Committee to Study the Existing Sports Governance Frame Work and Issues Related To Sports Governance in the Country 

 

The Government has decided to constitute the following Committee to study the existing sports governance frame work, issues relating to sports governance in the country, recent developments related to sports governance, including court judgments & international best practices and make recommendations on bringing out a comprehensive National Sports Development Code across sports disciplines.

 

i.

Shri Injeti Srinivas, Secretary (Sports)

Chairman

 

ii.

Shri Abhinav Bindra, Olympian       

Member

 

iii.

Ms. Anju Bobby George, Olympian

Member

iv.

Shri Praksh Padukone, Eminent Sports Person & Coach

Member

v.

Shri Narinder Batra, President, FIH 

Member

vi.

Shri. Nandan Kamath, Lawyer

Member

vii.

Shri Bishweshwar Nandi, Coach            

Member

viii.

Shri Vijay Lokpally, Sports Journalist

Member

ix.

Joint Secretary (Sports), MYAS

Member Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terms of reference of the Committee are to identify basic universal principles of ethics and good governance based on the IOC Charter international best practices, draft National Sports Development Bill, National Sports Development Code, 2011, Supreme Court and High Court judgments, etc.; to identify issues pertaining to good governance in administration of sports in the country and to make specific recommendations for bringing out a comprehensive Sports Code to address the issues of governance pertaining to the National Olympic Committee and National Sports Federations. The Committee is required to submit its report within a month.

 

****

AD/MB

Japan to assist in making Chennai, Ahmedabad and Varanasi Smart Cities 

UK for Government to Government cooperation for smart city development 

Japan has decided to be associated with the development of Chennai, Ahmedabad and Varanasi as smart cities. This was today conveyed by Japan’s Ambassador to India Mr.Kenji Hiramatsu during his meeting with Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu.

 

Mr.Hiramatsu further said that Japan is quite interested in urban development initiatives of the Government of India and decided to be a partner.

 

Responding to Shri Naidu’ observation about the need for speedy action, Japan’s Envoy said “We would like to match the action oriented approach of the Government under Prime Minister Shri Modi”. Both of them discussed growing cooperation between the two countries further to the last meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries.

 

High Commissioner of United Kingdom Mr.Dominic Asquith also met Shri Venkaiah Naidu and discussed converting into action the MoU signed between the two countries during the recent visit of British Prime Minister to India Ms.Teresa May, on cooperation in urban development sector. He said institutionalizing Government to Government cooperation for smart city development has huge potential.

 

So far, leading countries have come forward to be associated with development of 15 smart cities. These include: United States Trade Development Agency (USTDA) –Visakhapatnam, Ajmer and Allahabad, UK-Pune, Amaravati(Andhra Pradesh) and Indore, France-Chandigarh, Puducherry and Nagpur and Germany –Bhubaneswar, Coimbattore and  Kochi.

 

AAR/KM

Global Crude oil price of Indian Basket was US$ 54.30 per bbl on 04.01.2017 

The international crude oil price of Indian Basket as computed/published today by Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas was US$ 54.30 per barrel (bbl) on 04.01.2017. This was lower than the price of US$ 54.88 per bbl on previous publishing day of 03.01.2017.

In rupee terms, the price of Indian Basket decreased to Rs. 3702.29 per bbl on 04.01.2017 as compared to Rs. 3736.33 per bbl on 03.01.2017. Rupee closed weaker at Rs. 68.18 per US$ on 04.01.2017 as compared to Rs. 68.09 per US$ on 03.01.2017. The table below gives details in this regard:

 

Particulars     

Unit

Price on January 04, 2017 (Previous trading day i.e. 03.01.2017)                                                                  

Pricing Fortnight for 01.01.2017

(Dec 14, 2016 to Dec 28, 2016)

Crude Oil (Indian Basket)

($/bbl)

                  54.30              (54.88)        

53.05

(Rs/bbl

                 3702.29       (3736.33)       

3599.97

Exchange Rate

  (Rs/$)

                  68.18              (68.09)

   67.86

 

 

YKB/Rk/Daily Crude Oil Price      

Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh delegation meets Dr Jitendra Singh 

A delegation of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh's Industrial Unit, "Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh", held a meeting with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today and sought his intervention for grant of one-time relaxation from the ceiling of 5% for compassionate appointments in the Ministry of Defence. The delegation also requested the Minister to issue directions to expedite the follow-up  pertaining to LTC cases pending in the DoPT. 

The members of the delegation sought to draw Dr Jitendra Singh’s attention to an earlier meeting with him wherein they had brought to his notice that there is 5.85 lakh sanctioned strength of Defence Civilians, but the existing strength is only 3.98 lakh as mentioned in the report of 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). Thus, there is a deficiency of 1.87 lakh civilian manpower and there are about 20,000 aspirants who are seeking appointment on compassionate grounds. The members of the delegation recalled that Dr Jitendra Singh had given a positive response to them and subsequently also written to the Defence Minister to take cognizance of the issue. 

As per an OM of the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), there is a provision to give compassionate appointment to one of the dependants for the survival of the family in case the employee unfortunately dies during the service period leaving the family behind. But the provision for such appointment is limited to 5% of the vacancies, as a result of which, according to the members of delegation, a large number of wards are kept waiting for appointment on compassionate ground because of the ceiling. 

The delegation referred to an earlier letter written by Dr Jitendra Singh to the Minister of Defence, Shri Manohar Parrikar wherein the former had requested for intervention by the Defence Ministry so that the DoPT could accordingly proceed in the matter. They requested Dr Jitendra Singh to take up the issue once again with the Ministry of Defence so that their demand could be addressed. Dr Jitendra Singh assured the members of delegation that he would again seek the views of the Minister of Defence and try to work out whatever feasible. 

***

KSD/PK/KM

 

Union Home Minister chairs High Level Committee meeting for Central Assistance to Uttarakhand and Karnataka 

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the High Level Committee (HLC) here today for Central Assistance to Uttarakhand and Karnataka.

The Committee examined the proposal based on the reports of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) which visited the states of Uttarakhand and Karnataka affected by flood and drought respectively. The HLC approved the assistance from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) and National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) in respect of Uttarakhand to the tune of Rs. 208.91 crore (188.91 + 20.00). The HLC also approved an amount of Rs. 1782.44 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) in respect of Karnataka.

Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Union Home Secretary Shri Rajiv Mehrishi and senior officers of the Ministries of Home Affairs, Finance and Agriculture attended the meeting.

Shri Rajnath Singh reviews working of CISF 

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the working of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) here today.

During the meeting, DG, CISF, Shri O.P. Singh apprised the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh about the important issues of CISF such as expeditious approval of augmentation of manpower proposals for important deployments including airports & Delhi metro, budgeting requirements and other important welfare and operational issues of the force. He also explained the emerging needs of appropriate gadgets and equipment especially in Government buildings security, VIP security and during deployment on internal security duties. 

Shri O.P. Singh also informed about the Cadre Review proposal (Group A, B & C) for increasing the promotional avenues in various ranks of GOs & NGOs. He further informed that the strength of CISF personnel has been enhanced recently and there is a need for filling up these posts on priority.

Shri Rajnath Singh directed the Ministry of Home Affairs for disposal of all pending proposals on priority, especially those related to the welfare and development of the Force personnel. The Home Minister also appreciated the efforts of CISF personnel in various duties being performed by them.

The Union Home Secretary Shri Rajiv Mehrishi and senior officers of the MHA and CISF were also present.

J P Nadda dedicates “Dharamshala Complex” at Dr RM L Hospital to the Public 

With the aim of providing free residential facilities to attendants of the poor patient who do not belong to Delhi, the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J P Nadda inaugurated the ‘Dharamshala complex’ at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML) Hospital, here today. The complex is a 35 bedded facility having single, twin and dormitory rooms with a floor reserved for women. The complex has been constructed with a total outlay of approx. 6.15 cr and offers free communication facilities for the attendants. Care taker, Security and Sanitation services are available round the clock. Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Hon’ble MoS (Health & Family Welfare) was also present on the occasion.

 Speaking at the function, Shri Nadda said that this hospital attracts patients from the city and from neighboring states with unwavering belief that they will get best of services available in the country. “RML has been successful in balancing the quality and quantity while delivering services to the poor people,” Shri Nadda added.

Laying emphasis on services to be delivered at the complex, Shri Nadda said that the services at the complex should be regularly inspected and monitored. “We erect the hardware but not pay much attention to the software part. The hospital should look at ways and means of making the facilities at the complex self-sustaining,’ Shri Nadda said. The Health Minister further stated that the facility should ensure proper sanitation and directed the officials to personally monitor this aspect at the facility.

Referring to the ICT based application ‘Mera Aspataal (My Hospital)’ that captures patients’ feedback about their experience in the health facilities on the services that they received or sought to receive, Shri Nadda said that the Ministry is seeking the feedback of people digitally to improve the quality of services at the health centres. “Patient satisfaction is the ultimate test for assessing quality of services provided by a healthcare facility and we are now making a paradigm shift by seeking their views on quality of experience in a public healthcare facility. This will help us improving the experience of people at a health facility,” Shri Nadda elaborated.

Earlier, Shri Nadda reviewed the preparedness of Dr RML Hospital to deal with the cases of H1N1 influenza. The Health Minister added, “In winter season, the H1N1 influenza cases generally show a rise. Today visit is to review the preparation of the hospital for this. Adequate stocks of medicines, testing kits and medical equipment are in place and we are fully geared up to handle H1N1 influenza.” During the visit the Health Minister expressed satisfaction over the preparation and availability of designated beds, medical equipment, medicines, testing kits, personal protective equipment and masks. 

Also present at the function were Dr. Jagdish Prasad, DGHS, Dr B D Athani, Special DGHS, Sanjeeva Kumar, Addl. Secy (Health), Dr R.K Vats, AS & DG (CGHS), Dr (Prof) A K Gadpayle, Additional DG and Medical Superintendent, Dr RML Hospital, Delhi and senior officers of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and faculty of Dr RML Hospital. 

 

FM: Though the world economy is quite fragile yet India appears to be much better placed today on the back of improvement in its macro-economic fundamentals;

Government’s measures to eliminate the shadow economy and tax evasion are expected to have a positive impact both on GDP and on fiscal consolidation in the long run; Chairs the Sixteenth Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) held in national capital today.

 

 

The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said though the world economy is quite fragile yet India appears to be much better placed today on the back of improvement in its macro-economic fundamentals. The Finance Minister said that the Government’s measures to eliminate the shadow economy and tax evasion are expected to have a positive impact both on GDP and on fiscal consolidation in the long run. The Finance Minister Shri Jaitley was making his Opening Remarks while chairing the Sixteenth Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) here in New Delhi today. The FSDC meeting was attended by all the Financial Regulators and senior officers of the Ministry of Finance and financial sector regulators. Those who attended the today’s Meeting include  Dr. Urjit R. Patel, Governor, RBI; Shri Ashok Lavasa, Finance Secretary, Shri Shaktikanta Das, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ms. Anjuly Chib Duggal, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Shri Neeraj Kumar Gupta, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management(DIPAM), Dr. Arvind Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser (CEA), Shri U.K. Sinha, Chairman, SEBI; Shri T.S. Vijayan, Chairman, IRDAI, Shri Hemant G Contractor, Chairman, PFRDA and other senior officers of the Government of India and financial sector regulators.

 

            On this occasion, the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) made a presentation on the state of economy. The Council reviewed the major issues and challenges facing the economy and noted that India appears to be much better placed today on the back of improvement in its macro-economic fundamentals. The Council also noted that the Government’s measures to eliminate the parallel economy and black money are expected to have a positive impact both on GDP and on fiscal consolidation in the long run.

 

            The Regulators offered their suggestions/proposals for the upcoming Budget 2017-18, which were deliberated upon by the Council. The Council also reviewed the present status of NPAs in Banks and the measures taken by Government & RBI for dealing with the stressed assets and discussed on further action in this regard.

 

            FSDC discussed about the various initiatives taken by the Government and Regulators for promoting financial inclusion/financial literacy efforts and discussed further measures for promoting the same.

 

            A Brief Report on the activities undertaken by the FSDC Sub-Committee chaired by Governor, RBI was placed before the FSDC. The Council also undertook a comprehensive review of the action taken by members on the decisions taken in earlier meetings of the Council.

 

            The Council also discussed issues pertaining to Fintech, digital innovations and cyber security. The Council took note of the initiatives taken in this regard by the Government and the Regulators and discussed on further steps to be taken.

 

 

*****

DSM/MS/KA

Exchange Rate of Foreign Currency Relating To Imported and Export Goods Notified 

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962), and in supersession of the notification of the Central Board of Excise and Customs No.147/2016-CUSTOMS (N.T.), dated 15thDecember, 2016, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Board of Excise and  Customs hereby determines that the rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currencies specified in column (2) of each of Schedule I and Schedule II annexed hereto, into Indian currency or vice versa, shall, with effect from 06th January, 2017, be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column (3) thereof, for the purpose of the said section, relating to imported and export goods.

 

                                                                 SCHEDULE-I

           

Sl.No.

Foreign Currency

Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees

(1)    

(2)

(3)

 

 

               (a)

                (b)

 

 

(For Imported Goods)

  (For Export Goods)

1.

Australian Dollar

50.40

48.65

2.

Bahrain Dinar

186.65

174.20

3.

Canadian Dollar               

51.95

50.40

4.

Danish Kroner

9.80

9.45

5.

EURO

72.80

70.30

6.

Hong Kong Dollar

8.90

8.65

7.

Kuwait Dinar

229.75

215.10

8.

New Zealand Dollar

48.35

46.65

9.

Norwegian Kroner

8.05

7.80

10.

Pound Sterling

85.15

82.40

11.

Singapore Dollar

48.05

46.55

12.

South African Rand

5.15

4.85

13.

Saudi Arabian Riyal

18.70

17.55

14.

Swedish Kroner

7.60

7.35

15.

Swiss Franc

67.80

65.65

16.

UAE Dirham

19.10

17.90

17.

US Dollar

68.80

67.15

18.

 

Chinese Yuan

9.95

9.65

19.

 

Qatari Riyal

19.30

18.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                               

SCHEDULE-II

 

                                Sl.No.

Foreign Currency

Rate of exchange of 100 units of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees

(1)    

(2)

(3)

 

 

(a)

(b)

 

 

(For Imported Goods)

  (For Export Goods)

1.

Japanese Yen

59.35

57.45

2.

Kenya Shilling

67.90

63.50

 

 

*****

DSM/MS/KA

NCC Camp for Republic Day Parade 2017 in Full Swing 

The NCC Republic Day (RD) Camp 2017 began at the NCC Camp, Carriappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt on 01 January 2017. In the run-up to the Republic Day 2017 the Director General NCC Lt Gen Vinod Vashisht briefed the media here today to highlight major programmes of NCC during this month-long camp.

Lt Gen Vashist highlighted the major achievements of the NCC in Nation Building, Social Awareness Campaigns, Community Development, Environment Protection and Sports & Adventure. He said the conduct of NCC National Games in October 2016 has added another feather in the cap of this premier youth organization of the nation. He also mentioned that the training philosophy of the cadets had been refined to accommodate the changing aspirations of our youth and expectations of the society. While continuing these pursuits the current year will concentrate on ‘field focus’ which is the theme for this year’s camp, he said. This is to spread the spirit of Republic Day Camp across length and breadth of the country and disseminate the core message of tenacity and persistent determination to attain greater heights in life.  

2068 cadets including 102 cadets from J&K and 162 cadets from the North Eastern Region drawn from 17 NCC Directorates are participating in this Camp. This year 696 girl cadets are also participating. The cadets are selected through a tough selection process.  The cadets attending the camp follow an intense schedule over one month while participating in a number of activities like cultural, National Integration Awareness Programme and Institutional Training Competitions. The camp will be visited by a large number of dignitaries such as the Vice President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Minister of State for Defence, Chief Minister of Delhi, and the three Service Chiefs.

The aim of the Republic Day Camp is to enhance the self-confidence of cadets, deepen their value systems and provide an exposure to the rich culture and traditions of our nation and the important events that take place in the National Capital during the run up to the Republic Day. Projection cherished ideals and capabilities of the cadets of the NCC is intrinsic. The camp portrays a reflection of ‘Mini India’.

The year 2016 has been special for NCC as an exclusive NCC Girls’ contingent successfully scaled the Mt. Everest in May. NCC cadets also carried out cleanliness drives and safe sanitation awareness campaigns under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. As part of the campaign, a Swachhta Pakhwada at pan India level was conducted from 01 to 15 August 2016 and NCC’s the contribution during the Pakhwada was appreciated at the national level. In recognition for the excellent work, the NCC was awarded the ‘Swachhta Puruskar’ alongwith certificate of excellence by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the India Sanitation Conference on 30 September 2016.

NAo/DM/NAMPI/RAJ

MOS Defence Visits DRDO’S Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex 

The Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre today visited DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad. During the visit, he also reviewed some of the ongoing projects of three Hyderabad-based DRDO laboratories namely Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI). During the visit, the Minister evinced keen interest in diversified missile systems and technologies and was briefed by the Lab Directors.

Dr. Bhamre congratulated all DRDO scientists for the recent successful missions and complimented the significant achievements of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex for making the country self-reliant in Missile Systems and technologies. He said, “the sustained contributions of Missile Complex have gone a long way in strengthening the indigenous defence capabilities and industries of our country. I am glad that today, many industries are able to develop new products and are playing crucial role in multiple technological fronts with the help of DRDO.” He also said, Defence R&D, when aligned with the ‘Make in India’ policy, will foster a conducive environment for potential growth of defence industries.

The Minister also urged upon the Directors of DRDO Labs to collaborate with premier academia, technical institutions and Industries for giving proper direction to the Skill Building initiatives as part of National Skill Building Mission for strengthening the manufacturing economy and technological self-reliance of the country.

NW/NAo/DM/RAJ

Festival of India being Organized in Cambodia from 10th January to 16th February, 2017 

A Festival of India is being organized in Cambodia from 10th January to 16th February, 2017.  The activities of the Festival include Ramayana Performance, Rajasthani Folk Music & Dance Group (Dance Group plus Manganiyar Group), Classical Dance. 

A Buddhist Mahotsav – Exhibition titled Dhamma Darshana - to explore the life, teachings and important events connected with Lord Buddha and Photo Exhibition on Buddhist religious/heritage sites in India will also be organized. 

To complete the experience, a Food Festival will also be held. 

The Festival events are being showcased in three cities of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang in Cambodia.

*****

Sanjay Kumar/jk/M/o Culture/05.01.2017

Speech of Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman at the 2nd meeting of Council for Trade Development and Promotion. 

            Hon’ble Ministers and senior officials from the States and other Ministries welcome to the second meeting of the Council for Trade Development and Promotion.

 

            As you are aware, the objective of this Council is to develop partnerships with the States with the aim of boosting international trade.

 

            Last January 8th we had a very constructive dialogue with the State Ministers regarding measures for creating and augmenting an enabling environment in the States to boost International trade.

 

             In my invitation letter dated 31st Oct, I had annexed the status and action taken on the various issues raised by you in the first meeting of this council in last January

 

            Though, since last January we have managed to contain our trade deficit due to controls on imports, there is an immediate need to synergize our efforts and jointly take appropriate steps to boost India’s exports - which is the only sustainable way in today’s international trade environment

 

            As you already know, there is a slowdown in world economy which has resulted in decrease in some of India’s traditional exports.

 

            We would welcome your suggestions on steps required to improve the export competitiveness of our products and on how can we partner in the adoption of such measures to create an environment conducive for exports.

 

            I exhort the Members to use this platform to articulate their perspective on the Trade Policy and work jointly with us to address impediments to trade and infrastructure gaps which adversely affect India’s exports.

 

            One such area which requires immediate intervention is that of facilities for testing, certification, trace-back, packaging and labelling. 

 

            As some of you may have seen on the Indian trade portal, a hundred to hundred and fifty SPS notifications and a similar number of TBT notifications are being issued by WTO member countries each month. Around 50% to 60% of these measures have the potential to impact our trade.

 

            There Sector Specific needs can broadly be categorised into interventions required for agri and marine products, for forest produce and for industrial products.

 

            I request the States to enhance their co-operation with Central Agencies for setting up common facilities like testing labs, training institutes as well as packaging and storage support to industry.

 

            In the last meeting I had requested the States to consider higher allocation of resources for export infrastructure from their increased devolution of funds to which I expected that at least the ongoing ASIDE projects would be completed by the States from their resources. I am still awaiting an affirmative action on this from the States.

           

            However, since almost all the states had expressed their wish for a central scheme which supports export infrastructure, we have acted on your suggestion and are trying to formulate a scheme which could provide financial support and supplement your efforts to create export infrastructure.

 

            I hope we can soon succeed in achieving a consensus for the roll out of this scheme, which is very aptly titled as TIES or Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme. This would surely strengthen our TIES with the States

 

            States have also been requested to develop their Export Strategy aligned with the National Policy trade. So far seventeen States have prepared their export strategy.  I request the balance States to kindly expedite their export strategies.

 

            Also Export Commissioners have been designated by twenty eight states. The remaining States may kindle expedite. I would request the States to use these export commissioners as focal points for institutionalised interactions with the Exporters from the State.

 

            I would also like to draw the attention of the States towards our services exports where we not only have a steady trade surplus but also a lot of untapped potential.

 

            Our services trade surplus offsets our merchandise trade deficit to an extent and along with overseas remittances, keeps our current account deficit in check.

 

            While IT and IT enabled services have an overwhelming predominance in our services exports, these are largely restricted to the US and EU markets and are therefore vulnerable to any changes imposed by these two trading blocks.

 

            There is thus a need to diversify our services exports basket by enabling more sectors and to breach more markets.

 

            Other areas like Medical tourism, nursing and healthcare, education, audio-visual media also afford an excellent potential which can be harnessed.

 

            For this, we need to develop the right competencies like language skills for the East and North East Asian markets.

 

            I would like to take this opportunity to exhort the State Governments to develop and pursue appropriate export strategies in line with national Foreign Trade Policy and we would be happy to associate in such efforts.

 

            In conclusion, I would also like to reiterate my request to all the States to consider organizing bimonthly meetings with the exporters in their States to sort out their infrastructure and tax related issues which would go a long way in improving our trade competitiveness.

***

MJPS

2nd Meeting of Council of Trade Development and Promotion held in New Delhi – Making States Active partners to boost India’s exports. 

Welcoming the Ministers from 8 States, Additional Chief Secretaries & Principal Secretaries from other States and other members of the Council from the Centre for the 2nd meeting of the Council for Trade Development and Promotion, Union Commerce & Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman appreciated the active role of the States in partnering with the Centre in the continued efforts to boost India’s exports. 

The Commerce & Industry Minister exhorted the Members of the Council to jointly address impediments in trade and the infrastructure gaps which adversely affect India’s exports.  She said that in the 1st meeting of the Council, a constructive dialogue with the State Governments and UTs took place for creating an enabling environment to boost International trade. The Centre has made efforts to resolve the issues raised by the States during the 1st meeting. 

To reduce the impact of global economic slowdown on Indian exports, the Commerce Minister exhorted the States to diversify India’s exports basket by enabling more sectors and breaching new markets. 

Nirmala Sitharaman asked the State Governments to enhance cooperation with Central agencies to create facilities for testing, certification, storage and packaging.  

She mentioned that as can be seen on the Indian trade portal, a 100-150 SPS notifications and a similar number of TBT notifications are being issued by WTO member countries each month. Around 50% to 60% of these measures have the potential to impact our trade. Three sector specific needs can broadly be categorised into interventions required for agri & marine products, for forest produce and for industrial products. 

The Minister drew the attention of the States to expedite the preparation of the export strategies in line with the Foreign Trade Policy and in the appointment of Export Commissioners for the state.  She requested that the Export Commissioner be made the single window focal point for the interaction with the exporters from the State. 

The Minister drew the attention of States towards promoting Services Exports where we have a substantial Trade surplus.  She mentioned that we need to diversify our export basket on services, beyond IT and ITeS, to encompass yoga, health services, tourism, education in other services. 

Sh.Chander Mohan Patowary, Minister from Assam flagged issues for improving trade from NE states.  There is a need to promote higher investments in infrastructure and Trade Centres.  More ICPs to international standards needed.  Industrial corridor from Guwahati to Mandalay will benefit the ASEAN markets. 

Shri P. Narayana, Minister from Andhra Pradesh requested assistance for NABL accredited labs at Guntur, support of Central Government for setting up a logistic institute. 

Shri Amar Aggarwal, Minister from Chattisgarh sought measures to enhance the competitiveness of the tribal states by promoting forest produce.  He thanked the Commerce Minister for resolving the issue of HMS Scrap from Raipur which was raised in the 1st Meeting. 

Shri Rohit Bhai Patel, Minister from Gujarat appreciated the GoI’s initiative in constituting this Council to facilitate a platform to the States to articulate their views.  He emphasized the need to improve quality standards in government procurement to promote a culture of quality consciousness. 

Shri C.P.Singh, Minister from Jharkhand stressed the need to increase export of agri products, as Jharkhand is a major producer of agri products.  He informed that they have formulated an export policy recently.  He said Jharkhand is proactive in taking up labour reforms. 

 The Kerala Industry & Trade Minister, Shri A.C Moideen, sought proactive measures to curb liberal imports of agricultural products to ensure the livelihood security of domestic farmers. He said that farmers must be insulated from the crippling impact of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). He also sought restoration of the ASIDE scheme. 

Shri Rajendra Shukla, Minister from Madhya Pradesh sought measures to enhance the competitiveness of the land locked states by providing suitable infrastructure and transport assistance.  He also requested for air cargo facility at Indore. 

The Industry Minister from Rajasthan, Shri Rajpal Shekawat sought assistance for land locked states. He also requested the setting up of an ICD at Bhiwadi and Sirohi for promoting exports from the industrial area and notification of a Special Notified zone at Jaipur amongst other measures for promoting Gem and Jewellery exports. 

Other States also gave specific suggestions on their respective areas of concern. In particular, most of the States highlighted the importance for restoring the ASIDE schemes. 

The Heads of the Apex trade bodies FIEO, FICCI, ASSOCHAM and CII gave their views and suggestions for improving exports amidst the challenging world economic scenario.

*****

MJPS

 

Consultative Committee meeting of Department of Commerce on Performance of Commodity Boards in supporting Plantation Sector 

The Consultative Committee meeting of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry was held in Delhi today. The subject for today’s meeting was “Performance of Commodity Boards in supporting Plantation Sector in India”. The Minister of State (Independent Charge)for Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Chaired the meeting. It was attended by Members of Parliament Sh. Dinesh Trivedi, Ms. Jyoti Dhurve, Sh. Ajay Sancheti, Sh. NareshGujral and Sh. Vayalar Ravi. The officers of the Department of Commerce and head of the Plantation Commodity Boardswere also present in the meeting.

The members were apprised about the plantation sector in India including the performance of Tea Board, Coffee Board, Spices Board and Rubber Board in development of the sector. The recent initiatives taken by the Government and the Commodity Boards such as mitigating adverse effects of climate change by extending Prime Minister KrishiSinchaiYojana, Revenue Insurance Scheme for Plantation Sector for protecting plantation growers from the twin risks of weather and prices. Further, the concerted efforts taken towards promotion of organic farming and development of quality standards of commodities were also discussed.

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MJPS

Shri Radha Mohan Singh inaugurates National Workshop on Skill Development in Agriculture 

Employment opportunities generated for the skilled youth in the fields of agri-warehousing, cold chains, supply chains, dairy, poultry, meat, fisheries, horticulture, agricultural mechanization as well as micro-irrigation: Agriculture Minister

Hon’ble Prime Minister called for farmer focused agriculture, apart from production focused agriculture: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

Such a tremendous growth scenario has never been seen earlier – Shri Radha Mohan Singh.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh has said that due to the sophisticated development in agriculture sector, employment opportunities have been generated for the skilled youth in the fields of agri-warehousing in agriculture, cold chains, supply chains, dairy, poultry, meat, fisheries, horticulture, agricultural mechanization as well as micro-irrigation. The youth are benefitting from these opportunities. Shri Singh further said that self-employment opportunities also have been enhanced in these fields which require skilled youth. Shri Singh added that such a unique scenario has never been observed before in respect of overall development in the various fields of agriculture. Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister stated this on the occasion of National Workshop on Skill Development in Agriculture and the theme is “Kausal Vikas se Krishi Vikas” here today. In this workshop, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, the representatives of agriculture science centers, ICAR, Ministry of Agriculture as well as trained youth entrepreneurs are participating.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is working with fast pace to give reality to the motto raised by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, as Kaushal Bharat - Kushal Bharat. Agriculture Minister said that Hon’ble Prime Minister has called for farmer focused agriculture, apart from production focused agriculture. The government realizes that the youth of the country are required to be linked with agriculture in the form of enterprise. Shri Singh further added that, in this respect operations are being conducted on four stages in Ministry of Agriculture. The Minister briefed that particular emphasis is being laid on enhancement of productivity, post harvest management, better return of farmers produce, decrease in agriculture related risks. Shri Singh further emphasized that a fourth stage is being created so as to enhance the income of the farmers through the resources like those of horticulture, livestock, fisheries, bee-keeping etc.

Shri Singh briefed that the Ministry of Agriculture is opening ways while formulating well planned strategy for the development of farmers as well as youth and initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, e-NAM, Soil Health Card, Prampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Skill Development will prove important in this endeavour. Shri Singh said that the Ministry of Agriculture has made a budget provision of Rs.3.52 crore for the year 2016-17 for implementation of the work of skill development so that training programmes may be organized through 100 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and distinguished training institutes of the Ministry.

Agriculture Minister said that various schemes have been launched to increase the income of the farmers i.e. Prampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana for bringing more area under organic farming, National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) for providing remunerative price for the farmers. The government is emphasizing on increase in milk production through White Revolution and fish production through Blue Revolution. Shri Singh said that food security is ensured through various schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, per drop more crop for water conservation, Water Management, Water Harvesting and Micro-irrigation. Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been launched for the first time for the development and protection of bovine breeds so that bovine breed can be protected and developed. In ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’, Agriculture Specialists of Agricultural Universities and ICAR are making effective interventions towards scientific farming for villages. Agriculture Minister has said that sowing of Rabi this year is more than 6 per cent than the previous year. Under Soil Health Card a total of 2 crore 30 lakh soil samples have been collected in the country and from which 12 crore 65 lakh farmers will be issued Soil Health Cards. On this occasion, the Shri Singh has requested Sector Skill Council established at State level to cooperate with the Central Government.

Speaking on the concluding session, The Minister of States for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat said that the National Workshop on skill development in Agriculture is an important and commendable effort. Shri Bhagat said that Centre is fully committed for skill development training for the youth of rural areas. The Minister of State hoped that states will extend their full support to centre in this effort.

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SS

Dr Jitendra Singh condoles passing away of NEC Member Prof. Gangmumei Kamei 

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has condoled the passing away of Prof. Gangmumei Kamei, Member of North Eastern Council (NEC). Prof. Gangmumei Kamei passed away today at the age 77 years in Imphal, Manipur. A condolence meeting in his honour was held at the NEC Secretariat, Shillong.

 

In his condolence message, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Prof Gangmumei Kamei’s contribution to the North Eastern region will always be remembered. The Minister said that he will not only be remembered as a Professor, but also as a writer and historian whose area of specialisation was regional history of Northeast India and history of Manipur. He wrote extensively on history, culture and contemporary issues of the region, Dr. Singh added.  The Minister said that passing away of Prof Kamei leaves a vacuum for us, but at the same time his contribution to the North East region will keep inspiring us for times to come.

 

Professor Kamei was the President of the Northeast India History Association (NEIHA) at its Kohima session of 1986. He was also President of Manipur History Society. He was the Coordinator of the Centre for Manipuri Studies and Tribal Research of Manipur University and in this capacity, he guided a large number of research projects. He had published a large number of research papers and books. His major publications are: A history of Modern Manipur (1826-2000), A history of Manipur: pre-colonial period, On History and Historiography of Manipur, History of Zeliangrong Nagas: From Makhel to Rani Gaidinliu, Ethnicity and Social change (An anthology of essays) and Lectures on History of Manipur.

 

Born in Imphal, Manipur on 21st October, 1939, Professor Kamei was also associated with several social and cultural bodies at the State and national level. He was a member of the Advisory Committee of the Anthropological Survey of India (1984-87). He was a member of the ICSSR panel on Tribal Studies. In 2010, he was awarded the Platinum Jubilee Samman by the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, for his contribution to history and tribal culture. He was also awarded a National Fellowship by the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla (2010-2012).

 

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KSD/NK/PK/KM

Unprecedented Reach of Election Schedule Announcement on Social Media 

Collaborative Effort of PIB & Facebook Fetches a Reach of Around 21 Lakh on Facebook on the First Day 

 The Election Commission of India (ECIannounced State Assembly Elections in five States on 4th January, 2017In order to achieve widest possible outreach of information on the election schedules and other ECI guidelines for citizens, an unprecedented effort was made by Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIBto use Social Media (SM) Platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 The press conference by the ECI was live-streamed on MIBs YouTube channel, and on the Facebook Pages of PIBMIB and Facebook IndiaImportant highlights of the announcement were also tweeted LIVE by PIB and MIB, and shared on their Facebook Pages as well.


 The actual figures of the reach of the relevant information on the ECI Press Conference the among the Citizens are as follows: (Figures as on 7:00 PM, 4th January, 2017)

 Among MIBs social media accounts, a total of 22 tweets, 5 Facebook and 1 YouTube posts were made on Assembly Election ScheduleOn Facebook, the 5 posts achieved a Total Reach of over 5.24 Lakh people, 1,219 Likes and 140 SharesThe ECI press conference was also Live-streamed on Ministrys Facebook page, which received 12,000 views and reached over 4.95 Lakh people.  

 Also, a total of 55,127 Impressions were achieved for the 22 tweets made from MIB handle. These were re-tweeted 1,448 times and 550 favourites were achieved. Further, the Live Stream of the ECI Press Conference on YouTube achieved 1,700 views.

 Among PIBs social media accounts, a total of 68 tweets and 10 Facebook posts were made on Assembly Election ScheduleThe Facebook posts achieved a total reach of more than 29,700 people, 167 Likes and 46 Shares, while PIBs tweets resulted in 6.5 lakh impressions (views), 4,140 retweets and 951 favourites, as of nowThe live-streaming of the event on PIBs Facebook page has reached 3.04 lakh people and fetched more than 800 views.

 In addition to the above platforms, the ECI press conference was live streamed for the first time on two Facebook pages, namely Facebook India and Government, Politics and Non Profits, which collectively received a massive response with more than 1 Lakh video views and reached over 13 Lakh people on Facebook. The Facebook Live Stream received 6,400 likes and 624 shares(Figures as on 7:00 PM, 4th January, 2017)

 On Twitter, Top Trending Hashtags throughout the day were #ElectionCommission, #AssemblyElection, Manipur & Goa, 5 States, Phase2, Uttarakhand and Model Code of ConductThe maximum potential reach was achieved on the hashtags #ElectionCommission and #AssemblyElection of about 21.2 crores and 20.1 crores of people respectively.

 

Text of PM’s address at 350th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj in Patna, Bihar on 05.01.2017

 

श्री पटना साहिब, गुरू दी नगरी विखे दशमेश पिता साहिब श्री गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज दे जन्‍म दिहाड़े ते गुरू साहिबान दी बख्‍शीश लेन आई साध-संगत, तुहाणु मैं जी आईयां आखदां हां। इस पवित्र दिहाड़े ते मैं तुहाणु सारियां नू नवे साल दी लख-लख बधाईयां भी दिंदा हां।

आज हम पटना साहिब की इस पवित्र धरती पर इस प्रकाश-पर्व को मनाने में भाग्‍यशाली हुए हैं। लेकिन आज पूरे विश्‍व में जहां-जहां भारतीय रहते हैं, सिख समुदाय रहता है, दुनिया के सभी देशों में भारत सरकार ने हमारी एम्‍बेसीज के माध्‍यम से इस प्रकाश-पर्व मनाने के लिए योजना बनाई है ताकि न सिर्फ हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में लेकिन पूरे विश्‍व को इस बात का अहसास हो कि गुरू गोविंद सिंह महाराज साढ़े तीन सौ साल (350) पूर्व एक ऐसा दिव्‍यात्‍मा का जन्‍म हुआ, जिसने मानवता को कितनी बड़ी प्रेरणा दी। ये विश्‍व को भी परिचय हो उस दिशा में भारत सरकार ने भरपूर प्रयास किया है।

मैं श्रीमान नीतीश जी को, सरकार को, उनके सभी सा‍थियों को और बिहार की जनता को विशेष रूप से अभिनंदन देता हूं क्‍योंकि पटना साहिब में ये प्रकाश-पर्व एक विशेष अहमियत रखता है। हिन्‍दुस्‍तान की एकता, अखंडता, भाईचारा, सामाजिक समरसता, सर्वपंत समभाव इसका बहुत ही मजबूत संदेश देने की ताकत ये पटना साहिब में प्रकाश-पर्व को मनाने में है और इसलिए नीतीश जी ने जिस मेहनत के साथ स्‍वयं, मुझे बताया जाता था, कि स्‍वयं गांधी मैदान आ करके, हर चीज की बारीकी से चिंता करके इतने बड़े भव्‍य समारोह की योजना की है।

कार्यक्रम का स्‍थल भले पटना साहिब में हो, लेकिन प्रेरणा पूरे हिन्‍दुस्‍तान को है; प्रेरणा पूरे विश्‍व को है। और इसलिए ये प्रकाश-पर्व हमें भी मानवता के लिए किस रास्‍ते पर चलना है, हमारे संस्‍कार क्‍या हैं, हमारे मूल्‍य क्‍या हैं, हम मानव जाति को क्‍या दे सकते हैं, इसके लिए एक पुन: स्‍मरण करके नए उमंग, उत्‍साह और ऊर्जा के साथ आगे बढ़ने का यह अवसर है।

गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज एक त्‍याग की प्रतिमूर्ति थे। हम कल्‍पना कर सकते हैं कि आंखों के सामने अपने पूज्‍य पिता का बलिदान देखें और अपनी ही मौजूदगी में अपनी संतानों को भी आदर्शों के लिए, मूल्‍यों के लिए, मानवता के लिए बलि चढ़ते देखें, और उसके बाद भी त्‍याग की पराकाष्‍ठा देखें; गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज भी इस गुरू परम्‍परा को आगे बढ़ा सकते थे, लेकिन इनकी दीर्घ-दृष्टि थी कि उन्‍होंने ज्ञान को केंद्र में रखते हुए गुरू ग्रंथ साहिब के हर शब्‍द को जीवन-मंत्र मानते हुए हम सबके लिए आखिर में यही कहा; अब गुरू ग्रंथ साहिब ही, उसका हर शब्‍द, उसका हर पन्‍ना आने वाले युगों तक हमें प्रेरणा देता रहेगा। ये भी, ये भी उनके त्‍याग की मिसाल का अंश था; उससे भी आगे जब पंच प्‍यारे और खालसा पंथ की रचना, उसमें भी पूरे भारत को जोड़ने का उनका प्रयास था।

जब लोग आदि शंकराचार्य की चर्चा करते हैं तो कहते हैं कि आदि शंकर ने हिन्‍दुस्‍तान के चारों कोनों में मठ का निर्माण करके भारत की एकता को बल देने का प्रयास किया था। गुरू गोविंद सिंह महाराज साहब ने भी हिन्‍दुस्‍तान के अलग-अलग कोने से उन पंच-प्‍यारे की पसंद करके समग्र हिन्‍दुस्‍तान को खालसा परम्‍परा के द्वारा एकता के सूत्र में बांधने का उस जमाने में अद्भुत प्रयास किया था, जो आज भी हमारी विरासत है। और मैं हमेशा हृदय से अनुभव करता हूं कि मेरा कुछ खून का रिश्‍ता है क्‍योंकि जो पहले पंच-प्‍यारे थे उन पंच-प्‍यारों को उनको ये नहीं कहा गया था आपको ये मिलेगा, आपको ये पद मिलेगा, आप आगे आइए। नहीं, गुरू गोविंद सिंह महाराज साहिब का कसौटी का मानदंड भी बड़ा ऊंचा रहता था। उन्‍होंने तो सर कटवाने के लिए निमंत्रण दिया था; आइए, आपका सर काट दिया जाएगा और इस त्‍याग के आधार पर तय होगा आगे कैसे बढ़ना है। और अपना सर देने के लिए देश के अलग-अलग कोने से लोग आगे आए, उसमें एक गुजरात के द्वारिका का दर्जी समाज का बेटा, वो भी आगे आया और पंच-प्‍यारों में उसने जगह पाई। गुरू गोविंद सिंह महाराज साहब ने उसको गले लगाया और पंच-प्‍यारे खालसा परम्‍परा निर्माण तो किया था गुरू गोविंद सिंह महाराज साहब ने, वे चाहते उस दिशा में ये परम्‍परा चल सकती थी, लेकिन ये उनका त्‍याग, उनकी ऊंचाई थी कि गुरू गोविंद सिंह महाराज साहब ने स्‍वयं को भी उस बंधनों में बांध दिया, और उन्‍होंने कहा कि ये जो पंच-प्‍यारे हैं, ये जो खालसा परम्‍परा बनी है; मेरे लिए भी क्‍या करना, न करना; कब करना, कैसे करना; ये जो निर्णय करेंगे मैं उसका पालन करूंगा।

मैं समझता हूं कि गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज साहब का इससे बड़ा त्‍याग की कल्‍पना कोई कर नहीं सकता कि जिस व्‍यवस्‍था वो खुद को खड़ी की, खुद की प्रेरणा से जो व्‍यवस्‍था खड़ी हुई, लेकिन उस व्‍यवस्‍था को उन्‍होंने अपने सर पर बिठाया और स्‍वयं को उस व्‍यवस्‍था को समर्पित कर दिया और उस महानता का परिणाम है आज साढ़े तीन सौ (350) साल का प्रकाश-पर्व मनाते हैं तब दुनिया के किसी भी कोने में जाएं, सिख परम्‍परा से जुड़ा हुआ कोई भी व्‍यक्ति होगा वो वहां नतमस्‍तक होता है, अपने-आप को समर्पित करता है। गु्रू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज साहब ने जो परम्‍परा रखी थी उस परम्‍परा का पालन करता है।  

तो ऐसी एक महान प्रेरणा गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज को जब याद करते हैं तो कुछ इतिहासकार शौर्य और वीरता के पहलू को ही प्रकट करते हैं। लेकिन उनकी वीरता के साथ उनकी जो धीरता थी, धैर्य था, वो अद्भुत था। वे संघर्ष करते थे लेकिन त्‍याग की पराकाष्‍ठा अभूतपूर्व थी। वे समाज में बुराइयों के खिलाफ लड़ते थे। ऊंच-नीच का भाव, जातिवाद का जहर, उसके खिलाफ भी लड़ाई लड़के समाज को एकता के सूत्र में बांधना, सबको समानता, इसमें कोई ऊंच-नीच का भेद न हो, उसके लिए जीवन-पर्यन्‍त अपनों के बीच भी वो आग्रहपूर्वक बातों को मनावाने में अपना जीवन खपाते रहे थे।

समाज-सुधारक हो, वीरता की प्रेरणा हो, त्‍याग और तपस्‍या की तपोभूमि में अपने आपको तपाने वाला व्‍यक्तित्‍व हो, सब गुण सम्‍पन्‍न, ऐसा गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज साहब का जीवन आने वाली पीढि़यों को प्रेरणा देता रहे। हम भी सर्वपंत समभाव के साथ समाज का हर वर्ग बराबर है, न कोई ऊंच है न कोई नीच है, न कोई अपना है न कोई पराया है; इन महान मंत्रों को ले करके हम भी देश में सब दूर उन आदर्शों को प्रस्‍थापित करेंगे।

देश की एकता मजबूत बनेगी, देश की ताकत बढ़ेगी, देश प्रगति की नई ऊंचाईयों को प्राप्‍त करेगा। हमें वीरता भी चाहिए, हमें धीरता भी चाहिए; हमें शौर्य भी चाहिए, हमें पराक्रम भी चाहिए; हमें त्‍याग और तपस्‍या भी चाहिए। ये संतुलित समाज व्‍यवस्‍था, ये गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज साहब के हर शब्‍द में, जीवन के हर काम में हमें प्रेरणा देने वाली रही है और इसलिए आज इस महान पवित्र आत्‍मा के चरणों में सर झुकाने का सौभाग्‍य मिला है।

आज गुरू गोविंद जी महाराज साहब के उसी स्‍थान पर आ करके गुरू ग्रंथ साहिब को भी नमन करने का सौभाग्‍य मिला है, मुझे विश्‍वास है कि ये हमें प्रेरणा देता रहेगा। यहां नीतीश जी ने एक बहुत महत्‍वपूर्ण बात को स्‍पर्श किया। महात्‍मा गांधी चम्‍पारण सत्‍याग्रह की शताब्‍दी, लेकिन मैं नीतीश जी को हृदय से एक बात के लिए अभिनंदन करता हूं। समाज परिवर्तन का काम बड़ा कठिन होता है, बहुत मुश्किल काम होता है। उसको हाथ लगाने की हिम्‍मत करना भी बड़ा मुश्किल काम होता है। लेकिन उसके बावजूद भी नशा-मुक्ति का जिस प्रकार से उन्‍होंने अभियान चलाया है। आने वाली पीढि़यों को बचाने के लिए उन्‍होंने जो बीड़ा उठाया है, मैं उनकी बहुत-बहुत अभिनंदन करता हूं, बधाई देता हूं।

और मैं भी पूरे बिहार-वासियों से, सभी राजनीतिक दलों से, सभी सामाजिक जीवन में काम करने वालों से यही गुजारिश करूंगा, ये काम सिर्फ सरकार का नहीं है, ये काम सिर्फ नीतीश कुमार का नहीं है, ये काम सिर्फ किसी राजनीतिक दल का नहीं है; ये जन-जन का काम है। उसको सफल बनाएंगे तो बिहार देश की प्रेरणा बन जाएगा। और मुझे विश्‍वास है कि जो बीड़ा नीतीश जी ने उठाया है वो जरूर सफल होंगे और हमारी आने वाली पीढ़ी को बचाने के काम में गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज का ये प्रकाश-पर्व भी उनको आशीर्वाद देगा, उनको एक नई ताकत देगा। और मुझे विश्‍वास है कि बिहार देश की एक बहुत बड़ी अनमोल शक्ति बनेगा, देश को आगे बढ़ाने में बिहार बहुत बड़ा योगदान करेगा। क्‍योंकि ये बिहार की धरती है जिसने गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज साहब से अब तक अनेक महापुरुष हमें दिए हैं। राजेन्‍द्र बाबू की याद करें। चम्‍पारण सत्‍याग्रह, सत्‍याग्रह की कल्‍पना की भूमि है ये है। जयप्रकाश नारायण, कर्पूरी ठाकुर; अनगिनत, अनगिनत नर-रत्‍न इस धरती ने मां भारती की सेवा में दिए हैं। ऐसे भूमि पर गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज वो प्रेरणा हम सबके लिए एक नया आदर्श, नई प्रेरणा, नई शक्ति देती है। इसी एक अवसर को, प्रकाश-पर्व को, ज्ञान के प्रकाश को जीवनभर अपने अंदर ले जाने के संकल्‍प के साथ हम इस प्रकाश-पर्व को मनाएं।

विश्‍वभर में जो भी भारत सरकार के अलग-अलग मिशन्‍स के द्वारा, एम्‍बेसीज के द्वारा ये प्रकाश-पर्व मनाया जा रहा है। मैं विश्‍वभर में फैले हुए गुरू गोविंद सिंह जी महाराज साहब का स्‍मरण करनेवाले सभी जनों को अंत:करण पूर्वक बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं देता हूं, बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूं। भारत सरकार ने इस प्रकाश-पर्व को बहुत व्‍यापक रूप से हिन्‍दुस्‍तान और हिन्‍दुस्‍तान के बाहर मनाने की योजना बनाई है, समिति बनाई है।

सौ करोड़ रुपया उस काम के‍ लगाया है। रेलवे ने अलग से करीब 40 करोड़ रुपया लगा करके स्‍थाई व्‍यवस्‍थाएं इस प्रकाश-पर्व के नि‍मित्‍त खड़ी की हैं। भारत सरकार के सांस्‍कृतिक विभाग ने भी करीब 40 करोड़ रुपया लगा करके अनेक विद् योजनाओं को साकार करने की दिशा में काम किया है ताकि ये हमेशा-हमेशा आने वाली पीढि़यों को प्रेरणा देने वाला काम बने, उस दिशा में हम काम कर रहे हैं और आगे भी इस काम को आगे बढ़ाते जाएंगे। मैं फिर एक बार इस अवसर पर, इस पवित्र अवसर पर, सहभागी बनने का मुझे सौभाग्‍य मिला, अपने जीवन को धन्‍य मानता हूं।

आप सबसे प्रणाम करते हुए जो बोले सो निहाल, सत् श्री अकाल।      

*****

 

अतुल कुमार तिवारी/अमित कुमार/शाहबाज़ हसीबी/निर्मल शर्मा

PM attends 350th birth anniversary celebrations of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj in Patna

 

 

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today attended the 350th birth anniversary celebrations of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj in Patna.

A commemorative postage stamp was released to mark the occasion.


Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister said that the world should know how Guru Gobind Singh ji has inspired so many people. He said that Guru Gobind Singh ji put knowledge at the core of his teachings and inspired so many people through his thoughts and ideals. In addition to his valour, there are other aspects about Guru Gobind Singh ji's personality that are admirable, the Prime Minister said, adding that Guru Gobind Singh ji did not believe in any form of social discrimination and he treated everyone equally.

 

The Prime Minister spoke of his appreciation of the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, for the effort undertaken by him to save future generations from alcoholism. The Prime Minister asserted that Bihar will play a major role in the development of the nation.

 

 

Group of Secretaries presents ideas on agriculture and allied sectors to PM 

 A Group of Secretaries to the Government of India, today presented ideas on “agriculture and allied sectors,” to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

Union Ministers, and officials from the NITI Aayog were also present on the occasion.

This was the fifth presentation in the current series, out of the total of nine scheduled to be made.

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AKT/SH

President’s New Year address to Governors/Lt. Governors 

My dear Governors and Lt. Governors:

1.                  Let me begin by extending warm greetings and best wishes to you for a year full of peace, prosperity and happiness.

 

2.                  The year that has just gone by was a year of mixed fortunes. It began on a very promising note with the economy performing well, overcoming the weak global economic trends. GDP growth of 7.2 percent in the first half of 2016-17 – same as that of last year – is a pointer to the fact that our economic recovery has been on solid grounds. In 2014 and 2015, below normal rains had caused rural distress. A good monsoon in 2016 is expected to improve agricultural production and increase rural employment and incomes. Though our exports have been affected by weak global demand, we have a stable external sector. Reviving exports will remain a challenge but we can overcome it by improving the competitiveness of the domestic industry.

 

3.                  Demonetization, while immobilizing black money and fighting corruption, may lead to temporary slowdown of the economy. We all will have to be extra careful to alleviate the suffering of the poor which might become unavoidable for the expected progress in the long term. While I appreciate the thrust on transition from entitlement approach to an entrepreneurial one for poverty alleviation, I am not too sure that the poor can wait that long. They need to get succour here and now, so that they can also participate actively in the national march towards a future devoid of hunger, unemployment and exploitation. The recent package announced by the Prime Minister will provide some relief.

 

Hon’ble Governors and Lt. Governors:

4.                  This year, there will be elections in as many as seven states. The dates for elections in five states have already been announced. The conduct of free and fair elections has made our democracy one of the most vibrant in the world. Elections reflect the attitudes, values and beliefs of the people towards their political environment. They symbolize the sovereignty of the people and provide legitimacy to the authority of the government. They also serve the purpose of regulation of public policies and mobilization of public opinion.

 

5.                  As we have all experienced, elections are usually marked by competitive populism, electoral rhetoric and vote bank politics. Noisy debates can deepen the fault-lines in the society. You, as Governors and Lt. Governors, command respect and attention of the people of your state. Through your interaction and wise counsel, you can play an important role in easing the tensions in the society. Goodwill must prevail between different communities. At times, harmony may be put to test by vested interests. Communal tensions may rear their ugly head. Rule of law must form the sole basis of dealing with any such challenging situation.

 

Governors and Lt. Governors:

6.                  In a pluralistic democracy like ours, tolerance, respect for contrary views and patience are a must. These values have to be preserved. India is a multi-faceted nation of 1.3 billion people, 122 languages, 1600 dialects and 7 religions. In the words of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru which I quote: "It is a country held together by strong but invisible threads” (unquote). India’s strength lies in her diversity. The multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. There will always be divergent strands in public discourse. We may argue. We may disagree. But we cannot deny the prevalence of multiplicity of opinion. You can, through your calm influence, inculcate amongst the citizens of your state this fundamental ethos of our civilization.

 

Hon’ble Governors and Lt. Governors:

7.                  You are the first citizens of your states. When you assumed this exalted office, you had taken an oath to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution. This pious document protects the liberty of the people and promotes the well-being of the citizens. It decrees inclusiveness, tolerance, self-restraint, and protection of women, senior citizens and weaker sections as essential ingredients of our polity. Our institutions of democracy must operate on these vital features. Strong credible institutions lead to good governance ensuring a healthy functioning of the democracy.

 

Dear Governors and Lt. Governors:

8.                  You all have a very important role to play in the improvement of higher education in your states. As chancellors and visitors of various universities, you can work with the academic leaders to effect holistic changes for quality up-gradation in the institutions of higher learning. I have been exhorting the academia to concentrate on attaining excellence through original research and technology development. A look at numerous social problems affecting millions of women and men in our farms and factories clearly shows that humane values have not yet become a dominant driver of our intellectual pursuits. This should receive your focused attention. Our interactions at the conferences at Rashtrapati Bhavan have yielded several positives in areas like: faculty sourcing and development; ICT for pedagogic refinement; research and innovation; industry-academia interface; and alumni involvement. I am aware of the good work being done by many of you in this field. Interaction amongst academic institutions can help spread best practices. These institutions can leverage knowledge and experience to the benefit of all. Your keen interest can rejuvenate a sector that is best positioned to support an innovation-led knowledge economy.

 

9.                  Another area where I envisage a role for you is in promoting art and culture in your respective states. As I have said elsewhere, art and culture are our link with the past. They provide the foundation for our current thought and by extension, the platform for our future action. They also provide a stable base to life and make it possible for us to have a joyous existence. With art and culture, we can experience life in its fullest and most meaningful form. They add to the overall happiness and well-being of the society.

 

Hon’ble Governors and Lt. Governors:

10.              Before I conclude, I express my deep appreciation to you all for coming together on this platform for our interaction. Within the limited time available, let us share some of our key concerns. I do look forward to our extended interface in the Governor’s Conference, when we will have the time to hear each one of us in detail.

 

Thank you.

Jai Hind.

President of India delivers new year message to Governors and Lt. Governors 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee delivered New Year Message to the Governors/Lt. Governors through Video Conferencing from Rashtrapati Bhavan  today (January 5, 2017).

 

 

Addressing the Governors/Lt. Governors, the President said that demonetization, while immobilizing black money and fighting corruption, may lead to temporary slowdown of the economy. We all will have to be extra careful to alleviate the suffering of the poor which might become unavoidable for the expected progress in the long term. The President said while he appreciates the thrust on transition from entitlement approach to an entrepreneurial one for poverty alleviation, he is not too sure that the poor can wait that long. They need to get succour here and now, so that they can also participate actively in the national march towards a future devoid of hunger, unemployment and exploitation.

 

The President said this year, there will be elections in as many as seven states and the dates for elections in five states have already been announced. The conduct of free and fair elections has made our democracy one of the most vibrant in the world. Elections reflect the attitudes, values and beliefs of the people towards their political environment. They symbolize the sovereignty of the people and provide legitimacy to the authority of the government. They also serve the purpose of regulation of public policies and mobilization of public opinion.

 

The President said as we have all experienced, elections are usually marked by competitive populism, electoral rhetoric and vote bank politics. Governors and Lt. Governors through their interaction and wise counsel can play an important role in easing the tensions in the society. Goodwill must prevail between different communities.In a pluralistic democracy like ours, tolerance, respect for contrary views and patience are a must. These values have to be preserved. The multiplicity in culture, faith and language is what makes India special. Governors/Lt. Governors can, through their calm influence, inculcate amongst the citizens of their state this fundamental ethos of our civilization.

 

The President said the Governors/Lt. Governors have a very important role to play in the improvement of higher education in their states. As chancellors and visitors of various universities, they can work with the academic leaders to effect holistic changes for quality up-gradation in the institutions of higher learning. Our interactions at the conferences at Rashtrapati Bhavan have yielded several positives in areas like: faculty sourcing and development; ICT for pedagogic refinement; research and innovation; industry-academia interface; and alumni involvement. Their keen interest can rejuvenate a sector that is best positioned to support an innovation-led knowledge economy.

The President said that Governors/Lt. Governors can have a major role in promoting art and culture in their respective states. With art and culture, we can experience life in its fullest and most meaningful form.

 

***

AKT/AK/SK