Chamling declared June 25 as the day for ten minutes to earth
Gangtok, June 16: With a view to raise avenue plantation and beautification of all vacant and waste lands, the State Government has launched a unique and innovative programme called “State Green Mission” in 2006. Today, the mission has completed fourth phase and shall be entering into the phase fifth. In this regard, the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department organized a programme on the commencement of V phase of ‘State Green Mission’ and II phase of the ‘ten minutes to earth’ at Chintan Bhawan on June 15, 2010.
The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in his speech said that an awareness regarding the green revolution started from 1995 onwards when the present government was voted to power. 43% of State forest cover in 1995 has increased to 47% and the National Average ratio of forest cover of Sikkim is 21%, he added.
‘Let us preserve our greenery and bequeath to our children a state full of greenery, beauty, resources and overall contentment’ said the Chief Minister. He further appealed to every one to keep this distinct identity of Sikkim as a green, clean, garden State and intends to make this Green Missions, a people’s mission.
Addressing the students, he expressed that the policy has been made by the State Government to create a Green Fund in the Schools, so that the funds collected could be used in environment conservation measures and also the students could become environmentally conscious citizens.
The Chief Minister also declared 25th June as the day for ten minutes to earth and appealed to all to ensure greenery drive and solicit the cooperation of all Sikkimese people for their full and active participation in making the mission a great success.
He also mentioned that the green image of Sikkim should be protected and the funds allocated for the green drive should be used properly and also emphasized on the survival rate of the saplings.
Regarding the future plans and policies for the protection and conservation of the environment, the Chief Minister said that Clean Air Act, Water Quality Act, Environment Policy Act, Pesticide Act, Endangered Species Act etc. will soon be implemented in the State . He further emphasized on waste management of degradable and non- degradable materials.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
PM’S CONVOCATION ADDRESS AT THE GOVIND BALLABH PANT UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh addressed the convocation ceremony at the Govind Ballabh Pant University Of Agriculture And Technology. Following is the text of the PM’s address on the occasion:
“A convocation is a very special occasion in the academic calendar of any university. Today's convocation is even more special as it is being held in the golden jubilee year of the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. I am very happy to be here with you today. I compliment all those who have been associated with this university for their contribution in making it one of the foremost institutions in the country for agricultural education and research. I also congratulate all the students who have received medals and degrees today. They are indeed privileged to have studied in this prestigious institution.
The Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology has a record to be proud of. It was set up in 1960 on the recommendations of the First Education Commission, which was Chaired by no less a person than Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. And it was only befitting that the foundation stone of the university was laid by our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. His famous words that everything in our country can wait but agriculture are as true today as they were in 1947.
The Govind Ballabh Pant University has come a long way since its inception. Over the last 50 years it has made significant contributions in the development of the agriculture sector in our country in a variety of ways. It played a major role in promoting the Green Revolution. It introduced the soybean crop to India . The scientists of this centre of excellence solved a major problem in rice production by finding a remedy for the Khaira disease. I am happy to know that the university has developed 225 high yielding varieties of different crops besides a number of improved technologies. During the last one year as many as 12 varieties developed by it have been released for commercial production and marketing at the national level. I also understand that the institution has filed patents on important technologies like plastic degrading bacteria, carbon fixing fungi in soils and composite nano-material for high wear farm machinery. It has also contributed handsomely to agricultural extension and transfer of technology to the field. I commend the university for these achievements.
Fifty years of excellence indeed call for celebrations. But as we celebrate the golden jubilee of this institution, we must also introspect and look ahead to the challenges that we must face and overcome. Our agricultural production should increase at a rate fast enough to ensure food security for our growing population. Equally importantly, growth in our country cannot be truly inclusive if it does not benefit our farmers; especially those who are small and marginal. Investment in the agricultural sector needs to increase, a larger area needs to be covered under irrigation, agricultural markets need to be reformed and farmers need to be provided remunerative prices for their produce and better quality seeds and inputs. Sustained efforts have to be made to prevent degradation of our land and water resources. To increase production we must increase our farm yields, because the scope for increasing the area under cultivation and under irrigation is rather limited. Yields must go up particularly in those parts of India where they have lagged behind compared to other parts of the country. We must endeavour to raise our agricultural growth rate from around 2 per cent per annum to 4 per cent. I have no doubt that we can overcome all these challenges, given sustained efforts and an approach different from business as usual.
In the last six years the central government has endeavoured to give the highest priority to agriculture. A number of new centrally sponsored programmes have been started to increase investment and to tap the unused potential for achieving higher productivity and production. The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) has been launched with an allocation of Rs. 25,000 crore as Central Assistance to States with a view to incentivize them to make higher investment in agriculture. Further, RKVY envisages promotion of district agricultural plans and thus brings in improvements in the agricultural planning process. The National Food Security Mission (NFSM), the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), and the Technology Mission on Oilseeds and Pulses (TMOP) have been launched for achieving higher production of food grains, oilseeds and pulses and horticultural corps. All this has helped agriculture in our country but we still have a very long way to go. Here I would suggest that agricultural universities like yours could help in planning for agriculture at the district level, especially through the Krishi Vigyan Kendras. I would also urge the faculty and students of this university to focus some of their dissertations on evaluation of agricultural programmes and schemes.
Without solid support from agricultural scientists and technologists it would be impossible for us to achieve our production targets, whatever other measures we might take. There is a widespread feeling that there has not been any really big breakthrough in agricultural technologies since the green revolution of the late 1960s. This is a real challenge to the ICAR system, to our agricultural universities and our agricultural scientists. India commands about 2.3 per cent of the world's land area and about 4 per cent of the earth's fresh water resources, but feeds about 17 per cent of the world's population. This puts tremendous pressure on our resources and makes the need for newer and better technologies even more critical.
Agricultural extension is another area which needs urgent attention, particularly from the state governments. It is often perceived to be the weakest link in the chain of transfer of technology from the research lab to the farmer's land. We must innovate on extension models and specifically integrate the needs of farm households so that the farmers get the latest information about an array of technologies. The Agricultural Universities and the ICAR system should come forward and develop successful Public Private Partnership (PPP) models in extension of agri-related services involving their graduates, which later can be replicated by the public and private systems.
The generation and dissemination of technology is hampered not only by lack of investible resources but also by sub-optimal priorities across crops, regions and institutions, and lack of appropriate incentives and autonomy in most of our public research institutions. Through the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) and National Agriculture Innovation Project (NAIP), resources are being mobilized for furthering quality research. However, just pouring in more resources in public R&D without commensurate institutional reforms, is not likely to make the existing system deliver efficiently. We also need a system that transfers the improved technologies to our farmers smoothly and without delay. We need to create an appropriate information technology network through which our farmers can have information on crops and varieties, best practices, market prices, demand and supply gaps etc.
Our growth processes have put a huge pressure on our resources, particularly on natural resources. Policy makers and scientists, therefore, need to put their heads together and work towards developing and implementing sustainable technologies that can produce more from less: particularly in the background of the new challenges of global warming and climate change. Ecological and agricultural sustainability go hand in hand and we must follow the three fundamental principles of sustainable agriculture; a live soil, protection of biodiversity, and precision farming and nutrient cycle. The soil is one of the most wonderful ecosystems of the world. If it stays alive our agriculture will be vibrant. Traditionally, farmers could conserve biodiversity; however, with the demand for more food production, this has taken the back seat. One of the weaknesses of modern agriculture is its dependence on fewer varieties and a limited number of cultivars. Monoculture, as a rule of nature, infuses vulnerability in the whole system and compels us to be dependent on chemicals to protect crops against pests. A balance needs to be worked out between conserving biodiversity on the one hand and increasing food production on the other. Towards this end, we need to adopt an appropriate agricultural cycle with precision farming so that the nutrient cycle in the soil is maintained. In situ and on-farm conservation of biodiversity should, therefore, be an important factor in our interventions for enhancing agricultural production.
The beautiful state of Uttrakhand, where your university is situated has a very fragile eco-system. Agricultural development in the mountains requires a special approach which is sensitive to the need for preserving their eco system and also respects the social and cultural traditions of the people. The Himalayas need to be saved from the invasion of exotic species. Their biodiversity, most of which is endemic, should be allowed to flourish in its original habitats. In mountain areas, traditional crops are still a significant part of the agricultural practices. These crops possess unique characteristics such as resistance against pests and drought conditions, better palatability, aroma and medicinal properties, and should be protected and promoted. Cultivation of a base crop along with a dozens of inter-cultured crops is also a unique characteristic of hill agriculture. It is a wonderful example of preservation of bio-diversity and minimization of risk. Such traditional systems need special attention in our Research and Development efforts and I hope the Govind Ballabh Pant University will pay adequate attention to these areas.
As I stated earlier, the Govind Ballabh Pant University has played a stellar role in the agricultural development of our country and I wish to see this role further strengthened in the future. A concern which I would particularly like our policy makers and agricultural scientists to address is the low number of students from rural farm families who join our agricultural universities. This is perhaps because students with rural education are at a disadvantage in comparison to those from urban backgrounds. I would also like our agricultural universities to impart more knowledge and skills on post-harvest technologies so that there is higher value addition and better diversification in agriculture. This would help in the shift of our work force from agriculture to non-agriculture activities and both these sectors would gain in the process.
Let me conclude by once again congratulating all students who have received degrees today. They will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the processes of nation building. I see a bright future for them and wish them all success in their life and career. I also wish the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology and all those associated with it all the very best in the years ahead”.
* * * * *
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh addressed the convocation ceremony at the Govind Ballabh Pant University Of Agriculture And Technology. Following is the text of the PM’s address on the occasion:
“A convocation is a very special occasion in the academic calendar of any university. Today's convocation is even more special as it is being held in the golden jubilee year of the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. I am very happy to be here with you today. I compliment all those who have been associated with this university for their contribution in making it one of the foremost institutions in the country for agricultural education and research. I also congratulate all the students who have received medals and degrees today. They are indeed privileged to have studied in this prestigious institution.
The Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology has a record to be proud of. It was set up in 1960 on the recommendations of the First Education Commission, which was Chaired by no less a person than Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. And it was only befitting that the foundation stone of the university was laid by our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. His famous words that everything in our country can wait but agriculture are as true today as they were in 1947.
The Govind Ballabh Pant University has come a long way since its inception. Over the last 50 years it has made significant contributions in the development of the agriculture sector in our country in a variety of ways. It played a major role in promoting the Green Revolution. It introduced the soybean crop to India . The scientists of this centre of excellence solved a major problem in rice production by finding a remedy for the Khaira disease. I am happy to know that the university has developed 225 high yielding varieties of different crops besides a number of improved technologies. During the last one year as many as 12 varieties developed by it have been released for commercial production and marketing at the national level. I also understand that the institution has filed patents on important technologies like plastic degrading bacteria, carbon fixing fungi in soils and composite nano-material for high wear farm machinery. It has also contributed handsomely to agricultural extension and transfer of technology to the field. I commend the university for these achievements.
Fifty years of excellence indeed call for celebrations. But as we celebrate the golden jubilee of this institution, we must also introspect and look ahead to the challenges that we must face and overcome. Our agricultural production should increase at a rate fast enough to ensure food security for our growing population. Equally importantly, growth in our country cannot be truly inclusive if it does not benefit our farmers; especially those who are small and marginal. Investment in the agricultural sector needs to increase, a larger area needs to be covered under irrigation, agricultural markets need to be reformed and farmers need to be provided remunerative prices for their produce and better quality seeds and inputs. Sustained efforts have to be made to prevent degradation of our land and water resources. To increase production we must increase our farm yields, because the scope for increasing the area under cultivation and under irrigation is rather limited. Yields must go up particularly in those parts of India where they have lagged behind compared to other parts of the country. We must endeavour to raise our agricultural growth rate from around 2 per cent per annum to 4 per cent. I have no doubt that we can overcome all these challenges, given sustained efforts and an approach different from business as usual.
In the last six years the central government has endeavoured to give the highest priority to agriculture. A number of new centrally sponsored programmes have been started to increase investment and to tap the unused potential for achieving higher productivity and production. The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) has been launched with an allocation of Rs. 25,000 crore as Central Assistance to States with a view to incentivize them to make higher investment in agriculture. Further, RKVY envisages promotion of district agricultural plans and thus brings in improvements in the agricultural planning process. The National Food Security Mission (NFSM), the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), and the Technology Mission on Oilseeds and Pulses (TMOP) have been launched for achieving higher production of food grains, oilseeds and pulses and horticultural corps. All this has helped agriculture in our country but we still have a very long way to go. Here I would suggest that agricultural universities like yours could help in planning for agriculture at the district level, especially through the Krishi Vigyan Kendras. I would also urge the faculty and students of this university to focus some of their dissertations on evaluation of agricultural programmes and schemes.
Without solid support from agricultural scientists and technologists it would be impossible for us to achieve our production targets, whatever other measures we might take. There is a widespread feeling that there has not been any really big breakthrough in agricultural technologies since the green revolution of the late 1960s. This is a real challenge to the ICAR system, to our agricultural universities and our agricultural scientists. India commands about 2.3 per cent of the world's land area and about 4 per cent of the earth's fresh water resources, but feeds about 17 per cent of the world's population. This puts tremendous pressure on our resources and makes the need for newer and better technologies even more critical.
Agricultural extension is another area which needs urgent attention, particularly from the state governments. It is often perceived to be the weakest link in the chain of transfer of technology from the research lab to the farmer's land. We must innovate on extension models and specifically integrate the needs of farm households so that the farmers get the latest information about an array of technologies. The Agricultural Universities and the ICAR system should come forward and develop successful Public Private Partnership (PPP) models in extension of agri-related services involving their graduates, which later can be replicated by the public and private systems.
The generation and dissemination of technology is hampered not only by lack of investible resources but also by sub-optimal priorities across crops, regions and institutions, and lack of appropriate incentives and autonomy in most of our public research institutions. Through the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) and National Agriculture Innovation Project (NAIP), resources are being mobilized for furthering quality research. However, just pouring in more resources in public R&D without commensurate institutional reforms, is not likely to make the existing system deliver efficiently. We also need a system that transfers the improved technologies to our farmers smoothly and without delay. We need to create an appropriate information technology network through which our farmers can have information on crops and varieties, best practices, market prices, demand and supply gaps etc.
Our growth processes have put a huge pressure on our resources, particularly on natural resources. Policy makers and scientists, therefore, need to put their heads together and work towards developing and implementing sustainable technologies that can produce more from less: particularly in the background of the new challenges of global warming and climate change. Ecological and agricultural sustainability go hand in hand and we must follow the three fundamental principles of sustainable agriculture; a live soil, protection of biodiversity, and precision farming and nutrient cycle. The soil is one of the most wonderful ecosystems of the world. If it stays alive our agriculture will be vibrant. Traditionally, farmers could conserve biodiversity; however, with the demand for more food production, this has taken the back seat. One of the weaknesses of modern agriculture is its dependence on fewer varieties and a limited number of cultivars. Monoculture, as a rule of nature, infuses vulnerability in the whole system and compels us to be dependent on chemicals to protect crops against pests. A balance needs to be worked out between conserving biodiversity on the one hand and increasing food production on the other. Towards this end, we need to adopt an appropriate agricultural cycle with precision farming so that the nutrient cycle in the soil is maintained. In situ and on-farm conservation of biodiversity should, therefore, be an important factor in our interventions for enhancing agricultural production.
The beautiful state of Uttrakhand, where your university is situated has a very fragile eco-system. Agricultural development in the mountains requires a special approach which is sensitive to the need for preserving their eco system and also respects the social and cultural traditions of the people. The Himalayas need to be saved from the invasion of exotic species. Their biodiversity, most of which is endemic, should be allowed to flourish in its original habitats. In mountain areas, traditional crops are still a significant part of the agricultural practices. These crops possess unique characteristics such as resistance against pests and drought conditions, better palatability, aroma and medicinal properties, and should be protected and promoted. Cultivation of a base crop along with a dozens of inter-cultured crops is also a unique characteristic of hill agriculture. It is a wonderful example of preservation of bio-diversity and minimization of risk. Such traditional systems need special attention in our Research and Development efforts and I hope the Govind Ballabh Pant University will pay adequate attention to these areas.
As I stated earlier, the Govind Ballabh Pant University has played a stellar role in the agricultural development of our country and I wish to see this role further strengthened in the future. A concern which I would particularly like our policy makers and agricultural scientists to address is the low number of students from rural farm families who join our agricultural universities. This is perhaps because students with rural education are at a disadvantage in comparison to those from urban backgrounds. I would also like our agricultural universities to impart more knowledge and skills on post-harvest technologies so that there is higher value addition and better diversification in agriculture. This would help in the shift of our work force from agriculture to non-agriculture activities and both these sectors would gain in the process.
Let me conclude by once again congratulating all students who have received degrees today. They will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the processes of nation building. I see a bright future for them and wish them all success in their life and career. I also wish the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology and all those associated with it all the very best in the years ahead”.
* * * * *
ENERGY: Energy equations
FROM THE STATESMAN
Swaati Chaudhury reports on the Confederation of Indian Industry’s latest initiative at tackling climate change and exploring non-conventional sources
CLIMATE change is no longer merely an environmental issue; it has become more of an economic concern. The day is not far off when the last remnants of our coal reserves and fossil fuel will disappear. The matter is of serious concern and individuals, groups and government organisations need to step in to tackle the problem.
In an endeavour to address climate change and explore non-conventional sources of energy that would sustain the future generation, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recently hosted a session on “Sustainable energy: Our future, our responsibility” on the eve of World Environment Day in Kolkata. The session emphasised the role of the corporate world in developing renewable energy. Today, interest in green energy has shot up tremendously all over the globe and the CII is trying to build a Climate Change Business Leaders Group to combat the menace.
Speaking at the session, Sanjay Wadvani, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata, said, “The biggest challenge is that we have access to only limited fossil fuel. Industries need to adopt renewable energy for building power plants. The state governments of Maharashtra and Karnataka are collaborating for the systematic deployment of clean energy. The success of our endeavour will depend on providing non-conventional sources of energy to business organisations.”
Nearly 97 per cent of the state power sector depends on thermal power plants that thrive on coal and we have to look for alternate sources for the future. At a time when a developing nation like India is riding high in the verticals of economic and service sectors, the need of the hour is sustainable energy. Our country will surely require more energy 25 years down the line.
According to Ram Agrawal, Chairman, CII, Eastern region, “The associated fly ash and greenhouse gas contents are of major concern. With changing times, energy efficiency is the mantra that would lead to development of sustainable energy. Efficient use of energy and its conservation is highly essential, which would, in turn, ensure low carbon emission. Conservation of energy is an objective that calls for participation of all stakeholders.”
The environment department of West Bengal has set up a draft committee in order to assess the impact of climate change across all districts in the state. The state has been categorised into two belts — the Himalayas in North Bengal and the Sundarbans in the South.
SP Gon Chowdhury, Managing Director, West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation Limited, said, “We need to take action to mitigate climate change or else hundreds of thousands of poor people residing in the hills and the Nepal Himalayas will not receive any benefit. No political party in Bengal has raised the renewable energy slogan in the recent municipal elections. India can make an impact only if political parties highlight the significance of renewable energy and use it as a part of their campaign agenda. Our country will require around 900,000 mega watt of power by 2031 and Bengal, growing at a rate of nine per cent, will need around 28,000 mega watt within the next 20 years. Laws need to be formulated in order to prohibit the building of coal-based power plants over a period of five years.”
Gon Chowdhury said India has a huge potential of 800,000 mega watt for renewable energy and Bengal occupies a commendable position in generating green energy. Alternate sources of energy can create job potential to the tune of a million. “The eastern Himalayas starting from the Uttar Pradesh Hills, Darjeeling Hills to Arunachal Pradesh have the potential to generate small hydropower of 5,000 mega watt. There is biomass potential in the entire region. Renewable energy is one such prospective area of growth and investment and there is immense potential for solar power industries coming up in Bengal. “In other states like Gujarat and Rajasthan industries have been set up to exploit alternate sources of energy.”
The Howrah Municipal Corporation has taken a major step to set up a sustainable energy project of 7.5 mega watt.
FROM THE STATESMAN
Swaati Chaudhury reports on the Confederation of Indian Industry’s latest initiative at tackling climate change and exploring non-conventional sources
CLIMATE change is no longer merely an environmental issue; it has become more of an economic concern. The day is not far off when the last remnants of our coal reserves and fossil fuel will disappear. The matter is of serious concern and individuals, groups and government organisations need to step in to tackle the problem.
In an endeavour to address climate change and explore non-conventional sources of energy that would sustain the future generation, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recently hosted a session on “Sustainable energy: Our future, our responsibility” on the eve of World Environment Day in Kolkata. The session emphasised the role of the corporate world in developing renewable energy. Today, interest in green energy has shot up tremendously all over the globe and the CII is trying to build a Climate Change Business Leaders Group to combat the menace.
Speaking at the session, Sanjay Wadvani, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata, said, “The biggest challenge is that we have access to only limited fossil fuel. Industries need to adopt renewable energy for building power plants. The state governments of Maharashtra and Karnataka are collaborating for the systematic deployment of clean energy. The success of our endeavour will depend on providing non-conventional sources of energy to business organisations.”
Nearly 97 per cent of the state power sector depends on thermal power plants that thrive on coal and we have to look for alternate sources for the future. At a time when a developing nation like India is riding high in the verticals of economic and service sectors, the need of the hour is sustainable energy. Our country will surely require more energy 25 years down the line.
According to Ram Agrawal, Chairman, CII, Eastern region, “The associated fly ash and greenhouse gas contents are of major concern. With changing times, energy efficiency is the mantra that would lead to development of sustainable energy. Efficient use of energy and its conservation is highly essential, which would, in turn, ensure low carbon emission. Conservation of energy is an objective that calls for participation of all stakeholders.”
The environment department of West Bengal has set up a draft committee in order to assess the impact of climate change across all districts in the state. The state has been categorised into two belts — the Himalayas in North Bengal and the Sundarbans in the South.
SP Gon Chowdhury, Managing Director, West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation Limited, said, “We need to take action to mitigate climate change or else hundreds of thousands of poor people residing in the hills and the Nepal Himalayas will not receive any benefit. No political party in Bengal has raised the renewable energy slogan in the recent municipal elections. India can make an impact only if political parties highlight the significance of renewable energy and use it as a part of their campaign agenda. Our country will require around 900,000 mega watt of power by 2031 and Bengal, growing at a rate of nine per cent, will need around 28,000 mega watt within the next 20 years. Laws need to be formulated in order to prohibit the building of coal-based power plants over a period of five years.”
Gon Chowdhury said India has a huge potential of 800,000 mega watt for renewable energy and Bengal occupies a commendable position in generating green energy. Alternate sources of energy can create job potential to the tune of a million. “The eastern Himalayas starting from the Uttar Pradesh Hills, Darjeeling Hills to Arunachal Pradesh have the potential to generate small hydropower of 5,000 mega watt. There is biomass potential in the entire region. Renewable energy is one such prospective area of growth and investment and there is immense potential for solar power industries coming up in Bengal. “In other states like Gujarat and Rajasthan industries have been set up to exploit alternate sources of energy.”
The Howrah Municipal Corporation has taken a major step to set up a sustainable energy project of 7.5 mega watt.
ENERGY: Energy equations
Swaati Chaudhury reports on the Confederation of Indian Industry’s latest initiative at tackling climate change and exploring non-conventional sources
CLIMATE change is no longer merely an environmental issue; it has become more of an economic concern. The day is not far off when the last remnants of our coal reserves and fossil fuel will disappear. The matter is of serious concern and individuals, groups and government organisations need to step in to tackle the problem.
In an endeavour to address climate change and explore non-conventional sources of energy that would sustain the future generation, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recently hosted a session on “Sustainable energy: Our future, our responsibility” on the eve of World Environment Day in Kolkata. The session emphasised the role of the corporate world in developing renewable energy. Today, interest in green energy has shot up tremendously all over the globe and the CII is trying to build a Climate Change Business Leaders Group to combat the menace.
Speaking at the session, Sanjay Wadvani, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata, said, “The biggest challenge is that we have access to only limited fossil fuel. Industries need to adopt renewable energy for building power plants. The state governments of Maharashtra and Karnataka are collaborating for the systematic deployment of clean energy. The success of our endeavour will depend on providing non-conventional sources of energy to business organisations.”
Nearly 97 per cent of the state power sector depends on thermal power plants that thrive on coal and we have to look for alternate sources for the future. At a time when a developing nation like India is riding high in the verticals of economic and service sectors, the need of the hour is sustainable energy. Our country will surely require more energy 25 years down the line.
According to Ram Agrawal, Chairman, CII, Eastern region, “The associated fly ash and greenhouse gas contents are of major concern. With changing times, energy efficiency is the mantra that would lead to development of sustainable energy. Efficient use of energy and its conservation is highly essential, which would, in turn, ensure low carbon emission. Conservation of energy is an objective that calls for participation of all stakeholders.”
The environment department of West Bengal has set up a draft committee in order to assess the impact of climate change across all districts in the state. The state has been categorised into two belts — the Himalayas in North Bengal and the Sundarbans in the South.
SP Gon Chowdhury, Managing Director, West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation Limited, said, “We need to take action to mitigate climate change or else hundreds of thousands of poor people residing in the hills and the Nepal Himalayas will not receive any benefit. No political party in Bengal has raised the renewable energy slogan in the recent municipal elections. India can make an impact only if political parties highlight the significance of renewable energy and use it as a part of their campaign agenda. Our country will require around 900,000 mega watt of power by 2031 and Bengal, growing at a rate of nine per cent, will need around 28,000 mega watt within the next 20 years. Laws need to be formulated in order to prohibit the building of coal-based power plants over a period of five years.”
Gon Chowdhury said India has a huge potential of 800,000 mega watt for renewable energy and Bengal occupies a commendable position in generating green energy. Alternate sources of energy can create job potential to the tune of a million. “The eastern Himalayas starting from the Uttar Pradesh Hills, Darjeeling Hills to Arunachal Pradesh have the potential to generate small hydropower of 5,000 mega watt. There is biomass potential in the entire region. Renewable energy is one such prospective area of growth and investment and there is immense potential for solar power industries coming up in Bengal. “In other states like Gujarat and Rajasthan industries have been set up to exploit alternate sources of energy.”
The Howrah Municipal Corporation has taken a major step to set up a sustainable energy project of 7.5 mega watt.
The Statesman
Swaati Chaudhury reports on the Confederation of Indian Industry’s latest initiative at tackling climate change and exploring non-conventional sources
CLIMATE change is no longer merely an environmental issue; it has become more of an economic concern. The day is not far off when the last remnants of our coal reserves and fossil fuel will disappear. The matter is of serious concern and individuals, groups and government organisations need to step in to tackle the problem.
In an endeavour to address climate change and explore non-conventional sources of energy that would sustain the future generation, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recently hosted a session on “Sustainable energy: Our future, our responsibility” on the eve of World Environment Day in Kolkata. The session emphasised the role of the corporate world in developing renewable energy. Today, interest in green energy has shot up tremendously all over the globe and the CII is trying to build a Climate Change Business Leaders Group to combat the menace.
Speaking at the session, Sanjay Wadvani, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata, said, “The biggest challenge is that we have access to only limited fossil fuel. Industries need to adopt renewable energy for building power plants. The state governments of Maharashtra and Karnataka are collaborating for the systematic deployment of clean energy. The success of our endeavour will depend on providing non-conventional sources of energy to business organisations.”
Nearly 97 per cent of the state power sector depends on thermal power plants that thrive on coal and we have to look for alternate sources for the future. At a time when a developing nation like India is riding high in the verticals of economic and service sectors, the need of the hour is sustainable energy. Our country will surely require more energy 25 years down the line.
According to Ram Agrawal, Chairman, CII, Eastern region, “The associated fly ash and greenhouse gas contents are of major concern. With changing times, energy efficiency is the mantra that would lead to development of sustainable energy. Efficient use of energy and its conservation is highly essential, which would, in turn, ensure low carbon emission. Conservation of energy is an objective that calls for participation of all stakeholders.”
The environment department of West Bengal has set up a draft committee in order to assess the impact of climate change across all districts in the state. The state has been categorised into two belts — the Himalayas in North Bengal and the Sundarbans in the South.
SP Gon Chowdhury, Managing Director, West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation Limited, said, “We need to take action to mitigate climate change or else hundreds of thousands of poor people residing in the hills and the Nepal Himalayas will not receive any benefit. No political party in Bengal has raised the renewable energy slogan in the recent municipal elections. India can make an impact only if political parties highlight the significance of renewable energy and use it as a part of their campaign agenda. Our country will require around 900,000 mega watt of power by 2031 and Bengal, growing at a rate of nine per cent, will need around 28,000 mega watt within the next 20 years. Laws need to be formulated in order to prohibit the building of coal-based power plants over a period of five years.”
Gon Chowdhury said India has a huge potential of 800,000 mega watt for renewable energy and Bengal occupies a commendable position in generating green energy. Alternate sources of energy can create job potential to the tune of a million. “The eastern Himalayas starting from the Uttar Pradesh Hills, Darjeeling Hills to Arunachal Pradesh have the potential to generate small hydropower of 5,000 mega watt. There is biomass potential in the entire region. Renewable energy is one such prospective area of growth and investment and there is immense potential for solar power industries coming up in Bengal. “In other states like Gujarat and Rajasthan industries have been set up to exploit alternate sources of energy.”
The Howrah Municipal Corporation has taken a major step to set up a sustainable energy project of 7.5 mega watt.
The Statesman
NO POLITICAL PARTY IN MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN UP
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) government in Uttar Pradesh on Friday cleared a Bill banning political parties from contesting in urban local bodies.
The move, ostensibly aimed at de-politicizing the electoral process in civic polls, has been opposed by rival parties saying it would only help the BSP, led by chief minister Mayawati, manipulate results.
Urban local bodies elections in Uttar Pradesh, the country's most populous state, are due next year.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress, the main opposition parties in the state, said the legislation violated the Constitution and that they would fight it both legally and politically. The Constitution empowers state governments to determine electoral rules for local governments such as corporations, municipalities and panchayats.
All major political parties in Uttar Pradesh had filed objections to the notification on the Bill, but the state government has overruled them.
“We will certainly go to court against the legislation. The Mayawati government is trying to take away the rights of the people to elect the heads of the municipalities and corporations,“ said Ram Gopal Yadav, national general secretary of the SP.
Congress spokesman Akhilesh Pratap Singh said the Bill will be damaging for his party, “which has been performing better in urban areas... We will fight it politically too“.
Uttar Pradesh has 12 corporations, 191 nagar parishads (town municipalities) and 414 nagar panchayats (rural municipalities).
The move, ostensibly aimed at de-politicizing the electoral process in civic polls, has been opposed by rival parties saying it would only help the BSP, led by chief minister Mayawati, manipulate results.
Urban local bodies elections in Uttar Pradesh, the country's most populous state, are due next year.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress, the main opposition parties in the state, said the legislation violated the Constitution and that they would fight it both legally and politically. The Constitution empowers state governments to determine electoral rules for local governments such as corporations, municipalities and panchayats.
All major political parties in Uttar Pradesh had filed objections to the notification on the Bill, but the state government has overruled them.
“We will certainly go to court against the legislation. The Mayawati government is trying to take away the rights of the people to elect the heads of the municipalities and corporations,“ said Ram Gopal Yadav, national general secretary of the SP.
Congress spokesman Akhilesh Pratap Singh said the Bill will be damaging for his party, “which has been performing better in urban areas... We will fight it politically too“.
Uttar Pradesh has 12 corporations, 191 nagar parishads (town municipalities) and 414 nagar panchayats (rural municipalities).
The evolving tax code
Hindu Editorial
The government is to be commended for not only proactively seeking feedback on the draft Direct Tax Code (DTC) but also for responding positively to that. The first version of the code, released in August 2009, attracted plenty of interest from both professionals and lay people. The revised code, once again thrown open for a public discussion, is less rigorous than the earlier one in the crucial realm of personal and corporate taxation.
However, in the process of allaying tax payers' genuine apprehensions, it might have departed from the original objective of ushering in a simplified tax system, with low rates and minimal exemptions. Nowhere is this more evident than in the case of the tax treatment of retirement benefits.
The EET method (Exempt savings, Exempt interest on savings, but Tax withdrawals) proposed in the earlier version was meant to remove certain anomalies. Withdrawals from the retirement benefit schemes such as the provident fund and insurance schemes would have been taxed. The revised draft restores the tax exemption on the more important savings schemes, which is a welcome development in a country where high quality social security schemes are few. Promoting long-term contractual savings has been a national priority and taxing withdrawals of retirement benefits would have been a major disincentive to savers, insurance companies and others.
In another departure from the earlier draft, the tax deduction for interest paid on housing loans will remain. It will protect to some extent home-owners from the vagaries of interest rate movements.
Companies will appreciate the decision to continue with the minimum alternate tax (MAT) on book profits rather than on gross assets as was proposed in the earlier version. The code was meant to curb some sharp practices such as padding up the value of assets, but industry associations and tax professionals argued convincingly against using gross assets as the basis since that would have been unfairly burdensome on capital-intensive and long-gestation projects besides loss-making companies.
On many other debatable points, such as the powers to override tax treaties and the special concessions to the SEZs, the revised code has provided clarifications. There could conceivably be further revisions of the code before it is notified next year. In the meantime the government will do well to manage expectations. For instance, it is unlikely that individuals and corporations, having won back their concessions, will also get the benefit of considerably lower tax rates. And despite the best intentions to keep the code simple, there will still be a plethora of rules and exemptions.
Hindu Editorial
The government is to be commended for not only proactively seeking feedback on the draft Direct Tax Code (DTC) but also for responding positively to that. The first version of the code, released in August 2009, attracted plenty of interest from both professionals and lay people. The revised code, once again thrown open for a public discussion, is less rigorous than the earlier one in the crucial realm of personal and corporate taxation.
However, in the process of allaying tax payers' genuine apprehensions, it might have departed from the original objective of ushering in a simplified tax system, with low rates and minimal exemptions. Nowhere is this more evident than in the case of the tax treatment of retirement benefits.
The EET method (Exempt savings, Exempt interest on savings, but Tax withdrawals) proposed in the earlier version was meant to remove certain anomalies. Withdrawals from the retirement benefit schemes such as the provident fund and insurance schemes would have been taxed. The revised draft restores the tax exemption on the more important savings schemes, which is a welcome development in a country where high quality social security schemes are few. Promoting long-term contractual savings has been a national priority and taxing withdrawals of retirement benefits would have been a major disincentive to savers, insurance companies and others.
In another departure from the earlier draft, the tax deduction for interest paid on housing loans will remain. It will protect to some extent home-owners from the vagaries of interest rate movements.
Companies will appreciate the decision to continue with the minimum alternate tax (MAT) on book profits rather than on gross assets as was proposed in the earlier version. The code was meant to curb some sharp practices such as padding up the value of assets, but industry associations and tax professionals argued convincingly against using gross assets as the basis since that would have been unfairly burdensome on capital-intensive and long-gestation projects besides loss-making companies.
On many other debatable points, such as the powers to override tax treaties and the special concessions to the SEZs, the revised code has provided clarifications. There could conceivably be further revisions of the code before it is notified next year. In the meantime the government will do well to manage expectations. For instance, it is unlikely that individuals and corporations, having won back their concessions, will also get the benefit of considerably lower tax rates. And despite the best intentions to keep the code simple, there will still be a plethora of rules and exemptions.
BIG BAZAR IN GANGTOK SOON
Big Bazaar to invest Rs. 600 crore on expansion
Big Bazaar will be investing Rs. 600 crore in expanding its retail chain and related back-end facilities.
Addressing presspersons here on Friday after inaugurating its fourth store in Chennai, Rakesh Biyani, Director, Future Group, said the group was operating 132 stores in the country and the plan was to open 60 more in the near future.
With the economic recovery in place, Big Bazaar was witnessing a significant improvement in sales in recent months and last month was by far the best selling month, Mr. Biyani said.
In the next two months, 10-12 additional stores would be in place, he said.
The newly established outlet at the Express Avenue Mall here, occupying a retail space of 70,000 sq.ft., was the largest one on a single floor, he said.
According to Venkateshwar Kumar, Business Head, South, over 25 per cent of the space in the new super market was reserved for food products and 20 varieties of rice were offered to cater to the needs of various communities.
He said one more store in Coimbatore was already operational and the company was highly optimistic about expansion in Tamil Nadu.
Big Bazaar was laying special emphasis on the affordable price factor apart from quality and variety of the products to induce huge savings for customers, Mr. Kumar said.
Big Bazzar to open an outlet in Sikkim soon at Gangtok.
Big Bazaar will be investing Rs. 600 crore in expanding its retail chain and related back-end facilities.
Addressing presspersons here on Friday after inaugurating its fourth store in Chennai, Rakesh Biyani, Director, Future Group, said the group was operating 132 stores in the country and the plan was to open 60 more in the near future.
With the economic recovery in place, Big Bazaar was witnessing a significant improvement in sales in recent months and last month was by far the best selling month, Mr. Biyani said.
In the next two months, 10-12 additional stores would be in place, he said.
The newly established outlet at the Express Avenue Mall here, occupying a retail space of 70,000 sq.ft., was the largest one on a single floor, he said.
According to Venkateshwar Kumar, Business Head, South, over 25 per cent of the space in the new super market was reserved for food products and 20 varieties of rice were offered to cater to the needs of various communities.
He said one more store in Coimbatore was already operational and the company was highly optimistic about expansion in Tamil Nadu.
Big Bazaar was laying special emphasis on the affordable price factor apart from quality and variety of the products to induce huge savings for customers, Mr. Kumar said.
Big Bazzar to open an outlet in Sikkim soon at Gangtok.
State Level Empowered Committee of Cabinet on UID
18 June (IPR): As per a Home Department, Notification No.57/Home/2010, dated:17.06.2010, the State Government with a view to generate and assign Unique Identification Numbers for the entire resident population of the country which is considered important for improving delivery of development and welfare schemes and also providing financial resources through banking and security perspective;
With the above objective in mind, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been notified by Government of India under the aegis of Planning Commission;
And as per the directives received from Government of India, a State Level Empowered Committee of Cabinet on UID under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister; has been constituted. The State Level Empowered Committee of Cabinet on UID consists of the following members, namely :-
1. Chief Minister- Chairman
Development Planning, ER & NEC Affairs Department,
Finance, Revenue & Expenditure Department,
Home Department,
Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department,
Department of Personnel Affairs Reforms & Training
2. Minister-in-Charge, Rural Management & Development -Member
Department and Cooperation Department
3. Minister-in-Charge, Food & Civil Supplies Department,
Urban Development & Housing Department Member
4. Minister-in-Charge, Information and Technology Department
Human Resources Department, Sports & Youth Affairs Department Member
18 June (IPR): As per a Home Department, Notification No.57/Home/2010, dated:17.06.2010, the State Government with a view to generate and assign Unique Identification Numbers for the entire resident population of the country which is considered important for improving delivery of development and welfare schemes and also providing financial resources through banking and security perspective;
With the above objective in mind, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has been notified by Government of India under the aegis of Planning Commission;
And as per the directives received from Government of India, a State Level Empowered Committee of Cabinet on UID under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister; has been constituted. The State Level Empowered Committee of Cabinet on UID consists of the following members, namely :-
1. Chief Minister- Chairman
Development Planning, ER & NEC Affairs Department,
Finance, Revenue & Expenditure Department,
Home Department,
Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department,
Department of Personnel Affairs Reforms & Training
2. Minister-in-Charge, Rural Management & Development -Member
Department and Cooperation Department
3. Minister-in-Charge, Food & Civil Supplies Department,
Urban Development & Housing Department Member
4. Minister-in-Charge, Information and Technology Department
Human Resources Department, Sports & Youth Affairs Department Member
Electrification, drinking water facilities improve in Sikkim
Gangtok: The Himalayan state of Sikkim has made excellent progress in providing electricity and drinking water to citizens, according to the latest National Family Health Survey for Sikkim.
A total of 92% of the 1,11,830 households in the state have electricity and 78% have drinking water.
The 92% households having electricity, include 90% in rural areas and 100% in urban areas.
During the last survey, electrification stood at 82%.
Though 78% of households had drinking water, only a little over one third had piped water.
In rural households only 20% had piped drinking water, while in urban areas it was 90%, according to the 2005-06 survey, the third and latest in the Himalayan state released last year.
88% of households treated water to make it potable with 86% boiling it and 10% using ceramic, sand, or other water filters.
Toilet facilities in households had also improved. There were only 11% households without toilets, which was an improvement from the last survey when it was 27%.
More than half of the families in the state used solid fuel for cooking, with wood being the most commonly used.
The statistics also revealed that, of the total households, just over half of them, that is 51%, lived in pucca houses, most of them in urban areas.
Sikkim is primarily rural with only 20% of the households located in urban areas.
On an average, households comprised 4-5 members. One-seventh (14%) of households were headed by women.
Nearly three-fifths of households in Sikkim had household heads who are Hindu (58%), followed by Buddhists/Neo-Buddhist (30%) and Muslims (2%).
9% of household heads belonged to Scheduled Castes, 36% to Scheduled Tribes, and 41% to Other Backward Classes (OBC).
In Sikkim, 31% of the population was under the age of 15 and only 5% was aged 65 and above.
In all, 75% were below 18 years and lived with both parents, 12% with one parent, and 14% with neither parent
source:PTI
Gangtok: The Himalayan state of Sikkim has made excellent progress in providing electricity and drinking water to citizens, according to the latest National Family Health Survey for Sikkim.
A total of 92% of the 1,11,830 households in the state have electricity and 78% have drinking water.
The 92% households having electricity, include 90% in rural areas and 100% in urban areas.
During the last survey, electrification stood at 82%.
Though 78% of households had drinking water, only a little over one third had piped water.
In rural households only 20% had piped drinking water, while in urban areas it was 90%, according to the 2005-06 survey, the third and latest in the Himalayan state released last year.
88% of households treated water to make it potable with 86% boiling it and 10% using ceramic, sand, or other water filters.
Toilet facilities in households had also improved. There were only 11% households without toilets, which was an improvement from the last survey when it was 27%.
More than half of the families in the state used solid fuel for cooking, with wood being the most commonly used.
The statistics also revealed that, of the total households, just over half of them, that is 51%, lived in pucca houses, most of them in urban areas.
Sikkim is primarily rural with only 20% of the households located in urban areas.
On an average, households comprised 4-5 members. One-seventh (14%) of households were headed by women.
Nearly three-fifths of households in Sikkim had household heads who are Hindu (58%), followed by Buddhists/Neo-Buddhist (30%) and Muslims (2%).
9% of household heads belonged to Scheduled Castes, 36% to Scheduled Tribes, and 41% to Other Backward Classes (OBC).
In Sikkim, 31% of the population was under the age of 15 and only 5% was aged 65 and above.
In all, 75% were below 18 years and lived with both parents, 12% with one parent, and 14% with neither parent
source:PTI
Friday, June 18, 2010
Take the spice route
by NAMITA JAIN
Today, many of the spices that we use in cooking are commonly available in health food stores Spices provide flavour and aroma to food, as well as have medicinal value. They can do much to help us live healthy lives.
A touch of spice
Taste is an important factor in both diet and digestion. Use spices to give subtle or strong accents to soups, sauces, raitas, dals, stews, vegetables, cereals and desserts.
Cinnamon
Properties
Warming stimulant
Anti-septic
Anti-viral
Parts used
Inner bark and twigs
Benefits
Used as flavouring in food, cinnamon is now one of the worlds most important spices with a plethora of healing properties. Stimulating and warming, cinnamon is a traditional remedy for digestive problems such as nausea, as well as for symptoms of viral conditions such as colds and fever.
Ginger
Properties
Anti-nausea
Circulatory stimulant
Boosts immunity
Parts used
The root
Benefits
Ginger contains an active constituent gingerol, which is responsible for its hot, pungent taste, as well as its stimulating and healing properties. Ginger is often used as a therapeutic spice, working on the digestive system by encouraging secretion of digestive enzymes. Due to its warming and soothing properties, it is also a favourite home remedy for relieving colds and coughs.
Tip
As ginger has heating qualities, consume small quantities in the summer months when the outside temperature is hot, or else, if you are sensitive to the spice your may develop acne.
Turmeric
Properties
Stimulates secretion of bile
Analgesic
May lower cholesterol
Parts used
The root
Benefits
Turmeric is known to have effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is high in antioxidants and due to its active ingredient, curcumin, it is believed to have anti-bacterial and even cancer-fighting potential. It is a useful remedy that can help treat premenstrual discomfort and skin conditions.
Anise
Properties
Stimulant
May relieve muscle spasm
Parts used
Seed and fruit
Benefits
Used for centuries as traditional medicine as well as a spice, anise seed and its fruit, star anise, have similar therapeutic properties. Anise seed is often used as a remedy for griping, intestinal colic and flatulence. With mild oestrogenic effects, anise seed can be used to increase milk secretion in lactating women. The fruit, star anise, has similar effects, and additionally has the ability to soothe muscle spasms and aches.
Cayenne pepper
Properties
Stimulant
Improves metabolism
Treats wind and colic
Parts used
Fresh and dried pepper
Benefits
Cayenne pepper is a fiery spice. It is a finely ground variety of chilli. Cayenne, with the active constituent capsaicin, is a warming stimulant and a remedy for poor circulation. It is often consumed to help relieve wind and colic and to stimulate secretion of digestive juices, as well as to aid metabolism.
Tip
Winter months or during monsoons is the best time to consume hot spices such as cayenne pepper. Avoid too much consumption of cayenne pepper in summer as it has heating properties.
Nutmeg
Properties
Anti-nausea
Reduces nausea
Promotes healthy skin
Parts used
The seed
Benefits
Nutmeg has a natural anaesthetic effect on the stomach and intestines, and may help reduce nausea. It can be a helpful remedy for gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and relieve abdominal pain. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is sometimes used as a remedy for insomnia, and it is believed to promote healthy skin.
The writer is a certified Clinical Exercise Specialist, Lifestyle and Weight Management Specialist.
by NAMITA JAIN
Today, many of the spices that we use in cooking are commonly available in health food stores Spices provide flavour and aroma to food, as well as have medicinal value. They can do much to help us live healthy lives.
A touch of spice
Taste is an important factor in both diet and digestion. Use spices to give subtle or strong accents to soups, sauces, raitas, dals, stews, vegetables, cereals and desserts.
Cinnamon
Properties
Warming stimulant
Anti-septic
Anti-viral
Parts used
Inner bark and twigs
Benefits
Used as flavouring in food, cinnamon is now one of the worlds most important spices with a plethora of healing properties. Stimulating and warming, cinnamon is a traditional remedy for digestive problems such as nausea, as well as for symptoms of viral conditions such as colds and fever.
Ginger
Properties
Anti-nausea
Circulatory stimulant
Boosts immunity
Parts used
The root
Benefits
Ginger contains an active constituent gingerol, which is responsible for its hot, pungent taste, as well as its stimulating and healing properties. Ginger is often used as a therapeutic spice, working on the digestive system by encouraging secretion of digestive enzymes. Due to its warming and soothing properties, it is also a favourite home remedy for relieving colds and coughs.
Tip
As ginger has heating qualities, consume small quantities in the summer months when the outside temperature is hot, or else, if you are sensitive to the spice your may develop acne.
Turmeric
Properties
Stimulates secretion of bile
Analgesic
May lower cholesterol
Parts used
The root
Benefits
Turmeric is known to have effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is high in antioxidants and due to its active ingredient, curcumin, it is believed to have anti-bacterial and even cancer-fighting potential. It is a useful remedy that can help treat premenstrual discomfort and skin conditions.
Anise
Properties
Stimulant
May relieve muscle spasm
Parts used
Seed and fruit
Benefits
Used for centuries as traditional medicine as well as a spice, anise seed and its fruit, star anise, have similar therapeutic properties. Anise seed is often used as a remedy for griping, intestinal colic and flatulence. With mild oestrogenic effects, anise seed can be used to increase milk secretion in lactating women. The fruit, star anise, has similar effects, and additionally has the ability to soothe muscle spasms and aches.
Cayenne pepper
Properties
Stimulant
Improves metabolism
Treats wind and colic
Parts used
Fresh and dried pepper
Benefits
Cayenne pepper is a fiery spice. It is a finely ground variety of chilli. Cayenne, with the active constituent capsaicin, is a warming stimulant and a remedy for poor circulation. It is often consumed to help relieve wind and colic and to stimulate secretion of digestive juices, as well as to aid metabolism.
Tip
Winter months or during monsoons is the best time to consume hot spices such as cayenne pepper. Avoid too much consumption of cayenne pepper in summer as it has heating properties.
Nutmeg
Properties
Anti-nausea
Reduces nausea
Promotes healthy skin
Parts used
The seed
Benefits
Nutmeg has a natural anaesthetic effect on the stomach and intestines, and may help reduce nausea. It can be a helpful remedy for gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and relieve abdominal pain. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is sometimes used as a remedy for insomnia, and it is believed to promote healthy skin.
The writer is a certified Clinical Exercise Specialist, Lifestyle and Weight Management Specialist.
Higher education quota must continue, says survey
by Aarti Dhar
"First ensure access to quality elementary education"
Supporting the government's policy of reservation in Central institutions of higher education in the country, a survey has said such an affirmative action will have to continue until the existing inequalities in terms of access to quality elementary education are removed. “The reservation policy compensates these inequalities faced by the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and the Muslim community,” it says.
An analysis of the OBC reservation policy for higher education in India carried out by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) for the National Academy of Sciences, however, impresses upon the government to fulfil its promise to make elementary education available and accessible to all, and improve quality of education in order to provide a level playing field to students from all communities.
Positive impact
Importantly, the study strongly recommends that compulsory universal elementary education and quality secondary education maximise the positive impact of reservation in higher education. “Reservation needs to be effectively implemented and complemented with several other measures — both short-term and long-term — to make it more effective,” the report suggests. Also, large scale privatisation in higher education is diluting the benefits of reservation, thus leaving a large proportion of SC, ST, OBC and Muslim youth at a disadvantage.
Pointing out that there was no conclusive evidence to suggest that the existing reservation has diluted merit or lowered quality of professional education, the report describes reservation to OBC without the creamy layer as an important step forward to make the poor and marginalised among the OBCs and Muslims access quality higher education
According to the report, evidence from Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, States with a strong history of reservation for OBCs in educational institutions, shows that students from the OBC category are as competitive as students from general categories in entrance exams to institutions and final grades.
The nature and quality of elementary and secondary education available to Hindu SCs and STs, Muslims and OBCs in tribal, rural and urban areas undermine the capabilities of the students to compete at these levels, and even if they compete they face serious impediments to compete for seats. Acute lack of access to remedial and coaching for students of these communities makes it difficult for them to compete with those having access to better endowments and opportunities in terms of social background, schooling and access to coaching.
Opportunity counts
“Given improved opportunity to better quality education at the elementary and secondary level will certainly make the children from Dalit, tribal, Muslim and OBC communities compete and gain access to higher education,” the study says.
The study attempts to analyse the OBC reservation policy in State-level institutes and tries to draw inference in the context of 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher educational institutes run by the government.
Conducted over a period of six months between January and September 2008, the study compiled and analysed status of enrolment and performance of OBC students as compared to SC, ST and general category students in both professional and non-professional courses from 9 universities across the three States and data collected from TISS, the Indian Institutes of Technology and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences
by Aarti Dhar
"First ensure access to quality elementary education"
Supporting the government's policy of reservation in Central institutions of higher education in the country, a survey has said such an affirmative action will have to continue until the existing inequalities in terms of access to quality elementary education are removed. “The reservation policy compensates these inequalities faced by the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and the Muslim community,” it says.
An analysis of the OBC reservation policy for higher education in India carried out by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) for the National Academy of Sciences, however, impresses upon the government to fulfil its promise to make elementary education available and accessible to all, and improve quality of education in order to provide a level playing field to students from all communities.
Positive impact
Importantly, the study strongly recommends that compulsory universal elementary education and quality secondary education maximise the positive impact of reservation in higher education. “Reservation needs to be effectively implemented and complemented with several other measures — both short-term and long-term — to make it more effective,” the report suggests. Also, large scale privatisation in higher education is diluting the benefits of reservation, thus leaving a large proportion of SC, ST, OBC and Muslim youth at a disadvantage.
Pointing out that there was no conclusive evidence to suggest that the existing reservation has diluted merit or lowered quality of professional education, the report describes reservation to OBC without the creamy layer as an important step forward to make the poor and marginalised among the OBCs and Muslims access quality higher education
According to the report, evidence from Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, States with a strong history of reservation for OBCs in educational institutions, shows that students from the OBC category are as competitive as students from general categories in entrance exams to institutions and final grades.
The nature and quality of elementary and secondary education available to Hindu SCs and STs, Muslims and OBCs in tribal, rural and urban areas undermine the capabilities of the students to compete at these levels, and even if they compete they face serious impediments to compete for seats. Acute lack of access to remedial and coaching for students of these communities makes it difficult for them to compete with those having access to better endowments and opportunities in terms of social background, schooling and access to coaching.
Opportunity counts
“Given improved opportunity to better quality education at the elementary and secondary level will certainly make the children from Dalit, tribal, Muslim and OBC communities compete and gain access to higher education,” the study says.
The study attempts to analyse the OBC reservation policy in State-level institutes and tries to draw inference in the context of 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher educational institutes run by the government.
Conducted over a period of six months between January and September 2008, the study compiled and analysed status of enrolment and performance of OBC students as compared to SC, ST and general category students in both professional and non-professional courses from 9 universities across the three States and data collected from TISS, the Indian Institutes of Technology and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Rohtang Tunnel – Cutting through the Mighty Himalayas
Rohtang, as the word sounds, inspires awe and a sense of invincibility. Perhaps for that reason, the high Himalayan mountain pass gets its name Rohtang, meaning, in Persian, ‘piles of dead bodies’. Located in the Pir Panjal range 51 kms from Manali hill town at an altitude of 3,978 meters (13,044 feet), the Rohtang Pass remains snowbound in winters for over six months, cutting off the tribal Lahaul-Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh and also the strategically vital Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.
All that is about to change as the work on the Rohtang Tunnel, a dream project of the Ministry of Defence, begins on the 28th of this month, which would enable an all-weather road link across the snow-capped Rohtang Pass. Digging the Rohtang Tunnel is the most challenging assignment the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), an Inter-Services Organisation (ISO) under the Ministry of Defence, has undertaken in its glorious history of 50 years.
A LANDMARK IN THE MAKING
At 8.8 kms, the Rohtang Tunnel would be dwarfed by the 57 km long Gotthard Base Railway Tunnel nearing completion in the Alps mountains of Switzerland. Rohtang Tunnel, to be built at altitudes ranging between 3,053 mtrs and 3,080 mtrs, will also not be the highest tunnel, when compared to the Fenghuoshan Railway Tunnel, part of Qinghai-Tibet Railway Line in China, completed in 2002, that touches 4,905 m (16,093 ft), at its maximum altitude. So what makes the Rohtang Tunnel unique as an engineering marvel? Answer is, its main characteristic would be a combination of both length and altitude. The Rohtang Tunnel, when completed in 2015, would be the world’s longest tunnel at such altitudes, in fact, much longer than the longest tunnels anywhere around the world at altitudes over 2,500 m. For example, the nearest in comparison to the Rohtang Tunnel (Length 8.802 kms, alt.3,080 m) would be the Anzob Road Tunnel in Tajikistan (L-5 kms, alt.3,372 m), Khojak Rail Tunnel, built by the British way back in 1891, near Quetta in Pakistan (L-3.9 kms, alt.3,912 m) and the Eisenhower Memorial Tunnel in the US (L-2.731 kms, alt.3,401 m) or in terms of altitude the Fenghuoshan Railway Tunnel (L-1.338 kms, alt.4,905 m) and the La Galera Railway Tunnel in Peru (L-1.177 kms, alt.4,781 m).
RAIL/ROAD TUNNELS IN INDIA
The Rohtang Tunnel will again not have the distinction of being the longest rail/road tunnel in India, - that honour would soon go to the 10.96 km long Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel at Banihal in J&K, part of the Jammu-Srinagar railway line, due to be completed next year. However, the Banihal Tunnel is located at much lower altitudes, - touching 2,200 m at its peak, with an average altitude of 1,750 m. As of now the longest tunnel in the country is the 6.5 km long Karbude Tunnel in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, part of the Konkan Railway network, but being located on the Western Ghats, this tunnel is located at almost negligible altitudes of less than 50 feet. The longest road tunnel in India is the 2.8 km long Jawahar Tunnel, again at Banihal, with an altitude of 2,209 m, completed in 1956, and has twin tube tunnels running side by side, also making it unique.
A BRAINCHILD OF RAJIV GANDHI
The Rohtang Tunnel was first conceived in 1983 to develop the Manali-Sarchu-Leh road to an all-weather alternate route for strategic considerations, and a preliminary study was conducted in 1984 in consultation with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Manali-based Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment (SASE). A brainchild of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the detailed feasibility study for the ambitious Rohtang Tunnel was approved at a meeting of the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) on January 14, 1987, presided over by none other than Rajiv Gandhi himself. It was planned to first construct an Access Road leading to the actual tunnel site. The length of this access road from the tunnel’s South Portal towards Manali is 14.84 kms and 0.94 km at the mouth of tunnel exit, North Portal, joining Manali-Sarchu road at KM 78.7, over Chandra river. The former Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee laid the foundation stone on May 26, 2002 for this approach road, costing Rs.180 crores. The access road to the South Portal tunnel site, on which 18 snow avalanche protection structures are being erected, was completed in the year 2005.
TRANSLATING THE DREAM PROJECT TO REALITY
The Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the Rohtang Tunnel project in September 2009 at a cost of Rs.1,495 crores. M/s STRABAG-AFCONS, a joint venture between India’s Afcons Infrastructure Ltd and Strabag SE of Austria, world’s fourth largest construction company, was awarded the construction contract through a global tender. Presently the preparatory work and induction of resources is under progress. The actual tunneling work begins this month and it is expected to be completed in 63 months, by the year 2015. Ms/ SMEC International Pvt Ltd, an international firm, has been engaged as the consultants by the BRO for the Rohtang Project till its completion.
KEY FEATURES
The tunnel’s design would be novel in many ways. Due to its long distance and the rarefied atmosphere at the heights it is located, the tunnel would incorporate Semi-Transverse Ventilation System, where large fans would separately circulate air in and out throughout the tunnel length. The tunnel, with a horseshow shaped cross-section, will be 11.25 m wide at road level, providing ample room for two way traffic and designed to cater to a maximum vehicular speed of 80 km/hr. But the Rohtang Tunnel alone might not be enough to make the Manali-Keylong-Leh highway an all-weather road, as there are another two major snowbound passes along the way, - Baralacha La and Thaglang La. To overcome this the project envisages constructing a 292 kms long all-weather road, Nimu-Padam-Darcha, via Shinkunla Pass, traversing the remote Zanskar region of J&K, estimated to cost an additional Rs 286 crores.
WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY
When the foundation stone for the digging work of the Rohtang Tunnel is laid by Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the National Advisory Council, on the 28th of this month, it will mark another step towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the remotest regions of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The presence of the Minister of Defence Shri AK Antony and Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju, Chief Ministers Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal and Shri Omar Abdullah and Minister for Steel Shri Virbhadra Singh for the ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ ceremony only underlines the significance of the vital strategic and developmental infrastructure project. Once completed the Rohtang Tunnel will provide unhindered road access to the remote regions of Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh throughout the year, besides reducing the road distance by approximately 48 km and saving travel time of about four hours. It will open up new vistas of trade and tourism and generate jobs for the benefit of the local population.
PROJECT ROHTANG
To undertake the herculean task, the BRO has constituted a separate ‘Project Rohtang’, the 18th such BRO project spread countrywide. The BRO, which celebrated its Golden Jubilee on May 7th this year, is a premier organisation for infrastructure creation and consolidation under the Ministry of Defence. The BRO has constructed more than 48,300 kms of roads, 400 major bridges of 36 kms length and 19 airfields, most of its work spread across difficult terrain and inhospitable climates. At present BRO is working on 699 roads running up to 28,000 kms, which includes new construction, as well as double-laning. Men of the BRO also carry out snow clearance operations on 95 roads, with a road length of 3,000 kms.
BORDER ROADS ORGANISATION - ROAD BUILDERS TO THE NATION
Guided by their motto ‘Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam’, which means, ‘With hard work everything can be achieved’, the tireless zeal and valour of the General Reserve Engineering force (GREF) personnel, the backbone of the BRO, most often goes unsung. More than 60 percent of its personnel are deployed in high altitude, extremely difficult and insurgency prone areas. The force has lost 1,161 men since the year 2000 to the vagaries of nature and mishap, working in icy weather and precipices several thousand feet high above sharp valleys and gorges, and at times to attacks by militants. During the last decade another 1,850 BRO men have met with a natural death while in service, most of them that can be attributed to diseases arising out of hostile work conditions. A reflection of the glory of the BRO heroes, whose greatest enemy is none other than the hostile Mother Nature, can be found in the 22 Kirti Chakras and 212 Shaurya Chakras including a Bar bestowed upon its gallant men. So the next time you hit a border road in the Himalayas, enjoying the beauty, serenity and splendour of the mountains do take a pause and ponder for a while how Mother Nature here can at times be very grueling and cruel. Etched in the several stone memorials you will come across at the sharp bend every mile or two, are tales of courage, hard work, determination and supreme sacrifice in memory of the men who paved the way for the sake of posterity.
PK
Rohtang, as the word sounds, inspires awe and a sense of invincibility. Perhaps for that reason, the high Himalayan mountain pass gets its name Rohtang, meaning, in Persian, ‘piles of dead bodies’. Located in the Pir Panjal range 51 kms from Manali hill town at an altitude of 3,978 meters (13,044 feet), the Rohtang Pass remains snowbound in winters for over six months, cutting off the tribal Lahaul-Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh and also the strategically vital Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.
All that is about to change as the work on the Rohtang Tunnel, a dream project of the Ministry of Defence, begins on the 28th of this month, which would enable an all-weather road link across the snow-capped Rohtang Pass. Digging the Rohtang Tunnel is the most challenging assignment the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), an Inter-Services Organisation (ISO) under the Ministry of Defence, has undertaken in its glorious history of 50 years.
A LANDMARK IN THE MAKING
At 8.8 kms, the Rohtang Tunnel would be dwarfed by the 57 km long Gotthard Base Railway Tunnel nearing completion in the Alps mountains of Switzerland. Rohtang Tunnel, to be built at altitudes ranging between 3,053 mtrs and 3,080 mtrs, will also not be the highest tunnel, when compared to the Fenghuoshan Railway Tunnel, part of Qinghai-Tibet Railway Line in China, completed in 2002, that touches 4,905 m (16,093 ft), at its maximum altitude. So what makes the Rohtang Tunnel unique as an engineering marvel? Answer is, its main characteristic would be a combination of both length and altitude. The Rohtang Tunnel, when completed in 2015, would be the world’s longest tunnel at such altitudes, in fact, much longer than the longest tunnels anywhere around the world at altitudes over 2,500 m. For example, the nearest in comparison to the Rohtang Tunnel (Length 8.802 kms, alt.3,080 m) would be the Anzob Road Tunnel in Tajikistan (L-5 kms, alt.3,372 m), Khojak Rail Tunnel, built by the British way back in 1891, near Quetta in Pakistan (L-3.9 kms, alt.3,912 m) and the Eisenhower Memorial Tunnel in the US (L-2.731 kms, alt.3,401 m) or in terms of altitude the Fenghuoshan Railway Tunnel (L-1.338 kms, alt.4,905 m) and the La Galera Railway Tunnel in Peru (L-1.177 kms, alt.4,781 m).
RAIL/ROAD TUNNELS IN INDIA
The Rohtang Tunnel will again not have the distinction of being the longest rail/road tunnel in India, - that honour would soon go to the 10.96 km long Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel at Banihal in J&K, part of the Jammu-Srinagar railway line, due to be completed next year. However, the Banihal Tunnel is located at much lower altitudes, - touching 2,200 m at its peak, with an average altitude of 1,750 m. As of now the longest tunnel in the country is the 6.5 km long Karbude Tunnel in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, part of the Konkan Railway network, but being located on the Western Ghats, this tunnel is located at almost negligible altitudes of less than 50 feet. The longest road tunnel in India is the 2.8 km long Jawahar Tunnel, again at Banihal, with an altitude of 2,209 m, completed in 1956, and has twin tube tunnels running side by side, also making it unique.
A BRAINCHILD OF RAJIV GANDHI
The Rohtang Tunnel was first conceived in 1983 to develop the Manali-Sarchu-Leh road to an all-weather alternate route for strategic considerations, and a preliminary study was conducted in 1984 in consultation with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Manali-based Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment (SASE). A brainchild of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the detailed feasibility study for the ambitious Rohtang Tunnel was approved at a meeting of the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) on January 14, 1987, presided over by none other than Rajiv Gandhi himself. It was planned to first construct an Access Road leading to the actual tunnel site. The length of this access road from the tunnel’s South Portal towards Manali is 14.84 kms and 0.94 km at the mouth of tunnel exit, North Portal, joining Manali-Sarchu road at KM 78.7, over Chandra river. The former Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee laid the foundation stone on May 26, 2002 for this approach road, costing Rs.180 crores. The access road to the South Portal tunnel site, on which 18 snow avalanche protection structures are being erected, was completed in the year 2005.
TRANSLATING THE DREAM PROJECT TO REALITY
The Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the Rohtang Tunnel project in September 2009 at a cost of Rs.1,495 crores. M/s STRABAG-AFCONS, a joint venture between India’s Afcons Infrastructure Ltd and Strabag SE of Austria, world’s fourth largest construction company, was awarded the construction contract through a global tender. Presently the preparatory work and induction of resources is under progress. The actual tunneling work begins this month and it is expected to be completed in 63 months, by the year 2015. Ms/ SMEC International Pvt Ltd, an international firm, has been engaged as the consultants by the BRO for the Rohtang Project till its completion.
KEY FEATURES
The tunnel’s design would be novel in many ways. Due to its long distance and the rarefied atmosphere at the heights it is located, the tunnel would incorporate Semi-Transverse Ventilation System, where large fans would separately circulate air in and out throughout the tunnel length. The tunnel, with a horseshow shaped cross-section, will be 11.25 m wide at road level, providing ample room for two way traffic and designed to cater to a maximum vehicular speed of 80 km/hr. But the Rohtang Tunnel alone might not be enough to make the Manali-Keylong-Leh highway an all-weather road, as there are another two major snowbound passes along the way, - Baralacha La and Thaglang La. To overcome this the project envisages constructing a 292 kms long all-weather road, Nimu-Padam-Darcha, via Shinkunla Pass, traversing the remote Zanskar region of J&K, estimated to cost an additional Rs 286 crores.
WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY
When the foundation stone for the digging work of the Rohtang Tunnel is laid by Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the National Advisory Council, on the 28th of this month, it will mark another step towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the remotest regions of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The presence of the Minister of Defence Shri AK Antony and Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju, Chief Ministers Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal and Shri Omar Abdullah and Minister for Steel Shri Virbhadra Singh for the ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ ceremony only underlines the significance of the vital strategic and developmental infrastructure project. Once completed the Rohtang Tunnel will provide unhindered road access to the remote regions of Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh throughout the year, besides reducing the road distance by approximately 48 km and saving travel time of about four hours. It will open up new vistas of trade and tourism and generate jobs for the benefit of the local population.
PROJECT ROHTANG
To undertake the herculean task, the BRO has constituted a separate ‘Project Rohtang’, the 18th such BRO project spread countrywide. The BRO, which celebrated its Golden Jubilee on May 7th this year, is a premier organisation for infrastructure creation and consolidation under the Ministry of Defence. The BRO has constructed more than 48,300 kms of roads, 400 major bridges of 36 kms length and 19 airfields, most of its work spread across difficult terrain and inhospitable climates. At present BRO is working on 699 roads running up to 28,000 kms, which includes new construction, as well as double-laning. Men of the BRO also carry out snow clearance operations on 95 roads, with a road length of 3,000 kms.
BORDER ROADS ORGANISATION - ROAD BUILDERS TO THE NATION
Guided by their motto ‘Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam’, which means, ‘With hard work everything can be achieved’, the tireless zeal and valour of the General Reserve Engineering force (GREF) personnel, the backbone of the BRO, most often goes unsung. More than 60 percent of its personnel are deployed in high altitude, extremely difficult and insurgency prone areas. The force has lost 1,161 men since the year 2000 to the vagaries of nature and mishap, working in icy weather and precipices several thousand feet high above sharp valleys and gorges, and at times to attacks by militants. During the last decade another 1,850 BRO men have met with a natural death while in service, most of them that can be attributed to diseases arising out of hostile work conditions. A reflection of the glory of the BRO heroes, whose greatest enemy is none other than the hostile Mother Nature, can be found in the 22 Kirti Chakras and 212 Shaurya Chakras including a Bar bestowed upon its gallant men. So the next time you hit a border road in the Himalayas, enjoying the beauty, serenity and splendour of the mountains do take a pause and ponder for a while how Mother Nature here can at times be very grueling and cruel. Etched in the several stone memorials you will come across at the sharp bend every mile or two, are tales of courage, hard work, determination and supreme sacrifice in memory of the men who paved the way for the sake of posterity.
PK
Amendments to the Central Educational Institutions(Reservation in Admission)
Act, 2006 approved
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13:2 IST
The Union Cabinet today approved certain amendments to Sections 2,3,4 and 5 of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission ) Act, 2006. The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) (Amendment ) Bill 2010 will be introduced in the coming session of Parliament.
The proposed amendments to the Act aim at safeguarding interests of the tribal population in far-flung and remote areas of the North-Eastern States by providing a balance between the local policy at the State level and the national policy on reservation. The Amendments would ensure equity and inclusiveness and meet the regional aspirations.
The Central Educational Institutions (CEIs) are facing certain practical difficulties in implementing the provisions of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act 2006. These difficulties emanate from the fact that their Statutes already provide for reservation of higher percentage than 15% of the seats for SCs or 7.5% of the seats for STs, owing to the composition of population served by it. In some cases the CEIs which were State Universities earlier, have adopted the norms followed by the respective State Governments which require them to reserve more than 7.5 per cent of seats for STs.
In order to address these problems, the Government has now proposed to amend certain provisions of the Act.
These proposed amendments envisaged are as follows :
• State seats (viz. The seats earmarked to be filled from amongst the eligible students of State in which the Central Educational Institution is situated), if any, in a CEI situated in the tribal areas referred to in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution shall be governed by the reservation policy of the concerned State Government in the matter of admissions of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes to that CEI.
• If the seats reserved for Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes or both taken together in a CEI exceed 50% of the annual permitted strength, that CEI shall be exempt from making any reservation for the other Backward Classes. Further, if such a CEI is situated in the north-eastern States, including Sikkim but excluding the non-tribal areas of Assam, the percentage of seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes shall not be reduced from the level obtaining on the date immediately preceding the date of the commencement of the Act; while in case of CEI situated in other areas the percentage of seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes in that CEI shall stand reduced to 50%.
• If the seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes or both taken together in a CEI fall short of 50% of the annual permitted strength, the percentage of seats reserved for the Other Backward Classes shall be restricted to such shortfall.
• The period for giving effect to the provisions of sections 3,4 and 5 of the Act shall stand enhanced to six years from three years, as some of the CEIs are finding it difficult to adhere to the said time limit for creation of the requisite physical and academic infrastructure due to a variety of reasons beyond their control and have been requesting for the increase in the time limit.
• The number of seats in a branch of study or faculty in a CEI shall be increased with reference to the number of seats in that branch of study or faculty available for the academic session immediately preceding the date of the coming into force of this Act or with reference to the number of seats actually filled in that session, whichever be less, mainly with a view to avoiding wastage of resources.
Background :
All the Central Educational Institutions ( other than those exempted under section 4 of the Act, ) are, presently, required to reserve 27% seats for the OBCs (excluding “creamy layer”), in addition to 15% seats for the SCs and 7.5 % seats for the STs as also to expand their capacity, over a maximum period of three years, from the academic session 2008-09. Difficulties experienced by some of the CEIs, particularly those situated in the north-eastern States inhabited significantly, in some cases predominantly, by tribal population, and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, which has been reserving 50% seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in keeping with the objectives specified in their respective Acts have led to the amendments.
Act, 2006 approved
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13:2 IST
The Union Cabinet today approved certain amendments to Sections 2,3,4 and 5 of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission ) Act, 2006. The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) (Amendment ) Bill 2010 will be introduced in the coming session of Parliament.
The proposed amendments to the Act aim at safeguarding interests of the tribal population in far-flung and remote areas of the North-Eastern States by providing a balance between the local policy at the State level and the national policy on reservation. The Amendments would ensure equity and inclusiveness and meet the regional aspirations.
The Central Educational Institutions (CEIs) are facing certain practical difficulties in implementing the provisions of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act 2006. These difficulties emanate from the fact that their Statutes already provide for reservation of higher percentage than 15% of the seats for SCs or 7.5% of the seats for STs, owing to the composition of population served by it. In some cases the CEIs which were State Universities earlier, have adopted the norms followed by the respective State Governments which require them to reserve more than 7.5 per cent of seats for STs.
In order to address these problems, the Government has now proposed to amend certain provisions of the Act.
These proposed amendments envisaged are as follows :
• State seats (viz. The seats earmarked to be filled from amongst the eligible students of State in which the Central Educational Institution is situated), if any, in a CEI situated in the tribal areas referred to in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution shall be governed by the reservation policy of the concerned State Government in the matter of admissions of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes to that CEI.
• If the seats reserved for Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes or both taken together in a CEI exceed 50% of the annual permitted strength, that CEI shall be exempt from making any reservation for the other Backward Classes. Further, if such a CEI is situated in the north-eastern States, including Sikkim but excluding the non-tribal areas of Assam, the percentage of seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes shall not be reduced from the level obtaining on the date immediately preceding the date of the commencement of the Act; while in case of CEI situated in other areas the percentage of seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes in that CEI shall stand reduced to 50%.
• If the seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes or both taken together in a CEI fall short of 50% of the annual permitted strength, the percentage of seats reserved for the Other Backward Classes shall be restricted to such shortfall.
• The period for giving effect to the provisions of sections 3,4 and 5 of the Act shall stand enhanced to six years from three years, as some of the CEIs are finding it difficult to adhere to the said time limit for creation of the requisite physical and academic infrastructure due to a variety of reasons beyond their control and have been requesting for the increase in the time limit.
• The number of seats in a branch of study or faculty in a CEI shall be increased with reference to the number of seats in that branch of study or faculty available for the academic session immediately preceding the date of the coming into force of this Act or with reference to the number of seats actually filled in that session, whichever be less, mainly with a view to avoiding wastage of resources.
Background :
All the Central Educational Institutions ( other than those exempted under section 4 of the Act, ) are, presently, required to reserve 27% seats for the OBCs (excluding “creamy layer”), in addition to 15% seats for the SCs and 7.5 % seats for the STs as also to expand their capacity, over a maximum period of three years, from the academic session 2008-09. Difficulties experienced by some of the CEIs, particularly those situated in the north-eastern States inhabited significantly, in some cases predominantly, by tribal population, and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, which has been reserving 50% seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in keeping with the objectives specified in their respective Acts have led to the amendments.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
New Areas of India – China Cooperation Emerging
in Food Grain Storage Sector
New areas of India - China cooperation have emerged in food grain storage sector following the recent visit of an official delegation led by Prof KV Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution to China from 7th to 11th June, 2010. Briefing media persons here today, Prof. Thomas said that a team of technical experts and construction engineers from FCI and CWC and some State Agencies will visit China to further study the modern storage construction and preservation methods used for foodgrain storage.
Here is the text of opening remarks of the Minister at the Press Conference:
A Government of India delegation led by Prof K.V Thomas, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution visited China between 7th – 11th June, 2010 to study modern foodgrain storage facilities in China, its applicability in India for large scale foodgrain storage and to explore areas of cooperation in this sector. The other members of the delegation were Shri Siraj Hussain, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Food Corporation of India; Shri Naveen Prakash, Joint Secretary in the Department of Food & Public Distribution; Shri BB Pattanaik, Managing Director, Central Warehousing Corporation and Shri B Ashok, Private Secretary to the Minister.
The delegation met officials of the State Administration of Grain which is the main agency for coordinating procurement and storage of foodgrains in China. The delegation also visited the Academy of State Administration of Grain which specializes in grain quality control and research and is the apex grain testing laboratory in China. The Hon’ble Minister also met Chinese Vice Minister of Agriculture, Mr Niu Dun, and discussed matters of mutual importance. The delegation also made field visits to modern foodgrain storage facilites at Dalian port, Shanghai and Guangzhou and also visited the Dalian Commodity Exchange. During these field visits, the members of the delegation witnessed modern technology being used for silos and flat-type warehouses with climate-control and mechanized handling and interacted with field officials on the storage, temperature control and preservation techniques being employed.
During the discussions with Chinese officials, it was decided that a team of technical experts and construction engineers from FCI and CWC and some State Agencies will visit China to further study the modern storage construction and preservation methods used for foodgrain storage. Similarly, a group of technical experts from China will be invited to visit India during October/November 2010 to visit storage facilities in this country and interact with the officials of FCI/CWC.
Under the 7-Year Guarantee Scheme of the Government, about 127 lakh tonnes of additional storage capacity is to be created in various parts of the country in addition to 50 lakh tonnes in DCP States. Parts of these new facilities will be created in the form of silos and temperature-controlled warehouses.
MP:SB:CP: mos (brief) 17.6.2010
in Food Grain Storage Sector
New areas of India - China cooperation have emerged in food grain storage sector following the recent visit of an official delegation led by Prof KV Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution to China from 7th to 11th June, 2010. Briefing media persons here today, Prof. Thomas said that a team of technical experts and construction engineers from FCI and CWC and some State Agencies will visit China to further study the modern storage construction and preservation methods used for foodgrain storage.
Here is the text of opening remarks of the Minister at the Press Conference:
A Government of India delegation led by Prof K.V Thomas, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution visited China between 7th – 11th June, 2010 to study modern foodgrain storage facilities in China, its applicability in India for large scale foodgrain storage and to explore areas of cooperation in this sector. The other members of the delegation were Shri Siraj Hussain, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Food Corporation of India; Shri Naveen Prakash, Joint Secretary in the Department of Food & Public Distribution; Shri BB Pattanaik, Managing Director, Central Warehousing Corporation and Shri B Ashok, Private Secretary to the Minister.
The delegation met officials of the State Administration of Grain which is the main agency for coordinating procurement and storage of foodgrains in China. The delegation also visited the Academy of State Administration of Grain which specializes in grain quality control and research and is the apex grain testing laboratory in China. The Hon’ble Minister also met Chinese Vice Minister of Agriculture, Mr Niu Dun, and discussed matters of mutual importance. The delegation also made field visits to modern foodgrain storage facilites at Dalian port, Shanghai and Guangzhou and also visited the Dalian Commodity Exchange. During these field visits, the members of the delegation witnessed modern technology being used for silos and flat-type warehouses with climate-control and mechanized handling and interacted with field officials on the storage, temperature control and preservation techniques being employed.
During the discussions with Chinese officials, it was decided that a team of technical experts and construction engineers from FCI and CWC and some State Agencies will visit China to further study the modern storage construction and preservation methods used for foodgrain storage. Similarly, a group of technical experts from China will be invited to visit India during October/November 2010 to visit storage facilities in this country and interact with the officials of FCI/CWC.
Under the 7-Year Guarantee Scheme of the Government, about 127 lakh tonnes of additional storage capacity is to be created in various parts of the country in addition to 50 lakh tonnes in DCP States. Parts of these new facilities will be created in the form of silos and temperature-controlled warehouses.
MP:SB:CP: mos (brief) 17.6.2010
INTACH-Will the law save this?
by Serish Nanisetti
A new law that makes government officials responsible for protection of national monuments and gives Intach a key role, sets stage for preservation of heritage. Serish Nanisetti discovers more
On March 30, the President signed into Act a game-changing law to protect Indian heritage. A slew of sections have been added onto the 1958 Act to give teeth to officialdom and protect national heritage.
Hyderabad has two sites of national importance Charminar and Golconda. Will this law help protect at least these sites?
“Yes. This Act goes a long way in helping protect our heritage. Once the National Monuments Authority is created it will have an on-field staff that will make a difference. We are getting NRSA satellite imagery to mark out the contours, 1992 position and the mandated 100 metres of protected area and 200 metres of regulated area,” says T. Sreelakshmi of ASI with a caveat: “Unless the public is aware and alert and political leaders, those who pull strings from behind the screen, stop their stalling tactics, we will be helpless. But this law does remove a lot of loopholes,” says Sreelakshmi.
A drive around Charminar and Golconda show that it might be some time before the law has its desired effect. If the civic authorities have just stopped their digging for pipeline and cables around the monument, across the road, efforts are underway to create more space in the centuries old Jama Masjid.
And around Golconda, the series of lakes which formed protective structures for the fort are being filled up. Residential construction activity is going on apace. Outside Habshi Kaman, is the blue and white signboard that still says that punishment for disfiguring national heritage is a fine of Rs 5,000 and three months jail sentence, while the new Act has raised the fine to Rs. 1 lakh and the jail sentence to two years.
All these create a doubt about the efficacy of the Act. But hope springs eternal from the Act and the fact that even a permission to organise an event within a national monument has to come from the Director-General's office in Delhi. The power of the Act can gauged from the fact that the Chief Minister of Maharashtra had to call up the Prime Minister for seeking a permission for a celebratory event in the Raigad fort.
No more secret hanky-panky, any permission or refusal has to be posted on the website of ASI.
Besides creation of National Monuments Authority, the Act brings into its ambit Intach and its army of conservationists who have been tasked to frame heritage bye-laws for each national monument.
The insertion of Section 30C is what truly gives the Act its overarching power: “… any officer of Central Government enters into or acquiesces in any agreement to do, abstains from doing, permits, conceals or connives in any act or thing whereby any construction or reconstruction takes place in a prohibited area or regulated area, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.”
Cutting out all excuses, the law covers the army of officials who work as foot soldiers for allowing heritage go to seed. “This is what is making officials think twice. And they cannot even say they were ignorant of the law,” says Sreelakshmi sounding optimistic about protection of heritage.
by Serish Nanisetti
A new law that makes government officials responsible for protection of national monuments and gives Intach a key role, sets stage for preservation of heritage. Serish Nanisetti discovers more
On March 30, the President signed into Act a game-changing law to protect Indian heritage. A slew of sections have been added onto the 1958 Act to give teeth to officialdom and protect national heritage.
Hyderabad has two sites of national importance Charminar and Golconda. Will this law help protect at least these sites?
“Yes. This Act goes a long way in helping protect our heritage. Once the National Monuments Authority is created it will have an on-field staff that will make a difference. We are getting NRSA satellite imagery to mark out the contours, 1992 position and the mandated 100 metres of protected area and 200 metres of regulated area,” says T. Sreelakshmi of ASI with a caveat: “Unless the public is aware and alert and political leaders, those who pull strings from behind the screen, stop their stalling tactics, we will be helpless. But this law does remove a lot of loopholes,” says Sreelakshmi.
A drive around Charminar and Golconda show that it might be some time before the law has its desired effect. If the civic authorities have just stopped their digging for pipeline and cables around the monument, across the road, efforts are underway to create more space in the centuries old Jama Masjid.
And around Golconda, the series of lakes which formed protective structures for the fort are being filled up. Residential construction activity is going on apace. Outside Habshi Kaman, is the blue and white signboard that still says that punishment for disfiguring national heritage is a fine of Rs 5,000 and three months jail sentence, while the new Act has raised the fine to Rs. 1 lakh and the jail sentence to two years.
All these create a doubt about the efficacy of the Act. But hope springs eternal from the Act and the fact that even a permission to organise an event within a national monument has to come from the Director-General's office in Delhi. The power of the Act can gauged from the fact that the Chief Minister of Maharashtra had to call up the Prime Minister for seeking a permission for a celebratory event in the Raigad fort.
No more secret hanky-panky, any permission or refusal has to be posted on the website of ASI.
Besides creation of National Monuments Authority, the Act brings into its ambit Intach and its army of conservationists who have been tasked to frame heritage bye-laws for each national monument.
The insertion of Section 30C is what truly gives the Act its overarching power: “… any officer of Central Government enters into or acquiesces in any agreement to do, abstains from doing, permits, conceals or connives in any act or thing whereby any construction or reconstruction takes place in a prohibited area or regulated area, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.”
Cutting out all excuses, the law covers the army of officials who work as foot soldiers for allowing heritage go to seed. “This is what is making officials think twice. And they cannot even say they were ignorant of the law,” says Sreelakshmi sounding optimistic about protection of heritage.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Sikkim will have the highest ratio of tourists by 2012: Dhungel
GANGTOK, June 14: With more than 100 tourism related projects scheduled to be completed by the next two years, State tourism minister Bhim Dhungel today said that Sikkim will be boasting by 2012 the nation’s highest ratio of tourism footfalls in comparison with the existing population of the State.
“More than 100 tourism related projects, small and big including the Solophok Chaar Dham project and Lord Buddha statue project in South Sikkim will be completed by 2012 while the Pakyong airport is scheduled to be completed by 2011. Around 60 wayside tourism amenities will also be completed by this time. All these projects will see an increase in the tourism inflow in Sikkim”, said Dhungel in a felicitation function organized by Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) here at Gangtok.
When such tourism related projects and infrastructure are completed by 2012, Sikkim will have the highest ratio in the nation of tourists arrivals compared with the existing population of the State, said the tourism minister. He also called up the tourism stakeholders to prepare for the tourism boom by 2012.
The tour operators should try to build capacity of their staff for the expansion in tourism by 2012, said Dhungel. He attributed to the tourism growth in Sikkim to the ‘peace and tranquility’ that the State offers to the tourists.
“The greatest asset of Sikkim is peace and tranquility. Tourists visiting Sikkim enjoys peace and security as compared to other tourism destinations of the country. We all have to strive to maintain peaceful environment of our State”, said Dhungel to all the tourism stakeholders.
The minister urged upon lay focus on giving quality services to the tourists especially in the transport sector. He called up all the stakeholders to sensitize the drivers on tourism ethics.
State tourism secretary SBS Bhaduria said that the tourism growth in Sikkim for this year was 20 percent. He also complimented the TAAS for the effective promotion of Sikkim tourism and assured full support to the organization from the department side.
DIG (Range) Shreedar Rao said that the Sikkim Police is always a partner the tourism stakeholders for promoting the tourism of Sikkim. We have always taken TAAS as our partner in our efforts for tourism activities and our support will continue, he said.
Rao also took the occasion to highlight a pertinent tourism related issue. There is a scope for improving tourism services and there is a need to bring a change in the system to protect tourists from getting overcharge for transport services, he said.
We are looking into measures to streamline a new system so that the tourists do not feel cheated, he said.
Outgoing TAAS president Paljor Lachungpa said peace and tranquility remains the biggest asset of Sikkim for promotion of tourism. “Peace is our unique selling point for promoting Sikkim as the premier tourism destination”, he said. He also highlighted the steps taken by the organization in promoting various destinations in Sikkim.
The TAAS felicitated the State tourism department, forest department, Sikkim Police, STNM hospital, BRO, Army and Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) in recognition for their services in promotion of tourism.
State tourism secretary SBS Bhaduria, forest secretary ST Lachungpa, DIG (Range) Shreedar Rao and PCS president Parasmani Dangal received the mementos and certificates on behalf of their respective departments and organization.
source;sikkim express
GANGTOK, June 14: With more than 100 tourism related projects scheduled to be completed by the next two years, State tourism minister Bhim Dhungel today said that Sikkim will be boasting by 2012 the nation’s highest ratio of tourism footfalls in comparison with the existing population of the State.
“More than 100 tourism related projects, small and big including the Solophok Chaar Dham project and Lord Buddha statue project in South Sikkim will be completed by 2012 while the Pakyong airport is scheduled to be completed by 2011. Around 60 wayside tourism amenities will also be completed by this time. All these projects will see an increase in the tourism inflow in Sikkim”, said Dhungel in a felicitation function organized by Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) here at Gangtok.
When such tourism related projects and infrastructure are completed by 2012, Sikkim will have the highest ratio in the nation of tourists arrivals compared with the existing population of the State, said the tourism minister. He also called up the tourism stakeholders to prepare for the tourism boom by 2012.
The tour operators should try to build capacity of their staff for the expansion in tourism by 2012, said Dhungel. He attributed to the tourism growth in Sikkim to the ‘peace and tranquility’ that the State offers to the tourists.
“The greatest asset of Sikkim is peace and tranquility. Tourists visiting Sikkim enjoys peace and security as compared to other tourism destinations of the country. We all have to strive to maintain peaceful environment of our State”, said Dhungel to all the tourism stakeholders.
The minister urged upon lay focus on giving quality services to the tourists especially in the transport sector. He called up all the stakeholders to sensitize the drivers on tourism ethics.
State tourism secretary SBS Bhaduria said that the tourism growth in Sikkim for this year was 20 percent. He also complimented the TAAS for the effective promotion of Sikkim tourism and assured full support to the organization from the department side.
DIG (Range) Shreedar Rao said that the Sikkim Police is always a partner the tourism stakeholders for promoting the tourism of Sikkim. We have always taken TAAS as our partner in our efforts for tourism activities and our support will continue, he said.
Rao also took the occasion to highlight a pertinent tourism related issue. There is a scope for improving tourism services and there is a need to bring a change in the system to protect tourists from getting overcharge for transport services, he said.
We are looking into measures to streamline a new system so that the tourists do not feel cheated, he said.
Outgoing TAAS president Paljor Lachungpa said peace and tranquility remains the biggest asset of Sikkim for promotion of tourism. “Peace is our unique selling point for promoting Sikkim as the premier tourism destination”, he said. He also highlighted the steps taken by the organization in promoting various destinations in Sikkim.
The TAAS felicitated the State tourism department, forest department, Sikkim Police, STNM hospital, BRO, Army and Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) in recognition for their services in promotion of tourism.
State tourism secretary SBS Bhaduria, forest secretary ST Lachungpa, DIG (Range) Shreedar Rao and PCS president Parasmani Dangal received the mementos and certificates on behalf of their respective departments and organization.
source;sikkim express
Monday, June 14, 2010
Farooq Abdullah to dedicate nation's biggest solar plant on Thursday
Solar powre plant set up at Yelesandra village of Kolar district by KPCL.
Set up by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited at Yelesandra village
The country's biggest grid-connected solar power plant set up at Yelesandra village in Bangarpet taluk of Kolar district will be commissioned on June 17.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah will dedicate this state-of-the-art power plant with a capacity to generate 3 MW. The plant has been set up by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) under the Arunodaya project to tap solar energy.
Ceremony a formality
The dedication ceremony is only a formality as the plant has commenced power generation and has been integrated with the State grid.
Its uniqueness is that the power being generated is being supplied to farmers to tap groundwater to take care of crops in the surrounding arid and backward villages which have no irrigation facility. Nearly 600 irrigation pump sets with a capacity of 10 HP each in 20 villages near this plant are now getting uninterrupted three-phase power supply for six hours from 10.30 a.m. Earlier, these pump sets were getting power mostly at night.
Though power is generated from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., the plant works to its full potential for six hours from 10 a.m. According to KPCL Chief Engineer (New Projects) S. Ramesh, the plant is generating 15,000 units of power a day and is expected to generate about 5 million units a year at a plant load factor of 20 per cent. The plant has been set up on 15 acres of land at a cost of Rs. 57 crore. Though it was estimated to cost Rs. 75 crore, KPCL cut down the cost. KPCL can reduce the cost of another 3 MW solar power plant coming up in Raichur to Rs. 42 crore.
The first unit with a capacity of one MW at the Yelesandra plant was commissioned in September 2009 within six months of commencing work, while the second and third units were commissioned in November and December the same year.
While the proposal on power purchase agreement to be signed with electricity supply companies is being examined by the State power regulator, KPCL officials note that the tariff is likely to be around Rs. 6 a unit for power generated from this plant.
The pay-back period for this plant, according to them, is 10 years.
Maintenance of the plant is simple and it needs only 14 personnel in two shifts. The plant is automatic and can be monitored from anywhere with the help of a computer as it is SCADA operated.
Another interesting feature is that KPCL is expecting to earn about Rs. 35 lakh a year through carbon trading from this plant as it prevents 4,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission.
Solar powre plant set up at Yelesandra village of Kolar district by KPCL.
Set up by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited at Yelesandra village
The country's biggest grid-connected solar power plant set up at Yelesandra village in Bangarpet taluk of Kolar district will be commissioned on June 17.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah will dedicate this state-of-the-art power plant with a capacity to generate 3 MW. The plant has been set up by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) under the Arunodaya project to tap solar energy.
Ceremony a formality
The dedication ceremony is only a formality as the plant has commenced power generation and has been integrated with the State grid.
Its uniqueness is that the power being generated is being supplied to farmers to tap groundwater to take care of crops in the surrounding arid and backward villages which have no irrigation facility. Nearly 600 irrigation pump sets with a capacity of 10 HP each in 20 villages near this plant are now getting uninterrupted three-phase power supply for six hours from 10.30 a.m. Earlier, these pump sets were getting power mostly at night.
Though power is generated from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., the plant works to its full potential for six hours from 10 a.m. According to KPCL Chief Engineer (New Projects) S. Ramesh, the plant is generating 15,000 units of power a day and is expected to generate about 5 million units a year at a plant load factor of 20 per cent. The plant has been set up on 15 acres of land at a cost of Rs. 57 crore. Though it was estimated to cost Rs. 75 crore, KPCL cut down the cost. KPCL can reduce the cost of another 3 MW solar power plant coming up in Raichur to Rs. 42 crore.
The first unit with a capacity of one MW at the Yelesandra plant was commissioned in September 2009 within six months of commencing work, while the second and third units were commissioned in November and December the same year.
While the proposal on power purchase agreement to be signed with electricity supply companies is being examined by the State power regulator, KPCL officials note that the tariff is likely to be around Rs. 6 a unit for power generated from this plant.
The pay-back period for this plant, according to them, is 10 years.
Maintenance of the plant is simple and it needs only 14 personnel in two shifts. The plant is automatic and can be monitored from anywhere with the help of a computer as it is SCADA operated.
Another interesting feature is that KPCL is expecting to earn about Rs. 35 lakh a year through carbon trading from this plant as it prevents 4,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Arjun Singh's welfare trust received “donation” from Union Carbide
by Mahim Pratap Singh
A financial statement, signed by Arjun Singh’s son Ajay Singh, shows that the trust received Rs.1,50,000 from Union Carbide for the construction of a building.
Even as senior Congress leaders mount pressure on Arjun Singh to “speak up”, a document doing the rounds in political and journalistic circles of Bhopal suggests that Mr. Singh might have received financial favours from Union Carbide.
The document is the annual financial statement prepared by the Chartered Accountant of the Churhat Children’s Welfare Society (Rewa), which was managed and run by Mr. Singh's family.
The statement, signed by Arjun Singh’s son Ajay Singh, shows that the society received Rs.1,50,000 from Union Carbide for the construction of a building.
Ajay Singh was at that time the secretary of the society.
It needs to be taken into consideration that this transfer of money took place in 1982-83, before the disaster struck. Before the night of December 2, Carbide was a high profile corporate entity in the state and it was considered an honour to be associated with it.
The company routinely used to sponsor local events and its Shyamla Hills Guest House was a favourite among political leaders from all hues of the spectrum, who used to enjoy its plush hospitality during their visits to the state capital. Some sources also claim that the celebrated late Congress leader Madhav Rao Scindia was also a shareholder of the company.
In such a scenario, Arjun Singh’s accepting a “donation” from Union Carbide might not have been significant, but as a direct beneficiary of the company’s finances, doubts have been raised that he might have subsequently acted in a manner which could have helped Carbide’s top employee Warren Anderson when needed it.
Local Congress party workers however reject the theory that the decision was made following a call from Delhi.
“If he got a call from Rajiv Gandhi to let Anderson go, did he also receive instructions from Rajiv to accept favours like foreign visits and donations from Union Carbide?” asks a party insider on the condition of anonymity.
source; the hindu
by Mahim Pratap Singh
A financial statement, signed by Arjun Singh’s son Ajay Singh, shows that the trust received Rs.1,50,000 from Union Carbide for the construction of a building.
Even as senior Congress leaders mount pressure on Arjun Singh to “speak up”, a document doing the rounds in political and journalistic circles of Bhopal suggests that Mr. Singh might have received financial favours from Union Carbide.
The document is the annual financial statement prepared by the Chartered Accountant of the Churhat Children’s Welfare Society (Rewa), which was managed and run by Mr. Singh's family.
The statement, signed by Arjun Singh’s son Ajay Singh, shows that the society received Rs.1,50,000 from Union Carbide for the construction of a building.
Ajay Singh was at that time the secretary of the society.
It needs to be taken into consideration that this transfer of money took place in 1982-83, before the disaster struck. Before the night of December 2, Carbide was a high profile corporate entity in the state and it was considered an honour to be associated with it.
The company routinely used to sponsor local events and its Shyamla Hills Guest House was a favourite among political leaders from all hues of the spectrum, who used to enjoy its plush hospitality during their visits to the state capital. Some sources also claim that the celebrated late Congress leader Madhav Rao Scindia was also a shareholder of the company.
In such a scenario, Arjun Singh’s accepting a “donation” from Union Carbide might not have been significant, but as a direct beneficiary of the company’s finances, doubts have been raised that he might have subsequently acted in a manner which could have helped Carbide’s top employee Warren Anderson when needed it.
Local Congress party workers however reject the theory that the decision was made following a call from Delhi.
“If he got a call from Rajiv Gandhi to let Anderson go, did he also receive instructions from Rajiv to accept favours like foreign visits and donations from Union Carbide?” asks a party insider on the condition of anonymity.
source; the hindu
Government of India approves Infusion of Capital Worth Rs.6211 Crore in Five Public Sector Banks
Government Infuses Total Sum of Rs. 8911 Crore During the last Four Months, the Highest Capital Infusion in the Public Sector Banks in Recent Times
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17:55 IST
As part of the budgetary promise to provide a sum of Rs.16,500 crore to ensure that the Public Sector Banks are able to attain a minimum 8 per cent Tier-I capital by March 31, 2011, the Government today approved infusion of Rs. 6211 crore in five Public Sector Banks.
The Government will infuse Rs. 590 crore in the Bank of Maharashtra through the Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preference Shares (PNCPS) route, Rs. 2016 crore in Central Bank of India by participating in the Rights Issue, Rs. 3119 crore in IDBI Bank by way of preferential placement of equity, Rs. 375 crore in UCO Bank through the PNCPS route and Rs. 111 crore in the Union Bank of India through the PNCPS. These banks will undertake the necessary regulatory formalities to obtain clearances from concerned agencies for infusion of this capital.
These Banks would be able to leverage this capital and lend an additional approximate amount of Rs.77,637 crore to the productive sectors of the economy giving a push to all round economic activity besides paying additional dividends and tax revenues to the Government.
The Government has stipulated certain conditions as part of this capital infusion and would be closely watching the performance of these banks so that they continue to maintain the desired capital adequacy and achieve those conditions.
It may be recalled that the Government had infused Rs. 1500 crore in four PSBs during the current financial year in the month of May, 2010. Before that, Rs. 1200 crore had been infused in three PSBs during March, 2010.
With the current infusion of Rs. 6211 crore, the Government would be infusing a total sum of Rs. 8911 crore during the last four months, the highest capital infusion in the Public Sector Banks in recent times.
In the past also ,during the year 2008-09 also, the Union Cabinet, in its meeting held on 11th February, 2009 and 30th March, 2009 had approved the proposals to infuse total capital funds in four banks namely Central Bank of India, Vijaya Bank, UCO Bank and United Bank of India by subscribing to their innovative Tier I capital instruments. Accordingly a sum of Rs. 1,900 crore was then infused in these four nationalized banks (Central Bank of India – Rs. 700 crore, UCO Bank – Rs. 450 crore, Vijaya Bank – Rs. 500 crore and United Bank of India – Rs. 250 crore).
Government Infuses Total Sum of Rs. 8911 Crore During the last Four Months, the Highest Capital Infusion in the Public Sector Banks in Recent Times
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17:55 IST
As part of the budgetary promise to provide a sum of Rs.16,500 crore to ensure that the Public Sector Banks are able to attain a minimum 8 per cent Tier-I capital by March 31, 2011, the Government today approved infusion of Rs. 6211 crore in five Public Sector Banks.
The Government will infuse Rs. 590 crore in the Bank of Maharashtra through the Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preference Shares (PNCPS) route, Rs. 2016 crore in Central Bank of India by participating in the Rights Issue, Rs. 3119 crore in IDBI Bank by way of preferential placement of equity, Rs. 375 crore in UCO Bank through the PNCPS route and Rs. 111 crore in the Union Bank of India through the PNCPS. These banks will undertake the necessary regulatory formalities to obtain clearances from concerned agencies for infusion of this capital.
These Banks would be able to leverage this capital and lend an additional approximate amount of Rs.77,637 crore to the productive sectors of the economy giving a push to all round economic activity besides paying additional dividends and tax revenues to the Government.
The Government has stipulated certain conditions as part of this capital infusion and would be closely watching the performance of these banks so that they continue to maintain the desired capital adequacy and achieve those conditions.
It may be recalled that the Government had infused Rs. 1500 crore in four PSBs during the current financial year in the month of May, 2010. Before that, Rs. 1200 crore had been infused in three PSBs during March, 2010.
With the current infusion of Rs. 6211 crore, the Government would be infusing a total sum of Rs. 8911 crore during the last four months, the highest capital infusion in the Public Sector Banks in recent times.
In the past also ,during the year 2008-09 also, the Union Cabinet, in its meeting held on 11th February, 2009 and 30th March, 2009 had approved the proposals to infuse total capital funds in four banks namely Central Bank of India, Vijaya Bank, UCO Bank and United Bank of India by subscribing to their innovative Tier I capital instruments. Accordingly a sum of Rs. 1,900 crore was then infused in these four nationalized banks (Central Bank of India – Rs. 700 crore, UCO Bank – Rs. 450 crore, Vijaya Bank – Rs. 500 crore and United Bank of India – Rs. 250 crore).
Herbs as healers
by JEKKA MCVICAR
Grow your own first-aid kit to tackle minor ailments, from skin rashes to sore throats.
Everyone knows that using fresh herbs in the kitchen can transform a meal into a feast. But we can also use them in the home to treat minor ailments. Whether you have a garden, a window box, or simply room for a pot on a windowsill, you can grow your own first-aid kit.
Be aware that some plants can be poisonous if misidentified or misused; so if you are unsure, if you are pregnant or for more serious conditions, always seek medical advice.
Hangovers and heavy hearts
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) makes a restorative herbal infusion that's ideal for waking up the grey cells, settling the stomach and lifting the spirits; perfect for sufferers of seasonal affective disorder, or a hangover.
How to grow: Rosemary will be happy in containers filled with a soil-based potting compost or in the garden in well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Recipe: Place a 3-4cm sprig in a mug, pour boiled (not boiling) water, cover to prevent steam evaporating and steep for five minutes before drinking. Take one cup a day for up to seven successive days; then have a few days' break.
Burns and bites
I used to have an aloe vera growing in a pot on my kitchen windowsill because I am renowned as a clumsy cook.
But I have started using the burn jelly plant (Bulbine frutescens), which is also a succulent and produces many more leaves which are easier to use.
How to grow: Plant in containers using a soil-based potting compost mixed with an equal amount of sharp horticultural grit or perlite.
Recipe: To treat burns, simply cut off a bit of leaf and rub the glutinous gel straight on to the skin, reapplying if the burn becomes uncomfortable.
The wound then heals without blistering. This gel can also be used to cool the itching caused by insect bites and allergies.
Headaches and cold sores
An infusion of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)can be drunk every day to relieve headaches, tension and tiredness, and restore memory.
How to grow: Plant in a container to stop from marauding around the garden like its first cousin, mint.
Repot every autumn using a soil-based potting compost, either into a larger container or by cutting the plant in half and repotting into the same pot size.
Recipe: To infuse, add 2 tsp of fresh herbs or 1 tsp of dried herbs to a small mug, pour boiled water, cover and steep for five minutes. Alternatively, allow to cool, then soak cotton wool in the tea and apply to cold sores to help them heal and prevent recurrence.
Sunburn and skin rashes
Calendula cream made from pot marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis)is simple to make and keeps in the refrigerator for up to eight weeks. Use on inflamed skin or minor wounds, rashes and sunburn.
How to grow: Sow seeds into small pots, using a seed or soil-based compost, in a frost-free environment. When seedlings appear, move to a warm, light position (not where the sun may scorch the leaves). Once established, and with no threat of frost, pot up or plant out in the garden.
Recipe: 150g emulsifying ointment (available from chemists); 70g glycerol (available from chemists); 80ml water; 75g whole pot marigold flowers, green parts removed. Melt emulsifying ointment in a ceramic bowl over a pan of simmering water. Add glycerol and water. It will solidify slightly; keep stirring until melted. Add flowers, stir well and simmer gently for three hours, checking periodically that the water does not boil dry. Strain mixture while hot through a jelly bag or tea towel into a jug, then stir constantly while cooling to prevent separation. Once set, spoon into dark glass jars, seal and label.
Coughs and sore throats
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)has many therapeutic and culinary uses, and its antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties are proven by current research.
How to grow:Plant in containers using a soil-based compost, or directly into the garden in a sunny position. Well-drained soil is essential.
Recipe: To make a tea, use 2 tsp of fresh leaves or 1 tsp of dried; steep for five minutes, then strain. Sweeten with honey, then drink to ease a cough. Alternatively, allow to cool and use as a gargle for sore throats or mouthwash for infected gums.
Scars and sprains
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)is a wildflower and has been used medicinally for thousands of years; applied to the surface of the skin, it helps scar tissue to heal and eases varicose veins, muscle strain, sprains and bruises.
How to grow:Comfrey is easy to grow but invasive, so plant it in a large container or a dustbin with drainage holes, using a loam—based compost.
Recipe:To make comfrey oil, stir 500g of chopped fresh leaves into 750ml olive or sunflower oil in a glass bowl over a saucepan of boiling water. Cover and simmer gently for two to three hours. Remove from the heat and allow to cool, then strain through a jelly bag or tea towel into a jug.
Using a funnel, pour the oil into dark glass storage bottles, seal and label. Place in a cool cupboard away from direct light, and keep for up to one year.
source; The Guardian
by JEKKA MCVICAR
Grow your own first-aid kit to tackle minor ailments, from skin rashes to sore throats.
Everyone knows that using fresh herbs in the kitchen can transform a meal into a feast. But we can also use them in the home to treat minor ailments. Whether you have a garden, a window box, or simply room for a pot on a windowsill, you can grow your own first-aid kit.
Be aware that some plants can be poisonous if misidentified or misused; so if you are unsure, if you are pregnant or for more serious conditions, always seek medical advice.
Hangovers and heavy hearts
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) makes a restorative herbal infusion that's ideal for waking up the grey cells, settling the stomach and lifting the spirits; perfect for sufferers of seasonal affective disorder, or a hangover.
How to grow: Rosemary will be happy in containers filled with a soil-based potting compost or in the garden in well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Recipe: Place a 3-4cm sprig in a mug, pour boiled (not boiling) water, cover to prevent steam evaporating and steep for five minutes before drinking. Take one cup a day for up to seven successive days; then have a few days' break.
Burns and bites
I used to have an aloe vera growing in a pot on my kitchen windowsill because I am renowned as a clumsy cook.
But I have started using the burn jelly plant (Bulbine frutescens), which is also a succulent and produces many more leaves which are easier to use.
How to grow: Plant in containers using a soil-based potting compost mixed with an equal amount of sharp horticultural grit or perlite.
Recipe: To treat burns, simply cut off a bit of leaf and rub the glutinous gel straight on to the skin, reapplying if the burn becomes uncomfortable.
The wound then heals without blistering. This gel can also be used to cool the itching caused by insect bites and allergies.
Headaches and cold sores
An infusion of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)can be drunk every day to relieve headaches, tension and tiredness, and restore memory.
How to grow: Plant in a container to stop from marauding around the garden like its first cousin, mint.
Repot every autumn using a soil-based potting compost, either into a larger container or by cutting the plant in half and repotting into the same pot size.
Recipe: To infuse, add 2 tsp of fresh herbs or 1 tsp of dried herbs to a small mug, pour boiled water, cover and steep for five minutes. Alternatively, allow to cool, then soak cotton wool in the tea and apply to cold sores to help them heal and prevent recurrence.
Sunburn and skin rashes
Calendula cream made from pot marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis)is simple to make and keeps in the refrigerator for up to eight weeks. Use on inflamed skin or minor wounds, rashes and sunburn.
How to grow: Sow seeds into small pots, using a seed or soil-based compost, in a frost-free environment. When seedlings appear, move to a warm, light position (not where the sun may scorch the leaves). Once established, and with no threat of frost, pot up or plant out in the garden.
Recipe: 150g emulsifying ointment (available from chemists); 70g glycerol (available from chemists); 80ml water; 75g whole pot marigold flowers, green parts removed. Melt emulsifying ointment in a ceramic bowl over a pan of simmering water. Add glycerol and water. It will solidify slightly; keep stirring until melted. Add flowers, stir well and simmer gently for three hours, checking periodically that the water does not boil dry. Strain mixture while hot through a jelly bag or tea towel into a jug, then stir constantly while cooling to prevent separation. Once set, spoon into dark glass jars, seal and label.
Coughs and sore throats
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)has many therapeutic and culinary uses, and its antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties are proven by current research.
How to grow:Plant in containers using a soil-based compost, or directly into the garden in a sunny position. Well-drained soil is essential.
Recipe: To make a tea, use 2 tsp of fresh leaves or 1 tsp of dried; steep for five minutes, then strain. Sweeten with honey, then drink to ease a cough. Alternatively, allow to cool and use as a gargle for sore throats or mouthwash for infected gums.
Scars and sprains
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)is a wildflower and has been used medicinally for thousands of years; applied to the surface of the skin, it helps scar tissue to heal and eases varicose veins, muscle strain, sprains and bruises.
How to grow:Comfrey is easy to grow but invasive, so plant it in a large container or a dustbin with drainage holes, using a loam—based compost.
Recipe:To make comfrey oil, stir 500g of chopped fresh leaves into 750ml olive or sunflower oil in a glass bowl over a saucepan of boiling water. Cover and simmer gently for two to three hours. Remove from the heat and allow to cool, then strain through a jelly bag or tea towel into a jug.
Using a funnel, pour the oil into dark glass storage bottles, seal and label. Place in a cool cupboard away from direct light, and keep for up to one year.
source; The Guardian
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