121 VILLAGES WILL BE COVERED UNDER RGGVY IN WEST DISTRICT

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU-CUM-IC

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

GANGTOK

***



3rd DAY OF BHARAT NIRMAN CAMPAIGN



121 VILLAGES WILL BE COVERED UNDER RGGVY IN WEST DISTRICT



27 March, 2008

Camp : Geyzing





In West Sikkim, 6408 rural household are to be provided electricity under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna (RGGVY) which includes 2977 BPL households. Addressing the technical session on rural power, Chief Engineer, Shri G Targain said there are eight villages in the district where electricity is yet to be provided. 121 villages will be covered under RGGVY. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 4271.00 lakhs. Elaborating on the scheme Shri Targain said the involvement of the panchayat will also be taken once a franchise will be set up at the village level to seek an involvement of the people in maintaining power services. (PIB)



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jn/skm………………….////////////////////////////

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

SIX DAY CHINESE FILM FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW

New Delhi: Thursday, March 27, 2008



A Festival of Chinese Films will be held from March 28 to April 2, 2008 in Sirifort Auditorium II, New Delhi. Organised by the Directorate of Film Festivals, Government of India and Film Bureau, China State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the Festival would showcase eight films from China.



The Festival will be jointly inaugurated by Mr. Zhang Yan, China's ambassador to India, Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, Ms. Asha Swarup and Mr. Tong Gang, Director General, China State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT). Formal inaugural will be followed by the screening of film 'Gun of Mercy' directed by Xiao Feng. A nine-member Chinese delegation headed by Mr.Tong Gang, Director General, SARFT will be present in India during the Festival.



Entry for the public is on passes available free and on 'first come first served' basis. However entry at the inauguration and opening film is by special invitation only.



Chinese cinema industry: Since its very first motion picture,"Conquering the Jun Mountain (Ding Jun Shan)" made in 1905, the Chinese cinema has traveled a century long path of glory. Over the past century, the Chinese cinema has evolved from its very beginning to today's complete industry engaged in film production, theatrical distribution and exhibition and development of post-theatrical market such as DVD, internet, VOD, cable, merchandizing etc.



China has more than 100 films studios and production companies of different sizes. The year 2007 saw a total production of 402 feature films and a considerable amount of science and educational films, documentary films and animation films, setting up the biggest record in history. By the end of 2007, China had 1,427 well-facilitated theatres in urban areas of the country, operating total of 3,527 screens, among which 493 were set up in 2007 alone. In addition, the CCTV Movie Channel broadcasts 12 features films, both domestic and foreign, on daily basis, covering over 700 million TV viewers across the country.



The Chinese cinema has witnessed increasing enhancement in international arena, particularly after worldwide release of Chinese hits like THE KNOT, THE ASSEMBLY AND KEKEXILI, among others, which are well received by the world audience. In 2007, 29 Chinese films received 49 accolades on 19 international occasions.



rs/dk-s.pandey/kol/17:33 hrs.





Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Environment and Forests

PROTECTED AREAS FOR RHINOCEROS

New Delhi: Thursday, March 27, 2008



There are 8 protected areas in the country for protection of Rhinoceros. Five areas National Parks and Three are Wildlife Sanctuaries. Out of this 5 protected areas are in Assam two in West Bengal and 1 in UP. The estimated population of Rhinoceros in Assam is more than 2000, 135 in West Bengal and 27 in UP. In the State of Assam, Kaziranga National Park has recorded 1855 Rhino, Manas National Park has 4, Orang National Park has 68, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has 81, and Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary has recorded 1 Rhino. Except Manas National Park were the estimation was made during 2008, rest of the National Parks and Santuries had estimated the population during 2006.



In West Bengal, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary has recorded 108 and Gorumara National Park has recorded 27 Rhinoceros in the year 2006.



Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh has recorded 27 Rhinoceros during 2008.



The Government has taken many steps for upkeep and protection of Rhinos as well as the State Government has also taken measures to protect wild animals and prevent poaching of Rhinoceros.



1. The Central Government has enacted the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to deal with the issues of wildlife crime. Stringent penalties are imposed on the offenders for the contravention of the provisions of the Act.



2. A network of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries has been set up across the country to protect wildlife.



3. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, with a network of five Regional and three Sub Regional Offices, has been set up to control wildlife crime.



4. Financial support is being provided under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes –Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries, Project Tiger and Project Elephant, to State/UT Governments for the conservation and development of wildlife and its habitats including those of rhinoceros.



5. India is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) that regulates international trade in wildlife and its derivatives.



6. India has bilateral arrangements with China and Nepal on combating wildlife crime.



The measures taken by State Governments are Intensive patrolling in sensitive areas and filling up of vacant posts, Coordination with other law enforcement agencies, Provision for arms and ammunition, and communication facilities, Conducting nature awareness campaigns for the public and Soliciting cooperation from the local communities.



kp/hb/dk-s.pandey/kol/17:33 hrs.
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU-CUM-IC+

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

GANGTOK

***



3rd DAY OF BHARAT NIRMAN CAMPAIGN



REMOTE AREAS OF SIKKIM ARE TO BE CONNECTED BY DIGITAL SATELLITE PHONE TERMINAL



27 March, 2008

Camp : Geyzing



Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has already installed Wireless in Local Loop services (WLL) in Geyzing to cover the surrounding uncovered areas with rural telephone. Within this year WLL will also be installed in Pelling. This was informed by Divisional Engineer, Shri Vinay Kumar Kokade on the 3rd Day of the Public Information Campaign at the Community Hall, Geyzing. He said broadband service equipment has already been installed in Geyzing and services will begin soon. Broadband will also begin in Heegaon soon. Briefing on mobile services, Shri Kokade said, a tower has been installed in Tashiding to cover services in Tashiding, Lower Pelling and Kechipuri area. Later the services will also be extended to Heegaon, Yoksom and Uttarey. In very remote areas where landline and mobile connections are not possible BSNL will provide Digital Satellite Phone Terminal. He added that 52 towers have been installed in Sikkim to provide mobile services, 18 for WLL and broadband equipment has been provided for 11 exchanges .



Providing rural telephony is an integral part of Bharat Nirman Programme of the Central Government. In this regard, a target has been set to cover 62000 villages all over the country with telephony services, which includes providing 14000 Digital Satellite Phone Terminal (DSPT) in remote parts of the country.(PIB)



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jn/skm

photo attached: Caption : Resource persons on the third day of PIC, Geyzing


Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
CRUELTY ON ANIMALS

New Delhi : March 27, 2008

Maximum number of cases pertaining to cruelty to animals in the country have been reported from West Bengal. More than, 17,000 such cases were reported during the year 2006-07. West Bengal also tops in cruelty to animals during last 3 years i.e. 2004-05 to 2006-07. During this 3 years 40,000 animals were reported for facing cruelty. Delhi stands second followed by Uttar Pradesh in this cruelty. During last 3 years, 1389, 1572 and 1826 cases were reported respectively in Delhi. During the same period less than 4,000 cases were reported from Uttar Pradesh. 1541 cases were reported during 2004-05, 1296 cases during 2005-06 and 1127 cases were reported during 2006-07 in Uttar Pradesh.
During the year 2006-07, 255 cases of animal cruelty were reported in Haryana, 79 in Kerala, 71 in Andhra Pradesh and 65 in Chhattisgarh.
The number of persons convicted in this regard were highest in Uttar Pradesh followed by Delhi and West Bengal respectively. 4265 persons were convicted during 2004-05, 3338 were convicted during 2005-06 and 3037 were convicted during 2006-07 where as, 1389, 1570 and 1838 persons were convicted in Delhi during same respective period.
The Government has made provisions to check such incidents. The Preventions of cruelty to animals (PCA) Act, 1960 was enacted by the Central Government to prevent infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals. Prevention of Cruelty falls in the Concurrent List of the Constitution and hence the appropriate law enforcement machinery are the State Government/Local Authorities. Animal welfare Board of India (AWBI), the statutory body under the Ministry of Environment & Forests addresses all the State Governments to enforce the provisions regarding cruelties to animals and to book the offenders suitably.

KP/Hb /:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel3_27Mar)



Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
Backgrounder
TERMS, CONDITIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR NGOS TO PARTICIPATE IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH PROJECTS

New Delhi : March 27, 2008

An Environmental Project is normally sanctioned for a maximum of three years. The grant is payable in two installments each year on submission of Utilization Certificates, Expenditure Statement and Progress Reports. In the case of collaborative research carried out by a network of institutions, the Coordinating Institution is considered responsible for submission of the Utilization Certificate and Expenditure Statement and Progress Reports covering all the partners. The authorities of the institution(s) where the research activities are to be carried out receive the grants and are responsible for their disbursement, administration, and maintenance of accounts.

In case any Investigator (including Lead or Principal Investigator) leaves the institute, responsibility for completion of the project is entrusted to another equally qualified Investigator by the Head of the Institution with approval of the Ministry, at no additional cost.

All accounts in respect of the project are subject to audit by the institution auditors. On termination of the project, the duly audited accounts has to be submitted and the unspent balance, if any has to be refunded to the Ministry of Environment & Forests within six calendar months of completion of the project. Full and final payment is made after the acceptance of all the financial certificates, audit reports and final technical reports of the project. Ten (10) percent of the sanctioned amount is released only on completion of all closure formalities.
During the course of implementation of the project, the Ministry of Environment & Forests deputes its staff or scientists from other institutions to visit the research institution(s) concerned to review progress.
The selection, and appointment of Junior Research Fellows/Senior Research Fellows/Emeritus Scientists/Support Staff for the project is made by the Principal/Lead Investigator in terms of the procedures of the concerned Institutions for periods not exceeding the sanctioned duration of the project. The Qualification and experience should be followed as per the DST guidelines.
Staff appointed for the research project is subject to the administrative control and service rules as applicable at the institute where they are appointed.
In respect of particular research projects, at the time of sanction, the Ministry may prescribe requirements of prior approval by the Ministry before submitting for publication or conference presentation, papers or articles based on the Project.
There is a provision to terminate the project also in case of unsatisfactory progress. In the event, after due enquiry, the Ministry concludes that the progress of a research Project is highly unsatisfactory and cannot be improved, it may terminate the Project. Upon such termination, full audited accounts and refund of all unspent balances will have to be made promptly to the Ministry.
All equipment and stores purchased out of the grant would remain with the institution concerned unless otherwise specified in the sanction. However, the grantee organization will submit the list of assets acquired under the project as per the prescribed proforma. The terms “Assets” here means (a) immovable property and (b) movable property of a capital nature where the value exceeds Rs. 10,000/-.
International travel, even if provided for in the project budget, will require prior approval of the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
The Research Fellows and Investigators have freedom to pursue a research degree while working on the project. They are free to utilize the research outputs of the project towards their degree requirements, except in cases where the sanction would provide that the research results are classified.
The project becomes operative with effect from the date of receipt of the First Demand Draft by the grantee organization. The date of receipt of the Demand Draft is intimated by the Principal Investigator to the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
The projects normally gets sanction normally for a specified period, i.e. maximum three years in exceptional cases extension is granted upto a maximum period of one year. Any request for extension of the project should be sent by Project Incharge (PI) to the Ministry at least three months before the closing date. The PI should not make any expenditure after the closing date without specific approval of the Ministry or till the extension is conveyed to him. If such extension does not involve change in scope of the project, no additional funds are sanctioned.
Sharing of Intellectual Property Rights between the Government of India and the Institution(s) and research staff participating in the project is specified in the sanction order based on Guidelines of the CSIR.
It is mandatory for the Principal Investigator to submit three hard copies and one soft copy of the progress report of the project at the end of the each year to the Contact Person for Annual Review of the project.
The grantee organization(s) have to furnish 5 copies of the Final Technical Report, including Executive Summary, alongwith a soft copy, to the Ministry. The FTR will be subject to review by the Thematic Peer Group.
Non-Governmental Organizations seeking financial assistance for research projects shall execute a Bond in the prescribed format .
All correspondence has to be addressed to the Contact Person specified for the concerned Research Programme.
The Peer reviewers are given honorarium @ Rs. 600/- per project for providing expert comments on the project.

KP/Hb/:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel3_27Mar)








PIB Kolkata

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
WAIVER OF CEILING OF RS.1000 CRORE FOR EQUITY INVESTMENTS BY NTPC LTD. TO ESTABLISH FINANCIAL JVS AND WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES FOR PROJECTS FOR WHICH BIDDING ROUTE IS ADOPTED BY STATE POWER UTILITIES / DISTRIBUTION LICENSEES

New Delhi : March 27, 2008

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for waiving the ceiling of Rs.1000 crore for equity investment by NTPC Ltd. to establish financial joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries in India or abroad for participating in the bidding called by State Utilities / Distribution licensees under case 2 of the bidding guidelines for setting up power projects (subject to the implementation of maximum 10 projects).

The approved delegation will facilitate participation of NTPC in the bidding for the development of power projects initiated by utilities and result in greater competition and establishment of more public sector power projects.
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RCJ/SH/LV /:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel2_27Mar)




Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
REVISION IN BLOCK GRANT FOR THE SEVEN INDIAN INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY (IITS) AND INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE ( IISC.) , BANGALORE
New Delhi : March 27, 2008

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to increase the Block Grant for the seven IITs and IISc., Bangalore, from the year 2007-08 over and above the level approved by the Cabinet on 16.6.2005, by an ad hoc amount.

Of the increased amount, Rs. 73.00 crores will be released during the year 2007-08. The balance increase of Rs. 72.5 crores due for 2007-08 will be released in 2008-09 along with the ad hoc Block Grant for financial year 2008-09.

The Cabinet also gave its approval for undertaking of comprehensive exercise, ahead of time to revise the Block Grant scheme in a rational manner.

The decision will help in restoring the financial health of IITs and IISc., Bangalore.
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RCJ/SH/LV /:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel2_27Mar)
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
PROPOSAL OF M/S. DAIMLER AG GERMANY FOR PERMISSION TO ENTER INTO A JOINT VENTURE WITH HERO GROUP INDIA WITH A FOREIGN INVESTMENT OF RS.1650 CR

New Delhi : March 27, 2008

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for setting up a Joint Venture by M/s. Dailmer AG, Germany (DAG) to jointly incorporate a company, a Technology License Agreement and other agreements with Hero Group India with an investment of Rs.1650 crore constituting 60% of the equity capital for the purpose of designing, manufacturing and selling of commercial vehicles above 2.0T GVW for Indian domestic markets and overseas markets. The JV will also be sourcing components from India for Daimler’s global requirements. The JV would also undertake research and development activity for new products and variants.

FDI amounting to Rs.1650 crore (Approx.) will be received in the country.
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RCJ/SH/LV /:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel2_27Mar)




Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
DEVELOPMENT AND UPGRADATION/RENOVATION OF COMPETITION/TRAINING VENUES FOR XIX CWG 2010

New Delhi : March 27, 2008

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval of expenditure budget on Plan side of Rs.257.41 crore and phasing thereof, of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for development and upgradation/renovation of Competition Venue / Training Venues at Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia University and DPS, R K Puram. The break up will be as follows:

Delhi University:


Stadium for Rugby 7s Competition events;

Multi purpose training hall for Netball and Boxing;

Indoor Hall as Training Venue for Women Wrestling;

Outdoor Track and Field as Training venue for Athletics (1 Nos);

Rugby Training Fields (7 Nos) and

Necessary basic infrastructure for these venues.


Total projected cost of all the above projects is 222.27 crore and M/s. Engineers India Limited has been engaged for executing this project.


Jamia Millia University:

Indoor Hall as Training venue for Table Tennis;

Training field for Rugby 7s (1 No.);

Necessary basic infrastructure for these venues.


Total projected cost of all the above projects is Rs.34.28 crore and M/s. RITES Ltd. has been engaged for executing this project.


Delhi Public School, R K Puram:

Lawn Bowls Training Fields (2 Nos.) with projected cost of Rs.1.74 crore. The project would be executed by CPWD.

These venues will contribute to the successful organization of the CWG2010. All the above venues will be completed by December, 2009.
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RCJ/SH/LV /:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel2_27Mar)














Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
RAILWAYS TO INVEST MORE THAN 160 MILLION US DOLLARS FOR MODERNIZATION OF WORKSHOPS AND PROCUREMENT OF MACHINES

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON ‘WORKSHOP MODERNIZATION & NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN MACHINES TOOLS’ INAUGURATED
New Delhi : March 27, 2008

The Indian Railways is expected to invest approximately 23.5 million US dollars for procurement of machines and approximately 140 million US dollars for modernisation of workshops over the next one year. This was stated by Shri R.K. Rao, Member Mechanical while inaugurating a two-day International Seminar on “Railway Workshop Modernisation & New technology in Machine Tools” organized by the Institute of Rolling Stock Engineers, COFMOW Chapter, here today. Shri Rao said that now the concept of ‘workshop modernisation’ itself has undergone a sea change The rapidly growing Indian economy is making huge demands on the infrastructure and logistics and the sprawling rail network of the Indian Railways has a definite edge in providing the most critical input to the economy namely transportation. To retain this edge improve further, the Indian Railways have a massive investment plant of Rs. 2,50,000 crore for the 11th Five Year Plan i.e Rs. 50,000 crore a year, Shri Rao said.
A separate oerganisation by the name of COFMOW (the Central Organization for Modernization of Workshops) dedicated to modernizing age-old workshops, was set up with a World Bank loan in 1979. The initial task was to replace individual machines of pre-independence vintage on the condition basis. When this did not suffice, phased replacement of machines was resorted to an later machines were procured in batches as manufacturing lines for production of specific products with a predefined cycle.
Indian Railways is one of the single biggest units under one umbrella in the world. It has more than 50 independent Mechanical Engineering Workshops and Production Units which undertake manufacturing, overhaul and repair activities for locomotives, coaches, wagons and other railway assets. Institute of Rolling Stock Engineers has been actively engaged in dissemination of Railway Engineering knowledge among its members, industry and users through a large pool of distinguished technical experts. It provides an opportunity to its member industries to gain from larger context and knowledge pool.
During the two-day seminar, 30 papers will be presented by foreign as well as Indian Speakers who are leaders in their respective fields. Mr. Angelo Santanera from Italy, Mr. Rik Noppe from Belgium, Mr. Hofmann Matthias from Germany, Mr. Kumar Balan from Canada and Mr. Daniele Romanini from Italy are few of the distinguished speakers attending the seminar besides officers of Indian Railways who are responsible for production and maintenance of Railways rolling stock as well as machine tool maintenance in workshops and production units, RDSO, Railway Board and various PSUs. The Speakers would cover the areas concerning wheel machining automation, metal forming, metal cutting, metal finishing, rescue devices, measurement tools and role of simulators. The prominent foreign companies participating in the seminar are M/s Safop (Italy), M/s Fooke (Germany), M/s LVD Belgium (Italy), M/s Pama (Italy), M/s Niles (Germany), M/s Legris (France), M/s Jordi (Spain) and M/s Danobat (Spain).
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AKS/HK/LK/TR /:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel2_27Mar)
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
RITES & PFC ADDRESS TO THE POWER DEFICIT

New Delhi : March 27, 2008

RITES Ltd, a multi-disciplinary public sector enterprise has joined hands with Power Finance Corporation (PFC) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to have right fuel and cost effective transportation system for movement of the fuel within the country and import of the same.
RITES has expertise and long experience in engineering design development & consultancy services in all facets of transport technology and infrastructure and has excellent knowledge and understanding of Indian and foreign market especially in railway, road, bridges, property development and building construction. At present, RITES is involved in the concessioning project in Tanzania and Mozambique where it is engaged in the rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of the railway network for 25 years. RITES has 51 per cent and 26 per cent stakes in these countries respectively.
PFC is a Public Financial Institution and Non-Banking Financial Company engaged in providing fund and non-fund based support to various power utilities in power sector engaged in generation, transmission and distribution of power in India. Both the parties realize that the Indian economy has grown rapidly over the past decade with corresponding increase in the demand for energy and power. To meet the ever-increasing demand and to sustain existing growth, country needs to use the available resources and power conservatively.
Coal is likely to be the main fuel for power generation as there is uncertainty as regard to availability of gas, its period and cost. In 11th and 12th plan coal and lignite based thermal projects have been identified for capacity addition. Keeping in view the availability of coal in the country, it is felt there will be a mismatch in demand and supply of coal and shortfall in the supply will have to be met through import of coal.
Under the agreement, both the parties are desirous of combining their resources and expertise to facilitate import of coal from African countries and elsewhere, subject to the parties reaching a mutually satisfactory understanding to address the problem of power deficit and to fill the demand and supply gap in availability of coal for the thermal generation plants in India.
PFC has identified funding of coal based thermal power projects as the mainstay for a long term sustainable growth of power sector and Indian economy and feels that there is a urgent need to supplement coal supplies from Indian mines that with imported coal on long term basis at competitive price. RITES, besides being a technical partner will identify the countries from where possibility of owning coal mining exists, excavation and transportation of coal is feasible for export of coal to India. RITES long overseas presence will be of immense help.
Railways constitute the major system of coal transportation in India and coal is the largest single commodity transported by the Railways. RITES being a technical arm of Indian Railways will liaison with Railway authorities for carrying and expediting sectoral studies, development of suitable plans and ensure adequate rail network for coal movement, development of new rail links with Ports connectivity.
Both the parties shall make joint efforts with concerned agencies for augmentation of port capacity to meet the increased demand, early completion of the existing projects and Port connectivity through seamless hinterland road and rail development to meet requirement of imported coal. Provide advisory services to Indian companies in acquiring mining rights. SPV, if required, would be formed which would along with local company acquire mining rights, out source the mining of coal and import the same to India for selling. Other Indian / foreign partners could also join the SPVs to be formed for the above objective, with the mutual consent of PFC and RITES whenever required.

RKS/HK/LK/TR /:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel2_27Mar)
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
MULTI-SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR MINORITY CONCENTRATION DISTRICTS

New Delhi : March 27, 2008


The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for introducing a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely ‘Multi-sectoral Development Programme’ for minority concentration districts, with 100% central assistance, during the XIth Five Year Plan with an estimated expenditure of Rs.3780.00 crore.
The programme aims at improving the socio-economic parameters and basic amenities in these districts for improving the quality of life of the people and reducing imbalances in line with priority attached to inclusive growth. Absolutely critical infrastructure linkages like connecting roads, basic health infrastructure, ICDS centres, skill development and marketing facilities required for improving living conditions and economic opportunities and catalyzing the growth process would also be eligible for inclusion in the plan.
The focus on this programme will be on rural and semi-rural areas of the identified 90 minority concentration districts. Financial assistance would made available to these districts to address the ‘development deficits’ that were either not met fully by existing schemes / programmes or catered to by any scheme / programme of the State or Central Government. The programme will be implemented by the Panchayati raj institutions / line departments / agencies / Scheduled Area councils in accordance with the implementation mechanism in practice in the State/UT.
A suitable monitoring system would be put in place. An independent in-depth evaluation would be made after two years to assess the need for any mid-term correction.
The releases will be subject to a commitment form the State Government/UT Administration that they will be constituting a State Level Committee / District Level Committee for implementation of the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities, if not already done. State/UT would also notify a department in the State/UT with clear responsibility to deal with schemes for minority welfare. They will have to set up an IT enables cell in that department exclusive to look after the implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of this programme.
As the programme has been included in the XIth Five Year Plan, an amount of Rs.120.00 crore has been earmarked for 2007-08. The expenditure during the XIth Five Year Plan will be as under:
(in Rs.crore)
Year Estimated financial assistance Administrative & allied cost @ 2% Total
2007-08 117.60 2.40 120
2008-09 784.00 16.00 800
2009-2010 1078.00 22.00 1100
2010-2011 1078.00 22.00 1100
2011-12 646.80 13.20 660
Total 3704.40 75.60 3780


Identified ‘development deficits’ would be made up through a district specific plan for provision of better infrastructure for education, sanitation, pucca housing, drinking water and electricity supply, besides beneficiary oriented schemes for creating income generating opportunities.
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RCJ/SH/LV/:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel2_27Mar)

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
CURRENCY SWAP AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND JAPAN

New Delhi : March 27, 2008

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for authorizing the Reserve Bank of India to sign the proposed Currency Swap Agreement with the Bank of Japan to exchange an amount of US $ 3 billion against the respective domestic currency for mitigating short term Balance of Payment (BOP) problem. The actual draw down will be effected by RBI when the Government judges that it should be drawn down, after consulting RBI.

It is an additional arrangement outside IMF to meet for short term liquidity in US $ during a Balance of Payment crisis.

It is a cost effective tool of achieving the strategic objective of demonstrating regional cooperation.
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RCJ/SH/LV /:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel1_27Mar)


Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
CREATION OF A FARMERS’ DEBT RELIEF FUND AND CONTRIBUTIONS THERETO FOR DEBT WAIVER AND DEBT RELIEF TO FARMERS

New Delhi : March 27, 2008

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for creation of a Farmers’ Debt Relief Fund with an initial corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore to be transferred from the Consolidated Fund of India to Public Accounts during the financial year 2007-08 and also gave its approval for augmentation of the Fund required for reimbursing the lending institutions the amount of debt waiver /relief granted by them are as follows :

Rs. 10,000 crore

Rs. 15,000 crore

Rs. 15,000 crore

Rs. 12,000 crore

Rs. 8, 314 crore
_________________________________
Total Rs. 60,314 crore

A scheme of debt waiver / relief has been announced in the Budget Speech 2008-09. The implementation of said scheme will mitigate the hardships being faced by the farmers in general and small and marginal farmers in particular. Upon being granted debt waiver or signing an agreement for debt relief under the One Time Settlement (OTS), the farmer would be entitled to fresh agricultural loans from the Banks in accordance with normal rules.

The implementation of the debt waiver and debt relief scheme will be completed by June 30, 2008.
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RCJ/SH/LV/:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel1_27Mar)






Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
CREATION AND OPERATION OF ‘SOCIAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND’ TOWARDS FUNDING INITIATIVES IN THE SOCIAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS

New Delhi : March 27, 2008

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for continuation of a dedicated Fund called the ‘Social and Infrastructure Development Fund’ beyond 2007-08 for funding the initiatives taken by the Government towards Social and Infrastructure development. The initiatives include upgradation of 1396 ITIs, Training of Farmers, Employment for Physically Challenged, Means cum-Merit Scholarships, Ground Water Recharge, Social Security through provision of death and disability insurance cover through LIC to rural landless households, and support to various institutes of Historical, Cultural, Economic and Agricultural significance, for improving infrastructure.

The fund will be augmented as per requirement of the Government. In the current year 2007-08, an amount of Rs.6000 crore will be transferred to the ‘Social and Infrastructure Development Fund’.

As most of the schemes / programmes envisaged are capital in nature (funds being provided in the form of loans to create a corpus and earnings thereon deployed for funding the initiatives without depleting the corpus), the amount will be continued to be transferred to the Fund from the Capital section of the Consolidated Fund. However, owing to the nature of social sector expenditure, utilization of the Fund for incurring revenue expenditure will also be permitted in deserving cases.
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RCJ/SH/LV /:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel1_27Mar)
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
*****
ESTABLISHMENT OF NORTH EASTERN INSTITUTE OF AYUREDA AND HOMOEOPATHY, SHILLONG, MEHGHALAYA

New Delhi : March 27, 2008

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for establishment of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy in Shillong (Meghalaya) as an autonomous organization under the Department of AYUSH at a cost of Rs. 67.51 crore.

The decision will facilitate promotion of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy, the expansion of health care, improvement in the doctor-population ratio and R&D on bio-resources in the North East. BACKGROUND

There are a total of 225 Ayurveda colleges and 181 Homoeopathy colleges in the country, out of which only one Ayurvedic College in Assam and three Homoeopathy colleges in Assam and Arunachal pradesh are in the North East. There are no teaching institutions in other States of the North East, even though there is considerable demand for Ayurveda and Homoeopathic systems in North Eastern States.

Shillong is a central place in the north East where students and patients from the other North Eastern states can avail the facilities of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy in the proposed institute.
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RCJ/SH/LV /:/.....spandey-dk/kol....(Rel1_27Mar)






PIB Kolkata

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

AVIAN INFLUENZA IN WEST BENGAL




SITUATIONAL REPORT AS ON 26-3-2008 – NO HUMANS AFFECTED

New Delhi: Thursday, March 27, 2008




Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries on 19.03.08 has notified outbreak of Avian Influenza among poultry in Block English Bazar of Malda District.




• The Central RRT is positioned at Malda to oversee the containment measures.




• Active house-to-house surveillance within the 0-3 Km area has started. A population of 9035 has been covered. Eight cases of fever/URI have been detected. None of them had exposure history to the infected poultry.




• A total of 220 animal husbandry workers are under medical supervision and chemoprophylaxis. Seven health personnel involved in surveillance activities are under medical supervision.




• In the earlier notified areas of Jiaganj and Raghunathganj-II blocks a population of 1785 has been covered in 3-10 Km area. No case with fever/URI has been detected. 20 fever/URI cases have reported to the hospitals but none of them had exposure history.




• Adequate stock of Oseltamivir, personal protective equipments are available with the State/district authorities.




• There is no suspect case of human avian influenza.




The situation is being monitored.




Facts may please be verified before putting out news reports in the media. Daily status reports are being web hoisted and could be accessed at www.mohfw.nic.in.




AVC/SK/Avian Influenza – 293/dk/kol/13:45 hrs.


Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

ACC APPROVES KEY APPOINTMENTS

New Delhi: Thursday, March 27, 2008




The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the following appointments/extension:




Shri Raghu Menon, IAS (NL:74) presently Special Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Civil Aviation as Chairman and Managing Director, National Aviation Company of India Limited, Ministry of Civil Aviation.




Smt. Sushma Nath, IAS(MP:74), presently Secretary, Sixth Central Pay Commission, as Secretary Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.




Shri Vivek Mehrotra, IAS(HY:74), presently Special Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs, as Secretary Department of Disinvestment, Ministry of Finance.




Shri K.M. Acharya, IAS(MP: 74), presently Special Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, as Secretary Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.




Smt. Sangita Gairola, IAS (RJ:77), presently in the cadre, as Additional Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.




Shri Viswapati Trivedi, IAS (MP:77), presently Joint Managing Director, National Aviation Company of India Limited, Ministry of Civil aviation, as Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs.




NR/GK/dk/kol/13:45 hrs.


Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Civil Aviation

AAI BEGINS LEGAL DUE DILIGENCE FOR NON-METRO AIRPORTS

New Delhi: Thursday, March 27, 2008




The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has began the process of legal due diligence for non-metro airports with the appointment of Legal Advisor for the process.




The AAI has appointed M/s. M.V. Kini & Co., Mumbai as Legal Advisor for providing legal advisory services for the city side development of the four non-metro airports – Amritsar, Udaipur, Trichi and Vizag. The Legal Adviser will be advising the AAI on all legal matters associated with the successful conduct of the bidding process and execution of the Concession Agreement with the select bidder.




The AAI is currently in the process of finalizing the other transaction documents for the projects.




MC/MK/dk/kol/13:45 hrs.


Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

AMENDMENTS TO THE PREVENTION OF FOOD ADULTERATION RULES 1955

New Delhi: Thursday, March 27, 2008




The Government of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Department of Health has issued a draft notification proposing amendment to standards of rice bran oil under Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955. This notification has been published in Part II, section 3, sub-section (i) of the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) vide GSR No. 106(E) dated 25.2.2008.




By this amendment, it is proposed to revise the unsaponifiable matter as well as lay down the limits of oryzanol content in the standards of rice bran oil.




A time period of thirty days have been given for sending objections/suggestions. The notification is available on the website of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare i.e. http://www.mohfw.nic.in/pfa.htm.




Objections/suggestions, if any on the draft rules, may be sent to the Secretary, Department of Health, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi within the stipulated period.




Ministry of Health & Family Welfare New Delhi, Chaitra 7, 1930; March 27, 2008




AVC/SK/Press note – 294/dk/kol/13:45 hrs.


Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers

MOROCCO TO INCREASE SUPPLY OF ROCK PHOSPHATE AND PHOSPHORIC ACID




SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN MEETS MOROCCAN PRIME MINISTER

New Delhi: Thursday, March 27, 2008







Morocco will significantly enhance the supply of rock phosphate and phosphoric acid to India required for manufacture of DAP and other complex fertilizers. This indication was given in the meeting between the Moroccan Prime Minister, Mr. Abbas El Fassi with Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan, Minister of Chemicals, Fertilizers and Steel at Rabat. In the hour long meeting with the Moroccan Prime Minister, several issues including investment in Morocco by Indian companies in chemicals, fertilizers, steel, automobiles and cooperation in the field of mineral and oil exploration were discussed.




Later, the delegation held a meeting with Mr. Mostafa Terrab, President and CEO of OCP, world's largest supplier of rock phosphate and phosphoric acid, at Casablanca. Mr. Terrab assured that as the leading supplier of rock phosphate and phosphoric acid, OCP would make all possible efforts to ship enhanced quantities of these raw materials/intermediates required for phosphatic fertilizers with distinct and considerable price advantage to India vis-à-vis., the prevailing international price. India imports nearly 1.1 million tonnes of rock phosphate from Morocco, which is 22% of India's total import of rock phosphate. About 1.2 million tonnes of phosphoric acid is imported by India from Morocco, which is about 50% of India's total import. Besides, the possibilities of long term measures such as setting up of joint ventures in Morocco were also discussed. OCP offered two plots for Indian entities at Jorf Lasfer for setting up of phosphoric acid unit. India was also requested to participate in improving the mining of rock phosphate so as to increase its availability. OCP welcomed the participation of NMDC in this effort.




Earlier in his meeting with Moroccan Minister of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment Ms. Amina Benkhadra at Rabat, Mr. Paswan extended the offer of providing services of National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), a PSU under the Ministry of Steel, for exploration of various minerals in Morocco. Morocco is reported to have reserves of gold lead, zinc, iron, silver and copper. It was decided that a Joint Committee comprising of representatives of ONHYM, the Moroccan entity in mineral sector and representative of NMDC would work out the modalities and develop an action plan.




The Moroccan Minister of Commerce and Industry will be meeting the delegation in Casablanca today for further talks on increasing cooperation in various industrial sectors. This meeting has been organized on the initiative of the Moroccan Prime Minister.




Shri Paswan is leading a high level delegation to Morocco on a three days visit. The delegation includes Secretary, Department of Fertilizers, Dr. J S Sarma and other senior officials of the Department, Shri Rana Som, CMD, NMDC and Shri U S Jha, CMD, RCF.




India is one of the largest consumers of fertilizers. However, it meets a large part of its requirements in the phosphatic sector through imports of phosphatic raw materials/ intermediates such as rock phosphate and phosphoric acid. It imports nearly 5 million tonnes of rock phosphate, 2.5 million tonnes of phosphoric acid and 3 million tonnes of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) annually. India produces 17.7% of global production of DAP, imports 23.6% of global trade of DAP and consumes 28.1% of global consumption of DAP. India does not have any indigenous production of Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) and imports around 4% of global trade of MAP corresponding to 1.3% of global consumption. India imports 17.9% of global trade of rock phosphate, as the indigenous production is extremely limited. India's indigenous production of phosphoric acid corresponds to 4.1% of global production and it imports a significant 54.4% of phosphoric acid of global trade. India's consumption of phosphoric acid constitutes 11.7% of global consumption.




Morocco has one of the largest reserves of phosphate rock and is one of the main producer and supplier of phosphatic raw materials, intermediates and finished fertilizers to the global market. Current production of rock phosphate by Morocco is about 29 million tonnes annually, of which nearly 45-50% is exported.




Indian fertilizer company Paradeep Phosphate Limited (PPL) has a long-term supply arrangement of rock phosphate from Morocco and Zuari Industries Ltd (ZIL) and Tata Chemicals Ltd (TCL) have off-take arrangement for phosphoric acid from IMACID, a joint venture between Office Cherifien des Phosphates (OCP), Morocco and ZIL and TCL, India. OCP, Morocco also has equity stake in the PPL, India.




DNM/AT/CC/dk/kol/13:45 hrs.