Speaker, Lok Sabha Confers 2nd National Photo Awards

Speaker, Lok Sabha Confers 2^nd National Photo Awards

Photo Division keeping pace with technology: Shri Manish Tewari

 Life-Time Achievement Awards given to Shri Pranlal Patel, Shri T.S. Nagarajan, Shri T.N.A. Perumal

The 2^nd National Photo Awards- 2011-12 were conferred today by the Speaker, Lok Sabha, Ms. Meira Kumar to eminent photojournalists at a function held in Vigyan Bhavan. The Life-Time Achievement Awards were given to eminent photographers Shri Pranlal Patel, Shri T.S. Nagarajan and Shri T.N.A. Perumal.

In her address, Ms. Meira Kumar, Speaker, Lok Sabha said the Division through its initiatives had engaged in documentation, production and preservation of photographs through its news photo network, it had converted its conventional images into the digital format.

           Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari said that recognizing the technological advancements in the field of photography, Photo Division had adapted itself to the present-day digital revolution and had begun modernizing its equipment and programmes under Plan Scheme, functional efficacy accordingly. The Minister further added that the initiative of the Photo Division in encouraging other organizations particularly the State Information Departments to initiate the process of Digitization and the Digital Management of the Photographic Images was an important step in mainstreaming the role and relevance of photography in the communication landscape. He added that the endeavour of the Division to obtain very old archival images from different parts of country had enabled the Unit to obtain valuable photographs from the period 1880 onwards.

Lauding the award winners, the Minister said the function was a celebration of life to honour the stalwarts of the Indian photographic movement. Each of them had contributed innovatively in presenting the essence of life, the visual portrayal of India as a nation during the course of history. Their works also reflected the dynamic socio cultural ethos of the country in the realm of change and how photography had touched the pulse of the common man in day to day life.

The profile of the Life Time Achievement Award Winners is stated below:

            Shri Pranlal Patel, 104 years of age, has been the primary school teacher, who was inclined to photography as an amateur photographer but gradually the passion turned into profession. He captured the memories of our struggle for independence through his photographs. His picutures celebrate the glory of black and white. His photographs are not merely a collection of unmatched skills but also repository of social and historical values of time.

            The second recipient Shri T.S. Nagarajan, is an eminent photojournalist whose works have been exhibited and published widely in India and aborad. He has held exhibitions of his works all over the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, Oxford, in 1982. He is a specialist in black and white photography, and has won several awards including the PATA Gold Award in 1987. He has illustrated a book ‘This India, a book for children, in addition to editing a number of picture books. He has written two books ‘A Pearl of Water on a Lotus Leaf…’, a memoir, and ‘Self-Portrait: The Story of My Life’, his autobiography.

            The third recipient, Shri T.N.A. Perumal is the doyen of wildlife photography in India. He embraced bird photography as passionate profession in 1960 and was awarded the artiste FIAP in Nature Photography in 1963 and Excellence FIAP in 1968. He won associateship of Royal Phographic Society of United Kingdom in 1977 and Fellowship of Royal Phographic Society of United Kingdom in 1978 and Master photographer of the Federation del’Art photographique of France in 1983. He is recognised as the father of India Photography. He is a member of Mysore Photographic Society and life member of Federation of Indian Photography. He has more than 1500 acceptances in national and international salons and has over 200 awards and merit certificates to his credit.

             In the Professional Category, the ‘Best Professional Photographer of the Year 2011-12’ has been given to Shri Salil Bera,  who has earned fame in the field of wildlife photography. Shri Bera has a long experience of working with reputed newspapers and magazines like Hindustan Times, Kalantar, Statesman and The Week. He has also won Honorary mention at UNEP Photo Competition in Japan in 2005.

The award of ‘Professional Photographer of the Year 2011-12 on Green India: Environmental Stories’ has been given to Shri Pankaj Sharma, who is among a few in India, who have been hornored with Associateship of India International Photographic Council, New Dehli and Fellowship of Federation of Indian Photography, Kolkata.

The award of ‘Professional Photographer of the Year 2011-12 on ‘Open Category’ was given to Shri Anil Risal Singh. He was also conferred Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society of Britan in 1991, Master Federation Internationale de L-Art Photographique by Federation Internale de L-Art Photographique, France and Charles Wallace Professional grant to visit UK to study photographic collection in different museums in UK in 1999.

Special Mention Awards (Professional) have also been given to Shri Anand Patel, Shri Atul Choubey, Shri Shib Narayan Acharya, Shri Kailash Soni, Shri Vinod Gajjar, Shri Chetan Soni, Shri Dilip Lokre, Shri Kailash Mittal, Shri Sanat Kumar Sinha and Shri Shankar Mandal Mondal.

In the Amateur Category, the ‘Best Amateur Photographer of the Year 2011-12’ has been given to Shri Subhash Jirange, an Accounts Officer with the Government of Maharashtra, who has developed penchant for photography in his early age. He has life membership of Photographic Society of India and Fellowship by Federation of Indian Photography, Kolkata and Associate of Photographic Society of India, Mumbai.

‘The Best Amateur Photographer of the Year 2011-12 on Life and Landscape of India’ was given to Shri Sudip Roychoudhury, who started shooting photos as an amateur in his high school days and received honour EFIAP from Federation International de l’Art photographique, France in 2010, AIIPC from India International Photographic Council, New Delhi in 2007 and FFIP from Federation of Indian Photography in 2005.

‘The Best Amateur Photographer of the Year 2011-12 on Fine Arts’ was given to Shri Debashish Ghosh Ray, who started phography in 1983 and grew up to be pictorial and creative photographer. He was honoured with the excellence of FIAP by the Federation International de-la-Art Photographic, Belgium and Associate of Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain and Fellow of Federation of Indian Photography. His award winning photogaphs have been placed in the album of National Federation of Hungary and International Exchange of photographs organised by FIAP.

Special Mention Awards (Amateur) category have also been given to Shri Asis Kumar Sanyal, Shri Joydeep Mukherjee, Shri Manish Bhatnagar, Shri Debashis Tarafder, Shri Sirsendu Gayen, Shri Subhrajit Basu, Shri Dhrumil Desai, Shri Subir Kumar Dutta, Shri Ganesh Shankar and Shri Rajesh Joshi. 

Digitization Reaches 67% in Phase II Cities

I&B Ministry Constantly Monitoring Digital Switch Over in phase II

Digitization Reaches 67% in Phase II Cities

Complete Digitization achieved in 4 cities, 8 cities achieve more than 75% target 28 cities achieve more than 50%


The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been consistently monitoring the progress made towards digitization during Phase II of the process. The I&B Minister, Shri Manish Tewari has been reviewing the progress on a daily basis. As per the latest data regarding the progress achieved so far 67% of the digitization target has been achieved in 38 cities, set for digitization by 31st March, 2013. As per the data received from the DTH operators and the MSOs, as on 23.03.2013, a total of 108 lakhs Set Top Boxes (STBs) have already been installed in Phase-II cities against the target of 1.60 crore, registering overall achievement of over 67% digitization.

Four cities, namely, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Allahabad, have achieved nearly 100% digitization. 75% digitization has been achieved in 8 cities viz. Jodhpur, Thane, Aurangabad, Jaipur, Pune, Faridabad, Nashik, and Ghaziabad.

Analysis of the data further reveals that out of 38 cities to be digitized in Phase-II, 28 cities have achieved more than 50% digitization individually. These cities are Ludhiana, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Allahabad, Jodhpur, Thane, Aurangabad, Jaipur, Pune, Faridabad, Nashik, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Vadodara, Sholapur, Kanpur, Varanasi, Bangalore, Indore, Ranchi, Lucknow, Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bhopal and Howrah. The Task Force set up by the Ministry has been meeting every week to take stock of the progress of digitization in Phase-II. The Ministry has already conducted second round of meeting with nodal officers of 38 cities on 8.3.2013 to ascertain preparedness in these cities.

As part of the public awareness campaign to sensitize the consumers on the benefits of digitization, the Ministry has also stepped up the Public Awareness campaign through print and electronic media. All India Radio has been broadcasting of the radio jingles on its National and regional networks for creating public awareness. Private FM broadcasters are also airing radio jingles. The Ministry has already brought out a print advertisement in all 38 cities in the respective regional languages. SMS campaign is presently under way in these cities. As part of the awareness initiative, television channels have been frequently running video spots, black out advertisements, scrolls, etc. to make the people aware regarding the benefits of the process and the deadline of the switch over from analogue to digital in the 38 cities set to be digitized under Phase II.

The Control Room of the Ministry, which also has a toll free number, has been receiving a number of calls from consumers of Phase-II cities. In order to facilitate a seamless transition on the due date of 31st March 2013, the Ministry has asked major MSOs to depute their representatives in the Control Room to address and clarify various queries relating to acquisition of Set Top Boxes, various schemes of purchase of STBs, package rates offered by MSOs.

I&B Minister, Sh. Manish Tewari meeting US Ambassador, Ms. Nancy J. Powell and Political Officer, Mr. Chad Thornberry on 26 March 2013: Photo Gallery

PM’s statement prior to his departure for South Africa

I leave today for Durban, South Africa, to attend the Fifth BRICS Summit at the invitation of President Jacob Zuma.

Over the last few years, BRICS has emerged as a consequential voice in the international arena. Close coordination between its members through the means of an annual Summit and several area-specific meetings as necessary has strengthened cooperation and improved the effectiveness of the forum. Given the collective economic weight and global standing of BRICS countries, the forum represents a unique mechanism to address regional and global challenges, particularly in so far as the interests of the developing world are concerned.

As the current BRICS Chair, India received the unstinted support of its partners in successfully implementing the ambitious agenda adopted at the New Delhi Summit in March 2012. The Durban Summit gives us an opportunity to make further progress on the initiatives that we launched in Delhi to deepen intra-BRICS cooperation and fulfill our international responsibilities. I look forward to discussions on new ideas in Durban to advance our goals.

At the time when the world is facing multiple challenges, the Durban Summit provides a useful and timely opportunity to consult and coordinate on a broad range of issues with our BRICS partners. We will discuss ways to revive global growth and ensure macroeconomic stability, as well as mechanisms and measures to promote investment in infrastructure and sustainable development. India will also urge faster movement on reform of institutions of global political and economic governance. It is important that BRICS continue to consult closely on developments affecting global peace and security.

This will be the first BRICS Summit on African soil. The ‘Partnership for Development, Integration and Industrialization’ between BRICS and Africa will be an important theme of the Durban Summit. Given India’s long-standing and close friendship with Africa and our growing economic partnership with the continent, including through the India-Africa Forum Summit mechanism, I look forward to the dialogue that BRICS leaders will have between themselves and, in a special retreat, with a large number of distinguished African leaders who are coming to Durban. I will reaffirm our strong and enduring commitment as a steadfast partner for inclusive development in Africa and for advancing our common interests in international forums.

I will also take the opportunity of my visit to hold substantive bilateral meetings with other BRICS leaders. I look forward to meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It will be an opportunity for me not only to greet the new Chinese President personally, but also to discuss how we can maintain the positive trajectory of our relationship and further strengthen this very important bilateral relationship. I also intend to review with President Putin of Russia the progress in India-Russia relations after the successful Summit in Delhi in December 2012. I also look forward to meeting with President Zuma of South Africa and President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, both of whom will also join us in Delhi in June for the IBSA Summit.

Shri V. Narayanasamy, Minister Of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Personnel, P.G. & Pensions:7,05,976 RTI applications were processed by designated public authorities in the Central Government during the previous financial year

Initiatives Taken by Government to Ensure a Corruption Free, Transparent Administration


Government has taken several initiatives to ensure a transparent and corruption free Administration. Speaking at the National Editor’s conference in New Delhi, Shri V. Narayanasamy, Minister Of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Personnel, P.G. & Pensions highlighted the series of steps taken to provide a Government that is corruption-free, transparent, accountable and responsive at all times. Mr. Narayanasamy listed the RTI act, Lokpal Bill,2011, Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, 2011, “The Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public international Organizations Bill, 2011” and other Administrative measures as part of the efforts to provide a transparent and corruption free Administration.

The Minister informed that empowerment of Citizens under the RTI Act itself is evident from the fact that a total number of 7,05,976 applications were processed by designated public authorities in the Central Government during the previous financial year. Mr.Narayanasamy sought to dispel the notion that Lokpal Bill was brought after the Anna Hazare agitation. He stated that more than five months before this agitation, Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh had constituted a Group of Ministers (GOM) to consider measures that can be taken by the Government to tackle corruption. The GOM has looked into specific issues such as State funding of elections; Fast tracking of all cases of public servants accused of corruption; Ensuring full transparency in public procurement and contracts, including enunciation of public procurement standards and a public procurement policy; Relinquishing discretionary powers enjoyed by Ministers; Introduction of an open and competitive system of exploiting natural resources etc.

The Minister stated that The Lokpal Bill, 2011 has already been passed by the Lok Sabha. The Bill was then referred to a Select Committee of Rajya Sabha. The Select Committee has submitted its report to Parliament. Cabinet has accepted most of the recommendations of the Select Committee. Efforts are now underway to bring the Bill in RS.

Mr. V. Narayanasamy expressed the resolve of the govt. to protect the honest officers and such officers who expose corruption. With this objective in mind, Govt. has formulated Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, 2011, which has been passed by the Lok Sabha and is now pending in the Rajya Sabha.

With regard to the bribery of foreign public officials etc a standalone Bill titled “The Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organizations Bill, 2011” has been introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Prevention of Corruption Act is also being amended to bring the corruption in the Private Sector under its purview.

Mr. V Narayanasamy informed about the thrust being given by the Govt. on efficient functioning of the bureaucracy and need for review of their performance. Rules have been amended to provide for two tiers of intensive reviews of All India Service Officers on completion of 15 years of qualifying service and again on completion of 25 years of qualifying service, to assess the suitability of the officers for their further retention in service.

A number of other legislations have been initiated to usher in greater transparency and accountability. ‘Right of Citizens for time-bound delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill’, 2011, intends to make the Citizens’ Charter statutory and to endow the public with the right to delivery of goods and services in a time bound manner. The Government is making all efforts to move the official amendments in the ongoing budget session.

The minister stated that comprehensive reform attempts are made through the implementation of the recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commissions. The 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission was constituted in 2005 to prepare a detailed blueprint for revamping the public administration system in the country. The ARC had submitted 15 reports containing 1251 recommendations. Out of these 1251 recommendations, more than 900 recommendations have been accepted by the Government.

Mr. V Narayanasamy stressed on the need for E-Governance initiatives for providing a transparent administration. He informed that a framework for efficient handling of public grievances through the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRMS) is already in place. Pilot implementation of the e-Office project, which is one of the mission mode projects under the National e-Governance Plan is being carried out.

The minister informed that the Ministry has taken a number of steps over the years for streamlining the pension administration system for greater convenience and welfare of the pensioners. The Department of Pension & Pensioners` Welfare has developed a web-based `Pensioners` Portal`, a Mission Mode Project (MMP) under the National e-Governance Plan of Government of India. Mr. Narayanasamy listed the New Initiatives taken by Department of Pension that has resulted in significant relief to the pensioners.

Later, the Minister interacted with the media over the various issues concerning his ministry.

Moily sets ambitious target of Energy Independence by 2030

Oil production expected to reach 42.31 MMT in 20112-13; 11.08% higher than previous year
15 MMTPA Paradip refinery likely to be commissioned by November 2013
Dr. M. Veerappa Moily addresses National Editors’ Conference


The Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, speeking at National Editors’ Conference here today(March 24, 2013), said that his government will work towards securing Energy Independence for India. Stressing need for increasing domestic oil & gas production, he said “ Our government will make every effort to reduce nation’s dependence on imported oil.” This is particularly important given that last financial year we imported crude oil worth about US$ 140 billion, he added.
Dr. Moily elaborated a number of steps taken to boost domestic exploration and production of hydrocarbons. These include his ministry allowing exploration in Mining Lease (ML) areas even after completion of exploration period to attract significant investments and add substantial value of oil & gas production in ML areas. The Minister also said that he has rolled out new vision and set ambitious targets to reduce crude oil imports by 50% by 2020, 75% by 2025 and eventually achieve self-sufficiency and Energy Independence for India by 2030. This is possible, he emphasised, as only 73 billon barrels out of 205 billon barrels of prognosticated hydrocarbon resources have been established so far, leaving 133 billion barrels to be unlocked. To speed of implementation of new exploration programmes across the country, Petroleum Ministry recently constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Vijay Kelkar, to prepare a roadmap for enhancing domestic production of oil & gas and sustainable reduction in import dependency by 2030.
The Minister further said the government is working to create enabling and conducive environment to promote investments, by making fiscal terms that are simple to administer. Towards this direction, recommendations of a committee setup by the Prime Minister under the Chairmanship of Dr. C. Rangarajan, are under consideration of the government.
Dr Moily also informed that the domestic crude oil production is expected to reach 42.31 MMT during 2012-13, which would be 11.08% higher than previous year. The increase in production is mainly on account of higher crude oil production from Barmer fields in Rajasthan where current oil production is 1,70,00 bbl/day.
He also said that the recently set up Cabinet Committee on Investments (CCI), a committee to fast-track large-delayed projects, has already given clearance for 5 out of 7 exploration blocks in the No Go area. “We have had series of meetings between the Ministry(MoPNG) and the MoD, and we are very close to resolution based on the principle of co- existence of both National and Energy Security requirements’’, he added. Due to these clearances, the investment already made to the extent of $ 10.71 Billion will be put to use and further investment to the extent of $ 0.6 billion is envisaged in the next few years. Further, after the discovery in these blocks much higher investment is likely to be made.
The Minister also called for ushering Shale Gas Revolution. He announced that Shale Gas Policy will soon finalised to give impetus to domestic gas production. Much like the United States of America, Shale Gas can emerge as an important new source of energy for our nation. India has several shale formations which seem to hold shale gas and are spread over several sedimentary basins such as Cambay, Gondwana, Krishna-Godawari on-land, and Cauvery. To explore and exploit the shale formations, the DGH has initiated steps. It will indentify prospective areas for shale gas exploration. Dr. Moily furthjer informed that a revised CBM Policy is under active consideration of the Government to enable expeditious commencement of CBM gas production in case of captive blocks. There are significant prospects for exploration of CBM as India is having the fourth largest proven coal reserves in the world.
He also said that in order to cater to the country’s growing gas demand, augmentation of LNG import facilities is underway. This include capacity expansion of PLL’s Dahej Plant to reach 12.5 MMTPA by 2013 and 15 MMTPA by 2015-16, besides its 5 MMTPA terminal at Kochi that is expected to be operationalised in next 2-3 month. Further, a 5 MMTPA capacity LNG Regasification plant at Dabol has been commissioned in January 2013. The capacity of HLPL Hazira is also likely to be expanded to 5 MMTPA in next 3-4 years. Capacity addition are also being planned at Dabol and new plant at Mangalore, the Minister said.
To source natural gas from abroad, Minister informed, the Union Cabinet last month gave its approval for the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project and permitted GAIL India Ltd to join the SPV. “His Ministry is actively engaged to expedite TAPI project which will lead to supply of 38 MMSCMD of gas to India from 2017-18.”, Dr Moily added.
He also emphasized that the government is encouraging national oil companies to aggressively pursue equity oil and gas opportunities overseas. Govt recently authorized OVL to acquire Participating Interest (PI) in oil and gas assets in Azerbaijan with an investment of US$ 1001 Million. ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL) has produced about 8.753 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of oil and equivalent gas during the year 2011-12 from its assets abroad with estimated 6.865 MMTOE in 2012-13.
Referring to tremendous progress by Indian refining industry, the Minister said, India is emerging as a refinery hub. “Our refining capacity has witnessed 3.5 times increase from 62 MMTPA in 1998 to 215.07 MMTPA at present. It is projected to increase to over 300 MMTPA by 2016-17”, Moily said. Paradip refinery with capacity of 15 MMTPA is at advanced stage of construction and is likely to be completed by November 2013. . Expansion of Kochi Refinery, Kerala from 9.5 MMTPA to 15.5 MMTPA has been planned with an investment of Rs.20,000 crore. A 9 MMTPA green-field refinery along with petrochemical complex is also being set up at a cost of Rs. 37,229 crore at Barmer, Rajasthan. Since 2001-02 India has been continuing to be a net exporter of petroleum products. Petroleum products constitute the largest merchandise exports with exports of 60 MMT worth more than 58 billion US Dollars in 2011-12.
The Minister also said that the government is committed to make available essential fuels, particularly cooking fuels to the common man at affordable prices. Accordingly, the retail selling price of diesel, PDS-Kereosene and Domesic LPG are being modulated to insulate the common man from the impact of rise in international oil prices and domestic inflationary condition. The under-recoveries incurred by OMCs as a result which is estimated to be about Rs 1,61,00 crore in 2012-13, are being subsidized by the Government, with the support of upstream oil & gas companies. “While keeping interests of the common man in mind, we have not increased the price of PDS Kerosene & Domestic LPG since 25th June 2011,” he stressed. The Minister under lined that the health of the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) need to be protected enabling them to maintain supplies of petroleum products. He also announced that direct benefit transfer to LPG (DBTL) for cash transfer of subsidy to Domestic LPG and PDS Kerosene consumers will be introduced in 2013-14.

A Tribute to Bhagat Singh

On 23rd March, 1931, we all know, Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukhdev were hanged to death. They were given the death sentence in the Lahore conspiracy case. The British Governor-General promulgated an ordinance to establish a special tribunal to try the Lahore conspiracy case, while denying the accused the right to appeal. "By all accounts, it was farcical Trial".
            Lala Lajpat Rai was brutally beaten up by the Superintendent of Police, J.S. Scott, while leading a demonstration against the Simon Commission. He died of fatal injuries on November 17, 1928. Enraged by this brutality, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev and Chandra Shekhar Azad decided to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai's death by killing Scott.
              In the event, it was another police officer, Saunders, who was shot dead by them in a case of mistaken identity.
            The British were left clueless about this killing and, in all probability, Bhagat Singh would never have been arrested and executed if he had not decided to throw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly on 8thApril, 1929, to protest against two draconian Bills. Ironically, it was a poster proclaiming why the British police officer was killed, hand-written by Bhagat Singh, which enabled the British to pin Saunders' killing on Bhagat Singh and his comrades.
History tells us that the three young men showed neither remorse nor fear while they were being taken to the gallows at Lahore Central Jail, but happily embraced death, shouting 'Inquilab Zindabad'.
In fact the song Mera Rang De Basanti Chola, meaning "O Mother! Dye My Robe The Colour of Spring gave birth to one of the greatest and glorious freedom myths. It became Bhagat Singh's song of the gallows. He was said to have marched to the hangman's chamber with this song on his lips. For him death in the cause of freedom was like a celebration.  Bhagat Singh was born on 27 September 1907 at the village of Banga, Lyallpur district (now in Pakistan) the second son of Kishan Singh and Vidya Vati. Bhagat Singh was imbued from childhood with the family's spirit of patriotism. At the time of his birth, his father was in jail for his connection with the Canal Colonization Bill agitation, in which his brother, Ajit Singh (Bhagat Singh's uncle), took a leading part. Through his father, who was a sympathizer and supporter of the Ghadr campaign of 1914-15, Bhagat Singh became an admirer of the leaders of the movement. The execution of Kartar Singh Sarabha made a deep impression on the mind of the young man who vowed to dedicate his life to the country.
Having passed the fifth class from his village school, Bhagat Singh joined Dayanand Anglo-Vedic School in Lahore. In response to the call of Mahatma Gandhi and other nationalist leaders, to boycott government aided institutions, he left his school and enrolled in the National College at Lahore. He was successful in passing a special examination preparatory to entering college. He was reading for his B.A. examination when his parents planned to have him married. He vehemently rejected the suggestion and said that, if his marriage was to take place in Slave-India, my bride shall be only death. Bhagat Singh left home and went to Kanpur where he took up a job in the Pratap Press. When Bhagat Singh was assured that he would not be compelled to marry and violate his vows sworn to his motherland, he returned to his home in Lahore. This was in 1925 when a morcha had been going on at Jaito .
In March 1926 was formed the Naujawan Bharat Sabha. Bhagat Singh, one of the principal organizers became its secretary. After Bhagat Singh was hanged to death, his body was secretly cremated at Husainivala by police and the remains thrown into the River Sutlej. The next day, however, his comrades collected the bodily remains from the cremation site and a procession was taken out in Lahore.
In 1950, after Independence, the land where Bhagat Singh and his companions were cremated was procured from Pakistan and a memorial built. In March 1961, a Shahidi Mela was held there. Every year, on 23 March, the martyr's memory is similarly honoured. The old memorial, destroyed in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, has been rebuilt Bhagat Singh is remembered by the endearing title of Shahid-e-Azam, the greatest of martyrs.

PIB to organize two-day National Editors Conference on 23rd – 24th March

PIB to organize two-day National Editors Conference on 23^rd – 24^th March

FM to Inaugurate the Conference on Social and Infrastructure Issues

The Press Information Bureau, New Delhi is organizing a two day National Editors’ Conference on Social and Infrastructure issues from March 23, 2013. The Conference will be inaugurated by the Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram at Vigyan Bhawan.

The two day Conference will deliberate on crucial policy decisions, success stories and achievements of the Government. The various sessions during the two day duration will be addressed by ministers and key officials representing the core social and infrastructure ministries of the Government. Union Ministers of Rural Development, Communications and IT, Women and Child Development, Minority Affairs, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation will address the various sessions of the Conference. Senior officials from Railway Board and Ministry of Labour and Employment  and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting are also expected to address the Conference.

The Conference will be attended by leading representatives of the regional press comprising of Senior Editors and Chief of Bureaus along with local beat correspondents covering the sessions being addressed by concerned Ministries. The interaction is expected to provide a platform to the media representatives to understand the implementation of crucial policy decisions in the social and infrastructure sector. It will also provide an opportunity for the various ministries to understand the limitations / gaps from a media perspective on the implementation of schemes and programmes. About 70 editors / journalists are likely to attend the 2-day Conference. 

The 2-day deliberations are part of PIB’s effort for enhancing information dissemination at the regional level as an outreach strategy. The focus will be on development issues that has promoted inclusive growth across the country. The Conference is a continuation of PIB’s endeavor of organizing the national deliberations as an annual event on the social and infrastructure sector. Over the last few years, the Press Information Bureau has organized the Conference on similar lines at Aizwal, Srinagar, Guwahati and Puducherry. 

Ensuring Availability of Safe and Adequate Drinking Water Supply Facility in all Rural Habitations

The Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation reviews the implementation of the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) periodically by conducting national and regional review meetings and video conferences with the State Department officers dealing with rural water supply. A National Consultation with State Secretaries in-charge of Rural Drinking Water Supply of all States was held on 18 February 2013 followed by a Consultation with State Ministers In-charge of Rural Drinking Water Supply on 19 February 2013. In the Consultation, the State/UT-wise physical and financial performance under NRDWP in the current year were reviewed, good practices adopted in various states were shared and the need for a Communication Strategy on rural water supply was discussed. The progress of States in the implementation of the NRDWP is also being reviewed during the Annual Action Plan discussions 2013 – 14 being held with the States. States are being advised to expedite physical and financial progress in achieving targets under the Programme. Senior Officers/ Technical Officers of the Ministry also visit the States to observe the progress of implementation of the programme. The review meetings and visits provide information about the implementation of the Programme and enable the Government of India and State Governments to focus on the areas where progress is lacking.

To ensure availability of safe and adequate drinking water supply facility in all rural habitations within a timeframe, rural drinking water has been included as a component of Bharat Nirman. At the commencement of Bharat Nirman on 1.4.2005, 55067 uncovered habitations, 3,31,604 slipped back/partially covered habitations and 2,16,968 quality affected habitations were identified. Of these targeted habitations, at the end of Bharat Nirman Phase-I, on 31.3.2009, there were 627 uncovered, 5,09,403 slipped back/partially covered and 1,79,999 quality affected habitations yet to be covered with provision of safe and adequate drinking water. As on 1.4.2012, there are no uncovered habitations remaining in the country. However as reported by the States out of the 16,64,186 rural habitations in the country 1,04,160 are quality affected and 330,504 partially covered/slipped back habitations. State Governments have been urged to prepare their Annual Action Plans targeting to cover these habitations on priority basis. To achieve the target of providing safe and adequate drinking water to all habitations in the country, the allocation of funds for rural drinking water has been increased substantially from Rs. 2,585 cr. in the year 2004-05 to Rs. 10,500 cr. in 2012-13.



The targets set and achievements made in coverage of rural habitations with safe and adequate drinking water supply under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) during each of the last three years and the current year, as reported by the States/ UTs on the online Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of the Ministry, State/ UT-wise is as follows:



see Annexure 1

Shri Bharatsinh Solanki Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry Of Drinking Water and Sanitation provided this information in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today( March 21. 2013).

Employment News:Job Highlights & Editorial Highlights

I.    Job Highlights 

1. Staff Selection Commission, Delhi

Name of Post- Junior Hindi Translators (in Subordinate Offices) and Hindi Pradhyapak (Central Hindi Institute) etc. Examination, 2013

No. of vacancies-Will be declared due course.

Last Date-19.04.2013.

Date of Exam- 02.06.2012

     2.    Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai

Name of Post- Scientific assistant ‘B’ (Molecular Laboratory), Scientific assistant ‘B’ (C.S, S, D), Scientific assistant ‘B’ (Emergency Labrotory).

No. of vacancies-14

Last Date - Receiving applications is 28.03.2012 up to 5:30 p.m.

     3.    Public Service Commision, Uttar Pradesh

Name of Post-Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services (Gen. Rectt.) Examination-2013 Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services (Special Rectt.) Examination-2013.

No. of vacancies-13

Last Date – 25 April 2013

     4.    National Buildings Construction Limited

Name of Post-Dy.Manager (HRM), Sr. Project Executive (Civil), Sr.Project Executive (Electrical) etc.

No. of vacancies-21

Last Date – The interested candidate can apply on line from 18.03.2013 till

 08.04.2014

     5.    CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur

Name of Post-Senior Scientist, Principal Scientist, Senior Principal Scientist.  

No. of vacancies-7

Last Date –24.04.2013

     6.    Steel Auhthourity OF India Limited

Name of Post- Management Trainee (Technical or Management Trainee (Administration).  

No. of vacancies-558

Last Date – 03.04.2013

     7.    Uranium Corporation Of India Limited- Jharkhand

Name of Post-Dy.General Manager (Mines)/Chief Supdt., Chief Manager (Accountnts), Addl. Controller of Stores, Dy Manager (Accounts). 

No. of vacancies-6

Last Date – 15.04.2013

     8.    Film And Television Institute of  India, Pune

Name of Post-Dean (Films), Professor of TV Production, Professor of Editing, Assistant Professor TV Engineering etc.

No. of vacancies-17

Last Date – Within 60 days from the date of  publication of the advertisement in Employment News.

     9.    National Institute of Hydrology, Uttrakhand

Name of Post- Scientist D, Scientist C and Scientist B

No. of vacancies-15

Last Date – Within 60 days from the date of appearance of Advt.                                            

    10.   Prasar Bharti

Name of Post-Programme Executive, Transmission Executive (General  & Production), Transmission Executive (Scripts), Transmission Executive (Family Welfare etc.

No. of vacancies-1166

Last Date – 19.04.2013

  

            II         Editorial Highlights

1.         The Union Government has recently notified Civil Services Exams (2013) based on the recommendations of the Committee headed by Prof. Arun. S. Nigavekar, Major changes have been made in the format for main examination. For the benefit of candidates, Employment News carried an article with in depth analysis and the implications of the changed format.

2.         The Civil Services interviews are being conducted by UPSC. The Employment News issue of 23-29 March 2013 carried tips on how to face interview. This was written by Sh. R. Nataraj, IPS(Retd.), Chairman, Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission.

3.         The Union Budget 2013-14 has introduced a tax on the super rich. The concept was critically analyzed by the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA).

4.         The issue also highlighted job opportunities in the telecom sector. 

III        Details of Job Vacancies & Editorial content can be seen in Employment New Issue date 23-29 March 2013 to visit www.employmentnews.gov.in (English) and www.rozgarsamachar.gov.in (Hindi).

Need for more wire News Agencies in the Media Sector - Manish Tewari

I&B Minister Participates in the 52nd Anniversary Celebrations of United News of India


Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari has said that taking into account the potential of the growing media sector and the flow of information in the news segment, there existed a case for more wire news agencies being established across the media landscape in the country. The potential was tremendous as these agencies facilitated information flow at the sub regional, regional and national level. The increase in number of news agencies would not only enable local based news being highlighted at the national level, it would also enable such agencies to balance news dissemination at the national and local level. Taking into account the diversity of information dissemination, such mechanisms would enable local issues being highlighted as prominently as those at the national level. The Minister stated this while speaking at the 52nd Anniversary Celebrations of United News of India, here today.

Elaborating further, Shri Tewari said that there was an urgent need to outline sustainable revenue models. Quoting the instance of the digitization process the Minister said it was an attempt to bring about transparency and a long term sustainable process in the broadcasting sector which would help all stakeholders. The revenue models would also have to take into account the parameters that were addressing different audiences with the emergence of new media platforms and instant communication mechanisms.

I&B Ministry to launch Centralised Monitoring System for tracking Encrypted Signals

In a major initiative to monitor the progress of Digitization and to ensure the mandatory adherence of transmitting Digital encrypted signals by Multi System Operators (MSOs), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is in the process of installing a Centralised Monitoring System to keep a tab on the encryption of channels by MSOs. The Centralised Monitoring System will be able to detect those MSOs who do not carry the mandated encrypted signals. MSOs are required to carry encrypted signals of TV channels in areas where digitization has been implemented as mandated by Section 4A of Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. Transmission / Re-transmission of unencrypted signals would amount to violation of Terms and Conditions of MSOs.

For the above purpose, a web based pilot project for the DAS monitoring system installed at Bangalore is undergoing field trials. Once implemented, it will enable the Ministry to keep a watch on the implementation of DAS by all the MSO licensees through this system. To start with, this system will help the users to centrally acquire, log, analyze and prepare report on the status of DAS parameters like total number/name of channels, encryption status etc of cable TV signals of head end of each registered MSO across the country in real time. This system can be augmented in future for content monitoring of the cable TV channels at local levels. It is expected that the system will also evolve as an alternative indicator of Television viewing by consumers.

Karnataka Legislative Assembly Elections Schedule & other Preparations

The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri V.S. Sampath holding a Press Conference, in New Delhi on March 20, 2013. The Election Commissioner, Shri H.S. Brahma is also seen.

The term of the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka will expire on 03.6.2013. By virtue of its powers, duties andfunctions under Article 324 read with Article 172(1) of the Constitution of India and Section 15 of the Representation of thePeople Act, 1951, the Election Commission of India is required to hold elections to constitute the new Legislative Assembly in the State of Karnataka before expiry of its present term.

1. Assembly Constituencies:



The total number of Assembly Constituencies in the State of Karnataka and the seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, as determined by the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008, are as under:


Total No. of A. C.s 224

Reserved for SCs     36

Reserved for STs     15

2. Electoral Rolls:



The electoral rolls of all the existing Assembly Constituencies in the State have been revised, with reference to 01.01.2013 as the qualifying date, and have been finally published in two phases (for 178 ACs on 16.1.2013 and for the remaining 46 ACs on 28.1.2013). As per the final published electoral rolls, total electors in the State are 4,18,75,267.

3. Photo Electoral Rolls:

Photo electoral rolls will be used during the forthcoming general election. Photo percentage in Photo electoral rolls of Karnataka is 98.69%.

4. Identification Of Voters And Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) :

Identification of the voters at the polling booth at the time of poll shall be mandatory. Electors who have been provided with EPIC shall be identified through EPIC only. Presently, the EPIC coverage in Karnataka is 98.37 %.

All the residual electors are advised to obtain their Electoral Photo Identity Cards from the Electoral Registration Officers of their Assembly Constituency.

In order to ensure that no voter is deprived of his/her franchise, if his/her name figures in the Electoral Rolls, separate instructions will be issued regarding additional documents for identification of voters, if needed.

5. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs):
The poll in Karnataka will be conducted at all polling stations using EVMs. The Commission has already made arrangements to ensure availability of adequate number of EVMs for smooth conduct of elections. The first level checks of EVMs has been done in the presence of representatives of political parties in accordance with the instructions of the Commission. A two-stage randomization of EVMs shall be made. In the first stage, all the EVMs stored in the District storage center are randomized by the District Election Officer (DEO) in the presence of the representatives of the recognized political parties for allocation to assembly constituencies. In the second stage EVMs are again randomized to decide the actual polling stations in which they will be ultimately used. The second stage randomization is done in the presence of General Observers and candidates or their election agents. EVMs will be prepared and set for elections after the contesting candidates are finalized in presence of candidates. At this stage also, candidates or their agents/representatives will be allowed to check and satisfy themselves in every manner about the functionality of the EVMs.

6. Law and Order and Deployment of Forces:
Based on the assessment of the ground situation, Central Police Forces (CPF) and State Armed Police (SAP) drawn from other States will also be deployed during the ensuing general elections. The CPF and SAP will be used generally for safeguarding the polling stations, the electors, poll-material and the polling personnel. Besides, these forces will be used for securing the strong rooms where the EVMs are stored pending counting and for securing the counting centers and for other purposes, as required.

The Commission has been issuing instructions from time to time with regard to the advance preventive measures to be taken by the District Magistrates and Police authorities to maintain Law & Order and to create atmosphere conducive for conduct of free and fair elections. The Commission will be constantly monitoring the ground situation closely and will take appropriate measures to ensure peaceful, free and fair polls.

7. General Observers:
The Commission will deploy General Observers in adequate number to ensure smooth conduct of elections. The Observers will be asked to keep a close watch on every stage of the electoral process to ensure free and fair elections. Their names, addresses within the district/constituency and their telephone numbers will be publicized in local newspapers so that the general public can quickly approach them for any grievance redressal. The Observers will be given a detailed briefing by the Commission before their deployment. Commission may also deploy Police Observers to keep a close watch on law & order situation.

8. Election Expenditure Monitoring:
The Commission has also decided to appoint adequate number of Expenditure Observers and Assistant Expenditure Observers who will exclusively monitor the election expenditure of the contesting candidates. For greater transparency and for ease of monitoring of Election Expenses, Candidates would be required to open a separate bank account and incur their election expenses from that very account. Comprehensive instructions for the purpose of effective monitoring of the election expenditure of the candidates, have been issued, which include formation of flying squads, video Surveillance Teams, involvement of Investigation Directorates of Income Tax Deptt. etc.

The formats, for filing of affidavits regarding criminal backgrounds, assets, liabilities and education qualification of the candidates have been combined into one format (Form 26) and modified to include a summary sheet. All candidates must ensure that they file their affidavits in the revised format (Form 26) only. The revised format is available on the ECI website and in Returning Officer’s handbook.


Necessary instructions have been issued to the CEO to ensure briefing of political parties and Media in the districts about ‘paid news’ and the mechanism to check ‘paid news’. Representatives of Political Parties and Media Organizations are briefed by the Election Commission.

To deal with the issue of ‘Paid News’, a mechanism has been laid out with three tier of Media Certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMC) at District, State and ECI level. Revised comprehensive instruction on ‘paid news’ have been issued on 27th August, 2012 and is available on ECI Website, which will be supplemented by further instructions.

9. Micro Observers:
In addition to General Observers, the Commission will also deploy Micro- observers to observe the poll proceedings in the polling stations on the poll day in selected critical polling stations. They will be chosen from Central Government/Central PSUs officials. Micro-Observers will observe the proceedings at the polling stations on the poll day right from the mock poll to the completion of poll and the process of sealing of EVMs and other documents to ensure that all instructions of the Commission are complied with by the Polling Parties and the Polling Agents. These Micro-Observers will work directly under the control and supervision of the General Observer. They will be tasked to ensure purity of polling process and will report to the General Observers directly about any vitiation of the poll proceedings in their allotted polling stations.


10. Conduct of Officials:
The Commission expects all officials engaged in the conduct of elections to discharge their duties in an impartial manner without any fear or favour. They are deemed to be on deputation to the Commission and shall be subject to its control, supervision and discipline. Several instructions have been issued from time to time to ensure impartiality of officials who are engaged in the conduct of elections. The conduct of all Government officials who have been entrusted with election related responsibilities and duties would remain under constant scrutiny of the Commission and strict action shall be taken against those officials who are found wanting on any account. The Commission has already given instructions that no election related official or Police officer of the rank of Inspector and above shall be allowed to continue in his home district. Besides, instructions have also been issued that election related officials including police officials of Inspector level & above who have completed three years in a district during last four years should be transferred out of that district. Police officers of the rank of Sub Inspectors who have completed three years in a Sub Division/Assembly Constituency or are posted in their home sub division/assembly constituency shall be transferred out of that Sub Division and the Assembly Constituency. The State Government has also been asked to transfer all those officers against whom the Commission has recommended disciplinary action or who have been charged for any lapse during previous elections or for any election related work, from positions entailing any election work. The State Government has been instructed to ensure that those who stand transferred shall move out physically from their last place of posting and shall not remain there on any pretext including leave. The Commission has also instructed the State Government not to associate any officer with the electoral process against whom charges have been framed in a court of law in any case.

11. Protection to SC/ST Electors:
As per Section 3 (1) (vii) of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, whoever, not being a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, forces or intimidates a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe not to vote or to vote for a particular candidate or to vote in a manner other than that provided by law shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to five years and with fine. The Commission has asked the State Government to bring these provisions to the notice of all concerned for prompt action.

12. Polling Stations:
There are a total of 50446 Polling Stations in the State of Karnataka as on the date of final publication of electoral rolls.

For the facility of physically challenged persons, instructions have been issued to ensure that all polling stations as far as practicable, are located at ground floor and ramps are provided. Facilitation shall also be provided for locating electors’ names in a polling station or a group of polling stations through help lines and facilitation centers.



13. Polling Parties and Randomization:



Polling parties shall be formed randomly, through special application software. Three-stage randomization will be adopted. First, from a wider district database of eligible officials, a shortlist of a minimum 120% of the required numbers will be randomly picked up. This group will be trained for polling duties. In the second stage, from this trained manpower, actual polling parties as required shall be formed by random selection software in the presence of General Observers. In the third randomization, the polling stations will be allocated randomly just before the polling party’s departure. There shall be randomization for such Police Constables and Home guards also, who are deployed at the polling stations on the poll day.



14. District Election Plan:



The District Election Officers have been asked to prepare a comprehensive district election plan in consultation with SPs and Sector Officers including the route plan and communication plan for conduct of elections. These plans will be vetted by the Observers taking into account vulnerability mapping exercise and mapping of critical polling station in accordance with Election Commission of India’s extant instructions.



15. Videography:



All critical events will be video-graphed. District Election Officers will arrange sufficient number of video and digital cameras and camera teams for the purpose. The events for videography will include filing of nominations, scrutiny thereof and allotment of symbols, First Level Checking, preparations and storage of Electronic Voting Machines, important public meetings, processions etc. during campaign, process of dispatching of postal ballot papers, polling process in identified vulnerable polling stations, storage of polled EVMs, counting of votes etc. Digital cameras will also be deployed inside polling booths wherever needed and inside all counting centers. CDs of video recordings will be available on payment to anyone who wishes to obtain a copy of the same.



16. Model Code of Conduct:



The Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately from now onwards. All the provisions of the Model Code will apply to the whole of Karnataka with effect from today itself. Attention of the political parties and candidates is particularly invited to the following provisions of the Model Code:-

“There shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes. Mosques, Churches, Temples or other places of worship shall not be used as forum for election propaganda.”



17. Voter Slips:

To facilitate the voters to know where he/she is enrolled as a voter at a particular polling station and what is his/her serial number in the Electoral roll, the Commission has directed that voter slip along with Photo (wherever present in the roll) will be distributed to all enrolled voters by the District Election Officer. It has also been directed that the said voter slip should be in the languages in which electoral roll is published for that Assembly Constituency.



18. Complaint redressal mechanism – Call Center and Website based:

The poll going State shall have a complaint redressal mechanism based on website and call center. The number of call center is 1950 which is a toll free number. The URL of the complaint registration website will be announced by the Chief Electoral Officer separately. Complaints can be registered by making calls to the toll free call center numbers or on the web site. Action will be taken within time limit on all complaints. Complainants will also be informed of the action taken by SMS and by the call center. Complainants can also see the details of the action taken on their complaints on the website.



19. Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP):

Comprehensive measures for voters’ education and outreach were taken up during the Roll Revision process in the State of Karnataka. These measures will continue during the electoral process. The Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka has been directed to ensure wide dissemination of election related information and also for carrying out SVEEP campaigns as well as adequate facilitation measures through engagement of appropriate partner agencies for ensuring wider participation of voters in polling. Awareness Observers are being appointed in every district of the State to make sure that SVEEP measures have been implemented and the level of information, motivation and facilitation of voters is duly high.



20. Schedule of Election:



The Commission has prepared the Schedule for holding General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka after taking into consideration all relevant aspects, like the climatic conditions, academic calendars, festivals, prevailing law and order situation in the State, availability of Central Police Forces, time needed for movement, transportation and timely deployment of forces, and assessment of other ground realities. The Commission after considering all relevant aspects has decided to recommend to the Governor of the State, to issue notification for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka under the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The Election Schedule for the abovementioned general election is annexed at Annexure-I.

All Instructions/Guidelines of the Commission regarding this election can also be seen by visiting Commission’s website “ www.eci.nic.in”.





Annexure-I



Schedule for General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Karnataka






Event

Date (day)


1. Issue of Notification

10.4.2013 (Wednesday)


2. Last date of making Nominations


17.4.2013 (Wednesday)


3. Scrutiny of Nominations

18.4.2013 (Thursday)


4. Last date for withdrawal of Candidatures

20.4.2013 (Saturday)


5. Date of Poll

5.5.2013 (Sunday)


6. Counting of Votes

8.5.2013 (Wednesday)


7. Date before which election shall be completed

11.5.2013 (Saturday)


8. Hours of Poll

8.00AM to 5.00PM

पुनर्वास और मुआवजा पैकेज

पुनर्वास और मुआवजा पैकेज


जैतापुर परमाणु विद्युत परियोजना से प्रभावित व्यक्तियों के लिए व्यापक पुनर्वास पैकेज संबंधी एक करार पर न्यूक्लियर पावर कारपोरेशन ऑफ इंडिया लिमिटेड (एनपीसीआईएल) और महाराष्ट्र सरकार के बीच 16 अक्तूबर 2010 को हस्ताक्षर किए गए थे। पुनर्वास पैकेज में मुआवजे के अलावा, पुनर्वास अनुदान, विस्थापित महिलाओं, आश्रयहीन अथवा विस्थापित व्यक्तियों हेतु जीवन काल के लिए न्यूनतम पेंशन, परियोजना से प्रभावित प्रत्येक परिवार के एक व्यक्ति के लिए रोजगार का प्रावधान अथवा रोजगार के बदले एक मुश्त मुआवजा, स्थानीय लोगों को अपने कौशल में सुधार लाने के लिए प्रशिक्षण, छात्रवृत्ति देना आदि शामिल हैं।


फरवरी 2013 में महाराष्ट्र सरकार ने अधिग्रहण की गई भूमि के बदले में प्रति हेक्टेयर 22.50 लाख रूपये अतिरिक्त मुआवजा देने की घोषणा की है। इसके अनुसार परमाणु ऊर्जा विभाग ने राज्य सरकार को निधियां जारी करना सैद्धांतिक रूप से मान लिया है।

जैतापुर की तर्ज पर अन्य राज्यों में भी परमाणु ऊर्जा परियोजनओं की स्थापना के लिए भूमि अधिग्रहण के लिए मुआवजा देने का कोई निर्णय नहीं लिया गया है।

कार्मिक, लोक शिकायत एवं पेंशन मंत्रालय तथा प्रधान मंत्री कार्यालय में राज्य मंत्री श्री नारायणसामी ने आज(March 20, 2013) लोकसभा में एक प्रश्न के लिखित उत्तर में यह जानकारी दी।

Government’s statement on resolution related to Sri Lankan Tamils issue

Following is the text of the statement made by the Government, to media, on the resolution related to the Sri Lankan Tamils issue:

“We wish to share with you certain developments since the last week end.

The President of the DMK, Shri M Karunanidhi, wrote a letter to the Prime Minister on the Sri Lanka issue with particular reference to the Resolution that is under consideration by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Shri A. K. Antony, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad and I visited Chennai on 18.3.2013 to discuss the contents of the letter with Shri M Karunanidhi and his senior colleagues. As you are aware – and as disclosed by Shri M Karunanidhi – the DMK urged the Government to bring amendments to the draft Resolution before the UNHRC and also to take steps to bring a Resolution to be adopted by Parliament. We returned to Delhi late on the night of 18.3.2013.

On the morning of 19.3.2013, Smt. Sonia Gandhi addressed the Congress Parliamentary Party and stated, inter alia,

“The plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka is very close to our hearts. Our support for their equal rights and equal protection of the laws to them has been unwavering since the days of Indiraji and Rajivji. We are most pained at the manner in which their legitimate political rights continue to be denied to them. We are anguished by reports of unspeakable atrocities on innocent civilians and children, especially during the last days of the conflict of 2009. That is why we demand an independent and credible inquiry into the violation of human rights in Sri Lanka.”

Shortly thereafter, at about 10.00 AM, the Core Group met to discuss the outcome of the meeting in Chennai. It was decided to formulate amendments to the draft Resolution before the UNHRC. It was also decided to consult political parties on bringing a Resolution to be adopted by Parliament. Even as the meeting was underway, the media reported that Shri M Karunanidhi had announced that the DMK would withdraw its Ministers from the Government and would withdraw support to the UPA. He also stated that if Parliament adopted a Resolution before the end of the current sittings, the DMK would reconsider its decision.

We are not aware of the reasons why the DMK changed its position between the night of 18.3.2013 and the morning of 19.3.2013.

Nevertheless, Government began to formulate amendments to the draft Resolution before the UNHRC. The amendments were finalized yesterday. India’s Permanent Representative to the UNHRC is in Delhi for consultations. He will be given suitable instructions to move the amendments at the meeting of the UNHRC. A section of the media has reported that India worked with the United States to ‘dilute’ the text of the draft Resolution. This is a canard. The story is stoutly denied. India’s position has always been – and remains – that the UNHRC should adopt a strong Resolution that would send a resolute message to Sri Lanka and goad Sri Lanka to accept an independent and credible investigation.

On the issue of a Resolution to be adopted by Parliament, my colleague the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kamal Nath, began consultations yesterday with the political parties. Opinion on the matter is divided. The consultations are continuing and it may be possible to reach a conclusion only later today.

The Core Group and other senior Ministers met several times yesterday to review the situation. Even as another meeting was underway late last night, DMK leaders met the President of India and gave a letter withdrawing support. We are not aware of the reasons why the DMK changed its position between the morning of 19.3.2013 and the night of 19.3.2013.

In the meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has written a letter dated 18.3.2013 to the Prime Minister urging that India should move amendments to the draft Resolution before the UNHRC.

As far as the Government is concerned, our position is that we intend to move amendments to the draft Resolution before the UNHRC. We will also continue to consult political parties on bringing a Resolution to be adopted by Parliament.”

Measures to Check Cheating of investors by Unscrupulous Companies

Cheating of investors by unscrupulous companies takes many forms, such as: ‘vanishing’ after raising money through public offers; illegal collection of deposits in violation of Section 58A of the Companies Act, 1956; floating sham ‘Collective Investment Schemes (CIS)’ in violation of SEBI Act; collecting money from public by posing as ‘Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in violation of RBI Act; and resorting to ‘Ponzy’ or money circulation schemes under the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has taken action against ‘vanishing companies’ which have raised funds through initial public offer but thereafter are not traceable. The Ministry has also taken action against certain companies which have failed to repay deposits to public violating Section 58A of the Companies Act, 1956.

Complaints of cheating by companies - which promised high rates of interests to investors, have been received against 87 companies. In these cases Inspection under Section 209A/ Investigation under Section 234 of the Companies Act, 1956 has been ordered. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) also looked into the affairs of 669 companies whose operations were in violation of SEBI (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 1999. The amount collected by these companies was about Rs 7,435 crore. Out of these companies, 75 have been wound up and the money refunded to the investors. A total of 552 companies were prosecuted; convictions have been secured in 124 cases.

RBI also regulates deposits / investments of the public with Non- banking Finance Companies (NBFC) that are registered with RBI. Complaints received against companies posing as NBFC’s and Unincorporated bodies indulging in cheating / fraud are forwarded by RBI to the Economic Offenses Wing of the State Police for investigation and further action.

There are certain companies which have floated fraudulent investment deposits mobilizing schemes (also called ponzi schemes) under various guises and are liable for action under the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978. This Act is administered by Ministry of Finance (Department of Financial Services) through the State Governments.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has constituted a Steering Committee to develop a “Fraud Prediction Model” aimed at generating alerts for prevention of fraud and malfeasance. It is also proposed to revamp the existing Market Research & Analysis Unit (MRAU) in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) to enable it to function as an intelligence unit. Giving a fillip to the early establishment of a state-of-art Forensic Lab within the premises of SFIO in the national capital; and the development of a Comprehensive Early Warning System (EWS) for detection of corporate fraud and malfeasance at the earliest, three important MoUs have been signed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. These MoUs are:

Between Director, SFIO ( which functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs) and Director, National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), a scientific organization under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology;

Between Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Director, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND), an agency under the Ministry of Finance; and

Director, SFIO and Director, FIU-IND.

As per the Memorandum, NIELIT will set up a state-of-art Forensic Lab within the premises of SFIO - with a total outlay of Rs. 3.80 Crore on a turnkey basis, to be completed in two phases. The MoUs signed with FIU-IND will lead to better and faster exchange of information between the three Government entities. FIU has been playing a pivotal role in the collection and dissemination of information on suspicious banking transactions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. FIU-IND has been helping both the Ministry and SFIO from time to time by supplying information on suspicious banking transactions. Having access to banking information as well as expertise of FIU, the MoU will help SFIO in conducting its investigation in a more effective manner. These initiatives will facilitate development of a comprehensive EWS for detection of fraud and malfeasance at the earliest.

The concerned regulatory agencies of the Central Government have adopted different measures aimed at sensitizing the public of the need to be cautious while making investments into schemes, etc. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs conducts Investor Awareness Programs (IAP’s) for making the public aware of the various instruments of investments available to them. Similarly, RBI issues notice in newspapers regularly to caution the public against the design of entities in collection of deposits illegally. Editors of Newspapers are also sensitized to exercise caution for accepting advertisements pertaining to acceptance of deposits by un-incorporated bodies. Presently, RBI is in the process of undertaking a comprehensive campaign aimed at alerting the public against falling prey to the Ponzy schemes and other monetary mal-practices. SEBI also conducts Investor Awareness Programs in cities / towns across the country and has recently launched publicity campaigns through electronic and print media.

-K. K. Pant

Deputy Director (Media & Communication), PIB.
(with Inputs from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs)

Minister launches AIR Services on New Media Platforms

Presence on Social Media enables AIR to keep pace with contemporary trends- Manish Tewari

Minister launches AIR Services on New Media Platforms

New platforms to also include Mobile Applications for Android phones

The Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari today launched the New Media Platforms of All India Radio with regard to Live Streaming of AIR Urdu Service, FM Gold, AIR Youtube Channel and Android based mobile phone application of AIR News.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Tewari said the advent of AIR on Social Media Platforms was an important step in enhancing its outreach across the country. This initiative would enable it to reach out to the audience that was accessing Social Media Platforms on 24 X 7 basis. It would also enable AIR to keep pace with contemporary trends in the Social Media space. With the use of Social Media, people could now access the content of AIR in any part of the globe. This was a landmark step in the history of AIR broadcasting, as live webcasting would give the public broadcaster a new profile as far as news dissemination in real time was concerned.  This initiative would also enable the listeners of AIR to access the archives at one click of a button.

Regarding the Android based mobile application developed for accessing News stories from the AIR News Network, Sh. Tewari said, apart from catering to news and information needs of audiences both domestic and external, this innovative technology would enhance the profile, content and reach of its National and Regional bulletins in Regional Languages in the audio form. The integration with mobile applications would address the communication needs of the youth and the audience that followed new technologies. The Minister complimented AIR for developing special news based programmes through the Android Applications.

The launch function was attended by Secretary I&B, Chairperson Prasar Bharati, CEO Prasar Bharati and other senior officials of the Ministry and Prasar Bharati.

Highlights of the New Media Platforms:

Live Streaming of AIR URDU SERVICE & FM GOLD:

AIR URDU SERVICE

Urdu Service of All India Radio launched on 15th May, 1965 is one of the most popular Radio Channels in the Sub-continent.  Urdu Service has gained a lot of mileage in broadcasting because of its rich content, presentation and performance. Seasoned and experienced broadcasters of yester years like Mujeeb Siddiqui, Iqbal Warsi, Mariam Kazmi, S. M. Shafique etc. have left an indelible mark on the listeners. 

Some of the most popular programmes of Urdu Service include:

Tameel-e-Irshad, Aap ki Farmaish, Aap ki Pasand, Awaz De Kahan Hai, Jahan Numa, Aaj ki Baat, Manzar Pas Manzar and Fikr-o-Khyal and Roobaroo etc. Besides this, Urdu Service also broadcasts variety of programmes on Women, Children, Youth, Sports, Science, Health, Cultural/Literary etc.

FM Gold

FM Gold Channel came on air on 1st September, 2001. Broadcast from AIR Delhi as a niche infotainment channel, it has 30% News and Current Affairs component and 70% entertainment programming. FM Gold is available in the four Metros. The 24 Hour AIR’s channel FM Gold - Khara Sona (Pure Gold) is available on 106.4 MHz and has been voted the most popular FM Channel in Delhi.

The live streaming of these two channels shall be available on the AIR website any time, anywhere across the world. www.allindiaradio.org  & www.allindiaradio.gov.in 

YouTube Channel of AIR

The YouTube channel of AIR shall initially carry the clips from AIR Archives portraying India’s cultural diversity and the grandeur of heritage it has been known for in the comity of nations. AIR shall also use this portal for contemporary developments in India’s socio-cultural life. The YouTube channel shall eventually into a full-fledged portal for the entire AIR network.