’x3’x1’)
@Rs.5,000/- unit for procurement of earth worms, preparation of pits, construction of
brick wall etc.

(iii) Promotion of Organic Inputs under Organic & INM Components of Soil
Health Management, assistance is provided for Vermi-compost, Bio-fertilizers (Liquid /
solid), Waste compost, Herbal extracts etc. including PROM@ 50 % of cost subject to a
limit of Rs. 5000/- per ha and maximum Rs.10,000 per beneficiary.

(iv) Government is also promoting the production of organic manures by
providing 100% financial assistance to State Governments/ Government Agencies upto a
maximum limit of Rs.190.00 lakh per unit and 33% of project cost maximum limited to
Rs.63 lakh per unit for individuals/private agencies through NABARD as capital
investment for establishment of agro/vegetable waste compost production units of 3000
Total Per Annum (TPA) production capacity.

(v) Under the Rain fed Area Development (RAD) component of NMSA, 50% of cost
subject to limit of Rs 125/- per cubic ft. and maximum permissible assistance of
Rs.50,000/- per unit for permanent structure and Rs 8,000/- per unit for High Density
Polyethylene (HDPE) vermi bed is provided for construction of compost unit and,
organic input production unit.

(vi) The Government of India is providing a Market Development Assistance @
Rs.1500/-per metric ton (MT) to Fertilizer Companies for sale of City Compost.

State-wise details of different organic manures produced / available in during 2015-16

(lakh MT)

State Rural Farm City organic Vermi other Total Green
Compos Yard Compost manure Compos manure Manure manure
t Manure t (Ha.)
(FYM)
Andhra Pradesh 62 0.35 22.1 0 1.52 0 85.97 8.39
Arunachal 0.7 0.21 0 0.01 0.62 0.062 1.602 0.1
Pradesh
Assam 0 841 0 0 93.1 1.56 935.66 123
Bihar 10.32 8.5 0.32 5.01 9.12 0 33.27 1.8
Chhattisgarh 11.0491 42.51 11.23 0 3.02 53.0884 97.88217 18.6847
7 2
Delhi 0.04 0 0.5 0.04 0.03 0.21 0.82 0.097
Goa 0 375 0 0 0.78 4.9 380.68 62
Gujarat 10.2 8.6 0 2.17598 0.2 0.010601 2.3886365 0.012
5 5
Haryana 0 0 0 15 25.1 14 29 2.92
Himachal 1.9 0 0.23 0 0 0 2.13 1.11
Pradesh
Jammu & 0 0 0 0 396 0 700 72.1
Kashmir
Jharkhand 5.9 6.3 6.552957 2.72357 19.13513 0.1587 28.570362 1.22
8 5 8
Karnataka 0.72 0 0.68 0 3.2515 0.005 4.6565 0.45
Kerala 26.3829 15.165 1.026 0.909 10.096 1.26194 19.84091 0.9
7
Madhya Pradesh 10.36 6.58 7.5 0 2.5 4 14 1.05
Maharashtra 0 0.72 0 0 0.09 0 0.81 0.08
Manipur 0 19 0 0 9 0 28 2.1
Mizoram 0 1.12 0 0 1.06 0 2.18 0.013
Meghalaya 0.42 1.3 0 0 1.21 0 2.93 0.01
Nagaland 10.6 0 8.42102 0.2154 6.1665 0 25.40292 3.21
Odisha 0 0 0.19229 0.8346 0.34 7.531 8.70198 0.45
Punjab 0.04 0 0.5 0.04 0.03 0.21 0.82 0.097
Pondicherry 0 0 3.1162 0 0 1.434895 4.551095 0.45
Rajasthan 21.92 12.2 0 0.012 0 0.0113 34.1433 0.004
Sikkim 0.34 0 0 0 0.05 0 0.39 0.05
Tamilnadu 0.05 0 9.28915 0 5.784556 1.29863 18.422336 2.21
Tripura 2.6 0 0 0 0.91 0 0.91 0
Uttar Pradesh 10.6 14.6 0 0 0.5 0 25.7 3.31
Uttarakhand 25.3 19.5 0 0 0.23 0 0.23 0.03
West Bengal 8.5 29.99 8.3 4.2 1.95 4.986 57.926 22
Grand Total 219.942 1402.64 31.1705 327.847
1 5 79.95762 6 591.7937 94.72847 2547.588 7

Source: NCOF Ghaziabad


***

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Government of India
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
16-March-2017 14:28 IST
Tribal Youth Exchange Programme
The Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel said in the Lok
Sabha today that the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan has organized 9th Tribal Youth
Exchange Programme for the development of tribal youth with the support of Ministry of
Home Affairs, Govt. of India in the year 2016-17. The 9th Tribal Youth Exchange
Programmes have been organized at ten venues viz. Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), Jaipur
(Rajasthan), Delhi, Bengaluru (Karnataka), Vadodara (Gujarat), Pune (Maharashtra),
Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Jammu (J&K), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) and Shimla (Himachal
Pradesh). In this Programme, selected tribal youth from districts affected by Left-Wing
Extremist activities in the States of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Maharashtra and Bihar are taken to other parts of the country.

In a written reply he said the programme aims to sensitize the tribal youth to rich cultural
heritage of the Country and to enable them to appreciate the concept of unity in diversity,
to expose them to development activities and technological/ industrial advancement in
other parts of the country, to enable them to develop emotional linkage with the people in
other parts of the country and to develop their personality by enhancing their understanding
of the core life skills, identifying their skill development needs and providing them
necessary career counselling.

ANNEXURE-I

Sl. Name of States Sl. Name of Districts Number of Participants
No. No. from each districts
1 Chhattisgarh 1 Bastar 70
2 Bijapur 70
3 Dantewada 70
4 Kanker 100
5 Narayanpur 100
6 Sukma 100
7 Kondagaon 70
8 Rajnandgaon 110
2 Jharkhand 9 Chatra 70
10 Garhwa 70
11 Giridih 70
12 Gumla 70
13 Latehar 70
14 Palamu 70
15 Lohardaga 70
16 Simdega 60
17 W. Singhbhum 60
18 Khunti 60
19 Ranchi 60
20 Dumka 60
3 Odisha 21 Koraput 60
22 Malkangiri 80
23 Nuapada 80
4 Andhra Pradesh 24 Vishakhapatnam (Rural) 70
5 Telangana 25 Khammam 70
6 Maharashtra 26 Gadchiroli 70
7 27 Jamui 50
Bihar
28 Gaya 40
Total 2000
ANNEXURE-
II

Details of other such youth exchange programmes organized under NYKS along with the
progress achieved during the last three years and the current year:-
Year Details of Objective/Aim of the Venues No. of Participants

Programme programme Programme
North East Youth Exchange Programme
2016- Nehru Yuva The basic objectives of Nagpur 1 275
17 Kendra Sangathan the program was
has collaborated to provide an
with North East opportunity to the
Division, Youth of 6 North
Ministry of Home Eastern States to visit
Affairs, Govt. of Nagpur (Maharashtra)
India for North to understand the socio
East Youth economic development,
Exchange cultural ethos,
Programme for language, lifestyles of
the year 2016-17. the people depicting
In this unity in diversity aspect
Programme, the of our national life and
youth were drawn social and financial
from 5 North inclusion programmes
Eastern States to of Govt.
visit Nagpur
(Maharashtra).

*****
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Government of India
16-March-2017 16:33 IST
Development of Airport Infrastructure and Setting up of New Greenfield
Airports
Committee Suggests Gradual Bifurcation of ANS from AAI
The present infrastructure capacity of airport is generally sufficient for handling existing
air traffic. However, keeping in view of rapid growth of domestic airlines, expansion of
infrastructure at airports including runway, terminal building and air space harmonization
has been undertaken.
It is planned to revive 50 airstrips and airports over a period of three years starting from
2017-18 at a total estimated cost of Rs. 4500 crores. However, the development of
airports and airstrips to be undertaken only in those States where the State Government
agrees to provide the requisite concessions and a firm commitment from airlines to fly
from or to such airports.
The Government of India has granted "in principle" approval for setting up of the 18
Greenfield airports in the country. The list of these airport along with the estimated cost
is as under: MOPA in Goa (approx. Rs. 3100 cr), Navi Mumbai (approx. Rs. 16704 cr),
Shirdi (approx. Rs. 320.54cr) and Sindhudurg (approx. Rs. 520cr) in Maharashtra,
Bijapur (approx. Rs. 150cr), Gulbarga (approx. Rs. 13.78 cr in initial phase), Hassan
(approx. Rs. 592 cr) and Shimoga (approx. Rs. 38.91 cr) in Karnataka, Kannur in Kerala
(approx. Rs. 1892 cr), Durgapur in West Bengal (approx. Rs. 670 cr), Dabra in Madhya
Pradesh (approx. Rs. 200 cr), Pakyong in Sikkim (approx. Rs. 553.53 cr), Karaikal in
Pudducherry (approx. Rs.170 cr), Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh (approx. Rs. 448 cr),
Dholera in Gujarat (approx. Rs. 1712 cr) and Dagadarthi Mendal, Nellore Dist. (approx.
Rs. 293 cr), Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram District near Visakhapatnam (approx. Rs.
2260 cr) and Oravakallu in Kurnool District (approx. Rs. 200 cr), Andhra Pradesh. In
Addition Airports Authority of India (AAI) has begun the PPP bidding process for O&M
contracts for Jaipur and Ahmedabad airports.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation had set up a two member Committee consisting of Shri
Ashok Chawla, Ex-Chairman, Competition Commission of India and Shri Satendra
Singh, Ex-DGCA to examine afresh the issue related to creation of separate Air
Navigation Services entity by hiving off Air Navigation Services (ANS) from Airports
Authority of India (AAI). The committee has suggested bifurcation of ANS from AAI in
a gradual manner.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Jayant Sinha
in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
*****
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Government of India
Election Commission
16-March-2017 15:56 IST
Credibility of Electronic Voting Machines- regarding.
Press Note
1. The Election Commission has observed that after declaration of result of the recently held
General Elections to the State Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and
Uttarakhand, some political parties have raised voice against the credibility of the ECI-EVMs, alleging
tampering of EVMs during the said elections. One representation was received from National General
Secretary, BSP without any specific allegation on 11.03.2017. ECI on 11.03.2017 itself has given detailed
response to BSP rejecting the representation. ECI’s reply is available at www.eci.nic.in.
2. Such concerns, about alleged tamperability of ECI-EVM have been raised earlier also since their
introduction including before HC/SC. These allegations have been dismissed. ECI unequivocally reiterate
that given effective technical and administrative safeguards, EVMs are not temperable and integrity of
electoral process is preserved.
3. It will be useful to once again recapture some facts on the subject for information of citizens and
all concerned.
4. Background of EVM
With a view to overcome certain problems associated with use of ballot papers and taking
advantage of development of technology so that voters cast their votes correctly without any resultant
ambiguity and removing the possibilities of invalid votes totally, the Commission in December, 1977
mooted the idea of EVM. The law was amended by the Parliament in December, 1988 and a new section
61A was inserted in the Representation of the People Act, 1951 empowering the Commission to use
voting machines. The amended provision came into force w.e.f. 15th March, 1989.
Central Government appointed the Electoral Reforms Committee in January, 1990 consisting
of representative of several recognized National and State Parties. The Electoral Reforms Committee
further constituted a technical Expert Committee for the evaluation of the electronic voting
machines. The Committee came to conclusion that the electronic voting machine is a secure
system. The expert committee, therefore, unanimously recommended in April, 1990 the use of the
electronic voting machines without further loss of time.
5. Since 2000, EVMs have been used in 107 General Elections to State Legislative Assemblies
and 3 General Elections to Lok Sabha held in 2004, 2009 & 2014.
6. Judicial Pronouncements on use of EVMs-
The issue of possible tampering of EVM has been raised before various High Courts since
2001 as mentioned below:-
(a) Madras High Court-2001
(b) Delhi High Court-2004
(c) Karnataka High Court- 2004
(d) Kerala High Court-2002
(e) Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench)-2004
All the above High Courts after going into all aspects of the technological soundness and the
administrative measures involved in the use of EVMs at elections in India, have held that the EVMs
in India are credible, reliable and totally tamperproof. In some of these cases, even Supreme Court
has dismissed appeals filed by some petitioners against High Court orders.
The Hon’ble Karnataka High Court held that “This invention is undoubtedly a great
achievement in the electronic and computer technology and a national pride”. Both the Karnataka
High Court and the Madras High Court observed that use of EVMs in election has several advantages
over the system of ballot paper/ballot box election. The Hon’ble Madras High Court also
categorically ruled out any question of tampering of the EVMs. The following observations made by
the Madras High Court may be taken note of.
“There is also no question of introducing any virus or bugs for the reason that the EVMs
cannot be compared to personal computers. The programming in computers, as suggested, has no
bearing with the EVMs. The computer would have inherent limitations having connections through
Internet and by their very design, they may allow the alteration of the programme but the EVMs are
independent units and the programme in EVM is entirely a different system.”
In one of the cases, the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala in its order dated 6.2.2002 had
recorded its appreciation on the efficiency of the mechanism. The judgment of the Kerala High
Court in the said Election Petition was upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal (AIR
2003 SC 2271).
It is admitted before various courts that the data or technique brought in use in EVM in
India were not subject to piracy as nobody knows anything about the contents of any type or has
any unauthorized or free access to EVM.
Thereafter, the controversy was raised by political parties again after 2009 General Elections
to House of People stating that EVMs were not fool proof and provide scope for manipulation.
However, no specific allegation was raised nor could they prove before any court of law.
Some activists approached Supreme Court in 2009 which advised them to go to ECI. It
was then these activists opened dialogue and ECI threw open challenge to anyone to demonstrate how
machine owned by ECI can be tempered. However, in spite of opportunities given by ECI, machines
opened and internal components shown, no one could demonstrate any tempering with the machine in
ECI HQ. There proceedings were videographed.
In an extraordinary measure, the Commission invited those who had expressed reservations
about the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) to come and demonstrate the points made in their
allegations from 3rd to 8th August 2009. Those invited included political parties, petitioners before
various courts and some individuals who had been writing to the Commission on this issue. One
hundred EVMs brought from ten states namely, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, were kept at the Commission’s
office in readiness for scrutiny and for any application to establish its alleged fallibility. The EVMs were
offered for such demonstration in the presence of a technical experts group as well as engineers
representing the EVM manufacturers, BEL and ECIL. The outcome of this exercise is that none of the
persons, who were given the opportunity, could actually demonstrate any tamper ability of the ECI-
EVMs. They either failed or chose not to demonstrate.
Some activists then showed on TV channel a ‘machine’ which they claimed can be
manipulated. ECI countered allegation that the ‘machine’ was stolen from EVM warehouse in
Mumbai, subjected to changes by activists and thus it was no longer the ‘machine’ used by ECI.
In 2010, all political parties except a few from Assam and Tamil Nadu in a meeting convened
by ECI expressed satisfaction about the functioning of EVMs. At this stage, idea of VVPAT was moved
for further exploration.
In 2009, in a case before Delhi High Court, all earlier allegations about EVM
temperabilities were raised. However, Delhi High Court satisfied with detailed reply of ECI why EVM
cannot be rigged and about ECI efforts on developing VVPAT decided and disposed of the case in
2012 that VVPAT may be developed early in consultation with political parties.
7. Technical Security of EVMs used by ECI
(a) The machine is electronically protected to prevent any tampering/manipulation. The

programme (software) used in these machines is burnt into a One Time Programmable
(OTP)/Masked chip so that it cannot be altered or tampered with. Further these machines are not
networked either by wire or by wireless to any other machine or system. Therefore, there is no
possibility of its data corruption.
(b) The software of EVMs is developed in-house by a selected group of Engineers in BEL
(Defense Ministry PSU) and ECIL (Atomic Energy Ministry’s PSU) independently from each other. A
select software development group of 2-3 engineers designs the source code and this work is not
sub-contracted.
(c) After completion of software design, testing and evaluation of the software is carried out by
an independent testing group as per the software requirements specifications (SRS). This ensures
that the software has really been written as per the requirements laid down for its intended use
only.
(d) After successful completion of such evaluation, machine code of the source programme
code is given to the micro controller manufacturer for writing in the micro controllers. From this
machine code, the source code cannot be read. Source code is never handed over to anyone outside
the software group of PSUs.
(e) Micro controller manufacturer initially provides engineering samples to PSUs for evaluation.
These samples are assembled into the EVM, evaluated and verified for functionality at great length.
Bulk production clearance by PSU is given to micro controller manufacturer only after successful
completion of this verification.
(f) The source code for the EVM is stored under controlled conditions at all times. Checks and
balances are in place to ensure that it is accessible to authorized personnel only.
(g) During production in the factory, functional testing is done by production group as per the
laid down Quality plan and performance test procedures.
(h) The software is so designed that it allows a voter to cast the vote only once. The vote can be
recorded by an elector from the ballot unit only after the Presiding Officer enables the ballot on the
Control Unit. The machine does not receive any signal from outside at any time. The next vote can
be recorded only after the Presiding Officer enables the ballot on the Control Unit. In between, the
machine becomes dead to any signal from outside (except from the Control Unit).
(i) Samples of EVMs from production batches are regularly checked for functionality by Quality
Assurance Group, which is an independent unit within the PSUs.
(j) Certain additional features were introduced in 2006 in ECI-EVMs such as dynamic coding
between Ballot Unit (BU) and Control Unit (CU), installation of real time clock, installation of full
display system and date and time stamping of every key-pressing in EVM.
(k) Technical Evaluation Committee in 2006 has concluded that any tempering of CU by coded
signals by wireless or outside or Bluetooth or WiFi is ruled out as CU does not have high frequency
receiver and data decoder. CU accepts only specially encrypted and dynamically coded data from
BU. Data from any outside source cannot be accepted by CU.
8. Uniqueness of ECI-EVMs
Some political parties have stated that some foreign countries have stopped using EVMs. The
Commission has come across comparisons between ECI-EVM and EVMs used by foreign countries.
Such comparisons are both misplaced and misguided. ECI EVMs are Stand alone Machine. Therefore ECI-
EVMs cannot be compared with machines of other countries.
(a) Most of the systems used in other countries are Computer based with internet connectivity.
Hence, these could be vulnerable to hacking.
(b) As stated above, the software in the ECI-EVM chip is one time programmable (OTP) and burnt
into the chip at the time of manufacture. Nothing can be written on the chip after manufacture.
Thus the ECI-EVMs are fundamentally different from the voting machines and processes
adopted in various foreign countries.
(c) Any surmise based on foreign studies or operating system based EVMs used elsewhere would be
completely erroneous. The ECI-EVMs cannot be compared with those EVMs.
9. Procedural and Administrative Securities
The Commission has put in place an elaborate administrative system of security measures
and procedural checks-and-balances aimed at prevention of any possible misuse or procedural
lapses. These safeguards are implemented by ECI transparently with the active and documented
involvement of political parties, candidates and their representatives at every stage to build their
confidence on efficacy and reliability of EVMs. These safeguards are:
(a) Before every election, a first level checking (FLC) is done for every EVM to be used in
the election by the engineers of the manufacturers in the presence of political parties’
representatives. Any malfunctioning EVM is kept separately and is not used in the election.
(b) Manufacturers certify at the time of FLC that all components in the EVM are original.
After this, the plastic cabinet of Control Unit of the EVM is sealed using a “Pink Paper
Seal”, which is signed by representatives of political partiesand stored in strong rooms. After
this stage, the plastic cabinet of control unit of the EVMs cannot be opened. There is no access to
any component of inside of EVMs.
(c) Additionally, at the time of FLC, at least 1000 votes are cast by the representatives of
political parties on 5%of EVMs randomly selected by them. A printout of the results of this
mock poll as well as a sequential print out of every vote polled during the mock poll at the time
of First Level Checking of EVMs are taken out for at least 5% of EVMs and shown to the
representatives of political parties. Representatives of political parties are allowed to pick
machines randomly for this purpose. In rest of the machines, numbers of votes polled during the
mock poll are to the satisfaction of the representatives of political parties. Representatives of
political parties are allowed to do mock poll themselves. It is all documented by DEOs/ROs.
(d) Subsequently, stored EVMs are randomized by computer software twice once for
allocation of machines to assembly constituencies and second to polling stations in the
presence of candidates or their representatives before they are distributed for use in
individual polling stations. Such lists of EVM containing serial number of EVM allocated to
particular polling station are provided to the political parties/candidates.
(e) Candidates and their representatives are allowed to conduct mock polls on EVMs at the
time of candidate setting and also before the actual poll on the poll day to satisfy themselves
about the satisfactory functioning of EVMs being used.
(f) Once the candidate setting is done, the Ballot Unit of the EVM is also sealed with
thread/Pink Paper seals so that nobody has access to the inside of the Ballot Unit too. These
Pink seals also bear signatures of representatives of political parties/candidate.
(g) A printout of the results of mock poll as well as a sequential print out of every vote
polled during the mock poll at the time of Preparation of EVMs and candidate setting are also
taken out for at least 5% of EVMs and shown to the representatives of political parties.
Representatives of political parties are allowed to pick machines randomly for this
purpose.
(h) On the poll day, a mock poll by casting at least 50 votes is conducted at every polling
station in the presence of the representatives of the candidates/polling agents with their
signature and a mock-poll certificate to that effect is obtained from every Presiding Officer.
(i) After the mock poll is over, another thread seal and green paper seals are put on the
EVM to block access to all buttons on the EVM, except those, which are used for the conduct of
poll. These paper seals and thread seals are allowed to be signed by the polling agents. After
the poll is over, the Presiding officer presses the “Close” button on the EVM in the presence of
polling agents. Thereafter, no votes can be polled in the EVM.
(j) After this, the entire EVM is sealed. Candidates and their agents are allowed to put
their signatures on the seals, which they can check for the intactness of the seal before
counting. Candidates/representatives travel behind vehicles carrying EVMs from polling stations
to counting storage rooms.
(k) In addition to this, the strong rooms where EVMs are stored, for counting are also sealed
and watched round the clock. The candidates and their representatives are allowed to put
their own seals on the strong rooms. They are also allowed to keep a watch round the clock
on the strong room. Security forces are deployed in multiple layers around storage rooms.
(l) The representatives of candidates of all political parties are given opportunity to
participate in FLC, Preparation of EVMs before poll, mock poll, etc.
10. VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER AUDIT TRAIL (VVPAT)
ECI based on consultation with political parties in 2010 considered to explore use of Voter
Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) with a view to enhance transparency. Introduction of VVPAT implied
that a paper slip is generated bearing name and symbol of the candidate along with recording of vote in
Control Unit, so that in case of any dispute, paper slip could be counted to verify the result being shown
on the EVM. Under VVPAT, a printer is attached to the balloting Unit and kept in the voting
compartment. The paper slip remains visible on VVPAT for 07 seconds through a transparent window.
Design of VVPAT made by BEL/ECIL was approved by ECI in 2013 and shown to persons who were
pursuing matters in the Supreme Court. Rules were amended. ECI used VVPAT in Nagaland bye election
in 2013 which proved great success. SC ordered introduction of VVPAT in phases and asked
Government to sanction funds for procurement.
In this regard in June 2014, the Commission proposed to implement VVPAT at every polling
station in the next General Election to Lok Sabha due in 2019 and asked for fund of Rs. 3174 cr from the
Government. Hon’ble Supreme Court also permitted the ECI to implement VVPATs in phase manner.
In an ongoing case in the Supreme Court, Commission in the month of March 2017, has
intimated the apex court that ECI will get requisite number of VVPATs manufactured in 30 months time
from the time of release of fund by the Government.
ECI procured 20,000 VVPATs in 2013 and has since used VVPATs in 143 Assembly Constituencies.
Further, 33500 VVPATs were manufactured by BEL in 2016 for further use of VVPATs. So far, VVPATs
have been used in 255 Assembly Constituencies and 09 Parliamentary Constituencies. In Goa elections in
2017, VVPAT was employed in all 40 LACs. ECI employed about 52,000 VVPATs in five States where
elections were held recently. Since 2014, ECI has been relentlessly pursuing with the Govt. for sanction
and release of funds of Rs. 3174 cr requisite number of VVPATs so that they could be used in all PCs in
GE to Lok Sabha in 2019.
As explained above, the Commission has put in place an elaborate technical and
administrative system of safeguards to ensure error-free functioning of EVMs in elections. The
Commission is thus fully satisfied with the tamper proof functioning of the ECI-EVMs. It may be stated
that such allegations and suspicions have not been raised for the first time. Even on earlier occasions,
the Commission has offered opportunities more than once to those alleging the tamperability of EVM,
no one has been able to demonstrate to the Commission that the EVM with ECI and used in the
country’s election process, can be manipulated or tampered with. The Commission does not find any
merit in such allegations and reject all such allegations and suspicions raised by some political parties.
ECI assures all citizens that EVM of ECI are temper proof and fully satisfied with the integrity of
electoral process using EVM. ECI will further enhance confidence of citizens in ECI’s electoral process by
deploying VVPAT in phase manner.
Further, ECI did not receive specific complaints or concrete material from political
parties/candidates about alleged tempering of EVMs during recently held election process. At this stage,
baseless, speculative and wild allegations are being made which deserves to be rejected.
However, if any specific allegation with material facts is presented to ECI, the same will be
looked into with all seriousness on administrative sides.
The Election Commission would like to underline that it always had a firm conviction and
complete satisfaction that EVMs could not be tampered with. Its faith on the machine has never
wavered through the conduct of elections in the last many years including the nationwide general
elections in 2004, 2009 and 2014. To date, no one has been able to actually demonstrate that EVMs
used by the Election Commission can be tampered with or manipulated. What has been demonstrated
or claimed to have been demonstrated is on a privately assembled “look-alike of ECI-EVMs” and not the
actual ECI-EVM. However, the extraordinary measure of requiring demonstration in ECI HQ in 2009 was
undertaken by the Election Commission in fulfilment of its responsibility not to allow even a small shade
of doubt about any aspect of its operation and in order to set at rest any misgiving anywhere.
Today, the Commission once again completely reaffirms its faith in the infallibility of the EVMs.
These are fully tamper-proof, as ever.
****
Election Commission of India
New Delhi,16 March, 2017
RM//RS

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Government of India
Cabinet
15-March-2017 19:58 IST
Special assistance measure for Andhra Pradesh by way of special dispensation in
funding of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) and funding of irrigation
component of Polavaram project
approval for the Special assistance measure for the Successor State of Andhra Pradesh by
way of special dispensation in funding of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) and funding
of irrigation component of Polavaram project.
The modalities for implementation of the announcements for providing central assistance
to the State of Andhra Pradesh are as follows:
i. The Central Government will provide special assistance measure to Government of

Andhra Pradesh, which would make up for the additional Central share the State might
have received during 2015-16 to 2019-20, if the funding of Centrally Sponsored Schemes
(CSS) would have been shared at the ratio of 90:10 between the Centre and the State. The
special assistance will be provided by way of repayment of loan and interest for the
Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) signed and disbursed during 2015-2016 to 2019-20 by
the State.
ii. Funding of 100% of the remaining cost of the irrigation component only of the
Polavaram project for the period starting from 1.4.2014, to the extent of the cost of the
irrigation component on that date. Andhra Pradesh Government will execute the project
on behalf of Government of India. However, the overall coordination, quality control,
design issues, monitoring, clearances related issues etc. are to be dealt by the Polavaram
Project Authority of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga
Rejuvenation. The Polavaram Project Authority will also assess out the cost of the
irrigation component as on 01.04.2014 in consultation with the Department of
Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
This support for capital expenditure by way of repayment of EAP loans would help and
assist the newly formed state of Andhra Pradesh to put the State's finances on a firmer
footing and promote economic growth. Further, the central funding of the irrigation
component of the Polavaram Irrigation Project and its execution by the State Government
shall expedite completion of the project and the increase irrigation prospects in the State
benefitting the people at large.
Background:
The Government of India, while fulfilling its commitments under Andhra Pradesh
Reorganisation Act 2014, has already provided "Special Assistance" of Rs.1,976.50 crore
to the state during 2016-17. The amount includes Rs.1176.50 for Resource Gap, Rs.350
crore for the development of 7 backward districts covering Rayalaseema & North Coastal
region and Rs.450 crore as assistance to the capital city.
Apart from this the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga
Rejuvenation has also provided Rs.2081.54 crore for the Polavaram Irrigation Project
during the current financial year. Thus the Central Government, after the enactment of
the Reorganisation Act, has provided central assistance of Rs.10,461.04 crore to the state
of Andhra Pradesh which includes Rs.4403 crore released during 2014-15, Rs.2000 crore
released during 2015-16 and Rs. 4058.04 in released in 2016-17.
*****
AKT/VBA/SH
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Government of India
15-March-2017 16:08 IST
Uranium Reserves
Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a

constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which has a mandate to
identify and evaluate mineral resources of uranium, has established 1,22,691 tonnein
situ U3O8 (1,04,042 tonne U) in Andhra Pradesh (as on February, 2017) which is the
highest in comparison to the other states of the country. District-wise details of the
uranium resources in Andhra Pradesh are given below:

Distric Deposit Uranium resource
t
U
U3O8 (tonne)
(tonne)
Kadapa Tummalapalle 1,19,930 1,01,701
Group
Guntur Koppunuru 2,761 2,341
Total 1,22,691 1,04,042
[1t U3O8 = 0.848 t uranium metal (U)]

Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL), a Public Sector Unit of Department of
Atomic Energy (DAE) has already constructed an underground mine at Tummalapalle
over a length of 7.6 km with potential to mine 3000 tonnes of ore per day. A plant to
process 3000 tpd is also under operation by the Company. Uranium production has
started from this plant since 2012.

for Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public
Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply
to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****
KSD/NK/PK
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Government of India
15-March-2017 16:17 IST
Incentives to develop ease of doing Business
The Central Government is committed to give a helping hand to states, so that India’s
business regulatory environment can be further improved.

Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion organized a Brain Storming Session on
16th November 2016 to discuss “Assessment of State Implementation of Business Reforms,
2017” on the following issues:

i) Suggestions on next set of reforms - Addition, Deletion and Modification
ii) Evaluation methodology for the ranking
iii) Incorporation of private sector feedback on the implemented reforms

Further, states with more than 90% implementation of reforms have been requested to
handhold and guide the reform process in States/UTs with less than 40% implementation of
reforms as detailed below:-

S.NO. Partner States (with more than States (with less than 40%
90% implementation score) implementation score)
1. Telangana Tripura
2. Andhra Pradesh Kerala and Puducherry
3. Gujarat Dadar and Nagar Haveli
and Andaman and Nicobar
Island
4. Chhattisgarh Mizoram
5. Madhya Pradesh Daman and Diu
6. Haryana Meghalaya
7. Jharkhand Sikkim
8. Rajasthan Lakshadweep
9. Uttarakhand Assam
10. West Bengal Nagaland
11. Odisha Manipur
12. Bihar Arunachal Pradesh
13. Punjab Jammu and Kashmir and
Chandigarh
14. Maharashtra Goa

These states have been requested to provide technical guidance and arrange workshops to
ensure the implementation of reforms. This handholding will not only hasten business reform
implementation across the country, it will also help states to learn from each other.

Central Government has been assisting all States/UTs through many ways, which include
organizing workshops and video conferences for better understanding of reform measures,
facilitate learning from each other as well as sharing of good practices. Jharkhand has been
participating in such interactions and necessary assistance and way forward has been provided by
the Central Government for implementation of reforms and improving the regulatory
environment of the State.

NirmalaSitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

*****
MJPS

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Government of India
15-March-2017 16:18 IST
Approval of Loan to VCIC by ADB
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $631 million (Rs.4165 crore) in loans
and grants for infrastructure development along the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor
(VCIC) on 20th September, 2016. This amount comprises (i) $ 500 million two-
tranche facility to build key infrastructure (ii) $ 125 million two-tranche loan to help
with industrial policies and business promotion (iii) $ 5 million grant from the multi-
donor Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund that is managed by ADB to build
climate resilient infrastructure, and (iv) $1 million technical assistance to help the
Andhra Pradesh local Government to manage the corridor. India and ADB have
signed first tranche of loan USD 375 million pact for loans and grants to develop
Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor. Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for the
first tranche has been prepared. First tranche loan will have a 25 year term, including
a grace period of 5 years, a 20 year straight line repayment method at an annual
interest rate determined in accordance with ADB’s LIBOR-based lending facility.

Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

*****
MJPS
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Government of India
Cabinet
15-March-2017 19:57 IST
15 Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) declared as Institutes of
National Importance
Cabinet approves Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public- Private

Partnership) Bill, 2017
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved -
i. Introduction of the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Public Private

Partnership (IIIT PPP) Bill, 2017;
ii. To grant statutory status to the fifteen Indian Institutes of Information Technology in
Public Private Partnership and declare them as Institutions of National Importance;
iii. To enable these institutions to grant degrees to their students in the academic courses
conducted by them.
There is no financial implication with regard to the proposed IIIT PPP Bill, 2017
The Bill will declare the existing Indian Institutes of Information Technology in Public
Private Partnership as 'Institutions of National Importance with powers to award degrees.
This will entitle them to use the nomenclature of Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) or
Master of Technology (M.Tech) or Ph.D degree as issued by a University or Institution of
National Importance.
The grant of a formal degree in Information Technology, Engineering or Ph.D will

enhance the prospects of the graduating students in the job market and will also enable
the Institutes to attract enough students required to develop a strong research base in the
country in the field of information technology.
The emerging needs of the industry and the economy, as a whole for skilled technical
manpower is expected to be met from the talent pool of trained personnel of the
institutes.
Every Institute shall be open to all - irrespective of gender, caste, creed, disability, and
domicile, and ethnicity, social or economic background. Academic Session has
commenced in the following15 Institutes:-
Andhra Pradesh(Chittoor), Assam(Guwahati) Gujarat(Vadodara), Haryana(Sonipat),

Himachal Pradesh(Una), Jharkhand(Ranchi), Karnataka(Dharwad), Kerala(Kottayam)
Maharashtra (Nagpur & Pune), Manipur(Senapati), Rajasthan (Kota),
Tamilnadu(Tiruchirappalli), Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow), Kalyani (West Bengal).
Background
The Scheme of Setting up of 20 new IIITs in Public Private Partnership (IIIT PPP) as
approved by the Union Cabinet on 7.12.2010 does not have provision which empowers
the Institutes set up in Public Private Partnership to grant degrees to its students. The first
batch of under-graduate students enrolled in the Year 2013-14 will be passing out in the
Year 2017. Academic Session has started in 15 IIITs.
*****
AKT/VBA/SH
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Government of India
15-March-2017 17:49 IST
Revival of Dormant Airports
The primary objective of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN is to facilitate /

stimulate regional air connectivity by making it affordable. The Expenditure Finance Committee
has recommended the proposal for revival of 50 un-served/ under-served airports/airstrips of the
State Governments, Airports Authority of India and Civil enclaves at an estimate cost of Rs.
4500 crores, in three financial years starting from 2017-18. However, the revival of
airstrips/airports is 'demand driven', depending upon firm commitment from airline operators as
well as from the State Government for providing various concessions.

Airports Authority of India(AAI), the implementing agency of Regional Connectivity
Scheme (RCS) -UDAN has received 43 initial proposals from 11 bidders covering 92
airports( 30 currently served airports, 12 currently under served airports and 50 currently un-
served airports). The list is at Annexure 1.

Kadapa Airport in Andhra Pradesh is included in the list of under served airports under
RCS-UDAN. However, the airlines are free to select airports based on their assessment of
demand on particular routes and submit proposals at the time of bidding under RCS from time to
time.

After technical scrutiny of the proposals, financial bids in respect of 22 proposals have
been opened and selection of the airline operators for operations under RCS is underway. The
Selected Airline Operator shall be required to commence the RCS Flight operations within a
period of six months from the execution of contract to be executed for operations under RCS.
This information was given by Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha in a
written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

…
UM/AC

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Government of India
14-March-2017 17:30 IST
Consumer price Index numbers on Base 2012=100 for Rural, Urban and
combined for the month of February 2017
The Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has
revised the Base Year of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 2010=100 to 2012=100 with effect from the
release of indices for the month of January 2015.
2. In this press note, the CPI (Rural, Urban, Combined) on Base 2012=100 is being released for the
month of February 2017. In addition to this, Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) for all India Rural, Urban
and Combined are also being released for February 2017. All India Inflation rates (on point to point basis
i.e. current month over same month of last year, i.e., February 2017 over February 2016), based on General
Indices and CFPIs are given as follows:

February 2017 (Prov.) January 2017 (Final) February 2016 (Final)
Indices
Rural Urban Combd. Rural Urban Combd. Rural Urban Combd.
CPI (General) 3.67 3.55 3.65 3.36 2.90 3.17 6.05 4.30 5.26
CFPI 2.08 1.87 2.01 1.14 -0.31 0.61 5.96 4.23 5.30

3. Monthly changes in the General Indices and CFPIs are given below:
Monthly changes (%) in All India CPI (General) and CFPI: Feb. 2017 over Jan. 2017
% %
Indices Index Value Index Value Index Value
% Change Change
Change
Feb.17 Jan.17 Feb.17 Jan.17 Feb.17 Jan.17
CPI (General) 132.6 132.4 0.15 128.2 127.8 0.31 130.6 130.3 0.23
CFPI 132.5 132.6 -0.08 130.6 130.6 0.00 131.8 131.9 -0.08

Note: Figures of February 2017 are provisional.
4. Provisional indices for the month of February 2017 and also the final indices for January 2017 are
being released with this note for all-India and for State/UTs. All-India provisional General (all-groups),
Group and Sub-group level CPI and CFPI numbers for February 2017 for Rural, Urban and Combined are
given in Annexure I. The inflation rates of important categories of items are given in Annexure II.
State/UT wise provisional General CPI numbers for Rural, Urban and Combined are given in Annexure
III. Inflation rates of major States, having population more than 50 lakhs as per population Census 2011,
are given in Annexure IV. State/UT–wise Group CPIs are available on the Ministry’s website
(www.mospi.gov.in).
5. Price data are collected from selected towns by the Field Operations Division of NSSO and from
selected villages by the Department of Posts. Price data are received through web portals, maintained by
the National Informatics Centre.
Next date of release: 12th April 2017 (Wednesday) for March 2017.
Annexure I
(Base: 2012=100)
Grou Sub- Feb. Feb. Feb.
p group Description Jan. 17 Jan. 17 Jan. 17
Weight 17 Weight 17 17
Code Code Index Index Weights Index
s Index s Index Index
(Final) (Final) (Final)
(Prov.) (Prov.) (Prov.)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
Cereals and
1.1.01 12.35 133.1 133.3 6.59 132.2 132.8 9.67 132.8 133.1
products
1.1.02 Meat and fish 4.38 137.8 138.4 2.73 138.9 139.8 3.61 138.2 138.9
1.1.03 Egg 0.49 131.9 129.4 0.36 132.6 129.3 0.43 132.2 129.4
1.1.05 Oils and fats 4.21 122.0 122.1 2.81 114.0 114.3 3.56 119.1 119.2
1.1.06 Fruits 2.88 136.0 138.8 2.90 129.6 131.4 2.89 133.0 135.3
1.1.07 Vegetables 7.46 119.8 119.1 4.41 118.7 120.2 6.04 119.4 119.5
Pulses and
1.1.08 2.95 161.7 157.0 1.73 155.1 143.1 2.38 159.5 152.3
products
Sugar and
1.1.09 1.70 114.8 116.3 0.97 117.3 119.5 1.36 115.6 117.4
Confectionery
1.1.10 Spices 3.11 136.9 136.0 1.79 144.9 144.0 2.50 139.6 138.7
Non-alcoholic
1.2.11 1.37 129.0 129.4 1.13 123.2 123.4 1.26 126.6 126.9
beverages
Prepared meals,
1.1.12 5.56 143.9 144.4 5.54 141.6 141.9 5.55 142.8 143.2
snacks, sweets etc.
Food and
1 54.18 133.7 133.7 36.29 132.0 132.1 45.86 133.1 133.1
beverages
Pan, tobacco and
2 3.26 143.1 143.6 1.36 145.6 146.3 2.38 143.8 144.3
intoxicants
3.1.01 Clothing 6.32 140.7 140.9 4.72 130.2 130.5 5.58 136.6 136.8
3.1.02 Footwear 1.04 135.8 135.8 0.85 122.3 122.5 0.95 130.2 130.3
Clothing and
3 7.36 140.0 140.2 5.57 129.0 129.3 6.53 135.6 135.9
footwear
4 Housing - - - 21.67 129.6 130.5 10.07 129.6 130.5
5 Fuel and light 7.94 132.1 133.2 5.58 118.0 119.2 6.84 126.8 127.9
Household goods
6.1.01 3.75 133.2 133.6 3.87 125.1 125.3 3.80 129.4 129.7
and services
6.1.02 Health 6.83 129.9 130.1 4.81 122.6 122.9 5.89 127.1 127.4
Transport and
6.1.03 7.60 119.1 119.5 9.73 115.2 115.6 8.59 117.0 117.4
communication
Recreation and
6.1.04 1.37 127.0 127.7 2.04 122.0 122.2 1.68 124.2 124.6
amusement
6.1.05 Education 3.46 134.6 134.9 5.62 132.4 132.4 4.46 133.3 133.4
Personal care and
6.1.06 4.25 122.3 123.2 3.47 120.9 121.7 3.89 121.7 122.6
effects
6 Miscellaneous 27.26 126.6 127.0 29.53 122.1 122.4 28.32 124.4 124.8

Notes:
3. The weights are indicative to show relative importance of groups and sub-groups. However, all India
indices have been compiled as weighted average of State indices.
Annexure II
All India annual inflation rates (%) for February 2017 (Provisional)
(Base: 2012=100)
Group Sub- Description Rural Urban Combined
Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Inflation Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Inflation Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Inflation
group
Code Index Index Rate Index Index Rate Index Index Rate
Code
(Final) (Prov.) (%) (Final) (Prov.) (%) (Final) (Prov.) (%)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
Cereals and
1.1.01
products
127.1 133.3 4.88 124.8 132.8 6.41 126.4 133.1 5.30
1.1.02 Meat and fish 133.7 138.4 3.52 135.1 139.8 3.48 134.2 138.9 3.50
1.1.03 Egg 127.7 129.4 1.33 130.3 129.3 -0.77 128.7 129.4 0.54
1.1.05 Oils and fats 118.5 122.1 3.04 108.4 114.3 5.44 114.8 119.2 3.83
1.1.06 Fruits 130.4 138.8 6.44 118.6 131.4 10.79 124.9 135.3 8.33
1.1.07 Vegetables 130.9 119.1 -9.01 129.2 120.2 -6.97 130.3 119.5 -8.29
Pulses and
1.1.08
products
162.8 157.0 -3.56 176.4 143.1 -18.88 167.4 152.3 -9.02
Sugar and
1.1.09
Confectionery
98.7 116.3 17.83 99.1 119.5 20.59 98.8 117.4 18.83
1.1.10 Spices 130.6 136.0 4.13 139.7 144.0 3.08 133.6 138.7 3.82
Non-alcoholic
1.2.11
beverages
124.8 129.4 3.69 120.6 123.4 2.32 123.0 126.9 3.17
Prepared meals,
1.1.12
snacks, sweets etc.
136.4 144.4 5.87 135.2 141.9 4.96 135.8 143.2 5.45
Food and
1
beverages
130.3 133.7 2.61 129.1 132.1 2.32 129.9 133.1 2.46
Pan, tobacco and
2
intoxicants
134.4 143.6 6.85 140.0 146.3 4.50 135.9 144.3 6.18
3.1.01 Clothing 133.9 140.9 5.23 126.2 130.5 3.41 130.9 136.8 4.51
3.1.02 Footwear 129.8 135.8 4.62 120.1 122.5 2.00 125.8 130.3 3.58
Clothing and
3
footwear
133.4 140.2 5.10 125.3 129.3 3.19 130.2 135.9 4.38
4 Housing - - - 124.4 130.5 4.90 124.4 130.5 4.90
5 Fuel and light 127.5 133.2 4.47 116.0 119.2 2.76 123.1 127.9 3.90
Household goods
6.1.01
and services
127.1 133.6 5.11 121.8 125.3 2.87 124.6 129.7 4.09
6.1.02 Health 124.3 130.1 4.67 119.5 122.9 2.85 122.5 127.4 4.00
Transport and
6.1.03
communication
113.9 119.5 4.92 109.1 115.6 5.96 111.4 117.4 5.39
Recreation and
6.1.04
amusement
122.3 127.7 4.42 118.8 122.2 2.86 120.3 124.6 3.57
6.1.05 Education 127.1 134.9 6.14 126.3 132.4 4.83 126.6 133.4 5.37
Personal care and
6.1.06
effects
116.8 123.2 5.48 116.2 121.7 4.73 116.6 122.6 5.15
6 Miscellaneous 120.9 127.0 5.05 117.2 122.4 4.44 119.1 124.8 4.79

Notes:

Annexure III
(Base: 2012=100)
State/U Name of the Jan. 17 Feb. 17 Jan. 17 Feb. 17 Jan. 17 Feb. 17
T Code State/UT Weights Index Index Weights Index Index Weights Index Index
(Final) (Prov.) (Final) (Prov.) (Final) (Prov.)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)
01 Jammu & Kashmir 1.14 137.2 137.9 0.72 125.3 125.7 0.94 133.0 133.6
03 Punjab 3.31 128.4 129.0 3.09 125.7 126.0 3.21 127.2 127.7
04 Chandigarh 0.02 138.1 138.2 0.34 124.1 124.3 0.17 124.9 125.1
05 Uttarakhand 1.06 127.4 127.3 0.73 119.7 119.9 0.91 124.5 124.5
06 Haryana 3.30 130.6 131.3 3.35 123.8 124.2 3.32 127.4 128.0
07 Delhi 0.28 130.0 130.2 5.64 131.4 132.1 2.77 131.3 132.0
08 Rajasthan 6.63 134.4 135.1 4.23 129.8 129.8 5.51 132.8 133.2
09 Uttar Pradesh 14.83 129.3 128.8 9.54 127.8 127.9 12.37 128.8 128.5
10 Bihar 8.21 133.7 133.4 1.62 126.6 126.4 5.14 132.7 132.4
11 Sikkim 0.06 139.5 139.1 0.03 132.5 132.4 0.05 137.2 136.9
12 Arunachal Pradesh 0.14 138.4 139.4 0.06 -- -- 0.10 -- --
13 Nagaland 0.14 142.5 142.0 0.12 129.1 129.3 0.13 136.8 136.6
14 Manipur 0.23 143.3 143.4 0.12 127.7 128.5 0.18 138.4 138.7
15 Mizoram 0.07 134.2 134.2 0.13 124.0 124.0 0.10 128.0 128.0
16 Tripura 0.35 138.6 139.2 0.14 132.7 132.7 0.25 137.1 137.5
17 Meghalaya 0.28 134.9 134.7 0.15 125.4 125.6 0.22 132.0 131.9
18 Assam 2.63 127.1 126.5 0.79 126.5 124.9 1.77 127.0 126.2
19 West Bengal 6.99 131.1 130.9 7.20 127.2 127.7 7.09 129.3 129.4
20 Jharkhand 1.96 135.6 134.8 1.39 125.4 124.4 1.69 131.7 130.8
21 Odisha 2.93 134.9 134.6 1.31 125.9 126.1 2.18 132.4 132.2
22 Chhattisgarh 1.68 135.5 135.0 1.22 125.5 125.4 1.46 131.6 131.3
23 Madhya Pradesh 4.93 128.5 128.3 3.97 126.9 126.7 4.48 127.8 127.6
24 Gujarat 4.54 134.1 135.1 6.82 123.5 123.6 5.60 128.1 128.6
25 Daman & Diu 0.02 151.8 153.9 0.02 127.3 128.4 0.02 141.5 143.2
Dadra & Nagar
26 0.02 132.2 133.5 0.04 125.0 125.2 0.03 127.4 128.0
Haveli
27 Maharashtra 8.25 133.6 134.1 18.86 124.3 124.7 13.18 127.4 127.8
28 Andhra Pradesh 5.40 135.9 136.6 3.64 130.5 131.3 4.58 133.9 134.6
29 Karnataka 5.09 134.7 135.2 6.81 134.9 135.6 5.89 134.8 135.4
30 Goa 0.14 142.9 141.6 0.25 126.5 126.4 0.19 132.8 132.3
31 Lakshadweep 0.01 131.0 129.9 0.01 111.1 113.1 0.01 120.8 121.3
32 Kerala 5.50 132.0 133.8 3.46 132.3 133.3 4.55 132.1 133.6
33 Tamil Nadu 5.55 131.8 132.6 9.20 131.6 132.4 7.25 131.7 132.5
34 Puducherry 0.08 136.8 136.9 0.27 129.5 130.3 0.17 131.4 132.0
Andaman &
35 0.05 139.6 140.3 0.07 127.2 126.4 0.06 133.3 133.2
Nicobar Islands
36 Telangana 3.16 135.7 135.6 4.41 129.9 130.7 3.74 132.5 132.9
99 All India 100.00 132.4 132.6 100.00 127.8 128.2 100.00 130.3 130.6

Notes:
2. -- : indicates the receipt of price schedules is less than 80% of allocated schedules and therefore indices are
not compiled.

Annexure IV
Major State/UT wise annual inflation rates (%) for February 2017 (Provisional)
(Base: 2012=100)
State/U Name of the Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Inflation Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Inflation Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Inflation
T Code State/UT Index Index Rate Index Index Rate Index Index Rate
(Final) (Prov.) (%) (Final) (Prov.) (%) (Final) (Prov.) (%)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)
01 Jammu & Kashmir 126.6 137.9 8.93 121.1 125.7 3.80 124.7 133.6 7.14
03 Punjab 122.2 129.0 5.56 121.1 126.0 4.05 121.7 127.7 4.93
05 Uttarakhand 121.6 127.3 4.69 116.9 119.9 2.57 119.8 124.5 3.92
06 Haryana 123.9 131.3 5.97 120.2 124.2 3.33 122.2 128.0 4.75
07 Delhi 121.3 130.2 7.34 124.6 132.1 6.02 124.4 132.0 6.11
08 Rajasthan 128.9 135.1 4.81 124.1 129.8 4.59 127.2 133.2 4.72
09 Uttar Pradesh 126.0 128.8 2.22 123.5 127.9 3.56 125.1 128.5 2.72
10 Bihar 130.1 133.4 2.54 122.9 126.4 2.85 129.0 132.4 2.64
18 Assam 125.0 126.5 1.20 122.9 124.9 1.63 124.6 126.2 1.28
19 West Bengal 126.2 130.9 3.72 123.9 127.7 3.07 125.1 129.4 3.44
20 Jharkhand 129.5 134.8 4.09 121.5 124.4 2.39 126.4 130.8 3.48
21 Odisha 133.1 134.6 1.13 122.5 126.1 2.94 130.1 132.2 1.61
22 Chhattisgarh 135.8 135.0 -0.59 122.1 125.4 2.70 130.5 131.3 0.61
23 Madhya Pradesh 126.0 128.3 1.83 123.0 126.7 3.01 124.8 127.6 2.24
24 Gujarat 128.6 135.1 5.05 120.8 123.6 2.32 124.2 128.6 3.54
27 Maharashtra 127.2 134.1 5.42 120.7 124.7 3.31 122.9 127.8 3.99
28 Andhra Pradesh 132.4 136.6 3.17 127.3 131.3 3.14 130.5 134.6 3.14
29 Karnataka 132.1 135.2 2.35 130.3 135.6 4.07 131.1 135.4 3.28
32 Kerala 126.8 133.8 5.52 128.1 133.3 4.06 127.3 133.6 4.95
33 Tamil Nadu 128.5 132.6 3.19 127.4 132.4 3.92 127.9 132.5 3.60
36 Telangana 126.5 135.6 7.19 125.5 130.7 4.14 126.0 132.9 5.48
99 All India 127.9 132.6 3.67 123.8 128.2 3.55 126.0 130.6 3.65

Notes: Prov. : Provisional.

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Government of India
14-March-2017 15:09 IST
Venture Capital Fund Scheme for SC Entrepreneurs

Under the Venture Capital Fund Scheme for SC Entrepreneurs, proposal of 64 SC entrepreneurs from 17
States have been sanctioned so far. The State-wise details of the entrepreneurs of the last three years is
given below.
Government has launched ‘Credit Enhancement Guarantee Scheme for Scheduled Castes’ with a view to
support Banks and Financial Institutions who will be providing financial assistance to SC entrepreneurs and
facilitate economic and inclusive development of SC entrepreneurs. “Stand-up India Scheme” to promote
entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women. The SC/ST Hub to provide professional support to Scheduled
Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs to effectively participate in public procurement policy. Besides,
the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) implements various credit
based schemes for business ventures of SC beneficiaries.
“VNTURE CAPITAL FUND SCHEME FOR SC ENTREPRENEURS”
STATES / UTs Number of Beneficiaries
2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
Punjab 1 1 1
Gujarat 1 2 0
Maharashtra 0 12 10
Delhi NCR 0 4 1
Telangana 0 7 5
Andhra Pradesh 0 2 0
Uttar Pradesh 0 2 0
Uttarakhand 0 0 1
Tamil Nadu 0 3 1
Karnataka 0 1 1
Pondicherry 0 1 0
West Bengal 0 1 0
Assam-North East 0 1 0
Haryana 0 1 1
Chattisgarh 0 0 1
Himachal Pradesh 0 0 1
Rajasthan 0 0 1
TOTAL 2 38 24
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Vijay Sampla in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
****

Sanjay Kumar/jk/SJ&E-1/14-03-2017
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Government of India
Ministry of Defence
10-March-2017 15:19 IST
Defence PSUs
9 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) with 47 units in the country as per the following
State / UT-wise details including Odisha:

Name of State / UT Number of Units
Karnataka 15
Maharashtra 5
Uttar Pradesh 4
West Bengal 6
Telangana 5
Andhra Pradesh 3
Odisha 2
Uttarakhand 1
Tamil Nadu 1
Kerala 2
Jharkhand 1
Goa 1
Haryana 1
Total: 47
The details of Profit / loss incurred by these Defence PSUs are as under:
(Rs. in Crore)
Name of DPSU 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17*

HAL (PBT) 3578 3173 3288 2335
BEL 932 1167 1358 755.88
BEML (PBT) 9.08 6.91 64.27 35
BDL (PBT) 508.59 614.19 850.26 582.45
GRSE (PBT) 187.23 76.02 247.11 89.00
MDL 397.61 491.59 637.82 404.36
MIDHANI 0.82 1.02 1.18 0.85
GSL -61.09 78.24 61.89 82.00
HSL -46.21 -202.84 19.00 40.00

*Provisional, PBT : Profit Before Tax.
HSL had been incurring losses till financial year 2014-15 and GSL had incurred onetime loss in
financial year 2013-14. These two Shipyards have been nominated for high value orders
resulting in improvement of their financial position. However, Ministry is also considering a
financial restructuring proposal of Rs. 1209.81 Crore for improvement of HSL’s financial
position.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written
reply to Shrimati Pratyusha Rajeshwari Singh in Lok Sabha today.
NAMPI/Ranjan

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Government of India
10-March-2017 12:52 IST
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) has been launched by the Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India in 2016.
The details of beneficiaries State/ UT wise are given below:

State Total number of pregnant women Received Antenatal
care under PMSMA
ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR
ISLANDS 0
ANDHRA PRADESH 85050
ARUNACHAL PRADESH 226
ASSAM 106963
BIHAR 185221
CHANDIGARH 1960
CHHATTISGARH 212944
DADRA AND NAGAR
HAVELI 5734
DAMAN AND DIU 1719
DELHI 19233
GOA 1882
GUJARAT 469244
HARYANA 104151
HIMACHAL PRADESH 47064
JAMMU AND KASHMIR 38745
JHARKHAND 47668
KARNATAKA 181786
KERALA 4207
LAKSHADWEEP 0
MADHYA PRADESH 192761
MAHARASHTRA 216116
MANIPUR 5366
MEGHALAYA 8687
MIZORAM 6924
NAGALAND 470
ODISHA 52571
PUDUCHERRY 5022
PUNJAB 59400
RAJASTHAN 408561
SIKKIM 268
TAMIL NADU 286650
TELANGANA 44688
TRIPURA 849
UTTAR PRADESH 236316
UTTARAKHAND 13132
WEST BENGAL 38692
Total 3090270
Source-PMSMA Reports

At present under PMSMA, ante-natal care (ANC) services are provided by OBGY specialists/
Radiologist/ Physicians including private sector volunteers only at government health facilities.
There is no proposal to implement it in private health facilities.
To continuously monitor the quality of services given during PMSMA, States/UTs have been
asked to designate teams/officials for field monitoring through standardized monitoring check
list. Similarly National level teams including representatives of Development Partners have also
been sent to States/ UTs for monitoring of PMSMA.

PMSMA Guideline and PMSMA operational framework Guideline have been shared with the all
State/UTs. These are available at http://nrhm.gov.in/nrhm-components/rmnch-a/maternal-
health/guidelines.html

written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.

*****

MV/LK

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Government of India
Ministry of Minority Affairs
10-March-2017 13:15 IST
Increase in Haj quota benefits all states
1,70,025 people will go to Haj pilgrimage in 2017
The increase in India’s annual Haj quota by Saudi Arabia Government has
benefitted all the states as quota of these states for Haj 2017 has also been
increased significantly. Haj quota of the states was released on 9th March, 2017 and
process for selection of pilgrims through draw of lots will start from 14thMarch.
Saudi Arabia has increased annual Haj quota of India by 34,005. The
decision in this regard had been taken during signing of bilateral annual Haj
agreement between India and Saudi Arabia by Union Minister of State for
Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Haj and
Umrah Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His Excellency Dr Mohammad Saleh
bin Taher Benten at Jeddah on 11th January 2017. It is the biggest increase in the
quota of Haj pilgrims from India after several years.
About 99,903 people went to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for Haj from 21

embarkation points across India through Haj Committee of India during Haj 2016.
Apart from this, about 36,000 Haj pilgrims had proceeded for Haj through the
private tour operators.
For Haj 2017, a total of 1,70,025 people will go to Haj pilgrimage from
India out of which 1,25,025 pilgrims will go through Haj Committee of India while
45,000 people will go through Private Tour Operators.
All the states have been benefitted by this increase in the Haj quota. Haj
quota for Gujarat, which was 7044 in 2016, has been increased to 10,877 for Haj
2017. Uttar Pradesh’s quota has been increased to 29,017 from 21,828; Haryana’s
quota is now 1343 from 1011 last year; Jammu and Kashmir’s quota has been
increased to 7960 from 6359; Karnataka’s quota has been increased to 5951 from
4477 last year.
A total of 9780 pilgrims will go to Haj from Maharashtra in comparison of

7357 last year. While Tamil Nadu’s quota has been increased from 2399 to 3189;
for West Bengal from 8905 to 9940; Telangana from 2532 to 3367; Rajasthan from
3525 to 4686. Madhya Pradesh’s Haj quota has been increased from 2708 to 3599;
Delhi’s from 1224 to 1628; Andhra Pradesh’s from 2052 to 2728 while
Jharkhand’s quota has been increased from 2719 to 3306.
A total of 4,48,268 applications were received for Haj 2017. Maximum

applications have been received from Kerala (95,236) followed by Maharashtra
(57,246); Gujarat (57,225); Uttar Pradesh (51,375); Jammu and Kashmir (35,217);
Madhya Pradesh (24,875); Karnataka (23,514) and Telangana (20,635).
Shri Naqvi’s efforts to make the Haj process digital have achieved huge
success. A total of 1,29,196 applications were done online. The highest number of
online applications were received from Kerala (34,783) followed by Maharashtra
(24,627); Uttar Pradesh (10,215); Gujarat (10,071); Jammu and Kashmir (8227),
Rajasthan (8091).
It is for the first time that Haj application process was made digital. Haj
Committee of India Mobile App was launched on 2nd January 2017. The Central
Government had encouraged online applications for Haj 2017 so that people can
get an opportunity for the pilgrimage with complete transparency and comfort. In
December, a new website of Haj had also been launched.
Ministry of Minority Affairs and Haj Committee of India had started

preparations for Haj 2017 very early to ensure that the next Haj is completely
smooth and convenient for the pilgrims. The states have been allotted Haj quota as
per their population according to Census 2011 with complete transparency.
*****
BCK/AK

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Government of India
AYUSH
10-March-2017 18:11 IST
Contribution of Ayurvedic products to GDP
The statistical information about the total contribution of Ayurvedic healthcare and
medicine manufacturing to the GDP is available in the form of percentage share of ayurvedic
products in the GDP. GDP statement of pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemicals and botanical
products along with percentage share of ayurvedic products to the GDP for the last five years is
as below:
GVA at current prices in Crore of rupees.
Description 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Manufacture of 90544 85609 101262 113354 126695
pharmaceutical; medicinal
chemicals and botanical
products
Total manufacturing 1409986 1572830 1713445 1883929 2065093
Share to total manufacturing 6.42 5.44 5.91 6.02 6.14
All India GDP 8106656 9205315 10366266 11470415 12451938
% share of contribution of 1.12 0.93 0.98 0.99 1.02
ayurvedic products to GDP

GVA at constant prices in Crore of rupees.
Description 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16

Manufacture of 90544 82439 95529 104877 116968
pharmaceutical; medicinal
chemicals and botanical
products
Total manufacturing 1409986 1493261 1573078 1683077 1863834
Share 6.42 5.52 6.07 6.23 6.28
All India GDP 8106656 8548229 9079250 9709347 10469720
% share of contribution of 1.12 0.96 1.05 1.08 1.12
ayurvedic products to GDP

Sources: www.mospi.gov.in/ press release dated 31.01.2017

The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under Ministry of AYUSH, Government
of India, since its inception in the year 2000, has been promoting cultivation of medicinal plants
throughout the country. NMPB has supported cultivation of medicinal plants over an area of
about 2,61,933 hectares in different states of the country. During the financial year 2016-17,
cultivation of prioritized medicinal plant on about 12, 416 hectares of land has been supported
through National AYUSH Mission, state-wise details of the area supported for medicinal plants
cultivation are given below:

S. No. Name of the State Area of supported cultivation in

Hectares
1. Andhra Pradesh 1248
2. Arunachal Pradesh 142.4
3. Assam 261
4. Chhattisgarh 220
5. Gujarat 191.6
6. Goa 22.5
7. Haryana 245
8. Himachal Pradesh 120
9. Jammu & Kashmir 34
10. Karnataka 735.46
11. Kerala 535
12. Madhya Pradesh 2518
13. Manipur 242
14. Meghalaya 48
15. Mizoram 27
16. Nagaland 138
17. Orissa 488.504
18. Punjab 360
19. Puducherry 43
20. Rajasthan 1162.5
21. Sikkim 32
22. Tamil Nadu 960
23. Telangana 294.18
24. Uttar Pradesh 1898
25. Uttarakhand 220
26. West Bengal 230
Total 12416.144

With an objective to address quality issues of Ayurvedic and other such medicines,
Government has taken following corrective measures-
i) Directive dated 14th October, 2005 under the provisions of Section 33EEB of the
Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 was issued to make testing of heavy metals mandatory
for export purposes in respect of every batch of purely herbal Ayurvedic, Siddha and
Unani drugs by every licensee and to display on the container of export oriented
products the words “Heavy Metals Within Permissible Limit” with effect from
1st January 2006.

ii) GMP Guidelines for Rasaushdhies have been added in Schedule ‘T’ of the Drugs &
Cosmetics Rules, 1945 since 9th March 2009.

iii) Pharmacopoeia Commission of Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy has been
established to develop standards of drugs and standard operating procedures of
manufacturing Ayurvedic Drugs for publication of the respective pharmacopoeias.

iv) For facilitating export of Ayurvedic medicines, quality certification systems based
on WHO Guidelines and International Standards are administered by Drugs
Controller General and Quality Council of India respectively.

v) Central Pharmacopieal Laboratory of Indian Medicine, Ghaziabad (U.P.), 27 State
Drug Testing Laboratories supported by the Central Government and 44 laboratories
licensed under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 are in place to carry
out testing of Ayurvedic drugs & raw materials.

vi) Financial support is provided through National AYUSH Mission to strengthen State
pharmacies, Drug Testing Laboratories and Enforcement Framework.

vii) Provision has been made in the Central Sector Scheme of International Cooperation
for the industry to avail financial support for preparation of technical dossiers and
registration of AYUSH medicines in foreign countries to obtain market authorization.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH,
Shri ShripadYesso Naik in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

*****
NB/SK/UD
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Government of India
10-March-2017 12:52 IST
Initiatives under the Family Planning Programme

The implementation of National Family Welfare Programme has been satisfactory with the
performance in IUCD insertions increasing from 52,75,440 to 55,40,743 and sterilisations
increasing from 40,30,409 to 40,70,597 from 2014-15 to 2015-16 as per HMIS reports available
with the Ministry of the Health and Family Welfare.

Family Planning has been a key priority area of the Government and it has been vigorously
pursued through the National Rural Health Mission launched in the year 2005 in line with the
policy framework for population stabilization as envisaged in the National Population Policy,
2000. The main objectives of National Population Policy, 2000 was to address the unmet needs
for contraception and achieving a stable population by 2045, at a level consistent with the
requirements of sustainable economic growth, social development and environmental protection.
As a result of the initiatives of the Government, the country’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has
declined from 2.7 in 2006 to 2.2 in 2016 (NFHS- IV). The decadal growth rate has declined from
21.54 % in 1990-2000 to 17.64 % during 2001-11. The Crude Birth Rate has declined from 23.8
in 2005 to 20.8 (SRS 2015) and 24 states/UTs have already achieved the replacement level TFR
of 2.1 or less out of 36 states/UTs.

The details of the family planning interventions currently being implemented country wide by
the Government is given below:

Initiatives under the Family Planning Programe of India:

New interventions under Family Planning
 Mission Parivar Vikas: The Government has launched Mission Parivar Vikas for
substantially increasing the access to contraceptives and family planning services in the high
fertility districts of seven high focus states with TFR of 3 and above. These 146 districts are
from the seven high focus, high TFR states (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Assam) that itself constitutes 44% of the country’s
population.
 New Contraceptive Choices: The current basket of choice has been expanded to include the
new contraceptives viz.Injectable contraceptive, Centchroman and Progrsterone Only Pills
(POP).
 Redesigned Contraceptive Packaging: The packaging for Condoms, OCPs and ECPs has
now been improved and redesigned so as to influence the demand for these commodities
 New Family Planning Media Campaign: A360 degree media campaign has been launched to
generate contraceptive demand.
 Enhanced Compensation Scheme for Sterilization- The sterilization compensation scheme
has been enhanced in 11 high focus states (8 EAG, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana)
 A new IUCD (Cu 375) with 5 years effectivity has been introduced in the programme as an
alternative to the exiting IUCD (Cu 380A with effectivity of 10 years).
 A new method of IUCD insertion i.e. PPIUCD has been introduced.
 Emphasis on Postpartum Family Planning (PPFP) services with PPIUCD and promotion of
minilap as the main mode of providing sterilization in the form of post-partum sterilization to
capitalize on the huge cases coming in for institutional delivery under JSY.
 Scheme for ensuring drop back services to sterilization clients
 Appointment of dedicated RMNCH+A counsellors at high case load facilities.
 Assured delivery of family planning services - In last four years states have shown their
commitment to strengthen fixed day family planning services for both IUCD and
sterilization.
 Scheme for Home delivery of contraceptives by ASHAs at doorstep of beneficiaries.
 Scheme for ASHAs to ensure spacing in births:
o Under the scheme, services of ASHAs are being utilized for counselling newly
married couples to ensure delay of 2 years in birth after marriage and couples with 1
child to have spacing of 3 years after the birth of 1st child.
o The scheme is being implemented in 18 states of the country (8 EAG, 8 North East,
Gujarat and Haryana). Additionally the spacing component has been approved in
West Bengal, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Daman
Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli
 Celebration of World Population Day & fortnight (July 11 – July 24):
o The World Population Day celebration is a step to boost Family Planning efforts all
over the country.
o The event is observed over a month long period, split into an initial fortnight of
mobilization/sensitization followed by a fortnight of assured family planning service
delivery.
o June 27 to July 10: “Dampati Sampark Pakhwada” or “Mobilisation Fortnight”
o July 11 to July 24 “Jansankhya Sthirtha Pakhwada” or “Population Stabilisation
Fortnight”

On-going Interventions under Family Planning Programme

 Ensuring quality of care in Family Planning services by establishing Quality Assurance
Committees in all state and districts.
 Increasing male participation and promotion of ‘Non Scalpel Vasectomy’’.
 Operating the ‘National Family Planning Indemnity Scheme’ (NFPIS) under which clients
are insured in the eventualities of deaths, complications and failures following sterilization
and the providers/ accredited institutions are indemnified against litigations in those
eventualities.
 Compensation scheme for sterilization acceptors - under the scheme MoHFW provides
compensation for loss of wages to the beneficiaries on account of undergoing sterilisation.
 Accreditation of more private/ NGO facilities to increase the provider base for family
planning services under PPP.
 Improving contraceptives supply management up to peripheral facilities
 A rational human resource development plan is in place for provision of IUCD, Minilap and
NSV to empower the facilities (DH, CHC, PHC, SHC) with at least one provider each for
each of the services and Sub Centres with ANMs trained in IUCD insertion
 Emphasis on Minilap Tubectomy services because of its logistical simplicity with less
failure rates.
 Demand generation activities in the form of display of posters, billboards and other audio
and video materials in the various facilities

STRETAGIES ADOPTED BY JANSANKHYA STHIRATA KOSH/NATIONAL
POPULATION STABILIZATION FUND FOR POPULATION CONTROL:
Prerna Strategy:- JSK has launched this strategy for helping to push up the age of marriage of
girls and delay in first child and spacing in second child birth in the interest of health of young
mothers and infants. The couple who adopt this strategy awarded suitably. This helps to change
the mindsets of the community.
Santushti Strategy:- Under this strategy, Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh, invites private sector
gynaecologists and vasectomy surgeons to conduct sterilization operations in Public Private
Partnership mode. The private hospitals/nursing home who achieved target of 10 or more are
suitably awarded as per strategy.
National Helpline:- JSK is also running a call centers for providing free advice on reproductive
health, family planning, maternal health and child health etc. Toll free no. is 1800116555.

As per the available report from the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning
(NPTEL), which is an initiative by seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT Bombay, Delhi,
Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Roorkee) and Indian institute of science (IISC) for
creating course contents in engineering and science, the problems resulting from overpopulation
is given below:

SUMMARY OF NPTEL REPORT.

Challenges of Rapid Population Growth in India among others are:

 Providing employment to growing population:
 Problem of utilisation of manpower
 Over-strained infrastructure
 Pressure on land and other renewable natural resources
 Increased cost of production
 Inequitable distribution of income +

The States have utilised the funds provided for the Family Planning programme and State/UT
wise expenditure under the component ‘Family Planning’ in 2015-16 is given below:

Expenditure
S.No. States
(2015-16)
A. High Focus States
1 Bihar 9795.53
2 Chattisgarh 1952.12
3 Himachal Pradesh 472.51
4 Jammu & Kashmir 257.88
5 Jharkhand 3497.04
6 Madhya Pradesh 11915.66
7 Orissa 3578.35
8 Rajasthan 7946.13
9 Uttar Pradesh 6616.58
10 Uttarakhand 1045.22
Sub Total 47077.02
B. NE States
11 Arunachal Pradesh 50.70
12 Assam 2283.66
13 Manipur 58.21
14 Meghalaya 152.12
15 Mizoram 78.06
16 Nagaland 106.42
17 Sikkim 16.21
18 Tripura 187.36
Sub Total 2932.74
C. Non-High Focus States
19 Andhra Pradesh 3289.53
20 Goa 53.63
21 Gujarat 6585.20
22 Haryana 2050.26
23 Karnataka 2338.35
24 Kerala 310.75
25 Maharashtra 3539.06
26 Punjab 911.62
27 Tamil Nadu 2679.45
28 Telangana 1086.31
29 West Bengal 3873.14
Sub Total 26717.29
D. Small States/UTs
30 Andaman & Nicobar Islands 11.23
31 Chandigarh 19.84
32 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 18.39
33 Daman & Diu 7.16
34 Delhi 197.38
35 Lakshadweep 0.66
36 Puducherry 76.17
Sub Total 330.83
Grand Total 77057.88

The Family Planning programme in India is target free and voluntary in nature and it is the
prerogative of the clients to choose a family planning method best suited to them as per their
reproductive right.


*****

MV/LK

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Government of India
Ministry of Shipping
09-March-2017 18:25 IST
Port-Based Development Projects in Andhra Pradesh
Under Sagarmala Programme, 33(13 rail and 20 road) connectivity enhancement projects
and two Coastal Economic Zones have been identified in Andhra Pradesh(A.P). The projects
under Sagarmala will be implemented by relevant Central Ministries, State Governments, Ports
and other agencies primarily through the private or PPP mode. The fund under Sagarmala for
the following projects has been sanctioned:

Sl. No. Project Name Amount (in Cr)
1 Port connectivity to NH – 5 (Phase II) Rs. 20 Cr sanctioned and released
2 Construction of grade separator from Rs. 29.96 Cr sanctioned and Rs. 14.98 Cr
H-7 area to port connectivity road by released.
passing Convent Junction, Vizag Port

Further, nine coastal jetty project proposals from AP are being considered for
financial assistance under the Coastal Berth Scheme of Government of India. Financial
assistance under Coastal Berth Scheme would be upto 50% of the total cost of the project
subject to (i) a maximum of Rs.25 Crore for projects related to construction /upgradation of
coastal berths, (ii) a maximum of Rs.10 Crore for construction of platforms/jetties for
hovercrafts & seaplanes by Ports/State Governments & passenger jetties in National Waterways
& Islands by the State Governments (iii) a maximum of Rs.15 Crore for mechanisation of
berths by Major Ports/Non-Major Ports, (iv) a maximum of Rs.50 Crore for Capital Dredging of
operational Non-Major Ports and (v) a maximum of Rs.50 Crore for construction of
breakwater for existing and Greenfield Ports.

This information was given by Minister of State for Shipping, Shri Pon Radhakrishnan in
a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

...
UM

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Government of India
Ministry of Women and Child Development
09-March-2017 16:25 IST
The Government has enacted various laws and implemented large number of
schemes to ensure safety of women
Safety and security of women and children in the country is of utmost priority for the
Government. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has enacted various special laws
relating to women such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; Dowry
Prohibition Act, 1961; Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986; and the
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
and Prohibition of Child Marriage Act,2006 (PCMA). The Criminal Law (Amendment), Act
2013 has been enacted making the punishment more stringent for offences like rape.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing scheme of One Stop
Centre to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence and a Scheme
for Universalisation of Women Helpline to provide 24 hours immediate and emergency response
to women affected by violence. Also, the Ministry of Finance, Government of India has set up a
dedicated fund called Nirbhaya Fund in 2013, for implementation of initiatives aimed at
enhancing the safety and security of women in the country. Ministry of Finance (DEA) has
issued guidelines by which an Empowered Committee of Officers was constituted under the
Chairmanship of Secretary, WCD for appraising and recommending various schemes/projects
proposed by the Ministries/Departments to be funded from the Nirbhaya Fund. The Empowered
Committee of Officers, which is an inter-ministerial committee appraises and recommends
various proposals/projects proposed by different Ministries/Departments/States. The concerned
Ministries then take up the sanction and implementation of the schemes/proposals so appraised
as they do for their other schemes/projects. This Committee regularly reviews the
implementation of projects from time to time with the concerned Ministries. Under Nirbhaya
fund, 16 proposals amounting to Rs.2348.85 Crores have been received so far, out of which 15
proposals amounting to Rs. 2047.85 Crores have been appraised and recommended by the
Empowered Committee. The proposals so appraised are at different stages of implementation
and fund is utilized as per the requirement of the project. A list of project appraised and
recommended by the Empowered Committee of Officers under Nirbhaya Fund is Annexed.
Ujjawala scheme, which is a comprehensive scheme to combat trafficking, is being
implemented in all over the country. The norms of the scheme have been revised effective from
01.04.2016. The Scheme is presently being implemented through the States/ UTs. During the
current Financial Year, i.e. 2016-17, an amount of Rs. 14.19 Crores has been released to the
States/ UTs for further disbursal to the end beneficiary/ implementing agencies for
implementation of the scheme.
The Swadhar and Short Stay Homes Schemes have now been merged and revised as
“Swadhar Greh”w.e.f. 01/01/2016. Swadhar Greh Scheme targets the women victims of
unfortunate circumstances who are in need of institutional support for rehabilitation so that they
could lead their life with dignity. The Scheme envisages providing shelter, food, clothing and
health as well as economic and social security for the women victims of difficult circumstances.
Swadhar Greh Scheme is a sub-scheme of the Centrally Sponsored Umbrella Scheme “Protection
and Empowerment” and is being implemented through States/ UTs. Till date an amount of Rs.
22.15 Crores has been released to States/ UTs in the financial year 2016-17 for implementation
of the Scheme.

List of proposals appraised and recommended under Nirbhaya Fund
Sl.No. Name of the proposal and Ministry Cost of appraisal
1. Emergency Response Support system, Rs. 321.69 Cr.
MHA
2. Creation of Central Victim Rs. 200.00 Cr.
Compensation Fund (CVCF), MHA
3. Creation of Investigative Units for Crime Rs. 324.00 Cr
against Women (IUCAW), MHA
4. Organized Crime Investigative Agency Rs. 83.20 Cr.
(OCIA), MHA
5. Cyber Crime Prevention against Women Rs. 244.32 Cr.
& Children (CCPWC), MHA
6. Proposal for providing facility of Social Rs. 6.20 Cr.
Workers/Counsellors at the District and
Sub- Divisional Police Station Level in
Delhi, Delhi Police/MHA
7. New building with women centric Rs.23.53 Cr.
facilities for Special Unit for Women &
Children (SPUWAC) and Special Unit
for North East Region (SPUNER) at
Nanakpura, Delhi Police/MHA
8. Integrated Emergency Response Rs. 500.00 Cr.
Management System (IEMRS), Ministry
of Railways
9. Development & Field Testing of panic Rs. 3.50 Cr.
Switch based safety Device for Cars and
Buses for aiding Women’s Safety,
MeiTY
10. Abhaya Project Proposal for safety of Rs. 138.49 Cr.
women and girl child, Govt. of Andhra
Pradesh
11. Chirali Proposal, Women Empowerment Rs. 10.20 Cr.
Directorate, Govt. of Rajasthan
12. One Stop Centre, MWCD Rs. 119.69 Cr.

13. Universalisation of Women Helpline, Rs. 69.49 Cr.
MWCD
14. (a) Mahila Police Volunteers for Karnal and Rs.1.29 Cr.
Mohindergarh District, Haryana
14.(b) Govt. of Andhra Pradesh’s proposal for Rs. 2.25 Cr.
implementation of Mahila Police
Volunteers (MPVs) at Village level in 2
districts of Anantapur and Kadapa on
pilot basis.

This information was given by Minister of State for Women & Child Development, Smt
Krishna Raj in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today
*******
NB/UD
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Government of India
09-March-2017 13:59 IST
Exclusive exhibition of handmade products by awardee woman artisans and
weavers
Textiles Secretary inaugurates exhibition on International Women’s Day 2017
As a part of the celebration of International

Women’s Day 2017, the Ministry of Textiles has put up an exclusive exhibition of handmade
products made by 44 award-winning woman artisans and weavers. The exhibition was
inaugurated by the Textiles Secretary, Smt. Rashmi Verma, on March 8, 2017. The exhibition
will be open for public from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, 8 – 15 March, 2017, at Handloom Haat,
Janpath, New Delhi.
Through this initiative, the 44 woman weavers and artisans get an opportunity to sell their
products directly to customers. This is an exclusive exhibition of handmade products which will
empower those who weave magic.
The exhibition will have woman weavers of handloom products coming from Assam, Himachal
Pradesh, Gujarat, Hyderabad, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal and
Tripura. The fabrics in the handloom section include Eri Silk, Muga Silk, Gujarat Ikat, Kuchch
Shawl, Pochampally Ikat, Kullu Shawl, Wangkheiphee, Tie & Dye Cotton Saree, Banarasi Saree,
Kota Dorai Saree and Jamdani saree.
For the Handicraft section, there are women artisans from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Assam,
Odisha, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, New Delhi,
Rajasthan and Manipur. The range of products includes Pattachitra, Tie & Dye, Bead Jewellery,
Crochet Lace, Kantha Embroidery, Embroidery, Thanjavur Glass Painting, Bell Metal, Shawl as
Artware, Natural Fiber, Chikan Embroidery, Stone Craving, Doll Making, Cane & Bamboo
Jewellery, Tribal Textiles, Wood carving, hand embroidery, leather craft, Madhubani Painting
and Scratch Painting.
Related: Textiles Minister announces Kamaladevi Chattopadhya National Awards,
specially for women weavers and women artisans
***
GG/DJM
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Government of India
Cabinet
06-March-2017 21:05 IST
Cabinet approves MoU between India and the United Nations Entity of Gender
Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN-Women)
Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the
signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and the United Nations
Entity of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women).
The proposal seeks to provide technical support to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in
strengthening capacities of governance institutions including Panchayati Raj
Institutions(PRIs) to better leverage opportunities created for gender equality through
legislation, policies and programmes.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and UN-Women have worked in collaboration with
each other to promote participation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), to
focus on building capacities of Elected Women Representatives to empower them and
enhance their effectiveness. Given the past gains, the two parties will now work together
towards participatory design of governance processes and effective implementation of
laws, policies and programmes to promote gender responsive governance. The parties
agree that engendering the initiatives of MoPR, including capacity development efforts,
will be of mutual benefit, and will further their shared mission of good governance,
gender equality and women’s empowerment. In the long run, it will enable an
improvement in the status of rural women in India, as well as contribute to meeting
India’s commitment to the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development
Goals.
The proposed MoU will facilitate the achievement of time-bound results in the
implementation of specific activities identified jointly by MoPR and UN Women within
the broader framework for cooperation under the United Nations Development
Assistance Framework ((UNDAF). This MoU would thus facilitate operationalizing this
important partnership.
Activities under this MoU will be implemented at the district and sub-district level in six
States i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Odisha, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Madhya
Pradesh.
*****
AKT/VBA/SH
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Government of India
06-March-2017 19:53 IST
A two day workshop of Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation on
SSS began in New Delhi today
A two day National Review/Workshop on Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) &
compilation of CPI was inaugurated in New Delhi today. The SSS programme is being
implemented in 16 States currently with an allocation of Rs.650.43 Crore. Earlier, the Support
for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) scheme was a centrally sponsored scheme, but now it is a
Central Sector Sub scheme of Capacity Development Scheme of Ministry, with 100% funding
from the Centre.

In 2014-15, a major revisiting existing was done and as a result, the allocations of the
currently implementing States were rationalized and allocations were made to the remaining 19
States/UTs.
The meeting is taking stock of the completion of the activities by the old states in which the
scheme is already being implemented. They would be required to complete all their activities
under the scheme by March, 2017. The states include Gujarat, Rajasthan, Mijoram, Sikkim, West
Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telengana, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jharkhand and Kerela among
others. Out of the 19 new states, two States, Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand had signed their MoUs
and subsequently funds were transferred. However for the remaining 17 States, finalization of
programme and release of funds etc. is still to be completed. All fresh funds are released to
States through the Public Finance Management System (PFMS).
The meeting discussed the progress of completion of activities by old States by March, 2017;
and modalities of implementation by the new States.
Details of Public Financial Management System (PFMS) are available at the link given
below:
Public Financial Management System (PFMS) under the SSS Scheme.
*****
NB/UD
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Government of India
Ministry of Tourism
02-March-2017 11:40 IST
15.5% Growth in Domestic Tourist visits to States/Uts during 2016 as compared
to 2015
Domestic Tourism in India Booming with significant growth in Domestic Tourist

visits
Ministry of Tourism compiles data on tourist arrivals and visits to States/ Union Territories
(UTs) on the basis of details received from various sources namely Bureau of Immigration and
States /UTs.
While surpassing the growth rate of 6.8% in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) observed in
January 2016 over January 2015, a significantly higher double digit growth rate of 16.5% has
been witnessed correspondingly in the month of January 2017 over January 2016. A similar
higher growth rate is also observed in the Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) during 2016,
recording a marvelous growth rate of 15.5% over 2015.
The data for DTVs, every year, is compiled by Ministry of Tourism based on the inputs received
from all States/UTs. While complete data for each calendar year from all States/ UTs is received
in the Ministry of Tourism sometime around in the months of April- May of the succeeding year,
Ministry of Tourism has come out at present with provisional figures for DTVs on the basis of
whatever information/ data is made available thus far by the concerned States/UTs coupled with
estimation undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism for the missing/ incomplete data segments.
The estimation process basically entails the Methods of prevailing growth rates and
proportionate contributions.
Following are the salient features of the provisional figures for DTVs to States/ UTs during the
year 2016:
 During 2016, the number of DTVs to the States/ UTs was 1653 million (provisional) as
compared to 1432 million in 2015 registering a growth of 15.5 %.
 The contribution of the top ten States/ UTs during 2016 stands at about 84.2% to the
total number of Domestic Tourist Visits as against 83.62% recorded in 2015.
 The top ten States in terms of number of DTVs (in millions), during 2016, were Tamil
Nadu (344.3), Uttar Pradesh (229.6), Madhya Pradesh (184.7), Andhra Pradesh (158.5),
Karnataka (129.8), Maharashtra (115.4), West Bengal (74.5), Telangana (71.5), Gujarat
(42.8) and Rajasthan (41.5).
 Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have maintained the first and second rank respectively in
terms of DTVs in 2016.
 Madhya Pradesh has gained several ranks to reach the third position leaving Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra at the succeeding fourth, fifth and sixth positions.
 West Bengal surpassed Telangana to attain the seventh position rendering Telangana at
the eighth, followed by Gujarat and Rajasthan.

*****

Sanjay Kumar/jk/Tourism-01/02-03-2017
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Government of India
Ministry of Finance
28-February-2017 13:36 IST
India and ADB sign $375 million in loans and grants for first phase of 2,500–
kilometer long East Coast Economic Corridor
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed here $375
million in loans and grants to develop 800-kilometer Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial
Corridor, which is the First Phase of a planned 2,500–kilometer long East Coast
Economic Corridor (ECEC). The Corridor is expected to spur development on India’s
eastern coast in line with the Government of India’s Make in India policy to stimulate
manufacturing, and Act East policy to integrate the Indian economy with Asia’s dynamic
global production networks.
The signing event was held on 23.02.2017 followed the ADB approval of $631 million in
loans and grants in September 2016 to develop the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial
Corridor. ADB’s approved loans comprise a $500 million multi-tranche facility to build
key infrastructure in the four main centers along the corridor – Visakhapatnam,
Kakinada, Amaravati, and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The First
Tranche of $245 million was signed today that will finance sub-projects to develop high-
quality internal infrastructure in 2 of the 4 nodes of the corridor–Visakhapatnam and
Yerpedu-Srikalahasti.
Another component of the approved ADB funds signed on 23.02.2017 was a $125
million policy-based loan that will be used for capacity development of institutions
engaged in corridor management, provide support to enhance ease of doing business and
for supporting industrial and sector policies to stimulate industrial development.
“ADB is supporting an industrial corridor development approach that involves creation of

efficient transport, and reliable water and power supplies in the industrial clusters along
with a skilled workforce, to be backed by industry-friendly policies that improve ease of
doing business for integration of local economy with global production networks,” said
L. B. Sondjaja, Deputy Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission who signed
the loan agreement on behalf of ADB. “We estimate that by 2025, annual industrial
output along the corridor will increase fourfold to $64 billion from about $16 billion in
2015 if investment opportunities are maximized over the next few years.”
The project is an important milestone in the process of developing the corridor and
realizing the objectives of Make in India. We sincerely hope that the project will
complement the ongoing efforts of the Government of Andhra Pradesh to enhance
industrial growth and create high-quality jobs,” said Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary
(Multilateral Institutions), in the Ministry of Finance, who signed the loan agreement for
Government of India. The project agreement was signed by Hema Munivenkatappa,
Special Secretary to Government (Finance) on behalf of the Government of Andhra
Pradesh.
Along with the ADB loans, agreement was also signed for a $5 million grant from the
multi-donor Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund that is managed by ADB to
build climate change resilient infrastructure. The Government of Andhra Pradesh will
provide extra funding of $215 million to the $846 million project.
Among the outputs envisaged under the $245 million tranche 1 loan include
strengthening and widening of a 29.6-kilometer section of state highway to four lanes to
improve connectivity from Kakinada Port to National Highway 16, investments in smart
water management in Visakhapatnam to reduce nonrevenue water and provide
continuous water supply, upgrading 7 power substations to supply high-quality and
reliable power supply to Visakhapatnam, Naidupeta, and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti industrial
clusters, and effluent treatment facility in Atchutapuram and Naidupeta clusters.
The tranche 1 loan will have a 25-year term, including a grace period of 5 years, a 20-
year straight line repayment method at an annual interest rate determined in accordance
with ADB’s LIBOR-based lending facility.
*****
DSM/KA

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Ministry of Rural Development30-June, 2017 13:25 IST

Impact Assessment of DAY-NRLM by IRMA

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:-

The scorching summer month,

The world confined behind bars,

The eyes are in anticipation

Recently, I had the opportunity to go to one of my favorite events. A very good

Andhra Pradesh tops in urban reforms; Rs.500 cr incentive disbursed to 16 good

The Ministry of Urban Development today disbursed Rs.500 cr as incentive to 16 States

Number of Domestic Tourist visits to States/ UTs registers a growth of 12.68 %

Number of Foreign Tourist visits (FTVs) to states/ UTs registers a growth of

Market Research Division of Ministry of Tourism compiles data on domestic and

Domestic Tourist Visits to States/ UTs

Foreign Tourist Visits to States/ UTs

Thiruvananthapuram tops the list; Capitals Amaravati, Patna, Srinagar,

20 cities to contest for remaining 10 slots

S.No City State/UT

Name of the Date on which SGST Act passed

STATE YET TO PASS THE SGST ACT

Sl. No. Name of the State

Srl No Item Funds Released – in crs

3 Polavaram Project 2514

4 State Share from LTIF 3334

Total Rs. 10010 cr

352 1480 661 163 155 963

c) Regulation, Development and Management of Ground Water Resources: Model Bill -2005

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:-

Swacchta Pakhwada in Environment Ministry Concludes, But Cleanliness

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate

As part of Swacchhta Pakhwada, several activities including tree plantation, ‘Shram

Transformative change in social sector is challenging as the pace is slow, as compared to

The Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme

May 2017 (Prov.) April 2017 (Final) May 2016 (Final)

Notes: Prov. – Provisional, Combd. - Combined

Rural Urban Combined

Note: Figures of May 2017 are provisional.

All India Consumer Price Indices

Rural Urban Combined

Gr Su Descri Rural Urban Combined

State/UT wise General Consumer Price Indices

Rural Urban Combined

To select the three model states, NITI defined a three-stage process –

GST Council constitutes 18 Sectoral Groups for smooth roll-out of GST

As decided in the 14th Meeting of the GST Council held on 18th-19th May, 2017 in

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:-

Andhra Anantpur, Chitoor, Guntur, Krishna, Ongole, Rajamundry,

As part of multi-pronged strategy to address rural poverty, Ministry of Rural

10 lakh LED street lights to be installed in Gram Panchayats of 7 districts in

Estimated Annual Savings in Energy Consumption to be 147 million units and

The event was inaugurated by Mr. AlokVardhanChaturvedi, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of

Stating the importance of Panchayats in preventing incidences of child abuse and in

IV. Digital Payments Movement:

a. An action plan on advocacy, awareness and co-ordination of handholding efforts

b. NITI Aayog also constituted a Committee of Chief Ministers on Digital Payments

c. To incentivize the States/UTs for promotion of digital transactions, Central

VII. Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Rationalization of Centrally Sponsored

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:-

Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson NCW Smt. Lalitha Kumaramangalam, reiterated

National-Level Celbrations Held at Goa