Slum-free Urban India Campaign stipulates to provide seven basic amenities and entitlements to the urban poor and slum dwellers in the country by 2012: Kumari Selja
RANGPO,Sikkim 5 Dec 2009 16:15 IST
The Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja has said that the UPA Government has conceived and embarked upon a massive programme of affordable housing and basic amenities to the urban poor under the flagship programme, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). She was speaking on the occasion of laying the foundation stone for houses sanctioned by her ministry under the Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) component of JNNURM, here today. She said her ministry has been pursuing the goal of Slum-free Urban India Campaign under JNNURM, launched since October 2007 from Tirupathi. This Campaign stipulates that seven basic amenities and entitlements to the urban poor, namely land tenure, affordable shelter, water, sanitation, education, health and social security must be provided to the slum-dwellers in the country by 2012.
Following is the full text of the Minister’s address on the occasion:
“I am very happy to be here in Rangpo to participate in the function for laying the foundation stone for houses sanctioned by my Ministry under the Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) component of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
Roti, Kapda aur Makaan are the three basic necessities of a human being. Over the period of planned development, we have been able to address the problems of food security and clothing for the Aam Aadmi. As you may recall we are now working on a National Food Security Act. It gives me great satisfaction to say that for the first time in the history of the country, the UPA Government laid focus on providing “makaan” to the common man in cities and towns. The UPA Government conceived and embarked upon a massive programme of affordable housing and basic amenities to the urban poor under the flagship programme, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), launched in December 2005. My Ministry had earlier decided to support the construction of about 15 lakh houses for the urban poor in the country under JNNURM. Now, we have launched another scheme called Affordable Housing in Partnership to encourage partnerships between Government agencies, parastatals, local bodies and the private developers. Under this new scheme we are targeting another 10 lakh houses, not only covering EWS and LIG but also MIG.
As you may be aware, under JNNURM we support 4 programmes. Urban Infrastructure & Governance and Basic Services to the Urban Poor cover 65 identified cities, including Gangtok. Urban Infrastructure Scheme for Small & Medium Towns and Integrated Housing & Slum Development Programme focus on small and medium towns. I may inform you that the Government of India has so far sanctioned more than 2500 projects in the country under JNNURM covering total project cost of about Rs. 100,000 crores under all the four components of JNNURM together. The Central Government has already committed Central Assistance support of about Rs. 53,000 crores to States/UTs for the sanctioned projects. As far as my Ministry is concerned, we have sanctioned projects for housing and basic amenities to the urban poor, including slum-dwellers worth Rs.33860 crores. We have committed Additional Central Assistance of about Rs. 18,500 Crores. The houses under JNNURM will come with ownership of house in the name of the wife or husband and wife jointly and with provision of basic services such as water, sanitation, social security, education and health care. The poor will be enabled to attain the same quality of life as the other population of the city.
My Ministry has sanctioned 3 projects for Sikkim with the total project cost of Rs.33.58 Crore covering 254 houses for the poor under BSUP. This involves Central Grant of about Rs.29.06 Crore. We have recently provided an additional support of Rs.50 Crores for Sikkim under the Scheme of Affordable Housing in Partnership. Once project report is received, we will process it for sanction.
The projects for housing and basic amenities to the urban poor in Sikkim were sanctioned to enable the Government of Sikkim to attain the broader goal of making Sikkim slum-free and ensure that the urban poor are provided with the basic amenities they need. My Ministry has been pursuing the goal of Slum-free Urban India Campaign under JNNURM, launched since October 2007 from Tirupathi. This Campaign stipulates that seven basic amenities and entitlements to the urban poor, namely land tenure, affordable shelter, water, sanitation, education, health and social security must be provided to the slum-dwellers in the country by 2012.
I am happy to announce that the UPA Government has resolved to introduce a new scheme called Rajiv Awas Yojana for the slum dwellers and the urban poor. The Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) would extend support to States/UTs that are willing to assign property rights to people living in slum areas. UPA Government's effort would be to create a Slum free India in five years through the Rajiv Awas Yojana. The Rajiv Awas Yojana will provide a new RAY hope for our cities and towns, especially to the poor, slum-dwellers and disadvantaged sections of the urban society. I urge the Chief Minister to work out plan for Slum-free Sikkim where all the poor residents would own a home and access basic services. I also urge that all the slum dwellers are provided with property rights and enabled to lead a life with dignity.
In addition to JNNURM and the newly announced Rajiv Awas Yojana, my Ministry is working on several initiatives for the urban poor. We have revamped the Swarna Jayanti Shahri Rozgar Yojana with focus on empowerment of women’s self-help groups, entrepreneurship development for self-employment, micro-enterprises, micro-finance, community mobilization and capacity building. The budget for the scheme has been hiked by the UPA Government from Rs.250 Crores in 2006-07 to Rs.515 Crores in 2009-10. To focus on skill development and employability of the poor, the Government of India has announced National Skill Development Mission. The Mission will focus on development of modern skills and training to enable the poor to access remunerative jobs opened up by globalizing urban economies. We are targeting skills training for 2 lakh persons a year under the revamped SJSRY which has come into effect on 1st April 2009.
We have also revised the National Policy on Street Vendors’ 2004 in order to enable the street vendors carry out their trade without harassment from various authorities. The new Street Vendors Policy 2009 and Model Law on Street Vendors 2009 have been circulated to all State and UT Governments. I have urged the Chief Ministers to implement the new Street Vendors Policy to give a new deal to the street vendors. Master Plan must provide legal space for street vending. The Town Vending Committee must have at least 40% members from the street vendors themselves. The vendors must be enabled to carry out business in a hassle free and legal manner.
I am happy to inform you that we have launched an Interest Subsidy Scheme for Housing the Urban Poor. Under this scheme, the urban poor will be able to get loans from banks and other institutions at interest 5% lower than the market rate of interest to build their houses. I urge that the Government of Sikkim takes steps to avail benefit from the scheme.
I hope the machinery of the State Government would ensure that the benefits of JNNURM and other schemes reach the urban poor, especially the youth and women. These programmes have to be implemented in convergence with other Government of India initiatives. The issues of quality healthcare, primary education, social security etc. will have to be addressed by converging urban poverty alleviation programmes with the schemes of Health, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, National Social Assistance Progarmme including Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Integrated Child Development Scheme, Janani Suraksha Yojana etc. I assure that the Government of India will extend full support to the Government of Sikkim to implement programmes for the poor and disadvantaged sections.
Last, but not the least, let me congratulate all the beneficiaries for whom foundation stone for houses is laid today. I wish them all the very best for the future. I also thank the State Government of Sikkim for having made this project possible. I would request the Government to ensure that the beneficiaries are also covered under skill development and employment generation support programmes under SJSRY.
Let us all work together with enthusiasm and dedication to make Urban India Slum-free and Poverty-free as quickly as possible.”
AD/DB
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Sikkim set to roll out red carpet for Regional Tourism Meet
BIJOY GURUNG
GANGTOK, December 4: The Sikkim government, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) and other tourism stakeholders are set to roll out the red carpet to Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja, Minister for State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed, officials from Ministry of Tourism (MOT), tourism ministers from Eastern and Northeastern States and other regional tourism stakeholders for the most keenly meet of ‘Inter State Regional Conference of Tourism Ministers of East and Northeastern States’ slated in the Capital on December 6.
The State tourism department being the nodal agency for the meet is preparing hard to have a smooth and fruitful meeting which is expected to evolve a common understanding to tackle the myriad issues faced by the tourism potential of these parts of the country especially the unexplored Northeastern region.
Sikkim has being performing well in the tourism sector since the past one decade with a surge in tourism footfalls every year. Already 4.6 lakhs domestic tourists have visited Sikkim this year till October while 13,933 international tourists have arrived in Sikkim this year till October and the graph could increase if more incentives and interventions are announced during the December 6 meet.
During the meet, tourism secretaries from each State will deliberating with the MoT and respective State governments on inter State issues of facilitating seamless travel, broad basing of hospitality education and training, initiation of skills training in hospitality sector, implementation of projects, presentations on rural, adventure and ecotourism, relaxation of Restricted Area Pass (RAP), Protected Area Pass (PAP) and Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Relaxation of RAP and PAPs would be a key point expected to be raised by the Northeastern States which feels that such permits are bottlenecks for promoting international tourism in the region.
Sikkim too feels such handicap as the whole State is covered by the PAP regime under Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order of 1985 and Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963 respectively. Though the Ministry of Home Affairs on the month of September had accorded significant relaxation of PAP regime in Sikkim, the local stakeholders here feel it is not enough.
Foreigners require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the border State of Sikkim and special permits are required to visit tourism spots like Guru Dongmar or trek along Dzongri areas near the border which are declared as Restricted Areas. In the September communiqué with the State government, the Ministry of Home Affairs has informed its decision to delegate additional powers to Sikkim government for the issues of PAP and RAP.
One point we are hoping to raise is on the RAPs for North Sikkim where presently a foreign tourist is allowed a stay of only 4 nights and 5 days beyond which he or she cannot stay, said TAAS general secretary Lukendra Rasaily.
The Sikkim government had on 2005 opened up two peaks in North Sikkim, Lama Wangden (5868 meters) in Lachen and Brumkhangse (5635 meters) in Yumthang, for mountain expeditions.
Since the peaks have been opened for climbing, we would be requesting the Ministry to enhance the RAP permits for at least 15 days, said Rasaily adding that the tourism stakeholders would also be focusing on opening the famed tourism spot of Guru Dongmar in North Sikkim for foreign tourists and opening Gangtok-Nathu La-Lhasa itinerary. These are money spinners which would greatly tap the tourism potential of Sikkim and the stakeholders would benefit, he said.
The TAAS would be submitting a memorandum in this regard to the Union Minister during her three day visit to Sikkim beginning from tomorrow.
Pointing towards the importance of the meet being hosted by Sikkim, the TAAS general secretary expressed his hopes that the conference will set the ball rolling for an aggressive marketing of tourism potential of Northeast region. We would request for aggressive marketing of Northeastern region with ILP relaxations in various other States, he said.
“Sikkim is celebrating the year 2010 as the Year of Tourism during which tourism stakeholders will be conducting a host of activities for which promotion and marketing is required. We feel time has come for aggressive marketing of Sikkim Tourism in international markets”, said the TAAS general secretary.
A key issue expected to be raised by TAAS is the ongoing practice of various foreign embassies to chare extra money for permits to visit Sikkim while issues visas to foreign tourists. It is informed that this practice has been going on since last year though no proper explanation is being offered as to why these embassies are charging money for visiting Sikkim.
With 245 members and more coming, TAAS is the apex body of tour operators and will be presenting a representation to the Minister who arrives to Sikkim tomorrow. It is informed that ninety percent of the proposals of TAAS forwarded by the State government to the MoT have been cleared till now and the organization is working to address the present issues.
Selja is scheduled to arrive tomorrow here and she would first make a stop at Rangpo, the border town of Sikkim where she will lay the foundation stone of a housing colony.
After attending the regional tourism meet at Chintan Bhavan in Gangtok on December 6, the Minister would move to South Sikkim where she would on December 7 inaugurate the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Ecotourism at Chemchey. She will also lay the foundation stone of a helipad and heliport at the same place.
BIJOY GURUNG
GANGTOK, December 4: The Sikkim government, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) and other tourism stakeholders are set to roll out the red carpet to Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja, Minister for State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed, officials from Ministry of Tourism (MOT), tourism ministers from Eastern and Northeastern States and other regional tourism stakeholders for the most keenly meet of ‘Inter State Regional Conference of Tourism Ministers of East and Northeastern States’ slated in the Capital on December 6.
The State tourism department being the nodal agency for the meet is preparing hard to have a smooth and fruitful meeting which is expected to evolve a common understanding to tackle the myriad issues faced by the tourism potential of these parts of the country especially the unexplored Northeastern region.
Sikkim has being performing well in the tourism sector since the past one decade with a surge in tourism footfalls every year. Already 4.6 lakhs domestic tourists have visited Sikkim this year till October while 13,933 international tourists have arrived in Sikkim this year till October and the graph could increase if more incentives and interventions are announced during the December 6 meet.
During the meet, tourism secretaries from each State will deliberating with the MoT and respective State governments on inter State issues of facilitating seamless travel, broad basing of hospitality education and training, initiation of skills training in hospitality sector, implementation of projects, presentations on rural, adventure and ecotourism, relaxation of Restricted Area Pass (RAP), Protected Area Pass (PAP) and Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Relaxation of RAP and PAPs would be a key point expected to be raised by the Northeastern States which feels that such permits are bottlenecks for promoting international tourism in the region.
Sikkim too feels such handicap as the whole State is covered by the PAP regime under Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order of 1985 and Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963 respectively. Though the Ministry of Home Affairs on the month of September had accorded significant relaxation of PAP regime in Sikkim, the local stakeholders here feel it is not enough.
Foreigners require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the border State of Sikkim and special permits are required to visit tourism spots like Guru Dongmar or trek along Dzongri areas near the border which are declared as Restricted Areas. In the September communiqué with the State government, the Ministry of Home Affairs has informed its decision to delegate additional powers to Sikkim government for the issues of PAP and RAP.
One point we are hoping to raise is on the RAPs for North Sikkim where presently a foreign tourist is allowed a stay of only 4 nights and 5 days beyond which he or she cannot stay, said TAAS general secretary Lukendra Rasaily.
The Sikkim government had on 2005 opened up two peaks in North Sikkim, Lama Wangden (5868 meters) in Lachen and Brumkhangse (5635 meters) in Yumthang, for mountain expeditions.
Since the peaks have been opened for climbing, we would be requesting the Ministry to enhance the RAP permits for at least 15 days, said Rasaily adding that the tourism stakeholders would also be focusing on opening the famed tourism spot of Guru Dongmar in North Sikkim for foreign tourists and opening Gangtok-Nathu La-Lhasa itinerary. These are money spinners which would greatly tap the tourism potential of Sikkim and the stakeholders would benefit, he said.
The TAAS would be submitting a memorandum in this regard to the Union Minister during her three day visit to Sikkim beginning from tomorrow.
Pointing towards the importance of the meet being hosted by Sikkim, the TAAS general secretary expressed his hopes that the conference will set the ball rolling for an aggressive marketing of tourism potential of Northeast region. We would request for aggressive marketing of Northeastern region with ILP relaxations in various other States, he said.
“Sikkim is celebrating the year 2010 as the Year of Tourism during which tourism stakeholders will be conducting a host of activities for which promotion and marketing is required. We feel time has come for aggressive marketing of Sikkim Tourism in international markets”, said the TAAS general secretary.
A key issue expected to be raised by TAAS is the ongoing practice of various foreign embassies to chare extra money for permits to visit Sikkim while issues visas to foreign tourists. It is informed that this practice has been going on since last year though no proper explanation is being offered as to why these embassies are charging money for visiting Sikkim.
With 245 members and more coming, TAAS is the apex body of tour operators and will be presenting a representation to the Minister who arrives to Sikkim tomorrow. It is informed that ninety percent of the proposals of TAAS forwarded by the State government to the MoT have been cleared till now and the organization is working to address the present issues.
Selja is scheduled to arrive tomorrow here and she would first make a stop at Rangpo, the border town of Sikkim where she will lay the foundation stone of a housing colony.
After attending the regional tourism meet at Chintan Bhavan in Gangtok on December 6, the Minister would move to South Sikkim where she would on December 7 inaugurate the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Ecotourism at Chemchey. She will also lay the foundation stone of a helipad and heliport at the same place.
ULFA chief Rajkhowa to be produced in court
Arrested chairman of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Arabinda Rajkhowa, the deputy commander-in-chief of the outfit Raju Baruah and Rajkhowa’s personal security guard Raja Bora would be produced in a local court on Saturday, police said.
“We would seek 14 days police remand of the three arrested ULFA members before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court,” a senior Assam police officer said.
On Friday, the ULFA chairman led a dramatic surrender before Indian authorities at Dawki in Meghalaya.
Among those who surrendered include Rajkhowa, his wife Kaveri and two children, Raju Baruah, his wife and one child, Raja Bora, and the wife of ULFA foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury and their son.
The surrendered ULFA leaders and their family members were brought to Guwahati by a helicopter and lodged at the fourth Assam Police Battalion headquarters in the city.
The wives and children who surrendered were not arrested and no charges were framed against them, another police officer said.
“Family members of Arabinda Rajkhowa and Raju Baruah (deputy commander-in-chief) have approached us for legal help and we are providing them legal assistance,” Bijon Mahajan, a senior lawyer in Guwahati, told IANS.
A senior police officer who met the ULFA leaders at the police guest house Friday described the ULFA chairman as a “highly composed and calm” person.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi welcomed the surrender and said the decision by Rajkhowa to come out could pave the way for lasting peace in the state.
Arrested chairman of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Arabinda Rajkhowa, the deputy commander-in-chief of the outfit Raju Baruah and Rajkhowa’s personal security guard Raja Bora would be produced in a local court on Saturday, police said.
“We would seek 14 days police remand of the three arrested ULFA members before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court,” a senior Assam police officer said.
On Friday, the ULFA chairman led a dramatic surrender before Indian authorities at Dawki in Meghalaya.
Among those who surrendered include Rajkhowa, his wife Kaveri and two children, Raju Baruah, his wife and one child, Raja Bora, and the wife of ULFA foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury and their son.
The surrendered ULFA leaders and their family members were brought to Guwahati by a helicopter and lodged at the fourth Assam Police Battalion headquarters in the city.
The wives and children who surrendered were not arrested and no charges were framed against them, another police officer said.
“Family members of Arabinda Rajkhowa and Raju Baruah (deputy commander-in-chief) have approached us for legal help and we are providing them legal assistance,” Bijon Mahajan, a senior lawyer in Guwahati, told IANS.
A senior police officer who met the ULFA leaders at the police guest house Friday described the ULFA chairman as a “highly composed and calm” person.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi welcomed the surrender and said the decision by Rajkhowa to come out could pave the way for lasting peace in the state.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Telecom connectivity to bridge Rural/ Urban divide: PM
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4 dec 2009 18:22 IST
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that all the 2, 50, 000 Gram Panchayats in the country will be provided high speed broadband connectivity by 2012 to remove asymmetry of information and opportunities to the rural population. The Prime Minister was speaking at the closing ceremony of “India Telecom- 2009” here today. Assuring the auction of 3G spectrum to be conducted shortly Mr. Singh stated that this spectrum will be allocated at a market determined price rather than an administered one. Lauding the setting up of 7 telecom centers of excellence by DOT in public private partnership mode he said that sustained competitiveness requires a strong research and development efforts. Expressing concern on the slow growth on the telecom manufacturing sector the Prime Minister called for using various fiscal incentives provided by the government to attract potential investors.
Speaking on the occasion Shri A. Raja Minister for Communications and Information Technology said that Telecom sector is recognized as one of the major drivers of the growth of Indian economy as it is contributing about 5.6% in GDP. Indian economy registered 11% rise in FDI, despite the global recession and liquidity crunch, he added. Telecom sector has marked growth of 103% during fiscal 2008-09. The Minister further said that it also attracted USD 2558 million FDI in 2008-09 as compared to the USD 1261 million in 2007-08, which is about 10% of the total FDI inflow in the country during 2008-09. Enlisting the achievements of the Telecom department the Minister said that target of 500 million of telephone connections was scaled in September 2009 much ahead of the scheduled time of December 2010.
Earlier Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Shri Gurudas Kamat welcomed the guests. While giving the vote of thanks MOS Shri Sachin Pilot announced the dates for next edition of the event to be held on 9-11 December, 2010.
*****
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4 dec 2009 18:22 IST
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that all the 2, 50, 000 Gram Panchayats in the country will be provided high speed broadband connectivity by 2012 to remove asymmetry of information and opportunities to the rural population. The Prime Minister was speaking at the closing ceremony of “India Telecom- 2009” here today. Assuring the auction of 3G spectrum to be conducted shortly Mr. Singh stated that this spectrum will be allocated at a market determined price rather than an administered one. Lauding the setting up of 7 telecom centers of excellence by DOT in public private partnership mode he said that sustained competitiveness requires a strong research and development efforts. Expressing concern on the slow growth on the telecom manufacturing sector the Prime Minister called for using various fiscal incentives provided by the government to attract potential investors.
Speaking on the occasion Shri A. Raja Minister for Communications and Information Technology said that Telecom sector is recognized as one of the major drivers of the growth of Indian economy as it is contributing about 5.6% in GDP. Indian economy registered 11% rise in FDI, despite the global recession and liquidity crunch, he added. Telecom sector has marked growth of 103% during fiscal 2008-09. The Minister further said that it also attracted USD 2558 million FDI in 2008-09 as compared to the USD 1261 million in 2007-08, which is about 10% of the total FDI inflow in the country during 2008-09. Enlisting the achievements of the Telecom department the Minister said that target of 500 million of telephone connections was scaled in September 2009 much ahead of the scheduled time of December 2010.
Earlier Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Shri Gurudas Kamat welcomed the guests. While giving the vote of thanks MOS Shri Sachin Pilot announced the dates for next edition of the event to be held on 9-11 December, 2010.
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Prime Minister’s speech on Telecom India 2009
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4 dec 2009 18:10 IST
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has called for doubling the rural tele-density in the next three years. He said this while inaugurating the valedictory function of Telecom India 2009 in New Delhi today. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s speech on the occasion:
“I am very happy to be here in your midst today for the valedictory function of India Telecom 2009. This is an event of great significance. It tells us about the future prospects of our economy, of our polity and our society. The future is here. The telecom industry displays characteristics which can give you a glimpse of things to happen in our country. I therefore begin by complimenting the Department of Telecommunication, The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries and all others who have contributed to organizing this most impressive event. I learnt that Telecom 2009 has been a great success and I congratulate all those who have been associated with this effort.
As you know, the telecommunications sector in India has seen rapid progress being made over more than a decade now. This is exemplified by the achievement last week of the figure of 500 million mobile subscribers. We are today the fastest growing telecom market in the world, with the addition of over 12 million subscribers every month in the last year, of which 5 million were from rural areas. These achievements are all the more remarkable as they have come at the time of a global economic slowdown. Now that the slowdown is showing signs of moderating, we can hope and aspire for even faster growth of telecommunication sector in our country.
The importance of the flow of information in for a fast modernizing economy cannot be over-emphasized. A strong telecommunications sector promotes social well being and facilitates rapid economic development. It is therefore a matter of great satisfaction to us that our telecom tariffs are among the lowest in the world. This, I believe, has been possible due to our regulatory regime which has encouraged competition, and also due to the innovation and enterprise of our private sector. I applaud all those who are responsible for this magnificent outcome.
But while celebrating the growth and substantial achievements of the telecom sector in India, it is important for all of us to be conscious of the large digital divide that still exists in our country. Indeed, this division between urban and rural India is still growing. Our rural tele-density is 20% as compared to over 100% for our towns and cities. We must therefore double our rural tele-density in the next 3 years. It is imperative that we exploit to the fullest extent, the opportunities offered by mobile telephony for purposes of promotion of financial inclusion.
The availability of broadband in India is also confined mostly to the people in urban centers. This lack of access to broadband for our rural population creates for them a large asymmetry of information, and therefore an asymmetry of opportunity as well. To address this issue, we have decided to implement a massive programme of broadband for all, under which all the 250,000 gram panchayats in our country will be provided high speed broadband connectivity latest by the year 2012. We expect that access to broadband in rural India will have multiple, long term multiplier positive effects. It will make a real difference to the lives of our farmers, by enabling them to discover prices for their produce in nearby mandis and markets. Remote and far-flung areas will be able to benefit from applications like tele-medicine and tele-education will become possible. It will help increase the pace of economic growth.
I am happy that the auction of spectrum for 3G and Broadband Wireless Access services will be conducted very shortly. In a reform initiative, the government has decided that this spectrum will be allocated at a market-determined prices rather than through an administered mechanism. The provision of 3G and Broadband Wireless Access Services by private sector telecom companies, in addition to BSNL and MTNL, will help I believe the market to grow rapidly. This will also make available data services to a wider section of consumers and give a fillip to broadband on wireless, unfettered by last-mile constraints.
We also intend to implement Mobile Number Portability early next year. This would give more choice to consumers who would be able to change their operator while retaining their cellular phone number. It would in the process encourage telecom companies to improve the quality of their service as well.
Sustained competitiveness requires a strong research and development efforts. I am therefore happy to learn that the seven Telecom Centers of Excellence set up by the Department of Telecommunications in PPP mode in our premier institutes like the IITs, IIM Ahmedabad and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore are now supporting a number of R&D projects. These include projects relating to Next Generation Networks, use of green technologies and enhanced energy efficiency.
Slow growth in the telecom manufacturing sector in India is an area of some concern for us. While production and export of telecom equipment in the country have shown some growth in the last year, there is still scope for improvement. The decision to allow 100% Foreign Direct Investment in the manufacture of telecom equipment and the various fiscal incentives now provided by the Government should I believe be used to attract potential investors. The newly set up Telecom Export Promotion Council therefore has a key role to play in facilitating this outcome and positioning India as a global manufacturing hub for telecom equipment.
I have been told that India Telecom 2009 has showcased the opportunities that exist in India in the telecom sector on an even larger scale than in previous years. This is as it should be in a fast growing economy. We cannot be satisfied with the statusquo. We must set new sights every year of our nation’s existence. In the process, we have offered service providers, manufacturers and all other stakeholders an opportunity to display new and emerging technologies, share their best practices and work towards solutions for common problems. I compliment all of you for contributing to the success of this magnificent event. Let me end by wishing you all the very best in your collective efforts to strengthen the telecom industry in our country.”
****
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4 dec 2009 18:10 IST
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has called for doubling the rural tele-density in the next three years. He said this while inaugurating the valedictory function of Telecom India 2009 in New Delhi today. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s speech on the occasion:
“I am very happy to be here in your midst today for the valedictory function of India Telecom 2009. This is an event of great significance. It tells us about the future prospects of our economy, of our polity and our society. The future is here. The telecom industry displays characteristics which can give you a glimpse of things to happen in our country. I therefore begin by complimenting the Department of Telecommunication, The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries and all others who have contributed to organizing this most impressive event. I learnt that Telecom 2009 has been a great success and I congratulate all those who have been associated with this effort.
As you know, the telecommunications sector in India has seen rapid progress being made over more than a decade now. This is exemplified by the achievement last week of the figure of 500 million mobile subscribers. We are today the fastest growing telecom market in the world, with the addition of over 12 million subscribers every month in the last year, of which 5 million were from rural areas. These achievements are all the more remarkable as they have come at the time of a global economic slowdown. Now that the slowdown is showing signs of moderating, we can hope and aspire for even faster growth of telecommunication sector in our country.
The importance of the flow of information in for a fast modernizing economy cannot be over-emphasized. A strong telecommunications sector promotes social well being and facilitates rapid economic development. It is therefore a matter of great satisfaction to us that our telecom tariffs are among the lowest in the world. This, I believe, has been possible due to our regulatory regime which has encouraged competition, and also due to the innovation and enterprise of our private sector. I applaud all those who are responsible for this magnificent outcome.
But while celebrating the growth and substantial achievements of the telecom sector in India, it is important for all of us to be conscious of the large digital divide that still exists in our country. Indeed, this division between urban and rural India is still growing. Our rural tele-density is 20% as compared to over 100% for our towns and cities. We must therefore double our rural tele-density in the next 3 years. It is imperative that we exploit to the fullest extent, the opportunities offered by mobile telephony for purposes of promotion of financial inclusion.
The availability of broadband in India is also confined mostly to the people in urban centers. This lack of access to broadband for our rural population creates for them a large asymmetry of information, and therefore an asymmetry of opportunity as well. To address this issue, we have decided to implement a massive programme of broadband for all, under which all the 250,000 gram panchayats in our country will be provided high speed broadband connectivity latest by the year 2012. We expect that access to broadband in rural India will have multiple, long term multiplier positive effects. It will make a real difference to the lives of our farmers, by enabling them to discover prices for their produce in nearby mandis and markets. Remote and far-flung areas will be able to benefit from applications like tele-medicine and tele-education will become possible. It will help increase the pace of economic growth.
I am happy that the auction of spectrum for 3G and Broadband Wireless Access services will be conducted very shortly. In a reform initiative, the government has decided that this spectrum will be allocated at a market-determined prices rather than through an administered mechanism. The provision of 3G and Broadband Wireless Access Services by private sector telecom companies, in addition to BSNL and MTNL, will help I believe the market to grow rapidly. This will also make available data services to a wider section of consumers and give a fillip to broadband on wireless, unfettered by last-mile constraints.
We also intend to implement Mobile Number Portability early next year. This would give more choice to consumers who would be able to change their operator while retaining their cellular phone number. It would in the process encourage telecom companies to improve the quality of their service as well.
Sustained competitiveness requires a strong research and development efforts. I am therefore happy to learn that the seven Telecom Centers of Excellence set up by the Department of Telecommunications in PPP mode in our premier institutes like the IITs, IIM Ahmedabad and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore are now supporting a number of R&D projects. These include projects relating to Next Generation Networks, use of green technologies and enhanced energy efficiency.
Slow growth in the telecom manufacturing sector in India is an area of some concern for us. While production and export of telecom equipment in the country have shown some growth in the last year, there is still scope for improvement. The decision to allow 100% Foreign Direct Investment in the manufacture of telecom equipment and the various fiscal incentives now provided by the Government should I believe be used to attract potential investors. The newly set up Telecom Export Promotion Council therefore has a key role to play in facilitating this outcome and positioning India as a global manufacturing hub for telecom equipment.
I have been told that India Telecom 2009 has showcased the opportunities that exist in India in the telecom sector on an even larger scale than in previous years. This is as it should be in a fast growing economy. We cannot be satisfied with the statusquo. We must set new sights every year of our nation’s existence. In the process, we have offered service providers, manufacturers and all other stakeholders an opportunity to display new and emerging technologies, share their best practices and work towards solutions for common problems. I compliment all of you for contributing to the success of this magnificent event. Let me end by wishing you all the very best in your collective efforts to strengthen the telecom industry in our country.”
****
31 IAS, 32 IPS officers in Sikkim cadre
GANGTOK, December 3: There are 31 IAS officers and 32 IPS officer presently appointed to Sikkim cadre and posted at Sikkim.
This was informed by the Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office Prithviraj Chavan today in the Rajya Sabha in response to the question raised by Sikkim MP OT Lepcha.
It was replied in the House that out of the above officers, 10 officers each from IAS and IPS are from Sikkim and 21 IAS and 22 IPS officers are currently from outside the State.
It was also replied that there are 10 IAS officers and 6 IPS officers currently on deputation outside Sikkim and are serving within their approved tenure. Those IAS officers deputed outside Sikkim are Union Public Service Commission secretary Alok Rawat, Suresh Chandra Gupta, GP Upadhyaya, Arun Kumar Yadav, Dr. K Jayakumar, Upma Srivastava, Govind Mohan, K Sreenivasulu, Puneet Kansal and Saroj Kumar Jha.
The IPS officers of Sikkim cadre deputed outside the State are Avinash Mohananey, NK Mishra, N Sridhar Rao, Vineet Vinayak, Avichal and Mrinalini Srivastava.
Source: sikkim express
GANGTOK, December 3: There are 31 IAS officers and 32 IPS officer presently appointed to Sikkim cadre and posted at Sikkim.
This was informed by the Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office Prithviraj Chavan today in the Rajya Sabha in response to the question raised by Sikkim MP OT Lepcha.
It was replied in the House that out of the above officers, 10 officers each from IAS and IPS are from Sikkim and 21 IAS and 22 IPS officers are currently from outside the State.
It was also replied that there are 10 IAS officers and 6 IPS officers currently on deputation outside Sikkim and are serving within their approved tenure. Those IAS officers deputed outside Sikkim are Union Public Service Commission secretary Alok Rawat, Suresh Chandra Gupta, GP Upadhyaya, Arun Kumar Yadav, Dr. K Jayakumar, Upma Srivastava, Govind Mohan, K Sreenivasulu, Puneet Kansal and Saroj Kumar Jha.
The IPS officers of Sikkim cadre deputed outside the State are Avinash Mohananey, NK Mishra, N Sridhar Rao, Vineet Vinayak, Avichal and Mrinalini Srivastava.
Source: sikkim express
SILIGURI: Cinemax to unveil four screens multiplex at Siliguri
Cinemax India, today announced that it is launching four screens multiplex at Cinemax- Savin Plaza situated plot no. 422(8), J L no. 83/105, hill cart road, behind baba loknath temple, Dagapur, Silliguri – 734003, disrict. Darjeeling, on Dec.4, 2009.
These multiplexes will be open to the patrons with screening of block buster movies Paa, Radio, De Dana Dan and 2012.
The four screens multiplex will also offer patrons to enjoy a personalized café service while enjoying their favorite uLovie which will give them out of the world experience-, ‘Cinemaxperience’
The multiplex is having capacity of 974 seals including 73 recliner seats.With this addition, it will have in total 28 theater properties with 88 screens and 23,869 seats.
Shares of the company gained Rs 1.25, or 2.19%, to settle at Rs 58.40. The total volume of shares traded was 12,791 at the BSE (Thursday).
Cinemax India, today announced that it is launching four screens multiplex at Cinemax- Savin Plaza situated plot no. 422(8), J L no. 83/105, hill cart road, behind baba loknath temple, Dagapur, Silliguri – 734003, disrict. Darjeeling, on Dec.4, 2009.
These multiplexes will be open to the patrons with screening of block buster movies Paa, Radio, De Dana Dan and 2012.
The four screens multiplex will also offer patrons to enjoy a personalized café service while enjoying their favorite uLovie which will give them out of the world experience-, ‘Cinemaxperience’
The multiplex is having capacity of 974 seals including 73 recliner seats.With this addition, it will have in total 28 theater properties with 88 screens and 23,869 seats.
Shares of the company gained Rs 1.25, or 2.19%, to settle at Rs 58.40. The total volume of shares traded was 12,791 at the BSE (Thursday).
World Bank: India to return to 8-to-9 p.c. growth in 2 years
Dec 2009,3.
India’s economic growth rate over the next couple of years will be 8—9 per cent, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said on Friday.
India’s strong crisis management and sustained global demand from the 1.2-trillion-dollar economy was playing an important role in helping the world recover from the global economic crisis, Mr. Zoellick said in New Delhi.
“India’s growth rates could over the next one to two years see a return to the 8—9 per cent envisaged in the country’s 11th (five-year) plan,” Mr. Zoellick told reporters at the conclusion of a four-day visit to India during which he held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
The Indian government has pegged the economy’s growth rate for this fiscal year around 6.5 to 7 per cent.
“India has emerged from the economic crisis with a clear vision of what it will take to accelerate back to earlier growth rates and beyond,” said Mr. Zoellick.
“Its strong fiscal and monetary policies had helped counter the decline in exports and withstand some of the external shocks brought on by the multiple food, fuel and financial crisis,” he added.
The World Bank has agreed to loan India 1 billion dollars to help clean the Ganges river, considered sacred to Hindus. The loan to clean up the nearly 3,000-kilometre river, among the most polluted rivers globally, will be disbursed over five years.
“The river has sustained civilization throughout time, but is today burdened by expanding production, industries and urban development along its banks and in its basin, with all the pollution this brings,” Mr. Zoellick said Thursday.
The World Bank has already delivered around 5.3 billion dollars to India this fiscal year with commitments to power, roads, banking, rural development and water. Future resources will be aimed at supporting India s urban development, additional infrastructure needs in transport and power, elementary and secondary education, and development in agriculture and the rural sector, a statement from the bank said
Dec 2009,3.
India’s economic growth rate over the next couple of years will be 8—9 per cent, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said on Friday.
India’s strong crisis management and sustained global demand from the 1.2-trillion-dollar economy was playing an important role in helping the world recover from the global economic crisis, Mr. Zoellick said in New Delhi.
“India’s growth rates could over the next one to two years see a return to the 8—9 per cent envisaged in the country’s 11th (five-year) plan,” Mr. Zoellick told reporters at the conclusion of a four-day visit to India during which he held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
The Indian government has pegged the economy’s growth rate for this fiscal year around 6.5 to 7 per cent.
“India has emerged from the economic crisis with a clear vision of what it will take to accelerate back to earlier growth rates and beyond,” said Mr. Zoellick.
“Its strong fiscal and monetary policies had helped counter the decline in exports and withstand some of the external shocks brought on by the multiple food, fuel and financial crisis,” he added.
The World Bank has agreed to loan India 1 billion dollars to help clean the Ganges river, considered sacred to Hindus. The loan to clean up the nearly 3,000-kilometre river, among the most polluted rivers globally, will be disbursed over five years.
“The river has sustained civilization throughout time, but is today burdened by expanding production, industries and urban development along its banks and in its basin, with all the pollution this brings,” Mr. Zoellick said Thursday.
The World Bank has already delivered around 5.3 billion dollars to India this fiscal year with commitments to power, roads, banking, rural development and water. Future resources will be aimed at supporting India s urban development, additional infrastructure needs in transport and power, elementary and secondary education, and development in agriculture and the rural sector, a statement from the bank said
Cell constituted to promote organic farming in Sikkim
Gangtok: A six-member State Organic Farming Cell (SOFC) is constituted under Food Security and Agriculture Department (FS&AD) and Horticulture & Cash Crops Development Department (H&CCDD) for the implementation of Organic farming programme and policies of the state. FS&AD Minister is chairman and H&CCD Minister is co-chairman of the Cell, according to a notification by Sikkim government (Home department).
Terms and reference of SOFC stipulate that the Cell will be the overall Nodal Agency to promote organic farming in Sikkim and to introduce, promote and adopt appropriate technologies for improving the production, arrange, organize and undertake all activities related to and necessary for improving all aspects of organic production of various commodities in the state.
The Cell will also promote, organize and nurture institutions outside the government e.g. Cooperatives, NGOs, Voluntary Organization, Processing units, Boards etc. for the facilitation of all necessary inputs required for the backward and forward linkages related to organic products so as to provide services within easy reach of the farmers on progressively economically viable basis.
The SOFC will work under the guidance of State level Steering Committee for organic farming for the conversion of the state into total organic.
source: sikkim reporter
Gangtok: A six-member State Organic Farming Cell (SOFC) is constituted under Food Security and Agriculture Department (FS&AD) and Horticulture & Cash Crops Development Department (H&CCDD) for the implementation of Organic farming programme and policies of the state. FS&AD Minister is chairman and H&CCD Minister is co-chairman of the Cell, according to a notification by Sikkim government (Home department).
Terms and reference of SOFC stipulate that the Cell will be the overall Nodal Agency to promote organic farming in Sikkim and to introduce, promote and adopt appropriate technologies for improving the production, arrange, organize and undertake all activities related to and necessary for improving all aspects of organic production of various commodities in the state.
The Cell will also promote, organize and nurture institutions outside the government e.g. Cooperatives, NGOs, Voluntary Organization, Processing units, Boards etc. for the facilitation of all necessary inputs required for the backward and forward linkages related to organic products so as to provide services within easy reach of the farmers on progressively economically viable basis.
The SOFC will work under the guidance of State level Steering Committee for organic farming for the conversion of the state into total organic.
source: sikkim reporter
Reservation pattern notified for urban bodies of Sikkim
Sikkim Express:
GANGTOK, December 3: The State Election Commission has notified the reservation of seats in the three tier urban local body of Sikkim. The reservation as declared under section 15 of Sikkim Municipalities Act, 2007 for seats in Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat within the State of Sikkim.
As per the reservation pattern, 19 seats have been reserved for women in the 47 municipality wards across the State making it a 40 percent reservation for women as per the promise made by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) in the election manifesto. (See table)
Seven seats have been reserved for BL community which translates into 14 percent reservation while six seats have been reserved for the Limboo Tamang communities.
It may be recalled that the State cabinet had on June 10 earlier this year approved 22 percent reservation for Bhutia-Lepcha communities within the State for both Panchayat and Municipalities bodies. The seats in both the Panchayat and urban bodies will be reserved as BL seats, the cabinet decided.
Seats have also been reserved for OBCs and MBCs in the urban bodies.
Thirteen seats have been left unreserved for the general community which translates in 27 percent as general seats.
As already reported, Gangtok has been designated as Gangtok Municipal Corporation with 15 wards – Burtuk, Lower Sichey, Upper Sichey, Chandmari, Development Area, DPH area, Arithang, Lower MG Marg, Upper MG Marg, Tibet Road, Deorali, Dara Gaon, Tadong, Ranipool and Syari-Tathangchen.
The South district headquarters Namchi has been designated as a municipal council with seven wards-Gangyap, Dambudara, Upper Ghurpisey, Lower Ghurpisey, Upper Boomtar, Upper Singithang and Purano Namchi.
The urban areas of Singtam and Rangpo in East Sikkim, Jorethang in South Sikkim, Geyzing in West Sikkim and Mangan in North Sikkim have been designated as Nagar Panchayats.
There are five wards in Singtam-Pipal Dara, Daragaon, Mandir Line, Lall Bazaar and Chisopani. Similarly, Majhitar, Mining, Mandi Bazaar, Rangpo Upper Bazaar and Chanatar are the five wards in Rangpo.
Jorethang Nagar Panchayat has Santinagar, Trikaleshwar, Daragaon, Majhigaon East and Majhigaon West as its wards while Geyzing Nagar Panchayat has five wards-Tikjuk, Kyongsa, Nayabazaar, Central Geyzing and New Geyzing.
The North Sikkim headquarters Mangan which has been designated as Nagar Panchayat has five wards-Upper Mangan Bazaar, Pentok, Power Colony, Rinzing Namgyal and Lower Mangan Bazaar.
It may be added here that municipal bodies in Sikkim are on the process of making a comeback after nearly three decades. Only Gangtok in the State had a municipal corporation for a brief period in the past in the early 1980s and was discontinued after a brief spell.
In this full-fledged comeback, the municipal elections in Sikkim also usher in more women empowerment in the State. The State government had last year enacted legislation, Sikkim Municipalities (Second Amendment) Bill which provided forty percent reservation to women in urban local bodies and has been translated into action with the reservation pattern.
RESERVATION OF SEATS IN MUNICIPALITIES
Sl.
No
Name of Municipality with Unit No.
(1)
Municipality Wards and Seats
(2)
Reservation
SC ST ST OBC MBC Others
1 1 Gangtok Municipal Corporation BL LT
1
Burtuk LT
2
Lower Sichey OBC(W)
3
Upper Sichey SC(W)
4
Chandmari BL
5
Development Area MBC
6
D.P.H. Area UR
7
Arithang MBC(W)
8
Lower M.G.Marg UR
9
Upper M.G.Marg UR(W)
10
Tibet Road BL(W)
11
Deorali MBC
12
Dara Gaon OBC
13
Tadong OBC
14
Ranipool LT
15 Syari-Tathangchen BL
2 2 Singtam Nagar
Panchayat
1
Pipal Dara
OBC(W)
2
Daragaon UR
3
Mandir Line UR(W)
4
Lall Bazar UR
5
Chisopani LT(W)
3 3 Rangpo Nagar Panchayat 1
Majhitar OBC
2
Mining MBC
3
Mandi Bazar SC
4
Rangpo Upper Bazar UR
5
Chanatar UR(W)
4 4 Namchi Municipal Council 1
Gangyap UR
2
Dambudara OBC(W)
3
Upper Ghurpisey BL
4
Lower Ghurpisey MBC(W)
5
Upper Boomtar LT
6
Upper Singitang UR(W)
7
Purano Namchi MBC
5 5 Jorethang Nagar Panchayat 1
Santinagar UR
2
Trikaleshwar OBC
3
Daragaon SC
4
Majhigaon East LT(W)
5
Majhigaon West MBC(W)
6 6 Geyzing Nagar Panchayat 1
Tikjuk BL(W)
2
Kyongsa MBC
3
Nayabazar UR
4
Central Geyzing LT(W)
5
New Geyzing OBC
7 7 Mangan Nagar Panchayat 1
Upper Mangan Baqzaar BL
2
Pentok BL(W)
3
Power Colony OBC(W)
4
Rinzing Namgyal UR(W)
5
Lower Managan Bazaar MBC
Sikkim Express:
GANGTOK, December 3: The State Election Commission has notified the reservation of seats in the three tier urban local body of Sikkim. The reservation as declared under section 15 of Sikkim Municipalities Act, 2007 for seats in Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat within the State of Sikkim.
As per the reservation pattern, 19 seats have been reserved for women in the 47 municipality wards across the State making it a 40 percent reservation for women as per the promise made by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) in the election manifesto. (See table)
Seven seats have been reserved for BL community which translates into 14 percent reservation while six seats have been reserved for the Limboo Tamang communities.
It may be recalled that the State cabinet had on June 10 earlier this year approved 22 percent reservation for Bhutia-Lepcha communities within the State for both Panchayat and Municipalities bodies. The seats in both the Panchayat and urban bodies will be reserved as BL seats, the cabinet decided.
Seats have also been reserved for OBCs and MBCs in the urban bodies.
Thirteen seats have been left unreserved for the general community which translates in 27 percent as general seats.
As already reported, Gangtok has been designated as Gangtok Municipal Corporation with 15 wards – Burtuk, Lower Sichey, Upper Sichey, Chandmari, Development Area, DPH area, Arithang, Lower MG Marg, Upper MG Marg, Tibet Road, Deorali, Dara Gaon, Tadong, Ranipool and Syari-Tathangchen.
The South district headquarters Namchi has been designated as a municipal council with seven wards-Gangyap, Dambudara, Upper Ghurpisey, Lower Ghurpisey, Upper Boomtar, Upper Singithang and Purano Namchi.
The urban areas of Singtam and Rangpo in East Sikkim, Jorethang in South Sikkim, Geyzing in West Sikkim and Mangan in North Sikkim have been designated as Nagar Panchayats.
There are five wards in Singtam-Pipal Dara, Daragaon, Mandir Line, Lall Bazaar and Chisopani. Similarly, Majhitar, Mining, Mandi Bazaar, Rangpo Upper Bazaar and Chanatar are the five wards in Rangpo.
Jorethang Nagar Panchayat has Santinagar, Trikaleshwar, Daragaon, Majhigaon East and Majhigaon West as its wards while Geyzing Nagar Panchayat has five wards-Tikjuk, Kyongsa, Nayabazaar, Central Geyzing and New Geyzing.
The North Sikkim headquarters Mangan which has been designated as Nagar Panchayat has five wards-Upper Mangan Bazaar, Pentok, Power Colony, Rinzing Namgyal and Lower Mangan Bazaar.
It may be added here that municipal bodies in Sikkim are on the process of making a comeback after nearly three decades. Only Gangtok in the State had a municipal corporation for a brief period in the past in the early 1980s and was discontinued after a brief spell.
In this full-fledged comeback, the municipal elections in Sikkim also usher in more women empowerment in the State. The State government had last year enacted legislation, Sikkim Municipalities (Second Amendment) Bill which provided forty percent reservation to women in urban local bodies and has been translated into action with the reservation pattern.
RESERVATION OF SEATS IN MUNICIPALITIES
Sl.
No
Name of Municipality with Unit No.
(1)
Municipality Wards and Seats
(2)
Reservation
SC ST ST OBC MBC Others
1 1 Gangtok Municipal Corporation BL LT
1
Burtuk LT
2
Lower Sichey OBC(W)
3
Upper Sichey SC(W)
4
Chandmari BL
5
Development Area MBC
6
D.P.H. Area UR
7
Arithang MBC(W)
8
Lower M.G.Marg UR
9
Upper M.G.Marg UR(W)
10
Tibet Road BL(W)
11
Deorali MBC
12
Dara Gaon OBC
13
Tadong OBC
14
Ranipool LT
15 Syari-Tathangchen BL
2 2 Singtam Nagar
Panchayat
1
Pipal Dara
OBC(W)
2
Daragaon UR
3
Mandir Line UR(W)
4
Lall Bazar UR
5
Chisopani LT(W)
3 3 Rangpo Nagar Panchayat 1
Majhitar OBC
2
Mining MBC
3
Mandi Bazar SC
4
Rangpo Upper Bazar UR
5
Chanatar UR(W)
4 4 Namchi Municipal Council 1
Gangyap UR
2
Dambudara OBC(W)
3
Upper Ghurpisey BL
4
Lower Ghurpisey MBC(W)
5
Upper Boomtar LT
6
Upper Singitang UR(W)
7
Purano Namchi MBC
5 5 Jorethang Nagar Panchayat 1
Santinagar UR
2
Trikaleshwar OBC
3
Daragaon SC
4
Majhigaon East LT(W)
5
Majhigaon West MBC(W)
6 6 Geyzing Nagar Panchayat 1
Tikjuk BL(W)
2
Kyongsa MBC
3
Nayabazar UR
4
Central Geyzing LT(W)
5
New Geyzing OBC
7 7 Mangan Nagar Panchayat 1
Upper Mangan Baqzaar BL
2
Pentok BL(W)
3
Power Colony OBC(W)
4
Rinzing Namgyal UR(W)
5
Lower Managan Bazaar MBC
CM assures income tax relief to old settlers at par with Sikkim subject holders
PRATIMA RAI
GYALSHING, December 3: A new ray of hope has shined on the west district headquarters Gyalshing for the locals and the old settlers of Sikkim during the ongoing tour of West Sikkim by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.
The Chief Minister had commenced on West Sikkim tour from yesterday where he had reached Hee-Bermiok on the occasion of Teyongsi Srijunga and today he conducted a recce of Gyalshing town.
Mr. Chamling not only announced a slew of projects for the infrastructural revamp of Geyzing town much to the delight of the local residents but also assured to leave no stones unturned in delivering income tax exemption for the old settlers of Sikkim at par with the Sikkim subject holders.
In his address at the SDF party office in Gyalshing, the Chief Minister assured the old settlers to deliver income tax exemption at par with Sikkim subject holders. Those old settlers with proper documents will be given income tax relief like the local Sikkimese persons, he said.
The Chief Minister also outlined a blue print for the development and beautification of Gyalshing bazaar which includes a tiled street at the centre of the town, no parking in town and a water fountain in the town. He said that a taxi stand will be constructed at the outskirts of the bazaar area. Quality electricity lines will be put underground to remove the sight of overhanging lines in the town, he said announcing other modern amenities to the Gyalshing people.
“The beautification plan of Gyalshing bazaar is as part of the pre-announced plans of the SDF government where all the four district headquarters and prominent towns will be modernized,” said Mr. Chamling.
After a bagful of promises to Gyalshing people, the Chief Minister proceeded to the tourism hotspot of Pelling where he interacted with the students and teachers of Pelling senior secondary school. He urged the students to build up their capacity in sync with the present times and be competitive in studies.
Mr. Chamling pointed out to the students that government jobs are saturated and difficult to get. “Hence the students must develop their capacity and skill and carry the courage to compete in the world which has become a global village,” he said. He also briefed the students on various incentives of the State government for meritorious students.
PRATIMA RAI
GYALSHING, December 3: A new ray of hope has shined on the west district headquarters Gyalshing for the locals and the old settlers of Sikkim during the ongoing tour of West Sikkim by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.
The Chief Minister had commenced on West Sikkim tour from yesterday where he had reached Hee-Bermiok on the occasion of Teyongsi Srijunga and today he conducted a recce of Gyalshing town.
Mr. Chamling not only announced a slew of projects for the infrastructural revamp of Geyzing town much to the delight of the local residents but also assured to leave no stones unturned in delivering income tax exemption for the old settlers of Sikkim at par with the Sikkim subject holders.
In his address at the SDF party office in Gyalshing, the Chief Minister assured the old settlers to deliver income tax exemption at par with Sikkim subject holders. Those old settlers with proper documents will be given income tax relief like the local Sikkimese persons, he said.
The Chief Minister also outlined a blue print for the development and beautification of Gyalshing bazaar which includes a tiled street at the centre of the town, no parking in town and a water fountain in the town. He said that a taxi stand will be constructed at the outskirts of the bazaar area. Quality electricity lines will be put underground to remove the sight of overhanging lines in the town, he said announcing other modern amenities to the Gyalshing people.
“The beautification plan of Gyalshing bazaar is as part of the pre-announced plans of the SDF government where all the four district headquarters and prominent towns will be modernized,” said Mr. Chamling.
After a bagful of promises to Gyalshing people, the Chief Minister proceeded to the tourism hotspot of Pelling where he interacted with the students and teachers of Pelling senior secondary school. He urged the students to build up their capacity in sync with the present times and be competitive in studies.
Mr. Chamling pointed out to the students that government jobs are saturated and difficult to get. “Hence the students must develop their capacity and skill and carry the courage to compete in the world which has become a global village,” he said. He also briefed the students on various incentives of the State government for meritorious students.
GLOSSARY ON CLIMATE CHANGE
GLOSSARY
Baseline: The baseline estimates of population, gross domestic product (GDP), energy use and, hence, resultant GHG emissions without climate policies, determine how big a reduction is required, and what the impacts of climate change without policy will be.
Black carbon: It is formed through the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels and biomass, and is emitted in both anthropogenic and naturally occurring soot.
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e): The emissions of a gas, by weight, multiplied by its "global warming potential".
Carbon sinks: Processes that remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release. Both the terrestrial biosphere and oceans can act as carbon sinks.
Carbon sequestration: The uptake and storage of carbon. Trees and plants, for example, absorb carbon dioxide, release the oxygen and store the carbon. Fossil fuels were at one time biomass and continue to store the carbon until burned.
Carbon intensity: The relative amount of carbon emitted per unit of some other variable, often per unit of energy or quantity of fuel consumed.
Commitment period: The period under the Kyoto Protocol during which Annex I parties' GHG emissions, averaged over the period, p must be within their emission targets. The p first commitment period runs from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2012. E a
Conference of Parties (CoP): The supreme e decision-making body comprising the parties r that have ratified the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and G meets on an annual basis.
a G Emissions coefficient/factor: A unique v value for scaling emissions to activity data in o terms of a standard rate of emissions per unit of activity (example, grams of carbon H dioxide emitted per barrel of fossil fuel consumed).
b i Energy intensity: Ratio between the t consumption of energy to a given quantity of output; usually refers to the amount of e primary or final energy consumed per unit of GDP.
Externalities: By-products of activities that affect the well-being of people or damage the environment, where those impacts are not reflected in market prices.
Greenhouse gas (GHG): Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere.
GHGs include, but are not limited to, water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone.
Heiligendamm Process: An initiative that will institutionalize high-level dialogue between the G8 countries and the five most important emerging economies, known as the O5 (Outreach 5), comprising China, Mexico, India, Brazil and South Africa; and the establishment of a common G-5 + G-8 platform at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Ice core: Used to measure temperature rise, a core sample is a block of accumulated snow and ice over many years that has re-crystallized and has trapped air bubbles from previous time periods Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF): Land uses and land use changes can act either as sinks or as emission sources.
It is estimated that approximately one-fifth of global emissions result from LULUCF activities. The Kyoto Protocol allows parties to receive emissions credit for certain LULUCF activities that reduce net emissions Mauna Loa record: The record of measurement of atmospheric CO2 concentrations taken at the Mauna Loa Observatory, Mauna Loa, Hawaii, since March 1958. This record shows the continuing increase in average annual atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Methane: A hydrocarbon that is a GHG with a global warming potential estimated at 21.
Methane is produced through anaerobic (without oxygen) decomposition of waste in landfills, animal digestion, decomposition of animal wastes, production and distribution of natural gas and petroleum, coal production, and incomplete fossil fuel combustion.
Non-annex I parties: Countries that have ratified or acceded to UNFCCC but are not listed in Annex I and are not required to have emission reduction commitments.
Thermohaline circulation: The global density-driven circulation of the oceans.
G-77 + China: The biggest group within and outside the UN framework, the G-77 argues the case for developing and poorest nations. China agrees with the stand of the G-77, but is not officially part of it. The group, founded in 1964, is the most diverse and includes several subgroups with conflicting agenda. The group, as a whole, demands that rich nations commit to ambitious mid-term emission cut targets, developing nations not agree to emission cut commitments and be compensated by the West financially and technologically for mitigation actions. European Union (EU): Once the strongest supporter of the Kyoto Protocol, the EU is now a tacit follower of the "kill Kyoto" idea of the US. Led by the UK, Germany and France, the EU has most of the highest per capita emitters in the world.
Though they have taken commitments to reduce under the protocol, most of the countries are failing to do so. The EU has placed figures on how much it would finance developing countries, which are nowhere near what has been demanded.
Economies in transition: A subgroup within the EU, which includes eastern European countries arising from the breakdown of the USSR. Collapsing economies ensured that their emissions fell dramatically as well. The bloc is protesting against the rich EU countries for imposing restrictions on its economies, which are already struggling.
INT Within Group of 77 (G-77): Emerging economies: China, India, South Africa and Brazil are stuck between the developed and the developing countries criteria. Though they are "developing nations" under the UN framework, their emissions are growing the fastest and they are under escalating pressure from the global north to put a ceiling on their emissions by 2025, at most. These countries also lead the G-77 group in negotiations and have demanded that the West cut its emissions by 25-40% by 2020.
Vulnerable 14 (V-14): It is the weakest group in the negotiations in terms of capacity to cope with climate change with countries such as Maldives, Bangladesh, Barbados, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nepal, Philippines, Rwanda, and Tuvalu. Not an official group, V-14 includes countries that will be the first to suffer from rising sea levels. Thus, its top priority is to secure funds to deal with adverse climate change.
African bloc: The group recently made its presence felt at the negotiations by walking out till its issues were addressed. The group comprises the most vulnerable countries that have low capacity to adapt and to ask for very ambitious cuts from the rich nations by 2020. The group also needs adaptation funds starting in the very near future. Countries such as the UK, France and China have huge investments in many African countries. African countries have also been asking for more participation in the Clean Development Mechanism, which till now has been dominated by China and India.
Least Developed Countries (LDCs): Another group overlapping the G-77, LDCs include countries with the lowest indicators on the socio-economic scale, such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Somalia, Sudan and Haiti. Though like the Alliance of
Small Island States (Aosis), LDCs also demand immediate and heavy reductions in emissions, LDCs and Aosis fight for their share of the adaptation funds. Alliance of Small Island States (Aosis): Established in 1990, Aosis includes low-lying coastal and small island countries such as Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and the Bahamas. The group represents 28% of developing countries and demands the strictest emission cuts from the rich countries as well as from India and China. Most of these countries run the risk of being erased from the map with rising sea level.
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec): The sub-group of the oil producing countries sometimes plays spoiler within the G-77. With mammoth interests in the continuance of fossil fuel-based economies, the group argues for compensation arising from revenue losses from climate mitigation. The group has conflicting interests with most other G-77 countries but sticks to it nevertheless. Japan, US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand (Jusscanz): The group includes Japan, US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, which mostly are highly carbon-intensive and powerful in negotiations. Led by the US, the group is staunchly against emission cut commitments and any target for 2020. As suggested by the US, the rest now agree that the Kyoto Protocol should be ditched and a new legal instrument be forged. A new deal, which should include India and China, should not have any penalties and should be based on voluntary individual country pledges. The US, the world's largest emitter, did not sign the protocol, and there is little hope that it ever will.. Outside the UN framework: Group of Eight (G-8): The group of the world's biggest economies has promised that it will cut 80% of its emissions by 2050.
Major Economies Forum: A group of 17 countries, including India, has declared that it will strive to limit global temperature increase to 2 degrees Celsius. GLOSSARY Annex 1 parties: 40 countries under the UN framework, which have agreed to reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Baseline: The baseline estimates of population, gross domestic product (GDP), energy use and, hence, resultant GHG emissions without climate policies, determine how big a reduction is required, and what the impacts of climate change without policy will be.
Black carbon: It is formed through the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels and biomass, and is emitted in both anthropogenic and naturally occurring soot.
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e): The emissions of a gas, by weight, multiplied by its "global warming potential".
Carbon sinks: Processes that remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release. Both the terrestrial biosphere and oceans can act as carbon sinks.
Carbon sequestration: The uptake and storage of carbon. Trees and plants, for example, absorb carbon dioxide, release the oxygen and store the carbon. Fossil fuels were at one time biomass and continue to store the carbon until burned.
Carbon intensity: The relative amount of carbon emitted per unit of some other variable, often per unit of energy or quantity of fuel consumed.
Commitment period: The period under the Kyoto Protocol during which Annex I parties' GHG emissions, averaged over the period, p must be within their emission targets. The p first commitment period runs from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2012. E a
Conference of Parties (CoP): The supreme e decision-making body comprising the parties r that have ratified the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and G meets on an annual basis.
a G Emissions coefficient/factor: A unique v value for scaling emissions to activity data in o terms of a standard rate of emissions per unit of activity (example, grams of carbon H dioxide emitted per barrel of fossil fuel consumed).
b i Energy intensity: Ratio between the t consumption of energy to a given quantity of output; usually refers to the amount of e primary or final energy consumed per unit of GDP.
Externalities: By-products of activities that affect the well-being of people or damage the environment, where those impacts are not reflected in market prices.
Greenhouse gas (GHG): Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere.
GHGs include, but are not limited to, water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone.
Heiligendamm Process: An initiative that will institutionalize high-level dialogue between the G8 countries and the five most important emerging economies, known as the O5 (Outreach 5), comprising China, Mexico, India, Brazil and South Africa; and the establishment of a common G-5 + G-8 platform at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Ice core: Used to measure temperature rise, a core sample is a block of accumulated snow and ice over many years that has re-crystallized and has trapped air bubbles from previous time periods Land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF): Land uses and land use changes can act either as sinks or as emission sources.
It is estimated that approximately one-fifth of global emissions result from LULUCF activities. The Kyoto Protocol allows parties to receive emissions credit for certain LULUCF activities that reduce net emissions Mauna Loa record: The record of measurement of atmospheric CO2 concentrations taken at the Mauna Loa Observatory, Mauna Loa, Hawaii, since March 1958. This record shows the continuing increase in average annual atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Methane: A hydrocarbon that is a GHG with a global warming potential estimated at 21.
Methane is produced through anaerobic (without oxygen) decomposition of waste in landfills, animal digestion, decomposition of animal wastes, production and distribution of natural gas and petroleum, coal production, and incomplete fossil fuel combustion.
Non-annex I parties: Countries that have ratified or acceded to UNFCCC but are not listed in Annex I and are not required to have emission reduction commitments.
Thermohaline circulation: The global density-driven circulation of the oceans.
G-77 + China: The biggest group within and outside the UN framework, the G-77 argues the case for developing and poorest nations. China agrees with the stand of the G-77, but is not officially part of it. The group, founded in 1964, is the most diverse and includes several subgroups with conflicting agenda. The group, as a whole, demands that rich nations commit to ambitious mid-term emission cut targets, developing nations not agree to emission cut commitments and be compensated by the West financially and technologically for mitigation actions. European Union (EU): Once the strongest supporter of the Kyoto Protocol, the EU is now a tacit follower of the "kill Kyoto" idea of the US. Led by the UK, Germany and France, the EU has most of the highest per capita emitters in the world.
Though they have taken commitments to reduce under the protocol, most of the countries are failing to do so. The EU has placed figures on how much it would finance developing countries, which are nowhere near what has been demanded.
Economies in transition: A subgroup within the EU, which includes eastern European countries arising from the breakdown of the USSR. Collapsing economies ensured that their emissions fell dramatically as well. The bloc is protesting against the rich EU countries for imposing restrictions on its economies, which are already struggling.
INT Within Group of 77 (G-77): Emerging economies: China, India, South Africa and Brazil are stuck between the developed and the developing countries criteria. Though they are "developing nations" under the UN framework, their emissions are growing the fastest and they are under escalating pressure from the global north to put a ceiling on their emissions by 2025, at most. These countries also lead the G-77 group in negotiations and have demanded that the West cut its emissions by 25-40% by 2020.
Vulnerable 14 (V-14): It is the weakest group in the negotiations in terms of capacity to cope with climate change with countries such as Maldives, Bangladesh, Barbados, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nepal, Philippines, Rwanda, and Tuvalu. Not an official group, V-14 includes countries that will be the first to suffer from rising sea levels. Thus, its top priority is to secure funds to deal with adverse climate change.
African bloc: The group recently made its presence felt at the negotiations by walking out till its issues were addressed. The group comprises the most vulnerable countries that have low capacity to adapt and to ask for very ambitious cuts from the rich nations by 2020. The group also needs adaptation funds starting in the very near future. Countries such as the UK, France and China have huge investments in many African countries. African countries have also been asking for more participation in the Clean Development Mechanism, which till now has been dominated by China and India.
Least Developed Countries (LDCs): Another group overlapping the G-77, LDCs include countries with the lowest indicators on the socio-economic scale, such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Somalia, Sudan and Haiti. Though like the Alliance of
Small Island States (Aosis), LDCs also demand immediate and heavy reductions in emissions, LDCs and Aosis fight for their share of the adaptation funds. Alliance of Small Island States (Aosis): Established in 1990, Aosis includes low-lying coastal and small island countries such as Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and the Bahamas. The group represents 28% of developing countries and demands the strictest emission cuts from the rich countries as well as from India and China. Most of these countries run the risk of being erased from the map with rising sea level.
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec): The sub-group of the oil producing countries sometimes plays spoiler within the G-77. With mammoth interests in the continuance of fossil fuel-based economies, the group argues for compensation arising from revenue losses from climate mitigation. The group has conflicting interests with most other G-77 countries but sticks to it nevertheless. Japan, US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand (Jusscanz): The group includes Japan, US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, which mostly are highly carbon-intensive and powerful in negotiations. Led by the US, the group is staunchly against emission cut commitments and any target for 2020. As suggested by the US, the rest now agree that the Kyoto Protocol should be ditched and a new legal instrument be forged. A new deal, which should include India and China, should not have any penalties and should be based on voluntary individual country pledges. The US, the world's largest emitter, did not sign the protocol, and there is little hope that it ever will.. Outside the UN framework: Group of Eight (G-8): The group of the world's biggest economies has promised that it will cut 80% of its emissions by 2050.
Major Economies Forum: A group of 17 countries, including India, has declared that it will strive to limit global temperature increase to 2 degrees Celsius. GLOSSARY Annex 1 parties: 40 countries under the UN framework, which have agreed to reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Ministry of Earth Science
Change in Monsoon- Don't Get Worried
3 Dec 2009 17:54 IST
RAJYA SABHA
The rainfall pattern of the monsoon, both at the country level and meteorological sub-division scale, generally shows great deal of year to year variation of the total seasonal quantum and active/weak spells (duration and frequency) of rainfall within the season. Analysis of the rainfall data for the recent 10-year period 2000-2009 does not signify any major characteristic change for any of the meteorological sub-divisions.
However, a marginal decreasing trend in monsoon rainfall over Himachal Pradesh
(-3.7%) and small increasing trend over Saurashtra and Kutch (7%) and Lakshdweep
4.3%) are observed.
This was stated by Shri Prithviraj Chavan, the Minister of State (I/C) for Earth Sciences in the Rajya Sabha today.
GG/
Change in Monsoon- Don't Get Worried
3 Dec 2009 17:54 IST
RAJYA SABHA
The rainfall pattern of the monsoon, both at the country level and meteorological sub-division scale, generally shows great deal of year to year variation of the total seasonal quantum and active/weak spells (duration and frequency) of rainfall within the season. Analysis of the rainfall data for the recent 10-year period 2000-2009 does not signify any major characteristic change for any of the meteorological sub-divisions.
However, a marginal decreasing trend in monsoon rainfall over Himachal Pradesh
(-3.7%) and small increasing trend over Saurashtra and Kutch (7%) and Lakshdweep
4.3%) are observed.
This was stated by Shri Prithviraj Chavan, the Minister of State (I/C) for Earth Sciences in the Rajya Sabha today.
GG/
Progress of pharmaceutical industry
3 Dec 2009 15:26 IST
LOK SABHA
The Indian pharmaceutical industry, now over to Rs. 1,00,000 crores (US $ 20 billion) industry, has shown tremendous progress in terms of infrastructure development, technology base creation and a wide range of products. It has established its presence and determination to flourish in the changing environment. The industry now produces bulk drugs belonging to all major therapeutic groups requiring complicated manufacturing technologies. Formulations in various dosage forms are being produced in GMP compliant facilities. Strong scientific and technical manpower and pioneering work done in process development have made this possible. The country now ranks 3rd worldwide by volume of production and 14th by value thereby accounting for around 10% of world’s production by volume and 1.5% by value. Globally, it ranks 4th in terms of generic production and 17th in terms of export value of bulk actives and dosage forms. Indian exports are destined to more than 200 countries around the globe including highly regulated markets of USA, West Europe, Japan and Australia. By making right investment in creating Pharma Innovation Hub in the country, the country can reap the benefits both social and economic which would also include creation of additional high value research jobs.
This was informed by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
.....
3 Dec 2009 15:26 IST
LOK SABHA
The Indian pharmaceutical industry, now over to Rs. 1,00,000 crores (US $ 20 billion) industry, has shown tremendous progress in terms of infrastructure development, technology base creation and a wide range of products. It has established its presence and determination to flourish in the changing environment. The industry now produces bulk drugs belonging to all major therapeutic groups requiring complicated manufacturing technologies. Formulations in various dosage forms are being produced in GMP compliant facilities. Strong scientific and technical manpower and pioneering work done in process development have made this possible. The country now ranks 3rd worldwide by volume of production and 14th by value thereby accounting for around 10% of world’s production by volume and 1.5% by value. Globally, it ranks 4th in terms of generic production and 17th in terms of export value of bulk actives and dosage forms. Indian exports are destined to more than 200 countries around the globe including highly regulated markets of USA, West Europe, Japan and Australia. By making right investment in creating Pharma Innovation Hub in the country, the country can reap the benefits both social and economic which would also include creation of additional high value research jobs.
This was informed by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
.....
Jairam Ramesh: 20-25 % carbon emission intensity cut by 2020
India on Thursday announced 20-25 per cent carbon emission intensity cuts by 2020 on the 2005 levels. This would be done through a series of measures including mandatory fuel efficiency standards for all vehicles, a compulsory green building code and switching over to clean coal technology.
India on Thursday announced 20-25 per cent carbon emission intensity cuts by 2020 on the 2005 levels. This would be done through a series of measures including mandatory fuel efficiency standards for all vehicles, a compulsory green building code and switching over to clean coal technology.
Sikkim could become 'mini-Switzerland' if developed: SDP
Sikkim, which is often described as the 'Switzerland of the East' but far surpasses it in diversity and beauty, has been stymied due to lack of infrastructure and tourist facilities, lone Sikkim Democratic Front member O T Lepcha lamented today in the Rajya Sabha.
The lack of development and slow progress in the state were also hampering its emotional integration with the rest of the country even 35 years after its accession to India, he said moving A Private Member's Resolution on preparing an action plan for development of the state.
Recounting the rich array of natural beauty the state offered to the tourist, Mr Lepcha said Sikkim had 28 mountains, 227 wetlands and lakes, rich flora and fauna, including the rarest of orchids, besides Mt Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
But other than national highway 35, the lifeline of the state, there was little connectivity and the landlocked state was cut off from the rest of the country when the highway got blocked, Mr Lepcha said regretting that persistent demands for better road facilities had fallen on deaf ears.
He demanded that the Centre pay heed to the demand for more funds and revenue, so that the mountainous state could be developed as a "mini Switzerland".
--UNI
Sikkim, which is often described as the 'Switzerland of the East' but far surpasses it in diversity and beauty, has been stymied due to lack of infrastructure and tourist facilities, lone Sikkim Democratic Front member O T Lepcha lamented today in the Rajya Sabha.
The lack of development and slow progress in the state were also hampering its emotional integration with the rest of the country even 35 years after its accession to India, he said moving A Private Member's Resolution on preparing an action plan for development of the state.
Recounting the rich array of natural beauty the state offered to the tourist, Mr Lepcha said Sikkim had 28 mountains, 227 wetlands and lakes, rich flora and fauna, including the rarest of orchids, besides Mt Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
But other than national highway 35, the lifeline of the state, there was little connectivity and the landlocked state was cut off from the rest of the country when the highway got blocked, Mr Lepcha said regretting that persistent demands for better road facilities had fallen on deaf ears.
He demanded that the Centre pay heed to the demand for more funds and revenue, so that the mountainous state could be developed as a "mini Switzerland".
--UNI
Thursday, December 3, 2009
WILL- A MISSING LINK IN OUR FINANCIAL PLAN
WILL - A missing link in our overall Financial Plan
Sudha called me up few months ago. We were pondering over various aspects of her overall financial plans. When I touched upon topic of WILL, she was dumbstruck. According to her, WILL has to be made only by wealthy individuals.
Sudha is a professor in University. She lives with her teenage daughter. Few years ago her husband suddenly ran away from house leaving her and their daughter. His whereabouts are not known as yet. Sudha, struggled initially with her finances but over a period of time has started collecting ropes and is now settled. She has nominated her daughter in all her assets.
It is important for readers to know that nomination entitles nominee to receive the asset. However ownership is dependent on either WILL or in the absence of WILL respective succession acts/laws. To put this in perspective, suppose if husband nominates his mother in his life insurance policy and dies intestate (without making a WILL) then even though insurance company will pay claim to his mother, his wife can claim her share.
In case of Sudha, if she was to die without making a WILL, financial institutions will pass on all the assets to her daughter as she is the nominee. However her husband can claim stake – since formal divorce has not taken place – in Sudha’s assets.
In January 2009 Yatin Mehta (49) called me up. He was diagnosed with a dreaded disease and according to doctor he only had about 8/10 month’s of life. Yatin underwent divorce 5 years ago and got married again in October 2007. From his first wife, he has two children. One of them is in USA; second one is working with him in his consulting firm. There are no children from second wife who is 40 years of age. This is her first marriage. When issue of WILL and Estate Planning came up, several thoughts crossed mind (1) should he bequeath all his assets to his second wife? What happens if she marries again after his death? (2) Should he give assets to his children? What if they do not take care of their step mother? Further he only has one residential property. Should this be given to his second wife, son working with him or to son in USA? While there is solution to all these, point I am trying to drive is, there is always a need to give thought to planning of your estate and making a WILL. Estate planning is much larger gambit than making a WILL.
By the way there is difference between estate planning and real estate planning.
Today’s generation is creating assets much faster than their parents, further their lives are much complex and hence estate planning is very crucial.
Whenever someone asks me, when I should make my WILL, my standard answer is “day you create your first asset.”
Fortunately in India making of WILL is very easy. This is one document which is not required to be made on stamp paper. WILL made on plain paper is perfectly fine. Also hand written WILL is also acceptable by law.
While we spend all our lives creating wealth so that our future generations can derive benefit out of it. Failing to plan for that estate or not having a WILL is like accumulating water for a dry day in a storage which cannot hold liquids.
by Gaurav Mashruwala
The author is a Certified Financial Planner.
Sudha called me up few months ago. We were pondering over various aspects of her overall financial plans. When I touched upon topic of WILL, she was dumbstruck. According to her, WILL has to be made only by wealthy individuals.
Sudha is a professor in University. She lives with her teenage daughter. Few years ago her husband suddenly ran away from house leaving her and their daughter. His whereabouts are not known as yet. Sudha, struggled initially with her finances but over a period of time has started collecting ropes and is now settled. She has nominated her daughter in all her assets.
It is important for readers to know that nomination entitles nominee to receive the asset. However ownership is dependent on either WILL or in the absence of WILL respective succession acts/laws. To put this in perspective, suppose if husband nominates his mother in his life insurance policy and dies intestate (without making a WILL) then even though insurance company will pay claim to his mother, his wife can claim her share.
In case of Sudha, if she was to die without making a WILL, financial institutions will pass on all the assets to her daughter as she is the nominee. However her husband can claim stake – since formal divorce has not taken place – in Sudha’s assets.
In January 2009 Yatin Mehta (49) called me up. He was diagnosed with a dreaded disease and according to doctor he only had about 8/10 month’s of life. Yatin underwent divorce 5 years ago and got married again in October 2007. From his first wife, he has two children. One of them is in USA; second one is working with him in his consulting firm. There are no children from second wife who is 40 years of age. This is her first marriage. When issue of WILL and Estate Planning came up, several thoughts crossed mind (1) should he bequeath all his assets to his second wife? What happens if she marries again after his death? (2) Should he give assets to his children? What if they do not take care of their step mother? Further he only has one residential property. Should this be given to his second wife, son working with him or to son in USA? While there is solution to all these, point I am trying to drive is, there is always a need to give thought to planning of your estate and making a WILL. Estate planning is much larger gambit than making a WILL.
By the way there is difference between estate planning and real estate planning.
Today’s generation is creating assets much faster than their parents, further their lives are much complex and hence estate planning is very crucial.
Whenever someone asks me, when I should make my WILL, my standard answer is “day you create your first asset.”
Fortunately in India making of WILL is very easy. This is one document which is not required to be made on stamp paper. WILL made on plain paper is perfectly fine. Also hand written WILL is also acceptable by law.
While we spend all our lives creating wealth so that our future generations can derive benefit out of it. Failing to plan for that estate or not having a WILL is like accumulating water for a dry day in a storage which cannot hold liquids.
by Gaurav Mashruwala
The author is a Certified Financial Planner.
Sports Ministry introduces annual recognition procedure for Sports Federations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Dec 2009 12:18 IST
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has decided to introduce annual recognition procedure for all National Sports Federations with effect from January , 2010. As per communication sent to the Presidents / Secretary Generals of all recognised National Sports Federations( NSFs) , the Sports Ministry has asked all NSFs to furnish detailed information relating to twenty important areas like details of current management along with affiliates states /units , Memorandum of Association , Annual reports , Audited accounts of last 3 years, names of core probables, coaches including foreign coaches, and Government observers, participation in international, national and zonal championships etc.
The communication mentions further that subsequent annual renewal will be automatic in respect of federation which submits the annual report& audited accounts along with information relating to twelve areas like on details of elections held , steps taken for DOPE free sports including compliance to WADA/NADA Code along with details of cases found positive and action taken thereon, details of funds received from various sources, action taken on issue of Identity Cards to National athletes and for prevention of age frauds etc.
Any federation, which fails to comply with these requirements will not be granted renewal till such time they furnish requisite information and accordingly will not be eligible to receive assistance under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations and other Schemes of the Ministry for the period of gap in recognition, if any, the ministry adds.
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3 Dec 2009 12:18 IST
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has decided to introduce annual recognition procedure for all National Sports Federations with effect from January , 2010. As per communication sent to the Presidents / Secretary Generals of all recognised National Sports Federations( NSFs) , the Sports Ministry has asked all NSFs to furnish detailed information relating to twenty important areas like details of current management along with affiliates states /units , Memorandum of Association , Annual reports , Audited accounts of last 3 years, names of core probables, coaches including foreign coaches, and Government observers, participation in international, national and zonal championships etc.
The communication mentions further that subsequent annual renewal will be automatic in respect of federation which submits the annual report& audited accounts along with information relating to twelve areas like on details of elections held , steps taken for DOPE free sports including compliance to WADA/NADA Code along with details of cases found positive and action taken thereon, details of funds received from various sources, action taken on issue of Identity Cards to National athletes and for prevention of age frauds etc.
Any federation, which fails to comply with these requirements will not be granted renewal till such time they furnish requisite information and accordingly will not be eligible to receive assistance under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations and other Schemes of the Ministry for the period of gap in recognition, if any, the ministry adds.
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Scheme for development of Sports Infrastructure for North-East Region
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The Government has allowed 20% annual coverage of panchayats in respect of North-Eastern States as compared to 10% for the rest of the country under the Scheme of Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA). Under the Scheme, village/ block panchayats receive one-time seed capital grant of Rs.1 lakh/ Rs.5 lakh each, for establishing a playing field with basic facilities. The state share in this is 25 per cent for normal states and 10 per cent for special category states, including North-Eastern states. In addition, village panchayats are given annual acquisition grant for procurement of sports equipment and annual operational grant to meet the operational expenses of non-competition nature @ Rs.10,000 and Rs.12,000 per annum, respectively, and block panchayats are @ Rs.20,000 and 24,000, respectively. The scheme further provides 100% central assistance for holding annual rural sports competitions at block, district and state level. The assistance given for holding annual block level competition is Rs.95,000/- (including prize money); Rs.3.9 lakh for district level (including inter-school competitions and prize money); Rs.10 lakh for state level; and Rs.70 lakh at national level @Rs.3.5 lakh per discipline (including prize money). This information was given by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in the Rajya Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya.
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The Government has allowed 20% annual coverage of panchayats in respect of North-Eastern States as compared to 10% for the rest of the country under the Scheme of Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA). Under the Scheme, village/ block panchayats receive one-time seed capital grant of Rs.1 lakh/ Rs.5 lakh each, for establishing a playing field with basic facilities. The state share in this is 25 per cent for normal states and 10 per cent for special category states, including North-Eastern states. In addition, village panchayats are given annual acquisition grant for procurement of sports equipment and annual operational grant to meet the operational expenses of non-competition nature @ Rs.10,000 and Rs.12,000 per annum, respectively, and block panchayats are @ Rs.20,000 and 24,000, respectively. The scheme further provides 100% central assistance for holding annual rural sports competitions at block, district and state level. The assistance given for holding annual block level competition is Rs.95,000/- (including prize money); Rs.3.9 lakh for district level (including inter-school competitions and prize money); Rs.10 lakh for state level; and Rs.70 lakh at national level @Rs.3.5 lakh per discipline (including prize money). This information was given by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in the Rajya Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya.
Gold US $ 2000 and Beyond ?
First, the facts. If you were to take a pen and put a small dot on where the gold price has been at the end of every year starting 2000, every dot of yours would have come higher than the one before it. In other words, gold seems to be all set for a ninth consecutive annual gain as investors across the world seek insurance from potential debasement of paper currencies and higher inflation. Under such a scenario, it is quite normal for one to feel that the gold story may have run its course and we could be in uncharted territories where a sharp decline in gold prices could be just around the corner.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Infact, US$ 2,000 gold seems to be passé. The new target is significantly higher than that. Around 30% higher to be precise. What makes us say that? Bloomberg quotes a statement from an influential Chinese official who has suggested that Chinese central bank increase its gold reserves to 6,000 metric tonnes within 3-5 years and possibly to 10,000 tonnes in 8 to 10 years. Considering the kind of furor gold buying to the tune of 200 tonnes by India created, even if China achieves a small portion of its own gold buying objective, the resultant impact on gold prices can only be imagined. Exactly when the price target would be achieved is not known to us. But it certainly looks like US$ 2,000 an ounce gold is old fashioned and we will shortly have a new high to look up to.
First, the facts. If you were to take a pen and put a small dot on where the gold price has been at the end of every year starting 2000, every dot of yours would have come higher than the one before it. In other words, gold seems to be all set for a ninth consecutive annual gain as investors across the world seek insurance from potential debasement of paper currencies and higher inflation. Under such a scenario, it is quite normal for one to feel that the gold story may have run its course and we could be in uncharted territories where a sharp decline in gold prices could be just around the corner.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Infact, US$ 2,000 gold seems to be passé. The new target is significantly higher than that. Around 30% higher to be precise. What makes us say that? Bloomberg quotes a statement from an influential Chinese official who has suggested that Chinese central bank increase its gold reserves to 6,000 metric tonnes within 3-5 years and possibly to 10,000 tonnes in 8 to 10 years. Considering the kind of furor gold buying to the tune of 200 tonnes by India created, even if China achieves a small portion of its own gold buying objective, the resultant impact on gold prices can only be imagined. Exactly when the price target would be achieved is not known to us. But it certainly looks like US$ 2,000 an ounce gold is old fashioned and we will shortly have a new high to look up to.
PM addresses the National Conference of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission
3 Dec 2009: 12:07 IST
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, addressed the National Conferene on the Jawaharal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission in New Delhi today. He also gave away the JNNURM awards to best cities in various categories and best Mass Transit Projects.
Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s address on the occasion:
“I am very happy indeed to be present here on the fourth anniversary of the launch of the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission. I compliment my Cabinet colleagues, Shri Jaipal Reddy and Kumari Selja j for organising this event and for providing leadership which spearheaded the success of this very important National Mission of our Government. I would like to congratulate the awardees of the Best Performing Cities, in different categories, that have contributed so much to the success of this programme. I hope their example will emulate many other cities to take on to this path of reforms and development.
For most developing countries, the 21st century will mark the transition from a primarily rural to a mainly urban economy. In many of these countries, more than half the population already lives in cities and towns. The transition has been somewhat slower in India but in the next 20 years, our urban population might well double. This is both a challenge and a unique opportunity, and will require concerted action across all tiers of our federal system of governance if we are to meet this challenge head on and effectively.
In the four years since its launch, the JNNURM has fulfilled many of the expectations that we had of this historic initiative. The programme has succeeded in focussing the attention of our policy makers on issues of urban renewal as never before. The problems of urban areas and their sustained development are no longer accepted stoically; they are being tackled and beginning to be tackled effectively.
The Central Government has committed substantial funds for urban renewal, and I am happy to note, so have the States and urban local bodies. The two Ministries of Urban Development and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation have approved projects and buses for urban transport worth Rs.1,03,462 crore for which the Central Government has committed assistance of Rs 55,625 crore. It is good that the focus of projects approved under the Mission has been on basic services like water supply, sewerage, drainage, solid waste management, improvement of slums and construction of houses for the urban poor.
City governments have prepared City Development Plans which have helped them - for the first time in many cases - to lay out a fresh vision and capital investment plans for their cities. Many of these cities are beginning to think big about the prospect of sustained development and modernization of their cities.
Key reform victories have been wrought, including repeal of bottlenecks like urban land ceiling and reform of rent control acts in many states. The passage of community participation laws and public disclosure laws are helping to create new air of transparency and accountability in the governance of our cities.
There is recognition today that the JNNURM has created a paradigm shift in how the urban sector is to be viewed, both at the state and city levels. In this sense, our government can take great pride in having launched a Mission that is a game changer for urban India.
Today, as we celebrate the fourth anniversary of JNNURM, I wish to reiterate our government’s firm commitment to the development of urban sector. This commitment stems from the recognition that the balanced development of the urban sector is an integral part of our strategy of inclusive growth. It is for this reason that we cannot rest on the laurels of JNNURM and what has been achieved in the last four years even as we acknowledge its successes. We must plan big, think big and have a new vision for the future of urban India. There are a certain number of issues which require priority attention.
First, the process of municipal reform under the Mission needs to be deepened and to be more even across cities. Our urban local bodies have to develop the capacity to provide efficient, equitable and transparent governance. They have to have the ability to conceive, design and implement large projects. They have to be sensitive to the needs and well being of the urban poor.
Improving the financial health of our municipalities is another important priority. The States should fulfill their obligation to devolve both functions and finances to the municipal bodies. State Finance Commissions have to be set up periodically and their recommendations implemented in both letter and spirit. Urban bodies, on their part, should review and rationalize their taxation structure and augment their resources through other sources of income.
Only urban local bodies in good financial shape will be able to attract private investment or assistance from multilateral financial institutions. Both of these sources are indispensable for effective financing of the development of our cities. Although some leveraging of JNNURM funds has taken place, the potential, particularly for our mega cities, to do so is much more. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) also need to be explored and encouraged wherever possible.
A second area of focus will be affordable urban housing. Even though JNNURM has a significant component of support for affordable housing for the urban poor, we know that much more needs to be done in this vital area. We will therefore need to address this challenge through a combination of public financing and policies that will encourage public-private-partnerships.
We hope to launch the ambitious Rajiv Awas Yojana that will strive to create a formal space for slum dwellers within our cities and transform and redevelop these cities to make them slum-free.
The challenges of urbanization need to be met through provision of better urban infrastructure. Detailed analytical work on estimating the cost of urban infrastructure in India is currently being done but already it is clear that the numbers will not be small. Urban infrastructure financing and development will therefore be an area that will require significant additional attention in the years to come. Further, we will need to address issues such as asset management and weak market linkages in urban infrastructure projects.
No vision of urban development can ever be complete without an effective, clean and sustainable urban transportation system. Bus Rapid Transport System projects have been approved under JNNURM. For the first time, the Government of India funded 15,260 modern and intelligent transport systems enabled buses for city transport for 61 mission cities as a part of the economic stimulus package. These initiatives will need to be subsumed under a holistic and comprehensive policy towards urban transport system.
Institutional reform, infrastructure, housing and transport are thus some of the key action areas that have emerged as we have implemented the JNNURM across urban India. The Government of India will need to provide sustained and imaginative leadership in the urban sector to cement the early successes of JNNURM. The Government of India will explore the possibility of more resources for the Mission in years to come.
We will also work to widen and deepen urban renewal policies and reforms based on the experience of JNNURM. Some of the issues we need to concentrate on are the need for rural-urban integration; the centrality of master plans for urban development, with special focus on the needs of the urban poor; the challenges of financing urban infrastructure; the detailed implementation of critical reforms like Property Title Certification, and importantly, resolving the governance and institutional challenges facing the development of our urban system.
The Ministry of Urban Development I suggest should set up a mechanism involving relevant ministries, city officials, planners and other stakeholders to study these issues and come up with imaginative solutions. I hope that as we consolidate the successes of JNNURM, we would be ready in the future with other innovative schemes and policies that create opportunities from the challenges of modernization and urbanization.
The success of JNNURM is critical to tackling the problems that go with rapid urbanization. As infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the demand, urban chaos is becoming a way of life. Our cities and towns are not an acceptable face of a rapidly modernizing and developing economy. This must clearly change and change for the better. Therefore, your deliberations today are of critical importance to the future of our economy, our potential for growth and for harmonious and inclusive development of urban India.
With these words, I wish your conference all success.”
*****
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOI Secretary calls on CM
SR BUREAU
Gangtok: Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, Dr. M. Ramachandran called on the Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling at his official Mintokgang residence 30th November evening. Dr. Ramachandran was accompanied by the Secretaries of sate UD&HD, State Transport and PHE departments.
In the meeting Dr. Ramachandran was all praise for the good governance and development taking place in the state. He complimented the Chief Minister for his dedication and his effort for providing the people with neat and clean towns, total sanitation in villages and maintaining peace in the State.
Dr. Ramachandran informed the Chief Minister about the programmes under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Mission (JNNNM) and assured him that he would recommend the State to the central government for allocation of more funds for the scheme under Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme of Small and Medium Towns.
Dr. Chamling told the visiting Secretary about his desire to make Sikkim an exemplary state in the country with the support of Central Government as well as the people of Sikkim. He also said that he aims to provide every basic amenities in all the towns and villages of the state. (With IPR input)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Dec 2009: 12:07 IST
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, addressed the National Conferene on the Jawaharal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission in New Delhi today. He also gave away the JNNURM awards to best cities in various categories and best Mass Transit Projects.
Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s address on the occasion:
“I am very happy indeed to be present here on the fourth anniversary of the launch of the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission. I compliment my Cabinet colleagues, Shri Jaipal Reddy and Kumari Selja j for organising this event and for providing leadership which spearheaded the success of this very important National Mission of our Government. I would like to congratulate the awardees of the Best Performing Cities, in different categories, that have contributed so much to the success of this programme. I hope their example will emulate many other cities to take on to this path of reforms and development.
For most developing countries, the 21st century will mark the transition from a primarily rural to a mainly urban economy. In many of these countries, more than half the population already lives in cities and towns. The transition has been somewhat slower in India but in the next 20 years, our urban population might well double. This is both a challenge and a unique opportunity, and will require concerted action across all tiers of our federal system of governance if we are to meet this challenge head on and effectively.
In the four years since its launch, the JNNURM has fulfilled many of the expectations that we had of this historic initiative. The programme has succeeded in focussing the attention of our policy makers on issues of urban renewal as never before. The problems of urban areas and their sustained development are no longer accepted stoically; they are being tackled and beginning to be tackled effectively.
The Central Government has committed substantial funds for urban renewal, and I am happy to note, so have the States and urban local bodies. The two Ministries of Urban Development and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation have approved projects and buses for urban transport worth Rs.1,03,462 crore for which the Central Government has committed assistance of Rs 55,625 crore. It is good that the focus of projects approved under the Mission has been on basic services like water supply, sewerage, drainage, solid waste management, improvement of slums and construction of houses for the urban poor.
City governments have prepared City Development Plans which have helped them - for the first time in many cases - to lay out a fresh vision and capital investment plans for their cities. Many of these cities are beginning to think big about the prospect of sustained development and modernization of their cities.
Key reform victories have been wrought, including repeal of bottlenecks like urban land ceiling and reform of rent control acts in many states. The passage of community participation laws and public disclosure laws are helping to create new air of transparency and accountability in the governance of our cities.
There is recognition today that the JNNURM has created a paradigm shift in how the urban sector is to be viewed, both at the state and city levels. In this sense, our government can take great pride in having launched a Mission that is a game changer for urban India.
Today, as we celebrate the fourth anniversary of JNNURM, I wish to reiterate our government’s firm commitment to the development of urban sector. This commitment stems from the recognition that the balanced development of the urban sector is an integral part of our strategy of inclusive growth. It is for this reason that we cannot rest on the laurels of JNNURM and what has been achieved in the last four years even as we acknowledge its successes. We must plan big, think big and have a new vision for the future of urban India. There are a certain number of issues which require priority attention.
First, the process of municipal reform under the Mission needs to be deepened and to be more even across cities. Our urban local bodies have to develop the capacity to provide efficient, equitable and transparent governance. They have to have the ability to conceive, design and implement large projects. They have to be sensitive to the needs and well being of the urban poor.
Improving the financial health of our municipalities is another important priority. The States should fulfill their obligation to devolve both functions and finances to the municipal bodies. State Finance Commissions have to be set up periodically and their recommendations implemented in both letter and spirit. Urban bodies, on their part, should review and rationalize their taxation structure and augment their resources through other sources of income.
Only urban local bodies in good financial shape will be able to attract private investment or assistance from multilateral financial institutions. Both of these sources are indispensable for effective financing of the development of our cities. Although some leveraging of JNNURM funds has taken place, the potential, particularly for our mega cities, to do so is much more. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) also need to be explored and encouraged wherever possible.
A second area of focus will be affordable urban housing. Even though JNNURM has a significant component of support for affordable housing for the urban poor, we know that much more needs to be done in this vital area. We will therefore need to address this challenge through a combination of public financing and policies that will encourage public-private-partnerships.
We hope to launch the ambitious Rajiv Awas Yojana that will strive to create a formal space for slum dwellers within our cities and transform and redevelop these cities to make them slum-free.
The challenges of urbanization need to be met through provision of better urban infrastructure. Detailed analytical work on estimating the cost of urban infrastructure in India is currently being done but already it is clear that the numbers will not be small. Urban infrastructure financing and development will therefore be an area that will require significant additional attention in the years to come. Further, we will need to address issues such as asset management and weak market linkages in urban infrastructure projects.
No vision of urban development can ever be complete without an effective, clean and sustainable urban transportation system. Bus Rapid Transport System projects have been approved under JNNURM. For the first time, the Government of India funded 15,260 modern and intelligent transport systems enabled buses for city transport for 61 mission cities as a part of the economic stimulus package. These initiatives will need to be subsumed under a holistic and comprehensive policy towards urban transport system.
Institutional reform, infrastructure, housing and transport are thus some of the key action areas that have emerged as we have implemented the JNNURM across urban India. The Government of India will need to provide sustained and imaginative leadership in the urban sector to cement the early successes of JNNURM. The Government of India will explore the possibility of more resources for the Mission in years to come.
We will also work to widen and deepen urban renewal policies and reforms based on the experience of JNNURM. Some of the issues we need to concentrate on are the need for rural-urban integration; the centrality of master plans for urban development, with special focus on the needs of the urban poor; the challenges of financing urban infrastructure; the detailed implementation of critical reforms like Property Title Certification, and importantly, resolving the governance and institutional challenges facing the development of our urban system.
The Ministry of Urban Development I suggest should set up a mechanism involving relevant ministries, city officials, planners and other stakeholders to study these issues and come up with imaginative solutions. I hope that as we consolidate the successes of JNNURM, we would be ready in the future with other innovative schemes and policies that create opportunities from the challenges of modernization and urbanization.
The success of JNNURM is critical to tackling the problems that go with rapid urbanization. As infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the demand, urban chaos is becoming a way of life. Our cities and towns are not an acceptable face of a rapidly modernizing and developing economy. This must clearly change and change for the better. Therefore, your deliberations today are of critical importance to the future of our economy, our potential for growth and for harmonious and inclusive development of urban India.
With these words, I wish your conference all success.”
*****
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOI Secretary calls on CM
SR BUREAU
Gangtok: Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, Dr. M. Ramachandran called on the Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling at his official Mintokgang residence 30th November evening. Dr. Ramachandran was accompanied by the Secretaries of sate UD&HD, State Transport and PHE departments.
In the meeting Dr. Ramachandran was all praise for the good governance and development taking place in the state. He complimented the Chief Minister for his dedication and his effort for providing the people with neat and clean towns, total sanitation in villages and maintaining peace in the State.
Dr. Ramachandran informed the Chief Minister about the programmes under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Mission (JNNNM) and assured him that he would recommend the State to the central government for allocation of more funds for the scheme under Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme of Small and Medium Towns.
Dr. Chamling told the visiting Secretary about his desire to make Sikkim an exemplary state in the country with the support of Central Government as well as the people of Sikkim. He also said that he aims to provide every basic amenities in all the towns and villages of the state. (With IPR input)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Himalayan Beacon ‘End Corruption Initiative’
"An initiative which will not just seek to expose and end corruption but will also be able to make people aware about their responsibilities towards the society. It has long been known that nothing ‘official’ takes place unless someone is bribed. This practice has to stop and Beacon Online with your participation will seek to stop it. The great deal of thrust will go into educating and making people aware that a change in one’s perspective towards paying and accepting bribe is detrimental towards the proper functioning of the society. I am once again sure we will be able to make a significant dent in the ‘reign’ of corruption with this initiative."
Barun Roy
"An initiative which will not just seek to expose and end corruption but will also be able to make people aware about their responsibilities towards the society. It has long been known that nothing ‘official’ takes place unless someone is bribed. This practice has to stop and Beacon Online with your participation will seek to stop it. The great deal of thrust will go into educating and making people aware that a change in one’s perspective towards paying and accepting bribe is detrimental towards the proper functioning of the society. I am once again sure we will be able to make a significant dent in the ‘reign’ of corruption with this initiative."
Barun Roy
PM’s address at the valedictory session of the 34th meeting of Central Advisory Board of Archaeology
2 Dec 2009
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh released Common Entry Ticket for the visitors to the World Heritage Sites and protected monuments/sites at a function in New Delhi today. He addressed the valedictory session of the 34th meeting of Central Advisory Board of Archaeology on this occasion. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s speech on the occasion:
“Someone has described public office as private education at public expense and in my long association in the government of India moving from one Ministry to another, I have benefited enormously and listening to such distinguish discourse on the future of India’s past, I have also benefitted to a great degree and I thank you for the insights that you have provided for the study of the preservation and promotion of India’s past.
Let me begin by thanking all of you for attending and participating in the 34th meeting of Central Advisory Board of Archaeology being held almost after two years. I would ensure in the future that the Board meets more regularly and whatever recommendations emanate from this august Body, they are looked into properly and action taken should also be placed before the board at each of its next meeting. Let me say that study of India’s past ,archaeology as a discipline is something which requires joint collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Culture, the Archaeology Survey of India, the State functionaries and the academic bodies like the Universities. For exploration and excavation we need to bring our collective knowledge , wisdom and experience to move forward. I can assure you that this is an area where there is no shortage of funds, there will be no shortage of funds, we should and we can have networks between the Cultural Ministry, the Archaeology Survey of India, State Governments and Universities, I would like a genuine participatory approach to be developed between the Government, Government of States, Archeological Survey of India and Universities system of our country that’s the only way we can carry forward this massive gigantic enterprise of preserving study of India’s past. Let me say that we value your suggestions and as I said I would like to develop a participatory style of function in the Ministry of Culture. I attach great importance to the works of this ministry and that’s why when the new Cabinet was being sworn in, I said that this is the department which I would like to keep with me. And I have in the last seven- eight months worked with Mr. Sircar and I complement him for enthusiasm for his commitment for his knowledge and I am very happy that the Ministry of Culture is being served by such a very distinguished civil servant of our country.
I am very happy that the Archaeology Survey of India has circulated the draft national policy on archeological excavation and this document is now with you. This is in accordance with our desire to synergize the expertise available in the government and non-government sectors and to frame and formulate policies on the basis of widest possible consultations. I hope that there can be and there will be an informed debate on this subject before the policy is actually finalized and I greatly value your contribution, your inputs towards this end.
The Archaeology Survey of India has served our country exceedingly well. It will complete 150 years of its existence in the year 2011. I believe that we must pool all our wisdom and experience and work to revitalize this great organization to bring it on par with the best of institutions anywhere in the world. I was in Washington, I didn’t have much time to go round. But my daughter who went and saw the library of US Congress for the first time came back and said, “Daddy, well I have got some idea what you should be doing in the Ministry of Culture. The way the Americans preserve their ancient monuments even though it is only a fraction of what we have in this country. So I draw inspiration from that the Archaeology Survey of India has done good work but we can not be satisfied with the status quo. We must build up on our past experience to write a new glorious chapter in the history of this great national enterprise.
This I have identified as one of the priority tasks in the Ministry of Culture and I wish to flag a few issues that I think are of importance as we move forward with this important task. One of the substantive issues that need for the discussion is the policy and procedure relating to the notification of monuments of national importance. The act of notifying a monument has many implications. First is the question whether the ASI has the resources to protect and maintain it there are other legal and sensitive legal and administrative issues that arise particularly for monuments in prohibited and regulated zones in urban areas. I have asked Mr. Sircar to examine the issue in detail so that a coherent and practical policy could be put in place. I am happy that the Ministry will do so after hearing your deliberations and the outcome of these deliberations.
Though we have wealth of research materials and sources, record keeping and archival management have not been our strong points. I recognize for example that there are often delays in publishing the ASI’s excavation reports. The ASI has a priceless collection of glass negative in its photographic section, that are not in the public domain. I will urge the Ministry of Culture and the ASI to draw a time bound plan for early publication and proper archival management of all such material. The Archaeology Survey of India’s initiatives in republishing materials, the early days of archeology of India should be expanded. All these would be of immense value to the scholars. I also urge Dr. Srivastava that the publication, Ancient India which has been discontinued for many years, now should be revived as a part of our contribution to the study of India’s past and the cultural heritage of which we are generally proud of.
One other area where I would like to draw your attention is that there are a number Indian sites on the tentative list of the World Heritage Committee. At the last meeting of advisory board on culture, the point was made that our capacity for research and documentation on such historical sites is quite inadequate. More effort needs to be put in this regard so that we can prepare proper nomination dossiers for these sites for inscription in the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. There is a growing awareness about this task in several parts of our country. It needs to be systematized in a form that will need the approval of the standard that UNESCO sets for such examination. There are also areas where the distinguished members of the board can give valuable suggestions and feedback. Even though the Board meets frequently, I hope that we can use the wealth of expertise available in this room through more frequent meetings with more selective groups and when I listen to all the learned scholars who spoke I think that this wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience which should be available for this gigantic task of remembering and honouring our past the way we would like to do.
I recognize that ASI cannot function in the manner that we expect without a drastic overhaul of its rules and procedures and soon after becoming the Prime Minister I have been trying even though I was not Minister for Culture, that the rules for senior appointments should be changed, there should be greater scope to bring in the professionals. At long last I think the task is in the process of being fulfilled and rules and procedure are being revised. Professionalism and work culture that require that attracts talents and creates a sense of pride and motivation are vital and I agree with one of the scholars who said that the ASI must be given maximum professional freedom. I assure you that will be the direction in which I would like the Ministry to be supportive of the maximum possible functional freedom being given to ASI for its work. I agree that professionalism and work culture attracts talent and creates a sense of pride and motivation are vital if we are to revitalize this great institution that the ASI is. This applies to other institutions working under the Ministry of Culture as well. I often mention to the officials in the Ministry of Culture, the sad state in which the National Archives is.
There is no reason why we should be satisfied with the present set up. We need to bring in more professional talent in the management whether for senior appointments or through advisory committees ,we need to put in place the maximum possible wisdom, knowledge, experience available in our country for management of the national archive, the management of the ASI and all institutions which have a bearing on preservation, protection and remembering India’s great ancient past. As an important first step, we have taken a decision to modify the recruitment rules and other terms and conditions of eight organizations under the Ministry of Culture. In line with these rules we are in the process of selecting a professional in the field of archeology for the post of Director General, ASI. I believe that we will need to think seriously about how to build a talent pool of archeologists, curators and other specialists who have relevant domain knowledge but are also experienced in management and administration of museum, archives and institutions like ASI. I would welcome any suggestion that may emanate from this august body to realize this ambition of ours.
There are important emerging areas in protection of monuments that require expert professional attention. Monuments cannot live in isolation. A communication strategy that evokes the interests of youth or the corporates and imaginative policies that integrate monuments with the local communities and other civil society activists and meet their needs are two such areas which require greater study and action both by this board as well as the Ministry of Culture. These are some of the thoughts which occurred to me and as a layman I have placed them before you. I have my very best wishes. I attach great importance to government institutions functioning in close collaboration with agencies and authorities of the civil society workers and in this room we have assembled a very distinguished group of scholars whose wisdom, knowledge and experience I sincerely hope will improve the functioning of this great institution, the Archaeology Survey of India is.
With these words I once again thank each one of you. I know each one of you have many pre-occupations and much pressure on time, that you have nevertheless come here and spent the whole day analyzing problems and prospects of the archaeological management in our country, I thank you for the core of my heart and as a Minister of Culture I assure you that whatever knowledge and experience emanates from this august Body will find proper expression in the policy guidelines that we may evolve to improve the functioning of the ASI. “
*
2 Dec 2009
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh released Common Entry Ticket for the visitors to the World Heritage Sites and protected monuments/sites at a function in New Delhi today. He addressed the valedictory session of the 34th meeting of Central Advisory Board of Archaeology on this occasion. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s speech on the occasion:
“Someone has described public office as private education at public expense and in my long association in the government of India moving from one Ministry to another, I have benefited enormously and listening to such distinguish discourse on the future of India’s past, I have also benefitted to a great degree and I thank you for the insights that you have provided for the study of the preservation and promotion of India’s past.
Let me begin by thanking all of you for attending and participating in the 34th meeting of Central Advisory Board of Archaeology being held almost after two years. I would ensure in the future that the Board meets more regularly and whatever recommendations emanate from this august Body, they are looked into properly and action taken should also be placed before the board at each of its next meeting. Let me say that study of India’s past ,archaeology as a discipline is something which requires joint collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Culture, the Archaeology Survey of India, the State functionaries and the academic bodies like the Universities. For exploration and excavation we need to bring our collective knowledge , wisdom and experience to move forward. I can assure you that this is an area where there is no shortage of funds, there will be no shortage of funds, we should and we can have networks between the Cultural Ministry, the Archaeology Survey of India, State Governments and Universities, I would like a genuine participatory approach to be developed between the Government, Government of States, Archeological Survey of India and Universities system of our country that’s the only way we can carry forward this massive gigantic enterprise of preserving study of India’s past. Let me say that we value your suggestions and as I said I would like to develop a participatory style of function in the Ministry of Culture. I attach great importance to the works of this ministry and that’s why when the new Cabinet was being sworn in, I said that this is the department which I would like to keep with me. And I have in the last seven- eight months worked with Mr. Sircar and I complement him for enthusiasm for his commitment for his knowledge and I am very happy that the Ministry of Culture is being served by such a very distinguished civil servant of our country.
I am very happy that the Archaeology Survey of India has circulated the draft national policy on archeological excavation and this document is now with you. This is in accordance with our desire to synergize the expertise available in the government and non-government sectors and to frame and formulate policies on the basis of widest possible consultations. I hope that there can be and there will be an informed debate on this subject before the policy is actually finalized and I greatly value your contribution, your inputs towards this end.
The Archaeology Survey of India has served our country exceedingly well. It will complete 150 years of its existence in the year 2011. I believe that we must pool all our wisdom and experience and work to revitalize this great organization to bring it on par with the best of institutions anywhere in the world. I was in Washington, I didn’t have much time to go round. But my daughter who went and saw the library of US Congress for the first time came back and said, “Daddy, well I have got some idea what you should be doing in the Ministry of Culture. The way the Americans preserve their ancient monuments even though it is only a fraction of what we have in this country. So I draw inspiration from that the Archaeology Survey of India has done good work but we can not be satisfied with the status quo. We must build up on our past experience to write a new glorious chapter in the history of this great national enterprise.
This I have identified as one of the priority tasks in the Ministry of Culture and I wish to flag a few issues that I think are of importance as we move forward with this important task. One of the substantive issues that need for the discussion is the policy and procedure relating to the notification of monuments of national importance. The act of notifying a monument has many implications. First is the question whether the ASI has the resources to protect and maintain it there are other legal and sensitive legal and administrative issues that arise particularly for monuments in prohibited and regulated zones in urban areas. I have asked Mr. Sircar to examine the issue in detail so that a coherent and practical policy could be put in place. I am happy that the Ministry will do so after hearing your deliberations and the outcome of these deliberations.
Though we have wealth of research materials and sources, record keeping and archival management have not been our strong points. I recognize for example that there are often delays in publishing the ASI’s excavation reports. The ASI has a priceless collection of glass negative in its photographic section, that are not in the public domain. I will urge the Ministry of Culture and the ASI to draw a time bound plan for early publication and proper archival management of all such material. The Archaeology Survey of India’s initiatives in republishing materials, the early days of archeology of India should be expanded. All these would be of immense value to the scholars. I also urge Dr. Srivastava that the publication, Ancient India which has been discontinued for many years, now should be revived as a part of our contribution to the study of India’s past and the cultural heritage of which we are generally proud of.
One other area where I would like to draw your attention is that there are a number Indian sites on the tentative list of the World Heritage Committee. At the last meeting of advisory board on culture, the point was made that our capacity for research and documentation on such historical sites is quite inadequate. More effort needs to be put in this regard so that we can prepare proper nomination dossiers for these sites for inscription in the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. There is a growing awareness about this task in several parts of our country. It needs to be systematized in a form that will need the approval of the standard that UNESCO sets for such examination. There are also areas where the distinguished members of the board can give valuable suggestions and feedback. Even though the Board meets frequently, I hope that we can use the wealth of expertise available in this room through more frequent meetings with more selective groups and when I listen to all the learned scholars who spoke I think that this wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience which should be available for this gigantic task of remembering and honouring our past the way we would like to do.
I recognize that ASI cannot function in the manner that we expect without a drastic overhaul of its rules and procedures and soon after becoming the Prime Minister I have been trying even though I was not Minister for Culture, that the rules for senior appointments should be changed, there should be greater scope to bring in the professionals. At long last I think the task is in the process of being fulfilled and rules and procedure are being revised. Professionalism and work culture that require that attracts talents and creates a sense of pride and motivation are vital and I agree with one of the scholars who said that the ASI must be given maximum professional freedom. I assure you that will be the direction in which I would like the Ministry to be supportive of the maximum possible functional freedom being given to ASI for its work. I agree that professionalism and work culture attracts talent and creates a sense of pride and motivation are vital if we are to revitalize this great institution that the ASI is. This applies to other institutions working under the Ministry of Culture as well. I often mention to the officials in the Ministry of Culture, the sad state in which the National Archives is.
There is no reason why we should be satisfied with the present set up. We need to bring in more professional talent in the management whether for senior appointments or through advisory committees ,we need to put in place the maximum possible wisdom, knowledge, experience available in our country for management of the national archive, the management of the ASI and all institutions which have a bearing on preservation, protection and remembering India’s great ancient past. As an important first step, we have taken a decision to modify the recruitment rules and other terms and conditions of eight organizations under the Ministry of Culture. In line with these rules we are in the process of selecting a professional in the field of archeology for the post of Director General, ASI. I believe that we will need to think seriously about how to build a talent pool of archeologists, curators and other specialists who have relevant domain knowledge but are also experienced in management and administration of museum, archives and institutions like ASI. I would welcome any suggestion that may emanate from this august body to realize this ambition of ours.
There are important emerging areas in protection of monuments that require expert professional attention. Monuments cannot live in isolation. A communication strategy that evokes the interests of youth or the corporates and imaginative policies that integrate monuments with the local communities and other civil society activists and meet their needs are two such areas which require greater study and action both by this board as well as the Ministry of Culture. These are some of the thoughts which occurred to me and as a layman I have placed them before you. I have my very best wishes. I attach great importance to government institutions functioning in close collaboration with agencies and authorities of the civil society workers and in this room we have assembled a very distinguished group of scholars whose wisdom, knowledge and experience I sincerely hope will improve the functioning of this great institution, the Archaeology Survey of India is.
With these words I once again thank each one of you. I know each one of you have many pre-occupations and much pressure on time, that you have nevertheless come here and spent the whole day analyzing problems and prospects of the archaeological management in our country, I thank you for the core of my heart and as a Minister of Culture I assure you that whatever knowledge and experience emanates from this august Body will find proper expression in the policy guidelines that we may evolve to improve the functioning of the ASI. “
*
Global leaders call for saving planet for future generations
With the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference less than a week away, global leaders are urging Governments to meet the biggest challenge this generation faces by paving a way for a legally binding agreement.
Speaking from Capetown, Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, known for battling against apartheid, said the stakes for humanity were too high for the international community to fail at Copenhagen.
“The final measure of a generation’s courage is the memory of what they have done,” Tutu said in a video-message.
“We must live in memory as the generation that pulled humanity back from the brink of catastrophic climate change.”
On Monday, the Conference will kick off in the Danish capital, and in two weeks, negotiators from over 100 countries are expected to produce a document that captures agreement on key political fronts to tackle climate change that will be worked into a legally binding treaty early next year.
Tutu said droughts, floods and water shortage were already on the rise because of climate change, and lack of action spelled out certain devastation for “our children and children’s children.”
“This global threat already affects us all particularly the poorest and the most vulnerable... that alone should move all governments to act,” he said.
On similar lines, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a video message hosted by the UN, stressed the need to “create and strengthen critical partnerships” at Copenhagen, and urged governments to move to green economies, low carbon technologies and energy independence.
“At the regional level all around the world cities, states, provinces and nations have been hard at work because we must have climate action,” he said.
“I will be in Copenhagen to talk about the fantastic things that we are achieving right here in California at the regional level to fight greenhouse gas emissions.”
Joining the call was New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who wrote in the UN Newsletter urging communities across the world to “act locally” to combat climate change.
Bloomberg said Copenhagen is not just about world leaders but will also “include mayors from many of the world’s largest cities, regional government officials, CEOs, labour leaders and activists representing a broad range of issues.”
Noting that New York has a smaller carbon footprint than other cities since less than half of its residents own an automobile and use less than half the electricity per year of the average American, Bloomberg said that the city plans to make existing buildings more efficient under the “Greener Greater Buildings Plan“.
“We recognise that every city has a responsibility to take action... and also that the actions we take will not only help fight climate change, but also have other major long-term benefits,” the mayor said
With the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference less than a week away, global leaders are urging Governments to meet the biggest challenge this generation faces by paving a way for a legally binding agreement.
Speaking from Capetown, Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, known for battling against apartheid, said the stakes for humanity were too high for the international community to fail at Copenhagen.
“The final measure of a generation’s courage is the memory of what they have done,” Tutu said in a video-message.
“We must live in memory as the generation that pulled humanity back from the brink of catastrophic climate change.”
On Monday, the Conference will kick off in the Danish capital, and in two weeks, negotiators from over 100 countries are expected to produce a document that captures agreement on key political fronts to tackle climate change that will be worked into a legally binding treaty early next year.
Tutu said droughts, floods and water shortage were already on the rise because of climate change, and lack of action spelled out certain devastation for “our children and children’s children.”
“This global threat already affects us all particularly the poorest and the most vulnerable... that alone should move all governments to act,” he said.
On similar lines, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a video message hosted by the UN, stressed the need to “create and strengthen critical partnerships” at Copenhagen, and urged governments to move to green economies, low carbon technologies and energy independence.
“At the regional level all around the world cities, states, provinces and nations have been hard at work because we must have climate action,” he said.
“I will be in Copenhagen to talk about the fantastic things that we are achieving right here in California at the regional level to fight greenhouse gas emissions.”
Joining the call was New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who wrote in the UN Newsletter urging communities across the world to “act locally” to combat climate change.
Bloomberg said Copenhagen is not just about world leaders but will also “include mayors from many of the world’s largest cities, regional government officials, CEOs, labour leaders and activists representing a broad range of issues.”
Noting that New York has a smaller carbon footprint than other cities since less than half of its residents own an automobile and use less than half the electricity per year of the average American, Bloomberg said that the city plans to make existing buildings more efficient under the “Greener Greater Buildings Plan“.
“We recognise that every city has a responsibility to take action... and also that the actions we take will not only help fight climate change, but also have other major long-term benefits,” the mayor said
Exports to China hit new peak
- Nathu-la trade up
Source; Telegraph
Gangtok, Dec. 2: Landslides and inclement weather this monsoon did little to dampen trade with China through Nathu-la with Indian exports crossing the crore mark for the first time at the end of the fourth season of trading that ended on Monday.
According to data provided by the Sikkim commerce and industries department, the total exports from India this season stood at over Rs 1.35 crore, surpassing the Rs 95 lakh that was recorded in the last season.
With obsolete items making up the trade list of the Tibet Autonomous Region — it includes yak pelt, sheep wool, borax (a cleaner and disinfectant) and salt — the imports from TAR was dismal till last month when items worth Rs 2.95 lakh were sold to the Sikkimese buyers.
Senior officials of the commerce and industries department said the Indian exports comprised mainly canned food, textiles, utensils, vegetable oils, tea, dry fruit and spices. According to the agreement between the two countries, India can export 29 items, while traders from TAR can send only 15.
Customs officials at Nathu-la at 14,400ft said 3,737 Chinese buyers came over to the Sherathang trade mart on the Indian side, while 1,157 Indian businessmen crossed over to the Renquinggang trading post on the Chinese side.
“There was absolute goodwill between the two sides at the closing ceremony yesterday. However, the demand for revising the list of items that can be imported from China still remains a contentious issue,” said a senior government official present at the event. The Sikkim director for commerce and industries, Ujjwal Gurung, had hosted a lunch for the traders.
Sources in the Indo-China Traders’ Association said the traders from TAR had boycotted trade in May and June this year demanding that the list of items be revised.
S.K. Sarda, the president of the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the rise in the export volume. “It is a positive development, as the volume of trade picked up in the second half of the season. I have positive feedback from Delhi that a revised list of items for import has been approved and there should be some good news at the year-end,” Sarda said.
He also said traders from Sikkim would have an advantage over their counterparts from other states when the trade is opened to all. “The Indian government had allowed only traders from Sikkim to do commerce through Nathu-la for the first five years and the next season, starting in March 2010, will be the last,” Sarda added.
- Nathu-la trade up
Source; Telegraph
Gangtok, Dec. 2: Landslides and inclement weather this monsoon did little to dampen trade with China through Nathu-la with Indian exports crossing the crore mark for the first time at the end of the fourth season of trading that ended on Monday.
According to data provided by the Sikkim commerce and industries department, the total exports from India this season stood at over Rs 1.35 crore, surpassing the Rs 95 lakh that was recorded in the last season.
With obsolete items making up the trade list of the Tibet Autonomous Region — it includes yak pelt, sheep wool, borax (a cleaner and disinfectant) and salt — the imports from TAR was dismal till last month when items worth Rs 2.95 lakh were sold to the Sikkimese buyers.
Senior officials of the commerce and industries department said the Indian exports comprised mainly canned food, textiles, utensils, vegetable oils, tea, dry fruit and spices. According to the agreement between the two countries, India can export 29 items, while traders from TAR can send only 15.
Customs officials at Nathu-la at 14,400ft said 3,737 Chinese buyers came over to the Sherathang trade mart on the Indian side, while 1,157 Indian businessmen crossed over to the Renquinggang trading post on the Chinese side.
“There was absolute goodwill between the two sides at the closing ceremony yesterday. However, the demand for revising the list of items that can be imported from China still remains a contentious issue,” said a senior government official present at the event. The Sikkim director for commerce and industries, Ujjwal Gurung, had hosted a lunch for the traders.
Sources in the Indo-China Traders’ Association said the traders from TAR had boycotted trade in May and June this year demanding that the list of items be revised.
S.K. Sarda, the president of the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the rise in the export volume. “It is a positive development, as the volume of trade picked up in the second half of the season. I have positive feedback from Delhi that a revised list of items for import has been approved and there should be some good news at the year-end,” Sarda said.
He also said traders from Sikkim would have an advantage over their counterparts from other states when the trade is opened to all. “The Indian government had allowed only traders from Sikkim to do commerce through Nathu-la for the first five years and the next season, starting in March 2010, will be the last,” Sarda added.
We can’t compel government on quota in PG medicine: court
Reservation to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in postgraduate medical courses being a policy matter, the court cannot give a direction compelling a State government to provide a quota, the Supreme Court held on Wednesday. “The consistent view of this court is that Article 15 (4) of the Constitution [providing reservation] is only an enabling provision and it is for the respective States to either enact legislation or issue an executive instruction providing reservation in postgraduate courses,” a Bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justices P. Sathasivam and J.M. Panchal said.
“After all, medical education is an important issue which should not have any mandatory condition of reservation which may give rise to a situation against the public interest if so interpreted by the State government, as the State government is in a better position to determine the situation and requirement of that particular State, as mandated by the Constitution.”
Writing the judgment, Justice Sathasivam said: “As the State government is competent to make reservation to a particular class or category, until it is decided by the State, as being a policy matter, there cannot be any direction to provide reservation at the postgraduate level.”
The Bench said the PG degree/diploma in medical education was governed by the Medical Council of India and even the MCI had not strictly adhered to the reservation rules in admissions for the SCs/STs at the PG level. “In our view, every State can take its own decision with regard to reservation depending on various factors.”
In the instant case, Dr. Gulshan Prakash and others questioned the prospectus issued by the Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, for 2007-2008 without providing reservation for the SCs/STs in PG courses. The Punjab and Haryana High Court rejected the petition and they filed the present appeal. A writ petition was also filed directly in the Supreme Court questioning the 2009-2010 prospectus.
Rejecting the petitions, the Bench said that since Article 15 (4) of was an enabling provision, the State government was the best judge to grant reservation for the SCs/STs/Backward Classes at the PG level. “The decision of the State of Haryana not to make any provision for reservation at the PG level suffers from no infirmity.” .
The Haryana government granting reservation for the SC/ST/BC categories at the undergraduate level, “does not mean that it is bound to grant reservation at the PG level also. The State has conveyed its decision that it is not in favour of reservation for the SC/ST/BC at the PG level. In such circumstances, the court cannot issue any mandamus to the government.”
However, Haryana would be free to reconsider its earlier decision, if it so desired and circumstances warranted such a course in the future.
Reservation to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in postgraduate medical courses being a policy matter, the court cannot give a direction compelling a State government to provide a quota, the Supreme Court held on Wednesday. “The consistent view of this court is that Article 15 (4) of the Constitution [providing reservation] is only an enabling provision and it is for the respective States to either enact legislation or issue an executive instruction providing reservation in postgraduate courses,” a Bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justices P. Sathasivam and J.M. Panchal said.
“After all, medical education is an important issue which should not have any mandatory condition of reservation which may give rise to a situation against the public interest if so interpreted by the State government, as the State government is in a better position to determine the situation and requirement of that particular State, as mandated by the Constitution.”
Writing the judgment, Justice Sathasivam said: “As the State government is competent to make reservation to a particular class or category, until it is decided by the State, as being a policy matter, there cannot be any direction to provide reservation at the postgraduate level.”
The Bench said the PG degree/diploma in medical education was governed by the Medical Council of India and even the MCI had not strictly adhered to the reservation rules in admissions for the SCs/STs at the PG level. “In our view, every State can take its own decision with regard to reservation depending on various factors.”
In the instant case, Dr. Gulshan Prakash and others questioned the prospectus issued by the Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, for 2007-2008 without providing reservation for the SCs/STs in PG courses. The Punjab and Haryana High Court rejected the petition and they filed the present appeal. A writ petition was also filed directly in the Supreme Court questioning the 2009-2010 prospectus.
Rejecting the petitions, the Bench said that since Article 15 (4) of was an enabling provision, the State government was the best judge to grant reservation for the SCs/STs/Backward Classes at the PG level. “The decision of the State of Haryana not to make any provision for reservation at the PG level suffers from no infirmity.” .
The Haryana government granting reservation for the SC/ST/BC categories at the undergraduate level, “does not mean that it is bound to grant reservation at the PG level also. The State has conveyed its decision that it is not in favour of reservation for the SC/ST/BC at the PG level. In such circumstances, the court cannot issue any mandamus to the government.”
However, Haryana would be free to reconsider its earlier decision, if it so desired and circumstances warranted such a course in the future.
Bank Branch expansion eased for Sikkim
2 Dec 2009
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed banks to convert their general banking branches into specialised ones. However, even under the new format, these branches should also continue to serve existing customers, RBI said.
Banks, which open specialised branches for retail or small and medium enterprise (SME) customers, need separate licence from the regulator at present.
As proposed in the second quarter review of the monetary policy, the central bank has announced the liberalisation of branch licensing for Indian banks. They can now open branches in Tier-III to Tier-VI cities, semi urban and rural areas. For opening branches in Tier-I and II cities or in metros, banks will still have to seek RBI’s permission. However, they will not need a prior RBI approval for opening branches in urban centres of Sikkim and the North East.
The branch licensing policy has been liberalised to enhance banking penetration and financial inclusion.
Regarding foreign banks, RBI will continue to have a restrictive policy until a detailed road map for foreign banks is drawn.
It has been recommended that banks plan their branch expansion in Tier-III to Tier-VI centres in such a manner that at least one-third of such branches are in under-banked areas.
The granting of new branch licences in metro cities would also depend on the bank’s performance on the parameters of financial inclusion, priority sector lending, customer service, RBI said
source:BS
2 Dec 2009
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed banks to convert their general banking branches into specialised ones. However, even under the new format, these branches should also continue to serve existing customers, RBI said.
Banks, which open specialised branches for retail or small and medium enterprise (SME) customers, need separate licence from the regulator at present.
As proposed in the second quarter review of the monetary policy, the central bank has announced the liberalisation of branch licensing for Indian banks. They can now open branches in Tier-III to Tier-VI cities, semi urban and rural areas. For opening branches in Tier-I and II cities or in metros, banks will still have to seek RBI’s permission. However, they will not need a prior RBI approval for opening branches in urban centres of Sikkim and the North East.
The branch licensing policy has been liberalised to enhance banking penetration and financial inclusion.
Regarding foreign banks, RBI will continue to have a restrictive policy until a detailed road map for foreign banks is drawn.
It has been recommended that banks plan their branch expansion in Tier-III to Tier-VI centres in such a manner that at least one-third of such branches are in under-banked areas.
The granting of new branch licences in metro cities would also depend on the bank’s performance on the parameters of financial inclusion, priority sector lending, customer service, RBI said
source:BS
Border trade at Nathu La ends on sluggish note
December 2nd, 2009 - 4:55 pm ICT by IANS -
By Syed Zarir Hussain
Nathu La (Sikkim), Dec 2 (IANS) Trade between India and China through the fabled Silk Road has ended for 2009 after registering business worth Rs.9 million since May.
“Trade between the two countries have closed for this year Monday and would resume from May 1 until Nov 30 next year,” an official of Sikkim’s Industry and Commerce department said.
Under the agreement, trade takes place four days a week - Monday to Thursday - beginning May each year and lasting until Nov 30 when snow makes the area impassable.
“This year the two-way trade was sluggish with Indian traders doing business worth about Rs.9 million, while traders from the Tibet Autonomous Region did no business at all,” the official said.
In 2008, Chinese traders sold goods worth Rs.1,35,000.
Last year, the two countries did business worth about Rs.9.6 million, while in 2007 the volume of trade was to the tune of Rs.2.6 million. Bilateral trade in the first season in 2006 through Nathu La saw business worth about Rs.2 million.
“The first two months of trading in May-June were nil, but trading picked up in the later part of the season,” the official said.
India and China in 2006 re-opened trade across the 15,000-foot-high Nathu La pass, 52 km east of Sikkim capital Gangtok, as part of a broader rapprochement.
The move marked the first road trade link between the neighbours since their war in 1962.
Although trade was slow this year, about 800 Chinese traders crossed the border separated by a rusty barbed wire marker to the bazaar of Sherathang, five kilometres below the pass on the Indian side.
The sluggish border trade between the two countries is due to restrictions in tradable items - India can import 15 items from China including silk, yak pelts and horses, and export 29 goods that include textiles, tea, rice, vegetables and herbs.
Both China and Sikkim want the list of tradable items to be increased to help a booming trade across the roof of the world.
“Sikkim wants the list of items to be increased from 29 to 100 and include commodities like local beer, medicines, jam, processed food products, floriculture and horticultural products so that business grows,” S.K. Sarda,President- Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, said.
December 2nd, 2009 - 4:55 pm ICT by IANS -
By Syed Zarir Hussain
Nathu La (Sikkim), Dec 2 (IANS) Trade between India and China through the fabled Silk Road has ended for 2009 after registering business worth Rs.9 million since May.
“Trade between the two countries have closed for this year Monday and would resume from May 1 until Nov 30 next year,” an official of Sikkim’s Industry and Commerce department said.
Under the agreement, trade takes place four days a week - Monday to Thursday - beginning May each year and lasting until Nov 30 when snow makes the area impassable.
“This year the two-way trade was sluggish with Indian traders doing business worth about Rs.9 million, while traders from the Tibet Autonomous Region did no business at all,” the official said.
In 2008, Chinese traders sold goods worth Rs.1,35,000.
Last year, the two countries did business worth about Rs.9.6 million, while in 2007 the volume of trade was to the tune of Rs.2.6 million. Bilateral trade in the first season in 2006 through Nathu La saw business worth about Rs.2 million.
“The first two months of trading in May-June were nil, but trading picked up in the later part of the season,” the official said.
India and China in 2006 re-opened trade across the 15,000-foot-high Nathu La pass, 52 km east of Sikkim capital Gangtok, as part of a broader rapprochement.
The move marked the first road trade link between the neighbours since their war in 1962.
Although trade was slow this year, about 800 Chinese traders crossed the border separated by a rusty barbed wire marker to the bazaar of Sherathang, five kilometres below the pass on the Indian side.
The sluggish border trade between the two countries is due to restrictions in tradable items - India can import 15 items from China including silk, yak pelts and horses, and export 29 goods that include textiles, tea, rice, vegetables and herbs.
Both China and Sikkim want the list of tradable items to be increased to help a booming trade across the roof of the world.
“Sikkim wants the list of items to be increased from 29 to 100 and include commodities like local beer, medicines, jam, processed food products, floriculture and horticultural products so that business grows,” S.K. Sarda,President- Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, said.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Next Gen entrepreneurs are the future of this country
Even as we find our bearings after the economic storm of the last year, the Indian economy seems to be well on its way to a recovery and reaching pre-crisis levels. The scope and potential of the Indian economy, in general and the domestic consumption sector in particular, is characterised by some irreversible trends. This augurs well for the future, but it is crucial that we understand these trends so we use our resources in the most efficient manner possible.
When India's economic progress and development are discussed, what you typically encounter is a barrage of numbers. What is rarely discussed, and what should be of most concern to people, are the underlying dynamics behind those numbers. During the next decade the Indian economy will cross the USD 2 trillion threshold. The largest contributor in our GDP will continue to be our domestic private consumption. Unlike other emerging economies, the fundamental strength of the Indian economy has been the fact that domestic consumption is the single-biggest contributor to economic growth. And over the last couple of years, the scope and extent of India’s domestic consumption is going through a rapid change.
With the growth in income and aspirations and backed by a younger demographic profile, Indians consumers are moving away from basic consumption to consumption of value-added products. Whether it is food, furniture or fashion, Indian consumers are increasingly opting for value-added products and brands. Catalysing this trend for value-added products has been the growth of modern retailing in India.
Modern retailing deals almost exclusively with value-added products. The transformative change that value-added products bring to the economy is in the number of jobs, income generation and wealth creation that takes place at every stage. This in turn creates new opportunities and possibilities for value-creators and entrepreneurs across the country.
As we move towards the next decade, I believe the biggest transformation we will see is the emergence of a new breed of Indian entrepreneurs and enterprise that cater to the growing demand for value-added products. These entrepreneurs will not necessarily come from Mumbai, Delhi or any of the large-metros. Instead, you will find them setting up their enterprise and emerging from the hundreds of smaller towns spread across the country. They will be based closer to the source of production and they will create jobs in each of these locations.
Modern retail stands to be one of the biggest catalysts of this change. Not only will it create the demand for value-added products, but also act as a platform for small entrepreneurs and producers to connect with the big consumers.
In my recent travel in smaller towns and interactions with entrepreneurs there, I was very enthused by them and their ideas. The new generation of young entrepreneurs represents the future of this country and they are far more confident than the earlier generation. I believe it is important for every generation of entrepreneurs to rebel against the convention and create something new that benefits consumers, employees and society at large. And that has started happening across every town and city in India.
The author, Kishore Biyani is the Group CEO of Future Group and the MD of Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited.
Source:moneycontrol
Even as we find our bearings after the economic storm of the last year, the Indian economy seems to be well on its way to a recovery and reaching pre-crisis levels. The scope and potential of the Indian economy, in general and the domestic consumption sector in particular, is characterised by some irreversible trends. This augurs well for the future, but it is crucial that we understand these trends so we use our resources in the most efficient manner possible.
When India's economic progress and development are discussed, what you typically encounter is a barrage of numbers. What is rarely discussed, and what should be of most concern to people, are the underlying dynamics behind those numbers. During the next decade the Indian economy will cross the USD 2 trillion threshold. The largest contributor in our GDP will continue to be our domestic private consumption. Unlike other emerging economies, the fundamental strength of the Indian economy has been the fact that domestic consumption is the single-biggest contributor to economic growth. And over the last couple of years, the scope and extent of India’s domestic consumption is going through a rapid change.
With the growth in income and aspirations and backed by a younger demographic profile, Indians consumers are moving away from basic consumption to consumption of value-added products. Whether it is food, furniture or fashion, Indian consumers are increasingly opting for value-added products and brands. Catalysing this trend for value-added products has been the growth of modern retailing in India.
Modern retailing deals almost exclusively with value-added products. The transformative change that value-added products bring to the economy is in the number of jobs, income generation and wealth creation that takes place at every stage. This in turn creates new opportunities and possibilities for value-creators and entrepreneurs across the country.
As we move towards the next decade, I believe the biggest transformation we will see is the emergence of a new breed of Indian entrepreneurs and enterprise that cater to the growing demand for value-added products. These entrepreneurs will not necessarily come from Mumbai, Delhi or any of the large-metros. Instead, you will find them setting up their enterprise and emerging from the hundreds of smaller towns spread across the country. They will be based closer to the source of production and they will create jobs in each of these locations.
Modern retail stands to be one of the biggest catalysts of this change. Not only will it create the demand for value-added products, but also act as a platform for small entrepreneurs and producers to connect with the big consumers.
In my recent travel in smaller towns and interactions with entrepreneurs there, I was very enthused by them and their ideas. The new generation of young entrepreneurs represents the future of this country and they are far more confident than the earlier generation. I believe it is important for every generation of entrepreneurs to rebel against the convention and create something new that benefits consumers, employees and society at large. And that has started happening across every town and city in India.
The author, Kishore Biyani is the Group CEO of Future Group and the MD of Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited.
Source:moneycontrol
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