PIB Important News (7 DEC- 13 DEC)
The Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015
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The Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015 was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 7, 2015. The Bill
was introduced by the Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy, Mr. Jitendra Singh. The Bill
proposes to amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. The Act empowers the central government to produce,
develop, control, and use atomic energy.
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Under the Act, a government company is one in which at least 51% of the paid-up share capital is held by
the central government. Paid-up share capital is the capital received by a company from the issue of
shares. The Bill expands this definition to include companies where the whole of the paid up share capital
is held by one or more government company and whose articles of association empower the central
government to constitute its Board of Directors. This provision will allow for the formation of joint
ventures between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited and other government companies.
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Under the Act, a license is required for acquisition, production, use, export and import of any plant
designed for the production and development of atomic energy or research. The Bill makes consequential
amendments to state that such license will only be granted to entities such as a government company or a
department of central government.
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The Bill states that any license granted for matters such as: (i) producing atomic energy, and (ii) acquiring
and using substances or minerals from which atomic energy can be obtained etc., will be cancelled if a
licensee ceases to be a government company.
e-NIVESH
Project Motoring Group in Cabinet Secretariat has set up an online digital platform (e-Nivesh) through which it
proposes to monitor 88 different types clearances/approvals granted by various Central Government
Ministries/Department. The exact number of clearances required by an investor depends on a number of factors
including investment in plant & machinery, member and class of employees and the sector concerned.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Zonal Cultural Centres under Ministry of Culture are organizing National Cultural Exchange Programmes (NCEP)
all over India to develop and promote the rich diversity and uniqueness of various arts of India and to upgrade and
enrich consciousness of the people about their cultural heritage. The North-East Zone Cultural Center is also
organizing Octave festival of North-East in other parts of the country for promotion of the rich cultural heritage of
the region. This programmes help to enhance interaction between people living in different states.
Other organizations under Ministry of Culture viz. Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi and Lalit Kala
Akademi conduct various activities like National Camps, National Exhibition of Art, Camps, workshops, cultural
performances, symposia, poets’ meets, etc. throughout the country.
National Mission on Libraries
National Mission on Libraries i.e High Level Committee, has been set up by Ministry of Culture, Government of
India, in pursuance of National Knowledge Commission recommendations for sustained attention for development
of Libraries and Information Science Sector.
National Mission on Libraries set up four working groups and after deliberating on the recommendations of the
working groups formulated the scheme "National Mission on Libraries (NML) - upgradation of libraries providing
service to the public". The scheme consists of four components.
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Creation of National Virtual Library of India (NVLI)
Setting up of NML Model Libraries,
Quantitative & Qualitative Survey of Libraries
Capacity Building
The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) was a high-level advisory body to the Prime Minister of India,
with the objective of transforming India into a knowledge society. In its endeavour to transform the
knowledge landscape of the country, the National Knowledge Commission submitted around 300
recommendations on 27 focus areas during its three and a half year term. The implementation of the NKC's
recommendations are currently underway at the Central and State levels.
About National Knowledge Commission
The ability of a nation to use and create knowledge capital determines its capacity to empower and enable its
citizens by increasing human capabilities. Today, India has the largest number of young people in the world (600
million below the age of 25). Following a knowledge-oriented paradigm of development would enable India to
leverage this demographic advantage.
As per Government Notification of 13th June 2005, the following are the Terms of Reference of the National
Knowledge Commission (NKC).
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Build excellence in the educational system to meet the knowledge challenges of the 21st century and
increase India's competitive advantage in fields of knowledge.
Promote creation of knowledge in S&T laboratories.
Improve the management of institutions engaged in intellectual property rights.
Promote knowledge applications in agriculture and industry.
Promote the use of knowledge capabilities in making government an effective, transparent and accountable
service provider to the citizen and promote widespread sharing of knowledge to maximize public benefit.
Objectives
The overarching aim of the National Knowledge Commission was to enable the development of a vibrant
knowledge based society. This entails both a radical improvement in existing systems of knowledge, and creating
avenues for generating new forms of knowledge.
Greater participation and more equitable access to knowledge across all sections of society are of vital importance
in achieving these goals.
In view of the above, the NKC sought to develop appropriate institutional frameworks to:
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Strengthen the education system, promote domestic research and innovation, facilitate knowledge
application in sectors like health, agriculture, and industry.
Leverage information and communication technologies to enhance governance and improve connectivity.
Devise mechanisms for exchange and interaction between knowledge systems in the global arena.
PROPOSED REFORMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Recommendation of NKC and Yashpal Committee
Recently, two high level committees were set up to suggest ways to revamp the higher education sector. The National
Knowledge Commission submitted its report in March 2009 and the Yash Pal Committee submitted its report in June 2009.
The main recommendations of the committees are summarised below.
National Knowledge Commission
Yash Pal Committee
Regulatory structure
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Establish an Independent Regulatory
Authority for Higher Education (IRAHE)
through an Act of Parliament to set
standards and determine eligibility criteria
for new institutions.
It shall also settle disputes and licence
accreditation agencies (both public and
private).
UGC shall only disburse public funds.
Abolish all professional bodies except the
MCI and BCI who shall provide licences to
those wishing to enter the profession.
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Expand the number of universities to 1,500
by establishing 50 National Universities and
giving autonomy to individual colleges or
clusters of colleges, with proven track
record.
Give admission without taking into account
a student’s ability to pay. Have a National
Scholarship Scheme and allow institutions
to set their own fees if at least two banks are
willing to give a loan without any collateral.
Address disparities of income, gender,
region by creating deprivation index.
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Establish a National Commission of Higher
Education and Research (NCHER) through
a Constitutional Amendment, to replace
UGC, AICTE, NCTE and DEC.
Professional bodies such as MCI and BCI
should conduct qualifying examinations.
NCHER shall create norms for accreditation
and certify accrediting agencies,
independent of the government.
Constitute a National Education Tribunal to
adjudicate disputes.
Access
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Regulatory mechanism should make
rational and consistent rules for setting up
institutions (both public and private).
Education should be made affordable either
through scholarships or loans.
Allow only the top foreign universities to
establish campuses.
The best colleges should be upgraded to
university status. A number of colleges can
be clubbed into clusters and be recognised
as universities.
Quality
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Existing universities: revise curricula, follow
course credit system, promote research,
performance incentives to faculty.
Colleges: Replace affiliation system with
autonomy to top colleges, remodel some into
community colleges, and establish a Central
Board of Undergraduate Education.
Make disclosure norms for institutions
stringent, including their accreditation level.
Enhance quality through competition by
allowing foreign institutions to operate in
India.
Governance
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Allow institutions to set their own targets
and achieve those in a specified time frame.
Reform the curricula based on principles of
mobility and academic depth. Universities
should have rich undergraduate
programmes.
Optimise size of state universities.
All private institutions have to be
mandatorily accredited.
Granting of deemed university status should
be put on hold.
Competitive remuneration and improved
infrastructure is required. Student feedback
should be taken to identify poor performers.
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Governance structures should preserve
autonomy and ensure accountability of
universities. Vice Chancellors should be
appointed through a search process and peer
judgement alone.
The large size and composition of university
courts, academic councils and executive are
impediments. Decisions should be taken by
standing committees of academic councils.
Address the problem of politicisation of
universities.
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Governance structure should preserve the
autonomy of universities. Need to develop
expertise in educational management and
separate it from academic administration.
Need for exclusion of politicians and limited
representation of government in governance
structures.
Teachers should have autonomy to frame
their courses and assess the students.
Funding
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Government funding should be 1.5% of GDP
by 2012. Asset of universities such as land
should be managed for revenue.
Rationalise fees by requiring it to meet at
least 20% of the total expenditure. UGC’s
grants-in-aid should not be reduced and
needy students should have fees waived plus
scholarships.
Encourage philanthropic contributions
through incentives for universities and
donors. Allow private investment in
universities. Public-private partnerships to
set up universities.
Make efforts to attract international
students.
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Need to find complementary sources of
funding, including encouraging
philanthropy. Alumni should be tapped as a
source.
Universities should hire professional fund
raisers to attract funding from nongovernment sources.
Give government funds as a block grant
based on a plan.
Guaranteed students loans for students who
can pay and free education for poor students
should be implemented.
The Archaeological Survey of India has identified 25 monuments for Adarsh Smarak Scheme for upgradation of
tourist related amenities. This tag is awarded to the monuments which have highest number of tourists
visiting. ASI will provide amenities of international standards. The salient features of the scheme are as under:
1.
To make monument visitor friendly.
2.
To upgrade/provide wash rooms, drinking water, signages, cafeteria and wi-fi facility
3.
To provide Interpretation and audio-video centres
4.
To streamline waste water and garbage disposal and rain water harvesting system
5.
To make monument accessible to differently abled
6.
To implement Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
List of monuments covered under the scheme (REMEMBER FOR PRELIMS)
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4
5
6
7
8
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10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Rang Ghar, Sibsagar
Vaishali- Kolhua
Humayun’s Tomb
Qutb Complex
Red Fort
Rani-ki-Vav, Patan
Rock-cut Temples, Masroor
Leh Palace
Martand Temple
Hampi, Bellary
Pattadakal Group of Monuments
Elephanta Caves, Mumbai
Daultabad Fort
Mandu
Khajuraho
Konark Temple
Kumbhalgarh Fort, Kelwada
Shore Temple Mahabalipuram
Brihadeshwar Temple, Thanjavur
Taj Mahal, Agra
Group of Monuments at Fatehpur Sikri,
Agra
Sravasti
Sarnath, Varanasi
Jageshwar Group of Temples
Hazardwari Palace, Murshidabad
Assam
Bihar
Delhi
Gujarat
Himachal Pradesh
Jammu & Kashmir
Karnataka
Maharashtra
Madhya Pradesh
Odisha
Rajasthan
Tamil Nadu
Uttar Pradesh
Uttarakhand
West Bengal
Schools for Mentally Challenged Children
Section 3 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 provides for free and
compulsory education to all children from 6-14 years of age. This also includes children with mental retardation.
Section 29 of the Act mentions all round development of the child, building up child’s knowledge, potentiality,
talent and development of physical and mental abilities to the fullest extent through learning through activities,
discovery and exploration in a child friendly and child-centered manner and comprehensive and continuous
evaluation of child’s understanding of knowledge. Section 30 of the Act states that no child shall be required to
pass any Board examination till completion of elementary education.
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Thus, the focus of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is on inclusive education wherein all children with special needs
(CWSN), including children with mental retardation are placed in mainstream schools to promote holistic
development of these children. SSA provides Rs. 3000/- per child per annum for assessment, provision of free aids
and appliances, teacher training, engagement of resource persons exclusively for CWSN, support services and
barrier free access. Similarly, under the component of Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage under
the integrated Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan 100% central assistance is provided through State
government/UT for student oriented assistance at the secondary level.
The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme has been introduced in October, 2014 to address the issue
declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR). This is being implemented through a national campaign and focussed multi
sectoral action in 100 selected districts low in CSR, covering all States and UTs. This is a joint initiative of
Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Human
Resource Development.
Overall Goal
Celebrate the Girl Child & Enable her Education
Districts Identified
The 100 districts have been identified on the basis of low Child Sex Ratio as per Census 2011 covering all
States/UTs as a pilot with at least one district in each state. The three criteria for selection of districts namely are:
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Districts below the national average (87 districts/23 states);
Districts above national average but shown declining trend (8 districts/8 states)
Districts above national average and shown increasing trend (5 districts/5 states- selected so that these CSR
levels can be maintained and other districts can emulate and learn from their experiences).
Objectives
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Prevent gender biased sex selective elimination
Ensure survival & protection of the girl child
Ensure education of the girl child
Strategies
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Implement a sustained Social Mobilization and Communication Campaign to create equal value for the girl child &
promote her education.
Place the issue of decline in CSR/SRB in public discourse, improvement of which would be a indicator for good
governance.
Focus on Gender Critical Districts and Cities low on CSR for intensive & integrated action.
Mobilize & Train Panchayati Raj Institutions/Urban local bodies/ Grassroot workers as catalysts for social change, in
partnership with local community/women’s/youth groups.
Ensure service delivery structures/schemes & programmes are sufficiently responsive to issues of gender and
children’s rights.
Enable Inter-sectoral and inter-institutional convergence at District/Block/Grassroot levels.
Project Implementation
The Ministry of Women and Child Development would be responsible for budgetary control and administration of
the scheme from the Centre. At the State level, the Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development will
be responsible for overall direction and implementation of the scheme. The Structure of the proposed Scheme may
be seen as follows:
At the National level
A National Task Force for Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao headed by Secretary, WCD with representation from
concerned ministries namely Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Human Resource Development,
National Legal Services Authority, Department of Disability Affairs and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting;
Gender Experts and Civil Society representatives. The Task Force will provide guidance and support; finalize
training content; review state plans and monitor effective implementation.
At the State level
The States shall form a State Task Force (STF) with representation of concerned Departments (Health & Family
Welfare; Education; Panchayati Raj/ Rural Development) including State Level Services Authority and
Department of Disability Affairs for Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao to coordinate the implementation of the Scheme.
As the issue requires convergence & coordination between Departments, the Task Force would be headed by the
Chief Secretary. In UTs the Task Force would be headed by Administrator, UT Administration. Some States/UTs
have their own mechanism at the State/UT level for Women’s Empowerment, Gender and Child related issues
which may be considered and/or strengthened as State/UT Task Force. Principal Secretary, WCD/Social Welfare
will be the convener of this body. Department of Women & Child Development will have the responsibility of
coordinating all the activities related to implementation of the Plan in the State/UTs through the Directorate of
ICDS.
At the District level
A District Task Force (DTF) led by the District Collector/Deputy Commissioner with representation of
concerned departments (Health & Family Welfare; Appropriate Authority (PC&PNDT); Education;
Panchayati Raj/ Rural Development, Police) including District legal Services Authority (DLSA) will be
responsible for effective implementation, monitoring & supervision of the District Action Plan.
At the Block level
A Block level Committee would be set up under the Chairpersonship of the Sub Divisional Magistrate/Sub
Divisional Officer/Block Development Officer (as may be decided by the concerned State Governments) to
provide support in effective implementation, monitoring & supervision of the Block Action Plan.
At the Gram Panchayat/Ward level
The respective Panchayat Samiti/Ward Samiti (as may be decided by concerned State Governments) having
jurisdiction over the concerned Gram Panchayat/Ward would be responsible for the overall coordination &
supervision for effectively carrying out activities under the Plan.
At Village level
Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees, (recognized as sub committees of panchayats) will guide and
support village level implementation and monitoring of the plan. Frontline workers (AWWs, ASHAs & ANMs)
will catalyze action on ground by creating awareness on the issue of CSR, collecting data, dissemination of
information about schemes/programmes related to girl child & their families etc.
Under the Rashtriya Madyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) interventions to promote girls participation in
secondary schools include opening of new schools, strengthening of existing schools, appointment of teachers,
construction of residential quarters for teachers in remote/hilly areas, hostel facilities for girls, teacher sensitization
programmes, separate toilet blocks for girls, stipend for girls with disability and vocationalization of secondary
education which provides for choice of courses by the girls in such a manner that gender stereotyping is avoided.
In addition, the National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE), exemption from paying
tuition fee in Kendriya Vidyalayas, and 33% reservation for girls in Navodaya Vidyalayas, are also being
implemented.
Ishan Uday" For North Eastern Region
ABOUT
Objective
The objectives of the Special Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region are:
1) To provide equal opportunities for higher studies in NE Region.
2) To increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in NE Region.
3) To focus more on professional education in NE Region.
4) Optimum utilization of NER Budgetary Allocation.
It is envisaged to provide ten thousand (10,000) fresh scholarships every year beginning from the academic year
2014-15 for general degree courses, technical and professional courses, including medical and para-medical
courses.
Exclusions
The following shall not be eligible under this scheme1) Students pursuing courses/programs through Open Universities.
2) Students already availing scholarship for pursuing the Undergraduate programme under any other scheme(s). 3)
Students gaining admission through ‘management quota’.
4) Students pursuing courses, such as Diploma Courses, not leading to award of a Degree.
5) Students whose parents’ income exceeds Rs.4.5 lakh per annum.
The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015
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The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for Labour and
Employment, Mr. Bandaru Dattatreya, on December 7, 2015. The Bill seeks to amend the Payment of Bonus Act,
1965.
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The Act provides for the annual payment of bonus to employees of certain establishments (including factories and
establishments employing 20 or more persons). Under the Act, bonus is calculated on the basis of the employee’s
salary and the profits of the establishment.
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Employees eligible for bonus: The Act mandates payment of bonus to employees’ whose salary or wage is up to Rs
10,000 per month. The Bill seeks to increase this eligibility limit to Rs 21,000 per month.
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Calculation of bonus: The Act provides that the bonus payable to an employee will be in proportion to his or her
salary or wage. However, if an employee’s salary is more than Rs 3,500 per month, for the purposes of calculation of
bonus, the salary will be assumed to be Rs 3,500 per month. The Bill seeks to raise this calculation ceiling to Rs 7,000
per month or the minimum wage notified for the employment under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (whichever is
higher).
Highways Advisory Radio System
Highway Advisory System (HAS) is a free-to-air information distribution system providing real-time highway
traffic and information bulletin to make the travelling experience on our National Highways safer, faster and
enjoyable. To begin with, HAS is going to be implemented on a pilot basis on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway.
The salient features are real-time traffic information including any congestion and slowdown on the road, accidents
and conditions of the road, disaster warning system and weather information. After the successful pilot project on
the Delhi Jaipur Highway, the pan India rollout will be initiated, subject to feasibility.
Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria India (STCI)
STCI has been launched to develop tourism in India based on principles of sustainability and minimizing carbon
footprints. While talking about sustainability, one should not only talk about conservation of resources but also our
culture and heritage. All the stakeholders in the Tourism industry have been requested to be eco-sensitive and
implement the STCI and have been requested to do business for long-term profits with diverse aims.
STCI were formulated by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Tourism.
The principles of sustainability include:
Conservation of water, energy, culture, heritage, revival of ancient architecture, involvement of communities,
protection of wildlife and non- exploitation of women, children and weaker sections.
A Central Research Institute in Yoga and Naturopathy to be set up in Khordha District of Odisha (Ministry
of AYUSH)
Indigenisation in Defence Sector ( Role of MSME in Defence Sector)
The Government has promulgated Defence Production Policy in 2011 in order to promote indigenisation in defence
sector. The policy aims at achieving substantive self-reliance in the design, development and production of
equipment, weapon systems, platforms required for defence in as early a time frame as possible; creating conditions
conducive for the private industry to take an active role in this endeavour; enhancing potential of SMEs in
indigenisation and broadening the defence R&D base of the country. In pursuance of the Policy, the Government has
taken several steps to build strong defence industrial base which are given as below:1) FDI policy has been revised in Nov 2015 under which Foreign Investment upto 49% is allowed through
automatic route and above 49% under Government route on case-to-case basis, wherever it is likely to result in
access to modern and ‘state-of-art’ technology in the country.
2) To establish a level-playing field between Indian private sector and the public sector, the anomalies in excise
duty/ custom duty have been removed. As per the revised policy, all Indian industries (public and private) are
subjected to the same kind of excise and custom duty levies.
3) The Defence Products List for the purpose of issuing Industrial Licences (ILs) under IDR Act has been revised
and most of the components, parts, sub-systems, testing equipment, and production equipment have been removed
from the List, so as to reduce the entry barriers for the industry, particularly small & medium segment.
4)The initial validity of the Industrial Licence granted under the IDR Act has been increased from 7 years to 15
years with a provision to further extend it by 3 years on a case-to-case basis.
5) Preference to ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ & ‘Make’ categories of acquisition over ‘Buy (Global)’
category, thereby giving preference to Indian industry in procurement.
National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020
The NEMMP 2020 is a detailed plan based on an in-depth primary data study conducted jointly by government,
automotive industry and academia/research institutes. The NEMMP is vital for reducing our dependence on fossil
fuels, 80% of which is imported leading to massive foreign exchange deficit.
Here is our ‘In a Nutshell’ version of India’s plans to become a global leader in EVs by 2020 –
Target
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To put 6-7 million EVs on road by 2020; 4-5 million are expected to be two-wheelers.
Reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
To promote cleaner technologies.
Why do it?
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India’s excessive appetite for fossil fuel has an adverse impact on the environment and even on our foreign
exchange reserves.
Successful implementation of NEMMP will result in 2.2 – 2.5 million tones of fossil fuel savings by 2020,
that’s a monetary saving of Rs 30,000 crore.
It will also lower vehicular emissions and decrease carbon di-oxide emissions by 1.3% to 1.5% by 2020.
The production of hybrid and electric vehicles in India is an investment that will deliver economic growth,
quality jobs and a cleaner future.
How will we do it?
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Both the government and the automotive industry will jointly invest Rs 23,000 crores to develop the EV ecosystem in India.
The government will invest close to Rs 14,000 crores over the next 5-6 years. The automakers will invest
close to Rs 8,000 crores.
India will deploy support measures that will quicken up the process of consumer acceptance of EVs.
Who is helping us?
Germany is going to help India achieve its target and we couldn’t have found a better partner.
The Germans are a strong supporters of electric mobility. Currently, Germany has about 1,500 EVs operating on
German roads. By 2020, Germany aims to put at least one million electric vehicles on their roads. Thanks to these
efforts, German cities are among the greenest in Europe.An Indo-German Joint Working Group (JWG) on
Automotive Sector has been established to intensify cooperation in the development of efficient automotive
technologies and alternate fuels and drives.
The Challenge ahead
India‘s electric auto industry is really very small. The only manufacturer in India that produces EV is Mahindra
REVA. There are a few makers in the two wheeler segment such as Yo Bykes, Hero Electric, Ampere and Lohia
Auto.
The biggest challenge to the manufacturers is to convince an Indian consumer to pay a premium to go electric. On
the other hand, the biggest challenge to the government will be to provide the necessary infrastructure to support
EVs like charging stations that are spread across the country.
POLICE REFORMS
Modernisation of State Police Forces (MPF) Scheme
Police’ and ‘law and order’ fall under the category of subjects within the domain of the State as per Entry 2
of List II of the VIIth Schedule in the Constitution of India. Thus, the principal responsibility for managing these
subjects lies with the State Governments. However, the States have not been able to fully modernize and equip their
police forces upto the desired level due to financial constraints. It is in this context that the Ministry of Home Affairs
(MHA) has been supplementing the efforts and resources of the States, from time to time, by implementing the
Scheme for Modernisation of State Police Forces (MPF Scheme) since 1969-70.
Objectives
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The objective of the scheme is to gradually reduce the dependence of the State Governments on the Army
and the Central Armed Police Forces to control internal security and law and order situations by equipping
the State Police Forces adequately and strengthening their training infrastructure. The focus of the scheme is
to strengthen police infrastructure at cutting edge level by construction of secure police stations, training
centres, police housing (residential), equipping the police stations with the required mobility, modern
weaponry, communication equipment and forensic set-up etc.
Components
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The items required by the State Police under the components, ‘mobility’, ‘weapons’, ‘equipment’,
‘training equipment’, ‘forensic equipment’, etc. shall be funded under ‘Non-Plan’. The construction /
upgradation of police stations / outposts, police lines, police housing, construction of forensic science
laboratories and training infrastructure (buildings) shall be funded under ‘Plan’ components of MPF.
Funding Pattern
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Under the Scheme, the States are grouped into two categories, namely Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’ for the
purpose of funding both under ‘Non-Plan’ and Plan. Category ‘A’ States, namely, J&K and 8 North Eastern
States including Sikkim will be eligible to receive financial assistance on 90:10 Centre: State sharing basis.
The remaining States will be in Category ‘B’ and will be eligible for financial assistance on 60:40 Centre:
State sharing basis.
Mega City Policing
Continuous upgradation of technology and integration of various technological components of urban policing lies at
the heart of an effective Mega City Policing Plan. Apart from technological up scaling, measures for development of
a citizen friendly police, involvement of students in appreciation of safety and security, attitudinal changes in
policemen, recruitment of larger numbers of women in police will also help Mega Cities to develop an effective
policing system and better handle emergencies.
Steps to Revive Manufucturing Growth
The Government has taken a number of measures including administrative and regulatory, to accelerate the growth
of manufacturing sector. For creation of conducive business environment, the Government is constantly simplifying
and rationalizing the processes and the procedures for boosting investor sentiment, simplifying the policy and
procedures for encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and correcting the inverted duty structure.
Some of the recent initiatives also include pruning the list of industries that can be considered as defence industries
requiring industrial license, two extensions of two years each permitted in the initial validity of three years of the
industrial license to take it up to seven years, removal of stipulation of annual capacity in the industrial license, and
deregulating the annual capacity for defence items for Industrial License.
For defence projects validity of industrial licenses has been increased to 15 years, which can be further increased to
18 years.
With a view to liberalise and simplify the FDI policy, so as to provide ease of doing business in the country leading
to larger FDI inflows, the Government has brought in FDI related reforms and liberalisation in a number of major
sectors of the economy. Changes introduced in the policy include increase in sectoral limits, bringing more activities
under automatic route and easing of conditionalities for foreign investments.
The Government has launched the e-biz Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan which has
simplified procedures and as on date provides 20 Central G2B (Government to Business) services and 16
State/Municipal services, online. The Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project is under implementation. In
addition, the Government has conceptualized Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor, ChennaiAn Investor Facilitation Cell has been created viz ‘Invest India’ to assist, guide, handhold and facilitate investors
during the various phases of business life cycle.
Strategy to deal with Terror Financing and Money Laundering
The Government has a well established strategy and institutional mechanism to effectively deal with terrorist
financing and money laundering problem. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967(UAPA) and the
Prevention of Money laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) are effective instrumentalities to combat offences relating to
Terrorist Financing and Money laundering. A special Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Cell has been
created in the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2011, to coordinate with the Central Intelligence/Enforcement Agencies
and the State Law Enforcement Agencies for an integrated approach to tackle the problem of terror funding. Also a
Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell has been set up in the National Investigation Agency to investigate Terror
Funding cases.
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 has been strengthened by amendments in 2013 which inter-alia
includes enlarging the scope of proceeds of terrorism to include any property intended to be used for terrorism,
enlarging the scope of Section 17 relating to punishment for raising funds for terrorist act by including within its
scope, raising of funds both from legitimate or illegitimate sources by a terrorist organization, terrorist gang or by an
individual terrorist, and includes within its scope offences by companies, societies or trusts.
The PMLA has also been strengthened in 2013 by incorporating the provisions relating to removing the monetary
threshold for schedule offences, strengthening confiscation and provisional attachment powers with regard to money
laundering investigation, covering new financial institutions and designated non-financial business and professions
within the scope of PMLA, enhancing the powers of Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to access information from
banks and financial institutions and introduction of broad range of sanctions under PMLA including sanctions
against designated Directors and employees of reporting entities. Thus, both PMLA and UAPA have sufficiently
stringent provisions to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)
is a process for exploiting coal that cannot be mined because the seams are too deep, thin or fractured. The process
involves using the same sort of drilling technology usually used for fracking to get air/oxygen into the coal seam and
then set the seam on fire. By controlling the amount of oxygen injected it is then possible to only partially burn the
coal and bring the gases produced to the surface where they can be burned to produce energy. A witches brew of
toxic and carcinogenic coal tars are produced in the burn cavity. The process is associated with serious groundwater
contamination and massive carbon emissions.
Article 348(2) in The Constitution Of India
(2) Notwithstanding anything in sub clause (a) of clause ( 1 ), the Governor of a State may, with the previous
consent of the President, authorise the use of the Hindi language, or any other language used for any official
purposes of the State, in proceedings in the High Court having its principal seat in that State: Provided that nothing
in this clause shall apply to any judgment, decree or order passed or made by such High Court
Work on Assam East-West Corridor Project
The salient features of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme of North East (SARDP-NE) are (i)
upgrade National Highways connecting State Capitals to 2/ 4 lane; (ii) to provide connectivity of 88 District
Headquarter towns of NER by at least 2-lane road; (iii) improve roads of strategic importance in border area; and
(iv) improve connectivity to neighboring countries.
The construction of bridge over Brahmaputra River at Saraighat has been delayed due to delay in shifting of oil
pipeline and change in design of main bridge and increase in scope due to additional works at Jalukbari junction
constructing of a signal free crossing in place of a grade separator envisaged earlier.
Central Road Fund (CRF)
Central Road Fund (CRF) is a non-lapsable fund created under Section 6 of the Central Road Fund Act, 2000 out
of a cess/tax imposed by the Union Government on the consumption of Petrol and High Speed Diesel to
develop and maintain National Highways, State roads (particularly those of economic importance and which
provides inter-state connectivity), rural roads, railway under/over bridges etc.
Sources of CRF
An Additional Duty of Customs (tax on imports) and an Additional Duty of Excise (tax on production) are
levied and collected as cess (cess is any tax levied for a specified or earmarked purpose) on Motor Spirit,
commonly known as Petrol, under Section 103 and Section 111 respectively of the Finance (No.2) Act, 1998.
Also, an Additional Duty of Customs and an Additional Duty of Excise is levied and collected as cess, on High
Speed Diesel Oil under Section 116 and 133 respectively of the Finance Act, 1999. Government is at present
collecting Additional Excise Duty (Road Cess) on Petrol and Diesel at Rs 2.00 per litre. In addition, Education Cess
@ 2% and higher Education Cess @ 1% (total 3%) is also applicable on excise duty and customs duty levied on
petroleum products.
The revenue collected is initially credited to the Consolidated Fund of India and after adjusting for the cost of
collection, Parliament through its appropriation bill, credits such proceeds to the Central Road fund (CRF). The CRF
is thereafter distributed amongst three Ministries i.e. Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Railways and
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in the manner prescribed under Section 10(viii) of the Central Road Fund
Act, 2000.
Utilisation of the Central Road Fund
Section 7 of the Central Road Fund Act, 2000 lays down that CRF shall be utilized for the –
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development and maintenance of national highways;
development of the rural roads;
development and maintenance of other State roads including roads of inter-State and economic importance;
construction of roads either under or over the railways by means of a bridge and erection of safety works at
unmanned rail-road crossings; and
disbursement in respect of such projects as may be prescribed by the Government.
Presently, a cess of Rs. 2 per litre on petrol and high speed diesel is being levied. Out of this, an amount of Rs. 1.5
is being allocated in the following manner:
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50% of the cess on high speed diesel (HSD) oil for development of rural roads. (Under Ministry of Rural
Development)
50% of cess on HSD and the entire cess collected on petrol are allocated thereafter as follows:
o An amount equal to 57.5% of such sum for the development and maintenance of National Highways;
(under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)
o An amount equal to 12.5% for construction of road under or over bridges and safety works at
unmanned railway crossing (Under Ministry of Railways); and
o An amount equal to 30% on development and maintenance of State Roads. Out of this amount, 10%
is kept as reserved by the Central Govt. for allocation to States for implementation of State Road
Schemes of Inter-State Connectivity and Economic Importance to be approved by the Central
Government. (under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)
Balance cess of Rs. 0.5 per litre is entirely allocated for development and maintenance of National Highways.
The accrual of funds annually earmarked for the development of State Roads (other than Rural Roads) are
distributed to the States on the basis of 30% weightage to fuel consumption and 70% weightage to the geographical
area of the States. All the States/UTs are provided with one-third of their allocation of CRF, which is maintained as
reserve by the States/UTs. This is replenished by subsequent releases based on receipt of utilization certificates for
the amount previously released and the progress of works.
A Railway Safety Fund has been set up primarily to channelise the Railways' share of the diesel cess and petrol
cess, receivable under the Central Road Fund, for road related railway safety works such as construction of road
over/under bridges, subways and for the improvement to level crossings including their manning, interlocking etc.
The Railway Safety Fund was created in the year 2001-02.
National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology
Agricultural Technology, including the adoption/ promotion of critical inputs, and improved agronomic practices
were being disseminated under 17 different schemes of the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of
Agriculture during the 11th Plan period. The Modified Extension Reforms Scheme was introduced in 2010 with the
objective of strengthening extension machinery and utilizing it for synergizing interventions under these schemes
under the umbrella of the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA).
The National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET) has been envisaged as the next step
towards this objective through the amalgamation of these schemes.
Aims and objectives
The objective of the Scheme is to make the extension system farmer-driven and farmer-accountable by way of new
institutional arrangements for technology dissemination. It aims to restructure and strengthen agricultural extension
to enable delivery of appropriate technology and improved agronomic practices to farmers.
This is envisaged to be achieved by a judicious mix of extensive physical outreach and interactive methods of
information dissemination, use of ICT, popularisation of modern and appropriate technologies, capacity building and
institution strengthening to promote mechanisation, availability of quality seeds, plant protection etc. and encourage
aggregation of Farmers into Interest Groups (FIGs) to form Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Sub Missions of NMAET
NMAET consists of 4 Sub Missions
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4.
Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE)
Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP)
Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPP)
Bharat Fund
The Bharat Fund is a public-private-academia partnership set up by Indian Institute of Management (IIM)
Ahmedabad’s Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE). The objective of the fund, inter-alia,
is to support and provide funding (grants, seed capital, venture capital) and business support to innovationdriven start-ups that solve real problems faced by the masses of India through technology-enabled and
rapidly scalable solutions and will focus on – healthcare and life-sciences (including biotech, medical devises),
sustainability (energy, agriculture, environment, water), and digital technologies (especially in
manufacturing, design).
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