Tag: Features

H. C. Kunwar
Deputy Director (Media & Communication), Ministry of Railways.
The world’s tallest rail bridge over Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir’s Reasi district being constructed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, is likely to be ready by 2016. This bridge will be on the Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project which is a national project to provide rail connectivity to the beautiful valley of Kashmir.
Konkan Railway has taken up the construction of part of USBRL project from Katra to Dharam in December 2002. Chenab Bridge, perhaps the most challenging project, is to be built at the height of 359 metres (height of Qutab Minar is 72 metres and of Eiffel Tower is 324 metres). Chenab Bridge is having the central span of 457 metres. When constructed this bridge will quality for world record for being the tallest rail bridge from the river bed. Currently the world’s tallest rail bridge is located over France’s Tam River with its tallest pillar rising 340 metres, with the actual height where the train runs on the bridge being 300 metres. The design of bridge also takes care of blast load, which is internationally an unique feature. The painting scheme for this bridge is designed for 35 years of service life so that during service life of 120 years, only 3 times repainting will have to be done.
For construction of Arch portion of the bridge over the river, a novel method of construction using the cable car is designed and under construction. This cable car runs on 54mm cables laid across the river valley and connected through 127 metre high pylons (towers) on either side of river. The consumption of structural steel for this project is very huge. The construction of Chenab Bridge will comprises of earthwork in excavation for construction of foundations, over 46,000cum of concreting, 3600 tonnes of reinforcement steel and 25,000 tonnes of structural steel (an equivalent to volume of a 54 story building on a football ground size plot).
Fabrication of the steel structures involves very high degree of precision and quality wielding using latest wielding technologies.
Construction of Railway Bridge over river Chenab bridging steep banks on Bakkal (Katra) and Kauri (Srinagar) ends respectively, without causing any hindrance to the water flow is a challenge. Approach roads measuring a total length of about 5 kilometres are being constructed in very difficult terrain to reach to main span foundations.
To ensure stability of the foundation cut profiles, the slopes have been suitably designed and will be protected by means of rock bolting and shotcreting. From Katra side, the railway line comes out of 5.9 kilometre long tunnel and after moving over other bridges comes to a station called Salai-A and after moving over Chenab bridge comes to a halt station called Salai-B. These two stations are meant to serve the local population of either side of the river.
The bridge is designed for 266 kmph of wind velocity and wind tunnel simulation test for the same was conducted in Denmark. However, trains will not be permitted to travel over the bridge when wind velocity exceeds 90 kmph. Suitable instrumentation like anemometers for measuring wind velocity, accelerometers for measuring ground acceleration in the event of an earthquake, temperature monitor etc., will be installed at critical locations to generate alarm to the adjacent stations in case of danger. Various geotechnical investigations are carried out for this bridge like soil boring done along the alignment of the bridge, plate load test and shear load test conducted inside drift (a tunnel like cavity made for investigation) at foundation level of Arch.
The section from Katra to Dharam being constructed by Konkan Railway is 70 kilometres in length. It comprises of 59,457 kilometres (85%) of route in tunnels, 6.6 kilometres (9%) of route on bridges and balance 6% of route in cutting and embankments. To make access to these sites, Konkan Railway has to make 166 kilometres of project roads including road tunnels and many temporary Bailey bridges.
The work was pended in July 2008 for review of alignment and after review works were restarted in September 2009. At present, Final Location Survey for 28 km is in progress taking into account changed ruling gradient of 1 in 80. The target for completion of project is December 2017.
To expeditiously execute the project Konkan Railway has set up Project Head Office at Jammu. Its project camps are located at Reasi, Kauri, Dugga and Sangaldhan. KRCL has mobilized a team of about 240 staff and engineers for taking this project ahead. The construction machinery, plant, equipments, materials, technicians, skilled and un-skilled manpower is arranged by KRCL’s construction contractors.
For design support, various National and International agencies have been engaged. The construction of 166 km of approach/feeder roads through this inaccessible terrain is a challenging job to take up the railway construction works.
Konkan Railway has the experience of construction of 740 km of Railway route length between Roha to Thokur (near Mangalore). This route has 91 tunnels aggregating to 85 km, with Karbude tunnel of 6.5 km which is the longest transport tunnel in the country. Over Konkan Railway route 179 major bridges aggregating to 19.8 km of bridge length have been constructed. The longest bridge is across Sharavati river which is more than 2 km long. (PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/worlds-tallest-chenab-rail-bridge/

Yogesh Baweja
Director, Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP).
India is a vast country, with people belonging to different religions living amicably for centuries together. The rich traditions of tolerance, perseverance, plurality and assimilation have kept the identity of the country intact, and civilization thriving.
Declared a secular country in the constitution, India has several provisions for protection of minority communities.
The State does not discriminate on the basis of any particular religion. There are constitutional provisions for equality of opportunities for all. Despite precautionary, preventive and positive measures having been envisaged in the constitution, to rule out any feeling of being left-out, communal disturbances keep recurring. The Government had, often expressed its commitment toward maintaining communal harmony in the country, and has been taking steps- statutory, legal, administrative, economic, and so on.
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, while speaking at the Communal Harmony award ceremony, 2009 reiterated the need for communal harmony and national integration. He said “India has been home to all the great religions of the world. While some were born here, others took root in this ancient land of ours. The sub-continent has for centuries provided a unique social and intellectual environment in which many distinct religions have not only co-existed peacefully but have also enriched each other. It is the sacred duty of each one of us to carry forward this great tradition. I believe that both the government and civil society groups must continuously watch and raise our voice against groups and individuals who use violence in the name of religion. No religion sanctions violence. No religion preaches hatred. No religion endorses animosity towards another human being. Those who use religious symbols and forums to talk of violence, sectarianism and discord cannot be said to be true spokesperson of their respective religion. However, we also know that all societies, including ours, have to contend with such preachers of disharmony and disagreement. That is why it is all the more important to recognize and applaud those – like today’s distinguished award winners – who work selflessly for communal harmony and national integration. It is our obligation to nurture such voices of sanity”.
Gandhiji, the father of the nation, commented “Communalism of the virulent type is a recent growth. The lawlessness is a monster with many faces. It hurts all, in the end, including those who are primarily responsible for it”.
The Government has taken initiatives to promote communal harmony. These include constitution of the National Integration Council (NIC) (1960s), setting up of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (1992) and laying down of the guidelines for the promotion of communal harmony from time to time. The NIC, comprising of prominent members of various sections of society, besides several union ministers and chief ministers of states, has been meeting regularly, to discuss and sort out the issues of discord. Since the decision makers at the Centre and the States are members of the council, a patient hearing is given to the grievances of various sections of society.
The vision of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) is to have India free from communal and all other forms of violence, where all citizens especially children & youth live together in peace & harmony. For this, the Foundation promotes communal harmony, strengthens national integration and fosters the spirit of unity in diversity through collaborative social action, awareness programs, reaches out to the victims of violence especially children, encouraging interfaith dialogue for India’s Shared Security, Peace & Prosperity. It provides financial assistance to the child victims of societal violence for their care, education & training, aimed at their effective rehabilitation. It promotes communal harmony and national integration by organizing variety of activities either independently or in association with State Governments, NGOs & other organizations. It confers awards for outstanding contribution to promotion of communal harmony and national integration. It undertakes activities to highlight and strengthen the bonds of unity and affinity between different religious groups in the country, and encourages activities to promote belief in the principles of non-violence in resolving disputes.
There is no denying the fact that the maintenance of communal harmony, and the prevention/avoidance of communal disturbances/riots and, in the event of any such disturbances occurring, action to control the same and measures to provide protection and relief to the affected persons, is a prime responsibility of the State Governments. The Central Government has issued guidelines for maintenance of communal harmony, which cover preventive and Administrative Measures, Personnel Policy, and relief and rehabilitation measures. They reiterate the fact that if due vigilance is maintained, careful planning done and preparatory measures put in place, many possible incidents of communal violence can be pre-empted and prevented; and, wherever, despite this, communal violence does occur, it can be contained effectively, and much human suffering avoided, if it is tackled with promptness, grit and determination. Utmost care and attention requires to be given to the planning and implementation of a range of measures to alleviate the sufferings of those affected by any incidents of communal violence, including the provision of relief and rehabilitation assistance to the victims of such violence.
The guidelines underline the fact that preventing a communal riot is far more important than containing it. It is the duty of the District Administration to carefully assess the communal situation in the District on a regular basis and prepare a profile of the District, identifying the areas which are prone to communal sensitivities and tensions. The police officers should keep a close watch on the situation in such areas, periodically visit them for promoting public contact and interface with the civilian population and community leaders. Manpower requirements for these areas should be realistically assessed, and all vacancies filled up and manned. In the sensitive/hyper-sensitive areas, detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and contingency plans to deal with escalated situation/riots, etc., should be kept ready. The unregulated use of loudspeakers, which is often a cause for arousing passions and evoking violent reactions among different groups of people, need to be checked. Various kinds of religious processions, which very frequently lead to communal confrontation and clashes as often various organisations tend to organise, and view, processions on religious occasions as a show of strength, which could itself become a cause for provocation, should be checked. There should be involvement of identified respectable members of the community, in the peaceful conduct of processions. The use of technology, like Video/Audio coverages of events and processions could also act as deterrent. Effective and meaningful action needs to be taken to curb and check rumours, and proper assignment of nodal responsibility and modalities for information management needs to be ensured. Adequate steps need to be taken to ensure that no damage is caused to places of worship,
The guidelines stipulate that composition of the police force, especially those deployed in communally sensitive areas, should be representative of the social structure of the region so as to ensure its credibility, and help in creating a feeling of confidence among all sections of the people. In communally sensitive and riot prone areas police and administrative officials of proven integrity, efficiency, impartiality and non-partisan outlook should be posted. Every public servant should exercise the lawful authority vested in him/her to prevent commission of any communal violence, protect or provide protection to any victim of communal violence in a strictly neutral manner, and any malafide act or omission should be severely dealt with. Due recognition should be given to the services rendered by the district administration in preventing and dealing with communal disturbances.
In a communally-sensitive area, small shopkeepers, entrepreneurs and daily-wagers are most prone to loss and damage to life and property, if the situation goes out of control, leading to arson or violence. They are most likely to face economic burden, due to loss of income or property, most of which is not covered under any type of insurance.
They can thus be the most willing partners in maintaining peace and communal harmony in the area. Similarly, women who are the worst sufferers in such situations may also be keen to ensure communal harmony. The district administration can tap the resources and energy of these people/groups in ensuring peace.
Many voluntary organisations in the country are working in the field of promoting peace, national integration and communal harmony. Such Organisations usually have motivated and well-intentioned volunteers and workers. The district administration should mobilize support of, and encourage, such organisations, in their efforts to maintain communal harmony, and diffusing tension if a communal situation arises Whenever any communal incidents are apprehended or occur, prompt and immediate preventive/enforcement action may be taken, including, imposition of prohibitory orders/ curfew, and strict and neutral enforcement of the same, apprehension /arrest of the potential miscreants/ those indulging in violence, arson, etc., registration/institution of cases. Prosecution of all offences relating to communal violence/ rioting should be carefully monitored and, wherever necessary, Special Investigation Teams (SIT) may be constituted for ensuring fair and impartial investigation.
A lot of resentment is generated on account of non-payment of timely relief/ex-gratia to the riot victims. Interim relief may be provided immediately to the individuals for any loss or damage suffered due to communal violence. While providing assistance and relief to the victims of communal violence, it should be ensured that there is no discrimination on the ground of sex, caste, community, descent or religion. The district administration should ensure timely provision of essential supplies/services such as food, milk, medicines, water and electricity, etc., in areas affected by communal violence. Wherever it becomes necessary to set up relief camps, proper arrangements for security and other appropriate amenities should be made, including arrangements for medical examination/ assistance, etc. Wherever required, on account of damage to residential and commercial property, an appropriate mechanism may be established for speedy disposal of insurance claim and assistance from financial institutions by way of loans/ rescheduling of loans, etc.
The Central Government has launched a Central Scheme for assistance to victims of terrorist and communal violence, whereunder there is provision for one time payment of Rs.3 lakh to the affected families in addition to any ex-gratia relief that may be provided.
The Government has enacted “The Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988”, with a view to maintaining sanctity of religious places and to prevent their misuse for political, criminal, subversive or communal purposes. It casts responsibility on the manager to inform the police in the event of misuse of the place of worship.
The Act also prohibits storage of arms and ammunition inside any place of worship.
The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991, is the law to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August, 1947. According to it, no religious institution or manager thereof shall use or allow the use of any premises belonging to the institution for the promotion or propagation of any political activity, or for the harbouring of any person accused or convicted of an offence under any law for the time being in force. No arms or ammunition can be stored, nor can it erect or put up any construction or fortification, including basements, bunkers, towers or walls without a valid licence or permission. Such premises can’t be used for the carrying on of any unlawful or subversive act prohibited under any law, or for the doing of any act which promotes or attempts to promote disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities.
All the religions have the fundamental teaching of love and the feeling of brotherhood towards fellow beings. When such is the basic tenet of each religion, where is the scope of discord, hatred and violence. It is amply clear that some people misconstrue or misinterpret the religious teachings for their selfish, egoistic and short-term gains, and sometimes fan communal feelings. It is also commonly known that usually the communal disturbances sprout from small, trivial incidents but with vested interests, they take the shape of a giant.
India is a developing country, and an emerging economy. The vision of our leaders to make India a developed nation and an economic powerhouse, can’t fructify unless the internal security of the nation, particularly communal harmony, is intact. Maintenance of Communal peace and tranquillity occupies lot of Government attention and energy, and in case peace prevails, an ambience of trust will develop between various communities, leading the nation on the path of development and economic advancement. (PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/communal-harmony/

S. Sivakumar
Five billion minds in 1987 had decided to establish World Population Day on July 11 and now, for more than 20 years, this day has become an occasion to mark the significance of population trends and related issues. Discussions and debates are held with immense feeling and concern. The day has acquired significance as an annual event. In 2011, as the world population was expected to surpass 7 billion, UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and its partners had launched a campaign called “7 Billion Actions” on this very day. Latest official world population estimate, for mid-year 2011, was estimated at 6,928,198,253.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The concern is around stabilization. Population stabilization is not just about numbers but about balanced development. It has to be looked at in the context of wider socio-economic development. It does not matter if in the process things don’t stabilize by 2045; it could be achieved by 2050 or 2060. But what is of greater concern is how we approach the issue of population stabilization.
Population stabilization is around the corner as there is enough evidence from everywhere to show that women do not desire many children. Limiting of their family has been understood by them as a dire necessity. What they need is to draw confidence from the supporting systems that are around them. They only want their children to survive and do well and want the means of family planning and other reproductive health services made accessible to them. All this should happen without undermining in any way their sense of dignity and privacy. Coupled with sustained efforts to enhance income and create conditions where women retain control over that income, this could make a big difference.
The Question of Incentives
Population control agenda has taken its support from the people by offering incentives and disincentives.
Whether such incentives or disincentives are necessary, are they effective and are they just? Can incentives and disincentives improve quality and address the problems of equity and access to health services, specially of women? Can they enhance the accountability of service providers to the community? How relevant or effective are incentives and disincentives? How do they impinge on the rights of a person? These are often the questions that are raised without firm answers being given.
The Two Extremes and Saner Voices
Enlightened political leaders and administrators have increasingly begun to recognize the importance of education, access to health care services, greater awareness and, most importantly, overall economic development that would all assist in achieving the much needed transition, leading to stabilization.
Steps by the Government of India
The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that the benefits of developments are being negated by the ever rising population. He said that delayed marriage and suitable gap between two children should be highlighted as the possible solution for the growing population.
While coercion is not acceptable for promoting family planning, there is need for universal acceptance of small family norms.
The programme organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Jansankhya Sthirta Kosh last year honoured Rekha Kalindi a student of class 3 who refused to marry at the age of 10. The couples from the backward and tribal districts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa were also felicitated as role models for family planning. These couples were also recipients of Prerna Award. The role of ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) in educating the rural people deserves special mention here. Henceforth, World Population Day needs to be observed at every village, block and district level to convert it into a mass movement.
Rising population is one of the most critical problems India is facing and will continue to face.
Awareness, partnership and availability of population control services along with strict vigilance and transparency would help mitigate the woe that may befall us. A change in the attitude of the service providers and bureaucracy is also suggested and is a must. It is indeed heartening that, after almost 50 years of one-way communication, the Government has welcomed public debate on this issue.
Global Situation
A world wide report cites the example of Niger in West Africa which has increased life expectancy in the past 30 years but is doubling population every 20 years. Even assuming its total fertility rate (TFR) falls to 3.9 by 2050, which may be optimistic, the population will grow from 15.5 to 55.5 million by 2050. A future in which population increase outstrips the production of food and other necessities of life is a real possibility for Niger.
This report ends with a warning note : “The number of people living on the planet has never been higher, their levels of consumption are unprecedented and vast changes are taking place in the environment. We can choose to rebalance the use of resources to a more egalitarian pattern of consumption or we can choose to do nothing and to drift into a downward spiral of economic and environmental ills leading to a more unequal and inhospitable future”. (PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/world-population-day-2/

S. Sivakumar
Five billion minds in 1987 had decided to establish World Population Day on July 11 and now, for more than 20 years, this day has become an occasion to mark the significance of population trends and related issues. Discussions and debates are held with immense feeling and concern. The day has acquired significance as an annual event. In 2011, as the world population was expected to surpass 7 billion, UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and its partners had launched a campaign called “7 Billion Actions” on this very day. Latest official world population estimate, for mid-year 2011, was estimated at 6,928,198,253.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The concern is around stabilization. Population stabilization is not just about numbers but about balanced development. It has to be looked at in the context of wider socio-economic development. It does not matter if in the process things don’t stabilize by 2045; it could be achieved by 2050 or 2060. But what is of greater concern is how we approach the issue of population stabilization.
Population stabilization is around the corner as there is enough evidence from everywhere to show that women do not desire many children. Limiting of their family has been understood by them as a dire necessity. What they need is to draw confidence from the supporting systems that are around them. They only want their children to survive and do well and want the means of family planning and other reproductive health services made accessible to them. All this should happen without undermining in any way their sense of dignity and privacy. Coupled with sustained efforts to enhance income and create conditions where women retain control over that income, this could make a big difference.
The Question of Incentives
Population control agenda has taken its support from the people by offering incentives and disincentives.
Whether such incentives or disincentives are necessary, are they effective and are they just? Can incentives and disincentives improve quality and address the problems of equity and access to health services, specially of women? Can they enhance the accountability of service providers to the community? How relevant or effective are incentives and disincentives? How do they impinge on the rights of a person? These are often the questions that are raised without firm answers being given.
The Two Extremes and Saner Voices
Enlightened political leaders and administrators have increasingly begun to recognize the importance of education, access to health care services, greater awareness and, most importantly, overall economic development that would all assist in achieving the much needed transition, leading to stabilization.
Steps by the Government of India
The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that the benefits of developments are being negated by the ever rising population. He said that delayed marriage and suitable gap between two children should be highlighted as the possible solution for the growing population.
While coercion is not acceptable for promoting family planning, there is need for universal acceptance of small family norms.
The programme organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Jansankhya Sthirta Kosh last year honoured Rekha Kalindi a student of class 3 who refused to marry at the age of 10. The couples from the backward and tribal districts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa were also felicitated as role models for family planning. These couples were also recipients of Prerna Award. The role of ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) in educating the rural people deserves special mention here. Henceforth, World Population Day needs to be observed at every village, block and district level to convert it into a mass movement.
Rising population is one of the most critical problems India is facing and will continue to face.
Awareness, partnership and availability of population control services along with strict vigilance and transparency would help mitigate the woe that may befall us. A change in the attitude of the service providers and bureaucracy is also suggested and is a must. It is indeed heartening that, after almost 50 years of one-way communication, the Government has welcomed public debate on this issue.
Global Situation
A world wide report cites the example of Niger in West Africa which has increased life expectancy in the past 30 years but is doubling population every 20 years. Even assuming its total fertility rate (TFR) falls to 3.9 by 2050, which may be optimistic, the population will grow from 15.5 to 55.5 million by 2050. A future in which population increase outstrips the production of food and other necessities of life is a real possibility for Niger.
This report ends with a warning note : “The number of people living on the planet has never been higher, their levels of consumption are unprecedented and vast changes are taking place in the environment. We can choose to rebalance the use of resources to a more egalitarian pattern of consumption or we can choose to do nothing and to drift into a downward spiral of economic and environmental ills leading to a more unequal and inhospitable future”. (PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/world-population-day-2/

The world is celebrating the discovery of the sub-atomic particle at CERN, Geneva, which many believe could well be the long sought after Higgs-Boson. This particle is also called the ‘God Particle’ because its existence is fundamental to the creation of the universe.
School physics teaches us that everything is made up of atoms, and inside atoms are electrons, protons and neutrons. They, in turn, are made of quarks and other subatomic particles. Scientists have long puzzled over how these minute building blocks of the universe acquire mass. Without mass, particles wouldn’t hold together and there would be no matter.
Higgs-Boson
One theory proposed by British physicist Peter Higgs and teams in Belgium and the United States in the 1960s is that a new particle must be creating a “sticky” field that acts as a drag on other particles. The atom-smashing experiments at CERN, the European Center for Nuclear Research, have now captured a glimpse of what appears to be just such a Higgs Boson like particle.
British Physicist Peter Higgs of the ‘Higgs-Boson’ is a familiar name in the world of science.
However, it is not well known that the term Boson, owes its name to the pioneering work of the late Indian physicist, Satyendra Nath Bose.
He is a forgotten hero, even in India, even though he won a world wide fame for his association with the great Albert Einstein in developing a theory of the particle-like qualities of light. His pioneering work on the quantum theory of light provided the foundation for Bose-Einstein Condensates, a new state of matter in which thousands of atoms condense into a single giant atom that behaves like a wave. Particles that follow Bose’s statistics have been named bosons in his honour.
Who was Satyendranath Bose?
Satyendranath Bose was born on January 1, 1894 in Calcutta (now Kolkata). His father Surendranath Bose was employed in the Engineering Department of the East India Railway.
As a student of the Hindu High School, Bose once was awarded 110 marks out of 100 in mathematics because he had solved some problems in the exam paper by more than one method. He made a name for himself in school due to his love for science.Later he attended the Presidency College also in Calcutta, where another noted scientist Meghnad Saha was his fellow student. Bose came in contact with teachers like Jagdish Chandra Bose and Prafulla Chandra Ray, who provided inspiration to aim high in life.
In 1924, while working as Reader in the Physics Department of University of Dacca, Bose wrote a paper on novel way of counting states with identical particles. This paper was seminal in creating the very important field of quantum statistics. His paper was not accepted for publication at once.
Not losing heart, Satyendranath Bose sent the article directly to Albert Einstein in Germany with a request to help it get published in the leading German language science journal Zeitschrift fur Physik. In his covering letter to Einstein, Bose wrote “though a complete stranger to you, I do not feel any hesitation in making such a request. Because we are all your pupils though profiting only by your teachings through your writings.”
Einstein, recognizing the importance of the paper, translated it into German and submitted it for publication on Bose’s behalf. The publication changed the life of Satyendra Nath Bose. The Dacca University now opened its eyes and agreed to fund his tour to Europe, even though he had only possessed a Master’s degree and no further qualifications.
Bose first visited Paris in 1924, where he stayed for a year. He conducted research in the Madame Curie Laboratory, which had special facilities. The next year, he left Paris for Berlin to join Einstein and work with him. There he came into close contact with noted scientists like Schroedinger and Heisenberg. He participated in all the meetings and discussions held there.
While Bose was in Berlin, the post of a Professor fell vacant in Dacca University. Bose’s friends persuaded him to apply but he was hesitant, as he had not got his doctorate yet. A recommendation by Einstein could have fixed the matter. With great hesitation, Bose approached Einstein for help. Einstein was surprised. He said “you are so proficient in your subject. Is their need for any other certificate?” He wrote a letter to the authorities in the Dacca University, which had a desired effect. In 1926, Satyendranath Bose was appointed Professor and Head of the Department of Physics.
Bose served in Dacca University for nearly 25 years. As a teacher he was admired by his students who held him in high esteem. In 1944, when he was the Head of the Science Section in Dacca University, Bose was chosen as the General President of the 31st session of the Indian Science Congress.
Bose, who worked with Albert Einstein to bring out the Bose-Einstein statistics and the theory of Bose-Einstein Condensate in the 1920s, was a natural candidate for a Nobel Prize which he never got. Yet, at least ten scientists have been awarded the Nobel for their research in the field of particle physics based on concepts like the Bose-Einstein Condensate or the Boson.
‘Indians are incapable of achieving anything great in science. At best, they are experts in subjects like philosophy “ was the view most held in the West during those years. Satyendranath Bose dispelled that impression and did yeoman service in the fields of science, with some pioneering contributions in the fields of quantum physics.
Satyendranath Bose was a self-taught scholar who had a wide range of interests in varied fields including physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, mineralogy, arts, literature and music.
Back home, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore dedicated his only book on science – Vishwa Parichay to him. The Government of India conferred the Padma Vibhushan award on Satyendranath Bose in 1954. At the age of 80, Bose suffered an unexpected and a severe heart attack and breathed his last on the 4th of February 1974.
The CERN experiment has once again brought focus on Satyendranath Bose. For India God Particle is as much Boson as Higgs.
(PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/satyendranath-bose-higgs-bosons-forgotten-hero/

The world is celebrating the discovery of the sub-atomic particle at CERN, Geneva, which many believe could well be the long sought after Higgs-Boson. This particle is also called the ‘God Particle’ because its existence is fundamental to the creation of the universe.
School physics teaches us that everything is made up of atoms, and inside atoms are electrons, protons and neutrons. They, in turn, are made of quarks and other subatomic particles. Scientists have long puzzled over how these minute building blocks of the universe acquire mass. Without mass, particles wouldn’t hold together and there would be no matter.
Higgs-Boson
One theory proposed by British physicist Peter Higgs and teams in Belgium and the United States in the 1960s is that a new particle must be creating a “sticky” field that acts as a drag on other particles. The atom-smashing experiments at CERN, the European Center for Nuclear Research, have now captured a glimpse of what appears to be just such a Higgs Boson like particle.
British Physicist Peter Higgs of the ‘Higgs-Boson’ is a familiar name in the world of science.
However, it is not well known that the term Boson, owes its name to the pioneering work of the late Indian physicist, Satyendra Nath Bose.
He is a forgotten hero, even in India, even though he won a world wide fame for his association with the great Albert Einstein in developing a theory of the particle-like qualities of light. His pioneering work on the quantum theory of light provided the foundation for Bose-Einstein Condensates, a new state of matter in which thousands of atoms condense into a single giant atom that behaves like a wave. Particles that follow Bose’s statistics have been named bosons in his honour.
Who was Satyendranath Bose?
Satyendranath Bose was born on January 1, 1894 in Calcutta (now Kolkata). His father Surendranath Bose was employed in the Engineering Department of the East India Railway.
As a student of the Hindu High School, Bose once was awarded 110 marks out of 100 in mathematics because he had solved some problems in the exam paper by more than one method. He made a name for himself in school due to his love for science.Later he attended the Presidency College also in Calcutta, where another noted scientist Meghnad Saha was his fellow student. Bose came in contact with teachers like Jagdish Chandra Bose and Prafulla Chandra Ray, who provided inspiration to aim high in life.
In 1924, while working as Reader in the Physics Department of University of Dacca, Bose wrote a paper on novel way of counting states with identical particles. This paper was seminal in creating the very important field of quantum statistics. His paper was not accepted for publication at once.
Not losing heart, Satyendranath Bose sent the article directly to Albert Einstein in Germany with a request to help it get published in the leading German language science journal Zeitschrift fur Physik. In his covering letter to Einstein, Bose wrote “though a complete stranger to you, I do not feel any hesitation in making such a request. Because we are all your pupils though profiting only by your teachings through your writings.”
Einstein, recognizing the importance of the paper, translated it into German and submitted it for publication on Bose’s behalf. The publication changed the life of Satyendra Nath Bose. The Dacca University now opened its eyes and agreed to fund his tour to Europe, even though he had only possessed a Master’s degree and no further qualifications.
Bose first visited Paris in 1924, where he stayed for a year. He conducted research in the Madame Curie Laboratory, which had special facilities. The next year, he left Paris for Berlin to join Einstein and work with him. There he came into close contact with noted scientists like Schroedinger and Heisenberg. He participated in all the meetings and discussions held there.
While Bose was in Berlin, the post of a Professor fell vacant in Dacca University. Bose’s friends persuaded him to apply but he was hesitant, as he had not got his doctorate yet. A recommendation by Einstein could have fixed the matter. With great hesitation, Bose approached Einstein for help. Einstein was surprised. He said “you are so proficient in your subject. Is their need for any other certificate?” He wrote a letter to the authorities in the Dacca University, which had a desired effect. In 1926, Satyendranath Bose was appointed Professor and Head of the Department of Physics.
Bose served in Dacca University for nearly 25 years. As a teacher he was admired by his students who held him in high esteem. In 1944, when he was the Head of the Science Section in Dacca University, Bose was chosen as the General President of the 31st session of the Indian Science Congress.
Bose, who worked with Albert Einstein to bring out the Bose-Einstein statistics and the theory of Bose-Einstein Condensate in the 1920s, was a natural candidate for a Nobel Prize which he never got. Yet, at least ten scientists have been awarded the Nobel for their research in the field of particle physics based on concepts like the Bose-Einstein Condensate or the Boson.
‘Indians are incapable of achieving anything great in science. At best, they are experts in subjects like philosophy “ was the view most held in the West during those years. Satyendranath Bose dispelled that impression and did yeoman service in the fields of science, with some pioneering contributions in the fields of quantum physics.
Satyendranath Bose was a self-taught scholar who had a wide range of interests in varied fields including physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, mineralogy, arts, literature and music.
Back home, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore dedicated his only book on science – Vishwa Parichay to him. The Government of India conferred the Padma Vibhushan award on Satyendranath Bose in 1954. At the age of 80, Bose suffered an unexpected and a severe heart attack and breathed his last on the 4th of February 1974.
The CERN experiment has once again brought focus on Satyendranath Bose. For India God Particle is as much Boson as Higgs.
(PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/satyendranath-bose-higgs-bosons-forgotten-hero/

Manish Desai,Director (Media), Press Information Bureau, Mumbai.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee inscribed the Western Ghats of India as a world heritage site on July 1. The tag came at the 36th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in St Petersburg in Russia. Altogether 39 sites that dot the Western Ghats landscape will be part of the region that has been designated as World Heritage Site. Kerala leads with 20 sites being inscribed in the heritage list followed by Karnataka with ten, Tamil Nadu five and Maharashtra four. List of Western Ghats World Heritage clusters in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and TN
MAHARASHTRA Kaas Plateau ,Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandoli National Park, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
KARNATAKA, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Padinalknad Reserved Forest, Kerti Reserved Forest, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh National Park, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Someshwara Reserved Forest, Agumbe Reserved Forest, Balahalli Reserved Forest.
KERALA – TAMILNADU
Kalakad- Tiger Reserve, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kulathupuzha Range,Palode Range, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Ranni Forest Division, Konni Forest Division, Achankovil Forest Division, Srivilliputtur Wildlife, Tirunelveli North Forest Division, Eravikulam National Park, Grass Hills National Park, Karian Shola National Park, Parambikulam Wildlife, Sanctuary, Mankulam Range, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mannavan Shola, Silent Valley National Park, New Amarambalam Reserve Forest, Mukurti National Park, Kalikavu Range, Attapadi Reserved Forest Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
While environmentalists are rejoicing that constant international scrutiny will curb amassment of forest wealth by vested interests, the state governments have given a guarded reaction. Skeptics are of the view that the tag will make little difference to many ecologicaly destructive projects that have been implemented or are proposed in the Western Ghats.
Recognition Comes After Rejection
The world heritage tag for the Western Ghats has come after many glitches. The proposal for including 39 sites in the Western Ghats as world heritage was rejected by the World Heritage Committee in its 35th meeting last year. When the proposal for it was re-submitted for consideration this year, it was once again on the verge of getting rejected. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) suggested that India should review and refine the proposal to redefine the boundaries of the proposed sites to maintain the contiguity of the forests. The Indian delegation in St Petersburg, however, managed to convince the world heritage committee on the merits of India’s proposal and also discussed the issue with 21 members of the committee. The intense lobbying paid off, as the Russian delegation moved a proposal which was backed by several Asian and African nations.
Importance of Western Ghats
Older than the Himalayas, the Western Ghats are the treasure trove of bio-diversity. In fact they are recognized as one of the 8 global hot-spots harbouring a wealth of flora, fauna. The Western Ghats which begin at the Dangs in Gujarat, run through the western parts of Maharashtra, the tiny state of Goa, the Malnad region of Karnataka and the highlands of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, before ending near Kanyakumari.
The Ghats are currently known to have more than 5,000 plant and 140 mammal species, 16 of which are endemic, i.e. species found in that area alone. Notably among these being the lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri tahr. Out of 179 species of amphibians found in the Western Ghats, 138 are endemic to the region. It has 508 bird species, 16 of which are endemic, including the Nilgiri flycatcher and the
Malabar parakeet.
The Western Ghats are considered ecologically sensitive region with nearly 52 species moving one step closer to extinction. Habitat change, over-exploitation, pollution and climate change are the principle pressures causing bio-diversity loss.
The need to protect the ecology of the Western Ghats can hardly be over-emphasized.
The UNESCO Mandate
The UNESCO has noted with appreciation India’s ongoing commitment to conserving high bio-diversity values of the Western Ghats, but has clearly underlined that more needs to be done. The World Heritage Committee has suggested to the Indian Government to take into account the recommendations of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel. It has also asked the government to strengthen buffer zones to provide increased protection within the nominated sites. The UN body also wants to promote participatory governance approaches through community participation to ensure equitable sharing of benefits. The panel has said that no industrial activity should be allowed without the consent of the locals.
The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, was constituted by the Ministry of Environment & Forests in February 2010 under the chairmanship of noted environmental expert Prof. Madhav Gadgil. The panel has identified several eco-sensitive zones in the region and recommended that they should be declared no-go areas. Among its recommendations, the panel has also called for scrapping of Karnataka’s Gundia and Kerala’s Athirapally hydro-projects, and gradual phasing out of mining activities in ecologically highly-sensitive areas of Goa by 2016. It has also suggested setting up of a Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA), as a statutory authority appointed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, with the powers under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The 24-member body is to have ecologists, scientists, representatives of civil society, as well as tribal groups, officials from the Union Environment Ministry, Planning Commission, National Biodiversity Authority, Central Pollution Control Board, and representatives of the state government as its members.
Both the Karnataka and Kerala state governments have been opposed to the recommendation to scrap the hydro projects in their respective regions. The Karnataka Government had also been opposing the World Heritage tag citing regulatory hurdles in the development of places falling under these regions. Goa’s lackadaisical attitude in conserving the Western Ghats has resulted in the state not getting any site in the list of 39. Maharashtra Government has welcomed the World Heritage Status to Western Ghats, but that is unlikely to change the state’s present stance of not imposing a complete ban on mining and industries, except in the core areas. The state, nevertheless is encouraging green fuel movement in the villages of Western Ghats by way of up to 75% subsidy on biogas and 50% subsidy on shift to low yielding cattle, which rely on domestic fodder instead of open grazing.
Impact of UNESCO World Heritage Site
The World Heritage status could have implications on development in and around these sites as UNESCO prescribes creation of additional buffer zones around the natural world heritage sites and putting in place an overarching management authority for conservation of the selected 39 serial sites. Conservationists also fear a mad-rush to these sensitive areas in the guise of eco-tourism. “This might trigger commercial activities in the Western Ghats, followed by construction activities like building roads, structures, power lines and other infrastructure, which will defeat the purpose of protecting the green cover and habitat protection,” says an activist associated with the Kudremukh Wildlife Foundation in Karnataka.
The Western Ghats expert Dr. Madhav Gadgil has welcomed the UNESCO gesture and said “It will hopefully strengthen the Acts like Biological Diversity Act of 2002, which empowers the local bodies like panchayats to take appropriate steps for conservation.” The participation of locals is going to be crucial in determining the success of conservation efforts and promising sustainable development.
All along the Western Ghats in five states, there are lakhs of tribal people who have made their homes in the ghats. The Thodas of Nilgiris, Soligas of BR Hills, Malekudiyas of Belthangady, Halakki Vokkals of Uttara Kannada, the Sidhis of Kumta, Paniyas of Waynad, Kattunayakans of Malabar and many others in Goa and Maharashtra are some of them. The Perspective Plan for Protection of Biodiversity 2001-16 states that “tribal communities are part of the biodiversity and the state governments should not take them out of their natural surroundings, but empower them democratically and let the government facilities go to them.”
The ground situation for people’s participation in development is conducive in most parts of the Western Ghats. The region has some of the highest levels of literacy in the country, and a high level of environmental awareness. The democratic institutions are well entrenched, and Kerala leads the country in capacity building and empowering of Panchayat Raj Institutions. Goa has recently concluded a very interesting exercise, Regional Plan 2021, of taking inputs from Gram Sabhas in deciding on the land use policies. Evidently, Western Ghats are an appropriate region of the country to attempt to make the transition towards an inclusive, caring and environment friendly mode of development. (PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/western-ghats-challenges-of-sustainable-development/

Shamima Siddiqui
Director (M&C), PIB, with inputs from the Ministry of Finance.
India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies during the past decade. However, infrastructure development has not kept pace with the growth in the rest of the economy. Realizing this, India initiated an ambitious reform programme in all infrastructure sectors. The Government has taken several initiatives to promote private sector participation in the infrastructure sector as a result of which the share of GDP going into infrastructure investment has increased from 5% in 2007 to 7% during 2009-10 and has increased to more than 8% in 2011-12. For the XII Five Year Plan (2012-2017), the target of infrastructure investment has again been doubled to US $ 1 trillion 50% of which is envisaged from the private sector.
The Ministry of Finance has taken several initiatives to promote the flow of long term funds in infrastructure sector (both domestic and off-shore funds) like setting up of the Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF), raising the FII limits and liberalizing the ECB regime in order to facilitate off shore fund flows to infrastructure.
The Finance Minister in his Budget speech for 2011-12 had announced setting up of Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDFs) to accelerate and enhance the flow of long term debt in infrastructure projects. To attract off-shore funds into IDFs, it was decided to reduce withholding tax on interest payments on the borrowings by the IDFs from 20% to 5%.
Wide-scale consultations with stakeholders were undertaken . Ministry of Finance issued the guidelines for the IDFs that inter alia allowed IDFs to be set up as NBFCs or as mutual funds in June, 2011. Regulations governing IDFs structured as mutual funds was issued by SEBI in August, 2011 and regulations governing IDFs structured as NBFCs was issued by RBI in November, 2011.
The IDFs through innovative means of credit enhancement is expected to provide long-term low-cost debt for infrastructure projects by tapping into source of long tenure savings like Insurance and Pension Funds which have hitherto played a comparatively limited role in financing infrastructure in India. Further, the IDFs set up as NBFC shall invest only in PPP projects which have successfully completed one year of commercial operation and are a party to a Tripartite Agreement with the concessionaire and the Government authority sanctioning the project. Banks and NBFCs would be eligible to sponsor IDFs subject to existing prudential limits. The restricted portfolio of investment of the IDF, tripartite agreement and first loss of the sponsors would enable the IDFs to issue bonds with at least AA rating. Thus the IDFs would present an attractive option for such entities who wish to invest for long term in comparatively secure instruments. The off-shore investors that these IDFs are targeted to tap are Pension Funds, Insurance Companies, Sovereign Wealth Funds, Endowment Funds etc.
So far 3 IDFs have already been launched. The first IDF structured as a NBFC was launched on March 5, 2012, with ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda (BoB), Citicorp Finance India Limited (Citi) and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The initial size of this IDF is expected to be Rs. 8,000 crore.
IDBI along with a consortium of public sector banks has also launched an IDF structured as a NBFC with an initial equity of Rs. 1000 crore which enables it to raise funds upto Rs. 26,000 crore.
IDFC has launched an IDF structured as a mutual fund. Three more funds are awaiting regulatory approval. (PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/infrastructure-debt-fund/

Kalpana Palkhiwala
Over the past decade a new phase of deep-sea mining has begun in the world. Two factors are responsible – one is rising demand for precious metal and the other is food. Growing world population needs more food and phosphor-based artificial fertilizers have significant importance for world food production. Phosphorus nodule mining at the seafloor is the best source for artificial fertilizer.
Deep sea mining is a relatively new mineral retrieval process that takes place on the floor of the ocean. Ocean mining sites are usually around large areas of polymetallic nodules or active and extinct hydrothermal vents. They are at about 1400-3700 meters below the ocean’s surface. The vents create sulfide deposits, which contain precious metals such as silver, gold, copper, manganese, cobalt, and zinc. These raw materials are found in various forms on the seabed, usually in higher concentrations than terrestrial mines.
The deposits are mined using either hydraulic pumps or bucket systems that take ore to the surface to be processed. Polymetallic nodules which contain nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese are found at depth of 4000 – 6000 meter. Manganese crusts are available at 800-2400 meter. Mainly cobalt, some vanadium, molybdenum and platinum are found in it. Sulfide deposits are found at an average depth of 1400-3700 which contains copper, lead, zinc, some gold and silver. Diamonds are also mined from the seabed.
The International Seabed Authority has entered into a 15-year contract with India in the year 2002 for pursuing exploration activity for deep sea mineral resources in the Indian Ocean on lines similar to its contracts with other countries including China. In pursuance of this agreement, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has undertaken exploration activity for which a total area of 75000 sq. km. in the Central Indian Ocean Basins is available to it. India will be amongst the few countries of the world which would be able to explore for deep sea mineral resources in the years ahead.
History
A book titled ‘Mineral Resources in the Sea’ published in 1960 floated the idea of limitless supply of minerals at the floor of the ocean. J L Mero also stated in his book that apart from nickel and cobalt manganese nodules are also occurs in these deposits. The regulation on deep sea mining came into force in 1994 and conventions followed in 1973 and 1994 which resulted in setting up of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). It regulates deep sea operations of each country outside their respective Exclusive Economic Zone.
EEZ is a 200-nautical mile, i.e. 370 km area surrounding coastal nations. Each country explores two equal mining sites and turns one over to the ISA. The mining technology was also to be transferred to ISA for period of 10 -20 years along with the site. Initially nations agreed to this but later on they refused to do so as the operation was not enough profitable. Some industrialized countries refused to sign the treaty.
At present, Solwara 1 Project in the waters of Papua New Guinea, in the Bismarck sea, New Ireland Province, has high grade copper-gold resource and the world’s first sea floor Massive Sulphide (SMS) resources. The relatively shallow water depth of 1050 of these locations in Central and Eastern Manus Basin promises of excellent mining. The first production is expected in the year 2013.( Eastern and Central Manus Basin around Papua New Guinea and the crater of Conical Seamount to the east are locations-check maps etc,)
Extraction Method
At present Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are used to collect mineral samples from mine sites. Using drills and other cutting tools, the ROVs gather samples to be analyzed for precious materials. Once the site is located, a mining ship or station is set up to mine the area. Two systems are being used for extraction namely continuous-line bucket system (CLB) and the hydraulic suction system (HS). CLB system is very convenient for collection of nodules. It operates like a conveyor belt. It runs from the sea floor to the surface of the ocean where a ship or mining platform extracts the desired material and returns the rest of the material, i.e. tailing to the ocean. In the Hydraulic suction system, two separate pipes are used, one for collecting nodules and the other for returning trailing. A pipe is lowered to the seafloor which transfers nodules along with other material up to the mining ship. The nodules are separated and trailing are sent back to the seafloor by another pipe.
Environmental Concerns
All mining operations raise questions about environmental damages to the surrounding areas. Here in water also the concern is about disturbance to the living organisms in that area, change in sediment or rocky layer of sea floor, change in toxicity of the water column and foodweb.
Removal of parts of the sea floor will disturb the benthic layer. The type of mining and location will cause permanent disturbance to the habitat of benthic organisms. Besides this direct impact of mining the area, leakages, spills and corrosion would alter the chemical make-up of this area.
It is feared that sediment plumes will have the greatest impact. Plumes are caused when the tailings from mining are dumped back into the ocean. These fine particles create a cloud of particles floating in the water. Two types of plumes occur: near bottom plumes and surface plumes. When the tailings are pumped back into the mining site, the floating particles increase the turbidity or cloudiness of the water.
This clogs filter-feeding apparatuses used by benthic organisms. Surface plumes cause a more serious problem. Depending on the size of the particles and water currents the plumes could spread over vast area. These plumes could impact zooplanktons and light penetration. This affects the food web of the area. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/seabed-operations/

Sarita Brara
PIB Features
Could a small farmer belonging to scheduled caste in a backward village in West Bengal ever dream that one day his son would be able to go abroad for higher education? Thanks to the National Overseas Scholarship scheme, his son Shamik Pally is today doing PhD in human genetics from Leister University.
To ensure that economic and social status does not come in the way of fulfilling the dreams of the students who have the merit and ability, the Centre has initiated several scholarships, including the National Scholarship Scheme. Today many selected students are pursuing their ambitions doing Masters and PhDs at prestigious universities abroad. Ravindra Kumar and Sunil R Vaidya are among them.
Born in Nanfar Bazar village in Saran district of Bihar, Ravindra Kumar’s grandfather was from Pasi community of toddy sellers. His father was a simple bus conductor when Ravindra was born. Later he moved to a job in Patna where Ravindra got a chance to go to a middle school and later topped in high school. He did his higher secondary education from Science College, Patna, Bihar and then Masters in Civil Engineering from IIT Roorkee. After that Ravindra applied for National Overseas Fellowship and got selected. Though he got admission in the top most Imperial college London, he chose to go to Edinburgh Napier University.
Today Ravindra Kumar is a senior scientist with Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi. He says that National Overseas Scholarship is a wonderful scheme that provides exposure and opportunities that a person born in a poor family belonging to scheduled caste could not have imagined.
Another Awardee Sunil R Vaidya is from Ambajogai Taluka of Beed District of Maharashtra State. His father was primary school teacher but lost his job. Sunil says that as a result, his family had to go through a lot of hardship for more than ten years before his father got back his job. Sunil’s mother had no option but do manual labour to take care of the seven children in the family. With great difficulty Sunil and his two brothers managed to get education. Today Sunil Vaidya is serving as Scientist-D and Measles Group Leader at National Institute of Virology in Pune. Sunil who did his Masters in Microbiology, was awarded the National Overseas Scholarship during 2007-2011. He studied for his PhD at internationally reputed Health Protection Agency (HPA) in London which is affiliated research centre to the Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. Vaidya has submitted his PhD thesis and is awaiting its outcome. His area of research is Virus diseases of public health importance like measles, mumps, and rubella and hepatitis viruses. Sunil says that he would like to dedicate his life doing research in public health virology.
The National Overseas Scholarship scheme was initiated in the year 2002. Under the scheme financial assistance is provided to the selected candidates for pursuing Master level courses and PhD abroad in the specified fields of study in Engineering, Management, Pure Sciences, Agricultural Science, and Medicine.
Thirty scholarships are awarded every year under the scheme. Twenty seven of them are for students belonging to scheduled castes, two for denotified, nomadic and semi nomadic tribes and one for landless agricultural labourers and traditional artisans.
To encourage women candidates, 30 per cent of the awards for each year are earmarked for women candidates. However, in case adequate number of women candidates are not available as per the stipulations of the Scheme or found unsuitable for selection by the Selection Committee, then the unutilized slots are utilized by selecting suitable male candidates.
Students who get admission in Universities in the United States under this National Overseas scheme are paid 14,000 Dollars annually as maintenance allowance and 9,000 Pounds for those who get admission in universities in UK. Apart from fares from their home town to the destination of their study, an annual contingency allowance is also paid by the Government. This contingency allowance is for books, essential apparatus, study tour, travel cost for attending subject related conferences, workshops etc or typing and binding of thesis etc. The contingency amount is 1375 dollars a year for students in USA and 1000 pounds per annum for students studying in UK. The candidates are also provided journey allowance and given equipment allowance.
The necessary qualification for doing Masters and PhD from abroad under this scholarship is First class or 60 per cent marks or equivalent grade in relevant bachelors’ and Masters’ Degrees respectively. The scholarship for PhD course is for four years while for Masters in the specified field is three years. The candidates who apply for the scholarship are chosen by a selection committee. The selected candidates are required to obtain admission and join only an accredited university or institution abroad within three years after their selection. Only those candidates are eligible whose total income from all sources or that of his/her parents/guardians does not exceed 25,000 rupees a month. Only one child in a family can get this one time award Also the beneficiary of this scholarship on return to India has to remain in the country for at least five years and is also required to serve the Government, if he or she continues to be in Government service after return to India, as one was before going abroad with award under the Scheme.
Effort is also made to get the feedback while the selected candidates are studying abroad. The Indian Missions abroad have to obtain six monthly progress reports from the university or institution where the awardee is pursuing his or her studies. This is to prevent the misuse of this scheme under which lakhs of rupees are spent every year on each of the selected students.
An Awardee of this scholarship scheme, Amit Kumar is pursuing his studies in the University of Reading, considered one among the top ten research oriented universities in the world. Amit had the courage not only to dream big but has the determination to realize his ambition. He wants to do something that would benefit the humanity and bring glory to his country.
Amit is trying to design and develop nano anti-cancer drug. Another awardee from Bhopal is working to develop a new polymer to help in the treatment of several diseases from Nottingham University.
The success stories of this ambitious scholarship scheme of the Government have shown that given the right opportunity and necessary assistance, nothing can stop the young generation belonging to the marginalized sections of society to set their ambitions high, achieve them and serve their country.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/national-overseas-scholarship/

Sapna
Media & Communication Officer, PIB, Chandigarh.
The Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities is an initiative of the Government to bring the people of minority classes in the mainstream of development.
This Programme for the Welfare of Minorities was announced in June, 2006 under the Ministry of Minority Affairs to ensure a more focused approach towards issues relating to the minorities. The purpose was to facilitate the formulation of overall policy and planning, coordination, evaluation and review of the regulatory framework and development programmes for the benefit of the minority communities.
An important aim of the new programme is to ensure that the benefits of various government schemes for the underprivileged reach the disadvantaged sections of the minority communities. In order to ensure that the benefits of these schemes flow equitably to the minorities, the new programme envisages location of a certain proportion of development projects in minority concentration areas. It also provides that, wherever possible, 15 percent of targets and outlays under various schemes should be earmarked for the minorities.
The objectives of the programme are: Enhancing opportunities for education; Ensuring an equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment, through existing and new schemes; enhanced credit support for self-employment and recruitment to State and Central Government jobs; Improving the living conditions of minorities by ensuring an appropriate share for them in infrastructure development schemes; and Prevention and control of communal disharmony and violence.
Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) have been notified as minority communities under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
Scholarship Schemes for Students of Minority Communities
Three scholarship schemes for minority communities namely, pre-matric scholarship from class-I to X, post-matric scholarship from class XI to PhD and merit-cum-means scholarship for technical and professional courses at under-graduate and post-graduate levels have been launched. It is felt that the scholarship will encourage parents from minority communities for educating their children. The scheme will form the foundation for their educational attainment and provide a level playing field in the competitive employment arena.
Empowerment through education, which is one of the objectives of this scheme, has the potential to lead to upliftment of the socio economic conditions of the minority communities.
Scholarships are awarded to the students who have secured not less than 50 percent marks in the previous final examination and annual income of their parents/guardian from all sources does not exceed Rs 1 lakh and 2 lakh for school and higher education respectively. 30 percent of scholarships are earmarked for girl students. In case sufficient number of eligible girl students is not available, then the balance earmarked scholarships may be awarded to eligible boy students. As the number of scholarships for minorities available in a year is fixed and limited it is necessary to lay down preference for selection giving weightage to poverty rather than marks.
Another scheme of merit-cum-means based scholarship to students belonging to minority communities is to enable them to pursue professional and technical courses. Every year 20000 scholarships are distributed among the students of minority communities throughout the country.
Online Scholarship Management System (OSMS)
An Online Scholarship Management System (OSMS) for merit-cum-means based
scholarship scheme has been introduced as a pilot project from the current financial year i.e. 2011-12 through the website of the Ministry of Minority Affairs www.minorityaffairs.gov.in. Students may apply online. For this they should visit the website through URL www.momascholarship.gov.in. The OSMS has proved to be useful, both from the user and the stakeholder point of view. This is the first time that in a Government Scholarship Scheme such a system has been introduced.
Significant Achievements in Minority Affairs
In pursuance with the recommendations of the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities (NCRLM), the Government have carved out a sub-quota of 4.5 percent effective from 1st January, 2012 for backward classes of minorities from out of 27 percent quota of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This reservation is available to those minority communities who are included in the Central list of OBC published by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment from time to time. The reservation will be for the Central Government jobs and services and also admissions to Central Government educational institutions.
For educationally empowering minority communities, the Ministry of Minority Affairs within a short span of four years in the 11th Plan, have awarded more than One crore scholarships to minorities, out of which 50.34 percent has been awarded to girls students. Among other achievements during the year 2011-12, 29.23 lakh pre-matric scholarships were awarded of which 53.80 percent went to girl students; 4.38 lakh post-matric scholarships were awarded of which 55.65 percent went to girl students ; and 29579 Merit-cum- Means scholarships were awarded of which 38.06 percent went to girl students.
Increased Budget
Union Budget 2012-13 has provided major incentives for the uplift of students of minority communities. The outlay for scholarship schemes for the students belonging to the Minorities has been increased significantly. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has got an outlay of Rs. 3,135 crore as Central Plan Outlay in the Union General Budget 2012-13. This is an increase of Rs. 385 crore over the Revised Budget Estimates for the FY 2011-12 (which stands at Rs. 2,750 crore).
Provision for Pre-Matric Scholarship has been increased from Rs. 540 crore to Rs. 810 crore; Post-Matric Scholarship gets Rs. 450 crore – up from Rs. 405 crore; Merit-cum-means Scholarship scheme gets Rs. 198 crore – as against Rs. 126 crore in the Revised Budget Estimates for the 2011-12. Provision for Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority students has been enhanced from Rs. 47 crore to Rs. 63 crore.
New Initiatives
The Budget 2012-13 also provides Rs. 4.50 crore for a new scheme to provide free cycles to girl students of class IX with the objective of retention of minority girl students from class IX onwards.
Another new scheme of Skill Development Initiatives has been provided Rs. 18 crore in the Budget to allow urban and rural livelihoods to improve for inclusive growth by providing skill to the Minority communities who do not posses any, to allow them to gain employment.
Rs. 45 crore each have been provided for Scheme for promotion of education in 100 Minority Concentration towns/cities; and Village Development Programme for 1,000 villages not covered under Minority Concentration Blocks/ Minority Concentration Districts.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs also gets Rs. 19.70 crore as Non-Plan provision so that the total finances available with the Ministry for the FY 2012-13 are Rs. 3,154.70 crore.
(PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/major-incentives-in-scholarship-schemes-for-minorities/

Sant Bahadur
Assistant Director (M&C), PIB, New Delhi.
Dairy sector in India has acquired substantial growth momentum from 9th Plan onwards, producing 121.8 million tonne milk during 2010-11. Per capita availability of milk reached 269 grams per day in 2010-11. This has not only placed the country on top of milk producing countries in the world, but also demonstrated sustained growth in the availability of milk and milk products for the burgeoning population.
Demand for milk is increasing rapidly in the country. This is primarily due to increasing population and growing incomes accruing from the multitude of central schemes launched for livelihood and employment generation. If we go by the emerging trend, the demand for milk is likely to be about 155 million tonnes by the end of 12th Five year Plan (2016-17) and in the range of 200-210 million tonnes in 2021-22. Annual average increase in the production of milk over the last 10 years has been around 3.5 million tonnes per annum whereas there is a need to reach an average of 6 million tonnes per year over the next 12 years to meet the ever increasing demand.
Dairying has become an important secondary source of income for millions of rural families and has assumed a very important role in providing employment and income generating opportunities.
Milk production and marketing system in India is unique. Most of the milk is produced by small, marginal farmers and landless labourers. About 7 crore rural households are engaged in milk production, the majority being small and marginal farmers and landless. About 1.45 crore farmers have been brought under the ambit of 1.45 lakh village level dairy corporative societies. As dairy cooperatives ensure inclusiveness for small holders, especially women, it is desirable that they retain the present 50% share of the marketable surplus handled by the organised sector.
National Dairy Plan-I
The Government has launched an ambitious programme for increasing the productivity of milch animals and thereby increasing the availability of milk in the country. The National Dairy Plan is a Central Sector Scheme. The outlay of the first phase of the project, for 2012-17, is estimated to be about Rs 2,242 crore. Out of total project outlay, Rs. 1584 crore will come from International Development Agency (IDA) as credit, Rs. 176 crore as Central Government’s share, Rs. 282 crore as share of implementing agencies and Rs. 200 crore from NDDB and its subsidiaries for providing technical and implementation support to the project.
Rs. 715 crore of the National Dairy Plan funds will be spent on breed improvement and Rs. 425 crore on animal nutrition. Rs. 488 crore will go for strengthening of village based milk procurement system and Rs. 132 crore for project management and learning.
Objectives
This scheme is aimed at meeting the projected demand of 150 million tonne in next five years by productivity enhancement, strengthening and expanding village level infrastructure for milk procurement and provide producers with greater access to markets. The objective of the NDP is to help increase productivity of milch animals and thereby milk production to meet the rapidly growing demand for milk in the country and provide rural milk producers with greater access to organised milk-processing sector through a scientifically planned multi-state initiative.
It is a six-year plan to be largely financed through the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank, and implemented by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) through End Implementing Agencies (EIAs) located in states. Funding will be through a line of credit from IDA which along with share of Government will flow from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries to NDDB and in turn to eligible EIAs.
EIAs comprise State Government, State Livestock Boards, State Cooperative Dairy Federations, District Cooperative Milk Producers Unions, subsidiaries of statutory bodies, ICAR institutes, and veterinary/dairy institutes and universities and any other entity decided by the National Steering Committee to be set up under the National Dairy Plan.
The EIAs will be eligible for funding under various components based on eligibility criteria which will comprise geographical, technical, and financial and governance parameters. Pattern of funding under the scheme will be 100% grant-in-aid for nutrition and breeding activities.
Focus States
The NDP-I is to be implemented in States where the respective Governments commit to undertake the necessary regulatory, policy support to prepare an environment for successful implementation of the scheme. The focus of the scheme will be on the areas with higher potential in 14 major milk producing states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. These states contribute to 90% of milk production in the country. However, in terms of benefits the coverage of the scheme will be countrywide.
Strengthening Village-Based Milk Procurement Systems
Village-based procurement system will be expanded by strengthening existing co-operatives and facilitating the setting up of producer companies or new-generation co-operatives. About 13 lakh milk producers in 23,800 additional villages are expected to be covered. Alongside, capacity building, training and education programmes will get due prominence to promote technologies and improved practices at the village level.
Benefits
In terms of overall benefits, the NDP will put in place a scientific and systematic process which is expected to take the country on the path to improving the breed of milk producing animals in a consistent and continuous manner.
It will make prudent use of country’s resources, lead to reduction in methane emissions, improve the quality of milk being marketed, help strengthen regulatory and policy measures to provide an enabling environment for future growth of dairy sector and contribute to improving the livelihoods of small milk producers who form the backbone of India’s milk production system.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/enhancing-milk-production-through-national-dairy-plan/

Shamima Siddiqui
Director (M&C), PIB, with inputs from the Ministry of Finance.
The Government has adopted a five-pronged strategy to tackle the sensitive issue of Black Money – Joining the Global Crusade Against Black Money
Issues of tax evasion and Exchange of Information have been incorporated in G 20 communiqué due to efforts of India in the recent ministerial meetings.
India is playing a key role in Global Forum on Transfer Pricing and Exchange of Information for tax purpose, as Vice Chairman of Peer Review Group.
Joined FATF, Task Force on financial integrity and Economic Development and Eurasian Group.
India is participating in policy groups of OECD and UN on Exchange of Information, International Taxation and Transfer Pricing as observer and member respectively.
Creating an Appropriate Legislative Framework
Started renegotiation with 75 countries to broaden the scope of Article concerning Exchange of Information, and negotiation of DTAA and Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with new countries and 22 priority countries/jurisdictions (no tax or low tax countries/jurisdictions) respectively.
India has signed the OECD Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax matters on 26 January, 2012. This Convention shall expand the scope of India’s treaty network on tax matters.
Enacted legislation incorporating counter measure against non-cooperative jurisdiction (section 94 A in Finance Act 2011).
Tightened provisions of transfer pricing.
Proposed GAAR and reporting requirement of foreign asset in the Finance Bill, 2012.
28 of existing DTAA also contain article for assistance in collection of taxes including taking measures of conservancy. Government is trying to have this Article in other treaties as well.
Setting up Institutions to Deal with Illicit Funds
Ten Income Tax Overseas Units in various Indian Missions abroad have been created and out of which two are already functional.
The remaining 8 Units shall be made operational very soon. Creation of more ITOUs is under active consideration.
To effectively handle the increase in tax information exchange and transfer pricing issues, a dedicated Exchange of Information unit (EOI Unit) has been set up.
Developing Systems for Implementation
New policy for deployment of manpower to Directorate of Transfer Pricing and International Taxation is implemented.
Manpower of FT&TR Division in CBDT has been doubled.
Imparting Skills to the Manpower for Effective Action
Officers are being imparted specialized training abroad in field of International Taxation and Transfer Pricing.
International seminar on transfer pricing was held in India in month of June 2011.
India played a major role in G-20 discussions and highlighted the importance of automatic exchange of information and importance of obtaining past banking information. India has also obtained useful information about Indians having bank accounts in Swiss bank.
This is under investigation. Further a dedicated Exchange of Information Cell has been created to handle the work related to exchange of information in line with latest international standards. (PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/black-money/

Dr. K. R. Thankappan and P. Sreedevi
PIB Features.,31st May – World No Tobacco Day
In India it is estimated that there are nearly 275 million (35 percent) tobacco users. Close to half (48%) of men and one fifth of women in India use some form of tobacco. Among the five greatest risk factors of mortality, tobacco use is world’s leading single preventable cause of death. When smokers smoke in their homes there is a major risk of other household members suffering due to second hand smoke related illness.
Tobacco Use in Kerala
According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2010 report, among the total adult population in Kerala 35.5% males and 8.5% females currently use some form of tobacco. Although the smoking prevalence among female population is low in Kerala, the threat for the health and well being of women and children from the secondhand smoke exposure, especially within the home is very high.
In Kerala, 42% of adults are exposed to secondhand smoke at home. There are at least 250 chemicals in secondhand smoke from cigarettes/bidis that are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.
When non smokers are exposed to second hand smoke, they inhale many of the same cancer causing chemicals that smokers inhale. Research has shown the harms of secondhand smoke to women and children including spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, poor lung function, and respiratory ailments. It is scientifically documented that smoke from a cigarette can remain in the air for 2-4 hours and the residue from smoke seeps into the house curtains and cushions and other cloth items negatively affecting everyone staying in the home.
Smoke Free Home Initiatives by the Project Quit Tobacco IndiaTo address the issue of protecting women and children from secondhand smoke in homes, which is a critical public health issue, Project Quit Tobacco India (QTI) has developed a smoke free homes initiative in rural communities in Kerala. This pioneering project is implemented through women’s groups like Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society and Kudumbasree which play a significant role in community level activities. The goal of ‘Smoke-free Household’ movement envisages that as all homes in a community collectively decide that they will not allow smoking inside any of the homes in their area.
The movement has been successfully implemented in the selected communities/wards of Nellanadu Grama panchayat in Trivandrum district.
Before introducing the concept of ‘Smoke-free home’, a community level household survey was conducted to assess women’s and children’s exposure to secondhand smoke both in indoor and outdoor places. In the survey it was identified that more than 70% smokers are smoking inside the home and their family members are inhaling the smoke. Majority of women are aware that second hand smoke is bad for health even though they do not know the specific health problems it can cause and personally disapprove of smoking in the home but most of them feel powerless to do anything about it. Very few homes have rules against the smoking inside the home. Women feel embarrassed or are shy to tell a guest not to smoke in the home. Eighty per cent of men, including those who smoke, expressed support for a community wide smoke free home policy.
As the first step for developing smoke free homes, a meeting was organized with elected Panchayat members and discussed about the objectives of this activity. The second step was to raise consciousness about the harm of secondhand smoke in the community. This was done with the support of the members of Kudumbasree and Mahila Samakhya to organize discussions on the problem of second hand smoke in the home and to provide education to the community about the harms of SHS to non smokers, especially to women and children. For ensuring the sustainability of this movement, a panchayat level resource team was formed and the team was provided training support on the linkages between tobacco and health. The resource team consisted of Health Inspectors, Junior Health Inspectors, Junior Public Health Nurses, Asha Workers, Anganwadi Teachers, Kudumbasree/Mahila Samakhya members etc.
The third step was to organize meetings with men and women to conduct health education campaigns in the community to introduce the concept and the need of ‘smoke free homes’.
All households in the community were given information stickers to be placed on the front door of their house stating that this is a smoke free home. Community members also had to place posters and banners in public places showing that this is a smoke free home community. Health education classes were organized in schools for students and they were also involved in the movement by taking part in the education program on second hand smoke. The students also involved in poster contests and they reminded their fathers and other men in their homes not to smoke in the home. The fourth step was a community-wide meeting where people came together to sign a formal declaration which says that in this community there is no smoking inside homes.
After this intervention program a survey was done to assess the impact of the program in the area. The post intervention survey results showed that the proportion of households having rules about no smoking inside the home increased from 20% in the baseline to 60%. 67% of smokers stopped smoking inside the home as a result of the intervention program.
In India smoking in public places is prohibited by law and as a result many smokers are shifting their location of smoking to their homes. Women are either hesitant or helpless to oppose men even though they dislike smoking. Nellanadu experience has shown that if the whole community raises the voice against smoking inside the home and organize it as a community based movement it will be more acceptable and effective.
The ‘Smoke-free Home’ movement is now progressing in Muhamma Grama Panchayat in Alappuzha District, Njarakkal Grama Panchayat in Ernakulam District.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tobacco-smoke-free-homes/

Dr. K. R. Thankappan and P. Sreedevi
PIB Features.,31st May – World No Tobacco Day
In India it is estimated that there are nearly 275 million (35 percent) tobacco users. Close to half (48%) of men and one fifth of women in India use some form of tobacco. Among the five greatest risk factors of mortality, tobacco use is world’s leading single preventable cause of death. When smokers smoke in their homes there is a major risk of other household members suffering due to second hand smoke related illness.
Tobacco Use in Kerala
According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2010 report, among the total adult population in Kerala 35.5% males and 8.5% females currently use some form of tobacco. Although the smoking prevalence among female population is low in Kerala, the threat for the health and well being of women and children from the secondhand smoke exposure, especially within the home is very high.
In Kerala, 42% of adults are exposed to secondhand smoke at home. There are at least 250 chemicals in secondhand smoke from cigarettes/bidis that are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.
When non smokers are exposed to second hand smoke, they inhale many of the same cancer causing chemicals that smokers inhale. Research has shown the harms of secondhand smoke to women and children including spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, poor lung function, and respiratory ailments. It is scientifically documented that smoke from a cigarette can remain in the air for 2-4 hours and the residue from smoke seeps into the house curtains and cushions and other cloth items negatively affecting everyone staying in the home.
Smoke Free Home Initiatives by the Project Quit Tobacco IndiaTo address the issue of protecting women and children from secondhand smoke in homes, which is a critical public health issue, Project Quit Tobacco India (QTI) has developed a smoke free homes initiative in rural communities in Kerala. This pioneering project is implemented through women’s groups like Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society and Kudumbasree which play a significant role in community level activities. The goal of ‘Smoke-free Household’ movement envisages that as all homes in a community collectively decide that they will not allow smoking inside any of the homes in their area.
The movement has been successfully implemented in the selected communities/wards of Nellanadu Grama panchayat in Trivandrum district.
Before introducing the concept of ‘Smoke-free home’, a community level household survey was conducted to assess women’s and children’s exposure to secondhand smoke both in indoor and outdoor places. In the survey it was identified that more than 70% smokers are smoking inside the home and their family members are inhaling the smoke. Majority of women are aware that second hand smoke is bad for health even though they do not know the specific health problems it can cause and personally disapprove of smoking in the home but most of them feel powerless to do anything about it. Very few homes have rules against the smoking inside the home. Women feel embarrassed or are shy to tell a guest not to smoke in the home. Eighty per cent of men, including those who smoke, expressed support for a community wide smoke free home policy.
As the first step for developing smoke free homes, a meeting was organized with elected Panchayat members and discussed about the objectives of this activity. The second step was to raise consciousness about the harm of secondhand smoke in the community. This was done with the support of the members of Kudumbasree and Mahila Samakhya to organize discussions on the problem of second hand smoke in the home and to provide education to the community about the harms of SHS to non smokers, especially to women and children. For ensuring the sustainability of this movement, a panchayat level resource team was formed and the team was provided training support on the linkages between tobacco and health. The resource team consisted of Health Inspectors, Junior Health Inspectors, Junior Public Health Nurses, Asha Workers, Anganwadi Teachers, Kudumbasree/Mahila Samakhya members etc.
The third step was to organize meetings with men and women to conduct health education campaigns in the community to introduce the concept and the need of ‘smoke free homes’.
All households in the community were given information stickers to be placed on the front door of their house stating that this is a smoke free home. Community members also had to place posters and banners in public places showing that this is a smoke free home community. Health education classes were organized in schools for students and they were also involved in the movement by taking part in the education program on second hand smoke. The students also involved in poster contests and they reminded their fathers and other men in their homes not to smoke in the home. The fourth step was a community-wide meeting where people came together to sign a formal declaration which says that in this community there is no smoking inside homes.
After this intervention program a survey was done to assess the impact of the program in the area. The post intervention survey results showed that the proportion of households having rules about no smoking inside the home increased from 20% in the baseline to 60%. 67% of smokers stopped smoking inside the home as a result of the intervention program.
In India smoking in public places is prohibited by law and as a result many smokers are shifting their location of smoking to their homes. Women are either hesitant or helpless to oppose men even though they dislike smoking. Nellanadu experience has shown that if the whole community raises the voice against smoking inside the home and organize it as a community based movement it will be more acceptable and effective.
The ‘Smoke-free Home’ movement is now progressing in Muhamma Grama Panchayat in Alappuzha District, Njarakkal Grama Panchayat in Ernakulam District.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tobacco-smoke-free-homes/

S. B. Sharan, Director (M&C), PIB, New Delhi.
Varun Bhardwaj, Assistant Director, PIB, New Delhi.
(PIB Features.)
On Completion of 1 Year of JSSK – June 1

A unique initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), launched on June 1, 2011, has placed for the first time utmost emphasis on “ENTITLEMENTS”.
The idea is to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for both pregnant women and sick neonates.
The initiative entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free and No-Expense delivery, including caesarean operation. All expenses related to delivery in a public institution are borne entirely by the government and no user charges are levied.
A pregnant woman is entitled to free transport from home to the government health facility, between facilities, in case she is referred on account of complications, and also drop-back home after 48 hours of delivery.
WHY JSSK?
Various complications during pregnancy like haemorrhage, infection, high blood pressure, unsafe deliveries and so on may result in maternal and infant mortality.
While India has made considerable progress in reduction of Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), but the pace at which these health indicators are declining needs acceleration.
The number of institutional deliveries has increased significantly, after the launch of Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) in the year 2005 but many of
those who opted for institutional deliveries were not willing to stay for 48 hrs, hampering the provision of essential services both to the mother and neonate. The first 48 hours after delivery are critical as some complications might develop during this period.
Access to mother and child health care services was also hindered by High out of pocket expenses on User charges for OPD, drugs and consumables, Diagnostic tests etc. Also in some cases such as severe
Anaemia or emergencies required Blood Transfusion which increased immediate expenses. A
nd if there was a caesarean case, the expenses would become still higher.
So, JSSK has been launched, to ensure that each and every pregnant woman and sick neonates upto 1

month gets timely access to health care services free of cost. Under the JSSK, the state governments issue an entitlement order detailing the free entitlements.
The Entitlements include free drugs and consumables, Free Diagnostic Services, Free Blood Transfusion Services wherever required and Free diet for the duration of a woman’s stay in the facility. These services are provided free of cost to eliminate out of pocket expenses and ensure Zero expense deliveries. Entitlements
Entitlements for Pregnant Women
Under JSSK, free Institutional Delivery services (including Caesarean operation) are provided in government health facilities. Also, medicines including supplements such as Iron Folic Acid are to be given free of cost to pregnant women.
Further, pregnant women are entitled to both essential and desirable investigations like Blood, Urine tests and Ultra-Sonography etc. Furthermore, they are to be provided with free Diet during their stay in the health institutions (up to 3 days for normal deIivery & 7days for caesarean section).Not only this, there is a provision of free bIood transfusion if the need arises.
A significant number of maternal and neonatal deaths can be saved by providing timely referral transport facility to the pregnant women. Pregnant women are entitled to free transport from home to health centre, referral to higher facility in case of need and drop back from the facility to home.
Besides, under JSSK there is exemption from all kinds of User Charges including OPD fees and admission charges.
Entitlements for Sick Newborn
Free treatment is also provided to the sick Newborn upto 30 days after birth and all drugs and consumables required are provided free of cost.
As in the case of the mother, the new born too is provided with free diagnostic services and there is a provision of free blood transfusion if the need arises. The facility of free transport from home to health institutions and back is also available.
Implementation of JSSK
For implementation of JSSK, a government order on entitlements is issued at the state level and a State
Nodal Officer is nominated. The state government takes necessary steps and ensures that all services, the beneficiaries are entitled to are provided.
Equal importance is given to dissemination of entitlements in the public domain.
These are to be prominently displayed on hoardings and boards in all Government facilities so that they are visible from a distance. In fact, there is an Information, Education Communication component under NRHM which is utilized for this purpose.
Grievance Redressal
Every health facility should prominently display the names, addresses, emails, telephones, mobiles and fax numbers of grievance redressal authorities at health facility level, district level and state level. Some states have set up help desks and suggestion/complaint boxes at government health facilities.
It is also required to keep fixed hours (at least 1 hour) on any two working days per week, in all the healthy facilities for meeting the complainants and redressing their grievances related to free entitlements.
At the National Level, the Maternal Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has brought out guidelines for JSSK. However, the actual implementation of the scheme hinges on the proactive role played by state governments.
The degree to which the scheme is successful would be determined by the extent to which the programme implementation is carried out by the State functionaries.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/healthy-mother-healthy-child-zero-expense-deliveries-through-jssk/

S. B. Sharan, Director (M&C), PIB, New Delhi.
Varun Bhardwaj, Assistant Director, PIB, New Delhi.
(PIB Features.)
On Completion of 1 Year of JSSK – June 1

A unique initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), launched on June 1, 2011, has placed for the first time utmost emphasis on “ENTITLEMENTS”.
The idea is to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for both pregnant women and sick neonates.
The initiative entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free and No-Expense delivery, including caesarean operation. All expenses related to delivery in a public institution are borne entirely by the government and no user charges are levied.
A pregnant woman is entitled to free transport from home to the government health facility, between facilities, in case she is referred on account of complications, and also drop-back home after 48 hours of delivery.
WHY JSSK?
Various complications during pregnancy like haemorrhage, infection, high blood pressure, unsafe deliveries and so on may result in maternal and infant mortality.
While India has made considerable progress in reduction of Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), but the pace at which these health indicators are declining needs acceleration.
The number of institutional deliveries has increased significantly, after the launch of Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) in the year 2005 but many of
those who opted for institutional deliveries were not willing to stay for 48 hrs, hampering the provision of essential services both to the mother and neonate. The first 48 hours after delivery are critical as some complications might develop during this period.
Access to mother and child health care services was also hindered by High out of pocket expenses on User charges for OPD, drugs and consumables, Diagnostic tests etc. Also in some cases such as severe
Anaemia or emergencies required Blood Transfusion which increased immediate expenses. A
nd if there was a caesarean case, the expenses would become still higher.
So, JSSK has been launched, to ensure that each and every pregnant woman and sick neonates upto 1

month gets timely access to health care services free of cost. Under the JSSK, the state governments issue an entitlement order detailing the free entitlements.
The Entitlements include free drugs and consumables, Free Diagnostic Services, Free Blood Transfusion Services wherever required and Free diet for the duration of a woman’s stay in the facility. These services are provided free of cost to eliminate out of pocket expenses and ensure Zero expense deliveries. Entitlements
Entitlements for Pregnant Women
Under JSSK, free Institutional Delivery services (including Caesarean operation) are provided in government health facilities. Also, medicines including supplements such as Iron Folic Acid are to be given free of cost to pregnant women.
Further, pregnant women are entitled to both essential and desirable investigations like Blood, Urine tests and Ultra-Sonography etc. Furthermore, they are to be provided with free Diet during their stay in the health institutions (up to 3 days for normal deIivery & 7days for caesarean section).Not only this, there is a provision of free bIood transfusion if the need arises.
A significant number of maternal and neonatal deaths can be saved by providing timely referral transport facility to the pregnant women. Pregnant women are entitled to free transport from home to health centre, referral to higher facility in case of need and drop back from the facility to home.
Besides, under JSSK there is exemption from all kinds of User Charges including OPD fees and admission charges.
Entitlements for Sick Newborn
Free treatment is also provided to the sick Newborn upto 30 days after birth and all drugs and consumables required are provided free of cost.
As in the case of the mother, the new born too is provided with free diagnostic services and there is a provision of free blood transfusion if the need arises. The facility of free transport from home to health institutions and back is also available.
Implementation of JSSK
For implementation of JSSK, a government order on entitlements is issued at the state level and a State
Nodal Officer is nominated. The state government takes necessary steps and ensures that all services, the beneficiaries are entitled to are provided.
Equal importance is given to dissemination of entitlements in the public domain.
These are to be prominently displayed on hoardings and boards in all Government facilities so that they are visible from a distance. In fact, there is an Information, Education Communication component under NRHM which is utilized for this purpose.
Grievance Redressal
Every health facility should prominently display the names, addresses, emails, telephones, mobiles and fax numbers of grievance redressal authorities at health facility level, district level and state level. Some states have set up help desks and suggestion/complaint boxes at government health facilities.
It is also required to keep fixed hours (at least 1 hour) on any two working days per week, in all the healthy facilities for meeting the complainants and redressing their grievances related to free entitlements.
At the National Level, the Maternal Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has brought out guidelines for JSSK. However, the actual implementation of the scheme hinges on the proactive role played by state governments.
The degree to which the scheme is successful would be determined by the extent to which the programme implementation is carried out by the State functionaries.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/healthy-mother-healthy-child-zero-expense-deliveries-through-jssk/

Shamima Siddiqui
PIB Features
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Ministry of Finance has taken the following numerous initiatives to improve taxpayers’ services:
E-filing of Income Tax returns/E-payment of Taxes – The e-filing of income tax returns, e-payment of taxes, ECS facility for electronic clearing of refunds directly in taxpayers’ bank accounts and electronic filing of TDS returns are now available throughout the country. These measures have empowered taxpayers to meet their tax obligations without visiting an income tax office. During the financial year 2011-2012, the number of e-returns filed was 1.63 crores.
A new e-filing portal has been conceptualised by the Department in order to take the e-filing to next generation of e-services by including e-filing of all 92 Forms including ITRs and other web enabled services. The New e-filing project will release more resources in the department to focus on post processing work. This would significantly aid in tackling tax evasion and curbing black economy. Proper data quality due to increased e-filing will help efficient mining and risk profiling and thus substantially increase number of tax payers.
The proposed E-filing contract has a taxpayer – centric design to provide services matching the best international practices, which would not only lower the compliance cost for the taxpayer, but dramatically improve the public image of the Department.
Refund Banker Scheme – Presently Refund Banker Scheme is in operation for all non-corporate charges in India. The Scheme envisages issue of refunds to the taxpayers by the Refund Banker both through paper cheques as well as through ECS. During the financial year 2011-2012, almost 95% of total number of refunds have been issued through this Scheme.
Centralised Processing Centres – The Centralised Processing Centre at Bengaluru that was inaugurated during last year has stablised and is processing about 1 lakh returns daily.
A Centralised Processing Centre (TDS) is being set up at Ghaziabad and is expected to be made functional during the year. The CPC (TDS) would mark a major step in ensuring TDS compliance through processing of TDS statements with a focus on usage of technology driven end to end processes. Its main objective is to eliminate the TDS mismatch cases which are presently a matter of concern for the taxpayers in the proper claim of TDS credits.
The assessing officers will have access to MIS reports and Analytics in respect of the TDS defaults in TDS statements processed by CPC(TDS). It will enable robust TDS administration with a focus on compliance functions by the assessing officers in identified cases. Business Intelligence tools will be in place to provide vital inputs in framing TDS policy.
CPC(TDS) will be the backbone of CPC, Bengaluru where more than one crore Income Tax Returns are poised to be processed and wherein it is not possible to claim credits of tax deducted/collected on the strength of physical TDS certificates. It will enable faster processing of Income Tax returns and issuance of speedy refunds.
In short, CPC(TDS) will provide e-services with a focus on Deductors, Taxpayers and the Departmental Officers.
Aayakar Seva Kendras – The CBDT has aimed to redress all public grievances within a period of two months from its receipt. Aayakar Seva Kendra is a Single Window System for computerized registration of all taxpayers’ applications including the facility for filing paper income tax return. More than 50 Aayakar Seva Kendras are already functional and it is expected that more number of such Aayakar Seva Kendras shall be made operational during the year.
National Call Centre and Regional Call Centres – Another important initiative undertaken by the Department is the setting up of a robust National Call Centre at Gurgaon and Four Regional Call Centres at Jammu, Shillong, Jangipur and Kochi. At present, National Call Centre at Gurgaon as well as all the four Regional Call Centres are functioning.
The selection of scrutiny cases is being done through CASS. This reduces the discretion of assessing officers in scrutiny selection.
The taxpayers have been provided the facility of on- line Tax Credit Verification Statement (Form 26 AS).

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/improving-taxpayers-services/

1. The Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, is paying a State visit to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar from May 27 to 29, 2012 at the invitation of the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Thein Sein. He is accompanied by his wife Shrimati Gursharan Kaur.
2. The Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome in Nay Pyi Taw and the President of Myanmar hosted a Banquet in his honour.
3. The visit of the Prime Minister the first after 25 years is a historic milestone in the relations between India and Myanmar.
4. The two leaders held a restricted meeting, followed by delegation level talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. The talks were held in a warm, cordial and constructive atmosphere reflecting the close and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries and peoples.
5. During the official talks, the Prime Minister of India was assisted by the External Affairs Minister Shri S.M. Krishna, National Security Adviser Shri S Menon, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister
Shri Pulok Chatterji, Foreign Secretary Shri Ranjan Mathai, Ambassador of India to Myanmar Dr V.S. Seshadri and other senior officials.
6. The President of Myanmar was assisted by U Wunna Maung Lwin, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs and other Union Ministers and the Myanmar Ambassador to India U Zin Zaw and Senior
Government Officials.
7. The Prime Minister of India and the President of Myanmar comprehensively reviewed the multifaceted bilateral relationship and took stock of developments since the very successful State visit of President U Thein Sein to India in October 2011. They expressed satisfaction at the ongoing official exchanges and the growing economic, trade and cultural ties, as well as people-to-people exchanges.
8. The two leaders agreed on a vision for the future in the pursuit of the common good – bilaterally, regionally and globally. They agreed to cooperate in the areas such as border area development, transportation, connectivity, agriculture, trade and investment, promotion of friendly exchanges and human resource development. They recognized that peace and stability in the region is necessary for development and well-being of the people of their respective countries. In this context, they emphasized the importance of close cooperation between India and Myanmar and the need to effectively harness their respective resources for the good of the peoples of the two countries.
9. The Prime Minister of India congratulated the President of Myanmar on the path breaking reform measures taken by the Government of Myanmar towards greater democratisation and national reconciliation. He commended the on-going efforts at political, economic and social reform, which included negotiation of preliminary peace agreements with several ethnic groups as well as dialogue with
various democratic political parties including the National League for Democracy led by Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi. He also expressed appreciation for the free, fair and peaceful conduct of the recent by-elections.
10. The Prime Minister of India reiterated India`s readiness to extend all necessary assistance in accelerating the country`s democratic transition and developing the capacity of democratic institutions such as the Parliament, National Human Rights Commission and the Media. Recalling the very successful visit of a Parliamentary delegation led by Thura U Shwe Mann, Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw, to India in December 2011, the Prime Minister conveyed India’s readiness to undertake training programmes for Myanmar Parliamentarians and staff.
11. The following instruments for enhancing bilateral cooperation were signed during the visit:
(i) Memorandum of Understanding regarding US$ 500 million Line of Credit
(ii) Air Services Agreement between India and Myanmar
(iii) Memorandum of Understanding on the India-Myanmar Border Area Development
(iv) Memorandum of Understanding on Establishment of Joint Trade and Investment Forum
(v) Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Advance Centre for Agriculture Research and Education (ACARE)
(vi) Memorandum of Understanding on Establishment of Rice Bio Park at the Department of
Agricultural Research in Nay Pyi Taw
(vii) Memorandum of Understanding towards setting up of Myanmar Institute of Information Technology
(viii) Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between Dagon University and Calcutta University
(ix) Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies and Indian Council of World Affairs.
(x) Agreement on Cooperation between Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies and Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis.
(xi) Cultural Exchange Programme ( 2012-2015)
(xii) Memorandum of Understanding on establishing of Border Haats across the border between Myanmar and India.
12. The two leaders underscored that bilateral relations between India and Myanmar are rooted in shared history and geography, culture and civilization. Welcoming that the range and frequency of engagement between the two countries had intensified significantly since Myanmar`s transition towards a more democratic form of Government in March 2011, they committed to further enhancing these exchanges so as to take bilateral cooperation to a higher level. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the recent successful visits from Myanmar including that of the Foreign Minister of Myanmar U Wunna Maung Lwin in January 2012; the Minister of Construction of Myanmar U Khin Maung Myint in February 2012; and from India including the visit of the Minister for Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs of India Mr. P.K. Bansal to Myanmar in February 2012. The two sides agreed to continue with the frequent exchanges of visits at the leadership level.
13. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to fight the scourge of terrorism and insurgent activity in all its forms and manifestations. Both of them emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between security forces and border guarding agencies for securing peace, security and stability in the border areas, which was crucial for overall development. In this context, the two leaders welcomed the holding of the first meeting of the bilateral Regional Border Committee whose deliberations were useful in promoting such cooperation and understanding for better border management. Both leaders reiterated the assurance that territories of either country would not be allowed to be used for activities inimical to the other, including for training, sanctuary and other operations by terrorist and insurgent organisations and their operatives.
14. Both leaders also alluded to the importance of sound border management as an intrinsic part of maintaining border security. In this context, they directed that the respective Survey Departments should inspect and maintain boundary pillars in a systematic manner. They also directed the respective Heads of (con next col)
from previous col
Statement of India and Myanmar
Survey Department to finalise dates for an early joint inspection of the sectors jointly identified at the 17th National Level Meeting.
Connectivity
15. The two leaders emphasised the importance of enhancing connectivity between the two countries as a means of promoting commercial, cultural, touristic and other exchanges between the peoples of the two countries. They expressed satisfaction at the steady progress being made on the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project. They welcomed the finalisation of the site of the Land Customs Station at Zorinpui (Mizoram) following joint inspection by Indian and Myanmar delegations in April 2012. It was noted that the project would enhance bilateral trade, people to people contact and contribute to the development and prosperity of the people living in the ‘land locked’ North Eastern region of India.
16. The Prime Minister of India announced that India would undertake the task of repair/ upgradation of 71 bridges on the Tamu- Kalewa friendship Road. The two leaders decided that India would undertake the upgradation of the Kalewa-Yargyi road segment to highway standard while Myanmar would undertake that of upgradation of the Yargyi-Monywa stretch to highway standard by 2016. This project would help in establishing trilateral connectivity from Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar. The two leaders welcomed the revival of the Joint Task Force on the Trilateral Highway between India-Myanmar –Thailand. It was agreed that efforts would be made to establish seamless trilateral connectivity by 2016.
17. Taking into account the importance of enabling people-to-people contacts, the two sides agreed to launch a trans-border bus service from Imphal, India to Mandalay. The two leaders directed the concerned officials from both sides to finalise all modalities to enable its early operationalisation.
18. They also welcomed the signing of the new Air Service agreement which would enhance direct air connectivity and facilitate easy business interaction, tourism and people-to people exchanges.
19. The two leaders decided to constitute a Joint Working Group to determine the technical and commercial feasibility of cross-border rail links and the commercial feasibility of direct shipping links between the two countries.
20. The two sides also discussed the possibility of Indian participation in development of key infrastructure projects, like Dawei port in Myanmar.
Development Cooperation
21. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing dimension of development cooperation between the two countries which is being financed under grants and concessional loans amounting to US$
1.2 billion till date. Taking stock of ongoing projects in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, human resource development, industrial development, power, health etc., the two leaders agreed to identify more projects of benefit to the people of Myanmar in future.
22. Both leaders welcomed the signing of the MoU on the US$ 500 million Line of Credit extended by India to the Government of Myanmar which would pave the way for its early operationalisation. The Line of Credit will be utilised in the infrastructure development projects, including in the fields of Agriculture and Irrigation, Rail Transportation, and Electric Power in Myanmar.
23. Identifying the need for special focus on the development and prosperity of the people in bordering areas, the two leaders agreed to cooperate to bring about overall socio-economic development in the border areas by undertaking both infrastructure development and micro-economic projects, including upgradation of roads and construction of schools, health centres, bridges, agriculture and related training activities in the area in accordance with the MoU on India-Myanmar Border Area Development that was signed during the visit. The President of Myanmar also welcomed India’s offer of assistance in production of large Cardamom in the Naga Self Administered zone.
24. Expressing their commitment to enhance cooperation in Science & Technology, the two leaders noted with satisfaction that the first meeting of the India-Myanmar Joint Working Group on Science and Technology was held on April 3, 2012. The Joint Working Group has identified some priority areas for future cooperation in the fields of agricultural biotechnology, post harvest technology, medical biotechnology, medical research and renewable energy. The two leaders welcomed these decisions and agreed that Myanmar would prepare specific proposals on some of its priority projects so that they can be taken forward for implementation.
25. Under a MoU signed during the visit, the two leaders decided to set up the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology with financial and technical assistance from India. The Indian Prime Minister announced continued technical and financial support for the India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills in Yangon for a further 5 year period when it will also undergo a technology upgrade. The Indian Prime Minister announced a Fellowship for Myanmar Researchers to work in Indian Universities and Research Institutions, under which 10 slots would be allocated every year. Each Fellowship would be for 4-6 months duration in the areas of Atmospheric and Earth Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Mathematical and Computational Sciences and Physical Sciences.
26. The Prime Minister of India announced that in keeping with India’s commitment to developing human resource capacity in Myanmar, the existing number of training slots for Myanmar, including under the Indian Economic and Technical Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, would be doubled from the current 250 to 500. The President of Myanmar welcomed this significant gesture.
27. The Myanmar President thanked the Indian side for its offer to train Myanmar diplomats in conference management and for the assistance in setting up language laboratories and conference rooms in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon and e-research centre in Nay Pyi Taw for the Ministry of Foreign affairs.
28. The two sides also expressed their commitment to enhance cooperation in the area of Agriculture.
The President of Myanmar thanked India for the agricultural machinery that had been gifted to Myanmar under a grant of US$ 10 million and conveyed that the machinery had been distributed to various locations of Myanmar and is being used for the benefit of Myanmar`s farming community. Under the MoU signed during the visit, the two leaders decided to establish the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education as a Centre for Excellence using cutting edge technology along with traditional knowledge and ecological conservation with financial and technical assistance from India. They also

agreed to set up a Rice Bio Park within the Department of Agricultural Research, Yezin in Nay Pyi Taw in

order to demonstrate available techniques of sustainable rice biomass utilisation. These two institutions

together will provide technological and research inputs to the Myanmar farming, academic and business

communities. The President of Myanmar also thanked the Prime Minister for India’s support to the

construction of a modern cyclone-proof rice silo within the Model Integrated Farm at Nay Pyi Taw.

29. The Myanmar side requested for India’s assistance in arranging training programmes/ fellowships in

the areas of dairy development, cattle breeding, vaccine technology and assistance in setting up a milk

and milk product factory in Shan State. The Indian side agreed to consider the proposal favourably.

Trade and Investment

30. Alluding to the mutually agreed target of doubling the bilateral trade by 2015, both leaders

emphasized that there is considerable untapped potential for greater trade and urged the business

community to capitalize on this potential. Investments by Indian companies in areas like ports, highways,

oil & gas, plantation, manufacturing, hospitality and ICT would be specifically encouraged. In this

context, the two leaders underscored the importance of the newly created Trade and Investment Forum in

enabling timely and accurate exchange of information and ideas.

31. They assured that both Governments would work to identify and remove various impediments to

bilateral trade. In this context, they welcomed the establishment of a representative office of the United

Bank of India in Yangon as a first step in facilitating business-friendly banking transactions between the

two countries. The Myanmar side welcomed the proposals for the training of Myanmar officials in the

Banking sector by Indian banks and for cooperation in the Agriculture Banking sector. Considering the

vast potential for promoting trade between the two countries, both sides agreed that the Reserve Bank of

India would sign an MoU with the Central Bank of Myanmar on currency arrangements between India and

Myanmar in the near future. Further, the Reserve Bank of India would also conclude an MoU with the

Central Bank of Myanmar to serve as a platform for an exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.

The two sides agreed upon sharing of banking experiences and technical know-how from State Bank of

India or any other bank as mutually agreed.

32. Both leaders urged the business community to enthusiastically participate in each other`s trade fairs

and also to share information on the prevailing trade and investment policies through organization of

seminars and business related events in specific sectors of mutual interest. In this context, they

welcomed the organization of the first Enterprise India Show in Yangon in November 2011 by CII and

UMFCCI and the decision taken to make it an annual event.

33. Taking into account the needs of communities residing near the border, the two leaders welcomed the

decision to set up border haats along the border and the MOU agreed for this purpose. They also noted

that the decision to upgrade banking infrastructure at border trade points would also facilitate greater

trade between people living in these areas.

34. The two leaders directed that a bilateral Border Trade Committee should be set up to implement the

earlier decision that meetings would be held regularly between the border trade officials and

businesspersons in Tamu-Moreh and Rhi-Zowkhathar.

Power and Energy

35. The two leaders emphasised the need for closer cooperation to further energy security. In this

context, they welcomed the signing of the Production Sharing Contract between the Government of

Myanmar and the Jubilant Energy of India. They encouraged investment by Indian companies in Myanmar

oil and gas sector, including in available blocks that are being offered for investment which have good

prospects. They also agreed to encourage investment by Indian companies in downstream projects in the

petroleum industry.

36. The Myanmar President expressed his appreciation to India for undertaking the preparation of

Detailed Project Reports of the Tamanthi and Shwezaye hydropower projects. Both leaders directed their

respective officials to study the contents of the DPRs and finalise the future course of action, taking into

account technical, commercial and socio-environmental considerations.

Culture and People to People Exchanges

37. The two leaders emphasized the centrality of culture in further deepening the close bonds between

the peoples of India and Myanmar and expressed satisfaction with the signature of the Cultural Exchange

Programme (CEP) for the period 2012-2015. It was noted that the CEP would also promote cultural

exchanges between the North Eastern States of India and the bordering areas of Myanmar.

38. They also welcomed the preparations that have been made towards organizing the International

Conference on Buddhist Heritage in Myanmar in December 2012 with the cooperation of the Indian

Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of Religious Affairs of Myanmar and the Sitagu World Buddhist

Association.

39. The Myanmar side thanked India for its decision to gift a 16 feet sand stone replica of the Sarnath

Buddha later in the year that will be installed in the precincts of the Shwedagon Pagoda. A smaller replica

will be unveiled by the Prime Minister during his visit. The Myanmar side also conveyed its appreciation

to India for the facilities and courtesies being extended to Myanmar pilgrims visiting India.

40. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the ongoing pace of work on the project for conservation

and restoration of the Ananda Temple in Bagan, Myanmar by the Archaeological Survey of India which is

expected to be completed over the next 2 years.

41. The two leaders also welcomed the formalization of contacts between Indian and Myanmar think

tanks and academic institutions and urged scholars to participate actively and exchange views in academic

events being held in either country.

42. The President of Myanmar welcomed the announcement made by the Prime Minister regarding the

Government of India’s support for setting up a school with technical assistance from India.

Regional and Multilateral

43. The two leaders discussed a broad range of regional and international issues of mutual interest. They

agreed to continue their coordination on issues of common interest on the international agenda.

44. The two leaders emphasized the importance of close coordination towards the cause of regional

cooperation. The Prime Minister of India extended his good wishes to Myanmar for a successful term as

BIMSTEC Chair, including its proposal to host the next BIMSTEC Summit meeting. The two leaders

looked forward to further intensification of ASEAN-India co-operation under Myanmar`s chairmanship

of ASEAN in 2014. The Prime Minister of India emphasised that Myanmar holds a significant place both

in India`s Look East Policy and in its collaboration with ASEAN countries under the Initiative for ASEAN

Integration (IAI). The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely on activities related to the forthcoming

ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit.

45. The Prime Minister of India thanked the President of Myanmar for the warm and gracious hospitality

extended to him and the members of his delegation during their stay in Myanmar.

46. The Prime Minister invited the President of Myanmar to visit India on mutually convenient dates

which will be decided through diplomatic channels. The President of Myanmar accepted the invitation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/statement-of-india-and-myanmar-meeting/

K.K.Pant
Deputy Director (Media & Communication), PIB, New Delhi.
The Plan fund allocation and utilization by the Ministry of Minority Affairs have significantly gone up during the 11th Five Year Plan : the allocation for the Ministry has increased from Rs. 500 crore allocated in 2007-8 to Rs. 3,135 crore in 2012-13. The Union Budget of 2012-13 has ensured continuation of important minority welfare schemes of the 11th Five Year Plan. Various schemes have been implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and other Ministries/Departments under the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for overall development of the minorities during the 11th Plan Period with special focus on education, employment & health which include:
i) Education
Ø Under the Scholarship schemes, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has awarded Scholarships/
fellowships to 1.42 crore minority students at an expenditure of Rs. 2730.20 crore.
Ø The following educational infrastructure have been created in Minority concentration Districts under Sarvashiksha Abhiyan implemented by Department of School Education & Literacy:
· 12,598 Primary Schools, 7016 Upper Primary Schools and 12,8043 Additional Class Rooms constructed.
· 14,453 New Primary Schools and 10,438 Upper Primary Schools opened.
· 85,805 teachers sanctioned.
· 449 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas sanctioned.
Ø Under the Scheme of Providing Quality Education to Madrasas (SPQEM) implemented by Department of School Education & Literacy Rs. 397.61 crore released covering 33,787 Madrasas and for assisting more than 26,558 teachers.
Ø Under the Scheme of Infrastructure Development of Minority Institutions implemented by Department of School Education & Literacy Rs.76.14 crore released for covering 405 Institutions and assisting more than 71,688 teachers.
Ø Under Multi-sectoral Development Programme of Ministry of Minority Affairs, 696 school buildings, 13,825 additional class rooms in schools/madarsas, 332 hostels for boys and girls were sanctioned for the identified 90 Minority Concentration Districts.
ii) Employment
Ø Recruitment of Minorities in Central Government Ministries/Departments, Public Sector Banks and Financial Institutions and PSUs has increased from 8.23% in 2007-08 to 10.33% (as per information received from Deptt. of Personnel & Training) in 2010-11.
Ø 9,90,010 Swarozgaries assisted under Aajeevika Scheme (formerly SGSY).
Ø 75,585 Urban Poor assisted to set up Individual Micro Enterprises and Skill training imparted to 1,61,753 Urban Poors under Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana.
Ø Priority Sector Lending to Minorities has increased from 10.60% of the total PSL in 2007-08 to 14.83% in December, 2011.
Ø Rs.120.16 crore released for upgradation of 60 identified ITIs into Centre of Excellence in districts having substantial Minority population.
Ø Loans and Micro Finance amounting to Rs. 977.24 crore disbursed to 4,67,909 minority persons under Term Loan and Micro Finance Schemes by the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC).
Ø Under Multi-sectoral Development Programme, 71 ITIs and 31 polytechnics have been sanctioned for the identified 90 Minority Concentration Districts.
iii) Health
Ø 55,149 Anganwadi Centres operationalised in CD Blocks having substantial minority population.
Ø Under Multi-sectoral Development Programme, 2624 health centres and 27,797 anganwadi centres have been sanctioned for the identified 90 Minority Concentration Districts.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs has taken steps to give wide publicity of the welfare schemes for the minority communities to generate awareness for these schemes through the print and electronic media. Uploading of the data on minority welfare schemes implemented by various Ministries and State Governments/UTs Administrations has been made mandatory. Activity wise time-lines have been laid down and communicated to the States/UTs under the Scholarship Schemes. Online Scholarship
Management System (OSMS) has been developed and launched for the on-line application for the Merit-cum-Means Scholarship scheme which is being extended for the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme also. Regular review meetings with the officials of the State government are held to expedite the implementation of the programmes. In addition, the officials of the Ministry visit States/UTs to review and inspect the implementation of projects under various schemes/ programmes.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/overall-development-of-the-minorities-during-the-11th-plan/