Month: July 2012

Mail News Service
New Delhi, July 24: The President of India, . Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressed the nation today on the eve of demitting office of the President. Following is the text of the President’s address:
“ When I assumed office it was the hundred and fiftieth year of our First War of Independence and the sixtieth anniversary of our Independence.
Three years later, we crossed another milestone, the sixtieth anniversary of India becoming a Republic. The fifteenth General Election was held in the country in 2009. On these momentous occasions, it was but natural, that the strength of freedom and the power of democracy found resonance in the minds of the people. Elections in our country have, invariably, impressed all observers for their free and fair nature and for the enormous mobilization undertaken for their conduct. Elections are now bringing in Governments that are mostly coalitions and legislatures composed of many parties.
There are regional aspirations as well. Expectations are rising and the people are seeking quicker responses to their problems. It is in these settings that promises are to be met, duties to be performed, and results to be delivered. Even as we seek progress, we must not forget that nation building is a collective endeavour and each one has a role to play and contribute according to his or her might. Each one will have to work hard, maintain harmony and be disciplined, for the growth of the nation and the well being of society. Democracy has given every citizen of the country a participatory stake in its freedom and its progress. The essence of democracy should also be internalized so that it is reflected in our patterns of behaviour.
Negative attitudes spread cynicism and despair, which is not in the interest of our country. We cannot be dismissive and, insensitive to the needs of others and callous about what is happening around us. Stability and success of democracy in India, rests on social harmony, responsible behaviour, positive attitude and commitment to values. The Constitution of our country must be fully respected and there should be adherence to the Fundamental Duties, elaborated in the Constitution, which call for excellence, harmony, rejecting violence and upholding the unity and integrity of India. Always remember, the words of Gandhiji, who said and I quote, “No people have risen who thought only of rights. Only those did so, who thought of duties.” Unquote
You have always shown an ability to understand events happening around you; expressed your views and I am sure you will not fail in building a strong, progressive, cohesive and corruption-free India. Corruption is the enemy of development, and of good governance. It must be got rid of. Both the Government and the people at large must come together to achieve this national objective.
Along with healthy democracy, there should also be a healthy society. It is a matter of deep distress that, even today, social evils that stagnate the growth of our country, in so many ways, continue to exist – dowry and child marriage, the practice of female foeticide and female infanticide which are causing a lop-sided gender-ratio. Instances of violence against women are very disturbing. These are totally unacceptable and must be opposed by one and all. Government, social organizations, NGOs and other voluntary bodies all have to work collectively. Laws on these subjects have been passed and could be reviewed.
Also, I believe, passing laws is not enough by itself. There has to be a social effort for creating awareness, beginning with the family, so that young minds imbibe the right values. They should be made aware that drug abuse and alcoholism can debilitate a person and cause disharmony in the family. There are too many cases of people getting trapped into an unending cycle of debt and poverty due to these addictions. This is especially so when it involves the poor. When citizens stand up against social malpractices, they become the messengers of change. They must get the support of Government and society. This will give a more active thrust to this fight against social evils and to build a more compassionate society at all levels.
Education, which should also include physical education, is very important for every boy and girl for an enlightened society. I call on school and college students to focus on acquiring knowledge and developing progressive and humane attitudes so that they are ready with skills to meet the requirements of the new, dynamic knowledge era.
Today, innovation is the key to change. It is, therefore, appropriate that the ongoing decade was declared as one of innovation in India. A spirit of creativity should exist at every level of society.
A lot rests on our educational institutions, research organizations and scientific bodies, to come out with new technologies and new innovations. The nation has high expectations from them. However, I have also seen that at the grassroots level, ordinary citizens have come out with many innovations based on practical requirements and experiences. They too must be encouraged and supported.
Enhancing agricultural productivity is a national imperative for our food security goal. A paradigm shift, where, in addition to, physical inputs for farming, a focused emphasis placed on knowledge inputs, can be a promising way forward. This knowledge based approach will bring immense returns particularly in Rainfed and Dryland farming areas.
I hope that agricultural research institutions and knowledge extension systems, working at the ground level with gram panchayats, will bring technology and good farming practices to the doorsteps of the farmer. Agriculture is a sector that also needs greater integration with other sectors of the economy, including much more engagement with industry. This can work when the rights of farmers on their land is fully protected. Farmers also need to be empowered and their bargaining abilities enhanced, so that they deal with other sectors, whether for procuring inputs, or for marketing and processing their output, with confidence.
Improved farming and development of rural areas, I believe, is of great importance to national growth. We are, however, living in times, when towns and cities are coming up at a faster rate than before. These should be developed as living habitats where the environment is clean, and amenities as well as livelihood opportunities are made available. Sustainable urban habitat is a very important concept for India. It essentially encompasses environment sustainability and inclusiveness. Residents should organize themselves and fully participate in various activities to make their cities sustainable. As a small measure, to make this concept a reality, I launched the Roshini Project for Rashtrapati Bhavan, with an environment management committee through the participation of residents, coupled with a livelihood programme by organizing Self Help Groups of women and a creche for children. Dear Citizens,
I believe that the potential of women has not yet been fully realized. Therefore, their issues received my constant attention during my Presidency. Women have talent and intelligence but due to social constraints and prejudices, it is still a long distance away from the goal of gender equality. I observed that though Government has many programmes and schemes for women, at the implementation level there was a lack of push, convergence and coordination. I hope the efforts of the ‘National Mission for Empowerment of Women’, set up two years ago with the aim of achieving gender equality and justice as well as holistic development of women through co-ordination among stakeholders, will bear fruit. I also feel that women contribute to building a more decent and compassionate society, as the feeling of caring and nurturing is inherent in their nature.
For a nation, its value system is its anchor. India has a long tradition of tolerance and harmony, because of the very nature of its society, which is multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-ethnic.
The message of love, sympathy and tolerance intrinsic to all religions, and propagated by their respective saints, has had a bearing on the ethos of the country. It has taught us to strive for a higher purpose. Gurudev Tagore spoke of how the future was waiting for those who are rich in moral ideas and not in mere things. I hope that in line with these words of Gurudev, India will continue to strive to be a country that upholds civilizational values and the high ideals of our Founding Fathers, even as we prosper and grow. It is this, that will define India as a unique country on the world platform.
India is also an example of how economic growth can be achieved within a democratic framework. I believe economic growth should translate into the happiness and progress of all. Alongwith it, there should be development of art and culture, literature and education, science and technology. We have to see how to harness the many resources of India for achieving common good and for inclusive growth. Gandhiji had taught us that worthy ends could only be achieved through worthy means. India will be what we are and our actions will shape the future. To build a nation, people must make sacrifices. Here, I would like to appreciate the important role of our Armed Forces in guarding our borders and of our security forces in maintaining law and order in the country. With terrorism and extremism in our region, we cannot let down our guard.
We must also remember that the work of nation-building is endless. Generations come and generations go, but the life of the nation goes on. Every generation during its time must make a qualitative difference. Swami Vivekananda said, and I quote, “Our ancestors did great things in the past, but we have to grow into a fuller life and march beyond even their great achievements.” Unquote. So let us all unitedly resolve to take our nation to higher heights!
On this journey, never forget that you belong to a great nation, rich in history and culture, the home of sages and heroes, the cradle of one of the most ancient continuous civilizations, that has the promise and the potential of being one of the most prosperous countries of the world. In a pluralistic society, the most, utmost strength lies in unity. It is only when we are united that every challenge will become surmountable. Do not let any divisive agenda take root or sway you. As more than one billion people use this collective strength to create a symphony, so that the world waits to listen to you.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/president-patils-address-on-the-eve-of-demitting-office/

On an overcast Monsoon day in Mumbai, the country’s latest warship, INS Sahyadri, built indigenously by the Mazagon Dock Ltd was inducted in to the Indian Navy. The tricolour and the naval ensign were hoisted, the national anthem played, and A K Antony, the Defence Minister, formally commissioned the bristling 6000 tonne warship, urging the crew to “promote peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.”
The commissioning of INS Sahyadri, the third and the final frigate of Shivalik class, formally marked the end of Project 17 of the Indian Navy. Preceding the Sahyadri were INS Shivalik, commissioned in 2010 and INS Satpura, commissioned in 2011, all named after important mountain ranges in India.
Shivalik Class frigates are the first Indian warships to be built with stealth features and which are designated to be the lead frigates of the country’s navy during the first quarter of the 21st century. They are an upgraded and superior version of the Talwar Class frigates. These frigates include unique stealth features and land-attacking capabilities.
The structural, thermal, and acoustic stealth features make them less detectable to the enemy. The radar systems and engines are further modified to reduce and avoid detection and noise levels.
Shivalik Class frigates are 143m long and 16.9m wide. They have a displacement of 6,000 tons and run on gas turbines and diesel engines. They can carry a crew of 257, including 37 officers
Project 17
Project 17 was conceptualized by the Indian Navy to design and build stealth frigates indigenously. In 1997, the Indian Government approved the order for three frigates and the Letter of Intent was released to the shipbuilders Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai in February 1998.
The Directorate of Naval Design (DND) framed the initial design for the Project 17 Class frigates. The detailed designs were prepared by the Mazagon Dock Ltd.
Production began in 2000 due to the delays on account of changes in the hull steel specifications, and delivery delay of high-strength D-40S steel from Russia. To overcome the steel supply problems, the required AB-grade steel was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Steel Authority of India, which will help later generation warships.
Defence PSU Mazagon Dock Ltd began to build the vessels in 122 modules. In July 2001, the keel of the first frigate was laid, and it was launched and named Shivalik in April 2003. In February 2009, the frigate underwent sea trials before being commissioned into the Indian Navy in April 2010.The keel of the second frigate, Satpura, was laid in October 2002 and launched in June 2004. It was commissioned in August 2011. The keel of the third frigate in the class, Sahyadri, was laid in 2003 and launched in May 2005.
INS Sahyadri
INS Sahyadri is armed with a formidable array of surface, sub-surface and air-defence weapons. These include long range anti-ship missiles, anti-aircraft missiles and anti-missile defence systems, which can detect and engage the enemy at extended ranges, thereby giving her significant combat power. The two multi-role helicopters that are embarked on Sahyadri provide enhanced surveillance and attack capability.
The ship is mounted with Fregat M2EM 3-D radar, an air search radar, HUMSA (Hull-Mounted Sonar Array) fire control radar and BEL Ellora electronics surveillance measures.
The Computer-aided Action Information Organisation (CAIO), provides the Combat Centre with a complete electronic picture of the battlefield, including target information from the Sahyadri’s sensors and radars. This goes to the ship’s Executive Officer (XO), the weapons chief, who electronically assigns a weapon to destroy each target.
The ship is propelled by two Gas Turbine engines, which enable her to generate speeds in excess of 30 knots (or over 55 Kmph), and two Diesel Engines for normal cruising speeds. The ship’s electric power is provided by four Diesel Alternators, which together produce 4 Mega-Watts of power – enough to light up a small town.Mazagon
Dock’s Plans for the Future
Having successfully completed the construction of Shivalik class frigates, Mazagon Dock Ltd, is looking ahead to future with confidence. Its order book is an envy of any defence ship builder in the world. Under construction in MDL’s berths are three destroyers of Project 15A —Kolkata, Kochi and Chennai — joining the navy’s fleet next year onwards. Also on order are four more destroyers of Project 15B, to be followed by four stealth frigates of the Project 17A. MDL is also building six Scorpene submarines, all of which are scheduled to join the navy between 2015 and 2018.
The warship builder has worked out a collaborative strategy for taking the nation towards self sufficiency in warship construction. Close on the heels of commissioning of INS Sahyadri, it has announced the signing of two Joint Venture agreements with two private sector shipyards, Pipavav Defence & Offshore Engineering Co Ltd and Larsen & Toubro Ltd for construction of surface warships and conventional submarines, as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Defence.
With the Government placing increased attention on India’s maritime interests, there will be growing requirement of warships for the Indian Navy. Under these circumstances, the defence shipbuilders have their tasks cut out.
PIB Mumbai.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/shivalik-frigates-strengthen-the-blue-water-navy/

Vinod Shankar Bairwa
Media & Communication Officer, PIB, New Delhi.
Secondary Education is a crucial stage in the educational hierarchy as it prepares the students for higher education and also the world of work. With the liberalization and globalization of the Indian economy, the rapid changes witnessed in scientific and technological world and the general need to improve the quality of life and to reduce poverty, it is essential that school leavers acquire a higher level of knowledge and skills than what they are provided in the eight years of elementary education, particularly when the average earning of a secondary school certificate holder is significantly higher than that of a person who has studied only up to class VIII.
The policy at present is to make secondary education of good quality available, accessible and affordable to all young persons in the age group of 14-18.
At present, the following schemes targeted at secondary stage (i.e. class IX to XII) are being implemented in the form of Centrally Sponsored Schemes:
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan was launched in 2009 with the objective to universalise access to secondary education and improve its quality. The scheme envisages inter alia, to enhance the enrolment at secondary stage by providing a secondary school within a reasonable distance of any habitation, with an aim to ensure GER of 100% by 2017, i.e., by the end of 12th Five Year Plan and achieving universal retention by 2020.During last three year, opening of 9670 new secondary schools and strengthening of existing 34311 secondary schools have been sanctioned.
Against sanction for opening of 9670 new secondary schools, 906 new secondary schools have been sanctioned in the minority concentration districts. Out of opening of 9670 new secondary schools, 7303 secondary schools have become functional. Further, 283 new school buildings have been constructed and about 2500 new secondary school buildings are at different stages of construction. To improve the Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) in the existing secondary schools, appointment of 52352 additional teachers have also been approved. In the new secondary schools, 12591 teachers have also been recruited.
.Model School Scheme
The Model School scheme was launched in November 2008 in pursuance to the announcement of the Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech of 2007.The Model School Scheme aims to provide quality education to talented rural children through setting up 6000 model schools as benchmark of excellence at block level at the rate of one school per block. The scheme is under implementation since 2009-10. 3,500 schools are to be set up in as many educationally backward blocks (EBBs) through States/UTs. A total of 1956 model schools have so far been approved, out of which 438 have become functional. The modalities for the PPP Model schools were approved by the Government on 24 November, 2011 and 2500 model school are to be set up under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mode.
Girls’ Hostel Scheme
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for “Construction and Running of Girls’ Hostels for Students of Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools” was launched in 2008-09 and is being implemented from 2009-10. The Scheme envisages construction of a hostel with the capacity of 100 girls in each of about 3,500 Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) in the country. The main objective of the Scheme is to improve access to and retain the girl child in Secondary and Higher Secondary classes (IX-XII) so that the girl students are not denied the opportunity to continue their study due to distance to school, parents’ financial affordability and other connected societal factors. As on 31st March, 2012, 1925 hostels have been recommended by Project Approval Board (PAB) and an amount of Rs. 300.93 crore has been released for construction of 958 hostels in 13 States. The girl students in the age group of 14-18 years, studying in classes IX and XII belonging to SC, ST, OBC, Minority communities and BPL families will form the target group of the Scheme. Students passing out of KGBV will be given preference in admission in hostels. At least 50% of girls admitted will be from SC, ST, OBC and Minority communities.
ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in Schools
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Schools Scheme was launched in December, 2004 to provide opportunities to secondary stage students to mainly build their capacity on ICT skills and make them learn through computer aided learning process. The Scheme is a major catalyst to bridge the digital divide amongst students of various socio economic and other geographical barriers. Based on the experience gained so far, the Scheme was revised, in July 2010.The scheme currently covers both Government and Government aided Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools. Financial assistance is provided for procurement of computers and peripherals, educational software, training of teachers, development of e-contents, internet connectivity & setting up of smart schools, setting up the requisite infrastructure to impart computer literacy and computer aided learning has been approved for 94752 government and government aided secondary and higher secondary schools.
Financial assistance is given to States, CIET and SIETs on the basis of the approvals accorded by Project Monitoring and Evaluation Group (PMEG) chaired by Secretary (School Education and Literacy). The project cost is shared between Centre and States in ration of 75:25 except for the NER states including Sikkim where it is 90:10.
Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage
The Scheme of Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) was launched in 2009-10 replacing the earlier scheme of Integrated Education for Disabled Children (IEDC). It provides assistance for the inclusive education of the disabled children in classes IX-XII. The aim of the Scheme is to enable all students with disabilities, after completing eight years of elementary schooling, to pursue further four years of secondary schooling (classes IX to XII) in an inclusive and enabling environment. Central assistance for all items covered in the scheme is on 100 per cent basis. The State Governments are only required to make provisions for a scholarship of Rs. 600 per disabled child per annum. The School Education Department of the State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations is the implementing agency. They may involve NGOs having experience, (contd next col)
from previous col
Strengthening Secondary Education
in the field of education of the disabled, in the implementation of the scheme. 4,00,241 disabled children have been approved for coverage since inception of the scheme.
Vocationalisation of Secondary Education
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Vocationalisation of Secondary Education provides for diversification of educational opportunities so as to enhance individual employability, reduce the mismatch between demand and supply of skilled manpower and provides an alternative for those pursuing higher education.The scheme was initially launched in 1988. To make improvement in this scheme, the revised scheme was approved on 15 September, 2011.
The revisions were suggested to address the issues of low esteem of vocational education in the country, weak synergy with industry in planning and execution, lack of vertical and horizontal mobility, redundant courses and curricula as well as paucity of trained vocational education teachers. It is also envisages that strengthening of

vocational education at the secondary stage would contribute to the national target of 500 million skilled manpower by 2022.
The Scheme provides for financial assistance to the States to set up administrative structure, area vocational surveys, preparation of curriculum, text book, work book curriculum guides, training manual, teacher training programme, strengthening technical support system for research and development, training and evaluation etc. It also provides financial assistance to NGOs and voluntary organizations towards implementation of specific innovative projects for conducting short-term courses.
The Scheme, so far, has created infrastructure of 21000 sections in 9619 schools and creating a capacity of about 10 lakh students at + 2 level. The grants released so far since the inception of the scheme is Rs. 765 crore.
National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework (NVEQF)
The HRD Ministry is seized with the problems of low rates of enrolment and school drop outs at Secondary and Higher Secondary levels and thereafter in Higher Education. The Ministry is in the process of developing the NVEQF. The Framework would bring about uniformity in standards of vocational courses being offered, by registration of vocational qualification and accreditation of programmes and institutions. NVEQF levels will be introduced in Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools, Polytechnics, Universities & Colleges for seamless pathways and progression. The draft NVEQF has been formulated in consultation with State Governments as well as a Group of State Education Ministers.
National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education
The Centrally sponsored scheme “National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)” was launched in May 2008 with the objective to establish an enabling environment to reduce the drop-outs and to promote the enrolment of girl child belonging mainly to SC/ST communities in secondary schools. According to the scheme, a sum of Rs.3,000/- is deposited in the name of eligible unmarried girls as fixed deposit, who are entitled to withdraw it along with interest thereon on reaching 18 years of age and passing 10th standard examination. The scheme covers – all girls belonging to SC/ST communities who pass class VIII and all girls who pass VIII examination from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (irrespective of whether they belong to SC/ST) and enrol in class IX in Government, Government-aided and local body schools.
Canara bank is the implementing agency for the scheme. It has developed a web based portal recently to implement the scheme. The portal will facilitate on line submission of data of the beneficiaries and on line disbursement of incentive amount on maturity into their accounts directly after certification by the State Nodal Officer on line that the beneficiary is 18 years old and passed class X examination. Funds released during last 3 years are – Rs. 45.798 crore/for 152660 girls of 14 states/UTs (2009-10), Rs. 72.458 crore/ for 241528 girls of 15 states/UTs (2010-11) and Rs. 163.059 crore /for 543532 girls of 25 states/UTs (2011-12).
Central Board of Secondary Education
CBSE has strengthened the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) and School Based Assessment of education in all the schools affiliated to the Board from August 2009 and also made class X Board Examination optional for the students of Senior Secondary schools affiliated to the Board In addition to the above the Central Sector schemes of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Sangathan (NVS), Central Tibetan Schools Administration (CTSA), Indo-Mangolian Schools are being implemented. (PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/strengthening-secondary-education/