The Central Government’s decision on recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission

The Central Government’s decision on recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) on Allowances published in Gazette of India yesterday i.e. 6th July, 2017; All allowances are given effect from 1st July 2017; 

 
Concerned Ministries advised to issue their Orders on Allowances governed by them immediately so that the revised rates of allowances get reflected in the current month's Salary Bills of the Government employees 

                                                           

Resolution conveying the Central Government’s decision on recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) on Allowances has been published in Gazette of India yesterday i.e.6^th July, 2017.

Based on the Report of Committee on Allowances (CoA) and the recommendation of E-CoS, the Cabinet had earlier approved the modifications in 34 Allowances in its Meeting held on 28th June 2017. 

All allowances are given effect from 1st July 2017. 

Concerned Ministries have now been advised to issue their Orders on Allowances governed by them immediately so that the revised rates of allowances get reflected in the current month's Salary Bills of the Government employees.

Major Highlights of the Allowances approved by the Union Cabinet are as follows:

• Cabinet approved recommendations of 7^th CPC on allowances with 34 modifications - revised rates effective from 01.07.2017
• It will benefit 34 lakh Civilian employees and 14 lakh Defence Forces personnel
• 7^th CPC examined 197 allowances, recommending abolition of 53 allowances and subsuming 37 in others.
• 7^th CPC recommended revised rates commensurate with Dearness Allowance
• Fully DA-indexed allowances - no raise, not DA indexed raised by 2.25, partially indexed raised by 1.5, % based rationalised by 0.8
• Risk & Hardship Matrix evolved for allowances linked to risk and hardship
• 7^th CPC projected additional financial implication at Rs.29,300 cr per annum, modifications to have additional implication of Rs.1448.23 cr
• Combined additional financial implication estimated at Rs.30748.23 crore per annum.

1.        Number of allowances recommended to be abolished and subsumed:

·          Government decided not to abolish 12 allowances in view of specific functional requirements

·         3 of 37 subsumed allowances will continue as separate identities due to unique nature of these allowances.

2.        House Rent Allowance (HRA)

·         HRA will be paid @24%, 16% & 8% for X, Y & Z cities respectively

·         HRA not to be less than Rs.5400, 3600 & 1800 for X,Y&Z cities, calculated @30,20,&10% of min pay of Rs.18000 - to benefit >7.5 lakh employee

·         7^th CPC recommended revision of HRA when DA reaches 50% & 100%, Govt decided to revise rates when DA crosses 25% and 50% respectively.

3.        Siachen Allowance:

• Rates of Siachen Allowance increased from Rs.14000 pm (Soldiers) to Rs.30000 & Rs.21000 pm (Officers) to Rs.42500 for extreme risk & hardship.

4.        Dress Allowance:

·         Government decided to pay Dress Allowance to Nurses on monthly basis due to high maintenance and hygiene requirements.

·         Higher rate of Dress Allowance for Special Protection Group accepted by Govt.

5.        Tough Location Allowance:

·          7^th CPC recommended-TLA not to be granted with SDA-Govt decided to give option of SCLRA at pre-revised rates with SDA at revised rates

6.                     Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to all categories:

·           Children Education Allowance increased from Rs.1500 pm/child (max.2) to Rs.2250/child and Hostel Subsidy increased from Rs.4500 pm to Rs.6750 pm.

·           Special Allowance for Child Care for Women with Disabilities doubled from Rs.1500 pm to Rs.3000 pm

·            Higher Qualification Incentive for Civilians increased from Rs.2000 - Rs.10000 (Grant) to Rs.10000 – Rs.30000 (Grant)

7.        Recommendations in respect of some important allowances paid to Uniformed Services: Defence, CAPFs, Police, Indian Coast Guard and Security Agencies

·       Abolition of Ration Money Allowance and free ration to Defence officers in peace areas not accepted, RMA to be credited in bank account

·       Technical Allowance (Tier-II) not to be merged, Govt. decided to continue Technical Allowance (Tier-II) @Rs.4500 pm-courses to be reviewed

·       Aeronautical Allowance increased Rs.300 pm to Rs.450 pm and extended to Indian Coast Guard also

·       Counter Insurgency Ops (CI Ops) Allowance for counter – insurgency ops increased from Rs.3000 - Rs.11700 pm to Rs.6000 – Rs.16900 pm

·       MARCOS and Chariot Allowance paid to marine commandos increased from Rs.10500 - Rs.15750 pm to Rs.17300 – Rs.25000 pm

·       Conditionality of 12 hrs reduced to 4 hrs for Sea Going Allowance and rates increased from Rs.3000 - Rs.7800 pm to Rs.6000 – Rs.10500 pm

·       COBRA Allowance granted to CRPF personnel in Naxal hit areas increased from Rs.8400 - Rs.16800 pm to Rs.17300 – Rs.25000 pm

·       Modified Field, Field & Highly Active Field Area Allowances increased from Rs.1200 - Rs.12600 pm to Rs.6000 – Rs.16900 pm.

·       Flying Allowance increased from Rs.10500 - Rs.15750 pm to Rs.17300 – Rs.25000 pm and extended to BSF Air Wing also

·       High Altitude Allowance increased from Rs.810 - Rs.16800 pm to Rs.2700 – Rs.25000 pm

·       Higher Qualification Incentive for Defence Personnel increased from Rs.9000 – Rs.30000 (Grant) to Rs.10000 – Rs.30000 (Grant).

·       Test Pilot and Flight Test Engineer Allowance increased from Rs.1500 / 3000 pm to Rs.4100 / 5300 pm

·       Additional Free Railway Warrant (Leave Travel Concession) extended to CAPFs.

·       Territorial Army Allowance increased from Rs.175 - Rs.450 pm to Rs.1000 –Rs. 2000 pm

·       Ceilings of Deputation (Duty) Allowance for Defence Personnel increased from Rs.2000 - Rs.4500 pm to Rs.4500 - Rs.9000 pm

·       Detachment Allowance increased Rs.165 - Rs.780 per day to Rs.405 – Rs.1170 per day

·       Para Jump Instructor Allowance increased from Rs.2700/3600 pm to Rs.6000/10500 pm

·       Govt. increased Special Security Allowance for Special Protection Group to 55% and 27.5% of BP for ops and non – ops duties

·       Housing provisions for PBORs and their families residing at other stations significantly improved and linked to HRA, process simplified

8. Allowances paid to Indian Railways

·       Additional Allowance increased from Rs.500 / 1000 pm to Rs.1125 / 2250 pm and extended to Loco Pilot Goods and Senior Passenger Guards @Rs.750 pm

·      Special Train Controller’s Allowance @5000 pm introduced for Train Controllers of Railways

9. Allowances paid to Nurses & Ministerial Staffs of Hospital

·       Governmentt increased rate of Nursing Allowance from Rs.4800 pm to Rs.7200 pm

·       Operation Theatre Allowance not abolished and rates increased from Rs.360 pm to Rs.540 pm

·       Hospital Patient Care Allowance/Patient Care Allowance increased from Rs.2070 - Rs.2100 pm to Rs.4100 – Rs.5300 pm

·       7th CPC recommendations modified and HPCA / PCA to continue for Ministerial staff

10. Allowances to Pensioners

·       Fixed Medical Allowance for Pensioners increased from Rs.500 pm to Rs.1000 pm

·       Constant Attendance Allowance on 100% disablement increased from Rs.4500 pm to Rs.6750 pm

11. Allowances to Scientific Departments

·         7th CPC recommendations to abolish Launch Campaign Allowance and Space Technology Allowance not accepted – rates revised from Rs.7500 pa to Rs.11250 pa

·         Professional Update Allowance for non-gazetted staff of DAE will continue at enhanced rate of Rs.11250 pa

·         Antarctica Allowance – Summer rates revised from Rs.1125 per day to Rs.1500 per day, Winter rates from Rs.1688 per day to Rs.2000 per day

12. Allowance paid to D/o Posts & Railways

·              Cycle Allowance not abolished - rates doubled from Rs.90 to Rs.180 pm for functional requirements of Postmen in Posts and Trackmen in Railways.

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Ministry of Railways reforms recruitment process through induction of digital technology

Ministry of Railways reforms recruitment process through induction of digital technology 

Ministry of Railways reformed its recruitment process through induction of digital technology in a big way. This has brought transparency & efficiency. 

Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) have conducted the world’s largest computer based test for about 92 lakh candidates. This examination was conducted in 351 cities across India, including remote areas like North East, Kashmir Valley, Lakshadweep & Andaman Islands. 

Pursuing PM’s vision of Digital India, 2nd stage written test and 3rd stage Aptitude (Psycho) test for Assistant Station Masters and Typing Skill Test for Ministerial posts have also been conducted in Computer based manner for 45,989 candidates across India. 

Computer based Test for Aptitude (Psycho) Test and Typing Skill Test is another major initiative as it has been attempted for the first time in history. Due to this land mark digital transformation, both these tests could be completed in one day each, whereas in conventional mode these would have taken about 2 months time. This has resulted in substantial saving of time and resources.

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NCST Issues Notice to Golf Club on Complaint of Discrimination Against Northeast Woman

NCST Issues Notice to Golf Club on Complaint of Discrimination Against Northeast Woman 

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued a notice today to Golf Club, Delhi on a complaint of discrimination from a woman from North east belonging to ST inside the premises of the club. NCST has asked the club to submit its reply, facts and information in the matter and action taken on the allegation to the Commission within seven days. 

The Commission has issued a notice on the representation received from Chairperson, Meghalaya State Commission for Women and Civil Society of Assam. The Commission has also decided to investigate/ inquire into the matter in pursuance of the powers conferred upon it under Article 338A of the Constitution of India. 

It is mentioned in the notice that if the Commission does not receive the reply from the club within the stipulated period it may exercise the powers of civil courts conferred on it under clause 8 of Article 338A of the Constitution and issue summons for appearance of the office bearers of the club in person before the Commission.

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Scheme for IPR Awareness – Creative India; Innovative India

Scheme for IPR Awareness – Creative India; Innovative India 

Taking forward the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy 2016, a ‘Scheme for IPR Awareness – Creative India; Innovative India’ has been launched by Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) under the aegis of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.

The Scheme aims at raising IPR awareness amongst students, youth, authors, artists, budding inventors and professionals to inspire them to create, innovate and protect their creations and inventions across India including Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 cities as well as rural areas in the next 3 years.

The Scheme for IPR Awareness aims to conduct over 4000 IPR awareness workshops/seminars in academic institutions (schools and colleges) and the industry ,including MSMEs and Startups, as also IP training and sensitization programmes for enforcement agencies and the judiciary.

Workshops will cover all vital IP topics including international filing procedures, promotion of Geographical Indications and highlighting the ill effects of piracy and counterfeiting.

The Scheme for IPR Awareness would be implemented through partner organizations to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, for which complete details can be viewed at http://dipp.nic.in/whats-new/scheme-ipr-awareness.

MJPS

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IMD Issues Weather Warning For The Next Five Days

IMD Issues Weather Warning For The Next Five Days 

07JULY(Day1):♦ Heavy to very heavy rain very likely at isolated places over Assam & Meghalaya; heavy at isolated places over Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Sub­ Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura.

08JULY(Day2):♦Heavy  to very heavy rain very likely at isolated places with extremely heavy at isolated places over Assam Meghalaya; heavy at isolated places over Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Sub Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram &Tripura.

09JULY(Day3):♦Heavy to very heavy rain very likely at isolated places with extremely heavy at isolated places over Assam & Meghalaya; heavy to very heavy at isolated places over Sub­ Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim; heavy at   isolated places over Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram &Tripura.

10July(Day4):♦Heavy to very heavy rain very likely at isolated places over Uttarakhand, Sub Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Assam & Meghalaya; heavy at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura and Kerala.

11July(Day5):♦Heavy to very heavy rain very likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh; heavy at isolated places over Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sub­ Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram &Tripura, Konkan & Goa and Coastal Karnataka.

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National ST Commission to take action on video films of Jaravas on YouTube

National ST Commission to take action on video films of Jaravas on YouTube 

Taking suo-moto cognizance of objectionable video films and pictures of protected Jarava and other tribal communities of Andaman Islands on YouTube social media platform, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribe (NCST) has initiated action on it. 

The commission has decided to take up the matter with Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Chief Secretary of A&N Island for removal of these objectionable video films from YouTube and initiate action on those who uploaded these video clips on social media platform. 

As per provisions of Andaman and Nicobar Island (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956 (PAT) dated 18.6.1956, the Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, Nicobarese and Shom Pens have been identified as “aboriginal tribes”. The PAT contains the provisions of protection of these communities from the outside interference. Penalty provisions for promoting tourism through advertisement relating to aboriginal tribes has also been made in the year 2012. Whoever enters these areas in contravention of the notification under section 7 (which prohibits entry into reserve areas) for taking photographs or making videos shall be punishable with imprisonment up to three years. Section 3 (i) (r) of the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities Act) also attracted. 

The total population of tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is about 28077. Out of these five tribal communities have population of below 500.

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The Central Government: There is no change made in any subject relating to education in the GST

The Central Government: There is no change made in any subject relating to education in the GST era, except to reduce tax rate on certain items of education such as school bags etc.; Denies the reports that education will become expensive under GST; Rather services provided by an educational institution to students, faculty and staff are exempt. 

The Central Government denies all such reports that education will become expensive under GST. It states that such reports are completely unsubstantiated.  In fact, there is no change made in any subject relating to education in the GST era, except to reduce tax rate on certain items of education such as school bags etc.

            It may be mentioned that services provided by an educational institution to students, faculty and staff are exempt:

(i) pre-school education and education up to higher secondary school or equivalent;

(ii) education as a part of a curriculum for obtaining a qualification recognised by any law for the time being in force;

(iii) education as a part of an approved vocational education course.

            Transportation of students, faculty and staff services provided to an educational institution (providing pre-school education and education up to higher secondary school or equivalent) are exempt from GST. Similarly, catering, including any mid-day meals scheme sponsored by the Central Government, State Government or Union territory, to an educational institution providing education upto higher secondary school or equivalent, are also exempt from GST. Further, security or cleaning or housekeeping services performed in such educational institutions are also exempt from GST. Finally, services relating to admission to, or conducting of examination by, such institutions, upto higher secondary, too are exempt from GST.

Thus, education up to Higher Secondary School level does not suffer GST on output services and also on most of the important input services.  Some of the input services like transport, canteen etc. provided by private players to educational institutions were subject to service tax in pre-GST era and the same is continued in GST regime.

             Furthermore, services by an entity registered under section 12AA of the Income-tax Act by way of charitable activities relating to advancement of educational programmes or skill development for

(a) abandoned, orphaned or homeless children

(b) physically or mentally abused and traumatized persons

(c) prisoners

(d)  persons over the age of 65 years residing in a rural area 

are also exempt from GST.

            Hence, there has been no change in taxability of educational and other services on account of GST.

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Informal BRICS Leaders Meeting in Hamburg

Informal BRICS Leaders Meeting in Hamburg

The leaders of the 5 BRICS countries held an informal meeting on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany. This was in run up to the forthcoming 9th BRICS Summit in September in Xiamen, China. President Xi of China said he looked forward to welcoming the BRICS leaders. 

In their interventions, the leaders discussed preparations and priorities for the forthcoming Xiamen BRICS Summit. 

Prime Minister mentioned that BRICS has been a strong voice and needs to show leadership on terrorism and global economy. He stressed that G20 should collectively oppose terrorism financing, franchises, safe havens, support and sponsors. Referring to reforms in India, including the recent introduction of GST, PM stated that it was necessary to work together for sustained global economic recovery. He advocated collective voice against the practices of protectionism, especially in the spheres of trade and movement of knowledge and professionals. He reiterated India's commitment to implementing Paris Agreement in letter and spirit and described its implementation globally as essential to fighting climate change. He called for expeditious action to establish BRICS rating agency and stated that cooperation on development of Africa should be a priority. He also called for greater people-to-people exchanges. 

The Prime Minister appreciated momentum in BRICS under the Chairmanship of President Xi and extended full cooperation and best wishes for the BRICS Xiamen Summit. 

Concluding the meeting immediately after PM's remarks, President Xi appreciated India's strong resolve against terrorism and the momentum in BRICS introduced under India's Chairmanship and through the outcomes of the Goa Summit in 2016. He also appreciated India's success in economic and social development and wished India even bigger success.

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Shri Ram Vilas Paswan briefs about the recent decisions taken by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

Shri Ram Vilas Paswan briefs about the recent decisions taken by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution 

Government decides to continue the same issue prices for food-grains under the National Food Security Act till June, 2018: Shri Ram Vilas Paswan

Department of Consumer Affairs allows change in MRP on unsold stock prior to implementation of GST till 30th September: Shri Ram Vilas Paswan

Shri Paswan says details of letters and digits for display of MRP, net-quantity and consumer support on the pack of food items must be followed

 Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, talking to media here today said that the Government has decided to continue the same issue prices for food-grains under the National Food Security Act till June, 2018. Shri Paswan said that the details of letters and digits for display of MRP, net-quantity and consumer support on the pack of food items must be followed. Shri Paswan informed that Government has allowed the manufacturers or packers or importers of pre-packaged commodities to declare the changed retail sale price (MRP) on the unsold stock manufactured/packed/imported prior to 1^st July, 2017 after inclusion of the increased amount of tax due to GST, if any, in addition to the existing retail sale price (MRP), for three months w.e.f. 1^st July, 2017 to 30^th September, 2017.

  

National Food Security Act (NFSA) – The NFSA was enacted with effect from 5.7.2013. When the NDA Government came into power in the year 2014, only 11 States had implemented the NFSA. By November, 2016 it got implemented in the entire country.
 Highly subsidized food-grains are provided to the eligible households @ Rs. 1/- per kg. Coarsegrains, Rs. 2/- per kg. Wheat and Rs. 3/- per kg. Rice. As per the provisions under the Act these prices shall be valid for a period of 3 years from the date of commencement of the Act and, thereafter, may be revised by the Central Government. However, the Central Government did not change the issue prices till June, 2017.
 Now, the Government has decided to continue the same issue prices under the Act till June, 2018. This decision will benefit 80.55 crore persons presently covered under the Act across the States/UTs.
 Reservation in PDS Licenses – The State Governments issue licenses for operating FPS under the provisions of TPDS Control Order 2016. The scheme for distribution of highly subsidized foodgrains through the PDS is focused on the poor and deprived sections of the society. The State Governments have been requested to follow the reservation policy for the SC/ST or their group/organizations while granting license for FPS.

 Amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011– Provision for displaying prescribed declarations under Packaged Commodities Rules for selling goods on  e-commerce platform.
 Declarations under Packaged Commodities Rules, in case of food items, have been aligned with declarations to be made under FSSAI, except 3 declarations required under Legal Metrology viz. MRP, Net-quantity and Consumer Care details.
 The size of words and numbers for mandatory declarations has been increased so that a consumer can easily read.
 The provision on dual MRP has been made clear by the explanation – “No person shall declare different MRPs on an identical pre-packaged commodity by adopting respective trade practices or unfair trade practices as defined under Consumer Protection Act 1986.
 Testing of net quantity and its declaration has been made more scientific in the interest of industries.
 Relaxation regarding change of MRP of Packaged Commodity due to implementation of GST – On account of implementation of GST w.e.f. 1^st July, 2017, there may be instances where the retail sale price of a pre-packaged commodity is required to be changed. In this context, we have allowed the manufacturers or packers or importers of pre-packaged commodities to declare the changed retail sale price (MRP) on the unsold stock manufactured/packed/imported prior to 1^st July, 2017 after inclusion of the increased amount of tax due to GST, if any, in addition to the existing retail sale price (MRP), for three months w.e.f. 1^st July, 2017 to 30^th September, 2017. Declaration of the changed retail sale price (MRP) shall be made by way of stamping or putting sticker or online printing, as the case may be.
 It is also clarified that  ‘for reducing the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), a sticker with the revised lower MRP (inclusive of all taxes) may be affixed and the same shall not cover the MRP declaration made by the manufacturer or the packer, as the case may be, on the label of the package’.
 Use of unexhausted packaging material/wrapper has also been allowed upto 30^th September, 2017 after making the necessary corrections.

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Several initiatives taken by the Government for Northeast youth, says Dr Jitendra Singh

Several initiatives taken by the Government for Northeast youth, says Dr Jitendra Singh 

 The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh said that several new initiatives for the youth of Northeast have already been rolled out while others are in the pipeline, during an interactive session here yesterday, organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has come out with a “Venture Fund” for the young Start-Ups. He said that, considering the incredible talent of the Northeast youth in excelling in international athletics and gymnastics, a state-of-the-art Sports University will soon come up in Manipur, for which the land has already been acquired.

Dr Jitendra Singh also mooted the idea of holding coaching classes for preparation of Civil Services Examination via satellite and tele-education for youth living in the remote parts of peripheral States, where they felt deprived of such facility unlike their counterparts in some of the metros and other cities.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that it is remarkable how the youth of Northeast had the capacity and determination to excel in diverse fields of activity, notwithstanding the constraints of lack of infrastructure or training/coaching facilities. Citing the example of the Tripura girl, Ms. Dipa Karmakar, who achieved world fame through her performance in Gymnastics, Dr Jitendra Singh said that he was pleased to note that the Ministry of DoNER had also tried to mentor her during her preparatory phase, even though in her early phase she did not have enough access to any formal training.

With a fast-track improvement in connectivity and means of transport during the last three years, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the business houses as well as investors have started showing interest in Northeast, which would ultimately augur well for job creation and employment. Even this year, he disclosed that there was a significant increase in the tourist flow, due to the priority given to the Northeast region by the tour operators from the rest of the country.

In response to a query, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Public-Private-Participation (PPP) model will help to carry forward all these initiatives and the private sector can also be encouraged to spend a substantial part of CSR (Corporate Social-Responsibility) funds in the remote areas of NER. He said that, for this purpose, he would take up with the Government, the feasibility of giving tax exemption for CSR spent in this region or fixing a certain mandatory percentage of CSR for this purpose.

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Several initiatives taken by the Government for Northeast youth, says Dr Jitendra Singh

Several initiatives taken by the Government for Northeast youth, says Dr Jitendra Singh 

 The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh said that several new initiatives for the youth of Northeast have already been rolled out while others are in the pipeline, during an interactive session here yesterday, organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has come out with a “Venture Fund” for the young Start-Ups. He said that, considering the incredible talent of the Northeast youth in excelling in international athletics and gymnastics, a state-of-the-art Sports University will soon come up in Manipur, for which the land has already been acquired.

Dr Jitendra Singh also mooted the idea of holding coaching classes for preparation of Civil Services Examination via satellite and tele-education for youth living in the remote parts of peripheral States, where they felt deprived of such facility unlike their counterparts in some of the metros and other cities.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that it is remarkable how the youth of Northeast had the capacity and determination to excel in diverse fields of activity, notwithstanding the constraints of lack of infrastructure or training/coaching facilities. Citing the example of the Tripura girl, Ms. Dipa Karmakar, who achieved world fame through her performance in Gymnastics, Dr Jitendra Singh said that he was pleased to note that the Ministry of DoNER had also tried to mentor her during her preparatory phase, even though in her early phase she did not have enough access to any formal training.

With a fast-track improvement in connectivity and means of transport during the last three years, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the business houses as well as investors have started showing interest in Northeast, which would ultimately augur well for job creation and employment. Even this year, he disclosed that there was a significant increase in the tourist flow, due to the priority given to the Northeast region by the tour operators from the rest of the country.

In response to a query, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Public-Private-Participation (PPP) model will help to carry forward all these initiatives and the private sector can also be encouraged to spend a substantial part of CSR (Corporate Social-Responsibility) funds in the remote areas of NER. He said that, for this purpose, he would take up with the Government, the feasibility of giving tax exemption for CSR spent in this region or fixing a certain mandatory percentage of CSR for this purpose.

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Minister of Food Processing Industry laid foundation stone

Minister of Food Processing Industry laid foundation stone for First Maize Based Mega Food Park in Kapurthala, Punjab 

Shri Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister of Food Processing Industry laid the foundation stone for First Maize based Mega Food Park in Kapurthala, Punjab today. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State for Food Processing was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that Maize is an amazing cereal and is an alternate to Jhona (paddy) and Kanak (wheat). Maize is rich in protein, provides nutritional requirements that India needs and Maize consumes much lesser water and could contain the problem of further water depletion. The Mega Food Park is being developed by Sukhjit Mega Food park & Infra Limited at village Rehana Jattan, Phagwara, District Kapurthala, Punjab.  She also said that Kapurthala has been declared as a Dark Zone district where slow desertification is happening because of overexploitation of water due to cash crops. So establishment of this Mega Food Park was not allowed. Since this would be a maize based Mega Food Park which will promote crop diversification and water conservation, Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal informed that her ministry made special efforts to get this Mega Food Park approved from Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. Establishment of this Mega Food Park will result in the development of this Dark Zone which includes Job opportunities, Environmental Conservation, she added.

Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal also said that there is an urgent need to turn to Maize and our government would relentlessly work to make Maize as the third viable staple crop of Punjab after Wheat and Rice and growing of maize with enhanced quality of seeds. A Maize based Food Park is like putting an engine to the cart so that cultivation of maize grows leaps and bounds. Highlighting the new flagship scheme “KISAN SAMPADA YOJANA”, Minister of Food Processing Industries said that with the aim of making every farmer a Food Processor also, this scheme has been designed where farmers can also set up big or small food processing units and marketing units. She also said that enterprises willing to set up maize based food processing units in Sukhjit Mega Food Park would get loan from NABARD at affordable rates. She also thanked the state government for extending support for the establishment of the Mega Food Park.

Background:

Maize Based Mega Food Park is the first major and serious step in the history of India for containing the desertification problem of Punjab and would make farmers turn to maize cultivation which need less water for more production. Maize is being used by different industries for seed, starch, brewery, food additives, sweeteners etc and it is also a basic raw material to thousands of industrial products like oil, proteins, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, beverages, film, textile, gum, value added foods, paper industries, bio-ethanol etc.

The Mega Food Park will leverage an additional investment of about Rs.250 crores in 25-30 food processing units in the park and generate turnover of Rs.450-500 crores annually. The Park will provide direct and indirect employment to 5,000 persons and benefit about 25,000 farmers.

Set up in an area of 55 acres, the first Maize based Park is being built with an investment of Rs. 123.7 crores with a grant of Rs.50 crores by Union Food Processing Industries Ministry to have Multipurpose Cold Storage of 3, 000 Metric tonnes, Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) and Deep Freezer 1 Metric Tonne/Hour capacity, Sorting and Grading Yard of 2,000 sqm and Food Testing Lab.  In addition to that promoter is also set up an Anchor Unit with an investment of Rs.105 crores for Maize Processing with an installed grinding capacity of 500 Metric Tonnes a day.

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Kharif Crop Sowing Crosses 404 Lakh Hectare Area

Kharif Crop Sowing Crosses 404 Lakh Hectare Area 

          The total sown area as on 7^th July 2017, as per reports received from States, stands at 404.27 lakh hectare as compared to 371.39 lakh hectare at this time last year.

            It is reported that rice has been sown/transplanted in 79.81 lakh ha, pulses in 44.11 lakh ha, coarse cereals in 80.78 lakh ha, sugarcane in 47.93 lakh hectare and cotton in 71.82 lakh ha.

             The details of the area covered so far and that covered during this time last year are given below:

                                                                                                                              Lakh hectare 

Crop	Area sown in 2017-18	Area sown in 2016-17
Rice	79.81	75.28
Pulses	44.11	35.88
Coarse Cereals	80.78	70.11
Oilseeds	72.87	69.74
Sugarcane	47.93	45.22
Jute & Mesta	6.95	7.27
Cotton	71.82	67.89
Total	404.27	371.39

 Z

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