Bihar Darpan

Proposed Bridges And Bridges Under Construction Over The Ganga

2012-02-14T12:55:00.000+05:30

Crossing the Ganga would soon be easier in the state with four bridges coming up at different places and another four being on cards. Already, there are four bridges across the river, spread over 445km in the state.

The four bridges under construction:

The rail-cum-road bridge between Digha Ghat in Patna and Sonepur .

The rail-cum-road bridge in Munger

Road bridges between Ara and Chhapra

Bakhtiarpur (Patna) and Tajpur (Samastipur).

The Digha-Sonepur bridges is likely to be completed by March 2014 at a cost of Rs2,921.46 crore.

The bridges in Munger is likely to be opened in June 2013. Its cost will come around Rs2,000 crore.

The stones of these two rail-cum-road bridges were laid by the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The Ara-Chhapra bridge, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs676 crore, would be completed by July 2014 .

The bridges between Bakhtiarpur and Tajpur by May 2016 at an estimated cost of Rs1,602 crore.

The bridge connecting Kachchi Dargah and Biddupur, which will ease the traffic load on the Gandhi Setu, is in the DPR (detailed project report) stage. The government is working seriously on this project since there is no other feasible way to solve the Gandhi Setu problem.

Bridges between Manihari (Katihar) and Sahebganj (Jharkhand) ( in the DPR stage)

Bridges between Sultanganj (Bhagalpur) and Aguani Ghat (Khagaria). ( in the DPR stage)

The initial preparation to start work on the 1800m long bridge between Mokama and Begusarai has begun. It will entail a cost of Rs400 crore.All the new bridges would be of four lanes.

Nitish wants centrally-sponsored schemes for states be curtailed

2012-02-14T12:07:00.000+05:30

As per Nitish Kumar one size of shoe cannot fit all and every state has its own requirements and necessities.So the the centre should reduce the number of schemes planned and sponsored by it for the states, leaving it to the respective states to decide the programmes that suit their requirements.Schemes should be launched in keeping with the requirements of a state. He demanded that the number of centrally-sponsored schemes for states be curtailed. He said he would meet Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh and put forth his views during discussions with him.

The Chief Minister said the states should be given freedom to launch schemes in keeping with the requirements and necessities. Kumar alleged that Bihar was not receiving electricity from the central quota. "We want to set up new thermal power plants and revive power plants but it is unfortunate that the Centre is not cooperating with us", he said. "We want to weed out shortage of electricity here.... The state is evolving action plan for the purpose to meet the requirements of the state... but here again the Centre is putting obstacles,". "We are setting up new power plants and expanding capacity of Barauni and Kanti thermal power projects". Kumar said the centre and the state can work together to end electricity crisis in Bihar.

Prime Minister of Nepal Baburam Bhattarai will inaugurate global summit on Bihar

2012-02-13T12:30:00.000+05:30

Prime Minister of Nepal Baburam Bhattarai will inaugurate a global summit on Bihar in Patna next week . Bhattarai will address the 'Global Summit on Changing Face of Bihar: Forging Partnership for Development". The three-day event from February 17 is being organized by Bihar Foundation, Patna, in association of Asian Development Research Institute, Patna and Institute for Human Development, Delhi.

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk alongwith several other international leaders and officials are expected to attend the seminar which will share experiences and practices of governance and development in the Indian state under the leadership of popular Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Bihar Will Have 24 More Varsities In The Very Near Future

2012-02-13T11:58:00.000+05:30

Finally the Bihar Goernment has woken up and a move is afoot to reform the higher education sector.As per the news Bihar is likely to have two dozen more universities in the very near future if the government's move in that regard succeeds. This step will boost gross enrolment ratio in the state .Nowdays Bihari students are forced to seek admission outside the state .
It is well known and past experience has also shown that large universities have failed to cope with the educational requirements of changing times.

At present, there are 12 universities, including Maulana Mazharul Haq Arabic and Persian University, Rajendra Agricultural University and K S D Sanskrit University in the stae.Until two decades back, the state had only six universities.

According to higher education director Sitaram Singh, since the existing universities are overburdened with the task of administering 50 to 60 colleges besides postgraduate departments, the colleges have failed to improve. The jurisdiction of Magadh University, having more than 100 colleges under it, extends from Mokama to Aurangabad, covering a distance of about 250km. It would be ideal if the university is split into at least three universities for ensuring better governance and academic development.

The government is likely to take up the expansion plan of the universities in phases. First, Magadh University would be split into two or three universities. All the MU colleges located in Patna may be brought under a new university. Subsequently B R A Bihar University-Muzaffarpur, L N Mithila University-Darbhanga and T M Bhagalpur University-Bhagalpur would also be split.
The government is also contemplating development of some colleges as "autonomous colleges" with a view to facilitating their academic growth. It has already decided to develop 50 select colleges into "centres of excellence" by granting them substantial funds for infrastructure development. "Block grants would be given to the colleges for improving their infrastructure and steps would be taken to recruit sufficient number of qualified teachers for different courses.

High Court go-ahead for conducting the Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) examination on February 17 .

2012-02-11T12:38:00.000+05:30

The high court has given the go-ahead to the state government for conducting the Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) examination on February 17 with riders.

A bench of Justice Navin Sinha dismissed a bunch of petitions challenging the state government’s decision to allow untrained candidates to appear in the TET examination for filling up vacancies in the secondary and senior secondary schools of the state.

The court passed the direction while hearing petitions filed by trained candidates who sought a stay on the TET examination besides seeking issuance of fresh advertisement allowing only trained candidates in the exam.

The court observed that the state government should have ideally taken permission from either the Centre or the National Council for Teachers Education (NCTE) for allowing untrained persons to appear in the examination but the state government did not seek prior permission and went ahead with the examination.

Additional advocate-general (1) Lalit Kishore, appearing for the state government, submitted that the government had applied to the NCTE for relaxation in norms.

The court made it clear that if the state government fails to get relaxation according to NCTE norms, the government would have to refund the fee collected from the candidates appearing for the TET.

Earlier, the court gave the state government opportunities (on February 6 and 8) to produce documents showing relaxation given either by the Centre or the NCTE to allow untrained persons to appear in the TET, but the government could not produce the relevant papers. Instead, it submitted that it had applied for relaxation in the norms.

Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Chittaranjan Sinha submitted that the notification issued by the state government, dated August 28, 2011, allowing untrained candidates to appear in the examination is neither in accordance with the NCTE Act, 1993 nor regulations issued in 2001, 2003 and 2009 according to the act.

According to the act, no candidate can be made a teacher or appear in the TET who has not acquired the minimum qualification of a teachers’ training course like BEd or DEd, Sinha said.

The Centre’s counsel, S.N. Pathak, who also appeared for the NCTE, submitted that it has not given any relaxation to the state government vis-à-vis TET for filling up vacancies of teachers in the secondary and senior secondary schools.

As it stands

Court gives nod to state govt to conduct TET exam with condition that if it fails to get relaxation, it would have to refund fee to candidates

HC observed the govt should have taken consent from Centre or NCTE for allowing untrained persons to appear for TET

Counsel for the govt, Lalit Kishore submitted government has applied to NCTE for relaxation in norms

Earlier on February 6 and 8, the govt failed to produce papers related to relaxation of norms

Petitioners’ counsel Chittaranjan Sinha submitted that notification issued by state government dated August 28, 2011 is neither in accordance with NCTE Act, 1993 nor regulations issued in 2001, 2003 and 2009

Bihar government to park its money only in the banks meeting the benchmark loan disbursement target.

2012-02-11T12:26:00.000+05:30

The state government has decided to park its money only in the banks meeting the benchmark loan disbursement target. In a bid to increase the credit flow, the government has set a norm for depositing government money/funds deposited in the banks which meet certain criteria. A bank has to get a minimum of 33 marks on four counts — Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan, credit-deposit (CD) ratio, agriculture loan and priority sector lending,
According to the criteria, banks would get 20 marks if their CD ratio is above 30 per cent, three marks if they achieve 40 per cent of KCC target, five marks each for achieving 75 per cent and 80 per cent target of agriculture and priority sector lending, respectively.
“We found the banks’ performance unsatisfactory during the 39th state-level bankers’ committee meeting. It has been found that banks could disburse loans of Rs 23,000 crore against the annual credit plan of Rs 43,200 crore in the current fiscal. So, the government has taken decision that it would park money in only those banks which would pass the benchmark of 33 marks on the four counts,” Modi said while interacting with reporters after a meeting between top officers of the government and the banks.

Janata Dal (United) MLAs, Shyambahadur Singh Wonders Why This "Kolavari Di" Over His Nach Gana !

2012-02-11T12:03:00.000+05:30

The Janata Dal (United) MLAs, Shyambahadur Singh Wonders Why This Kolavari Di Over His Nach Gana ! He had only danced with nautch girls at a marriage party held on February 8.

The MLA is amazed over the hue and cry raised by the media. “What is there to make a hue and cry about? People in our area dance and sing at in cultural shows in marriage functions,” he said, stressing that he was actually dancing with “artistes” at the function. He insisted that he had done no wrong. “The people of my constituency know that I have not done anything wrong,” he said.

The MLA represents Badharia Assembly segment of Siwan district. He has won the seat twice.

The incident comes close on the heels of the embarrassment for the BJP — the JD(U)’s alliance partner — in

Shyambahadur has actually repeated his feat. In 2010 also Shyambahadur was shown dancing with nautch girls at his official residence in Patna . The JD(U) had then issued a showcause to him even as Singh claimed that “dancing was a cultural event”. In spite of the showcause, the party gave him a ticket again in the last Assembly polls and Shyambahadur won by a larger margin over 2005.

The nautch girl culture was rampant during the Lalu Prasad-Rabri Devi era. Nautch girls were called by RJD party leaders and MLAs to Patna to entertain participants at rallies and BJP and JD(U) used to frown upon this “vulgar culture” display .

Kosi Mahasetu thrown open to the general public

2012-02-10T11:47:00.000+05:30

The Kosi Mahasetuion

The long wait for lakhs of people of Mithila region was finally over when the 1.8 km long Kosi Mahasetu (bridge) was thrown open to the general public in Supaul on Wednesday, restoring a vital link ruined 78 years ago.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, as the railway minister then, had laid the foundation stone for the Kosi Mahasetu, along with then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in June 2003.

It was nearly 78 years ago when a devastating earthquake snapped the link between two parts of Mithilanchal comprising Darbhanga, Madhubani on the one side and Supaul, Saharsa and Madhepura on the other side in 1934.

With the bridge caving in, the development in the region was also impeded. Trade had suffered the most as the people of two neighbouring districts (Darbhanga and Saharsa) or (Madhubani and Supaul) had to cover a circuitous route which was several hundred kilometres long to reach each other.
Completion of the 1.8-km bridge in the Supaul district was of “unspeakable happiness”. Inaugurating the bridge along with Union road transport and highways minister C.P. Joshi, Mr Kumar asked people in flood-prone northern Bihar to “celebrate and congratulate one another..
Completed in four years and nine months, this `418-crore project at Nirmali, part of the East-West Corridor, will restore direct territorial and cultural links between Bihar’s Mithilanchal regions that had collapsed in 1934, when a devastating earthquake pulled down a railway bridge.

PM says top priority for Dedicated Freight Corridor project

2012-02-10T10:21:00.000+05:30

The Prime Minister has directed that the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project costing nearly one lakh crore rupees should be given the highest priority by Central Ministries and urged the State Governments to also do so. The project will connect a land mass over 3300 kilometers in the country and could prove to be a backbone of India’s economic transport facility. The Western corridor from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust near Mumbai will be 1499 kilometers and will connect Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra with an exclusive high speed railway track. The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni will be 1839 kilometer long and will connect Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. A major part of Western corridor will be funded with Japanese assistance and nearly two third of the Eastern corridor will be built with World Bank assistance. The Sonnagar- Dankuni section will be executed on PPP mode. Indian Railways is also investing a substantial amount in the Project.

In a meeting held in the Prime Minister’s Office, the Chief Secretaries and the representatives of the States assured the full cooperation of their state governments in taking forward this important project. It was decided that Monitoring Committees will be constituted by the State Governments to resolve the issues relating to the Dedicated Freight Corridor project especially land-acquisition in an expeditious manner. The representatives of the nodal authority Dedicated Freight Corridor Cooperation India Limited (DFCCIL) will be overseeing progress of work with the targeted project completion date being March 2017.

The DFCCIL has said that 67% of the land-acquisition has been completed through the Railway Amendment Act 2008 and as of now the project by and large is on target. The Prime Minister’s Office will be closely monitoring progress of the project so that necessary action is taken in a time-bound manner.

Carrying of Original ID Proof to be Compulsory During Train Journey in all Air Conditioned Classes

2012-02-09T19:10:00.002+05:30

In a move to prevent misuse of Reserved Train Tickets and reduce cases of travelling on transferred tickets, Ministry of Railways has decided that with effect from 15th February 2012, anyone of the passengers/the passenger booked on the ticket issued from computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS counters) and Internet (i-ticket) undertaking journey in AC-3 tier, AC-2 tier, 1st AC, AC Chair Car and Executive Classes will have to carry one of the nine prescribed proofs of identity (in original) during the journey. The passengers of these AC classes would be required to produce the Identity Card in original as and when required failing which all the passengers booked on that ticket will be treated as without ticket and charged accordingly. However, the Identity Card (in original or its photocopy) will not be required at the time of purchase reserved AC tickets from PRS counters or i-ticket. These instructions are valid for all categories of trains, with the above mentioned classes of travel.

In case of passengers who are automatically upgraded by the system from sleeper Class to Air-conditioned class and in case of passengers who are upgraded by on-board ticket checking staff on realization of difference of fare, the condition of carrying proof of identity during the journey will not be applicable.

These fresh instructions are in addition to the existing instructions under which the passengers with Tatkal tickets and e-tickets are already required to carry original proof of identity during the course of Railway journey. In case of Tatkal tickets, self attested photocopy of the Identity Card is required at the time of purchase from the PRS counters or Identity Card details (Number etc.) are to be entered at the time of purchase from internet.

A message on this count will be indicated on the ticket issued in the above said classes through computerized PRS/I-ticket.

Center for Railway Information System (CRIS), an organization under Ministry of Railways, has been asked to make necessary provisions in the software.

The list of valid proofs of identity are as under:-

Ø Voter Photo Identity Card issued by Election Commission of India.

Ø Passport.

Ø PAN Card issued by Income Tax Department.

Ø Driving License issued by RTO.

Ø Photo Identity card having serial number issued by Central/State Government.

Ø Student Identity Card with Photograph issued by recognized School/College for their students.

Ø Nationalized Bank Passbook with Photograph.

Ø Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph.

Ø Unique Identification Card “Aadhaar”.

The scope of the term “photo identity card having serial number issued by Central/State Government” permissible under the scheme is very wide and it covers a large number of photo identity cards, some of which are as under:

Ø Pension Pay Orders (PPO)

Ø Ration Card with photographs

Ø Senior citizen cards.

Ø Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards.

Ø ESI Cards (with photograph) issued for taking treatment in ESI dispensaries.

Ø CGHS Cards (with photograph) issued to individual family members of Central Government employees.

Bihar to create more universities

2012-02-09T19:08:00.000+05:30

The Bihar government has decided to restructure the existing universities in the state in the wake of fresh guidelines of the University Grant Commission.A proposal to this effect had been submitted to the department by the Director of Higher Education.The new move is aimed at restructuring the existing universities of the state for smooth functioning.The proposal recommended creating smaller universities in the state. At present there are twelve universities in Bihar.A detailed proposal would be submitted soon to bifurcate the Magadh University at Bodh Gaya.

“A new university will be set up in Patna after bifurcation of Magadh and Patna universities,” a senior official said.He said the proposal to carve smaller universities out of B R A Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, L N Mithila University, Darbhanga and Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur would be initiated later.

The proposal to select the present universities has been mooted in keeping with UGC's guidelines for more universities to boost Gross Enrolment Ratio.

Market for Tribal Artisans

2012-02-08T18:41:00.002+05:30

Ministry of Tribal Affairs extends Grants-in-Aid to Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED) under the Central Sector Scheme “Market Development of Tribal Products”.

(i) Retail Marketing Development Activity;
(ii) MFP Marketing Development Activity;
(iii) Vocational Training, Skill Up-gradation and Capacity Building of ST Artisans and MFP Gatherers;
(iv) Research & Development/Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Activity.

Beside this, according to Office of the Development Commissioner of Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, the following plan schemes have been implemented for overall development of the Handloom Sector including marketing of tribal products:

(i) Integrated Handloom Development Scheme
(ii) Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme
(iii) Marketing & Export Promotion Scheme
(iv) Diversified Handloom Development Scheme
(v) Mill Gate Price Scheme

Similarly, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicraft), Ministry of Textile operates the following schemes for promotion and development of Handicrafts including marketing and promotion of tribal products:

(i) Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana.
(ii) Marketing Support Service Scheme.
(iii) Design & Technology Upgradation Scheme.
(iv) Human Resource Development Scheme.
(v) Research & Development Scheme.
(vi) Handicrafts Artisans Comprehensive Welfare Scheme.

The Ministry has no such proposal for setting up of special tribal markets in major cities. However, under the Marketing and Export Promotion scheme, the Government of India provide financial assistance for organization of marketing events such as National Handloom Expos, Special Expos, District Level Events, Crafts melas etc., to provide marketing platform the handloom weavers which include the weavers from tribal weavers also. The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) also provides financial assistance under Marketing support Services Scheme to implementing agencies for organizing craft Bazars, Gandhi Shilp Bazars, Buyer Seller Meets on all over India basis, enabling all artisans including Tribal artisans to sale their products. TRIFED has also showrooms and stalls at various places in the country where tribal artifacts are showcased and sold.

States Urged to Prepare Roadmap for Successful Implementations of Proposed Food Security Legislation

2012-02-08T18:40:00.002+05:30

Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has said that massive investment in the agricultural sector is needed as enhanced food production is must for the success of Food Security for all. Inaugurating the State Agriculture and Food Ministers Conference here today, Shri Mukherjee called for joint efforts by the Centre and States to modernize the PDS to make its reach more effective to the targeted people.

Addressing the conference, Shri Sharad Pawar, Minister of Agriculture, said that States need to accept the challenge of producing more to meet the ever increasing demand of food grains. He said that procurement and distribution system should be further streamlined to ensure a successful rollout of Food Security Act.

The Agriculture Minister said that the critical issues in production, procurement, storage, movement and distribution should be addressed immediately so that when the Act is enacted, the system is ready to implement it efficiently and effectively. Shri Pawar impressed upon the States to remain vigilant on the price being paid to the farmers by the private traders. They should ensure electronic payment to the farmers selling their produce at procurement centers. The Minister also called for revamping of the marketing infrastructure to ensure continued agriculture growth and remunerative prices to the farmers.

Addressing the State Ministers’ meet, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas said that trying to provide food security to all is one of the most ambitious social security programmes proposed by the government. The National Food Security Bill outlines the process of bringing in most vulnerable citizens to a safety net where they could take comfort in the guaranteed availability of food and nutrition.

He said that the States should identify the means to make food grains available to the needy sections of the population by preparing a joint roadmap towards this objective. It should include finding ways and means for increasing production, procurement, finding the effective ways of safeguarding and transporting the stock, identifying the right beneficiaries and adopting technology to provide the backbone for an efficient public distribution system.

Urging States to make efforts for increasing foodgrain production and procurement in their respective area, Prof. Thomas said decentralized procurement scheme was initiated to tackle the problem of regional disparities in production and availability of foodgrains and the results are definitely positive. He said that States like UP, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal and Assam have a large potential to improve procurement so that farmers and the general population can be helped immensely. The recent success in setting up more procurement centers by the State Governments in MP and Chhattisgarh shows that this can be done, he observed. He also complemented the State Government of Bihar which had taken a series of measures in this regard during the current Kharif season.

Prof. Thomas said that the Centre has taken a decision recently to introduce payment to farmers, whether for levy or direct procurement, compulsorily by cheque or account transfer to ensure that full MSP reaches the farmers. He requested the State Governments to implement this important measure in the interest of farmers.

Emphasizing end-to-end computerization of PDS, Prof. Thomas said efforts should be made for elimination of bogus beneficiaries from the system. Experiments like giving bar-coded vouchers, community involvement in monitoring and auditing should be encouraged. He said that States like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh have set examples and role models in this area.

Highlighting recent initiatives made by the Central Government for the modernization of PDS, the Food Minister said his Ministry has been progressing steadily in its computerization programme to allow transparent monitoring and reporting on the stocks, movement and delivery schedules. Regarding the storage, the Minister said that though storage facilities and warehousing have been increasing and improving, there is still a lot to be done on this front. He said that some States have been leveraging the funds available from Finance Commission etc. to add storage capacity at the Fair Price Shop (FPS) level. The Centre has lunched schemes like Grameen Bhandaran Yojana and RIDF of NABARD which can be similarly used to create storage at intermediate levels. He requested the States to prepare a five year prospective plan to create intermediate storage capacity at the district, block, Gram panchayat and fair price shop level by leveraging existing schemes both at the Central and State level.

The two-day conference, which began here today was also addressed by Chairman of UIDAI, Shri Nandan Neilkani, Cabinet Secretary, Shri Ajit Seth, Agriculture Secretary, Shri P.K. Basu and Food Secretary, Dr. B.C. Gupta. It was followed by interactive sections with the Food and Agriculture Ministers of the States. Senior officials of various ministries also made presentations during the day.

Railways Extend Advance Reservation Period to 120 Days New Provision to be Effective from 10th March, 2012

2012-02-08T18:39:00.000+05:30

The Ministry of Railways has decided to increase the advance reservation period for booking reserved train tickets from existing 90 days to 120 days on experimental basis (excluding the date of journey) w.e.f. March 10, 2012.

However, there will be no change in case of certain day-time express trains like Taj Express, Gomti Express etc. where lower time limits for advance reservations are at present in force. There will also be no change in case of the limit of 360 days for foreign tourists.

Brahmos Launch, Sam Interceptions and Network Centric Warfare on Display During Tropex 12

2012-02-08T18:36:00.000+05:30

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony spent two days with the Indian Navy on Feb 07-08,2012. The Defence Minister was given a glimpse of the expansive scope and scale of the Indian Navy’s annual Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX) over the two day visit with the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral NirmalVerma and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral AK Chopra in company.

In the backdrop, were two completely networked fleets, widely dispersed across seas in the Indian Ocean, operating in a dense electronic environment to match their professional and technical proficiency. New platforms, weapons sensors, communication systems and tactics were being tested and tried to optimize the net combat power of the fleets. Over forty surface combatants of various classes, submarines and a large number of aircraft including UAVs are participating in the exercise. As would be the case in any operation of the twenty first century, the exercise had a jointmanship element as IAF aircraft such as AWACS, Sukhois, Mirages and Jaguars also participated.

‘No Limits’, the motto of INS Shivalik where the Defence Minister first landed, best described the scale of the Indian Naval operational exercise. The Defence Minister witnessed INS Shivalik execute, various evolutions including a 'surface gun shoot' and Jackstay with INS Shakti in copy book fashion. Incidentally, it maybe recalled that the Defence Minister had commissioned INS Shivalik on Apr 29, 2010 and Admiral Verma had commissioned INS Shakti on October 01, 2011. The integration of INS Shivalik and INS Shakti as fully operational components of the Eastern Fleet in such a short span of time reflected the efficiency and professionalism of Indian Navy’s training and operational methodology.

Whereas the quick integration of new ships was a reflection of the Indian Navy’s high standards of professionalism in operations and training, the sustenance of potency and combat efficiency of a couple of surface combatants over a few decades old, reflected the Indian Navy’s sound maintenance practices and technical prowess.

The transformation of the Indian Navy to a future ready network enabled force was epitomised in INS Shivalik but the Defence Minister also saw a reflection of the same on his visit to INS Viraat. INS Viraat, the Flag ship of the Western Fleet, demonstrated the power of a networked force as operational plots and pictures from remote sensors were transferred and collated in a flash to present a comprehensive picture of the Battlespace and effect optimal use of the weapons on board the various potent ships. The recently upgraded Sea Harriers proved their lethality with ranges extended by Air to Air refueling and BVR missiles. Su 30MKI aircraft, Mirages and Jaguars, being directed by an IAF AWACS, operating over sea for the first time tested the Air Defence capability of the INS Viraat even as the ships were operating in a Multi- threat scenario. During this battle the Defence Minister witnessed, first hand, the potency of the upgraded Sea Harriers particularly in the networked environment.

A critical part of Anti Missile Defence being Surface to Air Missiles (SAM), the Defence Minister witnessed the successful interception of a fast, low flying, Surface to Surface missile by a SAM. A clear night with a full moon laid an idyllic setting for this demonstration of power and professionalism.

The Defence Minister witnessed a successful and impressive launch of the Brahmos, supersonic long range anti shipping missile, from a recently up-graded Ranvir class destroyer. This was particularly satisfying as the launch of the missile was an affirmation of our indigenous weapon capabilities.

The Defence Minister also witnessed a full scale air power demonstration from INS Viraat with Seakings, Sea Harriers and Chetaks participating. Whilst on board INS Viraat, Shri Antony was also shown the reputed professionalism of the MARCOS as they carried out a precision landing on the flight deck in the middle of the sea using Combat Free Fall technique.

Addressing the 'Viraatees' he said he was “very very happy to be on India's most prestigious INS Viraat” the Minister added that by early next year the Indian Navy is likely to operate one more aircraft carrier Vikramaditya and the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier some years later. Stating that 26/11 changed the security matrix he said that the entire nation now acknowledges the critical requirement of maritime security and the important role of the Indian Navy. Complementing the men on their professionalism, the Minister added “...wherever we go (abroad), Indian Navy is the most sought after service...numerous countries want more cooperation with the Indian Navy. Acknowledging the difficult working conditions afloat, the Defence Minister said “I know how more ships alone is not important, your welfare is also very important. I assure you one by one we are improving your service conditions and living conditions”. The Minister assured the men that he would do “whatever is humanly possible” to improve the conditions of service. On completion of his two day visit, very happy with what he saw, Shri Antony said “The Indian Navy is increasing its capability to meet their ever increasing challenges and responsibility successfully. The country is proud of the capabilities and dedication of the Indian Navy”. He expressed his confidence in the IN by saying “We can be confident that maritime security including coastal security of our country is in the safe hands of the Indian Navy”.

TROPEX 2012 will continue over the next few days and the successful missile launches and interceptions, uninterrupted seamless operations in a networked condition with BVR interceptions herald the emergence of a capable and potent 'future ready' Indian Navy.

Defence Minister Reviews Security Situation with top Brass

2012-02-06T19:35:00.002+05:30

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony reviewed the security situation at a meeting here today. The National Security Advisor Shri Shiv Shankar Menon, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, Chief of Army Staff Gen VK Singh and Defence Secretary Shri Shashikant Sharma attended the meeting.

Accompanied by Admiral Verma, Shri Antony will spend two-days on Indian Navy’s platforms off the coast of Vishakhapatnam, beginning tomorrow, to witness Theatre Level Operational Preparedness Exercise ‘TROPEX’. TROPEX is a major annual exercise of the combined fleets of the Navy conducted to test the Indian Navy’s preparedness to meet any contingency.

Almost 40 ships from the two Fleets as also submarines, 13 naval aircraft and UAVs are participating in the exercise. Units of the Indian Coast Guard and 18 aircraft of the Indian Air Force will also take part. A variety of missile firings, Air Defence Exercises and anti-submarine exercises will be witnessed by Shri Antony.

NATIONAL POLICY ON NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES

2012-02-06T19:34:00.000+05:30

(i) The policy recommends production of Concentrate of Poppy Straw (CPS) in India by a company or body corporate. This would enable India to retain its status of a traditional supplier of Opiate Raw Material (ORM) to the rest of world, while remaining competitive.

(ii) The consumption of poppy straw by addicts will be gradually reduced and finally stopped in a time frame decided by the States.

(iii) On the illicit cultivation of poppy and cannabis, the policy emphasizes use of satellite imageries for detection of illicit crop and its subsequent eradication and development of alternate means of livelihood in respect of cultivators in pockets of traditional illicit cultivation.

(iv) The private sector may be allowed production of alkaloids from opium. At present alkaloids from opium are produced only in Government Opium and Alkaloid Factories (GOAFs).

(v) Non-intrusive methods of regulating the manufacture, trade and use of such psychotropic substances will be introduced,

(vi) Emphasis will be laid on adequate access to morphine and other opioids necessary for palliative care, a strategy to address street peddlers of drugs, periodic surveys of drug abuse to gauge the extent, pattern and nature of drug abuse in the country, recognition of de-addiction centers,

(vii) There will be a time bound plan of action, detailing the steps to be taken by different Ministries/ Departments/ agencies, in response to the recommendations of the International Narcotics Control Board.

The policy attempts to curb the menace of drug abuse and contains provisions for treatment, rehabilitation and social re-integration of victims of drug abuse. Implementation of the provisions of the policy will lead to reduction of crime, improvement in public health and uplifting of the social milieu.

The NDPS Policy will serve as a guide to various Ministries and organizations and re-assert India`s commitment to combat the drug menace in a holistic manner.

Background: There are four broad aspects of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances –

(i) Administration of the NDPS Act and Rules framed there under,

(ii) Legal production, manufacturing, trade and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific uses,

(iii) Drug (Illicit) supply reduction, and

(iv) Drug (Illicit) demand reduction.

Accepting SMS Sent by IRCTC on Par With Electronic Reservation Slip (ERS) for Undertaking Train Journey on E-Tickets

2012-02-04T18:30:00.000+05:30

In a move to further make Train Reservation Ticketing System passenger friendly, the Ministry of Railways has decided to permit Short Messaging Service (SMS) sent by its PSU, Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) containing vital details as an instrument on par with the Electronic Reservation Slip (ERS). This has come into effect from 1st February, 2012.

The mandatory features of the authorized SMS are (a) SMS sent by IRCTC/Railways will be considered for this purpose and (b) The SMS would contain all the vital ticket details like PNR, Train Number, Date of Journey, Class, Name & Number of Passengers, Coach & Seat Number and Fare paid. (c) Also if feasible, the SMS will accommodate the names of all passengers booked on the e-ticket, otherwise maximum number of passengers.

Earlier the Railways has decided to treat the screen shot of the e-ticket displayed through laptops/palmtops/mobile phones referred to as virtual reservation Message (VRM) and the Mobile Reservation Message (MRM) for tickets booked on mobile phones combined with valid photo-id in original, as an instrument on par with the Electronic Reservation Slip (ERS), even for tickets booked through the IRCTC website. Now the SMS sent by IRCTC will also be accepted.

The authorized SMS containing all the aforementioned vital details when displayed through laptops/palmtops/mobile phones combined with valid photo-id in original shall be treated as an instrument on par with the ERS.

The ERS/SMS/VRM/MRM along with (i) confirmed/RAC reservation, (ii) Valid ID-proof and (iii) Appearance of name of the passengers on the chart, will be the components of a valid authority to travel.

The list of valid proofs of identity to be produced in original during the course of on-board and off-board checking are as under:

Voter Photo identity card issued by Election Commission of India.

Passport

PAN card issued by Income Tax Department

Driving Licence issued by RTO

Photo identity card having serial number issued by Central/State Government.

Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized School/College for their students.

Nationalized Bank Passbook with photograph

Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph

Unique Identification Card “Aadhaar”

The SMS will also have to be displayed during the course of On-board/Off-board checking. If the passenger fails to produce/display this SMS due to any eventuality (loss, discharged mobile/laptop etc.) but has the prescribed proof of identity, a penalty of Rs. 50/- per ticket as applicable to such cases will be levied. The ticket checking staff On board/Off board will give EFT for the same.

Mission Plan for Electrical Equipment Industry to be Finalised in Three Months

2012-02-03T13:14:00.002+05:30

The electrical equipment industry in India has a long and chequered history. Today, it covers over 1,500 units of varying sizes, amounting for an annual turnover of about Rs.1,10,000 crores. It amounts for about Rs. 20,000 crores of annual exports and about Rs. 32,000 crores of annual imports; it has a negative trade balance which has been increasing in recent times.

Because of its heterogeneous character, the domestic electrical equipment industry, despite its critical role in the economy, has not received focussed attention of the policy makers. Similarly, the numerous stakeholders, including the manufacturers, have not evolved a strategic action plan for the industry’s growth and development and have focussed only on piecemeal short-term tactical measures.

For the rapid development of the industry, a holistic view and action plan is required. All stakeholders need to proactively collaborate and take concerted and coordinated action so that the industry can further accelerate its growth process and contribute significantly to reducing the power demand-supply gap in the country.

With this objective in view, under the aegis of the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI), and with support from IEEMA, a Mission Plan 2012-2022 for the electrical equipment industry is being drawn up in consultation with all the key stakeholders. The Mission Plan would lay down a clear roadmap for enhancing the competitiveness of the domestic electrical equipment sector.

IEEMA has engaged Ernst & Young to be the knowledge partner in this exercise and a Base Document (Indian Electrical Equipment Industry Mission Plan 2012-2022: Base Document), was released by the Union Minister of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises at the IEEMA Annual Convention held on 26th September 2011 at Mumbai.

The Base Document identified 14 Strategic Initiatives and, subsequently, 5 Working Groups, with representation of relevant Government Ministries/Departments and industry nominees, have been constituted to formulate the recommended interventions in all these areas.

The 5 Working Groups are on (1) Upgrade Technology to Meet Future Requirement; (2) Enhancement of Industry Competitiveness; (3) Conversion of Latent Demand into Actual Demand; (4) Skill Development; and (5) Exports of electrical Equipment.

Base papers are being prepared for the Working Groups to deliberate upon and finalise the recommended interventions in their respective areas. Once the recommended interventions are finalised, these will be dovetailed into the final Mission Plan and presented to the Development Council for Heavy Electrical & Allied Industries. The Mission Plan is slated to be finalised in about 3 months’ time.

MGNREGA 2.0 will be unveiled by next month, says Jairam Ramesh

2012-02-02T18:16:00.000+05:30

Union Rural Development Minister Shri Jairam Ramesh said, time has come for second generation reforms in the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, MGNREGA. Addressing the sixth MGNREGA SAMMELAN here, he said, widespread consultations with State Governments and various groups has thrown up many new ideas and some of them will be incorporated in the MGNREGA 2.0 by next month and added that shortcomings in the implementation of the Job Scheme will be tackled effectively. He informed that Mihir Shah Committee assigned to redraft rules and guidelines of NREGA will submit its report by next week. Shri Ramesh said, by making work a legal guarantee, MGNREGA has empowered the destitute and backward sections in the rural areas, but at the same time admitted several shortcomings in its implementation and promised to rectify the same. He said, state specific work allocation may become part of the second generation reforms as several state governments have called for non-rigid guidelines and changes in the administrative mechanisms.

Empowerment of Panchayats

2012-01-30T18:18:00.002+05:30

The Central Government provides funds to the State Governments under the Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) to redress regional imbalances in development of 250 backward districts in the country. The strategy aims at promoting the performance and capacity of Panchayats, in planning, decision, making, implementation and monitoring. In addition to the BRGF, the following schemes for empowerment of Panchayats are being implemented:

• Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana: Funds are released to States for training and capacity building of Panchayati Raj Institutions in districts uncovered by the BRGF.

• Rural Business Hubs: This Scheme aims to assist the Panchayats to empower rural labour productivity by providing forward backward linkages with technical assistance in Public-Private-Partnership.

• Panchayat Manila`Evam Yuva Shakti Abhiyan:. It aims to enable women and youth Panchayat leaders to come together to articulate their problems as women Panchayat Leaders.

• E-Panchayat: For computerizing the databases, accounts and other functions of the Gram Panchayats for accountability and transparency.

• Panchayat Empowerment & Accountability Incentive Scheme: To recognize and incentivize the efforts of Panchayats with respect to transparency, accountability and efficiency and of States with respect to devolution of funds, functions and functionaries to Panchayats.

Sting Operation by India TV

2012-01-28T17:41:00.000+05:30

Commission’s attention has been drawn to a sting “Operation MLA” that was telecast in India TV on 26.01.2012 in which it was alleged that some of the candidates belonging to various political parties are procuring bribe from the corporates, allegedly for the purpose of their election expenditure in the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. It was also telecast that such persons aspiring to be candidates from various political parties have admitted that their election expenditure will be between one to three crore rupees which includes expense in the name of dummy candidates, liquor for the electors and other expenses. The Commission has taken serious note of the contents of this sting operation and called for the transcript. After considering the transcript, the Commission has taken the following decisions and measures:

1. Any attempt to obtain or procure gratification for exercising any electoral right, including right to stand or not to stand at election, is offence of bribery under IPC. Therefore, the DEOs have been asked to file complaint against the persons who were seen to be involved in such acts for the offence. (If convicted by the court, it may result in imprisonment up to one year or fine, including disqualification for continuing as MLA, if elected, and also from contesting any election in future).

2. The Commission has reiterated its appeal to all the political parties, whose functionaries are named in the sting operation, to inquire into the matter and advise all their functionaries to refrain from such activities in the current elections.

3. The Commission has reiterated its stand that such bribery under the IPC should be made a cognizable offence. The Commission has once again approached the government to pass an ordinance to make suitable changes in the law, as the matter is quite serious.

4. Besides the above, the Commission has given strict instructions to all election officials in Uttar Pradesh that any such attempt to bribe any elector during election process should be dealt with firmly. The entire liquor production, sale and distribution shall be monitored everyday and any illicit liquor shall be seized. Movement of unaccounted cash in the constituency is to be monitored and seized. If any person raises funds in cash as mentioned in the sting operation, the Income Tax department has been alerted to deal with such donors firmly and investigate about the source of such bribe money.

Road Map for KVIC in XII Plan

2012-01-27T18:45:00.001+05:30

One of the most significant aspects of Khadi and Village Industries (KVI) in Indian economy is that it provides sustainable employment to rural artisans. The Working Group on Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Growth for 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017) has recommended a road map for projecting Khadi as well as Village Industries as pure, ethnic and environment friendly products in the global market.

To realize the growth potential of KVI sector, it is necessary that production, value addition and sale grow sustainably. The XII plan approach paper requires that manufacturing sector grows at 11-12% annually and an overall growth of 9-10% is realized. Accordingly, keeping an eye on the sectoral growth potential and the requirement of plan mandate, a growth of 13% has been envisaged for khadi and village industries production (khadi-11%, village industries-13%). During the first four years of XI plan period, KVI production has grown 9.1% annually.

Value addition is taken as a major thrust area in order to make khadi activities attractive and economically viable. KVIC had set an objective of achieving 70% value addition. This will need to be enhanced to at least 100% and will need to be monitored through an appropriate measurement mechanism.

Major thrust area of value addition in khadi have been identified as:-
Focusing on eco-friendly and natural products of the sector.
Identification and development of heritage village covering KVI activities.
Integrated inputs relating to credit, technology, marketing intervention, capacity building, innovations, skill development, infrastructure support, etc. to be provided under cluster approach.
Identification of surplus land with KVIC and KVI Institutions and work out action plan for effective utilization of land.
Innovations in design, technology product development and processes.
Developing KVI products for users of all age group.
Introducing interventions and promotional measures to increase the market share of KVI products to provide more employment opportunities for rural folk.
Make departmental sales outlets and Central Sliver Plants vibrant and centers for generating surplus.

The following is the projected Production of Khadi & V.I. for the XII Plan

(in Rs. crore)

Year	Khadi	V. I.	Total
2012-13	781.36	23776.50	24557.86
2013-14	848.00	26154.00	27002.00
2014-15	924.00	28769.00	29693.00
2015-16	1012.00	31645.86	32657.86
2016-17	1113.00	34810.44	35923.44
Total	4,678.36	145,155.80	149,834.16
Compound Annual growth rate	11%	13%	13%

The proposal includes recognizing khadi activities as work of art and khadi artisans as artists. The existing Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme provides for 25% share for artisans as additional incentive in the MDA on khadi production. Such incentive will be continued under modified MDA.

Propagation of Indian khadi will be made more focussed in terms of its eco-friendliness, bio-degradability, ready availability, and its unique character of an exquisite heritage product, ethnic, hand-woven and humane.

Special thrust will be given on KVI export through enhanced participation in international exhibitions, business delegations and buyer-seller meet and also through special promotional events abroad.

Action will be ensured on time-bound priority apropos Khadi Mark to develop it as an authentic mark of purity and genuineness of khadi. Existing khadi certification regulations are already being revised to provide for Khadi Mark. There will be independent third party validation of genuineness for issuing and renewal of Khadi Mark.

Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialisation (MGIRI) will be developed during the XII plan as a centre of excellence in rural industrialization by strengthening and expansion of the interface with reputed technological institutions, nurturing innovative ideas in rural industrialization, development of products/processes and technology dissemination providing quality testing and guidance to rural enterprise.

A cluster based scheme named SFURTI was launched during 2005-06 and was mostly implemented during the XI plan period in 29 khadi and 50 village industries clusters. External evaluation study has been conducted in respect of KVI clusters and the results are encouraging. It is proposed to take up 915 KVI clusters with enhanced quantum of grants under a scheme with a proposed outlay of Rs. 1000 crore.

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has created new hopes among youth, particularly the educated unemployed, of becoming entrepreneurs themselves. It is proposed to upscale the scheme for creation of jobs in manufacturing sector with enhanced project cost ceiling (but reduced subsidy for bigger projects). A tentative outlay of Rs.9700 crore including Rs. 9200 crore as margin money subsidy and Rs. 500 crore as backward and forward linkage component has been proposed for creation of 32 lakh employment opportunities through creation of 4 lakh micro enterprises during XII plan.

Existing Schemes that are proposed to be continued in the XII Plan are - PMEGP, KRDP, MGIRI, ISEC, MDA , JBY and SFURTI.

New scheme that are proposed to be introduced in the XII Plan - Scheme for KVI/CBC Loan Waiver/Settlement – this is for write off of old loans by a one-time waiver/settlement. A tentative outlay of Rs 300 crore has been proposed for a proposed write off/settlement in respect of pre-CBC and CBC loans so that the institutions could start their operation afresh with a clean slate.

National Coaching Camp of Senior Women Kabaddi Team Started at Sai, Bhopal

2012-01-27T18:43:00.002+05:30

A National Coaching Camp for the Indian Senior Women Kabaddi Team consisting of 40 Players and 3 Coaches has started at Sports Authority of India (SAI) Central Regional Centre, Bhopal w.e.f. 20th January, 2012 to 20th February, 2012 in preparation of the World Cup to be held at Patna (Bihar) from 1st to 4th March, 2012. The following players will be participating in the Coaching Camp: -

1) R. Nagalakshmi 26) Biduprava Swan B

2) Manpreet Kaur 27) Rasharmita Sahoo

3) Motichandan 28) Abhilasha Mhatre

4) Pragya Dadar 29) Archana Shinde

5) Jyoti 30) Arun Bala

6) Krishna 31) Kakoli Biswas

7) Kavita Devi 32) Mamtha Poojari

8) Manisha 33) Balwinder Kaur

9) Priyanka 34) Randeep Kaur

10) Promila 35) R. Yogalashmi

11) Arti Thakur 36) S. Uma

12) Nirmala Devi 37) Priyanka Rai

13) Pooja Thakur 38) Reeta Patel

14) Priyanka Negi 39) Sarita Nainwar

15) Ranjeeta 40) Pinky Ray

16) Vindyavasini Sinha

17) Vanitha K.S. Dr. Ramesh Nagappa Bhendigiri

18) Lalya A.A. Coach Incharge

19) Alka Mishra

20) Mona Sengar Ms. Sunil Dabas - Coach

21) Deepika Henary Joseph Ms. Sangeeta Singh – Coach

22) Snehal Salunkhe

23) Snehal Shinde

24) Suvarna Bartakhe

25) Shananbi Devi Kangabam

There will be a Selection Committee meeting, which will select the players who will finally represent the country in the World Cup in March, 2012.

India Signs Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters

2012-01-27T18:42:00.000+05:30

India has signed a Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. The Convention was signed by Shri Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary, Foreign Tax & Tax Research Division, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India in the presence of Deputy Secretary-General of OECD, Mr. Rintaro Tamaki. This instrument hitherto available for the members of OECD and Council of Europe was amended in 2010 and open for all countries in June 2011. The Convention was amended to respond to the 2009 G20 Summit call for developing a broader multilateral approach to improve the effectiveness of exchange of information, co-operation between the countries in the assessment and collection of taxes, with a view to combating tax avoidance and evasion.

Present signatories to the amended Convention are: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

By signing the Convention, India and the other 31 signatories encourage more countries to join, sending a strong signal that countries are acting together to ensure that individuals and multinational enterprises pay the right amount of tax, at the right time and in the right place. Many more countries are expected to sign the Convention in future. This provides for a wider network of countries co-operating in exchange of information, assistance in tax collection etc. Out of the 31 signatories, 12 of them have ratified the Convention so far.

Salient features of this Multilateral Convention are

- It is based on international standard of transparency and exchange of information.

- This instrument is multilateral and a single legal basis for multi-country co-operation as against the DTAAs/TIEAs which are bilateral. It provides for an extensive network and there will be consistent application of provisions leaving limited scope for deviation.

- It provides extensive forms of co-operation among the signatories on all taxes.

- It not only facilitates the exchange of information, but also provides for assistance in the recovery of taxes. This will give a fillip to the efforts of the Government in bringing the Indian money illegally stashed abroad.

- It provides for simultaneous tax examinations and participation in tax examinations in other countries. This provides for examination of tax affairs of the taxpayers simultaneously in their own territory and share the relevant information to each other. This allows tax officials to entering into the territory of the other country to interview individuals and examine records.

- The Convention explicitly provides for automatic exchange of information and spontaneous exchange of information.

- It provides for service of documents in other country.

- The Convention allows exchange of past information in criminal tax matters.

- The information received under the convention can also be used for other purposes besides those related to tax co-operation, for example to counter money laundering with the approval of the supplying state.

State Health Society Bihar, under National Rural Health Mission, invites application from suitable candidates for various posts

2012-01-26T18:19:00.000+05:30

State Health Society Bihar, under National Rural Health Mission, invites application from suitable candidates for the following post on contractual basis for district hospitals under NPCDCS Programme:-
Sl. No. Name of post No. of Posts Consolidated Salary
(PM in Rs.)
1. District Medical Officer (NCD) (06)
(UR-3, EBC-1, SC-1 & BC-1)
55,000/-
2. Medical Oncologist (NCD) (06)
(UR-3, EBC-1, SC-1 & BC-1)
55,000/-
3. Cyto-pathologist (NCD) (06)
(UR-3, EBC-1, SC-1 & BC-1)
55,000/-
4. Cytopathology Technician (NCD) (06)
(UR-3, EBC-1, SC-1 & BC-1)
20,000/-
5. Physiotherapist (NCD) (06)
(UR-3, EBC-1, SC-1 & BC-1)
20,000/-
6. Staff Nurse (NCD) (24)
(UR-12, EBC-4, SC-4, BC-3 & BC(F)-1)
20,000/-
7. Counsellor (NCD) (06)
(UR-03, EBC-1, SC-1 & BC-1)
12,000/-
8. Data Entry Operator (06)
(UR-3, EBC-1, SC-1 & BC-1)
10,000/-
9. Care Co-ordinator (06)
(UR-3, EBC-1, SC-1 & BC-1)
6,000/-
General Condition: 1. Maximum age limit for the posts at Sl. No. 1 to 3 is 50 years, for the posts at SI. No. 4 to 7 is 40 years and for the posts at SI. No. 8 to 9 is 30 years.(As on 01.01.12)
2. The recruitment will be on contract basis for a period of one year which may be renewed every year
based on performance & conduct of the consultant.
3. Application fees is Rs. 500/- for applicants under General category, Rs. 300/- for BC/EBC and Rs.
250/- for SC/ ST candidates.
4. No application will be accepted without submission of application fee.
5. Bank Draft (Application Fee) drawn on any nationalized bank and payable at Patna favoring "State
Health Society, Bihar" should be sent along with application.
6. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview.
7. No TA/DA will be given for attending the interview for any position.
8. The society reserves the right to cancel any or all the positions mentioned above.
9. Application in the prescribed format and complete in all respect must be sent to Executive Director,State Health Society, Bihar, Pariwar Kalyan Bhawan, Sheikhpura, Patna-800014 containing bank draft, self attested photocopies of certificate and testimonials in sealed envelope only through speed/registered post so as to reach the above address on or before 21/02/2012 at 5 pm. Name of the post applied for must be mentioned on the top of the envelope.
10. The ToR, qualifications/ experience/ emoluments of above positions and application form available on the website (www.statehealthsocietybihar.org).
Last date of submission of form along with fee is 21/02/2012 at 5 pm.
11. Applications should be sent in prescribed format available on the above mentioned website clearly
mentioning the position applied. Applications in other format will not be accepted.
12. For any further details/clarification regarding this advertisement, State Health Society, Bihar may be contacted on working days during office hours (10.00 – 17.00 hrs) on Ph. No. 0612-2281545

Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB) invites online applications for the recruitment of Engineer-293 Posts

2012-01-26T18:13:00.000+05:30

Eligible candidates may apply through online from 09-01-2012 to 04-02-2012. No of Posts: 293 Posts
Name of the Post: Assistant Electrical Engineer: 105; Assistant Executive Engineer: 60; Junior Electrical Engineer: 128

Age limit: Candidates age should be between 21-37 Years, age relaxation is as per Govt rules.

Educational Qualifications: Candidates may refer Advt for more details

Application Fee: Rs 1000/- for all candidates & Rs 250/- for SC/ST candidates, Rs 400/- for regular/ contract employees of BSEB & Rs 100/- for SC/ST candidates. Application fee is to be deposited in the BSEB Current A/C No. – (Power Jyoti) 31963202219 in any State Bank of India branch by downloading challan form

How to Apply: Eligible candidates may apply through online from 09-01-2012 to.04-02-2012. Take print out of online application & send along with necessary certificates, copy of bank challan, Two passport photographs, One self addressed envelope with 25 Rs stamp to Joint Secretary (P. K. Govil), Bihar State Electricity Board, Department of General Administration, Vidyut Bhawan, Bailey Road, Patna-800001 on or before 13-02-2012 by registered post/ speed post.

Online Apply Instructions:
1. Candidates visit BSEB website & click on online application form.
2. Fill all the mandatory details carefully & click on accept for generation of registration number.
3. Now take print out of online application & enter registration number for challan download in website.
4. Take challan print out & deposit requisite fee amount in bank.
5. Write fee payment details like journal number on online application in space provided, & send to the respective address along with necessary enclosures.

Important Dates:
Online Apply Registration Starts From: 09-01-2012
Online Apply Registration Closes On: 04-02-2012
Last date for receipt of application by post: 13-02-2012

Click here for BSEB Online Apply

Click here for Challan Form

Padma Awards

2012-01-25T19:17:00.000+05:30

The President of India has approved the conferment of Padma Awards-2012. This year the President has approved 109 awards including one duo case (counted as one) and 14 in the category of Foreigners/ NRIs/ PIOs/ Posthumous. These comprise 5 Padma Vibhushan, 27 Padma Bhushan and 77 Padma Shri Awards. There are 19 ladies among the awardees.

Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in all disciplines/ fields of activities, viz. art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

The awards are conferred by the President of India at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan sometime around March/ April.

Padma Vibhushan

Sl No.	Name	Discipline	State/ Domicile
1.	Shri K G Subramanyan	Art-Painting & Sculpture	West Bengal
2.	Late Shri Mario De Miranda	Art-Cartoonist	Goa*
3.	Late (Dr.)Bhupen Hazarika	Art- Vocal Music	Assam*
4.	Dr. Kantilal Hastimal Sancheti	Medicine - Orthopedics	Maharashtra
5.	Shri T V Rajeswar	Civil Service	Delhi

Padma Bhushan

Sl No.	Name	Discipline	State/ Domicile
	Smt. Shabana Azmi	Art - Cinema	Maharashtra
	Shri Khaled Choudhury	Art - Theatre	West Bengal
	Shri Jatin Das	Art - Painting	Delhi
	Pandit Buddhadev Das Gupta	Art - Instrumental Music - Sarod	West Bengal
	Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol alias Dharmendra	Art - Cinema	Maharashtra
	Dr. Trippunithwra Viswanathan Gopalkrishnan	Art - Classical vocal and instrumental music	Tamil Nadu
	Ms. Mira Nair	Art - Cinema	Delhi
	Shri M.S. Gopalakrishnan	Art - Instrumental Music-Violin	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Anish Kapoor	Art - Sculpture	UK*
	Shri Satya Narayan Goenka	Social Work	Maharashtra
	Dr. (Judge) Patibandla Chandrasekhar Rao	Public Affairs	Germany*
	Shri George Yong-Boon Yeo	Public Affairs	Singapore*
	Prof. Shashikumar Chitre	Science and Engineering	Maharashtra
	Dr. M S Raghunathan	Science and Engineering	Maharashtra
	Shri Subbiah Murugappa Vellayan	Trade and Industry	Tamil Nadu
	Shri Balasubramanian Muthuraman	Trade and Industry	Maharashtra
	Dr. Suresh H. Advani	Medicine - Oncology	Maharashtra
	Dr. Noshir H Wadia	Medicine-Neurology	Maharashtra
	Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty	Medicine-Cardiology	Karnataka
	Prof. (Dr.) Shantaram Balwant Mujumdar	Literature and Education	Maharashtra
	Prof. Vidya Dehejia	Literature and Education	USA*
	Prof. Arvind Panagariya	Literature and Education	USA*
	Dr. Jose Pereira	Literature and Education	USA*
	Dr. Homi K. Bhabha	Literature and Education	UK *
	Shri N Vittal	Civil Service	Kerala
	Shri Mata Prasad	Civil Service	Uttar Pradesh
	Shri Ronen Sen	Civil Service	West Bengal

Padma Shri

Sl No.	Name	Discipline	State/ Domicile
	Shri Vanraj Bhatia	Art - Music	Maharashtra
	Shri Zia Fariduddin Dagar	Art - Music - vocal	Maharashtra
	Smt. Nameirakpam Ibemni Devi	Art - Music- Khongjom Parba	Manipur
	Shri Ramachandra Subraya Hegde Chittani	Art - Yakshagana dance drama	Karnataka
	Shri Moti Lal Kemmu	Art - Playwright	Jammu and Kashmir
	Shri Shahid Parvez Khan	Art - Instrumental Music-Sitar	Maharashtra
	Shri Mohan Lal Kumhar	Art - Terracotta	Rajasthan
	Shri Sakar Khan Manganiar	Art - Rajasthani Folk Music	Rajasthan
	Smt. Joy Michael	Art - Theatre	Delhi
	Dr. Minati Mishra	Art - Indian Classical Dance-Odissi.	Orissa
	Shri Natesan Muthuswamy	Art - Theatre.	Tamil Nadu
	Smt. R. Nagarathnamma	Art - Theatre	Karnataka
	Shri Kalamandalm Sivan Nambootiri	Art - Indian Classical Dance- Kutiyattam	Kerala
	Smt. Yamunabai Waikar	Art - Indian Folk Music-Lavani.	Maharashtra
	Shri Satish Alekar	Art - Playwright	Maharashtra
	Pandit Gopal Prasad Dubey	Art - Chhau dance and choreography	Jharkhand
	Shri Ramakant Gundecha #	Art - Indian Classical Music- Vocal	Madhya Pradesh
	Shri Umakant Gundecha #	Art - Indian Classical Music- Vocal	Madhya Pradesh
	Shri Anup Jalota	Art-Indian Classical Music- Vocal	Maharashtra
	Shri Soman Nair Priyadarsan	Art - Cinema- Direction	Kerala
	Shri Sunil Janah	Art-Photography	Assam
	Ms. Laila Tyebji	Art-Handicrafts	Delhi
	Shri Vijay Sharma	Art-Painting	Himachal Pradesh
	Smt. Shamshad Begum	Social Work	Chattisgarh
	Smt. Reeta Devi	Social Work	Delhi
	Dr. P.K. Gopal	Social Work	Tamil Nadu
	Smt. Phoolbasan Bai Yadav	Social Work	Chattisgarh
	Dr. G. Muniratnam	Social Work	Andhra Pradesh
	Shri Niranjan Pranshankar Pandya	Social Work	Maharashtra
	Dr. Uma Tuli	Social Work	Delhi
	Shri Sat Paul Varma	Social Work	Jammu and Kashmir
	Smt.Binny Yanga	Social Work	Arunachal Pradesh
	Shri Yezdi Hirji Malegam	Public Affairs	Maharashtra
	Shri Pravin H. Parekh	Pubic Affairs	Delhi
	Dr. V. Adimurthy	Science and Engineering	Kerala
	Dr. Krishna Lal Chadha	Science and Engineering - Agriculture	Delhi
	Prof. Virander Singh Chauhan	Science and Engineering	Delhi
	Prof. Rameshwar Nath Koul Bamezai	Science and Engineering	Jammu and Kashmir
	Dr. Vijaypal Singh	Science and Engineering - Agricultural Research	Uttar Pradesh
	Dr. Lokesh Kumar Singhal	Science and Engineering	Punjab
	Dr. Yagnaswami Sundara Rajan	Science and Engineering	Karnataka
	Prof. Jagadish Shukla	Science and Engineering	USA*
	Ms. Priya Paul	Trade and Industry	Delhi
	Shri Shoji Shiba	Trade and Industry	Japan*
	Shri Gopinath Pillai	Trade and Industry	Singapore*
	Shri Arun Hastimal Firodia	Trade and Industry	Maharashtra
	Dr. Swati A. Piramal	Trade and Industry	Maharashtra
	Prof. Mahdi Hasan	Medicine-Anatomy	Uttar Pradesh
	Dr. Viswanathan Mohan	Medicine - Diabetology	Tamil Nadu
	Dr. J. Hareendran Nair	Medicine - Ayurveda	Kerala
	Dr. Vallalarpuram Sennimalai Natarajan	Medicine - Geriatrics	Tamil Nadu
	Dr. Jitendra Kumar Singh	Medicine - Oncology	Bihar
	Dr. Shrinivas S. Vaishya	Medicine-Healthcare	Daman and Diu
	Dr. Nitya Anand	Medicine - Drugs Research	Uttar Pradesh
	Late Dr. Jugal Kishore	Medicine - Homoeopathy	Delhi *
	Dr. Mukesh Batra	Medicine-Homeopathy	Maharashtra
	Dr. Eberhard Fischer	Literature and Education	Switzerland*
	Shri Kedar Gurung	Literature and Education	Sikkim
	Shri Surjit Singh Patar	Literature and Education - Poetry	Punjab
	Shri Vijay Dutt Shridhar	Literature and Education - Journalism	Madhya Pradesh
	Shri Irwin Allan Sealy	Literature and Education	Uttarakhand
	Ms. Geeta Dharmarajan	Literature and Education	Delhi
	Prof. Sachchidanand Sahai	Literature and Education	Haryana
	Smt. Pepita Seth	Literature and Education	Kerala
	Dr. Ralte L. Thanmawia	Literature and Education	Mizoram
	Shri Ajeet Bajaj	Sports - Skiing	Delhi
	Smt. Jhulan Goswami	Sports - Women`s Cricket	West Bengal
	Shri Zafar Iqbal	Sports-Hockey	Uttar Pradesh
	Shri Devendra Jhajrija	Sports - Athletics- Paralympics	Rajasthan
	Shri Limba Ram	Sports - Archery	Rajasthan
	Shri Syed Mohammed Arif	Sports - Badminton	Andhra Pradesh
	Prof. Ravi Chaturvedi	Sports- Commentary	Delhi
	Shri Prabhakar Vaidya	Sports-Physical Education	Maharashtra
	Shri T. Venkatapathi Reddiar	Others-Horticulture	Puducherry
	Dr. K. (Kota) Ullas Karanth	Others-Wildlife Conservation and Environment Protection	Karnataka
	Shri K Paddayya	Others-Archaeology	Maharashtra
	Shri Swapan Guha	Others-Ceramics	Rajasthan
	Dr. Kartikeya V. Sarabhai	Others - Environmental Education	Gujarat

Why Shakeel Ahmed Is Always Shouting And Abusing Anna Team Members?On

2012-01-25T19:10:00.001+05:30

Shakeel Ahmed would never have dreamt himself that he would appear on national Television one day.But the miracle has happened and a person of below average intelligence and having a very pathetic communal track record has secured the role in the Congress Party that is simply disproportionate of his ability and competence.

Congress got wiped out from Bihar due to these kind of fellows yet the party was compelled to draft from a few active party workers.He got lucky and was made the spokesperson of the party.But that is proving disastrous because this fellow does know how to behave with dignity .This fellow always keep shouting and abusing Anna supporters for no reasons,whatsoever.He is perhaps doing this to keep his masters in good humour.

Shakeel Ahmed gets worked up whenever corruption issue is mentioned.Everyone knows how he conducted himself while he was the minister.He did absolutely nothing even for his home district.Does he fear that his misdeeds would come into the limelight as well ?One thing is clear that people expect civilised behaviour from these kind of fellows.The sooner they get this message is better for the Congress Party.Party should advice him to measure his words and behave as educated people do.

Development of Mega Destination and Tourist Circuit

2012-01-25T10:45:00.000+05:30

The Ministry of Tourism, has identified 45 Mega Tourist Destinations/Circuits in consultation with the concerned State Governments/Union Territories(U.T.) Administrations on the basis of footfalls and their future tourism potential. Out of the 45 identified projects, 30 have already been sanctioned. The details of mega tourist destinations/circuits are given below.

For each identified mega destination and circuit, the Ministry of Tourism contribution as central financial assistance is capped at Rs.25.00 crore and Rs.50.00 crore respectively under the scheme of “Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits”.

Identification and sanctioning of mega tourism projects are continuous process. Proposals submitted by States/ U.Ts for mega tourist destinations/circuits, are sanctioned based on prioritization meetings held with the State Governments /U.T. Administrations, subject to availability of funds, inter-se priority and adherence to scheme guidelines.

Rs. in Lakhs

Sl. No.	State/UTs	Name of the Mega Project/Circuits		Year of Sanction		Amt. Sanctioned
1.	Andhra Pradesh	Charminar area of Hyderabad - Destination		2007-08		994.75
2.		Tirupati Heritage Circuit		2008-09		4652.49
3.		Kadapa Heritage Tourist Circuit		2008-09		3692.89
4.	Assam	National Park Mega Circuit covering Manas, Orang, Nameri, Kaziranga, Jorhat, Sibsagar & Majouli		Identified in 2010-11
5.	Bihar	Bodhgaya-Rajgir-Nalanda- Circuit		2006-07		1922.42
6.	Chattisgarh	Jagdalpur-Tirathgarh-Chitrakoot-Barsur-Dantewada-Tirathgarh Circuit		2008-09		2347.39
7.	Delhi	Illumination of monuments- Circuit		2006-07		2375.09
8.		Development of Dilli Haat, Janakpuri.		Identified in 2010-11
9.	Goa	Churches of Goa Circuit		2008-09		4309.91
10.	Gujarat	Dwarka-Nageshwar-Bet Dwarka Circuit		2008-09		798.90
11.		Shuklatirth-Kabirvad-Mangleshwar-Angareshwar Circuit		2011-12		4650.97
12.	Haryana	Panipat-Kurukshetra-Pinjore Circuit		Phase-I 2006-07 (S-1630.03) (R-1161.23) Phase-II 2008-09 (S-1545.22) (R-35.54)		3175.25
13.	Himachal Pradesh	Eco and Adventure Circuit (Kullu-Katrain-Manali)		Identified in 2009-10
14.	Haryana & Himachal Pradesh	Panchkula – Yamunanagar (Haryana) – Ponta Sahib		2010-11		3253.06
15.	Jammu & Kashmir	Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, Jammu – Destination		Identified in 2010-11
16.		Naagar Nagar Circuit (Watlab via Hazratbal, Tulmullah, Mansbal and Wullar Lake), Srinagar		2011-12		3814.56
17.		Development of Mega Circuit in Leh		Identified in 2010-11
18.	Jharkhand	Mega Destination at Deoghar		2011-12		2371.19
19.	Karnataka	Hampi Circuit		2008-09		3283.58 l
20.	Kerala	Muziris Heritage Circuit connecting historically and archaeologically important places of Kodungalloor		2010-11		4052.83
21.	Madhya Pradesh	Development of Chitrakoot as Mega Destination		2009-10		2401.98
22.		Jabalpur as Mega Circuit		Identified in 2010-11
23.		Bundelkhand comprising of Tikamgarh, Damoh, Sagar, Chhatarpur and Panna as Mega Circuit		Identified in 2011-2012
24.	Maharashtra	Vidarbha Heritage Circuit		2008-09		3738.19
25.		Aurangabad Destination		Identified in 2008-09
26.		Mahaur- Nanded Vishnupuri- Back Water Kandhar Fort as Mega Circuit		Identified in 2011-2012
27.	Manipur	INA Memorial		2010-2011		1238.59
28.	Meghalaya	Umiam (Barapani) as Mega Destination		Identified in 2011-2012
29.	Orissa	Bhubaneshwar- Puri-Chilka- Circuit		2008-09		3022.80
30.	Puducherry	Puduchery Destination		2010-11		4511.00
31.	Punjab	Amritsar Destination		2008-09		1585.53
32.	Rajasthan	Ajmer- Pushkar Destination		2008-09		1069.68
33.		Desert Circuit (Jodhpur- Bikaner-Jaisalmer)		Identified in 2010-11
34.	Sikkim	Gangtok- Destination		2008-09		2390.70
35.	Tamil-Nadu		Mahabalipuram- Destination				1312.69
36.			Pilgrimage Heritage Circuit (Madurai-Rameshwaram-Kanyakumari)		2010-11		3647.95
37.			Thanjavaur		2010-11		1475.00
38.	Uttarakhand		Haridwar-Rishikesh-Munikireti- Circuit		2008-09		4452.22
39.			Nirmal Gangotri		Identified in 2010-11
40.	Uttar-Pradesh		Agra Circuit		Phase-I East Gate 2005-06 (S-848.49) (R-848.49) West Gate 2006-07 (S-933.40) (R- 933.40) Phase-II 2009-10 (S-1976.44) (R-988.22)		3758.33
41.			Varanasi-Sarnath-Ramnagar Circuit		Phase-I 2006-07 (S-786.00) (R- 628.80) Phase-II 2008-09 (S-1416.31) (R-708.16)		2202.31
42.			Development of Mathura-Vrindavan including renovation of Vishramghat (Mathura) as Mega Destination		Identified in 2011-12
43.	West Bengal		Ganga Heritage River Cruise Circuit		2008-09		2042.35
44.			Dooars (Jalpaiguri District)		Identified in 2010-11.
45.	Tripura		Mega Lake Circuit including Mata Bari		Identified in 2010-11

100 Year Old “Punjab Mail” Train is the theme of Indian Railways Republic Day Tableau this Year

2012-01-25T10:43:00.000+05:30

Indian Railways brings the past and the present together on its Tableau to be showcased in Republic Day Parade 2012. One of the popular trains of Indian Railways namely ‘Punjab Mail’ is the chosen theme of the tableau as it is the first train in the country to achieve the distinction, in recorded history, to enter the 100th year of its run.

The tableau consists of the modern train juxtaposed with the older version which used to be pulled by steam engines. ‘Punjab Mail’ train now runs with electric and diesel tractions. The modern train is depicted with an electric engine pulling a sleeper class coach. It is flanked by two miniature older versions of the ‘Punjab Mail’ with the steam engines pulling the old wooden coaches. The trains are shown emerging out of a tunnel.

This tableau also depicts a ground element, consisting of railway employees and family members of railway employees from Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala who shall perform the ‘Bhangra’ Dance in front of the tableau to celebrate the spirit of the train.

The tableau shall evoke the past and will lead the public at large into the present.

‘Punjab Mail’, earlier known as “Punjab Limited” is the first train to achieve distinction of entering its 100th year on Indian Railways broad gauge network. The Central Railway has calculated its “birth date” based on an old document (a cost estimate paper of 1911).

The train in the beginning during British ruled India, traversed 2496 km route and passed through Itarsi, Agra, Delhi, Amritsar and Lahore before terminating at Pehsawar Cantonment. ‘Punjab Mail’ whose services were primarily meant for the upper class white sahibs, started its services for the lower classes by mid 1930 by introducing Third class compartments. It was in 1945, just a couple of years before India got independence, that the Punjab Mail got its first air-conditioned car.

Since independence in 1947, this train has been running between the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai (formerly known as Victoria Terminus) and Firozepur in Punjab. The 24-coach train, a mix of air-conditioned and ordinary sleepers now traverses a distance of 1930 km.

Sania Mirza to Head the Indian Women’s Team in Federation Cup

2012-01-23T18:54:00.000+05:30

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved the participation of the Indian Senior Women Tennis Team to be headed by Ms. Sania Mirza in the Federation Cup, Asia-Oceania-Grade-I & II, scheduled to be held at Shenzhen City, China, from 30th January, 2012 to 4th February, 2012. The team is as follows:

1) Ms. Sania Mirza (Captain)

2) Ms. Isha Lakhani

3) Ms. Rituja Sampatro Bhosale

4) Ms. Prerna Bhambri

5) Ms. Sharmada Balu

The players will be accompanied by Mr. Enrico Peperno- Coach, Shri Rohit Rajpal- Non-playing Captain, and Shri Anand Kumar, Physiotherapist.

This is in accordance with providing foreign exposure to players envisaged under “Operation Excellence-2012” (OPEX-2012) Scheme specially designed for the core probables of London Olympics, 2012.

The Seven (07) members of the Indian Team, except Ms. Mirza, will leave on 26th January, 2012 to China. Ms. Sania Mirza, who is presently playing in the Australian Open, will join the team in China later.

The following are the details of financial sanctions provided to the players and the coach/ supporting staff:

1. Boarding & Lodging - Rs. 1,74,105/-

2. Daily Allowance - Rs. 85,860/-

3. Visa Fees & Insurance - As per Actual

4. Transportation Charges - As per Actual

Cost of Credit Needs to be brought down: Anand Sharma

2012-01-23T18:44:00.000+05:30

Anand Sharma, the Union Minister of Commerce, Industry & Textiles addressed the plenary session of the SAARC Business Summit centered around the theme of Building Bridges through Economic Co-operation, here today. Speaking on the occasion Shri Sharma said, “Today’s world is integrated & interdependent. Partnerships are the defining theme of our times. Asia, today, is at the cusp of redefining it’s, this decade will see 3 of the top 5 global economies coming from Asia, contributing to nearly a quarter of global GDP. After a gap of 12 years, India has assumed the Presidency of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Minister congratulated Mr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney who has taken over as President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Replying to the query during the event - on the credit to exporters/investor; the Commerce Minister said, “I am sure the Government will take a considered view. Industry needs investment. Cost of credit needs to be brought down.” On the giving of MFN status by Pakistan to India Minister said everything is on track and it will be a reality in due course of time.

Addressing the gathering Shri Sharma observed that, “SAARC has completed 26 years in December last year and we acknowledge that South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) has made significant progress over the years, much more remains to be done. SAFTA had a vision of creating a common market where tariff and non-tariff barriers will be revised and we had expected that the peak tariff rates should be no more than 5% for most of the tradable commodities between member countries of SAARC”. In the Male Summit, India has reduced its Sensitive List for the Least Developed Countries of SAARC from 480 to 25 items and zero custom duty access for the SAARC LDCs. This regime now covers 99.7% of our total tariff lines and all items of export interest to LDCs are covered under this regime, he reflected.

The Commerce Minister emphasized that, “we also need to develop new and imaginative credit mechanisms which expressly focus on supporting regional business models specially incentives could be provided which incentivize entrepreneurs for developing commercially-viable regional projects. Together we must work to improve our customs infrastructure and expedite the processing at the border posts. India is already strengthening the integrated check posts and land customs stations along all its borders providing modern clearing facilities to ensure easier movement of goods.”

Mr. Ranjan Mathai, Foreign Secretary of India while addressing the gathering said that, “Make SAARC region a magnet of regional cooperation, business & growth. Historical economic integration reinforced by the geographical commonality is a facilitating factor.” Shri Mathai expressed the thrust points to take the economic and political interaction. Reduction of non- tariff barriers, building a regional chain of production built on factor advantage, institutional linkages with the SAARC and changes in the policy measures to facilitate enabling environment to the interest of each other.

Rs. 762.68 Crore Released for the Development of Agriculture under Macro Management of Agriculture

2012-01-23T18:41:00.000+05:30

Under Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA) scheme Rs. 762.68 crore has been released to various States and Union Territories for the development of agriculture in 2011-12 as on 30.12.2011. Total allocation for the current financial year is to the tune Rs. 780 crore.

The scheme was launched in 2000-01 by integrating 27 centrally sponsored schemes moving away from a programmatic to a macro management mode of assistance to the States in the form of Work Plans prepared by the States and implemented in a spirit of partnership with the States.

In 2008-09, the scheme was revised to improve its efficacy in supplementing and complementing the efforts of the States towards enhancement of agricultural production and productivity, in the larger context of broad based inclusive growth highlighted in the 11th Five Year Plan Document as well as the National Policy on Farmers, 2007. The role of the scheme was redefined to avoid overlapping and duplication of efforts and to make it more relevant to the present agriculture scenario in the States to achieve the basic objective of food security and to improve the livelihood system for rural masses.

The revised scheme comprises 10 sub-schemes relating to crop production and natural resource management. These include integrated cereal development programmes, integrated development programmes for pulses and oilseeds and sustainable development of sugarcane based copping system, balanced and integrated use of fertilizers, promotion of mechanization of agriculture among small farmers, national watershed development project for rain-fed areas, soil conservation and reclamation and development of alkali soils.

Move To Prevent Misuse Of Reserved Train Tickets

2012-01-20T18:29:00.000+05:30

In a move to prevent misuse of Reserved Train Tickets and reduce cases of travelling on transferred tickets, Ministry of Railways has decided that anyone of the passengers/the passenger booked on the ticket issued from computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS counters) and Internet (i-ticket) undertaking journey in AC-3 tier, AC-2 tier, 1st AC, AC Chair Car and Executive Classes will have to carry one of the nine prescribed proofs of identity (in original) during the journey. The passengers of these AC classes would be required to produce the Identity Card in original as and when required failing which all the passengers booked on that ticket will be treated as without ticket and charged accordingly. However, the Identity Card (in original or its photocopy) will not be required at the time of purchase reserved AC tickets from PRS counters or i-ticket. These instructions are valid for all categories of trains, with the above mentioned classes of travel.

These fresh instructions are in addition to the existing instructions under which the passengers with Tatkal tickets and e-tickets are already required to carry original proof of identity during the course of Railway journey. In case of Tatkal tickets, self attested photocopy of the Identity Card is required at the time of purchase from the PRS counters or Identity Card details (Number etc.) are to be entered at the time of purchase from internet.

These instructions will come into effect from 15th February, 2012.

A message on this count will be indicated on the ticket issued in the above said classes through computerized PRS/I-ticket.

Center for Railway Information System (CRIS), an organization under Ministry of Railways, has been asked to make necessary provisions in the software.

The list of valid proofs of identity are as under:-

Ø Voter Photo Identity Card issued by Election Commission of India.

Ø Passport.

Ø PAN Card issued by Income Tax Department.

Ø Driving License issued by RTO.

Ø Photo Identity card having serial number issued by Central/State Government.

Ø Student Identity Card with Photograph issued by recognized School/College for their students.

Ø Nationalized Bank Passbook with Photograph.

Ø Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph.

Ø Unique Identification Card “Aadhaar”.

The Law Commission of India Submits 2 more Reports to the Government and brings out A Consultation Paper

2012-01-20T18:27:00.000+05:30

The present (19th) Law Commission (2009-12) has prepared and forwarded the following Consultation Paper and Reports to the Government of India:

• Consultation Paper titled ‘Unlawful interference of Caste Panchayats etc. with marriages in the name of honour: A suggested legislative framework’ to elicit the views from all concerned;

• The 237th Report on ‘Compounding of (IPC) Offences’; and

• The 238th Report on ‘Amendment of Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and Allied Provisions’.

The 237th Report is in response to the observations of the Supreme Court of India in two cases that the Law Commission of India should undertake the exercise of identifying more compoundable offences. Accordingly, the Law Commission of India under the Chairmanship of Justice P. V. Reddi embarked on the task of identifying appropriate offences which could be added to the list of compoundable offences under Section 320 of the CrPC. This exercise was confined only to the offences made punishable under the Indian Penal Code.

The 238th Report is in the context that the Supreme Court of India had observed in Afcons Infrastructure case (2010 8 SCC 24) that there are many drafting errors in Section 89 of the CPC and suggested amendments to the Section which may be considered by the Law Commission of India. In order to remove the deficiencies in Section 89 - which is a pivotal provision for facilitating dispute resolution in civil matters - and to make it more simple and straightforward, the Law Commission has proposed amendments to Section 89 CPC as well as Order X Rules 1-A to 1-C. Further, the amendment of Section 16 of Court Fee Act has also been suggested.

The above Consultation Paper and Reports have been uploaded on the website of the Law Commission of India : htt://lawcommissionofindia.nic.in.

With this, the 19th Law Commission has submitted 4 Reports to the Government till now. The earlier 2 Reports were on:

i) Conversion/reconversion to another religion - mode of proof; and
ii) Court-fees in Supreme Court vis-à-vis Corporate Litigation.

Chip Based ID Cards to be Distributed in Coastal Areas

2012-01-20T18:25:00.002+05:30

The first tranche of Resident Identity (smart) card (RIC) will be distributed by Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram at a function in Porthrapur village, Port Blair, in the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands on tomorrow. The RIC is a smart card with 64 KB micro processor chip. About 2.56 lakh cards will distributed to all persons who have completed 18 years of age in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

It had been decided to create a National Population Register (NPR) in the coastal areas of 9 maritime states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal) and 4 UTs (Andaman & Nicobar, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Daman & Diu) as one of the measures for strengthening the security of the coastline of the country.

The scheme envisages collection of specific items of information of each individual in the coastal areas and issue Resident Identity (smart) cards (RIC) to all usual residents, who are of age 18 years and above. All the selected 3331 coastal villages has been covered in the first phase of the project of these States/UTs. In Andaman & Nicobar Islands, besides the villages, all the towns will also be covered in the first phase itself. The approved cost of the scheme is Rs. 216.31 crore.

The National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmadabad, has finalized the visual layout of this smart card (RIC). It incorporates several physical security features like Guilloché patterns, hot stamped hologram and micro text etc. The security features in the micro processer chip have been finalized based on the recommendations of a Technical Committee, headed by the Director General, National Informatics Centre (NIC) and consisting of several renowned experts from academic institutions and industry. The electronic security features include Key Management System (KMS) involving Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Symmetric Key Infrastructure (SKI) etc.

A Consortium of Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) comprising of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Indian Telephone Industries Limited (ITIL) was awarded the work of direct data collection, capture of photograph and ten fingerprints. Enumerators (Govt. officials) were assisted by data entry operators, provided by the CPSUs. The production and personalization of the RIC cards have been undertaken through the CPSUs. They have setup state-of-the-art production and personalization facilities at secure premises for the coastal NPR project. The delivery of the RICs would be undertaken by India Post for secure delivery to the usual residents.

The demographic data collection of 1.2 crore persons and the biometrics of 75 lakh persons in the 3331 coastal villages under the coastal NPR project have been completed. Till date, 5 lakh Identity (smart) cards have been produced.

The Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram will initiate distribution of Resident Identity (smart) cards in Tamil Nadu at a function in Pattipulam village in Chengalpattu Taluk, Kancheepuram district on 23rd January, 2012.

Henrik Ekersund to Coach Indian Tennis Players

2012-01-19T18:41:00.000+05:30

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved the appointment of Mr. Henrik Ekersund coach from Sweden to train Indian Tennis players particularly juniors and sub juniors. He will also train the women’s doubles players who can combine with Sania Mirza in Olympics 2012.

The expertise of Mr. Henrik, Ekersund will also be utilized for training under “Come and Play” Scheme of the Sports Authority of India and also for organizing Coaches’ Clinics for Indian Coaches.

Mr. Henrik Ekersund has been the National coach of the Swedish Tennis Association, Stockholm and their Head coach for Boys under 14. The term of contract of the coach would be upto 15th October, 2014. Along with other facilities and perks, the foreign coach will be paid monthly salary of USD 8000/-.

ICWAI gets its Name Changed to ICAI and its Members to use ACMA and FCMA

2012-01-19T18:38:00.002+05:30

The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI) will be henceforth be known as The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI). The change is a sequel to the passing of of ICWAI Amendment Act 2011, to enable their members to use the designation ACMA and FCMA denoting Associate and Fellow membership of the Institute respectively. This will enable the members working in India and abroad, being recognized by a common designation by which similar members are known throughout the globe. This is a major boost to the members of the Institute who serve in various countries across the world and were facing discrimination due to their earlier designation AICWA and FICWA. This was stated by the President of ICWAI Mr. M.Gopalakrishnan in the press meet on the sidelines of the Regional Conference being held at Bangalore today.

ICWAI is a Statutory Professional Body constituted under the special act of Parliament, namely, the Cost and Works Accountant Act, 1959. It acts with the objectives of promoting, regulating, and developing the profession of Cost Accountancy.

New President and Vice President of ICSI for 2012

2012-01-19T18:37:00.002+05:30

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has got its new President and Vice President for the year 2012. In an election held in New Delhi today Mr. Nesar Ahmad has been elected as PRESIDENT while Mr. S. N. Ananthasubramanian has been elected as the VICE PRESIDENT.

In the year 2011 Mr. Ahmad was the Vice-President of the Institute. He is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and also a Practising Company Secretary at New Delhi. While Mr. S. N. Ananthasubramanian, the new Vice President is currently a Practising Company Secretary at Thane (Maharashtra).

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is a statutory professional body constituted under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980 (Act No. 56 of 1980) passed by the Parliament of India.