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Responding to the President, the Myanmar Vice President said that he has been
wanting to visit India for long. He said the two countries have enjoyed cordial
relations throughout history and supported each other during their struggle for
freedom. The Myanmar Government was grateful to India for the assistance
provided in various fields, especially in capacity building, health care and lines of
credit for various projects across the country. He requested the President to
encourage the Indian business community to explore various opportunities in
Myanmar.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution22-January, 2015 16:03 IST
Recommendations of High Level Committee on restructuring of FCI
HighLevelCommittee(HCL)onrestructuringofFoodCorporationofIndia(FCI)hassubmitted
itsreporttotheGovernment.ItwassubmittedbyShriShantaKumar,Chairmanofthe
CommitteetothePrimeMinister,ShriNarendraModiyesterday.TheHCLwassetupbythe
Governmenton20thAugust,2014.ThemajorissuebeforetheCommitteewashowtomakethe
entirefoodgrainmanagementsystemmoreefficientbyreorientingtheroleofFCIinMSP
operations,procurement,storageanddistributionofgrainsunderTargetedPublicDistribution
System(TPDS).
TheCommitteehadwideconsultationswithseveralChiefMinisters,FoodSecretaries
andotherstakeholdersinvariousStates.Suggestionsfrompublicwereinvitedthroughvarious
newspapersalso.ExecutiveSummaryofthereportisasfollows
Backdrop:
Government of India (GoI) set up a High Level Committee (HLC) in August 2014 with Shri
Shanta Kumar as the Chairman, six members and a special invitee to suggest restructuring or
unbundling of FCI with a view to improve its operational efficiency and financial management.
GoI also asked HLC to suggest measures for overall improvement in management of foodgrains
by FCI; to suggest reorienting the role and functions of FCI in MSP operations, storage and
distribution of foodgrains and food security systems of the country; and to suggest cost effective
models for storage and movement of grains and integration of supply chain of foodgrains in the
country.
The HLC had wide consultations with various stakeholders in its several meetings in different
parts of the country. It also invited comments through advertisements in newspapers and
electronic media. HLC would like to gratefully acknowledge that it has benefitted immensely
from this consultative process, and many of its recommendations are based on very intensive
discussions with stakeholders.
In order to conceive reorienting the role of FCI and its consequent restructuring, one has to
revisit the basic objectives with which FCI was created, and what was the background of food
situation at that time. It is against that backdrop, one has to see how far FCI has achieved its
objectives, what the current situation on foodgrain front, what are the new challenges with regard
to food security, and how best these challenges can be met with a reoriented or restructured
institution like FCI.
FCI was set up in 1965 (under the Food Corporation Act, 1964) against the backdrop of major
shortage of grains, especially wheat, in the country. Imports of wheat under PL- 480 were as high
as 6-7 MMT, when country`s wheat production hovered around 10-12 MMT, and country did not
have enough foreign exchange to buy that much quantity of wheat from global markets. Selfsufficiency in grains was the most pressing objective, and keeping that in mind high yielding
seeds of wheat were imported from Mexico.
Agricultural Prices Commission was created in 1965 to recommend remunerative prices to farmers,
and FCI was mandated with three basic objectives: (1) to provide effective price support to
farmers; (2) to procure and supply grains to PDS for distributing subsidized staples to
economically vulnerable sections of society; and (3) keep a strategic reserve to stabilize markets
for basic foodgrains.
How far FCI has achieved these objectives and how far the nation has moved on food security
front? The NSSO`s (70th round) data for 2012-13 reveals that of all the paddy farmers who
reported sale of paddy during July-December 2012, only 13.5 percent farmers sold it to any
procurement agency (during January-June 2013, this ratio for paddy farmers is only 10 percent),
and in case of wheat farmers (January-June, 2013), only 16.2 percent farmers sold to any
procurement agency. Together, they account for only 6 percent of total farmers in the country,
who have gained from selling wheat and paddy directly to any procurement agency. That
diversions of grains from PDS amounted to 46.7 percent in 2011-12 (based on calculations of
offtake from central pool and NSSO`s (68th round) consumption data from PDS); and that
country had hugely surplus grain stocks, much above the buffer stock norms, even when cereal
inflation was hovering between 8-12 percent in the last few years. This situation existed even
after exporting more than 42 MMT of cereals during 2012-13 and 2013-14 combined, which
India has presumably never done in its recorded history.
What all this indicates is that India has moved far away from the shortages of 1960s, into
surpluses of cereals in post-2010 period, but somehow the food management system, of which
FCI is an integral part, has not been able to deliver on its objectives very efficiently. The benefits
of procurement have not gone to larger number of farmers beyond a few states, and leakages in
TPDS remain unacceptably high. Needless to say, this necessitates a re-look at the very role and
functions of FCI within the ambit of overall food management systems, and concerns of food
security.
Onprocurementrelatedissues
HLC recommends that FCI hand over all procurement operations of wheat, paddy and rice to
states that have gained sufficient experience in this regard and have created reasonable
infrastructure for procurement. These states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Madhya
Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab (in alphabetical order). FCI will accept only the surplus (after
deducting the needs of the states under NFSA) from these state governments (not millers) to be
moved to deficit states. FCI should move on to help those states where farmers suffer from
distress sales at prices much below MSP, and which are dominated by small holdings, like
Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam etc. This is the belt from where second green
revolution is expected, and where FCI needs to be pro-active, mobilizing state and other agencies
to provide benefits of MSP and procurement to larger number of farmers, especially small and
marginal ones.
DFPD/FCI at the Centre should enter into an agreement with states before every procurement
season regarding costing norms and basic rules for procurement. Three issues are critical to be
streamlined to bring rationality in procurement operations and bringing back private sector in
competition with state agencies in grain procurement: (1) Centre should make it clear to states
that in case of any bonus being given by them on top of MSP, Centre will not accept grains under
the central pool beyond the quantity needed by the state for its own PDS and OWS; (2) the
statutory levies including commissions, which vary from less than 2 percent in Gujarat and West
Bengal to 14.5 percent in Punjab, need to be brought down uniformly to 3 percent, or at most 4
percent of MSP, and this should be included in MSP itself (states losing revenue due to this
rationalization of levies can be compensated through a diversification package for the next 3-5
years); (3) quality checks in procurement have to be adhered to, and anything below the specified
quality will not be acceptable under central pool. Quality checks can be done either by FCI
and/or any third party accredited agency in a transparent manner with the help of mechanized
processes of quality checking. HLC also recommends that levy on rice millers be done away
with. HLC notes and commends that some steps have been taken recently by DFPD in this
direction, but they should be institutionalized for their logical conclusion.
Negotiable warehouse receipt system (NWRs) should be taken up on priority and scaled up
quickly. Under this system, farmers can deposit their produce to the registered warehouses, and
get say 80 percent advance from banks against their produce valued at MSP. They can sell later
when they feel prices are good for them. This will bring back the private sector, reduce massively
the costs of storage to the government, and be more compatible with a market economy. GoI
(through FCI and Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA)) can encourage
building of these warehouses with better technology, and keep an on-line track of grain stocks
with them on daily/weekly basis. In due course, GoI can explore whether this system can be used
to compensate the farmers in case of market prices falling below MSP without physically
handling large quantities of grain.
GoI needs to revisit its MSP policy. Currently, MSPs are announced for 23 commodities, but
effectively price support operates primarily in wheat and rice and that too in selected states. This
creates highly skewed incentive structures in favour of wheat and rice. While country is short of
pulses and oilseeds (edible oils), their prices often go below MSP without any effective price
support. Further, trade policy works independently of MSP policy, and many a times, imports of
pulses come at prices much below their MSP. This hampers diversification. HLC recommends
that pulses and oilseeds deserve priority and GoI must provide better price support operations for
them, and dovetail their MSP policy with trade policy so that their landed costs are not below
their MSP.
HLC recommends that GoI has a second look at NFSA, its commitments and implementation.
Given that leakages in PDS range from 40 to 50 percent, and in some states go as high as 60 to
70 percent, GoI should defer implementation of NFSA in states that have not done end to end
computerization; have not put the list of beneficiaries online for anyone to verify, and have not
set up vigilance committees to check pilferage from PDS.
HLC also recommends to have a relook at the current coverage of 67 percent of population;
priority households getting only 5 kgs/person as allocation; and central issue prices being frozen
for three years at Rs 3/2/1/kg for rice/wheat/coarse cereals respectively. HLC`s examination of
these issue reveals that 67 percent coverage of population is on much higher side, and should be
brought down to around 40 percent, which will comfortably cover BPL families and some even
above that; 5kg grain per person to priority households is actually making BPL households worse
off, who used to get 7kg/person under the TPDS. So, HLC recommends that they be given
7kg/person. On central issue prices, HLC recommends while Antyodya households can be given
grains at Rs 3/2/1/kg for the time being, but pricing for priority households must be linked to
MSP, say 50 percent of MSP. Else, HLC feels that this NFSA will put undue financial burden on
the exchequer, and investments in agriculture and food space may suffer. HLC would
recommend greater investments in agriculture in stabilizing production and building efficient
value chains to help the poor as well as farmers.
HLC recommends that targeted beneficiaries under NFSA or TPDS are given 6 months ration
immediately after the procurement season ends. This will save the consumers from various
hassles of monthly arrivals at FPS and also save on the storage costs of agencies. Consumers can
be given well designed bins at highly subsidized rates to keep the rations safely in their homes.
HLC recommends gradual introduction of cash transfers in PDS, starting with large cities with
more than 1 million population; extending it to grain surplus states, and then giving option to
deficit states to opt for cash or physical grain distribution. This will be much more cost effective
way to help the poor, without much distortion in the production basket, and in line with best
international practices. HLC`s calculations reveal that it can save the exchequer more than Rs
30,000 crores annually, and still giving better deal to consumers. Cash transfers can be indexed
with overall price level to protect the amount of real income transfers, given in the name of lady
of the house, and routed through Prime Minister`s Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and dovetailing
Aadhaar and Unique Identification (UID) number. This will empower the consumers, plug high
leakages in PDS, save resources, and it can be rolled out over the next 2-3 years.
HLC recommends that FCI should outsource its stocking operations to various agencies such
as Central Warehousing Corporation, State Warehousing Corporation, Private Sector under
Private Entrepreneur Guarantee (PEG) scheme, and even state governments that are building
silos through private sector on state lands (as in Madhya Pradesh). It should be done on
competitive bidding basis, inviting various stakeholders and creating competition to bring down
costs of storage.
India needs more bulk handling facilities than it currently has. Many of FCI`s old conventional
storages that have existed for long number of years can be converted to silos with the help of
private sector and other stocking agencies. Better mechanization is needed in all silos as well as
conventional storages.
Covered and plinth (CAP) storage should be gradually phased out with no grain stocks
remaining in CAP for more than 3 months. Silo bag technology and conventional storages where
ever possible should replace CAP.
Movement of grains needs to be gradually containerized which will help reduce transit losses,
and have faster turn-around-time by having more mechanized facilities at railway sidings.
One of the key challenges for FCI has been to carry buffer stocks way in excess of buffer
stocking norms. During the last five years, on an average, buffer stocks with FCI have been more
than double the buffer stocking norms costing the nation thousands of crores of rupees loss
without any worthwhile purpose being served. The underlying reasons for this situation are
many, starting with export bans to open ended procurement with distortions (through bonuses
and high statutory levies), but the key factor is that there is no pro-active liquidation policy.
DFPD/FCI have to work in tandem to liquidate stocks in OMSS or in export markets, whenever
stocks go beyond the buffer stock norms. The current system is extremely ad-hoc, slow and costs
the nation heavily. A transparent liquidation policy is the need of hour, which should
automatically kick-in when FCI is faced with surplus stocks than buffer norms. Greater
flexibility to FCI with business orientation to operate in OMSS and export markets is needed.
costs about Rs 10,000/per month. Some of the departmental labours (more than 300) have
received wages (including arrears) even more than Rs 4 lakhs/per month in August 2014. This
happens because of the incentive system in notified depots, and widely used proxy labour. This is
a major aberration and must be fixed, either by de-notifying these depots, or handing them over
to states or private sector on service contracts, and by fixing a maximum limit on the incentives
per person that will not allow him to work for more than say 1.25 times the work agreed with
him. These depots should be put on priority for mechanization so that reliance on departmental
labour reduces. If need be, FCI should be allowed to hire people under DPS/NWNP system.
Further, HLC recommends that the condition of contract labour, which works the hardest and are
the largest in number, should be improved by giving them better facilities.
Ondirectsubsidytofarmers
Since the whole system of food management operates within the ambit of providing food
security at a national as well as at household level, it must be realized that farmers need due
incentives to raise productivity and overall food production in the country. Most of the OECD
countries as well as large emerging economies do support their farmers. India also gives large
subsidy on fertilizers (more than Rs 72,000 crores in budget of FY 2015 plus pending bills of
about Rs 30,000-35,000 crores). Urea prices are administered at a very low level compared to
prices of DAP and MOP, creating highly imbalanced use of N, P and K. HLC recommends that
farmers be given direct cash subsidy (of about Rs 7000/ha) and fertilizer sector can then be
deregulated. This would help plug diversion of urea to non-agricultural uses as well as to
neighbouring countries, and help raise the efficiency of fertilizer use. It may be noted that this
type of direct cash subsidy to farmers will go a long way to help those who take loans from
money lenders at exorbitant interest rates to buy fertilizers or other inputs, thus relieving some
distress in the agrarian sector.
Onendtoendcomputerization
HLC recommends total end to end computerization of the entire food management system,
starting from procurement from farmers, to stocking, movement and finally distribution through
TPDS. It can be done on real time basis, and some states have done a commendable job on
computerizing the procurement operations. But its dovetailing with movement and distribution in
TPDS has been a weak link, and that is where much of the diversions take place.
OnthenewfaceofFCI
The new face of FCI will be akin to an agency for innovations in Food Management System
with a primary focus to create competition in every segment of foograin supply chain, from
procurement to stocking to movement and finally distribution in TPDS, so that overall costs of
the system are substantially reduced, leakages plugged, and it serves larger number of farmers
and consumers. In this endeavour it will make itself much leaner and nimble (with scaled
down/abolished zonal offices), focus on eastern states for procurement, upgrade the entire grain
supply chain towards bulk handling and end to end computerization by bringing in investments,
and technical and managerial expertise from the private sector. It will be more business oriented
with a pro-active liquidation policy to liquidate stocks in OMSS/export markets, whenever actual
buffer stocks exceed the norms. This would be challenging, but HLC hopes that FCI can rise to
this challenge and once again play its commendable role as it did during late 1960s and early
1970s.
President's Secretariat23-January, 2015 16:32 IST
The life and sacrifices of Netaji serve as a beacon light for future generations, says
President
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has said that the life and sacrifices of
Netaji serve as a beacon light for future generations.
The President conveyed the above in a message to the Netaji Research Bureau, Kolkata
on the occasion of celebrations held today in Kolkata to mark the 118 th birth anniversary of
Netaji. The Presidents message was read out to the audience by Prof. Mrs. Krishna Bose,
Chairperson, Netaji Research Bureau. An International Conference on Asia in Bengal and
Bengal in Asia was also organized by the Netaji Research Bureau as part of the birthday
celebrations.
The President said the place of Subhas Chandra Bose is unique in the history of Indias
freedom struggle. Netaji was unanimously elected Rashtrapati of the 51st session of the Indian
National Congress held in Haripura on the banks of the river Tapti in February 1938. His
Presidential address at the session was a masterpiece of vision and action. He talked not only of
freedom but also of reconstruction and the need for planning by setting up a Planning
Committee. He called for the gradual socialization of the entire agricultural and industrial
system. He reminded delegates that our chief national problems are eradication of poverty,
illiteracy and disease. Netaji as Congress President wrote a letter to all Congress Premiers
advising them on how they should administer their provinces. The ideas contained in this letter
were the precursors of the principles enshrined in the chapter on Directive Principles of our
Constitution.
2.
Twenty Sixth January holds an everlasting place in our national memory
because it is the day when modern India was born. Under Mahatma Gandhis moral and
political leadership, the National Congress passed the Purna Swaraj resolution
demanding complete independence from British rule in December 1929. Gandhiji
organized nationwide celebrations on 26 January 1930 as Independence Day. From then
on, the Nation took a pledge on this day every year to carry on the freedom struggle till
we attained it.
3.
Exactly twenty years later, in 1950, we adopted our charter of
modernity, the Constitution. Tragically, Gandhiji had been martyred two years before, but
the framework of a Constitution that has made India a role model for today`s world was
constructed out of his philosophy. Its essence lay in four principles: democracy; freedom
of faith; gender equality; and an economic upsurge for those trapped in the curse of dire
poverty. These were made Constitutional obligations. Gandhijis talisman for the
country`s rulers was simple and powerful and I quote: "Whenever you are in
doubt...recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen and
ask yourself...will it lead to swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?"
(unquote). Our resolve to eliminate poverty through inclusive development has to be a
step in that direction.
Fellow Citizens:
4.
The past year has been remarkable in many ways. Particularly because, after
three decades the people have voted to power a single party with a majority for a stable
government, and in the process freed the countrys governance from the compulsions of
coalition politics. Outcome of these Elections has given the mandate to the elected
government to fulfill its commitment to the people by using its majority for formulating
policies and making laws to implement those policies. The voter has played her part; it is
now up to those who have been elected to honour this trust. It was a vote for clean,
efficient, effective, gender-sensitive, transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly
governance.
Fellow Citizens:
5.
There can be no governance without a functioning legislature. The legislature
reflects the will of the people. It is the platform where progressive legislation using
civilized dialogue must create delivery mechanisms for realizing the aspirations of the
people. It calls for reconciling the differences amongst stakeholders and building a
consensus for the law to be enacted. Enacting laws without discussion impacts the lawmaking role of the Parliament. It breaches the trust reposed in it by the people. This is
neither good for the democracy nor for the policies relating to those laws.
Fellow Citizens:
6.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat
Singh, Rabindranath Tagore, Subramanya Bharati and many more - the vocation and the
approach might have been different but they all spoke the same language of patriotism.
We owe our freedom to these great warriors of nationalism. We also salute the unsung
heroes who have died securing the liberation of Mother India. But it pains me to see that
Mother India is not respected by her own children when it comes to the safety of women.
Atrocities of rape, murders, harassment on the roads, kidnapping and dowry deaths have
made women fearful even in their own homes. Rabindranath Tagore saw women not only
as the deities of the household fire, but also the flame of the soul itself. Where have we
failed, as parents, teachers and leaders, that our children have forgotten all tenets of
decent behaviour and respect for women? We have enacted many legislations but, as
Benjamin Franklin had once said and I quote: Justice will not be served until those who
are unaffected are as outraged as those who are (unquote). Every Indian must take a
pledge to protect the honour of women from violence of any kind. Only a nation that
respects and empowers its women can become a global power.
Fellow Citizens:
7.
The Indian Constitution is the holy book of democracy. It is a lodestar for the
socio-economic transformation of an India whose civilization has celebrated pluralism,
advocated tolerance and promoted goodwill between diverse communities. These values,
however, need to be preserved with utmost care and vigilance. The freedom inherent in
democracy sometimes generates an unhappy by-product when political discourse
becomes a competition in hysteria that is abhorrent to our traditional ethos. The violence
of the tongue cuts and wounds people`s hearts. Religion, said Gandhiji, is a force for
unity; we cannot make it a cause of conflict.
Fellow Citizens:
8.
Much is said about India`s soft power. But the most powerful example of
India`s soft power, in an international environment where so many countries are sinking
into the morass of theocratic violence, lies in our definition of the relationship between
faith and polity. We have always reposed our trust in faith-equality where every faith is
equal before the law and every culture blends into another to create a positive dynamic.
Wisdom of India teaches us: unity is strength, dominance is weakness.
Fellow Citizens:
9.
The multi-nation conflict has converted boundaries into bloodlines, and
turned terrorism into an industry of evil. Terrorism and violence are seeping across our
borders. While peace, non-violence and good neighbourly intentions should remain the
fundamentals of our foreign policy, we cannot afford to be complacent about adversaries
who will stop at nothing to disrupt our progress towards a prosperous and equitable India.
We have the strength, confidence and determination to defeat architects of this war
against our people. Repeated violations of the ceasefire along the Line of Control and
terrorist attacks must get an integrated response through incisive diplomacy and
impregnable security mechanisms. The world must join India in fighting the menace of
terrorism.
Fellow Citizens:
10.
Economic progress is also a test of democracy. Year 2015 is a year of hope.
Key economic indicators provide for much optimism. Strengthening of the external
sector, move towards fiscal consolidation, moderation in price levels, early signs of
rebound in manufacturing and record agricultural production last year augur well for our
economy. Achieving five percent plus growth rates each in the first two quarters of 201415 is a healthy sign for an early reversion to the high growth trajectory of 7-8 percent.
11.
The success of a society is measured by both survival and strengthening of its
values, institutions and instruments of governance. Our national narrative has been
shaped by the principles of its past, triumphs of today and is now ready to own the future
by powering its latent potential.
Fellow Citizens:
12.
Our national ambition is to raise the quality of life of Indians by quantum leaps
and raise generations enlightened by learning, patriotism, compassion, honesty and a
sense of duty. Thomas Jefferson had said and I quote: Educate and inform the whole
mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty
(unquote). We must strive for the highest quality in our educational institutions so that we
can take our place, within a visible future, among the knowledge leaders of the 21st
century. I would urge, in particular, that we lay special stress on the culture of books and
reading, which takes knowledge beyond the classroom and frees imagination from stress
of the immediate and the utilitarian. We must be a creative people, nourished by
innumerable, interlinked rivers of ideas. Our youth must lead the way to mastery of
technology and communication in a universe where the cloud has become a library
without frontiers, and vast opportunity awaits within the computer in your palm. The 21st
century is within India`s grasp.
Fellow Citizens:
13.
This future will remain both visible and elusive if we do not discover the
ability to continually cleanse ourselves of retrograde habits and social ills. Over the past
century, some have died, others have faded, but many still exist. We are celebrating, this
year, the centenary of Gandhiji`s return to India from South Africa. We can never cease to
learn from a Mahatma. The first thing he did in 1915 was to keep his eyes open and his
lips sealed. It is advisable to follow his example. While we are, rightly, focused on 1915,
perhaps we should cast a glance on what Gandhiji did in 1901, the year when he returned
home for his first break. The annual Congress session was held that year in Calcutta, then
the capital of British India. Gandhiji was a delegate. He went to Ripon College for a
meeting. He discovered that the whole place had been dirtied by fellow-delegates. A
shocked Gandhiji did not wait for any allotted cleaner. He picked up a broom and cleaned
the area. No one followed his example in 1901. 114 years later, let us follow his
example, and become worthy children of a magnificent father.
Ministry of Urban Development25-January, 2015 18:51 IST
USA to assist in development of smart cities in UP, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh
Giving a fillip to the programme of developing smart cities in the country, the United
States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) today signed three Memorandums
of Understanding on Cooperation to Support the Development of Smart Cities in
Uttar Pradesh , Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh with respective state governments .
The MoUs with specific reference to development of Allahabad, Ajmer and
Visakhapatnam as smart cities were signed in the presence of Minister of Urban
Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu.
Leocardia I.Zak, Director, USTDA signed the MoUs on behalf of USTDA while Shri
Alok Ranjan, Chief Secretary , Govt. of UP, Shri C.S.Ranjan, Chief Secretary, Govt. of
Rajasthan and Shri I.V.R.Krishna Rao, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh
signed on behalf of state governments.
Under the MoUs, the USTDA will contribute funding for necessary feasibility studies
and pilots , study tours , workshops/trainings and other projects to be mutually
determined . It will invite a Smart Solutions for Smart Cities Reverse Trade Mission
delegation to the US, with delegates from the t here states. It will also fund advisory
services to support the development of smart cities .
USTDA will collaborate with other US government agencies like the Department of
Commerce, the U. S Export Import Bank and other trade and economic agencies
promote greater US-India infrastructure development cooperation and to support
development of smart cities.
USTDA will enable U.S Industry organizations to mobilize private sector expertise
and resources to address important aviation and energy related infrastructure
connected to developing smart cities.
Under the MoUs that came into effect today, the respective state governments will
provide resources in support, coordination and facilitation of the development of
smart cities including technical information and data related to smart cities
US-India Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region
As the leaders of the worlds two largest democracies that bridge the Asia-Pacific and Indian
Ocean region and reflecting our agreement that a closer partnership between the United States
and India is indispensable to promoting peace, prosperity and stability in those regions, we have
agreed on a Joint Strategic Vision for the region.
India and the United States are important drivers of regional and global growth. From Africa to
East Asia, we will build on our partnership to support sustainable, inclusive development, and
increased regional connectivity by collaborating with other interested partners to address poverty
and support broad-based prosperity.
To support regional economic integration, we will promote accelerated infrastructure
connectivity and economic development in a manner that links South, Southeast and Central
Asia, including by enhancing energy transmission and encouraging free trade and greater peopleto-people linkages.
Regional prosperity depends on security. We affirm the importance of safeguarding maritime
security and ensuring freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region, especially in
the South China Sea.
We call on all parties to avoid the threat or use of force and pursue resolution of territorial and
maritime disputes through all peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognized
principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
We will oppose terrorism, piracy, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction within or
from the region.
We will also work together to promote the shared values that have made our countries great,
recognizing that our interests in peace, prosperity and stability are well served by our common
commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
We commit to strengthening the East Asia Summit on its tenth anniversary to promote regional
dialogue on key political and security issues, and to work together to strengthen it.
In order to achieve this regional vision, we will develop a roadmap that leverages our respective
efforts to increase ties among Asian powers, enabling both our nations to better respond to
diplomatic, economic and security challenges in the region.
As part of these efforts, the United States welcomes India's interest in joining the Asia Pacific
Economic Cooperation forum, as the Indian economy is a dynamic part of the Asian economy.
Over the next five years, we will strengthen our regional dialogues, invest in making trilateral
consultations with third countries in the region more robust, deepen regional integration,
strengthen regional forums, explore additional multilateral opportunities for engagement, and
pursue areas where we can build capacity in the region that bolster long-term peace and
prosperity for all.
India-U.S. Delhi Declaration of Friendship
"Chalein saath saath; forward together we go. Reflecting the close ties between our two great
democracies, India and the United States agree to elevate our long-standing strategic partnership,
with a Declaration of Friendship that strengthens and expands the relationship between our two
countries
"Sanjha Prayaas, SabkaVikaas; Shared Effort, Progress For All. Each step we take to strengthen
the relationship is a step towards shaping international security, regional and global peace,
prosperity and stability for years to come.
Signaling the natural affinity enjoyed by our two nations, this Declaration proclaims a higher
level of trust and coordination that will continue to draw our Governments and people together
across the spectrum of human endeavor for a better world.
The India-U.S. Vision Statement endorsed in September 2014 committed our nations to a longterm partnership for prosperity and peace, through which our countries work together to make
our citizens and the global community, safer and more prosperous.
The Declaration makes tangible and enduring the commitment of our two countries to harness
the inherent potential of our two democracies, and upgrades the unique nature of our
relationship, committing our Governments to work through areas of difference.
Through this Declaration of Friendship and in keeping with our national principles and laws, we
respect:
Equal opportunity for all our people through democracy, effective governance, and fundamental
freedoms;
An open, just, sustainable, and inclusive rule-based global order;
The importance of strengthened bilateral defense ties;
The importance of adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change through national,
bilateral and multilateral efforts;
The beneficial impact that sustainable, inclusive development will have on our two countries and
the world;
The centrality of economic policies that support the creation of strong and sustainable jobs,
inclusive development, and rising incomes; and
Transparent and rule-based markets that seek to drive the trade and investment necessary to
uplift all members of society and promote economic development.
As part of this Declaration of Friendship, we commit to:
Hold regular Summits with increased periodicity;
Elevate the Strategic Dialogue to a Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, of which the Strategic
elements would continue to be chaired by the External Affairs Minister of India and the U.S.
Secretary of State and the Commercial components of the Dialogue would be led by Indias
Minister of Trade and Commerce and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. This reflects the United
States' and India's commitment to strengthen commercial and economic ties to advance mutual
prosperity, regional economic growth and stability;
Establish secure hotlines between the Prime Minister of India and the President of the United
States of America and National Security Advisors;
Cooperate to develop joint ventures on strategically significant projects;
Build meaningful security and effective counterterrorism cooperation;
Hold regional and multilateral consultations;
Consult and hold regular consultations in multilateral forums; and
Leverage the talents and strengths of our people to enhance sustainable, inclusive development
around the globe.
Remarks by Prime Minister at the India-U.S. Business Summit
Mr. President, distinguished guests
My heartiest greetings on Republic Day! I am deeply honoured to do so as the first Prime
Minister born in free India.
On this day, sixty five years ago, the people of India gave themselves the longest written
constitution in the world.
It was a constitution for a society with huge diversity and disparities; for a young nation facing
many challenges and constraints.
It was a pledge, rooted in the ancient wisdom of our land of faith in co-existence, assemblies
and republics.
A Constitution forged from the highest ideals and inspired by a lofty vision; vision and values
that define India and the United States of America.
We are two nations blessed because of this rich inheritance; even more because of generations of
Indians and Americans, who have preserved and upheld them.
For our nation, the journey has been impressive.
But the road ahead is still long; because, the hopes that we wrote into our Constitution still elude
many.
It will be fulfilled only when every Indian has a life of dignity; freedom from want; and, belief in
the possibility of dreams.
Last May, in a historic election, our nation renewed its pledge to that vision.
In the past eight months, we have worked tirelessly to fulfil that mandate not just to increase
our economic growth. It is also to transform the quality of life of our people and preserve the
gifts of Mother Nature.
Our task is huge; and, it won`t happen overnight.
We are conscious of our challenges; but also, inspired by our many successes.
And, we have the energy of our youth, the enterprise of our businesses and the genius of our
farmers. Above all, we have the confidence and optimism of the nation.
To this audience, I hardly need to spell out the series of bold steps that we have taken.
My message to you is this:
You will find environment that is not only open, but also welcoming. We will guide you and
walk with you in your projects.
You will find a climate that encourages investment and rewards enterprise;
It will nurture innovation and protect your intellectual property.
It will make it easy to do business; our immediate target is to bring us from the rear ranks of the
world into the top fifty.
You will find a tax regime that is predictable and competitive. We have removed some of the
excesses of the past. We will now soon address the remaining uncertainties.
Our goal is an economy where skills, infrastructure and resources will not be constraints to
growth.
In the world of economics, numbers are often an unforgiving mirror to performance.
They are telling us that we are on the right path.
Our economic growth has increased by a percentage point.
Today, business sentiments in India are the strongest among major Asian markets. Consumer
confidence in India has turned positive after three years.
Growth in the eight core sectors of the economy has increased sharply. Inflation is at a five-year
low.
And, 110 million new bank accounts have opened in the last four months.
Investments from the United States have jumped by 50% in the first six months of my
Government. And, I know that some of the pledges made in September in Washington have
begun to flow in.
Yes, I do keep track of these things!
The scale of our dreams is vast; therefore, the opportunities we offer are huge.
We speak of a revolution in our Railways. It carries more people daily than the size of the
population of three-fourths of the countries in the world.
Our ambition of a Clean Ganga involves 500 million people, hundreds of towns and thousands of
villages.
Our plans of urban waste treatment must deal with more than 500 cities with a population of over
100,000.
Our vision of a connected rural India extends to over 600,000 villages.
And, a roof over the heads of every Indian in the next seven years needs at least five million new
dwellings every year.
And, few partnerships are so rich in promise and so capable of shaping our world as ours.
We only have to see the history of our cooperation. We have worked together to usher in the
Green Revolution in India. We have collaborated in Space. We have partnered in setting up IITs
and IIMs. And, we have helped shape the digital age.
Our engineers, scientists and doctors are developing affordable medical devices for rural areas;
and, new vaccines for children.
Over 90 institutions from our two countries are collaborating on biofuels; solar energy; and,
energy efficiency.
U.S. companies are transferring advanced skills and technologies to India. And, Indians are
powering U.S. businesses.
Indian IT companies are creating skilled jobs in the United States; and, helping U.S. companies
stay ahead. They have also helped U.S. military veterans rebuild their lives.
We have more than 100,000 Indian students in the United States and thousands of American
students visiting India. They are sowing the partnerships of tomorrow. And, the success of 3.0
million Indian Americans points to our potential.
Our businesses work together in the familiar environment of democracy; and, in the comfort of
our friendship and goodwill.
We are now forging ahead in new areas like civil nuclear energy, renewable energy and defence
equipment.
Economic resurgence in both countries gives us greater optimism about the future of our ties.
As the two largest democracies, we have a fundamental stake in each other`s success for the
sake of our values and our shared interests.
Working by ourselves, we can still advance our common interests.
But, if we work together, we can achieve greater success.
Our partnership will be vital for prosperity at home and our economic leadership abroad. It will
help address global challenges of our times.
For too long, India and the United States have looked at each other across Europe and the
Atlantic. When I look towards the East, I see the western shores of the United States.
That tells us that we belong to the same vast region. It is a region of great dynamism, but also
many unsettled questions.
Its future will be vital for our two countries and the destiny of this world.
And, our relationship will be indispensable in shaping its course.
In the strength of our partnership, I see a greater chance for a world united in shared pursuits and
common purposes.
Quite simply, the joined hands of India and the United States will make this world a better place
for all.
This morning, America joined us in friendship to celebrate our shared values.
This evening, we have come together in a shared commitment to our future.
With your leadership, Mr. President, and with the support of our gifted people, we will turn our
commitments into concrete action.
Thank you for being with us today, Mr. President; thank you to you all for coming from the
United States and all over India.
Your participation has made this Summit more meaningful.
Thank you all.
Companies can collaborate with each other for CSR
In a move that could benefit the corporate sector at large, the government has allowed companies
to enter into collaboration with each other to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR).
A notification is issued by the Government to amend the CSR provision in the new Companies
Act, allowing two companies to collaborate with each other on their own, or through their
holding, subsidiary or associate companies. These two companies can form a trust, society or
another third company for CSR work.
The rules have permitted collaborative CSR efforts between unrelated entities, and this
amendment would help operationalise that using a separate legal entity structure.
CSR:
According to the Companies Act, 2013, any company with a net worth of Rs 500 crore or a
turnover of Rs 1,000 crore or net profit of Rs 5 crore needs to spend at least 2 % of its average
net profit in the preceding three financial years on CSR activities.
The companys report of the Board of Directors attached to the financial statements is required to
include an annual report on the CSR activities of the company. This would cover a brief outline
of the CSR policy, the composition of the CSR Committee, the average net profit for the past
three financial years and the prescribed CSR expenditure.
If the company concerned fails to spend the specified amount on CSR, it has to specify the
reasons for not spending in this report.
CSR activities include spending on eradicating hunger, poverty and malnutrition, promoting
preventive health care, education and gender equality, setting up homes for women, orphans and
senior citizens, measures for reducing inequalities faced by socially and economically backward
groups.
It also includes spending on ensuring environmental sustainability and ecological balance,
animal welfare, protection of national heritage and art and culture, measures for the benefit of
armed forces veterans, war widows and their dependents, training to promote rural, nationally
recognised Paralympic or Olympic sports, contribution to the prime ministers national relief
fund or any other fund set up by the central government for socio economic development and
relief and welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities and
women.
Contribution to political parties is not a part of CSR and only activities in India would be
considered for computing such an expenditure.
Ministry of Agriculture27-January, 2015 18:45 IST
Union Agriculture Minister holds discussion with State Agriculture Ministers on Draft
Farm Income Insurance Scheme
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh today had discussion with State
Agriculture Ministers on Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme in Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi.
Briefing the media faternity, he said that there was broad consensus on the following points:
Shri Singh said that the Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme will have two components, that
is, the price based insurance and the yield based insurance. A committee consisting of senior
agriculture officials and representatives from state governments will be formed to look into the
suggestions from the State Governments during the meeting today. In the morning, he also had
discussion with farmer organisation on this issue. He further said that ongoing insurance
schemes will continue.
During the discussion, the representatives from the states suggested to implement income
insurance scheme in consonance with their local needs which include climatic, geographical
conditions and crop pattern. Shri Singh said that there has been a consensus from
representatives from various States on this aspect.
Fiji has proposed to enter into MoUs in the following generic areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
It may be mentioned that MoU on Development Cooperation was signed with Fiji by Ministry
of External Affairs in 2006 which included Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests sectors as an item.
Shri Radha Mohan Singh assured the delegation that Agriculture Ministry will look into the
points mentioned by them. Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that India looks forward to
strengthening the bilateral relation to a new height.
Shri Radha Mohan Singh also showed keen interest on the point of in training of Agriculture
student of Fiji at ICAR Institutes.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions27-January, 2015 18:04 IST
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw presents Indian Biotechnology roadmap to Dr. Jitendra Singh
The sector to grow to 100 billion USD by 2025
The Indian biotechnology sector to grow from the current 5-7 billion USD to 100
billion USD by 2025 so that the current growth rate of 15% in this sector could be
enhanced by twice to up to 30%. A roadmap on this is presented to the Union
Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North
Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic
Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh by Smt. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, President of
the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), and also happens
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Biocon Limited, who called on him here
today. Smt. Kiran Shaw, visited Delhi from Bengaluru to attend the CEOs meet with
US President, Mr. Barack Obama and handed over to Dr. Jitendra Singh a copy of the
memorandum containing budgetary recommendations submitted to the
government.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the government is keen to promote all kinds of upward
activities in Biotech sector and said that the suggestions offered by the ABLE would
be given due consideration and dealt with a positive approach.
Dr. Jitendra Singh agreed that the key States of India where the biotechnology is
likely to grow in near future are Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat
to maintain certain level of civility with assesses and investors which must be
cogent and logical. The Finance Minister said that revenue collections which was
affected due to low manufacturing in the last 2-3 years are also turning around and
we hope to meet our fiscal targets. He said that our reserves are good and Current
Account Deficit (CAD) position is much better. The Finance Minister said that our
currency was among the two global currencies which withstood the might of dollar
in recent times. He said that we try to improve where we found ourselves wanting.
He asked the custom officers to safeguard borders by curbing unlawful economic
activities. He congratulated the award winners for their exemplary work and hoped
that they will be role model for other officers to emulate their performance in future.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jayant Sinha, Minister of State of Finance said that
there is need for more transparency in tax administration and need to build data
base for authentic and valid information. He said that there is need for coordination
among different agencies to avoid delay by having less paper work, documents to
be filed, among others for efficient delivery of services.
Earlier speaking on the occasion, Shri Shaktikanta Dass, Revenue Secretary asked
the CBEC officers to rededicate themselves to their sovereign responsibility of
administering indirect tax administration and maximise the revenue collections. He
asked the officers to dedicate themselves to the cause of improving the ease of
doing business in the country in line with the Prime Ministers programme of Make
in India. In this regard, the Revenue Secretary asked the officers that 24x7
functioning of the ports and airports for customs clearances must be implemented
in letter and spirit. He asked the custom officials to check illegal flow of goods and
commodities such as drugs, fake currency notes etc. across the international border.
He said that we should also dedicate ourselves to the theme of facilitation to
stakeholders and ensure smooth follow of goods and commodities within the
country and in other countries. He asked the officers to give personal touch in
efficient and effective discharge of their day to day duties.
requirements and appropriate revenue models for enabling flow of investments etc., before suggesting
action plans for developing them as smart cities.
Ms.Penny Pritzker said this meeting was in pursuance of the directive of President Barack Obama to
work on the economic dimension of strategic and commercial dialogue between Prime Minister Modi and
President Obama and the decisions taken. USTDA and the respective three state governments signed
Memoranda of Understanding on January 25, for developing Visakhapatnam, Allahabad and Ajmer as
smart cities.
Referring to the Modi-Obama Joint Statement of September last year and signing of MoUs on smart city
cooperation, Shri Naidu said it is now time for both the sides to walk the talk by acting quick and
concretising the agreements reached. The Joint Statement and the MoUs have raised high hopes about
smart cities becoming a reality. President Obamas current visit to India has even furthered these
expectations and action is the need of the hour.
In her response, Ms.Penny Pritzker said she was in agreement with Shri Naidus views and needful would
be done. Referring to her meetings with Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri N.Chandrababu Naidu
and of Rajasthan Smt.Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Ms.Pritzker noted that she found them to be go getters
and was confident of making a success of smart city cooperation between the US and India. She also said
that US companies would be told that what is being talked about India is real and they should seize the
opportunities.
Shri Venkaiah Naidu assured the US delegation that he would personally ensure that things move fast
with regard to development of smart cities.
Shri Naidu informed the US delegation that the Ministry of Urban Development will be represented by
Shri Durga Shankar Mishra, Additional Secretary and Dr.Sameer Sharma and Shri Praveen Prakash, both
Joint Secretaries on the Task Force for each of the three cities. Soon after the meeting, Shri Naidu spoke
to Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan and will soon appraise Chief Minister of UP about
the decisions taken. Chief Minister of AP informed that his government will be represented by the states
Urban Development Minister Dr.P.Narayana besides Secretary(UD) and Municipal Commissioner of
Visakhapatnam.
Ms.Penny Pritzker informed Shri Naidu that Shri Arun Kumar, Assistant Secretary of State will
coordinate and will give the names of their nominees.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has
given its approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for
strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism, between the Ministry of
India and Oman have enjoyed a strong historical and long economic and
political relationship. The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner for India in the
Gulf region and an important interlocutor in the bilateral, Arab Gulf Cooperation
Council, the Arab League and the Indian Ocean Rim Association contexts. The
two countries are linked by geography, history and culture. Both countries also
enjoy warm and cordial relations, which can be ascribed to historical maritime
trade linkages, intimacy of the Royal family with India and the seminal role of the
Indian expatriate community in the building of Oman.
Background:
In recent years Oman has emerged as an important tourism source market
for India in the West Asian region. During 2013, India received 62,252 visitors
from Oman. Similarly India has emerged as one of the important source market
for Oman in the field of tourism. Considering the mutual benefits, both India and
Special Purpose Vehicle to be formed for setting up Sewerage Treatment Plants in Ganga
cities
The Ministry of Urban Development has proposed to set up a Special Purpose
Vehicle (SPV) for setting up and maintenance of Sewerage Treatment Plans (STPs) in
all the 118 cities and towns located along the River Ganga in a time bound manner
to check pollution of the river. The SPV will ensure that demand-supply gap in
respect of sewerage treatment in urban areas will be met in line with timeframe for
cleaning the River Ganga.
This proposal was made at a review meeting on Namami Ganga today. The meeting
held in Nirman Bhawan was attended by Minister of urban Development Shri
M.Venkaiah Naidu, Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation Ms.Uma Bharati, Minister of Drinking Water & Sanitation Shri Birendra
Singh, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Shri Prakash Javadekar
and Minister of Tourism & Culture Dr.Mahesh Sharma and Secretaries of respective
ministries.
The Ministers discussed Action Plans for treatment of sewerage with timelines,
rehabilitation of dysfunctional and sub-optimal STPs, plans for bridging mismatch
between existing treatment capacity and the demand, capacity building of urban
local bodies, modernization of existing crematoria, adoption of innovative
technologies developed by BARC and IITs etc.
As against the sewerage treatment requirement of 3,847 million litres per day in all
the 118 cities and towns in 2015 and the estimated demand of 4,773 MLD in 2030,
the present available capacity is only 879 MLD while another 1,263 MLD capacity is
under construction. The gap in demand and supply is 1,852 MLD at current demand
and 2,664 MLD at 2030 demand.
Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu said that all the six state governments will be consulted and
taken on board before going ahead with setting up of STPs as required to treat
urban sewerage. To begin with, 56 cities and towns that accounts for about 80% of
sewerage generation will be focused in the first phase. He further said that
necessary action for setting up SPV will soon be taken. He said that STP capacity
would be augmented to meet the 2030 demand.
The Ministers have noted that the provisions of existing Environment Protection Act
are not adequate to address the issue of industrial affluents being discharged into
Ganga River and the same needs to be revisited.
As a part of stakeholder consultations, a meeting of representatives of all 195
industrial units located alongside Ganga river will be held next month by the
Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change followed by a meeting of
Municipal Commissioners of all the 118 cities and towns on 17th February. Statewise consultations will be held in March, 2015.
Todays meeting was held in pursuance of the suggestion of the PMO to work out
time bound action plans focusing on primary components of Ganga pollution viz.,
liquid waste from urban and rural areas and industrial effluent discharge.
PFRDA.
Eaerlier speaking on the occasion, Chairman PFRDA, Shri Hemant Contractor,
commended the substantial improvement in performance of Central Government
Ministries under NPS. He stated that the attractive market based returns have
added to the stakeholder confidence. He raised two pertinent issues for the
participating members which impact the final pension receivable by a Government
subscriber which include efficiency in handling of subscriber contribution & its
timely deployment for investment, and ensuring full coverage of all government
subscribers including autonomous bodies.
Shri Ratan P Watal, Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance
emphasised on the dual responsibility of PFRDA as a regulator and developer of the
pension industry. Shri Watal stressed the process orientation of NPS and emphasised
the important role of FAs/CCAs in terms of early enrolment and timely contribution,
upload and redressal of subscribers grievances. He further advised the FAs/CCAs to
carry-out periodic reviews on the implementation of NPS and performance of the
scheme under the above parameters specifically.
Shri R V Verma, Whole Time Member (WTM- Finance), while summing- up
emphasised the need for discipline of remitting of the subscriber contribution
especially in view of the enhanced role of the Government nodal officers as
envisaged in the regulations and the provisions of the Act . He sought the
cooperation of Government to suggest the way forward for providing individual
choices of pension funds and investment pattern for Government Subscribers. He
stressed on the need for enhancing capacity building of the nodal officers so that
they could in turn enable the financial literacy and awareness of the subscribers
Withthis,theeffortsarebeingmadebyEPFOtoprovideservicestostakeholders,especially
employees,intheminimumpossibletime.
ShriDattatreya,whileinauguratingtheofficelaudedEPFOfortakingthisinitiativefor
bringingaboutgreatersubscribersatisfaction.Henotedthatthisisthelatestinaseriesof
measurestakenintherecentpastforimprovingtheservicesofferedbytheOrganisation.He
furtherelaboratedthatEPFOhasengagedCDAC(CentreforDevelopmentofAdvance
Computing),Puneasthetechnicalconsultantforusheringinegovernanceinallspheresof
work.
ShriPrakashManchhubhaiMehta,MinisterofHousing,Mining&Labour,Government
ofMaharashtra,Smt.PoonamMahajan,MemberofParliamentwerepresentatthefunctionand
theyappreciatedthevariousinitiativestakenbyEPFO.Smt.GauriKumar,Secretarytothe
GovernmentofIndia,MinistryofLabour&Employment,speakingontheoccasion
complimentedEPFOontheimplementationofUANanddesiredthatnecessaryseedingof
informationbedonefast.
The Union Labour Minister while addressing the media dwelt on various measures taken by
EPFO.
(A)
InitiativesforEmployees:
(i)
Allotment of Universal Account Number (UAN): This initiative for employees
was formally launched by the Prime Minister of India on October 16, 2014 (16.10.2014) for
member portability as well as member identification. Already 4.25 crores members have been
allotted Universal Account Number (UAN). Universal Account Number has to be seeded with
various KYCs such as Bank Account Number, PAN, Aadhar Card etc. As a result of the sustained
drive to seed the UAN with KYCs, 48.19 lakh Aadhar / NPR details, 2.27 crore bank account
details, 94.74 lakh PAN details have been captured. The Bank Account number seeding has been
made mandatory as the same will facilitate the identification and genuineness of employees in
transfer/settlement of their PF Accounts and thereby enhancing the service delivery quality.
(ii)
Process of settlement made easier :EPFOhasmadetheprocessofclaimsettlement
easier.Asaresultofcomputerisation,seventypercentofthetotalclaims havebeensettled
within10days.Thenewsoftwareforsettlementofclaimsprovidesforefficient,accessibleand
timelyservicestosubscribersandemployersbycreatinganenvironmentoftransparencyand
responsivenesswhicharetheessenceofallegovernanceprojects. 99%ofthepaymentsare
nowsenttothebankaccountsofthememberselectronicallytopreventdelaysorfrauds.
(iii)
Member e-sewa account : Membershavebeenprovidedfacilityfor viewing their
updatedpassbooks,downloadUANCardandinitiateatransferclaimwhichareupdatedonday
to daybasis whichreduces theirdependencyontheiremployerto agreat extent.Also,the
memberscannowascertainthebalanceintheirindividualProvidentFundAccountonline.9.05
crorehitsweremadeontheEPFOswebsiteforbalanceenquiry.Alsoavailableisthefacilityto
check online whether the employer has made contributions in respect of the member every
month.
(iv)
Online Transfer Claim Portal (OTCP):TheOTCPprovidesforonlinetransferfacility
ofmembersaccountssubsequenttochangeofjoborlocationresultinginsmooth,convenient
and prompt transfer ofPF account of themembers. Tilldate, 3,04,315claims have been
submittedthroughthisportal.
(v)
Knowing Claim Status:Thestatusoftheclaimscanbeverifiedbythemembers
ontheEPFOswebsite.Amembercanvisitthesiteanytimetoknowthestatusoftheclaim.
ThestatusisalsosenttothememberonhisregisteredmobilenumberbySMSalertateachstage
oftheclaimprocessingtoenablehimtokeeptrackoftheprogressofthesettlement.1.79crore
hitsweremadeontheEPFOswebsiteforknowingthestatusoftheclaim.
(B)
(i)
Online Registration of Employers (OLRE):Codeno.allotmenthasbeenmadeonline
for greater transparency. The Employers can obtain Code number by registering online on
OLREPortalintheEPFOwebsite andavoid thepreviouslyexistingsystemforallotmentof
codenumber,involvingmanualintervention.Sofar,29,836establishmentshavebeenallotted
code no.online using this facility. Now,onfilling uptherequired format alongwith online
verificationofPAN,thecodenumberisautomaticallygeneratedbythesystemandtheemployer
maystartremittanceofthedues.
(ii)
Online Electronic Challan cum Return (ECR):LaunchedinApril,2012,thisfacility
enablesemployerstosubmittheirreturnselectronicallyandremitthecontributiononline..This
hasreplacedthecumbersomeprocessoffilingmultiplereturnsindifferentreportingperiodsby
the employer and monthly remittance of funds with a completely paperless and hassle free
process.Theemployerhastojustfileonemonthlyreturnandremitthemoneythroughthe
Challangenerated.Withthisthemembersaccountisgettingcreditedeverymonthinsteadofthe
erstwhilepracticeofannualupdatingattheendoftheAccountingYear.Tofacilitatethis,E
returnToolhasbeenprovidedtotheemployersforassistanceinpreparingtheeReturnwhichis
tobesubmittedinECRPortal.
(iii)
Multi-bank Online contribution: The ECR (Electronic Challan cum Return)
facilityhasbeenfurtherimprovedbytheintroductionofmultiplebankonlinepaymentsystem.
Theestablishmentscannowremitthestatutorydueselectronicallybyonlinepayment(currently
available for different 58 banks and efforts are underway to add more banks). Since the
introductionofthisfacilityinAugust2014,Rs.9,454crorehavebeencollectedthroughthis
medium.
(iv)AssistancetoPrincipalEmployers
toverifytheremittanceinrespectofcontract
employees: A facility provided to the members to know the code number of their establishment
and to find the EPFO office under which their claim is to be processed. The remittance position
of the establishments and the names of the members in respect of whom the employer had
remitted the dues is also added to the search facility. Now principal employers earlier dependent
on the manual copy of the receipted challan supplied by the contractors can now by themselves
verify the payments and names of the members that were employed by them through the
contractors. This has empowered the principal employers to keep a check on the contractors.
(C)FacilityforExemptedEstablishments:The compliance process for PF exempted
establishments (who managed their own Provident Funds) has been simplified and automated.
Now, such establishments can file monthly statutory returns online .
(D)
Shram Suvidha Portal: ThisPortalfacilitateseaseofreportingatoneplacefor
various LabourLaws includingEPF &MPAct,1952,consolidatedinformationofLabour
Inspectionanditsenforcement.TheWebPortalenhancesconvenienceofreporting,transparency
inLabourInspectionandmonitoringofLabourInspectionbasedonkeyperformancesindices
and provides an effective Grievance Redressal System hyperlinked with Department of
AdministrativeReformsandPublicGrievances(DARPG)Portal.Inspectionsarenowrulebased
andsystemdriven. TheinspectionreportsarerequiredtobesubmittedonlinebyInspectors
withinseventytwohoursofconductingtheinspection. TheInspectionPortal wasformally
launchedon16102014bythePrimeMinisterofIndia.
(E)
Initiative w.r.t. International Workers:Anonlinefacilityforinternationalworkers
forgrantingofCertificateofCoveragehasbeenlaunchedissuingabout45,000certificatesof
coverage facilitating the benefits under provisions of the Employees Provident Fund &
MiscellaneousProvisionsAct,1952.Thiswouldhelpmembersavoidmakingsocialsecurity
contributionsincountriesiftheyarealreadycoveredundertheEPF&MPActandthecountryin
whichtheyarecurrentlydeputedtohaveinkedSocialsecurityPactswithIndia.
(F)
Online Grievances Handling system: The Employees Provident Fund
OrganizationhaslaunchedonlineportalEPFiGrievanceManagementSystem(EPFiGMS)to
addressthegrievancesoftheemployerandemployees.
(G)
Accounting System:TheEmployeesProvidentFundOrganizationhasentrustedthe
workofshiftingthesystemofaccountingfrompresentsingleentryaccountingsystemtodouble
entryaccountingsystemtotheInstituteofCharteredAccountantsofIndiaAccountingResearch
Foundation.
Ministry of Urban Development29-January, 2015 14:12 IST
Two day consultations with states on smart cities from tomorrow
Before proceeding further with obtaining necessary approvals for launching the
ambitious programme of development of smart cities in the county, the Ministry of
Urban Development would like to take States and other stakeholders on board
sensitizing them to the magnitude of the task and innovative policy and financing
tools required to make a success of the smart cities initiative. The Ministry has
convened a two day Consultation Workshop with State Governments and
Stakeholders on Smart Cities on 30-31, January 2015 in New Delhi.
As per the directions of the Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu,
10 critical issues will be discussed with the states for a clear standing of the issues,
challenges and the road ahead. These include:
1.Competition based selection of cities for inclusion under smart cities programme;
2.Support and hand-holding the cities need to participate in the Smart City
Challenge;
3.Policy issues in respect of area based strategy for development through
retrofitting, redevelopment and green field smart city development;
4.Innovative financial tools for funding smart city development and making urban
local bodies self-reliant;
5.Credit rating of cities and kick-starting issue of municipal bonds;
6.Promoting citizen participation in identifying project priorities, decision making
and implementation;
7.Review of progress achieved under JNNURM with regard to implementation of
reforms;
During the occasion, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi gave his
message on Twitter. While expressing his confidence that this conference will
become a focal point of several innovational ideas that will help our Nation in the
year to come, the Prime Minister urged the participants to explore ways to provide
as many services as possible through mobile phones to bring the world into our
mobile. He reiterated his commitment to realize the dream of a Digital India - with a
vision to make India a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
While inaugurating the Conference, Smt. Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Gujarat
thanked Government of India for selecting Gujarat to host the Conference and
observed that the theme of the Conference Digital Governance-New Frontier is
very relevant. She mentioned that Gujarat has been pioneering several innovative
e-Governance Applications like SWAGAT, Public Distribution System, Mutation linked
with Registration, e-Nagar, e-Mamta, etc. This has not only helped Government to
improve the service delivery but also facilitated the citizens to access services in
their own taluka or village.
Welcoming the delegates, Shri D. J. Pandian, Chief Secretary of Gujarat informed the
gathering about the e-Governance policy of Gujarat towards institutionalizing the
State e-Governance Model of Digital Gujarat to extend the reach and scope of
transparent, affordable and efficient Public Services on the principle of Minimum
Government, Maximum Governance.
Shri Alok Rawat, Secretary DARPG, Government of India in his address stated that IT
is only a tool and re-engineering the system and processes with the use of this tool
is significant. He informed about various e-governance initiatives which have won
the National e-Governance Awards for 2014-15 and stated that the Department is
disseminating the best practices in the form of publications, case studies,
documentary films etc. for adaptation, replication & further innovation of these
practices. He stated that the ensuing Conference will provide a unique opportunity
for all States to ponder as to what we have so far achieved in the field of eGovernance and what further can be achieved in future. He mentioned that the
Central Govt. has introduced Jeevan Pramaan for pensioners, under which the
Central pensioners can use biometric verification and Aadhaar number avoiding
physical presence for annual verification. Another Software called as Bhavishya
online has also been introduced for submitting pension forms online through which
Central pensioners can track the progress of their pension sanction process,
incorporation of additional DA installment etc.
Shri R. S. Sharma, Secretary, DeitY, Government of India in his address mentioned
that India has been at the forefront of ICT in terms of writing software for the world;
however, we have not been able to implement the same software and systems in
our governance. He mentioned that three numbers are going to represent Indian
citizen in future; they are Aadhar for identity, Mobile No. for public service delivery
and bank account No. for financial inclusion. These numbers are for empowerment
through which every citizen should participate in digital world.
Shri R.Chandrashekhar, Chairman NASSCOM stated that there is a need for
Government and industry to work in integrated manner for improving the service
delivery mechanism.
During the inaugural Session, the National Awards on e-Governance for the year
2014-15 were presented by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Smt. Anandiben Patel.
These awards were given in twelve different categories concerning various aspects
of e-Governance. These Awards distinguish some of the best Government to
Government (G2G), Government to Citizen (G2C), Government to Business (G2B)
initiatives by various government departments and public sector units. Exhibition of
various initiatives of Central and State Government, and Industry was also
organised.
The objective of conferring these awards is to recognize and promote excellence in
implementation of e-Governance initiatives. These awards recognize achievements
in the area of e-Governance; disseminate knowledge on effective methods of
designing and implementing sustainable e-Governance initiatives; encourage
horizontal transfer of successful e-Governance solutions; promote and exchange
experiences in solving problems, mitigating risks, resolving issues and planning for
success.
The inaugural session was followed by a session on Digital India and plenary
session on Digital Governance-New Frontier. During the two day Conference other
interactive sessions would be held on several relevant issues such as eGovernance Leaders as Change Agents; Accountable Governance through Social
and urban local bodies have come out with required policy and procedural
innovations for attracting investments.
The Minister informed the states that with a view to select the most willing and able
cities and towns for making them smart, a City Challenge competition would be
held to assess the proven ability of cities in terms of reforms and innovation and the
potential.
Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu complimented the Department of Posts for issuing a
Commemorative Stamp on Swachh Bharat on the occasion of the 67th Death
Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi which is being observed as Martyrs Day. He said
that while the Mahatma effectively used Satyagraha during the freedom struggle,
the country and its people need to resort to Swachhagraha to make the country
clean by October 2, 2019 as a befitting tribute to him on the occasion of Mahatmas
150th Birth Anniversary.
Shri Naidu observed that total sanitation is the need of the hour given its adverse
impacts on peoples health and economy. He noted that inadequate sanitation is
costing about US $ 54 billion i.e 6.40% of GDP each year besides resulting in 18 lakh
deaths each year due to diarrheal diseases. About 80% of the diseases are waterborne and water related following water pollution, contamination and logging. He
informed that about 19% of urban households do not have toilets within their
premises and about 13% are defecating in the open.
Stating that massive awareness campaign is required to change the mindsets of
people to adopt clean sanitation practices, Shri Naidu noted that the Swachh
Bharat stamp released today would help in this regard. He said, awareness
generation and infrastructure development should be followed by stricter penalties
to ensure total sanitation.
Shri Shankar Aggarwal, Secretary(UD) elaborated on the broad contours of four new
initiatives in urban sector viz., Swachh Bharat Mission, Smart Cities, Infrastructure
Development in 500 cities and Heritage Development and Augmentation
Yojana(HRIDAY).
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, made the
presentation on PahaL to the Prime Minister at the high level meeting.
Under PaHaL, LPG cylinders are sold at market rates and entitled consumers get the
subsidy directly into their bank accounts. This is done either through an Aadhaar
linkage or a bank account linkage.
PaHaL aims to reduce diversion and eliminate duplicate or bogus LPG connections.
The Prime Minister conveyed his congratulations for the scheme having witnessed
massive enrolment in a short span of time. As on date, 9.75 crore LPG consumers
have joined the scheme. This is 66% of the total consumer base of 15 crore.
An amount of Rs. 3654 crore has already been transferred into the bank accounts of
LPG consumers through 9.25 crore transactions. The modified scheme has put in
place various mechanisms to simplify enrolment and enhance consumer
convenience, and thus, only 1.09 lakh complaints have been received so far, which
constitute a mere 0.1% of the transactions. Over 85% of the complaints have been
resolved.
Preliminary data from 54 districts indicate that the growth of subsidised LPG has
reduced significantly accompanied by a corresponding increase in sale of
commercial LPG. This indicates that the scheme will enable substantive savings in
subsidy which can then be deployed for other productive purposes, without
reducing any entitlements of existing consumers.
The success of the scheme is a result of an intensive Information Education
Campaign comprising advertising through various means, direct reaching out to
consumers, and dealer level campaigns. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
has undertaken several innovative measures such as guardian officers for each
district, deployment of technology by use of SMS, and a single window portal
www.mylpg.in to enable consumers to join the scheme. This portal is an important
step in bringing transparency and gives details of who is benefiting from subsidy.
The Prime Minister said that after Pradhaan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, this is the next
big scheme which will substantially benefit the economy. He directed that all steps
should be taken to bring the remaining LPG consumers into the fold of PaHaL as
soon as possible. He wanted Aadhaar enrolment and linkages with bank accounts to
be expedited, taking advantage of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. The Prime
Minister has also asked for an impact analysis of the programme to be conducted in
a professional manner.
The Prime Minister complimented the staff and management of Oil PSUs and dealers
for the successful rollout of the scheme.
years as it had hosted National Games in 1987. However, this time it is spread over
7 districts. I am glad that the Government of Kerala has taken a very judicious
decision to construct 365 pre-fab houses for athletes and officials, instead of
constructing mega infrastructure for Games Village. I am also happy that Kerala
Government has created a state-of-the-art infrastructure for hosting the 35th
National Games and also beautify the different venues where the various sports
disciplines will be played.
I know well that Kerala is for its supremacy in sports and has given many legendary
sportsperson like Olympian athlete T.C. Yohannan, Late Suresh Babu, the sprint
queen P.T. Usha, Shiny Wilson and M.D. Valsamma, K.M. Beenamol, Anju Bobby
George, Sinimol Paulose, Angel Mary Joseph, Mercy Kuttan, K. Saramma, K.C.
Rosakutty and Padmini Selvan, who are the recipient of Padmashree and Arjuna
Awards. Keralas indigenous games and marital art has given many modern sports
disciplines.
I am told that there are 33 sports disciplines in these Natinoal Games and a total
11,641 participants including 7744 athletes competing for 365 Gold Medals and
equal number of Silver Medal and 477 Bronze Medals. I am sure that this 15 days
events will give the sportspersons not only an opportunity to prove their excellence
but 0also provide a international level infrastructure to compete and nurture
themselves through sportsman spirit.
I would like to appeal to the sports fraternity to come forward and join the Honble
Prime Ministers Swachh Bharat Mission and contribute towards cleanliness of
your own sports facilities.
Healthy people make a healthy nation. If everybody is active and healthy, they can
lead a happy life besides being more productive economically.
The importance of health in our country is acknowledged over the ages through the
saying Aarogyame Maha Bhagyam which means Health is Wealth.
That being the case, things are different today. Our country is fast emerging as the
diabetic capital of the world. It is because of modern life styles, food habits and
declining physical activity. This is a serious socio-economic challenge for our
country.
We have great sporting traditions.
While the present day archers are struggling to hit fixed targets, ages ago, Arjuna
hit the rotating Fish that is Matsya +Yantra to defeat his fellow contenders and win
over Draupadi.
Wrestling (Malla Yuddham) is another ancient sport in our country. There are several
other sport forms in different parts of the country that test the physical as well as
mental faculties.
But with changing times, we have come to lag behind in sports in the international
arena. There is some thing seriously wrong with our priorities and approaches.
In no time, China has emerged as a leading sporting nation even topping medal
tables in international arena. They have a different system to promote sports in a
focused manner but certainly there is no justification for us to lag so much behind.
It is high time we promote sports in a systemic and serious manner not just for
winning medals in international competitions but to ensure better health of our
youth. We shall not forget that our country has the largest number of youth in the
world. If they are not healthy, alert and active, it will have serious implications.
The best way of promoting the culture of sports among the youth is to catch them
young and inculcate among them the love for sports.
It needs to be done through effective awareness campaign about the advantage of
sports and physical activity and also through necessary incentives.
Our educational policy has come to be faulty with more emphasis on learning by
rote(memorizing) and marks and ranks. There is no effort for all round development
of personality of our millions of students, of which, sports shall be an important and
integral component.
In the US and other countries, good sportsmen are encouraged through attractive
fellowships and admissions in prestigious institutions. There is competition for such
students.
But in our country, we only go by marks, grades and ranks. Then where is the
incentive for dedicating time for sports?
In our early days, there used to be regular hours and periods for sports, drill etc. It is
a rarity now. Most of the schools run in concrete buildings without play grounds of
any kind.
School and college curriculum should be recast with at least 10% weightage for
sports, quotas in admission for students who does well in different sports,
reservation in jobs etc.
I am sorry to note that several of our medal winners end up as ticket collectors in
trains and clerks. This is no way to promote sports.
Our Sports Promotion Policy should be such that promising and potential sports
persons in different sports should be identified at relatively young age and should
be given education in special schools and colleges and they should be fully taken
care of till they retire from sports and take up regular employment.
This kind of an enabling environment will promote interest in sports. This will help
our country of over 120 crore people do well at international level besides
promoting the culture of sports among our youth.
There should be special effort to promote rural sports through district and state
level meets regularly with attractive incentives.
At a different level, sport power of a country adds to its stature in the global
scheme of things as had happened in the case of China.
We have come to be a one game nation given our fancy for cricket. Even in that, we
are not consistent.
Things have now begun to change. The football, badminton and Kabaddi leagues
started recently have come to be popular. We should do the same for other sports
like archery, wrestling etc.
Kerala has been in the forefront of promoting sports with several sportsmen from
the state bringing honours for the country.
Regarding selection of cities for development as smart cities, the States and other
stakeholders have suggested the Availability of a Vision and City Development
Strategy, Progress under Swachh Bharat Mission, Timely Payment of Salaries to
Municipal Staff, Information and Grievance Redressal Mechanism and e-News Letter
as basic eligibility conditions for participation in the Smart City Challenge
competition.
For further ranking of cities for final selection, the States have suggested the
parameters and respective weightages that include: Self-financing ability(25%
weightage), Institutional Systems and Capacities(25%), Existing Service Levels and
committed plan of action for 3 years (25%), Past track record in implementing
reforms(15%) and Quality of Vision Document(10%).
On the reforms front, the states have suggested two sets of reforms separately for
small and metropolitan cities, land monetization, increased FAR norms with
transparent policies, quick progress towards e-governance and online service
delivery, Integrated GIS based Master Plans including for sanitation, mobility, land
use, digital connectivity, disaster risk management and climate change, policy
reforms, fixed tenures for Mayors and municipal officials, improving revenues
through 100% collection of taxes and user charges, minimum educational
qualifications for corporators and their capacity building, Economic Master Planning
for cities before physical Master Plans, creation of municipal cadre, credit rating etc.
With regard to financing, the states have suggested that in addition to PPP model,
they should be given the option of EPC(Engineering Procurement Contract), user fee
based concessions to promote private sector participation, imposing impact fee on
organisations that benefit from improved infrastructure, making cluster based
projects to improve viability of projects for private funding, government support for
making projects viable for private investors, unbundling of services to make projects
investment worthy, creation of a low cost pooled fund with the support of Asian
Development Bank, World Bank, Pension Funds, Sovereign Funds etc, Credit Rating
of cities, policy changes to make urban projects viable such as support to sale of
compost prepared from solid waste as given to chemical fertilizers, corporatization
of services etc.
Minister of States Shri Babul Supriyo has urged the state governments to devolve
necessary functions, funds and functionaries to the urban local bodies so as to
enable them to take up the challenges under smart cities initiative.
PRESIDENT
TheVicePresidentofIndiaShriM.HamidAnsarihas said that sinceindependence,our
countryhasmadesignificantprogressinmostaspectsofeconomyandsociety.Indiahas
emergedasthethirdlargesteconomyintheworld,inPurchasingPowerParityterms.Socio
economicindicators,suchpoverty,unemployment,inequality,health,education,housing,
sanitationetchaveshownconsiderableimprovement,especiallyinlasttwodecades.Addressing
atafunctionorganizedbytheIndianMerchantsChamberinMumbai,Maharashtra
today,hesaidthatwehaveattainedselfrelianceinmostagriculturalproductsandareeven
exportingsomeofthem.Ourservicessectoriscountedamongstthebestintheworld.
Manufacturinghasgrownanddiversifiedintohitechareasaswell.Indiasshareinglobaltrade
andinvestmenthasbeenontheupwardtrend,albeitmodestly.Intheseendeavours,thepublic
andtheprivatesectorhavebeenequalpartners.Bothhavemadevaluablecontributionstothe
nationalgrowthanddevelopmentagenda.
Heopinedthatthetask,however,isbynomeansaccomplished.Westillhavethedubious
distinctionofbeinghometothelargestnumberofpoorintheworld.Inequalityinsocialand
economictermsisastarkreality.Unemploymentisrampant.Hunger,malnutrition,disease,
illiteracyandhomelessnessstillafflictalargesectionofourvastpopulation.OurManufacturing
capabilitiesandtheServicessectorneedtogrow,intermsofquantityandquality,ifweareto
matchthelevelsofotherdevelopingcountries,suchasBrazilandChina.Giventhesizeofour
economy,ourshareinglobaltradeandinvestmentalsoshouldbemuchhigher.
TheVicePresidentsaidthatrapidgrowthproducesinclusivenessthroughalargerexpansionin
totalincomeandproductionwhich,directlyraiseslivingstandardsofalargesectionofour
peoplebyprovidingthemwithemploymentandotherincomeenhancingactivities.Italso
generateshigherrevenues,whichhelptofinancecriticalprogrammesofinclusiveness,which
eitherdeliverbenefitsdirectlytothepoorandtheneedy,orincreasetheirabilitytoaccess
employmentandincomeopportunitiesgeneratedbythegrowthprocess.
Hesaidthatempiricalevidenceshowsthatgrowthwithoutequityisnotsustainableinthelong
run.Ontheotherhand,desiredlevelsofequityorinclusioncannotbeattainedwithoutrapidand
sustainedgrowth.Hencethesolutionisnotineitherorbutinboth.Aswepursuefaster,more
inclusiveandsustainablegrowthforthecountrythegovernmentandthecorporatesectorboth
havecriticalrolestoplayinitsrealization.
TheVicePresidentsaidthatBusinessespromotegrowthdirectlybyincreasingproductionand
output.Theyhelpininclusionbygeneratingproductiveemploymentandcreatingwealth.
Businessesareanintegralpartofsociety,andhaveacriticalandactiveroletoplayinthe
sustenanceandimprovementofhealthyenvironment,infosteringsocialinclusivenessand
equity,andinupholdingtheessentialsofethicalpracticesandgoodgovernance.Thisis
commonlyreferredtoasCorporateSocialResponsibility,aptlydefinedbytheWorldBankas
thecontinuingcommitmentbybusinesstocontributetoeconomicdevelopmentwhileimproving
thequalityoflifeoftheworkforceandtheirfamiliesaswellasofthecommunityandsocietyat
large.CSRisthusunderstoodasbeingthewaythroughwhichacompanyachievesabalanceof
economic,environmentalandsocialimperatives,sometimescalledtheTripleBottomLine
Approach,whileatthesametimeaddressingtheexpectationsofshareholdersandother
stakeholders.Thistodayhasbeenrecognizedasbringingsocial,environmentalandethical
responsibilitiesintothegovernanceofbusinessestoensuretheirownlongtermsuccess,
competitivenessandsustainability,besidescontributingtothelargercommongood.Itgoes
beyondcharityandphilanthropy.
HeemphasizedthatthereisagreaterpotentialforCSReffortsfromthebusinesscommunity.
TheanswerhoweverdoesnotlieinenactingnewlawstomakeCSRmandatoryforall.Ithasa
greaterchanceofsuccessthroughvoluntarycommitmentsbyallableenterprises,inprivateor
publicsector.Thiswouldbeawinwinpropositionforthebusinessesandthesocietyinwhich
theyexistandflourish.
Heconcludedthatnoedificeisstableunlessitsfoundationsarestrong.Thisholdsgoodforour
socialedificealso.Moreresourcesandgreatereffortsneedtobedevotedtotheweakest
structuresinoursocietyforthesocialandeducationaldevelopment.InallocationofCSR
resources,theneedsofthepoorestandtheleastsociallydevelopedsegmentsshouldbe
appropriatelyprioritized.Thiswillensuregreatersocialharmonysoessentialfornational
prosperity.
FollowingisthetextofVicePresidentsaddress:
I am happy to be here today in Mumbai at the Indian Merchants Chamber (IMC). This is an
iconic organization which has a rich legacy of representing and promoting Indian business for
over a hundred years. The IMCs history runs parallel to our freedom struggle. It contributed to
the Swadeshi Movement during the colonial rule through an effective advocacy of native
businesses at a time when the Indian economy was meant to subserve the interests of the colonial
one.
I believe that Mahatma Gandhi was associated with the Chamber as an Honorary Member; a
truly rare honour for any institution. The stated mission of the IMC is to provide quality service
to members and the society at large enabling them to grow qualitatively & quantitatively, to
make India a strong economic nation. It is a laudable objective and deserves our commendation.
Sinceindependence,ourcountryhasmadesignificantprogressinmostaspectsofeconomyand
society.Indiahasemergedasthethirdlargesteconomyintheworld,inPurchasingPowerParity
terms.Socioeconomicindicators,suchpoverty,unemployment,inequality,health,education,
housing,sanitationetchaveshownconsiderableimprovement,especiallyinlasttwodecades.
Wehaveattainedselfrelianceinmostagriculturalproductsandareevenexportingsomeof
them.Ourservicessectoriscountedamongstthebestintheworld.Manufacturinghasgrown
anddiversifiedintohitechareasaswell.Indiasshareinglobaltradeandinvestmenthasbeen
ontheupwardtrend,albeitmodestly.Intheseendeavours,thepublicandtheprivatesectorhave
beenequalpartners.Bothhavemadevaluablecontributionstothenationalgrowthand
developmentagenda.
Thetask,however,isbynomeansaccomplished.Westillhavethedubiousdistinctionofbeing
hometothelargestnumberofpoorintheworld.Inequalityinsocialandeconomictermsisa
starkreality.Unemploymentisrampant.Hunger,malnutrition,disease,illiteracyand
homelessnessstillafflictalargesectionofourvastpopulation.
OurManufacturingcapabilitiesandtheServicessectorneedtogrow,intermsofquantityand
quality,ifwearetomatchthelevelsofotherdevelopingcountries,suchasBrazilandChina.
Giventhesizeofoureconomy,ourshareinglobaltradeandinvestmentalsoshouldbemuch
higher.
Thisaudienceisawareofthestrengthsandweaknessesofoureconomyandsocietyandwhat
needstobedoneforustoembarkonfaster,moreinclusiveandsustainablegrowth.Oneaspect
ofitistheongoingdebateongrowthversusequityinournationaldevelopmentstrategy.
TheIMChasalsoadoptedgrowthwithgovernanceasthethemeforitsactivitiesin201415.
Allowme,therefore,todwellontheroleofbusinessinpromotinggrowthwithequity,aspartof
thenationaldevelopmentagenda,includinginthecontextofCorporateSocialResponsibility
(CSR).
Thereisaneedtofocusonthewordssocialandresponsibility.Theserelatetothewider
objectiveofdevelopment:toachievebroadbasedimprovementintheeconomicandsocial
conditionsofourpeople.AnessentialrequisiteforitiscontinuousgrowthofGDPat
acceleratingpace.
Rapidgrowthproducesinclusivenessthroughalargerexpansionintotalincomeandproduction
which,directlyraiseslivingstandardsofalargesectionofourpeoplebyprovidingthemwith
employmentandotherincomeenhancingactivities.Italsogenerateshigherrevenues,whichhelp
tofinancecriticalprogrammesofinclusiveness,whicheitherdeliverbenefitsdirectlytothepoor
andtheneedy,orincreasetheirabilitytoaccessemploymentandincomeopportunitiesgenerated
bythegrowthprocess.
Empiricalevidenceshowsthatgrowthwithoutequityisnotsustainableinthelongrun.Onthe
otherhand,desiredlevelsofequityorinclusioncannotbeattainedwithoutrapidandsustained
growth.Hencethesolutionisnotineitherorbutinboth.
Aswepursuefaster,moreinclusiveandsustainablegrowthforthecountrythegovernmentand
thecorporatesectorbothhavecriticalrolestoplayinitsrealization.
Iwillfocushereontheroleofbusiness.
Businessespromotegrowthdirectlybyincreasingproductionandoutput.Theyhelpininclusion
bygeneratingproductiveemploymentandcreatingwealth.Businessesareanintegralpartof
society,andhaveacriticalandactiveroletoplayinthesustenanceandimprovementofhealthy
environment,infosteringsocialinclusivenessandequity,andinupholdingtheessentialsof
ethicalpracticesandgoodgovernance.
ThisiscommonlyreferredtoasCorporateSocialResponsibility,aptlydefinedbytheWorld
Bankasthecontinuingcommitmentbybusinesstocontributetoeconomicdevelopmentwhile
improvingthequalityoflifeoftheworkforceandtheirfamiliesaswellasofthecommunityand
societyatlarge.
CSRisthusunderstoodasbeingthewaythroughwhichacompanyachievesabalanceof
economic,environmentalandsocialimperatives,sometimescalledtheTripleBottomLine
Approach,whileatthesametimeaddressingtheexpectationsofshareholdersandother
stakeholders.
Thistodayhasbeenrecognizedasbringingsocial,environmentalandethicalresponsibilitiesinto
thegovernanceofbusinessestoensuretheirownlongtermsuccess,competitivenessand
sustainability,besidescontributingtothelargercommongood.Itgoesbeyondcharityand
philanthropy.
Indianentrepreneursandbusinessenterpriseshavealongtraditionofworkingwithinthevalues
thathavedefinedournation`sethos;whetheritwasendowinginstitutionstoactivelyparticipate
inIndiasfreedommovement,orimbuingthemwiththeideaoftrusteeship.CSRinIndiahas
traditionallybeenseenasaphilanthropicactivity.Overtheyears,ithasevolvedfrominstitution
buildingtocommunitydevelopmentthrougheducational,culturalorresearchprojects.
Itnowneedstomoveforwardfromcommunitydevelopmenttobecomingmorestrategicin
naturebygettinglinkedwithbusiness.
TheCompaniesAct,2013hasintroducedtheideaofCSRtotheforefrontbymakingit
mandatoryforcertainclassofenterprises.AccordingtotheIndianInstituteofCorporateAffairs,
aminimumof6,000IndiancompaniesarerequiredtoundertakeCSRprojectsunderits
provisions.SomeestimatesindicatethatCSRcommitmentsfromcompaniescanamounttoas
muchasRs.20,000crores.Whilethiscannotbethepanaceaforallourills,itcancertainlybea
valuablecontributiontowardsournationaldevelopmentaleffort.
Inmyview,thereisagreaterpotentialforCSReffortsfromthebusinesscommunity.The
answerhoweverdoesnotlieinenactingnewlawstomakeCSRmandatoryforall.Ithasa
greaterchanceofsuccessthroughvoluntarycommitmentsbyallableenterprises,inprivateor
publicsector.Thiswouldbeawinwinpropositionforthebusinessesandthesocietyinwhich
theyexistandflourish.
Onelastthought.Noedificeisstableunlessitsfoundationsarestrong.Thisholdsgoodforour
socialedificealso.OurcommitmenttothebasictenetsofourConstitutionmustbereinforced,
institutionsoftheStaterespectedandnationalinstitutionsstrengthenedsothatwecanremain
unitedinallourdiversity.
Inaddition,moreresourcesandgreatereffortsneedtobedevotedtotheweakeststructuresin
oursocietyforthesocialandeducationaldevelopment.InallocationofCSRresources,theneeds
ofthepoorestandtheleastsociallydevelopedsegmentsshouldbeappropriatelyprioritized.This
willensuregreatersocialharmonysoessentialfornationalprosperity.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting02-February, 2015 13:03 IST
Current Communication Scenario offers tremendous opportunity for Government
Communication
Need to harness opportunities in the social media for Enhanced outreach- Shri Arun
The Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs, and Information and Broadcasting, Shri
Arun Jaitley said, as technology influenced change in the communication landscape,
the future belonged to digital media due to its reach, scale, variety and
accessibility. The technological thrust also impacted the nature of information
dissemination in view of changes taking place globally across platforms. These
rapid changes had led to a convergence of technological touch points in the media
space, impacting the nature and flow of information dissemination. Elaborating
further, Shri Jaitley said the nature and character of news dissemination had
undergone change due to the challenges thrown by 24x7 television consistently.
The Camera today had become the prime mover for defining content and setting
the agenda, thereby impacting the flow of news. Shri Jaitley stated this while
inaugurating the Workshop on Streamlining Government Communication
organized by Press Information Bureau under the aegis of the Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting here today at the National Media Centre.
On the relevance and importance of government communication in the changed
communication paradigm, Shri Jaitley said the environment today offered a
tremendous opportunity to stakeholders within the government to disseminate
credible, factual, relevant and reader friendly information. A large constituency
even today existed which required authentic and credible information from the
government. The Minister called upon the participants to package data, facts and
information keeping in mind contemporary tools and trends, media requirements
and content for opinion makers and analysts in the media space.
Regarding the packaging of Government information, the Minister emphasized that
Government Departments needed to optimally utilize their websites to place
ShriBirenderSinghexpressedthehopethatthecurrentinitiativeswilladdresssomeofthe
concernsaroundMGNREGAinadefinitemannerandcontributesignificantlytothemore
efficientimplementationoftheScheme.
Ontheoccasion,MGNREGAdocumentsReporttothePeopleandReportonCapacity
Buildingwerealsoreleased.TheMinistryalsoshowcasedsomeoftheachievementsthrougha
compilationofphotosTowardsCreatingSustainableAssetsunderMGNREGA.Madhya
PradeshhasbeenawardedforitsoutstandingworkintheareaofconvergenceofSchemeswith
MGNREGAandsupportinglivelihoods
ThreeStates,11districts,15PostalDepartmentofficersand9Sarpancheswererecognizedand
awardedfordemonstratingexcellenceandundertakingspecificinitiativestoensureeffective
implementationofMGNREGA.Theseawardswillencourageandmotivateothergroundlevel
functionariesaswelltofurtherimproveimplementationoftheScheme.