Better implementation to achieve empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities

   Beijing. Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot has headed the country’s delegation to attend the High Level Inter-Governmental Mid-point Review Meeting of Asia and Pacific Decade for Persons with Disabilities, 2013-2022 in Beijing from 27th November to 1st December, 2017. 

   The delegation includes Secretary of the Department and other senior officers. This meeting is being organized by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in cooperation with Government of China. 

   The main objective of the meeting is to review the progress made by the member States during the decade at the mid-point in 2017 with regard to Incheon Strategy ‘to make the right real’ for persons with disabilities in Asia and Pacific. Incheon Strategy has been adopted to achieve the goals mentioned in UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

     Another objective of the meeting is to discuss the future policy action for building disabilities-inclusive societies in the region, bearing in mind the synergies between the Incheon Strategy and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    The Union Minister, while making India’s statement at the Mid-Point Review Meeting, stated that India is committed to the principle of unity in diversity and the goal of inclusive development encompassing all segments of society including persons with disabilities. He invoked provisions of Indian Constitution which guarantees freedom, justice and equality to all individuals.

    He mentioned that India has enacted a new law namely ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016’ in line with the provisions of UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The law guarantees a number of rights and entitlements such as right to equality and non-discrimination, community life, protection from violence and inhuman treatment, access to justice, home and family and reproductive rights. 

    It mandates the provincial Governments to take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights equally with others. Some of the important affirmative actions under the said law include four per cent reservation in Government-aided higher educational institutes and five per cent reservation in poverty alleviation schemes and allotment of land for housing, setting up of business at concessional rate of interest, etc.Gehlot also mentioned that the Prime Minister of India has coined the word “Divyangjan”, i.e., “Persons with Divine Abilities” to address “Persons with Disabilities”. Use of the word “Divyangjan” aims at uplifting societal status, promoting non-discrimination and instilling a positive attitude about their lives and capabilities in the society.

    He also spoke about Accessible India Campaign which is a flagship programme launched to create barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities. 

   The campaign targets creation of physical and virtual infrastructure truly accessible to and inclusive of the persons with disabilities, and making public buildings, transport system and information and communication technologies accessible on a wide scale. 

     The Government is pursuing the programme with the States so as to achieve the target within a given timeframe.The Union Minister stated that India remains committed to building an enabling environment for the persons with disabilities, to enable them to enjoy their rights equally with others, and to realize their full potential. 

     We are open to sharing best practices and international cooperation for empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities.He urged the member States to utilize this opportunity of mid-point review of the Asia Pacific Decade for persons with disabilities and come out with practicable National and Regional action plans to achieve the goal of inclusion of persons with disabilities in the mainstream society. 

   India would stand with the efforts made in this regard.In conclusion, Gehlot that he is looking forward to finalization of Beijing Declaration which will pave the way for better implementation to achieve empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities. 

600 million jobs will be needed in the next 15 years

     New Delhi. The Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have to be strengthened to play a bigger role in the country’s economic prosperity. 

   He was addressing the 21st International Conference on Small and Medium Enterprises, organized by the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME), here today. 

 The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry Mr Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Minister of Industry, Government of Bangladesh, Mr. Amir Hossain Amu, the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Co-operatives, Government of Mauritius, Mr. Soomilduth Bholah, the President of WASME, Mr. Alhaji Babale Umaru Girei and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. 

    The Vice President said that the SMEs contribute up to 45 per cent of India’s GDP and employs nearly 46 crore people, which is the second largest workforce in the country after the agricultural sector, and is growing at 11.5 per cent annually. The theme of the conference - “Achieving inclusive and sustainable industrialization by promoting SMEs” was aptly chosen as climate change and global warming are stark realities affecting the people, fauna and flora all over the world, he added.

    The Vice President said that in sustaining this planet and ensuring a greener future for posterity, the SMEs can play a crucial role by adopting practices that will not impact the environment and harm the present and future generations. Countries will have to strengthen their capabilities and explore new ways to solve development challenges, by involving various actors, processes and types of governance, source of finance and encouraging collaboration and cooperation across stakeholders, sectors and regions, he added.

     The Vice President expressed his confidence that this global convention will serve as an important platform for various stakeholders to network, share their experiences and more importantly to highlight and emulate good practices. He further said that this conference in India has great significance for both India and other participating countries as India has achieved a remarkable improvement in “Ease of Doing Business” ranking from 130 to 100. India is also focusing on creating an ecosystem for promoting entrepreneurship SME sector, he added.

      The Vice President said I am delighted to be here to inaugurate the 21st International Conference on Small and Medium Enterprises (ICSME) organized by the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME).I must take this opportunity to appreciate the efforts of WASME in having successfully organized 20 such international conferences in different countries earlier.

    The Vice President said I am happy that this year, the prestigious global conference has returned to India. It is indeed a great platform to discuss, exchange and deliberate many key initiatives taken for SME development across the world.I also feel honored to have Mr. Soomilduth Bholah, Minister, Ministry of Business, Enterprise and Co-operatives, Government of Mauritius and Mr. Amir Hossain Amu, Minister, Ministry of Industry, Government of Bangladesh as Guests of Honour for this flagship annual event. 

    We know that formal SMEs contribute up to 60 per cent of total employment and up to 40 per cent of national income (GDP) in emerging economies. In India, they contribute up to 45 per cent of its GDP. The Indian SME sector employs nearly 46 crore people, which is the second largest workforce in the country after the agricultural sector, and is growing at 11.5 per cent annually.

   The Vice President said According to estimates of the World Bank, 600 million jobs will be needed in the next 15 years to absorb the growing global workforce, mainly in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. In emerging markets, most formal jobs are generated by SMEs, which also create 4 out of 5 new positions.  The SMEs represent the backbone of global economic activity and play a crucial role in alleviating poverty and ensuring inclusive economic growth. Apart from generating employment and wealth, SMEs play a critical role in equitable distribution of growth.

     The Vice President said Undoubtedly, they face constraints in accessing finance and taxation issues. They are also handicapped by skill gaps, poor technology, regulatory complexities and trade barriers. The challenges faced by SMEs need to be addressed to enable them realize their full potential and play a bigger role in the country’s economic prosperity.

    The Vice President said The theme of the conference--“Achieving inclusive and sustainable industrialization by promoting SMEs” is very close to my heart. Today, climate change and global warming are stark realities affecting the people, fauna and flora all over the world. Till a few decades ago, discussions on these topics remained confined to scientific conferences as the general public either remained blissfully indifferent or were not fully aware about the disastrous consequences. But gradually people have started to realize the dangers of indiscriminate depletion of natural resources and that it cannot be business as usual. In sustaining this planet and ensuring a greener future for posterity, the SMEs can play a crucial role by adopting practices that will not impact the environment and harm the present and future generations.

    The Vice President said I applaud WASME for this initiative as integrating the crucial agenda of SME development with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is critical in addressing the challenges faced by planet earth and in chalking out a road map for the future. It is quite apparent that the policies relating to SME development will have to be centred around sustainability. No doubt, industrial growth and creating more jobs are important, but the future cannot be jeopardized for the present.

     The Vice President said According to the United Nations, the global population is expected to cross 9 billion by 2050. Imagine the stress on natural resources and raw materials, which are being consumed faster than the rate at which they can be regenerated.The Vice President said The United Nations had adopted the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” in September 2015. This universal agenda has provided the base that the countries may adopt in economic, social and environmental spheres while formulating the national development strategies.

    The Vice President said In the context of SDGs, inclusive and sustainable industrialization and SME development must be the primary development agenda of the national governments, so as to address the critical issues around economic growth, job creation, social stability, and environmental protection.

     The Vice President said Among 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets, there are many goals that have a bearing on SME development, especially SDG 9 that is built on three pillars–infrastructure, industry and innovation–all of which are strongly connected among themselves and share the common goal of achieving socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic development.

   The Vice President said Although, over the past decade, regions such as East and South Asia have made remarkable progress in achieving development goals in the areas of infrastructure, industrialization and innovation, achieving SDG9 by 2030 will require addressing a range of resource constraints, especially in the context of developing countries, vulnerable countries including the least developed countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

    The Vice President said Countries will have to strengthen their capabilities and explore new ways to solve development challenges, by involving various actors, processes and types of governance, source of finance and encouraging collaboration and cooperation across stakeholders, sectors and regions.

      The Vice President said By adopting SDG9, in particular, the global community has committed to an industrial development paradigm that is inclusive and sustainable. It is also imperative to forge linkages with all other SDGs as regards job creation, sustainable livelihoods, SME development, better health, technology and skills development as well as food security, green technologies, environmental protection, building resilient cities and climate change mitigation.

   The Vice President said I am sure that this global convention will serve as an important platform for various stakeholders to network, share their experiences and more importantly to highlight and emulate good practices.

    The Vice President said I particularly feel that hosting this ICSME in India has great significance for both India and other participating countries as India has achieved a remarkable improvement in “Ease of Doing Business” ranking from 130 to 100. We are also focusing on creating an ecosystem for promoting entrepreneurship SME sector.

      The Vice President said Once again, I appreciate WASME for this great initiative and for being at the forefront of SME development both nationally and internationally.The Vice President said I wish WASME and ICSME all the success and I look forward to specific recommendations for pursuing an all inclusive, resource-efficient and sustainable development strategy.

     The Vice President said I thank all the participants from different countries for traveling to India for ICSME and hope everyone enjoys the rich culture, heritage, food and comfortable stay during the conference.

IAF achieves milestone in AAR on transport aircraft

     New Delhi. An Indian Air Force Embraer transport aircraft specialised to conduct Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) function, successfully carried out Air to Air Refuelling (AAR), to fly a long duration flight beyond the aircraft’s stated endurance. 

 

    It is also the first time that AAR has been carried out on the Embraer platform. 

   The “Probe and Drogue” air-to-air refuelling methodology practiced by IAF pilots requires exceptional flying skills as the receiving aircraft has to accurately insert the receptacle probe into the basket shaped drogue trailing behind the fuel tanker aircraft. 

    During the process of Air-to-Air Refuelling both aircraft have to maintain extremely accurate flying parameters. 

     IAF is one of the few Air Forces in the world to demonstrate this capability and the Embraer AEW&C has also proved its prowess in the category. A mere 10 minute in-flight refuelling can generate additional four hours of flying endurance. The achievement has given a tremendous boost to Indian Air Force’s operational capability.

India needs to complement its rich human connectivity with physical and infrastructural

     Mizoram. The President of India Ram Nath Kovind, addressed a special session of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly today in Aizawl.

  Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Mizoram stands out for a very mature and dignified political culture. The Assembly of Mizoram is the true embodiment of Mizoram’s political culture as well as of the will and aspirations of the people of the state. 

   He commended and congratulated the Assembly of Mizoram over the fact that in its 45-year history, it has established a reputation for smooth conduct of business. He stated that the behaviour and participation of its members has conformed to the highest standards. This Assembly is a role model for our democracy and for how a legislative House should function. 

   The President appreciated that the sense of honour and dignity that one sees in public life in Mizoram is heart-warming. It is also typical of this state’s rich society. The signing, implementation and adherence to the Mizo Accord of 1986 is still held up as a shining example all over the world. It truly is a miracle in the way in which it ended an insurgency situation and a conflict that had divided our country and Mizo society itself.

    The President noted that all political stake-holders as well as civil society groups – including the Church and Church-affiliated groups, women’s groups and other non-governmental organisations – have got together to create an atmosphere for peace and development in Mizoram. The Accord and its legacy represent one of the greatest successes in India’s long history. One must recall the enlightened and far-sighted leadership of Pu Laldenga as well as the efforts and generosity of spirit of Pu Lal Thanhawla, who is of course the Chief Minister today as well. 

      The President added that he would also like to mention another stalwart of Mizoram, the respected Brigadier T. Sailo. Mizoram and India owe these nation builders so much.The President said that India is a nation of astonishing diversity. In our country – and frankly even within states of our country – we see a huge variety of ethnic and religious identities, and so many languages, cultures and customs, modes of dress, food habits and types of cuisine. 

    This diversity is our strength. It enriches each of us and contributes to both the unity and the wonder of India. It is important to preserve and cherish this diversity. 

   The President said that economic integration and the movement of people from one part of the country to another for work or education are making all of us much more familiar with each other. For example, young men and women from Mizoram may be found working in the hospitality industry in Kerala or in an IT company in Pune. They contribute, they earn, they stand out for their professionalism – and they add to the cultural wealth of our shared society. 

  It is this human connectivity that makes our country so unique. It is important to complement it with physical and infrastructural connectivity in Mizoram and the rest of the Northeast.

   The President said that for centuries, South Asia and Southeast Asia have been perceived as a composite trading region, with cultural similarities as well. Mizoram is right at the centre of this process and of this area. Mizoram’s geography can be its biggest asset – and the government of India is working to ensure just that.

    The President said This is my first visit to Mizoram after being elected President of India. I am truly happy to be here and thank the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Chief Minister and all the other members of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly for inviting me to address this House.

    The President said Mizoram is special in India. It stands out for a very mature and dignified political culture. This Assembly is the true embodiment of Mizoram’s political culture as well as of the will and aspirations of the people of the state. We are aware of the three Ds of the legislature. This is a place to debate, dissent and finally decide. Yet there are other principles to follow too. Ideally, the functioning of the legislature should be marked by dignity and decorum. And the political system should not allow differences to become disputes.

     The President said While these principles are cherished in all democracies, they are not always followed. Sometimes, there are unfortunate disruptions. Here, I must commend and congratulate the Assembly of Mizoram. In its 45-year history, it has established a reputation for smooth conduct of business. The behaviour and participation of its members – of all of you, I should say – has conformed to the highest standards. This Assembly is a role model for our democracy and for how a legislative House should function.

     The President said The sense of honour and dignity that one sees in public life in Mizoram is heart-warming. It is also typical of this state’s rich society. The signing, implementation and adherence to the Mizo Accord of 1986 is still held up as a shining example all over the world. Yesterday I called it a miracle. And it truly is a miracle in the way in which it ended an insurgency situation and a conflict that had divided our country and Mizo society itself.

     The President said All political stake-holders as well as civil society groups – including the Church and Church-affiliated groups, women’s groups and other non-governmental organisations – have got together to create an atmosphere for peace and development in Mizoram. The Accord and its legacy represent one of the greatest successes in India’s long history. One must recall the enlightened and far-sighted leadership of Pu Laldenga, as well as the efforts and generosity of spirit of Pu Lal Thanhawla, who is of course the Chief Minister today as well. And here I would also like to mention another stalwart of Mizoram, the respected Brigadier T. Sailo. Our Mizoram and our India owe these nation builders so much.

    The President said India is a nation of astonishing diversity. In our country – and frankly even within states of our country – we see a huge variety of ethnic and religious identities, and so many languages, cultures and customs, modes of dress, food habits and types of cuisine. This diversity is our strength. It enriches each of us and contributes to both the unity and the wonder of India. It is important to preserve and cherish this diversity.

   The President said Economic integration and the movement of people from one part of the country to another for work or education are making all of us much more familiar with each other. For example, young men and women from Mizoram may be found working in the hospitality industry in Kerala or in an IT company in Pune. They contribute, they earn, they stand out for their professionalism – and they add to the cultural wealth of our shared society. It is this human connectivity that makes our country so unique.

    The President said It is critical to complement it with physical and infrastructural connectivity. That is why Mizoram is such a focus of the government of India’s Act East Policy. This Policy aims at enhancing connectivity and trade linkages between Mizoram and the other states of the Northeast and the rest of the country – as well as neighbouring countries of Southeast Asia.

    The President said This will give Mizoram’s agricultural produce and traditional products access to new markets. It will also strengthen IT and Internet connectivity, a process that will have a multiplier effect across a range of industries. Once we create this infrastructure, we can simply leave it to the entrepreneurship, the energy and the genius of the young people of this state to capitalise on it. With their high literacy levels and English-language skills, a golden opportunity lies before the youth of Mizoram.

    The President said To emphasise a point, I made in another speech recently, for a short time in our history there was a misconception about the Northeast being a “frontier”. Far from that, it is at the heart of an ancient trade corridor. For centuries, South Asia and Southeast Asia have been perceived as a composite trading region, with cultural similarities as well. Mizoram is right at the centre of this process and of this area. Mizoram’s geography can be its biggest asset – and the government of India is working to ensure just that.

     The President said A member of the House is elected by his or her voters. But once elected, the MLA represents the entire constituency, and not just those who have voted for him. The legislator equally represents those who did not vote for him or in fact those who opposed him. Similarly, a rival in an election is a political competitor and not an enemy. After the election, the competitor could become a colleague in the task of ensuring the well-being and development of a constituency, of the state and of the country.

     The President said This is the beauty of a democratic polity that we must appreciate. I am glad to see that this philosophy has such an instinctive acceptance in Mizoram. Please keep it up.The President said In a short while, I will leave Aizawl and Mizoram. I am reluctant to go as the charm and warmth of the people of the state and the loving reception that I have received here have really touched my emotions. In particular, I was very struck by the friendly, easy-going and yet disciplined manner in which people of the city lined up to greet me as I drove from the helipad yesterday. Some of the lovely smiles I saw are still fresh in my memory. I promise to come back.

     The President said And before I conclude, I would like to convey to all the members of the House, as well as to the officers and staff of the Assembly, the security persons deployed here, and of course all your families -- and indeed all the people of Mizoram – my best wishes for the upcoming Festive Season. 

   The President said Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance. May all our dreams for Mizoram come true!.

Overwhelming response to Namami Gange Roadshow in London

     London/New Delhi. Indian corporates, NRIs and PIOs in UK have committed more than 5 billion dollars for the development of amenities like ghats, river fronts, crematoria and parks as part of the Namami Gange Mission. 

    At a roadshow organized in London yesterday, Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Water resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Road Transport & Highways and Shipping appealed to business leaders to participate in the mission to clean Ganga. 

   The roadshow was organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the Indian High Commission in UK. Among the important MoUs signed were those by Anil Agarwal of Vedanta Group for ghats and amenities along Ganga at Patna; Ravi Mehrotra of Foresight Group for Kanpur; Hinduja Group for Haridwar; Prakash Lohia of Indo Rama Group for Kolkata. 

      The projects will be developed, built and operated by these corporates under their CSR initiatives. MoUs were also signed for innovative technologies for river cleaning, with companies including Lyndon Water, Celtic Renewables, Medifarm, NVH Technologies and Arkatap. Apart from these, many companies and individuals have agreed to take on projects from the list of over 200 projects for which private funding has been sought. 

     There are projects worth more than Rs.10,000 crore for development of ghats, crematoria, waterbodies, parks, sanitation facilities, public amenities and river front which need additional funding. Projects worth over Rs 2500 crore, available for private funding have been published as a booklet and are also available on the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) website as an e- booklet.

    The Government is appealing to the business community to participate in the Namami Gange Mission to clean the river by funding projects of their choice.

Mizoram is a role model for the world

   Mizoram. The President of India Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated housing complexes for economically weaker sections under Basic Services to Urban Poor (BSUP) schemes of Government of Mizoram in Aizawl, today.

   Speaking on the occasion, the President said that housing for all as well as planning for our urban population, which is growing by the day, is a challenge not just for Mizoram but for the entire country. It is the focus of flagship programmes of the government of India. 

  The meeting of certain milestones in housing for the poor and in building urban infrastructure will help us achieve the goals of New India by 2022, when we complete 75 years as a independent nation. And New India is simply not possible without New Mizoram.

    The President said that there is a vitality to Mizo society that is commendable. This state is a role model for the world in terms of peaceful resolution of political disputes. The Mizo Accord of 1986 has been honoured by all sides, and an insurgency situation ended with all stake-holders agreeing to work peacefully for the greater common good of the state and its people. 

    This is a miracle of our times. It gives us an insight into Mizo society – a society of honourable men and women. He congratulated all the people of Mizoram, including the Church and its affiliated organisations, the youth and women’s groups, civil society groups and political parties, for this spirit of fraternity and cooperation. 

   The President said that the Indian economy is today among the fastest growing in the world. From innovation in agriculture to the digital economy, from manufacturing to the expanding services sector – there are so many good news stories. Young people from Mizoram are very much part of the story. In the IT industry, the hospitality industry and other service sector industries, Mizo boys and girls are making their mark in different corners of the country. And their work is drawing admiration for Mizoram. 

   There is admiration for the education and literacy skills of young Mizos. A literacy rate of 91 per cent – as per the 2011 census – is truly remarkable. There is also admiration for the values, work ethic and professionalism of young men and women from Mizoram. 

   The President said that we have a lot of hope in the young people of Mizoram. They will build Mizoram’s future and India’s future. And they are the risk takers, the entrepreneurs and job creators who will shape our destiny.

  The need is to create more opportunities within Mizoram itself. Like the rest of the Northeast, Mizoram is key to India’s Act East Policy. Trade will grow and to everybody’s benefit. 

  The President noted that Mizoram has so much to offer. Harnessed appropriately, bamboo can be a wonder crop. With value addition, it can be used to create a variety of products and many, many jobs.Horticulture is another area with huge potential. Mizoram grows pineapples and exotic fruit such as passion fruit. 

    These deserve a much wider market. And they deserve a thriving food processing industry locally, which can combine technology with the amazing traditional skills of the Mizo people.

India has reduced its new malaria cases by one third

    New Delhi. India has reduced its new malaria cases by one third, and even crossed the malaria mortality targets of 2020. 

    This was stated by J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare at the High Level Roundtable on “Accelerating the Elimination of Malaria in the South-East Asia Region”, here today. 

    J P Nadda further said that with nearly ¾ of the share of the regional burden, India’s successes have significantly contributed to the reduction of the burden of malaria for the entire South-East Asia region.

   Health Ministers from the countries of South Asia Region, Heads of Country Delegations, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region and Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, WHO, Deputy Director General Designate also graced the occasion. Speaking at the occasion,

    Nadda said this success comes against the backdrop of the political leadership and support that health programs have received in India. “The commitment to ensure health for every person in India comes from the highest office of the Government. It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision to see health and development reach to the furthest corners of our country, and use the very latest innovations in technology and implementation science to achieve these outcomes,” 

    Union Health Minister elaborated. Nadda stated that that the majority of malaria cases in the country come from the bordering districts, forest and tribal areas, while most of the remaining parts of the country remain malaria free. “Addressing malaria therefore, is not only an issue for India’s aspiration of achieving universal health coverage, but also achieve it with equity, Nadda added. 

     Reiterating the commitment to eliminate Malaria, Nadda stated that the focus on the bordering districts and empowering local authorities with information, tools and knowledge will help malaria reductions in India and its neighbors. 

     The Union Health Minister further said that India as a hub for research and science would also support malaria implementation research, as well as capacity building in health research. At the function, J P Nadda also launched the book “Addressing the challenge of controlling malaria across international border lines” and unveiled the Regional Action Plan (2017-2030). 

    The three-day ministerial roundtable on accelerating elimination of malaria in the South-East Asia region is in consonance with the United Nations Assembly Resolution on consolidation and accelerating efforts to control and eliminate malaria. 

    Also present ate the event were Asia Pacific Leaders Alliance against Malaria, representatives from the Asian Development Bank, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, members of the Strategy Advisory Group for Malaria Elimination and various development partners.

A record of 10 lakh houses built in a year

      New Delhi. Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) on 20th November, 2016 from Agra.

    A target of completing one crore new houses by 31st March, 2019 was set. Of these, 51 lakh houses are to be completed by 31st March, 2018. To meet the challenge of assisting 51 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin) beneficiaries in construction of their homes by March, 2018, the Ministry of Rural Development, in partnership with the State Governments, has taken many steps, including setting month-wise target for completion of houses. 

   The target for completion of 10 lakh houses by November, 2017 has been achieved on 29th November, 2017, i.e. before the appointed date for completion of 10 lakh houses. It is expected that 15 lakh houses will be completed by 31st December 2017; 25 lakh houses by 31st January, 2018; 35 lakh houses by 28th February, 2018 and 51 lakh houses by 31st March, 2018. 

   Towards meeting the target of construction of 51 lakh houses by March, 2018, while 56.90 lakh beneficiaries have been sanctioned houses, 51.39 lakh beneficiaries have received 1st instalment, 31.03 lakh beneficiaries have nearly reached roof-cast levels and for 16.05 lakh beneficiaries the house construction is nearing completion. States like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, who have highest number of PMAY-G beneficiaries, are on course for completion of PMAY-G houses within the prescribed time-frame. 

   The faster completion of quality houses has been assisted by payment of assistance directly into the beneficiary account through IT-DBT platform. To ensure good quality of house construction, Rural Mason Trainings have been organized to facilitate availability of trained masons in the rural areas.

    Space technology and IT platforms are being used to monitor complete cycle of house construction, right from identification of beneficiary to construction stages of houses to completion and each stage is being geo-tagged. States have taken adequate steps to ensure continuous availability of construction material at reasonable prices so that the pace and quality of construction is not adversely affected. 

    PMAY-G houses with facilities like toilet, LPG connection, electricity connection, drinking water etc., are changing the countryside at a faster pace. While in some states houses under PMAY-G are coming up in clusters / colonies (generally for landless beneficiaries), at other places they are being constructed on the beneficiary’s land. House designs prepared by UNDP-IIT, Delhi or by the concerned states have been made available to beneficiaries to choose the house designs that they like.

      Bouquet of house designs has resulted in technically sound houses of different designs coming up in rural areas which are a treat to watch. The progress of PMAY(G) is in public domain and can be seen by any one on awaassoft.nic.in  with geo-tagged photographs and complete details of beneficiaries and payments made to them.

Russia as India’s one of the most credible friends

   Russia/New Delhi. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh met the Indian diaspora in Moscow yesterday. Addressing the gathering, the Home Minister expressed satisfaction with his visit to Russia and his talks with the various Russian leaders.

 He said that his visit had led to concrete outcomes to strengthen cooperation between India and Russia in the field of Security, Counter-terrorism, counter-radicalization, anti-drug trafficking, Counterfeit currency, Information Sharing and on training specialists in these fields. 

   Rajnath Singh spoke about the long history and foundation of the relationship between India and Russia, and described Russia as ‘one of the most credible friends of India’. 

   He praised the work that individually every Indian was doing in Russia and called them as the “Cultural Ambassadors” of India. He said that while physical distance between them and India could be large, there can never be an “emotional distance”. 

    He informed the gathering about the efforts of the Government of India in controlling terrorism and neutralizing the infiltrating terrorists as well as about the determination of the Indian Armed Forces in responding to various provocations. He identified terrorism and radicalism as the two greatest threats facing the world. 

   He apprised the gathering about the initiatives of the Government of India in developing the country in various fields via. Jan Dhan Yojana, Make in India, Aadhar implementation to take India on a fast-track of economic progress. He said India is on its way to becoming one of the leading economic powers of the world. 

   He talked about the strength of Indian culture that termed the whole world as one family – “Vasudeva Kutumbakam”, which forms the basis for India to become a benevolent power in future. From development of infrastructure to bringing in manufacturing into India, the Government of India has in the past three years contributed immensely, earning the goodwill of the people of India.

Navika Sagar Parikrama Tarini Enters in Lyttelton

    New Zealand. INSV Tarini entered Lyttelton port (New Zealand) today during it’s maiden voyage to circumnavigate the globe. This is the first-ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew. 

   The vessel is skippered by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi, and the crew comprises Lieutenant Commanders Pratibha Jamwal, P Swathi, and Lieutenants S Vijaya Devi, B Aishwarya and Payal Gupta. 

   Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Raksha Mantri had flagged-off INSV Tarini from Goa on 10 September 17. The vessel has covered 7800 Nautical miles from Goa, crossing the Equator on 25 September 17 and Cape Leeuwin on 09 November 17.The indigenously-built INSV Tarini is a 56-foot sailing vessel, which was inducted in the Indian Navy earlier this year, and showcases the ‘Make in India’ initiative on the International forum.

   The expedition titled ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’, is in consonance with the National policy to empower women to attain their full potential. It also aims to showcase ‘Nari Shakti’ on the world platform and help revolutionise societal attitudes and mindset towards women in India by raising visibility of their participation in challenging environs. 

    The vessel would return to Goa in April 2018, on completion of the voyage. The expedition is being covered in five legs, with stop-overs at 4 ports: Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falklands), and Cape Town (South Africa). Presently, the vessel has covered two of the five legs of the voyage, with the first port halt at Fremantle (Australia) in October.

    The crew has also been collating and updating meteorological, ocean and wave data on a regular basis for accurate weather forecast by India Meteorological Department (IMD), as also monitoring marine pollution on the high seas.

    They would interact extensively with the local populace, especially children, during the port halt to promote Ocean sailing and the spirit of adventure. The vessel is likely to depart Lyttelton on 12 December 17.

Longstanding defence relationship between SAF and IAF

    New Delhi. The 2nd Defence Ministers’ Dialogue between India and Singapore was successfully concluded today.

   It was inaugurated after both countries signed the revised Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) in 2015 to further strengthen the longstanding defence relationship between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indian Armed Forces.Of particular significance during this meeting was the conclusion of the India-Singapore Bilateral Agreement for Navy Cooperation, which will lead to increased cooperation in maritime security, joint exercises, temporary deployments from each other’s naval facilities and mutual logistics support. 

    Both Ministers looked forward to the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise next year. Dr Ng expressed his appreciation for India’s continued support for the SAF’s training in India, covered by the Air Force and Army Bilateral Agreements. Both Ministers welcomed the renewal of the Air Force Bilateral Agreement on the sidelines of the 11th Singapore-India Defence Policy Dialogue in January this year, and looked forward to the successful renewal of the Army Bilateral Agreement next year. 

    On regional security, both Ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining maritime freedom of navigation and trade consistent with international law. India plays a vital role in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus. Both Ministers also discussed Singapore’s proposal to expand the Code of Unplanned Encounters at Sea to all ADMM-Plus countries as well as to establish guidelines for air encounters between military aircraft, in order to reduce the risk of miscalculations. 

     Appreciating India’s leading role in the Indian Ocean Region, Dr Ng agreed to India’s proposal for continuous and institutionalised naval engagements in their shared maritime space, including establishing maritime exercises with like-minded regional/ ASEAN partners. Both Ministers emphasised the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational security threats, and in particular measures to collectively tackle the threat of terrorism. 

    Both Ministers also commended the progress made since the India-Singapore Defence Technology Steering Committee was set up in October 2006 to launch joint research projects. Dr Ng expressed his appreciation for India’s offer of its test ranges and infrastructure to Singapore for the conduct of testing and evaluation for R&D projects. 

     Singapore and India have also made progress in defence industry cooperation, with the signing of the terms of reference for the Defence Industry Working Group (DIWG) in August this year. Both Ministers agreed that this would facilitate greater collaboration in aerospace, electronics and other areas of mutual interest between the defence industries of both countries. 

    Dr Ng expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s acceptance as keynote speaker for the 2018 Shangri-La Dialogue to articulate India’s vision for a stable Indo-Pacific region. 

Bose Institute occupies a unique and exalted position in the landscape of Indian science

    Kolkata.The President of India Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the closing ceremony of centenary celebrations of the Bose Institute in Kolkata today. 

   Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the Bose Institute occupies a unique and exalted position in the landscape of Indian science. 

   This was one of the earliest scientific institutes to be established in the country. It has served the cause of science and served the cause of India. It has contributed much to research in the biological and physical sciences. 

    At the same time, this Institute has had a very active social outreach programme in rural Bengal through its rural bio-technology initiative. It has also been pursuing educational uplift programmes for school children in various states of the Northeast. Truly, it is making an honest effort to spread the culture of science and innovation down to the grassroots of our society. 

     The President said that Bengal was one of India’s earliest industrial and manufacturing economies. With that legacy, and with its educational institutions, it should have led the IT revolution in our country. But for whatever reason, it was a slow starter in IT and IT-enabled services. That boom moved to other states, such as those in the south of our country. Now Bengal has another chance.

   We are in the midst of an explosion of digital technologies. Cutting-edge disciplines like precision manufacture and bio-informatics are changing the way we work. And robotics is changing the way we live.

    The President said that all this throws up great opportunities for Bengal, for Bengal’s science, and for Bengal’s talented pool of young scientists. Our greatest tribute to Acharya J.C. Bose would be to embrace this new era of innovation and discovery – just as he embraced and led the process of innovation and discovery a century ago.

India-Afghan Cultural Festival in New Delhi

    New Delhi.The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and Minister of Culture and Information of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Prof. Moh. Rasool Bawari inaugurated the India-Afghan Cultural Festival in New Delhi today.

   The Festival has been jointly organized by the Government and Embassy of Afghanistan along with the Government of India and ICCR. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that India and Afghanistan enjoy age old cultural and civilaisational ties and the deep-rooted linkages in the fields of music, art, architecture, language and cuisine constitute an important bond of friendship between the people of the two countries.While exponents of Afghan classical music such as Ustad Sarahang were trained in the Patiala Gharana, the popular Indian music of bollywood resonates in Afghan homes, Dr. Mahesh Sharma explained.

    The central Bamyan province of Afghanistan is an epitome of our shared Buddhist heritage, he added. 

   Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore’s ‘Kabuliwala’ has connected Indians with the honest and large-hearted Afghans.Highlighting the common values shared by the two countries, the Indian Culture Minister said that the four Gurudwaras and the two temples in Kabul itself are testament to tolerant and diverse society of Afghanistan.

   Emphasising the developing partnership being extended by India for the people of Afghanistan, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that Restoration of Afghan cultural heritage and strengthening its cultural institutions has been an important part of our support in reconstruction of Afghanistan. 

  The restoration of Storay palace in Kabul and support to the Afghan National Institute of Music are a few such examples, the Minister added. 

    Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that the India-Afghan Festival is a unique event being organized and will further bring out the commonalities between the two countries through art, handicrafts, dance, music and other forms.The three day festival includes cultural performances, handicrafts, exhibitions, cuisine and cultural shows from Afghanistan as well as India.

1.75 lakh households of Manipur proposed to be included under SAUBHAGYA

    Manipur.The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) was launched in Manipur today, by Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy R.K. Singh and N. Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur.

 A total of approximately 1.75 lakh households (1.62 lakh rural households and 0.13 lakh urban households) of Manipur are proposed to be included under the Scheme.Addressing the media at the function R.K. Singh said that Manipur is the fastest reforming state in Power sector in the country and the Manipur Government is performing well in terms of power sector in the State.

      R.K. Singh further said that it is the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide electricity to every household of the country. Now the Government would come to people’s doorstep to provide power connection to every household. This is such a scheme where the poorest of the poor can afford electricity in their homes. 

   The Minister promised that people would get 24x7 power supply by March, 2019. For achieving this target, the Government has already given obligation to private companies to provide 24x7 power supply to every household, he added.Union Minister also assured that the Government of India would provide the required financial assistance for strengthening and improvement of infrastructure in the power sector in Manipur. Monetary assistance had already been extended for procuring of transformers, meters etc. to strengthen the power sector in the State, he added.

      On the occasion, N. Biren Singh said that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Saubhagya Scheme would transform the lives, especially poorest of the poor by providing power supply to every household of the country.It may be noted that Saubhagya is a scheme launched to achieve universal household electrification in all parts of the Country at a cost of Rs. 16,320 crore including Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) of Rs. 12,320 crores from Government of India. 

    Keeping in view the role of electricity in human and socio-economic development, Government of India has formulated the scheme to ensure last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified urban and rural households in the country. 

     All States and Union Territories of the country are required to complete household electrification in their respective jurisdiction by 31st March, 2019. Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC), a Navaratna CPSE under the Ministry of Power has been appointed as the nodal agency for coordinating the implementation of the scheme. 

     The prospective beneficiary households for free electricity connections under the scheme will be identified using Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2011 data.The launch ceremony was held in the august presence of Th. Biswajit Singh, Minister for PWD/R&D & PR/ Comm. & Ind/Power/Admn. Reforms and Training/I.P.R., Government of Manipur, and other senior officers representing the Union Ministry of Power and the State Government.

Education is the most powerful weapon which can transform the world

    Andhra Pradesh. The Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that education is the most powerful weapon which can transform the world. 

    He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Andhra Pradesh Campus of Vellore Institute of Technology, in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh today. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandarababu Naidu, the Mininster for Health and Medical Education, Dr. Kamineni Srinivas and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

      The Vice President said that educational institutions are the temples of learning and every student, who steps into them, must not only show respect to the Gurus, but also display complete dedication and discipline towards the entire process of learning.

     He further said that as per our ancient Guru-Shishya parampara, the teacher is the most venerated person by the disciple. Although modern day students get all the information they require at the click of a mouse by going to Google, it should be noted that Google can never replace a Guru, he added.

     The Vice President said that he firmly believed that Education is for Emancipation, Enlightenment, Empowerment, Employment and Empathy. He further said that education should become a powerful tool of social, cultural and economical transformation of the country with strong moral and ethical values forming the basis of such a transformation. Technology is changing so rapidly that students not only need to anticipate the future requirements but must be able to develop the technologies of tomorrow, he added.

     The Vice President said that India is also now in an advantageous position with 65 per cent of the population below 35 years. Higher Educational institutions and universities have a crucial role to play in unleashing their energies and realizing the demographic dividend, he added. The Vice President stressed on the Four Pillars of Learning as enunciated in 1996 UNESCO Commission on Education: Learning to Know (KNOWLEDGE). Learning to do (SKILLS). Learning to be (PERSONALITY). Learning to live together (Understanding, appreciation of interdependence). In a lighter note, 

     The Vice President said that he was told that VIT stands for Vellore Institute of Technology but he wished that this AP Campus of VIT will stand for: VISION. INNOVATION. TRANSFORMATION of the students entering this institute. The Vice President said I am extremely delighted to inaugurate the new campus of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in Andhra Pradesh’s new capital, Amaravati, which is envisaged to be developed into an educational hub by the Andhra Pradesh Government. VIT is one of the top educational institutes in the country and has carved a niche for itself in providing quality learning to students.

    The Vice President said Merely having grand and swanky buildings will not make an institution famous. It is the quality of education, the presence of good faculty, right ambience and ecosystem for students to unleash their creativity and genius are important. VIT has an impressive record on this score, I believe.

     The Vice President said Educational institutions are the temples of learning and every student, who steps into them, must not only show respect to the Gurus, but also display complete dedication and discipline towards the entire process of learning.

     The Vice President said As per our ancient Guru-Shishya parampara, the teacher is the most venerated person by the disciple. Although modern day students get all the information they require at the click of a mouse by going to Google, it should be noted that Google can never replace a Guru. I firmly believe that Education is for. Emancipation. Enlightenment. Empowerment. Employment. Empathy. As the Indian Education Commission of 1964-66, also known as the Kothari Commission, had stated that the destiny of our country is being shaped in our classrooms.The Vice President said No doubt, the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired by students form the basis for nation building.

    The Vice President said Education should become a powerful tool of social, cultural and economical transformation of the country with strong moral and ethical values forming the basis of such a transformation. As a result of several initiatives taken by successive governments with the goal of ensuring ‘Education for All’, the country has several hundred universities. But numbers are not important, what matters is the quality.

   The Vice President said There is every need for the institutions of higher learning to raise the standards, improve methods of pedagogy, enhance research activities and form greater linkages with the industry so that the students are well equipped to face the challenges of a globalised world in which digital technologies are playing a leading role.

     The Vice President said Technology is changing so rapidly that students not only need to anticipate the future requirements but must be able to develop the technologies of tomorrow.The Vice President said Basically, the universities must produce multi-skilled students of tomorrow and for that to happen, the varsities must convert themselves into centres of excellence.  The Industries must also come forward to fund research activities in universities.The Vice President said India has a rich and glorious tradition of learning which focussed on the development of the inner self of the student.

     The Vice President said The education system developed by the British was aimed at serving them rather than benefiting the country. At the time of Independence, India had only around 20 universities and 500 affiliated colleges with a meager enrolment of less than one lakh students. The education system of those days was narrow and elitist.

      The Vice President said Today, India’s higher education system is the third largest in the world, next to only the United States and China.The Vice President said As per the latest reports available, India has around 760 Universities, 38,498 colleges and 12,276 tandalone institutions with a total enrolment of around 3.4 crore students.

     The Vice President said The Government has taken many initiatives to transform the higher education sector with the motto of “Education for All and Quality Education”.  Several new institutions have been started during the last two and half year, including 6 new IITs, 7 new IIMs, 8 IIITS and other highly esteemed institutions across the country.

    The Vice President said A National Ranking System (National Institutional Ranking Framework - NIRF) has been developed to promote competitive spirit among the institutes and help the students make an informed choice.

       The Vice President said I am told that VIT has topped the ranking consecutively for past two academic years among private engineering institutions in India as per NIRF Ranking. My compliments to you.

     The Vice President said India is today among the large economies and the country’s GDP is expected to touch 7.5 per cent in the coming years due to the reforms taken by the government.The Vice President said India is also now in an advantageous position with 65 per cent of the population below 35 years. Higher Educational institutions and universities have a crucial role to play in unleashing their energies and realizing the demographic dividend.

    The Vice President said Here, I want to stress on the Four Pillars of Learning as enunciated in 1996 UNESCO Commission on Education. Learning to Know (KNOWLEDGE). Learning to do (SKILLS). Learning to be (PERSONALITY). Learning to live together (Understanding, appreciation of interdependence). It is for these institutions and students to ensure that India earns a rightful place in the technological field and the world economy.

     The Vice President said It is also important for every education institution to create an atmosphere which encourages innovation, new ideas and tap the talent of the young minds.The Vice President said Education is the most powerful weapon which can transform the world. “We now live in an age where change is constant and we are variables.”  And to keep up with this change, learning should not be seen as an end but as a means to achieve greater heights in life.

    The Vice President said You should continuously update yourself with the latest technologies, innovations and the changes that are taking place in the world. The Vice President said You should become multi-skilled and dare to dream big to achieve your goals.

     The Vice President said would like to compliment Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu for inviting top education institutions from India and abroad to Amaravati with a vision to transform the State into an education and knowledge hub of global standards.The Vice President said In a bid to encourage innovations, universities and higher education institutions have to set up innovation clubs on their campuses.

     The Vice President said India is an old land but a young nation. It is your skill, capability and knowledge that would drive this young nation forward in the march towards development.

     The Vice President said Once again, I congratulate VIT-AP on this joyous occasion and wish all the best for your future endeavours.The Vice President said I am told that VIT stands for Vellore Institute of Technology but I wish that this AP Campus of VIT will stand for.

Bengal was one of the leaders of our freedom movement

     Kolkata. The President of India Ram Nath Kovind addressed a civic reception hosted for him at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata today. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that there are few people anywhere in our country who have not been touched by Bengal or by some creation of Bengal.

  Somehow, in some manner, this state has touched every Indian and enriched the life of every Indian. Every Indian child has grown up on stories about Bengal or written in Bengal. Bengal has a great history – but it is for each one of us to ensure that Bengal also has a great future.

    This state was an early industrial and manufacturing centre in our country. Its economy must sing again in this age of digital and robotic technologies. Its green fields and hard-working farmers must be equipped with the latest agricultural knowledge to allow them to realise their potential.

    The President said that in 2022, India will be celebrating 75 years as a free country. This will be an occasion to reach certain developmental milestones for our people, and to create a better India. For this, we need to invoke the same idealism and fervour that contributed to our freedom movement. Bengal was one of the leaders of our freedom movement. It must lead this effort for a better India by 2022. 

   The President said that the Government of India has embarked on an ambitious Act East Policy. This involves building connectivity projects and taking economic initiatives. These will be of mutual benefit to our eastern and Northeastern states as well as to neighbouring countries. The people of Bengal are crucial to this programme. 

    The President said that being a border state gives Bengal certain advantages. It also gives it certain responsibilities. Forces of radicalism and extremism, some of them with cross-border linkages, seek to take advantage of our democratic spaces. We must guard against this.The President said Thank you for this warm welcome and this truly passionate reception in the city of Kolkata. This is my first visit to Bengal as President of India, and I am absolutely glad to be here – in this glorious state and this lovely city. In this City with a Heart! 

     The President said I am not a stranger to Bengal. I have been visiting the state and I have been coming to Kolkata for decades now. I would say I have long been an admirer of Bengal and its culture and its history. In fact, there are few people anywhere in our country who have not been touched by Bengal or by some creation of Bengal. Somehow, in some manner, this state has touched every Indian and enriched the life of every Indian. Every Indian child has grown up on stories about Bengal or written in Bengal.

     The President said Bengal has been central to our national identity. Our national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, was written on the soil of Bengal by the Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Gurudeb ke pronam korte jabo Tomorrow morning, I plan to visit Jorasanko, Gurudev’s ancestral home, to pay my heartfelt tributes.

    The President said Our national song, Vande Mataram, a rallying cry for our freedom fighters, was composed by Maharishi Bankim Chandra Chatterjee as early as the 19th century. And our beloved slogan Jai Hind was given to us by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a great son of Bengal and a leader who is cherished, remembered and missed to this day in all parts of our country. 

     The President said A few days ago, I had the honour of visiting the Indian National Army Memorial in Moirang in Manipur. This is where freedom fighters of the INA, inspired by Netaji, raised the national flag for the first time on Indian soil. It was a very moving moment for me.The President said These three – Gurudev Rabindranath, Maharishi Bankim and Netaji Subhas – were instrumental in defining our nationalism. Our freedom came faster because of the energy they gave our people.

    The President said During the course of my visit here I plan to visit Netaji Bhawan, where I understand there is a memorial and research centre dedicated to the life and work of Netaji.The President said I am also travelling to Belur to pay my respects to two other illustrious sons of Bengal who have contributed so much to our national life – Ramakrishna Paramhansa and his finest disciple, Swami Vivekananda. In their own manner, they rediscovered our ancient Indian ethos not only for us in India – but for the world. Swamiji was among our earliest modern cultural ambassadors. His work lives on through the Ramakrishna Mission. This institution has been instrumental in our nation building process.

     The President said Our nation building owes so much to Bengal and the sacrifices and achievements of the people of this land. A galaxy of revolutionary heroes from Bengal helped us get Independence, each doing his or her little bit, quietly, without seeking any reward. Young Khudiram Bose went to the gallows with a smile and with the dream of a free India in his eyes. The elderly but determined Matangini Hazra was shot by the colonial police. She died with Vande Mataram on her lips and the hopes of our motherland in her heart.

   The President said The Bengal Famine of the 1940s was a man-made disaster inflicted on innocent people by a diabolical imperial government. It remains one of the greatest tragedies in human history. Bengal suffered that tragedy with fortitude. Every Indian felt Bengal’s pain.

     The President said A quarter-century later, Bengal embraced refugees escaping from a brutal military crackdown in what was then East Pakistan. It generously shared whatever little it had with those who had run away from oppression, and had lost everything. We can never forget that. The world can never forget that. It is not for nothing that I called Kolkata a City with a Heart. And Bengalis a People with a Heart! 

  The President said A people with a heart and a people with a mind, I should say. A number of our pioneering women leaders were from Bengal – perhaps the most famous of them being Sarojini Chattopadhyay, who became Sarojini Naidu after her marriage. So many of our foundational social reform movements began here – from the times of Raja Ram Mohan Roy and later Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who set up among the first institutions for women’s education.

   The President said And in education, we cannot forget the contribution of that remarkable father and son, Ashutosh Mukherjee and Shyamaprasad Mukherjee. Or in the field of law, the humanism of that upholder of justice, the jurist Radha Binod Pal. He is still recalled with affection in Japan for his sympathy for ordinary men, women and children who had suffered the horrors of two nuclear bombs.

    The President said In recent times, another illustrious son of Bengal, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, served the nation at the highest level as President of India.  We all refer to him affectionately as Pranab Da.The President said Tomorrow morning, I am visiting the Jagadish Chandra Bose Institute. It is celebrating its centenary and renewing the learning of the scientist-scholar it is named after. J.C Bose, S.N. Bose, Meghnad Saha – where would Indian science and technology be without Bengal? Where would our literature be without the novels of Sarat Chandra and the poetry of Nazrul? And where would our cinema be without the mastery of Satyajit Ray? Aar Uttom Kumar ke kaeyu bhoolte pare ki? 

    The President said I have mentioned only a handful of the innumerable men and women of history and of stature that Bengal has produced. If I were to list all of them, I would be speaking for a few hours, and not a few minutes. So great is our Bengal’s legacy.The President said Bengal has a great history – but it is for each one of us to ensure that Bengal also has a great future. This state was an early industrial and manufacturing centre in our country. Its economy must sing again in this age of digital and robotic technologies. Its green fields and hard-working farmers must be equipped with the latest agricultural knowledge to allow them to realise their potential.

     The President said In 2022, India will be celebrating 75 years as a free country. This will be an occasion to reach certain developmental milestones for our people, and to create a better India. For this, we need to invoke the same idealism and fervour that contributed to our freedom movement. Bengal was one of the leaders of our freedom movement. It must lead this effort for a better India by 2022. 

    The President said As you know the Government of India has embarked on an ambitious Act East Policy. This involves building connectivity projects and taking economic initiatives. These will be of mutual benefit to our eastern and Northeastern states as well as to neighbouring countries. The people of Bengal are crucial to this programme. 

    The President said Being a border state gives Bengal certain advantages. It also gives it certain responsibilities. Forces of radicalism and extremism, some of them with cross-border linkages, seek to take advantage of our democratic spaces. We must guard against this.

     The President said As I conclude, I must thank you again for this warm reception, which has really touched my heart. Khub hi bhalo laglo  I would like to thank the Chief Minister and government of Bengal – and most of all the people of Bengal – for this reception. I will always remember it with affection. In particular, I would like to thank the children present here. They are the future of Bengal and of India. I wish them great success.

     The President said And I promise to come back again – to come back to Bengal and to come back to Kolkata, the city of mishti, adda and football. The President said Recently the Under-17 Football World Cup was played in our country. Kolkata hosted many of the matches, including the final. Some of you may have watched the matches in the stadium. You played perfect hosts. And you did all of us proud. Many congratulations.

   The President said May the success of the World Cup inspire your efforts in other directions as well!.
 

Russia-India cooperation in the sectors of security and counter-terrorism

New Delhi. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh held meeting with Secretary, Security Council of Russian Federation, Mr. Nikolai Patrushev in Moscow yesterday.

Both sides reinforced their determination to further strengthen their cooperation in the sectors of security and counter-terrorism. 

   They also reviewed the implementation of the Agreement on Information Security signed in October 2016. Both sides also welcomed the ongoing cooperation and the regular exchange of visits between the two National Security Councils.Union Home Minister also met Minister for the Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Puchkov and held detailed discussions on cooperation in Disaster Management. 

  They reviewed the progress made on the Agreement on Disaster Management signed in 2010. Both the sides agreed that EMERCOM of Russia would cooperate with India in the establishment of the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in India. 

     They also agreed on a programme of training of specialists and sharing of each other’s experiences as well as best practices in the field of Disaster Management. 

    The two leaders later signed a Joint Implementation Plan for the years 2018-19 for cooperation in Disaster Management.During his three-day visit to Russia Rajnath Singh will visit the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) and hold talks with FSB Director Mr. Alexander Bortnikov today. Later he will attend a reception by the Indian community.

Significant improvement in wellbeing in many Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana villages

       New Delhi. Prime Minister launched the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) on 11th October, 2014. This was aimed at improving the wellbeing of selected Gram Panchayats (GPs) through convergence of programmes under the overall guidance of Members of Parliament. 

   The Yojana is about improving access to public services and community action for social and economic development so that these villages become role models worth emulation by neighboring Gram Panchayats. A total of 19732 new projects taken up as part of the Village Development Plan in SAGY villages have been completed and another 7204 are under implementation.703 Members of Parliament selected their GPs and focused on overall development with community participation in these Gram Panchayats.

   In many States, the support of State Government facilitated convergence in programmes and activities leading to many significant improvements in indicators of social development like Open Defecation Free (ODF), 100% immunization, 100% enrolment in ICDS Centers etc. The implementation was given a thrust by States such as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In other States also, initiatives were taken to improve the quality of life in the selected Gram Panchayats.

    As a result, an overall increase of 13% - 19% has been found in SAGY villages with regard to immunization, farmers with Soil Health Cards, women brought into SHGs and new Jan Dhan accounts. Every Member of Parliament is expected to develop 3 (three) Gram Panchayats by March 2019. Presently, work is going on in 1235 Gram Panchayats. There was no timeline decided regarding selection of third Gram Panchayat. 

     An analysis of performance of 35 development indicators in these villages shows that there has been a significant increase in provision of houses, internal village roads, household electrification, household latrines and piped water supply in many of the villages selected under SAGY. Of the data analyzed for 649 SAGY Gram Panchayats, it was found that 330 of them have reported 100% immunization in 0 to 6 age group, 300 have reported that every child has received ICDS services, 128 Gram Panchayats have become Open Defecation Free, 284 Gram Panchayats have reported no malnutrition in Grade-III or Grade-IV category and 445 Gram Panchayats have reported 100% coverage in provision of mid-day meals. 

    Many social events like health camps, youth mobilization camps, yoga camps, plantation drives, women self-help groups, camps for support for differently abled persons etc. were organized by the initiatives of Hon’ble Members of Parliament.Every SAGY Gram Panchayat has drawn up a Village Development Plan which is under implementation through convergence and additional prioritization by Central and State Governments.

     As many as 21 central schemes have already amended their guidelines or enabled priority for the SAGY Gram Panchayats. Most SAGY villages now have been taken up by State Governments as a part of Mission Antyodaya for significant improvement in sustainable livelihoods of poor households in these Gram Panchayats. 

     All these Panchayats have been ranked for intervention to remove development gaps through a partnership of Central, State and Local Governments. It is envisaged that all these selected SAGY Gram Panchayats will have much better indicators on parameters ranging from physical infrastructure to human development and economic activities by March, 2019.