Expert suggests silt-free barrages
A U.N. consultant and engineer has come up with a cost-effective plan for Ganga rejuvenation by building 25 silt-free barrages within the river system to dilute the waste and to maintain a continuous flow of fresh water.
T. Hanumantha Rao, former Engineer-in-Chief of the A.P. Irrigation department and U.N. consultant to 22 countries told that his ‘Ganga rejuvenation plan,’ involved construction of barrages from Haridwar to Farakka, one below the other in such a manner that the stored water of the lower barrage touches the upstream one.
This would render the entire river a long reservoir limited to storing flood water within the flood zone of the river without submerging any village. A perennial flow of ‘bathing quality’ water is thus ensured through a self-purification process that takes care of waste water flowing into the river either directly or from dysfunctional sewage treatment plants, which has been the biggest challenge so far.
The Central Pollution Control Board had estimated that 4800 million litres per day of waste flowed into the Ganga in 2013. This works out to 1,964 cubic feet per second (cusecs) requiring a fresh water discharge of about 19,640 cusecs for its dilution by 10 times. This is required essentially during the dry period of four months as flood flows take care of the dilution in the remaining eight months.
Mr. Rao’s plan prefers building these barrages on the main river itself as it is virtually impossible to construct storage reservoirs elsewhere on the Gangetic plains or in the ecologically fragile Himalayan hilly regions. A design innovation proposed in the barrages is that the bottom of the radial gate starts from the river bed apron level and is kept open to allow free normal flows and to wash down the silt. The water stored upstream in each barrage is released downstream to provide enough water for dilution of waste inflows. There will be no siltation upstream of barrage as each vent will function as scouring sluice.
A U.N. consultant and engineer has come up with a cost-effective plan for Ganga rejuvenation by building 25 silt-free barrages within the river system to dilute the waste and to maintain a continuous flow of fresh water.
T. Hanumantha Rao, former Engineer-in-Chief of the A.P. Irrigation department and U.N. consultant to 22 countries told that his ‘Ganga rejuvenation plan,’ involved construction of barrages from Haridwar to Farakka, one below the other in such a manner that the stored water of the lower barrage touches the upstream one.
This would render the entire river a long reservoir limited to storing flood water within the flood zone of the river without submerging any village. A perennial flow of ‘bathing quality’ water is thus ensured through a self-purification process that takes care of waste water flowing into the river either directly or from dysfunctional sewage treatment plants, which has been the biggest challenge so far.
The Central Pollution Control Board had estimated that 4800 million litres per day of waste flowed into the Ganga in 2013. This works out to 1,964 cubic feet per second (cusecs) requiring a fresh water discharge of about 19,640 cusecs for its dilution by 10 times. This is required essentially during the dry period of four months as flood flows take care of the dilution in the remaining eight months.
Mr. Rao’s plan prefers building these barrages on the main river itself as it is virtually impossible to construct storage reservoirs elsewhere on the Gangetic plains or in the ecologically fragile Himalayan hilly regions. A design innovation proposed in the barrages is that the bottom of the radial gate starts from the river bed apron level and is kept open to allow free normal flows and to wash down the silt. The water stored upstream in each barrage is released downstream to provide enough water for dilution of waste inflows. There will be no siltation upstream of barrage as each vent will function as scouring sluice.
India backs info swap on black money
India will support the proposed international automatic exchange of tax and banking information that is expected to aid unearthing and retrieving black money stashed offshore.
Forty-six countries, including India, have agreed to set rolling by 2017 the automatic exchange of information on tax evaders. This would be the key to prevent international tax evasion and avoidance and would be instrumental in getting information about unaccounted money stashed abroad and ultimately bringing it back
At present, countries exchange information on the basis of requests and that too only on suspected tax evasion and other financial crimes. The proposed global standard would facilitate a systematic and periodic transmission of bulk taxpayer information by the source country of income to the country of residence of the taxpayer. The implementation of these standards by developing countries could also improve domestic tax compliance as substantial amount of data received from financial institutions by the tax administration could be used for domestic tax purposes also
India will support the proposed international automatic exchange of tax and banking information that is expected to aid unearthing and retrieving black money stashed offshore.
Forty-six countries, including India, have agreed to set rolling by 2017 the automatic exchange of information on tax evaders. This would be the key to prevent international tax evasion and avoidance and would be instrumental in getting information about unaccounted money stashed abroad and ultimately bringing it back
At present, countries exchange information on the basis of requests and that too only on suspected tax evasion and other financial crimes. The proposed global standard would facilitate a systematic and periodic transmission of bulk taxpayer information by the source country of income to the country of residence of the taxpayer. The implementation of these standards by developing countries could also improve domestic tax compliance as substantial amount of data received from financial institutions by the tax administration could be used for domestic tax purposes also
Telangana to clear 25% of crop loans
The Telangana government on 22nd September announced waiver of Rs 17,000 crore agricultural loans to farmers in the state. The decision would benefit about 36 lakh ryots.
As the first installment towards repayment of bank loans, the state government issued orders on 22nd September releasing Rs 4,250 crore of the Rs 17,000 crore due to banks from farmers
The Telangana government on 22nd September announced waiver of Rs 17,000 crore agricultural loans to farmers in the state. The decision would benefit about 36 lakh ryots.
As the first installment towards repayment of bank loans, the state government issued orders on 22nd September releasing Rs 4,250 crore of the Rs 17,000 crore due to banks from farmers
Rs 51k cr to stop sewage flow into Ganga: Government to SC
The NDA government on 22nd September informed the Supreme Court that it proposed to spend Rs 51,000 crore in the next five years to completely stop discharge of untreated sewer and waste water from 118 towns into Ganga River.
Giving a glimpse of the short-, mid- and long-term vision for rejuvenation of Ganga, director of 'National Mission for Clean Ganga' Rajiv Ranjan Mishra informed the court in an affidavit that….
The NDA government on 22nd September informed the Supreme Court that it proposed to spend Rs 51,000 crore in the next five years to completely stop discharge of untreated sewer and waste water from 118 towns into Ganga River.
Giving a glimpse of the short-, mid- and long-term vision for rejuvenation of Ganga, director of 'National Mission for Clean Ganga' Rajiv Ranjan Mishra informed the court in an affidavit that….
Short-term goals would be achieved in three years, mid-term
goals in five years and long-term ones in 10 years or more.
118 urban habitations on bank of river Ganga have been
tentatively identified by the ministry of urban development (MoUD) for
extending coverage of sewerage infrastructure (tentatively estimated by MoUD to
cost Rs 51,000 crore with actuals depending on preparation of detailed project
reports. This forms part of the mid-term vision plan.
Andhra bank launches ‘Kisaan Vaani’
Andhra Bank on 22nd September launched ‘Andhra Bank Kisaan Vaani’, a new facility which provides latest technical information on agriculture and allied activities to farmers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana through ‘Green SIM’-based voice message, in association with Iffco Kisaan Sanchar Limited (IKSL)
IKSL has developed a green SIM for transfer of voice messages in different fields of farmers interest. Green SIM can be used as a regular SIM since it has all the features of the normal SIM in addition to the value-added services. For getting the green SIM, the farmer has to produce a valid identity and address proof in addition to a passport-sized colour photo.
The cost of green SIM is Rs 86, out of which free talk time of Rs 82 is available. The cost of the SIM thus works out to Rs 4 and the farmer can use this free talk time for his regular purposes. The SIM is valid for lifetime.
Andhra Bank and IKSL have entered into an MoU for transfer of latest technology on a continuous basis without any charges. The bank is also providing green SIMs to all its rural development officers and rural branch managers to help the farming community.
The required information will be provided to the farmer in the local language for a one-minute duration, free of cost. IKSL has taken the assistance of Airtel as service provider to facilitate the delivery of OBD (Out Bound Dialogue/Voice Messages). Every day, farmers will get two messages pertaining to all agricultural and allied categories, one message on agriculture-related to agro climatic zone and one on bank products (like banking operations, schemes, loan disbursement and crop insurance). On Sundays, only two messages will be delivered.
The core contents of the message will be provided by experts in related fields in addition to the institutions like agriculture, veterinary and horticulture departments, Incois (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services), Icrisat (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid-Tropics ), Spices Board and other related organisations. There are also continuous monitoring methods to assess the requirements of farmers through a feedback system.
Andhra Bank on 22nd September launched ‘Andhra Bank Kisaan Vaani’, a new facility which provides latest technical information on agriculture and allied activities to farmers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana through ‘Green SIM’-based voice message, in association with Iffco Kisaan Sanchar Limited (IKSL)
IKSL has developed a green SIM for transfer of voice messages in different fields of farmers interest. Green SIM can be used as a regular SIM since it has all the features of the normal SIM in addition to the value-added services. For getting the green SIM, the farmer has to produce a valid identity and address proof in addition to a passport-sized colour photo.
The cost of green SIM is Rs 86, out of which free talk time of Rs 82 is available. The cost of the SIM thus works out to Rs 4 and the farmer can use this free talk time for his regular purposes. The SIM is valid for lifetime.
Andhra Bank and IKSL have entered into an MoU for transfer of latest technology on a continuous basis without any charges. The bank is also providing green SIMs to all its rural development officers and rural branch managers to help the farming community.
The required information will be provided to the farmer in the local language for a one-minute duration, free of cost. IKSL has taken the assistance of Airtel as service provider to facilitate the delivery of OBD (Out Bound Dialogue/Voice Messages). Every day, farmers will get two messages pertaining to all agricultural and allied categories, one message on agriculture-related to agro climatic zone and one on bank products (like banking operations, schemes, loan disbursement and crop insurance). On Sundays, only two messages will be delivered.
The core contents of the message will be provided by experts in related fields in addition to the institutions like agriculture, veterinary and horticulture departments, Incois (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services), Icrisat (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid-Tropics ), Spices Board and other related organisations. There are also continuous monitoring methods to assess the requirements of farmers through a feedback system.
Supreme Court for independent probe into encounters
The Supreme Court on 23rd September ruled that an independent and thorough investigation should be held into encounter deaths to restore the faith of the public in the police force. The court also held that no out-of-turn promotion or gallantry award should be given to police officers involved in encounter killings unless the gallantry was proved beyond reasonable doubt.
An independent investigation into the encounter death should be done by the CID or officers from another police station who was not involved in the incident. The probe should be scientific, well-documented and provide a decisive finding on the nature of death in question. The probe should be open to a magisterial inquiry and any dissatisfaction about its fairness could be challenged before a session’s judge, the court held.
The verdict came on a batch of PILs led by NGO People’s Union for Civil Liberties questioning the genuineness of 99 encounters between the Mumbai Police and alleged criminals resulting in the death of about 135 persons between 1995 and 1997.
The Supreme Court on 23rd September ruled that an independent and thorough investigation should be held into encounter deaths to restore the faith of the public in the police force. The court also held that no out-of-turn promotion or gallantry award should be given to police officers involved in encounter killings unless the gallantry was proved beyond reasonable doubt.
An independent investigation into the encounter death should be done by the CID or officers from another police station who was not involved in the incident. The probe should be scientific, well-documented and provide a decisive finding on the nature of death in question. The probe should be open to a magisterial inquiry and any dissatisfaction about its fairness could be challenged before a session’s judge, the court held.
The verdict came on a batch of PILs led by NGO People’s Union for Civil Liberties questioning the genuineness of 99 encounters between the Mumbai Police and alleged criminals resulting in the death of about 135 persons between 1995 and 1997.
Bring back Indian PoWs in Pakistan says apex court
Noting that the State should be concerned about its missing citizens, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to submit the current status of the 54 Indians prisoners of war (PoW) believed to be languishing in Pakistan jails as per a list prepared by the Indian government way back in 1985.
Noting that the State should be concerned about its missing citizens, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to submit the current status of the 54 Indians prisoners of war (PoW) believed to be languishing in Pakistan jails as per a list prepared by the Indian government way back in 1985.
Indian films rank high on sexualisation of women
India tops the charts in showing attractive women in its movies and as much as 35 per cent of these women characters are shown with some nudity, finds a first-ever U.N. sponsored global study of women characters in popular films across the world.
The study, commissioned by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, with support from U.N. Women and The Rockefeller Foundation, reveals deep-seated discrimination, pervasive stereotyping, sexualisation of women and their underrepresentation in powerful roles by the international film industry.
Indian films, the study finds, have a significantly higher prevalence of sexualisation of women characters and the movies score low in depicting women in significant speaking roles. While women represent nearly half of the world’s population, less than one third of all speaking characters in films are women and U.K.-U.S. collaborations and Indian films are at the bottom of the pack.
Both, American/British hybrid films (23.6 per cent) and Indian films (24.9 per cent) show women characters in less than one-quarter of all speaking roles. Indian films are third behind German and Australian movies in showing women in “sexy attire”. About 35 per cent of women characters in Indian movies are shown with some nudity, the study finds. The prevalence of women directors, writers and producers in the Indian films is also not at a very high ranking. India had 9.1 per cent women directors, slightly above the global average of seven per cent, while its percentage of women writers was 12.1 per cent, significantly lower than the 19.7 per cent global average.
This data examining gender prevalence behind the camera translated into a gender ratio of 6.2 males to every one female in the film industry in India.
India tops the charts in showing attractive women in its movies and as much as 35 per cent of these women characters are shown with some nudity, finds a first-ever U.N. sponsored global study of women characters in popular films across the world.
The study, commissioned by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, with support from U.N. Women and The Rockefeller Foundation, reveals deep-seated discrimination, pervasive stereotyping, sexualisation of women and their underrepresentation in powerful roles by the international film industry.
Indian films, the study finds, have a significantly higher prevalence of sexualisation of women characters and the movies score low in depicting women in significant speaking roles. While women represent nearly half of the world’s population, less than one third of all speaking characters in films are women and U.K.-U.S. collaborations and Indian films are at the bottom of the pack.
Both, American/British hybrid films (23.6 per cent) and Indian films (24.9 per cent) show women characters in less than one-quarter of all speaking roles. Indian films are third behind German and Australian movies in showing women in “sexy attire”. About 35 per cent of women characters in Indian movies are shown with some nudity, the study finds. The prevalence of women directors, writers and producers in the Indian films is also not at a very high ranking. India had 9.1 per cent women directors, slightly above the global average of seven per cent, while its percentage of women writers was 12.1 per cent, significantly lower than the 19.7 per cent global average.
This data examining gender prevalence behind the camera translated into a gender ratio of 6.2 males to every one female in the film industry in India.
Telangana announces Shadi Mubarak Scheme
The Telangana Government on 23rd September named the cash benefit scheme to the Muslim brides as “Shaadi Mubarak”. As per the scheme, Rs 51,000 cash benefit would be given as wedding gift to the poor Muslim girls by the Telangana Government. The same scheme for poor Dalit and Tribals girls, named as “Kalyani Lakshmi”, is set for launch from Dasara festival onwards.
The Telangana Government on 23rd September named the cash benefit scheme to the Muslim brides as “Shaadi Mubarak”. As per the scheme, Rs 51,000 cash benefit would be given as wedding gift to the poor Muslim girls by the Telangana Government. The same scheme for poor Dalit and Tribals girls, named as “Kalyani Lakshmi”, is set for launch from Dasara festival onwards.
None in India can be forced to declare his religion, says HC
No person in India can be compelled to declare his religion, the Bombay high court ruled on 23rd September while hearing a PIL seeking direction to the Maharashtra government to not insist on declaration of religion on official forms and documents.
The petition was filed by Dr Ranjeet Mohite, Kishore Nazare and Subhash Ranaware, who claimed to be members of Full Gospel Church of God, which they said had more than 4,000 members. Though they believe in Jesus Christ, they do not believe in Christianity or any other religion.
They approached the state printing press, seeking to issue a gazette notification that said that they were not Christians and belonged to "no religion". The state rejected their application forcing them to file a PIL in the HC.
The HC reminded the governments that India is a secular, democratic republic with no state religion. The court held that no state authority could infringe upon a persons fundamental right under the Constitution of India (Article 25) of freedom of conscience and freely practicing, professing or propagating a religion.
The HC said that if an individual is told by the state to disclose his religion, he can say that he does not practice or belong to any religion.
No person in India can be compelled to declare his religion, the Bombay high court ruled on 23rd September while hearing a PIL seeking direction to the Maharashtra government to not insist on declaration of religion on official forms and documents.
The petition was filed by Dr Ranjeet Mohite, Kishore Nazare and Subhash Ranaware, who claimed to be members of Full Gospel Church of God, which they said had more than 4,000 members. Though they believe in Jesus Christ, they do not believe in Christianity or any other religion.
They approached the state printing press, seeking to issue a gazette notification that said that they were not Christians and belonged to "no religion". The state rejected their application forcing them to file a PIL in the HC.
The HC reminded the governments that India is a secular, democratic republic with no state religion. The court held that no state authority could infringe upon a persons fundamental right under the Constitution of India (Article 25) of freedom of conscience and freely practicing, professing or propagating a religion.
The HC said that if an individual is told by the state to disclose his religion, he can say that he does not practice or belong to any religion.
Power plants in Telangana
Public sector undertaking Bhel will be executing two thermal projects in Telangana on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis. The state government would be entering into a memorandum of understanding with Bhel for the execution of 800-Mw Kothagudem and 1,080-Mw Manuguru thermal power plants.
Public sector undertaking Bhel will be executing two thermal projects in Telangana on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis. The state government would be entering into a memorandum of understanding with Bhel for the execution of 800-Mw Kothagudem and 1,080-Mw Manuguru thermal power plants.
AP explores setting up Tourism University
Andhra Pradesh chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, has directed the state tourism department to examine the possibility of setting up a travel and tourism university on the lines of New Zealand’s travel and tourism university
The chief minister proposed that courses like tourism, health, cooking, transport, skill development and training for guides and hospitality services could be introduced at the university. He wanted propagation of a culture of treating tourists as guests
Andhra Pradesh chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, has directed the state tourism department to examine the possibility of setting up a travel and tourism university on the lines of New Zealand’s travel and tourism university
The chief minister proposed that courses like tourism, health, cooking, transport, skill development and training for guides and hospitality services could be introduced at the university. He wanted propagation of a culture of treating tourists as guests
India’s first vocational university opened
India's first vocational university, a joint venture between the State of Gujarat and Human Resources (HR) services company TeamLease, began operations this year. The first batch that started in August had 4,000 students.
TeamLease Skills University (TLSU), to begin with, is offering specialisation in three segments-mechatronics, information technology hardware and, finance and business operations. The university will, in future, expand its offering to sectors like retail and hospitality. The university has 20 faculty members. It is based on the 'Community College' model popular in the US.
India has perhaps the highest dropout rate. Every six students out of 10 dropouts by the time they reach 12th standard. Indian higher system has limited its focus on the formal sector which constitutes eight per cent of the labour force. The rest 92 per cent in informal sector is outside the ambit of the universities
TLSU will offer skill-based academic programmes to students with higher secondary or equivalent qualification. TLSU will support Gujarat in its vocational education and training initiatives. The programmes will provide vertical link to graduates of Vocational Higher Secondary Schools as well as ITI candidates, which can synergise enrolment in these institutions.
TeamLease Education Foundation (TLEF) had submitted a proposal for establishing TLSU in Gujarat for which a letter of intent was issued in February 2012. Subsequently, State Assembly passed the Gujarat Private University Act (amendment) on 1st April, 2013, approving the establishment of TLSU.
India's first vocational university, a joint venture between the State of Gujarat and Human Resources (HR) services company TeamLease, began operations this year. The first batch that started in August had 4,000 students.
TeamLease Skills University (TLSU), to begin with, is offering specialisation in three segments-mechatronics, information technology hardware and, finance and business operations. The university will, in future, expand its offering to sectors like retail and hospitality. The university has 20 faculty members. It is based on the 'Community College' model popular in the US.
India has perhaps the highest dropout rate. Every six students out of 10 dropouts by the time they reach 12th standard. Indian higher system has limited its focus on the formal sector which constitutes eight per cent of the labour force. The rest 92 per cent in informal sector is outside the ambit of the universities
TLSU will offer skill-based academic programmes to students with higher secondary or equivalent qualification. TLSU will support Gujarat in its vocational education and training initiatives. The programmes will provide vertical link to graduates of Vocational Higher Secondary Schools as well as ITI candidates, which can synergise enrolment in these institutions.
TeamLease Education Foundation (TLEF) had submitted a proposal for establishing TLSU in Gujarat for which a letter of intent was issued in February 2012. Subsequently, State Assembly passed the Gujarat Private University Act (amendment) on 1st April, 2013, approving the establishment of TLSU.
IKEA to set up shop in Hyderabad
Swedish furniture retailer Ikea on 24th September signed a MoU with the Telangana government to open its first outlet in Hyderabad. The company’s retail outlets have a standard design and each location entails an investment of $100 million (around Rs 610 crore). In addition, the backward integration of supplier linkage will have a positive bearing on local economy, the government said.
The chief minister suggested to the company representatives that they should tie up with local artisans hailing from traditional handicraft places like Nirmal and Pembarti in the state and also source the raw material from within the state.
Swedish furniture retailer Ikea on 24th September signed a MoU with the Telangana government to open its first outlet in Hyderabad. The company’s retail outlets have a standard design and each location entails an investment of $100 million (around Rs 610 crore). In addition, the backward integration of supplier linkage will have a positive bearing on local economy, the government said.
The chief minister suggested to the company representatives that they should tie up with local artisans hailing from traditional handicraft places like Nirmal and Pembarti in the state and also source the raw material from within the state.
National Taxation Tribunal law is unconstitutional, rules
apex court
The Supreme Court on 25th September declared as unconstitutional a law under which a national tribunal was to be set up to decide tax-related cases by taking away the jurisdiction of High Courts in such matters.
All about National Tax Tribunal Act
Under this act a tribunal was set up to decide tax-related cases by taking away jurisdiction of high courts in such matters. The tribunal was set up under the Act to speed up decisions in tax disputes. However, the 2005 law was stuck in litigation in high courts. All cases were transferred to the Supreme Court for a final decision.
The Supreme Court on 25th September declared as unconstitutional a law under which a national tribunal was to be set up to decide tax-related cases by taking away the jurisdiction of High Courts in such matters.
All about National Tax Tribunal Act
Under this act a tribunal was set up to decide tax-related cases by taking away jurisdiction of high courts in such matters. The tribunal was set up under the Act to speed up decisions in tax disputes. However, the 2005 law was stuck in litigation in high courts. All cases were transferred to the Supreme Court for a final decision.
Govt. to spend Rs. 50l for revival of irrigation tanks
The Telangana government would spend up to Rs 50 lakh for the revival of each irrigation tank and lake in the state, CM K Chandrasekhar Rao announced on 25th September. According to him the Kakatiya kings implemented watershed development and management in the 11th century. Until recently, up to 17 lakh acres in the state were irrigated by tanks and lakes.
The government has also decided to add strength to the irrigation department and hence would soon sanction additional posts as superintending engineer for each district and ensure the availability of an additional engineer and to two work inspectors for each mandal.
The Telangana government would spend up to Rs 50 lakh for the revival of each irrigation tank and lake in the state, CM K Chandrasekhar Rao announced on 25th September. According to him the Kakatiya kings implemented watershed development and management in the 11th century. Until recently, up to 17 lakh acres in the state were irrigated by tanks and lakes.
The government has also decided to add strength to the irrigation department and hence would soon sanction additional posts as superintending engineer for each district and ensure the availability of an additional engineer and to two work inspectors for each mandal.
Chavan quits as Maharashtra CM as Congress reduced to
minority
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan has submitted his resignation to the Governor of Maharashtra, C Vidyasagar Rao on 26th September. His Government had become a minority after the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) withdrew its support to the Chavan government on 25th September. The State goes to the polls on October 15, and by October 21 a new government is likely to be formed.
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan has submitted his resignation to the Governor of Maharashtra, C Vidyasagar Rao on 26th September. His Government had become a minority after the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) withdrew its support to the Chavan government on 25th September. The State goes to the polls on October 15, and by October 21 a new government is likely to be formed.
Antyodaya Yojana started
Union Government on 25th September 2014 launched Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana for urban and rural poor. The Yojana aims at alleviating urban and rural poverty through enhancement of livelihood opportunities through skill development and other means.
The scheme has two components
Union Government on 25th September 2014 launched Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana for urban and rural poor. The Yojana aims at alleviating urban and rural poverty through enhancement of livelihood opportunities through skill development and other means.
The scheme has two components
For Urban area
For Rural area
The Urban component will be implemented by the Union Ministry
of Housing & Urban Poverty
Alleviation while rural component named as Deen Dayal
Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana will be implemented by the Union Ministry of
Rural Development.
Under the Yojana, the Union Ministry of Rural Development
will launch skill development training centres on a large scale to address the
problem of unemployment particularly in rural India.
Other important points
The Yojana aimed at training 10 lakh rural youths for jobs by
2017. The minimum age for entry under the Yojana is 15 years compared to 18
years under the Aajeevika Skills Programme.
Skill development training centres to be launched so as to
address the unemployment problem in the rural area.
The skills imparted under the Yojana will now be benchmarked
against international standards and will complement the Prime Minister’s Make
In India campaign.
The Kaushalya Yojana will also the address the need for
imparting training to the differently-able persons and chip in private players
including international players to impart the skills to the rural youths.
Under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) for
urban areas extends the coverage to all the 4041 statutory cities and towns,
there by covering almost the entire urban population. Currently, all the urban
poverty alleviating programmes covered only 790 towns and cities.
Urban scheme focuses on……..
Imparting skills with an expenditure of 15000 rupees to 18000
rupees on each urban poor
Promotion of self-employment through setting up individual
micro-enterprises and group enterprises with interest subsidy for individual
projects costing 2lakhs rupees and 10 lakhs rupees for group enterprises.
Subsidized interest rate will be 7 percent. Training urban poor to meet the
huge demand from urban citizens by imparting market oriented skills through
City Livelihood Centres. Each Centre would be given a capital grant of 10 lakhs
rupees.
Enabling urban poor form Self-Help Groups for meeting
financial and social needs with a support of 10000 rupees per each group who
would in turn would be helped with bank linkages.
Development of vendor markets besides promotion of skills of
vendors
Construction of permanent shelters for urban homeless and
provision of other essential services.
Swachh Bharat approved for Urban Areas
The Union Cabinet on 24 September 2014 approved Swachh Bharat Mission for Urban Areas. The mission will begin from 2 October 2014 and will be implemented over a period of five years. The mission will be implemented in over 4041 statutory towns of the country and will cost around 62009 crore rupees of which 14623 crore rupees will be borne by the Union Government.
The Mission is the urban component of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and will be implemented by Union Ministry of Urban Development. The rural component of the Mission will be implemented by Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
The Union Cabinet on 24 September 2014 approved Swachh Bharat Mission for Urban Areas. The mission will begin from 2 October 2014 and will be implemented over a period of five years. The mission will be implemented in over 4041 statutory towns of the country and will cost around 62009 crore rupees of which 14623 crore rupees will be borne by the Union Government.
The Mission is the urban component of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and will be implemented by Union Ministry of Urban Development. The rural component of the Mission will be implemented by Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
The Mission includes elimination of open defecation,
conversion of insanitary toilets to pour flush toilets, eradication of manual
scavenging, Municipal Solid Waste Management.
The Programme consists of components for providing (i)
Individual household toilets; (ii) Community and public toilets; and (iii)
Municipal Solid Waste Management in all 4041 statutory towns
It would cover 1.04 crore households, provide 2.5 lakh seats
of community toilets, 2.6 lakh seats of public toilets and solid waste
management facility for all towns.
Antyodya Diwas on September 25th
Union Government declared 25 September as Antyodya Diwas. Antyodya Diwas was observed to mark the 98th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.
Union Government declared 25 September as Antyodya Diwas. Antyodya Diwas was observed to mark the 98th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.
Jayalalithaa convicted in corruption case
In a ruling a trial court on 27th September sentenced Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and three other co-accuseds to four years in jail in an 18-year-old Rs 66.65-crore disproportionate-asset case. Additionally, a penalty of Rs 100 crore was imposed on Jayalalithaa.
The Supreme Court had ruled last year that if a law maker is found guilty of corruption and gets a sentence of more than two years, he or she immediately loses membership of a legislative body. So, conviction and sentencing imply that Jayalalithaa ceases to be a member of the Tamil Nadu legislative Assembly with immediate effect and will not be able to contest elections for the next 10 years (she will not be able to contest polls for six years after completing her jail term).
The other three sentenced are Jayalalithaa’s close aides Sasikala Natarajan, Ilavarasi and foster son Sudhakaran. They will have to pay Rs 10 crore each as fine. If any of the convicted persons fails to pay the fine, he or she will have to serve an additional year in jail.
John Michael D’Cunha, the special court judge, read out the 1,300-page judgment, convicting Jayalalithaa under Section 13 (1) (E) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. She was proved to have misused her office and amassed crores of rupees that were disproportionate with her known sources of income.
In a ruling a trial court on 27th September sentenced Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and three other co-accuseds to four years in jail in an 18-year-old Rs 66.65-crore disproportionate-asset case. Additionally, a penalty of Rs 100 crore was imposed on Jayalalithaa.
The Supreme Court had ruled last year that if a law maker is found guilty of corruption and gets a sentence of more than two years, he or she immediately loses membership of a legislative body. So, conviction and sentencing imply that Jayalalithaa ceases to be a member of the Tamil Nadu legislative Assembly with immediate effect and will not be able to contest elections for the next 10 years (she will not be able to contest polls for six years after completing her jail term).
The other three sentenced are Jayalalithaa’s close aides Sasikala Natarajan, Ilavarasi and foster son Sudhakaran. They will have to pay Rs 10 crore each as fine. If any of the convicted persons fails to pay the fine, he or she will have to serve an additional year in jail.
John Michael D’Cunha, the special court judge, read out the 1,300-page judgment, convicting Jayalalithaa under Section 13 (1) (E) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. She was proved to have misused her office and amassed crores of rupees that were disproportionate with her known sources of income.
Jayalalithaa is the first CM in office to go to jail on
charges of amassing illegal wealth. This will be her second time though - she
was first jailed in 1996 in a case pertaining to irregularities in purchase of
colour TVs.
Former chief ministers who have been jailed for corruption
are Lalu Prasad, Madhu Koda, B S Yeddyurappa, O P Chautala and Jagannath
Mishra.
Lalu Prasad was the first former CM to be imprisoned in a
corruption case. He was first jailed in July 1997 in one of the fodder scam
cases, and then went to jail several times in dozens of cases pertaining to the
scam. He was finally convicted in September last year in one of these cases and
sentenced to five years in jail.
Like Lalu, three-time CM of Bihar Jagannath Mishra was first
jailed in 1997. He too was convicted in September last year and sentenced to
four years in jail
Madhu Koda, the independent MLA who became CM of Jharkhand,
was sent to jail in November 2009, facing charges of having accepted bribes for
allotting mining contracts in the state. He was released on bail after 44
months in jail in July 2013.
Former Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa was charged with
favouring his sons in land allotments during his tenure. A Lokayukta report of
July 2011 found enough evidence to recommend investigation. BSY, as he is
known, was jailed in October 2011 but granted bail after 23 days
Om Prakash Chautala, the former CM of Haryana, was charged
with taking bribes for recruiting more than 3,000 teachers during his term in
office. He, along with son Ajay Chautala and several others, was convicted in
the case in January 2013 and sentenced to 10 years in jail.
The conviction of Jayalalithaa by a Special Court in
Bangalore is a significant vindication of a vital constitutional principle —
that the rule of law be upheld for all citizens including persons in high
public office.
Cabinet nod for president’s rule in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is all set to be brought under President’s rule as the Union Cabinet made a recommendation to the effect on 27th September. The meeting of the Union Cabinet was presided over by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The Cabinet considered the report of the State Governor and decided to recommend the imposition of President’s rule in Maharashtra after the resignation of Prithviraj Chavan as Chief Minister on 26th September after the 15-year-old Congress-NCP alliance came to a close over the issue of seat-sharing. Mr. Chavan’s resignation was accepted by Governor Vidyasagar Rao on 27th September.
President's rule refers to Article 356 of the Constitution of India deals with the failure of the constitutional machinery of an Indian state. In the event that government in a state is not able to function as per the Constitution, the state comes under the direct control of the central government, with executive authority exercised through the Governor instead of a Council of Ministers headed by an elected Chief Minister accountable to the state legislature. Article 356 is invoked if there has been failure of the constitutional machinery in any state of India. During President's rule, the Governor has the authority to appoint retired civil servants or other administrators, to assist him
Maharashtra is all set to be brought under President’s rule as the Union Cabinet made a recommendation to the effect on 27th September. The meeting of the Union Cabinet was presided over by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The Cabinet considered the report of the State Governor and decided to recommend the imposition of President’s rule in Maharashtra after the resignation of Prithviraj Chavan as Chief Minister on 26th September after the 15-year-old Congress-NCP alliance came to a close over the issue of seat-sharing. Mr. Chavan’s resignation was accepted by Governor Vidyasagar Rao on 27th September.
President's rule refers to Article 356 of the Constitution of India deals with the failure of the constitutional machinery of an Indian state. In the event that government in a state is not able to function as per the Constitution, the state comes under the direct control of the central government, with executive authority exercised through the Governor instead of a Council of Ministers headed by an elected Chief Minister accountable to the state legislature. Article 356 is invoked if there has been failure of the constitutional machinery in any state of India. During President's rule, the Governor has the authority to appoint retired civil servants or other administrators, to assist him
Centre asks states to improve school health coverage
Human Resource Development Ministry asked states and UT’s to strengthen the implementation of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakran (RBSK) and Weekly Iron Folic Acid (WIFS), in recent times it found that coverage under the RBSK and the WIFS low against the enrolment figures of children in schools. HRD asked to implement these schemes along with Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme.
The RBSK and the WIFS are two health-related interventions under the National Health Mission. New-borns to 18-year-olds are screened for birth defects, diseases, deficiencies, development delays and disabilities under the RBSK…..
Human Resource Development Ministry asked states and UT’s to strengthen the implementation of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakran (RBSK) and Weekly Iron Folic Acid (WIFS), in recent times it found that coverage under the RBSK and the WIFS low against the enrolment figures of children in schools. HRD asked to implement these schemes along with Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme.
The RBSK and the WIFS are two health-related interventions under the National Health Mission. New-borns to 18-year-olds are screened for birth defects, diseases, deficiencies, development delays and disabilities under the RBSK…..
Children above the age of six are screened through school
education programmes and pre-schoolers at Anganwadi Centres.
The WIFS programme seeks to address the high prevalence of
anaemia among adolescents — particularly girls — by providing them weekly Iron
Folic Acid (IFA) tablets.
Data submitted by States and UTs for the annual work plan and budget for the MDM programme for the ongoing fiscal has shown inadequate coverage of the two health interventions. Some of the States which lagged behind on this count last year included undivided Andhra Pradesh, Bihar (where health coverage was as low as 17 per cent and IFA distribution 16 per cent), Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
To improve school health coverage, the HRD Ministry has asked……….
All States and UTs to put in place institutional mechanisms
for effective convergence of the RBSK and the WIFS with the three main school
education programmes — Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, MDM and Rashtriya Madhyamik
Shiksha Abhiyan.
In a letter, Secretary (School Education & Literacy) in
the HRD Ministry, Rajarshi Bhattacharya, has suggested the designation of a
nodal officer for school health in the Education Department of all States and
UTs, proper micro plans for school health check-ups, and proper modality for
timely collection and storage of monthly IFA tablets.
Uttarakhand submits Ganga action plan to centre
The Uttarakhand government on 17th September submitted its Rs 9,478-crore action plan to the Centre to clean the Ganga from Gaumukh to Haridwar in the state. The government had mentioned 13 broad proposals through which the river could be cleaned. However, there was no mention of cleaning highly polluted rivers such as Rispana and Bindal in Dehradun that are causing huge pollution in the Ganga.
Among the proposals, the government said…
The Uttarakhand government on 17th September submitted its Rs 9,478-crore action plan to the Centre to clean the Ganga from Gaumukh to Haridwar in the state. The government had mentioned 13 broad proposals through which the river could be cleaned. However, there was no mention of cleaning highly polluted rivers such as Rispana and Bindal in Dehradun that are causing huge pollution in the Ganga.
Among the proposals, the government said…
It would create new sewage systems at 132 locations in the
state at a cost of Rs 7,634 crore.
Pledged to construct 590,000 new toilet facilities at 730
locations at a cost of Rs 219 crore.
Biodigester mobile toilets along the Chardham yatra route
would also be constructed.
Will create new solid waste management systems at a cost of
Rs 829.66 crore but did not elaborate how it will collect the garbage in the
state where millions of pilgrims and tourists visit every year.
The government also committed to setting up common effluent
treatment plants at various locations to check the industrial pollution in the
river Ganga.
A total of 159 locations have been identified in the state
along the river and its tributaries where new crematoriums could be built.
Plan to reduce infant mortality
The Centre on 18th September launched a programme to reduce infant mortality and bring down the number of deaths to a single digit by 2030 from the current 29 deaths per 1,000 live births. The ‘India Newborn Action Plan (INAP),’ inaugurated by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, is the first step towards arresting infant deaths.
Asserting that India can reduce the deaths through “simple, cost-effective interventions” before and immediately after delivery, Dr. Vardhan said of the 2.8 million who die at birth worldwide, India contributes seven lakh. “These are preventable deaths and now we have an action plan to do it. I don’t believe in long-range targets. We must achieve our goal within a short time,” he said.
INAP has been prepared with the help of expertise drawn from distinguished members of a Technical Resource Group
The programme will be implemented under the existing Reproductive, Maternal, Child Health and Adolescents Plus (RMNCHA+) framework. The Minister said it would be carried out with the extensive outreach mechanisms used for fighting polio.
The Centre on 18th September launched a programme to reduce infant mortality and bring down the number of deaths to a single digit by 2030 from the current 29 deaths per 1,000 live births. The ‘India Newborn Action Plan (INAP),’ inaugurated by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, is the first step towards arresting infant deaths.
Asserting that India can reduce the deaths through “simple, cost-effective interventions” before and immediately after delivery, Dr. Vardhan said of the 2.8 million who die at birth worldwide, India contributes seven lakh. “These are preventable deaths and now we have an action plan to do it. I don’t believe in long-range targets. We must achieve our goal within a short time,” he said.
INAP has been prepared with the help of expertise drawn from distinguished members of a Technical Resource Group
The programme will be implemented under the existing Reproductive, Maternal, Child Health and Adolescents Plus (RMNCHA+) framework. The Minister said it would be carried out with the extensive outreach mechanisms used for fighting polio.
Mahabubnagar turns investment hub
According to Government of Telangana three Multinatinal companies will invest in Mahabubnagar district of the state. The companies are Procter and Gamble, Johnson and Johnson and Cogent
CM of state Chandra Sekhar Rao on 18th September inaugurated two manufacturing facilities of Cogent (Rs. 200 crore) and Procter and Gamble (Rs. 900 crore) also laid foundation stone for another Rs. 400 crore manufacturing facility of another industrial giant Johnson and Johnson.
Procter and Gamble set up its manufacturing unit in 170 acres of land
Johnson and Johnson unit for which Mr. Rao laid the foundation in Kothur with an investment of Rs 400 crore would provide employment to nearly 1,500 people. The company had also indicated to Mr. Rao that it could look at an additional investment of nearly Rs 4,000 crore in its phase two expansion, sources in the CMO disclosed. This world class facility would manufacture personal hygiene and skin care products, according to its Managing Director Vikas Srivastava.
According to Government of Telangana three Multinatinal companies will invest in Mahabubnagar district of the state. The companies are Procter and Gamble, Johnson and Johnson and Cogent
CM of state Chandra Sekhar Rao on 18th September inaugurated two manufacturing facilities of Cogent (Rs. 200 crore) and Procter and Gamble (Rs. 900 crore) also laid foundation stone for another Rs. 400 crore manufacturing facility of another industrial giant Johnson and Johnson.
Procter and Gamble set up its manufacturing unit in 170 acres of land
Johnson and Johnson unit for which Mr. Rao laid the foundation in Kothur with an investment of Rs 400 crore would provide employment to nearly 1,500 people. The company had also indicated to Mr. Rao that it could look at an additional investment of nearly Rs 4,000 crore in its phase two expansion, sources in the CMO disclosed. This world class facility would manufacture personal hygiene and skin care products, according to its Managing Director Vikas Srivastava.
Punjab’s rural water supply scheme rated the best
The 16 World Bank mission while rating praising Punjab's implementation of of a Rs. 1280 crore Punjab Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (PRWSS) project Phase-I as the best in the country. The project has not only exceeded the implementation targets under water supply component by 127%, but was also providing water connections to each household in a village but also runs about 50 schemes daily.
These observations were made by a WB team led by S. Poddipireddy during a meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to assess the progress made under the ongoing World Bank aided project.
Mr Poddipireddy said that water meters have been installed in 196 villages and more than 961 villages implemented under the project have achieved 100 per cent connectivity with each house having a tap installed. In 2083 villages, Gram Panchayat Water and Sanitation Committees (GPWSCs) have been established where villagers operate and maintain their schemes on sustainable basis without any financial assistance from the government. Some villages have also generated funds ranging from one to 10 lakh to operate and maintain the projects in their villages.
The 16 World Bank mission while rating praising Punjab's implementation of of a Rs. 1280 crore Punjab Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (PRWSS) project Phase-I as the best in the country. The project has not only exceeded the implementation targets under water supply component by 127%, but was also providing water connections to each household in a village but also runs about 50 schemes daily.
These observations were made by a WB team led by S. Poddipireddy during a meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to assess the progress made under the ongoing World Bank aided project.
Mr Poddipireddy said that water meters have been installed in 196 villages and more than 961 villages implemented under the project have achieved 100 per cent connectivity with each house having a tap installed. In 2083 villages, Gram Panchayat Water and Sanitation Committees (GPWSCs) have been established where villagers operate and maintain their schemes on sustainable basis without any financial assistance from the government. Some villages have also generated funds ranging from one to 10 lakh to operate and maintain the projects in their villages.
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