New Culture in Governance is the thrust of the government – Prakash Javadekar

Panaji, 31-May-2014

At the time Atal Bihari Vajpayee took the reins of NDA Government in 1998, the growth rate was a mere 4 percent and when in 2004 NDA demitted office the growth rate was 8.5 percent. During the gap of ten years when UPA was in power, the growth rate has again come down to 4 percent. It is now the challenge before the new government to raise the growth rate upto two digits. The thrust of the government is economic revival of the country.  And the government is confident that it will be achieved, said Shri Prakash  Javadekar, Union Minister of State (IC) of Information and Broadcasting, Environment and Forests and Parliamentary Affairs. He was addressing Goa Ads Fest 2014 at Bombolim, Goa. The minister said that nation building is not a one way affair and the government is trying to achieve participatory democracy where the cooperation of the all stakeholders would be taken in process of nation building. He assured complete freedom to media and said that before taking any decision the government would certainly discuss with all stakeholders in the media sector.  Shri Javadekar made it clear that the government wants to abolish quota, permit and license raj.

Later addressing the press the minister said Doordarshan and Akashavani would be revived and strengthened to make them as number one broadcaster.  He said the Kasturirangan report and other issues of environment and mining will be discussed on June 4^th 2014 and speedy resumption of mining in Goa will be ensured.

 

I&B Ministry Offers to facilitate Social Media Outreach of the Government

Minister for Information & Broadcasting Shri Prakash Javadekar has requested all Central Ministers to disseminate their policy initiatives through the Communication Hub under the aegis of New Media Wing of the Ministry of I&B.  Firmly believing in prolific use of social media, the I&B Minister wrote to his Cabinet colleagues for utilising this Communication Hub as a one-stop place for Social Media outreach based on Hub and Spoke model.

This is in adherence to the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who has desired that Social Media platforms should be used extensively for transparency and better governance.

In his letter, Shri Javadekar mentioned that each Ministry/department may liaise with the New Media Wing which will cater to all its needs i.e. disseminating information through packaging and placing of content, wider reach through variety of tools and response management. He further wrote that the two-way interaction envisaged in this endeavor would provide a 360 degree communication approach to the government and hence help in last man connectivity. The Minister has also offered support to all Ministries/Departments in facilitating the working of their Twitter, facebook accounts.

Shri Prakash Javadekar Takes Charge as Environment Minister

Launches New System for Online Submission of Applications for Environmental Clearance 

A new system for online submission of applications for environmental clearances has been launched here today by Shri Prakash Javadekar. While interacting with the media persons after taking charge as Minister of State (I/C) of Environment, Forest and Climate change, Shri Javadekar said that the new system will bring in the following benefits to the stakeholders: 

1. Transparency in the application processes for environmental clearance 
2. Online real-time monitoring and adherence to timelines for verification 
3. Stage-wise approval and compliance mechanism 
4. A more user-friendly application process 

Shri Javadekar further stated that under the new system, the applicant will have to register on the website, upon which he/she shall be provided with a password. This shall ensure security, while simultaneously maintaining transparency between the Ministry and the applicant. 

The Minister also said that there shall be a maximum time limit for the entire approval process, with stage-wise timelines. He also said that continuous efforts shall be made to bring down the timelines for each stage. Every state shall be taken along and that the aspirations and difficulties of state Governments will be duly considered; at the same time, active co-operation from them in nation building will be expected, the Minister added. Shri Javadekar said that this will be done without making any compromise whatsoever on the ongoing efforts to preserve the environment. He added that the application for forest clearances too shall be made online next month. 

No contradiction between Growth and Environmental Protection 

The Minister said that growth and environmental protection go hand in hand; both are possible and there is no contradiction between the two. He said both of these will be pursued together. He said that it is not a question of environment versus growth and that sustainable development has become the catchword. 

Shri Javadekar said that the addition of the words “Climate Change” in the name of the Ministry is significant. He said that India should present its case in international forums very forcefully. He added that preparations are already underway for the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is expected to take place in December 2015, in Paris, France. 

The Minister announced also that a half-day leadership motivation conference shall be held next week for the senior Officials of the Ministry in order to instill a change in mindset. 

Earlier in the day, on assuming office, senior officials of the Ministry welcomed the Minister, after which the Minister reviewed the activities of the Ministry. 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

MoU for Tapping Solar Energy at AAI Airports

As a part of the series of efforts of Airports Authority of India (AAI) in tapping alternative sources of energy, the organization is going to establish solar power plants at its airports to meet not only its own requirements but also to feed the surplus power generated to the local grid. An MoU between AAI and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) was signed today in the presence of Shri Ashok Lavasa, Secretary, Civil Aviation , Shri Alok Sinha, Joint Secretary, MoCA & Chairman, AAI and Shri Rajendra Nimje, MD, SECI for the establishment of solar power plants at AAI Airports. The MoU was signed by Shri Sudhir Raheja, Member (Planning), AAI and Shri Rakesh Kumar Director, SECI from Solar Energy Corporation (SECI) at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi. 

On this occasion, Shri Ashok Lavasa, Secretary, Civil Aviation, highlighted the importance of tapping solar energy through various outlets including storage of power generated in rechargeable batteries. He also emphasized to use the full potential including roof top surfaces as large areas are available at airports. He stated that utilization of stored energy in an efficient and effective manner is very important and as such AAI shall identify the outlets where the tapped energy can be channelized including other applications of renewable energy for various establishments at airports. He said that projects shall be accomplished in a time bound manner and the airport-wise specific timelines shall be worked out and followed up for effective implementation. 

AAI’s plan includes installation of 50 MW capacity plants (cumulative capacity in Phase I) which will be enhanced to 150 MW(cumulative) over a period of time. The plants will be installed on surplus land available with AAI and at large roof tops of AAI’s structures. In all about 30 Airports have been identified by AAI for establishment of solar power plants. Setting up of solar plants will not only achieve significant savings in power bills over a period of time but also result in relief in significant saving in carbon emissions apart from making airports self sustainable so far as energy requirement is concerned. 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Shri Narendra Modi assumes office as 15th Prime Minister of India

Shri Narendra Modi today assumed office as the Fifteenth Prime Minister of India. 

Shri Narendra Modi offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in his office at South Block, and assumed charge of the office of Prime Minister. 

Shri Narendra Modi as an able administrator, has focused on good governance initiatives as well as development to bring about qualitative change in the lives of the people. He has adopted the guiding principle of “Minimum Government and Maximum Governance” and also rationalization with a commitment to bring a change in the work culture and style of governance. 

He held a short briefing with the Principal Secretary to PM Shri Nripendra Mishra and senior officers in PMO. 

Senior PMO officials welcomed and received Shri Narendra Modi, when he arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office in South Block. 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Shri Prakash Javadekar assumes charge as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Information & Broadcasting

Shri Prakash Javadekar took charge of his new assignment as Minister of Information & Broadcasting here today. Speaking to media persons thereafter, Shri Javadekar said that freedom of press is the pillar of democracy. He added that press freedom is imperative for the success of democracy as it gives a rainbow of opinion. He also mentioned that the media itself suffices for self-regulation.

In his interaction with the media-persons, Shri Javadekar further mentioned that institutions are important for the functioning of democracy and priorities would be worked out after due consultation with the stakeholders.

The Minister also touched upon the idea of “Mazboot Bharat, Viksit Bharat” reiterating the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in this regard. He added that we have a majority for the government but we need cooperation of the entire country to make a strong and developed nation by 2025.

Later, the Minister was briefed on the key initiatives, mandate and policy framework of the Ministry by Secretary (I&B) and other Senior Officials of the Ministry. 

Shri Prakash Javadekar

Profile of Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting (Independent Charge), Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Prakash Javadekar

Name	Shri Prakash Javadekar
Father's Name	Shri Keshav
Mother's Name	Shrimati Rajani
Date of Birth	30/01/1951
Birth Place	Pune (Maharashtra)
Spouse Name	Dr. Prachee Javadekar
No. of Children	Two Sons
State Name	Maharashtra
Email id	Prakash.j@sansad.nic.in
Educational Qualifications	B. Com. University of Pune
Profession	Political and Social Worker
Positions Held	·         1990 - 2002 Member, Maharashtra Legislative Council ·         1995 - 99 Executive President, State Planning Board, Maharashtra ·         1997 - 99 Chairman, Task Force on IT, Government of Maharashtra ·         2000 Chairman, Working Group on ‘IT for Masses’, Government of India April ·         2008 Elected to Rajya Sabha ·         May 2008 - May 2009 and Jan. 2010 onwards Member, Parliamentary Forum on Youth ·         May 2008-May 2009 Member, Committee on Energy ·         May 2008 - Sept. 2010 Member, Committee on Papers Laid on the Table ·         July 2009 onwards Member, Press Council of India ·         Aug. 2009-Aug. 2010 Member, Committee on Defence ·         May 2010-April 2012 Member, Committee on Public Undertakings ·         May 2010 onwards Member, Committee on Public Accounts June 2010 onwards Member, Committee on Human Resource Development ·         July 2010 onwards Member, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Power ·         Aug. 2010-Dec. 2011 Member, Select Committee to the Wakf (Amendment) Bill, 2010 ·         Sept. 2010 onwards Member, Committee on Subordinate Legislation ·         October 2011 onwards Member, Sub-Committee-I on the Implementation of the Right to Education Act of the Committee on Human Resource Development
Books Published	In Marathi: ·         Bekaricha Jwalamukhi (Problem of Unemployment), 1986, ·         Nanenidhiche Karz (IMF Loan), 1987, ·         Shetkanyanchi Karzmukti (Farm Loan Waiver), 1988 and ·         Mahagaicha Bhasmasoor (Problem of Inflation), 1999 and 2010; has written 300 articles in various newspapers on contemporary subjects; has also written many booklets on unemployment, infiltration, IMF loan and other political issues
Countries Visited	·         U.S.A and Europe, visited o   U.S.A, as a Member of the Young Political Leaders under the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) Programme, 1985; o   As a member of the Government of Maharashtra delegation to participate in Government Road-shows on IT, 1998, o   Europe, to participate in the Marathi Sammelan, 1998, o   Boston (U.S.A), as leader of the delegation to negotiate MIT’S Media Lab Asia Project, 2000, o   U.S.A., to participate in the FICC-Yale Leadership Development Programme, 2009, ·         Israel, to participate in the Indo-Israel Friendship Programme, 2010, ·         Taiwan, 2008, ·         Chicago, (U.S.A.), to attend a conference on the Telangana issue, 2010, ·         China, to participate in the conference organised by the O.R.F., 2011, ·         Belgium, to attend the conference organised by the Climate Parliament, 2011 and ·         Finland and Iceland, as Indian parliamentary delegate; attended, GLOBE Conference in o   Japan, June 2008, o   Rome (Italy), 2009, o   Copenhagan (Denmark), 2009 and o   Cape Town and Durban (South Africa), 2011
Other Information	·         Led the students’ movements under the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in various capacities, 1969 - 77; ·         worked with the Bank of Maharashtra for 10 years (1971-81), ·         Worked in the Employment Promotion Programme, Sick Unit Cell, Rural Development Department, Bank of Maharashtra; Organised Satyagraha against the emergency rule and was imprisoned for 16 months, 1975-77; ·         Elected Senate Member, Pune University for 12 years (1975-87); ·         Full time party worker, Bharatiya Janata Party since 1981; ·         National Secretary and General Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, 1984-90; ·         State Secretary and Campaign Chief, B.J.P., Maharashtra, 1989-95; ·         Spokesman, B.J.P., Maharashtra, 1994 - 96 and 2002-03; ·         All India Spokesperson, Bharatiya Janata Party since 2005

PRESS COMMUNIQUE

The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has   directed the allocation of portfolios among the following members of the Union Council of Ministers :-   

1.

Shri Narendra Modi Prime Minister

Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Atomic Energy Department of Space All important policy issues and all other portfolios not allocated to any Minister

CABINET MINISTERS

1.	Shri Raj Nath Singh	Home Affairs
2.	Smt. Sushma Swaraj	External Affairs Overseas Indian Affairs
3.	Shri Arun Jaitley	Finance Corporate Affairs Defence
4.	Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu	Urban Development Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Parliamentary Affairs
5.	Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari	Road Transport and Highways Shipping
6.	Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda	Railways
7.	Sushri Uma Bharati	Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
8.	Dr. Najma A. Heptulla	Minority Affairs
9.	Shri Gopinathrao Munde	Rural Development Panchayati Raj Drinking Water and Sanitation
10.	Shri Ramvilas Paswan	Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
11.	Shri Kalraj Mishra	Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
12.	Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi	Women and Child Development
13.	Shri Ananthkumar	Chemicals and Fertilizers
14.	Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad	Communications and Information Technology Law and Justice
15.	Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati	Civil Aviation
16.	Shri Anant Geete	Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
17.	Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal	Food Processing Industries
18.	Shri Narendra Singh Tomar	Mines Steel Labour and Employment
19.	Shri Jual Oram	Tribal Affairs
20.	Shri Radha Mohan Singh	Agriculture
21.	Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot	Social Justice and Empowerment
22.	Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani	Human Resource Development
23.	Dr. Harsh Vardhan	Health and Family Welfare

MINISTERS OF STATE

1.	General V.K. Singh	Development of North Eastern Region (Independent Charge) External Affairs Overseas Indian Affairs
2.	Shri Inderjit Singh Rao	Planning (Independent Charge) Statistics and Programme Implementation (Independent Charge) Defence
3.	Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar	Textiles (Independent Charge) Parliamentary Affairs Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
4.	Shri Shripad Yesso Naik	Culture (Independent Charge) Tourism (Independent Charge)
5.	Shri Dharmendra Pradhan	Petroleum and Natural Gas (Independent Charge)
6.	Shri Sarbananda Sonowal	Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge)
7.	Shri Prakash Javadekar	Information and Broadcasting (Independent Charge) Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge) Parliamentary Affairs
8.	Shri Piyush Goyal	Power (Independent  Charge) Coal (Independent Charge) New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge)

9.	Dr. Jitendra Singh	Science and Technology (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences (Independent Charge) Prime Minister Office Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Department of Atomic Energy Department of Space
10.	Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman	Commerce and Industry (Independent Charge) Finance Corporate Affairs
11.	Shri G.M. Siddeshwara	Civil Aviation
12.	Shri Manoj Sinha	Railways
13.	Shri Nihalchand	Chemicals and Fertilizers
14.	Shri Upendra Kushwaha	Rural Development Panchayati Raj Drinking Water and Sanitation
15.	Shri Radhakrishnan P	Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
16.	Shri Kiren Rijiju	Home Affairs
17.	Shri Krishan Pal	Road Transport and Highways Shipping
18.	Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan	Agriculture Food Processing Industries
19.	Shri Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava	Tribal Affairs
20.	Shri Raosaheb Dadarao Danve	Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
21.	Shri Vishnu Deo Sai	Mines Steel Labour and Employment
22.	Shri Sudarshan Bhagat	Social Justice and Empowerment

Courtesy: pib.nic.in