One Year of Modi Govt.

DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

The vision of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is to empower India through application of nuclear science and technology, and to provide better quality of life to its citizens. During the period from May, 2014 till December 31, 2014, the programmes of the Department achieved impressive growth in various segments and domains. These are described below.

In Nuclear Power generation,Unit 1 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project-1 (KKNPP-1)

of 1000 MWe commenced commercial operation on December 31, 2014. With this, the total number of operating power reactors is 20 with an installed capacity of 5680MWe. The second Unit, KKNPP – 2 is also in advanced stage of commissioning. During the calendar year 2014 the highest ever generation of 37146 MUs was recorded which is 10% higher than last year's generation. The Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS)-5 recorded a continuous run of 765 days which is the best in Asia and the second best in the world.

Consent of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) was obtained in October

2014 to establish the Gorakhpur AnuVidyutPariyojanaHarayana (GHAVP) Units-1&2 (2x700 MWe PHWRs).

In the area of uranium exploration, over 16,535 tonnes of additional Uranium Oxide (U3O8)

reserves have been established in Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and Jharkhand during the year thus taking the country's uranium resources to over 2, 14,158 tonnes of U3O8.

The Tummalapalle uranium project is readying for commissioning in 2015-16. The mine has

achieved the desired ore production capacity and adequate ore has been stockpiled.Heavy Water production during the financial year 2014-15 was more than 104% of the target. The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) being constructed at Kalpakkam in Tamilnadu is

nearing completion and is expected to be operational this year. The entire quantity of enriched Boron for the 1st core of the PFBR has been successfully prepared. With this,India has found place in the few handful countries possessing such capability.

DAE has been playing a significant role in the development and applications of various

radioisotopes and radiation technologies in healthcare, industry, agriculture and research. India is one of the leading countries in the isotope technology today.

In Nuclear Medicine and Healthcare, more than 23,000 consignments of ready to use radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapy of thyroid disorders, neuroendocrine cancers, bone pain palliation were supplied to various nuclear medicine centres and hospitals all over India. Over 2, 08,245 in-vivo diagnostic investigations were carried out this year with varied diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. Around 5575 Radioimmunoassay (RIA) and Immuno-radiometric Assay (IRMA) kits amounting to carry out about 572,000 in-vitro investigations were supplied to various hospitals, research centres and immunoassay laboratories throughout India.

Four units of Cobalt Teletherapy Machines 'Bhabhatron' built indigenously at BARC were commissioned one each at Guwahati, Bathinda andMungeli in India and Zambia in Africa taking the total number of operating units to 30.

A new 22-bed ward for cancer patients was commissionedat ACTREC in Navi Mumbai. Over

2100 major procedures were conducted and about 1000 in-patients were admitted in the Leukemia/ Lymphoma ward and around 50 outpatients/day were seen in the adult hemato-lymphoid OPD.

A Cancer Registry has been established at Vishakhapatnam. Preparations are in full swing for

construction of a cancer hospital in Andhra Pradesh.Meanwhile, OPD activities have commenced and approximately, 150 patients have been treated so far.

In nuclear agriculture, a high yielding pigeon-pea variety Trombay Akola Red Arhar (PKV-TARA) was released and Gazette notified for commercial cultivation in Maharashtra.

In the area of Food processing, the technology for Fruit Vegetable Dip Treatment Machine for processing of Litchi and other Fruits and Vegetables was developed. Litchi processing technology was transferred to SCRIMAD, Madagascar.

Two Radiation Processing plants were commissioned at Unnao, Lucknow and Bavla, Ahmedabad in 2014. The total number of Radiation Processing Plants commissioned in the private sector in the country is now 12. Towards Human Resource Development and Knowledge Management, the HomiBhabha National Institute (HBNI) continued to strengthen its linkages with premier research and academic institutes in the country and abroad. The Institute awarded 430 Ph.Ds, 669 M.Techs, 9 M.Phils, 118 M.Scs (Five years integrated and as part of integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D programme), 24 M.Sc. (Engg), 159 diplomas in radiation protection, 47 diplomas in medical radioisotope technology, 40 diploma in radiation medicine and 155 post graduate medical degrees till November, 2014. During the period of report, 12 engineering post-graduate students were inducted into DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme (DGFS) for Ph.D. A new diploma course in Fusion Technology has been started during the year.

Fourteen technologies have been transferred till December 2014 and six new technologies have been introduced into public domain. Twenty technology transfers of bio-gas plant ‘Nisargruna’ were processed. Eight Nisargruna plants are under construction under MoUs with various Municipal Corporations.

Four new Advance Knowledge and Rural Technology Implementation

Programme (AKRUTI) Agreements were signed with Companies/Organisations and Individuals during the year. As part of DAE Outreach Centre (DAE-ORC), two AKRUTI centres were set up in two villages in Sholapur district. Awareness camps about Soil organic Carbon testing kit were organized in 13 villages for about 285 farmers.

An Inter-Governmental agreement with Australia for co-operation in the peaceful uses of Nuclear Energy was signed on 5th September, 2014.An understanding on the CLND Act of India and its provisions was arrived at between India and USA during the visit of President of USA to India in January this year. Also, the text of the Administrative Arrangements pursuant to India-USA Civil Nuclear Co-operation Agreement (signed earlier in 2008) was finalised between the two countries. India and Russia signed a “Strategic Vision for Strengthening Co-operation in Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy” on 11th December, 2014. An agreement for co-operation with the Radiation & Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland was also signed on 15th of October, 2014 by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.

The Department of Atomic Energy and its constituent units organised collective cleaning programme on 2nd October, 2015 on the eve of 150th Birth Anniversary of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi under the “Swachcha Bharat Mission” along with SwachchataShapath called by the Prime Minister's Office.A series of seminars on ‘DAE technologies relevant to Swachcha Bharat Abhiyan’ have been started. First such seminar in the series was held at Gujrat Technological University, Ahmedabad. A publication with details of such technologies has also been brought out.

DAE is participating in the ‘National Mission on Clean Ganga’ as adviser and technology provider.

DAE, for the first time displayed a tableau in the prestigious 66th Republic Day Parade Ceremony at Rajpath, New Delhi. The tableau, based on the theme “Atoms in the Service of the Nation”, presented nuclear power as a clean and environment friendly energy option for peace, power and prosperity by showcasing the achievements and services of the Department in the areas of healthcare management and food & agriculture.

DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

1. With the successful Mars Orbit Insertion of Mars Orbiter Spacecraft on September 24, 2014, ISRO became the fourth Space Agency and first Asian country to successfully send a spacecraft to Mars and the first nation in the world to do so in its first attempt. All the five scientific instruments are providing valuable data about the Mars surface features and Martian atmosphere. The images captured by the Mars Color Camera are found to be of good quality. Apart from the technological achievements, Mars orbiter Mission has generated substantial interest in Space Sciences among the youth in the country. Mars orbiter Mission has been awarded “Space Pioneer Award” for science and engineering category for the year 2015 by the US based National Space Society. The Indira Gandhi Peace prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development is awarded to ISRO in recognition of its path breaking achievement, culminating in Mars Orbiter Mission, its significant contribution in strengthening international cooperation in peaceful use of outer space.

2. The successful launch of first experimental flight of India’s future heavy lift launch vehicle GSLV Mk III, also known as LVM3-X, on December 18, 2014, which carried Crew Module atmospheric re-entry Experiment (CARE) as its payload, marked India’s progress towards self-reliance in launching four ton class of communication satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. This flight has validated the complex atmospheric regime of flight and demonstrated the integrity of design of GSLV Mk III heavy lift next generation launch vehicle. With the successful splash down and recovery of CARE module, this flight has also demonstrated re-entry characteristics of the Crew module which is of relevance for future Human Spaceflight.

3. India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C26) successfully launched India’s third satellite IRNSS-1C, from Sriharikota on October 16, 2014. As part of Space Commerce, French Remote Sensing Satellite SPOT-7 and four more co-passenger satellites from Canada, Germany and Singapore were successfully launched using PSLV-C23 on June 30, 2014. On March 28, 2015 ISRO’s PSLV-C27 successfully launched India's Fourth Navigation Satellite IRNSS-1D from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. This is the fourth satellite in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). In the coming months, the next satellite of this constellation, namely, IRNSS-1E, is scheduled to be launched by PSLV. The entire IRNSS constellation of seven satellites is planned to be completed by 2016.

4. India’s new communication satellite GSAT-16 carrying 48 communication transponders (24 Ku-band, 12 C-band and 12 Ext. C Band) was successfully launched on December 7, 2014 on-board Ariane-V from French Guiana. GSAT-16 has augmented the INSAT/GSAT system capacity for DTH. TV broadcasting telecommunication, rural communications and other societal benefits.

5. To maximize the use of space technology and its applications in governance and development, Department of Space has constituted 18 expert teams to hold proactive interactions with the Central Ministries/Departments and prepare a joint document on “More Effective Use of Space Technology Tools” including identification of potential Space Applications meeting the requirements of the Ministries/Departments. As on date, DOS has received response on specific requirements of space technology based tools from 68 Ministries/Departments. The joint documents detailing the scope of space applications (short/medium/long term), roles and responsibilities, action plan & timeline have been prepared. Also, Secretary to Secretary level interactions have been concluded with 43 Ministries/Department. A National Meet at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi is proposed with participation from all Central Ministries/Departments and State Governments. It is planned to present the action plan developed for each Ministry/Department in the National Meet and also showcase success stories on Space applications and chart out the way forward.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

Human Resource Development

Initiated process to establish two new Agricultural Universities in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan and two new Horticultural Universities in Telangana and Haryana.

Central Agricultural University, Imphal is being strengthened with six additional colleges in north eastern states on agriculture, horticulture, veterinary sciences and food processing. Thus raising the total number of colleges from 7 to 13.

First academic session commenced in Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi.

MoU has been signed to convert Rajendra Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar into a Rajendra Central Agricultural University, Pusa.

A new Central Agricultural University has been planned at Barapani, Meghalaya A Post Graduate Institute of Horticulture is to be established in Amritsar. National Agricultural Education Project is to be launched with World Bank funding for

development of quality human resource in higher agricultural education and research. The number of International Fellowships for pursing Ph.D. in overseas Universities for Indian

students and in Indian Universities for students from overseas has been increased to 30. Four Regional Centres have been set up to strengthen National Agricultural Education

Accreditation Board for ensuring and maintaining quality of higher agricultural education Strengthening of Research Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology is being established at Ranchi (Jharkhand). National Research Centre on Integrated Farming System is to be established at Motihari,

Bihar. First batch of PG students (M.Sc., 2015-16) have been admitted in two newly established

national agricultural research institutes at Asom and Jharkhand being developed on the pattern of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi popularly known as PUSA Institute.

IARI has initiated its outreach programme to further expand the PG education by offering courses in Horticulture and Agricultural Engineering in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru and ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal respectively.

National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases has been established at Bhopal to address the emergence of exotic and trans-boundary animal and zoonotic diseases.

National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics(NIVEDI) has been established at Bengaluru to study the changing pattern of emerging and re-emerging animal diseases.

A Centre for Zoonoses was established at Nagpur in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to strengthen surveillance on prevalence of zoonotic diseases.

Agriculture and Technology Foresight Centre (ATFC) is to be established to foresee the coming changes in agricultural sector and plan accordingly.

Referral Testing Laboratory will be established to improve quality, efficiency and authenticity of testing of agriculture and allied commodities.

Land resource inventorization at 1:10,000 scale has been initiated for micro-level agricultural land use planning.

A project has been formulated on hill agriculture under National Mission on Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem.

Development of countrywide digital agricultural research database - Knowledge based Resource Information Systems Hub for Innovations (KRISHI) in Agriculture.

Consortia Research Platforms have been planned in following 16 high priority areas of agricultural research involving multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary teams - Agro-

biodiversity Management, Hybrids, Molecular Breeding, Bio-fortification, Borer (Network Mode), Nanotechnology, Phytochemical & High Value Compounds (Network Mode), Conservation Agriculture, Water, Farm Mechanization, Energy, Health foods, Secondary Agriculture, Natural Fiber, Diagnostics & Vaccines, Genomics.

A new annual award, “Haldhar Organic Farmer Award, has been instituted to promote organic farming.

Initiated setting up/up-gradation of 18 Food testing laboratories under the programme of Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India.

A road map has been prepared to develop the Nepal Agricultural Research Institute into a Deemed University on the pattern of IARI, New Delhi.

IARI has started online (tele) teaching for the students of ANASTU, Kandhar in Afghanistan.

Strengthening of Lab to Land - Agricultural Extension

Five new Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) were opened in Baksa, Morigaon and Bogaigaon in Asom, Raigarh in Jharkhand and Banaskantha in Gujarat.

‘Farmer First’- aims to enrich knowledge and integrating technologies in the farmers’ conditions and to enhance farmers-scientist interface.

Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav- This scheme is being launched involving agricultural experts of agricultural universities and ICAR institutes for effective and deeper reach of scientific farming to the villages. A group of experts will be associated with one particular village to create awareness and adoption of new technologies including farm investment, loans, availability of inputs and marketing. All the scientists from ICAR and agricultural universities will participate in this initiative.

Krishi Dak - IARI initiated this novel scheme in 20 districts in which postmen supplied seeds of improved varieties of crops to the farmers in far-flung areas. Owing to its success and popularity, this scheme is being extended in 100 districts of 14 states with the association of Krishi Vigyan Kendras. This will provide improved seed to farmers at their doorstep.

New Policies

Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) - scheme aims to attract, train and retain the rural youth (under 35 year age) towards agriculture and agriculture related income generating enterprises to check the rural migration.

Student READY (Rural Entrepreneurship and Awareness Development Yojana) -Agricultural students across the country are being networked under this initiative to promote professional skills, entrepreneurship, knowledge and marketing through hands-on experience.

(B) Major Achievements

Improved varieties/hybrids of major crops (rice -21, wheat- 11, cereals- 17, oilseeds 16, pulses – 8,

forage crops 4, fiber crops 3 and sugarcane -1) were released with enhanced yield potential and stress tolerance/resistance in diverse agro-ecological regions of the country.

Heera, a short duration, early-maturing variety of rice was released for rainfed zones during monsoon season and for irrigated land during dry season. It contains 11.5% protein (other varieties have only 8% protein) and 23 ppm zinc.

Developed varieties/ hybrids of tomato (4), chilli (1), cauliflower (2), ash gourd (1), brinjal (1) and okra (2) for better productivity.

About 94,953 quintals (q) breeder seed, 1,44,369 q of foundation seed, 1,63,466 q of certified seed, 1,72,352 q of truthfully labeled seed and 73,185 q of planting materials were produced to meet the demand as indented by different states and other stakeholders. Further, 155.59 lakh planting materials and 5.60 lakh tissue culture plantlets of field crops were also produced. About 52.45 million seeds of fish/ shellfish were distributed. Of which 49.78 million were given to farmers, 2.66 million to state government agencies and 18,580 million to private agencies. In addition 4.58 lakhs seeds were ranched in open water bodies.

Kunitz tryspin inhibitor free soybean genotypes (NRC101 and NRC102) developed and

commercialized. Soybean IC210 containing double the value of oleic acid than in the regular soybean has been commercialized.

The first high-resolution SNP -based genetic map of Jute with seven linkage groups has been developed in agreement with its karyotype.

To address the issue of nodal blight disease of pomegranate, for the first time more than 300 accessions of pomegranate were imported and on the same lines 16 elite grape accessions were also imported.

For the first time, the tissue culture protocol were standardized in date palm the protocol for pomegranate tissue culture were developed and commercialized.

Developed 27 smart technologies for mainstreaming and up-scaling under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.

“Kamrupa”, a new crossbred and dual purpose multi-coloured poultry strain was released for backyard poultry in the North East region.

A thermostable virus vaccine for foot and mouth disease of livestock was developed by reverse

genetics. This will help in National FMD control programme. An exotic species of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei has been successfully cultured in inland

saline waters, opening a new vista for utilization of saline affected areas for high value shrimp cultivation.

Developed portable digital soil test kit-cum- mini lab (Mrida Parikshak) to facilitate soil testing and soil test based fertilizer recommendations.

Strengthened agro-advisory mechanism at district level by formulating decentralized agro-advisories based on real time information of weather collected through Automatic Weather Stations installed in the 100 KVKs and district level forecast issued by IMD.

A “Machinery Cum Technology Demonstration Mela” was simultaneously organized at 22 locations across the country on 20th March 2015. More than two lakh farmers benefited by learning the technologies and machinery developed by ICAR.

To promote agricultural mechanization, 3403 prototypes of agricultural equipment were supplied to various stakeholders.

Under the lab to land activities, 1,24,381 on-farm trials and frontline demonstrations were conducted at farmers’ fields and 12.36 lakh farmers, rural youth and in-service extension personnel were trained. More than 106 lakh participants to part in various extension activities.

KVK produced 10859 ton seeds and 285 lakh planting materials for distribution among farmers.

Cutting edge research

Wheat genome was decoded first time in the world in which scientists of the ICAR, PAU and Delhi University played a major role. This genetic blueprint of wheat will help in the first-track development of superior wheat varieties.

A rapid diagnostic method was developed to detect brucellosis, the main cause of abortion and reduced fertility in livestock.

Vaccine has been developed for the prevention of sheep pox. Reduced mortality rate will improve the condition of sheep farmers.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & CO-OPERATION (DAC) Major relief measures for farmers announced by Prime Minister In a major initiative, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has announced on 8 th April 2015 that the farmers will now be eligible for input subsidy if 33 percent or more of their crop is damaged. Earlier, farmer would be eligible for subsidy only when the crop damage was 50 percent or more. The Prime Minister has also announced enhancement of the existing quantum of financial assistance by 50% in case of crop losses. These compensatory measures have been carried out after revising the norms under National Disaster Response Fund/ State Disaster Response Fund which will be effective from 1st April 2015. However, a special dispensation has been made for the farmers affected by hailstorms in different parts of the country during February/March 2015 and they will be given assistance under the new norms.The enhanced input subsidy norms in various categories are as follows:

In case of agriculture crops, horticulture crops and annual plantation crops, the input subsidy has been hiked from Rs 4500 per hectare to Rs 6800 per hectare in rainfed areas. In the assured irrigated areas, it has been hiked from Rs 9000 per hectare to Rs 13500 per hectare.

In case of perennial crops, the quantum of input subsidy has been hiked from Rs 12000 to Rs 18000 per hectare.

For those, engaged in sericulture, the input subsidy has been hiked from Rs 3200 - Rs 4000 per hectare to Rs 4800 – Rs 6000 per hectare.

In case of other farmers having land holding more than 2 hectare, they will also be eligible for above mentioned relief measures, subject to limit of 2 hectare as compared to earlier limit of 1 hectare. Steps taken to increase productivity : Soil Health CardSoil Health cards are necessary to ensure that only requisite nutrients are applied in the soil in a balanced manner to enhance productivity of specific crops in a sustainable manner. Soil Health Cards (SHCs) shall be issued to all 14 crore holdings in the country. About 248 lakh samples are to be analyzed in 3 years’ cycle. This comes to about 83 lakh samples per year.Since 2007-08 to April 2014, an amount of Rs. 112 crore was released to soil testing laboratories whereas after May 2014 onwards an amount of Rs. 86 crore has been released. An amount of Rs. 568.54 crore has been approved to make soil health cards available to 14.50 crore of farmers during next three years. Following uniform norms are prescribed for sampling: i. In the irrigated areas, samples will be drawn in a grid of 2.5 ha. ii. In rainfed areas, sampling will be done in a 10 ha. grid.

Details in a Soil Health Card include: i. Values on soil parameters such as pH, EC, N, P, K, S, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu & B. ii. Recommendation on appropriate dosage of fertilizer application based on test

values and requirement of crop, use of organic manures and soil amendments to acidic/alkaline/sodic soils.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna(PKVY) Groups of farmers would be motivated to take up organic farming under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna(PKVY). Fifty or more farmers will form a cluster having 50 acre land to take up the organic farming under the scheme. In this way during three years 10,000 clusters will be formed covering 5.0 lakh acre area under organic farming. There will be no liability on the farmers for expenditure on certification. Every farmer will be provided Rs. 20,000 per acre in three years for seed to harvesting of crops and to transport produce to the market. During the 12th Five Year Plan, Rs. 1,495 crore will be required for this scheme. Rs 300 crore has been allocated for the scheme during the year 2015-16. The Government has enhanced subsidy amount from Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 per hectare to promote the use of organic fertilizers. A special scheme with allocation of Rs. 100 crore has been launched in North-Eastern Region for promotion of organic farming and export of organic produce. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) The Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana include:

The Vision is to ensure access to some means of protective Irrigation to all Agricultural Farms (Har Khet Ko Pani).

To increase agricultural production and Productivity and enhance farm Income.

Per Drop More Crop Program Components include:

Creation/Repair/restoration / Renovation of water resources (Ministry of Water Resources)

Development, Strengthening and creation of Distribution Network from source to farm (Department of Land Resources)

Promotion of efficient water conveyance and field application devices like Drip and Sprinklers (Department of Agriculture & Cooperation)

DAC will be the Nodal Agency Budget for 2015-16

Rs.1800 Cr for Micro irrigation (DAC) Rs. 1500 Cr for Distribution network (DoLR) Rs.1000 Cr for water resources ( MoWR) These sums are in addition to Rs. 1000 Cr provided to MoWR under AIBP.

Proposed Implementation Strategy Funding pattern 75:25 for General States and 90:10 for North-Eastern and

Hilly States.

Promotion of National Market through Agri Tech Infrastructure Fund (ATIF)Key Features of ATIF

Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of National Agricultural Market through Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) for Rs.200 crores to be implemented during 2014-15 to 2016-17.

The Scheme envisages initiation of e-marketing platform at the national level and will support creation of infrastructure to enable e-marketing in 642 regulated markets across the country.

For creation of a National Market, a common platform across all States is necessary. It is, therefore, proposed that a Service Provider be engaged centrally who would build, operate and maintain the e-platform on PPP (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer - BOOT) model. This platform would be customized/ configured to address the variations in different states.

As an initiative of deregulation, States have been advised by the Government of India to bring fruits and vegetables out of the ambit of APMC Act. In pursuance of this advisory, 12 States have, so far, either de-regulated the marketing of fruits and vegetables or have exempted from levying of market fee.

Price Stabilisation Fund Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has approved the Price Stabilisation Fund

(PSF) as a Central Sector Scheme, with a corpus of Rs.500 crores, to support market interventions for price control of perishable agri-horticultural commodities. The intervention is expected to regulate price volatility through procurement by State Govt. and Central agencies of selected produce, maintenance of buffer stocks and regulated release into the market.

For this purpose, the States will also set up a revolving fund to which the States will provide matching funds as released from the central corpus fund ie in the ratio of 50:50. The ratio of Centre-State contribution to the State level corpus in respect of North East States will however be 75:25. The revolving fund is being mooted so that requirements for all future interventions can be decided and met with at the State level itself. Central Agencies will however set up their revolving fund entirely with the advance from the Centre. Releases from the Central Corpus will be subject to prior setting up of the State level Corpus.

Rs 5 cr sanctioned to SFAC (Small Farmers’Agri-Business Consortium) to create a buffer stock of 1800 mt of onions and 4000 mt of potatoes.

Rs 5 cr sanctioned to NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Fedration of India Limited) to create buffer stock of 5000 mt of onions.

Use of Information Technology in Agriculture Use of m-kisan Portal has gathered unprecedented momentum. This portal gives information & advisories to farmers in their own language with respect to the crops/agricultural practices opted for by them and as applicable for their location. Number of SMSs sent by scientists, experts and officers throughout the country since the new Government took over has been more than 486 crore as against 100 crore of SMSs sent during one year since 25.05.2013.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS & PETROCHEMICALS

1. RATIONALIZATION OF CUSTOMS DUTY STRUCTURESIn the Budget 2014-15 announced on 10th July 2014, Government approved the long pending

rationalization of customs duty structures which will increase the competitiveness of the domestic petrochemical industry to meet the global challenges. The major announcements which will boost investment by domestic industry are:

Customs duty reduction on petrochemical feedstock namely ethane, propane and reformate to 2.5 %.

Customs duty reduction on building blocks namely ethylene, propylene, butadiene and ortho-Xylene.

To sustain the recent investment on Spandex Yarn, a import substitution product, the customs duty on raw materials used in the manufacturing has been reduced to 2.5 %.

To remove the hardship faced by the domestic polystyrene manufacturers due to cheap imports from Singapore the polymer has been removed from the purview of India Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

In the Budget 2015-16 Government has announced that: Basic Customs duty has been reduced from 2.5% to 2% on Styrene Monomer, Ethylene

Dichloride (EDC) and Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM). Basic customs duty on Butyl Acrylate reduced from 7.5% to 5% and Liquefied Butane has

been reduced from 5% to 2.5%. Special additional duty on imports has been reduced from 4% to 2% on Naphtha, Styrene

Monomer, Ethylene Dichloride, and Vinyl Chloride Monomer. 2. PETROLEUM, CHEMICALS &PETROCHEMICAL INVESTMENT REGIONS (PCPIRS)Fast tracking of infrastructure development and investments in four PCPIRs:

(i) Steering Committee constituted for monitoring of implementation, and a reviews undertaken.(ii) Inter-Ministerial consultation on revised PCPIR Policy completed, and High Powered

Committee (a CoS) note has been moved after approval of Minister C&F. New initiatives:

(i) Pre-commissioning of Anchor projects in Gujarat (OPAL) and Odisha (IOCL) started, commissioning is expected by June, 2015.

(ii) Roadmap to develop downstream industries around IOCL’s refinery (Anchor Tenant) at Paradeep PCPIR till 2022 prepared.

(iii) Proposal for setting up Reverse SEZ in other countries for cheap and long-term supply of building blocks and intermediates for further value addition in India, specially in PCPIRs / industrial parks, has been mooted and first round of discussions were held during visit of Joint Secretary (Petrochemicals) to Iran in February, 2015. The matter has also been taken up with Prime Minister by Minister, C & F for discussions on the issue in detail.

Investments:

Additional investment of Rs. 12000 crore has been achieved in four PCPIRs. Outcomes & Benefits:The amendments in the PCPIR policy and further implementation & investment in these regions will lead to increase in manufacturing activities of this sector in a sustainable way; increase value addition; substitute imports, enhance exports and in term will result in increase in chemical sector’s contribution in the GDP from the current level of 2.5% (at 2004-05 prices). The availability of intermediates and building blocks will have spin-off-effects on manufacturing activities and greater employment generation in PCPIR regions. 3. ASSAM GAS CRACKER PROJECTA meeting to review the progress of implementation of Assam Gas Cracker Project was held under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers on 18th September, 2014 in which BCPL and Engineers India Limited (EIL), the Engineering and Project Management Consultant

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(EPMC) for the project, were asked to adhere to the revised schedule of mechanical completion by November, 2014 and commissioning by June, 2015 respectively. Secretary (C&PC) also reviewed the progress of implementation of Assam Gas Cracker Project in the meetings held on 16th October, 2014 at BCPL project site, Assam. Secretary (C&PC) directed BCPL and Engineers India Limited (EIL), the EPMC for the project, to adhere to the revised commitment for mechanical completion and June, 2015 for commissioning of the project. Also, BCPL/EIL was advised to conduct weekly coordination/progress review meetings under the chairmanship of MD, BCPL to closely monitor the on-going construction and pre-commissioning activities. Secretary (C&PC) reviewed the progress of implementation of project on 24.03.2015 and directed BCPL to make all efforts to achieve the commissioning by June, 2015, and smooth commercial operation of the project thereafter.The overall physical progress of Assam Gas Cracker Project (AGCP), as on 15.03.2015, is 99.5% as against the scheduled target of 100% completion by 31.07.2013. The construction progress achieved, as on 15.03.2015, is 98.7% as against the scheduled target of 100% completion by 31.07.2013. The cumulative capital expenditure incurred, as on 15.03.2015, is Rs. 8318 crore i.e. 93.25%. 4. NATIONAL AWARDS FOR TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONThe scheme aims at incentivizing meritorious innovations and institutions in various fields of Petrochemicals and Downstream Plastic Processing Industry. For the 4th National Awards, 313 nominations were received for the eight categories and three subcategories of which 23 were awarded as Winners and Runners-up. Minister (Chemicals & Fertilizers) and Minister of State (Chemicals & Fertilizers) felicitated the awardees in the function held on 17.07.2014 at New Delhi. For the 5th National Awards for Technology Innovation, 290 nominations were received, of which 30 were awarded as Winners and Runners-up. The Minister (Chemicals & Fertilizers) felicitated the awardees of the 5th National Awards for Technology Innovation for the year 2014-15, for their meritorious innovations and inventions in the field of petrochemical and downstream plastic processing industry at a function held on 21.02.2015 at Bengaluru. 5. SETTING UP OF PLASTIC PARKS:In the 11th Five Year Plan, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals had formulated the Scheme for setting up of Plastic Parks. Government had accorded approval for setting up of plastic parks in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Assam and Tamilnadu. However, in view of demand from other State Governments i.e. Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Gujarat etc. Department proposed to increase the number of plastic parks to be setup from 4 to 10. The Standing Finance Committee in its meeting held on 8th December, 2014 recommended the setting up of 10 plastic parks in 12 th and 13th Plan Period. The competent authority has also approved the proposal to be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs.405 crore. During March, 2015 Rs. 7.5 crore has been released for the Assam Plastic Parks, as the 2nd Installment. 6. SEMINARS ON “CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES OF

PLASTICS & WASTE MANAGEMENT”Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals has approved an amount of Rs.49.50 lakhs to

Central Institute of Plastic Engineering & Technology (CIPET ) for holding Technical Seminars on ‘“Promoting Programmes on creating awareness about positive attributes of plastics/recyclable properties of plastics” at six (06) different places during the year 2014-15. The objectives of organizing the Technical Seminar are in line with the guidelines of National Policy on petrochemicals announced by the Government of India pertaining to appropriate methodology for effective plastics waste management in the country. The details of the Seminars conducted by CIPET are as under:

(i) Seminar held on 8th August, 2014 at Vijayawada organized by CIPET.(ii) Seminar held on 13-15th November, 2014 at Sirsi, Karnataka(iii) Seminar held on 19th December, 2014 at Jaipur.


(iv) Seminar held on January 21, 2015 at Ahmedabad.(v) Seminar held on January 31, 2015 at Ooty, Nilgiris.(vi) Seminar held on February 13, 2015 at Aurangabad.

7. SEMINARS/CONFERENCE /EXHIBITION ORGANIZED IN ASSOCIATION WITH OTHER OGANIZATIONS:

(i) Conference on “Potential of Downstream Plastics in Northern India with special focus to Plasticulture and Micro Irrigation” -Department organized jointly a conference in association with the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) on “Potential of Downstream Plastics in Northern India with special focus to Plasticulture and Micro Irrigation” on June 24, 2014 at Chandigarh. This Department had provided logo support and financial assistance of Rs.4.00 lakh. The deliberation in the conference gave good focus to the Plasticulture applications in the field of Water Management as also applications in horticulture besides innovative packaging solutions.

(ii) International Plastic Exposition- 2014 (IPLEX-2014) -Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals provided logo support to Andhra Pradesh Plastics Manufacturer Association (APPMA) for organization the International Plastic Exposition- 2014 (IPLEX-2014) at Hyderabad from 8-11th August, 2014.

(iii) National Conference on New Horizons for Plastics Industry” -Department in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), organized a National Conference on “ New Horizons for Plastics Industry” on 8th-9th December, 2014 at Federation House, New Delhi. This Department provided logo support and financial assistance of Rs.2.00 lakh.

(iv) PLASTINDIA-2015- 9th International Plastics Exhibition & Conference -Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals provided logo support to the PlastIndia Foundation for organizing the PLASTINDIA-2015 from 5-10 February, 2015 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

(v) Conference on “Shaping Growth of Petrochemicals in India- Turning “Make in India” to Reality” - The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) organized a Conference on Shaping Growth of Petrochemicals in India-Turning Make in India to Reality” on 16th February, 2015 at New Delhi. This Department had provided logo support and financial assistance of Rs.3.00 lakh.

8. INDIA-CHEM 2014: Department of Chemicals and Petrochemical and FICCI jointly organized the 8th edition of India-Chem, an International Exhibition and Conference, during October 9-11, 2014 at Mumbai to promote the Indian Chemical Industry. The theme of the event was “Spurting the growth of Indian Chemical and Petrochemical Industry”. Iran participated as the partner country and Japan was the focus country. The Partner State was Gujarat. State Pavilions of Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Telangana were also set up. Total 278 exhibitors including 144 international companies from 12 countries such as Germany, U.K., Singapore, UAE, China, Vietnam, Turkey, Iran, Japan, USA, participated in the Exhibition. More than 15000 Business visitors form a number of countries attended the event. It facilitated business growth and provided entrepreneurs exposure and access to new innovative technologies. 9.INTERACTION WITH MAJOR PETROCHEMICALS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

AND PREPARATION OF ROADMAP FOR FUTURE : Minister (Chemicals & Fertilizers) met representatives of Industry Associations viz. Chemicals & Petrochemicals Manufacturers Association (CPMA), All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA), Organization of Plastics Processors of India(OPPI), Association of Synthetic Fibre Industry (ASFI), All India Flat Tape manufacturers’ Association (AIFTMA), and Plastic Machinery Manufacturers Association of India (PMMAI) related to petrochemicals and discussed the issues affecting the sector. Based on their suggestions, a roadmap is being prepared to address issues related to duty structure for the petrochemical value chain, impact of Foreign Trade Agreements (FTAs), Technology upgradation, skilling manpower, plastic waste management, standardization of plastic products, Plastic Processing Machinery etc.

10. CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION ACT, 2000

(i) DCPC has submitted 597 error free Annual Declarations of Past Activities(ADPA-2014) under Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000

(ii) DCPC has submitted 72 error free Annual Declarations of Anticipated Activities(ADAA-2015) under Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000

(iii) DCPC has successfully hosted 25 International Inspections conducted by Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) without any adverse comment from OPCW inspection team.

11. HINDUSTAN ORGANIC CHEMICALS LIMITED (HOCL):Government guarantee for Rs.150 crore was provided to Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd. (HOCL), a loss making PSU under DCPC, in July, 2014 for issue of bonds by the company for meeting its working capital requirement and repayment of liabilities towards raw material suppliers, bank loan, employee dues etc. Funds of Rs.150 crore against the Govt. guarantee were raised by HOCL in October, 2014 which has enabled the company to restore manufacturing operations at Kochi Unit and successfully restore operations of Nitrobenzene plant and N2O4 plant at Rasayani Unit.

12. CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF PLASTICS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (CIPET): Skill Development:

(i) Skill training to around 43000 candidates in 2014-15 to meet the needs of plastics and allied industries, MoUs signed with some State Governments.

(ii) Achieved almost 100% placement of trained students from CIPET.(iii) Exercise to assess skilled manpower requirement of plastics sector completed. Around 11

lakh manpower required during the next decade.(iv) Schemes with revised outlay of around Rs. 587 crore have been processed as part of Mid-

Term Assessment of the 12th Five Year Plan for hostel facilities, 6 new Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) / High Learning Centre (HLC) and strengthening of R&D / technology infrastructure.

Make in India:

Tied up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) & Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and other organizations for indigenization of plastic products, technology solutions, R&D with focus on ‘MAKE IN INDIA’.

Technology & R&D:MoUs with Moscow State University, Russia, I-CREATE and SABIC Technology Centre India for joint collaborative research work / student exchange. Outcomes & Benefits:The downstream plastic processing industries require a range of skilled manpower for shop floor processing, maintenance work etc. The strengthening of civil & technical infrastructure and R&D activities / tie ups in CIPET enhances its capability and resources for providing practical skill development training to unemployed & under privilege segment of the society for tapping a large existing job opportunities. In addition, specialised education across the spectrum of polymer science & technology from the diploma to the Ph.D levels, also add to the growth of the plastic & allied industries. 13. OTHERS:The Department has deepened its engagement with the chemical and petrochemical industry. Meetings have been held with the industry in March, 2015 to discuss

(i) issues and roadmap related with alternate feedstock like Oleo Chemicals in the country;(ii) the status, gaps and way forward for the Skill Development in the Chemicals Sector; and(iii) the problems faced by Pesticides Industry.

As a follow-up action with respect to short-term initiatives such as `Administrative integration under one umbrella’, Department has inter-alia taken up the issue of reallocation of (i) the administration of Insecticides Act 1968 and the rules made there under with Department of Agriculture and Cooperation and (ii) transfer of subjects like paint, soap and detergent with Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.

DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

1. Revival of PSUs, setting up of new projects :

S.no. Subject Present status Action plan in 3 yrs

1 Revival of Barauni Unit of HFCL

Cabinet in its meeting held on 31.3.2015 approved revival of Barauni unit through ‘bidding route’. CCEA Note to be submitted by 30/6/2015

Commissioning expected in 3 yrs

2 Revival of Gorakhpur unit of FCIL

Cabinet in its meeting held on 31.3.2015 approved revival of Gorakhpur unit through ‘bidding route’. CCEA Note to be submitted by 30/6/2015


3 Revival of Sindri unit of FCIL

Comments on draft CCEA Note were sought from stake holder Ministries/ Deptts which has now been received and Cabinet Note is under finalization and expected to be submitted by 30/6/2015


4 Financial Restructuring of FACT

A CCEA Note was sent to Cabinet Secretariat & PMO. PMO directed to resolve the issues raised by Department of Expenditure ( DOE). A meeting was held at the level of Secretaries of the both Departments. The comments/ minutes are awaited from DOE. CCEA Note to be submitted by 30/6/2015

Financial Restructuring of FACT in 3 yrs

5 Financial Restructuring of BVFCL and setting up of Namrup ammonia/urea plant

Cabinet note sent to Cab Sectt and expected to be approved by 30/6/2015

Financial Restructuring of BVFCL in 3 yrs setting up of Namrup ammonia / urea plant by JV

6 Revival of Ramagundam and Talcher units of FCIL

It is proposed to be revived by nominated PSUs for setting up of 1.30 mt per annum. The commissioning dates are 30.9.2018 and 31.12.2018 resp.


7 Setting up of a SSP plant in Rajasthan

The process has been started. Setting up of a SSP plant in Rajasthan by FAGMIL

8 Setting up of a new ammonia-urea unit at Thal by RCF

RCF is in the process to firm up proposal for setting up of a new ammonia-urea unit at Thal

Setting up of a new ammonia-urea unit at Thal in 3yrs

9 Financial Restructuring of MFL

Recommendations of BRPSE expected by 30/06/2015

Financial Restructuring of MFL in 3 yrs

2. In one year it is expected to appoint 15 Independent Directors in Fertilizers PSUs.3. Promotion of city compost expected to begin in 2015-16 and likely to be implemented by

2017-18.4. Decontrol of P&K fertilizers from movement plan5. Merger of freight subsidy in the subsidy under NBS6. A draft CCEA note has been prepared on New Urea Policy (NIP), 2015 with twin objectives

of maximizing indigenous urea production and promoting energy efficiency. It will enable the domestic urea sector to become globally competitive in terms of efficiency over a period of three years. Three to four urea projects are expected to be implemented during the next three years.

7. The deptt vide its notification dated 7th January, 2015 has removed the cap/restriction on production of neem coated urea.

8. Availability of Fertilizers :

(a) Achievements in a nutshell during the year 2014-15• Availability of Urea at 310.42 LMT against the requirement of 306.71LMT for the year 2014-

15• Sales in the year 2014-15 at 308.74 LMT (Apr.14 upto March’15) against 304.54 LMT in last

year 2013-14.• Highest deployment of railway rakes for Urea movement in year 2014-15 at 10711 rakes

during Apr.’14 - March’15 against 10234 rakes in Apr.’13 – March’14.• Highest Urea rakes movement in the peak consumption month of Dec’14 at 1213 rakes against

1001 rakes in Dec’13.• Availability of P&K fertilizers during 2014-15 was 199.09 LMT against 175.86 LMT

availability during 2013-14.• Sales of P&K fertilizers during 2014-15 was 189.18 LMT against 166.11 LMT sales during

2013-14.• The upto date information regarding loading of Urea rakes from various loading points to all

over country is being uploaded on Department website on regular basis w. e. f. 1st January, 2015.

(b) Action Plan for the next three years(i) Department of Fertilizers will ensure timely & adequate availability of all subsidized Chemical Fertilizers (Urea, DAP, MOP & NPK) as per requirement of States/UTs.(ii) The gap between requirement of Urea and indigenous production will be met by

timely imports.

9. Implementation of Barcode based Fertilizer Track & Trace Solution: DoF is envisaging a tracking system where each bag of fertilizer supplied, eligible for government subsidy, can be traced across the supply chain points. The subsidy to be paid by the government will be linked with the scanning of fertilizer bag at wholesalers/retailer end. Each fertilizer bag will be tagged with a barcode at the manufacturing site/port. The fertilizer bag then will be scanned at certain number of pre-defined locations during the movement from plant/port to the retailer’s outlet for tracking and tracing. An Expression of Interest was issued by the department in Oct’14 and department is in process of taking next steps to shortlist the eligible bidders.

10. Project mFMS (Mobile Fertilizer Monitoring System): DOF launched a new project mFMS in Nov 2012 to capture the availability of fertilizers at the last point (retail shop) in the supply chain from whom farmers buys the fertilizers. mFMS system is proposed to be implemented in four phases as follows:

Phase I: Phase I will capture fertilizer receipts at the wholesale and retail level and a portion of the subsidy (5-15% depending on the grade of fertilizer) will be given to manufacturers only when the retailer acknowledges the receipt in the mFMS. An incentive of INR 50 MT will also be given to the retailers in this phase for acknowledging the transactions. These acknowledgements are transferred from mFMS to FMS for generation of balance claims.

Phase II: Part subsidy payment to the manufacturers on the basis of the information of retailer sales of fertilizers captured in mFMS.

Phase III: Subsidy payment to the retail customer on the basis of fertilizer sales made to him/her.

Phase IV: Subsidy payment to the farmer on the basis of details of sales made to him/her. Current Status:

Phase I is now stabilized and Phase II of mFMS which capture the retailer sales of fertilizers to ‘buyer’ is in pilot state and was rolled out in 6 districts (Nawanshahar-Punjab, East Godavari- Andhra Pradesh, Sonipat- Haryana, Bilaspur- Himachal Pradesh, Ajmer- Rajasthan, and Madurai- Tamil Nadu) on 1st August 2013. At present, conclusion/ feedback reports have been received from Lead fertilizer suppliers (LFS), who were given the responsibility of implementing phase II in the allocated districts. The LFS have implemented Phase –II as outsourcing model wherein data is collected through outsourcing agencies. As feedback from LFS is that this model is not scalable, DoF has decided to discontinue this model and is evaluating alternate methods of implementation.

Next steps:

Unstructured Supplementary Service Data – For Phase II, DoF has undertaken initial discussions with Department of Agriculture and an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data based application to capture retailer’s sales through mobile is proposed to be implemented which would be integrated with mFMS. This would capture retailer’s sale only and not the buyer’s data.

1. As part of capturing retailer’s sales, the product wise daily sales will be captured through USSD

2. For, the same, the retailer has to select the product he has sold on his mobile screen and enter total quantity of that product which has been sold during the day. No internat connection is required for the same and the data can be transferred through GSM based mobile phone.

USSD messages as received from the retailer will carry cumulative sales data (product-wise) and will eventually be uploaded to mFMS


MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION Civil Aviation Policy : Hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation has unveiled a Draft Civil Aviation Policy on 10th November, 2014 to address various issues related to the sector. The Ministry invited comments/suggestions of the public/stakeholders/State Governments on the draft policy. Finalisation of Civil Aviation Policy is being done on the basis of comments/suggestions received on the draft policy. GAGAN: GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation(GAGAN), is an Indian initiative towards implementing Satellite based Navigation System over the Indian region. DGCA has certified the GAGAN Project and thus its become fully operational. Amendment to National Aviation Security Documents: Amendments were carried out to the national documents on aviation security e.g. National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP), National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (NCASTP), National Civil Aviation Security Quality Control Programme (NCASQCP), Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP) and Contingency Plan to deal with Hijacking to have them in line with latest Amendments to Annex 17 to Chicago Convention as well as to improve aviation security. The whole process would lead to updation of all the Aviation Security Manuals as per international standards. Various Airports have been identified for generation of Solar Energy for captive purpose. MoU signed with M/s Energy Corporation of India (SEC) on 28.5.2014 for providing Solar Power Plant at Ahmedebad, Guwahati, Calicut, Kolkata, Jaipur, Coimbatore, Ranchi, Patna, Rajkot, Allahabad, Vadodara, Trichy, Rajahmundry, Kadapa, Surat and Hubli Airports with solar power generation of 52MW. • Construction of Terminal Building at Kadappa airport completed. • Construction of Terminals in civil enclave in Bikaner airport completed for 100 PAX inaugurated on 29.6.2014 by Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation. • MoU signed on 30.7.2014 between AAI and State Govt. Odisha for development of Jhasuguda Airport for A-320 operations. • Construction of new Airport Terminal at Mohali with an investment of Rs. 452 cr. will be completed and will be ready for operations by May 2015. • Construction of new Airport Terminal at Tirupati with an investment of Rs. 174 Cr will be completed and will be ready for operation by May 2015. • Construction of new airport terminal at Khajuraho with an investment of Rs. 75 Cr will be completed and will be ready for operation by May 2015. • Construction of new airport Terminal at Vadodara with an investment of Rs. 116 Cr will be completed and will be ready for operation by Dec. 2015. • Delhi and Mumbai Airports have been ranked first and fifth best airports respectively in the World in the capacity of 25- 40 million passengers by ACI. • Hyderabad Airport has been ranked as best airport in the world in the capacity of 5-15 million passengers by ACI. • Kolkata airport has been awarded as best improvement category airport in Asia Pacific region by ACI.





• AAI prepared a roadmap for the commissioning of Common User Domestic Air Cargo Terminal (CUDCT) at 24 airports managed by AAI in a phased manner. • AAI has commissioned Common User Domestic Air Cargo Terminals at Coimbatore, Jaipur and Lucknow Airports. • Anti Hijacking Bill 2014 was introduced in Rajya Sabha on 17-12-2014. The department related Parliament Committee has given its comments on it and is now under submission for putting up to Cabinet as per due procedure. • Award of contract of Port Blair Airport: To improve facilities to air travellers to Andamans and Nicobar islands, which has emerged as a major tourist destination, AAI has awarded the contract to construct a new integrated terminal building at Veer Savarkar International airport, Port Blair. The cost of the project is about Rs. 374 cores and on commissioning, the airport will have the capacity to handle 600 domestic and 600 international passengers. The contract for construction of new integrated terminal building has been finalized. The new terminal building would provide comfortable and modern facilities to the passengers. Besides promoting tourism, the augmented airport infrastructure would facilitate economic activities between the islands and rest of the country. • State-of-the-art Automation system at Kolkata has been installed and Data from 9 Radars and 8 ADS B stations have been integrated into the System. The training requirements w.r.t. CNS-ATM has been completed and the system has been put into operations from 11th August 2014. The system provides the Controllers with the decision-making tools, safety alerts and conflicted prediction/detection tools leading to enhanced safety and efficiency of aircraft operations. The automation system is an enabler for the on-going implementation of upper airspace harmonization in Kolkata FIR with anticipated benefits of improved operational efficiency, uniform procedures and seamless ATM. • ATM Automation system at Mumbai has been upgraded and Radar data from Mumbai ,Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Hyderabad, Porbander, Bellary and Nagpur Radars have been integrated into the System, leading to enhanced and seamless Radar coverage and permitting enhanced safety of aircraft operations. • Facilitation of disabled passengers: - An order in the form of Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) has already been issued on facilities to be provided to disabled passengers. The said Order extends following facilities to the disabled persons: 1. Two window seats have been blocked till 24 hours of departure of flight for the disabled persons, provided these seats are not on the door of emergency exit. 2. Checkin baggage will be delivered to disabled persons either at the ladder point or exit of escalator belt. 3. Airline Ground Handling Staff will be provided specialised training to handle disabled persons. 4. On damage of assistive equipment of disabled persons, he will be compensated by Airport Operator or Airline or GSA who is responsible for the damage. • CISF has established Helpdesk on 59 airports for assisting the passengers. • QR code based mobile application for Public Grievance System started at 65 Airports out of 66 airports of AAI.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation:• KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (KYR) PORTAL OF DGCA : A new Portal KYR has been finalised by DGCA and will be launched within a week for passenger-related information, their rights and grievance redressal mechanism, etc. The information will be provided on the rights of passengers in cases of delays, cancellation and denied boarding; Lost, delayed, misplaced and damaged baggage; and on matters relating to booking, airfare components & on refund of air tickets. The information will also cover the passengers requiring special assistance i.e. passengers with reduced mobility or disability and senior citizens, expectant mothers, first time travellers, etc. The information on availability of Grievance Redressal Mechanism under the relevant Civil Aviation Requirements, Names of Nodal Officers & Appellate Authority of airline/airport operator along with their contact number and email address as also the dedicated email of DGCA [email protected] shall be shared with the public. FAA’s Audit of DGCA India under ‘International Aviation Safety Assessment Programme’ (IASA):- • Based on the identification of Significant Safety Concerns by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in December 2012, FAA conducted an audit of DGCA in September 2013 under the ‘International Aviation Safety Assessment’ (IASA) programme with a follow-up visit in December 2013. On 31st January 2014, FAA informed DGCA that India has been downgraded to Category 2. • The impact of downgrade is that no expansion/ changes to the services of Indian air carriers operating to US are allowed. The existing operations of Indian air carriers to US are subjected to ‘heightened FAA surveillance’. This leads to an economic impact to the nation and also setbacks country’s image worldwide with an adverse fall out by other countries. • DGCA completed actions to address the above findings which were presented to the FAA team during the final discussions held on 30th and 31st March 2015. Based on the positive outcomes of these final discussions, FAA has made the determination that India meets requirements under international oversight standards of the Chicago Convention and the Annexes thereto and India’s IASA Category has been upgraded to Category 1. State Safety Programme/Safety Management System Implementation in India:- • In accordance with the ICAO SARPs, India has established State Safety Programme which is to be implemented in the phased manner. As part of Phase III implementation DGCA- India has established following Seven (07) key State safety priorities. They have been established based upon the available data and majority of these key safety priorities are also being monitored by other leading countries in Aviation. Historically, these have accounted for the majority of accidents or serious incidents globally and in India. • Airborne conflict• Controlled flight into terrain• Runway excursions and overruns• Wildlife and bird strikes• Loss of control in flight• Ground collisions and ramp safety• Deficient Maintenance • Air India joined the largest and most prestigious of Airline Alliances – Star Alliance on 11th July, 2014 after a close scrutiny of its financial safety and operational performance by the 26 most influential airlines of the world. This was achieved after a prolonged effort of 7 years. The integration with star Alliance was achieved within a record 5 months once the in principle decision was taken by the Star Top Management to induct Air India. The induction

of Air India will provide our passengers seamless connectivity to 1300 destinations served by the 26 partner airlines and also give Frequent Fliers of Air India an opportunity to earn and burn miles of other partner carriers. It will also add premium class passengers to Air India’s traffic. • Air India implemented an ambitious Customer Service Improvement Plan within 5 months of joining the Star Alliance to match the highest standards of international airlines. • Air India complied with Prime Ministers directive to go digital. Went in the Facebook and Twitter in a short span of three months. Developed an interactive website and mobile app during this year. • Adopted e –office and digitized all current files. • Air India has embarked on consultation with vendors to implement the next generation concept of interest of things, an ideal floated by Hon’ble Prime Minister in as far as Electronic Flight bag and monitoring of all preflight activities is concerned. The concept will be implemented in the next three months. • Entered into Code Share with Air Canada and signed MOUs with Air Aviana and Air Eva. Successfully negotiated Code Shares with Air New Zealand, LOT Polish and Tap Portugal which shall be signed formallyafter Government approval. • Expanded the network by adding Moscow from 18th July, 2014 and Rome and Milan, Italy from 6th July, 2014 in an effort to recreate the traditional international footprint old air India.• MOU was signed with DONER to expand services in the remote corners of North East to fulfil the commitment of serving undeserved and unserved areas. • Massive Evacuation operations were conducted to bring out stranded Indians and foreigners from war stricken Libya, Iraq and Yemen. Air India successfully evacuated 1361 Indian workers and 9 children from Iraq and Libiya in its six special flights from 04.07.2014 to 18.08.2014. Outstanding feats of bravery were achieved by Air India pilots, Cabin crew and Engineers during the evacuation operations. • Air India discharged its responsibility as a National Carrier when it conducted a massive exercise to evacuate nearly 2000 people from the flood affected areas of Jammu and Ladakh. About 300 tonnes of relief material was flown to Srinagar during exercise. Air India gave the lead by carrying out the entire operation grantis as a mark of national service. Sanction was also issued for voluntary contribution of one day’s salary of the employees of the Ministry and its attached offices to PM Relief Fund. • In compliance with PM’s diplomatic initiative, new flights have been announced to Colombo and Toronto. A free flowing Code Share has been signed with Mauritius in the wake of PMs visit to Mauritius in March 2014. • Air India has undertaken an ambitious plan of labour reforms by initiating process of unifying its existing 14 trade unions into only 3. The process is likely to be completed in 2015. Initiatives taken by Pawan Hans Limited • Country’s first Integrated Heliport is being constructed at Rohini, New Delhi at a cost of approx. Rs.95 crores. The construction of this project commenced in August, 2014 and the scheduled completion date is March, 2016.

• MRO services shall be established for helicopters – 1st of its kind in country. Emergency Medical Evacuation / Air Ambulance Services (a) MoUs signed with AIIMS and Apollo Hospitals at New Delhi and GNRC hospital at Guwahati for providing helicopters as and when required basis to meet such requirements. • E-office has been made fully functional in the MoCA since 25th December 2014. E-Office is being introduced in all subordinate offices as well. Switchover from manual filing system to electronic filing system, including electronic leave management and tour management system is done. Digitisation of nearly 20 lakh pages/13000 files including service books of employees of this Ministry done. • To integrate all allocations aviation sector, aConcept paper for adoption of Internet of Things has been prepared and circulated . • The entire office building has now been Wi-fi enabled since July 27, 2014. • DGCA has cancelled 156 regulations/circulars/forms. In case of 14 documents attestation by Gazetted Officers, has been replaced by self attestation. DGCA has also reviewed 32 Aircraft Act/Rules,1937 and is in the process of their revision. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has also done away with the requirement of attestation by Gazetted Officers in case of issue of entry passes. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has also identified 160 circular for repeal. • Air Freight Stations: One of the recent initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Civil Aviation pertains to strengthening of Air Cargo Logistics infrastructure in the country. In that context, off-airport common user facility for handling International Air Cargo in the form of Air Freight Stations initiative has been proposed. The competent authority has finalized the Policy Guidelines on Air Freight Station after extensive consultations with stakeholders and with the related Ministries/Departments in Government of India. The Guidelines on Air Freight Station have been issued on 28th October, 2014. Swachh Bharat Mission:• Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to build separate Girl Toilets in Schools under the CSR Programme of PSUs. An amount of Rs.35 Crore has been provided for the scheme by Airports Authority of India and Pawan Hans Limited. These toilets will be built in the schools near the Airports in the Year 2014-15 and 2015-16. Model for these schools and identification of the schools have been finalised by AAI & PHL and 7 toilets have been constructed so far. Work In Progress:• e-GCA Project: In order to enhance productivity, quality of service, transparency and effectiveness, DGCA is introducing the e-Governance for Civil Aviation (eGCA) Project which envisages online service delivery through automation of the systems and processes. The project covers entire functioning of DGCA viz., issuance of licenses, certificates and approvals for pilots, engineers, air operators, airports including their renewal. DGCA has finalised RFP and invited tenders for the same. The contract has been awarded. • Revision of RDG and 5/20 Rule. After many rounds of discussions with stake holders, the existing RDG is being revised to bring better connectivity to NER. A draft Cabinet Note to modify the existing 5/20 Rule which deals with Permission to Indian Carriers to fly abroad is approved and sent for Inter Ministerial consultation. Civil Aviation : Flights to Newer Heights

(Achievements of Ministry of Civil Aviation during the last one year) In addition to formulating a new Draft Civil Aviation Policy, the Ministry of Civil Aviation focused on modernization of the operational mechanism, updation of flyers friendly facilities and construction of new terminals to streamline connectivity among different destinations during the year.

MINISTRY OF COAL

1. Quality and Third Party Sampling - Recent decisions

To address the issues of dispute between coal companies and power utilities/developers and to bring about improvement in the quality of coal supply, the system of Third Party Sampling has been improved. Now, in addition to the Agency engaged by CIL a panel of reputed third party samplers has been jointly drawn up by a Committee consisting of representatives from power utilities and CEA with the concurrence of CIL and notified by CIL. Power utilities/developers shall select and appoint the third party sampler from this panel. However, for billing purposes, sampling and analysis shall be done at the loading end by the agency. Payment for sampling shall be made by the power utilities/developers. 25 Third Party Agencies have been empanelled. The system has been put in place at several loading points.

2. Rationalization of Coal LinkagesA new Inter-Ministerial Task Force (IMTF) was constituted on 13th June, 2014 to review the rationalization of linkages. The terms of reference included a comprehensive review of existing sources as also feasibility for rationalization of these sources with a view to optimize transportation cost to consider all cases in Power, Cement, and Steel/Sponge Iron sectors where the consumers are already getting coal. The report of IMTF has been submitted in February, 2015 and its Stage-I recommendations are under implementation.

3. Automatic transfer of coal linkage/LoA granted to the old plants while scrapping and replacing them with new plants

The issue of formulation of a policy regarding automatic transfer of coal linkage in case of scrapping of old plants by replacing them with new plants has been under consideration for some time. The matter was placed before the SLC (LT) meeting held on 27.06.2014. The Committee decided that LoA / linkage granted to the old plant shall be automatically transferred to the new plant of nearest supercritical capacity. If the capacity of the new supercritical plant is higher than the old plant, additional coal may be accorded priority subject to the availability of coal on best effort basis from CIL. At least 50% of capacity of new supercritical plant has to be retired. This policy shall be applicable to pre-NCDP plants in public sector only, which have already been granted long term Linkages/ LoAs. Automatic transfer of LoA as explained above shall be permissible only when the new plant is set up within the State in which the old plant was located and the old plant is actually scrapped. The old plant shall continue to operate till the CoD of new plant.

4. Policy for swapping of coalIn the recent past request have been received from Ministry of Power for allowing swapping of coal between State Utilities and Central Power Utilities for bridging the gap between coal requirement and availability of domestic coal and to minimize the transportation cost and to avoid crises-cross movement in the over congested railways network. GSECL had represented that there was a possibility of reduction in transport cost of coal. Gujarat is getting domestic coal from Korea-Rewa and plants of NTPC in Chhattisgarh are importing coal through Gujarat ports. These coals could be swapped. GSECL and NTPC had signed a MoU for swapping of coal. The proposal of GSECL and NTPC has been agreed to. The domestic coal against FSA of GSECL from Korea-Rewa has been allowed to be used by NTPC for their Sipat plant. Destination change of domestic coal has been allowed, keeping all other terms constant, subject to railway logistics. Arrangement with respect to imported coal may be on their mutual terms, subject to decision in this regard by CEA/MoP. The system is in place and working satisfactorily.

5. A. The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, vide judgment dated 25th August, 2014 and Order dated 24th September, 2014, had cancelled the allocation of 204 coal blocks on the grounds that the mechanism for allocation of Coal blocks was non-transparent and discretionary. Within 27 days of the judgment, the Government promulgated the Coal Mines (Special Provision) Ordinance, 2014 on

21st October, 2014 and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Second Ordinance on 26 th December, 2014 (now substituted by an Act of 2015) to provide for re-allocation of 204 coal mines and vesting of the right, title and interest in and over the land and mine infrastructure together with mining leases to successful bidders and allotters with a view to ensure continuity in coal mining operations and production of coal. The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Rules, 2014 were also notified within 50 days on 11th December, 2014. The allocation of cancelled coal blocks have been made in pursuance of the provisions of Ordinance and Rules made thereunder. To replace the Ordinance the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill 2015 was passed by both the Houses of Parliament and received the assent of the Hon’ble President of India on 30.02.2015. The Salient Features of the Act are as follows:-

204 cancelled blocks defined as ‘Schedule-I coal mines’. 42 producing and ready to produce coal mine out of Schedule-I coal mines defined as

‘Schedule-II coal mines’. Other 32 substantially developed coal blocks out of Schedule-I coal mines defined as

‘Schedule-III coal mines’ meant for specified end-use (more mines could be added to Schedule-III).

Allocation made through auction to a company or their JV. In case of Government Company or their JV, allotment without auction. The proceeds of auction to be disbursed to respective States.

B. Coal block auction and allotment under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 In order to allocate coal mines under the provisions of the Act:- ‘Nominated Authority’ was appointed. A transparent process of auction was evolved using IT applications and engagement of expert

external agencies viz. MSTC and SBI Capital Markets Ltd.

Accrual from auctioned blocks:- The total estimated amount of revenue likely to be raised over the leased period in respect of 29

coal mines already auctioned is Rs. 1,71,962 crore. Apart from this, royalty of Rs. 20,621 crore, upfront payment of Rs. 932 crore accrues to the

States. The auction proceeds to be transferred to the respective State Governments. Eastern states would

be the biggest beneficiary and would financially empower them. Rs. 69,310 Crore by way of tariff concession to the consumers of power from the 12 blocks

auctioned for Power Sector.

Accrual from allotted blocks:- Notice inviting application for allotment of 43 coal mines to Government companies issued on

18.02.2015. Allotment of 38 mines done on 23.03.15. Rs. 65,573 Crore as revenue to States from allotted blocks. Rs. 76,281 Crore as royalty to States from allotted blocks.

Overall value creation of Rs. 4.04 lakh crore from 67 coal blocks auctioned and allotted so far. 6. Coal production:

1 Billion Tonnes production program of CIL by 2019-20 has been finalised.Coal production target and achievement in the Coal India & Singareni Collieries Co. Ltd, for the year 2014-15 given as under’

April- March, 2015 % AchievementTarget Actual

507.000 494.228 97%

55.000 52.563 96%7. Status of Coal Supply

During 2014-15, coal dispatch to the power sector from CIL/SCCL sources grew by 9%. During 2014-15, coal materialization to the power sector from CIL/SCCL sources has

been 87.6%. For the period April, 2014 to February, 2015, coal based power plants have generated 732.5

Billion Units (BU) as compared to 648.3 BU generated during the same period of last year, registering a growth of 13%.

Coal consumption grew by 8.9% There has been 7.5% growth in indigenous coal receipts. Coal stock of Power plants is monitored by CEA for 100 major Power plants. As

on 31st March’15, these 100 Power plants had 26.10 MT coal stock, sufficient for 18 days coal requirement. As on 31st March, out of these 100 monitored plants, there were 12Power plants with critical coal stock (with less than 7 days coal requirement) out of which only 6 were supercritical (stock with less than 4 days consumption). 8. Coal Project Monitoring Portal (CPMP)

Launching and managing Coal Project Monitoring Portal (CPMP) to resolve issues of coal companies pending at State Govt. as well as Central Ministries. The portal has now been open to the recent allottees of Coal Blocks. 9. Environment and Forest Clearance:

38 projects of Coal India with an incremental capacity of 107.36 Million tonnes were granted Environment Clearance by MoEF & CC with regular follow up and meeting. 7 projects of Coal India with an area of 887.455 Ha were granted Stage I forest clearance and 4 projects of Coal India with an area of 123.524 Ha were granted Stage II forest clearance. 10. Progress in Railway projects:

Based on the existing SPV operating in Chhattisgarh, draft MOU has been finalized for the railway projects in Odisha and Jharkhand involving stake holders like Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways and State Govt. The proposed SPV will take up railway projects in respective states. 11. PPP in coal PSUs

A Committee was set up under the chairmanship of Secretary (Coal) in March, 2013, with representatives from Planning Commission, Ministry of Finance (DEA), Ministry of Labour and Employment and Ministry of Law & Justice (DLA) to consider Public Private Participation (PPP) with Coal India Ltd. as one of the partners for augmentation of coal production in the country. A Model Concession Agreement (MCA) for engagement of MDO in CIL has been finalized and the same has been sent to CIL for its adoption by their Board. The Board of CIL has, with certain modification, adopted the Model Contract Agreement for mining of coal in the various mines of CIL. 12.Disinvestment of CILTo comply with the SEBI guidelines of minimum public shareholding for listed companies, 10% out of 89.65% of Government of India Shareholding has been disinvested though offer for sale (OFS) method on 30.01.2015.

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

India is now significantly more integrated with the global economy than 15 years ago. Foreign trade today plays an important part in the Indian economy. The objective is to make India a significant participant in world trade by the year 2020. India must assume a position of leadership in the international trade discourse. The state of the external environment and new features of the global trading landscape such as mega regional agreements and global value chains will profoundly affect India’s trade. But the biggest challenge is to address constraints within the country such as infrastructure bottlenecks, high transaction costs, complex procedures, and constraints in manufacturing. While the external factors are largely outside the Govt’s control, new initiatives have been taken to strengthen India’s capabilities. Some of these initiatives/ achievements are listed below:- MAKE IN INDIA

The Make in India programme has been launched globally on 25 th September, 2014 with 25 thrust sectors and a dedicated portal with back and support up to Sectoral and State levels for facilitation.

The Make in India initiative is based on four pillars. The four pillars are: New Processes: Make in India recognizes ‘ease of doing business’ as the single most important factor to promote entrepreneurship. A number of initiatives have already been undertaken to ease business environment. The aim is to de-license and de-regulate the industry during the entire life cycle of a business.New Infrastructure: Government intends to develop industrial corridors and smart cities to provide infrastructure based on state-of-the-art technology with modern high-speed communication and integrated logistic arrangements.New Sectors: Make in India has identified 25 sectors in manufacturing, infrastructure and service activities and detailed information is being shared through interactive web-portal and professionally developed brochures. FDI has been opened up in Defence Production, Construction and Railway infrastructure in a big way.New Mindset: Industry is accustomed to see Government as a regulator. Make in India intends to change this by bringing a paradigm shift in how Government interacts with industry. The Government will partner industry in economic development of the country. The approach will be that of a facilitator and not regulator.

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

Ease of Doing Business - Doing business in India just got easier – new de-licensing and deregulation measures are reducing complexity, and significantly increasing speed and transparency.

Process of applying for Industrial Licence & Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandum made online on 24x7 basis through eBiz portal.

Validity of Industrial license extended to three years. Major components of Defence products’ list excluded from industrial licensing. Dual use items having military as well as civilian applications deregulated. Process of obtaining environmental clearances made online.

INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR

GOI is building a pentagon of corridors across the country to boost manufacturing and to project India as a Global Manufacturing destination of the world.

Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) is being developed as a global manufacturing and investment destination utilising the 1483 km long, high capacity western Dedicated Railway Freight Corridor (DFC) as the backbone.

The project is featured in KPMG’s ‘100 Most Innovative Global Projects’ as one of the world’s most innovative and inspiring infrastructure projects.



Plan to develop new manufacturing cities, logistic hubs and residential townships along the DFC.

24 manufacturing cities envisaged in the DMIC project. Sectors of focus include general manufacturing, IT/ITES, electronics including high-tech

industries, automobiles & auto ancillary, agro & food processing, heavy engineering, metals and metallurgical products, pharmaceuticals & biotech and services sector.

Other four corridors which have been conceptualised are Bengaluru-Mumbai Economic Corridor(BMEC), Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Development Corridor(AKIC), Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor(CBIC), East Coast Economic Corridor(ECEC) with Chennai Vizag Industrial Corridor as the first phase of the project (CVIC).

NEW SECTORS

With the easing of investment caps and controls, India’s high-value industrial sectors – defence, construction and railways – are now open to global participation.

Policy in Defence sector liberalised and FDI cap raised from 26% to 49%. Portfolio investment in Defence sector permitted upto 24% under the automatic route. 100% FDI allowed in Defence sector for modern and state of the art technology on case to case

labels. 100% FDI under automatic route permitted in construction, operation and maintenance in

specified Rail Infrastructure projects. FOREIGN TRADE POLICY 2015-2020

Released On 01-04-2015 Foreign Trade Policy closely integrated with ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’ and ‘Skills India’

initiatives. Focus of the new policy is to support both the manufacturing and services sectors with a special

emphasis on improving the ‘ease of doing business’. FTP for 2015-20 based on principles such as encouraging the export of labour intensive

products, Agricultural products, high tech products with high export earning potential and eco-friendly and green products and work on focussed market diversification.

FTP for 2015-20 introduces two new schemes. The ‘Merchandise Exports from India Scheme(MEIS)’ is for export of specified goods to specified markets. The ‘Services Exports from India Scheme(SEIS)’ is for increasing exports of notified services.

Duty credit scrips issued under MEIS and SEIS and the goods imported against these scrips are fully transferable.

The FTP supports ‘Maki in India’ through measures to encourage procurement of of capital goods from indigenous manufacturers under EPCG Scheme by reducing Export Obligation by 25%.

In order to boost exports from SEZs, benefits of both the reward schemes MEIS & SEIS extended to units located in SEZs.

DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE (DGFT)

Based on intensive discussions with Department of Revenue, new Foreign Trade Policy has been released on 1st April, 2015.

The list of military stores that requires NOC from Department of Defence Production for export has been notified.

E-IEC has been operationalised. IEC services have been integrated with e-Biz. BILATERAL RELATIONS

An MoU for setting up Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTCI) between India and Netherlands signed on 5th November, 2014.

Decision taken for setting up of Joint Study Group for feasibility of an FTA/CECA between India and Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russian Federation.

India will participate as ‘Guest of Honour country in Algerian Trade Fair ‘ALGEX 2015’ to be held from 27th May to 1st June, 2015 to be attended by Commerce Minister.




India-ASEAS Agreement on Trade in Services and Investment signed. SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES

Digitization and online processing of various activities relating to SEZ Developers and Units has been introduced in all Zones from 01.11.2014.

Standardisation of procedures, practices and forms in all SEZs has been implemented from 28.10.2014.

GEMS & JEWELLERY SECTOR

World Diamond Conference successfully organised in December, 2014. Long term procurement agreements between Alrosa and Indian Diamond firms for supply of

rough diamonds signed. Decision of establishment of Special Notified Zone (SNZ) in which major diamond companies

can import rough diamonds on a consignment basis and re-export unsold ones. PHARMA SECTOR

Bar-coding for all exports, except Primary Level packaging, shall be compulsory w.e.f. 1st July, 2015.

Kattupalli Sea Port at Chennai recognized by DCGI as one of the ports for export of Drugs & Pharmaceuticals.

EXPORT & MARKET DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

CCEA approved the proposal for continuation of MAI with the total outlay of Rs.834 crores in the 12th Plan Period.

Infusion of paid-up capital of Rs.800 crore in ECGC Ltd. over the 12th Plan period DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF ANTI-DUMPING

In the last 9 months, 24 cases have been initiated and in another 25 cases, final findings have been issued, making a total of 49 disposals in 9 months which is a record.

TRADE POLICY DIVISION (TPD)India offered preferential treatment to Least Developed Country (LDC) Members of the WTO in the areas of Visa related issues.


DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DeitY)

I. DIGITAL INDIAAfter the formation of the new Government, Digital India has been envisioned as an

ambitious umbrella programme to prepare India for knowledge based transformation. This

programme is viewed as a Game Changer, from the perspective of delivery of pro-citizen good

governance, with the synchronized and coordinated engagement of the entire Government. The

Programme was conceptualized within 100 days of Government formation.

To realize the vision of the Prime Minister, Digital India Programme has identified the three

key areas, viz. (i) Digital infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen, (ii) Governance and

Services on Demand, and (iii) Digital Empowerment of Citizens. The focus of Digital India

programme is on being transformative – to realize IT (India Today) + IT (Information Technology) =

IT (India Tomorrow) and on making technology central to enabling change. This programme aims to

provide the required thrust to the nine pillars of growth viz. Broadband Highways; Universal Access

to Mobile Connectivity; Public Internet Access Programme; E-Governance: Reforming Government

through Technology; eKranti - Electronic Delivery of Services; Information for All; Electronics

Manufacturing: Target Net Zero Imports; IT for Jobs and Early Harvest Programmes.

Digital India is coordinated by DeitY and implemented by the entire Government. During the

past over seven months, certain projects under the Early Harvest Programmes and other Pillars of

the Digital India referred above have been implemented, while the work is proceeding at a fast pace

in respect of others Pillars for timely implementation, as indicated below:

MyGov.in has been implemented as a platform for citizen engagement in governance. The Citizens participate in policy and execution through a “Discuss”, “Do” and “Disseminate” approach. 27 Groups, 160 discussion themes, 152 tasks have been published. Weekly newsletters are being sent to all registered users (~7.60 lakh) of MyGov.

e-Kranti: National eGovernance Plan 2.0 has been approved by the Union Cabinet on 25.03.2015 with a vision ‘Transforming eGovernance for Transforming Governance’. The portfolio of Mission Mode Projects under e-Kranti has increased from 31 MMPs to 44 MMPs. The Mission Mode Projects of e-Kranti have delivered 2,42,22,36,846 (242 Cr) eTransactions from 25th May 2014 to 31st March 2015. This is a substantial increment of 162% over the number of e-Transaction delivered in the previous year corresponding period.

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Mobile app has been developed and is being used by the State Governments for uploading beneficiary & Toilet photographs along with GPS (lat-long) co-coordinates for all toilet constructions in rural India.

E-mail Policy of GoI has been notified with the objective to ensure secure access to and usage of GoI e-mail services by its users. Users will have the responsibility to use this resource in an efficient, effective, lawful, and ethical manner. The policy has been notified.10 lakh employees have been already covered in Phase 1 and Phase 2 covering another 50 lakh employees is in progress.

Policy on Use of IT Resources of GoI has been notified with the objective to ensure proper access to and usage of GoI IT resources by its users. Users will have the responsibility to use these resources in an efficient, effective, ethical and lawful manner.

Policy on adoption of Open Source Software has been approved for formal adoption and its use in Government organizations.

Beta version of Digital Locker system has been released, which envisages provision of private space on a public cloud to each citizen where he/she can keep public records and can even exchange it for availing various services.

eSign framework has been released, which would allow citizens to digitally sign a document online using Aadhaar authentication.

Jeevan Pramaan portal has been launched. Over 1 lakh pensioners have submitted their life certificate on the portal within 4 months.

Good Governance and Best Practices scheme has been initiated to promote ICT enabled good governance in the country. Under this scheme, DeitY has finalized a scheme to promote e-Governance in the country, wherein, the replication of successful eGov practices and applications would be taken up and departments would also be encouraged to come up with new applications in uncovered domains. Various proposals have been received and 8 projects have been approved.

Mizoram State Data Centre (SDC) has gone live on 6th June, 2014. In total, 23 SDCs have been made operational till date. Government of India cloud (GI Cloud) provides the cloud services and infrastructure on demand to Government Departments. Around 100 departments have started using NIC National Cloud and its utilization has reached to approximately 50%.

Policy on Collaborative Application Development by opening the source code of Government Applications approved.

National Scholarship Portal has been developed as an end to end solution that includes all activities from registration to disbursement of scholarships. It is a single platform through which a student can apply to any centrally funded scheme.

The Portal named as vikaspedia.in presently makes available information in 10 languages in 6 different domains namely Health, Education, Agriculture, Energy, Social Welfare and E-governance. The languages are namely Hindi, English, Marathi, Bangla, Assami, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Tamil, Telegu. It is expected that 4 more languages namely Sanskrit, Urdu, Punjabi and Odia would be added in next one month.

National Information Infrastructure (NII) has been initiated which proposes to integrate various ICT infrastructure created across all the states namely SDCs, SWAN, NKN, NICNET, SSDG including NOFN (presently under implementation by DoT). NII would make available upgraded infrastructure from technological, administrative and e-governance perspective.

Early Harvest Programmes

Government Greetings to be e-Greetings: eGreetings portal launched on 14.8.2014. Over 8 lakh eGreetings sent.

IT platform for Messages (Sampark): eSampark database of 60 lakh email addresses, 88 lakh mobile numbers and 87 mailer campaigns carried out so far. Till date, over 10 crore mailers have been sent on various occasions.

Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System: Biometric Attendance System (BAS) rolled out in 500 Central Government offices in Delhi with 1.14 lakh employees. In addition, BAS rolled out in 1160 Central Government organizations outside Delhi involving 60,000+ employees. Also rolled out in over half a dozen States across the country.

A programme for converting existing static websites of Ministries into Content Management Framework launched from January, 2015.

NIC provided support for various IT initiatives of Ministries carried out by them during this period. This included support for programmes like Make in India, Jan Dhan, Beti Bachao, Swachh Bharat, eSamikSha, video conferencing with large number of remote locations across the country.

II. Make in India (Promotion of Domestic Electronic Manufacturing):

It is estimated that demand of electronics products and systems in India would grow to about

USD 400 Billion by 2020. At the conventional rate of growth of domestic production, it would

only be possible to meet demand of about USD 100 Billion by 2020. The Government attaches

high priority to electronics & IT hardware manufacturing. It has the potential to generate

domestic wealth and employment, apart from enabling cyber-secure ecosystem.

There have been some efforts for rapid growth of the electronics (including telecom)

hardware manufacturing sector in the past like 100% FDI permitted under automatic route, no

Industrial license requirement, payment of technical know-how fee and royalty for technology

transfer under automatic route. However, these efforts have not led to a substantial impact;

partly because of India is a signatory to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA-1) that has

resulted in a zero duty regime on import of the goods covered under the Agreement. India has

also executed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA) with

several countries/ trading blocks, which has enabled zero duty import of items not covered under

ITA. Other factors hampering the growth of electronics includes lack of reliable power, high cost

of finance, poor logistics & infrastructure, weak components manufacturing base, lack of

targeted & proactive R&D in collaboration with industry etc.

The development of the electronics system design & manufacturing sector in the country will

lead to greater economic growth through more manufacturing and consequently greater

employment. The Government has taken various initiatives in this area. It is up-to stakeholder

including Industry and states to take advantage of these policies and promote electronics

manufacturing in a big way, especially because the electronics sector has potential to create

large number of employment opportunities for the youth as well as spur the economic

development of the State as well.

The achievements after the inception of new government are as below:

Electronic Development Fund Policy approved by the Cabinet in December 2014 provides for participation in venture funds to support R&D, Innovation and IP Generation in Electronics, IT and Nano Electronics.

Investments in Electronics manufacturing from 27 companies involving Rs. 6,467 crores received.

Proposals for setting up of 10 Electronics Manufacturing Clusters granted in-principle approval in 7 States involving investment of Rs. 817 crores.

Two incubators for electronics start-ups approved at Delhi University and IIT Patna, which will incubate 95 start up companies.

National Centre for Flexible Electronics (NCFlex) approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 132.99 crores at IIT Kanpur.

Inverted duty rationalized for various products including mobile phones, telecom equipment, tablets, PCs, solar photovoltaic cells, LED lights, LCD/LED TVs, specified medical electronics devices etc.

Rationalization of Tariff: Electronics is imported at zero duty under the Information Technology Agreement (ITA-1) of WTO and therefore even minor inversion of duties works against creating a level playing field for domestic manufacturers. Based on the representations received from the Industry/ Industry Associations, DeitY takes up the cases of inverted duty structure with the Department of Revenue, for resolution, on an on-going basis.

Setting up of two semiconductor wafer fabrication (FAB) manufacturing facilities in India is under process.

Setting up of Electropreneur Park for development of Product and IP creation. Setting up of Electronic Development Fund to promote innovation, intellectual

property (IP), research and development (R&D) and commercialization of products. Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) to provide financial

incentives to offset disability and attract investments in the sector. So far, 53 proposals worth Rs 17,390 crores in investments have been received and 23 proposals worth approx. Rs 2,525 crores have been approved.

Mandatory compliance to safety standards has been notified for identified electronic products with the objective to curb import of sub-standard and unsafe electronics goods.

III. Human Resource Development Skill Development Scheme for electronic sector attracting 3.28 lakh persons at an

estimated cost of Rs. 411 crore approved. A scheme for increasing the number of PhDs in Electronics & IT started

implementation from academic year 2014-15. 291 Full time and 38 part-time PhD students supported across universities in India.

A scheme for setting up of 7 new regional Electronics & IT Academies across the country to improve quality of graduate education in electronics and IT approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 147.48 crore.

A scheme to provide Digital Literacy (DISHA) for 42.5 lakh persons at an estimated cost of Rs. 380 crore approved. Under implementation, especially targeting ASHA workers, Aanganwadi workers and Authorized Ration Shop dealers.

New Centres of NIELIT at Ranchi and Kokrajhar have been made operational and centres at Muzaffarpur and Buxor in Bihar are in pipeline.









IV. IT Promotion A Scheme to incentivise the growth of IT Industry in the North East Region through

BPO Operations has been approved, with a view to create employment opportunities and expand the base of IT Industry. Further steps are being taken for the implementation of this Scheme. Besides, another Scheme to promote growth of IT Industry particularly in the smaller cities towns in other parts of the country is separately under formulation.

Proposal to set up Wi Fi connectivity in Allahabad University has been approved as Proof-of-Concept and further action is being taken for execution of this project. Besides action is being taken to finalise the proposal for Wi Fi connectivity in 4 other Universities viz. Utkal University, Pune University, NEHU and Osmania University.

With a view to promoting the Government to Government Cooperation in the field of IT and ITeS sector including Digital India Programme, India and US signed a Joint Declaration of Intent during January this year.

Foundation stone for STPI’s new Incubation Facility at Ranchi and Patna has been laid. Further, STPI has, in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka has set up a Semiconductor Measurement Analysis and Reliability Test (SMART) Lab for the benefit of the ESDM Industry.

A E-wallet, show casing the various Schemes/Projects, by using a QR code was prepared, which was circulated amongst various Central Ministries for replication.

V. R&D in IT The Cabinet has approved the launch of the “National Supercomputing Mission

(NSM)” with an outlay of Rs. 4500 crores over a period of seven (7) years. This is a joint initiative by DeitY and DST in which, C-DAC is a key implementing agency which will enable India to leapfrog to the league of world class computing power nations. A supercomputer grid will be set up across India’s top educational and research institutions, consisting of more than 70 supercomputers.

A new Centre of SAMEER on electromagnetic interference at Viskhapatnam has been approved at an outlay of Rs. 80 crores. This Centre of Excellence will cater to the T&M requirements of both Strategic and Civilian applications.

A new Centre of SAMEER at Guwahati, Assam in collaboration with IIT Guwahati for research and development in High Power Microwave Tubes and Components technology with clean room environments (Class-10,000) has been approved at an outlay of Rs. 25 Crores. Major users are DRDO, ISRO and DAE.

".भा�रत" top level international domain for 8 languages viz. Hindi, Marathi, Sindhi,

Nepali, Maithili, Bodo, Dogri and Konkani was launched by Hon’ble MCIT on August 27, 2014.

Integrated Indian Languages Virtual Keyboard on Android platform and SAKAL BHARATI font was launched by Hon’ble MCIT on December 25, 2014.

An electronic Personal Safety System (ePSS) is being deployed in association with MHA for safety of women and children.

Mobile Seva, an integrated platform by which 1601 Government Departments/ Agencies are Integrated will enhance the delivery of government services.

e-Basta framework which enables (i) publishers to upload the electronic content with relevant data, (ii) schools to search and collate e-content into e-Basta and (iii) students to download e-Basta contents through an App on their tablet/phone/PC.

VI. E-Infrastructure Framing the draft Policy on Internet of Things (IoT) has been initiated.

Government has taken an initiative to frame draft Internet of Things policy for India which is envisioned to develop connected and smart IoT based system for our country’s Economy, Society, Environment and Global needs. Under this policy, it is proposed to create an IoT industry of USD 15 billion by 2020. It will also aim to undertake capacity development, research and development and domain specific product developments. It is proposed in the policy that Innovation and R&D, Capacity Building, HRD, Demonstration Centres and Engagement with the right incentives to industry to be the 5 most important pillars which would be horizontally supported by an Open Standards policy and Governance structure. This will support the smart city initiative of the Government. The draft IoT policy for India shall provide spur in innovation of new ideas and technology which shall lead to skill development and job creation. The policy shall encourage indigenous product development and manufacturing in the country, boosting the Make in India campaign of the Government of India.

Implementation of National Policy on Universal Electronic Accessibility has been initiated and work is in progress.

Virtual smart rooms and Intranet connecting of 17 NIELIT centres was set-up with a focus to improve the quality of education to students from remote/rural part of the country which includes centres at Kohima, Gangtok, Itanagar, Shillong, Imphal, Aizwal and Agartala.

ICT centers in 250 schools in rural areas of Ajmer & Jaipur districts of Rajasthan were set up to empower students with ICT Skills and to provide connectivity to access information.

R&D in Electronics

Various components of Intelligent Transportation System for their applications in traffic control, monitoring, management, counting, advisory, trip planner etc. have been developed.

To provide technological support to farmers, Electronics and IT based systems such as electronic Nose for monitoring of industrial obnoxious odorous constituents from pulp and paper industries, Web Enabled Access of Agricultural Information in seven local languages, Handheld E-Nose, Digital Image Processing Technologies applications in Tasar Sericulture, Membrane Electrode Array Based Sensing System for Taste Characterization of Food and Agro Produces, GIS based decision support system for tea gardens using a Wireless Sensors Network have been developed and shortly being offered for commercialisation.

Technologies and products like milk analyser, deployment of automation in process industries, a warehouse management (for food grains), control & Automation for steel industries are in progress/being taken up for development.

Pilot Demonstration Facility of Super Capacitors at C-MET, Thrissur: Supercapacitors are of high demand in automobile sector, high resolution

camera flashes, mobile phones, electronic toys, hybrid batteries, off-line UPS, power supplies, machine tools, etc. due to high usable capacitance, fast charging/discharging characteristics, low ESR, longer capacitor life, and wide range of operating temperatures, etc. Looking application potential and being an emerging area, DeitY had initiated a project on super-capacitor by developing carbon aero-gel and fabricating aero-capacitors of capacitance upto 35 F at C-MET, Thrissur. Preparation of aerogel of required specification in large batch capacitors has started.

Pilot Demonstration of E-waste Recycling Facility at E-Parisara, Bangalore : Accumulation of electronics waste (e-waste) is a growing challenge to our country. DeitY, being the nodal department for Electronics and IT, is involved in the process of promoting and developing suitable technological solutions to e-waste recycling. Recovery of precious metals from printed circuit boards (PCB) had been successfully achieved through pyrolysis process by Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), Hyderabad and M/s E-Parisaraa Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore. For further up-scaling of this a project “Environmentally Sound Methods for Recovery of Metals from Printed Circuit Boards” is being implemented by them with an aim of setting up a demonstration plan at Bangalore. Towards this an MoU has been signed with KBIT (Govt. of Karnataka).

Development of Packaged Fiber Laser Modules for making stents and marking plastic balloons as well as orthopedic parts: Medical Devices are usually made of expensive materials and must be precisely fabricated to ensure that the surgeons have the control they need to perform various medical procedures. Fiber lasers can meet all these requirements and achieve tolerances down to dimension of a few micrometers. Under DeitY’s initiatives, a project initiated on Fiber Laser Modules for making stents and marking plastic balloons as well as orthopedic parts at CGCRI, Kolkata. The project is an initiative to build up country’s own capability to make complete fiber laser system ready for commercial use.

Electronic waste Awareness programme: The rapid growth of the electronic industry and the high rate of obsolescence of the electronic products, leads to the generation of huge quantities of electronic waste (e-waste), which is one of the fastest growing waste streams worldwide today. There is huge gap between generation and recycling needs to be bridged by improving the channelization of the e-waste for proper recycling and establish a system of accountability in e-waste management. A Major Program for Creating awareness of Electronic waste has been initiated to improve the situation of e-waste management. The DPR was finalized and money transferred to STPI in 2014-15. Implementation initiated.

VII. Technology Development in Indian Languages (TDIL)Updated Indian Language Toolkit CD for Windows 8.1 and Ubuntu 11.04

A software toolkit containing fonts and tools for processing 22 scheduled Indian languages

on computers have been made available since year 2006. This toolkit is continuously being

upgraded with useful software for latest operating systems. In the year 2014 it has been

upgraded for windows 8.1 and Ubuntu 11.04. This user friendly kit facilitates users with

standards complaint and free of cost software to carry out their day to day computer related

tasks in local languages like word processing, create presentations, spread sheets, create and

access online multilingual knowledge resources, databases, drawings, Email, Chat, etc. So far



there has been over 12 lakh shipments and 1.25 crore downloads. The kit contains various

updated software tools like Localized Libre Office, Open Type Fonts, Keyboard Drivers, Firefox

Web Browser, E-mailing Client, etc and new localized software namely GNUCash, Inkscape,

Tuxpaint and Joomla for public use. These software tools can be freely downloaded

from http://www.ildc.in/. or CD can be obtained on request.

Best Practices for Localization of Mobile web applications in Indian Languages

Realising the potential of mobile device as future access device for the web. Which is

already popular with select younger generation, a set of guidelines were formulated as Best

Practices to help developers to localize their software products / services on Mobiles in Indian

languages. Various important topics have been addressed in this document like Inputting,

storage and rendering Indian language data, Unicode migration from legacy data, Usage of

Common Locale Data Repository (CLDR), Characters encoding for proper representation on

various platforms, Unicode, directionality issues with right to left scripts such as Urdu and the

problem of using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS ) in context Indian languages.

This will lead to better integration and interoperability of localised web applications being

made available on mobile.

Indic Layout Draft

There have been challenges in getting correct display of Indian languages in various web

browsers. This needs to be catered at browser level for which standards are produced by W3C

which are globally adopted. Therefore, for addressing this issue a draft web standard for correct

display of Indian languages have been produced by this department and communicated to

W3C for adoption. The W3C Internationalization Working Group has published a First Public

Working Draft of Indic Layout Requirements (http://www.w3.org/TR/2014/WD-ilreq-20141216/)

on behalf of the Indic Layout Task Force, chaired by DeitY representative and is part of the

W3C Internationalization Interest Group.

This document describes the basic requirements for Indic script layout for text support on the

Web and in eBooks. These requirements provide information for Web technologies such as

CSS, HTML and SVG about how to support users of Indic scripts. This draft covers major issues

of e-content of Hindi language and definition of ABNF(Augmented Backus–Naur Form) based

valid segmentation-Indic syllable in order to create standardize format of text layout on the web.

The draft discusses some of the major layout requirements in first letter pseudo-element, vertical

arrangements of characters, letter spacing, text segmentation, line breaking and collation rules in

Indic languages.

Recognition of use of Optical Character Recognition Software with Braille Interface

The Gift of New Abilities, a project started in Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru

developed with DeitY support, uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology for Tamil

language to enable the blind to access printed text. So far, more than 500 Tamil books (school,

college, story and general) have been converted by OCR and delivered as Braille books to

hundreds of blind students in Tamil Nadu. OCR has been installed free of charge in several

computers of RCMCT Worth Trust Rehabilitation Centre, Chennai and they have been running it

as a service for blind students. Worth Trust uses the OCR to recognize and convert printed text

http://www.ildc.in/

to Unicode first and then to Braille code and prints them on a Braille printer and gives the Braille

book to the requesting blind person. Similarly, the Kannada version has been given to some

voluntary agencies and individual blind students in Karnataka. Availability of this software saved

time and cost in converting Tamil books into Braille format.

VIII. E-LearningDevelopment of Online Labs (OLabs) is an innovative, interactive simulation and e-Learning

initiative jointly developed by CDAC, Mumbai and Amrita University. It is a virtual online

laboratory experiment, which provides students with the ease and convenience of conducting

experiments over the internet.

It has been developed to supplement the traditional physical labs and bridge the constraints

of time and geographical distances. OLabs content are aligned to the CBSE syllabus for

class 9, 10, 11 and 12. Thirty online experiments for class 9 & 10 in Physics and Chemistry

were already developed in phase I. In phase II as on today, total of 76 experiments/activities

for classes IX, X, XI and XII have been developed. These include 12 Physics labs, 22

Chemistry labs, 17 Biology labs, 18 Mathematics activities and 7 English activities. About 51

more are under development and remaining 31 experiments are yet to be done. Making all

these virtual labs compatible to Android based tablets is going on. Prototype for translation

of Labs in Marathi, Hindi, etc. was completed. OLabs reached a significant milestone when

the CBSE officially endorsed it via a circular send to all 15,000 schools to use OLabs as a

teaching aid, which is available

at: http://cbseacademic.in/web_material/Circulars/2013/15_Olabs.pdf

OLabs has been found to supplement traditional lab activities. This not only reduces the

costs incurred for conducting experiments in real time but gives a student the flexibility to

explore and repeat experiments till they are well versed with the experiments.

Typically, in Indian Schools, students in Class 9 and 10 do not get sufficient exposure to

Science Practical. In many schools, many of the science equipments for practical are not

available. OLabs supplements learning and allows them to practice multiple times. OLabs

allow conceptual understanding of science practical and our research studies in controlled

environments have shown that students are motivated and have comparable learning when

compared to traditional labs. Its major impact is given as under:

Over 60,000 students are registered at OLabs website. More students use them in

schools (without internet).

OLabs has been showcased at various conferences. Teacher training for 4,300

teachers provided at workshops and directly at schools.

OLabs Video Conferencing for 1000 schools was organized by Centre for Innovations

in Public Systems.http://www.cips.org.in/Video?ID=31

Adaptable e-Learning Accessibility Model for the Disabled (e-Saadhya) implemented by CDAC,

Bangalore jointly with CDAC, Hyderabad. Major achievement of this project is the development of a

framework, namely ‘e-Saadhya’, which is an education framework for children with autism and mild

mental retardation.

The e-Saadhya framework includes a special educator’s environment with standard

assessments, Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and lesson plans along with a multimedia

based individual learning environment. The child logs in to the framework to access the

personalized lessons and exercises which are created by the educator/ parent from their

login environment.

http://www.cips.org.in/Video?ID=31

http://cbseacademic.in/web_material/Circulars/2013/15_Olabs.pdf

More particularly, e-Saadhya framework supports creation of education plans for individuals

based on profile information of individuals and monitoring status of the individuals towards

the education plans. The solution framework supports both teaching and learning for

individual and associated stakeholder including educators, parents and therapists.

National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIMH) is associated with e-Saadhya project.

Awareness Programmes through workshop etc. were conducted where above framework

was demonstrated. The framework is deployed in 20 special schools in Bangalore,

Hyderabad and Delhi and is found to be useful.

IX. Cyber SecurityMillions of people in the country (both in rural and urban areas) rely on the services and

information available in cyber space. Increasingly, the work of government, business and

national infrastructure is being highly dependent on cyber space. As the quantity and value of

electronic information have increased so too have the business models and efforts of criminals

and other adversaries who have embraced the cyber space as a more convenient and profitable

way of carrying out their activities anonymously. Hence, security of cyber space has become an

important part of national agenda.

Considering the vital importance, DeitY is implementing a programme on Cyber Security

that is aimed at building a secure and resilient cyberspace for citizens, businesses and

Government, by way of actions to protect information and information infrastructure in

cyberspace, build capabilities to prevent and respond to cyber threats, reduce vulnerabilities and

minimize damage from cyber incidents through a combination of institutional structures, people,

processes, technology and cooperation.

A number of initiatives have been taken towards securing cyber space. These initiatives

have focused on the issues such as cyber security threat perceptions, threats to

critical information infrastructure and national Security, protection of critical information

infrastructure, adoption of relevant security technologies, enabling legal processes, mechanisms

for security compliance and enforcement, Information Security awareness, training and research.

The following initiatives taken up have significantly contributed to the creation of a platform

that is capable of supporting and sustaining the efforts to securing the cyber space. These are

being continued, refined and strengthened to meet the requirements of dynamic nature of cyber

threat scenario.

New proposals were formulated in the areas of (i) Multi-media forgery detection, (ii) Robust

and generic model for e-security index, (iii) Person authentication, (iv) Detecting security

vulnerabilities in Android applications, (v) Digital Forensics for cloud environment and (vi)

R&D in cryptography including analysis of side channel attack.

Indigenous security solutions were developed and deployed/being deployed at user

organisations. These includes: (a) A Tamper Evident System that provides recording of

Audio-Video, Fingerprint Data, data and recording session related information in a tamper

evident manner, (b) Advanced version of Cyber Forensics tools namely CyberCheck v6.0,

Mobile Check v3.0 etc, (c) Early Warning platform that identifies malicious hosts, botnets in

near real-time based on DNS traffic, (d) System to analyze online content of multiple social

media sites, (e) Anti-malware solution for web applications and mobiles , (f) Password

recovery tool implemented for MsOffice, PDF, WinRar and Winzip , (g) Security Solutions for

SCADA system and (h) Mobile Device Security Solution for Android and Tizen OS platforms.

CERT-In is setting up a centre for detection of computer systems infected by malware and

bots and to notify, enable cleaning and securing systems of end users to prevent further

malware infections. Approval for the project has been received and implementation is in

progress.

The Department has prepared plans to establish National Cyber Co-ordination Centre

(NCCC) at an estimated cost of Rs. 800 crores, for monitoring the web traffic to ensure

prevention from cyber attacks and any malicious cyber activity. This shall also have the

capability for detection and cleaning of infected systems (Botnets).

X. National Informatics Centre With the launching of Digital India Programme by Hon’ble Prime Minister with the objective to

transform India into a digital empowered society and knowledge economy, the role of NIC

has increased manifold.

Application development of MyGov Portal, Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System

(AEBAS), Jeevan Praman for Pensioners, eSameeksha, eGreetings, eSampark

Programme, National Portal for lost and found children, Tourist Visa on Arrival, Secure email

within Government, Shram Suvidha Portal etc. are the key achievements.

NIC has been responsible for country-wide implementation of various e-Governance projects

including many Mission Mode Projects of the department and other major projects such as

Mobile Fertilizer Monitoring System (mFMS), ePanchayat, Cooperative Core Banking

Solution (CCBS), National Portal on eTransaction Analysis and Aggregation Layer (eTaal),

National Animal Disease Reporting System (NADRS), e-Courts, ePrisons, Immigration Visa

Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT), Central Plan Schemes Monitoring System

(CPSMS), e-Scholarship, e-procurement, e-office, e-health etc.

NKN is a state-of-the art multi-gigabit pan-India Network for providing a unified high speed

network backbone for various knowledge related institutions in the country. During FY 2014-

15, NKN has connected 178 number of edge links.

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

This government has taken various initiatives to revamp the 1,55,000 Post Offices network to

meet the growing challenges of changing times.

(A) Post Office to become vehicles for Financial Inclusion:

Department has applied for Payment Bank license to RBI.

Anywhere banking facility in 2148 post offices: Customers can enjoy anywhere banking

facility at 2148 post offices. With 12 crore live bank accounts having a balance of Rs.

1,90,000 crores, this facility has received a very encouraging response from customers.

100 ATMs at post offices have been installed across the country.

Pay insurance premium from anywhere: Core Postal Life Insurance has enabled premium

payment, account updation and final payment from any Post Office across the country. It

has so far been rolled out in 9785 Post Offices.

(B) Post Office to facilitate and partner with eCommerce companies in India:

eCommerce can revolutionise the rural India and Post Office can play a significant role.

Tie-ups have been made with eCommerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart , Snapdeal, YepMe

and Naaptol for delivery of eCommerce parcels.

Parcel booking and transfer facilities have been augmented all over the country.

This has resulted in 13% growth in business parcel traffic in last 10 months.

(C) Towards a modern and high tech Post Office network:

Post Office at your door step: Though solar charged mobile hand-held devices with

biometric facility, 1,30,000 rural post offices can offer money order, saving banks,

registered/speed post and parcel bookings/delivery, and social security payments at door

steps.

India’s largest Wide Area Network (WAN): By connecting 27,247 post offices, mail offices,

accounts offices, administrative offices and store depots through India’s largest Wide Area

Network (WAN), the Department can now offer ATM and anywhere banking facilities. 100

ATMs already installed and Core Banking Solution extended to 2148 Post Offices.

SMS alert facility for Speed Post sender as well as recipient started.

Mobile Money Transfer: Mobile to mobile Money order facility is being extended

Mobile app developed for track and trace, pin code search, information on services and SMS

alerts.

Postal Geographical Information System (GIS) maps of 6 metro cities have been developed

and GIS mapping of Post Offices in LWE districts is being started.

(D) Setting up of Inter-Ministerial Task Force on leveraging Post Office network and two

internal Task Forces for scaling up Life Insurance business and Capturing e-Commerce

market

Reports of all the 3 Task Forces have been received

In order to orient the Department towards capturing the growing e-Commerce and life

insurance market, separate verticals have been set up in the Department for Postal Life

Insurance and e-Commerce businesses.

The Department has started augmenting the parcel booking and transmission capacities all

over the country in order to tap the growing e-Commerce business. These efforts have

resulted in a 13% growth in business Parcel traffic in the last 10 months.

The Department has initiated dialogue with several Central Government

departments/PSUs/Autonomous bodies and State Governments, offering the Post Office

network for rendering Government services.

(E) Highest Accounts under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana:

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for the education and welfare of the girl child was launched by the

Hon’ble PM on 22nd January 2015.

Within a short span of 2 months close to 22 lakh Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts have

so far been opened in Post Offices across the country. (All Public sector and 4 Private sector

Banks have only opened 1.8 lakh such accounts so far.)



(F) Great Success in selling Kisan Vikas Patra:

Kisan Vikas Patras was launched on 18th November 2014.

12.8 lakh KVPs with a total investment of Rs 1042 Crores have been sold through the Post

Offices across the country.

(G) Social Security Schemes:

Total amount of Rs. 6715 crore have been disbursed to 6.80 crore MGNREGA account

holders across the country through Post Offices during the financial year 2014-15 (upto

February, 2015)

(H) Swachh Bharat Mission:

Department of Posts is actively participating in Swachh Bharat Mission.

The five year action plan for Swachh Bharat Mission in Department of Posts has been

formulated and the progress is being monitored on regular basis.

All Officers and Staff have been sensitized about the need to keep office premises clean.

In order to keep the Posts Offices clean, spotless and welcoming for public, the employees of

the Department and also the members of public are being educated and sensitized to ensure

cleanliness in all the Post Offices.

A special social media campaign has also been started by the Department to spread the

awareness among the people.

90 toilets have so far been built in Post offices/administrative offices.

(I) Celebrating culture and Connecting People:

Stamps released on important citizen-centric themes themes such as 100 years of

Mahatama Gandhi’s return from South Africa, 2014 FIFA World Cup, Beti Bachao Beti

Padhao, Swachh Bharat and Indian Ocean/Rajendra Chola.

Stamp on Swachh Bharat was designed through crowd-sourcing.

Streamline mail exchange with Pakistan with the aim to enhance cross-border Postal

commerce and people-to-people contact.

(J) Postal Life Insurance:

The limit of maximum sum assured in ‘Postal Life Insurance’ policies has been enhanced

from Rs. 20 to 50 lakh to give benefit of greater insurance coverage to the customers.

(K) Franchise Scheme:

In order to expand the possibility of easy availability of stamps, postcards and letters through

private outlets, the franchise scheme of the Department for the sale of stamps and postal

stationery through private outlets has been revamped. There are now two types of

franchisees under the revised Franchise Scheme:

Counter services through Franchisee Outlets in urban and rural areas where there is

demand for postal services, but a post office cannot be opened.

Sale of postal stamps and stationery through Postal Agents in urban and rural areas.



(L) Good Governance E-Books highlighting the services, major activities and best practices of the

Department, and a Pocket Book on products and services of the Department have been released for benefit of public.

Social Media related services have been initiated in the Department and a Joint Secretary level officer has been nominated as Nodal Officer to liaise with the New Media Wing of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for Social Media related activities.

DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

INITIATIVE NO 1: MOST SUCCESSFUL SPECTRUM AUCTION EVER:

One of the challenges of the new Government was to restore confidence, bring in transparency and

ensure good governance. The measures taken, as far as Telecommunications is concerned, in the

last few months led to good results, which is evident from the historic success of the spectrum

auction 2015, concluded recently where the highest ever auction proceeds of Rs. 1,09,000 crore

was raised in a completely transparent and fair bidding process. To ensure this and to restore

industry confidence the following steps were taken:

The complex issue of defence band identification and harmonization of spectrum with defence,

pending since more than seven years has been resolved quickly. Not only the cabinet approved

the identification of defence band but a good quantity of 2100 MHz released by the Defence

Ministry was put in to the recent auction.

Spectrum in 4 various bands - 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz were put into

simultaneous and multiple rounds of auction for the first time, so that the operators could take

informed decision.

Rules for Spectrum Usage Charges, liberalisation of Spectrum, and earnest money deposits

were made in a fair, objective manner and disclosed well in time to the industry, to avoid any

ambiguity.

Transparent and clear rules for allocation of spectrum were notified for the first time.

The entire process of decision making on reserve price determination was expedited.

Once these decisions were taken, a clear message went that the intentions of the government

are clear, transparent and coupled with the favourable growth scenario in the country. The

highest ever auction amount was received in India.

Outcome: India with more than 97 crore mobile phone users, more than 30 crore internet

connections and the great future which awaits digital India has created further confidence in the

industry leading to this historic success.

Success Story: This transparent Auction has restored the confidence in the Sector which will go in

long way in implementing the Digital India Mission of the Hon’ble PM. As against the approved

reserve price of Rs 80277 crore, the auction fetched a record realisation of Rs.109875 crore.

INITIATIVE NO.2 :FULL MOBILE NUMBER PORTABILITY BY MAY, 2015:

Under this initiative, the customers can retain their mobile number even if they shift from one part of

the country to the other parts. They can also select the mobile service provider as per their choice.

All the necessary instructions and amendments to license conditions have been issued to achieve

the initiative within the targeted time schedule have been issued

Outcome: It will benefit more than 97 crore mobile phone users in the country. This will also help

the Government in developing mobile numbers as an identity of individuals for providing various

government services and move towards JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile) Trinity.

INITIATIVE NO 3: WIFI AT TOURIST PLACES:

Under this initiative, WiFi connectivity at prominent tourist places in the country is being provided in

a phased manner.

Outcome: All the tourists visiting renowned tourist places like Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Sarnath,

Konark Temple, Red Fort, Shore Temple Mahabalipuram, Hampi, Khajuraho and Thanjavur-

Brihadeshwar temple etc would be benefitted by this facility.

Benefits to states: This will help in increasing the tourist flow in the identified tourist destinations.

The states which would be benefitted by this scheme are Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,

Orissa, Madhya Pradesh

Success Story: The first WiFi facility by BSNL at Varanasi’s famous Dashashwamedh Ghat was

inaugurated by the Minister of Communications & IT on 8th February, 2015.

INITIATIVE NO 4: NATIONAL OPTICAL FIBRE NETWORK (NOFN)-CONNECTING RURAL

INDIA THROUGH HIGH SPEED BROADBAND:

Digital India is a flagship programme of this Government, which is being executed in a mission

mode. Broadband connectivity to 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats of India is also being executed in a

mission mode. Government is keen to ensure broadband availability to every nook and corner of the

country. The work of laying optical fiber network has been speeded up (by 30 times) in the last 9

months. To make the entire project more effective in tune with the Digital India programme, a special

committee was constituted for further improvement and speedy implementation, to serve the larger

purpose of Broadband to all. A committee of eminent persons was constituted which has submitted

a report recently, for the consideration of the government. Broadband for All remains a commitment

of this government.

Outcome: NOFN will support e-governance services, telemedicine, tele-education, financial

services, e-commerce and e-entertainment and will provide non-discriminatory access to telecom

service providers, internet service providers etc.

Success Story: Idduki district in Kerala has become the first fully connected district, which was

inaugurated by the Minister of Communications & IT on 12th January 2015.

INITIATIVE NO 5: CONNECTING UNCONNECTED INDIA:

Under this initiative, Government has planned to cover all 46,288 unconnected villages, which

presently do not have mobile connectivity, in a phased manner by March 2019.

North Eastern Region: Government approved a proposal on 10.09.2014 to implement a

Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the North-Eastern Region at an estimated

cost of Rs.5336.18 crore. This project will connect 8621 villages and is likely to be

commissioned by September 2017.

Naxal Affected Areas: Government approved, on 20.08.2014, a project to provide Mobile

Services in 2199 locations in the areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

Special efforts have been made to provide connectivity in Andaman & Nicobar and

Lakshdweep Islands.

Outcome: This initiative will provide the mobile connectivity to the unconnected villages in the

identified Regions/Areas/Islands of the country.

Benefits to States: LWE affected 9 states i.e. Andhara Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa,

Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal, all 8 North Eastern

States, Andaman Nicobar and Lakshdweep Islands will be benefited under this initiative.

INITIATIVE NO 6: SKILL INDIA:

Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) has been set up to provide skilled manpower for the Telecom

sector.

Outcome: So far, TSSC skilled 1.86 lakh students in 14 job roles in 24 states, covering 161 cities

and towns during 2014-15. Department of Telecommunications is working with service providers so

that they tie up with local ITIs for providing skill training to local students.

Benefits to the States: 24 States/UTs viz Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh,

Chhatisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala,

Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar

Pradesh, Uttarakhand & West Bengal will be benefited under this initiative.

INITIATIVE NO 7: GYANSETU:

GyanSetu is an internet based real-time ICT system designed by C-DOT primarily to provide various

e-services to the under privileged rural population of India. Such systems are envisaged to be

deployed in Gram panchayat as a carrier of information and knowledge along with the traditional

other government e-services. This common infrastructure will serve the entire village population and

can be accessed easily due to its simplified design. GyanSetu was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister

of Communications & IT on the occasion of Good Governance Day.

Outcome: Gyansetu, in each Gram panchayat of the country, would extend the benefits of internet

technology to rural India and narrow down the digital divide between literate, high-end societies and

rural community by taking knowledge and information to the doorsteps of our rural folks.

Benefits to states: The entire rural population of the country would be benefitted by this initiative.

INITIATIVE NO 8: FACILITATING ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ IN TELECOM SECTOR:

Under this initiative, Government has taken following steps to provide the desired boost to ‘Make in

India’ in Telecom Sector:

Government has imposed a basic Customs Duty of 10% on certain imported telecom

products to give level playing field to domestic manufactures.

Inverted duty structure has been corrected.

Outcome: This will create a level playing field for the domestic manufacturers, who suffer severe

disability due to poor infrastructure and inverted duty structure and to give fillip to domestic telecom

electronic manufacturing.

INITIATIVE NO 9: BUILDING ROBUST AND SECURE NETWORK FOR DEFENCE FORCES:

Under this initiative, Network For Spectrum (NFS), planned as an Exclusive Optical Fibre based

‘Nationwide Communication Network’ for Defence Services, has been given a big push for its early

completion. The project is being implemented by BSNL.

INITIATIVE NO 10: REVIVAL OF BSNL AND MTNL:

Revival of both these telecom PSUs have been a priority area for this government. In 2004 BSNL

had registered a profit of Rs. 10,183 crore and by 2014 its losses have reached to Rs. 7,020 crore.

MTNL was also in profit till 2008-09 but as on 31.12.2014 MTNL has a debt of Rs.16,306 crore. The

government has taken conscious decision to revive these two PSUs:

BSNL is setting up 25645 new BTSs in Phase-VII of its expansion plan at a cost of Rs.4805

corer.

BSNL plans to replace the network of wireline local exchanges by IP (Internet Protocol)

enabled Next Generation Network

BSNL signed a MoU with Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) to

provide alternate internet connectivity to North East.

MTNL is setting up/upgrading 1080 3G sites in Delhi and Mumbai each and 850 2G sites in

Delhi and 616 2G sites in Mumbai.

INITIATIVE NO 11:NATIONAL TELECOM M2M ROADMAP:

Under this initiative, ‘National Telecom M2M Roadmap’ has been prepared. Roadmap document

endeavours to assimilate various M2M standards, outline policy and regulatory approaches and

measures for increased M2M proliferation. The document includes International M2M scenario,

prevailing communication technologies, standardization activities and adapting them to suit Indian

conditions in different sectors.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS 1. MODERNISATION OF THE BIS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACTS

The Department is in the process of modernizing the legislative framework for consumer protection and welfare by amending the following Acts:-

(i) BIS Act – 1986 is being amended for introducing more mandatory standards and product liability.

(ii) Similarly, Consumer Protection Act – 1986 is also being overhauled for making Consumer Fora more efficient and effective in redress of consumer grievances.

2. SDOC

The Bureau of Indian Standards was traditionally allowing use of ISI mark after the field verification at manufacturers’ premises, processes and products. This led to red-tapsim, ‘Inspector Raj’ and corruption. The department has introduced a new concept called SDOC (Self Declaration of Conformity) under which manufacturers can declare that they meet the laid down Indian Standards and specification after getting their products assessed in any BIS – recognized Laboratory. This will help ease of doing business and encourage foreign investment . 3. CONSUMER AWARENESS THROUGH JAGO GRAHAK JAGO CAMPAIGN-

During the last year the Department of Consumer Affairs has intensified its multimedia campaign under the banner of Jago Grahak Jago. With special emphasis on rural areas, tribal areas and North East, the campaign makes consumers aware of their rights/obligations. Joint campaigns were organized with the Reserve Bank of India, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance to focus on specific issues of consumer interests. Doordarshan, private Television channels, All India Radio, Print Media, Outdoor Media and social networking areas were also extensively used to communicate the rights of Consumers and procedures for their grievance redressal. All States / UTs and all segments of the population benefited from the campaign. 4. (GRAHAK SUVIDHA KENDRAS) - THE CONSUMER CARE SERVICE - The department has decided to establish one setup Grahak Suvidha Kendra in every State to provide single window facility for redress of consumer grievances. These centers supported by the department will be run by Voluntary Consumer Organizations. They will provide guidance to consumers regarding consumer laws, the rights of the consumers, the procedure of approaching Consumer Courts and various other consumer related issues including quality assurance and safety of products. Initially these Grahak Suvidha Kendras are being setup on pilot basis in six locations: Delhi, Kolkata, Bangaluru, Patna, Ahmedabad and Jaipur. The scheme will be extended to all States in phased manner. 5. PORTAL FOR COMPLAINT AGAINST MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENTS –

(GAMA)- The department has setup a web based portal GAMA (Grievances against misleading advertisements) on which consumers can lodge their complaints against misleading advertisements. Earlier, several different departments were dealing with the subject and consumers did not know as to which authority should be approached for their complaints). This portal will act as a central focal point for registering and initiating coordinated action against defaulting companies. This portal has been launched on 18th March, 2015. 6. IDENTIFICATION MARK ON PRODUCTS-

The Department has introduced a regulation to ensure that all cosmetic carry marks (Red / Green dots) on the packaging to indicate whether they contain only non-vegetarian/vegetarian ingredients respectively. Earlier, only edible food items contained these marks. With introduction of this regulation the consumers can choose whether to use non-veg original cosmetics on the body.



DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

Farmer-Centric Initiatives1.Sugar sector

Background: The depressed sugar market has impacted the ability of sugar mills to pay the sugarcane

farmer his dues on time. Policy intervention was required to enhance liquidity of sugar mills.

Policy Intervention: The policy for procurement of ethanol under the Ethanol Blending Programme has been

modified. Remunerative prices have been fixed for ethanol ranging from Rs.48.50 to Rs.49.50 per

litre. Oil Marketing Companies now call for EOI from sugar mills and distilleries for supply

of ethanol at these rates. Impact:

This has facilitated in improving liquidity position of sugar mills enabling them to make payments to farmers for the supply of cane.

This policy has also resulted in significant increase in blending which will have a positive impact on the environment by decreasing the carbon footprints.

Presently blending levels of about 3% (72 crore litre) in 2014-15 has been achieved which is expected to reach the national blending target of 5% (115 crore litre) shortly.

Benefits: Payment to farmers and environment protection.

2.Procurement Background:

Levy was being imposed on rice purchased by the licensed millers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Farmer had to sell his paddy to the Rice Mills. Various malpractices/issues were noticed in the levy system.

Policy Intervention: To ensure payment of remunerative prices to farmers at MSP and outreach of

procurement system near farmgate, it has now been decided that State Governments will not impose any levy on rice from the millers w.e.f. 1st October, 2015. In the Kharif Marketing Season 2014-15, the levy has already been brought down to 25%.

Direct purchase of paddy from the farmers through purchase centres opened by the Government Agencies enabling availability of MSP to the farmer.

Impact: This has improved delivery of MSP to the farmers even in the situation of market prices

ruling below the MSP, especially in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, where the farmers are substantially dependent on millers for selling their paddy.

During Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2013-14 only a quantity of 8.52 lakh MT of paddy had been purchased directly from the farmers by the State Agencies in unified Andhra Pradesh, but in KMS 2014-15, such direct purchase of paddy has gone upto 36.76 lakh MT in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana together. The reduction of levy in KMS 2014-15 has not resulted in any substantial reduction of overall procurement of rice in these two States till date compared to KMS 2013-14.

Similarly in Uttar Pradesh, the procurement of paddy has gone up from 9.07 lakh MT in previous season to 18.18 lakh MT in current season and overall procurement of rice has gone up from 11.05 lakh MT of previous season to 16.10 lakh MT till April, 2015.

In West Bengal also, the procurement of paddy has gone up from 5.79 lakh MT in previous season to 13.29 lakh MT in current season and overall procurement of rice has gone up from from 8.27 lakh MT to 13.31 lakh MT till April, 2015.


Benefits: Improved procurement environment to the benefit of the farmer with quicker payments

for their produce.

3.Efficient procurement and delivery mechanism Background:

The essence of food security lies in the availability and affordability of food, especially for the economically under-privileged sections of the population.

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the nodal government agency entrusted with the task of procurement and distribution of food grains.

The felt need is to improve the mechanism of procurement and distribution. Policy Intervention:

The Government in August 2014 constituted a High Level Committee (HLC) to examine and recommend on the restructuring of the administrative, functional and financial structure of FCI.

The aim of such effort is to improve the overall management of food grains and to suggest the way forward for strengthening and integration of supply chain of food grains in the country.

Farmers in Eastern UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Assam are facing distress sale and exploitation by the middlemen, as procurement system is weak and it has poor outreach to the farmers.

Amongst the various actions being taken based on the recommendations of the Committee, an action plan is being finalized by FCI to provide better price support services to the farmers in the Eastern States, especially to the small and marginal farmers. As per this plan, procurement operations are proposed to be expanded and streamlined with the assistance of various stakeholders including State government and private agencies.

Impact: The new approach will help in expanding the procurement operations, which will

provide benefit of MSP to large number of farmers who are left uncovered at the moment.

Improved MSP coverage will encourage farmers to adopt technology and improve yield of paddy/ rice in these States, where productivity levels at present are below national average.

This will increase farm income and will bring in prosperity to the farmers of the region. Benefits:

Improved procurement environment and remuneration for the farmers.

MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS Company Law Settlement Scheme (CLSS 2014)

In order to give an opportunity to companies which had not filed their statutory documents, such as Annual Returns and Financial Statements under the Companies Act on time the ‘Company Law Settlement Scheme 2014 (CLSS-2014)’ was launched on 15 th August, 2014. This Scheme provided a one-time opportunity for defaulting companies to file their annual statutory documents at a reduced additional fee of 25% of the additional fees otherwise payable and granted immunity to them from prosecution on this account. The scheme also gave an opportunity to inactive companies to get themselves declared as ‘dormant companies’ by filing a simple application at reduced fees. This scheme continued till 31.12.2014. Companies Act, 2013:- Implementation and amendments through Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2014The Government received representations on certain issues on the new Companies Act / Rules made thereunder from Industry Chambers and stakeholders. Issues which have been addressed through modifications in the rules, issue of Removal of Difficulties Orders and circulars include - thresholds for related party transactions requiring stakeholders approval; exclusion of independent directors from the definition of “related party”; authorization of CLB (pending constitution of NCLT) to direct re-scheduling of deposits in case of default; initiation of simplification of e-forms; allowing new areas for CSR spending and clarifications on CSR related issues; providing transitional clarity/ reliefs in appropriate cases. After holding consultations with Industry chambers and concerned Ministries/Departments/regulators, the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2014 was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December, 2014 which was considered and passed by that House on 17 th December, 2014. “This Bill is now awaiting approval of the Rajya Sabha”. The amendments contained in the Bill are aimed at addressing issues raised by various stakeholders as well as ‘ease of doing business’ requirements. These relate to omitting mandatory minimum paid up capital requirements; making common seal optional; restricting public inspection of board resolutions filed in the registry; empowering Central Government to prescribe thresholds with regard to reporting of frauds to Central Government by auditors and non-related shareholders to approve related party transactions through ordinary resolution. CSR cell has issued a series of clarifications through a General Circular dated 18 th June 2014 for effective implementation of CSR Policy Rules and to deal with certain matters not covered under the Act or Rules but which facilitate smooth implementation of their CSR Policies. The circular suggests liberal interpretation of Schedule VII so as to include a wide range of activities under CSR having implication for inclusive growth. As a follow up to Prime Minister’s announcement on Swachh Bharat and Clean Ganga campaign, the same have been included as CSR activities under Schedule VII of the Act w.e.f 24.10.2014. A High Level Committee (HLC) has been constituted to suggest measures to access the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies by companies at their level and by the Government under the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 vide General Circular No. 01/2015 dated 03.02.2015. The Committee is expected to submit its report by the end of August, 2015. Till date the Committee has held two meetings. Notification of IFRS-converged Ind AS

Consequent to announcement in the budget of Financial Year 2014-15 (para128), accounting standards converged with global standards, namely, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) were framed in consultation with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and National Advisory Committee on Accounting Standards. These thirty nine standards, called Indian Accounting Standards (Ind As) have been notified on 16.02.2015 as Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015. These accounting standards are significantly congruent with the global standards, with minimum carve-outs and are expected to boost investor confidence. Dealing with Corporate Delinquency


SFIO has completed investigations into the affairs of 42 so-called ‘Chit Fund Companies’ unravelling their modus operandi. Apart from prosecuting such companies for failure to comply with provisions of Companies Act, evidence gathered has been shared with the CBI as well as other investigating agencies such as, Enforcement Directorate and Economic Offences Wings of the concerned State Police authorities which are looking into criminal offences of such companies. Investor Education Initiatives1491 programs were conducted in various locations to familiarize small investors of the opportunities and pitfalls in making investments.

MINISTRY OF CULTURE

1. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and HERITAGE


1.1 E-ticketing: The process to have a web-based e-ticketing platform for ASI ticketed monuments has been initiated. The pilot project was started w.e.f. 26th December, 2014 for Taj Mahal, Agra and Humayun Tomb, Delhi. e-ticketing will be rolled out for all other ticketed monuments throughout the country within 2015. The project is being implemented with the help of IRCTC.

1.2 National Policy on Archeological Exploration and Excavation approved on 9th of March 2015.

1.3 Under the Village to Village Survey Scheme, the Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Dharwad, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, Shimla, Thrissur and Vadodara Circle surveyed, 1340 villages and 519 villages have yielded antiquarian remains/ancient mounds/structures etc.

1.4 The work of architectural survey and documentation of heritage buildings in the city of Varanasi was started by ASI and sixty nine buildings/temples have been documented/listed so far.

1.5 The Survey/Documentation work of several important historical monuments and sites including ‘Structural Temples of the Pallavas, District Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu; decorated rock shelters in Gawilgarh Hills (M.P.) , thorough exploration of middle reaches of Vaigai river valley comprising Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts and documentation of about 293 sites containing various forms of archaeological remains there, were some of the important tasks completed during the year

1.6 Rani ka Vav (Gujarat) and Great Himalayan National Park (H.P.) have been inscribed on World Heritage List during the 38thSession of World Heritage Committee held from 15-25 June, 2014 at Doha, Qatar.

1.7 The 9th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. India’s nomination of ‘Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India’ was unanimously accepted for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity. India now has a total of 11 elements inscribed, bringing it to number 8 position overall, in terms of inscriptions of UNESCO’s list of intangible treasures.

1.8 India has been elected for the next four years (2014-18) to the Inter-governmental Committee for the safeguarding of the intangible Cultural Heritage in a vote on 4 th June 2014 at UNESCO headquarters, by the Central Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention for the safeguarding of the ICH. India won the election by a resounding 135 votes against a total of 142 votes cast.

1.9 India was nominated as Vice Chair to the Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage from November 2014 until November 2015. 2. ‘25 ADARSHSMARAK’

2.1 25 ASI sites have been launched as ‘AdarshSmarak’ on 26th December, 2014 for providing improved visitor amenities, especially for the physically challenged, besides cleanliness, drinking water, and interpretation centres etc.

2.2 All the 25 monuments will be conserved on project mode basis. The civic amenities facilities will be augmented at these sites.

2.3 ASI has already concluded anMoU with ONGC for providing these amenities at Taj Mahal at an estimate of Rs. 20.75 crore. Similar MoUs will be concluded for 5 more monuments.

2.4 ASI also proposes to conclude MoU with BHEL and NBCC for providing such monuments with these facilities.

3. DIGITIZATION

3.1 One of the important mandates of the Ministry of Culture is the development and upgradation of the Museums within the country. Under the 14 point Museum reform programme the Ministry of Culture has embarked upon an ambitious project of the digitization of the collections of the Museums under it with the twin purpose of making effective utilization of technology in museum management and bringing the collections of

these museums closer to the public by making them available for online viewing over the internet. In this endeavour, the Ministry of Culture, through the technical expertise of Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C –DAC) Pune and the Art Institute of Chicago got standardized a software entitled "Jatan" for implementation in its Museums.

3.2 In the first phase of the digitization project the Jatan software has been implemented in 10 selected Museums of the Ministry / Archaeological Survey of India as detailed below:

National Museum, New Delhi Indian Museum, Kolkata Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru Allahabad Museum Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad ASI Nagarjunakonda Museum ASI Goa Museum

3.3 The implementation of the Jatan software will ensure the development of Digital Accession Register for all the antiquities in these museums which could then be regularly up-dated as and when more antiquities / artifacts are acquired by the museum. The implementation of this software will also ensure that a uniform pattern of collections management is followed in the museums under the Ministry. In future it is also proposed to get the Jatan software implemented in the 42 remaining ASI site museums also in a phased manner.

3.4 In order to achieve the ultimate aim of bringing the collections of these Museums closer to the public from all walks of life, the Ministry of Culture has set up a Digital repository of the collections of these Museums in technical collaboration with C-DAC, Pune along with a unified web portal at www.museumsofindia.gov.in on which details of more than 28,800 objects from the collections of these museums along with their images are presently available.

3.5 Further, in order to enable the Museums controlled by the State Governments and Societies/Trusts etc to digitize their collections the Ministry of Culture has formulated a Plan Scheme for providing financial grants for Digitization of Museum collections.

3.6 Similarly ASI has also concluded an MoU with M/s Google for uploading of 3D images of ASI monuments on web. So far 113 such monuments, walk through have been uploaded by M/s Google.

3.7 National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities has uploaded about 4lakh entries pertaining to documentation of Antiquities from various Museums/ Documentation Resource Centres (DRCs) across India on the NMMA website.

3.8 Digitization of records and open access to archival resources has been taken up in a big way. National Archives of India has launched its online search portal “Abilekh-Patal” on its 125th Foundation Day on 11th of March, 2015. 2 million catalogue entries and 2000 digital images have been uploaded. About 15 lakh pages have been already digitized and more projects are underway.

3.9 After the recent weeding out of the records by various Ministries, transfer of official records from Ministries to NAI has commenced. 2000 officials of various Ministries were trained on Records Management Practices by the National Archives of India (NAI).

4. SAARC CULTURE MINISTER’S MEETING4.1 The SAARC Heads of Government met in Kathmandu and agreed for enhanced focus on

cultural relations. The SAARC Culture Ministers met in Delhi and agreed on the SAARC agenda for Culture for 2014-17 in the form of Delhi Resolution. India hosted the SAARC Traditional Dance Festival from September 26-29, 2014. Seventh meeting of the Governing Board of SAARC is scheduled to be held in September, 2015. 5. LOOK EAST POLICY

http://www.museumsofindia.gov.in/

5.1 To promote India’s soft power and to further the MEA focus on East Asia and South East Asia, several Festivals of India have been held in these geographical locations, in particular in the countries of Laos PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, China, and Japan. Festivals of Indian in Indonesia and Malaysia are going on and Myanmar, South Korea, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Australia and Srilanka are in the offing. The running central theme of most of these festivals has been the core contribution of Buddhism, especially the local context and the bilateral relations. Indian Museum, Kolkata has organized an international exhibition titled ‘Indian Buddhist Art’ at Shanghai and Tokyo. Most of these festivals have been spread over several weeks and have been multicity. These festivals have been quite successful and have registered high footfalls as well as tremendous local media coverage and attention. 6. PROJECT ‘MAUSAM’

6.1 Launched on 21st June, 20146.2 Project ‘Mausam’ is an exciting, multi-disciplinary project that rekindles long-lost ties across

nations of the Indian Ocean ‘world’ and forges new avenues of cooperation and exchange. The project, launched by India in partnership with member states, will enable a significant step in recording and celebrating this important phase of world history from the African, Arab and Asian-world perspectives.

6.3 A National Conference on Indian Ocean Region: Cultural Landscapes and Maritime Trade Routes of India: ‘Review of existing data and Identification of Potential Coastal Sites’ was organized by ASI at Kochi in collaboration with Government of Kerala between November 17-19, 2014

7. REMEMBERING GANDHI7.1 All components of Dandi project namely construction of National Dandi Memorial,

development of Dandi Heritage path from Ahmedabad to Dandi and development of 21 Night Halt places have been approved. Govt. of India has also accorded its approval for the construction of National Dandhi Memorial at Dandi. Construction of the Heritage path has begun. Work on 21 Night Halt places is in progress.

7.2 Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission has taken up several projects. Its includes upgradation and modernization of Gandhi Ashram Trust at Noakhali (Bangladesh); upgradation of the Gandhi SmarakSangrahalaya, Barrackpore, Kolkata; curating exhibition of permanent nature of Pietermaritzburg RailwayStation, South Africa and creation of data base relating to Dandhi Heritage sites etc.

7.3 Approximately 7,38,462 pages have been uploaded on Gandhi Heritage Portal.7.4 The jury for the Gandhi Peace Prize under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister of

India has decided that the Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2014 be conferred on Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in recognition of its outstanding contribution in use of space technology for the social, economic and political transformation of the nation through non-violence. 8. INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST CONCLAVE

8.1 International Buddhist Conclave in collaboration with the State Govts. of Bihar and UP in Bodhgaya and Sarnath was successfully held from 26-28th September, 2014.

8.2 The Conclave included presentations, panel discussion, business to business meetings between the international and domestic tour operators, an exhibition highlighting the Buddhist attractions in India, as well as visits to important Buddhist sites in and around Bodhgaya and Sarnath.

8.3 State Governments had set up booths at the conference venue for interacting with the international delegates and for showcasing India’s Buddhist Heritage. Participants in the Buddhist Conclave included international Buddhist opinion makers, tour operators and media, as well as State Governments and domestic tour operators promoting pilgrimages to the Buddhist sites in the country.

8.4 Approximately 120 international delegates comprising tour operators, media representatives and opinion makers from 32 countries participated in the Conclave.

9. SWACHCHHA BHARAT ABHIYAN9.1 Swachh Bharat mission has been launched in the Ministry of Culture on 25 September, 2014

with signing of anMoU between ASI, ONGC and Ministry of Tourism for constructing toilets and other facilities at TajMahal.

9.2 Five more monuments would be covered under Clean India campaign. 9.3 All officers and staff monuments would be covered under Clean India campaign. All officers

and staff members in the Ministry and those in its attached, subordinate and autonomous organizations have been sensitized to maintain cleanliness in their respective organizations have been sensitized to maintain cleanliness in their respective office premises.

9.4 Instructions have been issued that apart from ensuring that the work place, museums, monuments, akademisetc are kept clean.

9.5 Organisations should work out innovative action plan for propagating cleanliness amongst visitors/audiences.

9.6 Instructions have also been issued that guarantee organizations that receive grants from the Ministry or its Organisations under various Schemes may be asked to propogate the idea of Swachh Bharat through their events/programmes as a condition of grant.

9.7 A special drive has been undertaken to review old files/records under which 8362 old files weeded out.

10. CENTENARIES/ CELEBRATION10.1 The inaugural function of major two commemorations – Centenary of Komagata Maru

incident on 29th September, 2014 and Birth Centenary of Begum Akhtar on 7 th October 2014 have been held. 125th Birth Centenary of Jawaharlal Nehru has also been inaugurated on 14th November, 2014. The Centenary is being celebrated with focus on sanitation and promotion of Scientific Temper. Some more commemorations have been approved for celebration like that of Lala Lajpat Rai, Shri Deen Dayal Upadhyay, Maharana Pratap etc.

10.2 The National Archives of India is celebrating its 125 th Foundation Year in 2015-16. The inaugural ceremony was held on the Foundation Day on 11th March, 2015. 11. E-GOVERNANCE

11.1 The process to have a web-based e-ticketing platform for ASI ticketed monuments has been initiated. The pilot project started w.e.f. 26th December, 2014 for Taj Mahal, Agra and Humayun Tomb, Delhi. After the initiation of the pilot project, e-ticketing will be rolled out for all other 116 ticketed ASI monuments throughout the country within 2015.

11.2 The administration/ implementation of the various schemes previously run by the Ministry of Culture have been delegated to Autonomous Bodies under the administrative control of the Ministry. All major seventeen schemes have been made on-line.

12. Other Initiatives12.1 Rs. 200 crore has been released for the Statue of Unity – a statue of Sardar Vallabh Bhai

Patel.12.2 Three day long Varanasi Mahotsav ‘Sanskriti’ was inaugurated by PM , held from 25-27 Dec,

2014. Many educational institutions have been chosen in Varanasi for development as Interpretation Centres based on famous luminaries and important themes regarding the city. Work in this direction is progress.

12.3 National Museum Institute: Foundation stone of permanent campus of National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology (NMI) has been laid in January 2015, campus to have world class facilities to help train the youth in the field of art, museology , conservation etc and is expected to be completed within two years at a cost of Rs 90 cr.

12.4 Several initiatives has been taken for better synergy with the Ministry of Tourism such as developing tourist circuits in the North-East, Buddhist Trail, collaboration for Festivals of India; Clean India Campaign at ASI sites.

12.5 A meeting with Tourism Secretaries of all States/Union Territories was organized by ASI on 10th November, 2014 at New Delhi chaired by the Honble Minister aimed at developing tourist facilities in monuments and better coordination between the Ministries of Culture and Tourism Deptts. Of State Govts. And UTs.

12.6 The First Annual meeting of the Heads of Organizations under the charge of Ministry of Culture was held on 19th November, 2014 which was addressed by the Hon’ble Minister, in order to have better coordination with the organizations and build synergy amongst them. The Ministry has signed MoUs with all the organizations for monitoring the assigned priorities to them.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Make in India:

For speedy indigenization Government has increased the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit from 26% to 49% through approval route in August 2014. Above 49%, the proposal may be considered on case to case basis.

Defence products list for the purpose of industrial licensing has been substantively shortened and notified.

Government has notified a Defence Exports Strategy for faster clearance for export of defence items.

Interactions with industry intensified through DRDO and DDP. Of 39 acquisition proposals approved by the Government, 32 proposals worth Rs. 88900.18

crore (95.63%) come under Buy (Indian) and Buy & Make (Indian) categories.

Acquisitions:

Capital Acquisition Budget fully utilized. 26 contracts signed/indents placed during the financial year 2014-15. Total contract/indented

cost is Rs 64768.65 crore. Government of India and Government of France have agreed to conclude an Inter-

Governmental Agreement for supply of the 36 Rafale jets to Indian Air Force.

Technological Advancement:

The maiden canisterised trial of India's first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Agni-5 was successfully carried out on 31st January 2015.

Indian Navy successfully test fired indigenously developed ship launched ballistic missile 'Dhanush' on Nov 14, 2014.

Drop trials of first winged version of glide bomb 'Garuthma' were conducted successfully on 19th December 2014.

Phase IV User trials for demonstrating Trench Crossing and Step Climbing capabilities of Arjun MBT Mk-II has been completed in-Sep 2014.

Dynamic trials of 120 mm Penetration-cum-Blast (PCB) ammunition for MBT Arjun Mk II were conducted successfully during 02-06 Jun 2014.

An Advanced Parachute System was designed, developed and evaluated by DRDO.

Capability Enhancement

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, embarked on the newly inducted India’s largest aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya on 13 June 2014. He dedicated the aircraft carrier to the Nation.

A new state of the art “Very Low Frequency (VLF) Transmitting Station” was inaugurated on 31 July, 2014 at INS Kattaboman.

INS Kolkata, an indigenous destroyer built at Mazagaon Dock Limited, Mumbai, the biggest warship ever to be built in India to date, was commissioned by the Prime Minister on 16 August, 2014.

INS Kamorta, an ASW corvette built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Kolkata, was commissioned on 23 August, 2014.

Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sumitra built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), was commissioned on 04 September, 2014.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) started a new Joint Venture with "Thales" of France for production of new technology radars.

BEL successfully manufactured Light Weight Portable radars 'Bharani' for Army and 'Ash Lesha' for Air Force.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) inducted into Air Force. Tejas trainer PV6, the two-seater version of Tejas LCA for Air Force took its first flight. LCA (Navy) Prototype 1, the first


indigenously designed and developed combat aircraft designed to operate from aircraft carriers, took-off from a Ski-Jump facility.

The Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) created to replicate the aircraft carrier with a Ski Jump for take-off and arrested landing, became operational at INS Hansa.

The first Su-30 MKI aircraft integrated with BrahMos Missile and 75th HAWK MK 1321 Advanced Jet Training aircraft handed over by HAL to Indian Air Force.

Maiden flight of the upgraded strike aircraft, Jaguar Darin-III was carried out successfully on Mar 25, 2015.

Indian Navy’s first Scorpene submarine ‘INS Kalvari’ under Project 75 undocked by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) on 06.04.2015.

Steps taken to improve the functioning of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)

In order to enable long term planning, Army is sharing their perspective plan with OFB. Simultaneously, Army has placed second round of roll on indent for a 5 year period.

Coastal Security:

The Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC), a joint operations facility of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, has been inaugurated on 23 November 2014. IMAC will be the nodal centre of the National Command Control Communications and Intelligence Network (NC3I Network) for improving coastal surveillance and security.

Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Abhiraj, which will strengthen Coastal Surveillance initiatives, commissioned at Tuticorin.

Three Services and the Coast Guard conduct the Defence of Gujarat Exercise.

Advanced interception by Indian Coast Guard: Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft intercepted a suspect fishing boat in Arabian Sea near

Indo-Pak maritime boundary, approximately 365 km from Porbandar. A joint operation involving Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Indian Navy (IN) resulted in

seizure of 232 Packets (approximately 1 Kg each) of narcotics from a Pakistani fishing boat on 20.04.2015 in the international waters off Gujarat coast.

OVERVIEW OF SECURITY SITUATION

Situation in Jammu & Kashmir

(a) Situation Along the Line of Control: The situation along the LC has stabilized during the period as compared to the previous year. There has been a decline of 32.8% in Pak initiated ceasefire violations and a decrease of 28.5% in successful infiltration since 26 May 2014 as compared to the same period in the previous year. 110 terrorists were neutralized in year 2014, the highest in last four years.

(b) Situation in the Hinterland: Effective domination of the hinterland by the security forces has resulted in 7.1 % decline in Terrorist Initiated Violence and 3 % reduction in fatal casualties to Security Forces. This improvement in security situation translated in the record voter turnout of 65.23% during the J&K State Assembly Elections (25 Nov - 20 Dec 14).

Border Infrastructure Development

More financial and operational powers delegated to DG, BRO and his officers for faster implementation of the projects.

BRO has been transferred under Ministry of Defence from Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for better orientation of BRO towards strategic road construction.

Long Term Roll on Work Plan (LTROWP) for Rs. 21333 Cr has been finalized for BRO. A road map has been drawn in the form of a long term Equipment Plan (LTEP from 2014-15

to 2018-19 for Rs. 3913.47 Cr. The Size of annual procurement plan for procurement of vehicle/equipment/plant has been

increased to Rs. 459 Cr in 2014-15 from Rs. 403.13 Cr In 2013-14. Government order issued in March, 2015 for raising of three Engineer Regiments (TA) for

repairs and maintenance of 734 Km of Line of Control (LC) Fence in the State of J&K.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

Indian Armed Forced played a significant role during various Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations including ‘Operation Megh Rahat’ during floods in J&K, ‘Operation Lehar’ during cyclone HUDHUD in the Coastal Andhra Pradesh region, ‘Operation Phuktal’ during formation of the artificial lake due to landslide in River Phuktal, controlling massive forest fire near Vishakapatnam, supply of over 2400 tonnes of water to Maldives during crisis situation due to failure of de-salination water systems, evacuation of Indian and Foreign nationals from Yemen and ‘Opertaion Maitri’ during Earthquake in Nepal.

Defence Cooperation

The first ever Warship, built by GRSE, Kolkata, was exported to the Government of Mauritius and was Handed Over to the Govt. of Mauritius on 20th December, 2014. India also handed over a Fast Attack Craft INS Tarasa to Seychelles Coast Guard.

Joint exercises with militaries of several foreign countries such as United States, UK, Russia, Japan, Singapore and China were held.

Projects on Anvil

War Memorial: The Government of India has decided to build a National War Memorial to honour Defence Forces’ personnel who were martyred in wars after Independence in 1947. A War Museum will also be constructed.

Indian National Defence University: A draft INDU Bill 2015 is under preparation for

consideration of Cabinet.

Setting up of Sainik School: A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed with the

Government of Mizoram on 13th April 2015 for setting up of a Sainik School in Mizoram.

Welfare of Veterans:

Pension Reforms

Approval for implementation of One Rank One Pension for retired defence personnel is in final stage.

The notional full pension of the commissioned officers absorbee pensioners has been stepped up to fifty percent (50%) of the minimum of the fitment tables for the rank in the revised pay band.

Aadhaar Card admitted as proof of age for payment of additional pension/family pension on completion of 80 years of age or above.

A Defence Pension Call Centre has been established with a Toll Free number 1800-180-5321.

Ten (10) Pension Adalats held in various parts of the country having high density of Defence pensioner population.

Resettlement of Ex-Servicemen

'DGR Corporate conclave' organized on 19 Aug 2014. New MoU signed with Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries for implementing Coal

Transportation Scheme for ESM. A Reservation Monitoring Cell approved for monitoring reservation of ESM in various Govt

departments/PSUs/Banks.

Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme

144 new hospitals empanelled with ECHS, taking the total No of empanelled hospitals to 1268.

On-line bill processing of hospital bills has been implemented in ECHS resulting in reduced time taken to process bills.

Financial powers for approval of medical bills in ECHS have been enhanced.

Minimum Government Maximum Governance

Substantial delegation of Financial powers to Services.

Revision of Defence Procurement Procedure is underway to remove the bottlenecks in the procurement process and also simplify/ rationalize various aspects of the Defence Procurement.

Initiative taken to restructure the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Digital India- Initiatives

A digital database of Defence pensioners has been created. The pilot run of the project to issue electronic Pension Payment Orders has been completed. Electronic audit of the accounts of all Air Force units implemented. Digitization of records in History Division and digitization of files/records relating to Defence

land is underway. Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) conducted Computer Based Screening Test

(CBST) in 48 institutes for the selection of Scientist ‘B’ in DRDO for the first time. IT based system for expenditure management ‘Budget Tracking System (BTS)’ implemented

by DRDO. DRDO has introduced Project Evaluation Assessment and Readiness Level (PEARL) which

is a highly modified version of Decision Aid for Technology Evaluation (DATE) to ease the process of project monitoring.

Initiative by Services

IT project on sharing of knowledge between training institutions of all three Services over

National Knowledge Network (NKN).

I-Aushadhi: Networking of all Medical Stores, Depots and DGAFMS office for online procurement.

Hospital Information System: Integration of three Services Hospital Network.

Hospital Smart Card: A smart card containing the medical history and prescription of each individual and dependants.

Cantonment Administration

Election to Cantonment Boards: The general elections in 56 Cantonment Boards have been conducted on 11th January, 2015.

Centres for differently-abled Children: During the year, 9 centres have been opened for differently-abled Children in Cantonment Boards and thus the total number of such centres opened by the Cantonment Boards is 26.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Ministry of Defence has undertaken an intensive national cleanliness campaign w.e.f. 25th September 2014. Directorate of Defence Estates, Ministry of Defence has prepared an elaborate plan to implement, “Clean India - Clean Cantonments” programme.

Renewal/conversion of insanitary latrines: At the beginning of the year 4,768 insanitary latrines were found in existence during survey in Cantonments and out of these 4,401 insanitary latrines have been either demolished or converted into sanitary latrines.

Separate Toilets for Girls & Boys: Separate Toilets for Girls & Boys have been provided in all co-educational schools run by the Cantonment Boards.

“Biodigester” toilets have been dedicated to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Leading from the front

Out of 57 medals India bagged in the Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea, sportsmen from Indian Armed Forces got 18 medals. In the Commonwealth Games held at Glasgow, Scotland from 23 July to 03 August, 2014, Services sportsmen bagged 08 medals which include 02 gold , and 05 silver out of the country’s medal tally which stood at 64.

MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

SBM(G) The Swachh Bharat Mission has been launched as a flagship programme on

2nd October, 2014 to achieve Swachh Bharat by 2nd October, 2019. Part-funding of toilets from MGNREGA has been discontinued, since it was leading

to inefficiency in implementation. Emphasis is on behavior change. Community based collective behavior change has

been suggested as the preferred approach by the States. This is so, because sanitation is a mindset issue, and usage of toilets is important.

Incentive for individual toilet has been increased to Rs. 12,000(Including provision of Rs. 2000 for water availability) for all Below poverty Line (BPL) households and to identified Above Poverty Line (APL) households (all SCs /STs, small and marginal farmers, landless labourers with homestead, physically handicapped and women-headed households).

Responsibility for school and anganwadi toilets has been given to the concerned Departments (M/o HRD and M/o WCD), for a closer focus.

Flexibility has been provided to the States in the implementation, since sanitation is a State subject, and the socio-economic-cultural conditions vary from State to State.



Orientation trainings of Collector’s held to expose them to community approach for achieving open defecation free communities and to success stories elsewhere.

On-line monitoring has been strengthened and transparency increased in the implementation of the Programme of SBM(G) by making all the data including the names and addresses of the beneficiaries of Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) available in the public domain / on-line monitoring system. A Mobile application for uploading photographs of toilets constructed after 2.10.2014 is being developed.

National Sanitation Campaign was organized from 25th September, 2014 to 31st October, 2014 across the Country.

World Hand Washing Day – World Hand Washing Day was celebrated on 15th October, 2014. State of Madhya Pradesh has created a world record by organizing hand washing activities among more than 3 lakh children at the same time.

Massive media campaigns have been started at National level using Audio Visual (TV) and Audio(Radio). States are also carrying out IEC campaign.

Use of social media: Swachh Bharat Whatsapp group has been created involving officials of GoI and all the States. Similar groups for individual States have been formed. A Facebook page for SBM(G) has also been created.

Solid Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) guidelines have been circulated to States. Three regional workshops have been organized at Trivandrum, Guwahati and Ranchi. A National workshop on SLWM is scheduled on 21.04.2015.

Ganga Action Plan for extending Sanitation Facilities in 1657 GPs in 5 States have been prepared. A committee was also formed to suggest technologies for household toilets in these GPs. The progress in these 1657 Gram Panchays is also being monitored. Work is in full swing in Sahebganj district of Jharkhand.

NRDWP Formulation of guidelines to provide minimum of 8 to 10 Liters per capita

per day of potable drinking water through suitable community water purification plants in water quality affected habitations as short term measure.

Providing Piped Water Supply system through Solar Power based Dual Pumping in total 10,000 habitations in 88 IAP districts in 10 States with the assistance of National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF).

Provision of Piped Water Supply (PWS) system through Solar Power based Dual Pumping in 20,000 Habitations across the country in 2014-15 in collaboration with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Launched PWS system in 4 States (Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and UP) under Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project (RWSSP) costing Rs. 6000 Crore with the assistance of World Bank in 2014 which is planned to benefit approximately 78 lakh rural population in the said States.

Process initiated for NABL accreditation of Water Quality Testing Labs has been initiated.

During the massive floods in Kashmir Mobile water treatment plant and drinking water bottles / pouches were airlifted to J&K.

Water Helpline - Water Helpline numbers for various states has been put in place for all rural beneficiaries for complaints related to water / water quality.

Initiatives Common to SBM(G) and NRDWP Exhibition of Innovations (Indovation) organized - Two Exhibitions were organized in

New Delhi on 26-27th August 2014 and 23-24 January 2015 wherein various innovative technologies in respect of Toilet, Solid Liquid Waste Management and Water Treatment had been showcased to various Stakeholders / Users including various State Governments, NGOs and Research & Academic Institutions.

An Expert Committee headed by Dr. R.A. Mashelkar to examine the Innovative Technologies has been formed. This committee has enlisted various innovative technologies and a Compendium consisting of such technologies has been published and uploaded in the website of the Ministry for benefits of various stakeholders.

Conference of State Ministers in-charge of Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation had been organized on 25th Aug, 2014 and 22nd January, 2015 in which the Hon’ble Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, GoI reviewed the programme with State Ministers. New initiatives to accelerate the pace of programme were discussed.

A link has been created in the website of the Ministry to where innovators, manufactures and other stakeholders can showcase their technologies/ ideas /innovations.

Water and Sanitation awareness week was celebrated across the country from 16th to 22nd March , 2015.

‘e-office’ - Effective implementation of e-office in the Ministry whereby ensuring every paper in the ministry is accounted for thus introducing more transparency in the working of the Ministry.

Launch of E-book and Pocket Book- An E- book and a Pocket Book ( ready reckoner) on drinking water and sanitation has been launched on 1st January , 2015 which gives in brief an overview of the work being done in the Ministry.

2. Outcomes and BenefitsSBM(G)

Physical achievement 2014-15: Against the yearly target of 50 lakh for individual latrines, 53,81,728 latrines were constructed, which is achievement of 107.6% of the target. Besides, 824 Community Sanitary Complexes, 22,940 school toilets unit and 7,311 anganwadi toilets were constructed.

There has been more than 394% increase in construction of toilets after the launch of SBM(G) as compared to pre-SBM period of 2014-15. Also there is an increasing trend in each quarter after the launch of SBM(G).

587 Gram Panchayats have been selected for award of Nirmal Gram Puraskar

(NGP) NRDWP

All the policy initiatives taken are for the benefit of rural population. Piped water schemes from distant surface water sources have long gestation period. Once the schemes are commissioned, health as well as economic & social benefits will be obviously known.

The coverage of habitations with piped water supply has increased from 46.77 % to 50.71 % during 2014-15.

RO based water purification plants have already benefitted more than 3000 rural habitations. Such a facility is planned in approximately 20,000 more water quality affected habitations.

During 2013-14, 1,036 habitation were covered though PWS system with Solar Power based Dual Pumping in IAP districts in 10 States with the assistance of NCEF. However, in 2014-15, 3,228 habitations were covered.

Benefits of PWS system through Solar Power based Dual Pumping in collaboration with Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will be visible in 2015-16.

Benefits of PWS system under RWSSP will be visible in batches starting from 2017. The Nos. of Water samples tested in the laboratories increased to 38 lakh i.e. an

increase by 23% over previous year.3. Benefits to States and takeaways

The rural sanitation coverage, which was 40.36% as per the baseline survey carried out in 2012-13, has increased to 44.51%.

The National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) is intended to create and

maintain rural water supply infrastructure across the country for the benefit of all segments of rural population across the country. The fully covered habitations with 40 Lpcd has increased from 73.65 % to 77.09 % during 2014-15. Safe water along with improved sanitation facilities will result in improved health based outcomes.

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST & CLIMATE CHANGE 1. VISION

Our motto is to strike a balance between development and environment protection. Our vision is to have Sustainable Development. Our vision is to have Growth and Environment Protection. Our vision is Development without Destruction. Our vision is Poverty Eradication and Green Growth.

2. Transparency in Environment and Forest Clearances

• In an innovative step to ensure transparency, the Ministry has started the process of online submission of applications for Environment, CRZ and Forest approvals. Now, the applicants need not come to the Ministry for approvals but can track them online. They can even access previous Environment Impact Assessment Reports.

• Since introduction of this practice in July 2014, more than 1047 applications for Terms of Reference, 860 applications for environment Approval and 1020 applications for Forest Approval are already under process online.

• More than 650 public and private projects worth thousands of crore with an employment potential of over hundred thousand have been cleared.

• The National Board of Wildlife has recommended 199 pending proposals, including 102 infrastructure projects, 15 irrigation projects, 15 Oil and Natural Gas projects and 7 Defence projects.

• Standard Terms of Reference for Environment Impact Assessment have been finalized for all categories (39 sectors) of projects/activities in April 2015.

• To facilitate informed, transparent, expeditious and predictable decisions on forest approval applications, launched Geographical Information System (GIS) based Decision Support System (DSS).

• This has lent transparency and predictability in Environment and Forest approvals.

• Designed with features like search layer tool, draw and measure tool, identify tool and print tool, the GIS based Decision support system would help the government classify forests of the country into various ecological classes and categories.

• Hydrological layer, net present value of forest, time series of forest cover map, important wildlife habitats outside protected area network, recorded forest area boundaries would be incorporated and monitored through this system.

• A compendium of all OM/Notifications issued under EIA Notification for the use of project proponents and decision makers.

• Online submission of proposals relating to wildlife clearance has been made operational and integrated with Forest and Environment clearances.

• An online portal of Central Zoo Authority launched for grant of online recognition to zoos and monitoring zoos.

3. Defence and Other Projects of strategic importance

6, 000 kms of Border roads granted immediate go ahead. They were pending for years together.

Defence infrastructure within 100 kms of Line of Actual Control (LAC) has been put on automatic approval route.

Border road approval extended to Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Border Security Force & Sashastra Seema Bal.

General approval granted to Road connectivity in 117 Left Wing Extremism affected districts.

Permission granted to all pending Defence projects of strategic importance like Project Seabird at Karwar.

4. Empowering States, Strengthening Federalism

Strengthened federalism by decentralizing the decision making. The power to decide all cases of reforestation below 40 hectares has been delegated

to States. This means that 90% of the files will not travel to Delhi, but will be decided by

Regional Empowered Committees (RECs), where States have been made partners. There is an active involvement of three non-Government experts in each REC. It is

now a Multi-Stakeholder Committee capable of taking appropriate decisions. General Condition for Category ‘B’ projects to become Category ‘A’ reduced from 10

km Protected Area etc. to 5 km paving way for more projects to be appraised at the State Level. Now there is no need for the project proponents to come to Ministry for approval.

Mineral beneficiation limit of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has also been raised.

5. Linear Projects Fast Tracked to Boost Infrastructure

Permission for all linear projects of public utility like pipelines, transmission lines, irrigation and drinking water canals, roads, railway lines, etc. has been streamlined and fast-tracked.

Power to grant Forest approval is delegated to Regional Empowered Committees (RECs) with the States participation.

Automatic approval that was available to 220 KV transmission lines has now been extended to all transmission lines.

6. Facilitating faster Industrial & Education Growth

To ensure industrial and education growth, the required approvals for construction of industrial sheds (which houses plant and machinery), educational institutions and hostels have been fast-tracked.

This is subject to the Project Proponents implementing strict and best environmental practices such as recycling of water, use of recycled material in construction and water harvesting.

7. Simplified procedure for Expeditious Project Implementation• Irrigation projects with Cultural Command Areas of less than 2000 ha and Biomass

based Thermal Power Projects up to 15 MW are put on Automatic approval Route.• Starting industries in Industrial Estates made easy.• In Linear infrastructure projects, Stage-1 approval will mean granting working

permission as well. 8. Protecting and Promoting Cleaner Environment

• Coal cess increased from 50 to 200 per tonne, which will substantially enhance the fund available for development of clean technology.

• Ministry has got approval of the Government for introducing the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill in the Parliament for transferring 90% of the accumulated funds amounting to about Rs. 38, 000 crore to State/UT governments. This will facilitate faster implementation of programmes of afforestation and re-forestation and ensure environment friendly development and promotion of industries.

9. Pollution Control Measures

• Emission norms for Cement industry have been enhanced and made more stringent to ensure lesser pollution and cleaner air.

• National Air Quality Index (AQI) developed for One Number, One Colour and One Description in consultation with an expert group was launched by the Prime Minister on 6th April 2015. Cities where Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) have been operated are presently covered to depict AQI. It is further plannedto cover all 46 million plus cities to have CAAQMS to disseminate AQI.

• Real time-online monitoring of 3206 industrial units in 17 critically polluting sectors is mandated. These industries have been directed to monitor 24x7 effluent discharge quality and air emission quality. This mandate will be extended to other industries in a phased manner.

• CPCB has finalized standards for sewage treatment plants (STPs) which stipulate that treated effluent from STP shall be utilized for non-potable use and if, such effluents are to be disposed into surface water body of ground in such case, STPs will have to meet stricter standards.

• STP capacity of 179 mld created which includes 50 mld in Jalandhar, 30 mld in Hoshiarpur, 54 mld in Kolhapur and 45 mld in Gorakhpur (Ramgarh Tal) under NRCP and NPCA.

• CPCB has worked out a criteria to classify industries as 'Red' 'Orange' 'Green' Category to link with ease of doing business where granting of consent will be linked. The criteria evolved are based on pollution potential and resource consumption rather than taking capital cost into consideration. The criteria for clarification will be finalized with SPCBs before 30.5.2015.

• Since there was no legal sanctity of Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) evolved earlier and not having direct measurement on health criteria, the CEPI has been revised which will be based on weightage of air, water and land pollution.

• Real-time monitoring of Ganga Water Quality initiated at eight centres on the main course.

• Developed an Action Plan for Ganga Basin States to achieve Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) for sectors like Tanneries, Distilleries and Textiles and achieving treated effluent standards for irrigation in respect of pulp and paper and sugar industries.

• Highly polluting 746 Industrial units have been directed to install online continuous emission, effluent treatment plants and online monitoring equipment.

• A joint action has been initiated with Water Resources Ministry to run sewage treatment plants and with Urban Development Ministry for organised Solid Waste Management. The same formula will be extended to all the other rivers.

• Four Waste Management Rules namely Solid Waste Management Rules 2015; Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2015; Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules,

2015 and e-Waste Management Rules, 2015 have been drafted and uploaded. Hazardous Waste Management Rules, 2015 have been finalized.

10. Protection of Wildlife

• National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the Standing Committee of NBWL were re-constituted in July & September 2014 after a gap of more than one year.

• The NBWL Rules, 2003 were amended vide Gazette Notification dated 10th December 2014, to enable the continuation of term of office of members of NBWL till the Board is re-constituted.

• The Wildlife Division of the Ministry on 22nd October, 2014 issued necessary clarification to State and UT Governments permitting resurfacing and strengthening the highways in wildlife sanctuaries.

• Proposals pending for over a year were placed before the Standing Committee of NBWL which in its three meetings considered a total of 231 proposals and recommended 185 proposals.

• 70 per cent of the world’s Tiger population is in India. Within four years, the Tiger population has increased by 30 per cent from 1706 to 2226.

• Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF): in-principle approval given for Melghat and Nawegaon-Nagzira (Maharashtra), Amrabad (Telangana) and Kawal (Telangana) Tiger Reserves.

• Bor Tiger Reserve (47th) notified in Maharashtra.• Rajaji Tiger Reserve declared in Uttarakhand, which is now the 48th Tiger Reserve in

India.• Economic valuation of six tiger reserves done in collaboration with the Indian

Institute of Forest Management.• Initiative taken for collaboration with National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA)

towards evolving an alert system in tiger reserves prone, to natural disasters.• MIS is being developed for village relocation for all tiger reserves in collaboration

with NIC.• Rhino Protection Force (with 100% central assistance) announced and Rhino Task

Force established for Kaziranga National Park. 11. Protection of Biodiversity

• As President of CoP11 to Convention on Biological Diversity, (CBD), India’s proactive leadership ensured that the Nagoya Protocol attains International legitimacy for which India was the Chair of the first meeting of Nagoya Protocol in October, 2014.

• The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) guidelines notified on 21st November 2014 with Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Rules 2004 thereof, India already has domestic ABS mechanism in place.

• With Nagoya Protocol now being legally binding, it would be easy to track flight of Indian Genetic Resource overseas and seek benefit sharing on mutually agreed terms, in the event of commercialization of accessed resources.

• India submitted its Fifth National Report to the CBD in 2014, which provides an update on biodiversity status, trends and threats, and India’s progress towards global Aichi biodiversity targets.

• With respect to finalization of Eco-sensitive zones, a total of 178 cases have been received from Wildlife Division. Out of that, 70 proposals have been approved by the Ministry, 9 draft notifications issued, 23 final notifications issued and 59 are under process.

12. Climate Change and International Cooperation

• At the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held at Lima in December, 2014, Indian delegation led by the Minister played a pro-active and constructive role in protecting India’s long term interests and emphasised the need for inclusive growth and development space to tackle the problem of eradicating poverty, providing energy access to all and address other developmental priorities.

• The National Adaptation Fund with the corpus of 150 crore was announced in Budget 2015-16.

13. Streamlining of Laws

• A High Level Committee under Shri T.S.R. Subramanian, Ex Cabinet Secretary, to examine efficacy of existing environmental laws and to strengthen environmental protection.

• The Committee has made 55 recommendations in the field of forest, wildlife and environmental clearances.

• As the recommendations have wide ramifications, the Ministry has sought the views of the State Governments.

14. State Environment & Forest Ministers’ Conference

• A State Environment & Forest Ministers’ Conference was held on 6-7 th April, 2015 after a gap of more than five years. After detailed deliberation, a 34-point resolution was adopted to strengthen the environment protection system and associated laws and also to take effective steps for enforcement of environment regulations and introduce greater transparency in procedures.

15. Major Works in Progress

• Review of amendment to Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.• Declaration of more Eco-Sensitive Zones.• Formulation of policies and programmes for effective management of human-wildlife

conflict.• Revision of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010.• Integration and complete migration to the online system in respect of Environment,

Forest, Wildlife and CRZ approvals.• Inviolate Area Finalization.• Realization of outstanding amount of NPV for compensatory afforestation.• Streamlining procedures under Forest Conservation Act.• Preparation of geo-referenced district forest maps.• Making forestry research relevant to emerging needs.• Mainstream climate change issues in the development planning process.

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

When the present government came to power, as far as the Indian economy is concerned, there was a negative mood in the country. The new Government on assuming office had to contend with low economic growth, high inflation, high fiscal deficit ,low investment sentiment, low employment generation, concerns over black money among others. Business as usual was no longer an alternative, because there was a loss of confidence as far as the Indian economy was concerned. Decision making had considerably slowed down and the challenges for the new Government were extremely serious.

The people of India had voted resoundingly for quick change, faster growth and highest level of transparency.The clear mandate from the people provided the government a unique opportunity to redeem its promises. Major task was how best to operationalise these promises into the programmes of the Government. The Government through its activities clearly demonstrated in the short time that it would continue to be clear, transparent, firm and decisive and focus on national interest. With nearly 10 months on, the landscape has vastly changed. Economic stability has returned, reforms are being undertaken and the external environment has moved in India's favour.And above all, the economy has started looking up with a stable and decisive Government bent upon bringing major and fundamental reforms under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister.



The CPI inflation decreased to 5.17 per cent in March of 2015 from 5.37 percent in February, below market expectations. It is the lowest rate in three months due to a slowdown in food cost. Inflation Rate in India averaged 8.69 percent from 2012 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 11.16 percent in November of 2013 and a record low of 4.38 percent in November of 2014.wholesale price inflation is negative at -2.33 percent. WPI inflation is negative ie -2.33, which was 5.44 in April 2014.The real GDP growth is expected to accelerate to 7.4 per cent, making India the fastest growing large economy in the world; foreign inflows since April 2014 have been about $55 billion, so that our foreign exchange reserves have have come a long way from where we had started. increased to a record $340 billion; the rupee has become stronger by 6.4 per cent against a broad basket of currencies.Current account deficit would be less than 1.3% in 2014-15 .Both fiscal and revenue deficit has been showing a declining trend.

Ratings firm Moody’s Investor Service raised India’s credit rating outlook to positive in April 2015, signaling the global acceptance of the reforms initiatives of the new government. As expected, the Government has clearly demonstrated in the short time that it has undertaken more pro-people reform oriented measures than any Government in recent memory. Some of the important initiatives which is really remarkable in the history of economic reforms in the country, inter alia, includes (i) tackling price rise and corruption (ii) widening the platform through empowerment, creation of job opportunities by way of bridging infrastructure deficits, skill upgradation and ‘make in India’ initiative for developing India as a global manufacturing hub (iii) unleashing an era of financial inclusion, by implementing the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. Who would have thought that in a short period of 100 days, over 12.5 crore family could have been brought into the financial mainstream. (iv) extending urban facilities in rural areas through RURBAN mission and improving urban centres bydeveloping smart cities, urban habitations and ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (v) the ‘Swachh Bharat’ which the new Government has been able to transform into a movement to regenerate India, is not only a programme of hygiene and cleanliness but, at a deeper level, a programme for preventive healthcare and building awareness. (vi) with a view to give further boost toSwachh Bharat and Clean Ganga Campaign, Indian corporates have also been taken on board by including these activities under their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR). (vii) embarking upon to more game-changing reforms through the use of Jan Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile (JAM),a unique combination of three to implement direct transfer of benefits. Thisinnovative methodology will allow


transfer of benefits in a leakage-proof, well-targeted and cashless manner.Their woulb be cut in subsidy leakages but not in subsidy themselves (viii) building a national consensus and introducing a bill to amend the Constitution to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GST will put in place a state-of-the-art indirect tax system by 1st April, 2016. This will create a unified and common domestic market by replacing a confusing array of taxes and preventing their cascading effects. Proposed Steps - Sabka Budget 2015-162. The General Budget 2015-16 fully respects the promises made by the new Government, especially, to the poor people, youth, farmers and the middle class. The Government is of the view that the relation between pro-business and pro-poor measures as one of the complementarity and not of conflict.Necessary financing required for welfare measures for the poor people and the common man can only be achieved through a wider resource base derived from a vibrant business environment. Promises made by the Government and steps proposed in the Budget 2015-16 is to be seen in the above context.Some of the initiatives proposed to be taken by the present Government in the ‘Sabka Budget’ 2015-16 for the poor, youth and the common people could be summarised as follows: Focus on Poor People with Universal Social Security

Social Security:Jan Dan to Jan Suraksha

PM Suraksha Bima Yojana with the objective to cover accidental death risks. It provides a cover of Rs. 2 lakh for a premium of Rs. 12 per year

PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana to cover natural and accidental death risks. It provides a cover of Rs. 2 lakh for a premium of Rs. 330 per year

Atal Pension Yojana to provide a defined pension for which the Government would contribute 50 per cent of beneficiaries’ premium (upto Rs. 1000) for 5 years in new accounts opened before December 31, 2015

PM Jan Dhan Yojana ;unleashed an era of financial inclusion.Objective is to over all households in the country with banking facilities and have a bank account for each household.It is technology driven and will be part of JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhar Number and mobile number) . Every account is online with RuPay and Mobile banking facility. Aadhar Enabled Payment system(AEPS) is used for inter operability.Insurance benefits are included.(Accident Insurance Rs 1lakh and life insurance of Rs 30000) More than 12.5 crore families have been brought into the financial mainstream in a short period.Guiness Book of World Records has acknowledged this feat

On 31.3.2015 ,14.71 crore bank accounts are opened under PMJDY and 13.14 crores Rupay cards are issued .

Basic needs: (i) electrification targets for all villages by 2020. (ii)to continue supporting important national priorities like food security, MGNREGA, and kerosene/fertilizer subsidy.Rs34,691 crore for MGNREGA and Rs 1,24.419 crore for food subsidy has been allocated in the Budget(iii) providing access to medical services and schools for all.

Housing: (i) six crore urban and rural houses by 2020 with each house to have uninterrupted power supply, clean water and a toilet.

Kisaan ka Apna Budget :


Soil fertility and irrigation: (i) with a view to improve the soil fertility on a sustainable basis, soil health cards for all farmers. (ii) To achieve this goal, the organic farming schemeof the Ministry of Agriculture– ‘Paramparagat Krish Vikas Yojana’ to be fully supported (iii) Rs. 5,300 crore support for micro irrigation, watershed development and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojana.

Access to Credit: (i) target of Rs. 8.5 lakh crore of agricultural credit during 2015-16.(ii) to facilitate effective and hassle-free agriculture credit with special focus on small and marginal farmers, Rs.1 lakh crore to be made available through 4 different funds including rural infrastructure development fund (RIDF) implemented through NABARD.

Universal Market: proposal to create a National Agricultural Market (NAM) with the objective to benefit farmers and ensuring moderation in price rise.

Yuva ka Apna Budget :

Jobs: (i) more jobs with ‘Make in India’ initiatives and revival of investment cycle (ii) big boost

given to innovation and entrepreneurship (iii) National Skill Mission backed with a digital voucher (iv) Rs.1500 crore for Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushal Yojana.

Education: (i)new IITs, AIIMSs and several other institutes to be set up with a view to provide one major Central Institute in each of the states (ii) setting up of a fully IT based Student Financial Aid Authority to administer and monitor scholarship as well as educational loan schemes, through the Pradhan Mantri Vidya Lakshmi Karyakram. (iii) senior secondary school within 5 km reach of every child.(iv) an integrated education and livelihood scheme called ‘Nai Manzil’ to enable minority youths, who do not have a formal school leaving certificate to obtain one and find better employment.

Quality of Life: (i) boost to infrastructure funding with focus on rail, road and irrigation sectors. (ii) with 50 lakh toilets already during constructed 2014-15, Government is committed to achieve the target of building six crore toilets under Swachh Bharat (iii) uninterrupted power supply by 2020.

Pro-Middle Class Budget:

Tax Saving: (i) total deduction progressively increased to Rs. 4.44 lakh (ii) after taking benefits of

all deductions, income tax savings upto Rs. 40,087on an annual income of Rs. 10 lakh, as compared to 2013-14 (iii) minor increase in service tax (Rs. 164 for a monthly expense of Rs. 10,000) (iv) encouragement given to savings and insurance.v)Limit of deduction of health insurance premium increased from Rs 15000/- to Rs 25000/- .For senior citizens limit increased from Rs 20000/- to Rs 30000/-.vi)Limit on dedeuction on account of contribution to a pension fund and the new pension scheme from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh.vii)Service tax exemption on Varishta Bima Yojana.vii)Senior citizens above the age of 80 years , who are not covered by health insurance to be allowed deduction of Rs 30000/- towards medical expenditures.Viii)additional dedeuction of Rs25000/- allowed for differently abled persons under section 80DD and section 80U of the IT act.ix) Transport allowance exemption increased from Rs800 to Rs1600/- per month.

Less Household Expenses: (i)with reduction in policy rates by RBI, banks’ interest rates expected to go down. With a 0.5 per cent decrease in banks’ lending rate, the EMIs for a loan worth Rs. 20 lakh will get reduced by Rs. 10,000. (ii) subsidies directly coming into bank accounts through direct benefit transfers.

Quality of Life: (i) more jobs through ‘Skill India’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives (ii) improved roads and better railway connectivity (iii) Swachh Bharat (iv) 24x7 power supply by 2022 (v) better medical facilities and more school for children

Inclusive Growth - Funding the Unfunded:MUDRA BANK

While large corporate and business entities do have a role to play in generating inclusive growth,

this has to be complemented by informal sector enterprises, which generate maximum employment. Hence it has been proposed to create a Micro Units Development Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank, with a corpus of Rs. 20,000 crore, and credit guarantee corpus of Rs. 3,000 crore. MUDRA Bank will be responsible for refinancing micro-finance institutions (MFIs) in the business of lending to small entities through Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. Under this initiative, priority in lending will be given to SC/ST enterprises. These measures will greatly increase the confidence of young, educated or skilled workers who would now be able to aspire to become first generation entrepreneurs; existing small businesses, too, will be able to expand their activities. The Prime Minister of India launched MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) Bank on 8th April, 2015 at a well attended function at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.Postal Network with 1,54,000 points of presence spread across villages will be used for increasing access to formal financial system.

Change in Fiscal Architecture:

Cooperative Federalism: In keeping with the true spirit of co-operative federalism, the Government accepted the recommendation of the 14th Finance Commission and decided to devolve 42 per cent share of the divisible pool of taxes to States. Though, this naturally leaves far less money with the Central Government, the Government of India has taken the recommendations of the 14th FC in a positive spirit as they strengthen and provide autonomy to states in designing and implementing schemes as per their priorities and needs.The States will get 48.4 per cent of total tax revenue as compared to 37 per cent previously. This is an unprecedented increase, which would empower states in all possible ways - they would be allowed to chalk out their programmes and schemes with greater financial strength and autonomy, while observing financial prudence and discipline. Without this, local development needs cannot be met and marginalised communities and backward regions cannot be brought into the mainstream. States now will have the advantage to either continue or change the erstwhile schemes and programmes as per their discretion and requirement. In all these, the Union Government, particularly the NITI Aayog, will support States in developing a strategy and in its execution through ideas, knowledge and technology.

Resources transferred to States in crores

Make in India

Definite steps were taken by the Ministry of Finance which would boost the “Make in India” initiative of the Government.Revival of growth and investment in domestic manufacturing has helped in job creation. Simplified Tax system is formulated for Ease of doing Business .Basic custom duty on 22 inputs/raw materials reduced manufacturing cost in various sectors .GAAR to be deferred by two years. Rate of Income Tax on royalty and fees from technical services reduced from 25% to 10% to facilitate technology inflow.

Ease of Doing Buisiness

Inorder to facilitate the ease of doing business measures were taken . Definite time frame have been fixed for the implementation ofGST ,ie 1.4.2016. Simplification , Rationalization and digitization of processes. Online central excise and service tax registration to be done in 2 working days .Stable tax policy and non adversial tax regime put in place.

Measures to Curb Black moneyVarious measures were taken at different level to curb Black money .The Governemnet approved the Undisclosed Foriegn Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax ) Bill 2015.the Act will apply to all persons resident in India .The provisions of the Act will apply to both undisclosed foreign income and assets(including financial interest in any entity).the undisclosed forign income or assests shall be taxed ast the flat rate of 30%.Government is coordination with Swiss government in getting information of cases investigated by IT dept, confirming its genuineness of Bank accounts etc.Various preventive steps were also taken.It has made mandatory to quote PAN for purchase /sale above RS 1 lakh. Provision made to tackle splitting of reportable trasanctions. is leveraged to access information .Cash advances above Rs 20000 for immovable property is prohibited.

DisinvestmentHighest ever disinvestment receipts in a single financial year.Govt raised Rs24,277 crore in 2014-15. CIL disinvestment in Jan 2015 alone realized Rs 22.558 crore.

MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries was set up in July,1988 to give an impetus to development of Food Processing Sector in the Country. The Ministry is concerned with formulation and implementation of the policies and objectives. Scheme –1: Mega Food Park

The Scheme of Mega Food Park aims at providing a mechanism to link agricultural production to the market by bringing together farmers, processors and retailers so as to ensure maximizing value addition, minimizing wastages, increasing farmers’ income and creating employment opportunities particularly in rural sector. The Mega Food Park Scheme is based on “Cluster” approach and envisages a well-defined agri/ horticultural-processing zone containing state-of-the art processing facilities with support infrastructure and well-established supply chain.

Achievement: June’14 to Till Date:

17 MFPs sanctioned during last 10 months in which 15 MFPs projects have been accorded In-principle approval till date.

So far Government has approved sanctioning of 42 projects out of this 40 are presently under implementation.

Out of 40 sanctioned parks, 4 Mega Food Parks operationalised – at Karnataka, Punjab Uttarakhand and Andhra Pradesh and 3more Mega Food Parks are likely to be operationalised soon.

Rs. 58 crore released from June’14 to till date while from December’2013 to May’14 only Rs. 23.41 crore released.

New MFPs shall entail fresh investment of around Rs 2500 crores. More than12 lakh farmers would be benefitted after these MFPs are operationalised. Each Mega Food Park will generate employment (direct and indirect) for about 30, 000

people. A special fund of Rs. 2000 crores in NABARD created to provide affordable credit for food

processing units in the designated Food Parks. Scheme-2 : Cold Chain ,Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure:

The objective of the scheme of Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure is to provide integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure facilities without any break from the farm gate to the consumer. It covers pre-cooling facilities at production sites, reefer vans, mobile cooling units as well as value addition centres which includes infrastructural facilities like Processing/Multi-line Processing/ Collection Centres, etc. for horticulture, organic produce, marine, dairy, meat and poultry etc. Individual, Groups of Entrepreneurs, Cooperative Societies, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs), NGOs, Central/State PSUs etc. with business interest in Cold Chain solutions are eligible to setup integrated cold chain and preservation infrastructure and avail grant under the Scheme.

Achievement: June’14 to March’15:

138 projects sanctions under Cold Chain Scheme and additional 30 projects are likely to be announced shortly.

14 cold chain projects have been completed since June’14 while previous UPA government completed only 12 projects.

Rs.274.91 crore of grant-in-aid will attract Rs. 744.3 crore of private investment in these 30 proposed cold chain projects.

These 30 approved project will create total capacity as 11.10 lakh liters per day Milk processing, 112408 MT Cold Storage, 28.5 MT/hour IQF, 1434 MT/per day Ripening Chamber, 209 Nos Reefer Carrier & tanker, 8000MT/hr Irradiation.

Scheme-3 :National Mission on Food ProcessingThe basic objective of NMFP is decentralization of implementation of food processing related

schemes for ensuring substantial participation of State/ UT Governments. The mission is expected to improve the Ministry’s outreach significantly in terms of planning, supervision, monitoring of various schemes apart from playing a more meaningful role in policy formation. Achievement: June’14 to March’15:

Under the National Mission on food processing, States/UT Governments have sanctioned 1286 projects – including bakery, consumer, diary, fisheries, flour milling, fruits & vegetables, meat products, oil milling, pulse milling, rice milling and wine.

Fund of Rs. 118.88 crore (95%) utilized against an allocation of Rs.125 crores as on 24th March’15. Previous UPA government utilized only Rs. 37.27crore.

Scheme covers 27 States while during previous UPA government only 13 States covered under the scheme.

Scheme is delinked w.e.f 1-04-2015.



Key Initiatives:

Food map of India: Identified surplus and deficient areas of various agricultural produce in the country. It helps in planning processing clusters by means of setting up suitable facilities in different parts of India. The map is available on the Ministry’s website.

Launching of investors’ portal. Boosting Our potential with skill development: Sectoral Skill Council on Food Processing

has been operationalised by FICCI with a target of training 10,000 persons in the first year. Making business easier: We have reduced the requirement of supporting documents such as

affidavits, agreements, etc to be submitted with a proposal. Scheme of Quality Assurance and Codex Standards: Assistance of Rs 31.282 crore

released to 93 projects from June 2014 to March 2015 while from August 2013 to May 2014 only 48 projects assisted by Rs. 12.68 crore.

MoFPI is the one of the first Ministries to release e-book on 30th December’14 and updated in February’15.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

1. Mission IndradhanushThe Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched “Mission Indradhanush”, depicting seven colours of the rainbow, to fully immunise more than 89 lakh children who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated; those that have not been covered during the rounds of routine immunisation for various reasons. They will be fully immunised against seven life-threatening but vaccine preventable diseases which include diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis-B. In addition, vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis and Haemophilus influenza type B will be provided in selected districts/states of the country. Pregnant women will also be immunised against tetanus.The first round of the first phase started from 7 April 2015-World health Day- in 201 high focus districts in 28 states and carried for more than a week. This will be followed by three rounds of more than a week in the months of April, May June and July 2015, starting from 7 th of each month. The 201 high focus districts account for nearly 50% of all unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children in the country. Of these, 82 districts are in just four states of UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and account for nearly 25% of all unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children of the country.Within the districts, the Mission will focus on 4,00,000 high risk settlements identified as pockets with low coverage due to geographic, demographic, ethnic and other operational challenges. These include nomads and migrant labour working on roads, construction sites, riverbed mining areas, brick

kilns, and those living in remote and inaccessible geographical areas and urban slums, and the underserved and hard to reach populations dwelling in forested and tribal areas.Total of 297 districts will be targeted in the second phase to commence from September 2015. Achievements in the first round of first phase (7-16 April 2015)

2.1 lakh sessions held 54.4 lakh antigens administered 5.8 lakh pregnant women immunised 2.5 lakh pregnant women fully immunised 20.8 lakh children immunised

o 55% of these are from Uttar Pradesho For approx. 20%, this was their first contacto Approx. 24% belong of <2 years of age

4.7 lakh children fully immunised The preparation and learning during the implementation of the first round have led to health

systems strengthening in terms of drawing up detailed micro plans; designing sturdy framework for stringent monitoring and evaluation of the immunisation rounds in the states (more than 3600 state and central level monitors have been deputed); training of nearly 9 lakh frontline workers; identification and analysis of limiting factors in different states leading to creating effective structures to mitigate them.

The children immunized under Mission Indradhanush are in addition to the children who are immunized under the Universal Immunisation Programme.

2. India Newborn Action Plan (INAP)India loses about 7.5 lakh newborns (<28 days) every year primarily due to prematurity, sepsis and asphyxia. The India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) was launched in September 2014 to end all preventable newborn deaths and still births to a single-digit by 2030. The present neonatal mortality rate is 28 per thousand live births. Salient features:

ANMs can now administer a pre-referral dose of antenatal corticosteroid (Injection Dexamethasone) to pregnant women going into preterm labour and pre-referral dose of Injection Gentamicin and Syrup Amoxicillin to newborns for prevention of Sepsis and Prematurity in young infants (up to 2 months of age) at the sub-centers.

Under the ‘Life Cycle’ approach, attention is paid to health of adolescents in addition to care of the mothers during pregnancy, at the time of and after delivery.

‘Kangaroo mother care’ for strengthening of care for preterm newborn and for sick newborn. Nearly half a million newborn can be saved every year with promotion of Kangaroo Mother Care.

Ensuring injection Vitamin K to all newborn children at the time of birth at the facility. This will prevent death due to bleeding disorders.

3. National Deworming DayWorms adversely affect crores of children in the 1-19 year age group across the country. Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) are a significant public health concern in the country. According to WHO estimates, 24.1 crore children in the age group 1-14 year (68% of the total cohort) are at risk of parasitic intestinal worm infections that impair physical growth and cognitive development.The Ministry observed the first National Deworming Day on 10 February 2015, followed with mop-up activities till 14 February 2015. It was implemented in 277 districts covering 11 States/UTs across 4.7 lakh schools and 3.67 anganwadi centers. Against a target of 10.31 crore children in the 1-19 year group, about 8.98 crore children received deworming tablets. While the average national coverage was more than 85%, it touched 95% in places such as Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The Ministry trained 9.49 lakh frontline functionaries, school teachers and principals to accomplish the target.

4. Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Eliminated (MNTE) from the country

Total of 32 States/UTs have been validated for Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE) and the formal communication from WHO has been received. For the remaining four states of Nagaland, Meghalaya, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Jammu & Kashmir, field visits have been conducted by the joint team of WHO and UNICEF and the parameters for MNTE validation were found to be satisfactory. However, the formal communication from WHO is expected in two months. This has been possible through systems strengthening including improvement of institutional delivery which is also a proxy indicator for clean delivery and clean cord care practices and by strengthening Routine Immunization. Strategies to improve clean delivery have been included in the innovative Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK).Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE) is defined as less than one neonatal tetanus case per thousand live births per year in every district. In 1989, global deaths from Neonatal Tetanus (NT) were estimated at 7.87 lakh per year of which India contributed approximately 2 lakh deaths.

5. Decision to introduce new vaccinesIn a bid to protect the children from more vaccine preventable diseases, new vaccines are proposed to be introduced as part of India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Introduction of these vaccines will be done in a phased manner over a period of time, depending upon the field level assessments and preparedness. In addition, it has been decided to introduce an adult vaccine against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the high burden districts. The new vaccines are:

a. Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)India is Polio free but to maintain this status, the Injectable Polio Vaccine will be introduced in October 2015. This will benefit 2.7 crore children every year.

b. Adult Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine20 high burden districts have been identified in Assam, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal for adult JE vaccination in the age-group of 15-65 years. This will cut down deaths and morbidity due to Japanese Encephalitis in adults as well.

c. Rotavirus vaccine Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhoea among infants and young children in the world. Each year India loses approximately 2 lakh children to diarrhoea out of which 1 lakh deaths are caused by Rotavirus. Rotavirus vaccine implemented to full scale would save approximately 1 lakh lives every year.

d. Measles Rubella vaccine Measles Rubella vaccine eliminates measles and controls Rubella in the country. The

vaccine will help to reduce incidence of Congenital Rubella Syndrome. As on date, approximately 25,000 cases of CRS are estimated each year and if the child survives, this adds to the disabilities in the country.

MR vaccination campaign will be carried out after appropriate planning and will cover 45 crore children.

6. Intensified Diarrhoea Control FortnightThe Fortnight was observed during July-August, 2014. It was later extended to one month with the ultimate aim of ‘zero child deaths due to childhood diarrhoea’. During the fortnight, health workers visited the households of under-five children, conducted community level awareness generation activities and distributed ORS packets to the families with children under 5 years of age. School children and mothers were sensitised in addition to demonstration of ORS preparation in the schools and communities. Approximately 2 crore ORS packets were distributed to families having children up to 5 years of age. This will help in reducing mortality and morbidity due to Diarrhoea in the country.

7. Integrated Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (IAPPD)

The IAPPD was launched in four states with highest child mortality (UP, MP, Bihar and Rajasthan) to address the two biggest killers of children- pneumonia and diarrhoea. Each year we lose approximately 5 lakh under-5 children to Dairrhoea and Pneumonia.

8. National Leprosy Eradication Programme Approximately 1.15 lakh leprosy cases detected in 2014-15 (till date). As many as 2483 reconstructive surgeries conducted. Intensive Case Detection Drive (ICDD) carried out in high endemic blocks as a special

activity. Leprosy fortnight was observed from 30 Jan to 14 Feb 2015 for active case detection.

9. Screening for cancer

More than 17000 visitors were screened for common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as Diabetes, Hypertension etc., at the mass screening and awareness programme “Swasthya Chetna evam Jansahyog Andolan” conducted at five Ramleela Maidans and Durga Puja procession at Delhi. The massive awareness campaign sensitised people regarding healthy diet, regular exercise, and healthy habits.

More than 60,000 persons were screened for all major NCDs including cancer at the health camps put up at the Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan in November 2014.

10. Kala-Azar Elimination by 2015Action Plan for elimination of Kala Azar by 2015 launched in UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand. This will benefit approximately 116.57 million population in the four states. Free diet and financial support of Rs. 500/- (one time) towards wage loss to the patient during treatment and Rs. 2000/- (one time) for treatment of post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) case will be provided under the Plan. The Action Plan includes active search, new drug regimen, coordinated Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) etc. First round of Indoor Residual Spray with DDT insecticide started in 33 districts of Bihar, 4 of Jharkhand and 11 in West Bengal. In addition, new non-invasive diagnostic kit has also been launched.

11. National Family Health Survey (NFHS)

The fourth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) was launched during 2014 to provide benchmark estimates of certain health and nutritional parameters including reproductive and child health. Clinical, anthropometric and biochemical (CAB) tests have also been included in this nation-wide survey. Blood-sugar and hypertension have been added for the first time in NFHS. Most of the important indicators of the erstwhile District Level Household Survey (DLHS) and Annual Health Survey (AHS) have been included in NFHS. DLHS and AHS are accordingly being discontinued. The NFHS-4 will provide district level estimates for the first time, besides national and state level estimates as in the past.

12. Drug resistant survey for 13 TB drugs launchedThe Health Ministry launched the biggest ever drug resistant survey in the world for 13 TB drugs in September 2014. The results are expected in a year’s time. The nationwide drug resistance survey (DRS) will provide the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) with a better estimate on the burden of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis in the community. As part of the survey, the samples will be subjected to susceptibility testing for 13 anti-TB drugs (5 first line drugs and 8 second line drugs).In addition, under the Revised National TB Control Programme there has been rapid expansion of diagnostic facilities including highly sensitive molecular test at 119 facilities across various states for diagnosis of Multi-Drug Resistance TB and TB among HIV and pediatric patients. The baseline


second line Drug Susceptibility Testing has been initiated in six states- Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka and New Delhi. 13. National AIDS Control Programme

58.67 lakh blood units collected across the country; 84% of this was through voluntary blood donation.

66 new Targeted Interventions have been established taking the total to 1,818 that provide HIV prevention services to female sex workers, injecting drug users, migrants, truckers, etc.

National Helpline launched to facilitate easy dissemination of information related to HIV/AIDS to general public in all Indian languages.

National Strategic plan for Elimination of Parent to Child transmission of syphilis launched on 25 February 2015.

Computerized Inventory Management System launched to strengthen the supply chain management system of Anti-Retroviral Drugs, enhance efficient use of the drugs and minimize wastages across the country.

14. New AIIMSWork has been expedited on the 6 new AIIMS at Raipur, Bhopal, Patna, Bhubaneshwar, Rishikesh and Jodhpur. During the last one year, the hospital work has begun and all the 6 new AIIMS are providing high-end clinical care besides the MBBS teaching activities. In addition, 9 new AIIMS one each at Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Assam are proposed to be set up. Pre-investment activities have been completed for AIIMS at Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra. Site inspection has been completed in Assam and Tamil Nadu whereas that for Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh will be completed soon. The new AIIMS will-

have state-of-the-art medical facilities provide superior tertiary health care facilities to people to different regions of the

country correct regional imbalance enhance capacity in medical education, research and clinical care in the underserved

areas of the country

15. Upgradation of existing Medical Colleges to Super Specialty BlocksUnder the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) upgradation scheme, Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) will be upgraded to Super Specialty Blocks. In addition to 58 GMCs which were taken up in first three phases of PMSSY, 12 more GMCs in 8 States have been announced for upgradation. In case of 39 GMCs selected in Phase-III of PMSSY, gap analysis in respect of all has been completed. Detailed Projected Reports in respect of 31 GMCs have been received.Upgradation of government medical colleges to Super Specialty Blocks will create new facilities at the colleges. The tertiary care institutions will serve as composite centres for continued professional education, treatment, patient care and multi-skilling of health workers. This will improve existing health care infrastructure in different States benefiting people from these regions. Total funds of Rs.1454.793 crore have been released for upgradation of GMCs under Phase-I and II of PMSSY.

16. Upgradation of district/referral hospitals to Medical Colleges 58 district hospitals will be upgraded to medical colleges in the under-served areas of the

country, which do not have any state-owned or private medical college. MoUs with all 20 states/UTs have been signed. 22 proposals have been approved and Rs. 128.53 crore has been released to the states.

17. North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences

(NEIGRIHMS), Shillong

Expansion of nursing college and hostel at a cost of Rs.68 crore has been approved and conveyed to the Institute to take further action.

Setting up of Undergraduate Medical College and hostel and a Regional Cancer Centre at an estimated cost of Rs.474 crore also approved.

18. Funds provided to Tertiary Cancer Care Facilities

Under the scheme for enhancing the Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities in the country, funds have been released to five State Cancer Institutes (SCI): (i) Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (RCC), Bengaluru (ii) Cancer Hospital (RCC), Agartala, (iii) Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Ahmedabad, (iv) Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar and (v) Cancer Institute (RCC) Adyar, Chennai, and two Tertiary Care Cancer Centers (TCCC): (i) Government Medical College, Kozhikode and (ii) Government Medical College, Burdwan.The enhanced tertiary care facilities for cancer patients in different states will bring treatment facilities closer to the patients and help to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.

Sl. No State Name of the InstituteSCI/

TCCC

Total approved amount

(Rs. in crores)

Amount released by

Govt of India(Rs. in crores)

1 Jammu & Kashmir

Sher-e-KashmirInstitute of Medical Science,

SCI 105 47.25

2 Gujarat Gujarat Cancer Research Institute Ahmadabad

SCI 120 67.50

3 Karnataka Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (RCC), Bangaluru

SCI 120 67.50

4 Tamil Nadu

Cancer Institute, Adyar, Chennai

SCI 120 67.38

5 Kerala Govt. Medical college,Kozhikode

TCCC 44.49 25.03

6 West Bengal

Burdwan Medical College,Kolkata, W.B.

TCCC 39.54 22.24

7 Tripura Cancer Hospital (RCC), Agartala

SCI 81.48 55.00

Total 630.50 351.90

19. Second campus of Chittranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) approvedThe Government of India has approved setting up of second campus of the Chittranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) at Rajarhat, Kolkata at a cost of Rs. 534 crore including share of the West Bengal Government of 25%.

20. National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) So far 906 cities/towns have been covered under NUHM. Funding provided for strengthening of 3,995 existing facilities such as Urban Family Welfare

Centres, Urban Health Posts, Urban Primary Health Centers etc. Funds provided for establishment of 1426 new Urban Primary Health Centers (UPHCs). Support provided for establishment of 35 new Urban Community Health Centers. 2353 full-time medical officers, 2973 part-time medical officers, 160 medical specialists,

17584 ANMs, 7209 staff nurses, 2978 pharmacists and 3231 lab technicians have been sanctioned, in addition to 56,002 ASHAs.

21. National Health Portal (NHP)

The National Health Portal (http:/nhp.gov.in) was launched on 14 November 2014 to provide authentic healthcare information to the citizens of the country. It aims to:

Improve health literacy Improve access to health services

Decrease burden of disease by educating citizens on preventive aspects of various diseases

It is available in five languages – English, Hindi, Tamil, Bangla, and Gujarati.

22. Central Government Health Services (CGHS) Orders for opening up of CGHS Wellness Centre in 11 state capitals issued. The CGHS

Wellness Center at Vishakhapatnam has started operating. Empanelment of private hospitals under CGHS has been completed under continuous

empanelment scheme. CGHS facilities extended to retired employees of statutory/ autonomous bodies whose

serving employees are already covered under CGHS.

23. National Health Policy-2015The Ministry has formulated the Draft National Health Policy, 2015 and placed it in public domain on 30th December, 2014 for wide stakeholder consultation. The feedback received from the stakeholders is presently being analysed. The aim of the National Health Policy 2015 is to inform, clarify, strengthen and prioritize the role of the Government in shaping health systems in the country. This covers investment in the health sector, organization and financing of healthcare services, prevention of diseases and promotion of good health through cross sectoral action, access to technologies, developing human resources, encouraging medical pluralism, building the knowledge base required for better health, financial protection strategies and regulation and legislation for health.

24. National Mental Health PolicyThe Health Ministry launched the country’s first ever Mental Health Policy in October 2014. The Policy aims to provide universal access to mental healthcare by enhancing understanding of mental health. It clearly spells out the specific roles to be played by the central government, state governments, local bodies and civil society organizations.

MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES & PUBLIC ENTERPRISES Scheme for Capital Goods Sector A Scheme for enhancement of competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods sector with an outlay of Rs. 930.96 crores was notified by the Deptt of Heavy Industries (DHI) on 5.11.2014. The Scheme aims to make Indian Capital Goods sector globally competitive by addressing the issue of technological depth creation in the capital goods industry besides creating common industrial facility centers.

Apart from Capital Goods, two Development Councils for Textile Machinery Industry and Machine Tool Industry have been reconstituted and one meeting each of these Development Councils have taken place on 20.2.2015 and 12.3.2015 respectively. A new Development Council for Earthmoving, Construction and Mining Machinery Industry has also been constituted.

National Mission on Electric Mobility

A Scheme for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME – India) under the National Electric Mobility Mission 2020 was notified on 25th March 2015. The Scheme has been launched on 8th April, 2015. The Mission aims at providing a clean transportation system to the people not dependent on gasoline based fossil fuel. The scheme aims to encourage progressive induction of reliable, affordable and efficient electric and hybrid vehicles (xEV) in the country that meet consumer performance and price expectations. Scheme also aims for promotion and development of indigenous manufacturing


capabilities through Government - Industry collaboration. The Mission plan is for 6-7 million units of new vehicles sales of xEVs, with resultant fuel savings of 2.2 - 2.5 million tonnes per year by 2020.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) secured orders worth Rs 30,794 cr during 2014-15, an increase of 10% over last year from its diversified business segments covering both domestic and international markets. BHEL recorded a turnover f Rs 30,806 cr (Prov) and net profit opf Rs 1314 cr (Prov) during 2014-15. BHEL retained its 72% market share despite adverse business environment in the Coal and Power sectors. It also achieved capacity addition of 8230 MW against the target f 6914 MW set by Ministry of Power during the year.

Technology Collaboration initiated by CPSEs to Modernize Industry

Department of Heavy Industry participated in Hannover Messe 2015- an international exhibition of repute in Hannover, Germany from 13th to 17th April, 2015. India was a partner country in Hannover Messe 2015. The theme of Indian participation was “Make in India”. The Indian Heavy Engineering pavilion showcased the latest technologies of India. The Indian Heavy Engineering Pavilion had representations from the Departmental CPSEs like BHEL, HMT, HEC, BBJ and AYCL

During the Hannover Messe, MOUs were signed by DHI CPSEs namely HMT(MT)Ltd, REIL, IL Kota and HEC with the following foreign Companies of Germany and Bulgaria for manufacturing of Flow foaming machines, milk analysers, specified control values and 25 to 160 ton railway cranes.

Collaborations under finalization

With Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) Ranchi:

Protocol with CNIITMASH (eminent Russian Design Institute) for manufacture of steel plant machinery; nuclear power plant machinery.

MoU for tractor manufacturing with Russian company Chetra Discussions with M/s Vitkovice and TS Plzn (Czech companies) for modernisation of their

facilities.

With BHEL, ARAI, AYCL and HEC; Discussions with Fraunhofer Institute, Germany for technology acquisition

Advanced Ultra Super Critical (Adv-USC) Technology for Thermal Power Plants

Deptt. of Heavy Industry and BHEL have proposed the Development of Advanced Ultra Super Critical (Adv-USC) Technology for Thermal Power Plants which will increase fuel efficiency by 45-46% and achieve a reduction in coal consumption and CO2 emission by 11% as compared to the Super-critical Thermal Power Plants. This AUSC technology is in the R&D stage in the European Union, USA, Japan and China and with this two and half year project, at an estimated cost of Rs.1,100 crores, India will emerge as one of the primary developers of this technology. The R&D Project has been approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee and a Cabinet Note seeking approval of project by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA) has been forwarded to Cabinet Secretariat on 15.4.2015. Also a provision of Rs 50 cr has been made in BE 2015-16 for the project.

Department of Public Enterprises has issued Guidelines on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Sustainability-2014 for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in October, 2014. These guidelines are to supplement the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules 2014 issued by Ministry of Corporate Affairs under the provisions of Companies Act, 2013. The guidelines are intended to reinforce the complimentarity of CSR and sustainability and advise the CPSEs not to overlook the larger objective of sustainable development in the conduct of business and in pursuit of CSR agenda. The guidelines are in the nature of initiatives or endeavour which the key stakeholders expect of CPSEs in discharging their CSR. In the guidelines, the need for taking sustainability initiatives is emphasized in addition to requirement of mandatory compliance with CSR Rules.

The Department is implementing the Counselling, Retraining and Redeployment (CRR) Scheme to provide opportunities of redeployment through counseling and retraining to separated employees of CPSEs rendered surplus as a result of modernization, technology upgradation and manpower restructuring in



CPSEs. The Department, as a part of this scheme has trained 2525 VRS optees and redeployed 900 persons by the end of March, 2015.

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

1. E-Tourist Visa: Government of India has launched e-Tourist Visa scheme (old name: Tourist Visa on Arrival) on 27th November 2014 with the objective of facilitating short duration international travelers whose objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short duration medical treatment or casual business visit etc. As of 20th April 2015 the scheme has been extended to 45 countries at 9 Indian airports. It is proposed to extend the e-Tourist Visa scheme to 150 countries by March 2015. The scheme directly benefits the tourism industry of the country. The state governments will also get the benefit of increased tourists fall in various tourist destinations across the country. The scheme also facilitates international business seekers to avail visa on short notice. The scheme also has a positive impact on medical tourism of the country. This initiative of Government of India has received overwhelming response. Since the launch of the Scheme on 27th November 2014 over 1, 15,000 (One lac fifteen thousand) visae have been issued.

2. IVFRT: The project on Online Visa application processing and monitoring (IVFRT) is being implemented across the world and within country. This has global outreach since the

scope of the project includes 177 Missions, 81 ICPs Immigration Check Posts), 13 FRROs (Foreigners Regional Registration Offices), and 716+ FROs (Foreigners Registration Offices) in the State/District Headquarters. The project has been implemented in 160 Indian Missions and 450 FROs across the country. Out of which 15 Indian Missions and 250 FROs have been implemented in last one year. Government has also planned to introduce biometrics (enrollment & verification) software and installation of e-Gates in all airports which will facilitate legitimate travelers and strengthen security. The Project envisages facilitation services to the travelers including on-line application forms, 24X7 on-line channel, phone support for grievance redressal and email/ SMS support for dissemination of information, application status and feedback. It has established uniform visa issuance process across all the Indian Missions abroad. Availability of a Foreigners centralized information sharing system with concerned Agencies has improved monitoring and tracking of the foreigners within country. State governments have also been empowered by giving online access of the foreigners visa related services. The project is being implemented in a planned and phased manner (in consonance with infrastructure/connectivity readiness of locations) supported by effective communication, training and capacity building.

3. Long Term Visa (LTV) and Citizenship for Pakistan Minorities: The grant of visa to Pak

nationals visiting India is governed by Indo-Pak Visa Agreement, 1974 as amended from time to time. These guidelines stipulate that in case it is found out that, if the claim of Pakistani national is justified on the grounds of a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, sex, nationality, ethnic identity and membership of a particular social group or political opinion, the State Governments/Union Territory Administration have been empowered to recommend such cases to Ministry of Home Affairs for grant of LTV after due enquiry.

4. Indian Citizenship to eligible applicants is granted under the provisions of citizenship

Act 1955. Keeping in view the difficult living conditions of Pakistan minority communities a decision was taken to address their LTV and citizenship related issues on priority base. For this a task force was constituted in September 2014.

5. In September 2014 itself Govt of india has approved number of relaxations for Long

Term Visa (LTV) holders of Pakistani minorities which include the facilitation for studies of their children, visit to additional places, easy renewal of LTVs and renewal for prolonged period. They have also been permitted to engage themselves in employment of purely private category i.e., excluding Government/Semi Government, Local Bodies, Cooperative jobs etc. Further children of Pak nationals staying on LTV can take admission in schools, colleges, universities, technical/professional institutions etc. subject to usual conditions. Also the State Government/UT Admn concerned may grant additional places limited to a maximum of two places at any given point of time in addition to the place of stay to such Pak nationals.

6. The LTV /Citizenship camps for such applicants are being conducted in 24 districts of 8

States for expediting the processing of their applications. Since constitution of task force 3362 LTVs and 485 Citizenship Certificates have been issued.

7. Return of 57 Indian Fishermen boats from Pakistan: In March 2015, 57 Indian

fishermen boats caught by Pakistan in last four years have been brought back to India with the expenditure of 1.27 Crore. This has been done after a gap of about 11 years. Prior to this 53 Indian fishing boats were released by Pakistan in 2003-04. This was done with close coordination with Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Ministry of External affairs, Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat State Government. By this initiative of the Government, a process has been initiated whereby India may have continuous dialogue with Pakistan for release of boats caught by both countries.


8. Merger of PIO &OCI: Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2015 was enacted on 11-03-

2015. This was done with the prime objectives of merger of PIO and OCI cards and easier acquisition of Indian Citizenship.

9. PIO card scheme was introduced on 19-08-2002 and thereafter OCI card scheme was

commenced w.e.f 01-12-2005. Both the schemes were running parallel even though OCI card scheme has become more popular. This was causing unnecessary confusion in the minds of applicants. Keeping in view the problems being faced by applicants and to provide enhanced facilities to them, Government of India decided to formulate one scheme after merging PIO & OCI containing positive attributes of both. Hence for achieving this main objective, Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2015 was enacted. PIO scheme was rescinded w.e.f. 9.1.2015 and it was also notified that all existing PIO cardholders are deemed to be OCI cardholders.

10. By enactment of Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2015 the acquisition of Indian

Citizenship has also been facilitated. Keeping in mind the busy travel schedule of applicants from professionals / businessmen’s category a relaxation upto 30 days has been given in continuous stay period of 12 months.

11. The enactment of Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2015 is extremely positive step in

seeking the help and contribution of Indian foreign based well wishers in the growth and development of the country.

12. The Government has reviewed the cross border firing across the International Border of

India-Pakistan and has decided given clear direction to firmly deal with this issue. 13. Border Infrastructures: 103 km of fencing has been completed along the Indo-

Bangladesh (23 km) and Indo-Pakistan (80 km) border; 218 km of floodlighting has been completed along the Indo-Bangladesh Border; 39 BOPs have been completed along the Indo-Bangladesh (16) and Indo-Pakistan Border (23) border. An amount of Rs. 800 crore has been released to the Bordering States for development of the socio-economic infrastructure in the bordering villages under BADP.

14. A decision to locate marine Police Training Institute (MPTI) at the Pindara Village, Dist. Devbhumi, Dwarka, Gujarat for imparting training to the Marine Police Personnel of Coastal States has been taken.

15. In order to strengthen the trade facility at Nepal border, construction of Integrated

Check Post (ICP) building at Raxaul has been completed. The Cargo Terminal of ICP Agartala was inaugurated on 06.12.2014.

16. Revision of norms of relief assistance: The Government has reviewed the norms of

relief assistance provided to the people affected by disasters from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The revised norms have been issued by the Ministry of Home Affair’s letter dated 8 th April 2015. As per the revised norms, the scale of assistance to the next of kin of deceased person has been increased from Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh per person. The farmers, who have suffered crop loss between 33% and 49%, which were earlier not eligible for assistance, will also be eligible for assistance. The scale of assistance to agriculture sector has been increased by 50%. The scale of assistance to other items has been increased by more than 35%. The State Governments for the first time can also use up to 10% of their SDRF balance on 'local disasters', which are not included in the list of Centrally notified disasters. The Government of India has permitted up to 10% of allocation under the State Disaster Relief Fund to be spent on search and rescue equipment. A maximum of 5% of SDRF allocation


can be spent on capacity building. The Government has also enabled automatic annual updation of the norms.

17. Management of Disasters: During 2014-15, the Country faced number of major

disasters including cyclone HUDHUD in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir, landslides in Malingaon, Pune district, floods in different parts of the country including Assam and Meghalaya. The Government of India has played a proactive role in supporting the State Governments to deal with such disasters, and provided all possible help to the concerned State Governments to manage such disasters, which have restricted the loss of human lives to minimum.

18. Approval of civil infrastructure project for NDRF battalions: The Government of

India has raised National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in 2006 to provide specialized response during a disaster or disaster like situation. However, NDRF was having no permanent infrastructures for their battalions. In March 2015, the Government of India has approved a proposal of Rs. 882.24 crore for creation of infrastructures like administrative block, training block and residential quarters for 10 battalions of NDRF and their 10 team locations.

19. Udaan (Skill enhancement initiative for youth of J&K): Special Industry Initiative

for J&K ‘UDAAN’ aims at providing skill and enhancing employability of unemployed youths of J&K who are graduates, post graduates and 3 year engineering diploma holders.

20. Since, May, 2014, 327 selection drives were organized including 13 mega drives at

Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, Kupwara,Budgam, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Reasi, Kathua and Chandigarh selecting nearly 9000 candidates for training. Of them 3700 candidates have already joined the training. During the period training of 3361 candidates was completed, of whom 3133 candidates were offered jobs and about 2500 are currently working in various companies across the country.

21. Winning Hearts and minds of People of Jammu and Kashmir:

(a) Civic Action Plan: The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) stationed in J&K are carrying out various Civic activities to win over hearts and minds of the people and also to improve the image of Security Forces. Apart from organizing Medical Camps, vocational training courses, educational excursions, CAPFs did tremendous work in rescuing and providing immediate relief to the people affected by the floods of Sept.2014. They also took special initiative to train 450 youths from the flood affected areas to become security guards.

(b) SEWA: In order to make militancy affected women of J&K self reliant and help them in coming to the mainstream, a pilot project was entrusted to Self Employed Women Association (SEWA), Ahmedabad for training 125 women from Kupwara. These women were trained in various skills like Cutting, Tailoring, Handicraft, Food Processing, Renewable Energy and Agriculture and allied activities.

22. Following the success of pilot project, a Resource Centre at Kupwara has been setup to

train 3000 trainees and 500 master trainers. So far 1369 trainees and 291 master trainers have been trained. During the period from May 2014, 500 trainers and master trainers have been trained by SEWA.

23. Successful Conduct of Assembly Elections: Victory of the Democratic process: The year

2014 also saw the peaceful conduct of elections in the State of J&K. Election was held in five phases from 25th November 2014 to 20th December. Attempts were made by the militants to disturb this process including an infiltration attempt in Arnia and attack on military camp in Uri, districtBaramulla. Despite the attempts of the militants, people

showed tremendous enthusiasm in the democratic process with a voter turnout of about 66 percent.

24. Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a National Policy and Action Plan to address

Left Wing Extremism in the country and the same has been circulated to States and other stakeholders in January, 2015. The Central Government has multi-pronged strategy to tackle LWE menace; Security Related Measures, Development Related Measures, Ensuring Rights & Entitlements of Local Communities , Public Perception Management and good governance. Declining trend in the quantum of Left Wing Extremism(LWE) violence as well as resultant killings which started in 2011 has continued. There has been 22% less killings in 2014 compared to 2013. However, recent attacks in Chhattisgarh are cause of concern.

25. The UAV Base has been shifted from Hyderabad to Bhilai in March, 2015. This would

more than double the flying time available to the forces in the LWE affected areas. 26. Out of 10 Bns sanctioned for Chhattisgarh, 05 Bns have been moved to Chhatisgarh for

counter anti-LWE operations. 27. Two Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorist (CIAT) Schools were sanctioned for the

newly created States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. 28. 33% reservation for women in Police Forces of UTs: With the objective to effectively

implement the women specific laws on the ground and to ensure proper and speedy investigation and successful prosecution of women-related crimes, the Cabinet has approved on 20th March, 2015 reservation of 33% for women horizontally and in each category (SC, ST, OBC & others) in direct recruitment in Non-Gazetted posts from Constable to Sub-Inspector in the police forces of all the Union Territories including Delhi Police. Enhancement of representation of women in police will alter the existing police work culture, creating gender sensitive service delivery mechanism, inculcating a sense of security in the minds of women who constitute half the population and is expected to have a game changing impact. Visibility of women police personnel will encourage women to approach the Police as they can confide or report the incident to female Police officer, thereby, leading to reporting of crimes, particularly so in respect of sex related crimes. Moreover, in a vibrant democracy like ours, the participation of women in public protests, demonstrations, political activities etc. has become common. Such situations can be managed in a dignified and humane way with more women police personnel at the functional level.

29. Mobile App “Himmat”: With the view to instill confidence in women, to help women

in distress and to ensure their safety in Delhi, Mobile App 'Himmat' has been launched on 1st January, 2015 for android based smart phones. ‘Himmat’ application for i-phone users has also been launched on 19th March, 2015. The application is functioning 24X7 in the Central Police Control Room, Delhi. This application downloaded in the smart phone helps women to raise SOS alert in case of any emergency and the same gets reported along with victim/ caller location in real time on the computer consoles placed in the Central Police Control Room. An automatic 30 second audio video recording is also triggered off on pressing the SOS button. Immediately after the SOS is received, SMS alerts relating to the distress will be sent simultaneously to PCR, Delhi, SHO of local Police Station and Police Patrol Vans in the areas to reach scene of crime without loss of time. SMS alert will also be sent to the predefined relatives/friends of women. The App downloaded in a woman’s mobile phone will be a boon to ensure her safety in NCT of Delhi as a touch of a button in times of emergency will instantly connect her to Central Police Control Room, Delhi and trigger response from Delhi Police. The launching of this application is a major achievement towards instilling a sense of security and

confidence in women, with technology at their tips to save them instantly at the time of distress. The application has received overwhelming response. As on 7.4.2015, there are around 31000 downloads; 7298 registered users; and 2749 SOS calls (Delhi-1712, NCR-259; outside Delhi-769; and outside India-9).

30. Web-based App for Police Clearance Certificate: With a view to curb human

interface, to ensure transparency in police functioning and to provide efficient and time-bound services to the people of NCT of Delhi, Delhi Police has taken the significant step of launching a web-based App. for ‘Police Clearance Certificate’ (PCC) on 08.08.2014. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is required for the purpose of applying for visa, admissions to several educational institutions, Job, etc. One can use this web-based App for obtaining a PCC. The basic details filled up by an applicant are automatically checked with the Crime Records Bureau and digitally signed “PCC” is sent to the applicant’s e-mail ID. This move has solved the major difficulty that was faced by the public who were in the need of a PCC. This is one of the significant steps towards providing citizen-centric services. Till March, 2015, around 50000 applications have been received under the App.

Initiatives taken by the Government of India for redressal of long pending grievances of 1984 Anti-Sikh riots victims.31. Following initiatives have been taken by the Government of India for redressal of long

pending grievances of 1984 Anti-Sikh riots victims: (i) The Government of India, vide its order dated 16.12.2014, has sanctioned

additional compensation of Rs. 5 lakh to Next of Kin of the persons who died in 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which would be initially paid by the respective State/UT Governments and subsequently reimbursed by Government of India.

(ii) The Government constituted a Committee on 23.12.2014 under the chairmanship of Justice G.P. Mathur to look into the grievances relating to the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots.

(iii) Based on the recommendation of Justice GP Mathur Committee, the Government has

constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on 12.02.2015 under the Chairmanship of Shri Pramod Asthana, IPS for inter-alia investigating/re-investigating the appropriately serious criminal cases which were filed in the National Capital Territory of Delhi in connection with the 1984 Riots and have since been closed.

32. These initiatives have been aimed to bring justice to the victims of the 1984 riots. 33. ACQUISITION OF 400 PASSENGER VESSEL FOR UNION TERRITORY

LAKSHADWEEP: M.V. Corals, an all weather 400 Passenger cum 250 MT Cargo Ship was inducted into Union Territory Lakshadweep fleet in December, 2014 and dedicated to the Nation on 9th January, 2015. Another 400 Passenger cum 250 MT Cargo Ship M.V. Lagoons is delivered to the Administration on 26th February, 2015. The induction of above two all weather ships will further enhance the frequency of service of ships between mainland –islands, especially during monsoon period and will be of great help to the passengers from the Islands to Mainland and vice versa.

34. DEDICATED BERTHING FACILITY AT KOCHI: Shipping is the Life line of

Lakshadweep Islands. The ships that are going from the Island to Kochi had to wait for long in the absence of a dedicated berthing facility for the Union Territory, Lakshadweep at Kochi. With a view to obviate these difficulties, a dedicated Wharf/berth facility at Kochi has since been created by the UT Administration and the same was dedicated to the country on 9th January, 2015. The dedicated jetty at Kochi has the following socio-economic benefits:-

(i) Provide better embarkation/disembarkation facilities for the Lakshadweep bound passengers and tourists.

(ii) To make timely availability of berths for Lakshadweep Administration cargo vessels which will reduce the delay for the transport of Lakshadweep bound cargo and will increase the number of voyages.

(iii) Provide better security check facility for passengers and cargo in the absence of passenger terminals at Cochin Port Trust.

(iv) Reduce the expenditure incurred towards wharfage/berthing/mooring and other port dues.

35. Govt. of India has sanctioned 08 additional IR Bns, 04 IR Bns each for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on 24.12.2014.

36. Considering the increased demand of women police in tackling law & order situations

and also to raise the level of representation of women in the Force, Government has approved to raise 2 Mahila battalions in place of 2 male Battalions sanctioned for raising during 2015-16 and 2016-17 in CRPF.

37. The financial powers delegated to Director Generals of different CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces) (i.e. BSF, AR, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, IB, & NIA) have been enhanced on 24.12.2014: to a maximum of Rs.10 crore (from Rs.5.00 crore) in case of Major Works and Rs.50 lac (from Rs.30.00 lac) in case of Minor Works; to Rs.34 lac (from Rs.20.00 lac) for land acquisition and to a maximum of Rs.75,000/- (from Rs.45,000/-) for hiring of buildings/accommodation.

38. Government has approved treatment of hospitalization period ‘as duty’ in respect of all CAPFs troops injured in action while on duty vide MHA order dated 25.09.2014.

39. Strengthening of Forensic Science Services: The new Government has focused on

strengthening Forensic Science Services as this is a vital element of the criminal justice system. Foundation stone for a new Central Forensic Science Laboratory at Guwahatiwas laid by the Union Home Minister on 29th November, 2014. Foundation stone for a new Central forensic Science Laboratory at Bhopal was laid by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs on 24th March, 2015. The work has been assigned to NBCC and construction of work has already started. An All India Conference on Forensic Sciences was organized at Bhopal on 23rd and 24th March, 2015 where about three hundred experts on forensic sciences participated. To further encourage forensic scientists, the Union Home Ministers’ Award for Forensic Sciences has been announced and nominations have been invited. With the strengthening of forensic science services it is expected that the pendency in case examinations would be reduced.

MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION Adoption of National Declaration on Housing for All by 2022 and Urban Governance A National Declaration on Housing for All by 2022 and Urban Governance was adopted at a National Conclave of concerned Ministers of States and UTs held in July, 2014. Uder the Declaration, States and UTs have agreed to partner in the new initiatives of the Government of India in urban sector and also agreed to implement a set of 25 identified reforms to strengthen urban governance. Stakeholder Consultations on new initiatives Extensive consultations were held with States/UTs and other stakeholders throughout the year on policy and implementation issues pertaining to Housing for All initiative and enhancing the credibility of real estate sector. Review of existing laws The Union Cabinet on April 7, 2015 has approved a set of 23 recommendations to the Real Estate (Development and Regulation) Act, 2013, earlier introduced in Rajya Sabha. The

amendments seek to extend the applicability of the Act to protect the interests of consumers in commercial real estate Sector also and to bring real estate agents under the ambit of the Act. The amendments seek to harmonise the needs of protecting the interests of consumers while enabling the growth of real estate sector. This Bill pending for consideration and passing in the Rajya Sabha has been referred to a Select Committee of Rajya Sabha on May 6, 2015.

Housing for All by 2022 Government has announced that 2 cr houses will be built in the urban areas by 2022 to meet the shortage of housing stock with focus on Slum Dwellers, Economically Weaker Sections and Low Income Groups. All the earlier housing schemes will be subsumed under the new housing mission Which will be implemented based on the learnings of implementation of JNNURM. The Housing Mission has been approved by the Government. Guidelines are being drafted and will be issued upon formal launch of the Mission. Two lakh poor urban households will benefit from this initiative.

Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY)

The Ministry has announced the launching of ‘Deendayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana (DAY)’ on September 25, 2014 proposing to extend National Urban Livelihood Mission from 789 cities and towns to all the 4,041 statutory cities/towns. Necessary approvals for this are being obtained. The urban component of DAY seeks to address urban poverty through skill development, training in market driven urban services and placement, formation of self-help groups, interest subsidy for formation of individual and group ventures etc. The Ministry also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with National Skill Development Corporation for undertaking skill development and training programmes.

Under DAY, during 2014-15, skills have been imparted to 1,56,847 urban poor and another 5,00, 000 were assisted in setting up of 23,194 individual and group micro enterprises. Assistance was extended in formation of 36,787 Self-Help Groups. Measures taken to facilitate growth of construction sector 100% Foreign Direct Investment under automatic route in real estate projects including Housing, townships, commercial and industrial construction allowed. Built up area requirement for FDI lowered from 50,000 sq.mtrs to 20,000 sq.mtrs. Minimum capital requirement for FDI also reduced from US $ 10 million to $ 5 million. Tax exemption limit on home loans has been increased from Rs.1.50 lakh to Rs.2.0 lakhs. RBI has allowed Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin to carry out property transactions in residential and commercial real estate in the country. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS) are being encouraged to enable increased investments in real estate sector. Streamlining of approvals for construction projects in urban areas Ministry of HUPA is engaged in consultations with concerned ministries like Civil Aviation, Culture, Consumer Affairs, Railways, Environment and Forests & Climate Change and Urban Development for taking necessary measures to ensure approvals for construction projects in urban areas in a specific limited time frame as against the long time currently being taken for trhe same.

Ensuring punctuality and Cleanliness




Punctuality of employees is being regularly monitored by designated officers to enable Delivery of services and other entitlements to general public and other stakeholders in time. Special emphasis is being laid on ensuring cleanliness in office premises and surroundings.

DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY, MHRD

a) Swachh Vidyalaya ProgrammeThe Hon’ble Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech on 15th August, 2014 stated:

“... I want to make a beginning today itself and that is – all schools in the country should have toilets with separate toilets for girls. Only then our daughters will not be compelled to leave schools midway ... ... This target should be finished within one year with the help of State governments and on the next 15th August, we should be in a firm position to announce that there is not school in India without separate toilets for boys’ and girls’.”

The Hon’ble Prime Minister also gave a call to all the Parliamentarians to use their Member of Parliament – Local Area Development Scheme (MP-LADS) funds and the corporate sector to use their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for this National endeavour. Unique features of the Swachh Vidyalaya ProgrammeThe Department of School Education and Literacy initiated the Swachh Vidyalaya Programme under the Swachh Bharat Programme, and its unique features are:

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are participating is a big way to construct and repair toilets. These include the Coal India Limited, NTPC, REC, Power Finance Corporation, Power Grid Corporation, NHPC and ONGC.

Private Corporates have also come forward and are using CSR for this purpose. These includes Tata Consultancy Services, Mahindra Group, Rotary International and Infosys .

The Swachh Bharat Kosh has been set-up under the Ministry of Finance to receive contributions from individuals, corporates and other agencies. Funds from the Kosh have been made available to the Swachh Vidyalaya Programme.

Special allocations under the SSA and RMSA schemes for construction of new toilets and repair of dysfunctional toilets have been provided.

An online mechanism has been introduced at the Ministry’s website enabling States, PSUs and Corporates to book toilets for construction and monitor their progress.

Requirements under the Swachh Vidyalaya Programme At the beginning of the Swachh Vidyalaya Programme in August, 2014, 2.45 Lakh schools

lacked toilet facilities as per Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE) data. A total of 4.19 lakh toilets needed to be either constructed or repaired (2.57 lakh toilets new

construction and 1.62 lakh toilets for repair/renovation) throughout the country. The entire requirement of 4.19 lakh toilets based on UDISE 2013-14, has now been booked

for construction. Under this funds have been sanctioned for construction/repair of 2.40 lakh toilets under SSA

and RMSA Programmes, while PSUs have committed to construct/repair of 1.67 lakh toilets, and Private Corporates have committed to construct/repair 4562 toilets. In addition to this, Rs. 86 crores also have been provided under the Swachh Bharat Kosh for

the repair/reconstruction of 12951 toilets.

Monitoring and progress under the Programme As on 25th April, 2015, construction of 84226 toilets have been completed and work is in progress for 1.66 lakh toilets. All toilets have to be completed by 30th June, 2015, and all agencies have been asked to prepare month wise action plan and monitor the same regularly. The Department is intensively monitoring the implementation of the Swachh Vidyalaya Programme on a day to day basis. In the Department similarly, the participating Ministries have also evolved their own monitoring mechanism. Behavioural ChangeThe provision of toilets in all schools is only one important step forward. The real challenge will be to inculcate in children the habit of using the toilet facilities and to wash their hands, for better sanitation and hygiene practices. In this context the Department have initiated many steps. A Handbook on “Clean India: Clean School” was released 1st October, 2014 on sanitation, hygiene and behavioural change. The Handbook has been widely disseminated among states and other stakeholders. Further, a nationwide campaign on Swachhata was launched from 25 th September to 31st October, 2014. During this period various activities for behavioural change and generating awareness i.e. talks by children, cleanliness drive of school premises, organising competitions on Swachhata, constitution of children cabinet to supervise and monitor cleanliness, were organised in schools. Schools were also advised to carry out activities on routine basis round the year for cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene. In our support to sustain the momentum for generating full awareness, all the states are being provided with Rs. 5.00 lakh per district in the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) for 2015-16 for undertaking activities to inculcate the spirit of hygiene, cleanliness, so that every child in the country appreciates the value of good clean, hygienic living. As a part of teachers training calendar,



1-2 days has been specifically allocated under SSA for cleanliness, hygiene aspects to sensitise teachers on the issue of sanitation, hygiene and behavioural change. Apart from this other stake holders particularly UNICEF and Rotary International have also approached us to contribute in behavioural change for sanitation and hygiene in schools.

b) Padhe Bharat Bhare Bharat:

BACKGROUND & AIMS

FEATURES

c) Reaching out to Girls’ specially from the Minority Groups:

Background / Aims

The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) scheme provides for setting up residential schools at the upper primary level for girls belonging to SC, ST, OBC and minority communities. The KGBVs are opened in the educationally backward blocks (EBBs) where the female literacy is lower than the national average female literacy as per Census 2001. These schools are set up only in those EBBs which do not have residential schools at upper primary level for girls under any other scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of Tribal Affairs or the State Government.

There are three models of KGBVs which have been sanctioned to the States. Model –I KGBV is a school with hostel for 100 girls. Model-II KGBV is a school with hostel for 50 girls and Model-III KGBV comprises of hostel in existing schools normally for 50 girls.

Benefits

No. of KGBVs

sanctioned

3609

Of the total 3609 KGBVs sanctioned till date 508 KGBVs are in the districts with a dominant Scheduled Tribe population, 330 KGBVs are situated in districts with a dominant SC population and 544 districts are situated in areas with dominant Muslim population.

The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan programme provides for the construction cost of the KGBVs in accordance with the schedule of rates notified by the concerned States. Of the total KGBVs sanctioned the civil works with respect to 3064 i.e. 86.29% buildings have been completed.

d) Reaching out to children belonging to SC/ST category and Economically Weaker Sections:

There are two schemes for benefitting children belonging to the SC/ST Communities and Economically Weaker Sections, namely:

1. NATIONAL SCHEME OF INCENTIVE TO GIRLS FOR SECONDARY EDUCATION (NSIGSE)

Background / Objective

The objective of the Centrally Sponsored “National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education” is to establish an enabling environment to reduce the drop-outs and to promote the enrolment of girl child belonging mainly to SC/ST communities in secondary schools.

According to the scheme, an incentive amount of Rs.3,000/- is deposited in the name of eligible unmarried girls mainly belonging to SC/ST communities, as fixed deposit on enrolment in class IX, who are entitled to withdraw it along with interest thereon on passing 10th class and attaining 18 years of age.

The Incentive amount is disbursed by the Centre directly through electronic transfer

into the bank accounts of girls. It is covered under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme of GOI.

Benefits

During 2014-15, 312736 girls of 18 States / UTs have been sanctioned incentive amount. More than 99% of the benefitted girls belong to SC and ST communities.

2. NATIONAL MEANS-CUM-MERIT SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME (NMMSS)

Background / Objective

Centrally Sponsored ‘National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme’ provides scholarships to meritorious students of economically weaker sections to arrest their drop out at class VIII and encourage them to continue the study at secondary stage.

One lakh scholarships of Rs.6000/- per annum (Rs.500/- per month) per student are awarded to selected students of class IX every year and their renewal in classes X to XII for study in Government, Government-aided and Local body schools.

Scholarships are disbursed by the Centre directly through electronic transfer into the bank accounts of students. It is covered under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme of GOI.

Benefits

During 2014-15, 106770 scholarships have been sanctioned which has helped in continuing studies at secondary level to the benefited meritorious students from the economically weaker sections of the society whose parents annual income is not more than Rs. 1.50 lakhs.

e) Qualitative improvements – IT based:

The NROER Platform

(available at http://nroer.gov.in; new site under testing at http://nroer.metastudio.org) National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER) is a collaborative platform to ensure free and easy access to educational materials for all citizens including students and teachers through a common digitized library. It is an initiative to bring together all digital and digitisable resources across all stages of school education and teacher education. This will span all subject domains and will be available in all Indian languages.

Curated and managed by the CIET, NCERT, New Delhi, it has more than 20,000 resources of various categories including videos, audios, textbooks, documents, interactive objects and images in 29 languages including tribal languages (Limboo, Lepcha, Bhutia from Sikkim, Kokborak from Tripura, Santhali and Khortha from Jharkhand, Methei from Manipur, Ao and Tenyidie from Nagaland, Garo and Khasi from Meghalaya, Galo from Arunachal).

The repository entails partnership involving all teachers, students, educators, schools and institutions. Apart from over 15000 teachers, the list includes among others, Gnowledge Labs, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, State Institutes of Educational Technology (of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala and Maharashtra), SCERTs of Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Manipur, Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, Ministry of Culture, Gandhi Smriti Foundation and Sabarmati Ashram Trust, Department of Adult Education, MHRD and Vigyan Prasar, Ministry of Information Technology.

With a view to bridge the digital divide and leverage ICT to provide quality education, the

scope of NROER has been expanded and the pace of digitization of resources accelerated. The new interface of NROER supports:

Repository Curated Zone (mapping of resources to the curriculum)

E-books (textbooks in e-pub format) E-courses Events (exhibitions, contests, festivals, . . .) Elibrary (all resources, categorised)

Partners(contribute resources, run e-courses, events, etc.)

States (to curate and manage their own language section; a sub-set of NROER)

Institutions (Government and NGO) Individuals

Groups Teachers Schools Interest Groups (groups of teachers / others will form

interest groups to explore educational concerns)

Through NROER platform, the users are also allowed to upload resources which are subject to review by experts. In addition to this, NROER allows teachers to download, share, comment and rate media resources on the same platform. Till date a total of 1, 19, 373 unique visitors visited over 25, 43, 861 pages on NROER; number of hits is 65, 33, 166.

Core teams set up in each State and UT are helping organize activities for NROER,

particularly translation into their languages. Digital Gender Atlas for Advancing Girls’ Education in IndiaBackground, Features and Benefits:

1. The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of School Education and Literacy, has prepared a Digital Gender Atlas for Advancing Girls’ Education in India which was launched by HRM on the occasion of International Women’s Day on 08-03-2015.

2. The tool, which has been developed with the support of UNICEF, will help identify low performing geographic pockets for girls, particularly from marginalised groups such as scheduled castes, schedule tribes and Muslim minorities, on specific gender related education indicators.

3. The Atlas is placed on the MHRD website and available and ready to use by States/Districts/Blocks education administrators or any other interested group. In order to plan and execute educational interventions, the purpose of the Gender Atlas is to help identify and ensure equitable education with a focus on vulnerable girls, including girls with disabilities. To ensure this is feasible, the Gender Atlas has been developed as a hands-on management tool to enable critical decisions and actions in pockets where gaps are to be met.

The Atlas provides comparative analysis of individual gender related indicators over three years and that enables a visual assessment of the change and an understanding of whether some intervention introduced in a geography at a particular point in time has worked or not. It is constructed on an open source platform with an inbuilt scope of updating data by authorized persons to retain its dynamic character.

Using available Government data such as the Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE) data (2011-2014), Census 2011 data and District Level Health Survey (DLHS) 2007- 08, the Gender Atlas enables the user to navigate between geographical representation and numeric data at state, district and block levels and gives information on key indicators for girls’ education at primary, upper primary and secondary level. No primary data has been generated for the development of the atlas.

The main components of the Gender Atlas are : (i) Composite Gender Ranking (ii) Trend Analysis of Gender Indicators (iii) Vulnerabilities based on educational indicators in districts with substantial tribal, schedule caste, minority population in educationally backward blocks and in left wing extremist districts, and the low sex ratio districts selected under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme.

A few snapshots of the Atlas website are attached. (The full Gender Atlas may be viewed at www.MHRD.nic.in)

4. Impact of SSASarva Shiksha Abhiyaan – Details of Scheme

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is one of the largest programmes in the world which was launched in the year 2000-01 as a flagship program of the Government of India (GoI) to provide a comprehensive policy and budgetary framework to achieve the goal of universalization of elementary education. The goals of SSA, which are consistent with the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), the National Policy of Education (NPE) and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE), 2009. SSA is being implemented in partnership with State Governments to cover the entire country and address the needs of 20.78 crore children in the 6-13 age group (as per census 2011).

The main goals are: (a) All children in schools; (b) Bridge all gender and social category gaps at primary and upper primary; (c) Universal retention; and (d) Focus on elementary education of satisfactory quality with emphasis on education for life. SSA builds on the experiences of a series of past interventions at the national and state levels such as Operation Blackboard, District Primary Education Program (DPEP), Mahila Samakhya, Lok Jumbish, Bihar Education Project and Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Project.

The broad strategies central to SSA design are: (a) Decentralized planning and implementation; (b) Emphasis on special focus groups; (c) Community ownership; (d) Thrust on quality; (e) Institutional reforms; and (f) Sustainable financing.

Outcomes/Benefits

As per UDISE 2013-14, Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) is 100.1% for boys and 102.3% for girls, which indicates universal enrolment at primary level. The GER at upper primary level is 85.9 % for boys and 91.1% for girls.

The Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) has improved from 32 in 2009-10 to 26 in 2013-14. The total enrolment in elementary schools has risen from 18.79 crore children in 2009-10 to

19.89 crore children in 2013-14. Percentage of girls’ enrolment has gone up from 48.12% in 2009-10 to 48.49 % in 2013-14 at

elementary level. Number of out of school children has reduced from 81 lakh in 2009 to 61 lakh in 2013. Average Annual Dropout rate at primary level has come down from 6.76% (DISE, 2010-11) to

4.67% (UDISE, 2013-14) and at upper primary level is 3.13% as per UDISE, 2013-14. The transition rate from primary to upper primary has gone up from 83.53% in 2009-10 to

89.58% in 2013-14. The Gender Parity Index (GPI) in 2013-14 has reached 1.02 for primary level and 1.06 at

upper primary level. Enrolment of SC children has gone up from 19.06 % in 2010-11 to 20.24 % in 2013-14 at

elementary level which is more than their share in population (16.20%). Enrolment of ST children has gone up from 10.70% in 2010-11 to 10.85 % in 2013-14 at

elementary level which is more than their share of population (8.20%). Enrolment of Muslim children has grown up from 12.50% in 2010-11 to 13.52 % in 2013-14 at

elementary level (13.43%). As per Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE) 2013-14, 88.15%,

95.06%, 57.53%, 52.39%, 79.05% and 62.65% Government schools comply with the norms specified under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act in terms of toilet, drinking water, boundary wall, playground, library facilities and pupil teacher ratio respectively.

States have made necessary notifications under RTE Act for regulation of elementary education sector e.g. no private tuitions and grievance redressal mechanisms etc.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) will provide assistance to States/UTs for reimbursement of the expenditure incurred towards the minimum 25% admissions of the children belonging to weaker section and disadvantaged group (including SCs and STs) as notified by respective State Government in private unaided schools under Section 12 (1) (c) of the RTE Act, 2009, based on per child cost norms notified by the State Government, subject to a maximum ceiling of 20% of the size of the SSA Annual Work Plan and Budget with effect from the year 2015.

Pre-SSA Period

District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) was launched in 1993-94, with the aim of achieving the objective of universal primary education. DPEP, over several phases, covered 272 districts in 18 states of the country. The expenditure on the programme was shared by the Central Government (85%) and the State Governments. Under DPEP there was provisioning of only new primary schools for habitations that did not have access to schooling facilities. SSA has focused on the entire elementary sector.

Table 1: A Comparison of Elementary Education Sector for Pre-SSA and Post-SSA period

Sl. No.

Category DPEP/ Pre-SSA1998-99

Post–SSA(launched in 2000-01) Year

2013-14

1. (i) No. of Primary Schools(ii) No. of Upper Primary Schools

6.27 Lakhs1.90 Lakhs

8.6 Lakhs5.9 Lakhs

2. (i) Access to Primary schooling within 1 Kms of 83% 98%

1061 Thousands habitations(ii) Access to Upper Primary Schooling within 3 Kms

76%

97%

3. Ratio to Primary to Upper Primary 3.3 2.044. Primary Schools with Buildings 84% 98.7%5. Number of Teachers 31.82 Lakhs

(2000-01)46.12 lakhs

6. Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) at Primary LevelPupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) at Upper Primary Level

42:1 37:1

25:1

17:17. Enrolment : Primary

Enrolment :Upper Primary GER : PrimaryGER : Upper Primary % Girls’ enrolment to Total enrolment: Primary% Girls’ enrolment to Total enrolment: Upper Primary Drop-out rate : PrimaryDrop-out rate : Elementary

111 Million40 Million 92%58% 44%41% 40%57%

132.4 Million66.5 Million

101.36%89.33%

48.20%48.66%

4.67%4.17%

8 Out of School Children 3.2 crore(2001 census)

61 lakh(2014 Survey)

f) Teacher Reforms: Subject/Item Input

Name of Initiative NCTE Regulatory Reforms.

Focus

The National Council for Teacher Education is a statutory body mandated with maintaining standards and development of Teacher Education in the country.

NCTE, taking a reform agenda forward, has revised its Regulations and Norms and Standards for Teacher Education programme on 28th November, 2014.

Salient Features

The emphasis of the Government on providing an early career choice to prospective teachers finds fulfilment in a new four year integrated programme i.e. B.A./B.Ed. and B.Sc./B.Ed. This will help bright students choosing teaching as a career and also help in saving one year of their studies.

To further increase opportunities for youth to become school teachers, the NCTE has also raised the course-wise intake from a unit of 35 to 50 and increase in multiples of 50 in most programmes.

Existing and new teacher education institutions, University Departments of Education are now being encouraged to run more than one teacher education programme, which will allow for more economical viability, qualitative improvement in view of sharing of faculty and optimal use of space.

12 teacher education courses has been revised and the curriculum upgraded and three new programmes have been approved and notified (4 years B.A./B.Sc. B.Ed., 3 years B.Ed.-M.Ed. and part time B.Ed. in vacations).

The B.Ed. course has been intensively revised and upgraded to make it a two year programme with atleast 20 weeks of class room teaching experience, in order to produce better qualified teachers. B.A./B.Sc., B.Com. and B.Tech. students has been permitted to join the two year B.Ed. course.

The M.Ed. programme has been revised and re-constructed to become a two year programme allowing for specialisation in elementary education/primary education and for secondary and senior

secondary education, respectively. The course has been revised to include inputs of early reading, writing and numeracy skills for young children, development of curriculum, evaluation and assessment, school management, data analysis, education research, etc. Uptill now only B.Ed. graduates were allowed to enter M.Ed. and, therefore, teacher educators tended to be only from the secondary education sector. Now teachers with background in elementary education would also be eligible to do M.Ed. and become professional teacher educators for Diploma in Elementary Education and Bachelors in Elementary Education, programmes.

The new integrated course B.Ed.-M.Ed. for post graduate students, who hitherto had no pathway to become a Teacher Educator has been opened up by introducing an integrated B.Ed./M.Ed. programme of three years, in order to enrich teacher educators with specialised backgrounds in different subjects, particularly science and mathematics.

With increase in duration of several Teacher Education Programmes, sweeping changes in the curricula as well as in the mix of theory and practical classes have been brought about. Now, 25% of the programme duration will be devoted to school based activities and school attachment/internship. All teacher education programmes have a revised and modernised curriculum which includes, inter alia, use of ICT, gender sensitisation, inclusion of children with disabilities and yoga.

For untrained in-service primary school teachers, a D.Ed. in Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode has always existed but the curriculum has now been revised and updated. A new programme of B.Ed. in ODL mode has been introduced to help primary school teachers to upgrade their skills to secondary level school teachers. Similarly, for untrained in-serve secondary school teachers, (which is widespread amongst the private sector schools) a three year part time B.Ed. programme has been offered in the vacation period in a face to face mode to enable all schools to have trained secondary/senior secondary teachers.

To ensure quality standards in Teacher Education Institutions, the principle of Accreditation has been introduced requiring Teacher Education Institutions to obtain accreditation within a period of five years from a NCTE recognized accreditation agencies (including NAAC).

In order to bring transparency in the application process for Teacher Education courses and institutes, only online applications and online fee payment, will be accepted by the NCTE. The process of manual applications has been done away with. Administrative facilitation has also been brought in. Timelines have also been set for evaluation of applications upto 30th May of the year prior to the year in which the course is to start and the approval/rejection by the Regional Committees of the NCTE by 3rd March of every year.

The infrastructural and institutional norms for composite institutions (teacher education institutes with multiple teacher education courses or teacher education programme being run in Universities or Degree Colleges of Arts and Science) have been converged to allow for use of common infrastructural facilities, faculty and administrative support systems.

All teacher education courses will mandatorily include ICT, gender sensitisation, inclusion of children with disability

Target group/Beneficiarie

s

Teacher Education Institutes, teacher educators, student teacher and community at large.

Expected Outcome/ Benefit

to Stakeholder

More openness in the Teacher Education Sector through introduction of multi disciplinarity. More trajectories for student to become teacher/teacher educator. More Rigorous teacher education course curriculum. Emphasis on school internship. Opening up of faculty Norms for teacher educators.

g) Financial Literacy for Adults:Complete catalogue of Initiatives/ Policies/Schemes

1. Financial Literacy is one of the components of Interpersonal Media Campaign launched by the National Literacy Mission Authority to generate awareness and empower the clientele groups to provide easy access to financial institutions and provide opportunities to improve their livelihood.

2. The main issues addressed under the initiative include Budgeting and Planning of Household income and expenditure, different Schemes available with the banks, bank account operations; enhancing savings; investment of savings; importance of credit from formal sources; source of loans for poorer sections; types and modalities of loans; repayment methods; types of insurance schemes, process of availing insurance schemes, etc.

3. The initiative is being taken up in the rural areas of the Saakshar Bharat districts and the focus is on female adults, SCs, STs, minorities and other disadvantaged groups. State Resource Centres set up under the Scheme of support to NOGs for Adult Education & Skill Development have been engaged in promoting financial literacy initiative at grass root levels.

4. The main activities under this initiative include:

Development of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials and training material- The materials developed by NLMA include: Posters and Charts, Stickers, Folders, Broachers, Resource Book, Activity Book for Prerak, Training Manuals for Key Resource Persons, Master Trainers and folder on PMJDY etc. The materials were translated in to Regional Languages by State Resource Centers. Hon’ble HRM launched a series of folders on Financial Literacy during ‘Mahila Sashaktikaran Utsav’ held on 8th March, 2015 at Raipur, Chhatisgarh on the occasion of International Women’s Day

Intensive capacity building of stakeholders – Key Resource Persons and Master Trainers have been trained for further training of Preraks engaged for Adult Education Centres under Saakshar Bharat Programme. A National level training programme was organized to train 32 Key Resource Persons from different States in collaboration with State Bank of India, Postal Department, LIC, and other Financial Institutions during 2014-15. More than 5000 Master Trainers were trained at the District level by Key Resource Persons and resource persons drawn from Financial Institutions. Sensitized different levels of Stakeholders and beneficiaries through State Resource Centres about the benefits and services offered under PMJDY. About 90 State Coordinators of SLMAs were trained during the year at Visakhapatnam, Bhopal and Shillong.

To undertake environment building activities – Environment building campaign is undergoing to generate awareness among the beneficiaries through Adult Education Centers by Preraks and other Saakshar Bharat functionaries in all the 26 states and 1 UT covered under the Saakshar Bharat Programme.

h) Community involvement under Mid Day Meal (MDM) Scheme:Community plays a pro-active role in implementation and better monitoring of the programme. There are two recent interventions viz. TithiBhojan and Social Audit designed to attract community participation and channelize it for enrichment of Mid Day Meal Scheme.

TithiBhojan: TithiBhojan is a concept designed to ensure greater public participation under the mid-day meal programme. In order to bring in greater community participation, local communities are

encouraged to celebrate important family events by contributing to the mid-day meal served in the local schools.

The focus is on improvement in nutritional level; Retention of children in the schools; to cherish the sense of belonging among the community; Supplementation of the nutritional value of MDM; Development of rapport with the local community; Inculcating the feeling of equity and brotherhood among the children of all communities; Reduction of the gap between the school administration and the community.

The TithiBhojan is voluntarily served by the community / family among school children in several forms like

a) Sweet and Namkeen with the regular MDM.b) Complementary full Tithibhojan.c) Supplementary nutritive item like sprouted beans.d) Contribution in kind such as cooking ware, utensils, dinner sets or glasses for drinking

water study materials like books, note books, pens etc.,

The Central Government has requested the States to consider the concept of TithiBhojan for mid day meal in a suitable manner, to encourage local community participation in the programme.

Social Audit:

Social audit means the process in which people collectively monitor and evaluate the planning and implementation of the scheme. It is viewed as an ongoing process of public vigilance. The twin objectives of this social intervention are to create awareness among beneficiaries under the scheme and empower them to hold Government accountable through monitoring of the MDMS. Government has to be more accountable and socially responsible towards the programmes implemented for the welfare of the people of the country. Social accountability through Social audit done by the community members ensures transparency, reduces leakages, forces proper spending of funds, generates trust and creates demand led improvement in services. It helps in analyzing impacts of the scheme and provides complete transparency.

The success of the Mid Day Meal Scheme mainly depends on active participation of the community.

i) Guidelines on Food Safety and Hygiene for School Level Kitchens under Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme

Guidelines on Food Safety and Hygiene for School Level Kitchens under Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme were issued on 13.2.2015. These broad guidelines are prepared with a goal to help the States/UTs on the safety aspects of procurement, storage, serving & waste disposal of the food items. These guidelines also aims to address the issues of personal hygiene of the students and those involved in cooking and serving of Mid-day Meal.

Emphasis has been given on the methods for cooking of green leafy vegetables and other food articles with minimal loss of vitamins and minerals so that the prepared mid-day meal should provide adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins to the children for their proper physical and mental development.

The processes of procurement and storage of fresh vegetables and other perishable items have been provided so that the nutrient losses are minimal and the prepared Mid-day meal should provide prescribed calories proteins & other nutrients.

Importance of training of cook cum helper on food hygiene and food safety aspects along with personal hygiene, the nature of food, its handling, preparation, service and distribution has been provided. The States can prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the purpose.

The tasting of the food by a teacher/SMC member shall bring the community closer and develop sense of ownership among the community towards this flagship Programme. Testing of cooked Mid-day Meal at a set interval shall create a monitoring/check on the calorific value and bacteria free Mid-day meal.

To help the children by inculcating the good habits of hand washing and eating Mid-day Meal in an orderly manner will add to nation building by making them worthy citizen of India.

j) Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao"programme:In an attempt to support development of gender sensitive and inclusive environment at the school level, the Ministry of Human Resource Development introduced a slew of schemes and reforms with focus on Girls .

The "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao"programme, launched on January 20, 2015 in Panipat, Haryana, has ushered in to encourage education among girl children especially in districts with low Child Sex Ration across all States and UTs. The programme is a joint initiative of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Human Resource Development and includes a a set of convergent and coordinated efforts through a national campaign focused on multi sectoral action in 100 selected districts across India.

The programme specially seeks to cater to the following objectives:

Prevention of gender biased sex selective elimination Ensuring survival & protection of the girl child Ensuring education and participation of the girl child

In a bid to boost confidence and help in overall personality development of girl child, Self Defense trainings in schools are being supported under Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA).

Teacher training undertaken under various National have been made gender sensitive with use of specially designed modules developed by institution like National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

To ensure access and better infrastructure facilities for girls, the Ministry has granted financial support for infrastructure development and for construction, maintenance of facilities like Girl’s Hostels and toilets for girls across the country.

Punjab Best Practice

The rise in number of cases of atrocities against girls in the country has led MHRD to encourage and introduce self defense trainings in the school and education curriculum, not only to ensure safety and security for girls, but to enhance their self confidence and overall personality.

Punjab is one prominent state which has showed its commitment towards girl’s security issues with a 30 days karate training to the girls in all Government schools which are supported under schemes like Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abiyan (RMSA). The training has been highly appreciated by the parents and students. Many parents have agreed that the training has been able to address the safety concerns for the girls in the state. The parents need not be bothered to send their girls to schools anymore.

Along with safety and security, the training has also catered to health issues with regular drills on aerobic activities, stretching and breathing techniques.

k) National Programme on School Standards and Evaluation (Npsse)In view of the increasing emphasis on `quality education’ and ever growing `demand’ and `need’

for development of common and objective schools standards across the country, the Ministry of Human Resource Development has launched the National Programme on School Standards and Evaluation (NPSSE) as a comprehensive instrument for school evaluation leading to school improvement.

Anchored by the National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA), the NPSSE aims to enable schools to evaluate their performance in a more focused and strategic manner and facilitate them to make professional judgments for improvement. The School Standards and Evaluation Framework positions learners at the centre stage, even while contemplating on key

performance domains and their core standards for school evaluation. The structure of the Framework is simple yet flexible and lends itself to both self and external evaluation. It provides the broad guidelines to institutionalize school evaluation by the respective States. Thus allowing for adaptation and contextualization.

The development process has been strongly supported by evidence- based national and international researches on school evaluation. The Framework acknowledges the diversity of schools and the students-cultural, linguistic and socio -economic background. The framework is strongly built on the notion of “All children can learn” and has been developed through a participatory approach.

The framework identifies seven domains as the `key performance’ areas of the schools. Under each key domain, the core standards are defined and placed as reference points for evaluation and improvement.

The school Standards and Evaluation Unit (SSEU) has developed following documents under NPSSE:-

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING

Vision

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has undertaken key initiatives to generate awareness of programmes and policies of the Government in different sectors aimed at enhancing the outreach across platforms. A focused approach aimed at synergizing dissemination of information through a multimedia approach inclusive of all media units of the Ministry, innovative methodologies such as eliciting participation in campaigns, enhancing Government's presence on Social Media platforms and strengthening of communication at the grassroots level, have been taken up for firming up effective reach of messaging to the people.

XII Plan Outlay – Utilization

M/o I&B has utilized 95 % of RE of the Plan Outlay for the Plan period so far (2012-13 to 2014-15).

M/o I&B has utilized 98.16 % of RE of the Plan Outlay for the year 2014-15.

BROADCASTING WING -ACTIVITIES/ACHIEVEMENTS Kisan Channel - The Government has announced in the Union Budget, 2014-15, that a new

Kisan TV channel dedicated to agrarian sector would be launched in the current financial year. The Government has allocated an amount of Rs.100 crore for the purpose.

IIIrd and IVth Phases of Digitization - In keeping with the Govt. decision, the 3rd and 4th phases of cable TV digitization are to be completed by December 2015 and December 2016 respectively.

C-Form simplified to facilitate level playing field for indigenously manufacturing of STBs. E-auction of first batch of private FM radio channels Phase III -Cabinet approval

obtained on January 16, 2015 for e-auctioning of the first batch of Phase-III FM channels consisting of 135 channels in the 69 cities already covered under Phase-II. It has also approved migration (renewal) of private FM licenses from Phase-II to Phase-III on payment of migration fee as per TRAI recommendations.

Vividh Bharati FM Kolkata, Mumbai & Chennai inaugurated - AIR's popular Vividh Bharati Service, launched in 1957, was recently extended to FM platforms in Kolkata and Chennai on December 26, 2014 and February 20, 2015 respectively to expand local listenership.

The Union Budget 2014-15 allocated an amount of Rs.100 crore for 'Supporting Community Radio Movement in India'. This would enable setting up of 600 community radio stations across the country in the 12th Five Year Plan. At present 179 community radio stations are operating in various parts of India. A mechanism is also being set up to monitor community radio stations live at the Electronic Media Monitoring Centre. 5th National CR Sammelan 2015 held (16-18th March 2015) and 4th National CR Awards presented during the Sammelan.

Electronic Media Monitoring Centre being strengthened to monitor 600 TV channels from 300 TV channels. 1500 TV Channels Monitoring agency to be created by the end of 12th Plan. EMMC also to monitor FM and CR stations

Self regulation mechanism for content monitoring on TV channels also being strengthened Guidelines on TRP brought out in January 2014. Broadcast Audience Research Council to

start functioning by end of April 2015

Mann Ki Baat : PM connecting to the masses on RADIO Simulcast by DD Regional versions across the network e-book released Disaster Management: Radio's stellar role during Srinagar Floods Sept-2014 and Hud-Hud Cyclone in

Odisha & Andhra Pradesh Active presence in Social Media

Major Coverages :

• Election Coverage, Oath Ceremony of the new Government I-Day, R-Day, Beating Retreat, Budget, Pravasi Bhartiya Divas-2015, Bharat Ratna Awards, Mars Orbiter Mission etc. Robocon –Pune

• PM’s State visits, BRIC, Brazil, SAARC- Nepal, UNGA, New York, East Asia Summit- Myanmar, G-20-Australia etc

• Launch of Schemes: Digital India, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Make in India, Good Governance Day

• International Sports Events – Commonwealth Games - Glasgow, Scotland

• Asian Games – Incheon, Korea

• National Games – Kerala

Launch of New Channel: DD Saptagiri in Vijayawada, AP

AIR: NEW INITIATIVES • AIR MOBILE SMS Service launched

• News Service Division sends SMS in 16 languages, three times per day on major headlines

• Over 6 lakh subscribers covered in the country (SMS data report as on 27th March 2015.

FILMS WING – ACTIVITIES/ACHIEVEMENTS Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has planned a ‘National Film Heritage Mission’ (NFHM)

to restore, digitize and archive films and filmic material launched. The Mission, with an estimated cost of Rs.597.41 crore, would be spread over seven years from FY.2014-15 to FY.2020-2021. The cost of Phase-I of the project is Rs.24.23 crore while it would entail an expenditure of Rs.9.30 crore in Phase-II. The project would involve collection of film prints for assessment of their residual life; preventive conservation of 1,32,000 film reels; picture and sound restoration of 1145 films and 1108 short films; digitization of 1200 feature films and 1660 short films; construction of archival and preservation facilities with controlled conditions at the National Film Archive of India’s campus at Pune etc.

Proposal for setting up Film & Television Institute in North East

FTII & SRFTII to be Institutes of National Importance - In order to provide statutory backing through an Act of Parliament to declare all three institutes as Institutes of National Importance, the government has proposed a Bill. The proposed Bill would enable all three Institutes to award their own degrees and diplomas and start new activities on the lines of IITs and IIMs. A Cabinet Note has been moved.

Establishment of a National Centre of Excellence for Animation, Gaming and VFX. Consultation underway with the Industry

Goa declared the Permanent Destination for IFFI - In order to develop the Brand "IFFI" on the lines of other International Film Festivals, Goa has been declared as the permanent destination for the International Films Festival of India. This step will enhance efforts to create permanent infrastructure for the festival as well as the profile of the festival.

Audio-visual co-production agreement with China signed-There is an enhanced level of cooperation between India and China in the Audio-Visual sector. Both the countries have set up a Joint Working Group for this purpose. An Indian Film Festival was held in Beijing during August 2014. In September 2014, an Audio Visual Co-production Agreement was signed with China.

Upgradation of Siri Fort Auditoria - The Siri Fort Auditoria Complex is an important centre for performing and cinematic art activities in New Delhi. The Complex houses four auditoria with a capacity of 1865, 398, 270 and 65 respectively. The complex is the venue of several cultural programmes of national and international repute. As part of an up-gradation programme, the Auditoria have been equipped with a modern digital cinema projector with servers, Silver Screens, 3D projection system and state of the art, Dolby Atmos sound system in one of the auditoria and with a Dolby 7.1 system in the remaining auditoria. The total expenditure incurred during the year 2014-15 is Rs. 5.35 crore.

Renovation of Films Division Auditorium - The Auditorium had only celluloid projection facility with Dolby surround system and was suffering from major structural issues because the building is very old. As the building is a part of Lutyen's Delhi, it was not possible to make any structural changes to it. Hence, a major renovation with an expenditure of Rs 2.75 crores was planned for

optimal utilization of the space available and to improve the cinematic experience of viewers in the main auditorium. After renovation, it has a 140 seating capacity main auditorium with the latest type of 3D Digital Projection System, 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound System with JBL Speakers and Amplifiers and a silver screen; a 36 seat lecture-cum-mini video theatre with complete acoustics and 5.1 Digital Surround Sound and Martin Audio Speakers enabling theatres to project digital video content in HD resolution; and a multi-purpose hall for group discussions with a small screening set up and a cafeteria.

National Film Festival and Awards (May 2014) - The prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2013 was presented to renowned Director, Writer, Lyricist Shri Gulzar for his commendable contribution to Indian Cinema. The award for the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment was given to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Hindi) directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

North-East Film Festival held in New Delhi (Aug 2014) - For the first time, a three-day North East Film Festival was held in Delhi (Siri Fort Complex) on a grand scale. The Festival concluded on August 24, 2014. It will henceforth be an annual feature, a prominent event in the film festival calendar of the Directorate of Film Festivals.

First National Children’s Film Festival held in New Delhi (14th Nov 2014) - The first edition of the National Children’s Film Festival was Organized by the Children’s Film Society of India (CFSI) from November 14 to 16, 2014 at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi. The Festival was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information and Broadcasting Shri Arun Jaitley.

45th International Film Festival of India held in Goa (Nov 2014) - The festival had a spectacular opening on November 20, 2014. Shri Amitabh Bachchan was the Chief Guest. Shri Rajnikanth was awarded the Centenary Award for Indian Film Personality of the Year 2014 by the Hon’ble Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Arun Jaitley. Life-time Achievement Award was conferred upon the renowned Chinese film maker Mr. Wong Kar Wai by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Shri Rajyavardhan Rathore in the presence of celebrities.The festival concluded on November 30, 2014.

3rd National Students Film Awards and Film Festival held in FTII, Pune (Feb 2015)

INFORMATION WING – ACTIVITIES/ACHIEVEMENTS Initiated new outreach tool on Social Media, “Talkathon” - Talkathon@IFFI was a new initiative

introduced by the New Media Wing of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at IFFI 2014. It provided an opportunity for twitterati to ask/post questions, comments or queries to a panel of guests through tweets and get replies from them. The second edition of Talkathon was conducted on the sidelines of the Renewable Energy Summit, 2015 wherein Union Minister, MNRE, Shri Piyush Goyal interacted with the t witterati, live-streamed on the I&B Ministry’s official Youtube Channel. Union Budget 2015 became a watershed moment, as Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley answered questions asked by people on twitter using hashtag #AskYourFM in the latest edition of Talkathon. The one hour interview was hosted by celebrity author Shri Chetan Bhagat and telecast live on Doordarshan and I&B Ministry's Youtube channel. The show created a buzz as it was trending number one on Twitter.

1st National Photography Workshop and 4th National Photography Awards held in New Delhi on 19th and 20th March, 2015, respectively

Workshop on Streamlining Government Communication organized on 2nd Feb.2015- The Press Information Bureau of the Ministry of I&B convened a one day Workshop on ‘Streamlining Government Communication’ on February 2, 2015. It included discussions on various perspectives/issues on the Changing Media Scenario viz Emergences of Social Media, Communication of the Financial Policy of the 'Government to Regional Media', and 'PMO' Perspectives on Media Communication among others through Technical Sessions, Panel Discussions, Open-house Discussions, Question & Answer Sessions, etc.

Workshop on Crisis Communication organized on 22nd September 2014 - In pursuance of the decision taken in the Committee of Secretaries (CoS) Meeting held on July 1, 2014 to consider measures to upgrade the efficacy of control and response systems of the Government in crisis situation, the Ministry of Information organized a one day training session for senior officers of various Ministries/ Departments on ‘Communicating with Media’ through the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) – an institute of excellence - on September 22, 2014 at the National Media Centre.

Extensive media campaigns on major programmes like Swachh Bharat (AV Spots, Short Video & Photo Competition,Jingles on AIR, Special Outreach Programme by DFP), Make in India and Beti Bachao Beti Padao programmes etc.

RNI Modernization and transparency initiative - The Office of the Registrar of Newspapers for India, M/o I&B has streamlined its Single Window Public dealing mechanism at its office. The RNI has achieved 100% success in online e-filing of annual statements by publishers for 2013-14. The software module has been finalized for online filing of title verification applications. It has also started sending automatic SMS intimation about status of title and registration applications to the publishers.

E-version of 100 volumes of Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi prepared with Gujarat Vidyapeeth.

Digitization of other publications such as India/Bharat 2015

DPD stall at Delhi World Book Fair 2015 - The Directorate of Publications Division participated in the New Delhi World Book Fair organized from February 14 - 22, 2015 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi by the National Book Trust, under the Ministry of Human Resource Development & India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. The 14-stall huge pavilion of Publications Division in Hall No. 11 displayed 800-900 titles, mainly in English, Hindi and a few regional languages.

Establishing a ‘Communication University’ in the country with particular emphasis Communication Technology.

30 Innovative Press Conferences organized by PIB to highlight Government achievements - As part of the initiative to highlight the Government’s achievements and policy pronouncements, a series of Press Conferences were organized. All the Press Conferences were addressed by the concerned Ministers. Till date, 30 Press Conferences have been organized by the Press Information Bureau. For the first time, all the Press Conferences have been telecast and webcast live. Innovative methods were adopted by Ministers which included Power point presentations, Screening of short films, Video conferencing with regional centres, etc.

Launched the Official Calendar of Govt. of India, 2015 with the theme “Clean India Green India”. While the theme of ‘Swachh Bharat’ was portrayed visually in the conventional

mode, the Mobile Application of the Calendar exemplifies the government’s vision of ‘Digital India’. The mobile application incorporated the official calendar of the Government for the year 2015. The App would also provide access to the latest tweets from the PMO, the YouTube Channel of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Press Releases on the PIB website. In addition to being a window for all websites of Government of India, this informative application would serve as a planner for users, bringing news updates from AIR and DD News.

Organized Multimedia Exhibition on Former PM, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 20th Dec. 2014- On the occasion of the 90th Birth Anniversary of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, DAVP and Photo Division organized a Photo Exhibition at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi on December 20, 2014. This exhibition portrayed the life of Shri Vajpayee through a display of around 250 photographs. These rare pictures took the spectators not only through the political journey of this visionary leader, but also provided a glimpse into the diverse facets of his life - as a poet and a great thinker. It also showcased his life through an electronic exhibition.

Established Social Media Communication Hub

MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT

SHRAMEV JAYATE: Making India A Better Workplace For AllLabour is one of the most critical factors of production. Industrial peace and harmony can be achieved only when the goals of employment and employability are in tune with the goals of industrial development and growth. It is our vision to have an environment which is conducive for inclusive growth and development of the country.NEW BEGINNING AND LONG-TERM THINKING

Work is a celebration only when both partners – the worker and industry – thoroughly benefit from it.PT. DEENDAYAL UPADHYAY SHRAMEV JAYATE KARYAKRAM

On 16 October 2014, a new day dawned to brighten the lives of the labour force in India in many different ways – the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Shramev Jayate Karyakram, during the daylong conference of State Labour & Employment Ministers, State Health Ministers and State Vocational Training Ministers at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The event became a launch pad around a series of Good Governance initiatives to enhance transparency and accountability and boost compliance with the ultimate aim of effectively promoting industrial peace, harmony and all-round development.STRENGTHENING OF TRIPARTISM:

Tripartism is the hallmark of Labour Policy discourse. As a founder member of ILO India is committed to the ethos of tripartism. We have a long and healthy tradition of Tripartite Consultaion. Indian Labour Conference, Standing Labour Committee, National Labour Commission are the foremost platforms of tripartite consultations on all issues of Labour and Employment. Besides, a number of tripartite for a have been established to discuss the specific labour issues.

Ministry of Labour & Employment has been striving to promote harmonious industrial relations in the country. The Government, being committed to the ethos and culture of tripartism, is taking measures to revitalize it. The Ministry continues to have consultation with the social partners to obtain a consensus for enacting new laws or bringing about changes in the existing laws. The objective of the Ministry is to knit the views of all the social partners in framing the policy for working class. Accordingly, the Ministry of Labour& Employment held several tripartite meetings of various Committees / Boards during the year which, inter-alia, include:-• The meetings of Central Board of Trustees (EPF) held on 21.08.2014 and 19.12.2014.• The meetings of Executive Committee of Employees Provident Fund held on 27.06.2014 and

18.12.2014.• The meetings of the Committee on Employees State Insurance Corporation held on 31.07.2014

and 04.12.2014.• The meetings of Standing Committee, Employees State Insurance Corporation held on 06.06.2014.• The Meeting of Medical Benefit Council held on 11.08.2014.• The meeting of Governing Body of Central Board for Workers Education held on 26.05.2014 and

10.11.2014.• Meeting of the Executive Council was held on 16.06.2014.• The Meeting of Executive Council of V.V.Giri National Labour Institute was held on 16.06.2014.• A tripartite consultation meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Shri Narender Singh Tomar,

the then Hon'ble Minister for Labour & Employment on 20.10.2014 to discuss the participation of Workers Management Bill, 1990.

• A Tripartite Meeting held on 13.01.2015 to discuss the various issues pertaining to Ministry of Labour & Employment.

• Tripartite Meeting held on 03.02.2015 to discuss the Small Factories (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2014.

• Tripartite consultation on comprehensive amendments to the Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 was held on 03.02.2015.

• Tripartite Committee on Factories Act, 1948 was held on 19.02.2015.• Tripartite Committee on Labour Code on Wages was held on 10.03.2015.• Tripartite Committee on EPF & MP Act was held on 31.03.2015. ACHIEVEMENTS AND INITIATIVES

The Ministry of Labour & Employment is committed towards good governance by bringing transparency and accountability in Labour Laws. On the other hand Ministry is making important initiatives to realize the vision of Shram yogi- Rashtra Yogi-Rashtra Niramta and to establish the dignity and respect for each and every worker in the country through provision of social security and enhancing the avenues and quality of vocational training. The initiatives by the Ministry in this direction therefore can be classified in 4 categories:

1. Labour Law Reforms:2. Ease of Doing Business3. Social Security for Organised and Unorganised Sector Worker4. Vocational Training

e-Kranti : Good Governance through Technology• ShramSuvidha Portal for ease of doing business

The Ministry of Labour & Employment launched a unified Web Portal 'Shram Suvidha Portal' on 16th October, 2014. The main features of this Portal are:(i) Unique labour identification number (LIN) will be allotted to Units to facilitate online

registration.(ii) Filing of self-certified and simplified Single Online Return by the industry instead of filing 16

separate returns. Amendments to 10 Rules has been taken up.(iii) Timely redressal of grievances.(iv) 12 states have shown interest in joining the portal.(v) The unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) has been issued to 930146 Units as on April

01, 2015.• Transparent Labour Inspection Scheme for efficient inspections.

(i) A computerized list of inspections to be generated randomly based on risk based algorithm.

(ii) Complaints based inspections to be determined centrally after examination based on data and evidence.

(iii) Computerized inspection reports within 72 hours to be uploaded by the Labour inspectors.52535 inspections have been generated as on April 01, 2015 since the launch of the Labour Inspection Scheme of which 47,101 have already been uploaded on Shram Suvidha Portal.

Easier Social SecuritySocial Security for Organized sector Notification issued for minimum pension of Rs.1000/- . Notification issued for Enhancement of wage ceiling under EPFO from Rs.6500/- to

Rs.15000/-. E-Biz

Integration of ESIC and EPFO with e-Biz Platform for registration of employers to promote ease of business and curb transaction costs.

Online Payment of monthly contribution.Launched w.e.f. September, 2014 for EPFO.40% contribution is already being done through Internet Banking (IB)Launched w.e.f. April 01, 2015 for ESIC.

Universal Account Number(UAN):UAN launched on 16.10.2014 by Hon’ble Prime MinisterAllotted to all the 4.42 crore existing active Members; the new members after 30th June,2014 are getting UAN.Introduces complete portability.SMS alert for monthly contribution and accumulation.Ultimately it will enable EPFO to interact with employee directly.

Payment to EPF Beneficiaries:99% payment to members are being made electronically.CCPAP(Corporate Cheques Payable at Par) Launched in August,2014.EPFO conferred Banking Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) Leadership Award for CCPAP on 03.02.2015.

Pension Payments:Pension now being credited to about 50 lakhs pensioners every month on first working day.

Registration of Establishments:Online portal launched on 30.06.2014Hassle free, transparent and efficient.No interaction with EPF office required.The process is being improved and stabilized.

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS (2014-15) – 10.37 crore member accounts pertaining to 103 of 122 EFP offices have been updated as on 1616 hrs., 1 April 2015.Claims as on 31st march, 2015 (Provisional) Claims Amount (inrs.)Provident fund 73,02,634 4,06,89,65,78,544Pension 56,59,971 1,16,49,02,09,770EDLI 30,095 1,83,83,32,607Total 1,29,92,700 5,25,22,51,20,921

Social Security for Unorganized Workers:Unorganized Workers' Identity Card (initiative in progress)(i) Identification and registration of unorganized workers as per the Unorganized Workers

Social Security Act, 2008 leading to creation of database of unorganized workers.(ii) Issue of identity card(UWIN) to unorganized workers with linkages with Aadhaar No. and

Bank Account No.(iii) Convergence of Social Security Schemes for unorganized workers on a single platform.(iv) Single point of contact for Social Security Scheme for Unorganized Workers.(v) Holistic monitoring of schemes for assessment of access to and quality of services to

unorganized workers. VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND CAREER SERVICESInitiatives in Demand Responsive Vocational Training And Career Services to realize the aims of Skill India and Make In India .

Apprentice ProtsahanYojana(APY)

(i) Launched on 16th October, 2014.(ii) With an outlay of Rs.346 crores, Government will support one lakh apprentices in next

two and a half years by sharing the 50 % of the stipend.(iii) A vision to have more than 20 lakh apprentices in next few years against present

number of 2.9 lakh.(iv) Enhanced rates of stipend have been notified for trade apprentices. The minimum rate

of stipend per month payable has been indexed to minimum wage of semi-skilled worker.

National Career Service (NCS): Modernization of employment Services(i) NCS portal became operational in March, 2015.(ii) 100 Model Career Centres to be developed.

(iii) To provide training in Last Mile Employability skills. NCVT-MIS Portal:

(i) To enforce academic calendar in vocational training institutions(ii) Portal gone live from December 2014.(iii) Facility of E-certification to pass outs for eliminating delays and seamless verification.

Revamped SDI portal:(i) Provision of biometric attendance and tracking of placement.(ii) Inclusion of soft skills.(iii) Training hours to be flexible including 2nd shift in urban it is.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for construction sector:(i) More than 4.2 crore workers with low skill level.(ii) RPL Scheme started to give 15 day gap training at site for NCVT certificate.(iii) Funded from Cessfunds collected from Construction projects.(iv) Provision of wage compensation to worker at Rs.35 per hour.

Flexi MoU with industry to encourage industry customized high potential NCVT training courses.Eight MoUs signed.

Training of ITI instructors through distance learning technology. LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVESLabour Law Reforms for economic development with inclusive growth

Industrial harmony can only be achieved when the objectives of employment and employability are interwoven with the goals of industrial development and national growth.. The Ministry of Labour & Employment is therefore committed to good governance through transparency and accountability in the enforcement of labour laws.

Amendments done so far: The Labour Laws (exemption from furnishing Returns and Maintaining Registers by

Certain Establishments) Act, 1948:passed by the Parliament in winter Session 2014.(i) The ‘small’ establishments would now cover the establishments employing between 10

to 40 workers as against the existing provision of 10 to 19 workers.(ii) The small establishments will be required to maintain two registers as against the

existing provision of maintaining three registers.(iii) Allow maintaining of registers or records in computer, floppy, diskette or on other

electronic media and submitting return through e-mail. Comprehensive Amendments in Apprentices Act1961: passed by the Parliament in winter Session 2014

(i) Trade-wise regulation of seats is to be replaced by a minimum and maximum percentage the total strength of the workers. Within this band, apprentices can be engaged in any trade.

(ii) Industry can also engage apprentices in optional trades which are not designated, with the discretion of entry level qualification and syllabus.

(iii) Scope extended also to non-engineering occupations at diploma and degree level. (iv) Penalties in the form of fine only.

Initiatives under Progress: The Small Factories (Regulation of Employment & Condition of Service) Bill:

This Bill aims to bring the provisions under multiple labour laws concerning the Small Factories employing less than 40 workers, at one place. This Bill will help in easy compliance of the Labour Laws by these small units.

Labour Codes:-Based on the recommendations of Second National Commission of Labour, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has taken up an exercise of rationalising Multiple Labour Laws into five

labour codes on (a) Wages, (b) Safety and Working Conditions, (c) Industrial Relations, (d) Social Security & Welfare, (e) Employment Training and Miscellaneous.

Amendments to Child Labour Protection and Regulation (CLPR) Act.(i) Complete prohibition on employment of children.(ii) Prohibition on employment of adolescent in hazardous occupations.(iii) Graded penalty.(iv) Lenient punishment for parents/guardians.(v) Creation of Rehabilitation Fund.

Amendment to The Factories Act, 1948: introduced in Lok Sabha on 7.8.2014.

MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

LEGAL REFORMS & JUSTICE DELIVERY

Under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961, the primary function of this Ministry is to tender legal advice to the Ministries/departments of the Government and conduct the litigation on behalf of the government in courts . During the bygone year some important initiatives have been introduced and is working on various important issues which may pave way for ease of doing business and good governance as envisioned by the Prime minister. INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN BY THE MINISTRTY WHICH HAVE A DIRECT IMPACT ON PUBLICAmendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996Taking into consideration of recommendations of the 246th Report of the Law Commission to make the existing Act more user friendly, cost effective tool of expeditious disposal of cases. and other suggestions received from stake holders, the Department of Legal Affairs has decided to amend the Arbitration and

Conciliation Act, 1996 so as to make India as preferred destination and hub of International Commercial arbitration and the Amendment Bill in this regard is proposed to be introduced in the Parliament after approval of the Cabinet. Constitution of Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts and Commercial Courts

Government on 28th April 2015 has introduced a Bill in the Rajya Sabha for the Constitution of Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts and Commercial Courts in the country with the objective of ensuringspeedy and fair disposal of high value ‘commercial disputes’. This has been done as per the recommendations of the 253rdReport of Law Commission keeping in view the federal character of our nation and independence of judiciary. The State Governments and the High Courts were consulted on the proposed recommendations.

National Litigation Policy The Department of Legal Affairs has formulated a draft National Litigation

Policy, whereby every court case/order wherein Union of India is one of the parties shall be closely scrutinized with a view to determine as to whether the matter shall be agitated further. The policy will be finalized soon after necessary approvals.

Decentralization of legal assistance to the ministries/departmentsAs part of the legal reforms, decentralization of the availability of legal assistance to the Ministries/Departments by providing services of ILS officers in-house in each Ministry/Department is being envisaged . All Ministries/Departments have been requested to assess their requirements of ILS officers depending on the workload of their advice/legislative matters. The feedback received from all the stakeholders is being processed further.

Merger of Tribunals functioning under the administrative charge of various Ministries/Departments of the Government of IndiaTo avoid overlapping/identical functions being discharged by various tribunals at present functioning under the administrative central of various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, concerned Ministries and Departments have been requested to send comments/information on the functioning of the Tribunals under their administrative control indicating whether it is possible to merge the functions of the Tribunals under their administrative control with some other Tribunal. The purpose is to bring uniformity, efficiency and effectiveness and it will also reduce the number of Tribunals in the country.

Digital monitoring of court cases through Legal Information and Management Based System (LIMBS). For having a unified, effective and efficient mechanism for the Digital monitoring of court cases through Legal Information and Management Based System (LIMBS), The the NIC has been approached for a robust web-based application having all the required features including monitoring of the case at every stage, facilities of alert SMSs, monitoring of performance of the litigant departments, counsel, etc. so as to ensure legal intervention at the required stages have been developed. Security audit is being done by NIC, then the application will be introduced and managed. In the meantime personnel & training team & implementation team are being obtained from NICSI after following due procedure.

National Data Sharing and Access Programme (NADSAP) A proposal to set up NDSAP Cell has also been initiated. In order to provide

technical support for the purpose, it is proposed to hire technical persons on outsourcing basis. NIC has been requested to suggest the technical qualifications required to be prescribed for this purpose so that these persons can help the Department in carrying out not only the activities under NDSAP but also other IT related activities.

Achievements which need a mention are as follows:

Advice on legal matters including interpretation of the Constitution and the laws including the conveyancing work of the Central Government.

During the period total of 9493 references from various Ministries/Departments were handled.

For handling litigation work of the Central Government in the Supreme Court, High Court and subordinate courts, 2180 counsels have been empanelled during the period in various High Courts for smooth conduct of government litigation. This has come as a welcome relief to the Government as it enables the Government to represent itself before the courts & tribunals.

Nineteen Law Officers, including the Attorney General of India, Solicitor Generals of India, for the Supreme Court and various High Courts were appointed. Thirty Two Assistant Solicitor Generals were also appointed in various High Courts.

Initiatives to enter into Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in Civil and Commercial matters are being taken with Oman, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kuwait, France, Bulgaria, HKSAR, Iran, Ukraine, UAE and Azerbaijan.

During the period, 694 Notaries were appointed and 462 notary certificates were renewed. Notaries are accessible to common man at District, Taluka, Tehsil and sub-tehsil level for of documents. Increased numbers of Notaries have resulted into increased options for general public to get their documents authenticated.

The Appellate Tribunal for Foreign Exchange is working with its full strength of the Chairman and Members. The Tribunal disposed off 49 cases during the last calendar year.

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal decides second appeals against orders of the Departmental Appellate Authorities under Income Tax Act, 1961 & other direct tax laws. There are 63 benches of ITAT with sanctioned strength of 63 Judicial Members and 63 Accountant Members including one President, one Senior Vice President and 9 Vice-Presidents.

After amendment of the Income Tax Act, recently for the first time a former Judge of the high court has been appointed as President of the Tribunal. The selection process for selection of 48 members of the Tribunal has been completed by holding interviews of 546 candidates. Approvals received in respect of the 35 candidates is being processed to offer appointments to the selected candidates. During the last calendar year ITAT has disposed off 29817 cases.

The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body constituted by the Government from time to time. The 20th Law Commission of India was constituted for a period of three years with effect from 1st September, 2012. Its term is upto 31stAugust, 2015. The successive Law Commissions have so far submitted 256 Reports, all of which have been forwarded to the concerned Ministries/Departments for examination/implementation.

During the current financial year the Law Commission of India has submitted 12 Reports. Since the Law Commission of India is continuously functioning from 1955 and is reconstituted for every three years, it is now proposed to explore the possibility of making it a permanent body either by an executive order of by an Act of Parliament.

INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN WHICH ENHANCES THE PUBLIC DELIVERY

SYSTEM1.Introduction of e-Office in the Department of Legal Affairs.

The existing File Tracking System (FTS) is proposed to be replaced by E-office. Provision for Rs.40 lakhs has been made for the purpose. NIC had been requested to take necessary action in the matter. Information with regard to total location-wise sanctioned strength of the Department has been made available to NIC. 2.Redesigning/Updation of the Website of the Department of Legal Affairs.

The Ministry has already conveyed willingness to migrate website to Content Management Framework of the DeitY and necessary information in the prescribed proforma has already been handed over to NIC in respect of Department of Legal Affairs. .

3.Preparation and updation of e-BookAn e-Book was prepared and uploaded on the Department’s website. However, the e-Book needed to be designed as per DeitY’s guidelines having bi-lingual interface and graphic images. The updation is being done accordingly. 4.Transition from IPv4 to IPv6The necessary action to switch over from IPv4 to IPv6 is being done in consultation with NIC. 5.Development of a Software for Notary applicationsThe NIC submitted that the software for “online Notary application” is ready for implementation. The NIC informed that they will conduct a demo very soon in consultation with the Notary Cell.

6.ProActive Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI)In view of PMO launch of a new web-based application titled “Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation” (PRAGATI) with a view to centrally monitor all Central Projects State projects and also the public grievance set-up the department may sooner or later have to work out modalities for coordinating PRAGATI application . For the present, one CPGRAMS web-based application is working which is being monitored by DoP&T. It is given to understand that the CPGRAMS version may be switched over to PRAGATI 7. Cyber SecurityInstructions have been received on cyber security. Action on the subject is being undertaken.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS: The Parliament has enacted the Constitution (Ninety-Ninth Amendment) Act, 2014 and

the National Judicial Appointment Commission Act, 2014 to bring about a transparent and participative mechanism of appointments in higher judiciary.

A sum of Rs. 933 crores has been released to the State Governments during the year 2014-15 for infrastructure development of subordinate judiciary,2251 court halls and 1799 residential units for judicial officer of district and subordinate courts are under construction.

The sanctioned strength of High Court Judges has increased from 906 as on 31-03-2014 to 998 as on 31-03-2015. The sanctioned strength of Judicial Officers in District and Subordinate Courts has increased from 19,518 as on 31-12-2013 to 20,214 as on 31-12-2014.

Against the target of computerising 14249 district and subordinate courts in the country under the eCourts Mission Mode Project , 13672 courts (95.6%) have been computerised at the end of the phase-I of the project on 31-03-2015. Case data in respect of more than 4.5 crore cases and 95 lakh judgements has been uploaded to the National

Judicial Data Grid. Litigants and lawyers are now able to access this case information online.

Pendency of cases in District and Subordinate courts has declined from 2.68 crores as on 31-12-2013 to 2.64 crores cases as on 31-12-2014. Pendency of cases in High Courts has declined from 44 lakh cases as on 31-12-2013 to 41 lakh cases as on 31-12-2014. (Matter as send to Secy I&B by the Deptt. of Justice on 10th April 2015)

The Central Government has undertaken many initiatives to improve the justice delivery system. Rs. 3131 crore has been released to States for development of infrastructure since 2011 and another Rs. 1947 crore was released under the 13th Finance Commission for ADR Centres, Judicial Academies, Lok Adalats, Training etc.

The first Phase of the e-Court Mission Mode Project has just concluded with an investment of about Rs. 600 crore, under which case data of 13672 courts is now online.

The National Judicial Data Grid presently covering courts under the jurisdiction of 21 out of 24 High Courts is available to the judiciary for improving case and court management and judicial performance.

Significant investment has been made by the Central Government in the justice sector. The country today has more court halls then the total functioning courts. Almost 96% of

the district and subordinate courts have been computerised and are providing case information to litigants and lawyers online through the district court websites.

With the increased devolution of funds to the States by the 14th Finance Commission, to the tune of of Rs.9749 crore States should improve the justice delivery system.

Law & Justice Minister D.V.Sadananda Gowda says he himself will be available for discussions with the Chief Ministers as well as the Chief Justices of High Courts to carry forward the efforts to provide litigant friendly environment in courts and to eliminate the long-pending arrears of cases in courts.

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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

The Parliament has enacted the Constitution (Ninety-Ninth Amendment) Act, 2014 and the National Judicial Appointment Commission Act, 2014 to bring about a transparent and participative mechanism of appointments in higher judiciary.

A sum of Rs. 933 crores has been released to the State Governments during the year 2014-15 for infrastructure development of subordinate judiciary. 2251 court halls and 1799 residential units for judicial officer of district and subordinate courts are under construction.

The sanctioned strength of High Courts Judges has increased from 906 as on 31-03-2014 to 998 as on 31-03-2015.The sanctioned strength of Judicial Officers in District and Subordinate Courts has increased from 19,518 as on 31-12-2013 to 20,214 as on 31-12-2014.

Against the target of computerising 14249 district and subordinate courts in the country under the eCourts Mission Mode Project, 13672 courts (95.6%) have been computerised at the end of the phase-I of the project on 31-03-2015. Case data in respect of more than 4.5 crore cases and 95 lakh judgements has been uploaded to the National Judicial Data Grid. Litigants and lawyers are now able to access this case information online.

Pendency of cases in District and Suborinate Courts has declined from 2.68 crore casesas on 31-12-2013 to 2.64 crore cases as on 31-12-2014. Pendency of cases in High Courts has declined from 44 lakh cases as on 31-12-2013 to 41 lakh cases as on 31-12-2014.

MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

Achievements in 2014-15: 6,91,580* youths benefitted • Rs 2389.90 Cr (95.6%) of Budget utilization in 2014-15 in comparison to Rs 2281.15 Cr (87.73%)

expenditure in 2013-14.• 3 EDIs organized 9142 programmes for 2,60,888* youth for enterprise creation and make them

job ready for industry.• Under PMEGP 36677 enterprises set up and employment opportunity for 265352* youths created.• 55 Job Mela/Talent Mela organized in different parts of country for over 29566 youths and over

9000 youth got jobs within MSME enterprise frame work.• Technology Development Centers (18) trained over 165340* youths and making them industry

ready and 36116 units benefitted.• CLCSS covered 7246 units for technology up-gradation.• CGTMSE covered 403462 enterprises under credit guarantee and collateral free credit.

1. ASPIRE: A Scheme for Promoting Innovation and Rural EntrepreneurshipA Scheme for Promoting Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Agro Industry was launched by the Ministry on 18.3.2015. The scheme was formulated to set up a network of technology centres and to set up incubation centres to accelerate entrepreneurship and also to promote start-ups for innovation and entrepreneurship in agro-industry. The scheme emanates from the Finance Minister’s budget



speech for 2014-15, whereby, he has suggested establishing Technology Centre Network to promote Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Agro Industry with a fund of Rs.200 crore. Under the scheme, 500 new incubation centers will be set up all over India by next year.

2. Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries: SFURTIFor the traditional and village industries, we have significantly enhanced allocation and revamped the ongoing Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) to achieve better and more intensive coverage with professional/expert inputs. A special component plan to support 100 Khadi institutions and Self Help Groups in the Border, Hill and Left Wing Extremism affected areas has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs.76 crore. The per cluster investment limit has been enhanced upto Rs 8 Cr from existing limit of Rs 1 cr ,depending upon number of enterprises.

3. Revamped Coir Udyami Yojana (CUY) & Coir Vikas Yojana (CVY)Central Sector Schemes being implemented by the Coir Board namely “Rejuvenation, Modernization and Technology Up -gradation”(REMOT) and “Coir Plan (General)” Scheme, have been re-named as Coir Udyami Yojana (CUY) and Coir Vikas Yojana (CVY) respectively to make it better understood by the Stakeholders. CUY is a credited linked subsidy scheme in coir sector, aims to integrate and develop coir units. The scheme provides 40% as Govt. subsidy, 55% as Bank loan and 5% beneficiary contribution for setting up of coir units with project cost up to Rs.10.00 lakh (revised from Rs.5.00 lakh).Coir Vikas Yojana (CVY) envisages training for men & women coir workers and providing subsidized Ratts to women workers apart from providing assistance for setting up and expansion of coir units. Assistance under CVY is also provided for participation in international and domestic exhibitions/Fairs. Coir Board won Gold Medal in ITPO exhibition in Nov 2015.

4. Change of definition of MSMEsThe Cabinet, in its meeting held on 25.3.2015 approved the proposal of this Ministry for introduction of a Bill, namely, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2015, in Parliament to amend the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act 2006. The objective of proposed amendments are to (i) enhance the existing limit for investment in plant and machinery considering changes in price index and cost of inputs consistent with the emerging role of the MSMEs in various Global Value Chains, (ii) include in such classification, the micro or tiny enterprises or the village enterprises, as part of medium enterprises apart from small enterprises so as to enable the aforesaid category of enterprises to avail the benefits and become competitive, and (iii) empower the Central Government to revise the existing limit for investment, by notification, considering the inflation and dynamic market situation. Steps have been taken to introduce the Bill in Parliament.

5. National portal for filing of EMThe Ministry, through National Informatics Centre (NIC), has developed a web portal for online filing of Entrepreneurship Memorandum (EM) I & II. The portal can be viewed at http://em.msme.gov.in/. The Objective is to make the process of filing of EM-I & II forms easier for the applicant through any-time-anywhere registration. Adoption of online system would encourage higher rates of EM registration and enable more MSMEs to avail benefits under various Government schemes. The portal would enable the applicant to track the status of his application thereby promoting accountability and transparency in the system. It also provides a critical monitoring tool to the Government by way of tracking investments. Currently, this portal is being adopted by 13 States/UTs. Over 36765 EM1 and 8244 EM2 application has been filed online.

In order to facilitate the adoption of this portal by various States and UTs, this Ministry has been proactively engaging with them by periodic meetings with senior officials and providing hands-on training to the officials of the Directorate of Industries and the District Industries Centres.







6. De-reservation of itemsItems are reserved/de-reserved for exclusive manufacture in MSE sector in accordance with Section 29(B) of the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951. The decisions are taken by the Government after considering the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, constituted under the Act. As on date, 20 items are reserved for exclusive manufacture in MSE Sector. A meeting of the Advisory Committee was held on 20.10.2014 which has recommended De-reservation of the remaining 20 items. The Notification for De-reservation of these items is being processed by Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, M/o Commerce & Industry (Notification is with M/o Law & Justice for Vetting). With this de-reservation there will be no item reserved for exclusive manufacture in MSE sector.

7. Quality Management System (ISO) in Ministry of MSME, KVIC and Coir BoardThe Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has been awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification, demonstrating the Ministry’s mission of promoting the growth and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with dedication and commitment. It is a matter of pride that the Ministry is one of the first in Government of India to be awarded ISO certification for Ministry-wide application. Implementation of ISO standards will enable the Ministry to identify areas for improvement and also bring in transparency and accountability in the functioning. Similarly Organizations of the Ministry viz. KVIC and Coir Board have also adopted ISO standards and have obtained certification.

8. Technology Centre Systems ProgramesUnder Technology Centre System Programme (TCSP), 15 New Technology Centres (Tool Rooms) would be set up and existing Tool Rooms would be upgraded with support of World Bank. The expanded and upgraded network would be supplied by (a) Technology partners to strengthen technical capabilities of MSMEs (b) Clusters Network Managers to establish linkages amongst all key stakeholders of entire ecosystem and (c) National portal for creating a vibrant and interactive platform to meet various needs of MSMEs. Loan Agreement between GOI and World Bank has been signed on 10.11.2014 and the loan has become effective w.e.f. 19.12.2014. Locations have been identified at 9 states and a total of 150 acres of land has been taken possession at 9 places.

9. District Industry ProfileOffice of Development Commissioner (MSME), through its field formations i.e. MSME-DIs, have compiled brief Industrial Profile of each district of the country, which contains the details of resources as well as Industrial set-ups in the respective districts. Till date 606 District Industrial Profiles have been compiled and uploaded on the website of O/o Development Commissioner (www.dcmsme.gov.in). These District Industrial Profiles also have Industrial Clusters in each district indicating potential areas in the industrial sectors. Efforts are being made to update the District Industrial Profiles.

10. Skill MappingOn the basis of District Industrial Profiles of 606 districts we have also compiled district-wise Skill Development Needs. The District-wise Skill Development Needs have been made on the basis of Industry Clusters situated in the respective Districts. Further, on the basis of Industry Clusters, the type of Skills required to produce products and subsequently, the need of training programmes to be conducted for skilling un-employed youth have been identified. 29 column forms for skill mapping on each district on the basis of industry clusters have been developed to cover all possible informations including name of the technical institutions (ITIs, Polytechnics, Engineering Colleges with the facilities) have been developed. The draft has been shared with Ministry of Skill Development, National Skill Development Council and Industry Associations.

11. Skill Development and Entrepreneurship DevelopmentHarnessing of demographic dividend requires a business-friendly eco-system that promotes entrepreneurship and job creation to enable them to become job providers from being job seekers. In order to ensure that young entrepreneurs are encouraged and suitably equipped to go into new ventures, the Ministry and its organizations undertake the task of promotion of entrepreneurship and skill development training on a regular basis. The key achievements and future plans are given below:

12. Digital Initiatives12.1 e-Office in Ministry of MSMEe-Office initiative has been introduced to achieve paperless office in the Ministry and is a role “model for various Ministries” in terms of speed and scalability. Started in April 2014 by now over 1663 files and over 11,135 transaction initiated. Out of over 21000 files, a scientific weeding out processes initiated and balance 7599 files are being scanned and uploaded. Over many sections like Coir, SME, EDI, IC already digitized over 95%. Our experience of streamlining has been “appreciated” by DARPG and even circulated to all Ministries to follow- out of lessons learnt. 12.2 Aadhar Based AttendanceAadhar-based Bio-metric Attendance System for all employees of the Ministry was started w.e.f. 20th August, 2014 resulting in punctuality of attendance and the manual system has been dispensed with. 12.3 Social MediaAs advised by the Prime Minister, the Ministry has opened interactive interfaces on Facebook and Twitter. We have been informing about all important activities through these social media channels in addition to the websites of the Ministry and its field offices. The response has been quite encouraging with the Facebook (13959) and Twitter (10652) having attracted over 24611 followers. Ministry has also set up a Udyami Helpline (Toll free number: 1-800-180-6763). 12.4 Mobile Friendly WebsiteThe website of the Ministry has been made mobile friendly. With this, entrepreneur friendly content can be easily accessed through any mobile and tablet. http://msme.gov.in/mob/home.aspx 12.5 Web portal for MSME NaukriAn Employment Facilitation Portal (www.msmenaukri.com) set up by NIESBUD was launched by the Minister (MSME) on 11th July, 2014. This enables matching of job providers and job seekers. So far 21116 youth seeking jobs and 511 employers have been registered. This is being linked to MSME Training Data-base in a searchable format to align with national Career Centre initiative. 12.6 Web portal for MSME ShoppingB2C web portal of NSIC http://www.msmeshopping.com/was launched on 31st July, 2014. This portal will market MSME products exclusively.442 suppliers for 2986 products in 110 categories have attracted over 143327 web-hits and sales of over Rs 61.18 Lakhs. 12.7 Virtual ClusterVirtual Cluster web portal has been made available at www.msmsecluster.in. It will provide facilities like common application forms, credit scoring models etc. and a platform for Industry-Academia linkages. So far 167 Domain experts, 379 academic institutions and 27974 MSME enterprises have been registered.

13.Plan Budget of the MinistryThe Ministry has achieved a higher utilization of plan budget in 2014-15 as compared to the previous year.

The plan outlay for the Ministry of MSME for 2015-16 is Rs. 2612.51 crore and this gross budgetary support has been allocated amongst the different wings of the Ministry as follows:-

http://www.msmeshopping.com/

http://msme.gov.in/mob/home.aspx

In addition, NSIC is expected to generate IEBR to the tune of Rs. 430.00 crore in 2015-16.

The non-plan outlay of the Ministry is Rs. 394.91 crore. This expenditure is to be incurred on KVIC (Rs. 229.09 crore), Coir Board (Rs. 26.75 crore), MGIRI (Rs. 3.24 crore), Secretariat Service of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Rs. 11.50 crore), the office of Development Commissioner, MSME (Rs. 21.86 crore) and the Promotional Services Institutions and Programmes (Rs. 102.47 crore).

14. Recent Publications

The Ministry has recently brought out several publications for the benefit of MSME sector. They include:

(i) MSME Schemes: A compilation of all the programmes/schemes of various Central Government Ministries/Departments which are of benefit to the MSME sector

(ii) Programmes for MSMEs: A compilation of all the programmes/schemes of the Ministry of MSME

(iii) Book titled ‘Success Stories on Coir Clusters’,(iv) Handbook on SDP/EDP training through RSETIS’ & RUDSERIS(v) Handbook on Revamped SFURTI

MINISTRY OF MINES

INCREASED REVENUE TO STATES DUE TO REVISION IN RATES OF ROYALTY The Central Government has revised the rates of royalty for major minerals (except for coal, lignite and sand for stowing) on 01.9.2014. State Governments, who receive 100% of the royalty, are benefited through this increase in rates of royalty for major minerals. For some of the States, this revision in rates of royalty may have resulted in an increase of even more than 45% in revenue collection through royalty. AMENDMENTS TO THE MMDR ACT, 1957 The MMDR Act, 1957 was amended by the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015. Through this amendment, the Central Government has replaced the First-come-First-serve discretionary mechanism for grant of mineral resources by a transparent and competitive auction process. This will enable the States to have enhanced share for mineral resources. It also takes care of the local people affected by mining activities through establishment of District Mineral Foundation wherein the existing miners will pay an amount not more than royalty and new miners, in addition to the auction amount, will pay an amount not more than one-third of the royalty. Requirement of prior approval of the Central Government in case of 10 important minerals, like iron ore, bauxite etc., has been done away with. Provisions have been made to ensure certainty of tenure and easy transferability of mineral concession. National Mineral Exploration Trust is provided to promote exploration

in the country. Stricter penalty provisions have been made to deter cases of illegal mining. These provisions will remove ambiguity in grant of mineral resources and their regulation, and will attract investment in the mining sector. EMPOWERMENT OF STATES THROUGH NOTIFICATION OF 31 MINERALS AS ‘MINOR’ MINERALSThe Central Government has notified 31 minerals as ‘minor’ minerals on 10.2.2015 to delegate entire regulation for these 31 minerals to States. This increased the number of minerals notified as 'minor' minerals from 24 to 55. It will empower States to frame their own rules for grant and regulation of these 31 minerals. States are also enabled to prescribe the method for grant of mineral concessions, rates of royalty, contribution to DMF etc. for these minerals. FIVE CENTRAL PSUS ENLISTED TO DO PROSPECTING OPERATIONS WITHOUT PROSPECTING LICENCE The Central Government vide notification dated 16.2.2015 notified five Central Government Public Sector Undertakings viz. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, Steel Authority of India Limited, NMDC Limited, KIOCL Limited, and MOIL Limited under second proviso to section 4 (1) of the MMDR Act, 1957. This enables theses PSUs to do prospecting operations without obtaining prospecting licence. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA (GSI) Accelerating Mineral Exploration Activities in the country In consonance with the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015, emphasis is being laid on intensifying mineral exploration activities in the country to bring up the mineral deposits to a mineable stage. The government has opened up the arena of exploration to other agencies and has, accordingly, notified five Central PSUs to carry out prospecting operations without obtaining prospecting license. The Geological Survey of India (GSI), primarily engaged in regional exploration, has been re-entrusted the work of taking up detailed mineral exploration at G2 and G1 levels of UNFC from 2015-16 onwards. Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. is being strengthened to intensify its detailed exploration activities by carrying out exploration of the deposits identified by GSI. These initiatives are expected to give a huge boost to the mineral exploration initiatives of the government. Acceleration of the National Geochemical Mapping (NGCM) and National Geophysical Mapping (NGPM) Programs of GSI In keeping with the priorities of the Central Government for national development, plans for accelerating the geochemical and geophysical mapping of the country have been prepared. NGCM and NGPM programs have a significant import in the exploration for concealed mineral deposits besides other geoscientific activities. Accordingly, the core areas of the identified Obvious Geological Potential area of the country are envisaged to be covered by NGCM within the next two years, and by NGPM, within the next three years, starting from 2015-16. It is expected that with this, mineral exploration in the country will get a huge fillip. NATIONAL ALUMINIUM COMPANY LIMITED (NALCO)

The net profit during the 9 months ended December 2014 has increased by 106% compared to same period of previous year. The same is due to improved sales realization coupled with pragmatic decision of the management to restrict production of aluminium to a level supported by linkage coal only.

Investment decision accorded in Dec’14 to set up a 1 million ton Alumina Refinery at Damanjodi at an investment of Rs. 5540 crore based on Pottangi mine deposit.

Responding to the call of Hon’ble Prime Minister, NALCO has committed to construct toilets in 160 schools in Odisha under “Swachh Bharat-Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan” at an approx. Cost of Rs. 5 crore.

The 10th and 11th Stockyards of the Company were opened at Vadodara and New Delhi respectively.

260 KWp Rooftop Solar Power System has been made operational at Office and Township, Bhubaneswar during the year.


The company commercialized the laboratory scale R&D process titled “Development of heat treatment process for destruction of toxic cyanide and recovery of valuables from spent pot lining material” (developed in collaboration with JNARDDC, Nagpur).

NALCO has committed to supply 50,000 MT of Aluminium metal to “Angul Aluminium Park” which has been formed as a JV between NALCO & Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha.

HINDUSTAN COPPER LIMITED (HCL)

HCL has purchased the secured assets of Jhagadia Copper Limited (JCL) at Bharuch, Gujarat, which include land, building, plant & machinery from Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Limited. JCL was in liquidation under Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security interest Act' 2002 (SARFAESI Act) and Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat has approved the sale in favour of HCL. JCL has a capacity to produce 50,000 tonnes of copper cathode annually. The sale of secured assets of JCL has been confirmed by Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Limited on 17.02.2015.

As a steps towards “Make in India”, the HCL has initiated steps to manufacture value added products of copper like contact wire for Railways, copper foils, sheet, tubes, bus bars, profiles, etc. in joint venture with a private player, which is expected to start by June, 2015.

The company is actively participating in the Swachha Vidyalaya Abhiyan and has committed expenditure of Rs. 2 crore approximately for construction/repair of 207 toilets covering 140 schools.

MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

Educational Empowerment Schemes

More than 85.40 lakh minority students received scholarships and more than Rs.2009 crore released under the various scholarship schemes of this Ministry.

74.96 lakhs students received Pre-matric scholarships incurring expenditure to the tune of Rs.1129.27 crore.

10.44 lakhs students received Post-matric and Merit-cum-Means based scholarships. For the first time the scholarship amount were credited directly into the bank account of the students through DBT mode. The amount released under these two schemes is Rs. 879.97 crore.

Under the scheme of Financial support to candidate clearing Prelims conducted by Union Public Services Commission and Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for Civil Services, Rs.2.96 crore was spent for supporting 786 candidates.

The Scheme of PadhoPardes was operationalized during 2014-15. Under this scheme 573students received Interest Subsidy amounting to Rs.3.50 crore.

Under Free Coaching & Allied Scheme including New Component (intensive coaching along with classes for students 11th& 12th with Science subject), 8118 candidates have been covered incurring an expenditure of Rs.31.34 crore.

From 2015-16, all scholarships including the Pre-matric Scholarship Scheme will be transferred Directly to the students bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

Waqf

3,60,577waqf properties have been entered in WAMSI registration modules. Rs.3.00 crore has been released to Central Waqf Council under the Plan scheme of “Computerisation

of records of State Waqf Boards”. Rs.2.74 crore has been released to Central Waqf Council under the Non-Plan scheme of “Grant-in-

aid to Waqfs- Development of Urban Waqf Properties”. Rs.3.90 crore has been released to National Waqf Development Corporation Ltd. under the Plan

scheme of “Strengthening of State Waqf Boards”. Notified the Waqf Properties Lease Rules, 2014 during June, 2014. Notified the Central Waqf Council (Amendment) Rules, 2014 during September, 2014.

NAWADCO

National Waqf Development Corporation was established with capital of Rs.500 crores to develop potentially commercial Waqf properties to enhance income of Waqf.

Extensive efforts have been made to create awareness about the objectives of NAWADCO. The senior officials have visited different states and have been successful in identifying more than

70 potential Waqf properties in urban areas. A land bank of about 218 acres has been identified for development as institutional/residential and

commercial projects. The respective State Waqf Boards and Mutawallis (Manager) have been persuaded to convey their

Expression of Interest (EOI) for development of these properties. NAWADCO has received Expression of Interest in respect of 22 properties in various states.

NAWADCO, deployed professional real estate consultants of international repute to prepare feasibility reports for 3 (three) Waqf properties of Karnataka and 1 (one) of Rajasthan. The Karnataka State Waqf Board is actively considering to issue power of Attorney in favour of NAWADCO for development their Waqf properties.

NAWADCO has entered into a general MoU with NBCC Ltd., a Navratna public sector company having vast experience in the field of Project Management, Consultancy & in execution of Real Estate projects.

A new scheme ‘Strengthening of State Waqf Boards’ of Ministry of Minority Affairs of Rs.300 crores has been taken over by NAWADCO to strengthen the State Waqf Boards and improve their performance.

MsDP

During the last ten months, project proposals of Rs.756.62 crores were approved for different types of projects and Rs.770.89 crores have been released to the States/UTs under MsDP. The projects approved include 7 Degree Colleges, 85 School Buildings, 86 Hostels, 36 ITIs, 1 Polytechnic, 145 Health Centres, 95924 Skill Training for Minority Youths, Cyber Gram for 361257 students etc.

SeekhoaurKamao (Learn & Earn)

During the last ten months of 2014-15, 20720 minority youths have been trained at a total cost of Rs.46.02 crores.

NaiRoshni

During the last ten months of 2014-15, 68,675 women were trained at a cost of Rs.13.48 crores.

NMDFC

The Union Cabinet on 10thFebruary, 2015 increased the Authorized Share Capital of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) from Rs. 1,500 crore to Rs. 3,000 crore, and also modified the share holding pattern from 65:26:09 to 73:26:01 for Central Government, State Government and Private Institutions respectively. As a result, the equity contribution of Central Government has also been increased from 65% to 73%.

NMDFC disbursed credit amounting to Rs.431.20 crores covering 1,08,747 minority beneficiaries.

New Schemes


1. USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development): To conserve traditional arts/crafts and build capacity of traditional artisans and craftsmen belonging to minority communities.

2. “HamariDharohar”: To preserve and showcase rich cultural heritage of minority communities, the Government has also launched the scheme of “HamariDharohar” to support the iconic exhibitions, supporting calligraphy and related crafts, and research & development.

3. Cyber Gram: To impart “Digital Literacy”, Ministry took initiative to include “” programme within the scheme of Multi-sectoral Development from 2014-15. To assist the Ministry, Common Service Centre (CSC) e-Governance Services India Ltd. Of Department of Electronics and Information Technology has been engaged.

4. NaiManzil: The Central Government in the Budget 2015-16, has announced the launching of an integrated education and livelihood initiative namely, “NaiManzil", for the benefit of the minority youths who do not have a formal school leaving certificate, i.e., those in the category of school-dropouts or educated in the community education institutions like the Madarsas, with a view to enabling them to seek better employment in the organized sector and thus to equip them for better lives. The schemealsovisualizes providing bridge courses to Madarsa educated youth to enable them to seek higher education. The scheme will be launched shortly.

New Institution:

In order to promote self-employment for minority communities through development of entrepreneurial skills with credit linkages, MANAS (Maulana Azad National Academy for Skills) has been established by National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry, on 10th November, 2014.

Good-Governance Initiatives:

Online Scholarship Management System (OSMS) for Post-Matric and Meri-cum-Means Scholarship schemes have been operationalized.

A Management Information System for trained minority youths and Online E-Monitoring system under SeekhoaurKamao (Learn & Earn), the scheme for Skill Development, is being developed.

An Online Application Management System for application, submission of documents and monitoring is being developed under NaiRoshni, the scheme for Leadership Development of Minority Women.

Aadhaar linked Biometric Attendance System has been operationalized. Under Social Media, Twitter and Facebook are being used for updation of events. An E-Book of the Ministry has been posted on the website of the Ministry on 09.01.2015.

For publicity and awareness, the Pocket Booklets on Initiatives & Achievements in 2014-15 and ongoing Schemes/ Programmes has been published in Hindi and English.

MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

1. Targets for Renewable Energy Capacity Addition Up-scaled The targets for capacity addition under various sources of renewable energy have been revised form 30,000 MW by 2016-17 to 1,75,000 MW by 2021-22 as detailed below:

Capacities in MW

Source Installed capacity at the end of 11th Plan

Capacity addition

Target for 12th Plan(2012-

17)

Revised Targets for

2022

Solar Power 941 10,000 1,00,000

Wind power 17,352 15,000 60,000

Small Hydro 3,395 2,100 10,000

Biomass Power

3,225 2,900 5,000

TOTAL 24,914 30,000 1,75,000

2. First Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet & Expo (RE INVEST ) 2015

The Meet & Expo organized in New Delhi from 15-17 February 2015 was inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister of India. The Event has been a tremendous success as it attracted around 3,000 participations from a wide range of stakeholders – Investors , Banks, Project developers, including Ministerial and Government delegations from Germany and the U.K. and industry delegations from several countries including China. The most significant outcome of the 3-day event was the signing of Green Energy Commitments by various public and private sector companies and proprietorship firms to invest in the country's renewable energy sector in the five year period from 2015 - 2019. The commitments were invited for any quantum of generation, starting from 1 MW in any renewable sector. It is heartening to note that this initiative by the Government was met whole-heartedly, with a total commitment of an astounding 217 GW being made by the Power Producers (Solar: 1,66,246 MW, Wind: 45,296 MW, Others: 3685 MW). The manufacturing sector also witnessed substantial commitment of 41 GW being made by the stakeholders (Solar: 5,050 MW, Wind: 36,350 MW) and significantly, commitments were also made by Financial Institutions for financing a cumulative capacity of 11.5 GW of renewable projects

3. Scheme for development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects :

The Government has approved on 10th December, 2014 a Scheme for setting up of 25 Solar Parks, each with the capacity of 500 MW and above and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects to be developed in next 5 years in various States and will require Central Government financial support of Rs 4050 crore. These parks will be able to accommodate over 20,000 MW of solar power projects.Approval for setting up of 17 Solar Parks, with capacity of 12,759 MW, is given in 12 so far. They are: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Odisha. These solar parks will be developed in collaboration with State Governments and their agencies. Total Central Financial Assistance (CFA) amounting to Rs 172.50 crore have been released to SECI under Scheme during 2014-15 (31.3.2015)

4. Setting up of over 300 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by Defence establishments and Para Military Forces with viability gap funding

Under this Scheme over 300 MW of Grid-Connected and Off-Grid Solar PV Power Projects will be set up by Defence Establishments under Ministry of Defence and Para Military Forces under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with Viability Gap Fund (VGF) under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in five years that is from 2014 to 2019. Under the Scheme there is a stipulation of mandatory condition that all PV cells and modules used in the solar plants set up under this Scheme will be made in India. To implement this Scheme a provision of an amount of Rs 750 crore for MNRE from the National Clean Energy Fund has been earmarked. The solar project developers will be provided VGF based on the bid. The bidders will be selected on the basis of bids for minimum VGF requirement for the project with commitment to supply solar power at Rs. 5.50/KWh for 25 years. However, the upper limits of the VGF are as follows: Category-I: Rs.2.5 crore/MW for project capacity up to 5 MW or 30% of the project cost whichever is lower; Category-II: Rs. 2 crore/MW for project capacity greater than 5 MW up to 25 MW or 30% of the project cost whichever is lower; and





Category-III: Rs. 1.5 crore /MW for project capacity greater than 25 MW or 30% of the project cost whichever is lower.

5. Implementation of Scheme for setting up 1000 MW of Grid Connected Solar PV Power projects by CPSUs and GoI organisations with Viability Gap Funding :

The Government has also approved the Scheme for setting up of 1000 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects with VGF (Viability Gap Fund) support of Rs.1000 crore, by CPSUs under various Central/State Schemes, in three years period from 2015-16 to 2017-18. The Scheme will have a mandatory condition that all PV cells and modules used in solar plants set up under this Scheme, will be made in India. The CPSUs and Government of India organisations like NTPC, NHPC, CIL, IREDA, Indian Railways, etc. are coming forward to set up solar power projects.

6. Scheme for Development of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Plants on Canal Banks and Canal Tops :

MNRE launched a Scheme for Development of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Plants on Canal Banks and Canal Tops in the country during the 12th Plan period at an estimated cost of Rs. 975 crore and with Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of Rs. 228 crore. The objective of this scheme is to achieve gainful utilization of the unutilized area on top of Canals and also the vacant Government land along the banks of Canals wherever available, for setting up Solar PV power generation plants for feeding the generated power to Grid and to set up a total capacity of 100 MW solar PV power projects. The Solar PV Power Plants on Canal Banks and Canal Tops with 50 MW capacities under each category have been approved to 8 States (Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and West Bengal). First instalment of Rs 69 crore eligible @40% of CFA was released to SECI during 2014-15 under the scheme for onward disbursal to the State Implementing Agencies.

7. 7. Financing Roof top Solar PV:

The Department of Financial Services under the Union Finance Ministry has advised all banks to encourage home loan/home improvement loan seekers to install roof top solar PVs and include the cost of equipment in their home loan proposals just like non solar lighting, wiring and other such fittings. Apart from this, the RBI has issued instructions to all Scheduled Commercial Banks that the loans sanctioned by banks directly to individuals for setting up off-grid solar and other off-grid renewable energy solutions for households will be covered under Priority Sector lending.

8. Restoration of Accelerated Depreciation (AD) Benefits to Wind Power Projects :

After significant harm was done to the wind sector due to withdrawal of AD with effect from 1.4.2012, it has been restored on 18.7.2014. This decision of the Government will help in creating a robust manufacturing base for wind turbines in the country.

9. Scaling up of a programme of Solar Pumps:

The existing programme of Solar Pumps has been scaled up to reach one lakh solar pumps and supplementary guidelines to this effect have been issued. During 2014-15, total solar pumps sanctioned to 22 States are:

60,236 sanctioned to States for irrigation purpose. 15,330 sanctioned to States for drinking water supply 30,000 allocated through NABARD.

Total financial assistance of Rs 353.50 crore released to States and NABARD under the programme during 2014-15

10. Classification of Renewable Projects from Red to Green Category:

On the request of MNRE, Ministry of Environment and Forests has decided that classification of Solar, Wind and Small Hydro Projects be out of Red Category and in Green


Category under Central and State Pollution Control Boards. CPCB has issued an amendment in the categories of industries, according to which the Wind and Solar power projects of all capacities and Small Hydro projects of <25 MW capacity have been put in Green category, i.e. the project developers to obtain clearance from SPCB to “establish and operate” only once in the beginning.

11. Enhancement in MNRE’s Budget by 65.8% in Regular Budget, 2014-15:

The Budget Estimate of the Ministry is increased by 65.8% to Rs.2519 crore in the Regular Budget passed by the Parliament in July from Rs.1,519 crore provided in the Interim Budget. Clean Energy Cess on coal has been increased from Rs 50 per tonne to Rs 100 per tonne so that adequate funds are available for financing, inter-alia, Renewable Energy projects.

12. Improved Cook-stoves:

Unnat Chulha Abhiyan Programme with the objectives to develop and deploy improved cook-stoves for providing cleaner cooking energy solutions in rural, semi –urban and urban areas using biomass as fuel for cooking launched. This will save rural women from the carcinogenic fumes emitted when traditional fuels are burned. Targets of about 3.5 lakh improved cookstoves were allocated to various States/UTs along with the disbursal of subsidy amounting to Rs 11.75 crore during 2014-15.

13. Obtaining/Extending Line of Credits for IREDA:

The Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) of France has decided to extend

a Line of Credit (LoC) of Euro 100 million to Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), for the tenure of 15 years without any guarantee from Government of India, for financing the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency projects in the country. An agreement to this effect was signed between AFD and IREDA on 22 May, 2014.

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Ltd and Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) signed an Agreement for availing another Line of Credit (LoC) of JPY 30 billion for 30 years (including the grace period of 10 years) from JICA according to which IREDA shall utilize the funds for financing Renewable Energy projects in India.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by IREDA and US Exim Bank with respect to cooperation on clean energy investment. As per MoU, US Exim Bank shall provide US $ 1 Billion medium and long-term guaranteed and/or direct dollar loans to finance U.S. technologies, products and services utilized during commercial development activities within the clean energy sector by IREDA.

14. Setting up a JVC for undertaking the First Demonstration Offshore Wind Power

Project in the country along the Gujarat Coast:

An MOU was signed on 1st October, 2014 for setting up a Joint Venture Company (JVC) to undertake first Demonstration Offshore Wind Power Project in the country along the Gujarat coast. The signatories of the MoU were Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), and Consortium of partners consisting of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Power Trading Corporation (PTC), and Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (GPCL). The JVC will undertake detailed feasibility study and necessary steps as deemed necessary for implementation of the first offshore demonstration wind power project.

15. Conclave on R& D in New and Renewable EnergyMNRE organized a one-day "Conclave on R& D in New and Renewable Energy" on 5th August 2014 at New Delhi with a view to review the progress of on-going Research, Development and Demonstration Projects in New and Renewable Energy funded by MNRE and seek the views from experts for taking further steps for faster development of technology for commercialization. The conclave was inaugurated by Hon'ble Minister of Power, Coal

and New and Renewable Energy, and was also addressed to Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India. A Compendium on R&D Projects funded by MNRE was released on the occasion. Around 200 participants including the Principal Investigators and scientists working in R&D projects, researchers, eminent experts on the related subjects, industry representatives associated with R&D, policy makers attended the conclave. The Conclave recommended a strong emphasis on strengthening R&D Programme in new and renewable energy for faster development of technologies for commercialization to achieve the installable potential in the sector for meeting growing energy needs.

16. Formation of an Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS)To promote the interaction amongst the State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) implementing the renewable energy programmes to enable them to learn from each other's experiences and share their best practices, MNRE took an initiative in consultation with SNAs and formed an Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (abbreviated as "AREAS), registered as a society on 27 August 2014, under Society Registration Act 1860. It has now been decided to create an initial corpus with a contribution of Rs 5 crore by MNRE to encourage SNAs to mobilize matching contribution of equal amount to the corpus from their respective States. The corpus so created will be invested in financial instruments like fixed deposit etc. and interest earned will be used by the AREAS in meeting its day-to-day expenses as also undertaking some of the activities as listed in the MoA and Rules and Regulations of the Society. Addendum/amendments to this effect have been incorporated in the HRD Programme of the Ministry. MNRE has already released Rs 3.96 crore as its contribution to corpus being maintained by IREDA.

MINISTRY OF PANCHAYAYTI RAJ To ensure deepening of democracy, good governance, increased efficiency, accountability and timely implementation of various schemes/programmes by PRIs, major initiatives taken by this Ministry in the last one year are given below: (i) Under Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA), a flagship scheme of the Ministry started in 2013 for building Panchayat capacities, supporting States to devolve powers to panchayats and for promoting transparency and accountability, 28 States and UTs plans were approved for 2014-15. An amount ofRs. 476.55 crores has been released. Physical progress includes sanctioning of more than 75,000 personnel at the Gram Panchayat level,2037 new Panchayat Bhawans and 19,741 computers for Gram Panchayats. Training for nearly 17 lakh Panchayat Elected Representatives has (ii) Under Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF), which provides funds to 272 backward districts in the country for addressing the regional developmental imbalances and filling up the resource gaps of other schemes on the basis of local need based plans prepared by the local bodies and for capacity building of Panchayats and Municipalities, P.s. 2,779.41 crores for 185 districts as Development Grant component and Rs. 57.59 crores for 11 States as Capacity Building Grant component have been released during 2014-15.


(iii) The 'Active Panchayat' series, which comprises simpl* reading material for Panchayat representatives and functionaries, has been launched. The following books have been prepared and made available to States:

1. Sanitation in Gram Panchayats2. DRINKING Water in Gram Panchayats3. Governance in Gram Panchayats

States are translating these books and adapting them in their context. (iv) Under the 'Active Gram Sabha' series a reader on sanitation for Gram Sabhas has been made available to States. (v) The National Capability Building Framework 2014, (NCBF 2014) has been prepared with extensive State participation and shared with States, to guide States in expanding the outreach and improving the quality of capacity building and haining ofPanchayats. Subsequently, States have prepared State plans to improve their capacity building and (vi) Best practices of Panchayats that won the Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar and success stories of Gram Panchayats that won the Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar for 2013-14 have been published to inspire all Panchayats and Gram Sabhas. The selection ofbest perlorming Panchayats for 2014-15 is complete.(vii) Books delineating the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Centrally Sponsored Schemes to enable Panchayats to perform their role in these schemes effectively and on the Panchayat Devolution Index 2013-14 have been published,. (viii) Audio-video and animation training films have been prepared for educating. The Panchayat representatives and functionaries about their duties and responsibilities. (ix) Database of contact details (mobile numbers and e-mail addresses) of elected representatives and functionaries was collected and compiled and given to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This database is being used for conveying short (x) A software application has been prepared and rolled out to assess the performance of Panchayats for the selection of Panchayats for the Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puarskar. (xi) One day State Level Workshops have been conducted in eight Fifth Schedule States to review the implementation of Provision of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 at the State level with various line departments and other stakeholders from Aug, 2014 to March, 2015. (xii) Recommendations were made for release of General Area Performance Grants for 23 States and Special Area Performance Grants to 14 States by the Ministry. The releases are made by Ministry of Finance . (xiii) In keeping with national priority, a sanitation plan lor the Ministry has been prepared year-wise for five years and is under implementation. (xiv) Advisories have been issued to the States under BRGF and RGPSA to give priority to the implementation of activities under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY). (xv) The whole Ministry has begun to use e-office. Digitization of all old files/records is about to be completed. This has resulted in increased cfficiency in disposal of files and papers and savings on paper and manpower. (xvi) ISO 19001:2008 certification for the whole Ministry lias been obtained (xvii) An eBook of MoPR was also launched.


(xviii) Software Application of online processing ofdistrict plans under BRGF from the States upto release of funds by the Ministry has been developed and demonstrated to the States. This Application is being rolled out to the States for use after necessary customisation according to the States' requirements. (xix) Ten model e-Panchayat Gram Panchayats have been identified for complete and proper usage ofall the ten PES Applications developed under e-Panchayat which will serve as models for otllers to emulate. (xx) The website of the Ministry has been revamped and maximum possible information about the schemes/programmes and activities of the Minisntry have been uploaded and being updated frequently. (xxi) A face book page has been opened for the Ministry which provides latest information on the activities and initiatives of the Ministrv.

MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs coordinates with all the Ministries and Departments of the Government of India in respect of prioritization and processes for introduction, consideration and passing of the legislative proposals of the Government by both the Houses of Parliament. The Ministry also facilitates consultations and discussions between the Government and leaders of various political parties represented in both the Houses of Parliament for effective transaction of business in the Parliament.

Since the constitution of the 16th Lok Sabha in May, 2015, there has been a perceptible improvement in the functioning of both the Houses of Parliament with both the Houses reporting the highest productivity during the last decade. Interruptions and disruptions have come down substantially.

During 2014-15, Lok Sabha held 74 sittings while Rajya Sabha had 71 till the first part of the Budget Session till March 20, 2015. Various matters of public importance were discussed from time to time.

In the Lok Sabha, 50 Bills were introduced 46 Bills were passed. In the Rajya Sabha, one Bill was introduced and 36 were passed. 36 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament till the first part of the Budget session.

Some major Bills relating to promotion of investments, enhancing the ‘ease of doing business’, transparent allocation of natural resources were introduced and passed.

Some major Bills passed by both the Houses of Parliament:

1.The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2015

2.The Labour Laws (Exemption from Furnishing Returns and Maintenance of Registers by Certain Establishments) Amendment Bill, 2014

3.The Apprentices (Amendment) Bill, 2014

4.The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill, 2015

5. The Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Bill, 2015

6.The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2015

7. The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Amendment Bill, 2015

8. The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2015

9. The Securities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2014

10. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2015

Major Bills introduced in the Lok Sabha include The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2015 relating to introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Undisclosed Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax) Bill, 2015 and The Right to Fair Compensation Transparency in Land Acquisition and Payment of Compensation, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2015.

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS CITIZEN FRIENDLY INITIATIVES

Self certification in place of affidavits and attestations introduced for the benefit of common man.

Parents of differently abled children exempted from mandatory transfers to take care of their children. CAPACITY BUILDING

Induction training made mandatory for Stenographers and Assistants before joining. In-house training for capacity building of the employees of Department of Personnel and

Training introduced. TOWARDS GOOD GOVERNANCE

Definition of “sexual harassment and work place” widened to ensure better protection against sexual harassment of the women employees.

Human Resource Management System – HRMS framework being devised to manage vacancies related information on real time basis, to aid better manpower placement and planning.

STRESS MANAGEMENT Yoga sessions have been started from April 01, 2015 at 26 Grih Kalyan Kendras in Delhi and

14 Grih Kalyan Kendras in other parts of the country. Around 1500 employees and their dependents benefitting everyday.

WITH PENSIONERS FOREVER

ANUBHAV portal launched for the retired/retiring employees for showcasing their significant achievements during their service period. 179 write ups published. WITH PENSIONERS......

SANKALP for channelizing the experience and skill of Pensioners towards meaningful social activities

Awareness programmes have been conducted at 11 places of the country (Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Lucknow, Thiruvanthapuram, Kolkata, Jallandhar Vadodra, Shillong and Agartala)

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS & PUBLIC GRIEVANCES

Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation - PRAGATIPRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation), an IT based programme, has been designed and launched on March 25, 2015 by the Prime Minister’s Office with three objectives, viz. Grievance Redressal, Programme Implementation and Project Monitoring. This programme combines Data Management & Analysis, GIS/other locational Application as well as Video-Conferencing. The application is accessible to the relevant and pre-decided stakeholders only. 2. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has been using the software CPGRAMS on which the public can lodge their grievances and the same are then forwarded to the concerned authorities for redress. There earlier existed 15 categories in CPGRAMS software, under which the grievances could be classified. There was a separate portal at the PM level (PMO PG Portal) for the public for lodging grievances. Under PRAGATI, the PM Portal for grievances has been integrated with the CPGRAMS and the categories under CPGRAMS have been broadened for better classification. There are now 20 main categories with 98 sub-categories for lodging of grievances. 3. Key features of PRAGATI are:-

(i) PRAGATI is a three tier system involving PMO, Government of India Secretaries and Chief Secretaries of the States;(ii) PM holds monthly interaction with the Government of India Secretaries and Chief Secretaries through video conference on every fourth Wednesday of the month;(iii) On the third Wednesday of the month the issues to be flagged before the PM are uploaded and these can be viewed by the Government of India Secretaries and Chief Secretaries. Issues to be flagged before PM are being picked up from the available data base regarding Public Grievances, ongoing programmes and pending projects.(iv) Government of India Secretaries and Chief Secretaries then incorporate their comments and update the flagged issues within next three days;(v) The PMO team reviews the data and PM discusses the problem areas and gives suitable directions.

4. The first two video conferences were held on March 25, 2015 and April 23, 2015. With the introduction of PRAGATI, Ministries/Departments have become more active and are taking the issue of redressal of Public Grievances more seriously.

………

2. Abolition of affidavits and adoption of self certification The 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission, in its 12th Report titled “Citizen-centric Administration- The Heart of Governance” recommended adoption of self-certification for simplifying procedures.

2. Government of Punjab is the first state to comprehensively address the issue by removing the requirement of affidavits/ attestation form Gazetted officers for most of the services being provided by the Government. 3. DARPG endeavors to simplify administrative procedures and make governance citizen-centric. Taking a cue from the success of the Punjab Government, the Department adopted a two pronged approach. On the one hand, all the Central ministries/ Departments were requested to do away with the provision of affidavits and attestation, wherever possible, State Governments were also requested to explore the possibility of abolishing them in a phased and time bound manner. 4. Central Ministries/Departments and States/UTs are being requested repeatedly to review the e requirement and to replace it with self-certification. The services in which this requirement has been abolished largely relate to birth and death certificates, admissions, Government jobs, caste and SC/ST Certificates, etc. 5. 27 States/UTs and 50 Central Ministries/Departments have taken action on the subject, as on April 30, 2015. 3. Jeevan Pramaan – an Aadhaar-based facility for submission of Life Certificate

In November, 2014, the Prime Minister has launched an Aadhaar-based biometric verification

system “Jeevan Pramaan” to enable pensioners to submit a Digital Life Certificate (DLC) on-line. This facility has been provided in addition to the other existing methods of submitting Life Certificate.

2. “Jeevan Pramaan” aims at sparing the pensioners and family pensioners the trouble of visiting bank or any other pension disbursing agency for submission of Life Certificates. It is possible to submit the Life Certificate from personal computers and laptops or by visiting a conveniently located Common Service Centre. Further, banks by linking Aadhaar number with bank accounts and PPO numbers will ensure authenticity of pension and other payments. 3. Since its launch, four review meetings with stake-holders were held on 24 th Nov, 5th December, 23rdDecember, 2014 and 12thFebruary, 2015. Secretaries of all Ministries/Departments have been requested to ensure that Aadhaar number has been seeded in the salary details of all employees. This will enable capture of Aadhaar numbers of all retiring employees into Pension Payment Orders (PPOs). 4. Chief Secretaries of all States have been requested to notify appropriate amendments to the relevant Rules/Instructions to extend the facility to pensioners in their States and to sensitize the concerned Pension Disbursing Agencies in the State.5. According to information provided by NIC more than 86,000, DLCs have been received and more than 51,000 have been successfully verified by the pension disbursing agencies. It is envisaged that by November, 2015 all pensioners and family pensioners having Aadhaar numbers will be able to benefit from this initiative.

MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS 1. Diesel Price Deregulation a Major Reform; Brings Relief to Consumers

The Government deregulated diesel prices on 18th October, 2014. This move coupled with decreasing global crude oil and petroleum product prices has benefitted consumers indirectly as cost of transportation of goods by road has come down. The price of diesel has come down byRs. 11.77 per litre from its highest point of Rs. 58.97 per litre in August 2014 (in Delhi). This price reduction has directly benefitted the poor and the farmers. Deregulation of diesel willeliminate the subsidy burden on this account, besides resulting in better service delivery due to increased competition. The saving in subsidy is available inter-alia, for funding anti-poverty and social sector scheme. 2. PAHAL Nation-wide Direct Transfer of Cash Subsidy on LPG

The Government launched a scheme for direct transfer of LPG subsidy to consumers

all over the country from January 1,2015. This is the largest direct cash transfer scheme in the world. Under this scheme, LPG is being sold to consumers at the market rate while the subsidy is directly credited to their bank accounts as per entitlement. As on 19 April 2015, 12.61 crore LPG consumers have joined the scheme and an amount of Rs. 10833 crore has been transferred into the bank accounts of LPG consumers in 34.58 lakh transactions. The scheme will reduce subsidy outgo primarily on account of the diversionsubsidized LPG

cylinders to the commercial and industrialsectors. The subsidy so saved can be used for also funding Government’s priority schemes. 3. Reforms in Hydro-Carbon Sector

After the formation of NDA Government, the Hydrocarbon Sector has seen major reforms. They have also found a mention in the speeches of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. A number of these reforms are aimed at extending benefits of Government schemes to the poorer sections of the society. Further, these reforms have also resulted in huge savings on account of subsidy, which is reflected in the budgetary allocation given below:

4. Government Strikes Fine Balance with Revised Formula for Pricing of Domestic Gas

Within five months of taking charge, the National Democratic Alliance government took the bold decision by revising gas prices and put to rest all speculation and doubts regarding this long pending issue. While doing so, a fine balance was stuck between incentivising production and protecting the interestsof the consuming sector. The increase in gas prices on the basis of the present formula is 75% less than the original formula arrived at by the previous government. This increase in gas price, while incentivizing exploration and production of gas in the country, significantly reduces the increase inthe prices of piped and compressed natural gas, cost of production in gas based power plants and urea subsidy (about Rs. 12,000 crore at the time of approval of new gas price formula). A higher outgo on urea subsidyif the old formula was implemented mayhave resulted ina cut-back in the budgetary allocation to priority sector schemes. 5. "Give It Up":

A movement has been launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister, appealing to to LPG

consumers who are well off, to give up LPG subsidy. As on 18th April 2015, 3.47 lakh consumers have already given up their LPG subsidy, thereby enabling new LPG connections to be provided to the poor. 6. Priority to City Gas Distribution in Gas Allocation

As an environment friendly measure, highest priority in allocation of natural gas has

been given to the transport (CNG) and domestic houselholds (PNG). During August 2014, Government decided to meet 100% demand of CNG and PNG sector through supply of domestic gas. Further, GAIL has been authorized to supply 10% over and above the allocation to meet any fluctuation in demand. As on 31st March 2015, 28.69 lakhs households and 22.60 lakhs vehicles are benefitting from these clean and convenient fuels. 7. Government Plans to Expand Piped Natural Gas (PNG) Network in Mission Mode

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas aims toexpand the PNG network across

the country, raising the number of households connected with PNG to one crorewithin5 years. 8. Plans Afoot to Complete National Gas Grid

At present, 15,000 km. of Gas Pipeline network exists in the country. It isproposed to build another 15,000 km. of additional gas pipeline to complete the national grid. Out of the proposed 15,000 km. gas pipeline, 11,900 km. is already authorized and is at various stages of implementation. In order to expedite the work, 2500 km of pipelines are being planed on the PPP mode.

9. Facilitating Supply of Natural Gas to Fertilizer and Power Sector

The Government has approved the MoPNG proposal to supply pooled Natural Gas

at uniform delivered price to all grid connected gas based fertilizer plants for urea production. It has also approved the scheme for utilization of stranded gas based power generation capacity which was a joint proposal from MoPNG and Ministry of Power and will help in revival of 16000 MW stranded gas based power plants. 10. Government Reaches Out to Poor; Extends Subsidy to 5 kgCylinder

In a key step aimed at benefitting the common man, Public Sector OMCs have launched the sale of 5 kg LPG Cylinders under free trade LPG scheme in 129 cities. Under the scheme, people can buy a 5 kg LPG cylinder at market price on "Cash and Carry" basis. This scheme is in addition to 5 kg LPG cylinder regular connections available for people at subsidized rates. 11. Increased Availability of LPG to the Poor and Marginalised Sections

In order to help poor families get LPG connections, security deposit of LPG cylinder

and pressure regulator is borne by Public Sector OMCs from the CSR fund. More than 19 lakh poor families have already benefitted from this scheme, utilising CSR funds to the tune of around Rs. 300 cr.

12. www.mylpg.in: A Consumer EmpoweringPortal

A newweb-based application at www.mylpg.innow provides LiquefiedPetroleum Gas

(LPG) consumersan integrated solution for allservices related to supply of cooking gas and tracking their LPG cylinders fromthe comfort of their home. This application is available in 13 languages and is a part of the Digital India campaign. 13. Ethanol Blending in Petrol Gets Impetus; To Help Reduce Emission

To reduce pollution, on account of auto emissionsthe Government has given the

much needed boost to the programme to blend 5% ethanol with petrol, by deciding, in December 2014, to procure ethanol at a fixed delivered price ranging between Rs.48.50 to Rs.49.50 per litre (including all taxes and transportation cost). Besides this, the Governmenthas also allowed procurement of Ethanol produced from non-food feedstocks, other than molasses. 14. Biodiesel

The Government decided on 16.01.2015 to allow the direct sale of Bio-diesel (B100)

by private manufacturers, their authorized dealers and Joint Ventures (JVs) of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) authorized by MoPNG to all consumers. 15. Expansion of Fuel Retailing Network Across the Country

The retail network of Public Sector OMCs is being expanded to facilitate availability

of products all over the country,including the rural areas. Under this plan, OMCs have advertised for setting up of new retail outlets at 35668 locations and new regular and Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitaran(RGGLV) LPG distributorships at over 7000 locations. 16. Auto Fuel Policy

Phase wise implementation of BS IV all over the country by 01.04.2017 was notified. BS IV fuel has been made available all over Northern India from 01-04-2015. MoPNG is ready to supplyBS-VI fuel by 2020-21. 17. Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Keeping in view India's high import-dependence on oil and in the interest of our

energy security objectives, the Government has taken up the construction of three crude oil reserves of 5.33 MMT at Visakhapatnam (1.33 MMT), Mangalore (1.50 MMT) &Padur (2.50 MMT) as a buffer to deal with any disruption in the supply chain. The Vishakhapatnam rock cavern storage facility is ready to receive crude oil. 18. Reforms in Production Sharing Contracts to Push Investment in Exploration

In a bid to increase domestic production of oil and gas, the Government has ironed out a number of rigidities in production sharing contracts to instill confidence among investors and ensure that work, which was stuck in a number of blocks, takes off in right earnest and without further delay. Management Committee meetings of more than 100 blocks have been held and work programme of Rs. 9600 crore approved. 19. Early Monetisation of Discovered Hydrocarbon Resources Under the policy for early monetization, 34casesinvolving hydro-carbon resources worth Rs. 30,000 crore have been resolved. 20. LNG Re-gasification Capacity to be Enhanced to 32.5 MMTPA

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas will facilitate the increase in capacity for R-LNG to 32.5 Million MetricTonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) from the current level of 22 MMTPA. 21. Reassessment of Hydrocarbon Potential to Bolster Oil & Gas Production

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rolled out an elaborate project to reassess hydrocarbon resources in India's sedimentary basins. This project is likely to be completed by March, 2016 andwill provide quality data to investors on the prospectivityof the basins. 22. Project Approved for Survey of Un-appraised Sedimentary Basins of India

This is another crucial step towards increasing India's hydrocarbon production. While reassessing oil & gas potential is one part of the overall effort, the ministry has also approved a project to appraise about 1.5 Million Sq. Km in 24 sedimentary basins where no or only scanty geo-scientific data is available. Clearance of 6 projects under multi-client speculative survey from MoD/MHA has already been obtained. Under this project, 71,855 line km of 2D seismic data is proposed to be acquired at a cost of around Rs. 6800 crore.

23. Oil Ministry Gives Mega Push to Complete Pending Projects The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is making concerted efforts to arrest the

decline in production of hydrocarbons from old and mature fields, push for new discoveries to boost India's production and commission projects under implementation. As a result of intensive review and monitoring, 33 major projects worth Rs. 93,244 crore including 3 joint venture projects,were completedduring 2014-15.

24. Government Pushes Inclusive Agenda; Reserves 27% of New Retail Outlets for OBCs

As part of the government's agenda to benefit the backward sections of the society,

the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has, for the first time, implemented reservation of 27% of new Retail Outlets for citizens falling under Other Backward Castes category.This is in addition to 22.5% reservation for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes. As per current status, against 8208 locations advertised for OBC category response has been received for 2538 locations. 25. Oil Ministry Contributes to "Swachh Bharat Mission"

The Ministry has unveiled a series of initiatives under the "Swachh Bharat Mission".

The Ministry aims at developing specific projects to give concrete shape to the initiatives under this Mission.As part of this drive, oil sector PSUs have taken up construction of over 20000school toilets. PSUs have also conducted around 6600 activities including cleanliness drives, awareness campaigns, competitions, plays etc. till 31st March, 2015. 26. Oil Ministry Chalks Out Plan to Give "Make in India" Big Push

Following Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clarion call to make India a

manufacturing hub, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set in motion the process to identify equipment and products in the oil sector, such as LNG ships, that can bemanufactured in India. IOC R&D has successfully developed INDMAX (lndane Maximization) technology.Each of the PSUs under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has constituted a specialized Indigenization Development Group (INDEG) to promote indigenization.27. Skill Development Mission With the participation of all the major companies in the oil industry, the Hydrocarbon Sector Skill Council (HSSC) has identified 134 roles (QPs) pertaining to the Upstream, Midstream and Gas, Downstream as well as Construction and Services sub-sectors. The HSSC roadmap for Skill Development provides for 19.27 lakh persons to be trained and certified by empanelling 500 institutions and training 1250 trainers. 28. Initiatives in the North-East

Oil sector PSUs are currently implementing 9 major projectsat an estimated cost of Rs.2763 crore for upgradation of existing infrastructure in the North-Eastern region of the country. On 1st December 2014, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the Unit II of OTPC Power Plant atPalatana,Tripura to the Nation. A vision group has been constituted to preparehydrocarbon vision for the North East covering upstream, midstream and downstream sector.

For incentivizing exploration and production in the North East region, 40% subsidy on

gas operations has been extended to the private companies operating in the region. This will boost the exploration activities, increase gas production and enhance the level of economic activities in the region. 29. Oil Ministry Steps Up Global Engagement

Given that India imports nearly 77% of its crude oil requirement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas under Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has carried out a series of engagements with oil & gas producing nations to secure India's interests.

30. Measures to Achieve Fuel Efficiency Standards & Labelling programme is a key initiative undertaken by Ministry through

Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA). Under this programme, fuel efficient equipment meeting stipulated standards are awarded Star Rating (1 to 5) by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). 31. Oil Sector Introduces Student Scholarship to Generate Interest in Areas of Energy Efficiency Scholarshipshave been introduced by PCRA to ignite and nurture interest in energy efficiency and fuel conservationamong meritorious students, who areselectedthrough National-levelQuiz, Debate, Essay and Painting competitions. 32. Retail Outlets Opting for Solar Energy to Power Operations

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd - are progressively using solar energy for lighting their retail outlets. So far, 2140 of their retail outlets have been powered by solar energy resulting inestimaged savings of Rs. 1.92 crore. The target is to increase the number to 7200 retail outlets by 31stMarch, 2017. 33. Hydrocarbon Sector Reforms on the Anvil

The Ministry has made significant progress in formulating :(a) The model for next round of bidding,(b) Model for outsourcingof marginal fields,(c) Extension of existing production sharing contracts,(d) Testing requirement for discoveries, and(e) Premium on gas produced in High Pressure-High Temperature fields and from

Deep &Ultra-Deep waters fields.These are expected to come up for final approval during this quarter.

MINISTRY OF POWER

A. ACHIEVEMENTS AGAINST MONITORABLE TARGETS DURING 2014-15

A record Power Generation capacity of 22,566 MW has been achieved during 2014-15 against the target of 17,830 MW.

During 2014-15 against the target of 20,882 ckm of Transmission lines and 47,871 MVA of transformation capacity, the achievements have been 22,100 ckm and 65,554 MVA – the highest achievement ever in a year.

Against the power generation target of 1023 BU during 2014-15, the achievement has been 1049 BU. (106% of the target and 8.4% growth over last year)

Energy deficit during 2014-15 reduced to an all time low of 3.6%. Against the target of electrification of 15,000 villages during 2014-15, the achievement has

been 15,660 villages. Against the target of 300 ‘Go-Live’ towns, 352 towns have been declared ‘Go-Live’.

B. THE ELECTRICITY (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2014

Title The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2014 Date of announcement/launch

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposals for amendment in Electricity Act, 2003 on 10th December, 2014 as contained in the

Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2014.The Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2014 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 19.12.2014.

Brief of the initiative These amendments envisage competition in retail (i.e. choice to consumers to select retail suppliers), strict enforcement of Renewable Purchase Obligations(RPO) and stricter requirements for Grid Safety and Security etc. The Bill has been referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy.

Implementation Status The Bill has been referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy for examination.

Expected Outcomes The proposed amendments in the Electricity Act, 2003 will promote competition, efficacy in operations and improvement in quality of supply of electricity in the country resulting in capacity addition and ultimate benefit to the consumers.

[2] 24X7 POWER FOR ALL Ministry of Power has taken a joint initiative with States for preparation of State specific

documents for 24X7 Power for All. Documents for Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan have already been prepared. The preparation of documents for Goa, Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Telangana, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Meghalaya has been taken up. Other States will also be taken up during the current financial year.

[3] UTILISATION OF STRANDED GAS BASED POWER PROJECTS Government of India has approved on 25th March, 2015, an innovative scheme for utilization of

stranded gas based power projects. In order to keep the power affordable (tariff capped at Rs.5.50 per unit) the scheme envisaged sacrifices by all stakeholders including support to Discoms from Power Sector Development Fund (PSDF) through reverse e-bidding process.

[4] ENERGY EFFICIENCY Government has approved on 6th August, 2014 National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency

(NMEEE) with an outlay of Rs. 775 crore. Demand Side Management (DSM) based Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP) -

Work in progress in 114 cities, targeted consumers 676.17 lakh, 20.45 crore LED bulbs LED Street Lighting Programme -

235 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in 14 States for installing 29.88 lakh LED streetlights

[5] INITIATIVES FOR TRANSMISSION SECTOR Earlier, compensatory afforestation on double degraded land was applicable for transmission

lines upto 220 KV and exemption was given for central PSUs projects only. VideMoEF circular dated 11th July 2014 it has been extended to all types of transmission lines irrespective of voltage level and implementation including by private sector.

Nine Transmission schemes worth Rs 12,272 crores have been approved for implementation under Tariff Based competitive bidding (TBCB) in July, 2014. Subsequently, another 7 transmission schemes worth around 21,861 crore have been approved for implementation under TBCB and notification to this effect is under process.

In order to expedite the clearances of transmission projects, power for according approval under Section 68 and 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003, has been delegated to Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority.

Presently Power System Operation Company(POSOCO) is a subsidiary of PGCIL. Govt. has approved on 10th December 2014 a proposal for conversion of POSOCO into a Govt company for independent power system operation.

[6]NATIONAL SMART GRID MISSION Government has approvedthe establishment of National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) on 3rd

March, 2015, to plan and monitor implementation of policies and programmes related to Smart

Grid activities. The outlay for NSGM activities for 12th Plan is Rs 980 crore with a budgetary support of Rs 338 crore.

[7] INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity) signed during 18th SAARC

summit during 26-27 November,2014. Indo-Nepal Agreement on ‘Electric Power Trade , Cross-border Transmission Interconnection

and Grid Connectivity’ signed on 21st October, 2014.

******


SCOPE DETAILS OF DEENDAYAL UPADHYAYA GRAM JYOTI YOJANA1. Feeder Separation

(i) Physical separation of HT feeders for Agricultural and non-Agricultural consumers

(a) Erection of HT lines for drawing new feeders and reorientation/re-alignment of existing lines

(b) Installation of new distribution transformers and augmentation of existing distribution transformers

(c) Re-location of distribution transformers and associated LT lines for re-grouping of consumers (Agricultural and Non-Agricultural)

(ii) Virtual separation of feeders

(a) Installation of new distribution transformers and augmentation of existing distribution transformers

(b) Re-location of distribution transformers and associated LT lines for re-grouping of consumers (Agricultural and Non-Agricultural)

(c) Installation of rotary switch and associated hardware at sub-stations

Feeders already segregated by the States Discoms / Power Deptt. shall not be eligible to be covered under this scheme. However, the feeders already segregated by virtual means could be considered for undertaking physical separation under the scheme.

2. Strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution system in rural areas to address critical gaps

The following works shall be eligible to be covered under the scheme based on study/assessment carried by the respective State Discoms / Power Deptt. for identifying critical gaps in sub-transmission and distribution network considering all relevant parameters (such as voltage regulation, HT & LT ratio, optimum loading of transformers & lines, reactive power management, power factor improvement, standard of performance, ongoing works under other schemes etc.):

(i) Creation of new sub stations along with associated 66 KV / 33 KV/ 22 KV/ 11 KV lines.(ii) Augmentation of existing sub-stations capacity by installation of higher capacity/additional

power transformer along with associated equipment/ switchgear etc.(iii) Erection of HT lines for reorientation/re-alignment including augmentation of existing lines(iv) Installation of new distribution transformers and augmentation of existing distribution

transformers along with associated LT lines(v) Installation of capacitors(vi) Renovation and Modernization of existing sub-stations and lines(vii) High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS)(viii) Arial Bunched Cable for theft prone areas

3. Metering

(i) Installation of suitable static meters for feeders, distribution transformers and all categories of consumers for existing un-metered connections, replacement of faulty meters & electro-mechanical meters.

(ii) Installation of Pillar Box for relocation of meters outside the premises of consumers including associated cables and accessories

4. Provisioning of micro-grid and off-grid distribution network

MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

INITIATIVES FOR PASSENGERSPassenger Helpline No. 138 and security helpline 182 Indian Railways provided the All India Helpline Number ‘138’ for passengers, as an interface for queries/complaints related to medical emergency, cleanliness, food & catering, coach maintenance, linen etc. A security helpline ‘182’has also been launched to report any unsavory incidents. This service is very important public service and may play an important role in emergencies like crime against women, onboard unlawful activity, train accidents, medical attention required and fire etc. These helpline numbers viz.138&182 and existing 139 are now to be printed on the tickets for the convenience of passengers.

Launching of e-catering service in trainsThe Ministry of Railways is providing e-catering service in trains through its PSU, Indian Railways Catering &Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). This is a service where a passenger is able to place an order for a meal, to be served at his seat in the train enroute, through a phone call or an SMS. Presently this service is available in 120 pairs of trains.

Go-India Smart cardGo-India’ smart card scheme has been launched on pilot basis on two sectors i.e. New Delhi-Mumbai and New Delhi-Howrah. At present, the Go-India smart card enables passengers to pay for reserved and unreserved tickets. The scheme is intended to reduce the transaction time at the booking counters for the convenience of passengers as it facilitates cashless transaction.Introduction of Next Generation e-ticketing system

Next generation E-ticketing system introduced, which can book 7200 online tickets instead of 2000 tickets per minute and to attend 2,00,000 enquiries instead of 50000 per minute.

SMS Alerts to passengersIndian Railways added another milestone by launching yet another innovative scheme called the ‘SMS Gateway’, which will enable passengers to get SMS alerts on the status of reserved tickets. Moreover SMS alerts giving wakeup calls has also been introduced. Mobile security App.for womenMobile app for security of women has been launched in Mumbai suburban trains.This is the first phase and it will be extended in other areas in a phased manner.

Yatri Ticket Sewa Kendra schemeA new scheme called the Yatri Ticket Sewa Kendra (YTSK) Scheme has been launched. Under this scheme, agents of Indian Railways can operate ticketing terminals at various locations in the cities and towns for issuing reserved tickets and unreserved tickets. This will offer greater convenience to passengers in getting rail tickets.

Adarsh StationThe scheme of Adarsh stations for better amennities has been introduced in the year 2009. Under this scheme, 1052 stations have been selected for development as Adarsh Station upto 2013-14. 108 stations have been developed under the scheme during 2014-15, as such a total of 934 stations have been developed as ‘Adarsh’ station so far. Pilgrim special tourist trains

With a view to promote rail tourism in the country and to provide reasonably priced tourism package to tourists, especially the pilgrims in the country, India Railways through

its PSU IRCTC has launched six pilgrim special tourist train packages in the first phase. The tourist packages are; Sukhamngalam Yatra , Dham special with Dakshin Darshan via Lucknow, Dham special with Dakshin Darshan via Jaipur, Shikharji Circuit Yatra, Jyotirling Yatra, and Takht Parikrama. Braille Signages on coaches For the help of visually impaired passengers, Indian Railways has taken the initiative of providing Braille signages on coaches. CCTV on coaches In order to improve security measures on trains and especially for women passengers, it has been decided to provide CCTV cameras on coaches especially in ladies compartments in doorway and aisle area without infringing on the privacy. Waiting chairs/benches etc. under MPLAD Scheme Guidelines issue for installations of chairs/benches/overhead sheds at stations under Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme(MPLAD).Comprehensive guidelines have been issued for improvement of passenger amenities at stations through NGOs, Trusts, Corporate etc. R.O. drinking water at stations Provision of Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) drinking water units at selection stations on experimental basis has been planned. To begin with, eight stations namely, Madurai, Gadag, Tirupati, Guwahati Dwarka, H.Nizammudin, Patna & Bhopal were identified for provision of R.O. drinking water units. While R.O. drinking water units have already been commissioned at Dwarka, Gadag, H.Nizammudin, Katihar (in lieu of Guwahati), Madurai and Tirupati stations R.O. units at Patna & Bhopal are planned to be commissioned shortly.This will help provide safe drinking water to passengers.

Seperate Food safety officer in every division With a view to ensure better quality check on the food installations in Railway, it has been decided to appoint one Food Safety Officer in every Division of the Railways. Earlier a Food Safety Officer was entrusted with more than one Division which was causing difficulty in ensuring proper supervision.DIGITAL INDIA INITIATIVE Launching of a ‘Customer Complaint Web Portal’ A ‘Customer Complaint Web Portal and Mobile Application’ (android/windows based mobile App), was launched. One can track the status of the complaints which he or she registered on this portal with the help of mobile App. Feedback can also be given on this portal. This will help in faster redressal of passenger grievances. ‘ Operation Five Minutes’ –Paperless Unreserved Ticketing Fulfilling yet another commitment of the Railway Budget 2015-16, the Minister of Railways launched Mobile Application for Paperless Unreserved Ticketing on pilot basis on Egmore –Tambaram Suburban Section of Chennai. This initiative is part of Indian Railways effort to help passengers purchase the unreserved tickets within five minutes under its ‘Operation five minutes programme’. This will allow the passenger to buy a ticket on the move and allow him or her to board the train with the ticket secured on his or her mobile phone, without any need for printing the ticket.


‘E-Samiksha’ for Implementation Monitoring In yet another milestone initiative for ensuring timely implementation of budget proposals, a special portal called ‘E-Samiksha’, has been launched for monitoring the implementation of budget announcements/commitments .This portal would help to keep an eye on the implementation of budget process.

Facility of ‘Wi-Fi’ services on Railway stations Indian Railways is providing the Wi-Fi Broadband Services at several stations which include Bangaluru, Secunderabad, Mumbai CST, Agra, Varanasi, Hawrah, Chennai, Ahmdabad. The Wi-Fi project on Indian Railways is being executed by RailTel, a Public Sector Undertaking of the Ministry of Railways. Wi-Fi facility is available to the users free of cost initially for a period of 30 minutes by registering on the Wi-Fi network through their mobile phones. The facility of Wi-Fi will be extended to other stations in a phased manner. Introduction of e-demand system With the release of this module, customers can sit in the convenience of their homes or offices and register their freight demands. Railways’ Social Media platform To keep pace with the modern means of internet media, Indian Railways launched its three social media platformsnamely Facebook, Twitter and You Tube with the URL @railminindia. Railway Budget was for the first time live streamed on social media platforms. Online suggestions and feedback can also be made on these social media platforms. SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT

MoU signed for highest ever funding for Railways In a landmark achievement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Railways and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) for highest ever funding of Rs. 1.5 lakh crore for Railways. This move will ultimately help railways growth through augmentation of its financial resources. Interim Report of HLRRC submitted to Railway Board Interim Report of High Level Railway Restructuring Committee (HLRCC) headed by Dr. Bibek Debroy has been submitted to the Railway Board.The report has also been put on the Ministry’s website for inviting suggestions and comments. This committee was constituted with an aim to find out ways to mobilise resources for major railway projects and restructuring of railways. Delegating more power to Zonal Railways With an aim to fast track decision making and bring in transparency full powers have been delegated to General Manages and Director Generals as tender authority . All the cases for acceptance of Works and Stores tenders, will now be dealt with and finalized by Zonal Railways and Production Units.Scope of e-tendering is being expanded for increased transparency and procurement.

Saving of energy To reduce cost of Electrical energy being used for traction, procurement through open market is being done.Power Purchase Agreement between DVC and North Central railway for supply of 50MW power has already been signed.Saving for the month of March 2015 alone is Rs 10 Crore approx.A web based electrical energy management system called RailSaver has been launched which will help save upto 15% energy by 2020. Logistic Hubs on National Waterways A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWA) and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) for creation of logistic hubs with rail connectivity at Varanasi and other places on National Waterways. Alternative Energy Resources Solar Plants of 2 MW at RCF, Raebareli and 1 MW at Katra Railway station have been commissioned.Target of commissioning 6.5 MW Solar Power plants in year 2015-16. A 30 KW Solar Plant has been commissioned at roof top Rail Bhawan at New Delhi. Solar plants at other Railway buildings are proposed to be installed in future. Target for commissioning of 25 MW Wind Energy Plant at Jaisalmer in 2015-16. Ratan Tata as Head of ‘Kayakalp’ Council Taking immediate follow up action in implementing the Budget announcement, Railways constituted the ‘Kayakalp’ Council and appointed Shri Ratan Tata to head this Council. The purpose of the Council is to recommend innovative methods and processes for the improvement, betterment and transformation of the Indian Railways. MOU with National Institute of Design Adding yet another milestone by fulfilling another commitment announced in the Railway Budget 2015-16, the Indian Railway signed an MoU to set up its own Railway Design Centre in the campus of National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmadabad. This will help improve customer’s happiness by way of better designed coaches and providing cost effective solutions to problems faced by passengers during train travel. White paper and vision 2030 documentMinister of Railways released White Paper on Railways in the parliament with a view to understand the challenges that the organization is presently facing. Ministry of Railways is now working on the vision 2030 document on Railways which will contain a blueprint for the future development of the Indian Railways. Task forces and Experts’ committees

Several task forces and committees of experts constituted for focussed attention on areas like revenue mobilization through advertising, improving financial health of railways, restructuring delegation of powers, productivity enhancement, etc. The various committees have roped in experts like E Shreedhran, former CAG Vinod Rai, economist Bibek Debroy and noted industrialist Ratan Tata to improve the Railways and bring in innovative ideas and solutions.

Better training of Railway PersonnelAcademic Services Agreement has been signed with Beijing Jiao Tong University, China for training of 100 officers of various departments in Heavy Haul Technology. ‘Indian Railways

Chair for Sustainable Mobility’ has been set up at TERI University, New Delhi. Modules on gender sensitization of Railway personnel have been introduced in centralized training institutes.Centre for Railway Research set up at Mumbai UniversityRailway Ministry and Mumbai University signed an MoU to set up a Centre for Railway Research (CRR) at University of Mumbai in order to develop a long-term frame work for research collaboration. Leveraging of space for advertisingWith a view to generate additional revenue, RITES,a public sector undertaking of Ministry of Railways prepared a Concept Note, indicating ways and means for leveraging of space in coaches, wagons, trains, railway stations etc. for advertisements, publicity and other purposes. Now, six-member task force headed by Member Traffic Railway Board has been set up to examine and implement this project.

INFRASTRUCTURECritical coal connectivity projects fasttracked

Transportation of coal is an important activity of Indian Railways and is very crucial for the country’s power supply system. Critical Coal connectivity projects in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Orissa are being fast tracked. MOU has been signed with Ministry of Coal and Government of Odisha. Another MOU with Government of Jharkhand is in the offing.

Redevelopment of Railway Stations Railway Ministry has now decided to offer Railway Stations for redevelopment on ‘as is where is’ basis, by inviting open bids from interested parties with their designs and business ideas duly providing for amenities and other requirements of the Railways. The Process for redevelopment of stations, already indentified viz. Anand Vihar, Bijwasan, Chandigarh, Shivaji Nagar & Habibganj by Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd. (IRSDC) is continuing.

Progress On Dedicated Freight Corridor Project Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight corridors are being developed for smooth and fast transportation of freight. Loan for Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (Phase 2) for US $ 1100 million approved by the World Bank on 22.04.14, has been signed on 11th November 2014. Electrification contract for 945 km of Western DFC has been awarded on 18.11.2014.

FDI and PPP in RailwaysCabinet approved 100% FDI in identified areas of Railway sector.Ministry of Railways has formulated sectoral guidelines on FDI.Investor’s meet was held to explain FDI to investors.More meets planned in future. High level committee set up to discuss FDI and PPP issues. Ministry of Railways has also issued Model Concession Agreement for Non Governmental Railway model, joint venture model and Built, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model. During the period , approvals were also given for port connectivity PPP projects viz. Roha-Dighi newline and Digni-Jaigarh port newline. In addition in principle approval for two more port connectivity projects viz. Chhara port and Nargol port has been given.New Rail Neer Plant in Mumbai inaugurated

A new Rail Neer plant has been set up at Ambernath (Mumbai) by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Public Sector Undertaking of Ministry of

Railways, the production capacity of this plant will be 2 lakh liters per day, This will improve availability of safe Packaged Drinking Water (PDW).

Laying of Opticle Fibre Cable on Railway Network A total number of 1,329 route kilometres OFC has been laid. Cumulatively, 48,179 route kilometers (approx.) OFC has been commissioned over Indian .It will enable high speed internet connectivity and video conferencing facility.

New lines and electrificationIn 2014-15, 1983 km of railway lines have been commissioned. This is the highest ever. In 2014-15, 1375 km of railway electrification completed. This is the highest ever. SAFETY

Geo-spatial technologies for unmanned level crossings

In a significant move to make Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs) safer for road users thereby avoiding accidents thereat, Geo-spatial technologies are proposed to be used with the help of ISRO. Under such technologies which combine Global Positioning System(GPS), Geographic Information System(GIS) and Remote Sensing, an alert message will be flashed automatically in the mobile phones of all the road users carrying GPS enabled mobile phones in the vicinity of an Unmanned Level Crossing, about the approaching train. This will save many lives as many fatal accidents occur at unmanned level crossing. Quick evacuation of injured persons from tracks Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are being put in place regarding quick evacuation of the injured persons from the railway track so that human lives are saved. MoU on construction of ROBs/RUBs In a move to further enhance safety of road users, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on policy related to constructions of Road Over Bridges and Road Under Bridges on National Highway corridors.

MAKE IN INDIA Expansion project of DLW factory The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the commencement of Expansion Project of Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW), a production unit of Indian Railways at Varanasi on some of the features of the expansion plan are; a new block shop, loco frame shop and loco assembly shop, new plant shop having advanced paint booths, induction of high productivity machines and generation of 250 kw Green Power by roof mounted grid connected solar power plant. The project will herald the ‘Make in India’ campaign in the holy city, Varanasi.Ministry of Railway also successfully floated RFP for state of the Art Electro Loco Factory at Madhepura and Diesel Loco Factory at Marhowra. Again RFP were issued for manufacturing 9000 HP electric locos for western DFC. Locos will be manufactured at Dankuni and Technology will be transferred to CLW, Chittanranjan.

New production unitsRail Wheel Plan, Bela commissioned and regular production started.2nd unit for manufacture of LHB coaches fit to run at 160kmph made functional at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. DEMU factory Haldia commissioned.Mid-life Rehabilitation Workshop for coaches at Jhansi completed.New Loco and New Green Train5500 HP Diesel Locomotive introduced in Indian Railway System which is the highest horse power Diesel Engine.First “Green” DEMU rail introduced on Northern Railway to run between Rewari-Rohtak Section. HIGH SPEED PROJECTS

Status of Railways Semi High Speed Projects

Indian Railways is working on increasing speed of trains raising it to 160kmph/200 kmph referred as Semi-High speed. It has identified nine corridors for this purpose. Trial run in Delhi-Agra corridor successfully completed for running trains at semi-high speed of 160 km. per hour. The commercial services will be started after obtaining the CRS sanction.

The feasibility study for semi high speed on Chennai-Bangaluru-Mysore Corridor is being taken up by Chinese Railways.

Feasibility study for New Delhi-Chandigarh Corridor to be undertaken with French Railway. Discussions are on with Germany for undertaking feasibility study of Nagpur-Secunderabad Corridor. 5 other identified corridors under examination for semi high speed trains. Mumbai-Ahemdabad High Speed Bullet train project

Ministry of Railways took steps for introduction of High Speed Bullet Trains(300+kmph) in the country on Mumbai-Ahmadabad corridor. It is part of the Ministry’s ambitious plan to have Diamond Quadrilateral network of High Speed Rail connecting major metros and growth centers of the country. French Railway submitted business model study of this corridor. The interim report of feasibility study being undertaken by Japan has been received and final report is expected in June, 2015. One new route between New Delhi and Chennai has been identified for introducing bullet train and China has been entrusted with the task of undertaking feasibility study of this line.

JAMMU & KASHMIR AND NORTH EASTOpening of Lumding-Silchar broad gauge section

The much awaited Lumding-Silchar Broad Gauge section (Assam) inaugurated with the running of goods trains. The passenger train services will be started soon on this section. This line will provide seamless BG connectivity to Barak Valley of Assam with the rest of the country.It is a very crucial rail link for the N.E region.

First train to Meghalaya

In an important event in the history of Railways, one more north-eastern state namely Meghalaya was brought on country’s railway map. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

flagged off the first ever train from Guwahati to Medipathar in Meghalaya to mark this feat.

Foundation stone for rail link to Mizoram’s capital To further boost the development of rail link in North Eastern region, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation for a new rail route from Bhairabi to Sairang in Mizoram. It will take rail connectivity to Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram

Katra comes on country’s railway map In another landmark engineering marvel, Indian Railways completed Udhampur-Katra Broad gauge line in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister dedicated this line to the nation at a programme held at Katra.This line has brought Katra on country’s railway map consequently bringing Jammu & Kashmir Valley nearer to the rest of the nation .

Railways help during J&K floodsIndian Railways geared up its machinery to provide all possible help to the travelling public in the wake of unprecedented flood in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Railways arranged transport of relief material free of charge by coaching trains to Jammu Tawi and Udhampur from any station of India. Railways made about 4 lakh Rail Neer drinking water bottles available for flood affected people of J&K.

North-eastern tour package for college students An education train ‘Gyanodaya Express’ – a tour package for the students of Delhi University to visit North east states, was flagged off from Delhi . It will help the students to connect with NE region .

SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAAN

Nation wide Action PlanIndian Railways is implementing PMs nationwide campaign of Swachch Bharat Abhiyan in true letter and spirit.Separate Directorate for Environment and Housekeeping created. This Directorate will address all environment and housekeeping related issues over Railways.Detailed action plan on cleanliness prepared has been prepared and an Integrated Policy of cleanliness in Stations, Platforms and Coaches is under formulation.50 major stations outsourced for international level cleanliness. Setting up of mechanised laundries Mechanised laundries at 6 new locations have been set up to improve the quality of linen being supplied to AC class passengers. With this Indian Railway now have 33 such mechanized laundries. Dustbins on all the coaches: Dustbins on trains were hitherto being provided mainly on AC coaches. Now dustbins will be provided in all the coaches including non AC coaches. On Board Housekeeping services scheme : An additional 83 no. of trains have been covered under OBHS scheme taking total coverage to around 500 trains. Under this scheme ,cleanliness is maintained during run of the train.

Installation of more Bio-Toilets in coachesMore than 10159 Bio-toilets have been fitted till March, 2015 and target set for 2015-16 is fitment of 17,000 bio-toilets.These toilets use bacterial action to convert human waste into water and gas.

HELPING FARMERS AND RURAL PEOPLE First ever Perishable Cargo Centre set up

The first ever Perishable Cargo Centre of Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) (a Railway PSU) at Adarsh Nagar station near Azadpur Sabzi Mandi, Delhi, was inaugurated. This perishable cargo centre will help farmers and consumers in a big way and the ripening of fruits and cold storage facilities at this cargo centre will help the farmers get a good price and good market for their product. Skill development activities in railway premises Indian Railways has around 8000 stations and premises of some of the railway stations with very few trains and scanty footfall would be used for skill development activities. It will help rural people substantially.The skill development programme has been emphasized by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for the benefit of the people.

Promoting Rural Products Railways will also help in marketing rural products made by self help groups and other such agencies so as to help common rural people. The Konkani-cuisine restaurant “Konkan Swaad Katta’ recently set up at Ratnagiri station in Konkan Railway is a step in this direction to encourage traditional businesses and local talent as well as help the financial empowerment of local people and at the same time passengers getting taste traditional dishes.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION MoU with China in technical cooperation in Railways

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an Action Plan were signed between the Government of India and People’s Republic of China in enhancing Technical Cooperation in Railway Sector, at delegation level talks between the two countries on 18 th September 2014. The potential cooperation areas mentioned in the MoU are; i) Training in heavy haul freight transportation, ii) Raising of speed of trains on existing routes, iii) Station redevelopment, iv) High speed rail and v) Setting up of Railway University.

MoU on cooperation with Republic of Korea Indian Railways and Republic of Korea signed a MoU on Technical Cooperation In the Rail Sector. The MoU would enable technical assistance and cooperation between the Railways of the two countries on areas such as High Speed Rail, Modernisation of Rolling Stock, Railway Operations, Modernisation of Signalling, Construction & Maintenance technologies and in development of Logistics Parks/Terminals.

Cooperation with Czech Republic MoU has also been signed with Czech Republic for technical assistance in Railway sector. The potential cooperation areas mentioned in the MoU are Freight operations- Logistics of automotive transport, Passenger operations – raising of speeds upto 200

kmph; Infrastructure building and management – station development and workshop modernization; Information & communication technologies especially for passenger amenities ; Modernisation of rolling stock; Modernisation of signalling & telecom etc.

Cooperation with Austria The 2nd Indo-Austrian Joint Working Group meeting on the Technology Specific Cooperation in the field of Railways was organized on 9.9.2014. Cooperation among SAARC nations

Ministry of Railways hosted the 5th meeting of the SAARC Inter governmental Group on Transport on 30thSeptember,2014 at Vigyan Bhawan ,New Delhi,The meeting was attended by all the SAARC member countries. Relief during Nepal earthquake

During the Nepal earthquake crisis, Railways made available to Nepal about 4 lakh Rail Neer drinking water bottles. Railways also made available to earthquake victims the facility of the Railways hospitals situated in the border towns. Railways also facilitated travel of earthquake victims.

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

Increase in Railways’ revenue earnings

The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during the financial year 2014-15 (1st April 2014 to 31st March 2015) were Rs. 157880.50 crore compared to Rs. 140761.27 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 12.16 per cent. Improved Freight loading Indian Railways carried 1097.57 million tonnes of revenue earning freight traffic during the financial year 2014-15 i.e. from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2015. The freight carried shows an increase of 44.02 million tonnes over the freight traffic of 1053.55 million tonnes actually carried during the corresponding period last year, registering an increase of 4.18 per cent. MISCELLANEOUS

Pathbreaking Railway Budget

Railway Budget 2015-16 was completely depoliticized making it a long term perspective document.The thrust areas identified in the budget include Quality of life in journeys, station redevelopment, capacity augmentation, safety, technology upgradation, partnerships for development, improvements to management processes and systems, resource mobilization, human resources, energy and sustainability, transparency and governance initiatives.28 announcements made in the Budget speech already implemented.

Railways players bring laurel to the nation

Railway sportspersons as a part of Indian contingent at recently concluded Commonwealth Games-2014, (CWG) at Glasgow, Scotland, again brought glory to the nation by bagging 9 medals out of total 64 medals won by India.

Renovation of National Rail Museum

A big renovation exercise was undertaken in National Railways Museum, Delhi. Musical Fountain, Toy Train and Renovated Exhibits have been added at the Museum.

MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has initiated several measures to benefit the common road users during the last few months. Foremost among these is the Road Transport and Safety Bill, which aims at a paradigm shift in the legal framework for Transport and Road Safety in the Country. India has the dubious distinction of the leading the world in the number of deaths due to road traffic-related crashes. Road crashes are the sixth leading cause of deaths in India. India accounts for nearly 5,00,000 road crashes every year with about 1,40,000 fatalities. Resultantly, 10,00,000 people have lost their lives in road crashes in the past decade and 50,00,000 people were seriously injured or disabled. Every day, nearly 400 people lose their lives on Indian roads of which 20 are children below the age of 14 years. Not only is this a major public health issue, but such high fatalities on Indian roads also impact the economy estimated at 3% of GDP. It is time that the nation tackles road safety to improve the lives of our citizens. The draft Road Transport and Safety Bill aims to do just that through an integrated approach to both road safety as well as road transport in order to give to the nation a modern road transportation system which is not only safe but also efficient and convenient. It is a crucial step for the sustainable development of the nation. The draft Bill has adopted the best practices in the world in road transportation and safety standards and has adapted them to the unique Indian milieu. It aims to ensure the adoption of best-in-class safety standards for vehicles and roads including their design and construction. It aims at the development of the national road network and multi-modal integration of transport and allied infrastructure so that all modes of transport feed into and feed off each other and ensure that the transportation sector is low-carbon, energy efficient and eco-friendly. It provides special consideration to vulnerable road users such as women, children, senior citizens and differently-abled persons. It provides an efficient insurance and compensation framework so as to enable prompt treatment of road crash victims and compensation for sufferings endured. It also aims to rationalize the byzantine regulatory framework around driver licensing, vehicle registration and public transport permits to improve efficiency and convenience for the users. To achieve these goals the bill seeks to establish two national independent lead agencies, namely the National Road Safety and Vehicle Regulation Authority of India and National Transport Authority along with subordinate state and local-level authorities. The National Road Safety and Vehicle Regulation Authority of India is envisaged as the lead agency for road safety and vehicle regulation. It will be legally empowered and accountable to Parliament. It has the overall goal of saving more than 2,00,000 lives over five years. It will be tasked with overall coordination of road safety agenda. Its principal objective is to eliminate practices adverse to transport and road safety. It shall regulate matters regarding vehicle safety standards, driver licensing and working condition of drivers, standards for road design to promote safety. The National Authority has been given a special mandate to secure the safety and security of vulnerable road users such as women, children, senior citizens and the differently-abled. Today licensing and registration is a complicated system. Applying for a licence is not only time consuming, but often requires the citizen to deal through middlemen. Those relocating to new cities require re-registering of their vehicles at high costs. The new RTS bill will allow any time anywhere license application through a transparent single-window process. Internet enabled licensing and registration system will allow convenient applications for driving licenses, vehicle registration and easy transfer of vehicles across states. This will save time, money and remove corruption. There shall be only one license for every driver. Licenses will be made tamper proof and contain biometric or other unique ID information to prevent fraud. The draft Bill ensures more scientific driving tests to ensure greater safety on roads. Automated driving test systems, when implemented, will ensure only safe drivers receive their licenses. Such objectively-measured test will

remove corruption from licensing. These driving tests can be given at authorized testing establishment run by the private sector and regulated by the National Road Safety and Vehicle Regulation Authority, making testing convenient and less time-consuming for applicants. Many citizens also suffer from double taxation of their motor vehicles when they move from one state to another. Under the RTS bill, the taxes paid on your car will be shared between the previous state of residence and the new state of residence. Electronic registration will allow this process to be done seamlessly online. To ensure safe and eco-friendly vehicles on the streets certificates of fitness are a requirement for registration. The draft RTS Bill envisages that such certificates of fitness shall be issued by vehicle testing stations authorized by the National Road Safety and Vehicle Regulation Authority. Thus vehicle owners can go to any authorized vehicle testing stations to obtain certificates of fitness thus providing them choice and preventing needless delays. Several such vehicle testing centers will provide jobs to lakhs of trained technical persons. This will on one hand improve the road safety and lower emission scenario in the country, and bring about better repair centers on the second.The draft Bill will also ensure that every application for a driver license or vehicle registration will be accompanied with proof of an operating bank account. Thus the draft Bill will be linked to the successful Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojana and promote financial inclusion. The National Road Safety and Vehicle Regulation Authority of India and the corresponding State Road Safety Authorities will bring better driver training institutes for skill development and employment of literate youths under its supervision. This will also help address the shortage of trained drivers for Heavy Motor vehicles. A key focus of the draft Bill is to decrease the number of road crashes and the associated death, injury, pain and misery. We require stricter road safety norms to ensure compliance with laws. We need to improve road behavior such as giving way for emergency vehicles, and punish drinking and driving and overloading. The Bill uses combination of monetary penalties, penalty points, community service, impoundment and incarceration for effective enforcement and deterrence. Repeat offenders will be subject to tougher penalties. The draft Bill has rationalized penalties which have not been revised for a long time and hence, due to inflation, have lost their deterrence value. The government will adopt electronic enforcement by using CCTVs and Speed cameras. The draft Bill makes special provisions for the safety of children including child zones and mandating use of child restraint systems. The bill empowers the creation of child zones, i.e. areas frequented by children e.g. parks, schools and surrounding areas, which have special traffic regulation measures including lower speed limits and other engineering interventions to ensure the safety of children. The draft Bill aims to achieve global standards of safety and security for Indian cars. Safer cars will result in lesser accidents, and safer roads. Vehicles will be given approval to be used on roads only after passing stringent safety assessment tests. To promote India as a global manufacturing hub for error and risk-free manufacturing, the Bill provides for recall of vehicles. This will ensure that the domestic automotive industry is zero-defect, and consumers do not suffer due to defective vehicles. Manufacturers will be required to compensate or remedy defective equipment. The draft Bill also introduces certificates of conformity to provide fillip to a new economy around spare part production in the country which will also provide vehicle owners with access to cheaper spare parts. A core goal of the draft RTS Bill is the promotion of eco-friendly cost-effective public transport to improve road safety. The RTS Bill will require the center, state and metropolitan authorities to adopt policies to promote public transport that ensure greater choice and mobility and increase the share of public passenger transportation. This will reduce congestion on roads and polluting emissions, thereby improving air quality. This is a crucial step in the development of 100

smart cities throughout the nation. The National Transport Authority, the State Transport Authorities and the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority will design, frame and declare schemes for public passenger transport at the interstate, intrastate and metropolitan level. The schemes will take into consideration economic vitality, accessibility, mobility, connectivity, environment protection. The RTS Bill will improve logistics efficiency which will make domestic manufacturing globally competitive and reduce inflation. Current inefficiencies in the logistics sector results in losses amounting to 4.5% of the GDP. The bill envisages a simplified permit with online payment and single portal clearances which will be a boon to transport operators. National Transport Authority shall also identify freight network to link urban and rural habitations with centers of production and ports of entries and develop a national freight strategic plan to identify best practices for improving performance of the freight network, identify bottlenecks and forecast freight volumes. The bill will also simplify the tax regime to be developed for interstate transportation of passengers and goods. The Bill will promote the development of modern transport hubs like to the Vadodara Bus Depot, which has world class amenities. These transport hubs will be integrated passenger hubs as well as intermodal transport facilities that connect different modes of travel such as air and road, or rail and road. These hubs will be equipped with modern amenities like rest areas, waiting areas, recreational facilities, food courts, information kiosks, parking spaces, warehousing facilities for freight. A major reason for the high number of deaths on Indian roads is the lack of timely and effective medical intervention following a road crash. The draft Bill enshrines the concept of the golden hour, the time period lasting up to one hour following a traumatic injury during which time there is the highest likelihood of preventing death by provision of prompt medical care. The bill will provide schemes funded by insurance companies to ensure that all affected persons receive cashless treatment during this time period to ensure survival and recovery and to ensure that no victim suffers due to lack of finances. The bill also aims to establish a single toll-free nationwide road crash emergency access telephone number to alert and access first-response emergency services that shall provide emergency services including golden-hour trauma care. The bill will provide for a motor vehicle crash fund to provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users which shall ensure all road users are covered in case of emergencies. Under the bill the government will work with insurance companies to ensure that the minimum compensation for any road crash related death is set at Rupees 20 lakhs. Currently, claims for compensation take a long time and many times the victim dies before the claims are resolved. This leads to the abatement of the claim The RTS Bill will ensure that such claims do not abate and that the legal representatives of the victim can continue the claim to ensure that the person at fault does pay for the damage caused. In addition to the above, the bill also conceives the establishment of a dedicated national highway traffic regulation and protection service to cover national highways and other roads. The service will ensure efficient movement of passenger and freight, enforce traffic regulations, help and secure medical assistance for road crash victims and investigate road crashes. The service will be established by respective State Governments and is modeled on the Draft Model Police Act by the Sorabjee Committee and Maharashtra Highway Police. In addition to the above, several other initiatives have been rolled -out keeping in view interest of road users, as follows:2. Discontinuation of fee collection on 62 plazas It has been decided to discontinue the tolling on the Bridges and Structures where capital cost had been recovered and the further tolling was unviable and leading to public nuisance. In order to provide relief from tolling, Govt. exercising the power conferred in NH Fee Rules, 2008 has discontinued the fee collection on 62 plazas on National Highways. Some of the toll plazas where tolling has been discontinued in the public interest include High level Bridge over Indrawati River in

Chhattisgarh, Hagari Bridge, Across river Nethravathi, Veervaishnavi bridge, Sharavati bridge in Karnataka, Yenegur bridge in Maharastra, Bandhan bridge in Odisha, Morel bridge in Rajasthan,SanjaySetu, Bridge of Kosi river, Benda Ghat toll plaza, KhajuriSetu, Sai bridge, Chandra Shekhar Azad Setu in Uttar Pradesh etc. 3. National Highways Toll Information System A web portalwww.nhtis.org has been launched to make available to road users, information of public interest concerning toll plazas on National Highways/Expressways operating under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and NHAI. This includes the applicable User fee rates for various categories of vehicles at any Toll Plaza, helping road users to ascertain the exact toll amount at a particular plaza or select a route between two locations. Road users can also find out location of the nearest 100plazas while travelling as well as facilities available near the Toll plazas. The web portal is user friendly and public can access the information through mobile phones and SMS. 4. Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system In order to remove the bottlenecks and to ensure seamless movement of traffic and collection of toll as per the notified rates, Government have decided to adopt passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based on EPC, Gen-2, ISO 18000-6C Standards technology for ETC. Interoperable Electronic Toll Collection System on Delhi-Mumbai arm of Golden Quadrilateral was launched on 31.10.2014. ETC system in one lane in each direction has already been installed at 164 Toll plazas and orders have been placed for 287 Toll Plazas. It is proposed to rollout ETC on all 300 Toll Plazas on NHs this year. Vehicles fitted with RFID tag called ‘FASTag’ will seamlessly move on the National Highways through dedicated FASTag lanes. This will save time, remove congestion and queuing of vehicles at the Toll Plazas. Other benefits of ETC system include reduced travel time, fuel savings, reduced emissions and pollution, transparent toll transactions and effective vehicle tracking. Ministry has issued notification making it mandatory to install RFID tags by the vehicle manufacturers and ICICI Bank and Axis Bank have been selected as service providers for implementing the Programme. This will be the largest network of Highways in any country connected with a single RFID Tag system. State Governments are also being encouraged to bring State Highways under the same architecture for convenience of road users. 5. Weigh-in Motion Bridge (WIM) and Automatic Vehicle Counter & Classifier (AVCC) System Overloading in vehicles is not only detrimental to the economic life of their highways and the roads on which the mechanical vehicles ply but it also leads to larger safety related issues. Overloading is punishable offence under Section 113 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. To enforce the provisions of MV Act, 1988 and NH(Fee) Rules 2008 Weigh-in-motion Bridge along with AVCC system will be installed at all Toll Plaza on National Highways. 6. Automatic Traffic Counter and Classifier [ATCC] systems To have correct traffic survey and estimations for highways projects’ planning and feasibility, traffic survey on the whole length of National Highways is being carried out using ATCC system. The control room for monitoring traffic survey through ATCC has been set up on 31.10.2014, and traffic survey has already started. Traffic scenes will be carried out once every six months in a scientific manner to facilitate better planning of road up gradation as also maintenance cycle. For the purpose of Implementation of the System, the country has been divided into seven zones and traffic survey has already started at fourteen locations. 7. CCTV Surveillance System IP (Internet Protocol) based integrated CCTV Surveillance System is being installed at all Toll plazas on the National Highways. The CCTV system will be used to monitor the lane area and plaza building areas. Control Centres will be equipped with Video Monitors/ Video Wall for online

monitoring and Video feeds from all the toll plazas. The activities of any plaza could be viewed by unique login ID through an integrated system. For the purpose of implementation CCTV Surveillance System as also other systems viz Weigh-in Motion Bridge (WIM) and Automatic Vehicle Counter & Classified(AVCC) System on Public Funded Toll Plazas, the country has been divided into four zones. Work order for implementing these systems (in approximately 25 fee Plazas in every Zone) has been issued. 8. Road Safety Cell AUTOMATED CAMERA BASED DRIVING TEST SYSTEM Road safety is of paramount importance and India has the dubious distinction of being on top of the chart in road accident fatalities. With the investigations by police authorities revealing that almost 75% of the accidents are caused due to human error, there was an urgent need to have a relook at the way driving training is offered. The Ministry has embarked on a mission to promote safe driving and train drivers in the best possible fashion by setting up Institutes of Driving Training & Research (IDTR) at more than 23 locations across the country. IDTR set up at the Central Institute of Road Transport; Pune was inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping on 01 November 2014. Another important issue pertains to the way driving licenses are being granted by the RTOs. To reduce human intervention and make the process of testing the drivers tough as well as transparent, CIRT, Pune has developed a camera based automatic driving test system, known as Innovative Driving Test System (IDTS), which provides an unbiased and transparent driving test mechanism with a complete back up of data and videos for generation of reports and redressal of grievances, if any. This system has been developed in-house and is being used by CIRT, Pune, for the Motor Vehicle Department, Government of Maharashtra for grant of licenses to driving license aspirants through the IDTR. RTO Officers from the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad regions are testing approximately 150 candidates per day to assess the driving skills of the license applicants and issue license in a transparent manner. The system has generated a positive response from the licensees as well as licensors i.e. RTO. The camera based driving skill assessment system enables driving instructor/licensing/selection officer to test the driving skills of the applicant with lesser human intervention. The system has been developed by CIRT with the financial assistance of the MoRTH as an advanced version of the earlier sensor based testing technologies which are in place at some locations. The system performs several computations for determining driving competency of the driver by estimating the deviations from the standard path developed along with a number of parameters identified for each test track. Similar system is being set up at Chandigarh also by CIRT, Pune. Considering the benefits of the system, several states have shown interest in implementing such system which will be useful in eradicating mal practices and providing effective and transparent services to the license seekers. The system has been set up at a very low cost of Rs. 20 lakh per track (which depends on track dimensions). Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victim In August 2014, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways launched a pilot project for cashless treatment of road accident victims on following stretches:-(i) Vadodara – Mumbai stretch of National Highways No. 8(ii) Ranchi – Rargaon – Mahulia stretch on National Highways No. 33 The pilot project Vadodara – Mumbai stretch are being implemented in association with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company whereas IFFCO – Tokio General Insurance Company Limited is executing at Ranchi – Rargaon – Mahulia stretch.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company and IFFCO – Tokio General Insurance Company for executing the pilot project. The objective of the project is to save lives of accident victims by providing prompt and appropriate medical care during 'Golden Hour", and thereby reduce fatalities in road accidents. The project envisages transport of accident victims from the accident scene to hospital and, where required, from one hospital to another for treatment at a public or private hospital for the first 48 hours or Rs. 30,000/-, whichever is earlier. A Toll free No. 1033 has been started for reporting of accidents. A 24x7 Call Centre to receive reports of accidents, deploy nearest ambulance and alert local police authorities, hospital and Road Safety Volunteers. Data from the Pilot Project would be used for formulating a pan-India scheme for cashless treatment of road accident victim. Till February 2015, around 300 road accidents victims have been provided the relief. 9. INAM-PRO -Platform for Infrastructure and Material Providers The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has launched a Web Portal INAM-PRO -Platform for Infrastructure and Materials Providers. “INAM-PRO” (Platform for Infrastructure and Materials Providers) is a web based application (www.inampro.nic.in) for Infrastructure and Materials Providers and would act as a common platform for Infrastructure materials providers’ viz. Cement Companies, Infrastructure providers, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and other stakeholders. To start with, it would facilitate contractors/cement buyers engaged in executing the Central/State funded Roads and Highways/Bridge construction projects to place cement orders online with the registered cement companies offering cement at competitive rates in the vicinity of project execution location and shall ensure complete transparency in the supply of cement, so as to achieve reduction in the cost of construction of rigid pavement. Cement companies are facilitated to update their offered stocks on the portal with the prices agreed upon with this Ministry. They would in turn get instant intimation about the orders placed and would be able to approve the delivery schedules as requested by the cement buyers without hassles and delays. This would also help cement companies plan their annual production in advance and schedule deliveries with better precision. Cement companies would also have the facility to increase the cement stock offerings based on market demand and reduce prices to attract more buyers. In addition, using INAM Pro, companies would be able to track orders, add more products (grade/type), add cement offerings, view listed buyers, and submit their complaints/suggestions to Ministry. Similarly, Buyers would be able to view and track the orders placed with different companies and also submit their suggestions/complaints. With the help of INAM Pro, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways would be able to track and monitor the activities of buyers and suppliers, and remove impediments of either of the parties (Cement Suppliers/Buyers) and help accelerate the execution of infrastructure projects in the most cost effective manner. INAM Pro would also enhance transparency and allow the buyers and material providers to have fair understanding of stocks, prices and orders placed. 36 cement companies with more than 100 plants have given commitment for 95 Lakh MTs of cement for this year. On the other hand, more than 50 buyers have registered out of which 13 contractors engaged in public infrastructure projects have been authorized to do transactions so far. In future, INAM-PRO would have the potential to become a comprehensive window for the Infrastructure materials and technology providers to reach out to the Infrastructure providers and vice versa and accelerate the pace of infrastructure creation in the most cost effective and efficient ways in our country.

10. Online NOC for access permission Ministry is responsible for giving NOC for access permission to private properties, fuel stations and other facilities built along the National Highways. The process of granting access permission for such amenities was time consuming with multiple layers of paper handling leading to delays. In order to bring efficiency and transparency in granting such NOCs a web portal for Online Access Permissions for Amenities and Private Properties on National Highway has been developed. Applicants can apply online on http://morth.nic.in/morthnoc and can take permission for any Private Property/Retail Outlet alongside the National Highway in time bound manner. 11. Overweight Cargo [OWC]/Over Dimensional Cargo [ODC] Ministry has made new initiatives for granting online permission under single-window clearance on National highways for movement of Hydraulic Trailers carrying over-dimension and overweight consignments, which are required in Power Plants, Petroleum industries, and Railways, etc. This initiative will help in timely completion of the projects. Efforts are being made to implement this initiative on State Highways as well as major District Roads. The Ministry’s portal for online movement has been inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister on 06th January, 2015. 12. Bridge Design Cell The Bridge Design Cell has been set up at IAHE, Noida, which was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister on 20th February, 2015 and is equipped with latest software for design of roads and bridges. 13. Wayside Amenities along National Highways Ministry has decided to setup user friendly way-side amenities to meet the aspirations of the road users regarding various facilities along the National Highways [NHs]. The proposed wayside amenities will have parking (separately for cars, buses & trucks), Restaurant/food court for providing quality food, Low cost Dhaba, Telephone booth / Wi-Fi, ATM, Fuel station, Minor repair shop, Rest rooms for short stay, Toilets for ladies and gents, Kiosks for sale of sundry items, Medical aid and chemist shop, Helipad facilities etc. IHMCL, a company promoted by NHAI has been entrusted for facilitating development of wayside amenities on NHs. "M/s Mukesh & Associates - Genesis Leisure Consulting Consortium" has been appointed as Project Management Consultant (PMC) for providing end to end solutions for setting up Wayside Amenities. Entries have been invited from public through Mygov.in for a suitable LOGO and Brand name. There are 770 entries received for the LOGO and 1700 for Brand names. The Brand name and LOGO will soon be finalized. 10 locations for setting up Model Wayside Amenities have been identified. Construction of model wayside amenities will begin from June this year. 14. A – e-Governance-Reforming Government through Technology[i] e-Tendering e-Tendering process through Central Procurement Portal of the Ministry of Finance is being implemented for all procurement activities.A Platform For Infrastructure and Materials Providers for linking the cement suppliers to the roads contractors(INAM-PRO) has been launched by the Hon’ble Minister(S,R&TH) for 10.3.2015. [ii] Security of Women in public road transport in the country: Nirbhaya Fund Scheme The objective of the scheme is to ensure safety of women and girl children in public transport by monitoring location of State owned public transport and private transport vehicles and to provide immediate assistance in minimum response time to the victims in distress. The proposed scheme under the Nirbhaya Fund envisages setting up of a unified system at the National Level (National Vehicle Security and Tracking System) and State level (City Command and Control Centre) for GPS tracking of the location of, emergency buttons and video recording of incidents in public transport vehicles. In the first phase, it will cover 32 cities with a population of 1 million or more in 13 States of the country. The proposed scheme is to be implemented within a period of two years. A contract

has been signed between MoRTH and Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit Systems Ltd (DIMTS) to provide Project Management Consultancy for smooth implementation of the project. The scheme is in Project Preparation stage under which following activities have been undertaken:- Concept Report has been finalised in Project Steering Committee meeting held on 9.9.2014. Final Technology Analysis Report has been finalised on 22.12.2014. Detailed Specification document for GPS and detailed specification document for CCTV have been finalised on 27.1.2015. Draft Request for Proposal for selection of Implementation agency for design, implementation, operation and maintenance of the backend system for National Level Vehicle Security & Tracking System has been submitted by DIMTS and is being examined. Draft State Support Agreement and Central Motor Vehicle Amend Rules are being prepared by DIMTS. DPR has been submitted by DIMTS which is being examined. [iii] Integrated vehicle registration and driving license system The goal of Govt. is to usher in a system of easier access and process for vehicle registration and Licenses. Accordingly Govt. has developed applications: http://vahan.nic.in - for Vehicle Registration and http://sarthi.nic.in - for Driving License. As of now 100% Success has been achieved by NIC in terms of deployment of Core Scheme/Product for Vehicle Registration (VAHAN) and for Driving Licenses(SARATHI) across the country. Subsequently to consolidate the database, State Register(SR) for all the States and National Register(NR) were established. Almost all the sites in 36 States /UTs except the recently added ones are connected. More than 16 crores Vehicle records and 6 crore License records are available in National Register repository. State Transport Departments and enforcement agencies have been provided access to data on National Register to facilitate instant verification of all driving licences (DLs)/ Registration Certificates (RCs) and the digitalised data is also made accessible through Mobile by sending SMS from their registered number. As per policy of MORTH, online access privileges have been provided to various Government Non-Government agencies on the consolidated Transport Databases(NR and SR) (some paid access, some limited access , some unlimited free access, some data access through web service). Based on the NR and SR applications, a large number of online applications and services for Citizen, Business and Other Government Agencies have been rolled out. The citizen-centric applications/services are being extended to other States on regular basis. Features like e-payment, SMS intimation, OTP –based authentication etc are provided on these applications. Now under a new initiative, the RTO –centric Vahan and Sarathi applications are being revamped to Centralised, Web-enabled architecture with a view to providing ease of service, security, maintainability, and to provide, unified, cloud–enabled delivery of services. This application is designed to be made modular and configurable to meet varied requirements of different States/UTs and will incorporate features like single sign –on, bio-metric authentication, multiple options for e-payment, SMS intimations, Open ApI, Mobile Apps and so on. Advanced informational services will be provided through Dashboard, MIS, charts and Graphs. Quality and scope of G-G/G-B/G-C services will be enhanced. The application development is almost complete and user acceptance testing is in progress. Tentative timeline for rollout is April, 2015. Ministry has also taken steps to incentivize State governments to enter legacy data in order to have a complete set of single database for the whole country. [iv] Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Solution The first of its kind project, funded by World Bank Technical Assistance (TA) through DEA, is under implementation by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) would provide MoRTH and NHAI the opportunity to integrate

their entire organizational set up and business processes. It would also ensure connectivity among the Headquarters, Toll Plaza locations, Project Implementation Units (PIUs) and Regional Offices. The outcome would be efficient state-of-the art operations for both organisations leading to enhanced service delivery in terms of providing quality road infrastructure to the nation. The project is under advanced stage of bidding with the financial bids already opened. Decision on the outcome of the bid is expected by end of April 2015. [v] ePACE (Projects Appraisal & Continuing Enhancements) ePACE (Projects Appraisal & Continuing Enhancements) is an online tool to monitor and improve the progress of works at the click of a button. The initiative captures the static and dynamic information for all the projects executed by MORTH, NHAI and NHIDCL. The information captured is across the lifecycle of the projects starting from inception till its completion. The system has role based access and would allow capturing the project information and would help in monitoring and accelerating the pace of the projects. The tool would allow supervisory levels to set monthly/yearly targets and enable field units/staff to update the information in real time. More than 1200 projects data has so far been entered. Once the data is captured in its entirety, the information would be available in public domain. MIS in various forms would also help the stakeholders to cull out the necessary information in the ways they want. This would also be a precursor to develop ‘over the top applications’ through crowdsourcing wherein project photographs/videos can be uploaded to collate and compare the official information. B. e-kranti- Electronic delivery of services(i) Online bill payment Online web based application for Bill processing Monitoring System (BPMA) for ROs has been developed, through which Divisions, Regional Offices, PAOs would enter bill and can communicate between these offices. The bill will be processed on First-in-First-out (FIFO) basis in a given time period and will obviate delays. Any citizen can track the status of the bills. This has been rolled out. (ii) Roads & Highways Information System(RAHI) : A concept paper was submitted by NIC in January, 2014 to this Ministry on the Roads & Highways Information System(RAHI) which intended to provide an important citizen –centric service in real time on the condition of roads/highways using ICT infrastructure in an integrated manner. DeitY had at that time sent us a draft concept paper on NeGP 2.0 titled e-Kranti. Transforming e-Governance for Transforming Governance. DeitY had requested this Ministry to furnish comments and suggestions on the aforesaid concept paper on e-Kranti. This Ministry vide OM dated 27.2.2014 sent the Concept Note on RAHI and requested DeitY to include the same in the proposed Concept Paper e-Kranti. DeitY included RAHI as one of the 10 MMPs in their Concept Note on e-Kranti and placed before the Apex Committee of NeGP held on 18.3.2014. Subsequently, the proposals of DeitY in the DCN seeking approval of Cabinet for implementing e-Kranti was also supported by us. Secretary, DeitY also wrote to us vide letter dated 19.5.2014 to initiate action for preparing DPR indicating that Deity would give technical advisory support. Subsequently, JS(EIC) had taken an inter-departmental meeting on 13.8.2014. Subsequently, on the basis of suggestions received from CEO, National e-Governance Division, on various alternatives for hiring DPR which included NIC, NICSI, NISM, NeGD etc, the Ministry requested them to send us a proposal for hiring of DPR Consultant on 23.2.2015. C. Universal access to mobile connectivity Facilitation Telecom Infrastructure along NHs MORTH has issued followed guidelines to facilitate Telecom Infrastructure along NHs are as follows:(i) Guidelines for Right of Way (RoW) permission to Telecom Service Licensees/ Infrastructure providers for laying of telecom cables/ ducts on NH Land, issued by the Ministry on 6.8.2013.

(ii) Guidelines for granting RoW permissions to Telecom Service Licensees/Infrastructure Providers for installing telecom infrastructure along NHs within NH RoW issued by the Ministry on 2.4.2014. Ministry is also incorporating items of developing such infrastructure facilities on pilot basis for projects on Bhatinda-Amrtisar and Guwahati-Borapani stretches of NHs. A cost recovery mechanism will be worked out based on the experience of these pilots. As regards Bhatinda-Amritsar stretch, the work has been divided into four packages. In respect of package from Amritsar-Tarn Taran Section, Bids hae been invited and the due date is 25.3.2014. The proposals in respect of remaining 3 packages are under examination. The other stretch is with NHAI. As regards cost recovery mechanism aspects, a Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of DG(RD)&SS to go into the matter. D. OTHERS(i) E-Samiksha e-Samiksha portal developed by NIC Cell of Cabinet Secretariat facilitates monitoring and review the follow up actions in respect of decisions taken in the meetings at the apex level of the Government. The portal is currently deployed for reviewing the follow up actions on decisions taken during the presentations made to Hon’ble PM. The NIC Cell , Cabinet Secretariat has also developed separate customised portals of e-Samiksha for Ministry of HRD, Shipping, etc.In the above context this Ministry addressed Deity informing them that MORTH also intends to implement a similar portal to enable proper monitoring and follow up on plans and actions within the Ministry and its associate offices/organisations.NIC Team of Cabinet Secretariat also gave a presentation on the working of the customised MORTH specific e-Samiksha portal with the facility of feed-back intra-Ministry and its associate offices in electronic mode for reviewing and monitoring purposes. The specific areas for monitoring have been identified and NIC Team of Cabinet Secretariat has been given the relevant inputs and the customisation of the software is under progress.(ii) E-Officee-Office has been part of national e-Governance programme. e-Office includes the components of knowledge management systems, File Management Systems, File (including Receipts) Tracking System (FTS), Leave Management Systems, Personal Profile, Pay Slips, Income Tax etc. Various components of e-Office viz file tracking system, e-leave, knowledge management system(including availability of orders /instructions in e-Office), personal profile , pay slips etc stands implemented in MO In order to implement e-office i.e processing and movement of files electronically(paper less office) , provision of DSCs is mandatory. Accordingly, NIC had provided DSCs but subsequently the DSCs provided were revoked and NIC no longer issues DSCs. A decision was taken to procure DSCs through NICSI and implement e-Office accordingly. The O&M Section, Budget Section(Audit Para Unit) , EI/EIB Sections have been identified for implement e-Office in the first instance. Approval of Finance Division have been obtained for procuring DSCs. Digitisation of existing physical records/files have also been undertaken simultaneously through outsourcing, for their integration into e-Office. So far 3282 files have been digitised. NOTE:- Working in e-Office using Digital Signature Certificate is cumbersome as one has to carry the physical USB all the time and the response time after inserting the physical device is also more. Further procurement of DSCs besides involving cost is also complicated as it involves financial approvals advance payments to vendors etc. In the last meeting of the Apex Committee on e-Governance chaired by Cabinet Secretary held on 9.2.2015, the matter regarding use of e-sign in place of Digital signature was also discussed.

(iii) Websites of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is being redesigned. For this purpose a Committee has been constituted. TORs for engaging consulting services through NICSI have been finalised. (iv) The IT initiatives in which NHAI’s participation is envisaged includes access permission for retail outlets, private properties etc along National Highways, grant of permission for laying of OFC cable, approval for permission of laying Gas pipelines along and across NHs, approval of crossing NHs by Overhead High Tension/Electric lines, approval for water supply pipelines along and across NHs, approval for laying sewer pipelines along and across NHs,etc. 15. Payment Monitoring System Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is mainly responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways (NH). Besides, it is also responsible of implementation of centrally sponsored road sector schemes. Works however, are executed following the agency system and State Public Works Department (PWDs) are one of the executing agencies. For payment of works and services related to NHs, division office of PWD after verification of bills, forward it to the Regional Office of the Ministry. Regional Officer after exercising checks in the capacity of Drawing and disbursing officer forward bills to Regional Pay and Accounts Office, who makes payment. Ministry has already issued direction to entertain bills on the first cum first serve basis. Time limit of five working days to dispose off a bill has also been prescribed. To make payment process more transparent, payment monitoring system has been developed and being implemented. Besides making system open and transparent, the monitoring system will facilitate easy communication between various offices and allow an user to track the status of a bill. This system has features whereby Ministry can independently check status of processing of bills office wise, utilisation of funds scheme wise etc. Feedback generated from the system will assist Ministry in identifying bottlenecks and making entire process more efficient. 16. PREFERRED MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS The highways sector in the country has, of late, been facing difficulties in the award and implementation of project stretches, particularly through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. This is due to overall economic downturn as well as sector specific issues. Though no effort is being spared by the Ministry in identifying and addressing the sector specific issues in consultation with the stakeholders, it is a fact that availability of equity in the market will be a critical factor to bring the sector back on track. Till such time, it would be prudent to pursue the public funded, or EPC mode of implementation as the preferred mode by the Government, subject, of course to the availability of resources. As a consequence, when the award of projects will increase, the highways construction sector would regain its lost momentum and importantly, financial liquidity would become increasingly available in the sector. After the market reaches a certain level of maturity and stability as the private sector regains confidence, we may gradually switch back to PPP mode, particularly the BOT (Toll) mode, as the preferred mode of implementation. Following the above strategy, during the current year Ministry has awarded works for 7980 km which is more than double the length awarded during the last financial year i.e. 2013-14. During the last year length awarded was only 3621 km. Out of the 7980 km, the works awarded on BOT basis, however were only 734 kms. The 7980 km awarded during the year are spread all over the Country and were awarded under National Highway Development projects (NHDP), Special accelerated road development programme for North-East (SARDP-NE), development of roads in Left Wing Affected area (LWE), National Highway Interconnectivity improvement programme (NHIIP) and National Highway (Original Works) schemes. Ministry intends to continue with the same pace for award so as to have adequate works in hand to achieve accelerated road development in the Country.

17. Highway Sector1. In order to make visible impact of National Highway Projects, the Ministry has targeted the procedural issues, acting as roadblocks and major bottlenecks in achieving the desired progress of the Infrastructure. Apart from the policy initiatives taken during previous years, the new initiatives taken during this year are as under:2. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), in its meeting held on 27 th August, 2014 empowered the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to decide on the mode of delivery of implementation of Highways Projects and decision on any amendment to the Model Concession Agreement shall be taken by a Committee under the Cabinet Secretary and comprising Secretaries of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Expenditure, Department of Financial Services and Department of Legal Affairs. This will expedite the implementation of the road infrastructure in the country. 3. A new Hybrid Annuity model has been adopted by MoRTH for implementation of highway projects in order to encourage private sector participation through adequate incentives. The objective is to maximize the quantum of implemented highway projects within available financial resources of the Government. As per this model, 40% the Project Cost is to be provided by the Government as ‘Construction Support’ to the private developer during the construction period and the balance 60% as annuity payments over the concession period along with interest on outstanding amount to the concessionaire. There is separate provision for O&M payments by the Government to the concessionaire. The private party does not have to bear the traffic risk. The template bid documents for supporting the model along with the draft Model Concession Agreement has been prepared and around twenty projects have been initially identified for being taken up under the model. 4. NATIONAL HIGHWAYS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (NHDP)

The National Highways have a total length of 96260 km to serve as the arterial network of the country. The development of National Highways is the responsibility of the Government of India. The Government of India has launched major initiatives to upgrade and strengthen National Highways through various phases of National Highways Development project (NHDP), which are briefly as under:

18. E-RickshawUnder the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (MV Act), no person can be granted a learner’s license

to drive a transport vehicle unless he has held the driving license for a period of at least one year. E-rickshaws and E-carts are being defined to have three wheels and limited power of 4000 watts. Further the specification for speed and dimension can be regulated through the rules which can be made under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. These vehicles may be allowed to be driven by drivers who have been found eligible to drive E-rickshaws and E-carts through tests. As most of the E-rickshaw and e-Cart drivers do not have any licence, the extant provision will debar them from operating e-Rickshaws/e-Cards for a year.

2. In order to remove this difficulty and facilitate plying of e-Rickshaw and e-Cart, the Central Government amended sub-section (1) of Section 7 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 which will give relaxation to e-Rickshaw and e-Cart drivers only. In addition, the definition of e-Rickshaw and e-Cart has also been included under the said Act. 19. Scania Ethanol Fuel Bus – Make in India

M/s Scania Commercial Vehicles India’s Team on 9th July, 2014 stated that they would like to commence the operation of Ethanol city bus at Nagpur. This Bus will be available for the start of operations within the next couple of weeks subject to the availability of fuel. This Ethanol city bus meets the highest safety standards and emission level Bharat 5 EEV, which reduce CO2 emissions with 70%.

2. Request received from M/s Scania Commercial Vehicles India Private Limited, Bangalore to run Ethanol city Bus in India using ethanol and bio-fuels was approved by the Hon’ble Minister (RT&H). ARAI has inspected the bus at Nagpur and examined available test reports and verified that the bus fulfils necessary conditions of road worthiness as prescribed in the CMVRs 1989. ARAI furnished the following suggestions:- Though the said City Bus Model has already been type approved by European authorities at

the system level and vehicular level, it is suggested that the bus be inspected and verified for safety aspects, viz. emergency exit provision in case of fire accident, seat layouts, gang ways, etc. to allow quick evacuation of passengers. It is also pertinent that appropriate compliance to safety rules and procedures be adhered to

in respect of storage and dispensing of ethanol fuel. On this particular aspect, relevant approvals from appropriate statutory authorities, would be necessary During the course of trial run for a limited period, M/s SCANIA may be informed to submit

periodic reports on fortnightly basis, addressing issues concerning safety and routine maintenance to the Ministry. Provisional clearance for the specific bus may be considered for a limited period (i.e. for 1

year) and further reviewed at the end of this period.After obtaining approval, permission was granted to M/s Scania Commercial Vehicles under

section 52 and Section 110 of the MV Act, 1988, with the following conditions: During the course of trial run for a period of one year, M/s SCANIA will submit periodic reports on fortnightly basis, addressing issues concerning safety and routine maintenance to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Transport Department, Government of Maharashtra and ARAI. Provisional clearance for the specific bus may be considered for a limited period (i.e. for 1 year) and further reviewed at the end of this period. The vehicle would be owned and used by SCANIA exclusively. The fitness of the vehicle to be carried out as per normal practice for transports vehicles. Provisional clearance for the specific bus may be considered for a limited period (i.e. for 1 year) and further reviewed at the end of this period. The trial run of the buses shall be conducted under the supervision of ARAI. It is also pertinent that appropriate compliance to safety rules and procedures be adhered to in respect of ethanol fuel. The second periodic inspection of the bus was carried out by ARAI along with the concerned officials of M/s Scania at Nagpur.

3. After due consideration and in consultation with testing agency, Ministry proposed to amend rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 by inserting rule 115D which will provide technical specifications in respect of Flex Ethanol Fuel Vehicles. Accordingly, draft notification was issued vide GSR 882(E) dated 10.12.2014 giving 30 days time to the stakeholders/Public. Final notification is under process for publication.

20. International Cooperation A Framework of Co-operation (FoC) between Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism of Japan was signed on 1st September 2014 in the roads and road transportation sector. A Bilateral Agreement for the Regulation of passenger traffic between Government of Republic of India and Government of Nepal was signed on 25 November 2014 on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit in Kathmandu. The Kathmandu-Delhi Bus service was inaugurated on 25.11.2014 by Prime Ministers of both the countries from Kathmandu and simultaneously Delhi-Kathmandu service was flagged off by Minister (RTH&S) from New Delhi on one of the agreed routes i.e. Kathmandu – Bhairahawa - Sunauli – Gorakhpur – Lucknow- New Delhi route on daily basis. The Varanasi-Kathmandu Bus service on one of the agreed routes i.e. Varanasi-Azamgarh-Sunauli-

Bhairahawa-Kathmandu route has been flagged off from Varanasi on 4th March , 2015 and simultaneously Kathmandu-Varanasi service from Kathmandu on 5th March , 2015. The Joint survey for starting bus service on Guwahati-Dhaka route via Shillong was conducted by the delegations of India and Bangladesh in December 2014. After detailed deliberations, India and Myanmar have agreed to take steps to start a bus service between Imphal and Mandalay. A draft agreement and Protocol for starting a bus service from Imphal, Manipur to Mandaly in Myanmar was initialed by the representatives of delegations from India and Myanmar in June, 2014. A Joint technical inspection of the route has been held by the representatives of both the countries on 11-15 January 2015. A Transport Secretaries’ meeting of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) for BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement at sub-regional level was held on 2-3 February 2015 at Raichak, Kolkata to reach consensus on a draft framework agreement titled “Motor Vehicle Agreement for the regulation of Passenger, Personal and Cargo vehicular Traffic between four countries”. This agreement will help transform transport corridors linking the 4 countries into economic corridors and enhance people to people contact. The text of BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement has been finalized and it has been decided that respective countries will take internal approvals before this agreement could be signed during a meeting of Transport Ministers in 2015. Steps have been initiated to forge a motor vehicles agreement among India, Myanmar and Thailand on the lines of BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement to facilitate passenger and cargo vehicular movement between the three countries. A meeting of Transport Secretaries of India, Myanmar and Thailand was held on 18.4.2015 at Chennai at the initiative of MoRTH for arriving at a draft framework Agreement. While there was substantial convergence on the draft Agreement, a second meeting of the three Secretaries to finalise the Agreement is tentatively scheduled to be held in May 2015. Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2015

Ministry is working on a proposal to replace the “Motor Vehicles Act, 1988” with a new Motor Vehicle

Act. The draft “Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2015” has been uploaded on the Ministry’s Official

website: www.morth.nic.in for seeking comments/suggestion. Draft Cabinet Note has been circulated to all the

concerned Ministries/Departments for their comments.


MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT Achievement under Indira Awaas Yojana

3.38 crore houses have been constructed across the country with assistance given

under the scheme, since its inception in 1985-86. Central funds to the tune of Rs.96,585 crore has been expended for the purpose.

During 2014-15, Rs 13,557.25 crore have been allocated for construction of 25.18 lakh houses. Rs. 11,105.88 crore has been released to States.

States have so far reported sanctioning of 20.45 lakh houses. 12.55 lakh houses have been sanctioned to SC/ST and 2.94 lakh houses to families of Minority communities.

12.45 lakh houses have been allotted in the name of women beneficiaries and another 3.50 lakh in the name of the wife and husband jointly.

18,991 houses have been sanctioned to beneficiaries from those among people with disabilities

States have expended an amount of Rs.11,766.37 crore under the scheme and construction of 13.06 lakh houses has been reported so far for the year 2014-15 (as on 31.03.2015). Some States are yet submit final progress reports for 2014-15.

With the objective of improving the quality of house constructed and to compensate the beneficiary, for the forgone wage employment hitherto unaccounted, house construction in rural areas have been included as permissible activity under MGNREGA. Necessary Guidelines have been issued to States and to ensure that all IAY beneficiaries avail 90/95 mandays of unskilled labour, the capture of NREGA Job Card number during registration of beneficiaries on AwaasSoft has been made mandatory for the year 2015-16.

Construction of toilets in IAY houses are done in convergence with Swaach Bharat Mission. States have been directed to ensure that IAY beneficiaries avail benefits of Deen Dayal Upapdhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, ‘Unnat Chulha Abhiyan’ of MNRE and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).

IAY Guidelines have been suitable amended to give priority to beneficiaries of Gram Panchayats identified under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.

As part of the overall effort to simplify procedures and processes for the rural poor, Ministry has issued instructions regarding:

(i) Ensure coverage on priority of manual scavengers(ii) Sanctions to be issued in name of women or in joint name.(iii) Placing list of beneficiaries in prominent place(iv) Regular on line reporting, along with uploading of photographs on MIS

Ministry, in collaboration with UNDP, has initiated study of prevalent house construction technologies in 5 States of Tripura, Meghalaya, Bihar, Odisha and Maharashtra. Findings from these studies have been shared with stake holders and action plan for capacity building and transfer of technology is being devised. The exercise is to be expanded to 12 other States in the year 2015-16.

PRADHAN MANTRI GRAM SADAK YOJANA (PMGSY)

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a Centrally Sponsored Flagship Scheme with the objective to provide all-weather road connectivity to all eligible unconnected habitations, existing in the Core Network, in rural areas of country. The PMGSY also permits upgradation (to prescribed standards) of existing rural roads in districts where all the eligible habitations of the designated population size have been provided all weather road connectivity. PMGSY-II has been launched to consolidate the existing rural road network. It aims to cover upgradation of existing selected rural roads based on a criterion to make the road-network vibrant. Under the 12th Five Year Plan Period (2012-2017) coverage of overall 50,000 km road

length by upgradation to consolidate the rural road Network under the PMGSY-II programme at an estimated cost of Rs.33,030 crore (at 2012-13 prices) has been taken for all the States/UTs.

New Policy Initiatives ( May, 2014 to March, 2015) and their impact:

(i) Tree plantation on flanks of PMGSY Roads in convergence with MGNREGA: This has not only checked the deterioration of roads but has also strengthened ecological balance and helped in reducing global warming. 53 lakh trees on 20,000 km of rural roads have been planted so far.

(ii) Provision of Bandhara (water storage facility) permitted on the bridges being

constructed under PMGSY: This would help in ground water recharge and irrigation. (iii) PMGSY Guidelines amended to accord priority in the selection of PMGSY roads in the

Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) Gram Panchayats/Villages. (iv) States supported to prepare and implement State Specific Rural Roads Maintenance

Policy: This helps in systematic maintenance of assets over a long period and providing adequate funding for maintenance. 8 States have formulated such policies so far (Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand).

(v) Pilots initiated on community based contracting and performance based contracting

for road maintenance:These pilots started in Bihar, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand would ensure that critical rural infrastructure created by PMGSY is maintained in prescribed condition, through innovative methods.

(vi) Pilots initiated on citizen monitoring of PMGSY roads: To ensure that local community

develops a stake in good quality construction and maintenance of rural road assets. Progress of works under PMGSY (2014-2015):- In 2014-15, under PMGSY 35,850.81 km of rural roads were constructed. This works out to 98.22 km. of PMGSY roads being constructed every day in the country (This figure was 67 km / day in 2013-13 and 2013-14). Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) SAGY was launched on 11th October, 2014. So far, 671 Gram Panchayats(GPs) have been identified by Members of Parliament. By October, 2016, one GP will be transformed into a model for other GPs to replicate and by 2019, two more GPs will be developed into Adarsh Grams. Some initiatives under SAGY are as follows-

1. ‘Dwarapudi’ Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh which has been identified by Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathiraju, Hon'ble Minister for Civil Aviation: The Member of Parliament held Gram Sabha Charcha where it was found that more than 50% male population in that Gram Panchayat were alcoholics. Due to the persistent persuasion and motivation of MP during the Charcha, a license holder of the Liquor shop voluntarily came forward and surrendered his license. The GP is well on its way to be free from the bane of alcoholism.

2. Jasvantgadh (Deshotar) adopted by Shri. Dipsinh Shankarsinh Rathod in Sabarkantha Constituency of Gujarat State:With close involvement and discussions, the MP was able to motivate villagers to voluntarily contribute resources like tractor and JCB worth Rs. 2,50,000 for village development activities such as enlarging/broadening of katcha roads and digging of ponds as part of Shramdan.

3. Mohali GP, Chhattisgarh adopted by Shri Motilal Vora (Member of Rajya Sabha): Sh. Vora has ensured that all ration card holders are now linked to bank and Aadhar card under Chhattisgarh State Food Security Act. Under SAGY activities, Sh. Vora has ensured constitution of Vigilance committee to monitor the functioning of Public Distribution Shop. This has ensured good governance by enabling the accountability of PDS. Because of this initiative the village Panchayat identified under SAGY has started celebrating Rice Festival.

. 4. In Sootea Gram Panchayat adopted by Shri. Ram Prasad Sarmah in Tezpur

constituency of Assam statefour health camps were organized. It was very beneficial for the tribal community who has otherwise no access to medical facilities. On 8th January, 2015 the Medical Camp was organized in Niz Garpal Sub Centre (60 patients) and Tewaripal Sub Centre (158 patients) and On 9 th January, 2015 at Garpal Sub centre (167 patients) and Fateki School (110 patients). About 20 staff from the Health Department attended each health camp. Three sets of Mobile Medical Units (MMU) were available in each camp. Free medicines were also distributed. Interaction between the district officials and the villagers created awareness about various health schemes of the Government. This health camp made the people work towards the fact that only a healthy village can be an ‘Adarsh Village’.

5. Department of Social Forestry of Gujarat State had organized tree plantation program in Dhinkva Gram Panchayat adopted by Shri. Ramsinh Patalyabhai Rathwa in Chhota Udaipur Constituency as part of SAGY project. The local people with support from district officials, have planted around 300 trees. All these plants have been adopted by the school students for their upkeep and maintenance.

6. In Sanbhundu GP of Mayurbhanj, Orissa adopted by Smt. Sarojini Hembrum (Rajya Sabha Member) steps have taken for quick redressal of grievances. Special attention is being given at every level to ensure that the petitions are addressed with no loss of time. A toll free no. 1800-34567-32 has been opened at DRDA office and this number is written on the walls of public offices all over the district for wide dissemination.

7. In Gondhkoroi GP adopted by Shri. Gauav Goroi in Kaliobor Constituency, Assam , Consumer Awareness Camps have been conducted in villages in order to improve the Public Distribution System . 8. In Balpa GP adopted by Shri. Nalin Kumar Kateel in Dhaskin Kannad constituency of Karnataka the villagers decided to form the School Development and Monitoring Committee to monitor the education of the four primary schools located in the villages of Balpa Gram Panchayat. Accordingly, Ahara khathri Samithi and Sowkarya Samithi have been formed by the Parents Association to monitor the quality of education and food distribution system.

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Department of Science and Technology implements various schemes for promotion of research and development including technology development. Some of the new initiatives launched/approved during the last one year of NDA Government are as following:-

National Supercomputing Mission

India’s supercomputing capability was ranked 4th in the list of top 500 supercomputing sites in the world in 2007. However growth of supercomputing has not been at the same pace as compared to the growth in the US, Europe and some Asian countries. The national challenges and global issues such as energy, climate change, water and terrorism/homeland security call for global solutions and facilities that are comparable to that available elsewhere in the world. Recognising the importance to strengthen the supercomputing capability of the country, the NDA government has approved a National Supercomputing Mission at a total cost of Rs.4500 crore. The mission is to be jointly implemented by Department of Science & Technology and Department of Electronics and Information Technology. The main objective of the mission is to make India a world leader in High Power Computing and to enhance the national capability in solving grand challenges of national and global relevance. Key deliverables of the mission are: 70+ High Power Computing Installations; High Power Computing Grid; development of High Power Computing applications; manpower development and R&D for next-generation Exa-scale High Power Computing.

Thirty Meter Telescope

India’s Participation in Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project at Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA was approved by the NDA Government at a total cost of Rs.1299.8 crores. The cost would be shared by Department of Science and Technology and Department of Atomic Energy at Rs.675.25 and Rs.624.55 crore respectively. The Department of Science and Technology on behalf of Government of India executed TMT international Observatory partnership documents becoming a full member in the project on 2nd December 2014. The other countries participating in the project are USA, Canada, China and Japan. India will contribute towards the construction Phase both in cash and kind. The Indian Science sector will benefit both scientifically and technologically from participation in this project. On technology front, design, prototyping, testing, validation and manufacturing of various in-kind items will bring in know-how for new and cutting edge technologies. These will have long term spin-off advantages for the country. On the scientific front, after commissioning of TMT in 2022-23, India will get 25-30 assured observational nights on the TMT. This will enable Indian astronomers to study front-ranking scientific problems such as formation and evolution of stars, planets and galaxies.

India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO), Madurai

Neutrinos are very weakly interacting elementary particles found in Nature and they hold promise to unravel some of the deepest mysteries of the Universe. Study of properties and interactions of these very weakly interacting particles requires that they be shielded from all other backgrounds as far as possible. Such neutrino observatories are mostly built deep underground or under mountain top which provide the natural shielding. India had a good laboratory in the Kolar Gold Mines which had to be abandoned at the time of closure of the mines. India decided to build another neutrino observatory under a mountain top near Madurai. The project got financial sanction at a total cost of Rs. 1583.05 crore during the year. This project is also being jointly funded by DST and DAE. DAE is the Lead Agency for this project. The construction of the observatory has already commenced and is scheduled to be completed by the year 2020.



Hike in Research Fellowships

The NDA Government has fulfilled the much awaited demand of research scholars by revising the fellowships for various categories such as Junior Research Fellows, Senior Research Fellows and Research Associates. Across the board hike in fellowship amount is at least 50% more than what was existing. The hike was made effective from 1st October 2014. Junior Research fellowship was hiked from Rs.16,000 to Rs.25,000. Senior Research Fellowship was hiked from Rs.18,000 to Rs.28,000. Research Associateship was hiked from Rs,22,000, Rs.23,000 and Rs.24000 to Rs.36,000, Rs.38,000 and Rs.40,000 respectively.

Attracting Women to Science

Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) programmme was launched in the year 2014 to bring gender parity in science through nurturing the research career of women scientists. The programme is aimed at providing opportunities to women scientists who had a break in their career primarily due to family responsibilities. The programme includes women-exclusive schemes and encourages them to foster their career by undertaking research not only in science & engineering but also for societal benefit besides making a career through entrepreneurship.

Technical Research Centres

Finance Minister during his budget speech 2014-15 had announced setting-up of five Technical Research Centres (TRCs) in the existing autonomous institutions of the Department of Science & Technology. A detailed road-map has been prepared by the Department for setting-up of these centres. Necessary approvals are being obtained for these centres. TRCs are expected to speed-up the technology transfer and commercialization process of the research work being carried out by these autonomous institutions.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

I. Healthcare (1) India is today a leading Vaccine Manufacturing HubThe Vaccine Grand Challenge Programme is under implementation to encourage novel and innovative vaccine related discoveries, accelerated development of candidate vaccines for which earlier leads are available, research of basic & applied nature to improvise current understanding of vaccine science and to strengthen the scientific basis for future vaccine design. R&D projects supported through VGCP are focusing on Development of candidate vaccines & Development of vaccine related technologies. Some major initiatives are: (i) Rotavirus vaccine launched by Hon’ble Prime MinsterThe first indigenously developed and manufactured Rotavirus vaccine 'Rotavac.' from an Indian strain 116E was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 9th March, 2015. The indigenously developed vaccine will boost efforts to combat infant mortality due to diarrhoea. ROTAVAC developed in collaboration with Bharat Biotech under the Public-Private Partnership mode is efficacious in preventing severe rotavirus diarrhoea in low-resource settings in India. ROTAVAC significantly reduced severe rotavirus diarrhoea by more than half - 56 percent during the first year of life, with protection continuing into the second year of life. Moreover, the vaccine also showed impact against severe diarrhoea of any cause. The developed Rotavirus Vaccine at $1 per dose has been cleared for market license. Potential to prevent >500K childhood diarrheal deaths. The NTAGI of M/o Health & FW has approved introduction of the vaccine in EPI in a pilot mode. (ii) Malaria Vaccine: To promote the development of vaccines against P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria, Department has provided continued support to MVDP (Malaria Vaccine Development programme)- A consortium of DBT, ICGEB, Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), PATH, EMVI and WHO-TDR. Currently MVDP is involved with developmental of malaria vaccine JAIVAC1 & JAIVAC 2 at ICGEB.



(iii) Dengue Vaccine: Department is supporting the group at International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) for developing a safe, efficacious and inexpensive tetravalent dengue vaccine. The recombinant EDIII-based sub-unit dengue vaccine candidate is being developed in the form of VLPs using the yeast P. pastoris as an expression host.

(2) Celiac Disease Diagnostics kit was commercially launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the then Minister for Science and Technology, Government of India, at an event held in the International Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, on 28thOctober 2014. These kits have been developed through a collaborative, multi-institutional, inter-disciplinary approach funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. The participating institutions were ICGEB, New Delhi, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Gurgaon; All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and M/s J. Mitra and Co., New Delhi (Industrial partner).

Two types of diagnostic kits would now be available:

(i) Celiac Microlisa - based on indirect ELISA; and(ii) Celiac Card – a point of care test that gives result in 20 minutes.

Celiac Microlisa is useful for centralized diagnostic laboratories with adequate infrastructure where large number of samples could be handled. The Celiac Card can be used by smaller hospitals and clinics which lack adequate facilities.

The newly launched diagnostic kits are expected to cater to the need for accurate identification of Celiac Disease in Indian population. The disease is a lifelong digestive and auto-immune disorder that results in damage to the lining of the small intestine when foods with gluten such as wheat, rye, barley and oats are eaten. The affected individuals display symptoms like prolonged diarrhea, abdominal, fullness and anemia, owing to decreased absorption of nutrients by the intestine. The kits would now be made commercially available by M/s J. Mitra & Co. Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi. These indigenous kits are rapid, sensitive, specific and would be much cheaper as compared to the imported kits.

(3) DBT has significantly augmented the infrastructure for diagnosis & treatment of human genetic disorders in IndiaImpact- 21 Genetic Diagnosis cum Counselling Units established

>5 lakh affected families and >1 lakh tribal families benefited- DNA typing of 25 autosomal markers in 53 ethnic groups (tribal, caste and religious communities) completed

Revealed evidence of human migration from India to SE Asia. (4) A major flagship programme on International Cancer Genome (ICG) specific to Oral Cancer is under implementation. (5) India Bio-design makes new advancesTechnologies developed: - 5

Ostomy Management device; Emergency medical alert device; A breathable and customized cast for immobilization of the fractured limb; Fluid extraction device; Posture support device

Technologies Transferred: - 2

Technology for Fetomaternal Parameter Monitoring System transferred to M/s. Brun Health Private Limited, Telangana, startup Company formed by Fellows 2013 Batch.

Technology for ‘A Portable Hand Sanitization device’ transferred to M/s. Observe Design Private Limited, New Delhi.

Fecal Incontinence device technology received USFDA 510 approval for their device. Patents, Trademark, Industrial Design Filing:

6 Indian patents and 6 PCT applications filed; 6 trademark applications filed; and One design registration filed for the Accufeed Invention.

Patents have been granted in 4 countries namely Singapore, Japan, USA and Europe for the device for collecting fecal discharge in incontinent patients

New initiatives:

i-Fellowship program initiated with Australia as a new international partner BMJ Innovations launched.

(6) Major New Effort on Pre-Term Birth Multi-institutional National Programme on pre-term birth launchedPre-term Birth Program is the first inter-institutional program on maternal infant health and spontaneous pre-term birth sciences in India funded by the Department under Grand Challenge Program at a total cost of the project is Rs. 48.85 crore for a period of 5 years. It envisages a multidisciplinary research effort to predict & diagnose Preterm Birth (PTB) by enhancing the knowledge of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. It is expected that the clinically relevant research outputs from the study will aid characterization of biological, clinical and epidemiological risk factors to achieve appropriate risk stratification of mothers who may deliver before term. These in turn would provide a basis for discovery of novel therapeutic agents & determine appropriate timing for their clinical application. Together, it would strengthen the commitment of the Department of Biotechnology to health equity, contributing significantly to reduction in infant and maternal mortality.

II. Agriculture and Industrial

(i) Rice variety Samba Mahsuri: With the support of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Scientists at Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and Directorate of Rice Research (DRR) have jointly developed bacterial blight resistant Rice variety “Samba Mahsuri’ through Marker Assisted Selection and Backcross Breeding. The variety has so far spread to an area of 90,000 ha in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

(ii) Decoding the Wheat Genome: A strong partnership in Decoding the Wheat Genome has been built. 15 countries joined hands to complete this huge task of decoding 17,000 million bases. Indian Scientists participated in Decoding Chromosome 2A.

(iii) Maize hybrid (Vivek 9) with High Quality Protein and Increased Provitamin A was developed and released.

(iv) High zinc rice has been developed for the first time which has 22-24 ppm zinc and named as CGZR-1 and after all India trials would be available to farmers in another two years.

(v) 12 popular rice varieties to be grown in the rain fed agri-eco systems have been developed by incorporating major quantitative trait loci (QTL) or genes for flood, drought and salt tolerance.

(vi) Bread wheat and durum wheat genotypes with high yield and high micronutrient concentration in optimum soil zinc have been developed. (vii) First indigenous technology developed for commercial production of Ethanol from lignocellulosic waste: DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences established at Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai has developed Cellulosic ethanol technology. Based on this indigenous technology a demo/pilot plant designed by an Industry, India Glycol Limited with financial support from DBT-BIRAC with a capacity of 10 tonnes lignocellulosic biomass per day to produce 3000 L ethanol/day on a continuous basis. It is expected that the commercial plants based on the technology will be built in 2016, which is not far behind the technologies being implemented in the USA.

(viii) Under a Mission programme on microbial prospecting: ‘Drugs from Microbes’ Involving nine institutes and an industrial partner in a public-private partnership model, 2.50 lakhs microbes were screened for four activities i.e. anti cancer, anti diabetic, anti inflammation and anti infective activities. A total of 16123 three stars hits were obtained- Anti-infective- 5286; anti cancer-518; anti inflammation-3643 ; anti diabetic-6676. One New Chemical Entity with anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity and 12 probable new use of compound were identified. Efforts are being made to explore the strategies for moving some of the active molecules obtained in the current program from discovery to Pre- Investigational New Drug (IND) studies, thereby creating a path of development of molecules. The Country’s largest Microbial Culture Collection Centre was set up at NCCS, Pune will 2,00,000 culture.

III. Human Resource Development(i) DBT has undertaken multiple initiatives for teaching & training in biotech education…

o Star College Program 92 colleges supported 10 colleges accorded star status

o >1600 personnel trained under UG, PG training courseso >2000 candidates provided training in biotech industries under BITP

(ii) The Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship was conceived with the idea of encouraging Indian scientists working outside the country (Indian Nationals), and who would like to come back home and pursue their research interests in life sciences and biotechnology and other related areas. During the last six years 247 overseas scientists were selected and 173 have already returned and joined various research institutes/ universities 27 scientists are likely to join in next six months. 50 scientists are selected every year. This has enriched the scientific pool of the country.

IV. Societal Impact

“Women’s health, hygiene & nutrition” is the current focus under DBT’s women’s societal upliftment programme of DBT. The Department has supported major programme on cervical cancer screening, genetic disorder & counseling, pregnancy-related complications, breast cancer screening & post-operative care. While education on menstrual hygiene, cervical cancer & preventive measures were conducted in several villages involving more than 2,000 women, including school girls, around 5,000 women were offered cervical cancer screening services through village based camps. A network programme on Breast Cancer Screening was implemented in 4 districts of North-East, namely Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura with the help of Cancer Foundation of India, Kolkata.A project for awareness, counseling, screening & education to prevent genetic and congenital disorder has been implemented in West Bengal and a web based portal (www.genomegyan.com) on genetics has been developed to popularize it as a subject among medical students and physicians.

http://www.genomegyan.com/

(V) Biotech Based Developments in North Eastern Region of India

The North Eastern Region (NER) of India comprises of eight ‘sister’ states. The region is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions of Asia and the home for more than 150 tribes. In order to give focused attention for the North Eastern Region, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has allocated 10% of its annual budget for promoting/strengthening biotechnology driven activities in North Eastern States of India. A dedicated cell, North Eastern Biotechnology Programme Management Cell (NER-BPMC) has been established by DBT in the year 2009-2010 and the cell is assisting DBT to evolve, implement and monitoring of various programmes for the benefit of NER states. Some of the major flagship programmes/schemes implemented and created impact on biotech based developments in North Eastern States during the last one year are as follows: Twinning Programme

The goal of this programme is to strengthen R&D activity in the North East India through joint collaborations. Financial assistance is provided to competitive R&D projects from scientists in the North Eastern States in collaboration with Scientists from National Institutions from other parts of the country.

The programme has supported nearly 400 R&D projects, leading to more than 200 papers published in peer reviewed journals, and more than 450 young scientists of NER trained in advamced biotechnology. Every year approximately 70-80 projects under this flagship programme are being supported to NER.

Setting up of “DBT-NER Centre for Advanced Animal Diagnostics and Services on Animal Health and Diseases (ADSAHD)” involving stake holders from all NER States including

national laboratories from Bhopal, Bangalore and Hissar.

The North Eastern Region of India, owing to its unique geographical location sharing five international borders, bears constant threat of exotic trans-boundary diseases of our valuable livestock. This programme is aimed at strengthening regional infrastructure and capabilities for developing latest diagnostics and organizing rigorous surveillance for the highly contagious and ravaging diseases so that forecasting model on disease outbreaks in the region can be developed for a formidable defense to guard the territories. The programme envisages establishing three core laboratories across the NER for carrying out research and training activities in trans-boundary and endemic animal diseases. It aims to impart training to the State veterinary personnel in disease reporting, sample collection techniques and fostering public-public partnership module for effectively handling the animal-man-environment continuum chain. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, has launched this programme in NER on February 17, 2015.

Establishment of Unit of Excellence in Biotechnology (U-Excel)With a view to recognize promising mid-career scientists in NER, a programme of awarding Unit of Excellence grant to them has been initiated so as to enable them to pursue their innovative research in frontier areas of biotechnology. So far, 12 Units of Excellence have been established during the year.

Overseas Associateship for NER ScientistsThis scheme aims to promote capacity building in cutting edge areas of biotechnology and life sciences. The Award promotes and supports scientists of merit in their pursuit of skill enhancement in scientific research/training in Overseas laboratories for short term as well as long term. So far, 130 scientists have been awarded the Associate-ship. As of now more than 110 scientists have availed this Assocaiteship. This overseas associateship has resulted in more than 20 research papers in peer reviewed journals and has also enabled more than 15 laureates in getting extra-mural funding for their R&D projects besieging training inhouse scientific human resource of NER.

(VI) Enhanced Innovation Ecosystem:Under the DBT, for a well-defined Innovation Ecosystem for product development - a Public Sector undertaking, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has been set-up, supporting nearly 300 companies and 100 young entrepreneurs for innovation, research and product development. Further, the Biotechnology Translational research and industry academia partnership has promoted through 3 Biotech clusters, 8 Biotech Parks and 13 Bioincubators. Also, 16 Centers of Excellences have been created as a flexible model of long-term support for highly innovative, basic and translational research to create high quality state-of-the-art facilities for R&D. Taking Science and Technology to IndustryBiotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council

The biotech startup scenario in India was transformed by one of BIRAC’s flagship scheme

called BIG (Biotechnology Ignition Grant). BIG has supported 140 entrepreneurial ideas over 5 calls at pre-proof-of-concept stage. 22 new startups were created (in 18 months) and the total number of employment generated is 231.

Providing access to high end infrastructural requirement to the biotech community in India. BIRAC through its bioincubation scheme (BISS) has supported 15 bioincubation centres across the nation and has created 124,000sq.ft of incubation space. Within these incubators, around 199 biotech startups are being provided support. In each of the bioincubator, BIRAC has supported a common pool of high end instrumentation that is being used by incubate and other SMEs for R&D.

17 Products, 11 Technologies, 16 Early Stage-Technologies. 2 Process Innnovations, 23 IP Generated/Facilitated.

322 Start-Ups, SME, and Entrepreneurs Supported. BIRAC Ace Fund – An Equity Fund for Accelerating Entrepreneurs was announced by

Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences during BIRAC Foundation Function.

Products Launched/Developed: Malaria Antigen Detection Kit, Quality Wine Produced By Enzymatic Maceration of Mango Pulp, Indigenous Production of Dextranase using Ssf Technique.

Products commercialized:

MINISTRY OF SHIPPING1. ACHIEVEMENTS IN SHIPPING SECTOR:- Financial performance of Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI): Breaking the trend of the last three years of incurring losses till 2013-14, SCI made profits in the last quarter of 2013-14 and successively in the first 3 quarters of 2014-15 amounting to Rs 99.44 crores.Impact: The efforts of the Shipping Corporation and the Ministry in this context have started showing fruitful results.

Evacuation from Yemen: During the recent operation launched by the Govt. of India to evacuate Indian nationals from strife-torn Yemen, two Indian flag merchant vessels ‘M.V. Kavaratti’ and ‘M.V. Coral’ belonging to Lakshadweep Administration had been deployed at Djibouti to assist the said official mission. These two vessels on their return voyage from Djibouti to India w.e.f. the early hours of 12.04.2015 have brought back 157 & 318 passengers, respectively. While ‘M.V. Kavaratti’ evacuated 27 Indians, 65 Bangladeshi and 65 Yemeni nationals, ‘M.V. Coral’ evacuated 46 Indians and 272 Bangladeshi nationals. All these passengers, after following all procedural formalities, disembarked at Kochi on 18.04.2015 and proceeded for onward destinations. The entire operation was closely coordinated by the Ministry of Shipping along with Directorate General of Shipping, Shipping Corporation of India and Cochin Port Trust.Impact of evacuation operation: The timely and sustained rescue efforts taken to evacuate the Indian nationals trapped in Yemen was highly appreciated especially because of the strife-torn and hostile conditions prevailing in Yemen.

Ferry service between Indian and Myanmar launched in October, 2014: In order to accelerate the trading relations between India and Myanmar, Shipping Corporation of India has started a direct container shipping service from Chennai Port on 03.10.2014. The service has been started initially on a fortnightly basis. With the commencement of the Service, the transit time for Indian exports to Myanmar and Indian imports from Myanmar has reduced considerably. The total volume of EXIM cargo transported upto 13.03.2015 was 5305 TEUS.Impact: The transit time for Indian exports/import has reduced and improved India’s trading relation with Myanmar .

Simplification of procedures to determine light dues for container ships by Director General of Lighthouse and Llightships (DGLL): The Ministry adopted a new mechanism for collection of light dues for container ships. It has now simplified the process of collection of light dues for container vessels by adopting the unit of collection on TEU (Twenty feet Equivalent Unit) basis instead of net tonnage in respect of container ships. Further Syndicate Bank has now been accredited to collect the light dues through online banking. This will facilitate faster clearance of ships and reduce detention time of vessels for payment of light dues. Now online collection of light dues will help in the following:

(i) Smooth traffic(ii) More cargo can be loaded(iii) Less turn around/waiting time(iv) Increased revenue(v) Win-win situation from both ship owner & DGLL

Impact: Waiting time at port has reduced.

Scheme of Financial Assistance For On-Board Ship Training For Indian Merchant Navy Cadets/Trainees: The scheme is to provide financial support to about 2000 cadets of Indian Maritime University and its affiliates for the batches who have passed out/completed their on-shore classroom training in the years 2010, 2011 & 2012, but were not able get on-board ship training due to non-availability of training berths in Indian Flagships. The scheme provides them financial assistance to the tune of 30% of the training cost or Rs. 3 lakhs, whichever is less, as grant-in-aid. The cadets belonging to SC-ST-OBC and Minorities will be free to obtain loan towards the remaining cost of training through the Finance and Development Corporations of the respective social sector Ministries.Impact: The availability of qualified seafarers will increase. This will help these youths seeking to pursue a maritime carrier achieve their goals and aspirations. Construction of Lighthouse tender vessel of DGLL: The work of construction of lighthouse tender vessel was completed by M/s. Cochin Shipyard Limited two months ahead of delivery schedule. This vessel was dedicated to the nation by Hon’ble Minister of Shipping on April 10, 2015. The new vessel is equipped with state of art modern technologies like provision of helipad and Fi-Fi (Fire Fighting pumps) etc. The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has certified the vessel on completion of sea trials.Impact: This ship will help in establishment, maintenance and operation of lighthouses spread over across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and help in the navigational safety of ships in this area. COCHIN SHIPYARD LIMITED. Delivery of vessels: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered seven ships during the last one year including six Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) for the Indian Coast Guard and one Platform Supply vessel for M/S. Sea tanker, Norway. The financials of CSL continue to be robust and the Shipyard has continued to post excellent performance despite the recession in shipbuilding and ship repair business. Product Diversification - Technology tie up: CSL has tied up with M/s Samsung Heavy Industry for building LNG vessels in India. This is a significant achievement considering that the Korean giant has assessed CSL to possess capabilities to build such a complex vessels with assured quality. Technology Tie up for Constructing Dredgers: CSL has entered into a MoU with M/s IHC Holland, who are the world leaders in manufacturing dredgers. This MoU would enable CSL to build Cutter Suction Dredgers of 500 mm suction discharge pipe capacity and Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers of 10,000 m3 hopper capacity. This will enable CSL to tap the huge dredger market potential within the country.Impact: This has helped in establishing the reputation and quality of Indian shipyards and is a step towards “Make in India” initiative.

Record dredging order begged by Dredging Corporation of India (DCI). Kandla Port Trust and Kolkata Port Trust has awarded the work of dredging in the Navigational channel and Maintenance dredging contract to maintain the Navigational channel at Haldia at a cost of Rs.295.00 crores and Rs.375 crores respectively. The maintenance dredging work was awarded to DCI by Cochin Port Trust at the contract cost of Rs.150 crores. Southern Naval Command, Kochi has awarded the maintenance dredging work to DCI for 02 years 2014-15 & 2015-16 for a value of Rs.60 crores. DCI bagged the Capital Dredging work at Northern Arm of Visakhapatnam Port by bidding lowest price to achieve the depth of (-) 16.10 Mtrs. on Lumpsum contract basis of Rs.32 crores. The value of dredging contract awarded by Kamarajar Port Limited, Ennore is Rs.48.00 crores

Indian Maritime University’s(IMU) : First Convocation in 5 years held on 22.02.2014. The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee graced the first convocation of the Indian Maritime

University since its establishment on 14.11.2008 as Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation Address on 22.02.2014.Impact: IMU is gearing up its efforts to enable our youths to pursue an academic carrier in the Maritime Sector. IMU’s First Computer-based (Online) Common Entrance Test for the Academic Year 2014-15 : In 2014, IMU switched over to Computer based (Online) Common Entrance Test [on the pattern of IIT, JEE-CAT, JIPMER, AIIMS,GRE, GMAT etc. exams] with the entire spectrum of activities from the registration of applications to the payment of examination fee to the downloading of hall tickets to the conduct of the test to the declaration of results – being done online. IMU also switched over to Online Counselling from 2014 onwards.Impact: IMU is not only providing quality education in maritime sector but also simplifying admission procedure to make it helpful for students. GRANT OF TAX INCENTIVES TO MARITIME SECTOR AND REMOVAL OF OTHER STATUTORY HURDLES. Removal of customs and excise duty on bunker fuel: Recognizing the need to encourage the growth of Indian tonnage, the Government vide their Notification dated January 7, 2015 has exempted Customs and Excise Duty leviable on bunker fuels, namely IFO 180 CST and IFO 380 CST used in Indian flag vessels for transportation of EXIM and empty containers between two or more ports in India.Impact: This tax incentive will be a stepping stone to enhance Indian tonnage as well as in promoting development of transhipment hubs in India. Tax exemption granted to boost ship repair sector: Governments vide Notification dated July 11, 2014 has granted Service tax exemption for repair of foreign going vessels by Indian shipyards to reduce operational costs of ship repair units.Impact: The Indian ship-repair sector will get more business and help in generating employment. Indian ship owners have been allowed to buy ships and flag these ships abroad: Government has taken a policy decision to allow shipping enterprises based in India to acquire ships abroad and flag them in the country of their convenience. This will facilitate Indian ship-owners to get access to finance and business abroad.Impact: The Indian tonnage as well as Indian economy will grow. Reduction of service tax incidence on coastal shipping: Realising the need for encouraging transportation of goods through coastal shipping rather than road or rail, the Government has, in the Union Budget 2015-2016, brought the abatement of service tax at par with road and rail i.e. 70%. With this change, only 30% of the value of the service for transportation of goods by vessels would be subject to levy of service tax.Impact: It is expected to boost transportation of goods through coastal shipping, which is more fuel efficient, comparatively cheaper mode of transport and less prone to accidents. One time licensing of ships to remove burden of periodic licensing: The Directorate General of Shipping has been granting General Trading Licence (GTL) to Indian ships with a validity of one year. Recognizing the need for further simplification of the procedure for issuance of GTL, Ministry of Shipping has decided that the shipping companies who are already in possession of a valid GTL may approach the Registrar of Indian Ships for issuance of a new one time GTL, at any time before expiry of the GTL.Impact: This has removed the requirement of obtaining GTL every year. Simplification of procedure for registration of Ship Repair Units: As a step towards creating a climate of ease of doing ship repairing business in the country, the procedure for registration of Ship


Repair Units has been simplified by dispensing with the requirement for their registration with the Director General of Shipping, Mumbai with immediate effect.Impact: More ship-repair units are likely to come-up which would maximise employment potential. Indian flag vessel as well as Indian dredgers have been allowed to exercise Right of First Refusal (RoFR) provided they match the lowest rate quoted by the foreign flag vessel: Keeping in view of the Government’s policy of strengthening and promoting the Indian shipping and dredging industry in a competitive framework, the Indian flag vessel as well as Indian dredgers have been allowed to exercise Right of First Refusal (RoFR) provided they match the lowest rate quoted by the foreign flag vessel.Impact: The Indian flag vessels as well as dredgers will get more business. 2. ACHIEVEMENTS IN PORT SECTOR :-Cargo Growth Rate Doubled : The Cargo handled by the Indian Ports increased by 8% in 2014-15 as compared to 4% in the previous year. This included 4.6% increase in traffic growth in Major Ports as against negative and sluggish growth in the previous three years.

Capacity Addition : Major Ports added an additional capacity of 71 MTPA in 2014-15 which is the highest in any particular year so far. This was achieved by close monitoring of the on-going Projects.

Efficiency Parameters : The Major Ports showed continuous decline in turnaround time and pre-berthing detention of ships. The pre-berthing detention time decreased by 13.40% over the year. A study to bench-mark the efficiency parameters of Major Ports to comparable International Ports has been awarded and the results would be available by 31.12.2015.

Renewable Energy Development by Major Ports : 151 MW of renewable energy would be generated by the Major Ports in the next five years.

Port Community System (PCS): PCS has been developed to integrate electronic flow of information among all port stakeholders like shipping lines, stevedores, bank etc.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Five Major Ports have ERP Systems. By June 2016, all 12 Major Ports would become smart and paperless.

3. INLAND WATERWAYS:-Transportation of coal through River Ganga: Project to transport 3 MT of coal through River Ganga from Haldia to NTPC Power Plant at Farakka has been implemented. To facilitate this movement, a transloading zone has been notified at Konika Sands off Dhamra Port.

NEW INITIATIVES DURING THE YEAR:-The Ministry of Shipping has taken several new initiatives during the year to promote coastal shipping and inland water transport in the country. The focus of the schemes is on modernisation of major ports along the country’s coastline, improving port connectivity and strengthening of river navigation system. The sector-wise details of the new initiatives are as follows: PORT SECTOR:-Sagarmala Project: Considering port led development as a backbone of economic development, "Sagarmala Project" has been launched with an objective of modernizing the ports along India's coastline and achieving rapid expansion of port capacity and development of inland and coastal navigation. The initiative aims at supporting port-led development through appropriate policy and institutional interventions, port infrastructure enhancement, including modernization and setting up of new ports, and efficient evacuation to and from hinterland. Sagarmala will also lead to large scale employment generation of skilled and semi-skilled manpower. An allocation of Rs. 200 crores has been made during the year 2015-16 for implementation of the project. The work under Sagarmala project will be done in close collaboration with the Maritime State Governments.

Improving Port Connectivity: The Cabinet has given approval to create a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to focus on providing efficient evacuation systems in major ports and to improve their connectivity. The SPV would undertake the following Projects:

1. Last mile connectivity to major Ports2. Modernization of evacuation infrastructure in Ports3. To operate and manage internal Port Railway system4. To raise financial resources for funding Port related railway Projects

Coastal Berths: In order to promote & encourage Coastal Shipping a new Scheme for Coastal Berths has also been approved by the Govt. and necessary guidelines issued to all the Ports. Under the Scheme financial assistance upto 75% of the cost of the project subject to maximum of Rs. 30 crores would be given to the Ports to construct exclusive coastal berths.

Incentive to make Major Ports Green: A new incentive scheme has been evolved to encourage major ports to become green ports. Under the scheme, green projects such as waste water treatment, renewable energy generation, use of bio-diesel and provision of shore power would be supported upto 50% of the project cost. Each major port would be given a financial grant of upto Rs.25 crores for undertaking these initiatives. Nine major ports have given a commitment to generate at least 150 MW of renewable energy through solar and wind power in the next five years. This includes 25 MW generation by Jawaharlal Nehru Port and 20 MW each by Paradip Port, Kamarajar Port and Kandla Port.

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT): Foundation stone has been laid for SEZ in JNPT. The project would cost in phase-l Rs. 4000 crore. Project planning and execution has commenced. The project has the potential of generating over 1.5 Lakh direct and indirect jobs. This will develop free trade warehousing zones, engineering goods sector, textile and other sectors.

Green channel clearance for Coastal Cargo: In order to ensure faster clearance of cargo, the Ministry introduced Green Channel Clearance system for coastal cargo in Major Ports.

New Major Ports: The Government has decided to take steps for setting up of 2 new major ports in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal at Durgarajapatnam and Sagar respectively. The two Ports will be developed in PPP mode.

Oil Pollution Cess: Govt. has approved a new central scheme for providing assistance to the Ports handling Crude Oil and POL for combating Oil Pollution and Mitigation measures. Financial assistance under the Scheme would be given in the form of Grant-in-aid upto 50% of the total cost of the procurement of Pollution response (PR) equipment/material.

Delegation of Powers To Major Ports: The M/o Shipping has issued orders on 11/2/2015 for enhancement of the financial powers delegated to Major Port Trust Boards as also Chairman, Dy. Chairman and Heads of Departments in the Port Trusts. The enhanced delegation is expected to speed up decision making in the Port Trusts in general. Keeping in view the need for simplifying and rationalizing the delegated powers the earlier distinction between plan and non-plan expenditure and category I and II Ports as also new and replacement works have been done away with. The Powers for sanctioning and incurring expenditure on capital works have been enhanced from Rs. 50/Rs.100 crore for new/replacement works to Rs.200 crore for all capital works, facilitating speedy decision making. India’s participation in development of Chahbahar Port in Iran : The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the MEA proposal regarding India’s participation in the Chahbahar Port Project on 18.10.2014 with a capital investment of approximately US $ 85.21 million to be spent over a 3 years or 1 year period depending on what mobilization period is negotiated. In pursuance of the CCS decision, an SPV which will be a holding company, with equity participation from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Kandla Port Trust has been formed on 22.01.2015. Kandla Port will be associated with general cargo berth and JNPT in the Container berth. A qualified and competent professional as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the company will be appointed soon. The MoU for operationalising the Chahbahar Project is proposed to be signed between Indian and Iranian Authorities.


INLAND WATER TRANSPORT:

The inland water transport is recognised as fuel efficient, cost effective and environment friendly mode of transport, especially for bulk goods, hazardous goods and over dimensional cargos. It also reduces time, cost of transportation of goods and cargos, as well as congestion and accidents on highways. The inland waterways mode of transportation has immense potential for domestic cargo transportation as well as for cruise, tourism and passenger traffic.

Dredging and navigational facilities are being created in National Waterway 1 by Inland Waterways Authority which will result in 2.2 Mtrs. least available draft and movement of about 1000 MT vessels up to Varanasi by June, 2016.

Similarly projects in National Waterways 2 to 5 are also underway to promote this mode of transportation.

The Ministry has initiated new schemes on Inland Water Transport. This include Jal Marg Vikas Project, announced in the Budget for the year 2014-15. The project aims at strengthening of open river navigation technique and hardware including dredging, modern river information system, Digital Global Positioning System (DGPS), night navigation facilities, latest state of art terminal facilities and modern methods of channel marking. The completion of project would provide assured Least Available Depth (LAD) of 3.0 metre for plying 1500 to 2000 DWT vessels for commercial navigation between Haldia and Allahabad. The project is being implemented with financial assistance of World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs. 4200 crore. Varanasi-Haldia segment of the project is to be completed by June 2019. Varanasi to Allahabad segment of the project is slated for completion by December 2020. After putting up all the required infrastructures, the total traffic expected to get diverted by 2021-22 from Rail and Road to National Waterways-1 is estimated around 44 million tonnes. Further, in order to give boost to inland water transportation, the Government has given its approval for enactment of a central legislation for declaring 101 additional Inland Waterways as National Waterways (NW) for navigation A Bill for declaration of additional 101 Waterways has been placed before the Parliament.

MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Initiatives, Policies and Schemes1. Skilling India – The creation of Ministry of Skill Development

Skill development and entrepreneurship efforts across the country have been highly fragmented so far. Recognizing the need and urgency of quickly coordinating the efforts of all concerned

stakeholders, to achieve its vision of a 'Skilled India' the Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship was created on 31st July, 2014 which was later made into a full fledged Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on 9th Nov, 2014. National Skill Development Agency (NSDA), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and 33 Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) were brought under the Ministry of Skill Development. The thrust of the Ministry is the co-ordination of all skill development efforts across the country, removal of disconnect between demand and supply of skilled manpower, building of new skills and skill upgradation, and encouraging entrepreneurship. Overall approximately 58,72,800 people were trained by Central Ministries/Departments in the financial year 2014-15. To create further convergence between the Vocational Training system through ITIs and the new Skill Initiatives of the government, two vertical from Directorate General of Employment and Training (DGET) - DDG (Training) and DDG (Apprenticeship Training) have been transferred to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on 16th April, 2015.

2. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)PMKVY is the flagship outcome-based skill training scheme of the new Ministry and has been approved by the Cabinet on 20th March 2015. The program aims at skill certification and reward to enable and mobilize a large number of youth for outcome based skill training and become employable and earn their livelihood. Under the scheme, monetary reward would be provided to trainees who are successfully trained, assessed and certified in skill courses run by affiliated training providers. Outcomes: The scheme has an outlay of Rs 1500 crores and targets to reach out to 24 lakh candidates (14 lakh fresh training, 10 lakh Recognition of Peior Learning-RPL) in its first year of implementation. It will target school drop outs, women and disadvantaged sections of the society. It will also be focussing on the difficult areas like districts affected with LWE and North East. Progress: The first meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 28.04.2015 under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It was decided that National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) will be the implementing agency. A Sub-Committee has been formed under chairmanship of CEO, NSDC responsible for day to day implementation of the scheme.

3. Capacity Building of Private Training Providers and Involvement of IndustryIn order to enhance private sector participation in the Skilling, NSDC has been working to enhance capacity of private training providers through provision of loan, grant and equity funding. Progress: By end of March 2015, the NSDC Board had approved 203 skilling proposals and 37 Sector Skill Councils with total financial commitment of over INR 2500 cr. In the last year, for the important sectors of Green Jobs, Persons with Disabilities etc, Sector skill councils were approved for focussed industry led approach in skilling in these sectors. Outcome: NSDC has developed a wide network for skilling with 207 NSDC approved training partners, 2,904 operational NSDC partner centres, including 676 mobile centres with coverage across 28 states and 5 UTs in 471 districts across India. In the last year, the NSDC ecosystem had trained 24,12,862 people in skill training programmes.

4. Strengthening Standards & Quality AssuranceThe NSQF is a competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude. NSQF in India was notified on 27th December 2013. National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe best practices by bringing together performance

criteria, knowledge and skills pertaining to a job role. A set of NOSs related to a specific job role is called Qualification Pack (QP). Progress and Outcome: The process of alignment of NVEQF (National Vocational Educational Qualification Framework) and (NCVT) to the NSQF has been initiated by the Ministry of Human Resource Development and Ministry of Labour and Employment. The actual roll-out of NSQF was initiated and three qualifications of National Council for Vocational Training, four of the plumbing sector, and six of the Capital Good Sector were approved by National Skills Qualifications Committee for inclusion in the Qualifications Register. As on date across 28 Sectors, standards for 1319 Job Roles pegged at NSQF levels 1 to 8 have been defined by the Sector Skill Councils. As on date, 14 SSCs have covered development of 80% of entry level workforce QPs.

5. Multi Skill Institute Scheme

Progress: An Approach Paper on the proposed Multi Skill Institutes in Public Private Partnership mode (PPP) has been prepared after extensive stakeholder consultations. This included a workshop held on 9th Feb, 2015 with training providers, industry representatives, State Government representatives and donor agencies. A detailed list of inputs received were incorporated into the Approach Paper and efforts to develop a model for a National Skill University were initiated.

6. National Skill Universities

Progress: The Ministry has initiated the process of establishment of National Skills Universities. The Universities are envisioned to provide nationally recognised University degrees and certification for vocational skills, design and conduct assessment procedures, design vocational curriculum (with SSCs) customised to providing horizontal academic mobility, offer faculty training courses and conduct research in the skills landscape. A Working Group convened by JS, SDE has been created as of 31st Mar, 2015 for developing an appropriate University model, providing broad recommendations and drafting the legislation for the National Skills University. The draft Bill on establishment of National Skills Universities, its Approach Paper and the Report of the Working Group have been prepared and are currently undergoing internal review before being sent to the Cabinet.

7. Udaan

Udaan scheme is targeted at helping the ambitious and progressive youth of Jammu and Kashmir who are seeking global and local opportunities that the state may not be in a position to offer currently. It aims to make employable 40,000 youth of J&K over a 5 year period in key high growth sectors. The programme is targeted at providing well-paying jobs to the trained manpower.

Outcome: 327 Selection drives were conducted in FY 14-15 and 4,903 youth have joined Udaan training programs in the financial year. As of 31st March 2015, the scheme has 74 corporates who have partnered with Udaan and placement offers were made to 3,133 candidates.

8. National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015Progress: The draft has been prepared after several meetings of the Working Committee and internal consultation on the first and second draft of the Policy. Meetings within the Ministry have focussed on ensuring that all aspects of the 2009 Policy have been accounted for and revised as required.

9. State engagement

Progress: Ministry will be holding a National Consultation Workshop in early May 2015 to discuss convergence of skill development efforts with the States facilitating platform for the Ministry and States to align their expectations and coordinate efforts in the skill development and

entrepreneurship space. Meanwhile, a Scheme for the States is also under consideration. NSDC has signed MoUs with several states for collaboration in skill development including West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkand etc

10. Strategic partnerships with Sectoral Ministries/Departments

Outcome: National Action Plan (NAP) on skilling PwDs launched on 21st March 2015 and Strategic MOU was signed between Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MDSE) & Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) for creating skilling opportunities for Differently Abled.

Progress: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has framed the Common Norms for Skill Development Schemes implemented by Government of India. The approval of the competent authority is underway.

Initial meetings have been held with Ministry of Defense, Overseas Indian Affairs, Railways, Road Transport and Highways, Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and the concerned Ministries will sign an MoU and develop a National Action Plan to enhance links for cooperation in various activities related to skill development.

11. Deepening Global EngagementOutcomes: The Ministry has entered into agreements with several countries such as UK, USA, Asutralia, France, Germany, Canada with the purpose of technology transfer in vocational training, training of trainers, setting up of centres of excellence, international mobility through mapping of job roles and development of transnational standards.

12. Fostering Engagement with Corporate SectorOutcomes: MoUs between National Skill Development Corporation, National Skill Development Fund and PowerGrid was signed for CSR contribution to provide skill training. A similar MoU is about to be signed with NTPC. Collaborations with other PSUs and private sector companies have been initiated.

13. Consolidation of Skill Gap studiesOutcomes: Sector skill gap studies have been completed for 24 sectors. The objective of these skill gap reports is to understand the sectoral and geographical spread of skill requirements that exist. They were launched on 9th April by Hon’ble MoS.

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT

Department of Social Justice & Empowerment

Other Backward Class (OBC)

1. National Fellowship for 300 OBC students (NF-OBC) launched. The rates were revised from Rs 18000 per month for JRF to Rs25000 per month and for SRF from Rs 20000 per month to Rs 28000 per month. UGC has finalized the list of 300 JRFs.

2. Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies for OBCs was launched in 2014-15 to encourage higher studies leading to Post graduate, M.Phil and Ph. Dabroad.

3. The norms for the “Construction of Hostels for the OBC Boys and Girls”revised with unit cost enhanced from Rs 1.40 lakhs per hostel seat to Rs 3.50 lakhs for North-east, Rs 3.25 lakh for Himalayan states and Rs 3.00 for rest of country. This has encouraged more proposals from States/UTs/NGOs/Central Institutions and will improve the quality of construction of hostels.

4. Under this Construction of Hostels for OBCs scheme, now hostels constructed under state plan also can avail one time grant for purchase of furniture, at the rate of Rs 2500 per seat. Also now the Pradhan MantriAdarsh Grams can avail central assistance to construct hostels.

5. Under the scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls, a significant achievement was made in encouraging Central Universities/Institutions, who availed a major portion of the budget as Central Assistance for construction of hostels in 2014-15.

6. The scheme of “Assistance to Voluntary Organisations working for the Welfare of the OBCs”was revised with focus on Skill Development.

7. The Ministry is forging partnership with Central Universities/Institutions to invite proposals and ideas oneffective and innovative methods for monitoring, evaluating, creating databases and preparing reports for the welfare schemes.

8. New Schemes for DNTs namely, Dr Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for the DNTs and Nanaji DeshmukhScheme of Construction of Hostelshave been launched. Under these schemes, Central Assistance has been released to the States of Karnataka and Maharashtra in 2014-15.

9. For Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), the Dr Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme has been launched. Central Assistance has been released to the State of Rajasthan in 2014-15.

10. Release of 98.25% fund has been achieved under BC Schemes during 2014-15.11. Skill Development training has been provided to 11410 beneficiaries. Further, stipend at the

rate of Rs 1000 per month provided to the trainees for the first time.12. In order to increase coverage of loans to OBCs, One Time settlement for waver of penal

interest amounting to Rs.2.04 crore for Manipur and Rs.1.53 crore for Sikkim has been done.13. A new website which is interactive has been launched by the NBCFDC.14. E-marketing of the products of the artisans to provide market value to them.15. E-tracking of loans in order to improve recovery initiated by the NBCFDC.16. The Recruitment Rules for strengthening the functioning of National Commission for

Backward Classes (NCBC) framed and notified.17. The DNT Commission has been made operational with appointment of Chairperson and

Member. Scheduled Castes Development

(i) Creation of ‘Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Caste Entrepreneurs’ Scheme: A new Scheme of 'Venture Capital Fund for SCs' with an allocation of Rs.200 crore has been approved on 22.12.2014. The objective of this Scheme is to promote entrepreneurship among the Scheduled Castes and to provide concessional finance to them. The scheme would be implemented by theIndustrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) Limited. The Fund has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 24.12.2014. The Scheme was launched by the Minister (SJ&E) on 16.01.2015. An amount of Rs. 200.00 Crore has been released upto 16.01.2015 in favour of IFCI Limited. (ii) Credit Enhancement Guarantee Scheme for the Scheduled Castes: The Finance Minister in his Union Budget Speech for FY 2014-15 made on 10 th July 2014, inter- alia, announced that a sum of Rs.200 crores will be allocated towards Credit EnhancementGurantee for





Young and start-up entrepreneurs, belonging to Scheduled Castes, who aspire to be part of neo middle class category, with an objective to encourage entrepreneurship in the lower strata of the Society resulting in job creation besides creating confidence in Scheduled Castes. The objective of the Scheme is to promote entrepreneurship among the scheduled castes and to facilitate concessional finance to them. The Budget of Rs. 200.00 Crore has been allocated under the Scheme in Supplementary Demands for Grants 2014-15. The Scheme has been approved by the MSJ&E on 10.02.2015.

(iii) Swachhta Udyami Yojana: As an integral part of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' launched by the Prime Minister on 2nd October, 2014, the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation, a public Sector Undertaking under the administrative control of the M/o SJ&E launched a new Scheme ‘Swachhta Udyami Yojana’ on 2nd October, 2014 for financing viable community toilet projects and sanitation related vehicles to collect garbage. (iv) Upward revision of financial norms under the Scheme of Grant-in-aid to voluntary organizations working for the SCs (last fixed in 1998): The Scheme has been revised and conveyed to the States/UTs vide letter dated 15th July, 2014. Following revisions have been made in the financial norms:

Generally 100% enhancement Honorarium of teachers has been revised upward at par with the salary of teachers

in Kasturba Gandhi Vidhyalaya.

(v) Revision of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995: The Rules notified in 1995, were revised on 23.12.2011. Further amendment in the PoA Rules for enhancing the relief amount by 50% i.e. between Rs. 75,000/- to Rs. 7,50,000/- depending upon the nature of offences has been notified on 23.06.2014, in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary. (vi) Revision in the Pilot Scheme of 'Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana': The Minister (SJ&E) has approved on 22.01.2015 revisions in the Scheme as follows:

Additionally 1500 number of villages to be covered; out of these villages, 125 villages would be selected by the Ministry of SJ&E, suffering from natural disasters and man-made calamities like floods, droughts, excessive rains, arson and social disparities targeted towards members of the SC community,

The scheme would cover all the States having 1000 or more SC majority villages. The newly covered States are as follows: Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhatishgarh.

(vii) Dr. Ambedkar International 'Centre' for Social Justice: The Government has approved setting up of the Centre at an approximate cost of Rs.195 crore at 15 Janpath, New Delhi. The architectural plan and design of the Centre has been approved by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on 20.11.2014. (viii) Dr. Ambedkar Memorial: The Government has taken a decision to fully develop the Memorial with an approximate cost of Rs. 100 Crore at 26, Alipure Road, Delhi. The CPWD has started the preliminary work. The architectural Plan has been approved by theHon'ble Minister (SJ&E) on 27.11.2014.

(ix) Release of Braille (English) Edition of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar-Writings & Speeches: The Minister (SJ&E) & ChairmanDr. Ambedkar Foundation released the 4 Volumes (1, 5, 7& 11) of Braille (English) edition of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar-Writings & Speeches on 29.10.2014 at Vigyan Bhavan, New delhi.




(x) Dr.Ambedkar Foundation National Essay Competition Awards: The Minister Social Justice & Empowerment and Chairman, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation gave away Dr. Ambedkar Foundation National Essay Competition awards for the year 2013 & 2014 to the winners in a function held on 29.10.2014 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

(xi) Pre-Matric Scholarship to the children of those engaged in occupations involving cleaning and prone to health hazards:The name of the Scheme has been changed from "Pre-Matric Scholarship to those engaged in 'unclean' occupations" to "Pre-MatricScholarship to the children of those engaged in occupations involving cleaning and prone to health hazards".

(xii) Revision of the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme: The Central Sector Scheme 'National Overseas Scholarship' for the Scheduled Castes has been revised and conveyed to the States/UTs vide letter dated 28.01.2015 by increasing the number of awards from 60 to 100 with effect from the selection year 2014-15.

(xiii) Enactment of the Constitution (SC) Orders (amendment) Act, 2014: Modifications in the list of Scheduled Castes- The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2014, which incorporates inclusion of ten synonym castes as Scheduled Castes in relation to the States of Kerala (two), Madhya Pradesh (one), Odisha (four), Tripura (three), exclusion of a Scheduled Caste in relation toSikkim and substitution of the name of the State from ‘Orissa’ to ‘Odisha’ was passed by the Lok Sabha on 27.11.2014 and Rajya Sabhaon 08.12.2014. The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Act, 2014 received the assent of the President on 17.12.2014 and was notified in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary on 18.12.2014.

(xiv) Amendments in the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2014 to amend the PoA Act was introduced in the LokSabha on 16.07.2014. The Bill was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment on 16.09.2014, by the directions of the Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha, under Rule 331E (b) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, for examination and report. The Committee has since finalized and presented its report in both houses of Parliament on 19.12. 2014. Action has been initiated to seek decision of the Government in regard to recommendations contained in the Report of the Committee.

3. Future proposals:(i) Scheme of Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP): The Scheme is at an advanced stage of revision with an enhancement in subsidy amount from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 per beneficiary and other major structural changes. (ii) Enhancement in the authorized share capital of the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC): The authorized share capital of NSFDC is proposed to be enhanced from Rs. 1000 Crore to Rs. 2000 Crore.

Social Defence

1. International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking celebrated on

26.06.2014 and National Awards conferred by President of India. 2. International Day of Older Persons celebrated on 01.10.2014.3. Ministry has assigned a rapid survey for estimation of the extent, trend and pattern

of the drug abuse in these two States of Punjab and Manipur.4. A National toll free helpline for Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse has

been set up on 7th January, 2015.

5. Under the Schemes for Integrated Programme of Older Persons and scheme of prevention for Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse online processing of proposals of NGOs has been initiated from the current financial year (2014-15).

6. National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), 1999 the policy is being revised keeping in view the changes in demographic pattern, socio-economic needs of senior citizens, social value system and advancement in the field of science and technology. The draft of the news National Policy for Senior Citizens is being finalized.

7. The First National Policy on Drug Demand Reduction is under finalization.

Achievements of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in one year

During 2014-15, total 1600 ADIP/ADIP-SSA camps were organized in 150 districts and about 2.50 lakh beneficiaries werebenefitted. 36 Mega Camps for distribution of aids and assistive devices were organized from June 13, 2014 to June 5, 2015, covering 15 States in which Aids & Assistive Devices costing Rs.2518.48 Lakh were distributed to 39,813 beneficiaries under the ADIP Scheme. InNagpur, more than 5000 beneficiaries were benefited in one day. Grant-in-aid of Rs. 101.28 crore was released to implementing agencies which was the highest ever since inception of the scheme.

ALIMCO, a Government PSU has taken major steps with emphasis on “Make in India” mission by signing agreement for Artificial Limbs with M/s Ottobock, India; agreement with Motivation India for high technique wheelchair, inclusion of high end devices for distribution toPwDs under CSR Project; and introduction of Cochlear Implant surgery to empower Persons with Hearing Disability. Total 134 Cochlear Implant surgeries have been done till 10.06.2015.

ALIMCO has been serving the Persons with Disabilities for past 4 decades through available machineries and equipments. Modernization and over all face lift of ALIMCO is being done at a total cost of Rs. 286 crores through creation of advanced facilities including modern R&D centre to manufacture and provide world class quality aids and assistive devices free of cost or at an affordable price to economically weaker section of society under ADIP Scheme of Government of India.

National Action Plan for Skill Training of Persons With Disabilities has been launched by which 25 Lakh PwDs will be Skill Trained by the year 2022.

A “Job portal for the PwDs” for facilitating employment of PwDs has been developed.

Total number of beneficiaries of rehabilitation services provided by 7 National Institutes was 10,19,799 which is approximately 15% more than the previous year.

National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation distributed Rs. 101.49 crore as loan to 14,703 beneficiariesbelonging to the Persons with Disabilities for self-employment ventures; NHFDC also organized 2 Mega Camps and 11 Job Fairs.

National Trust is running a unique health insurance scheme for Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities and during the period from May 2014 to April 2015, an amount of Rs. 4.97 crore was released to 9,372 beneficiaries.

Scholarship schemes for students to pursue Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, Top Class education, Overseas studies, and free coaching have been launched.

Scheme for Modernization of 10 existing and Establishment of 15 new Braille Presses to augment production of Braille pages has been launched for which an amount of Rs.3.86 crore has been released for implementing the Scheme.

National Institute for the Visually Handicapped, Dehradun has developed a Braille Course for Nepali, Garo and Khasi languages under the North-East Project.

Scheme for setting up State Spinal Injury Centres has been launched for which an outlay of Rs. 20 crore has been earmarked.

Scheme for Establishment of College for deaf in each of the five regions of the country has been launched in January, 2015. The object of the Scheme is to provide equal educational opportunities to hearing impaired students for pursuing higher studies and improve the chances of employability and better quality of life through higher education.

Awareness Generation & Publicity Scheme has been launched with the objective of promoting awareness about the legal rights of PwDsand sensitizing society on causes leading to disabilities etc.

Two "Raahgiri" days for persons with disabilities were organized in Delhi and Gurgaon.

Accessible India Campaign was launched as a nation-wide flagship campaign for achieving universal accessibility for PwDs.

Scheme on Research on Disability Related Technology, Products and Issues has been launched.

An on-line system has been introduced for improving transparency, and simplifying the application procedure for grant-in-aid to NGOs.

MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

The new series of national accounts, revising the base year from 2004-05 to 2011-12 have been released. As a part of the base year revision exercise, a comprehensive review of the methodology and datasets was made. The new series incorporates the

latest available datasets along with the recommendations laid down under the System of National Accounts, 2008.

Provisional results of Sixth Economic Census (EC) were released on 30th July, 2014. All India Report of the sixth Economic Census is expected to be released by September 2015.

The Ministry has started releasing the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) since May, 2014 in order to give a clear picture of the movement of retail prices in respect of food items.

The Base Year of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been revised from 2010=100 to 2012=100, taking into account the latest consumption patterns of the households. In this revised series, many methodological changes have been incorporated in order to make the indices more robust.

Web-based system for collection of Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data has been introduced. Using the dedicated web-portal the results of the ASI 2012-13 have been released on 24.03.2015 which is an improvement in terms of time-lag of release of final results, as compared to the earlier years.

A workshop was organized on 2nd July, 2014 to interact with the data users in the field of Industrial Statistics, National Accounts and Price Statistics. A large number of participants from a wide cross-section of data users including students, researchers, and representatives of private economic institutions, industry associations, media houses and government organizations attended the workshop. Another such workshop on new series of national accounts with base year 2011-12 was organized on 13th April, 2015.

In the process of development of the system of Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), NSSO has undertaken a pilot exercise for Periodic Labour Force Survey in consultation with World Bank using Android based Tablet devices. The field testing is in progress. Introduction of CAPI will reduce processing time and the system will be paperless. This will also integrate the processes of data collection, validation, analysis and presentation of reports etc.

The National Accounts Division of the Central Statistics Office has been certified IS/ISO 9001:2008 for “Compilation and dissemination of macro-economic indicators including national income and consumer price indices” by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Process of similar certification for Survey Design and Research Division of the National Sample Survey Office is under progress.

An integrated Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) portal has been developed and is under test operation to provide real time information on the progress of implementation of the scheme to the direct stakeholders and general public to access the progress of development works undertaken under the scheme.

An additional Quarterly Report on the Status of Implementation of the ongoing Mega Projects has been introduced for close monitoring of the projects. The first such report was brought out for the Quarter ending June 2014.

Under “Infrastructure and Programme Monitoring”, Ministry requested all the 13Infrastructure Ministries to take up a one-time review of all on-going projects costing Rs. 150 crore and above. The review was to analyse the reasons for cost and time over-runs, to identify the bottlenecks and to suggest the follow-up action required to overcome the issues. This was done during August 2014-December 2014 and reports were prepared.

In the newly instituted Open Data Champion category of the Web Ratna Awards by the Ministry of Telecommunications & IT, the Ministry of Statistics & Program Implementation won the Gold Award. It honours Ministries/Departments who have contributed datasets to India’s Open Government Data (OGD) Platform (data.gov.in).

MINISTRY OF STEEL

Steel is a deregulated sector. The role of the Ministry of Steel is that of a facilitator i.e. to facilitate growth of sector through policy intervention and removal of bottlenecks for infrastructure development.


Ministry of Steel has not formulated nor has it been allocated any Social sector scheme which directly affects the lives of the people.

However, the Ministry of Steel has undertaken the following initiatives:- The Steel & Steel Products (Quality Control) Orders, 2012, have come into effect from 1st October,

2014 on all 15 products having direct bearing on safety & security of human beings and infrastructure. After the said Order came into being, the import of steel & steel products is now as per norms set by Bureau of Indian Standard and any foreign supplier of steel & steel products is now supposed to get registered with BIS and supply the material as per standard set by BIS.

Further, the Ministry of Steel has taken several measures to enhance the Steel Production Capacity and consumption of Steel throughout the country. Some of these measures include:-

India was the 4th largest producer of crude steel after USA in the world in the calendar year 2014. As per the World Steel Association’s provisional figures available for the month of January-February, 2015, India has overtaken United States of America.

Facilitated the formation of Indian Steel Association (ISA) to articulate the needs and aspirations of the steel sector of the country.

Ministry of Steel is facilitating setting up of Steel Research & Technology Mission of India (SRTMI) to spearhead R&D activities in Iron & Steel in India on a large scale.

To provide information and facilitate investment, an Investment Facilitation Cell has been set up in the Ministry, details of which have also been placed on the Ministry’s Website.

CPSEs under the Ministry of Steel have undertaken massive modernisation and expansion plan to enhance their crude steel capacity. Expansion of Rourkela Steel Plant of SAIL has already been completed and Hon’ble Prime Minister has dedicated the same to the nation. The expansion of Rourkela Steel Plant has resulted in addition of about 2.5 million tonnes of crude steel capacity. Further, Expansion of IISCO Steel Plant of SAIL at Burnpur is also ready to be dedicated to the nation. It would further add 2.2 million tonnes of crude steel capacity.

In order to achieve the growth target of production of 300 Million Tonnes of Steel by 2025, a concept of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been proposed with respective State Governments of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Karnataka.

CPSEs under the Ministry of Steel have been expanding their dealer network with special focus on Rural Dealership Scheme to widen the reach of items of mass consumption.

CPSEs under the Ministry of Steel are implementing several projects under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Sustainable Development Facilities which are beneficial to the society andenvironment. The projects implemented under CSR inter-alia relate to water supply, irrigation facilities, health & family welfare, sanitation, public health, education, vocational training, solar lighting systems and relief to the victims of natural calamities.

In order to ensure that the benefits of Governmental policies and programmes reach all concerned, and with a view to documenting the efforts made towards this end, Ministry prepared an E-Book which has been uploaded on the website of the Ministry on 31st December, 2014. Further, a handy Pocket Book on the Ministry has also been published.

MINISTRY OF TEXTILES

Under the inspiring leadership of the visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the new Government at centre, Ministry of Textiles have taken a number of new initiatives for achieving the main objectives of making the development participative and inclusive , “sabka

saath, sabka vikaas”, giving particular attention to the under privileged regions and disadvantaged segments of the society.

Further based on the “make-in-India” initiative, the organized textile industry has been assisted with specific stress on ‘skill, scale, speed’and ‘zero-defect, zero-effect’ for scaling up employment, production and export.

The administrative mechanism and procedures are being revised based on “minimum government – maximum governance” for improving ease of doing business.

Some of the major initiatives taken in the past months in the textile sector have been indicated below.

1. Setting up infrastructure for Textile Industry under the Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP)The Ministry has cleared 20 proposals for new Textile parks in different states of the country facilitating investments upto Rs. 4500 crores and generating employment for 66000 persons. Also, to enable a better and more meaningful participation of State Governments / State Industrial Development Corporations, Joint ventures by Industrial Development Corporations have been encouraged under the scheme.

2. Launching Organised Textile industry in the North East

With a view to generate productive employment opportunities for the youth in general and women in particular in the North Eastern region of the country, “Setting up centres for production of garment and apparels”, in each of the Northern Eastern States was announced by the Hon’ble Pime Minister in Nagaland on 1st December 2014.

Under the initiative, three units with 100 machines in each unit are being set up, with a financial implication of Rs. 18 crores per centre to be funded by Government of India on 100% basis.

Foundation stones for the apparel and garment units for Nagaland at Dimapur, for Manipur at Imphal, for Sikkim at Gangtok were laid by Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge) in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Ministers and other dignitaries on 24th February 2015, 24th March 2015 and 25th March 2015 respectively. Construction, acquisition and installation of machineries in all the eight states have been started by the National Building Construction Corporation. This has generated lots of enthusiasm in the local youth in general and women in particular.

Foundation stone for Apparel and Garmenting making center in Assam is scheduled on 11th May 2015 and Foundation stone for Garment making Center and Silk Printing unit is scheduled in Tripura on 12th May 2015

3. Safeguarding interest of the Cotton growers

To safeguard the interests of domestic Cotton growers, a well-planned, largest ever Minimum Support Operations were carried out by the Cotton Corporation of India in all the 11 cotton producing States by opening 341 centres. As result of close and constant monitoring over 86 lakh bales of cotton have been procured during the season (October 2014 - March 2015). On line payment directly to the account of cotton farmers was done as an innovative measure in Andhra Pradesh in consultation with the State Government, which was appreciated by the farmers.

4. Revival of National Textile Corporation (NTC)

National Textile Corporation (NTC), a central public sector undertaking dealing with sick textile mills was turned around and wasdischarged by BIFR on 28th October, 2014, after several years on its network becoming positive. After the new government took charge, 10 more units have become profitable, taking the total number of profitable units to 13.

Provisions of the NTC Act were amended under, the “The Textile Undertakings (Nationalization) Laws (Amendment and Validation) Act – 2014” for overcoming legal hurdles in dealing with lease-hold land.

Steps have been initiated for diversification of business, taking up garment production, technical-textile production and skill development for making it a strong and vibrant undertaking in a time-bound manner.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister presided over the signing of the tripartite agreement by the Union Ministry of Textiles, the Government of Maharashtra and the National Textile Corporation, for transfer of 12 acres of land adjacent to the Chaityabhoomi in the Indu Mills Compound in Mumbai, where the last rites of Babasaheb Ambedkar were performed, for construction of a Memorial for Babasaheb Ambedkar.

5. British India Corporation (BIC) – Asset Utilization

BIC, is a sick Company, under reference to BIFR since 1992. Efforts are being made to explore the possibilities of revival.

6. Promotion of Technical Textiles

A new scheme (outlay Rs. 427 crores) was launched at Imphal on 24 th March 2015 to popularize the use of Geotechnical textiles in the North Eastern States for providing quality infrastructure like Roads, Hill slope protection and efficient water usage by water reservoir lining.

This will lead to optimal use of resources, generation of employment and growth of technical textiles.

The 4th International Exhibition - Technotex 2015 was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge) in Mumbai on 9th April 2015.

7. Skilling youth in Textiles

To mark the occasion of ‘Good Governance Day’, on 25th December 2014, the Integrated Skill Development Scheme has been scaled up during 12th Plan with an allocation of Rs. 1900 crore to train 15 lakh persons.

To meet the needs of the industry for a skilled workforce and thereby support its competitiveness, Ministry has trained 3.75 lakh youth in textile trades, particularly in the rapidly growing garmenting segment of the industry.

8. Welfare of artisans engaged in Pashmina in Jammu & Kashmir

Pursuant to Hon’ble Prime Minister’s announcement, a scheme towards Pashmina Promotion and welfare of the nomads rearing Pashmina in the Ladakh region was formulated and launched on 08.10.2014.

Empowerment of women through Sericulture: 54 women sericulturists from all over India were felicitated in one day conference on “Women Empowerment through Sericulture” towards improving quality and productivity of silk held in New Delhi on 17th September, 2014.

9. Safeguarding interests of Jute farmers and workers of Jute mills

To safeguard interests of the producers and manufacturers of Jute and Jute products estimated at about 4.35 million families, the Government has, in January 2015, approved the orders for Mandatory Packaging of food grains in Jute bags and subsidy to Jute Corporation of India to support MSP operations in jute.

For promoting more usage of value added diversified products, development of higher technology products and also to expedite the use of assets with state owned jute mills, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge) held a review meeting in Kolkata with all stakeholders including the state government, on the 23rd February 2015.

10. Handlooms and Online Marketing

Due to various policy initiatives and scheme interventions like cluster approach, aggressive marketing initiative and social welfare measures, the handloom sector has shown positive growth and the income level of weavers has improved.

The sector provides employment to 43.31 lakh persons engaged on about 23.77 lakh handlooms.

During the current year, seven Common Facility Centres each per block have been set up in the Benaras Mega Cluster.

A Memorandum of Understanding with Flipkart for online sale of handloom products. Primary Weavers’ Cooperative Societies are being assisted for development of infrastructure for production of quality fabrics with new design which can be sourced through e-marketing.

Introduction of India Handloom brand for quality product and development of group of weavers along with required facilities will give a boost to e-marketing.

Laying of foundation stone of one of the seven CFCs at Kardhana by the Hon’ble Minister of Textiles and Governor, U.P. is scheduled on 13th May 2015.

“Indian Handloom Brand” developed to give distinct identity to handloom products and their quality

11. Handicrafts

The Handicrafts Sector contributes substantially to employment generation and exports. The exports of handicrafts including handmade carpets have marked an increase of 23.16 %

during the current year.

12. Powerloom

Insitu Upgradation Scheme : 8500 low-end powerlooms upgraded: subsidy of Rs.9.98 crores given

Yarn Bank - Total outlay is Rs. 4 crore, GOI share for per yarn bank is upto Rs.1 crore – 2 proposals from Surat (Rs. 50 lakhs each), 2 proposals from Coimbatore (Rs. 35 lakhs each) & one from Varanasi (Rs. 30 lakhs) approved

Tex Venture Fund - Contribution agreement between Govt. of India and SIDBI has been signed on 03.10.14 ; Rs.11.50 crore allocated for 2014-15 released to SIDBI Venture Capital Ltd. (SVCL)

13. New Textile Policy

The draft policy has been discussed further with concerned stakeholders. The revised draft New Textile Policy is under process for approval by the Government.

14. Special Focus

Implementation of Plan Schemes : Spent 95% of RE in 2014-15 against 81% last year, In respect of North East (NERTPS) spent Rs.116.25 Crores in 2014-15 (Rs.2.86 Crores in 2013-14). Scheme guidelines simplified in respect of SITP, ISDS

Swachh Bharat Mission : Testile PSUs completed 64% toilets in schools, remaining by 15th May, 2015. Special attention to cleaning Office premises and HHEC installed eco-friendly Solar Energy System : to enable accrual of Carbon Credits

Ease of doing Business :

1) Towards Ease of doing business the Ministry has decided to join the DIPP e-biz portal for the Textiles sector and present one front face to a potential investor in the manufacturing sector. In this context, Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge) launched the Comprehensive Integrated Software Development (iTUFS) for Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) on 9th April 2015.


2) Procedure for testing textile samples for import simplified in respect of countries where azodyes have been banned under statute: and for cases accompanied by certificate from accredited agency.

3) Computer system of Textile Committee integration with Customs and E-book on initiatives and schemes uploaded to the web-site to spread awareness of the Ministry’s programme and efforts.

MINISTRY OF TOURISM

1. Foreign Tourist Arrivals and Foreign Exchange Earnings1.1 There has been a commendable increase in Foreign Tourist Arrivals(FTAs) during the

last one year. During the period June 2014-March 2015, the number of FTAs were

6770076, registering a growth of 8.1% over the period June 2013-March 2014 when the number of FTAs were 6260914.

1.2 Similarly, the growth in Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) in rupee terms from the tourism sector during the above mentioned period was 9.5%.

1.3 The FEEs (in US $ terms) grew by 10.0% during the same period.

Progress in Foreign Tourist Arrivals

June 13 to March

14

June 14 to March

15Growth

FTAs (in number) 6260914 6770076 8.1%FEEs (in Rs. Crore) 95,706 1,04,817 9.5%FEEs (in US$ billion) 15.517 17.073 10.0%

2. Swadesh Darshan2.1 In the Budget for 2014-15, a new scheme announced for developing 5 tourist circuits

around specific themes with an outlay of Rs 500cr. The Revised Budget provision for the Scheme was Rs. 20.00 crore.

2.2 Rs 600 cr allocated in the current year i.e., 2015-162.3 The circuits identified for development under the scheme are North-East Circuit,

Buddhist Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Himalayan Circuit and Krishna Circuit.2.4 Mission objectives include development of circuits having tourist potential in a planned

and prioritized manner, integrated development of infrastructure in identified circuits, promote cultural heritage of country, developing world-class infrastructure in circuit destination, pro-poor tourism approach, promote local arts, handicrafts, cuisine, generate employment

2.5 This scheme is proposed to be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme during 12th Five Year Plan and beyond.

2.6 One of the major efforts to increase India’s share in Global tourism to 1%. The outcome shall be measured in terms of:-

a. Increase in tourist traffic in the identified circuits;b. Employment generation in the identified sectors;c. Enhancement of awareness and development of skills and capacity to augment

tourism with value added services;d. Increase in revenue generatione. Private sector investment in the identified circuits.

2.7 Scheme Guidelines have been finalized and Mission Directorate set up2.8 Three projects, one each in North-east, Buddhist and Coastal circuits sanctioned in 2014-

15 under the scheme

3. PRASAD: National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenations and Spiritual Augmentation Drive

3.1 New scheme announced in the Budget for 2014-15 with an outlay of Rs 100cr. The Revised Budget Provision for the Scheme was Rs. 15.60 crore.

3.2 Rs 100cr outlay in current year i.e. 2015-163.3 Integrated development of pilgrimage destinations to provide complete religious and

spiritual tourism experience3.4 This Scheme is proposed to be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme during 12 th Five

Year Plan3.5 Scheme Guidelines finalized, Mission Directorate set up

3.6 Aim is to promote sustainable pilgrimage tourism in the country, to strengthen measures for safety, security and proving the quality tourism services in pilgrim cities, to bridge infrastructure gaps in pilgrimage destinations

3.7 12 cities identified for implementation in first phase i.e Varanasi, Amritsar, Ajmer, Mathura, Gaya, Kanchipuram, Velankanni, Dwarka, Puri, Amravati, Kedarnath and Kamakhya

3.8 Four projects, one each for Gaya and Puri and 2 for Mathura sanctioned under PRASAD in 2014-15. This includes sanction of Rs 50 cr for the project for infrastructure development at Puri for the upcoming Nabakalevara Ceremony at Puri

4. E-Tourist Visa4.1 Pathbreaking measure by the new Government4.2 Initially introduced as Electronic Authorization (ETA) enabled Tourist Visa on Arrival

(TVoA) on 27th November, 20144.3 Now re-named as e-Tourist Visa but with no change in the scheme guidelines of ETA

enabled TVoA4.4 The e-Tourist Visa would enable the prospective visitor to apply for an Indian Visa from

his/her home country online without visiting the Indian Mission and also pay the visa fee online. Once approved, the applicant will receive an email authorizing him/her to travel to India and he/she can travel with a print out of this authorization. On arrival, the visitor has to present the authorization to the immigration authorities who would then stamp the entry into the country.

4.5 The e-Tourist Visa is presently available for citizens of 44 countries arriving at 9 airports in India. The Ministry of Tourism has identified a list of 106 additional countries to be considered for e-Tourist Visa during 2015-16.

4.6 During the period January to March, 2015 a total of 75,859 e-Tourist visas were issued indicating the roaring success of the new online authorization scheme.

4.7 The introduction of E-Tourist Visa would directly have a positive impact on the foreign tourist arrivals into the country as it will simplify the process of seeking the visas to India.

5. Incredible India Helpline5.1 The Ministry of Tourism has set up the ‘Incredible India Help Line’ as a pilot project to

guide the tourists during any emergencies such as medical, crime natural calamities or on being stranded and tourist information etc.

5.2 Launched in December, 20145.3 To address and guide the tourists during any emergency which may include medical,

crime natural calamities or on being stranded.5.4 This service will be available as toll free on telephone 1800111363 or on a short code

1363.5.5 The help line service will provide a sense of security to the tourists who can contact the

Government for guidance/information during emergencies while travelling in India and also seek tourist information etc.

6. Welcome Cards6.1 Special welcome cards to be handed to all the tourists, landing at the 9 International

airports where e-Tourist Visa facility is operational.6.2 Launched in December, 20146.3 This card will carry the information of the local India Tourism office along with online

and offline contact information which the tourists can use in case of any queries.6.4 The main idea behind this being to make the experience of exploring the country

pleasant.

7. “BadteKadam”, a Hunar Se Rozgar Tak (HSRT) Phase-II launched

7.1 In December, 2014, the HSRT Initiative was opened to private participation under a distinct vertical titled Hunar Se Rozgar Tak : Badhate Kadam . The objective is to enhance the programme’s reach and delivery. Now the Industrial units, associations of industries, professional/ skill developing agencies with proven credentials; and Hospitality Institutes approved by the AICTE / National Skill Development Authority / State Governments / Union Territory Administrations can participate and contribute to the skill needs in the hospitality trade. The trades opened are : food production, food & beverage service, house-keeping and bakery & patisserie.

8. Swachh Bharat Swachh Pakwan (Hunar Zaika) 8.1 This program is aimed at upgrading the skills and hygiene standards of Street Food

Vendors, so that they become a distinctive aspect of the Indian tourism.8.2 Launched in December, 20148.3 The Ministry of Tourism is partnering with the National Association of Street Vendors of

India (NASVI) for the specific purpose of orientation, skill testing and certification of the vendors will be in terms of the following:-The NASVI will either directly or through its city co-ordinators nominate vendors in groups for training at one of the Institute of Hotel Management (IHMs)/ Food Craft Institute (FCIs) authorized by the MoT to conduct such programmes.

8.4 Since the vendors will also be sensitized, as part of the orientation, to personal, environmental and waste disposal hygiene, this MoT’s effort in partnership with NASVI will also visibly contribute to the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan.

9. Indian Culinary Institute (Tirupati & Noida)

9.1 Foundation stone laid in September, 2014 for ICI, Tirupati.9.2 Foundation stone laid in January, 2015 for ICI, NOIDA.9.3 The ICI will offer programs in kitchen management, molecular gastronomy, plate

presentation, food styling and displays, anthropology, etc.9.4 Besides documentation and research of regional and global cuisines, the institute would

comprise a patent and legal cell and a museum of traditional foods.9.5 Aims to enhance culinary skills of youth looking for employment in hospitality sector,

promote and preserve traditional Indian foods

10. International Buddhist Conclave 2014With a view to showcase and project the Buddhist heritage of India, the second International

Buddhist Conclave (IBC) was organised by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the State Govts. of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in Bodhgaya and Sarnath from September 26 – 28, 2014. The Conclave included presentations, discussions, an exhibition highlighting the Buddhist attractions in India, visits to important Buddhist sites during the period of the Conclave and interaction between international and domestic tour operators to enhance tourism to the Buddhist circuit in the country. The International Buddhist Conclave was attended by 120 foreign delegates comprising of Buddhist Opinion makers, tour operators, media etc., from 32 countries.

11. 3rd International Tourism Mart (ITM)a. Held in Shillong in Meghalaya in October, 2014.b. ITM Was organised in the North East with the objective of highlighting the tourism

potential of the region in the domestic and international markets.c. Over 50 buyer delegates from ASEAN and SAARC countries, Japan, Korea, Australia,

France, Spain, Russia, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, U.K. and USA participated in the Mart.

E-Initiatives :-12. Incredible India Mobile App listing approved hotels, tour operators, travel agents, transport

operators and Regional Level Guides.

13. Online Tracking of Hotel Classification Application, Online approval of Travel Trade service providers,

14. Under E-management of Tourism and Hospitality Institutes, The Ministry of Tourism has embarked upon the development of an Tourism & Hospitality Institute Management System (IMS) in collaboration with the NIC to leverage the full potential of I.T. & I.C.T. in its as well as NCHMCT & IITTM’s decision making process and to also enable all the Ministry of Tourism sponsored Institutes to conduct their day-to-day operations through this system. The IMS has since been renamed as Tourism & Hospitality Tourism & Hospitality Institute Management System (THTHIMS).

15. Launch of E-Book of Ministry of Tourism. Other Initiatives:-

16. Upgradation of 24 Railway Stations of touristic importance undertaken on cost sharing basis (50:50) with Ministry of Railways at a total cost of Rs. 240 crores.

17. During the visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China to India, “The China-India Joint Statement on Closer Developmental Partner” was issued which has formally designated 2015 as the “Visit India Year” in China and 2016 as the “Visit China Year” in India

MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

1. Strengthening of Institutions:

The capacity of tribal people to harness the fruits of development and to access various schemes for delivery of public goods and services has remained limited. The Integrated Tribal Development Agencies were the institutions assigned with the role to facilitate such access. But over the years, several scheme-specific bodies at District level became stronger whereas ITDAs/ITDPs have become weak or non-existent in most of the states. Similarly, Tribal Research Institutes have become weak in many states. This has reduced knowledge support to persons in charge of tribal development. Urban areas have seen increasing number of tribal people but there is no agency to look after their special problems. During the current year, the Ministry has taken up strengthening of these institutions on priority and also to create new ones so that they can deliver goods and services more effectively. Under the existing scheme of SCA to TSP, Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution and the scheme of ‘Grant-in-Aid to Tribal Research Institutes’, the guidelines have been revised so that these institutions may be equipped with proper infrastructure, manpower and flexibility.

2. Improving Literacy :The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is committed to overall development (including health and education) of the people belonging to Scheduled Tribes and to protect the rights of such people and preserve and promote tribal culture and heritage. The Ministry has taken a number of steps towards this. The capacity of tribal people to harness the fruits of development and to access various schemes for delivery of public goods and services has remained limited. The Integrated Tribal Development Agencies were the institutions assigned with the role to facilitate such access. But over the years, several scheme-specific bodies at District level became stronger whereas ITDAs/ITDPs have become weak or non-existent in most of the states. Similarly, Tribal Research Institutes have become weak in many states. This has reduced knowledge support to persons in charge of tribal development. Urban areas have seen increasing number of tribal people but there is no agency to look after their special problems. During the current year, the Ministry has taken up strengthening of these institutions on priority and also to create new ones so that they can deliver goods and services more effectively. Under the existing scheme of SCA to TSP, Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution and the scheme of ‘Grant-in-Aid to Tribal Research Institutes’, the guidelines have been revised so that these institutions may be equipped with proper infrastructure, manpower and flexibility. 2.1 The Ministry had sought views through MyGov platform on ways to decrease dropout and increase literacy amongst ST children. Analysis of responses indicate that high dropouts are due to: • At primary level of education: due to poor learning ability, barriers of language and culture. • Factors outside the school: Lack of Parental and Community support outside the school Loss of livelihood and culture Doubtful about the benefits of education • Examination after class 8 2.2 After drop out most went back to agriculture and traditional vocations. 2.3 Possible solutions suggested were: a. Teaching in tribal language (mother tongue) b. Culturally sensitive curriculum i. Traditional vocations ii. Traditional Crafts iii. Life skills and Livelihood orientation iv. Parents/Community involvement c. Teacher to be mentor and counselor as well 2.4 Based on National University on Educational Planning and Administration’s finding and experience gained in the Ministry, a series of measures have been taken during last one year to address these issues: 1. Development of Bilingual Primers containing text both in regional and tribal language but in local official script through Tribal Research Institutes and Sarva Siksha Abhiyan. 2. Content of the primers in the Tribal Cultural context 3. School vacation to be in synchronization with major tribal festivals 4. Construction of Girls toilets: to check girl drop out; physical safety; sanitation issues 5. Vocational training integrated with residential schools- to make education more useful for livelihood, and perceived as relevant and valuable 6. Residential schools (200-300 students capacity) in block headquarters for quality

education and physical safety including in LWE affected areas 7. Promotion of Kitchen garden and Sports 8. Traditional Food (minor millet) in school meals 9. School management to engage teachers to overcome shortage 10. 100% screening of children for Sickle Cell Anemia/Trait 11. 100% physical enrolment of children 12. Habit of hygiene and sanitation, use of recyclable material amongst school children, reduction in generation of garbage 13. Engagement of trained lady health workers as Warden/Asstt. Wardens in girls’ hostels.

3. Umbrella scheme for Education of ST Children:The following schemes for education have been merged into an umbrella scheme. (a) Establishing and strengthening of Ashram Schools. (b) Establishing and strengthening of Hostels. (c) Vocational training in tribal areas. (d) Post-Matric Scholarship. (e) Pre-Matric Scholarship. The needs vary from State to State and this new scheme gives flexibility to opt for expenditure. This year bulk of the grants have gone for scholarships.

4. Scheduling of Tribes and change of guidelines:There are several communities which are not included in the list of Scheduled Tribes and who claim the status of Scheduled Tribe on various grounds. The present process for inclusion of a community under Scheduled Tribe is nontransparent. Some of these claiming communities were left out because of some historical mistakes like wrongly spelling them or due to phonetic variations mainly because of writing of vernacular names in Roman script. A task force constituted under the chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs examined these issues in detail and submitted their recommendations to the Ministry of Tribal Affair. All the recommendations of the Task Force have been accepted by the Ministry. One of the key recommendations of the Task Force is that the valid names of communities is that in Devnagri script so that the phonetic variation in English alphabet does not lead to multiple rendering of the names.

5. Institutional mechanisms for promotion of Tribal Products and Marketing:a) Scheme for Minor Forest Produce: The price of MFP is very often determined by traders rather than by demand and supply because of skewed information. The scheme is initially implemented in States having areas under fifth Schedule of the Constitution for 12 MFPs namely (i) Tendu Leaves (ii) Bamboo (iii) Mahua seed (iv) Sal Leaf (v) Sal Seed (vi) Lac (vii) Chironjee (viii) Wild Honey (ix) Myrobalan (x) Tamarind (xi) Gums (Gum Karaya) and (xii) Karanj. The Ministry’s agency, TRIFED has hosted ‘MFPNET’, a web-based portal through which current price of MFPs can be known across important Mandis of different States. (b) Inauguration of Call Centre and Toll Free Number: In order to provide real time information, daily prices of Minor Forest Produce in various Mandis across the country can now be obtained through Toll Free Number 1800-180-1551 which was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister for Tribal Affairs on 02.09.2014. (c) E-Commerce Portal: A portal for direct selling has been launched by TRIFED. In addition, TRIFED has tied up with “snapdeal.com”

6. Role of Tribal Research Institutes6.1 A road map has been drawn to convert TRIs into repositories of knowledge on

Tribal issues and become vibrant institutions. Strengthening of TRIs with skilled manpower and core programmes has been funded from 2014-15. While some TRIs have done great work in documentation of ethnography, culture and language, they have been urged to strengthen themselves in socio-economic sectors keeping in view specific problems of tribal people of the State. 6.2 The attention of Chief Ministers’ has been drawn by the Minister for Tribal Affairs to strengthen these institutions. Some of the areas in which improvement has been sought are : • As far as possible, convert the TRI into a Registered Society so that

funds can be released directly and approval process of projects can be expedited. • Projects sanctioned by Union Government in which the component of research scholars etc. is supported should not require another round of approvals by various departments in the State Government. • The TRIs have been assigned projects to document traditional tribal medicines and medicinal practices for which they have been advised to constitute Task Forces. The entire cost of the documentation would be borne by the Union Government. The project period for completion of the work has been suggested to be one or two years. These should be exempted from the need for further approvals by the state government. • In a State having substantial tribal population, if there is no TRI, it should be set up. • There should be a full time Director for the TRI. Only willing and qualifying persons should be posted. • Another important assignment for the TRIs will be to document tribal language in local script. Some States like Odisha have done excellent work in this regard. But a lot more work is to be done. This will also be supported by us. Besides this, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) will support preparation of primers in tribal language and local script. TRIs should also be on Tourist Map if they have a robust museum. The museum should also showcase live demonstration such as painting, handicrafts, handlooms etc. TRIs’ museum should not only have architecture, musical instruments, artifacts but also have tribal medicines, literature on tribals, documentary film and so on. Sale Centre should also be opened up on these places. TRIs should be central to tribal festivals. 6.3 The Ministry supports strengthening active research in Universities and reputed institutions in order to involve them in a more focused, long term and policy-oriented work relating to scheduling of Tribes. Currently three institutions are functioning with support from the Ministry: i) National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad in the field of Local Governance and Rural Development. ii) BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune in the field of Rural Technologies for Improvement in Livelihood and Quality of Life. iii) Bhasha Research and Publication Centre, Vadodra in the field of Information, Education and Communication. The Ministry has recognized the Department of Odia, Vishva Bharati, Shanti Niketan Centre of Excellence in the field of Tribal Language and Literature. Another proposal has been approved by the Ministry to establish a National Research Centre in the Tribal Research Institute, Bhubaneswar to promote research activities on subjects/ issues for socio-economic development and culture of STs. 6.4 A meeting was held by the Ministry with All India Radio (AIR) and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 26.02.2015. AIR is using more than 126 regional/tribal dialects in its regional broadcasts. A detailed plan is being worked out to expand the scope and add value to the programs in consultation with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and AIR. MoTA has suggested that there is need for coverage of more tribal languages. The outreach of AIR in hilly areas is also limited. FM Radio is one of the new initiatives of AIR. This has a limited range, even under best line of-sight situation. In uneven and forested terrain, outreach of FM is even lower. SW broadcast is more efficient is such terrain, but the availability of SW radio among tribal people has to be attended to. This can be easily assisted under extension programs of many schemes. Against this range of outreach, the Coordination Committee decided that MoTA will prepare basic input on some of the highlighted areas and supply to AIR. Some tribal areas are: a) Coverage of all pregnant mothers under immunization b) Getting dropped out children back to school c) Restore value in traditional foods like millets, vegetables (Chakodi) and so called wild tubers d) Sickle Cell Anaemia survey e) Scope for assessing sports facilities. AIR will prepare local language versions. In many places the outreach of AIR will be for people who are studying in schools and colleges or working in urban areas. Given the level of outreach of AIR, these scripts will be designed.

7. Implementation of Forest Rights Act:The Forest Rights Act is a landmark legislation to recognize the preexisting rights of tribals and other traditional forest dwellers who are in occupation of forest land, but whose rights could not be recorded. After more than seven years of its implementation, by the end of January, 2015, more than 39.61 lakh claims have been filed. Of these, 15.32 lakh Individual Rights and more than 29,800 Community Forest Rights titles have been distributed covering a total area of 72.09 lakh acres of land. So far 83.06 per cent of claim applications filed have been disposed of. 8. Vanbandhu KalyanYojana:In order to achieve comprehensive development of tribals, Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (VKY) is being implemented by our Ministry which focuses on convergence of different schemes of development. VKY also envisages a shift in working character and rather than focusing merely on physical and financial achievements. For example, instead of number of schools, it will see the number of students who have passed with distinction. The proposed intervention is aimed at adopting a holistic approach commensurate to the Gujarat Model for overall development of the tribal people with sustainability. 9. A Project Appraisal Committee, headed by Secretary, Tribal Affairs, with representatives of State Governments, Financial Advisor Planning Commission, etc. has been constituted to appraise and approve the proposals for allocation under various schemes of the Ministry. This has helped in ensuring consultation with the States, convergence of various schemes of the Ministry and other Centrally Sponsored Schemes, transparency in the process of appraisal and fund releases and ensuring optimal allocation of limited financial resources. The Committee has prioritised on education especially that of girl child and low literacy tribes; health especially Sickle Cell Anemia, Malaria, Malnutrition and Livelihood. Facilities of Toilets with running water and electricity in residential schools has been emphasized. This process has helped in synchronizing national priorities with state ones. 10. Health and Nutrition Initiatives:Sickle Cell Anemia: To eradicate Sickle Cell Anemia, health check-up followed by issue of Health cards of students of tribal department schools/ hostels to identify sickle cell trait [HbAS] (SCT) cases has been undertaken. Parents are to be made aware of the problems and its prevention methods. Health ministry has been requested to include Sickle Cell test for all population as prevalence is high in all population groups in malaria-prone areas. The Ministry had discussions with Department of Health Research, their Regional Medical Research Centres (RMRC) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) of States and other representatives of Tribal Welfare (TW) Departments. Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs visited several places where Malaria is endemic and' prevalence of Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) is high and discussed with doctors and district officials. These places include Dadra & Nagar Haveli (Khanvel), Mizoram (Lawngthlai and Saiha), Odisha (Anugul. Rayagada, Gajapati). Andhra Pradesh. (Vishakhapatnam. Srikakulam), Tamilnadu (Jawadhu Hills), Manipur (Senapati), Jharkhand (Ranchi and Gumla), and Kerala (Waynad). Thereafter a protocol of Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) has been developed in consultation with ICMR. There would be 100% screening of students in schools for Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) / disease through a turbidity test. This would be done jointly by the local doctors and locally trained educated youth (by Tribal Research Institutes) with the help of the School Management Committee. The students will be given a Card about Sickle Cell Status. Counseling of parents will also be done not to marry Sickle Cell Trait carrying person with other person carrying this trait. In places where school drop-out rate is high, the out of school children will be reached out through efforts of Panchayat members,

Anganwadi worker, ASHA and ANMs etc. A series of workshops have been planned starting in Odisha, West Bengal, Guwahati and Gujarat in March and April with collaboration of TRIs, RMRC and TW and Health Departments. Calendar for other endemic states is being finalized. Data relating to rural health infrastructure in Tribal Areas have been examined in comparison with rural health infrastructure for all population, State/UT wise. It has been found that per lakh population Sub Centres (SCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) functioning (as on 31st March, 2014) in the Tribal Areas are significantly less as compared to such infrastructure functioning for all population in the States/ UTs, namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep. As the population density of tribal habitations is lower, the per sq.km area availability of health services is expected to be even lower for areas with tribal population.10.2 But the availability of health services particularly doctors, paramedics and equipments is much less than what is shown here because the actual presence of a doctor in a health centre may not happen even if he is posted. We are sharing this information with field officials of Tribal Welfare Departments to improve monitoring.10.3 Remoteness, lower demand and lower levels of comfort are some of the reasons why doctors and paramedics do not stay in these remote areas. Many experiments have been attempted such as single doctor PHC supported by a Pharmacist. This does not work for various reasons. Such doctors are often fresh from college. Today, some of the brightest boys and girls go to medical colleges and the discomfort of these remote habitations and the loneliness cannot be compensated by any kind of money. In the absence of equipments, medicines, para-medics and peer group support these doctors have little work. In fact, monetary incentives for remote areas have been attempted in many States, but it has not resulted in better presence of doctors. From field visits across the country, we have observed that the only pattern which works, is a large hospital in every Block which were known as Community Health Centres (CHC) and earlier as Primary Health Centres (PHC). These should have three to four MBBS Doctors, and specialist in disciplines like Medicine, Pediatrics, Obsetrician & Gynaecology, Pathology, Anesthesia and Orthopedics. There should also be supporting paramedic staff and residential facility for doctors and Paramedics. These hospitals should have 100-200 beds. In such large hospitals, doctors and paramedics will have more comfort including a social life. In view of the large number of sanctioned posts, absence of doctors due to non-posting or absenteeism is likely to be low. Once, the people know that medical services are bound to be available to some degree or other in a particular hospital, then people will also come to these hospitals and this will give a sense of satisfaction to the doctors and paramedics. Once the institutions of ‘single – doctor PHCs’ are withdrawn, there will be enough doctors for the Block Level CHC.10.4 A major area in tribal health relates to public health and not treatments. In earlier days, the presence of ANMs in remote areas was quite good, but owing to change in value systems, even the ANMs’ presence in remote areas has become irregular. One initiative started by MoTA in 2014-15 is to identify tribal students, particularly girl students, who do reasonably well in science subjects, train them as paramedics and keep them attached to an ANM or any other institution with a regular remuneration. A similar effort was started many years ago in Rajasthan where women with very low level of education, but having leadership qualities, were engaged as Health workers by the State Government for elimination of guineaworm epidemic. They have been able to eradicate this scourge in remote areas. 10.5 The Ministry is supporting construction of PHCs or sub centres in Tribal Area which are not funded by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Training of educated Tribal girls/women to be paramedics is yet another attempt to improve primary /

Public health care delivery. Untied funds for health service has also been released to many States for any kind of support. 11 National Tribal Festival: 2015The Ministry of Tribal Affairs organized the National Tribal Festival ‘VANAJ’ in New Delhi from 13th to 18th February, 2015. It was organised at three venues which included the Central Park and the BKS Marg at Connaught Place and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi. The festival provided glimpses of rich cultural heritage of tribal communities across the country through unique forms of folk dances, songs and other traditional practices and focused on developing a sense of appreciation of the cultural diversity of the country. More than 900 artists and performers from the states of Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal participated in traditional dance and music progrmmes of the state concerned. The other highlight of the Festival included state specific tribal huts, exhibition of books, art and crafts, tribal cuisine, award winning photographs and demonstration of traditional skill in painting, craft and traditional medical practices. Screening of documentary films and seminars on subject relevant to tribal issues were other attractions of the six days event. The event would be organised from 2nd Friday to 3rd Wednesday of February every year. 12. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been conferred with Web Ratna Award 2014 in the Outstanding Content Category.

MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT

As per 2011 Census, the urban population in the country was about 37 crore accounting for 31% of total population. As per the latest estimates, about 5.80 crore urban population are poor. The Government of India is keen to improve the quality of life in urban areas besides helping the urban poor with enhanced employment and livelihood opportunities and housing etc., as a part of concerted inclusive urban development initiatives. The Government of India has underlined the need to convert the growing urbanization into an opportunity for economic growth by endeavoring to enhance the quality of life in urban areas through ensuring necessary social, physical, economic and institutional infrastructure and to make urban areas as catalysts of economic activity so that all the sections can meet their aspirations in urban settings. Making States, Union Territories and Urban Local Bodies partners in conceptualizing and implementing the new initiatives has been the cornerstone of the approach of the Government in the context of the learnings of implementation of Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission that was launched in 2005 and implemented till March, 2014 when it was wound up by the previous government.

Review of existing laws

(i) The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971 has been amended to extend the provisions of the Act to entities like New Delhi Municipal Council,Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Municipal Corporations of Delhi to facilitate eviction of unauthorized occupants.

(ii) The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Special Laws) Second Act, 2011 amended to extend protection to certain unauthorised construction beyond December, 2014 till December, 2017 during when necessary measures will be taken for orderly development of such constructions.

(iii) Union Cabinet has accorded fresh approval for repealing the Delhi Hotel (Control of Accommodation) Act, 1949 which was introduced in Rajya Sabha on 18.2.2014. On repeal of the Act, there would be no obligation on thehotel owners to reserve accommodation on the order of the Government.

(iv) Delhi Apartment Ownership Act, 1986 will be replaced by a new Act for which a new Bill will be introduced in Parliament.The proposed Act seeks to make applicable its provisions to properties beyond DDA built apartments, apartments on DDA plots and Cooperative Housing Societies that can be converted into freehold and thereby allow inheritability, transferability etc. It will benefit residents of Delhi.

Adoption of National Declaration on Housing for All by 2022 and Urban Governance

A National Declaration on Housing for All by 2022 and Urban Governance has been adopted at a Conclave of concerned Ministers from the States and Administrators of UTs held in July, 2014. Under the Declaration, States / UTs agreed to implement a set of 25-urban governance reforms, including empowering of urban local bodies to enable better urban governance that is an essential pre-requisite for effective urban planning and development. This declaration and consensus on urban reforms is the first of its kind in the country.

Extensive Stakeholder consultations on Smart Cities and other initiatives. Extensive stakeholder consultations were organized throughout the year to sensitize states and urban local bodies to the policy and implementation issues relating to new



initiatives like building 100 smart cities, New Urban Rejuvenation Mission for 500 cities, Swachh Bharat Mission, Heritage Augmentation and Development Yojana (HRIDAY) etc. The consultations focused on the learnings of implementation of Jawaharlal Nehru UrbanRenewal Mission (JNNURM) during 2005-14..

Smart Cities initiative Union Cabinet in April, 2015 approved Smart Cities Mission for building 100 smart cities with the objective of enhancing the quality of life in urban areas by ensuring core infrastructure services besides enabling urban areas emerge as effective drivers of economic growth through adoption of smart solutions and inclusive urban planning. An outlay of Rs.48,000 cr has been approved for the five year period i.e 2015-16 – 2019-20. Each selected smart city aspirant will be provided central assistance of Rs.100 cr per Year.

US Trade Development Agency (USTDA) signed MoU with the Governments of UP, Rajasthan and AP for assisting in making the cities of Allahabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam into smart cities. 14 countries expressed interest in building smart cities. These include: US, Japan, China, Singapore, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Israel, Turkey, Australia. By seeking to recast the urban landscape, this Mission helps the urban poor by providing access to urban spaces and through enhanced job opportunities from augmented economic activities in urban areas.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation of 500 Cities This Scheme envisages provision of basic infrastructure facilities pertaining to water Supply, Sewerage, Drainage, Solid Waste Management, Transport etc in cities with population of one lakh and above. Union Cabinet approved AMRUT in April, 2015 with an outlay of Rs.50,000 cr for five Years i.e 2015-16 – 2019-20. AMRUT also helps urban poor in the form of increased urban infrastructure.

Swacch Bharat Mission Launched on October 2,2014 with the objective of ensuring cleanliness and open defecation free urban areas in all the 4,041 statutory cities in the country by 2019. Estimated cost is Rs.66,009 cr out of which centre’s share is Rs.14,643 cr Physical targets: Construction of 1.04 cr household toilets, 2.52 lakh community toilet seats and 2.54 lakh public toilet seats and assisting30 cr urban population with solid waste management practices. During 2014-15, about Rs.800 cr has been released to 28 states/UTs. Over 2 lakh household toilets have been built besides 1200 community toilet seats during the year. 390 cities have reported 100% collection and transportation of municipal solid waste.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were issued by the Ministry to ensure cleanliness during after public gatherings/meetings in urban areas by mandating the organisers with the responsibility of ensuring cleanliness and providing public conveniences and empowering urban local bodies/concerned agencies to do so availing the Security Deposit to be made by organisers in case of default by organisers. SBM primarily helps urban poor through improved sanitation since poor are the worst suffers from poor hygiene.

Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) Launched on January 21, 2015 for integrating heritage conservation, urban planning and economic growth To be implemented in 12 identified cities : Amritsar, Ajmer, Amaravati (AP), Badami, Dwaraka(Gujarat),Gaya, Mathura, Puri, Kanchipuram and Vellankini(Tamil Nadu), Varanasi and Warangal(Telangana) To be implemented in 27 months with an outlay of Rs.500 cr Funds released to all the 12 cities during 2014-15.

Delhi specific initiatives An inter-ministerial and inter-governmental High Powered Committee has prepared an Action Plan for decongestion of Delhi Union Cabinet has extended the cut-off date for regularization of unauthorized colonies from 31.3.2012 to June 1, 2014 that is estimated to benefit about 60 lakh people Ministry of Urban Development approved extension of expired leases and their conversion into freehold of properties in 23 Nazul Estates like Karol Bagh, Paharganj, Daryaganj etc Ministry also approved granting of freehold rights in respect of lands in 5 Chullah Tax villages viz., Nangli Razapur, Todapur, Dasghara, Jhilmil Tahirpu and Arakpur Bagh MandiFloor Area Ratio (FAR) increased from 120 to 200 in respect of plot sizes of 750 sq.mt and above. Ground Coverage has been increased from 40% to 50% for plots of 1000 sq.mt and above DDA alloted25,034 flats under different categories. Delhi Building Bye-laws are under advanced stage of rationalization and notification to enable timely and hassle free approvals. It has been decided that DDA will undertake several projects to decongest identified critical roads, provide land for public utilities like landfills, working women hostel, office for South Delhi Municipal Corporation, burial ground for animals, besides developing five world class integrated passenger terminals, developing Dwarka Sub-

city as the country’s first cycle city, amend building by-laws to make them citizen friendly, augmenting water supply to Dwarka, creating public spaces for recreation.

Urban Transport Metro Rail Project for Nagpur approved in April 2014 and for Ahmedabad in October, 2014 In-principle approval accorded in November, 2014 for Monorail project on PPP basis between Poonamalle and Kathipura with a link from Porurl to Vadapalani in Tamil Nadu Rs.884.12 cr released during 2014-15 for procurement of 7,509 buses for different cities.

Ensuring punctuality and cleanlinessPunctuality of employees is being regularly monitored by designated officers to

enable delivery of services and other entitlements to general public and other stakeholders in time.

Special emphasis is being laid on ensuring cleanliness in office premises and surroundings.

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION

National Mission on Clean GangaActivitiesStakeholders Conference on policy issues including Irrigation Ministers ConferenceA three day Conference on “Jal Manthan” was organized from 20-22 November, 2014 in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The deliberations include discussions on improvement of the three flagship schemes being implemented by this Ministry viz. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies and Flood Management Programme (FMP). New proposals, such as, Incentivizing States for Water Sector Reforms, India Water Resources Information System (India WRIS) and Hydrology Project III. The second day of the Conference deliberated on various aspects of interlinking of Rivers. On the third day, deliberations were held on broader issues of water conservation and management with civil societies, nongovernmental organizations and water user communities. The focus was on water security; Humane face to water resources projects; farm water management and Rejuvenation of water bodies. ActivitiesConservation of the River Ganga, Yamuna & other tributaries Pollution abatement- Treatment plans for both domestic & industrial wastewater. In-situ treatment of drains Rural sanitation in the urban & rural areas in the Ganga river basin. Afforestation in the river basin. Aquatic life conservation. Environmental Flow River Water quality Communication & public participation. Ganga Knowledge Centre. AchievementsNational level stakeholder dialogue- Ganga Manthan held in July 2014. Periodic meeting with industrial associations & representatives. Clean Ganga Fund set up to encourage public participation & contribution. Strategic communication plan developed in association with John Hopkins University. Integrated Ganga Conservation Mission – “Namai Ganage” with a budget support of Rs. 2037 Cr & Rs.100 Cr for Ghat development in 2014-15. Identification of 764 Grossly polluting industries through pollution assessment and inventorization Scheme(PAIS). Time bound action plan for online continuous monitoring system by 31st March 2015. Strategies to adopt Zero Liquid Discharge for selected industries. Ganga Knowledge Centre has been set up at NMCG. Ganga Knowledge Portal being established. Consortium of 7 IITs engaged in the preparation of Ganga river Basin Management Plan. 36 Thematic reports submitted. 76 Projects approved at the cost of Rs. 4974.79 for creating treatment capacity of 678.23 MLD & Sewer network of 2546 Kms. Treatment capacity of 123 MLD & 572 Kms of sewer net work has been created at the expenditure of Rs.1000.07 Cr. Way forward: GIS mapping of the basin planned. Survey & threat assessment of Gangetic river Dolphin. Creation of STPs in 118 towns Real time effluent monitoring for Grossly polluting industries. Real time water quality monitoring. Revival of bio sanctuaries. Afforestation of native & medicinal plants. Ganga Task force & Ganga Vahini. Common Effluent treatment plant at Kanpur. Ground water recharge & water conservation efforts. Conservation of wet lands & flood plains. Research on special properties of Ganga water. 26 River Front Development (RFD) projects covering 223 small ghats with special focus on pollution abetment.

Activities Achievements Collaboration / bilateral agreement / cooperation with other countries in the

field of water resources including signing of memorandum of understanding, capacity building and training. Matters relating to participation of Indian delegation in International conferences, workshops and trainings in India and aboard on issues concerning water sector.

15 ongoing externally funded projects being implemented in different States with the assistance of World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Japan International Cooperation agency. 11 MOUs with other countries (Australia, Rwanda, Cambodia, Iran, Iraq, Fiji, China & Bahrain) on bilateral cooperation on water sector.

Activities

1. INDUS WATERS TREATY MATTERSI. Tours of Indus basin to ascertain developments/ facts. II. Meeting at least once a year, also

when either Commissioner requests. III. Supply of daily river flow data every month (India-280 sites; Pak.–345) IV. Supply of annual Tehsil wise Irrigated Crop Area - on Western Rivers by India V. Supply of information of every new HEP/ storage project to Pak. VI. Examine and reply Pakistan’s objections VII. Advance flood messages to Pak. during monsoon (July 1st to Oct 10th ) 2. INTERSTATE ISSUES RELATED TO INDUS BASIN

AchievementsI. To discuss Pakistan’s objections on various hydroelectric projects of India in Indus

basin, the Commission held one meeting at Lahore during August 24-27, 2014. II. Two tours of Permanent Indus Commission to hydroelectric projects in Indus basin in India were held between 22nd to 28th May 2014 and 20th to 25th September, 2014. III. In fulfillment of the requirement of Indus Water treaty the daily G&D data of hydrological sites on six basins, The Indus, The Jhelum, The Chenab, The Ravi, The Beas and The Sutlej of Indus system being sent to Pakistan every month.

II. IV. Irrigated Cropped Area statistics for the year 2013-2014 for the Indus was sent on 27 November 2014 as per provisions of the Treaty. V. Flood flow data for agreed sites on the river Ravi, Sutlej Tawi and Chenab was also communicated by India to Pakistan for their benefit through telephone during 1st July to 10th October, 2014 to undertake advance flood relief measures

1.5 Minor Irrigation (Stat)Activities Achievements Conduct of 5th Minor Irrigation(MI) Census during the 12th Plan Period which involves the following activities: 1. Release of Central grant by the Centre. 2. Organizing the All India Training Workshop 3. Organizing the Regional Training Workshops 4. Printing of schedules and guidelines by States/UTs. 5. State/District Training programmes to be organised by States 6. Main fieldwork & scrutiny by States 7. Data Entry & validation by States 8. Submission of validated data to the Centre, validation by NIC and tabulation 9. Report drafting and Publication at the Central LevelAchievements

1. Conducted Six Regional Training workshops for 5th Minor Irrigation Census. 2. 14 States have already conducted State level workshops in which district level officials were imparted training. Field work is expected to take 6-7 months. Accordingly subsequent stages of work will also be taken up by the States/UTs in the next financial year. 3. Central Grants for 5th MI Census released to 21 States up to 30.11.2014

1.6 R&D ProgrammeOrganization Name / Wing/ Activities Achievements Ministry spends through its funds on R & D Activities (a) Main R&D are carried out by CWPRS Three major sectors, viz. water resources, power, and coastal engineering selected for research. River Engineering River and Reservoir Systems Modelling Reservoir and Appurtenant Structures Coastal and Offshore Engineering. Foundation and Structures Applied Earth Sciences Instrumentation, Calibration and Testing Facilities. AchievementsOn an average about 250 site specific studies are in progress at the research Stations. Previous studies include : River Engineering: Assessment of the flow conditions near proposed Sardar Patel Statute in River Narmada,Gujarat; Optimization of the flood protection measures for Chhounchh Khad, Himachal Pradesh; Assessing the maximum scour around bridge pier for proposed metro rail bridge across river Yamuna downstream of Okhla barrage, New Delhi. Reservoir and Reservoir Systems

Modelling: Prediction of flood levels suggest suitable flood control measures, development of mathematical model code for flood forecasting with model operation to suit the real time flood warning operation.(e.g. Godavari & Kol Rivers) Reservoir & Appurtenant Structures: Measurement of hydrodynamic forces and pressures on stilling basin and spillway surface, for Siang Lower Dam Spillway (Arunachal Pradesh). Coastal & Offshore Engineering: Comprehensive hydraulic studies to evolve the layout and the design of cross sections of the breakwaters. Foundation & Structures: 3D FEM analysis for Garudeshwar weir, Thermal Analysis of Backing Concrete in Mullaperiyar Dam and Determination of geo-textile properties of geobags for Water Resources Department, Bihar. Applied Earth Sciences: Estimation of site-specific design earthquake ground motions for Lower ORR Dam (Madhya Pradesh), Dagmara (Bihar), Teesta Intermediate and Low Dam I and II Combined (West Bengal) and Katni (Madhya Pradesh). Instrumentation, Calibration and Testing Facilities: “Hydrographic Survey of Bakareshwar Reservoir, Birbhum, West Bengal using Integrated Bathymetry System”, “Performance Tests on 3 Units of 35 MW Francis Turbine of Loktak Hydro Electric Projects, Manipur” and “Analysis for Water Hammer Control Device on rising main of Satrapur Lift Irrigation Scheme, Maharashtra”. Calibration of around 983 different types of current meters was carried out for discharge measurements by organizations like Central Water Commission (CWC). b) Central Soil and Material research station, (CSMRS), New DelhiMajor activities of the CSMRS are as follows: (i) Investigation & Consultancy (ii) Research (iii) Dissemination of Information (iv) TrainingProjects taken up for investigations during 2009-14= 168 No Project Reports prepared during 2009-14 =370 No Technical Examination of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) = 109 No Publication of Research Papers during 2009-14=200 No Self sponsored research reports prepared during 2009-14 =8 No Publication of Monographs during 2009-14= 6 No Seminars/Workshops/Conferences/Training Conducted= 54 (c) National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), RoorkeeMajor activities of NIH are as follows:

(i) Research and Development(ii) International Collaborative Research(iii) National Collaborative Research(iv) Software Development(v) Web Based Software and Information System

Regional flood formulae for small catchments Operation of multi-purpose and multi-reservoir systemsRiver Bank Filtration Processes and its technique Skimming well technology for pumping in fresh-saline aquifers Dam break flood analysis for some of the major dams in India Groundwater recharge and irrigation return flow Coastal aquifer development and management Managed aquifer recharge for groundwater augmentation and recovery Natural treatment technique of water through bank filtration for sustainable water supply (Saph Pani) Integrated hydrological study for sustainable development of hilly watersheds in Lesser Himalayas. Standards development for the Bureau of Indian Standards Area drainage and hydrogeological studies for thermal/nuclear power plants Environmental flow study for hydro-electric projects Feasibility study of surface water and groundwater availability including identification of potential groundwater recharge sitesEvaluating the impact of forest rehabilitation strategies in parts of Karnataka (UNESCO) Isotopic Characteristics of selected Indian Rivers, (IAEA, Vienna, Austria under Co-ordinated Research Programme)

Review of Groundwater Resources in the Indo-Gangetic Basin: A Case Study on Resilience of Groundwater in the Punjab to Withdrawal and Environmental Change (British Geological Survey, UK) Fresh-water saline-water interrelationships in the multi-aquifer system of the Krishna delta, coastal Andhra Pradesh, (World Bank Funded Hydrology Project - I) Hydrological and hydrogeological investigations to assess causes of seepage from the reservoir of Jaswant Sagar Dam in Jodhpur, Rajasthan (Water Resources Department, Government of Rajasthan) Exploration of feasibility of construction of Infiltration Gallery in the bed of River Yamuna at Agra. (Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam, Agra) Surface Water and Groundwater Interaction at Selected Locations along River Yamuna in NCT, Delhi. (Upper Yamuna River Board, Ministry of Water Resources, Govt. of India). Assessment of Groundwater Resources & Development Potential of Yamuna Flood Plain, NCT Delhi. (Delhi Jal Board, Government of Delhi). Stream flow modelling of Bhagirathi river: hydrograph separation approach using isotopic and geochemical techniques (Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, Deptt of Atomic Energy, Govt of India Unit Hydrograph Applications for Flood Estimation Package (UHPACK) Flood Estimation of Large Catchments using Deterministic Approach Package (FLPACK) NIH_ReSyP : Software for Reservoir Analysis Learning Package for Hydrology Web Enabled Software for Computation of Evapotranspiration (d) Central Water Commission (CWC) i) Application of remote sensing in the studies of reservoir sedimentation(ii) Capacity survey of reservoirs and studies related to assessment of sedimentation of reservoirs(iii) Morphological studies of rivers(iv) Performance Evaluation Studies of completed irrigation projects(v) Cumulative Impact Carrying Capacity (CI & CC) Studies of Subansri, Kameng and Dibang sub basins in Arunachal Pradesh. 110 studies 36 studies Morphological studies in respect of three rivers have been carried out so far. Performance evaluation of six irrigation projects namely Salandi irrigation project Orrisa, Bhimsagar irrigation project Rajasthan, Som-Komla-Amba irrigation project, Rajasthan, Jayakwadi irrigation project Maharastra, Giri irrigation project Himachal Pradesh, Krishnagiri irrigation project, Tamilnadu is under continuation. CI&CC Study of in respect of Subansri sub basin completed. Study in respect of Kameng and Dibang subbasins is in inception stage. (e) R&D DivisionMajor activities: i. Sponsoring and coordinating Research in Water Sector ii. Dissemination of research findings iii. Evaluation of R&D activities & Consultancies Research schemes pertaining to Surface Water and Ground Water are being implemented through Indian National Committee on Surface Water (INCSW) and Indian National Committee on Ground Water (INCGW) respectively. A total of 320 research schemes have so far been sanctioned out of which 222 schemes have been completed. Under this activity Financial support for organizing workshops / seminars is provided. During the year four proposals have been processed so far. Draft Final Report (DFR) of the Study has been submitted.

1.7 State ProjectsActivities

1.8 To provide Central Assistance for timely completion of delayed Major & Medium Irrigation Projects, Modernization of Major, Medium Irrigation Projects through extension, renovation and modernization of irrigation projects, creation of new Surface Minor Irrigation Schemes in the country. Under Command Area Development & Water Management Centrally sponsored Scheme of MoWR, RD & Gr, fund is provided to State Government for carrying out ‘On Farm’

development activities for utilization of created irrigation potential of all such projects which are ongoing in the country. Under Repair, Renovation & Restoration of Water Bodies Schemes of MoWR, RD & GR, assistance being provided to States for restoring the Water Bodies gone into disuse. AchievementsSo far, under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme assistance of Rs. 66025.52 Crore released to State Governments. 143 Major, Medium Irrigation Projects 12449 No. of Surface Minor Schemes in the country through which irrigation potential of 72.46 lack ha through Major & Medium and 14.3997 lack ha. through SMI Schemes upto March, 2014 has been created so far. Assistance of Rs. 5782 Crore has been released to State Governments and 20814 thousand ha. of irrigation potential has been utilized by State Governments. For improving/reclamation of water logged areas, 823 schemes have been sanctioned with estimated cost of Rs.195.39 crore and 70.741 thousand ha. has been reclaimed by the States under reclamation of water logged area component. Under the scheme of RRR of Water Bodies have been re-claimed so far at a total cost of Rs 1309.16 crores Apart from the above.

1.9 Peninsular RiversActivitiesTo supervise and coordinate the implementation of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project with the following Activities: (a) Rehabilitation and improvement of about 223 large dams in four states (Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu) with World Bank funding. Some more States to join during project implementation phase. (b) Dam safety institution strengthening of party States and Central Water Commission (c) Project Management DRIP is a six year project. It has become effective from 18th April 2012. Central Water Commission has hired the services of an Engineering and Management Consultant for assisting Central Project Management Unit of DRIP. AchievementsDesign flood reviews of 189 DRIP dams completed. Dam Safety Review Panels have inspected 182 DRIP dams. Project Screening Template in respect of 74 DRIP dams approved by World Bank. Works awarded for 26 tenders, while 14 more tenders invited and to be awarded shortly. Twenty five trainings conducted by the CPMU, wherein about 840 officials trained on different aspects of DRIP implementation. World Bank given their approval for Karnataka’s joining the DRIP project as new State for rehabilitation of their 27 dams. So far ten meetings of Technical Committee for DRIP have been held for guiding and expediting the pace of project implementation. World Bank has also completed five of its Review Missions, wherein road blocks as well as way forward in project implementation have been discussed. Ganga Activities Plan scheme “Farakka Barrage Project” covers operation & maintenance of Farakka Barrage Project (FBP) located on River Ganga in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. FBP is essential for protection of Kolkata Port by supplying sufficient water from the project through Farakka Barage, Feeder Canal and 38 Km feeder canal and Navigation Lock at Farakka are import part of largest National Water Way No-1 of India i.e. from Haldia to Allahabad. This project is instrumental in implementation of Ganga Water Sharing Treaty of 1996 with Bangladesh which is a land mark in maintaining friendly relations with the neighbouring countries.International Cooperation with Bangladesh(a) Monitoring of implementation of Ganga Water Treaty 1996.

(b) Bank Protection/embankment works on common border rivers between India and Bangladesh.(c) Sharing of Waters of other common rivers. AchievementsFBP Plan Scheme has been approved by CCEA in June, 2013 for an amount of Rs.558 crores for XII Plan period. This scheme also consists of replacement of all the 123 Gates in phased manner. In the first phase, 6 gates have already been replaced. Similarly in the 2nd phase, work on replacement of 33 gates is under execution. Out of 33 gates, 17 gates are already replaced. Process for 3rd and last phase for replacement of remaining gates is also being initiated so that all the gates are replaced in time bound manner. The anti-erosion works for safety of barrage have been executed as per the recommendation of Technical Advisory Committee of FBP headed by Member (D&R), CWC. As per the Ganga Water Treaty, 1996, monitoring its implementation is done by this wing and for this purpose, Joint Observation Teams are deputed every year at Harding Bridge in Bangladesh during the lean season i.e. 1st January to 31st May. In addition, inspection of sites and bi-lateral meetings of the joint committee are also held thrice in a year alternatively in both the countries and accordingly annual report is also finalized for submission to both the Governments. Bi-lateral Technical Level meetings are also held with Bangladesh for agreeing to the necessary bank protection /embankment works on common/border rivers and as per the decision necessary works are carried out by both the sides on annual basis. Discussions are continued for sharing of other common rivers between India and Bangladesh. Flood Forecasting Automatic Data Acquisition System installed at 445 stations. 3 Earth receiving stations at New Delhi, Jaipur and Burla have been set up. 21 modelling centres equipped with state of art computer equipment for expeditious data analysis, forecast formulation and its speedy dissemination. Further modernization and expansion of CWC’s network has been proposed in XII Plan. River Management in Border Areas DPR for Panchehswar Multipurpose Project had been prepared and for mutual agreement on it as well as implementation of project. Pancheshwar Development Authority has been set up at Kathmandu. Field investigations for Sapta Kosi High Dam have been undertaken jointly by India and Nepal. Flood Management Programme In October, 2013 the Cabinet approved continuation of FMP in XII Plan with an 11 outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore. During XII Plan, 97 new projects were approved and central assistance of Rs. 751.84 crore has been released towards ongoing and new works in XII Plan till 15.01.15. So far, 252 projects have been completed which have been provided reasonable protection in 19.7 lakh hectore of flood affected area in the county. Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project on Mahakali river (Sharda in India)Field investigations for the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project had been completed by Joint Project Office (JPO-PI) in 2002 (except for some confirmatory tests) and draft DPRs prepared. But, mutually acceptable DPR of Pancheshwar Project could not be finalized due to differences on certain contentious issues. In terms of Article 10 of the Mahakali Treaty signed in 1996, Pancheshwar Development Authority (PDA) for execution, operation and maintenance of Pancheshwar Project has been constituted. DPRs and assessment of additional data requirement for finalising the DPR under progress. SaptaKosi High Dam Project, Sun KosiStorage-cum-Diversion Scheme and Kamla and Bagmati Dam Projects

The field investigations and DPR preparation of Sapta Kosi High Dam Project, SunKosi Storage-cum-Diversion Scheme including feasibility study of Kamla Dam and prefeasibility of Bagmati Dam Projects are being carried out by JPO-SKSKI. Indo-Nepal Bilateral MechanismThere exists a well-established bilateral mechanism between India and Nepal to discuss issues related to development of water resources in the rivers common to India and Nepal for their mutual benefits. India-Nepal Joint Standing Technical Committee (JSTC) decides related technical issues. Sharing of flood information in respect of the common rivers flowing from NepalArrangements for sharing of flood information exists between India and Nepal since 1989 and hydro-meteorological data collected by Nepal is made available to India, which helps in formulation of flood forecasts and keeping watch on the flood situation in UP and Bihar. A Task Force has identified key stations in Nepal and assess requirement of modern equipments in order to have more effectiveness in data collection and transmission for flood forecasting on Indian side. 1.10 National Water MissionActivitiesGoal-I: Comprehensive water data base in public domain and assessment of the impact of climate change on water resourcesAchievements The nine project proposals from IITs/NITs/IISc/for undertaking Climate Change studies on downscaling Global Circulation Models (river basins wise) under consideration. The Central Water Commission (CWC) launched India-Water Resources Information System (WRIS) in association with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC).The first set of water related data has been put in public domain IndiaWRIS portal (Version 3.0) in December 2012. The Version 4.0 has been initiated in March 2014, and now GIS based data is available in public domain at 1: 2,50,000 scale. Revised master plan for artificial recharge of ground water placed in the public domain by CGWB. Pilot study of basin wise water situation in collaboration with NRSC, for the basins Godavari and Brahmani-Baitarani completed. ActivitiesGoal-II : Promotion of citizen and state actions for water conservation, augmentation and preservation. AchievementsA National Convention of Water User Associations (WUA) Presidents on Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) organised on 7th -8 th November, 2014 at New Delhi. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Institute Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and National Water Mission (NWM), signed in Dec. 2014 for training & capacity building of multiple Stakeholders and Panchayat Raj Institution in the area of water conservation. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and National Water Mission (NWM signed in September, 2014 for undertaking activities related to promotion of citizen and state action for water conservation, augmentation and preservation ActivitiesGoal –III : Focused attention to vulnerable areas including overexploited areasAchievements

Pilot aquifer mapping in six areas completed in 2014 by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). Asian Development Bank (ADB) initiated the study “Operational Research to support mainstreaming of integrated flood management” with focus on non-structural measures. Work on Phase- II is in progress. Two basins, i.e, BuhriGandak in Bihar and Brahmani and Baitarni in Odisha selected for pilot study. ActivitiesGoal-IV : Increasing water use efficiency by 20% Achievements Enhancing Water Use Efficiency of home appliances in association with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). To promote, regulate and control efficient use of water in irrigation, industrial and domestic sectors, it is proposed to set up a “National Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (NBWUE)”. Goal-V : Promotion of basin level Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Guidelines prepared For Improving Water Use Efficiency in Irrigation, Domestic & Industrial Sectors’ in November 2014. Preparation of State Specific Action Plans of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tripura and Uttarakhand has been initiated through WAPCOS, on a pilot basis.

2. Central Water Commission :Activities

Techno-economic appraisal of water resources projectsAchievementsOne of the important activities assigned to Central Water Commission is techno-economic appraisal of irrigation, flood control and multipurpose projects proposed by State Governments. During the year 2013-14, 40 major / multipurpose projects (23 new & 17 revised) have been appraised up to March,2014. Out of that, 8 major / multipurpose projects (5 new & 3 revised) have been accepted by the Advisory Committee of MoWR. Monitoring of Major and Medium Irrigation ProjectsA three tier system of monitoring of major/medium irrigation projects at Centre, State and Project level was introduced in 1975. At Central level, this work was entrusted to CWC. The main objective of monitoring is to ensure the achievement of physical and financial targets and achieve the targets of creation of irrigation potential. As per the present arrangement in CWC, Inter-State, Externally Assisted and Centrally aided projects are being monitored by monitoring units at Headquarters and other projects by respective field units. During 2013-14, a total of 47(18 Major and 29 Medium) projects under general monitoring and 147(81 Major, 49 Medium and 17 ERM) on-going projects under AIBP were also targeted for monitoring by CWC. In addition, 7 Interstate Major Projects, parts of which were also being monitored under AIBP by CWC field Units, were also targeted to be monitored from CWC (HQ). The CWC made monitoring visits to the projects in accordance with these targets.S.No 1 General Monitoring by Regional Offices 47 92 AIBP Monitoring by Regional Offices 147 1083 Inter State Projects Monitoring by HQ 7 1

Design and consultancy for water resources projectsDesign and Research Wing of Central Water Commission plays a pivotal role in the field of design and consultancy for water resources projects, Technical Studies and Research & Development activities in the water resources sector. In addition to above, technical appraisal of Detailed Project

Reports of water resources development projects prepared by different agencies is also carried out in this Wing. Design consultancy work in respect of 77 projects is being carried out in the design units of D&R Wing during the year 2013-2014 Flood Forecasting & Warning ServicesAbout 6000 forecasts being issued every during Flood Season on 12 to 48 hours in advance. For the purpose of flood forecasting, hydrological and meteorological data being observed at 878 sites and communicated through a network of 544 wireless stations. Synoptic weather situations, weather forecast/heavy rainfall warnings etc. are also being collected from FMO’s of IMD. During the flood season 2014 (May to Oct.), 4772 flood forecasts (3884 level forecasts and 888 inflow forecasts) were issued out of which 4667 (97.80%) were found within accuracy limit of ± 0.15 m for level forecast and ± 20% for inflow forecast Modernization of Flood Forecasting ServicesDuring XI plan, 222 telemetry stations have been installed in different river basins. Moreover, 1 Earth Station at New Delh (UYD) and 10 Modelling Centres at Patna (MGD-V) in Bihar, Jalpaiguri (LBD) in West Bengal, Lucknow (MGD-I) and Varanasi (MGD-III) in Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun (HGD) in Uttarakhand, Gandhinagar (MD) and Surat (TD) in Gujarat, Bhusaval (UTSD) in Maharashtra, Shimla (SHD) in Himachal Pradesh and FFM Directorate in NCR, Delhi have been installed. The data reception from all the sites modernised is being monitored from FFM Directorate, CWC, New Delhi. To improve the flood forecast modelling, windows based MIKE-11 software were procured and supplied to modelling centres established under IX and X Plans. Development of MIKE-11 models for Flood Forecasting of Sankosh, Godavari, Brahmaputra and Yamuna Basins have been taken up. Regular training for working staff in the field are organised for working on MIKE-11 models. Systematic Collection and Compilation of Hydrological DataThrough network of 954 hydrological observation stations in different river basins of the country data on (i) water level, (ii) discharge, (iii) water quality, (iv) silt and (v) selected meteorological parameters including snow observations are being collected . The data collected helps in planning and development of water resources projects, studies related to assessment of impacts due to climate change, water availability studies, design flood and sedimentation studies, flood forecasting, international & inter-state issues, river morphology studies, development of inland waterways, research related activities etc. During the Year 2013-14, hydro-meteorological data from all 954 sites has been observed. Water quality monitoring has been strengthened by providing sophisticated water quality analysis equipments in the laboratories. Also monitoring of glacial lakes/ water bodies in Himalayan region have been undertaken and model for snowmelt runoff forecasting has been developed with collaboration of NRSC, Hyderabad.Development of Water Resources Information System (WRIS)CWC & ISRO has jointly undertaken the work of development of web-enabled Water Resources Information System (WRIS) during 11th plan. The project comprises of 30 major GIS layers (viz. River network, basins, canal network, water bodies, hydro meterological network, administrative layers etc.) of the country at a scale of 1: 50000. The First full version of website of INDIA WRIS was launched on 07 Dec, 2010 in New Delhi by Hon' ble Minister Water Resources. 2nd version INDIA WRIS was launched by Chairman, CWC on World Water Day i.e. 22nd March 2012. The development of Information System is under progress and in continuation of above, following achievements have been made till March 2014. i. River Basin Atlas of India was released by Hon’ble Minister of Water Resources on 01 Nov 2012. ii. The updated version i.e 3rd version (that includes live telemetry data in respect of CWC hydrological stations, Mobile Application version 1.0 for Android platform, Climate Trend analysis, 2D-3D linked view) was launched by Hon’ble Minister of Water Resources on 04 Dec. 2012. iii. All unclassified data of CWC G&D stations has been uploaded on WRIS website as per Hydro-meteorological data dissemination policy 2013. iv. The latest version has been launched in December, 2014. Few modules added and/or updated (Reservoir Module, Watershed info system, Advanced Report Generation, Basin Reports made downloadable)

Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project (DRIP)To supervise and coordinate the implementation of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project(DRIP) with the followingActivities: (a) Rehabilitation and improvement of about 223 large dams in four states (Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu) with World Bank funding. Some more States to join during project implementation phase. (b) Dam safety institution strengthening of party States and Central Water Commission (c) Project Management DRIP is a six year project. It has become effective from 18th April 2012.

National Water Development Agency :

Established in 1982 as Autonomous SocietyActivities.A. Peninsular 1. Preparation of Water balance studies of basins/sub-basins

137 no. water balance studies of basins/sub-basins completed

2. Preparation of Water balance studies of diversion points

52 no. Water balance studies of diversion points completed

. Preparation of Toposheet and storage capacity studies of reservoir

58 no. Toposheet and storage capacity studies of reservoir completed

Preparation of Toposheet studies of link alignment

18 no. Toposheet studies of link alignment completed

Preparation of Pre-Feasibility Reports (PFR)

18 no. Pre-Feasibility Reports (PFR) completed

6. Preparation of Feasibility Report taken up since 1983. To carry out detailed survey and investigations of possible reservoir sites and inter-connecting links in order to establish feasibility of the proposal of Peninsular Rivers Development Components forming part of the National Perspective for Water Resources Development prepared by the then Ministry of Irrigation (now Ministry of Water Resources, RD&GR) and Central Water Commission.

14 no. Feasibility Reports (FR) completed

7. Preparation of Detailed Project Report of link Projects taken up since November, 2006.

3 nos. DPR completed i.e. Ken-Betwa link (Phase-I) and Ken-Betwa link (PhaseII) & Damanganga - Pinjal link. Preparation of DPR of Par-Tapi-Narmada link under way.

8. Preparation of Water balance studies of diversion points

19 no. Water balance studies of diversion points completed

Preparation of Toposheet and storage capacity studies of reservoir

16 no. Toposheet and storage capacity studies of reservoir completed

Preparation of Toposheet studies of link alignment

19 no. Toposheet studies of link alignment completed

. Preparation of Prefeasibility reports (PFR)

14 no. Prefeasibility reports (PFR) completed

C. Intra-State link proposals received from State Governments1. Preparation of Pre-Feasibility Report taken up since November, 2006

33 PFR completed

2. Preparation of Preliminary Project Report as asked by State Govt. of Bihar

2 no. PPR have been completed on the request of Bihar Govt.

taken up since May, 2011.3. Preparation of Detailed Project Report of link Projects taken up since May, 2011.

2 nos. DPRs i.e. Kosi-Mechi Project & Burhi Gandak-Noon-Baya-Ganga link project have been completed. 3 nos. of DPRs i.e. Ponnaiyar-Palar link of Tamilnadu, Wainganga - Nalganga of Maharashtra and Barakar-Damodar-Subernarekha link of Jharkhand are under progress.

The Special Committee for the Interlinking of Rivers has been constituted by the Ministry of WR, RD & GR vide Gazette notification dated 23.09.2014 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Union Minister of WR, RD & GR and DG, NWDA as its Member Secretary.

The first meeting of the Special Committee was held on 17.10.2014.

. Bansagar Control Board :Started in 1976 as Subordinate office

Bansagar Control Board was set up vide Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Resolution No. 8/17/74-DW-II dated the 30th January, 1976 and amended vide Resolution 28th March 1978, in accordance with an agreement reached between the Governments of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on the 16th September 1973 for sharing the waters of River Sone and the cost of the Bansagar Dam. Current Status The construction of Bansagar Dam started in 1978 and completed in year 2006. The reservoir was impounded in 2006 monsoon. On 25.09.2006, former Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee dedicated the Project to the nation. The hydro-power component of the project is owned by MP State Electricity Board and all the four power houses totalling 425 MW installed capacity is commissioned. The canal system of the project is being executed by respective State Govt. of MP, UP and Bihar. The status of canal system available with the Board is as under:- a) MP has created Irrigation Potential of 1.49 lakh ha up to 09/2013. Balance potential is targeted to be created by June 2015. b) Uttar Pradesh is taking partial water from Bansagar reservoir as their canal system is under construction. 6. Brahmaputra Board :Established as Autonomous statutory body in 1980 Major Activities and achievements Brahmaputra Board constituted in the year 1980 with the objective of planning and implementation of measures for control of floods and bank erosion in Brahmaputra and Barak Valley. Board completed 60 Master Plans of River Basins including Brahmaputra, Barak and Tributaries and Detailed Project Report of 7 Water Resources Projects. Government of India provides funds through Brahmaputra Board to implement State Sector Schemes for control of floods and erosion in Basin States from XI Five Year Plan. 7. Central Soil and Materials Research Station :Established as attached office ON-GOING IMPORTANT ACTIVITY1. Geotechnical Investigations for Indira Sagar Polavaram Project, Dowliswaram, Andhra

Pradesh (National Project)

The Indira Sagar Polavaram Project, Dowliswaram, Andhra Pradesh is a multipupose project across the River Godavari near Polavaram village about 42 km upstream of Sir Aurthur Cotton Barrage at Dowliswaram. The project envisages construction of a 52 m high earth and rockfill dam with a total length of 2310 m long and top width 12.5 m, 181.5 km long left canal and 174 km long right canals. Standard Penetration Test at the Dam Axis to evaluate the competency of foundation strata. Farakka Barrage Project Activities Achievementkata Port. Improvement in Navigation System in National Waterway No. 1, operating between Haldia and Allahabad. Reduction in salinity of water and thus improvement in availability of potable water to Kolkata and surrounding areas. Surface communication link to NorthEastern Region of India with rest of country including Bhutan and Nepal through Rail cum Road bridge over Farakka Barrage. Release of water to Bangladesh as per Indo-BanglaTreaty-1996 for sharing of Ganga waters during lean periods. Protecting countryside dwellers, their land, public property including roads, bridges by checking the river erosionalong Ganga-Padma in districts Malda & Murshidabad.

Operation & Maintenance of Main Barrage a) 109 Gates on main Barrage b) 11 Gates on Head-Regulator c) 15 Gates of Jangipur Barrage d) Kalindri lock Gate / Regulator e) Protective measures of apron and river bed in u/s and d/s of Barrage Phase wise replacement of all the gates of Farakka Barrage, remote control system, local control panels and other improvements in the various components of the operating system under taken for repair. Facilitating implementation of agreement on sharing of Ganga water between India and Bangladesh. Maintenance and protective measures of Feeder Canal (38.38 Km. in length), structures across Feeder Canal, Culverts, Inlets, Ferry Services, Inspection Road (both banks), Syphon, Buildings etc. Maintenance & protective measures of bank & bed of river Ganga in upstream of Farakka Barrage (upto 12 Km.) and in the d/s upto 6.9 Km. along-with its allied structures like marginal bundh, afflux bundh, inspection road, regulator , navigation locks, culverts, guide bund etc

Ganga Flood Control Commission, Patna :Preparation and updating of Comprehensive Plans for flood management of the various river systems in the Ganga Basin

Detailed Comprehensive Plans for all the 23 individual river systems of the Ganga basin prepared and made available to the State Governments for follow up action. Second updating of 5 Plans also completed.

Advising the states concerned to follow various guidelines

Compendium of guidelines/ specifications circulated to all States. Studies for assessment of adequacy of waterways under the road and rail bridges for determining additional waterways required for reducing drainage congestion to a reasonable limit, have been taken up. The study has been completed except Tidal river system and Ganga Main Stem upstream of Hardwar. These reports have been circulated to the Ganga Basin States and concerned departments of Central and State

Governments including Ministry of Railways for follow up action

To monitor the progress of construction of embankments on Kamla, Bagmati and Lalbakeya rivers in Nepal being funded by Government of India

Last meeting of India-Nepal Joint Committee on Inundation and Flood Management (JCIFM) held at Kathmandu, Nepal in February 2014.

Appraisal and Monitoring of Schemes for bank protection on common/borders rivers with Bangladesh in West Bengal implemented with funding under the Plan Scheme – “River Management Activities and Works related to Border Areas”.

In XII Plan 19 schemes techno-economically cleared by GFCC and works on all the under progress

Flood protection works on Kosi and Gandak projects.

Recommendations for taking up flood management works on river Kosi and right bank of river Gandak made by Kosi High Level Committee (KHLC) and Gandak High Level Standing Committee (GHLSC) respectively every year after inspection of sites. Both Committee KHLC & GHLSC meeting held in November, 2014.

National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee

(Autonomous society established in 1979)Research and Development

Development of Science Science for Society Science for Decision Makers Science For Industry And Stakeholders

Measurement of injected radio-tracer (Gold-198) activity using NaI scintillation detector to locate leakage from Kaushalya reservoir near Panchkula, HaryanaCollection of sediment core for determining the sedimentation rate from Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh

International Collaborative

Research

Saph Pani – Enhancement of Natural Water Systems and

Treatment methods for Safe and Sustainable Water Supply in

India (European Union)

Review of Groundwater Resources in the IndoGangetic Basin: A Case Study on Resilience of Groundwater in the Punjab to Withdrawal and Environmental Change (British Geological Survey, UK)

Union Minister, Sushri Uma Bharti inaugurating the International conference on “Natural Treatment Systems for safe and Sustainable Water Supply in India: Results from the “Saph Pani Project” Development of piezometer for water level measurement in over-exploited BistDoab area of

PunjabNational Collaborative Research

National programme on isotope finger printing of Waters of India (IWIN). (DST, Govt. of India) Stream flow modeling of Bhagirathi river: hydrograph separation approach using isotopic and geochemical techniques (Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, Dept of Atomic Energy, Govt of India)

Sardar Sarovar Construction Advisory Committee (SSCAC) : (Established in 1980)Activities and achievementsSSCAC is tasked with ensuring efficient, economical and timely execution of Unit-I (Dam & Appurtenant works) and Unit-III (Power Complex) of Sardar Sarovar Project. FUNCTIONS OF SSCAC As decided by the NWDT in its Award of December 1979, and as resolved by the Government of India in its order of 4th September 1980, the SSCAC shall: i) Scrutinize the project estimates prepared for Unit-I and Unit-III works, advise necessary modifications and recommend the estimates for the administrative approval of the concerned Government. ii) Examine and make recommendations on all proposals pertaining to technical features and designs as may be referred to it by any of the party States and where necessary consult experts for the purpose. iii) Examine the requirement of funds for the construction of works and other purposes according to the approved programme and make the necessary recommendation. iv) Examine and, where necessary, recommend specifications for various classes of work. v) Examine and make recommendations on all sub-estimates and contracts, the cost of which exceeds the powers of sanction of the General Manager/Chief Engineers. vi) Review progress reports, both for works and expenditure from the General Manager/Chief Engineers and recommend, where necessary, steps to be taken to expedite the work.

SSP an inter-state project involving four States, implementation of the Narmada Water Dispute Tribunal Award in letter and spirit, 82 meetings of SSCAC and 109 meetings of Permanent Standing Committee of SSCAC held. Physical Progress: The balance works remaining to be carried out are raising of piers, overhead bridge and installation of Radial Gates in the spillway portion of the dam. Recently, permission has been received to carry out Phase-I proposal comprising construction of piers, overhead bridge and installation of gates in open or raised position at SSP. Accordingly, related construction activity has started. Unit-III works except Garudeshwar Weir have been completed. Financial Progress: The financial inputs to the tune of over Rs. forty four thousand crore on Sardar Sarovar Project have been handled by the SSCAC so far and thus effectively achieving the purpose for which it is set up.

Upper Yamuna River Board :(Subordinate office established in 1994

Activities Achive1. Regulation and Supply of water in pursuance of MoU dated 12.05.1994.

Upper Yamuna River Board keeps record of the releases 2.The Quality of return flow

monitored 3.Water accounting manual is under preparation. 4. A four monthly water

distribution table prepared by UYRB showing shares of each state and circulated to all concerned states 5. A committee has been constituted for joint observations to

monitor the releases to states. Central Water and Power Research Station :

ActivitiesThe main functions of CWPRS can be summarized as follows: Undertaking applied research in hydraulics and allied disciplines to provide comprehensive R&D inputs for optimizing the designs of river, coastal, water storage and conveyance hydraulic structures. Conducting basic and fundamental research for providing innovative and world-class R&D solutions to specific problems. Disseminating research findings amongst hydraulic research fraternity by way of publications and training programmes. Offering advisory services to various ministries and departments within the sphere of its activities. Evolving and updating standards (ISO & BIS) and advising the apex regulatory agencies to ascertain compliance to required stipulations. Major activity of CWPRS is the project specific applied research supported by necessary basic research in three major sectors, viz. water resources, power, and coastal engineering. CWPRS receives references mainly from Central/ State Government Organizations, Public/ Private Sector Agencies/ Organizations/ Undertakings, Port Trusts, Municipal Corporations, etc. The research activities at CWPRS can be grouped into seven major disciplines as listed below: River Engineering River and Reservoir Systems Modeling Reservoir and Appurtenant Structures Coastal and Offshore Engineering Foundation and Structures Applied Earth Sciences Instrumentation, Calibration and Testing Facilities. Physical and mathematical model studies coupled with field and laboratory experiments are carried out in the seven major areas of expertise of CWPRS as follows : 1. River Engineering: River Engineering mainly deals with river training and bank protection works, hydraulic design of barrages and bridges, and location and design of water intakes using morphological studies. Field studies for measuring water and sediment discharge in rivers and canals are also conducted. 2. River and Reservoir Systems Modelling: Hydrologic and meteorologic studies are conducted to estimate extreme values of various parameters such as rainfall, temperature and humidity. Flood estimation and forecast, reservoir sedimentation and water quality studies are carried out using mathematical models and field surveys. 3. Reservoir and Appurtenant Structures: Spillways and Energy Dissipators are studied on physical models. Water conductor systems including head race and tail race channels/tunnels and surge shafts are studied on both physical and mathematical models. Studies are carried out on physical models for desilting basins, sedimentation and flushing through reservoirs, sediment exclusion devices. Sedimentation in reservoirs is also

assessed through remote sensing. 4. Coastal and Offshore Engineering: This discipline deals with optimization of location, length and alignment of breakwaters, jetties, berths, approach channel, turning circle etc. for development of ports and harbours. Estimation of siltation in harbours, their disposal and sand bypassing, location of sand trap and hot water recirculation studies are carried out using both physical and mathematical models. Suggesting suitable coastal protection measures based on locally available materials is an important activity of the group. 5. Foundation and Structures: Laboratory and field tests are carried out to determine soil, rock and concrete properties. Mathematical modelling as well as experimental studies are conducted for studying the stability and structural safety of dams and appurtenant structures. Field studies are carried out for assessing the health of hydraulic structures and suggesting suitable repairing measures. 6. Applied Earth Sciences: Seismic surveillance of river-valley projects, assessment of site-specific design seismic parameters, controlled blasting studies for civil engineering construction sites, evaluation of quality of concrete and masonry is done by non-destructive methods and estimation of elastic properties for foundation of massive structures for geophysical methods are the main activities of this group. 7. Instrumentation, Calibration and Testing Facilities: Hydraulic Instrumentation is used for data collection on physical hydraulic models. Field data collection is carried out on coastal parameters like water level, velocity, wave-height etc. A Random Sea Wave Generation (RSWG) system is used for wave flumes and basins. Dam instrumentation is provided on prototype. Current meter and flow meter calibration facilities are also available, which are used extensively.

National Projects Construction Corporation Limited :Activities achiveDams, barrages & canals tunnels & underground projects, hydro-electric power projects, thermal power projects, Townships & other residential buildings Institutional buildings, office complexes, roads, bridges & flyovers, industrial structures, surface transport projects, environmental projects, real estate works.

NPCC is earning profit since 2009-10. (ii) Negative networth of Rs.796.94 crore as on 31.3.2009 became positive as Rs.94.21 crore as on 31.3.2014. (iii) Turnover increased from Rs. 310.13 crore in 2004-05 to Rs.1175 crore in 2013-14. (iv) Order book position improved from Rs.1547 crore as on 31.3.2005 to Rs.4795 crore as on 31.3.2014.

WAPCOS Ltd. :

(Public Sector Undertaking established in 1969)Activities ahive

Main fields of specialization of the company cover Irrigation and Land Drainage, Flood Control and Land Reclamation, River Management, Dams, Reservoir Engineering and Barrages, Integrated Agriculture Development, Watershed Management, Hydropower and Thermal Power Generation, Power Transmission and Distribution, Rural Electrification, Ground Water Exploration, Minor Irrigation, Water Supply and Sanitation (Rural and Urban), Environmental Engineering including Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Audit, Ports and Harbours and Inland Waterways, Roads & Bridges;

Company’s Operations expanded from 8 Countries to 38 Countries, at present. Secured “Excellent” Rating with MoU Composite score of 1.0. This is the highest achievable score as per Performance Evaluation criteria of the Department of Public Enterprises, Govt. of India. Secured “Excellent” Rating on the basis of Compliance with guidelines on “Corporate Governance”. Paid dividend of Rs. 15 crores in September, 2014 – Highest ever in the history of Company. Issued Bonus Shares of Rs. 09.00 Crores in September, 2014. Paid-up capital increased 12.5 times in 4 years. Net-worth of the Company increased to Rs. 257.22

Rain Water Harvesting; Ghats Development; Survey & Investigations, System Studies & Information Technology, City Development Plans, Financial Management Systems, Quality Control and Construction Supervision, Roads and Bridges. The company provides concept to commissioning services for developmental projects in India and abroad.

crore. Gross Income increased to Rs. 920.93 crores. Profitability increased to Rs. 102.52 crores. Turnover per Employee reflecting productivity of the company grew to Rs. 145.80 lakh in the recent year.

Polavaram Project Authority : (Established in 2014) The union Cabinet in its meeting held on 01st may, 2014 approved constitution of Polavaram Project Authority and Governing Body of PPA under Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014 to be funded by Central Government. Polavaram Project (also known as India Sagar Polavaram project) in the existing State Andhra Pradesh, is a multi-purpose with an assessed Culturable Command Area of 2.91 lakh hectares and power generation potential of 960 Mega Watt (MW). It also has a provision for supply of 23.44 thousand Million Cubic Feet (TMC) water as delinking water supply to Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant. An inter basin transfer of 80 TMC water annually to Krishna river basin is also envisaged.

MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao1.1. New Flagship scheme of M/o WCD introduced in 2014-15 Budget, formally launched by

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 22nd January, 2015

1.2. Seeks to reverse the trend of rapidly falling Child Sex Ratio(CSR) from the current level of 918 by preventing gender biased sex selective elimination; ensuring survival, protection and education of girl child

1.3. Joint effort of M/o WCD, M/o Health and M/o HRD with M/o WCD as nodal ministry1.4. Multi-sectoral action in select100 low CSR(Child Sex ratio) districts ,1.5. The Sectoral interventions under the programme include the following:

a. Ministry of WCD: Promote registration of pregnancies in first trimester in Anganwadi

Centres (AWCs); Undertake Training of stakeholders; Community Mobilization & Sensitization; Involvement of Gender Champions; Reward & recognition of institutions & frontline workers.

b. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare: Monitor implementation of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT)Act, 1994; Increased institutional deliveries; Registration of births; Strengthening PNDT Cells; Setting up Monitoring Committees.

c. Ministry of Human Resource Development: Universal enrolment of girls; Decreased drop-out rate; Girl Child friendly standards in schools; Strict implementation of Right to Education (RTE); Construction of Functional Toilets for girls.

1.6. Coordinated delivery of services by different ministries1.7. Sensitization of communities for moving towards institutionally supported births1.8. Seeks to reduce Sex Ratio at Birth by 10 basis points per year to achieve overall

improvement in CSR over a period of time1.9. Action at district , block and panchayat levels with a strong advocacy component1.10. Outlay for current year: Rs 100 cr1.11. Schemes Guidelines have been formulated and it is being implemented in the identified

states1.12. Scheme has a strong advocacy component

2. One Stop Centres for Women2.1 36 centres to be set up in current year, one per state/UT2.2 Total outlay of Rs 14 cr for current year (2015-16)2.3 The centres will offer medical aid, police assistance, legal aid & counselling, psycho- social counselling, and temporary shelter for women victims of violence2.4 Will be integrated with Universal Helpline for Women2.5 Aim to provide immediate support and aid to female victims of violence 3. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2014

3.1. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2014 was introduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2014.

3.2. It has following salient features : i. To address the issue of heinous offences committed by children above the age of 16

years, which will act as a deterrent for child offenders committing such crimes and will also protect the rights of victims to justice.

ii. Bringing in more clarity in the role and procedures of statutory structures such as Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards

iii. Strengthening punitive measures for offences committed against children and including new offences such as corporal punishment; ragging and using children for vending, peddling, carrying , supplying or smuggling any intoxicating liquor, narcotic drug or psychotropic substance

iv. Streamlining and strengthening measures for adoption including providing statutory status to the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)

v. Making it mandatory for all child care institutions to register and stringent penalty in case of non-compliance.

vi. Introducing a new scheme for foster care for the first time

4. Revamped STEP(Support to Training & Employment Programme for Women) Scheme4.1. Ongoing scheme of M/o WCD which has been revamped4.2. STEP Scheme Guidelines have been revised to provide updated skills and knowledge to

women of the age group of 16 years and above.4.3. The assistance under the STEP scheme will be available in any sector (as compared to

earlier ten sectors only) for imparting skills related to employability and entrepreneurship, including but not limited to the “Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Processing, Handlooms, Tailoring, Stitching, Embroidery, Zari etc, Handicrafts, Computer& IT enabled services along with soft skills and skills for the work place such as spoken English, Gems &Jewellery, Travel & Tourism, Hospitality”.

4.4. Aims to provide skills that give employability to women and providing competencies and skills that enable women to become self-employed / entrepreneurs

4.5. Scheme Outlay for current year (2015-16) is Rs 30cr

5. Revamped Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK)5.1. Ongoing scheme of M/o WCD which has been revamped5.2. A committee of eminent bankers constituted during August 2014 to study the role played

by RMK and the existing legal framework for upscaling its activities in the field of microfinance

5.3. Based on its recommendations, Governing Board of RMK has decided the following:-a. Credit to individual applicants may also be provided besides the SHGs, directly or

through partners of RMK.b. Instead of directly funding IMOs, it would be ideal for RMK to engage with select

10-15 Institutions.c. Need based Skill training may also be provided

5.4. The scheme seeks to empower poor women through skill training and micro financing

6. Standard Operating Procedures to be implemented by Railways6.1. Path-breaking initiative to ensure care and protection of such children in contact with

railways.6.2. M/o WCD and M/Railways have framed Special Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be

implemented by Railways for runaway, abandoned, kidnapped, trafficked children via medium of railways.

6.3. The railway stations will have NGOs/Child Help Groups working with them who will work for restoration of children to their parents/guardians or their rehabilitation in absence of the former.

6.4. These stations will also help Child Help Desk/kiosk/Booths with a telephone facility to call child helpline 1098.

6.5. SoPs will be accompanied by awareness generation programme by M/o WCD in form of signages/posters, announcements and video spots at railways stations and coaches.

6.6. 20 railway stations have already started implementing these SOPs6.7. The aim of of SoPs is to Rehabilitate, rescue, restore those children who

runway/abandoned/trafficked through medium of railways . It is expected to Reduce number of missing children drastically

7. Proposed Amendments to National Commission of Women Act, 19907.1. The National Commission for Women Act, 1990 is proposed to be amended to give it

more teeth. 7.2. Under the revised Act, the NCW Commission will now have powers of a Civil Court7.3. Proceedings before it will be deemed to be Judicial proceedings7.4. Commission to have more powers to summon, impose fine and carry out investigations in

crimes against women7.5. Services of a police officer of rank of IG to carry out investigations7.6. It aims to reduce crimes against women


8. Rajya and Zilla Samman Awards for Women8.1. One woman from each district will be given Zilla Samman Award8.2. One woman at state level will be given Rajya Samman8.3. Awards were instituted in June, 2014 by the new government8.4. To recognize contribution of women at grassroots level towards women’s issues and field

work8.5. The award scheme is already implemented8.6. 13 Rajya Mahila Samman and 126 Zila Mahila Samman given on International Women’s

Day: 8th March, 2015.8.7. Rs.18,20,000/- given away as Award money8.8. Aim of awards is to incentivize the activities undertaken by women at the grassroots level

in the direction of community development and nation building. This will also boost their morale and that of the others in the community to aspire to be like them and contribute to strengthening women in the community.

9. National Bal Swachhta Mission9.1. It is a part of the nationwide sanitation drive ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ launched by the

Prime Minister on 2nd October, 2014.9.2. The nationwide Bal Swachhta Mission has the following six themes:-

1) Clean Anganwadis2) Clean Surroundings e.g. Playgrounds,3) Clean Self (Personal Hygiene/Child Health)4) Clean Food5) Clean Drinking Water6) Clean Toilets

9.3. It is a part of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme.9.4. Being Implemented on a continuous basis9.5. To promote habit of cleanliness among children and hygiene in surroundings

10. Other Initiatives:10.1. Home Ministry has carried forwardthe initiative taken by WCD Ministry to give 33%

reservation to women in police force by implementing it in UTs and writing to states to implement the initiative

10.2. WCD Ministry has written to various Chambers of Commerce ensure formation of Internal Complaint Committees in all organisations to deal with cases of sexual harassment of women at workplace

10.3. WCD Ministry has requested DOPT to monitor working of ICCs in government organisations , which has already been taken up by DOPT

10.4. Meeting with representatives of online marriage portals to ensure safety measures for women on these portals

DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AFFAIRS

The primary function of the Department is to develop the personality and leadership qualities of the youth and to involve them in community service and nation-building activities. In this context, the major achivements of the Department have been as follows:

1. Youth Development and Empowerment:There was significant increase in the youth development and empowerment efforts, undertaken through NYKS (Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan), NSS (National Service Scheme) and RGNIYD (Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), in the year 2014-15 vis-à-vis 2013-14, as can be seen from the following:

S. No Programme/ Activity Unit of

MeasurementAchievement

2013-14 2014-151. Training on Youth Leadership and

Community DevelopmentNo. of Youth 98,584 1,00,745

2. Skill Upgradation Training of youth club members of NYKS and Skill Training of NSS Volunteers

No. of Youth 1,39,955 1,39,684

3. Training/ Capacity Building of youth and youth functionaries on various contemporary issues (through RGNIYD).

No. of Youth 6,704 9,437

4. Awareness and Education Programmes on contemporary issues

No. of Youth 3,77,568 4,68,060

5. Adventure Camps for promoting the spirit of adventurism

No. of Youth 1,404 4,803

6. Life Skill Education Camps for development of adolescent youth

No. of Adolescents -- 5,840

7. Awareness Programmes on Days of National and International Importance

No. of Youth 9,29,960 10,82,189

8. Promoting National Perspective among youth through: National Youth Festival National Integration Camps NSS Mega Camps and North East

Youth Festivals Tribal Youth Exchange Programme

(for youth from LWE Districts)

No. of Youth

5,00017,2001,700

1,247

5,00015,4622,380

2,500

9. Promoting International Perspective among youth through youth exchange programmes with China, South Korea, and other countries (youth exchange with Nepal started in April, 2015).

No. of Youth 132 133

10. Youth-led Development Outreach Programme of RGNIYD through linkage with 250 colleges

No. of Youth -- 3,703

2. Community Service/ Nation-building:

About 11.5 million NYKS / NSS volunteers were involved in community service and various nation-building activities, creating very positive social impact. There was significant increase in the community service activities in 2014-15 vis-à-vis 2013-14, as can be seen from the following:

S. No Programme/ Activity Unit of Measurement

Achievement2013-14 2014-15

1. Environment Conservation (Plantation of Saplings)

No. of Saplings (in Lakhs)

69.66 92.29

2. Blood Donation No. of Units (in Lakhs)

4.66 5.02

3. Pulse Polio Immunisation by NSS volunteers

No. of children benefitted (lakhs)

3.71 19.41

4. Formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs)

No. of SHGs 24,139 89,486

5. Health Check-up Camps (DOTs, Hypertension, Diabetics and others)

No. of Camps 58,408 64,726

NYKS/ NSS volunteers have been very actively participating in Swachh Bharat Mission activities all over the country right from September, 2014. The volunteers participated in programmes for creating awareness on social issues/ against social evils, round the year. NYKS is implementing projects in Punjab for creating awareness on prevention of drug abuse and alcoholism and for prevention of female feticide. NYKS volunteers also participated in various other activities such as immunisation of pregnant mothers and children, facilitating institutionalised deliveries, motivating girls and their parents to postpone marriage of girls till attaining 18 years, camps for cataract operations, providing access of iron folic acid tablets to adolescent girls, facilitating enrolment of children in schools, facilitating issue of voter ID cards, etc.

3. Introduction of National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP): The Government is focused on youth-led development. In order to enable youth to play key

role in nation-building, it is important to develop leadership qualities among them. In this context, the Department launched a new Scheme, namely, ‘National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP)’ in December, 2014. The Scheme has the following 5 components, namely, a) Neighbourhood Youth Parliament: To develop the platform of youth clubs of NYKS

(Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan) in the shape of vibrant ‘neighbourhood youth parliament’ to educate the youth club members about contemporary socio-economic development issues and to involve them in debate/ discussions on such issues.

b) Youth for Development Programme: To channelise the immense youth energy towards the nation-building, by involving them inShramadaan (voluntary labour) on a large-scale all over the country.

c) National Young Leaders Awards: To motivate the youth to strive for excellence in their respective fields by recognising and rewarding the outstanding work done by them.

d) National Youth Advisory Council: To seek active involvement of the youth leaders as well as other stakeholders in the decision-making process on the youth related issues.

e) National Youth Development Fund: To mobilise funds for youth development from non-

Government sources like CSR funds. The implementation of the Scheme started in last quarter of the financial year 2014-15. The

full impact of the Scheme will be felt in financial year 2015-16 only, but the benefits of the Scheme have started flowing. During 2014-15, 3,750 Neighbourhood Youth Parliament (NYP) Programmes were organised at Block level, in which 3,00,000 members of NYK

affiliated Youth Clubs participated. In these Programmes, the youth debated on important contemporary issues of significance to the community in general and youth in particular. The local administration and local bodies are actively involved in these programmes. The impact of these programmes is to actively involve the youth in governance process. Steps have also been initiated for implementation of other components of the Programme as well.

4. Punarjagaran (Rejuvenation) Programme: NYKS launched a year-long youth awakening programme called ‘Punarjagaran’

(Rejuvenation). The Programme was inaugurated on 02.10.2014 from 4 corners of India, namely, Leh (J&K) in North, Okha (Gujarat) in West, Kanya Kumari (Tamil Nadu) in South and Roing (Arunachal Pradesh) in the North East. The Programme will culminate at Mathura (UP), the birth place of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, on 25.09.2015, the birth centenary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya. The Project will cover 100 District on the 4 routes and in each District, 100 villages will be covered. Thus, 10,000 programmes will be organised in 10,000 villages of 100 Districts. Finally, on 25.09.2015, about 10,000 youth, representing all 100 Districts, will assemble at Mathura for a National Youth Convention.

The Programme is making significant impact on the ground level, in terms of spreading the message of harmony and brotherhood, creating awareness on various social issues and creating awareness about Government programmes and initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Andolan, etc.

***

DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS

The role of the Department of Sports is to create the infrastructure and promote capacity building for broad-basing sports as well as for achieving excellence in various international and national competitive events. The schemes being implemented by the Department are geared towards achieving these objectives. Keeping in line with the growing demands for advanced infrastructure, equipment and scientific supports, Department of Sports has taken several initiatives and is providing the necessary assistance to sportspersons by way of training and exposure in international competitions backed up with scientific and equipment support as well as cash incentives for boosting their morale. INITIATIVES AND POLICIES UNDERTAKEN1. ‘NSDF Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme’: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Department of Sports) have formulated ‘NSDF Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme’ in the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) with the objective of identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. Focused disciplines will be Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling, Weightlifting and Shooting. The selected athletes will be provided financial assistance for their customized training at Institutes having world class facilities and other necessary support. Benchmark for selection of athletes under the scheme will be in relation to international standards. There will be annual/semi-annual review of performance of selected athletes.Initially, National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) will provide funds for the operation of the scheme. Partnership and involvement of Corporate Sector are expected for successful operation of the Scheme. A Committee namely, ‘TOP Scheme Elite Athletes Identification Committee’ has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Shri Anurag Thakur, M.P. for laying down elaborate norms for selection of the right candidates, review of performance and operation of the scheme. Shri Rahul Dravid, Shri Pullela Gopichand, Shri Abhinav Bindra and Ms MC Mary Kom are, among other members in the

Committee. The Committee, after detailed deliberations, has identified athletes in the following disciplines for assistance under the scheme:

(i) Athletics (19 athletes) (Athletes for 4x400 Women’s Relay Team and Race Walking Team are yet to be identified)

(ii) Archery (16 archers) (yet to be identified)(iii) Badminton (6 Players)(iv) Boxing (8 boxers)(v) Shooting (17 shooters)(vi) Wrestling (7 wrestlers)(vii) Yachting (2 sailors)

Another Committee namely, ‘TOP Scheme Operating Committee’ has also been constituted for implementation of the scheme. Training programmes/competition schedule of the selected persons are being finalized. Other aspects like medical support, insurance cover etc. are also being addressed.

2. Setting up of Junior Sports Academies (JSA) and National Sports Academies (NSA)For implementation of the announcement made in Finance Minister’s Budget Speech 2014-15 regarding setting up of national level Sports Academies for major games in different parts of the country to mainstream sports and setting up academies for junior and sub-junior level also, the Department of Sports is preparing a Scheme for setting up of Junior Sports Academies and National Sports Academies.

Salient features of the proposed academies are as under:Junior Sports Academies Provide high quality coaching for sporting talent identified at Sub-junior and Junior levels

in identified priority sports disciplines. Provide an organized and competitive environment by encouraging participation in

different sports competitions. Create minimum bench strength in identified sports disciplines per annum to form a pool

for talent identification for the National Sports Academies (High Performance Centres / Centres of Excellence) and also national camps.

National Sports Academies (NSA) Create minimum bench strength of 100-150 elite athletes @ minimum 10 sportspersons

per event in any sports discipline. Provide opportunities for skill development of elite athletes in sports coaching for

specific sports disciplines of different levels in collaboration/affiliation with respective National Sports Federations(NSFs)/International Sports Federations(ISFs).

Utilise services of sporting idols / achievers to encourage increased participation in specific identified sports disciplines.

Develop the club / league culture in specific identified sports disciplines in the country. The Roadmap in this regard is as follows: The JSA in Athletics, Gymnastics and Swimming will be set up in 10 – 15 locations in

the country with a total annual intake of about 1000 – 1500 athletes in the age group of 8 years pursuing class 1 – 3. There will be 100 – 110 athletes at each location.

The JSA in other sports disciplines will be located in 3 - 7 locations with a total intake of 400 - 720 athletes per annum in the age group of 11 – 12 years pursuing Class VI.

Induction in the Academies will be through a nationwide National Sports Talent Search mechanism involving a battery of tests at school, block, district and state level under National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS).

The number of athletes inducted will be reduced on an average by about 10% per annum through rigorous annual testing as per standard criteria under respective sports disciplines.

The annual filtration will start from the completion of 2nd / 3rd year in the JSA, depending on the sports discipline. At the same time, the shortfall will be met through lateral entry of suitable athletes selected through a detailed selection procedure.

The total no. of athletes per JSA should be about 700 over a period of 7 years. In addition, about 100 elite athletes who have earned medals at state level but could not

make it to NSA / National Camps are expected to be trained for periods varying from 1 – 3 months at each JSA.

The total cost of setting up and running one JSA would be around Rs. 70.00 crores (non - recurring) and the recurring cost per annum will be Rs. 18.50 crores.

The total cost of setting up and running one NSA would be around Rs. 70.00 Crores (non - recurring) and the recurring cost per annum will be Rs. 18.50 crores.

3. National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS)A new Scheme National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) has been formulated. Scheme and Guidelines of new scheme have been communicated to State Governments/UTs on 20.2.2015. In the Budget 2014-15, a provision of Rs. 50 crore has been made for NSTSS. Salient features of the Scheme are as under:

Identification of Sporting Talent amongst children (both Boys and Girls) in the age group of 8-12 in Schools all over the country by conducting a battery of 6 tests at each selection level in each School of a block.

4 boys and 4 girls securing the total highest marks will be shortlisted from each school for block level tests.

16 boys and 16 girls securing the highest total marks in the Block level tests will be shortlisted for the District level tests.

The total marks obtained in the District level tests by each of these 32 students per block will be compiled and a common merit list prepared.

Out of this combined merit list, the top 1000 boys and 1000 girls from different districts securing the highest total marks will be shortlisted from each state.

Admission in the State sports schools/Central Sports Schools/Junior Sports Academies/State Sports Academies/State Sports Hostels etc., and benefit under various other state sports schemes will be based on this list of boys and girls having sports talent/potential and identified through the NSTSS.

Besides, high performing candidates of 8-12 age group in RGKA Rural Competitions will also be eligible for admission in the State Sports Schools etc., mentioned above.

4. National Sports University at ManipurThe proposal for setting up of National Sports University in Manipur was formally announced by the Hon’ble Finance Minister in his Budget Speech 2014-15. Location of the proposed University has been identified in Thoubal district of Manipur. Land acquisition has been started by the Government of Manipur. As per latest information, an area of 163 acres of land has already been taken over by the Government of Manipur and 47-49 acres will be taken over shortly. However, handing over land for the proposed University will take some more time. Therefore, it is proposed to start the University at the Integrated Sports Complex at Khuman Lampak, Imphal, from the academic year 2015-16. Initially, it would be affiliated to the existing North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC) of Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior. After the necessary infrastructure is created along with the engagement of Faculty, the National Sports University would be fully functional.

5. Special Package for Development of Sports Infrastructure of Jammu and KashmirFor implementation of the 2014-15 Budget announcement for upgrading the indoor and outdoor sports stadiums to international standards in Jammu and in the Kashmir Valley., the Department of Sports is working in consultation with the Sports Department of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

It has been decided to develop Sports Infrastructure in the States of Jammu & Kashmir with the following objectives:

Creation of ultra-modern & high tech facilities in existing Stadia in Srinagar and Jammu.

Maximum operational efficiency of each sports complex. Phasing of construction programmes. Efficient management of movement of spectators, dignitaries and players. Sports complex to be landmark and pride of the city.

A proposal has been submitted by the J & K Government for Rs. 200 crore with the following features:

Reconstruction of the entire existing stadia on international specification with RCC

frame structure, ten lane athletic track, sports hostel for 500 inmates both at Srinagar and Jammu at an estimated cost of Rs. 70 crores each.

Upgradation of indoor stadium both at Srinagar & Jammu. Creation of water sports centre at Manasbal, Srinagar at a cost of Rs. 2 crore. Construction of multipurpose indoor sports halls at an estimated cost of Rs. 4 Crore

each at 8 places in the State. The Proposal involves an estimated expenditure of Rs. 100 crores each for Srinagar &

Jammu region with a total cost of Rs. 200 crores.The MOS (I/C), YAS has approved the proposal in principle subject to the possible change of project by new Government in J&K. Draft SFC has been submitted for approval and subsequent appraisal.

6. Annual Sports event in the Himalayan RegionFinance Minister has in his Budget Speech for 2014-15 stated that “Unique sports traditions have developed in the Himalayan region countries and the states which are a part of it. To promote these, India will start an annual event to promote these games and would invite countries such as Nepal and Bhutan also to participate in addition to the Indian states such as J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and the North Eastern States.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is proposing to implement the above announcement on priority basis. In this connection letters were sent to Secretaries of Youth Affairs & sports of the concerned States and to the counsellors in charge of Cultural Activities in the Embassies of Nepal and Bhutan requesting them to forward the names of traditional sports which are popular and played by the masses in their States/Countries and can be included in the proposed sports event.

It was decided to hold a meeting with the representatives from the Embassy of Nepal and Indian States in the Himalayan Region on 14.11.2014 at New Delhi to discuss and finalize the games for the Sports event in the Himalayan Region, structure of the sports event, modalities, venues etc. A draft concept paper was circulated in the above meeting to elicit their views. Each Country/State is

expected to participate at least in two sports disciplines in competitions format and choose two indigenous games and martial arts for demonstration. The participants were requested to intimate the names of the sports disciplines in which they will participate in competition format and at-least two traditional games, which they will present in the demonstration format.

The representatives have given details of sports disciplines for competitions and names of the traditional games for demonstration.

The competitions are likely to be held in March annually.

Concept note has been approved by the MOS (I/C), YAS. The meeting of SFC was held and the SFC has appraised the proposal in consultation with the FA. Draft scheme for holding the above competitions have been prepared and submitted for approval by Competent Authority. Modalities for holding of the above festival were discussed with the Secretary (Sports) of Governments of Assam and Manipur and other officials Sport Authority of India on 19.01.2015. It was recommended by them that the competitions may be held annually sometimes in the month of October in Guwahati, Assam. For this purpose, a budget provision of Rs. Five Crore is being made. Scheme document has also been approved by MoS (I/C), YAS.

7. Revision of the Scheme of Special Awards to Medal Winners in International Sports

Events and their Coaches: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has revised the Scheme of Special Awards to medal winners in international events and their coaches on 29 th January 2015. In the revised scheme, the amount of award money have been enhanced. The amount of award money for medal winners in Olympic Games (summer and winter) has been enhanced from existing Rs. 50 lakh (gold medal), Rs. 30 lakh (silver medal) and Rs. 20 lakh (bronze medal) to Rs. 75 lakh, Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 30 lakh respectively. The amount of award money for medal winners in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games has been enhanced from existing Rs. 20 lakh (gold medal), Rs. 10 lakh (silver medal) and Rs. 6 lakh (bronze medal) to Rs. 30 lakh, Rs. 20 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh respectively. In the category of the World Championships, Asian Championships and Commonwealth Championships, three separate categories of award money have been provided depending on whether the championships is held once in four years, once in two years or held annually.

Amount of award money for medalists of Paralympic Games (summer & winter), Para-Asian Games and Commonwealth Games (Para-Athletes) have been fixed at par with medalists of Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. IBSA World Championship of Blind, Deaflympics and Special Olympics (summer & winter) have been included in the revised scheme of special awards.Under the revised scheme, the number of days of training/coaching imparted by coaches to medal winners preceding the event to be taken into account for deciding eligibility of coaches for award money have been reduced from existing 240 days to 180 days. 8. Formulation of selection criteria for sportspersons/teams for participation in

international sports eventsThe Department of Sports has formulated the selection criteria for sportspersons/teams for participation in international sports events and circulated the same to IOA and NSFs on 10 th March 2015. It has been decided that for participation in multi-disciplinary sports events such as Olympic Games, Winter Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Indoor Games, Asian Beach Games, Youth Olympics, Asian Youth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games, Paralympics and Para-Asian Games, the performance of the sportspersons

i) In the individual events during the last twelve months prior to commencement of the event should not be less than the performance achieved by the 6 th position holder of the previous edition of the respective tournament in measurable sports.

ii) For team events, only those teams which have achieved ranking upto 8 th among participating countries of the concerned tournaments in the last one year should be considered for participation in the respective tournaments.

iii) In non-measurable individual sports, the sportspersons must have achieved 6 th rank in the last 12 months. In the sports events, where rankings are not maintained or where sportspersons have not been able to improve their ranking on account of reasons like lack of exposure in international tournaments, appropriate criteria may be adopted by the National Sports Federation (NSF) in consultation with this Ministry. In the sports competitions, where the number of participants is limited, stricter norms of selection will be prescribed.

It has also been decided that only the sportspersons, coaches and support staff approved by the Ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI) will be part of the contingent for the events cleared at cost to the government and no additional sportspersons, coach and support staff will be included even at no cost to government in such sports competitions. The selection criteria will be applicable for multi disciplinary international sports events irrespective of whether the participation of Indian contingent has been cleared at cost to the Government or at no cost to the Government. IOA has been asked to formulate guidelines for inclusion of support personnel such as coaches, physiotherapists, doctors, masseurs, managers and contingent officials. IOA and SAI should ensure that only those support personnel are considered for Indian contingents who have worked with the sportspersons in camps or have the necessary credentials and experience and are eligible as per the rules and guidelines of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)/Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)/Organizing Committees of the Games/respective International Federations. II. OUTCOMES AND CONSEQUENTIAL PROGRESS BENEFITTING THE VARIOUS

SECTIONS OF SOCIETY1. National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) : Identification of talented sportspersons in the age group of 8 – 12 years in schools all over the country through a battery of tests and nurturing of identified talented sportspersons in sports schools will help broaden the pool of sportspersons in the country.

2. Revision of the Scheme of Special Awards to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches:Enhancement in amount of award money for medal winners in Olympic Games (summer and winter) from existing Rs. 50 lakh (gold medal), Rs. 30 lakh (silver medal) and Rs. 20 lakh (bronze medal) to Rs. 75 lakh, Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 30 lakh respectively, for medal winners in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games from existing Rs. 20 lakh (gold medal), Rs. 10 lakh (silver medal) and Rs. 6 lakh (bronze medal) to Rs. 30 lakh, Rs. 20 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh respectively.

Amount of award money for medalists of Paralympic Games (summer & winter), Para-Asian Games and Commonwealth Games (Para-Athletes) has been fixed at par with medalists of Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

IBSA World Championship of Blind, Deaflympics and Special Olympics (summer & winter) have been included in the revised scheme of special awards.

3. Identification of 45 elite athletes in the discipline of athletics, archery, badminton, boxing, shooting, wrestling and yachting and 30 more elite athletes to be identified, for their customised training at institutes having world class facilities and other necessary support in order to maximise the medal prospects of India at Rio Olympics 2016 and Tokyo Olympics 2020.

4. Training support for Elite Athletes by enhancement of Diet and Food Supplement Charges

Enhancements in Diet and Food Supplements to the National Campers preparing for the various international tournaments for better preparation and training of Indian sportspersons and teams for their improved performance in international sports competitions upto Asian games, 2014. (III) BENEFITS TO STATES AND TAKEAWAYS OF SCHEMES1. Special Package for Development of Sports Infrastructure of Jammu and Kashmir will

result in creation / upgradation of sports infrastructure and facilities for enhancement of sports facilities in Jammu & Kashmir.

2. Annual Sports event in the Himalayan Region will provide one more opportunity to the youth from Nepal and Bhutan, and the Indian states such as J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and the North Eastern States for participation in Annual Sports Event to be held every year.

3. Setting up National Sports University at Manipur will result in giving an opportunity for educated youth of country in general and of North Eastern States in particular for pursuing courses such as B.PEd, MPEd, Diploma / certificate courses in coaching, physiotherapy, fitness, sports management, sports journalism, etc. 4. National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS): Under this Scheme talented boys and girls in age group of 8 – 12 years will be identified from all States / Uts of the country and they will be trained in sports schools across the country.

One Year of Modi Govt.

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