India Can Integrate 175 Gigawatts of Renewable Energy into the Electricity Grid, Reveals Study

India Can Integrate 175 Gigawatts of Renewable Energy into the Electricity Grid, Reveals Study 

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy, Shri Piyush Goyal released the first part of the study “Pathways to Integrate 175 Gigawatts of Renewable Energy into India’s Electricity Grid” at an event organized here today.  The second volume, to be released in July, takes a more in-depth look at system operations in the Western and Southern regions.

The study, developed under the U.S.-India bilateral program “Greening the Grid”, confirms the technical and economic viability of integrating 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy into India’s power grid by 2022, and identifies future course of actions that are favorable for such integration. The Government of India in 2015 had set the ambitious target of adding 100 GW of solar energy and 60 GW of wind energy into the country’s energy mix.

The report resolves many questions about how India’s electricity grid can manage the variability and uncertainty of adding large amounts of renewable energy into the grid. The results demonstrate that power system balancing with 100 GW solar and 60 GW wind is achievable at 15-minute operational timescales with minimal reduction in renewable energy output. India’s current coal-dominated power system has the inherent flexibility to accommodate the variability associated with the targeted renewable energy capacities.

Some of the key operational impacts that came out of the report were: (1) large-scale benefits of fuel savings and reduced emissions due to increased renewable energy production; (2) existing fast-ramping infrastructure is sufficient to maintain grid balance; and (3) in post-175 GW clean energy scenario, coal plants operating at part capacity will need suitable incentives for flexibility. The study also evaluates the value of strategies to better integrate renewable energy and demonstrates the importance of policy and market planning.

A multi-institutional team from India’s Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) produced the report using advanced weather and power system modeling, under the leadership of Ministry of Power and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) with co-sponsorship from the World Bank Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) and the 21st Century Power Partnership.

Speaking at the launch, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said: “It is time for the people of India to get ready and embrace the change with a ‘New Mindset’ of a ‘New Grid’ for a ‘New India’, which is ready to integrate large amount of renewable energy. It is appropriate time following on Honorable Prime Minister’s meeting with the U.S. President under a robust and focused U.S.-India Energy Partnership. The ministry is extremely appreciative of the continued engagement and support from USAID and congratulates all the stakeholders including POSOCO, NREL, LBNL on the achievement of this outcome.Combined and collaborative efforts such as these are labour and data intensive and detailed and often go unsung but are critical to creating the backbone for a reliable grid.”

Highlighting the importance of the study and U.S.-India collaboration on clean energy, Michael Satin, Director of Clean Energy and Environment at USAID/India, said: “USAID has a long-standing collaboration with the Government of India in the area of energy. Energy is a key determinant of growth and India needs sustainable energy sources to continue to grow at 7-8 percent annually. Introducing renewable energy solutions into established energy systems often requires changes to well-established policy, institutions, and market structures. This study will prove to be helpful in scaling up renewable energy in India effectively and sustainably.”

The results were based on a number of key assumptions including transmission planning existing within each state but not necessarily on corridors between states; compliance of all coal plants with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission regulation that coal plants be able to operate at 55 percent of rated capacity; and a better load forecast. Input data, assumptions and study results were validated extensively by more than 150 technical experts from central agencies including the Central Electricity Authority, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL), and NTPC; state institutions including grid operators, power system planners, renewable energy nodal agencies and distribution utilities; and the private sector, including renewable energy developers, thermal plant operators, utilities, research institutions, market operators and industry representatives.

Other Dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri P.K. Pujari, Secretary Power, Shri R.K. Verma, CEA Chairman, Shri K.V.S. Baba, CEO, POSOCO, Shri I.S Jha, CMD PGCIL and other senior officers from Ministries of Power and MNRE.

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Launch of Web Application for Legal Services to Prisoners

Launch of Web Application for Legal Services to Prisoners 

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is entrusted with responsibility to provide legal aid inter-alia to all persons in custody. Today, NALSA launched a Web Application for free Legal Services to Prisoners and the Legal Services Management System developed through the NIC and the conference held at Indian Law Institute, New Delhi on 28.06.2017. 

Through Web Application the State Legal Services Authorities and District Legal Services Authorities shall feed the data for each individual prison inmate in the jails within their jurisdiction, with regard to their being represented through a counsel in the court. The software will be able to generate reports showing total number of inmates, number of inmates unrepresented, number of inmates represented by legal services lawyers and number of inmates represented by private lawyers. 

All the above information can be generated State wise, District wise and also in respect of each jail. The reports can also be generated by the period of incarceration, which will in turn generate information with regard to prisoners eligible for bail under Section 436-A Cr.P.C. 

The said application shall make the legal services system more transparent; this application will be universally useful for all the relevant authorities to monitor the grant of legal aid to the prisoners in order to ensure that absolutely no prisoner goes unrepresented right from the first day of his production in the court. 

The above mentioned web application was launched by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dipak Misra, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, NALSA.

The Conference was attended by the Member Secretaries along with their administrative officers of 18 State Legal Services Authorities. The launch was followed by an orientation session conducted by the NIC team.

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Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Minister of Railways

Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Minister of Railways Lays The Foundation Stone For Five New Halt Stations Between Quazigund-Baramulla 

Five New Halt Stations Include Sangdan, Monghall, Ratnipora, Nadigam & Razwan on Baramulla-Qazigund Rail Section 

 To cater to the public demand for new halt stations in the Kashmir Valley region, Hon’ble Minister for Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu laid the foundation stone for construction of five new halt stations viz.Sangdan, Monghall, Ratnipora, Nadigam & Razwan on the  Baramulla-Qazigund Rail Section”at a ceremonial program held at Sher-i-Kashmir International, Conference Centre at Srinagar today (29^th June 2017) in the august presence of Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, Hon’ble Chief Minister, J&K Dr. Nirmal Kumar Singh, Hon’ble Dy. Chief Minister, J&K and Sh. Nazir Ahmed Laway, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha were the distinguished guests on the occasion. Shri R.K. Kulshrestha General Manager, Northern Railway and other Senior Railway officials were also present in the function.

The new halt stations between Baramula-Quazigund stations are: Sangdan (Quazigund-Sadura), Monghall (Sadura-Anantnag), Ratnipora (Awantipura-Kakapora), Nadigam and Razwan stations (Budgam-Mazhom). These halts would cater to the transportation needs of residents living in these areas.

            The all-weather special DEMU trains in the Kashmir valley has become a veritable life-line to the residents providing mobility with convenience. On an average 25,000 passengers travel each day  in these DEMUs with a corresponding tickets earnings accounting Rs. 3.5 lakh per day.

Background information of Railway Services in Kashmir Valley:

With a view to provide an alternative and a reliable mass transportation system to Jammu & Kashmir, Govt. of India planned a 326 km (later extended to cover 345 km) long Railway Line joining the Kashmir Valley with the Indian Railways network. The Jammu-Udhampur-Katra-Quazigund-Baramulla rail line, a project of great importance for the local populace and the country as a whole, has been declared as “National Project”. This project is, perhaps, the most difficult new railway line project undertaken on Indian subcontinent. The terrain passes through the Himalayas, which are young fold mountains full of geographical surprises, high tectonic activity and extremely cold weather conditions.

The completion of Jammu-Udhampur railway link in 2005 spelled the dawn of new era in rail connectivity. The rail line in the Kashmir Valley was constructed in a phased manner with the Railway steadily commissioning rail sections between Anantnag-Mazahom in October 2008, the Mazahom-Baramulla section in February 2009 and the rest 18 km long section between Quazigund-Anantnag in October 2009 thus completing the 119 kilometre Qazigund-Baramulla railway line of the Kashmir Valley. The Railway since then is working steadily to complete the remaining of the 345 km long railway line. The Udhampur-Katra 25 km section was commissioned in July 2014 and the Katra-Banihal 111Km work is in progress (Target: March 2021).

This portion being constructed by Northern Railway, KRCL and IRCON will have 97.34 Km of Tunnels, 27 Major & 10 Minor Bridges and 203 Km of Access road. 45% of the work is complete with an expenditure of 9419 Crore. The USBRL Project is a culmination of a large number of Tunnels and Bridges, one of the most important and challenging being across the deep gorge of Chenab River near Salal Hydro Power Dam. This necessitated the construction of a long span bridge in the Seismeic Zone V. The total Length of the ‘Chenab Bridge’ is 1315 m having a design speed of 100 km and can withstand wind velocity upto 266 Kmph having a life span of 120 years. The Bridge is made up of steel arches and is aesthetically designed using local expertise and construction material. The height of the bridge is 359 m which is about 35 m taller than Eiffel Tower in Paris. When complete this will be the highest railway bridge in the world.

As part of the project to knit the zone of Jammu with the Kashmir valley which is separated through the majestic Pir Panjal mountain range, Indian Railway had earlier constructed the 11.21 Km long ‘Tunnel T-80’. This is the longest transportation tunnel in Asia. The existing stations that lie in the Banihal-Baramula section include Banihal, Shahabad Halt, Qazigund, Sadura, Anantnag, Bijbehara, Panjgam, Awantipora, Kakapora, Pampore, Srinagar, Budgam, Mazhom, Pattan, Hamre, Sopore and Baramulla. 15 pairs of DEMU services ply on the rail section providing all-weather connectivity in this region. Additional DEMUs were introduced in July 2015 and later Fast DEMUs for convenience of office-goers and students were put into service in May 2016 between Banihal-Baramula and Baramula-Budgam. Vadi Ki Sair-a Children Special train was introduced between Banihal to Baramulla from 26.11.2016, which now runs on every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month.

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Commerce & Industry Minister discusses infrastructure development with President, Asian Development Bank

Commerce & Industry Minister discusses infrastructure development with President, Asian Development Bank 

Commerce & Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman met Mr. Takehiko Nakao, President, Asian Development Bank (ADB) today . The Minister welcomed and appreciated the ADB’s efforts for infrastructure development in India. She said that the Government would help the States to have the infrastructure projects funding. Smt. Sitharaman discussed the progress in Vizag Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC). She further mentioned that the Northern Extension of the ECEC from Vizag to Odisha and West Bengal is very important and ADB should accelerate the work thereon. The Minister also mentioned that the Southern extension from Chennai to Kanyakumari should include extension up to Kollachal Port and even at Vizhinjam, as this would accrue several economic benefits to these areas. She urged that the implementation of the projects should be monitored closely and timelines should be adhered to. 

The ADB President also discussed the progress made on the East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC). Mr. Nakao appreciated the Government reforms towards the GST implementation and termed them as historic. Detailed discussions were held on various aspects of GST implementation. 

Mr. Hun Kim, Director General, South Asia Department, ADB, mentioned that they are willing to step-up investment up to US$ 5 Billion over next five years for development along the ECEC.

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Water Storage Level of 91 Major Reservoirs of the Country continues to be at 19% of their Capacity

Water Storage Level of 91 Major Reservoirs of the Country continues to be at 19% of their Capacity 

              The water storage available in 91 major reservoirs of the country for the week ending on June 29, 2017 was 29.665 BCM, which is 19% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This percentage was at 19 for the week ending on June 22, 2017. The level of June 29, 2017 was 126% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 91% of storage of average of last ten years.

              The total storage capacity of these 91 reservoirs is 157.799 BCM which is about 62% of the total storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country. 37 Reservoirs out of these 91 have hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:-

NORTHERN REGION

The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are six reservoirs under Central Water Commission (CWC) monitoring having total live storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 4.66 BCM which is 26% of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 24% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 31% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is better than the corresponding period of last year but is less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION

The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 2.86 BCM which is 15% of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 17% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 17% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and is also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION

The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 27 reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of 27.07 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 5.84 BCM which is 22% of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 9% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 20% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is better than the storage of last year and is also better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

CENTRAL REGION

The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of 42.30 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 11.83 BCM which is 28% of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 20% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 17% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is better than the storage of last year and is also better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

SOUTHERN REGION

The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, AP&TG (Two combined projects in both states) Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 31 reservoirs under CWC monitoring having total live storage capacity of 51.59 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 4.47 BCM which is 9 % of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 10% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 21% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and is also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Punjab, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Karnataka. States having equal storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, AP&TG (Two combined projects in both states). States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

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Sahitya Akademi invites books from Publishers

Sahitya Akademi invites books from Publishers and young Indian authors for Yuva Puraskar 2018 

For Yuva Puraskar 2018, Sahitya Akademi is inviting books from publishers and young Indian authors of the age of 35 and below in all the 24 languages recognized by the Akademi. The applicant author should be 35 or below on 1^st January 2017. Last date of submission is 16^th August 2017. The books should be submitted along with the attested copy of the proof of date of birth. Further information about the submission can be obtained from the Sahitya Akademi Website - http://sahitya-akademi.gov.in.

Sahitya Akademi introduced Yuva Puraskar in 2011 to encourage young writers writing in Indian languages and who are below the age of 35. Since then every year awards have been given to the best book by young Indian authors in the Indian languages recognized by the Akademi, viz., Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Santali, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. These awards are presented at a prestigious ceremony and comprise an amount of Rs. 50,000/-, a plaque and a citation.

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Role of National Observers appointed by Department of Sports

Role of National Observers appointed by Department of Sports 

Reports have appeared in a section of media about the appointment of National observers and their role particularly in the wake of conflict of interests in some areas of sports. 

The Minister of state (IC) Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel has reiterated that the 12 players of international eminence were appointed by the Ministry as National Observers for the first time for the development of sports and these National Observers are performing their duties as per the guidelines and role assigned to them by the Ministry. 

Shri Goel further informed that their role was defined at the time of their appointment as National Observers. As per that order the following is the responsibility assigned: 

1. To observe selection of national teams and to suggest measures for further strengthening free and transparent selection. 

2. To assess the existing sports infrastructure/ equipment, quality of scientific backup and medical facilities at the venues of the national coaching camps and report the critical gaps. 

3. To observe, analyse, review and report on the performance of Indian and foreign coaches and the progress of performances of the campers. 

4. To maintain data base on the performance profile of individual athletes as well as coaches and to assist the performance of national team in the international tournaments and suggest training needs of athletes including foreign training and competition exposure with special focus on sub junior and junior level athletes. 

5. To examine complaints from players and other stakeholder by taking up the matter with the NSF concerned for redressal and send a report to the Ministry. 

6. To assist NSFs/National Sports promotion Organisations/ SAI in preparation and finalization of ACTC and

7. To accompany the National Team for international exposure as may be required. 

In the light of the above defined role of national observers this apprehension that there is a conflict of interest in the duties of any national observer is baseless.

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President of India attends 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis

President of India attends 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended the 125^th birth anniversary celebrations of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis in Kolkata today (June 29, 2017). 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that he was happy to attend the celebrations of 125^th birth anniversary of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis, the pioneer of applied statistics and the architect of economic planning in our country. Prof. Mahalanobis was a visionary of extraordinary dimension. 

The President paid his respectful homage to Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobisand said that we should adopt his thoughts and ideas.  He emphasized that we should keep our minds free from dogmatism and rigidity.  He also referred to flexibility adopted in economic policies in India keeping in view the situation. Besides, he stated that when many elderly members of the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj were reluctant to admit Rabindranath Tagore as a member of the Samaj, Prasanta Chandra waged a logical war to support Rabindranath’s membership.  He wrote a compelling set of arguments that culminated in the printing of a booklet and distributed it among members of the Samaj. Soon thereafter, Rabindranath was admitted as a member of the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj. 

The President said that the Indian Statistical Institute started by Prof. Mahalanobis imparts high quality education.  He expressed happiness on being present at the ISI and having an opportunity to address mighty minds in the form of teachers, researchers and students.

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Government is committed to take tough Anti-Doping measures to provide a healthy eco-system

Government is committed to take tough Anti-Doping measures to provide a healthy eco-system for Development of Sports: Vijay Goel 

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Vijay Goel has said that the Government is committed to take tough Anti Doping measures to provide a healthy eco-system for development of sports in the country. Inaugurating a Conclave on Nutritional Supplements for sports here today to work out a doping free model, Shri Goel said, time has now come to provide safe and quality nutrition to the athletes in the wake of increasing international competition and high incidences of dope. Shri Goel said tackling the causes of doping is a priority for his Ministry. He said import and sale of sub-standard and dope-laced nutritional supplement is a cause to worry as an unsuspected athlete gets banned under the Anti-Doping Code because of use of these supplements. He said to protect the clean athlete and meet his requirement for quality supplements the convergence of various Regulatory Authorities to work out a Dope Free Model for nutritional products is a good initiative and a welcome step. He said a collaboration of NADA with FSSAI and other agencies will have far reaching impact in improving physical fitness standards in the country and help athletes in making informed choices formed which is about with cause doping free system. 

Shri Vijay Goel called upon the stakeholders to create mass awareness about doping and its vicious effects on the career of athletes. He said he will personally understand the level of awareness among athletes by meeting them in different states and training camps during his visits there. 

The Minister further stated that while collaboration with Australian Sports Anti Doping Authority has enabled them to adopt international practices in dope testing, resulting in a high detection rate, there also is need for strengthening preventive aspects to reduce the incidence of doping in the country. Supplements laced with prohibited substances have been found to be a major cause of doping in India. NADA has taken up the matter with Food Safety and Standards Authority due to which an advisory stand issued by them to the Food Safety Commissioners. He said, the deliberations during the conclave will provide a road map of regulatory mechanism for dope free nutritional supplements which can be consumed by athletes without fear of inadvertent doping. 

Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Shri Pawan Kumar Aggarwal, Eminent scientists, nutritionists, sportspersons, office bearers of sports federations, laboratory directors and regulatory authorities from various parts of the country attended the day long conclave.

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MIS Report on Export Promotion Schemes 2017 of DGFT

MIS Report on Export Promotion Schemes 2017 of DGFT 

On the occasion of the 11th ‘Statistics Day’ celebration on 29th June 2017 to mark the birth anniversary of late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the Father of Indian Statistics, in recognition of his valuable contribution in the fields of statistics and economic planning, Mrs Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, released the “MIS Report on Export promotion Schemes 2017” of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in the presence of DG and other senior officers of the Department of Commerce. 

The Report is an initiative taken by Statistics Division of DGFT as part of the monitoring and evaluation of the Foreign Trade Policy (2015-20). The publication contains up-to-date information on key parameters under various export promotion schemes in the form of data tables, visual displays and data analysis. It provides All India, Zone-wise and Regional Authority wise information on Import Export Codes (IECs) issued, Authorisations/Scrips issued and their CIF and FOB values under various export promotion schemes for the period 2014-15 to 2016-17. The Report also provides RA wise and Sector (Product group) wise information on number of Authorisations issued and FOB and Duty saved/CIF values under Advance Authorisation and EPCG Schemes of FTP. The Report also exhibits the status of RA wise Export Obligation fixed, fulfilled, pending etc under these schemes. 

The Report is expected to serve as a handy tool for the key stakeholders in the evaluation of the foreign trade policy and for undertaking review for midcourse correction.

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11th Statistics Day celebrated

11th Statistics Day celebrated 

President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attends the birth anniversary celebrations of Prof. Mahalanobis in Kolkata 

“Statistics Day” in the category of Special Days is celebrated every year at the National level. 

In recognition of the notable contributions made by Late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics, statistical system and economic planning, Government of India in 2007, designated 29thJune the birth anniversary of Prof. Mahalanobis. as the “Statistics Day” in the category of Special Days to be celebrated every year at the National level. 

The objective of celebration of this Day is to create public awareness about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation, to acknowledge the contribution of Prof. Mahalanobis and to pay homage to him. Every year, one particular theme of current national importance is selected for focused discussions and efforts made throughout the year aimed at bringing about improvements in the selected area. 

‘Administrative Statistics’ is this year’s theme for the Statistics Day. Administrative Statistical system needs to be further strengthened as it is both cost and time effective, reduces the dependence on censuses and sample surveys. Administrative data are available at all the levels of Government, i.e., the Centre, the States and Local Bodies. Proper compilation of these data at different levels can lead to regular flow of data through monthly and short term information, thus strengthening good governance. Therefore, the selected theme is of great importance. It will remain a focus area for Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and States’ Directorates of Economics and Statistics for this year. 

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) was set up by Prof. Mahalanobis in 1931 in Kolkata. The Institute was declared an “Institute of National Importance” and made an autonomous body of Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, through an act of Parliament in 1959. ISI celebrates 29th June as the “Workers Day”. This year, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation and ISI had a joint event on 29th June in Kolkata to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prof. Mahalanobis. President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Among the dignitaries who participated in the event included Shri Keshari NathTripathi, Governor of West Bengal, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Hon’ble Union Minister of Statisitcs & Programme Implementation, Dr. R B Barman, Chairman, National Statistical Commission (NSC),Dr. Vijay Kelkar, President, ISI, Prof. Govardhan Mehta, Chairman, ISI Council and Dr. TCA Anant, Chief Statistician of India and Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Professor K.VijayRaghavan, FRS and Professor M.S. Raghunathan, FRS and Professor Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Director, ISI. 

29th June, 2017 marks the beginning of the 125th year of birth of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis. ISI is having year-round celebrations which will culminate in a function to be held on 29th June, 2018 on the 125th birth anniversary of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis. On the occasion of 11th Statistics Day, the Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Shri D.V.Sadananda Gowda, inaugurated a exhibition on Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis in Mahalanobis Bhawan, Baranagar, Kolkata. 

A Brochure on 11th Statistics Day and Key Indicators of Unincorporated Non-agricultural Enterprises (excluding construction) in India were released by Chairman, NSC; Secretary (S&PI) and Director, ISI. 

Winners of “On the Spot Essay Writing Competition” for Post Graduate Students in Statistics of recognized universities/institutions at all India level, to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis were also felicitated

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Implement Energy Efficiency Programmes, Signs MoU with EESL

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Implement Energy Efficiency Programmes, Signs MoU with EESL 

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under the administration of Ministry of Power, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Energy Services Company, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to implement energy efficiency programmes and scale-up demand side measures in the Gulf country. The MoU was signed by Mr. Waled Alghreri, Chief Executive Officer, National Energy Services Company and Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director, EESL. 

As per the MoU, EESL will provide consultancy and expand the capacity of the National Energy Services Company, which is instituted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to execute energy efficiency programmes. The move comes in the wake of the Arab Kingdom working ardently towards reducing its power subsidies and introducing energy efficiency initiatives. With rapidly increasing population coupled with soaring energy prices, the electricity demand of Saudi Arabia is growing at a rapid pace. According to the estimates by the World Bank, the electricity generated in Saudi Arabia completely relies on non-renewable sources like oil, gas and coal sources . 

Keeping this in mind, the National Energy Services Company has engaged with EESL to replicate the success of latter’s street lighting national programme and retrofit of buildings, with energy efficient appliances in Saudi Arabia. 

EESL has also agreed to depute its officials in Saudi Arabia to provide technical and financial consultancy and monitor the execution of energy efficiency projects. 

EESL is working towards promoting energy efficiency in all sectors and is implementing the world’s largest energy-efficiency portfolio (worth £5.6bn over a period of 3 years), marking a 20-fold growth. So far, EESL has retrofitted over 23 crore LED bulbs and 20 crore smart LED streetlights across India through self-sustaining commercial models. In a short span, EESL has retrofitted energy efficient appliances in nearly 30 buildings and has a strong pipeline of covering 1500 more buildings. EESL has pioneered innovative business approaches to successfully roll-out large-scale programmes that allow for incentive alignment across the value chain and rapidly drive transformative impact. EESL aims to leverage this implementation experience and exploit the new opportunities overseas to diversify its portfolio. As of now, EESL has begun its operations in UK, South Asia and South-East Asia.

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Shri Ram Vilas Paswan approves amendments in the Legal Metrology

Shri Ram Vilas Paswan approves amendments in the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 

Products on e-Commerce platforms to display declarations required under the amended rules 

Medical devices declared as drugs brought under the rules

The rules come in to force with effect from 1^st January, 2018

·         Use of proper, accurate and standard weights and measures are very important for effective functioning of any economy, as it plays an indispensable role in  consumer protection as  protection from malpractices of under-weight or under-measurement, is an important function of the Government.

·         The Legal Metrology (packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 are framed to regulate the pre-packaged commodities. Under these rules, the pre-packaged commodities    have to comply with certain   mandatory lebelling requirements. Based on the experience of implementation   of the Rules and after a detailed stakeholder consultation, the Department has amended the rules, aimed at enhanced consumer protection, but at the same time balancing with the requirement of ease of doing business. Some of the salient features of the amendments are as below:

·         Goods displayed by the seller on e-commerce platform shall contain declarations required under the Rules like name & Address of the manufacturer, packer and importer, name of the commodity, net content, retail sale price, consumer care complaint, dimention etc.

·         Specific mention is made in the rules that no person shall declare different MRPs (dual MRP) on an identical pre-packaged commodity, unless allowed under any law. This will benefit consumers at large as they are having complaint regarding dual MRP for item depending upon different type of public places like Cinema Hall, Airport, Malls etc.

·          Size of letters and numerals for making declaration is increased, so that consumer can easily read the same.

·         The net quantity checking is made more scientific, with introduction of e-coding.

·         Bar Code/QR Coding is allowed on voluntarily basis.

·         Provisions regarding declarations on Food Products have been harmonized with labelling regulations under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.

·         Medical devices which are declared as drugs, Medical Devices such as stent, valve, orthopaedic implants, syringe, Tools for operations etc. Consumers at large were facing difficulty as prices of devices were sold according to the paying capacity of the consumer. Even after capping of MRP many companies were not displaying. Also there are important declarations other than MRP that need to be displayed, are brought into the purview of declarations to be made under the rules.

·         The definition of Institutional Consumer has been changed to prevent any scope for commercial transactions/retail sale of commodities sourced by the institution for their own use.

·         The rules shall come in to force with effect from 1^st January, 2018.

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CEC Dr. Nasim Zaidi delivers the 20th lecture of the CVC

CEC Dr. Nasim Zaidi delivers the 20th lecture of the CVC ‘Lecture Series’, on “Political Finance and some implications” 

            The 20^th lecture of the “Lecture Series” organized by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was delivered by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr. Nasim Zaidi here today on the topic “Political Finance and some implications”.

            The CEC, at the outset, explained the scale and uniqueness of the election process in India. Salient features of the Indian electoral system were explained, such as the concept of universal adult suffrage, the constitutionally created autonomy and independence of the Election Commission of India, the system of electoral representation for the Lok Sabha  and  State Legislative Assemblies as differentiated from the electoral system followed for the Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Councils. He explained the scale of the Indian election process, thus providing a context to the issues discussed in his lecture.

The CEC identified the need to ensure inclusive electoral democracy, management of a database of 1,000 million voters in the near future, implementation of a code of conduct, decriminalization of elections and the need to ensure transparency on poll funding as the prime challenges to the election system. Dr. Nasim Zaidi explained the concept of free elections (without any fear or pressure) as well as fair elections (the existence of a level playing field for all stakeholders, without any undue advantage to any stakeholder). Sources of funding available to candidates as well as parties were enumerated in the lecture. He also delved upon the legal and illegal types of election expenditure, both at the level of candidates as well as the political parties.

The CEC identified four pillars of political finance, viz. regulation of donation and expenses, imposition of limits on expenses, transparency of contributions and penalties for non-adherence to the framework. State funding of elections is another pillar which, he said, did not appear feasible till the first four pillars were achieved. These were dealt with at length in the lecture and various relevant provisions and proposed amendments to the Representation of People Act, the Companies Act 2013 as well as the Income Tax Act were discussed in detail.

Some recent innovations in poll financing, such as the constitution of Electoral Trusts under the IT Act and  the scheme of issue of Electoral Bonds under the RBI Act were explained by the CEC. Other issues such as the risks of money power to the democratic system, the conditions and precedents on state funding of elections, and reform proposals of the Election Commission, as well as the anti-corruption framework desired for free and fair elections were also discussed. 

            Full time and part time Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) based in Delhi/NCR attended the lecture along with CMDs, Board of Directors and other officers of the vigilance administration. The lecture may be viewed online and it is available on the website of the Central Vigilance Commission  www.cvc.nic.in.

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Highest Number of Divyangjan Given Aids and Appliances in the Presence of Prime Minister At Rajkot Samajik Adhikarita Shivir

Highest Number of Divyangjan Given Aids and Appliances in the Presence of Prime Minister At Rajkot Samajik Adhikarita Shivir 

Two Guinness World Records Created in Connection with the Event 

The biggest ever ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir for Distribution of Aids & Assistive Devices to Divyangjan’ was organised at Rajkot (Gujarat) today by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India through ALIMCO, Kanpur, a CPSU under the Department in association with District Administration, Rajkot. The camp was held at Race Course Ground, Rajkot, Gujarat where Assistive Aids and Appliances were distributed under ADIP scheme of Government of India to Divyangjan in the august presence of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The Governor of Gujarat Shri O.P Kohli, the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Parshottam Rupala, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Nitinbhai Patel, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment & Women and Child Development of Gujarat Shri Atmaram Parmar and Member of Parliament Shri Mohanbhai Kundariya graced the occasion. 

Shri N.S. Kang, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Shri J.N. Dixit, Chief Secretary, Gujarat, Shri Mukesh Jain, Joint Secretary Department of Empowerment Persons with Disabilities, Shri D.R. Sarin, CMD, ALIMCO and other senior State/District dignitaries were also present during the event. 

During the event while addressing the large gathering, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that the Government is sensitive to the cause of persons with disabilities and is dedicatedly working for the upliftment of the poor including persons with disabilities. He pointed out that he considers himself as part of the family of the persons with disabilities and is committed to work for their cause. He highlighted important initiatives taken by the Government for empowerment of persons with disabilities such as development of a standard uniform sign language for persons with hearing impairment across the country and Accessible India Campaign. He urged the persons with disabilities to get enrolled under the insurance schemes of the Government of India which provides for insurance benefit up to Rs. 2.00 lakh and more with a nominal premium of Rs 1.00 per month and Rs.1.00 per day to take care of difficult situation. He also urged youth to become self reliant under the Start up programme of the Government and consider developing innovative technology for improving their daily life of PwDs. He said that he is emotionally attached to the issues concerning PwDs and always gives priority to attend the events involving them. He lauded the activities being undertaken and the efforts of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in empowering and mainstreaming the persons with disabilities. He also thanked the Government of Gujarat for their cooperation in empowering PwDs. 

Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot in his speech said that his Ministry considers the persons with disabilities as valuable human resource and assured the Prime Minister that under his leadership the Ministry will continue its work tirelessly in the direction of achieving the goal to have a truely inclusive society which is in the spirit of the theme of the Government “ Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas”. 

In his speech, Chief Minister of Gujarat Sh. Vijay Rupani said that a civilised society inclusive of persons with disabilities can truly represent any society. He assured that the State Government will work in tandem with the Government of India for the betterment and empowerment of PwDs. 

The Government of India has been implementing this scheme since 1981 which was revised with effect from 1st April 2014. The main objective of the scheme is to provide latest and modern aids through Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), National Institutes, District Disability Rehabilitation Centres, State Handicapped Development Corporations, other local bodies and NGOs etc. to promote physical, social and psychological rehabilitation of Divyangjan. 

At Rajkot Camp aids and appliance to the tune of Rs.11.19 Crore were distributed among 17589 divyang beneficiaries including 3000 beneficiaries who have received aids and appliances from the State Government amounting to Rs.1.53 Cr. So far it is the biggest camp in the history of the country in terms of the number of beneficiaries in a single camp for distribution of aids and appliances. Earlier similar mega camps involving the Prime Minister were conducted by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities at Varanasi, Navsari & Vadodara in the year 2016 benefiting about 10000, 11,000 and 10,500 beneficiaries respectively. 

During the event 90 motorized tricycles, 1960 tricycles, 1541 wheel chairs, 77 Cerebral Palsy (CP) chairs, 2896 crutches, 3095 walking sticks, 529 Braille cane, 112 rolators, 162 Braille kits, 732 smart canes, 214 smart phone with screen reader, 68 daisy players, 20 ADL kits for leprosy cured, 2206 digital hearing aid, 1101 artificial limbs and callipers, 4416 TML kits and 73 laptops for person with intellectual disability were distributed among various class of Divyangjan as per their need. The State Government on their own also distributed devices for rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities to 3000 divyangjan. 

Two Guinness World Records were created in connection with the event. On 28th June 2017 a Guinness Book of World Record was created in the category of highest ever participation of 1442 persons with hearing impairment in a sign language lesson at a single venue while performing our National Anthem. Previously, such a record was hold by Taiwan (China) with participation of 978 persons with hearing impairment. The participants of this historic record repeated their performance in front of the Hon’ble Prime Minister today. Second Guinness World Record was created in the category of highest number of Orthosis (Calipers) fitted to 781 mobility impaired persons on a single day. 

In addition to the above two Guinness Book of World records, another new ‘World Book Record’ has also been created in the category of World’s Largest Disbursement of Aids and Appliances for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) at a single venue in one day involving 17589 persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).

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PM addresses Samajik Adhikarita Shivir in Rajkot, distributes aids and assistive devices to divyang

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed a Samajik Adhikarita Shivir in Rajkot, and distributed aids and assistive devices to divyang beneficiaries. 

He asserted that the Union Government is fully dedicated to the poor of the nation. 

He urged the start-up sector to look at ways through which innovation and technology can transform lives of Divyang sisters and brothers. 

He complimented Union Minister Dr. Thawar Chand Gehlot and his team, and said what they are doing for the welfare of the Divyang sisters and brothers is historic and commendable. 

He reiterated that by 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom, no Indian should be homeless; and the home must have proper facilities too.

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Finance Minister holds Meeting with the representatives of trade and industry; Ask them to pass on the benefit of GST to consumers

The Union Minister of Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley asked the representatives of Trade and Industry to ensure that all benefits arising due to implementation of GST from 1st July, 2017 are passed on to the consumers in a transparent manner. Adopting a pro-active approach on the eve of roll-out of GST, the Finance Minister Shri Jaitley held a Meeting with the representatives of the trade and industry in the national capital here today. Making his Opening Remarks at the Meeting, the Finance Minister said that overall incidence of tax after implementation of GST will be less especially in case of the consumer goods than the present incidence of tax, therefore, it is imperative on part of the trade and industry to pass on these benefits to the consumers at large.

The Finance Minister Shri Jaitley further said that now large number of traders have registered themselves and the GST Network and other official machinery is fully ready for smooth roll-out of GST from 1st July, 2017.He said that he is sure that GST will not have any inflationary impact. He asked the representatives of trade and industry to inform, educate and explain to their distributors, retailers and consumers at large about the positive impact of GST especially on the price front. The representatives of trade and industry on the other hand congratulated the Government for their bold initiative by bringing historical Indirect Tax Reform which will help not only consumers but also boost the prospects of growth of Indian economy. They assured the Government that benefit of price reduction would be passed on the consumers. They also put forward their concerns and asked the Government to issue certain clarifications to remove any doubt or confusion among the traders.

The Meeting was attended among others by the Revenue Secretary, Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Secretary, Food and Public Distribution, Ms Preeti Sudan, Shri JP Prakash, Secretary, Pharma, Chief Economic Adviser, Dr.Arvind Subramnian, Chairperson, CBEC ,Ms Vanaja N Sarna among others. From the Trade and Industry side, the meeting was attended by representatives from CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, NARED etc along with otherr trade and industry representatives of specific sectors.

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The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley holds bilateral discussions with Mr Takehiko Nakao

The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley holds bilateral discussions with Mr Takehiko Nakao, President, Asian Development Bank (ADB), in Delhi today on a wide range of issues pertaining to enhanced cooperation between India and ADB. 

The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley held bilateral discussions with Mr Takehiko Nakao, President, Asian Development Bank (ADB), in Delhi today on a wide range of issues pertaining to enhanced cooperation between India and ADB. 

President Nakao congratulated the Finance Minister on Government’s decision to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms. The Finance Minister, Shri Jaitley, thanked President ADB for the continued support from ADB for development projects in India, and for agreeing to enhance the lending operations of the Bank in India from $ 3 billion a year to $ 4 billion per annum. ADB President also assured to expand ADB assistance to relatively lesser developed States in the area of power (including renewable energy), transport, urban development, and health services. 

President Nakao also agreed to India’s suggestion to set-up a regional hub in New Delhi for South Asia region, which could expedite the process of project preparation and delivery for India and other countries in the region. India and ADB also agreed to increasingly adopt country system for procurement, and social and environmental safeguards for ADB assisted projects in a time bound manner.

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