Photo identity cards for 92 lakh NRKs
Thiruvananthapuram Jul 22: Following a state cabinet meeting yesterday, Kerala CM A.K.Anthony announced a decision to issue photo identity cards to over 92 lakh Non Resident Keralites (NRKs). The Non Resident Keralites department would issue these cards and it would be charged. He also said that those NRKs who have any of the identity cards from the government would be given preference in getting new photo identity cards and the purpose of the card would be to avoid difficulties for the NRKs. -Keralamonitor.com
Prime Minister releases book of cartoons on Nayanar
July 22: The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, released here today a book of cartoons on the late E.K. Nayanar, Former Chief Minister of Kerala by the renowned cartoonist, Yesudasan. The first copy of the book, "Varayile Nayanar", was handed over to Shri Harkishan Singh Surjeet.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said:
"I have been less fortunate than many of you here in not knowing Comrade E.K. Nayanar as intimately as you do. As an observer what struck me most about his warm and endearing personality is the credibility that he carried with the people in Kerala and observers outside. He was a man who was transparently honest, spoke his mind without fear of consequence and earned the trust and love of the people for whom he worked because to them, he was always credible.
Shri Nayanar belonged to that band of leaders in India who lived out Gandhiji's call to "be the change that you want to see". He exemplified the sacrifice that young men of his generation made for the emancipation of the country and its people. His political beliefs were carried over into governance when he became the Chief Minister of Kerala. To see everyone equally is basically an attitude of mind. Comrade Nayanar treated everyone equally. The people of Kerala responded to this generosity of Comrade Nayanar, in full measure.
His sense of humour is legendary. I am told his Weekly Television programme to respond to queries from the public had one of the highest popularity ratings on that channel. I do not know whether running a coalition Government had anything to do with improving his sense of humour. It is perhaps the love for laughter that brought Mr. Yesudasan and Shri Nayanar together. Mr. Yesudasan perhaps could not have had a better subject than Mr. Nayanar and I am sure Comrade Nayanar would have wholeheartedly approved Shri Yesudasan's cartoons on him. Mr. Yesudasan's cartoons bring alinve Comrade Nayanar in all his warmth. I compliment him for putting together this book to bring back memories of an endearing personality whom Kerala and India loved.
Comrade Nayanar led an eventful life. He went through it laughingly. He also left his land after changing the way people related to each other. People like him remind us of the values we need to cherish - to believe in equality and act for creating a world that treats everyone equally, to live life simply, to live life without rancour, to be credible to one's people throughout one's public life and be able to laugh through life.
I consider myself privileged to release this book of Cartoons of Mr. Yesudasan on Shri Nayanar and to be able to present this to Shri Harkishan Singh Surjit, Shri Nayanar's comrade in arms."
The Union Minister for Power, Shri P.M. Sayeed; Shri P.K. Vasudevan Nair, MP, Former Chief Minister of Kerala also spoke on the occasion. -Keralamonitor.com
Kerala to give 10 lakhs to the families of Kumbhakonam fire victims
Thiruvananthapuram July 22: Following the cabinet meeting held yesterday, Chief Minister A.K.Anthony announced an aid of 10 lakhs to the families of students who got killed in the fire tragedy at Kumbakonam. -Keralamonitor.com
Minister Babu Divakaran assures revision of minimum wages in plantation sector
Thiruvananthapuram Jul 22: In state assembly held today, as a reply to the questions by Raju Abraham (CPI-M) and others, Labour Minister Babu Divakaran said that as soon as the government receives recommendations of the Plantation Labour Committee, the government would issue a notification revising minimum wages in the plantation industry. A consensus on wage revision was expected at the PLC meeting scheduled for July 26, he said. He also said that all possible steps would be taken for reopening estates remaining closed for several reasons .Several concessions, like allowing the managements to pay power charge arrears in instalments, has been offered to enable the reopening of the closed estates. The government has already taken steps to provide relief to the plantation workers remaining unemployed including the distribution of free ration. An amount of Rs five crore had been spent on the distribution of study materials to the children of plantation workers. -Keralamonitor.comSteps to be taken for Repair of saline water barriers
Thiruvananthapuram Jul 22: Kerala CM A K Antony assured the state assembly today that steps would be taken for the repair of the Thanneermukham barrier and the Thottappaly spillway which prevented incursion of saline water into the Kuttanad basin on war footage.The work would be completed before the next cultivation.He also said that his government proposed to implement a package for farmers who suffered crop loss due to drought and flood. -Keralamonitor.com
1958 Moneylenders act to be amended says Minister K.SankaranarayananThiruvananthapuram Jul 22: Presenting the motion referring the Kerala Finance Bill, 2004 to the Subject Committee in the assembly on Wednesday, Finance Minister K Sankaranarayanan said that the 1958 Money lenders' act would be amended to include stringent provisions for awarding punishment to lenders who use goondas and mafia gangs to retrieve money. He stated that sales tax collection in the state had increased by Rs 2047 crore in the last three years. Agricultural income tax collection had also increased by 27 per cent in the period and Rs 83 crore had been collected by way of entry tax. According to him, the only fresh tax proposal since the UDF government came to power was the introduction of 15 per cent additional sales tax. He said that the revenue collection increased from Rs 6529.34 crore in 2001-02 to Rs 11,730.10 crore in 2003-04.81,514 persons had been given jobs through the PSC in the last three years and another 7850 were to be recruited next month. -Keralamonitor.com
Due date for filing of income tax returns extended
July 22: The due date for filing of returns of income for the Assessment Year 2004-05 by salaried and other non-corporate assessees, whose accounts are not required to be audited under the Income Tax Act, 1961, has been extended from July 31, 2004 to October 31, 2004. -Keralamonitor.com
Visa call centre to be opened at Kochi
New Delhi Jul 22: Kochi is one of the seven cities in India where Italian Embassy would open visa call centres from August 16 . The other six cities are Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi and Jalandhar. The call centres will be set up in collaboration with VFS India Pvt Ltd, a division of Kuoni India. According to Italian Ambassador Antonio Armellini, the initiative is aimed at providing efficient, convenient and fast visa services in order to meet the growing demand for business, tourism and other types of visas in India. India is the first country where the system is being introduced. He also added that contact and communication were imperative for better bilateral relations.Italian Embassy issued about 33,000 visas last year, he said, adding they were hoping to issue more this year.-Keralamonitor.com
Railway Minister gives away employment to widow of slain IRCON engineer
July 22: The Union Minister of Railways Shri Lalu Prasad gave away appointment letter to Smt. Renu Pundheer, widow of IRCON engineer Shri Sudhir Pundheer who was abducted and killed by militants in the Kashmir Valley in June 2004.
Accordingly Smt. Renu Pundheer will work as Welfare Inspector at Baroda House headquarters of Northern Railway, New Delhi. She will also get government accommodation.
Earlier on June 21,2004, the Railway Minister went to the village of the slain engineer in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh and handed over a cheque of Rs.5/- lakhs from his Welfare Fund. The IRCON management has paid her an amount of Rs.18/- lakhs. Shri Lalu Prasad consoled the widow, parents and other relatives of Smt Pundheer with the promise to give her a suitable job in Indian Railways. -Keralamonitor.com
Government planning to include drug abuse in school curriculum
July 22: The government is planning to include in the school curriculum information on the ill effects of drug abuse and alcoholism etc. This is to create awareness in the young minds that alcoholism and drug abuse will not only affect their health but also their future, as productive citizens of the society.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment as the Nodal Agency, is in touch with the Ministry of Human Resource Development for inclusion of inputs on drug abuse and alcoholism in the school curriculum. Students at the secondary and higher-secondary school levels are vulnerable to these habits and drug abusing behaviour due to various stress factors, peer influence, hormonal changes etc. It is strongly felt that educating them on the ill effects of drug abuse through appropriate inputs in the school curricula will go a long way in reducing the number of students succumbing to these vices.
The Nodal Agency i.e. the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment also funds, voluntary organisations and the NGOs running awareness programmes on the prevention of drug abuse. Several of these organisations cover schools and collages also in their efforts to rid the society of the menace of drug abuse.
The recent findings of a National Survey on the extent, pattern and trends of drug abuse, indicate substantial abuse of alcohol, cannabis and opiates (including heroin), even in the rural areas. A greater thrust is being given for addressing drug abuse in rural population, through awareness programmes and de-addiction camps etc. -Keralamonitor.com
Jobs for youth in villages
July 22: Rajya Sabha
The Government through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is already implementing the Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) all over the country for promoting rural industries. One of the objectives of this programme is to reduce migration from rural to urban areas. Under this programme Capital Subsidy in the form of Margin Money is provided to the beneficiaries for setting up labour intensive industries. The beneficiary is required to invest his own contribution of 10% of the project cost. For disadvantaged sections viz. SC/ST/Women/Physically Handicapped/Ex-Servicemen and Minority Community beneficiary/institution and for hill, border and tribal areas, North East Region, Sikkim, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, there is a higher margin money grant. This scheme is being implemented through Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks and on a selective basis through Cooperative Banks and Private Sector Scheduled Commercial Banks.
The Government is also proposing to bring a Single Law for all SSIs. The draft of the Small Enterprises Development Bill, inter-alia, seeks to reduce the rigour of labour related inspections on SSIs, which would result in an end to the Inspector Raj problem.
This information was given by Shri Mahabir Prasad, Minister of Small Scale Industries & Agro and Rural Industries in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Unemployed people in rural areasJuly 22: Lok Sabha
The estimates of employment and unemployment are made by the Planning Commission on the basis of quinquennial survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO). The estimares of unemployment are based on the scientific methodology followed by the NSSO. As per the information furnished by the Planning Commission based on the latest quinquennial rounds of National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) on employment and unemployment, estimated unemployed persons by current daily status (CDS) for selected States in rural areas are given below:-
Table: Estimated No. of Unemployed Persons('000) on CDS basis in Rural Areas.Selected States 1999-2000
1. Andhra Pradesh 2153
2. Assam 532
3. Bihar 2033
4. Gujarat 629
5. Haryana 217
6. Karnataka 638
7. Kerala 1800
8. Madhya Pradesh 903
9. Maharashtra 1567
10. Orissa 787
11. Punjab 207
12. Rajasthan 470
13. Tamilnadu 2196
14. Uttar Pradesh 1462
15. West Bengal 3127
ALL INDIA 19495
This information was given by Smt. Suryakanta Patil, Minister of State for Rural Development in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Implementation of Rural Development schemes through district level units
July 22: Lok Sabha
The Ministry of Rural Development releases the funds to implement the major Rural Development Programmes directly to the District Rural Development Agencies(DRDAs)/Zilla Parishads, and the implementing agencies. The procedure has been evolved in consultations with the State Governments, based on the experience of the Ministry in programme implementation and in consonance with the principles of decentralization as enshrined in the Constitution. The procedure is expected to accelerate the pace of implementation.
The Ministry addresses the local district level problems, concerning rural areas through the implementation of various Rural Development Programmes. Under the decentralized system of Panchayati Raj Institutions, District Planning Committees are also set up to address the local level problems.
This information was given by Smt. Suryakanta Patil, Minister of State for Rural Development in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Transfer of Technology for manufacturing of Sukhoi-30
July 22: Lok Sabha
Agreement of transfer of technology for manufacturing of Sukhoi - 30 MK-1 was signed between India and Russia.
The agreement envisages licensed production of SU 30 MKI aircraft along with engines and sets of aggregates. The Russian side will provide for supply for license technical documents, specific non-standardised equipment and tooling, technical assistance, deputation of Russian Specialists to India, training of Indian engineers in Russia and supply of technical kits in different stages of production.
The Government accorded sanction to the licensed manufacture of SU-30 MKI aircraft, its engine and accessories at HAL at a total cost of US $ 4809.3 million (Rs. 22122.78 crore at year 2000 price level and at 1 US $ = Rs. 46) which includes payment to Russia towards license fee, technical assistance technological facilities and cost of technical kits.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Subhash Sureshchandra Deshmukh and Shri Sushil Kumar Modi in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Procurement of defence equipment
July 22: Lok SabhaSeventy-five proposals for procurement of defence equipment were cleared by Defence Procurement Board since its institution. Fifty-one contracts have since been concluded. Remaining twenty-four cases are at various stages of processing.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Prabhunath Singh in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Coal production up
July 22: The total coal production in the country in June 2004 is estimated at 27.46 million tonnes (MT) as against 25.58 MT in the same month last year. Out of this 477 working mines of Public Sector Coal India Limited (CIL) produced 23.34 MT, 67 mines of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), a joint Undertaking of Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of India, produced 2.87 MT and other 16 mines contributed 1.25 MT.
The total off-take of coal during the month was 29.01 MT against 26.89 MT during June, 2003. Coal off-take by CIL increased from 23.23 MT in June, 2003 to 25.19 MT in June, 2004. The off-take of SCCL increased to 2.72 MT in June, 2004 against 2.66 MT during the same month last year. Off-take from other working mines has increased from 1 MT to 1.10 MT. The closing stock in June, 2004 was 15.41 MT (CIL 14.82 MT, SCCL 0.36 MT and others 0.23 MT). -Keralamonitor.com
Dubai, 21 July 2004
Military ties with USA
July 22: Lok Sabha
The US has shown keenness to continue military relations between the US and the Indian Armed Forces in the mutual interest. This was reiterated during the 6th meeting of the US - India Defence Policy Group held in India on June 1-2, 2004.
The US and India have had a dialogue on missile defence that has included briefing on the US Ballistic Missile Defence Programme. No specific offer for supply of missile defence technology was made nor sought. Combined military exercises are an integral aspect of India - US military-to-military relations. Enhanced access to defence related technology is a nascent area of Indo-US defence relations.
There are no specific proposals to which the government has responded as yet. The government seeks closer engagement and relations with the US, including in the area of defence, within the parameters of an independent policy in keeping with past traditions. Specific proposals will be considered on their merit and in the national interest.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Kailash Meghwal and Shri Mahesh Kanodia in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Financial condition of SSIs
July 22: Rajya Sabha
The Government have taken several steps to improve the financial condition of the Small Scale Industries(SSI) through implementation of various programmes/schemes like Credit Guarantee Scheme, Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme etc. In addition, the initiatives which have been taken to improve the flow of credit to the SSI units include enhancement of composite loan limit from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh, advice to banks to adopt interest rate band of 2% above and below prime lending rates, providing collateral free loan upto Rs. 25 lakh to SSI units having good track record, setting up of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Fund of Rs. 10,000 crore under SIDBI, enhancement of loan limit under Laghu Udyami Credit Card (LUCC) from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, etc.
The promotion and development of the Small Scale Industries (SSI) is a conscious policy of the government. While the development of SSIs is primarily the responsibility of the State/UT Governments, the Central Government has taken several steps to improve their performance by implementing various schemes for improving the flow of credit, infrastructure development, technology upgradation, marketing and entrepreneurial development etc.
This information was given by Shri Mahabir Prasad, Minister of Small Scale Industries & Agro and Rural Industries in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Socio-economic survey of railway portersJuly 22: Majority of railway porters remains available for porterage for more than 12 hours a day at the railway station. This has been revealed in a survey conducted by the Labour Bureau on the socio-economic conditions of licensed railway porters at five selected centres namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata. About 82 per cent porters work on all the seven days of the week while 14.2 per cent work on six days and the remaining for lesser days in a week.
Of the total 800 porters covered, about 83 per cent lived in nuclear families and 16.2 per cent in joint families while less than one per cent lived alone. In Delhi and Kolkata, almost all porters are migrants from other states, but in Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai, the proportion of migrant porters were very small being 11.7 per cent, 3.8 per cent, 0.6 per cent respectively.
The survey found wide inter and intra-centre variations in their earnings. The earnings of sample porters ranged between Rs. 1,700 to Rs. 18,500 at Delhi, Rs. 1,800 to Rs. 9,750 at Bangalore, Rs. 2,400 to Rs. 10,000 at Mumbai, Rs. 1,650 to Rs. 9,050 at Chennai and Rs. 1,200 to 9,600 per month at Kolkata. Almost half of the earnings were spent on food items at all centres. Savings constituted 13.1 per cent and investments 0.3 per cent of the total family earnings.
The survey revealed that more than 86 per cent of sample porters have 'Independent house', 11.3 per cent live in chawl/Basati and the rest have 'flats'. Around 84 per cent of the dwellings comprise of two rooms. It is observed that 36.8 per cent of families of sample porters have access to piped water supply. 24 per cent families use wells and 22.6 per cent of the families meet their water needs from handpumps. More than 51 per cent families use electricity, 46.4 per cent use kerosene and the remaining use both. Over 73 per cent families use firewood for cooking, 19 per cent used kerosene, 5.4 per cent used LPG and the rest are dependent on cow dung cakes/ coal/ biogas etc.
Over 31 per cent of total sample porters families were found to be indebted and the incidence of indebtedness increased with the increase in the size of family. Moneylender is the major source of loans despite the fact that it involved very high interest rate almost upto 120 per cent per annum. -Keralamonitor.com
Development of UAVs and UUVsJuly 22: Lok Sabha
India has developed its own unmanned defence systems like UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles) to save the lives of troops. DRDO has developed two types of UAVs - Lakshya & Nishant. Development of underwater autonomous vehicle has not been undertaken so far.
The reusable Unmanned Aerial Target Vehicle 'Lakshya' is used for training gun and missile crew. It has been developed. Tactical UAV 'Nishant' used for battlefield reconnaissance and target acquisition has been developed by DRDO.
Development work on underwater autonomous vehicles is planned to be undertaken by March 2005.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Smt D Purandeswari in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Land occupied by army along the Indo-Pak borderJuly 22: Lok Sabha
It is a fact that large chunk of agricultural land all along Indo-Pak border have been occupied by Army for operational reasons during various wars. Approximately 4735 acres of land are still in possession of the Army at present.
While most of the lands earlier occupied have been handed over to the owners, the remaining lands will be handed over after de-mining except a small area of land, which will be retained for operational reasons.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Thupstan Chhewang in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Fencing of LoC
July 22: Lok Sabha
Out of 690 kms. planned, 650 kms. of fencing have already been completed. For the balance 40 kms,. work is in progress, to be completed by the end of September 2004.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Pankaj Chowdhary and Shri Kinjarapu Yerrannaidu in Lok Sabha today.-Keralamonitor.com
Acculumation of obsolete spare parts
July 22: Lok Sabha
The obsolete spare parts worth crores of rupees are accumulated in the three wings of Defence Forces. The spare parts of various types, origin and vintage have been accumulated. The details of obsolete spare parts, their estimated cost, origin and year of procurement are not readily available.
A total amount of Rs. 6.61 crores was derived out of the sale of 3289 items during the year 2003-2004. The figures for 2004-2005 so far, are not available at this stage.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Suresh Kalmadi in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Construction of National war memorial and war museum
July 22: Lok Sabha
There is a proposal to construct a national war memorial and a national war museum as symbols of national pride and honor for the soldiers who laid their lives valiantly for the cause of motherland.
The Ministry of Urban Development has been approached for allotment of suitable land. The land is yet to be allotted.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Raghunath Jha in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Refrigerated van for carrying vegetables
July 22: Lok Sabha
A total of 10 Refrigerated Vans have been introduced so far on Indian Railways for transportation of perishable commodities, including fruits, vegetables and frozen foods. As this is a new type of service on the Railways, potential streams of traffic are yet to be established. Refrigerated Vans or any other vehicles and wagons are not allotted State-wise but utilized to meet the transportation demand wherever generated.
The approximate cost of manufacturing a Refrigerated Van as per 2002-2003 price is around Rs. 52 lakh.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri R. Velu in a written reply to a question from Shri Kailash Meghwal in the Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Connectivity of Hajira portJuly 22: Lok Sabha
The proposed connection to Hajira Port is a part of National Rail Vikas Yojana.
As per the techno-economic feasibility survey, the new line is proposed parallel to the existing KRIBHCO siding.
The construction will be taken up on completion of the project development, agreement of strategic partners in financial participation and sanction of the project. At present, the project development is in progress.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri R. Velu in a written reply to a question from Smt. Jayaben B. Thakkar in the Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Setting up of wheel and axle plantJuly 22: Lok Sabha
An announcement for setting up of Wheel and Axle Plant near Chhapra has been made in the Railway Budget speech for the year 2004-2005.
Consultants have been asked to give the cost estimate for making a Detailed Project Report.
The capacity of Rail Wheel Factory (earlier known as Wheel and Axle Plant) at Yelahanka is fully utilized.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri R. Velu in a written reply to a question from Shri Ravi Prakash Verma in the Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
Bilateral exchange between India and ChinaJuly 22: Lok Sabha
Bilateral exchange between Indian and China in the field of Defence as confidence building measures are a continuing process, aiming to enhance and deepen the mutual understanding and trust between the two nations. Recent exchanges include joint exercises by Indian and Chinese Naval Ships, visit of official delegations from the both the sides, regular Flag Meetings and Border Personnel Meetings, celebration of Festivals / National days of each side during Special Border Personnel Meetings and Flag Meetings.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Ananta Nayak in Lok Sabha today. -Keralamonitor.com
