Government processing scheme for residential schools for SC students No diversion by states of funds released for development of Scheduled Castes Anti-Dumping & Subsidy cases against India (scroll down for more news)
Two new schemes on the anvil for promotion of quality education among scheduled castes
Two new schemes are on the anvil for promotion of quality education among Scheduled Castes. Presiding over a function to give away Dr. Ambedkar National Scholarships to meritorious students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes here today, the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya said that the government proposes to arrange admissions in Public schools for deserving SC students. He said that the government also proposes to set up residential schools for SC students in districts having high concentration of Scheduled Castes. The Minister said that both schemes are meant to provide quality education to dalits. Referring to Dr. Ambedkar National Scholarships Scheme, Dr. Jatiya said that it has been launched to prevent dropouts among meritorious SC students particularly in rural areas where it is difficult for them to continue studies beyond matriculation.
The Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Shri KC Pant emphasized the need for imparting quality education to students belonging to SC/ST communities. He called for giving special attention to girl child in this regard. Shri Pant said that proper and quality education would alone help the beneficiaries in utilisation of opportunities. Referring to the 'Sarva Shikhsha Abiyan' Shri Pant said we have to look beyond it and see what type of education is being imparted. He said that realization among all parents that education is key to progress would in itself solve several problems. Shri Pant expressed hope that Dr. Ambedkar National Scholarships Scheme would enthuse other students to achieve merit.
The Deputy Chairman was speaking after giving away Dr. Ambedkar National Scholarships for 2001-2002 to 66 meritorious students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.These students had come from Punjab, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Pondicherry. They received Rs. 15.60 lakh as scholarship amount. Earlier speaking on the occasion, the Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Kailash Meghwal and Shri Nagmani called for a review of the existing schemes and programmes for ensuring social justice and empowerment of the Scheduled Castes.
283 students belonging to SC and ST communities from 19 states and UTs have so far received Dr. Ambedkar National Scholarship for 2001-02. The information about SC/ST meritorious students from 16 States/UTs and three Central Boards, viz., CBSE, CISCE and National Open School is being collected for granting them the scholarship.
The Scheme was launched by Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya on April 14, 2002 and was inaugurated by the Deputy Prime Minister Shri L K Advani on February 17, 2003. The Ambedkar National Scholarship is given to three students each belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes having scored highest marks in regular class X level examination conducted by the Education Board / Council. A special award has been instituted for the girl student securing highest marks in case she is not among the three meritorious students. The student securing highest marks in each Board receives Rs.60, 000 as scholarship while the student securing second highest marks is given Rs.50, 000 and the student with third highest marks gets Rs.40, 000.
In order to benefit more students in view the large SC & ST population, the Ambedkar Foundation, which gives away these scholarships has also instituted 250 special merit scholarships for students securing next higher marks after 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions. Of these 167 have been earmarked for SC students and 83 for ST students in 35 States and Union Territories. Ten thousand rupees are given for each of these special awards. There are 26 Education Boards/ Councils in the country and the total financial implication under the Scheme would be Rs.125.88 lakhs per annum. (KM News) Top
Investment in agriculture sector
The share of Gross Capital Formation in agriculture in the Gross Domestic Product at 1993-94 prices has been estimated at 1.3 per cent in 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 as compared to 1.4 per cent in 1999-2000. This reflects the decline in public sector investment in agriculture. However, Gross Capital Formation in agriculture in absolute terms has increased from Rs.17, 304 crore in 1999-2000 to Rs.18, 057 crore in 2001-2002 at 1993-1994 prices.
Keeping in view the relatively low investment in agriculture vis-à-vis its share in GDP, efforts are being made to boost investment in agriculture. The Union Budget 2003-04 proposed a new central sector scheme on Hi-tech Horticulture and Precision Farming. Major components of the scheme are use of hi-tech interventions like fertigation, use of biotechnological tools, green food production and hi-tech green houses. The centre has also been implementing long-term programmes like Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Drought Prone Area Programme, Desert Development Programme, National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas, Integrated Wasteland Development Programme, and Integrated Afforestation and Eco-Development Project Scheme. These programmes are likely to increase capital formation in agriculture by the public sector and induce the private sector to increase investment in agriculture. (KM News)
Growth rate of SSI sector improves
Rajya Sabha
The annual growth rate of Small Scale Industries (SSI) Sector is estimated to have increased to 7.41 per cent in 2002-03. To strengthen and enhance the competitiveness of the SSI Sector, both domestically and globally, the Government has taken various measures, which include enhancement of working capital limit computed on the basis of minimum of 20% of annual projected turnover from Rs. 4 crore to Rs. 5 crore, enhancement in composite loan limit from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 25 lakhs, raising of project cost limit under National Equity Fund Scheme from Rs. 25 lakhs to Rs. 50 lakhs, revision in eligible loan limit for coverage under Credit Guarantee Scheme from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 25 lakhs, introduction of Laghu Udyami Credit Card (LUCC) Scheme, issuance of revised guidelines for rehabilitation of sick SSI units and revival of potentially viable units, by the Reserve Bank of India on 16th January, 2002, etc.Further, in accordance with the announcement made in the Union Budget 2003-04, the Indian Banks' Association has advised all its member banks to adopt an interest rate band of 2 per cent above and below Prime Lending Rate (PLR) as announced by the State Bank of India. Banks have also agreed to further raise the composite loan limit from Rs. 25 lakhs to Rs. 50 lakhs. The growth rate of SSI Sector declined from 8.23 per cent in 2000-01 to 6.08 percent in 2001-02. The downtrend in 2001-02 could be partly due to overall recessionary trend in the industrial sector.
This information was given by Shri Tapan Sikdar, Minister of State for Small Scale Industries and Development of North Eastern Region in a written reply to a question by Shri Parmeshwar Kumar Agarwalla in Rajya Sabha today. (KM News)
Seabed survey yields important findings
Rajya SabhaThe Systematic seabed survey conducted by the government over the last five years has yielded important findings. The surveys were conducted in the exclusive economic ozone of India in Arabian sea, Bay of Bengal and Andaman sea. The research vessel "Samudra Manthan" and two coastal research launches "Samudra Kaustabh" and "Samudra Shaudhhikama" have been carrying out seabed mapping and locating non-living resources for the Geological Survey of India.
Some important minerals like ilmenite, sillimanite, garnertmonazite, zircon and rutile were found off the coasts of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra. These minerals could be exploited in near future for industries relating to paint, alloy, refractories and also as strategic atomic minerals.
The Department of Ocean Development conducting these surveys also found lime-mud occurrences having high calcium oxide content off the Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat coasts. Huge sand occurrences were also discovered within the territorial waters in the east coast and west coast.The Department has taken up a programme to design and develop a seabed mining system, capable of operating upto a depth of 6000 metres, in phases. In the first phase, a shallow seabed mining system is being perfected. Technology for deep-sea mining is still under development in various parts of the world. (KM News)
Anti-dumping measures being used effectively to safeguard domestic
Industry in post QR eraJaitley addresses National Seminar on Anti-Dumping and subsidy Issues
Shri Arun Jaitley, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Law & Justice, has said that India has taken effective anti-dumping measures to safeguard the interests of domestic industry in the post-QR era. To this end, the anti-dumping investigation process in the country has been greatly streamlined. Addressing the a National Seminar on Anti-Dumping and Subsidy Issues organised by the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD), Ministry of Commerce & Industry in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) here today, Shri Jaitley said that in the backdrop of economic liberalisation and the fact that domestic industry is currently in the state of adjusting itself to a QR-free regime, there was need to be vigilant as the sheer size of the domestic market could be a temptation for some exporting countries to indulge in unfair trade practices and "we will, therefore, need the availability of trade defence instruments with the necessary flexibility to protect our industry from injurious dumping, subsidisation or from a sudden surge in imports".Shri L.V. Saptharishi, Additional Secretary and Director General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Dr. Amit Mitra, Secretary General, FICCI and Shri Y.K. Modi, Senior Vice President of FICCI participated in the one-day Seminar, which was attended by representatives of domestic industry engaged in anti-dumping, user industry, exporter's representatives, government counsels on the panel of DGAD, lawyers and consultants engaged in the field of anti-dumping and representatives of EPCs/Commodity Boards.
Shri Jaitley also underlined that the anti-dumping authorities in India had been working in a transparent manner adhering to all the substantive and procedural requirements, as reflected in the fact that most of the findings have been upheld and sustained by the decisions of the appellate courts. Pointing out that anti-dumping measures should be remedial rather than punitive, the Minister stated that the domestic industry should, therefore, not only look to these measures but also take appropriate steps to become globally competitive.
Referring to the ongoing negotiations on Rules in the WTO, Shri Jaitley said that the approach would have to be such as to best safeguard the national interests. The negotiations underway as provided in the Doha mandate aim at clarifying and improving the disciplines under the Anti-Dumping Agreement. Like other members, India too had made proposals on implementation-related issues in respect of the Anti-Dumping Agreement such as back to back anti-dumping investigation; problem in initiating anti-dumping investigations where domestic industry consists of small-scale or "unorganised" sector producers; issues relating to dumping margins; need to have rules for determination of injury margin; greater clarity regarding the injury factors referred to in Articles 3.4 and 3.5 of the Agreement; issues relating to price undertakings; and operationalisation of the special & differential treatment provisions of the Anti-Dumping Agreement, he said.
Flagging the activities of the DGAD, Shri Saptharishi highlighted the following:
Anti-Dumping & Allied Duties 158 anti-dumping cases have been initiated by the Director General of Anti-Dumping & Allied Duties since 1992. Out of these cases, final findings have been issued in 124 cases and preliminary findings issued in 19 cases till 31.7.2003.
 The major product categories on which Anti-dumping duty has been levied are Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Fibres/ Yarns, Steel & other Metals and Consumer Goods. Of the 158 cases initiated by the DGAD so far, 56 appeals have been filed before the CEGAT. Out of these, in 30 cases CEGAT has upheld the decision of the Designated Authority and in 9 cases it has been partially modified. Only in 3 cases, the recommendations of DA have been quashed; of which in two cases DA has already filed an appeal before the Supreme Court.
 Similarly in the Supreme Court, of the 10 cases that were admitted, judgements have been passed in four and in all the four cases, the Supreme Court has upheld the findings of the DA.
 So far as the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism is concerned, not a single decision of Designated Authority has been referred to it.
 Besides expediting and streamlining the procedure of investigation, the DGAD also initiated various measures for dissemination of information on the anti-dumping laws, practices and procedures in the country. The Port Offices of DGFT were also utilised as FacilitationPoints for the domestic industry to provide information on anti-dumping laws, procedures, specially concerning the filing of petitions. Top
Anti-Dumping & Subsidy cases against India
 As per available information, 84 Anti-dumping cases and 32 Subsidy cases have been initiated against exports from India.
 Out of the 84 Anti-Dumping cases initiated against exports from India, highest number of cases initiated continues to be by EU (33%), followed by USA (17%), South Africa (13%), Indonesia (7%), Canada (6%), Brazil (5%). Argentina, Australia, Egypt, Mexico, Turkey, Thailand and Republic of Trinidad & Tobago have also initiated cases but individually are accounting for a share of about 1.5% each cumulating to 19%.
 Out of the 32 Anti Subsidy cases initiated against India, EU accounts for (44%) followed by USA and South Africa (19% each) and Canada (16%) and Brazil (3%).
Shanawaz Hussain inaugurates exhibition of painting by inmates of TiharThe Textiles Minister Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain has said that the Government will consider creating a separate stall in the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, New Delhi, for exhibiting the creative works of the inmates of Tihar Jail. He was speaking after inaugurating an exhibition of paintings of the inmates of Tihar Jail here today. The Minister said, the government would also consider giving space to the works of Tihar inmates wherever exhibitions of handicrafts are held organised by the Ministry of Textiles and organizations under it.
Appreciating the exhibits, Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said, the paintings reflect the bitter and sweet realities of society. He said, the light of humanity burns in hearts of the prisoners and thanked the Tihar jail administration for encouraging these talented artists.
About 150 paintings are on display, of which nearly 100 paintings are by Sanjay Kumar and Kaushal Kumar both under trial prisoners in murder cases. These paintings are diverse in their theme - human figures, landscapes and abstract paintings in oil and watercolour and sketches. The exhibition titled 'Expression Tihar' has been organised by the Central Cottage Industries Corporation in collaboration with Tihar Prison and the Non-Governmental Organisation 'Arman'. (KM News)Top
Government processing scheme for residential schools for SC studentsLok Sabha
A scheme to establish Residential Schools for Scheduled Caste Boys and Girls is being processed. A provision of Rs. 10.00 crore has been made for the purpose in the current year's budget. This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Kailash Meghwal in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. In reply to another question Shri Meghwal said that a scheme was introduced during 1996-97 on pilot basis with an objective to provide a package of educational inputs through Residential Schools for SC girls. As per 1981 Census, 48 districts situated in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh were identified where the Scheduled Caste female literacy was less than 2%. The scheme was formulated to cover these 48 districts. A package grant of Rs. 11,340/- per child per annum for Class I only, was given. The scheme was implemented by the Zila Parishads (District level Panchayat). The scheme has, however, been discontinued since 2001-02. A decision was taken to merge the scheme with the Kasturba Gandhi Swatantra Vidyalaya Scheme, which is proposed to be launched by the Ministry of Human Resources Development Top
No diversion by states of funds released for development of Scheduled CastesLok Sabha
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has taken several steps to ensure proper utilisation of funds earmarked for the welfare of scheduled castes. These steps include release of grants to states only after receiving Utilisation Certificates and Progress Reports of previous funds. The other steps include review of implementation of the schemes with the senior officers of the state governments/ UT Administrations and undertaking of field visits by the officers of Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry. Giving this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Kailash Meghwal said that no case of diversion of funds released by his Ministry for the development of SCs has been reported. He said that however, states often send utilisation certificates late, thereby affecting the funding of programmes. Shri Meghwal said that the Planning commission constituted a Working Group on Empowering the Scheduled Castes in the context of the formulation of 10th Plan to review among other things the ongoing policies and programmes and their implementation. (KM News)
