Three power schemes renovated in Kerala
July 20: In Kerala three Schemes have been completed under the Renovation, Modernisation and Upgradation Programme resulting in an accrued benefit of about 115 MWs. The cost of the three schemes is Rs.349 crores. One Scheme at an estimated cost of about Rs.32 crores is under implementation. This would result in a benefit of 54 MWs. During the Eleventh Five Year Plan, six Schemes of Kerala, having an installed capacity of 926 MW, resulting in an accrued benefit of 886 MW are programmed for implementation.
This information was given by Shri P.M.Sayeed, in New Delhi yesterday in a meeting with a delegation of 14 MPs from Kerala. The meeting had been called at the initiative of the Power Minister in view of some issues on pending power projects raised by the MPs, a few days ago in Parliament. Addressing the MPs, the Power Minister pointed out that under the 50,000 MW Hydro Electric initiative taken by the Central Government, two Hydro-Electric schemes of Kerala namely Barapole and Perinjankutty were to have pre-feasibility reports. Of this, the pre-feasibility of Perinjankutty has already been prepared. The project is estimated to cost Rs.360.81 crore. The Minister also informed the MPs about the four schemes of Kerala having an installed capacity of about 160 MW, to be renovated and upgraded under the Renovation , Modernisation and Upgradation Programme.
During the meeting, the Power Minister clarified that no project of the State Government was pending with his Ministry for clearance. The MPs appreciated the initiative taken by the Minister and requested him to expedite all clearances. In particular two schemes namely Athirapalli Hydro Electric Project and the Kuriarkutti project, came up for detailed discussions. In both these projects, it was found that revised proposal or clarification were awaited from the State Government. The Minister assured the MPs that the bare minimum time would be taken by the Power Ministry for clearing State Projects. He promised the MPs that he will facilitate early clearance of power projects so that installed capacity could be increased. Members profoundly thanked the Minister for his initiative in organizing this extra-ordinary meeting. -Keralamonitor.com
Indian Airlines jack up Gulf-Kerala Route Fares
Nedumbassery, Jul 20: Air India has once again jacked up the airfare in the gulf Kerala sector. The newly announced fares would be effective from August 15 for one month time during the Onam vacation. This hike is a temporary one, owning to the heavy passenger traffic that would result following the reopening of schools in Gulf which were closed for annual vacation. The following are the renewed fares announced by Air India to various places in gulf from anywhere in Kerala. The amounts given in brackets are the previous rates.
Dubai - Rs. 11,750 (Rs. 9,500)
Abu Dhabi - Rs. 10,950 (Rs. 9,250)
Kuwait - Rs. 13,850 (Rs. 13,400)
Riyadh - Rs. 12,750 (Rs. 12,350)
Muscat - Rs. 10,000 (Rs. 9,100)
Doha and Bahrain - Rs. 13,200 (Rs. 12,150)
Jeddah - Rs. 17,400 (Rs. 16,900)Alteration has also been made in the renewed fares for passengers who return within next three months. For passengers travelling to Dubai and then returning within 90 days, the new fare will be Rs. 19,250 (Rs. 17,950). The same rate is applicable for Abu Dhabi bound passengers. The ticket rates for Kuwait-bound passengers would be Rs. 24,000 (Rs. 23,350) for up and down journey.Passengers bound for Riyadh will have to pay Rs. 27,950 (Rs. 27,100). The rates to Muscat will now be Rs. 18,700 (Rs. 17,700) and for Doha and Bahrain passengers it is Rs. 22,000 (21,350). The rate for passengers going to Jeddah, returning within a year will be Rs. 35,450 (Rs. 34,350). -Keralamonitor.com
Wipro to build a key centre in Kochi
Kochi July 19: Wipro, the third largest IT company, is all set to venture itself into god's own country. An official announcement said that it would set up a key centre at Kochi for its future operations. The agreement for the operations was signed today and it was announced that, using the built-up space in the Infopark at Kakkanad, Wipro would later on develop its campus on a 24 acre plot there. Wipro Infotech, at present focusing on operations in India, the Middle East and Australia, will start functioning from here in a few weeks. The function was attended by the Industries and IT Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, Infopark Chief Executive Officer K.G. Girish Babu, IT Secretary, Aruna Sundararajan and also members from Wipro comprising of Hari Hegde, General Manager (Operations) Wipro Technologies, V.R. Ganesh, Head of Real Estate in the Technology Division of Wipro and M. Balagiridhar, Chief Information Officer and Head (Facilities) of Wipro Infotech. Wipro has been allotted 14.26 acres in the Infopark on a 90-year lease for eventually developing its own centre. Mr. Hegde handed over a Demand Draft for Rs.3.4 crores to Mr. Kunhalikutty towards the lease amount. According to Mr. Hegde, the centre would come up on this plot and could accommodate about 4000 seats. The company would spend around Rs.3,00,000 a seat. -Keralamonitor.com
Provident fund for staff in the aided higher secondary schools
Thiruvananthapuram July 20: A Provident fund programme for staff in aided higher secondary schools would be inaugurated on July 22, at Science and Technology Museum here at 2.30 pm by Minister Naalakathu Soopy. There would also be the inauguration of the official webportal of the Higher Secondary Education Department. The function would be presided over by Education Secretary P.Maarapandian. -Keralamonitor.com
Cooperative banks to give Educational loan of around 25 lakhs
Thiruvananthapuram July 20: Co-operation Minister M.V.Raghavan said that Kerala State Cooperative bank and other district co-operative banks would grant education loan for of around 25 lakhs for higher education. Around 2 lakhs would be given without any kind of security. The interest rate is nine to nine and a half per cent for half lakhs to 5 lakhs. Those who are going abroad for higher education would get around 25 lakhs as loan. -Keralamonitor.com
Task force to suggest measures for tackling recurrent floods in Assam & neighbouring statesAssam to get Rs. 90 crore more for long term flood control
Prime Minister visits flood affected Assam
July 20: The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has said that a Task Force would be constituted to monitor the floods in Assam and other neigbouring States. The Task Force will submit its report in six months. Dr. Manmohan Singh visited Assam today to assess the damages caused by the floods. The Prime Minister said that a Central team would be sent to assess the actual damage caused by the current floods, as soon as the State Government indicated its readiness. He announced that in addition to Rs. 62 crore already sanctioned, Rs. 90 crore more would be approved for taking up flood control projects. In a statement to the media during the visit, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that a grant of Rs.10,000 for each house completely destroyed and Rs.6,000 for each house partially destroyed, would be released, in addition to relief for damage to crops and fields.
The following is the text of the statement made by the Prime Minister:
"I was keen to visit Assam earlier to express my gratitude for sending me to Parliament as your Representative. This was my moral obligation. However, I feel sad that my visit coincides with the massive floods that have taken place and subsequent devastation caused by these floods. I have come here to see for myself the prevailing conditions of the people and the land and also to see for myself the relief and rescue operations that have been put in place.
Central Government will do all that is possible to help the State and the people of Assam to deal with this calamity.
Floods in Assam are an annual recurring feature and we need to address this as such. For 50 years, no solution has been found to this problem. We need to find an abiding solution to this problem, which visits the people of Assam like a scourge and causes untold devastation and distress. This abiding solution will consist of upstream solutions in the catchment areas and downstream solutions in the form of flood control measure. My emphasis will be in finding long-term solutions which tackle the problem at its source in the long run while at the same time, taking short term measures to strengthen flood control and end erosion so that immediate relief is offered.
Two major projects - the Lower Subansiri and Pagladia - are of critical importance in solving the flood problem in Assam to some extent. These have been approved by the Cabinet and our Government, in cooperation with the affected States, will try to hasten the implementation of these projects. It is my assurance that no effort will be lacking on our part to see that these multi-purpose projects become the boon for Assam and its people.
I am going to constitute a Task Force to look into the problem of recurrent floods in Assam and neighbouring States. This Task Force will suggest short-term and long-term measures, sources of funding and institutional arrangements for tackling this problem. The Task Force will submit its report in six months.
For the short term, our Government has already sanctioned flood control projects worth Rs.62 crore and these will be implemented immediately after the floodwaters recede. In addition, we are in the process of approving a scheme for long term flood control by which Assam will get Rs.90 crore for taking up flood control projects for the remaining years of this Five Year Plan.
Our commitment to solving the problems of floods, for the first time, we have made a mention of the work of flood control being done by Brahmaputra Board and other bodies in the Union Budget and have made an initial provision of Rs.30 crore for this purpose.
We will be sending a Central Team to assess the actual damage caused by the current floods as soon as the State Government indicates its readiness to receive the Team. The funds which will be released from the National Calamity Relief Fund will, among other things, provide Rs.10,000 for each house, i.e., completely destroyed and Rs.6,000 for each house i.e., partially destroyed in addition to relief for damage to crops and fields.
I hope I will be able to come back soon to Assam and be with you after life has returned to normal. I assure you that the concerns of the people of Assam and the North East will be uppermost in my mind even as I devote attention to the affairs of our country as a whole." -Keralamonitor.com
Process initiated to bring down senior citizens age to sixtyJuly 20: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has initiated the process to prescribe the age limit of senior citizens from 65 to 60 years. The matter has been taken up with the concerned ministries, departments, state governments and UT administrations. This is necessary for the extension of facilities and concessions being offered to them in line with the National Policy on Older Persons. Railways reduced the age limit of men senior citizens to 60 w.e.f Ist April 2003 for admissibility of concessions. As such all persons, men and women aged 60 years and above, are eligible for concession in train fares.
However, some ministries and departments are taking their own decision as regards the age of senior citizens for the extension of certain facilities and concessions. For instance, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is of the view that the question of extending concessions to senior citizens should be left to the airlines, as they would be taking decisions on the basis of commercial considerations.
The stand of the Finance Ministry is that the reduction of age of senior citizens to 60 years, under the Income Tax Act will require a policy decision, which can be taken only after due consideration of the revenue aspects. The assessment of financial burden on the Central and State governments is not feasible, as separate data is not being maintained for the same.
The SJ & E Ministry has received responses from some State governments in this regard such as Haryana and West Bengal. Since, States do not follow uniform retirement age, the decision is taking time. -Keralamonitor.com
GSI participates in National Antarctic Programme
July 20: A five-member team of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), a subordinate organisation of the Department of Mines participated in the 22nd Indian Antarctic Expedition 2002-03. The expedition sailed off from the coast of Cape Town, South Africa on January 14th, 2003 on-board vessel 'MV Magdalena' reaching Antarctic Water on January 23, 2003.
The team completed geological mapping in western parts of Muhlig - Hofmann Mountains of Central Dronning Maud Land, east Antarctica, successfully. Over 1,000 sq. km. area between 50 and 50 45' E longitude and 710 45' and 720 10' S latitude was mapped and 110 samples were collected for carrying out various laboratory studies. The area exposes medium to coarse grained, brownish pink granite with big laths of orthoclase, porphyritic coarse grained charnockite and banded gneiss. The banded gneiss shows leucosomes of feldspar and quartz and the melanosomes of hornblende and biotite.
Drilling for ice cores was once again resumed after a gap of six years on continental ice sheet, south of Maitri Station. Ice core measuring 55.76 m was raised from one of the bore holes, while another core length of 7.88 m was raised in total darkness. Water sampling in 28 lakes, spread from western most parts of central part of Schirmacher Oasis was undertaken for hydrochemical studies. The sediment cores measuring 35 cm. And 40 cm. respectively, were also raised from Priyadarshani Lake for reconstructing palaeo-environment during Last Glacial Maxima. Sediment samples were collected from recessional moraines and lake terraces.
Under a collaborative project on ice dynamics with India Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), markers were installed at 20 different locations on ice cap south of Schirmacher Oasis to study differential movement of glacier ice. -Keralamonitor.com
New educational complexes in tribal areas
July 20: Lok Sabha
The scheme of Educational Complex in Low Literacy Pockets for development of women literacy in tribal areas has been approved for continuation during the Tenth Five Year Plan as well. The State Governments have been requested to send proposals of non-governmental organizations for setting up of new complexes in uncovered areas and continuation of ongoing complexes.
The proposals of the non-governmental organizations/state government sun societies are considered on year to year basis subject to availability of funds for sanction of new educational complexes after meeting the committed liabilities on account of maintenance and running of ongoing projects. During the first two years of Tenth Plan, the Ministry has sanctioned 12 new educational complexes in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
This information was given by Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri P. R. Kyndiah in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Electrification of rail linesJuly 20: The Railways have electrified 16960 route kilometres till March 31, 2004.
br> Of the rail routes electrified, 2098 route kilometres are in Andhra Pradesh followed by 723 route kilometres in Bihar, 861 route kilometres in Chhattisgarh, 129 route kilometres in Delhi, 719 route kilometres in Gujarat, 366 route kilometres in Haryana, 23 route kilometres in Himachal Pradesh, 1585 route kilometres in Jharkhand and, 104 route kilometres in Karnataka, 301 in Kerala, 1880 route kilometres in Madhya Pradesh, 2059 route kilometres in Maharashtra, 1023 route kilometres in Orissa, 379 route kilometres in Punjab, 491 route kilometres in Rajasthan, 1026 route kilometres in Tamil Nadu, 1436 route kilometres in Uttar Pradesh, 13 route kilometres in Uttaranchal, and 1744 route kilometres in West Bengal. -Keralamonitor.comGovernment to ensure proper utilization of tribal welfare funds
July 20: Lok Sabha
The Government has taken several measures to prevent misappropriation of funds for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes and to ensure their proper utilization. The measures include:
(1)Utilization Certificates are insisted upon as a pre-requisite for further release of funds;
(2)Periodic progress reports regarding the status of implementation of schemes are obtained;
(3)Central Government Officers undertake on the sport visits to the States/UTs for ascertaining the progress of implementation of schemes;
(4)Meetings/conferences are convened at the Central level with State Secretaries of Tribal Welfare Departments to ensure timely submission of proposals, speed up implementation of schemes and review physical and financial progress;
(5)At the State/field level, the agencies, like, Tribal Advisory Council, project implementation committees of ITDP's and Panchayat Samitis also monitor timely spending of funds and effective implementation of schemes;
(6)To avoid delays in disbursement of funds by the State/Plan/Finance and Tribal Welfare Departments to the line departments/implementing agencies, the guidelines for allocation and utilization of SCA to TSP have since been revised with the provision of ITDA/ITDP-wise earmarking of SCA funds. It has been provided in the guidelines that all States/UTs should ensure that assessment of actual programmes/schemes implemented under TSP on socio-economic condition of the tribals covered under ITDPs, MADAs, Clusters, PGTs, as the case may be, should specifically be undertaken;
(7)In the case of the schemes implemented through the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), funds are released after an assessment of the standing of the NGO, past performance etc. Apart from the periodic progress reports, the NGOs are required to furnish annual accounts and audited reports and utilization certificates on the basis of which further release of funds are made. Inspection of NGOs is also undertaken through State Governments/U.T. officials and other authorities and also by the Central Government officers.
This information was given by Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri P. R. Kyndiah in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
-Keralamonitor.comPresident outlines ten missions for CPWD
CPWD must do earthquake resistance study before starting any construction
July 20: The President Shri A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has advised CPWD to review the adequacy of fire safety provisions in various buildings constructed by it. He was addressing the delegates at the Sesquicentennial celebrations of CPWD in New Delhi. He also emphasized on the need to adopt various energy saving designs like green buildings, solar heating/cooking and windmills. "These energy saving, pollutions free, water conserving, cost effective features are necessary to be incorporated in all Government Buildings - technical and administrative, housing complexes, community centers, schools, educational institutions and hostels", he added.Shri Kalam also suggested that CPWD should develop a proven earthquake-building code in the next six months and subject all future buildings built by CPWD to earthquake resistance study prior to construction. He also expressed his desire that CPWD should carry out research into energy efficient building codes.
The President also said that it would be appropriate to conduct a study on the buildings and roads which had been constructed by CPWD during the last 25 years and suggested that the study should focus on various inputs, energy, fire safety, earthquake/storm/flood resistance, etc. "This will be the CPWD's knowledge database on 25 years, which would help in the evolution of newer designs, efficient delivery of services, development of innovative empowerment and management methodologies", he added.
Shri Kalam also outlined 10 missions for CPWD which relates to water harvesting, utilization of solar energy, earthquake resistance, water proof freeness, disabled friendly buildings, maximum use of green building materials, promotion of ISO certified contractors, yearly seminars in partnership with industry and educational institutions, evolving of a management structure for CPWD's vast organization with e-governance solutions.
In his presidential address the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Urban Development Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad urged CPWD officials to improve the working environment by bringing about drastic changes in work culture, improved efficiency and workmanship and high standard of quality in construction. He also emphasized the need to have improved inter-face with the clients by setting up of institutionalized arrangements to deliver efficient service at competitive costs. He advised CPWD to set up an archive-cum-museum of public works to preserve its rich heritage and traditions for the benefit of posterity.
Minister for Communication & Information Technology Shri Dayanidhi Maran in his address congratulated CPWD for completing 150 years of successful existance and said that even the Department of Posts is celebrating its 150 years. He released a Special Day Cover on this occasion.
Among others present on the occasion were Shri Anil Baijal, Secretary, Urban Development, Shri K.N. Agrawal, DG, CPWD. -Keralamonitor.com
Wastage of agricultural produce
July 20: Lok Sabha
Total wastage of agricultural produce is estimated at Rs.50, 000 crore. Wastage in fruits and vegetables is estimated at 25% to 30%. There is a need to adopt technology to create scientific storage to reduce wastage in oilseeds, pulses, foodgrains etc. In the case of fruits and vegetables, there is a need to develop post harvest technology and infrastructure of cold chain. Development of the processed food industry will facilitate timely marketing of food products, thereby minimize the wastage.
Several institutions such as the Commodity Specific Research Centres of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Indian Agriculture Research Institute and State Agricultural Universities in the country are engaged in developing appropriate and cost effective post harvest technologies. The National Horticultural Board, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection are providing financial assistancwe to promote various components of post harvest technologies such as establishment of rural godowns, cold chains, quality control, packaging, processing, transportation etc. for improvements in domestic and export marketing.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Shri Kanti Lal Bhuria in a written reply to Shri Shivaji Adhalrao Patil in the Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Cultivation of ganja
July 20: Lok Sabha
The Government has taken a number of steps to check the cultivation of ganja. As and when any ganja cultivation comes to the notice of the drug law enforcement agencies, it is destroyed. Illicit cultivation or wild growth was destroyed in an area of 123 acres in 2001, 340 acres in 2002 and 2620 acres in 2003.Narcotics Control Bureau has asked all the States to conduct surveys to identify areas of illicit cannables cultivation. It has also urged the States to constitute coordination committees under the Chief Secretary for drawing up action plans for eradication of illicit cultivation and combat drug trafficking and addiction in a coordinated manner. India's climate is conductive for wild and spontaneous growth of ganja.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Shri Kanti Lal Bhuria in a written reply to Smt. Nivedita Mane and Shri Vijoy Krishna in the Lok Sabha today.-Keralamonitor.com
Crop management strategy for the current season
July 20: The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) has prepared an immediate management strategy for crop production during the current season. The strategy is based on monsoon behaviour as on the 18th of this month.
For the North-western region, particularly Rajasthan, optimum time for 85 to 90 days' duration pearl millet varieties for grain is up to July 20. After that, pearl millet will be mostly a fodder crop. However, short duration (70 to 75 days) varieties can be sown for grain purpose up to the first week of August. Whenever pearl millet is sown for fodder purposes, it should be mixed with cow-pea or other legumes. If rains are delayed beyond July, crops like moth bean and cluster bean may be preferred. In the case of delayed onset and withdrawal of monsoon, Toria and Taramira may be preferred. In Andhra Pradesh, wherever monsoon is delayed, paddy, sorghum, pearl millet, maize and ragi may be replaced by green gram and black gram. In Madhya Pradesh, in case of delayed monsoon, short duration varieties of soybean and other pulses may be sown. In Haryana, paddy and pearl millet may be replaced by fodder. In Uttar Pradesh, paddy area may be diverted to pulses, til and fodder.
In-situ mulching for conserving limited soil moisture may be adopted. Sprinkler and drip irrigation should be preferred wherever possible. In order to conserve the available soil moisture, light hoeing should be done in the established cropped land and if required, weeding should also be done. Sowing of long duration varieties should not be taken up now even if rainfall occurs. Farmers should go for short duration varieties.
In the light of the monsoon behaviour as existing on the 12th of this month, farmers should not do paddy transplanting till the monsoon activity is regained especially in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. Farmers should divert some area from paddy to maize and pulses in the light of delayed monsoon in north-western States. Farmers interested in orchard and forest tree plantation should go for plantation after good monsoon rains are received and where provision of supplemental irrigation exists.
The details of the crop production strategy and advisories on livestock, fisheries etc. are also available on the ICAR's website, www.icar.org.in. These will be constantly updated in view of the changing weather situation. -Keralamonitor.com
Government keen to help tea industry - Kamal NathProduction of organic tea doubled
July 20: Shri Kamal Nath, Minister of Commerce & Industry, has indicated that the government is keen to resolve the problems facing the tea industry. At a presentation on "Tea in India: Issues and Challenges" by Shri N.K. Das, Chairman, Tea Board, here last evening, the Minister indicated that the government is fully seized of the issues affecting the tea industry and stressed the need to find a viable solution in consultation with the tea industry. This is important as tea industry is the third largest employer in the country after Defence and Railways and generates income and livelihood directly and indirectly for more than 10 million people, with 50% of those employed being women. Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry; Shri Dipak Chatterjee, Commerce Secretary; and Shri Abhijit Sengupta, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry along with a large delegation of tea industry representatives including United Planters' Association of Southern India (UPASI) attended the presentation which focussed on (a) the Tea Board and its mandate; (b) the global tea situation; (c) an overview of Indian tea; and (d) the way forward.
Expressing concern over the declining share of Indian tea in the world markets over the last decade, the Minister said this negative trend must be reversed.
Despite the problems affecting the industry, an interesting feature is that the production of organic tea has almost doubled from 1.68 million kgs. in 1998 to 3.5 million kgs. in 2003. Out of the total production, about 75% is exported mainly to Germany, UK, France, USA and Japan. Certification of organic tea has been introduced for facilitating exports. Darjeeling organic tea, as a premium niche market speciality export product, is also being promoted.
The plantation crops, mainly tea and coffee, have been affected due to the fall in prices. Lower price realisation has affected viability of the tea gardens. The presentation indicated that global production has been more than the demand and prices fell in the major auctions during the past four years due to over supply. The issues affecting tea industry at present are: continued decline in price realisation; demand-supply imbalance; decline in exports; sluggish growth in domestic consumption; quality of production; increasing cost of production including high social cost of production; and low productivity improvement and manpower rationalisation.
The broad strategic areas for revival indicated by Tea Board include upgradation of quality; cost reduction; orthodox-CTC product-mix; export revitalisation; promotion of domestic consumption & acceleration of replantation and development.
Government have taken a number of steps already to help the tea industry, including those in the West Bengal. These include setting up of a special fund out of collections by way of additional duty of excise of Re. 1 per kg on tea for the development, modernisation and rehabilitation of tea plantation sector; implementation of (i) an IT based Information Dissemination Plan for the tea industry including conversion of manual auctions into electronic auctions so as to improve the efficiency of the tea purchase systems; (ii) Special Tea Term Loan (STTL) which envisages restructuring/rephasing of outstanding term/working capital loans in the tea sector with working capital upto Rs. 2 lakh at a rate not exceeding 9% to small growers; (iii) Price Subsidy Scheme for small tea growers for a period of four months from February to May 2004; and (iv) a price sharing formula between small tea growers and manufacturers of tea w.e.f. 1/4/2004. -Keralamonitor.com
Measures for curbing crime on railwaysJuly 20: The Railways have taken various steps to supplement the efforts of the State Governments through the Government Railway Police (GRP) in curbing crimes and strengthening security of passengers and rail services, as the constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order on the railways vests in the States.
Accordingly, anti-social elements are being removed from railway premises and trains by the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
Coach Attendants and Travelling Train Examiners (TTEs) are keeping proper watch on the passengers entering or detraining from the coaches and the coaches properly checked and locked during their run, especially in night hours.
First Information Report (FIR) forms are made available with the Train Guards, Station Masters and RPF to facilitate the travelling public to lodge their reports immediately.
Sharing of Special Intelligence and Crime Intelligence between RPF and GRP is being done regularly at all levels.
Announcement through public address system and Close Circuit Television (CTV) at important stations is done to alert the travelling passengers.
Police and local police are being conducted to analyse the crime position on Railways for adequate preventive measures.
In addition, the responsibility to arrest and prosecute minor offences under the Railways Act, 1989, which affect the normal passengers and the train operations, have been vested with the RPF by amending the RPF Act, 1957 and the Railways Act, 1989, to supplement the efforts of the GRP and the State Government in maintaining law and order and for their better focus on serious crimes. -Keralamonitor.com
SEZ at Navi Mumbai
July 20: A proposal received from the Government of Maharashtra for setting up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Dronagiri, Navi Mumbai has been approved on 15/02/2002. The SEZ is being promoted by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) over a total area of 4377 hectares at an estimated cost of Rs. 6359 crore.
CIDCO has since finalised a strategic partner for the project and financial closure is expected to be achieved by January 2005.
This was stated by Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. -Keralamonitor.com
19 Industrial clusters under theIndustrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme
The government has initially identified to take up 19 industrial clusters/locations under the Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme of Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion to enhance competitiveness of the domestic industry by providing quality infrastructure through public-private partnership. The details of these industrial clusters/locations are as under:
(1) Auto Components Cluster, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
(2) Pharmaceutical Cluster, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
(3) Gems & Jewellery Cluster, Surat, Gujarat
(4) Chemical Cluster, Vapi, Gujarat
(5) Auto Components Cluster, Pune, Maharashtra
(6) Steel & Metallurgy Cluster, Jaipur, Orissa
(7) Textiles Cluster, Ludhiana, Punjab
(8) Wool & Woollen Garments Cluster, Amritsar, Punjab
(9) Stone Cluster, Kishangarh, Rajasthan
(10) Textiles Cluster, Tirupur, Tamil Nadu
(11) Pump, Motor and Foundry Cluster, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
(12) Ceramic Pottery Cluster, Khurja, Uttar Pradesh
(13) Glass Cluster, Ferozabad, Uttar Pradesh
(14) Food Processing Cluster, Arunachal Pradesh
(15) Food Processing Cluster, Guwahati, Assam
(16) Textiles Cluster, Panipat, Haryana
(17) Wood-based Cluster, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
(18) Pharma/Auto Cluster, Pritampura, Madhya Pradesh
(19) Engineering Cluster, Kolkata, West BengalA budgetary provision of Rs. 175 crore has been proposed in Budget 2004-05 for these clusters. -Keralamonitor.com
Consensus on power sector reforms
July 20: Lok Sabha
Consensus has been evolved on power sector reforms through a Conference of Chief Ministers and Power Ministers and through a Committee set up by the National Development Council. This information was given by the Power Minister Shri P.M.Sayeed in the Lok Sabha today.
The focus of power sector reforms is on metering of all consumers, energy audit, improvement of billing and collection efficiency, reduction of technical and commercial losses, reduction and elimination of theft of power, constitution and operationalisation of State Electricity Regulatory Commission, achievement of commercial viability in a time bound manner and on improving reliability and quality of power supply.
The Minister also informed the Lok Sabha that Central Government has set up a Bureau of Energy Efficiency which is responsible to develop policy and strategies for efficiency in energy uses. -Keralamonitor.com
Power projects in Uttaranchal
July 20: Lok Sabha
NTPC has proposed to set up two power projects in the State of Uttaranchal during the Eleventh Five Year Plan. These projects are Loharinag-Pala (4 x 150 MW) at an estimated cost of Rs.2985.07 crore and Tapovan-Vishnugad (4 x 130 MW) at an estimated cost Rs.3052.88 crore.
Loharinag-Pala project is a run off the river scheme on river Bhagirathi with the Barrage at village Loharinag and the powerhouse near village Pala in Uttarkashi district. Tapovan-Vishnugad is also a run off the river scheme on river Dhauliganga, the barrage located in village Tapovan and the powerhouse is located in village Helong in Chamoli district of Uttaranchal. The implementation agreements for these projects have been signed on 23.6.2004 between NTPC and Government of Uttaranchal.
This information was given by the Minister of Power Shri P.M.Sayeed, in the Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Wastage of agricultural produceJuly 20: Lok Sabha
Total wastage of agricultural produce is estimated at Rs.50, 000 crore. Wastage in fruits and vegetables is estimated at 25% to 30%. There is a need to adopt technology to create scientific storage to reduce wastage in oilseeds, pulses, foodgrains etc. In the case of fruits and vegetables, there is a need to develop post harvest technology and infrastructure of cold chain. Development of the processed food industry will facilitate timely marketing of food products, thereby minimize the wastage.
Several institutions such as the Commodity Specific Research Centres of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Indian Agriculture Research Institute and State Agricultural Universities in the country are engaged in developing appropriate and cost effective post harvest technologies. The National Horticultural Board, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection are providing financial assistancwe to promote various components of post harvest technologies such as establishment of rural godowns, cold chains, quality control, packaging, processing, transportation etc. for improvements in domestic and export marketing.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Shri Kanti Lal Bhuria in a written reply to Shri Shivaji Adhalrao Patil in the Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Allotment of NSSN to EPF subscribers to continue
July 20: The Labour Minister Shri Sis Ram Ola told the Central Board of Trustees of the Employees' Provident Fund here today that the allotment of National Social Security Number cards to EPF subscribers would continue. Shri Ola said that there was no move to stop the allotment of NSS numbers. He said the distribution of cards was temporarily suspended as a two-member committee of officials was set up on the issue of review of Business Process Re-Engineering (BPR) of Employees' Provident Fund. The Committee, which was asked to submit its report within one month, was set up following a unanimous demand by the members of Central Board of Trustees for a full report on the implementation of BPR. -Keralamonitor.com
Kamal Nath opens dialogue with political parties on WTO issues
July 20: Shri Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, today initiated a dialogue with various political parties on WTO-related issues, particularly in the context of the draft framework for further negotiations which has been proposed by the General Council of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for the consideration of member countries.
The first in the series of Shri Kamal Nath's meetings with the political parties scheduled to take place here over the next two days was with the leaders of CPI (M), CPI, RSP and Forward Bloc. Shri Basudev Acharya, Shri Roopchand Pal, Shri P.K. Vasudevan Nair and Shri Bir Singh Mahato attended the meeting on behalf of their respective parties. They had an exchange of views with the Minister on issues of concern to India in the WTO negotiations, especially in the area of agriculture. Shri Kamal Nath said the principal aim of India's negotiating strategy was to protect the interests of Indian agriculture, including food security and livelihood concerns of farmers. There must be less than full reciprocity in reduction commitments, our special products must be taken care of and there should be a special safeguard mechanism to protect our agricultural interests, the Minister said. Shri E.V.K.S. Elanagovan, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, also attended the meeting.
Shri Kamal Nath also had a meeting with leaders of BJP - Shri Arun Jaitley and Shri Manvendra Singh. The discussions focussed on the implications of the draft framework for negotiations in the important area of agriculture besides non-agricultural market access, services. Singapore issues and implementation-related issues, including special & differential treatment provisions. They had a useful exchange of views on the provisions in the draft text in respect of the three pillars of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture viz., export subsidies, domestic support and market access and agreed that flexibilities needed by developing countries like India in the areas of special sensitivity to them particularly in agriculture must be ensured even while engaging constructively in the negotiations.
Later, Shri Kamal Nath met leaders of other major political parties - Shri Ram Vilas Paswan of Lok Jan Shakti, Shri Amar Singh of Samajwadi Party; Shri M. P. Virendra Kumar of JD (S); Shri Nakul Das Rai and Shri Dawa Nanbe La of Sikkim Democratic Front and Shri Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM; Shri B. Vinod Kumar, Telengana Rashtiya Samiti and Shri K. Francis George of Kerala Congress. -Keralamonitor.com
Statement of Shri Arjun Singh, Minister for Human Resource Development in Lok Sabha on NCERT text-books of historyJuly 20: Following is the text of the statement of Shri Arjun Singh, Minister for Human Resource Development in Lok Sabha today on NCERT text-books of history:
"While answering the Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 106 on 13th July, 2004, I had reported on the findings of the panel of three eminent historians, on the text books of History prepared by the NCERT. I had then promised that the recommendations of the panel will be put up for consideration of the Executive Committee (EC) of the NCERT and had hoped that the EC will no doubt keep the interest of students as their foremost concern.
The report of the panel was accordingly considered by the EC for two days and they have taken the following decisions:-
The Executive Committee accepted the report of the Committee of the Historians, Prof. S. Settar, Prof. J.S. Grewal and Prof. Barun De in so far as their finding that the history books were biased, badly written and full of inaccuracies rendering them unsuitable for continuation.
In view of the above, it was decided that from the academic session 2005-06, the earlier books of history will be restored with appropriate modifications in line with the existing curriculum and minor corrections wherever required.
Because of the already advanced stage of the current academic session, it was, unfortunately, not practical to change all the books at this stage. It was, however, decided that the NCERT text books which were replaced by present text books will be printed in sufficient numbers to enable at least 5 copies to be sent free to each school taking the CBSE syllabus. These books would also be available in the market for purchase. These books could be used by teachers and students for reference.
A series of workshops and training would be organized for teachers to help them transact the curriculum with the current text books and reference to the old books, for a proper understanding of the issues in class room teaching.
A short advisory should be expeditiously issued by the NCERT in close consultation with school teachers and historians to help them develop an appropriate perspective in teaching.
In accordance with these decisions, the HRD Ministry will issue appropriate directions to the CBSE to suitably guide the question paper setters and evaluators. The NCERT and CBSE could constitute joint teams for this purpose.
The NCERT will forthwith take-up the revision of the National Curriculum Framework in conformity with all the laid down and by conventionally established procedures.
The Committee was also deeply concerned about the quality and content of text books other than in History. While it expected that the proposed curriculum framework review will take care of the concerns in the medium term it was important that all the text books are subjected through a quick review to take corrective steps wherever required, before the next academic session.
The Director, NCERT is authorized to work out all the operational details for effective and timely implementation of the above decisions."
The Government are in agreement with the decisions of the Executive Committee of the NCERT. I understand the anguish of the Hon'ble members of this House, and more acutely aware of the anxieties of students, teachers and the parents of children on this issues. The Executive Committee of the NCERT have deliberated on this issue in great depth and full understanding of the issues. They have given their decision, which is optimum and comprehensive in the given circumstances. We hope that such a sorry episode in our academic history will help us to evolve a consensus by which the sanctity of academic institutions and processes are not compromised and no one is allowed to cynically play with the future of our children and diminish in any way, the idea of India that took shape during our freedom struggle and is so sacredly enshrined in the Constitution of India". -Keralamonitor.com