PRODUCTIVITY OF LOK SABHA 89% AND THAT OF RAJYA SABHA 8%
APPROXIMATELY 4 BILLS PASSED BY BOTH THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
The Interim Budget Session
2019 has been a successful session in terms of wide participation of all
political parties in discussions on various issues of national importance, said
Shri Narendra Singh Tomar. Giving the details for the tenure of 16th Lok Sabha,
the Minister informed that for Lok Sabha, number of sittings were 331, 205
bills were passed and the productivity was 85% For Rajya Sabha, number of
sittings were 329, 154 bills were passed and the productivity was 68% Shri
Tomar informed that the Interim Budget Session, 2019 of Parliament which
commenced on Thursday, 31st January, 2019 has been adjourned sine
die ie. Wednesday, 13th February, 2019. The Session provided 10
sittings spread over a period of 14 days. The productivity of Lok Sabha was 89%
and that of Rajya Sabha was 8% approximately. This being the first Session of
the year, the President addressed both Houses of Parliament assembled together
in terms of Article 87(1) of the Constitution, on 31st January, 2019.
This item engaged the Lok Sabha for 11 Hrs 16 minutes against allotted 08
Hours. Hon’ble Prime Minister replied to thedebate. In Rajya Sabha it was moved
by Shri Bhupendra Yadav, seconded by Shri Vijay Goeland was adopted on
13.02.2019. The Session, being the Budget Session, was mainly devoted to
transaction of Financial Business. During the Session, the Interim Budget for
2019-20 was presented on Friday, the 1stFebruary, 2019. General Discussion on
the Interim Budget was held in Lok Sabha. This engaged the Lok Sabha for 7
Hours 32 minutes against allotted 8 Hours. Due to constant interruptions in the
House, the Rajya Sabha could not take up the Interim Budget fordiscussion. In
Lok Sabha, the Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill, 2019 and the Appropriation
Bill relating to Third Supplementary Demands for Grants for the year 2018-19
were introduced, considered and passed on 11.2.2019 while the Finance Bill,
2019 was passed on 12.02.2019. In the Rajya Sabha these Bills were returned on
13.02.2019. During this Session, a total of 9 Bills (3 in Lok Sabha and 6 in
Rajya Sabha) were introduced 5 Bills were passed by Lok Sabha, 5 Bills were
passed by Rajya Sabha and 4 Bills were passed by both Houses of Parliament. A
list of Bills introduced in Lok Sabha andRajya Sabha, Bills passed by Lok
Sabha, Bills passed by Rajya Sabha and Bills passed by bothHouses is attached
below.
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS TRANSACTED
DURING THE 17th SESSION OF 16th LOK SABHA AND 248th SESSION OF RAJYA SABHA
(INTERIM BUDGET SESSION, 2019)
I – BILLS INTRODUCED IN
LOK SABHA
1. The Finance Bill, 2019
2. The Appropriation (Vote
on Account) Bill, 2019
3. The Appropriation Bill,
2019
II – BILLS INTRODUCED IN
RAJYA SABHA
1. The Constitution (One
Hundred and Twenty-fifth Amendment) Bill, 2019
2. The Constitution
(Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill, 2019
3. The Registration of
Marriage of Non-Resident Indian Bill, 2019
4. The International
Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019
5. The Cinematograph
(Amendment) Bill, 2019.
6. The National Institute
of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2019.
III – BILLS PASSED BY LOK
SABHA
1. The Finance Bill, 2019
2. The Appropriation (Vote
on Account) Bill, 2019
3. The Appropriation Bill,
2019
4. The Banning of
Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018
5. The Jallianwala Bagh
National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2019
#The Personal Laws
(Amendment), Bill, 2019
IV – BILLS PASSED BY RAJYA
SABHA
1. The Finance Bill, 2019
2. The Appropriation (Vote
on Account) Bill, 2019
3. The Appropriation Bill,
2019
4. The Personal Laws
(Amendment), Bill, 2019
5. The Constitution
(Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill, 2019
V - BILLS PASSED BY BOTH
HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
1. The Appropriation (Vote
on Account) Bill, 2019
2. The Appropriation Bill,
2019
3. The Finance Bill, 2019
4. The Personal Laws
(Amendment), Bill, 2019
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
PROSECUTION IN CORRUPTION
The Government has issued
guidelines vide Office Memorandum No. 399/33/2006-AVD-III dated 06.11.2006
regarding checking delay in grant of sanction for prosecution under Section 19
of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against delinquent officials working
under different Ministries/Departments. A time line of three months has been
prescribed therein for grant of prosecution. The proposals of sanction for
prosecution are processed as per the said guidelines. Further, Government has
also issued procedure for submission of proposals to the competent authority
for sanction of prosecution under Single Window System vide Office Memorandum
No. 142/04/2012-AVD.I dated 28.07.2014. A High-Level Committee under the
Chairmanship of Secretary (Personnel) and comprising the Secretary of the
Administrative Ministry/Department, Law Secretary and Director, CBI has also
been constituted for scrutiny and reviewing all delayed cases of prosecution
for Sanction. The meeting of the said Committee is being held periodically and
the recommendation of the Committee is also placed before the Cabinet Secretary
for orders of the Competent Authority.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
OVER 900 CASES OF FRAUD INVOLVING CARDS, NET BANKING
REGISTERED IN APR-SEP 2018
Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) has registered a total of 921 cases of fraud involving ATM/debit cards,
credit cards and Internet banking, wherein the amount involved was Rs 1 lakh
and above during 2018-19 (up to September 30, 2018), S S Ahluwalia said in a
written reply to Lok Sabha. During the year 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, the
number of such cases of fraud registered by the RBI stood at 1,191, 1,372 and
2,059 respectively. Ahluwalia further noted that a total of 3, 14 and 6
financial fraud incidents affecting ATMs, cards, Point of sale (PoS) systems
and Unified Payment Interface (UPI) have been reported during the year 2016,
2017 and 2018 (up to November) respectively, as per information reported to
Indian Computer Emergency response Team (CERT-In). According to data maintained
by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 12,317 cyber crime cases were
registered in 2016, Ahluwalia noted. This is against a total of 9,622 and
11,592 cyber crime cases registered during 2014 and 2015, respectively, he
added.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CLOSE TO 2,800 URLS WITH MALICIOUS CONTENT BLOCKED IN 2018: S
S AHLUWALIA
Close to 2,800 URLs (Uniform
Resource Locators) with malicious content were blocked in 2018, up from 1,385
last year, under a specific provision of the Information Technology Act,
Parliament was informed Wednesday. Ahluwalia said Section 69A of the IT Act,
2000, empowers Government to block any information generated, transmitted,
received, stored or hosted in any computer resource in the interest of
sovereignty, security and public order in the country, among others. He added
that 2,799 URLs having malicious content were blocked under the provisions of
the said section in 2018. The number of such URLs that were blocked stood at
1,385 in 2017, 633 in 2016, and 500 in 2015. Ahluwalia said the government has
taken several steps to actively dismiss fake clips and to spread information
regarding authenticity of clips on social media platforms. He stated that the
Electronics and Information Technology Ministry (MeitY) took note of media
reports about spread of fake news, misinformation /disinformation on Internet,
particularly using WhatsApp and issued a notice to the company in July last
year. In its response, WhatsApp had conveyed a number of steps taken by it to
address the issue of fake news propagated using the messaging platform. MeitY
and Ministry of Home Affairs as well as Police are in regular touch with
various social media platforms to effectively address the issue of removal of
objectionable content, he added. Besides, MeitY through its programme -
Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) - has been highlighting the
importance of following the ethics while using Internet and advice not to share
rumours/fake news. A dedicated website for information security awareness has
also been set up where a module on fake news have been provided, he said. He
also said that the government had taken notice of reports about leakage of data
by Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. In responses to notices sent to them,
Facebook conveyed that there had been unauthorised data leakage by Cambridge
Analytica. However, since the reply given by Cambridge Analytica was not
adequately convincing, CBI has been asked to investigate this matter with
regard to possible misuse by Cambridge Analytica, he added.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
DON'T HAVE FIRMS TO ESTABLISH HELICOPTERS BUSINESS IN INDIA:
JAYANT SINHA
Minister of State for
Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha on Wednesday said there are not many sufficient
well-capitalised companies that can really take a long-term view to establish
helicopter business in India. The challenge right now with helicopters is that
we don't have sufficient well capitalised companies that can really take a
long-term view on helicopters and build out a helicopter business in India,
Sinha said. The minister said that it is no longer a policy issue but a
question of entrepreneurship. We have addressed all the policy issues. If there
are more to be addressed, we will address them. This is really the question of
who is an entrepreneur. So we need you all to step forward, put in the money,
and make it happen, he said. The central government has awarded various routes
under its regional connectivity scheme Udan, short for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik,
for helicopters.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES INTRODUCTION OF REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE OF
NRI BILL 2019
The Union Cabinet chaired
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the introduction of Registration
of Marriage of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Bill, 2019, for creating more accountability
and offering more protection against exploitation of Indian citizens, mostly
women by their NRI spouses. The Bill provides for amendment of the legal
framework to act as a deterrent to the erring NRI spouses and creating more
accountability and offer protection against exploitation of Indian Citizens
married to NRIs. Once the Bill is passed, marriages performed by NRIs would be
registered in India or Indian Missions & Posts abroad, and necessary
changes would be carried out in the: Passports Act, 1967; and Code of Criminal
Procedure 1973 by insertion of Section 86A. Serving Judicial summons for Court
proceedings in India is a major problem, which would be taken care of by this
Bill by amending the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Thus, the Bill would
offer great protection to Indian citizens married to NRIs and serve as a
deterrent to NRIs against harassment of their spouses. This Bill would benefit
Indian women married to NRIs worldwide.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE FOR RAW JUTE FOR 2019-20 SEASON HIKED TO
RS.3950/- FROM RS.3700/- PER QUINTAL BY THE CABINET
The Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given
its approval for the increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Raw Jute
for 2019-20 season. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Fair Average Quality
(FAQ) of Raw Jute has been increased to Rs.3950/- per quintal for 2019-20
season from Rs. 3700/- per quintal in 2018-19 season. The MSP would yield
returns of 55.81 percent over the all India weighted average cost of
production. The MSP of Raw Jute is expected to ensure appropriate minimum
prices to the farmers and step up investment in Jute cultivation and thereby
production and productivity in the country. The Jute Corporation of India would
continue to act as Central Nodal Agency to undertake price support operations
at the MSP in the Jute growing states.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN INDIA AND ARGENTINE IN TOURISM
The Union Cabinet, chaired
by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Argentinein the field of Tourism.
The signing of MoU between India and Argentine in the field of tourism will
help the two parties in creating an institutional mechanism for enhancing
cooperation in the tourism sector.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND MOROCCO FOR SETTING UP
OF A JOINT WORKING GROUP ON COUNTER-TERRORISM
The Union Cabinet chaired
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the MoU between India and
Moroccofor setting up of a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism
Setting up of the JWG on Counter Terrorism by India and Morocco would help
cases relating to terrorist attacks. The MoU would, thus be the basis for
obtaining / exchanging information on terrorist activities.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES REVISION IN THE LIST OF SCHEDULED TRIBES OF
CHHATTISGARH
The Union Cabinet, chaired
by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the Cabinet note
on the proposal for official Amendments in The Constitution (Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2016 so as to modify the list of
Scheduled Tribes (STs) of Chhattisgarh. The following changes will be made in
list of Scheduled Tribes of Chhattisgarh:-
·
In entry 5, after
"BhariaBhumia,", the following shall be inserted, namely:-
"Bhuinya, Bhuiyan, Bhuyan,";
·
for entry 14, the
following entry shall be substituted, namely:- "14. Dhanwar, Dhanuhar,
Dhanuwar"
·
for entries 32 and 33, the
following entries shall be substituted, namely:- "32. Nagesia, Nagasia,
Kisan 33. Oraon, Dhanka, Dhangad";
·
for entry 41, the
following entry shall be substituted, namely:- "41 .Sawar, Sawara, Saunra,
Saonra"; and after entry 42, the following entry shall be inserted,
namely:-"43. Binjhia".
This Act may be called the
Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill,
2019. After the Bill becomes an Act, member of the communities newly listed in
the revised list of Scheduled Tribes of Chhattisgarh will also be able to
derive benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes under the existing schemes of the
Government. Some of the major schemes of this kind include Post Matric
Scholarship, National Overseas Scholarship, National Fellowship, Top Class
Education, Concessional Loans from National Scheduled Tribes Finance and
Development Corporation, Hostels for ST boys and girls etc. In addition to
above, they will also be entitled to benefits of reservation in services and
admission to educational institutions as per Government policy.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
The Union Cabinet chaired
by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing Memorandum of
Understanding between India and Saudi Arabia on establishing a mechanism for
investment Infrastructurein Indian The MoU will be a step forward in engaging
with the institutions of Saudi Arabia to attract a potential investment into
the infrastructure sector in the country. It will lead to boosting
infrastructure development in the country, creation of more jobs, growth of
ancillary industries/sectors which will lead to growth in GDP and over all
economic prosperity.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM
The Union Cabinet, chaired
by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of
Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the
Republic of India and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for strengthening cooperation in the field of
Tourism. The main objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding are:
a) Exchanging information
and expertise in Legislations in the tourism development, Hotels, resorts and
tourist accommodation facilities, Tourism data and statistics, Exhibition
events and other tourism activities in States of the Parties, Tourism
development, planning and investment; Licensing, operating and marketing
tourism facilities, Agricultural Tourism, Desert tourism etc.
b) Exchanging media
publications, tourism related films, and encourage exchanging of visits between
experts and tourism media representatives in the States of the Parties.
c) Introducing tourism
investment opportunities available in the States of the Parties; encourage
mutual tourism investment in tourism projects.
d) Encouraging organizing
joint tourism events; participate in exhibitions, conferences and seminars held
in the States of the Parties thus contributing to tourism development and
crystalizing a joint tourism vision.
e) Encouraging public and
private education facilities working the tourism education and training field
in the States of the Parties.
f) Exchanging innovative
experience and technologies in the tourism field, and consultation services.
g) Cooperation and
coordinating in international forums and organizations concerned with tourism
affairs.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES CONTINUATION OF SUB-SCHEMES UNDER “UMBRELLA
PROGRAMME FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SCHEDULED TRIBES” FOR THE PERIOD TILL MARCH, 2020
The Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modihas given its
approval for continuation of sub-schemes under “Umbrella programme for
development of Scheduled Tribes” from 1.4.2017 to 31.3.2020 with an outlay of
Rs.11,900 crore. The approved schemes include:
1 Pre-Matric Scholarship
2 Post Matric Scholarship
3 Ashram Schools
4 Boys & Girls Hostels
5 Vocational Training
6 Monitoring and
Evaluation
7 Tribal Festivals, Tribal
Research, Information and Mass Education
8 Aid to Voluntary
Organisation working for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes
9 Development of
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
10 Minimum Support Price
for Minor Forest Produce
11 Special Central
Assistance (SCA) to States for Tribal Sub-Schemes (TSS)
More than 10 crore
Scheduled Tribe population will be benefitted through this scheme.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES CONTINUATION OF CREDIT LINKED CAPITAL SUBSIDY
AND TECHNOLOGY UP-GRADATION SCHEME
The Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has
approved the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy and Technology Up-gradation Scheme
(CLCS-TUS) with a total outlay of Rs.2900 crore This scheme aims at improving
the competitiveness of MSMEs by integrating various ongoing schematic interventions
aimed at up-grading technology through Credit Linked Capital Subsidy (CLCS),
hand holding for zero defect zero effect manufacturing (ZED), increasing
productivity through waste reduction (Lean), design intervention (Design),
cloud computing (Digital MSMEs), facilitation of intellectual property (IPR)
and nurturing new ideas (Incubation). Special provisions have been made in this
scheme to promote entrepreneurship for SC/STs, women NER, Hill States (Jammu
& Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand) Island Territories (Andaman
& Nicobar and Lakshadweep) and the Aspirational Districts/ LWE Districts,
as in these cases the subsidy shall be admissible also for investment in
acquisition /replacement of plant & machinery / equipment & technology up-gradation
of any kind. The scheme would be demand driven. But its coverage has been made
more inclusive. In addition, the scheme through Zero Defect & Zero Effect,
component will promote reduction in emission level of green house gases and
improve the competitiveness through reduction in defect / wastage during the
manufacturing process of the products. It will also promote the innovation,
digital empowerment of MSMEs, design interventions and support the protection
of intellectual property of MSMEs. The scheme will facilitate technology
up-gradation to MSEs, improvement in Quality of products by MSMEs, enhancement
in productivity, reduction in waste and shall promote a culture of continuous
improvement.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES PARTIAL MODIFICATION OF CCEA’S EARLIER
DECISION
The Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given
approval for partial modification of the CCEA’s decision dated October, 2016 by
allowing all eligible Central Public Sector Enterprises (EPSEs) and private
sector entities to participate in the bidding for the strategic disinvestment
of Engineering Projects (India) Limited (EPIL). Earlier CCEA in its meeting
held on October, 2016 had given in-principle approval for strategic
disinvestment of 100% shareholding of Government of India in EPIL through
merger with a similarly placed CPSE. The modification would promote competition
in the bidding process and may result in higher yield to the Government of
India. The proposed strategic disinvestment of EPIL would unlock resources to
be used to finance the social sector/developmental programmes of the Government
benefiting the public. It is also expected that the successful strategic buyer
will bring in funds, technology or/and new management practices for the optimum
development of business and growth of the company, which may generate more
employment opportunities.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND
SAUDI ARABIA ON COOPERATION AND MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN CUSTOMS MATTERS
The Union Cabinet chaired
by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Memorandum of
Understanding between India and Saudi Arabia on cooperation and mutual
assistance in Customs Matters. The Agreement will help in making available,
reliable, quick and cost effective information and intelligence for the
prevention and investigation of Customs offences and apprehending of Customs offenders.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES PROPOSAL FOR LEASING OUT OF 1.61 ACRES OF
LAND AT ALIPUR
The Union Cabinet, chaired
by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for leasing out 1.61
acres of land bearing khasara No.91/15 located at Alipur Delhi, owned by Delhi
Milk Scheme to Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) for setting up of
KisanMandi. The lease will be for a period of 30 years w.e.f, 10.09.2014 to
09.09.2044, with the lease rent of Rs.100/- per month with annual increase of
10% per annum from 10.09.2014. The lease rent will be payable in advance for
whole year in the beginning of the calendar year latest by 31st January.
Highlights of the Kisan
Mandi
·
Only registered
FPOs/Grower Associations (GAs) will be allowed to offer fresh produce for sale
on this platform.
·
Organisationretailers,
wholesalers, hotels and catering institutions, Resident Welfare Association
(RWAs) and ordinary consumers can buy from this platform, with no agents /
middlemen involved.
·
There will be no
commission charged on the transactions in the KisanMandi either from sellers or
buyers, FPOs will pay a small service charge for the use of facilities such as
godowns, cold stores etc.
·
KisanMandi will also offer
direct supply through retail outlets on a franchises model. A beginning will be
made by offering staple produce such as potato and onion through selected
kiosks of the Delhi Milk Scheme. The KisanMandi will also have provision for
online sales and. direct marketing through call centre etc.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
BOOST TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND CONNECTIVITY IN PATNA
The Union Cabinet chaired
by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved Patna Metro Rail Project
having two Metro Rail Corridors,namely (i) Danapur to Mithapur (ii) Patna
Railway Stationof New ISBT at an estimated cost of Rs.13365.77 crore.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES EXTENSION OF TENURE OF THE NATIONAL
COMMISSION FOR SAFAI KARMACHARIS BEYOND 31.3.2019 FOR THREE YEARS
The Union Cabinet has
approved the proposal for Extension of tenure of the National Commissionfor
Safai Karmacharis(NCSK) beyond 31.3.2019 for three years. The NCSK was established
in the year 1993 as per the provisions of the NCSK Act 1993 initially for the
period upto 31.3.1997. Later the validity of the Act was initially extended
upto 31.3.2002 and thereafter upto 29.2.2004. The NCSK Act ceased to have
effect from 29.2.2004. After that the tenure of the NCSK has been extended as a
non-statutory body from time to time. The tenure of the present Commission is
upto 31.3.2019. The major beneficiaries of the proposal would be the Safai
Karamcharis and persons engaged in manual scavenging in the country since the
NCSK will work for their welfare and upliftment. The number of Manual
Scavengers identified under the MS Act Survey as on 31.01.2019 is 14226 and
under the National Survey undertaken by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
at the behest of NITI Aayog is 31128 on 31.01.2019. Hence, the Government feels
that there is a continued need to monitor the various interventions and
initiatives of the Government for welfare of SafaiKaramcharis and to achieve
the goal of complete eradication of the practice of manual scavenging in the
country. Therefore, the Cabinet has approved the present proposal for grant of
extension of the tenure of National Commission for SafaiKaramcharis (NCSK) for
three more years beyond 31.3.2019.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND
FINLAND ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE
The Union Cabinet, chaired
by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for Memorandum of
Understanding between India and Finland on cooperation in the field of peaceful
uses of outer space. The MoU has already been signed in 10th January, 2019 at
New Delhi. The signed MoU will provide impetus to explore newer research
activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the
earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and
exploration of outer space. Cooperation with the Government of Finland would
lead to develop a joint activity in the field of application of space
technologies for the benefit of humanity.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
CABINET APPROVES PROPOSAL FOR ALLOTMENT OF LAND MEASURING 30
ACRES TO PASTEUR INSTITUTE OF INDIA
The Union Cabinet chaired
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Proposal for allotment of land
measuring30 acres to Pasteur Institute of India (PII) for establishmentof New
Viral Vaccine Manufacturing Unit at Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. The project entails
production of Viral Vaccines (like TCA anti-Measles Vaccine, JE Vaccine etc.)
and Anti Sera (like Anti Snake Venom and Anti Rabies Sera) at the PII, Coonoor.
Land for the project will be transferred free of cost. Land used for the
project will also be got changed by the Ministry of Health & FW from
‘Industrial’ to ‘Institutional’.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
DELHI GOVT VS CENTRE: SC BENCH IN SPLIT ON SERVICES, REFERS IT
TO LARGER BENCH; GIVES ACB POWER TO LG
The Supreme Court
delivered a split verdict on a batch of petitions challenging various
notifications including on control of services and power of Anti-Corruption
Bureau (ACB) in the ongoing tussle between the Delhi government and the Centre.
The court has decided on the six issues and four out of these issues has been
ruled in favour of Centres while Delhi government will have power to rule on
electricity and revenue issues. However, the bench of two judges -- Justices A
K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan -- didn't agree on the contentious point on who can
transfer officers posted in delhi and referred the issue to a three judge bench
for a definitive ruling. Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan differed on the
only issue which has been a major bone of contention between the LG and the
Kejriwal government. The court asked the council of ministers to send files to
lg so that he can also take a view on them. The court counseled the LG to
respect the council of ministers decision and only refer very exceptional
issues to the president to take a final call on their dfference of opinion.
Power to appoint public prosecutor also lies with Delhi Govt. Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal had been at loggerheads with incumbent LG Anil Baijal and his
predecessor Najeeb Jung. Kejriwal had accused both of them of preventing the
functioning of his government at the behest of the BJP-led central government.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
INDIA'S JAN WPI INFLATION EASES TO 10-MONTH LOW OF 2.76 PCT
Y/Y
India's annual wholesale
price inflation eased to a 10-month low of 2.76 percent in January, helped by a
smaller increase in prices of manufactured goods and fuel products, government
data showed on Thursday. Annual wholesale price inflation last month was lower
than a provisional 3.80 percent rise in December, and below a 3.65 percent
increase forecast by economists in a Reuters poll. Wholesale food prices in
January rose 1.84 percent year-on-year, compared with a 0.07 percent rise a
month earlier, data showed.
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INDIA RANKS AMONG THE LOWEST IN SMARTPHONE OWNERSHIP
In most of North America
and Europe, smartphones are ubiquitous. In the US, a whopping 81% population
hold a smartphone in their hand followed by the UK, where the penetration of
smartphones is as much as 76%. But despite leaps in technology and
accessibility, India ranks among the lowest in smartphone ownership.
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GOVT SEEKS ACCESS TO PRIVATE MESSAGES IN WHATSAPP CRACKDOWN
India’s government dealt
retail giants Amazon.com and Walmart a devastating blow this year with new
policies undermining their growth plans. Now U.S. social media pioneers
Facebook and Twitter are in danger of suffering similar setbacks in what is
perhaps the world’s most important emerging technology market. In the latest
skirmish, the government is targeting Facebook Inc.’s WhatsApp, the popular
messaging service increasingly important to its parent’s bottom line.
Frustrated that the service has been used to incite violence and spread
pornography, the government is pressing WhatsApp to allow more official
oversight of online discussions, even if that means giving officials access to
protected, or encrypted, messages. Facebook has refused, risking punitive
measures or even the possibility of a shutdown in its biggest market. For six
months, we’ve been telling them to bring more accountability to their platform
but what have they done? said Gopalakrishnan S., a senior official in the
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology known as MEITY. So
pedophiles can go about on WhatsApp fully secure that they won’t get caught. It
is absolutely evil. WhatsApp spokesman Carl Woog said the government’s demands
run counter to the company’s privacy policies and compliance would mean ending
the service’s privacy protections. What is contemplated by the rules is not
possible today given the end-to-end encryption that we provide and it would
require us to re-architect WhatsApp, leading us to a different product, one
that would not be fundamentally private, said Woog in a roundtable last week. Still,
he said WhatsApp has a zero-tolerance policy around child sexual abuse, and
that about 250,000 accounts are banned each month for sharing vile content. 'We
ban users from WhatsApp if we become aware they are sharing content that
exploits or endangers children,' he said. Facebook’s strategy will only become
more reliant on encryption. The company recently said it would be adding
default encryption to users’ chats on Messenger and Instagram in the next year
or so. With end-to-end encryption, not even Facebook can see what its users are
saying to each other, meaning it has no way to police the content. India is the
next great emerging market for technology companies. Its online population,
just 71 million people a decade ago, is already 480 million and is projected to
grow to 737 million by 2022, according to Forrester Research Inc. That has led
to heavy investment by American technology leaders, from Amazon to Facebook,
Twitter and Microsoft. Yet the latest episode shows that India’s government is
charting its own, at times unpredictable, path in regulating the market. Twitter
also faces a potential crackdown for allegedly discriminating against
right-wing groups, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A
parliamentary committee has summoned CEO Jack Dorsey to appear Feb. 25 to
answer questions on the issue. For WhatsApp, this is the latest chapter in a
trouble-ridden expansion in India. If telecom companies like Airtel, Jio and
BSNL are mandated to maintain call records, why should WhatsApp get a different
rule? Gopalakrishnan said in a telephone interview, referring to India’s
wireless operators. We don’t care about the good morning and divorce messages
that are shared, we only want traceability to prevent or detect crimes. His
ministry is meanwhile drafting what are called the Intermediary Guidelines,
which would make online platforms like WhatsApp responsible for the content
their users share. Such regulations would also affect Facebook, Twitter and
popular Chinese apps such as Bytedance Ltd.’s TikTok. A draft published on the
MEITY website suggests holding such services responsible for a broad range of
content, including information found to be blasphemous, defamatory, obscene,
pornographic, paedophilic, libellous, invasive of another’s privacy, hateful,
or racially, ethnically objectionable, disparaging, relating or encouraging
money laundering or gambling, or otherwise unlawful in any manner whatever. If
the draft rules come into force, WhatsApp and others will have to make messages
traceable remove objectionable content within 24 hours, and cooperate with
government agencies investigating offences. WhatsApp hasn’t agreed to break its
encryption in any market, but it’s under increasing pressure from governments
to censor content and provide details of private communications. In Australia,
for instance, legislation would allow the government to ask technology companies
to access encrypted communication including photographs and messages in the
interest of national security, law enforcement or even road safety. Gopalakrishnan
said WhatsApp executives had been dilly-dallying for months and the government
needs to see faster progress. This is thoroughly disappointing, he said.
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LOK SABHA PASSES BILL TO BAN UNREGULATED DEPOSIT SCHEMES
The Lok Sabha Wednesday
passed a bill to protect gullible investors from ponzi schemes, with Piyush
Goyal saying the Government will ensure that no loophole is left while framing
rules The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018, seeks to put in
place a mechanism by which such depositors can be compensated. It has incorporated
recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance. Goyal said out of the
total 978 cases of unauthorised deposit schemes, 326 are from West Bengal,
which is more than one-third of the total such schemes. The Government has
worked quickly to put an end to such unauthorised deposit schemes. We have
ensured that no loopholes are left by using great legal acumen while drafting
the Bill. I want to assure the House that while drafting the rules we will
ensure there is no loophole, Goyal said. The bill, which was introduced in the
House on Tuesday, seeks to plug loopholes which allow ponzi schemes to target
small investors. The Bill was passed on Wednesday-- the last day of Budget
session-- by a voice vote after short discussion. He also suggested that the
Government should ban the use of the word 'chit fund'.
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RBI THINK TANK WANTS INDEPENDENT BODY TO VERIFY OFFICIAL
ECONOMIC DATA
An Indian think tank
founded by the central bank wants the government to form an independent body to
vet official data after questions were raised about the credibility of the
nation’s statistics. Some of the assumptions for economic growth and deficits
made in the interim budget “are subject to much debate,” Amartya Lahiri, said.
“We have an unhappy situation where markets, agencies, and foreign investors
are all making their own assumptions.” The view of the think tank, set up by
the Reserve Bank of India, comes almost two weeks after the government pegged
budget deficit target at 3.4 per cent of gross domestic product for the current
fiscal year ending in March as well as the next. That was narrower than
expected and surprised India watchers, given Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
push to finance populist measures before national elections due by May. The
budget provided a consumer stimulus, such as the $10.6 billion-plan to pay cash
to farmers, and was based on the assumption revenue will grow 14 per cent
year-on-year. But history shows India, whose aggregate fiscal deficit including
its states is close to 6.5 per cent of GDP, has missed income targets in each
of the past five fiscal years.
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LOCAL SOURCING RULE MAY BE EASED FOR FDI IN SINGLE-BRAND RETAIL
The government is
considering a relaxation in mandatory 30% local sourcing norm for foreign
direct investment (FDI) in single-brand retail in a bid to draw companies such
as Apple looking to set up their own stores in India. Depending on the amount
of investment, the retailer can get up to 10 years over which it can scale up
sourcing to the required level. The Department for Promotion of Investment and
Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued a cabinet note proposing this. Currently,
such an adjustment is available only for the first five years. The suggestion
will be sent to the cabinet for approval after seeking inputs from the relevant
ministries and departments. The FDI policy allows 100% foreign investment in
single-brand retail under the automatic route but requires the investor to
source 30% of the value of goods sold from India. This sourcing requirement has
to be met, in the first instance, as an average of five years’ total value of
the goods purchased, beginning April 1 of the year of opening of the first
store. Thereafter, it needs to be met on an annual basis. The policy also
allows investors to set off incremental sourcing from India for its global
operations against this 30% requirement for local outlets. However, this is
available only for the first five years and subsequently 30% sourcing has to be
entirely for India operations. Under the proposal, retailers that invest up to
$100 million in the sector will get six years to meet the norm. Those that
invest over $200 million will get eight years while those putting in over $300
million will have 10 years. “We have tweaked some norms to help the single
brand retailers,” said an official aware of the proposed details. The
department wants the investor to set up their first physical store in two years
as the condition was not being meaningfully implemented.
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MOTOR VEHICLE BILL HAS LAPSED TWICE IN LAST 7 YEARS
The triple talaq Bill,
stuck in the Rajya Sabha, will soon lapse. The opposition parties had been
against the bill, which makes the practice a penal offence and also has
provision of a jail term for a man for divorcing his wife. The government had
promulgated the ordinance on this twice. To allay fears of its misuse, the
government had included safeguards, including the provision of bail for the
accused before trial. The Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill has lapsed twice in the
the past seven years. The government had announced to bring the law soon after
the death of Union minister Gopinath Munde in an accident in 2014.
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AIR INDIA ASKS GOVT TO REFINANCE ₹20,000 CRORE DEBT BY 31
MARCH
Air India, which has
transferred interest payment liabilities of ₹29,000 crore of its total
debt to a special purpose vehicle (SPV), has suggested that the government
refinance ₹20,000 crore debt by 31 March. The move, if successfully
implemented, will significantly reduce interest payment on these loans, a
senior official of the airline said on Tuesday. The airline transferred its
interest payment liabilities on debt to the SPV in October and is awaiting bank
approvals for transferring debt of up to ₹29,000 crore to the SPV. Air
India’s current annual interest payment to banks is about ₹4,400
crore. This will come down to ₹1,500 crore annually after the banks give their approval. The
refinancing of ₹20,000 crore debt would include refinancing from banks and
utilization of debt instruments like non-convertible debentures (NCDs), said
the official mentioned above on condition of anonymity. About ₹7,000
crore of the ₹29,000 crore of the airline’s debt has been refinanced
through NCDs already, the official said. The allocation for Air India’s
turnaround plan fell to a mere ₹1 lakh for 2019-20, from the ₹3,975 crore earmarked in
the revised budget figures for 2018-19. This came amid a sharp cut in the
budgetary allocation for the civil aviation ministry from ₹9,700
crore in 2018-19 to ₹4,500 crore in 2019-20, in the interim budget presented last
week by finance minister Piyush Goyal. The last date for submission of queries
is 26 February 2019 and last date for EOI submission is 26 March.
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IF ANY PILOT IS VICTIMISED, WE WILL GO TO ANY EXTENT: AIR
INDIA PILOT UNION
After telling Air India on
February 10 that they would not be following any changes in the duty roster
system because of non-payment of flying allowance, the pilots' union of the
national carrier decided on Tuesday that if any pilot is victimised by the
management, it would go to any extent, including resorting to strikes. It has
been hereby resolved by the CEC (Central Executive Committee) that if any pilot
is victimised by the management, the CEC will go to any extent to safeguard the
pilot, including strikes, stated the CEC resolution of the Indian Commercial
Pilots' Association (ICPA) dated February 12, 2019. The ICPA represents the
pilots who fly the narrow-body aircraft of Air India. Complete financial
protection along with legal support will be provided by the ICPA on central
level, the resolution stated. The Indian Pilots' Guild (IPG) is the union of
pilots who fly the wide-body aircraft of the national carrier.
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PARLIAMENT PASSES LAW REMOVING LEPROSY AS GROUND FOR DIVORCE
Parliament on Wednesday
passed a Bill removing leprosy as a ground for divorce under five personal laws
including the Hindu Marriage Act. The Rajya Sabha on the last day of the Budget
session passed the Bill without debate after consensus on the issue. However,
consensus eluded on the Consumer Protection Bill which the government sought to
push on Wednesday. The Upper House first passed The Personal Laws amendment
Bill 2018 by voice vote and then Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu took up the Consumer
Protection Bill but the same was met by vociferous protest from TMC and Left
parties forcing a 10-minute adjournment of proceedings. When the House
reassembled, Naidu said there was a communication gap on the Consumer
Protection Bill and the same would not be taken up. The Consumer Protection
Bill 2018, which will replace the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, seeks to
strengthen the rights of consumers and also provides a mechanism for redressal
of complaints regarding defects in goods and deficiency in services. The Bill
was passed by Lok Sabha in December 2018. Sukhendu Sekhar Roy said the proposed
law would weaken the state consumer forums by giving disproportionate powers to
the central consumer body. Left parties also opposed passage of the Bill
without debate. The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to remove
leprosy as a ground for divorce in five personal laws -- Hindu Marriage Act,
Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, Divorce Act (for Christians), Special
Marriage Act and the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act. The Law Commission in
its report had recommended repeal of laws and provisions which were
discriminatory against leprosy affected people. Besides, India is a signatory
to a UN Resolution which calls for elimination of discrimination against
persons suffering from leprosy.
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RAJASTHAN GOVT INTRODUCES 5 PER CENT QUOTA BILL FOR PROTESTING
GUJJARS, 4 OTHER CASTES
The Rajasthan government Wednesday
introduced a bill in the Assembly to give a five per cent quota in jobs and
educational institutes to Gujjars and four other communities agitating for it.
The government introduced the Rajasthan Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats
in Educational Institutes in the State and of Appointments and Posts in
Services under the State) Amendment Bill, 2019, for giving reservation to
Gujjars and the other castes. The bill seeks to increase the backward classes'
reservation from the present 21 per cent to 26 per cent with five per cent
reservation to Gujjars, Banjaras, Gadia Lohars, Raikas and Gadaria.
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COMMITTEE TAKES NOTE OF THE APPLICATIONS/NOMINATIONS RECEIVED
IN RESPONSE TO ITS ADVERTISEMENT
The Second Meeting of the
Search Committee for recommending the panel of names for Chairperson and
Members of Lokpal was held (13th February 2019). All the Members of the Search
Committee were present during the meeting. The Committee took note of the
applications/nominations received in response to its Advertisement dated 6th
February 2019. The Committee also took note of earlier applications received
during the term of previous Search Committee and decided that as the term of
the earlier Committee had ended, these applications are not valid. Interested
persons may apply afresh if they are eligible. The Committee decided to hold
its next meeting on 25th February 2019.
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PROPOSALS FROM STATES UNDER COASTAL SECURITY SCHEME
The Government of India is
implementing Coastal Security Scheme in all coastal States/UTs including
Karnataka, in phases with the objective of strengthening infrastructure of
Coastal Police for patrolling and surveillance of coastal areas, particularly
shallow waters close to the coast. Phase-I of the Scheme was implemented during
2005-2011 based on the requirements projected by the coastal States/Union
Territories. Phase-II of the Scheme is underway with effect from 01.04.2011
till 31.03.2020 on the basis of vulnerability/gap analysis carried out by
coastal States/Union Territories which projected additional requirements for
strengthening the coastal security infrastructure. Under the Coastal Security
Scheme, coastal States/Union Territories have been sanctioned with 204 coastal
police stations, 60 jetties, 429 boats, 284 four-wheelers, 554 two-wheelers, 97
check posts, 58 outposts and 30 barracks.
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NATIONAL POLICY FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS
The Central Government has
not enacted any separate law to protect the interest of domestic workers However,
the Ministry of Labour & Employment is considering to formulate a National
Policy on Domestic Workers which is in the draft stage. The salient features of
the proposed draft National Policy on Domestic Workers are as under:
(i) Inclusion of Domestic
Workers in the existing legislations.
(ii) Domestic workers will
have the right to register as unorganized workers. Such registration will
facilitate their access to rights & benefits.
(iii) Right to form their
own associations/unions
(iv) Right to minimum
wages, access to social security
(v) Right to enhance their
skills
(vi) Protection of
Domestic Workers from abuse and exploitation
(vii) Domestic Workers to
have access to courts, tribunals for grievance redressal
(viii) Establishment of a
mechanism for regulation of private placement agencies.
(ix) Establishment of a
grievance redressal system for domestic workers.
The Unorganized Workers’
Social Security Act, 2008 has been enacted for providing social security to all
unorganized workers including domestic workers. The Act provides formulation of
social security schemes viz life and disability cover, health and maternity
benefits & old age protection. The State Governments are mandated under the
Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 to formulate suitable welfare
schemes for the unorganized sector workers including domestic workers relating
to provident fund, employment injury benefits housing, education schemes for
children, skill up gradation of workers, financial assistance & old age
homes.
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AYUSH MINISTER LAUNCHES E-AUSHADHI PORTAL FOR ONLINE LICENSING
SYSTEM OF AYUSH MEDICINE
Shripad Yesso Naik
launched the e-AUSHADHI portal for online licensing of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani
and Homoeopathy drugs and related matters today at New Delhi. Naik said that
this e-AUSHADHI portal is intended for increased transparency improved
information management facility, improved data usability and increased
accountability. The Minister informed that timelines will be fixed for
processing of application through this portal with SMS and e-mail status
updates at each step of the process. He said that such an initiative of the
Ministry of AYUSH is a reflection of our Government’s commitment towards
e-governance, ease of doing business and Make in India. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said
that Ministry endeavours to come out with new initiatives and solutions to
address the problems faced by practitioners, manufactures and consumers of
AYUSH medicines. In this direction, this new e-portal is an acronym for
Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy Automated Drug Help Initiative. He
further added that this portal will not only aid the licensing authority,
manufactures and consumers, as it will provide real time information of the
licensed manufactures and their products, cancelled and spurious drugs, contact
details of the concerned authority for specific grievances.
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INSURERS SEEK ALTERNATIVE TO AADHAAR E-KYC AS INSTANT POLICIES
GET DELAYED
Insurance companies are
trying to work out alternative solutions to Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication
as instant policy approvals and some POS products have had to take a backseat. Fintech
innovations for the sector are being reworked or stopped, and insurers are now
either using document-based verification or one-time passwords for online
policies, along with scanned documents. Following the Supreme Court ruling on
Aadhaar in September, and new guidelines by UIDAI, the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has asked insurers not to seek Aadhaar
and PAN or Form 60 from the proposer and policyholder as part of KYC. In a
recent circular, the IRDAI had said that an insurance company can accept
Aadhaar card as one of the documents for proof of identity or address of the
policyholder for KYC if the person voluntarily gives it. This includes physical
copy of e-Aadhaar, masked Aadhaar and offline Aadhaar XML. However, insurers
will, under no circumstance, do the authentication either using e-KYC facility
or Yes/No authentication facility of UlDAl, IRDAI had said. It has also
stressed that insurers must ensure that the first eight digits of the Aadhaar
number are properly masked, and that they do not store the last four digits in
physical or digital forms. A number of banks have also stopped or are
re-working their instant account opening facility after Aadhaar-based e-KYC
authentication was stopped. Fintech companies are still in discussions with the
Reserve Bank of India on alternatives to Aadhaar-based e-KYC authentication, as
they believe that paperwork is time consuming and expensive.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
GOVT LIKELY TO GIVE TWO INSTALMENTS UNDER PM-KISAN BEFORE
ELECTIONS
The Centre is gearing up
to give two instalments amounting to Rs 4,000 directly to eligible farmers under
the newly announced PM-KISAN scheme before the Lok Sabha elections, a senior
agriculture ministry official said Wednesday. Many states such as Karnataka,
Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharasthra have digitalised land records.
Telangana, Odisha and Jharkand too have got the data as these states too have
announced similar schemes, the official said. Asked if two instalments will be
given before the Lok Sabha elections, the official said, we are getting ready
for that. We are hopeful of transferring two instalments amounting Rs 4,000
before the Lok Sabha elections. Since the scheme is being rolled out this
fiscal, its implementation will not be affected when model code of conduct
kicks in anytime next month, the official added. The government has set February
1, 2019 as the cut off date for determining eligibility of beneficiaries under
the scheme and no changes thereafter will be considered to avail the benefit
under the scheme for next five years. The ownership of land which has been
transferred between December 1, 2018 and January 31, 2019 will be eligible for
benefits under the scheme. However the first installment will be given
proportionate from the date of transfer.
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BILL IN RS TO GIVE FINANCIAL AUTONOMY TO 2 FOOD TECHNOLOGY
INSTITUTES
The government Wednesday
introduced a bill in Rajya Sabha to declare two institutes of food technology
in Haryana and Tamil Nadu as institutions of national importance and enabling
them to provide financial autonomy for starting new courses and research. The
National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Bill,
2019, introduced by Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal in the Upper
House, seeks to confer the status of 'Institutions of National Importance' to
National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM)
at Kundli, Haryana, and the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology
(IIFPT) at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, The bill aims to declare certain institutions
of food technology, entrepreneurship and management to be the institutions of
national importance.
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WELFARE AND REHABILITATION OF BONDED LABOURERS
In order to assist the
State Governments in the task of rehabilitation of identified and released
bonded labourers, a Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme for Rehabilitation of
Bonded Labour has been in operation since May, 1978. The Central Government has
revamped the Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded
Labourers with effect from 17th May, 2016. The salient features of the ‘Central
Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer, 2016’ are as under:
·
Financial assistance is
provided for rehabilitation of a rescued bonded labourer at the rate of rupees
one lakh for adult male beneficiary, Rs. 2 lakh for special category
beneficiaries such as children including orphans or those rescued from
organized & forced begging rings or other forms of forced child labour, and
women and Rs. 3 lakh in cases of bonded or forced labour involving extreme
cases of deprivation or marginalization such as trans-genders, or women or
children rescued from ostensible sexual exploitation such as brothels, massage
parlours, placement agencies etc., or trafficking, or in cases of differently
abled persons, or in situations where the District Magistrate deems fit. The
financial assistance for rehabilitation is 100% funded by the Central
Government.
·
The Scheme also provides
for financial assistance of Rs. 4.50 lakh per district to the States for
conducting survey of bonded labourers, Rs. 1.00 Lakh for evaluatory studies and
Rs. 10 Lakhs per State per annum for awareness generation. Central Government
will give 50% of the amount required for conducting Survey, Awareness
Generation and Evaluatory Studies in advance. A State may conduct survey once
in every three years per sensitive district. A State may conduct five
Evaluatory Studies per year.
·
The release of
rehabilitation assistance has been linked with conviction of the accused.
However, immediate assistance upto Rs. 20,000/- may be provided to the rescued
bonded labour by the District Administration irrespective of the status of
conviction proceedings.
·
The Scheme provides for
creation of a Bonded Labour Rehabilitation Fund at District level by each State
with a permanent corpus of at least Rs. 10 lakh at the disposal of the District
Magistrate for extending immediate help to the released bonded labourers.
The benefits prescribed
above shall be, in addition to, other cash or non-cash benefits which a
beneficiary under this scheme is entitled to, by or under any other scheme or
law applicable for the time being in force.
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AGITATION AGAINST CHANGE IN UPSC EXAM
Several representations
have been received from the Civil Services aspirants demanding additional
attempts in Civil Services Examination (CSE) due to change in the pattern from
CSE-2011. The Government has already acted upon this matter by taking a policy
decision for providing an additional attempt in CSE 2015 to those candidates
who appeared in CSE 2011. Also, General Studies (Paper-II) of Preliminary
Examination was made qualifying with effect from CSE-2015. Further the
Government has already decided to allow two additional attempts to all category
of candidates with effect from CSE 2014, with consequential relaxation of
maximum age.
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RESERVATION POLICY
As per extant instructions,
reservation is provided to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and
Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at the rate of 15%, 7.5% and 27% respectively in
case of direct recruitment on all India basis by open competition. In case of
direct recruitment on all India basis otherwise than by open competition, the
percentage fixed is 16.66% for SCs, 7.5% for STs and 25.84% for OBCs. In case
of direct recruitment to Group C posts normally attracting candidates from a
locality or a region, the percentage of reservation for SC/ST/OBC is generally
fixed on the basis of proportion of their population in the respective
States/Union Territories. With the enactment of ‘The Rights of Persons with
Disabilities Act, 2016’, reservation is also provided to Persons with Benchmark
Disabilities against the posts and services of the Central Government at 4% of
the total number of vacancies to be filled up by direct recruitment in the
cadre strength in each group of posts i.e. Group A, B and C. As per
Ex-servicemen (Re-employment in Central Services and Posts) Rules, 1979, as
amended from time to time, 10% of the vacancies in the posts upto of the level
of the Assistant Commandant in all para-military forces;
(ii) 10% of the vacancies
in Group C posts; and
(iii) 20% of the vacancies
in Group D posts, to be filled by direct recruitment shall be reserved for
ex-servicemen.
The persons belonging to
Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) who are not covered under the scheme of
reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs shall get 10% reservation in direct
recruitment in civil posts and services in the Government of India.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING AT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING INSTITUTES
Government has
pre-approved all the Government and Private Industrial Training Institutes
(ITIs) having rating 2.0 and above as basic training provider. It will help
fresher apprentices to acquire a reasonable ability to handle
Instruments/Machineries/Equipment independently prior to moving to Shop
Floor/Work Area for practical training / On-Job Training under National
Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme under Apprentices Act, 1961. Government has
taken following measures to boost apprenticeship training by involving all the
stakeholders including the State Government and the private industry:
·
A fully dedicated portal
for apprenticeship training is prepared and made functional.
·
Comprehensive changes
brought under Guidelines for National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS),
Basic Training Provider (BTP), Third Party Aggregators (TPAs) and framing of
courses under apprenticeship training program.
·
Industry representative
appointed as Brand Ambassadors for promotion and creating awareness among the
all stakeholders for apprenticeship training.
·
Awareness meeting,
seminars and campaign conducted in industry clusters throughout the country.
·
For strengthening
apprenticeship training at State Government level, funds released to create
State Apprenticeship monitoring cell (SAMC).
·
For promotion of apprenticeship
training, State Governments asked to use different advertising methods like
hoarding, pamphlets, newspapers etc.
·
A television series called
Hunarbaaz telecasted nationwide for creating awareness for apprenticeship
training scheme.
·
Under the World Bank aided
project called STRIVE, Industry Apprenticeship Initiative in industry clusters
has been initiated.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
REDUCING CRUDE OIL AND GAS IMPORTS
The import reduction
strategy of the Government includes increasing production of oil and gas,
improving energy efficiency and productivity, demand substitution, improving
refinery processes and promotion of bio and alternate fuels. The major policy
initiatives taken by Government during the last four years to enhance
production include finalization of Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy
(HELP)/ Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), formulation of Discovered Small
Field (DSF) Policy, survey of un-appraised area of sedimentary basins, setting
up of National Data Repository, policy framework for exploration &
exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons, streamlining of production
contracts and fiscal incentives etc. Under Bid round-I of OALP, 55 blocks
having an acreage area of 59,282 sq. km. have been awarded in October 2018.
Under OALP Bid round-II, bid for 14 blocks having an acreage area of 29,233 sq.
km. is launched on 7th January, 2019. Government has also taken a number of
initiatives to encourage the use of alternative fuels and incentivize
production of ethanol and Bio-Diesel. Government has notified the National Bio
Fuel Policy 2018 to boost availability of biofuels and promotion of advanced
biofuels in country. The major steps taken for enhancing the production of Coal
Bed Methane (CBM) and Shale Gas in the country include:
·
Formulationof CBM Policy
in 1997 for exploration and exploitation of CBM being natural gas. A Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Ministry of Petroleum & Natural
Gas and Ministry of Coal in this regard.
·
Completion of four rounds
of CBM bidding, resulting in allocation of 33 CBM blocks (including 2
nominations and 1 through FIPB route) spreading over 16,613 square kilometers.
·
Granting permission to
Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries to explore and exploit CBM from
its areas under coal mining lease and dispensing the requirement of having
additional License from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
·
Introduction of Unified
Licensing Policy under Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP)
wherein all types of hydrocarbon resources, both conventional and
unconventional can be explored and exploited.
·
Notification of policy
framework for early monetization of CBM gas, which inter-alia provides for
marketing and pricing freedom.
·
Notification of policy
framework for exploration and exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons
including CBM and Shale gas/oil in existing acreages under Production Sharing
Contracts (PSCs), Coal Bed Methane (CBM) contracts and nomination fields.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___
SIKH AND HINDU REFUGEES FROM AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN
In the absence of any
authentic survey, the accurate date of Sikh and Hindu refugees who came from
Afghanistan and Pakistan during the last three years is not available. As per
the data available in online system, 1595 Pakistani and 391 Afghanistani
migrants of all religions have been granted Indian Citizenship in last 3 years
(2016 to 2018). Provision for capturing online citizenship data of migrants from
minority communities namely Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian
hailing from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh was introduced in 2018. As
per the available data, 295 Hindus and Sikhs from Afghanistan and Pakistan have
been granted Indian Citizenship since then.
#For Source of Information copy and paste the heading in google.
Thanks & Regards,
CS Meetesh Shiroya
Thanks & Regards,
CS Meetesh Shiroya
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