India: PM addresses Women’s Leadership Summit
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The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has addressed the Women’s Leadership Summit in New Delhi today. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s speech on the occasion:
“I am very happy to participate in this unique Leadership Summit for Women. I compliment the Ministry for bringing together so many highly talented women who have excelled in various walks of life so that we can all learn from their wisdom, knowledge and experience. I congratulate all these women for their high achievements and hope they will inspire others to greater effort and success.
As you all know, our country has done extremely well in terms of rates of economic growth. But for growth to be meaningful, it must benefit all sections of society, particularly those who are marginalized. This is the reason why our emphasis has been so much on inclusive, social and economic growth. And women have been, as they must be, a special focus of our efforts at inclusiveness.
Gender based disparities have remained the most prevalent form of exclusion globally and, more so, in the developing world. Our country is no exception to this state of affairs. This is particularly a reflection of the stereotyping of women’s role in our society. These disparities are discernable in several indicators of human development such as literacy, maternal and infant mortality rates and life expectancy at birth. While we have shown considerable improvement in such indicators over the years, the progress has been much slower than what we would have liked. Our Maternal Mortality Rate continues to be exceptionally high and shows that access to essential health care services for our women needs a massive improvement. Our female literacy rate is more than 20 percentage points below our male literacy rate and our sex ratio is low at 933. What is even more a matter of concern is that the child sex ratio in the age group 0-6 years has declined from 962 in 1981 to 927 in 2001. The gender disparity on the economic front is reflected in the low female work participation rate of 25.7% vis-à-vis 51.9% for males. Violence against women is also an issue that needs to be addressed. Indeed, we have a long way to go in our efforts towards social, economic and political empowerment of our women.
Providing equal opportunities and an enabling environment for our women is crucial for achieving the goal of women’s empowerment. We, as a government, are committed to this and our commitment is reflected in our policies and programmes. Today nearly half of those who get work under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme happen to be women. Out of the 3.5 million Self Help Groups formed under the Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana, 2.3 million are those of women. This scheme is being restructured as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, and I hope that this will improve the scheme and remove some of its deficiencies. I also hope that the restructuring of the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh, which provides collateral-free micro-credit to women Self Help Groups, announced last year will be taken to its logical conclusion soon by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The National Rural Health Mission, the Integrated Child Development Services and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan address health, nutrition and education, the three key components of social empowerment. In the last few years, the number of safe deliveries has increased and the Maternal Mortality and Infant Mortality rates have shown some decline. We have also increased the coverage of Integrated Child Development Services. The disparity in educational attainment between women and men begins at the school. While the participation of girls in schools, relative to boys, has improved over the last 5 to 6 years, their retention in schools continues to be a matter of concern. We have recently launched a national programme for female literacy called Saakshar Bharat to impart functional literacy to about 60 million adult women.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments have revolutionized governance at the grassroots and brought rural women into the fold of political participation. Today, nearly 40% of elected representatives in the village panchayats happen to be women. We hope to give this movement of political participation of women further fillip by increasing the number of seats reserved in Panchayats and City and Town Governments to 50%. Constitutional amendment bills implementing this have already been introduced in our Parliament. More significantly, we are moving towards providing one third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislatures.
As we approach the International Women’s Day, let me once against reaffirm our government’s commitment to all round social, economic and political empowerment of our women, whatever effort and resources the task might take. While the Government will continue to anchor this task, civil society and all of those who are role models must also play an important role in shaping public opinion and, thus, aiding in the evolution of collective combined efforts to ensure a more equitable and more productive future for the women of our country.
Let me end by wishing the deliberations of this summit all success. I sincerely hope your deliberations will contribute substantially towards our efforts in improving the lot of women in this great country of ours.”
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Demand for seperate Time Zone for North East including Sikkim
Prakash Adhikari
Demand for separate Time Zone for North East including Sikkim
5 Mar, Gangtok: Congress legislator Bhupen Bora raised the demand for a separate time zone for the north-east in the Assam Assembly on Friday (Mar 05). On its part the government has decided to take up the matter with concerned quarters before taking a decision. The demand for a separate time zone for the north-east including sikkim has once again come to the forefront. As the sun rises much earlier in the north-east than in the rest of the country, the demand has been on since long for a separate time zone for the north-east. On Friday this demand was raised in the Assam Assembly by Congress legislator Bhupen Bora. On the other hand, the government has informed that the matter would be taken up with concerned quarters and only thereafter a decision would be taken. Since long the demand has been to advance the time in the north-east by one-and-a-half hours under a separate time zone for the region.
SOURCE: VOICE OF SIKKIM
Prakash Adhikari
Demand for separate Time Zone for North East including Sikkim
5 Mar, Gangtok: Congress legislator Bhupen Bora raised the demand for a separate time zone for the north-east in the Assam Assembly on Friday (Mar 05). On its part the government has decided to take up the matter with concerned quarters before taking a decision. The demand for a separate time zone for the north-east including sikkim has once again come to the forefront. As the sun rises much earlier in the north-east than in the rest of the country, the demand has been on since long for a separate time zone for the north-east. On Friday this demand was raised in the Assam Assembly by Congress legislator Bhupen Bora. On the other hand, the government has informed that the matter would be taken up with concerned quarters and only thereafter a decision would be taken. Since long the demand has been to advance the time in the north-east by one-and-a-half hours under a separate time zone for the region.
SOURCE: VOICE OF SIKKIM
SERVICE TAX ON REAL ESTATE ?????
In a move that could prove to be a deterrent for the real estate industry, construction services have been brought under the service tax net. So be ready to shell out more for your dream house from now on. The recent budget proposal aims to levy a service tax of 10% on the price of the apartment if entire payment is made before the completion of construction. However, tax would be levied only on 33% of the agreement value. As realty companies typically pre-sell flats before completion of construction, this proposal is likely to hit the realty players in a big way. In an industry which is already paying an indirect tax in the range of 14-16%, the levy was not what the doctor ordered for. This move will discourage home buyers as the already high prices of the apartments are likely to increase further by 3-4%. Most realty companies will try to pass on the increased burden to the end consumer. Although majority of the developers have criticized this move and want a rollback in service tax, it seems that the FM is no mood to listen to them.
13th FC grants Rs 400 cr for projects in Sikkim
The 13th Finance Commission has recommended a package of Rs 400 crore during the next five years as grants-in-aid for meeting specific needs, including Rs 200-crore Bhaley Dhunga sky walk project, in Sikkim.
The commission, in its report tabled by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in Parliament on February 25, acknowledged that the Sikkim government had made a strong pitch for the skywalk project, arguing that this would be the first-of-its-kind in India, sources said today.
''We recommend 200 crore-grant, urging the state government to ensure that fragile ecosystem in the region is not disturbed in the course of its implementation,'' the commission said in its report.
Admitting the rationale of the skywalk project, the commision stated that it was expected to be a major tourist attraction as ''it would be exciting to walk over transparent glass at a height of almost 5000 ft.'' The project would, thus, have a major impact on infrastructure development and enhance commercial activities in the state, the Commission felt.
Endorsing the growth of tourism in Sikkim, the commission also recommended a grant of Rs 80 crore for the development of village tourism. The funds would be utilised for the improvement of village surroundings, connectivity and the natural attractions in rural areas, it was learnt.
The commission has recommended a grant of Rs six crore for creating additional storage facilities in Sikkim for essentials since transportation of these commodities had often been disrupted due to closure of the national highway in the wake of unavoidable circumstances.
The state government had also emphasised to the commission on the need to reinforce the existing security infrastructure along both the domestic and international borders with the initiatives like creating new monitoring checkposts, improving road transport links and strengthening security equipments. The commission has recommended a grant of Rs 15 crore to Sikkim in this regard.
The Sikkim government's submission for funds for repair and renovation of suspension of foot bridges in north district has been responded positively by the commission. The state government had highlighted the need for the substitution of old and dilapidated timber bridges with steel as well as replacement of old cables and suspenders.
Since, the bridges ensure connectivity of villages in remote and backward areas, the commission has recommended a grant of Rs 35 crore for repair and renovation of these bridges.
A grant of Rs 20 crore has also been recommended by the commission for taking care of the drinking water supply in south and west districts of Sikkim.
The state government had requested funds for upgradation of the Namchi Water Supply Scheme, overhauling of the Lower Changay Source for Gyalshing Water Supply Scheme and Rabdentse Water Supply Scheme. The commission has also recommended a grant of Rs 25 crore for training police and meeting infrastructural needs in Sikkim. The state government had sought funds to set up a training centre at Yangyang in order to augment the training capacity, including additional residential accommodation and equipment. A sum of Rs 10 crore has been recommended in this regard by the commission.
The commission has recommended a grant of Rs 15 crore for addressing the shortage of residential and non-residential buildings for the police.
A grant of Rs 10 crore, as sought by the state government, has been recommended by the commission for setting up a capacity building institute at Burtuk for enabling the state to help the youth gain knowledge and skills for various career options.
The commission has also recommended a grant of Rs nine crore for conserving the monuments in Sikkim, it was learnt.
source:Yahoo.com
The 13th Finance Commission has recommended a package of Rs 400 crore during the next five years as grants-in-aid for meeting specific needs, including Rs 200-crore Bhaley Dhunga sky walk project, in Sikkim.
The commission, in its report tabled by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in Parliament on February 25, acknowledged that the Sikkim government had made a strong pitch for the skywalk project, arguing that this would be the first-of-its-kind in India, sources said today.
''We recommend 200 crore-grant, urging the state government to ensure that fragile ecosystem in the region is not disturbed in the course of its implementation,'' the commission said in its report.
Admitting the rationale of the skywalk project, the commision stated that it was expected to be a major tourist attraction as ''it would be exciting to walk over transparent glass at a height of almost 5000 ft.'' The project would, thus, have a major impact on infrastructure development and enhance commercial activities in the state, the Commission felt.
Endorsing the growth of tourism in Sikkim, the commission also recommended a grant of Rs 80 crore for the development of village tourism. The funds would be utilised for the improvement of village surroundings, connectivity and the natural attractions in rural areas, it was learnt.
The commission has recommended a grant of Rs six crore for creating additional storage facilities in Sikkim for essentials since transportation of these commodities had often been disrupted due to closure of the national highway in the wake of unavoidable circumstances.
The state government had also emphasised to the commission on the need to reinforce the existing security infrastructure along both the domestic and international borders with the initiatives like creating new monitoring checkposts, improving road transport links and strengthening security equipments. The commission has recommended a grant of Rs 15 crore to Sikkim in this regard.
The Sikkim government's submission for funds for repair and renovation of suspension of foot bridges in north district has been responded positively by the commission. The state government had highlighted the need for the substitution of old and dilapidated timber bridges with steel as well as replacement of old cables and suspenders.
Since, the bridges ensure connectivity of villages in remote and backward areas, the commission has recommended a grant of Rs 35 crore for repair and renovation of these bridges.
A grant of Rs 20 crore has also been recommended by the commission for taking care of the drinking water supply in south and west districts of Sikkim.
The state government had requested funds for upgradation of the Namchi Water Supply Scheme, overhauling of the Lower Changay Source for Gyalshing Water Supply Scheme and Rabdentse Water Supply Scheme. The commission has also recommended a grant of Rs 25 crore for training police and meeting infrastructural needs in Sikkim. The state government had sought funds to set up a training centre at Yangyang in order to augment the training capacity, including additional residential accommodation and equipment. A sum of Rs 10 crore has been recommended in this regard by the commission.
The commission has recommended a grant of Rs 15 crore for addressing the shortage of residential and non-residential buildings for the police.
A grant of Rs 10 crore, as sought by the state government, has been recommended by the commission for setting up a capacity building institute at Burtuk for enabling the state to help the youth gain knowledge and skills for various career options.
The commission has also recommended a grant of Rs nine crore for conserving the monuments in Sikkim, it was learnt.
source:Yahoo.com
Sun TV to launch FM radio station in Sikkim
Reuters - Saturday, March 6
MUMBAI, March 5 - Sun TV Network said on Friday its unit, South Asia FM, will launch a radio station, 93.5 Red FM, in the north-eastern state of Sikkim on March 6.
With this launch, Sun TV will have more than 40 operational radio stations in India, it said in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Reuters - Saturday, March 6
MUMBAI, March 5 - Sun TV Network said on Friday its unit, South Asia FM, will launch a radio station, 93.5 Red FM, in the north-eastern state of Sikkim on March 6.
With this launch, Sun TV will have more than 40 operational radio stations in India, it said in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
SIKKIM:Precarious Gangtok to collapse if major quake hits, warns NMID
SIKKIM:Precarious Gangtok to collapse if major quake hits, warns NMID
GANGTOK
A senior official from the National Institute of Disaster Management (NMID) under Ministry of Home Affairs today warned the precarious high rise constructions in a ‘cheek by jowl’ Gangtok is waiting to collapse if an earthquake above 6 on Richter Scale strikes Sikkim, a State lying in seismic zone IV along the vulnerable Himalayan belt.
“They (buildings) are not at all safe and are waiting to collapse if an event of an earthquake above 5-6 on Richter Scale,” said Dr Chandan Ghosh, head of Geohazards Division, National Institute of Disaster Management to media here on sidelines of a training programme
The two day training programme for engineers and architects on ‘earthquake resistant building and retrofitting’ is organized by State land revenue and disaster management department and GB Pant Institute. According to Dr Ghosh, the buildings in Gangtok or in any other hill stations like Darjeeling and Shimla do not follow the construction guidelines of the NMID or proper designs. Guidelines are there to prevent great damage but not many in the hills have proper details and do not focus on quality design and material which the government must address, he said. Dr Ghosh also said that owners, contractors and masons have to certify that the quality work has been done while constructing the building. The cracks on the buildings in Gangtok during the 2006 earthquake was a warning to all as there is much tension in the Himalayan belt and a proper disaster management strategy must be prepared, said
Dr. Ghosh while congratulating Sikkim government for setting up a separate department for disaster management. The purpose of disaster management agency is as simple as it gets. “Sikkim is in seismic zone IV. There will be less damage if there is good disaster management plan an earthquake above 5 or 6 on Richter Scale occurs here. If the disaster management plan fails, then there will greater damage”, said Dr. Ghosh.
The NMID official underlined the need to sensitize people towards proper design of buildings and have better roads and drainage systems. Attention should be given on how the high rise buildings are being erected, he said. Engineers and town planners have to prepare a road map, he said. Earlier in his address, Dr Ghosh said that it hardly matters what of materials is used for construction. What matters most is how we use them, he said. He invited suggestions and deliberations to prepare a roadmap for Sikkim. Chief guest on the occasion, land revenue & disaster management secretary KT Chankapa highlighted the entire Himalayan belt is one of the most seismically active region in the world with reports of large scale damages in Sikkim after 1897 and 1934 events and smaller earthquakes of 1980 and 1988. Therefore, there is possibility of widespread damages in the State during other major event in the seismic gap regions near Sikkim, said Chankapa. He said that the past earthquakes have clearly brought out that we need to have a comprehensive strategy for disaster mitigation which should include planning, design and construction of earthquake resistant buildings through strict compliance of coded provisions for earthquake counter measures, he said. Sikkim has been fortunate till date as we have not faced any major earthquake disasters but we cannot rule out the fact the threat remains and we need to be well equipped for the unforeseen future, said the secretary pointing towards the aim of conducting the training programme for engineers and architects of Sikkim.
GANGTOK
A senior official from the National Institute of Disaster Management (NMID) under Ministry of Home Affairs today warned the precarious high rise constructions in a ‘cheek by jowl’ Gangtok is waiting to collapse if an earthquake above 6 on Richter Scale strikes Sikkim, a State lying in seismic zone IV along the vulnerable Himalayan belt.
“They (buildings) are not at all safe and are waiting to collapse if an event of an earthquake above 5-6 on Richter Scale,” said Dr Chandan Ghosh, head of Geohazards Division, National Institute of Disaster Management to media here on sidelines of a training programme
The two day training programme for engineers and architects on ‘earthquake resistant building and retrofitting’ is organized by State land revenue and disaster management department and GB Pant Institute. According to Dr Ghosh, the buildings in Gangtok or in any other hill stations like Darjeeling and Shimla do not follow the construction guidelines of the NMID or proper designs. Guidelines are there to prevent great damage but not many in the hills have proper details and do not focus on quality design and material which the government must address, he said. Dr Ghosh also said that owners, contractors and masons have to certify that the quality work has been done while constructing the building. The cracks on the buildings in Gangtok during the 2006 earthquake was a warning to all as there is much tension in the Himalayan belt and a proper disaster management strategy must be prepared, said
Dr. Ghosh while congratulating Sikkim government for setting up a separate department for disaster management. The purpose of disaster management agency is as simple as it gets. “Sikkim is in seismic zone IV. There will be less damage if there is good disaster management plan an earthquake above 5 or 6 on Richter Scale occurs here. If the disaster management plan fails, then there will greater damage”, said Dr. Ghosh.
The NMID official underlined the need to sensitize people towards proper design of buildings and have better roads and drainage systems. Attention should be given on how the high rise buildings are being erected, he said. Engineers and town planners have to prepare a road map, he said. Earlier in his address, Dr Ghosh said that it hardly matters what of materials is used for construction. What matters most is how we use them, he said. He invited suggestions and deliberations to prepare a roadmap for Sikkim. Chief guest on the occasion, land revenue & disaster management secretary KT Chankapa highlighted the entire Himalayan belt is one of the most seismically active region in the world with reports of large scale damages in Sikkim after 1897 and 1934 events and smaller earthquakes of 1980 and 1988. Therefore, there is possibility of widespread damages in the State during other major event in the seismic gap regions near Sikkim, said Chankapa. He said that the past earthquakes have clearly brought out that we need to have a comprehensive strategy for disaster mitigation which should include planning, design and construction of earthquake resistant buildings through strict compliance of coded provisions for earthquake counter measures, he said. Sikkim has been fortunate till date as we have not faced any major earthquake disasters but we cannot rule out the fact the threat remains and we need to be well equipped for the unforeseen future, said the secretary pointing towards the aim of conducting the training programme for engineers and architects of Sikkim.
Sikkim bags National Tourism Award 2009-09 in best performing tourism related program
03 Mar, New Delhi: The National Tourism Awards to honour the best performers in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry during the year 2008-2009 were presented here at a glittering function today. The awards were given away by the Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari. Also present during the function were Kumari Selja, Minister of Tourism and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation alongwith Shri Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism, tourism ministers from the various states, senior officials from the central and state governments, corporate leaders from the travel, tourism and hospitality industry and other dignitaries.
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India presents National Tourism Awards to various segments of the travel and tourism industry every year. These awards are presented to State Governments / Union Territories, classified hotels, heritage hotels, approved travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators, individuals and other private organizations in recognition of their performances in their respective fields and also to encourage healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism.
Over the years, new categories of awards have been introduced to keep pace with changing trends in the tourism industry and to encourage and acknowledge efforts made for development and promotion of niche tourism segments. This year a new category of Awards has been introduced for “Best Civic Management of a Tourist Destination in India”. This award has been introduced to encourage eco-friendly practices by various civic bodies in cities / towns / villages for the maintenance and upkeep of tourist sites / parks, etc. The objective of the Award is to proactively involve the municipal authorities and to get their commitment towards clean, hygienic and attractive surroundings in cities/towns/villages and to thereby enhance visitor experience. The Civic Management award has been jointly won by Tranquebar in Tamil Nadu and Yanam in Puducherry. Vishakapatnam has also been awarded a special award in this category for green practices.
The states of Rajasthan for best tourism related programs, Andhra Pradesh for best tourism infrastructure, Sikkim for best state from the North East for tourism related program, Kerala for its IT initiatives, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh for their tourism collaterals and Haryana for best maintained tourism friendly monuments have also won awards in different categories. A total of 79 awards were given away during the function. The awards were for the best performing hotels in various star categories, best heritage hotels and best tour operators and travel agents according to their foreign exchange earnings. Also awarded were awards for excellence in tourism publication, tourism film and various other categories of tourism promotion.
The Vice President of India, Shri M Hamid Ansari while congratulating the award winners mentioned that the industry has already shown its resilience in these adverse circumstances and with all stakeholders working together with the active support of the Ministry of Tourism, he was confident that “Incredible India” will emerge as one of the leading tourism destinations in the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Kumari Selja Minister for Tourism and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation mentioned that Tourism works in synergy with all the stakeholders. The Government primarily plays the role of facilitator and can act as a catalyst for the development and promotion of tourism. It is the Stakeholders who are the driving force in the industry. The facilities and services provided by the travel and hospitality industry contribute to a large extent to the visitor experience. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to ensure that there is no compromise on the quality of facilities and services offered.
03 Mar, New Delhi: The National Tourism Awards to honour the best performers in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry during the year 2008-2009 were presented here at a glittering function today. The awards were given away by the Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari. Also present during the function were Kumari Selja, Minister of Tourism and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation alongwith Shri Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism, tourism ministers from the various states, senior officials from the central and state governments, corporate leaders from the travel, tourism and hospitality industry and other dignitaries.
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India presents National Tourism Awards to various segments of the travel and tourism industry every year. These awards are presented to State Governments / Union Territories, classified hotels, heritage hotels, approved travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators, individuals and other private organizations in recognition of their performances in their respective fields and also to encourage healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism.
Over the years, new categories of awards have been introduced to keep pace with changing trends in the tourism industry and to encourage and acknowledge efforts made for development and promotion of niche tourism segments. This year a new category of Awards has been introduced for “Best Civic Management of a Tourist Destination in India”. This award has been introduced to encourage eco-friendly practices by various civic bodies in cities / towns / villages for the maintenance and upkeep of tourist sites / parks, etc. The objective of the Award is to proactively involve the municipal authorities and to get their commitment towards clean, hygienic and attractive surroundings in cities/towns/villages and to thereby enhance visitor experience. The Civic Management award has been jointly won by Tranquebar in Tamil Nadu and Yanam in Puducherry. Vishakapatnam has also been awarded a special award in this category for green practices.
The states of Rajasthan for best tourism related programs, Andhra Pradesh for best tourism infrastructure, Sikkim for best state from the North East for tourism related program, Kerala for its IT initiatives, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh for their tourism collaterals and Haryana for best maintained tourism friendly monuments have also won awards in different categories. A total of 79 awards were given away during the function. The awards were for the best performing hotels in various star categories, best heritage hotels and best tour operators and travel agents according to their foreign exchange earnings. Also awarded were awards for excellence in tourism publication, tourism film and various other categories of tourism promotion.
The Vice President of India, Shri M Hamid Ansari while congratulating the award winners mentioned that the industry has already shown its resilience in these adverse circumstances and with all stakeholders working together with the active support of the Ministry of Tourism, he was confident that “Incredible India” will emerge as one of the leading tourism destinations in the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Kumari Selja Minister for Tourism and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation mentioned that Tourism works in synergy with all the stakeholders. The Government primarily plays the role of facilitator and can act as a catalyst for the development and promotion of tourism. It is the Stakeholders who are the driving force in the industry. The facilities and services provided by the travel and hospitality industry contribute to a large extent to the visitor experience. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to ensure that there is no compromise on the quality of facilities and services offered.
Sonia inaugurates elite health institute in Shillong
United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday inaugurated the first postgraduate medical institute in northeast India here and stressed on the need for an urban health programme like the government's flagship rural health scheme.
The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute for Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in the Meghalaya capital has been designed in line with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.
“With the inauguration of the medical institute, an important aspect of late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's vision has been fulfilled,” Sonia Gandhi said at the inauguration.
“The institute was conceived as a centre of excellence in healthcare which will have the best of health services facilities in eastern India.”
“Besides treatment and providing numerous health services, the institute would play an important role in research and development,” the Congress president said.
“The UPA government has given special attention to all-round development of northeast India.”
The NEIGRIHMS, an autonomous institute established by union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has a sophisticated cardiology department, well-equipped neurology and urology departments and a 30-bed intensive care unit (ICU).
The institute, conceived by Rajiv Gandhi 23 years ago, has been functioning since 2002 first as an interim facility and later built a sprawling campus on the outskirts of Shillong at a cost of Rs.423 crore. It also plans to begin its telemedicine project soon.
Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had declared NEIGRIMS a national institute on Jan 22, 2000, when he visited Shillong.
Sonia Gandhi also underscored the importance of initiating an urban healthcare programme on the lines of the government's flagship National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), particularly with cases of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and cancer on the rise.
“I strongly feel the need to launch a health programme in the urban areas which will be similar to the NRHM,” she said.
Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) B.K. Handique, Meghalaya Chief Minister D.D. Lapang and Minister of State for Water Resources Vincent H. Pala were also present on the occasion.
Sonia Gandhi is also to lay the foundation stone for the Rajiv Gandhi Congress Bhavan here.
On Saturday, she will visit Mizoram capital Aizawl where she will lay the foundation stone of the Rajiv Gandhi sports stadium.
Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is constructing the 20,000-seat stadium, the first such facility in the mountain state. The 12th finance commission had granted Rs.250 million for the Rs.1.32 billion project.
United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday inaugurated the first postgraduate medical institute in northeast India here and stressed on the need for an urban health programme like the government's flagship rural health scheme.
The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute for Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in the Meghalaya capital has been designed in line with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.
“With the inauguration of the medical institute, an important aspect of late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's vision has been fulfilled,” Sonia Gandhi said at the inauguration.
“The institute was conceived as a centre of excellence in healthcare which will have the best of health services facilities in eastern India.”
“Besides treatment and providing numerous health services, the institute would play an important role in research and development,” the Congress president said.
“The UPA government has given special attention to all-round development of northeast India.”
The NEIGRIHMS, an autonomous institute established by union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has a sophisticated cardiology department, well-equipped neurology and urology departments and a 30-bed intensive care unit (ICU).
The institute, conceived by Rajiv Gandhi 23 years ago, has been functioning since 2002 first as an interim facility and later built a sprawling campus on the outskirts of Shillong at a cost of Rs.423 crore. It also plans to begin its telemedicine project soon.
Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had declared NEIGRIMS a national institute on Jan 22, 2000, when he visited Shillong.
Sonia Gandhi also underscored the importance of initiating an urban healthcare programme on the lines of the government's flagship National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), particularly with cases of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and cancer on the rise.
“I strongly feel the need to launch a health programme in the urban areas which will be similar to the NRHM,” she said.
Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) B.K. Handique, Meghalaya Chief Minister D.D. Lapang and Minister of State for Water Resources Vincent H. Pala were also present on the occasion.
Sonia Gandhi is also to lay the foundation stone for the Rajiv Gandhi Congress Bhavan here.
On Saturday, she will visit Mizoram capital Aizawl where she will lay the foundation stone of the Rajiv Gandhi sports stadium.
Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is constructing the 20,000-seat stadium, the first such facility in the mountain state. The 12th finance commission had granted Rs.250 million for the Rs.1.32 billion project.
SDF resolution on exemption of Central Direct taxes to the Old Settlers of Sikkim
SIKKIM:SDF passes 16 key resolutions
GANGTOK, March 4: Commemorating the 18th party foundation day, the Central Executive Committee members of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party today passed 16 key resolutions in front of the mammoth gathering at Jorethang public ground.
The most significant resolution was the exemption of Central Direct taxes to the Old Settlers of Sikkim and to the non-Sikkimese Government employees who have rendered their services for a long time.
The party in its resolution has also decided to raise the IT exemption issue with the Central Government. Another pertinent resolution of the party was the 50 percent seat reservation for women in the State Legislative Assembly and Parliament. Women in Sikkim already enjoy 40 percent seat reservation in Panchayati Raj.
The Limboo Tamang seat reservation issue has also appeared as a core resolution of the party. A resolution of increasing the Assembly seats to 40 from the present 32 seats has also been passed today.
Other important resolutions passed during the meeting area:
• Protection of 371(F) and old laws of Sikkim
• Full safeguard of political and other rights of Bhutia, Lepcha and Sherpa Communities
• To accord tribal status to Other Backward Classes of Sikkim.
• To declare Sikkim as a tribal state.
• To promote holistic development mission
• To build the economic and professional capacity of Sikkimese youth
• To bring revolutionary change in education method.
GANGTOK, March 4: Commemorating the 18th party foundation day, the Central Executive Committee members of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party today passed 16 key resolutions in front of the mammoth gathering at Jorethang public ground.
The most significant resolution was the exemption of Central Direct taxes to the Old Settlers of Sikkim and to the non-Sikkimese Government employees who have rendered their services for a long time.
The party in its resolution has also decided to raise the IT exemption issue with the Central Government. Another pertinent resolution of the party was the 50 percent seat reservation for women in the State Legislative Assembly and Parliament. Women in Sikkim already enjoy 40 percent seat reservation in Panchayati Raj.
The Limboo Tamang seat reservation issue has also appeared as a core resolution of the party. A resolution of increasing the Assembly seats to 40 from the present 32 seats has also been passed today.
Other important resolutions passed during the meeting area:
• Protection of 371(F) and old laws of Sikkim
• Full safeguard of political and other rights of Bhutia, Lepcha and Sherpa Communities
• To accord tribal status to Other Backward Classes of Sikkim.
• To declare Sikkim as a tribal state.
• To promote holistic development mission
• To build the economic and professional capacity of Sikkimese youth
• To bring revolutionary change in education method.
SIKKIM:Business community will be given SDF ticket to contest in Municipal elections: Chamling
JORETHANG, March 4: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today announced that representatives from the business community will be given the opportunity to contest in the municipality election slated for April 27.
Addressing the 18th Foundation Day of the ruling SDF party here at Jorethang playground, Mr. Chamling said members from business community will be allowed to contest Municipal election from SDF party tickets along with local leaders. He said that his government has provided equal rights and security to the businessmen in Sikkim and hence they should actively take part in the election which will prove a sense of belongingness.
“If members of the business community do not contest in elections, then it is an indication that they are here to just earn money and not interested in the overall development of the State,” he said.
On the occasion, different organisations like Bihari Jagran Manch, Muslim Community of Sikkim and other Business Community felicitated the Chief Minister.
JORETHANG, March 4: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today announced that representatives from the business community will be given the opportunity to contest in the municipality election slated for April 27.
Addressing the 18th Foundation Day of the ruling SDF party here at Jorethang playground, Mr. Chamling said members from business community will be allowed to contest Municipal election from SDF party tickets along with local leaders. He said that his government has provided equal rights and security to the businessmen in Sikkim and hence they should actively take part in the election which will prove a sense of belongingness.
“If members of the business community do not contest in elections, then it is an indication that they are here to just earn money and not interested in the overall development of the State,” he said.
On the occasion, different organisations like Bihari Jagran Manch, Muslim Community of Sikkim and other Business Community felicitated the Chief Minister.
Friday, March 5, 2010
NEPAL: Singhaniya’s murder sparks nationwide protests
source: MYREPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, March 3: The murder of Arun Singhaniya, publisher of Janakpur Today and owner of Radio Today, has triggered nationwide protests.
Journalists on Wednesday staged sit-ins in front of district administration offices of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur demanding that the culprits brought to book.
Similar protests were staged by journalists across the country.
A protest rally taken out from Janak Chowk in Janakpur passed through major thoroughfares of city before converging into a mass meeting at Subha Chowk.
The participants of the rally demanded that government sack the District Administration Officer and the District Police Chiefs for their failure to maintain peace and security in the district.
Media entrepreneur Singhaniya was shot dead by an unidentified group in Janakpur on Monday evening.
source: MYREPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, March 3: The murder of Arun Singhaniya, publisher of Janakpur Today and owner of Radio Today, has triggered nationwide protests.
Journalists on Wednesday staged sit-ins in front of district administration offices of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur demanding that the culprits brought to book.
Similar protests were staged by journalists across the country.
A protest rally taken out from Janak Chowk in Janakpur passed through major thoroughfares of city before converging into a mass meeting at Subha Chowk.
The participants of the rally demanded that government sack the District Administration Officer and the District Police Chiefs for their failure to maintain peace and security in the district.
Media entrepreneur Singhaniya was shot dead by an unidentified group in Janakpur on Monday evening.
Sikkim team to Switzerland on exposure visit
source:THE ASSAM TRIBUNE
GANGTOK, March 3: A 20-member delegation led by Sikkim Minister CB Karki has left for Switzerland on a study-cum-exposure trip.
The team, currently on a six day trip will visit University of Fribourg to make an indepth study of fiscal decentralisation and strengthening of instituitional and financial mechanisms for local self governance , i.e. Panchayati Raj Institutions. Switzerland is well known for its federal political system with financial devolution and administrative decentralisation for different tiers of the government.
The delegation attended lectures at University of Fribourg, organized by Professor Bernard Dafflon, Professor of Economics on Fiscal Federalism, Revenue Generation from user charges for Panchayats and Distribution of Drinking Water.
On March 3, the delegation will visit Le Mouret Municipal Council (Commune) for a first hand exposure to local industrial activities, institutional mechanism, municipal administration, land zoning and planning. On March 4, the delegation will visit Charmey Commune to study the tourism sector and its impacts on the economy and the social welfare policy for elderly dependent people.
On the same day, a visit to a Mini Thermal Plant will also be undertaken. The delegation would make a site visit to get a first hand exposure on treatment of household garbage, solid waste management and school mid-day meal scheme.
The tour is a part of the ongoing Indo-Swiss Project Sikkim (ISPS) to strengthen the decentralisation and devolution of power to Panchayats through capacity building, and is a step towards realising the vision of the Chief Minister to develop the villages in Sikkim along the line of rural areas of Switzerland.
source:THE ASSAM TRIBUNE
GANGTOK, March 3: A 20-member delegation led by Sikkim Minister CB Karki has left for Switzerland on a study-cum-exposure trip.
The team, currently on a six day trip will visit University of Fribourg to make an indepth study of fiscal decentralisation and strengthening of instituitional and financial mechanisms for local self governance , i.e. Panchayati Raj Institutions. Switzerland is well known for its federal political system with financial devolution and administrative decentralisation for different tiers of the government.
The delegation attended lectures at University of Fribourg, organized by Professor Bernard Dafflon, Professor of Economics on Fiscal Federalism, Revenue Generation from user charges for Panchayats and Distribution of Drinking Water.
On March 3, the delegation will visit Le Mouret Municipal Council (Commune) for a first hand exposure to local industrial activities, institutional mechanism, municipal administration, land zoning and planning. On March 4, the delegation will visit Charmey Commune to study the tourism sector and its impacts on the economy and the social welfare policy for elderly dependent people.
On the same day, a visit to a Mini Thermal Plant will also be undertaken. The delegation would make a site visit to get a first hand exposure on treatment of household garbage, solid waste management and school mid-day meal scheme.
The tour is a part of the ongoing Indo-Swiss Project Sikkim (ISPS) to strengthen the decentralisation and devolution of power to Panchayats through capacity building, and is a step towards realising the vision of the Chief Minister to develop the villages in Sikkim along the line of rural areas of Switzerland.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
PM GREETS NATION ON HOLI
PM GREETS NATION ON HOLI
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has greeted the nation on the joyous occasion of Holi.
In a message, the Prime Minister said that the festival of Holi is an occasion for renewing old bonds of friendship and making new ones. The colours of Holi are symbolic of our diverse and multicultural society and country. The celebration of this spring festival also marks a time of change for a brighter future. “May the festival bring prosperity and happiness to all” the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has greeted the nation on the joyous occasion of Holi.
In a message, the Prime Minister said that the festival of Holi is an occasion for renewing old bonds of friendship and making new ones. The colours of Holi are symbolic of our diverse and multicultural society and country. The celebration of this spring festival also marks a time of change for a brighter future. “May the festival bring prosperity and happiness to all” the Prime Minister added.
BIHAR: Vice President addresses the function to commemorate 125th year of the birth of Babu Rajendra Prasad at Patna
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari hasd said that throughout his life, and particularly after independence, Babu Rajendra Prasad carried his conviction in Gandhiji’s methods and judgement. He was Gandhiji’s trusted lieutenant and his devotion was as much personal as it was to the Gandhian principles. Addressing at the the function commemorating the “125th year of the birth of Babu Rajendra Prasad and on the occasion of his 47th Death Anniversary” at Patna today, he has said that the public display of deviation from Gandhian principles in the political and economic life of the nation bothered him. Speaking at the eleventh anniversary of Gandhiji’s death, he publicly wondered “if we are not murdering him day-to-day”.
The Vice President has opined that Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s life stands as an example of upholding the moral dimension in politics. He once said that a sense of history among people is a great national quality which leads to the greatness of nations. It is my fervent hope that his life and conduct should continue to inspire the youth of India, especially so in Bihar, and bring back the sense of our own history of the freedom movement. The anniversaries that we commemorate today are apt occasions to do so.
Following is the text of the Vice President’s address
“I am happy to participate in today’s function commemorating the 125th year of the birth of one of the greatest sons of India, Babu Rajendra Prasad. Today is also his 47th death anniversary. It is also appropriate that the Government of Bihar has held this function and has released a commemorative coin on the occasion.
Anniversaries provide us an opportunity to take an in-depth look at some of his views and actions on the big political and moral issues that seized the nation during his time. These are by no means exercises in history, nostalgia or philosophy. These issues continue to be relevant to today’s society and polity.
Above everything else, Rajendra Babu represented the essential Gandhian ethic in politics and was the epitome of simplicity and selflessness. His personal way of life and integrity were his greatest assets. He was for this reason described as the “gentleman of Indian politics”; this prompted Gandhiji to call him ‘Ajatashatru – one who had no enemies”.
It has been said that he “lacked the inspiring eloquence of Jawaharlal Nehru, the hard headed realism of Vallabhbhai Patel and the subtlety and debating skills of Rajagopalachari”. Yet, his contribution was substantial as an eminent jurist, a great scholar, a prominent freedom fighter, as the President of the Constituent Assembly and the Republic’s first President. The nation owes a debt of gratitude to him for firming up the democratic ideal in the nascent republic.
Throughout his life, and particularly after independence, Rajendra Prasad carried his conviction in Gandhiji’s methods and judgement. He was Gandhiji’s trusted lieutenant and his devotion was as much personal as it was to the Gandhian principles. The public display of deviation from Gandhian principles in the political and economic life of the nation bothered him. Speaking at the eleventh anniversary of Gandhiji’s death, he publicly wondered “if we are not murdering him day-to-day”.
It is now more than at any other time in the past, when one is reminded of Rajen babu’s emphasis on the importance of character in one’s life and in good governance of the nation. He felt that one cannot build character by “merely reading books or by hearing lofty sermons” but by imbibing “the spirit of sacrifice” and “placing others before self and service of the society before personal gain”.
In an address to the Constituent Assembly in November 1949 he said:
“If the people who are elected are capable and men of character and integrity they would be able to make the best even of a defective Constitution. If they are lacking in these the Constitution cannot help the country…. It is up to us to preserve and protect the independence that we have won and to make it bear fruit for the man in the street. Let us launch on this new enterprise of running our Independent Republic with confidence, with truth and non-violence and above all with heart within and God over head.”
The emerging phenomenon of corruption in public life, especially in high places, disturbed him greatly and he was candid about it. During his second term as President, he was convinced that judicial intervention and political example were principal instruments in tackling corruption. “I think”, he wrote presciently, “it is time the Government, from the highest level downwards, took serious notice of it and took some action which would convince even scoffers and doubters of its earnestness to eliminate and suppress with a strong hand corruption whenever found and in whatever form seen.”
Despite being, in his own words, “a Sanatanist Hindu by faith and daily practice”, his conviction in the Indian secular ideal was firm as was his respect for all religions and places of worship. He believed that religious intolerance breeds “bitterness and immorality among men” and that “all paths lead to God”. He called on all citizens to “cultivate tolerance and goodwill towards one another and let people of all faiths living in this country feel that they have all an equal right to live here and follow the faith of their choice.”
His rich erudition and mastery of multiple languages was unique even among the galaxy of distinguished political leaders of his time. He will be remembered as one of the last Gandhian leaders who has focussed on selfless service to humanity and upholding of the highest standards of probity and integrity in public life. He demonstrated the need for congruence between word and deed in politics and how one could be an effective politician despite being unassuming, accommodating and a thorough gentleman.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s life stands as an example of upholding the moral dimension in politics. He once said that a sense of history among people is a great national quality which leads to the greatness of nations. It is my fervent hope that his life and conduct should continue to inspire the youth of India, especially so in Bihar, and bring back the sense of our own history of the freedom movement. The anniversaries that we commemorate today are apt occasions to do so.
I once again thank Nitish Kumar ji for inviting me to participate in today’s function.”
MC/SK
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari hasd said that throughout his life, and particularly after independence, Babu Rajendra Prasad carried his conviction in Gandhiji’s methods and judgement. He was Gandhiji’s trusted lieutenant and his devotion was as much personal as it was to the Gandhian principles. Addressing at the the function commemorating the “125th year of the birth of Babu Rajendra Prasad and on the occasion of his 47th Death Anniversary” at Patna today, he has said that the public display of deviation from Gandhian principles in the political and economic life of the nation bothered him. Speaking at the eleventh anniversary of Gandhiji’s death, he publicly wondered “if we are not murdering him day-to-day”.
The Vice President has opined that Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s life stands as an example of upholding the moral dimension in politics. He once said that a sense of history among people is a great national quality which leads to the greatness of nations. It is my fervent hope that his life and conduct should continue to inspire the youth of India, especially so in Bihar, and bring back the sense of our own history of the freedom movement. The anniversaries that we commemorate today are apt occasions to do so.
Following is the text of the Vice President’s address
“I am happy to participate in today’s function commemorating the 125th year of the birth of one of the greatest sons of India, Babu Rajendra Prasad. Today is also his 47th death anniversary. It is also appropriate that the Government of Bihar has held this function and has released a commemorative coin on the occasion.
Anniversaries provide us an opportunity to take an in-depth look at some of his views and actions on the big political and moral issues that seized the nation during his time. These are by no means exercises in history, nostalgia or philosophy. These issues continue to be relevant to today’s society and polity.
Above everything else, Rajendra Babu represented the essential Gandhian ethic in politics and was the epitome of simplicity and selflessness. His personal way of life and integrity were his greatest assets. He was for this reason described as the “gentleman of Indian politics”; this prompted Gandhiji to call him ‘Ajatashatru – one who had no enemies”.
It has been said that he “lacked the inspiring eloquence of Jawaharlal Nehru, the hard headed realism of Vallabhbhai Patel and the subtlety and debating skills of Rajagopalachari”. Yet, his contribution was substantial as an eminent jurist, a great scholar, a prominent freedom fighter, as the President of the Constituent Assembly and the Republic’s first President. The nation owes a debt of gratitude to him for firming up the democratic ideal in the nascent republic.
Throughout his life, and particularly after independence, Rajendra Prasad carried his conviction in Gandhiji’s methods and judgement. He was Gandhiji’s trusted lieutenant and his devotion was as much personal as it was to the Gandhian principles. The public display of deviation from Gandhian principles in the political and economic life of the nation bothered him. Speaking at the eleventh anniversary of Gandhiji’s death, he publicly wondered “if we are not murdering him day-to-day”.
It is now more than at any other time in the past, when one is reminded of Rajen babu’s emphasis on the importance of character in one’s life and in good governance of the nation. He felt that one cannot build character by “merely reading books or by hearing lofty sermons” but by imbibing “the spirit of sacrifice” and “placing others before self and service of the society before personal gain”.
In an address to the Constituent Assembly in November 1949 he said:
“If the people who are elected are capable and men of character and integrity they would be able to make the best even of a defective Constitution. If they are lacking in these the Constitution cannot help the country…. It is up to us to preserve and protect the independence that we have won and to make it bear fruit for the man in the street. Let us launch on this new enterprise of running our Independent Republic with confidence, with truth and non-violence and above all with heart within and God over head.”
The emerging phenomenon of corruption in public life, especially in high places, disturbed him greatly and he was candid about it. During his second term as President, he was convinced that judicial intervention and political example were principal instruments in tackling corruption. “I think”, he wrote presciently, “it is time the Government, from the highest level downwards, took serious notice of it and took some action which would convince even scoffers and doubters of its earnestness to eliminate and suppress with a strong hand corruption whenever found and in whatever form seen.”
Despite being, in his own words, “a Sanatanist Hindu by faith and daily practice”, his conviction in the Indian secular ideal was firm as was his respect for all religions and places of worship. He believed that religious intolerance breeds “bitterness and immorality among men” and that “all paths lead to God”. He called on all citizens to “cultivate tolerance and goodwill towards one another and let people of all faiths living in this country feel that they have all an equal right to live here and follow the faith of their choice.”
His rich erudition and mastery of multiple languages was unique even among the galaxy of distinguished political leaders of his time. He will be remembered as one of the last Gandhian leaders who has focussed on selfless service to humanity and upholding of the highest standards of probity and integrity in public life. He demonstrated the need for congruence between word and deed in politics and how one could be an effective politician despite being unassuming, accommodating and a thorough gentleman.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s life stands as an example of upholding the moral dimension in politics. He once said that a sense of history among people is a great national quality which leads to the greatness of nations. It is my fervent hope that his life and conduct should continue to inspire the youth of India, especially so in Bihar, and bring back the sense of our own history of the freedom movement. The anniversaries that we commemorate today are apt occasions to do so.
I once again thank Nitish Kumar ji for inviting me to participate in today’s function.”
MC/SK
Indian Prime Minister’s Remarks at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry
The text of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s remarks at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh on February 28, 2010.
“Your Excellency Abdullah Zainal Ali Reza, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Your Excellency Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, Vice Chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce,Distinguished Guests,
I am grateful to the Council of Saudi Chambers and Industry for giving me this opportunity to interact with such a distinguished group of business leaders. I would also like to thank the business leaders from India who have travelled here today.
I have had some association with the evolution of the India-Saudi Arabia economic partnership. As the Finance Minister of India, I attended the 4th session of the India-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission in 1994. This is my first visit to Saudi Arabia as Prime Minister. A lot has changed between then and now in our bilateral relations, in our two economies and in the global environment.
The visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to India in January 2006 was a defining moment in our relations. The landmark Delhi Declaration that His Majesty and I signed identified higher flows of trade and investment, better connectivity and exchange of ideas as the central pillars of our joint vision for an enhanced economic partnership.
I look forward to my dialogue later today with His Majesty to carry forward the momentum and take the entire gamut of our relations to even greater heights. I believe this is not only eminently possible, but also necessary.
Since 1990, Saudi Arabia's economy has quadrupled in size. It has undergone substantial diversification with the strengthening of the non-oil sector. The ambitious economic cities that are proposed to be set up have the potential to further transform the Saudi economy. All these developments have and will widen employment opportunities for the growing young population in Saudi Arabia, and enhance Saudi Arabia’s economic weight globally.
India, too, has registered significant growth. We are in the midst of a major socio-economic transformation. Our economy has grown at an average annual rate of over nine percent in the last few years. Despite the global economic slowdown, we hope to achieve a growth rate of over 7 percent in the current financial year. We expect to get back to the growth level of about 9 percent per annum within two years. Our domestic saving rates are high, and can support investment rates of as high as 38 percent of our Gross Domestic Product. India is an economy with a huge market, and a young and expanding work force. We have a vibrant and innovative private sector.
Both countries have in place a sound institutional mechanism to facilitate trade and investment, including a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement. Eight meetings of the Joint Commission have been held, the last having met in October 2009. We cooperate within the framework of the India-GCC Industrial Conference, and negotiations are in progress to finalise a India-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement.
We deeply value Saudi Arabia’s role as a reliable partner in meeting our energy needs. We believe that conditions are ripe for moving beyond a traditional buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive energy partnership. Indian companies are well equipped to participate in upstream and downstream oil and gas sector projects in Saudi Arabia. We should also establish new partnerships in the area of new and renewable energy through sharing of clean technologies and joint collaborations.
The robust growth of our economies offer immense opportunities for business communities from both sides. Our bilateral trade has reached almost 25 billion US dollars in 2008-09. Indian investments into the Kingdom have risen considerably and today stand at more than 2 billion US dollars covering over 500 joint ventures. Several major Indian companies have already established their presence in the Kingdom. Our public sector company, RITES has recently won a contract to participate in the North-South Railways project. There is however potential for doing much more.
India’s needs for high quality modern infrastructure are vast. We have opened our doors to foreign investment and I invite investors and entrepreneurs from Saudi Arabia to explore investment opportunities in India. I would specifically refer to the construction, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, health, agriculture, energy, telecommunications, tourism and other service sectors.
We should also look at new areas of cooperation. Education and skill development are of primary importance to both our countries. India has a proven track record in the field of knowledge-based industries, which have great potential for improving the skill set of the work force. India would be happy to share her experience with Saudi Arabia in the area of human resources development. Cooperation in the areas of science and technology and space technology are other areas for future cooperation.
I would encourage greater exchanges among the Chambers, industry associations and business houses of both sides. More frequent participation in trade fairs and exhibitions will create greater awareness of each others’ capabilities. I can assure you that the government will extend its full support to the expansion of business-to-business links between our two countries.
The integration of our economies with the rest of the world has created new opportunities but also brought new challenges. The global financial crisis has thrown up a broad agenda for global action and reforms. The role of emerging economies such as India and Saudi Arabia within the G-20 framework and otherwise will be crucial to the restructuring of the global economic and financial architecture.
We view our economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the wider context of our interactions with the entire Gulf region. This is an area with which we have deep and historical ties. The Gulf countries are our natural partners in every sense of the term. Indians are the largest expatriate community in every country of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Our businesses should work together across the region, develop cross-country linkages and leverage economies of scale.
l am confident that such interactions will bring vitality and dynamism in the cooperation between our two economies. India sees Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner for promoting peace, stability and economic development. Such a partnership will bring benefits not only to our two countries but to the region we both belong to, and to the world at large.”
The text of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s remarks at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh on February 28, 2010.
“Your Excellency Abdullah Zainal Ali Reza, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Your Excellency Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, Vice Chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce,Distinguished Guests,
I am grateful to the Council of Saudi Chambers and Industry for giving me this opportunity to interact with such a distinguished group of business leaders. I would also like to thank the business leaders from India who have travelled here today.
I have had some association with the evolution of the India-Saudi Arabia economic partnership. As the Finance Minister of India, I attended the 4th session of the India-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission in 1994. This is my first visit to Saudi Arabia as Prime Minister. A lot has changed between then and now in our bilateral relations, in our two economies and in the global environment.
The visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to India in January 2006 was a defining moment in our relations. The landmark Delhi Declaration that His Majesty and I signed identified higher flows of trade and investment, better connectivity and exchange of ideas as the central pillars of our joint vision for an enhanced economic partnership.
I look forward to my dialogue later today with His Majesty to carry forward the momentum and take the entire gamut of our relations to even greater heights. I believe this is not only eminently possible, but also necessary.
Since 1990, Saudi Arabia's economy has quadrupled in size. It has undergone substantial diversification with the strengthening of the non-oil sector. The ambitious economic cities that are proposed to be set up have the potential to further transform the Saudi economy. All these developments have and will widen employment opportunities for the growing young population in Saudi Arabia, and enhance Saudi Arabia’s economic weight globally.
India, too, has registered significant growth. We are in the midst of a major socio-economic transformation. Our economy has grown at an average annual rate of over nine percent in the last few years. Despite the global economic slowdown, we hope to achieve a growth rate of over 7 percent in the current financial year. We expect to get back to the growth level of about 9 percent per annum within two years. Our domestic saving rates are high, and can support investment rates of as high as 38 percent of our Gross Domestic Product. India is an economy with a huge market, and a young and expanding work force. We have a vibrant and innovative private sector.
Both countries have in place a sound institutional mechanism to facilitate trade and investment, including a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement. Eight meetings of the Joint Commission have been held, the last having met in October 2009. We cooperate within the framework of the India-GCC Industrial Conference, and negotiations are in progress to finalise a India-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement.
We deeply value Saudi Arabia’s role as a reliable partner in meeting our energy needs. We believe that conditions are ripe for moving beyond a traditional buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive energy partnership. Indian companies are well equipped to participate in upstream and downstream oil and gas sector projects in Saudi Arabia. We should also establish new partnerships in the area of new and renewable energy through sharing of clean technologies and joint collaborations.
The robust growth of our economies offer immense opportunities for business communities from both sides. Our bilateral trade has reached almost 25 billion US dollars in 2008-09. Indian investments into the Kingdom have risen considerably and today stand at more than 2 billion US dollars covering over 500 joint ventures. Several major Indian companies have already established their presence in the Kingdom. Our public sector company, RITES has recently won a contract to participate in the North-South Railways project. There is however potential for doing much more.
India’s needs for high quality modern infrastructure are vast. We have opened our doors to foreign investment and I invite investors and entrepreneurs from Saudi Arabia to explore investment opportunities in India. I would specifically refer to the construction, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, health, agriculture, energy, telecommunications, tourism and other service sectors.
We should also look at new areas of cooperation. Education and skill development are of primary importance to both our countries. India has a proven track record in the field of knowledge-based industries, which have great potential for improving the skill set of the work force. India would be happy to share her experience with Saudi Arabia in the area of human resources development. Cooperation in the areas of science and technology and space technology are other areas for future cooperation.
I would encourage greater exchanges among the Chambers, industry associations and business houses of both sides. More frequent participation in trade fairs and exhibitions will create greater awareness of each others’ capabilities. I can assure you that the government will extend its full support to the expansion of business-to-business links between our two countries.
The integration of our economies with the rest of the world has created new opportunities but also brought new challenges. The global financial crisis has thrown up a broad agenda for global action and reforms. The role of emerging economies such as India and Saudi Arabia within the G-20 framework and otherwise will be crucial to the restructuring of the global economic and financial architecture.
We view our economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the wider context of our interactions with the entire Gulf region. This is an area with which we have deep and historical ties. The Gulf countries are our natural partners in every sense of the term. Indians are the largest expatriate community in every country of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Our businesses should work together across the region, develop cross-country linkages and leverage economies of scale.
l am confident that such interactions will bring vitality and dynamism in the cooperation between our two economies. India sees Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner for promoting peace, stability and economic development. Such a partnership will bring benefits not only to our two countries but to the region we both belong to, and to the world at large.”
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