16 INITIATIVES IN NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR HRD IN IT

Sixteen distinct initiatives are proposed to be taken under the National Programme for Human Resource Development in Information Technology. Each initiative has a specific objective and a definite plan of action. These were considered indepth at the recently concluded conference of State education secretaries (Technical) in New Delhi, chaired by the Minister for Human Resource Development and Science & Technology, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi. The Minister told the conference that these initiatives will go a long way in not only expanding our technical education but also in building up our manpower in the IT sector.

Of these steps, the first three initiatives on low-cost computing and open-source software, High speed Campus-wide networks and Reliable and Affordable Connectivity are essentially to provide adequate information and communication technology infrastructure in technical institutions. The next four, i.e., Introduction of Core Course in engineering information, Course based induction of IT tools, CAD/CAM tools education programme and IT-based applied project management tools scheme, aim at bringing about changes in engineering curriculum to make it information-science based. This would ensure that engineering education continues to be relevant for the profession in the future.

The other two sub-programmes namely, India Electronic Design Automation Tools scheme and Micro-electronic systems packaging, will help in manpower development in the hardware sector in the country, a thrust area to ensure holistic growth.

Virtual Centres of Excellence for manpower development in emerging technology areas will provide a boost to post-graduate education in identified areas of engineering and technology. This will help India go up the value chain, leveraging its intellectual prowess for technology-driven growth. Credit-based outreach education programme aims at meeting the continuing education needs of the working professionals and the faculty, through a modular flexible mechanism, using technology mediated learning environment. The remaining sub-programmes i.e. networking for academic collaboration, promoting interface with industry and technical manpower data-base will use new technologies to considerably enhance effectiveness and reach of these activities. Computerisation of administrative support services will help improve management efficiency, increased transparency and promote cost-effectiveness in technical institutions.

All these initiatives come under the overall umbrella of a National Programme for Human Resource Development in Information Technology. The Tenth Plan outlay for the programme is fixed at Rs.500 crore.

No plan to reduce cap on FII, NRI investment in Banks

Responding to reports appearing in a section of the Press that the Government is planning to reduce cap on Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) holdings in private banks, from 49 percent to 26 percent, it is clarified that at the current moment no such decision has been taken by the Government of India in this regard. Neither has any official communication been issued in the matter

WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATED IN RAILWAYS

The Member Staff, Railway Board and ex-officio Secretary in the Ministry of Railways, Shri S.M. Singla gave away awards to thirty two outstanding Railway women employees for their excellent performance to mark the Women’s Day celebrations organized by the Railway Women’s Welfare Central Organization (RWWCO) here today. Besides, fifteen children from the all Indian Railways were given prizes for their performance in the All India Drawing and Painting Competition – 2003. Sixteen children also received prizes for winning the Drawing and Painting Competition in the Railway Board. In addition, fifteen children received prizes for the Essay Competition organized in Railway Board.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Singla congratulated the recipients of various awards hoping that this would enthuse others to improve their performance to get similar recognition and awards in future. He complimented the RWWCO for their various welfare activities for the upliftment of women and children on Indian Railways in general, as also for others in the society.

NEW MODEL MUNICIPAL LAW TO MAKE URBAN LOCAL BODIES MORE EFFECTIVE, RESPONSIVE AND SELF SUFFICIENT

The Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation has developed a Model Municipal Law to assist urban local bodies in the areas of accounting reforms, resource mobilization and entry of private sector. The Model Municipal Law inter-alia aims at simplification of municipal bylaws, provision for enhanced borrowing, allowing the entry of private sector and authorizing concessionaires to penalize users for non-payment of tariffs.

This initiative of the Ministry as part of urban reform is expected not only to enhance the capacities of Urban Local Bodies to leverage public funds for development of urban sector but also will help in creating an environment in which urban local bodies can play their role more effectively and ensure better service-delivery.

It may be noted that consequent upon the enactment of the Constitution (74th Amendment) Act by the Parliament in 1992 to make the local self-government more effective and responsive to the needs of the people, state governments have amended their municipal laws to conform to this Act. However, the amended municipal laws have only addressed the basic provisions of the 74th Amendment Act and other reforms still required to be addressed are power, authority and responsibilities of urban local bodies. Specific action is now needed for a new framework that lets Urban Local Bodies to generate adequate local revenue, improve financial management and involve private sector in delivery and improving of the basic services.

Already the Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, has taken several initiatives towards good urban governance and making urban local bodies self-sustaining viable entities of local self-government. Urban sector reforms have been identified as thrust areas by the Ministry and tools such as City Challenge Fund, Pooled, Finance Development Fund, Urban Reforms Incentive Fund have been conceived, Private Sector Participation guidelines have been framed and switching over to accrual-based accounting have been emphasized. A workshop is being organized shortly to give impetus to the implementation process of the Model Municipal Law at the state levels.