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Table of Contents

1. Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Defence ...... 1

2. Year End Review-2019:– Ministry of I&B ...... 24 3. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Textiles ...... 27 4. Year end Review-2019: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment & DEPwD ...... 45 5. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Home Affairs ...... 49 6. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Science and Technology ...... 56 7. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Earth Sciences ...... 68 8. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs ...... 71 9. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways...... 75 10. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Railways ...... 84 11. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Jal Shakti ...... 99 12. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj ...... 110 13. Year End Review-2109: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change ...... 113 14. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of ...... 119 15. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Tribal Affairs ...... 121 16. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions ...... 128 17. Year End Review- 2019: Ministry of Labour and Employment ...... 135 18. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) . 143 19. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Department of School Education ...... 149 20. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Tourism ...... 162 21. Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Culture ...... 167 22. Year End Review-2019: Department of Higher Education ...... 175 23. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare .... 185

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24. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Renewable Energy ...... 187 25. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare .... 194 26. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Heavy Industry ...... 196 27. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Minority Affairs ...... 204 28. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship ...... 208 29. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas ...... 216 30. Year end Review-2019: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment & DEPwD ...... 223 31. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Home Affairs ...... 227

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1. Year End Review – 2019 Ministry of Defence

2019 was a year full of remarkable events for Ministry of Defence.In a landmark decision with tremendous reform in higher defence management in the country, the Government has approved to create the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the rank of a four-star General with salary and perquisites equivalent to a Service Chief. The CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to be created within the Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary. This follows the announcement made by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2019, in his address to the nation, inter alia, should not have a fragmented approach. Our entire military power will have to work in unison and move e (Services) should move simultaneously“ at the same pace. There should be good coordination and it should be relevant to the hope and aspirations of our people.forward…All It should the thre be in line with the changing war and security environment with the ion of this post (CDS), all the three forces will get effective leadership at the top level. The decision will lead to improved coordination between the Armed Forces andworld…after make them format more effective. The other major decisions and events related to Ministry of Defence and the” Armed Forces are as follows:

 Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the National War Memorial in a solemn ceremonial function on February 25 near India Gate. The memorial has been erected in the memory of those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation after India became Independent in 1947.  In an intelligence led operation in the early hours of February 26, India struck the biggest training camp of Jaish e Mohammad (JeM) in Balakot, Pakistan. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated. This facility at Balakot was headed by Maulana Yousuf Azhar, the brother-in-law of Masood Azhar, Chief of JeM. This was in response to February 14, 2019 suicide terror attack, conducted by a Pakistan based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad that led to the martyrdom of 40 brave jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).  It was a red-letter day in the history of when Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh participated in the Rafale fighter aircraft handing over ceremony at Merignac in France in October. The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft will make India stronger and give a boost to its air dominance to ensure peace and security in the region. Raksha Mantri also flew a sortie in the fighter aircraft.  Shri Rajnath Singh became the first Raksha Mantri to fly the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport in Bengaluru, on September 2019.  Raksha Mantri handed over Medium Range Surface-to-Air-Missileto Indian Air Force at the Bharat‘ ’ Dynamics Limited premises in Hyderabad on August 3 on the occasion of Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Defence PSU.  Shri Rajnath Singh, on June 18, announced the restoration of the ration in kind for the officers of the threeArmed Forces posted in peace areas.  Raksha Mantri gave in principle approval to four-times enhancement‘ of monetary’ assistance to Next of Kin of all categories of Battle Casualty from Rs two lakh to Rs eight 2

lakh. Extension of retention of government accommodation by Battle Casualties for a period of one year instead of three months was also approved.  Ushering in vast improvement in the connectivity of roads and bridges in border areas, Raksha Mantri inaugurated one kilometre long Ujh bridge in district, 617.40 Metre long Basantar bridge in of & on July 20.  Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated strategically important Col ChewangRinchen bridge connecting and Daulat Beg Oldie in Eastern on October 21.  Raksha Mantri, on November 15, inaugurated strategically important Sisseri River Bridge, which connects Lower Dibang Valley with East Siang in Arunachal Pradesh.  Government decided to honour the contribution of former Prime Minister by naming the Strategic Tunnel under Rohtang Pass after him on December 25, 2019, which happens to be his birthday. The historic decision to construct a strategic tunnel below the Rohtang Pass was taken on June 03, 2000 when late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) worked relentlessly to overcome major geological, terrain and weather challenges that included the most difficult stretch of the 587-metre Seri Nalah Fault Zone.  Shri Rajnath Singh spent a Day-at-Sea onboard INS Vikramaditya on September 9 off the coast. During his stay on the biggest ship of , Raksha Mantri witnessed a wide range of naval operations,‘ including’ weapon firing by the fighter aircraft and night flying operations by helicopter from the deck of the Aircraft Carrier.  On 20 February, the then Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the 12th biennial edition of International and Defence Exhibition at Bengaluru which witnessed participation of more than 600 Indian Companies and 200 foreign companies. A total of 61 aircraft participated in the event.  Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off special plogging awareness drive rally in Delhi Cantt on December 7, as part of Swachhta Pakhwada to create awareness against single use plastic in the country. He himself took part in the event by picking waste material from the area.More than 3,000 people, including schoolchildren participated in the plogging and collected sizeable single use plastic waste.

BILATERAL DEFENCE COOPERATION

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited various countries, including United States, France, Russia, Ukraine, Japan and South Korea in a bid to strengthen bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation. Various issues, including counter-terrorism operations, Indo-Pacific and South China Sea were discussed during these visits.

 Shri Rajnath Singh and Dr S Jaishankar took part in the India-US 2+2 dialogue between the Defence & External Affairs Ministers of India and their US counterparts in Washington on December 18. Both sides committed to further deepen military-to-military cooperation, including between the Indian Navy and the US Navy Fleets under US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command, and Africa Command and intend to expand similar cooperation between their respective Armies and Air Forces.  India-Japan 2+2 dialogue was held in New Delhi on November 30. Shri Rajnath Singh and Dr S Jaishankar participated in the meeting with their Japanese counterparts. They 3

affirmed that the dialogue will further enhance the strategic depth of bilateral security and defence cooperation.  Raksha Mantri, during his visit to Japan, held the annual Defence Ministerial Meeting with his Japanese counterpart on September 2 in Tokyo. Both ministers discussed ways to further strengthen the existing bilateral co-operative arrangements and adopt new initiatives towards achieving peace and security in the region.  Shri Rajnath Singh visited Thailand s capital Bangkok to attend the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) on November 17. He also held various bilateral meetings with the leaders of US, Thailand,’ Japan, Australia & New Zealand and discussed ways to further’ improving the ties.  During his visit to Republic of Korea, Shri Rajnath Singh held talks with Minister of National Defence of Republic of Korea in Seoul on September 6. He also addressed CEOs of Korean and Indian Defence Industries. India and Republic of Korea formulated a roadmap to take bilateral Defence Industry co-operation forward to the next level.  Raksha Mantri and his Singaporean counterpart co-chaired the 4th Singapore-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue in Singapore on November 20. Both Ministers expressed satisfaction at the deepening defence ties between India & Singapore and reaffirmed their commitment to support further initiatives that would promote stability to the region. The inaugural edition of the Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) in the Andaman Sea was conducted in September.  Shri Rajnath Singh participated in the 18th meeting of Council of Heads of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at Tashkent in Uzbekistan on November 2. He held talks with the Uzbek Defence Minister and signed three MoUs to enhance cooperation in Military Medicine & Military Education. He also attended the Curtain Raiser of first-ever India-Uzbekistan Joint Exercise Dustlik 2019 .  Shri Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 19thIndia-Russia Inter-Governmental‘ Commission’ on Military and Military Technical Cooperation‘ in’ Moscow along with his Russian counterpart.  Continuing with his high-level engagements in Mozambique, Raksha Mantri on July 30 held discussions with Minister of Interior, Mr Jaime Basilio Monteiro in Maputo. Raksha Mantri gifted 44 SUVs to the Minister of Interior.  Mozambique s Defence Minister visited India and held a meeting with Shri Rajnath Singh on November 29. Both sidesreiterated their commitment to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. ’  Maldives Defence Minister paid an official visit to India in January. The Minister held a meeting with the then Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, with both sides reiterating India s commitment to contribute towards capacity building and training requirements of the Maldives National Defence Forces.  In February,’ Smt Nirmala Sitharaman visited Germany and met her counterpart. The two Ministers comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral defence cooperation as an important facet of India-Germany Strategic Partnership.  Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (CDS) of the Republic of Union of Myanmar Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (MAH) visited India in July-August and held extensive talks with Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Yesso Naik. The talks were aimed at enhancing defence co-operation, review joint exercises and training provided to Myanmar Defence Services, strengthen maritime security by joint surveillance and capacity building, medical co- operation, pollution response and for developing new infrastructure. On conclusion of the 4

talks, India and Myanmar signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defence co- operation.  Raksha Mantri held talks with Chief of General Staff, Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang and discussed ways to further bolster defence ties between the two countries in New Delhi on November 25. He also called on Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat.

Indian army

 Assisted in maintenance of tranquility in Jammu and Kashmir after provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution were made inoperative.  Reforms in the Army initiated including restructuring of Army HQ to result in better efficiency, more satisfaction and larger availability of young officers in the field.  Successful summer user trials of third Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile NAG at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges. The trials of DRDO developed Missile were conducted between July 7-18, 2019. NAG missile has been developed to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in all weather conditions with day and night capabilities and with a minimum range of 500 metres and maximum range of four kilometres.  Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approved a proposal for admission of girl children in Sainik schools w.e.f. academic session 2021-22 in a phased manner.  The 14thedition of bilateral annual military exercise SURYA KIRAN-XIV between Indian and Nepal Army was held in December at Nepal Army Battle School (NABS), Salijhandi, Rupendehi district of Nepal. The 13th edition of the joint military exercise was held at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand in June last year.  Ceremonial Border Personnel Meetings (BPMs) were organised at Natu La, Bum La and Kibithu on October 01 to celebrate the Chinese National Day. The BPM mechanism has evolved into an important interface where local issues get discussed and are resolved thereby fostering confidence amongst the Border Guarding Troops. This ensures prevalence of peace & tranquility along the LAC.  An Indian Army sponsored Capacity Building Tour comprising of 22 students and three teachers of District of Jammu and Kashmir returned to Batote after a ten-days tour which included visit to New Delhi and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. Over the period of ten days in September, the budding youth of were exposed to a unique experience which entailed visit to premier military institution such as Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, icons of historical legacy such as the Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, & National War Memorial.  The Indian Army in step with government policies on environmental protection launched an ecological initiative with employing E Cars for use of its officials in New Delhi in partnership with Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a joint Venture of Central PSUs under Ministry of Power.  The Indian Army assisted the and Karnataka state authorities in carrying out relief and rescue operations in flood hit areas. In August, a total of 16 Columns and 12 Engineer Task Forces comprising of almost 1000 Army personnel have been employed in Belgaum, Bagalkot and Raichur dist of Karnataka and Raigad, Kohlapur and Sangli district of Maharashtra to carryout flood relief operations. 5

 A 12 member Indian Army patrol along with a police representative recovered wreckage of a World War II vintage US Air Force aircraft in Roing district of Arunachal Pradesh on March 30. Based on the information received from local trekkers of Lower Dibang district through the police, a special patrol of Army was sent to locate the wreckage in a remote location, 30 kms from Roing.  Inaugural edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise-2019 (AFINDEX-19) was culminated on March 27, 2019 at Foreign Training Node, Aundh Military Station, . The Indian contingent was represented by Maratha Light Infantry (Jangi Paltan). The validation exercise showcased various tactical drills which included protection of civilians, establishment of standing combat deployment, convoy protection, patrolling aspects and neutralisation of improvised explosive devices which were practiced as part of 10-day joint exercise. Participating African countries include, Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  Fourteen-day military exercise Mitra Shakti VI between Indian and Sri Lankan Army was held between March 26 to April 08 , 2019 at Diyatalawa Parade Ground in Diyatalawa, Badulla District, Sri Lanka. This was the sixth edition of the joint exercise between the two nations. The Indian Army contingent comprises of a company group from Bihar Regiment and a similar strength from the First Gemunu Watch Battalion of Sri Lankan Army.  Shri Rajnath Singh gave away Raksha Mantri s Awards for Excellence 2019 in Delhi Cantonment on December 26. The Defence Estates awards was introduced in 2013 to recognise the achievements in the field of health,’ education, cleanliness as well as new innovative and digitisation in Public Services and Land Management.

Indian navy

Commissioning and Decommissioning

 The sixth ship of the 08 x IN LCU (Mark IV) project, IN LCU L56 was commissioned at Vishakhapatnam on July 29. The seventh ship of the project, LCU L57, was delivered in December 19 and is likely to be commissioned in the near future.  The second submarine of Scorpene Class (Project 75), INS Khanderi, and the Aircraft Carrier Dock, was commissioned by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on September 28.  Naval Air Station was commissioned as INS Kohassa on January 24.  Towards establishment of aviation assets to ensure Coastal Security, INAS 313 was commissioned at Meenambakkam on July 22 and INAS 314 was commissioned at Porbandaron November 29.  The first two aircraft of the 12 new Dornier Contract were formally inducted into the Indian Navy at HAL, Kanpur on January 28. Equipped and fitted with latest sensors, these aircraft will boost the surveillance effort towards security of maritime areas of the nation.  Indian Naval ships Ranjit, Kozhikode, LCU L-38 and LCU L-39 were de-commissioned in 2019, with all ships having served the Nation for more than 30 years.

Launching/Construction of Ships/Submarines 6

 Yard 12706 (Imphal), the third ship of Project 15B (Visakhapatnam class) was launched on April 20at M/s MDL, Mumbai.  The first of Class of P17A Frigates, Nilgiri was launched at MDL, Mumbai on September 28.  The fourth submarine of Project 75 was launched on May 06 at MDL, Mumbai. The submarine was named INS Vela in accordance‘ ’ with the Naval traditions.  Keel laying ceremony of Yard 12707, fourth ship of Project 15B (Visakhapatnam class) was held on November 07 at M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd. (SSPL), Bharuch.  Keel laying ceremony of Yard 12652 (Second ship of Project 17A at M/s MDL) was held on May 07 at M/s MDL, Mumbai.  Keel laying ceremony of Yard 3025, first of the Survey Vessel Large was held November 08 at M/s GRSE, Kolkata.  Production of Yard 3023 (Second ship of P-17A at GRSE) commenced with steel cutting on August 20at M/s GRSE, Kolkata.

Overseas Deployments (OSD)

Indian Naval ship Tarkashparticipated in the OSD 01/19 from June 15 to October 15. During the OSD, the ship undertook port calls at 13 countries. The ship participated in Russian celebrations, KONKAN-19 with UK and participated in the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Nigeria.

 IN ships Kolkata and Shaktiparticipated in the OSD 01/19 from April 03 to May 31. During the OSD, the ships visited Cam Rahn Bay (Vietnam), Qingdao (China), Busan (South Korea) and Singapore. The ships participated in IN-VPN Bilateral Exercise at Cam Rahn Bay (Vietnam), PLA (N) IFR at Qingdao (China), ADMM Plus Exercise off Busan (South Korea) and Singapore, International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX), Maritime Information Sharing Exercise (MARISX) and SIMBEX 19 at Singapore.  IN ships Sahyadri and Kiltanparticipated in the Eastern Fleet OSD 02/19 from August 24 to November 21 to Bangkok (Thailand), Sihanoukville (Cambodia), Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), Sasebo and Yokosuka (Japan), Manila (Philippines) and Jakarta (Indonesia). During the OSD, the ships participated in Ex Samudra Lakshamana with Malaysia and Malabar -19 with USN and JMSDF.  The Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and US Navy (USN) Trilateral exercise Malabar-19 was conducted off Yokosuka, Japan from September 26 to October 04. IN ships Sahyadri, Kiltan and Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I participated in the exercise. The JMSDF was represented by ships Kaga, Samidare, Chokai, Oumi and P1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft while the USN was represented by USS Mc Campbell, Pecos and nuclear submarine Okholama City.  IN Ship Kolkata and Shakti participated in International Fleet Reviewwhich was conducted off Qingdao (China)harbour on April 23 to commemorate 70th anniversary of PLA (N).

Naval Operations/ Activities 7

 Indian Navy has been undertaking Mission Based Deployments in the Areas of Interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with an aim to safeguard national maritime interests and maintain continuous/near continuous presence in areas of significant maritime importance in the IOR.These deployments were also in consonance with the Prime Minister's vision of 'Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)'. The IN ships and aircraft are being regularly deployed in the Gulf of Oman/ Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aden/ Red Sea, South and Central Indian Ocean Region (IOR), off Sunda Strait, Andaman Sea/ approaches to Malacca Strait and Northern Bay of Bengal. These deployments have facilitated enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness, swift HADR assistance to IOR littorals, security to the Indian and international maritime community and operational engagements with friendly navies through capability development and capacity building programmes. These deployments have also enabled the IN to be the 'first responder' in various HADR/ SAR operations across the IOR.  In wake of attack on Tankers off Fujairah and in Gulf of Oman in May and June 19 respectively, the IN executed OP 'Sankalp' to ensure security & safety of Indian Flagged Merchant Vessels (IFMVs) transiting through the Gulf region.  IN's largest biennial war game, Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX-19) was conducted from January 07 March 10 in the IOR. The primary aim of the exercise was to hone the war fighting skills of the Navy whilst exercising in a large theatre of operations. – Coastal Security and Anti-Piracy Operations

 The maiden large scale, pan India Coastal Defence Exercise, SEA VIGIL-19, was conducted along the entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India on January 22-23. The exercise was conducted with the aim of simultaneously activating all agencies involved in the coastal security construct, and to identify gaps and mitigating measures. Besides Indian Navy, and all other stakeholders involved in the nation's Coastal Security framework participated in the exercise.  IN ships and aircraft are deployed to maintain continuous surface and aerial coastal surveillance off the West coast of India including L&M Islands. Similar sorties are also undertaken on the East coast and the A&N Islands to further augment coastal surveillance measures.  As part of its wider role of providing security to shipping in the Indian Ocean Region, the Indian Navy continues to deploy one ship for anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden. A total of 75 IN warships have been deployed till November 19. The IN also undertakes Passage Exercises with friendly foreign countries deployed in the Gulf of Aden. IN s presence in this region is being maintained to ensure safety and security of Indian trade. ’ Indian air force

Acquisition

 Air Defence challenges have grown manifold in the recent years especially with all pervasive threat from drones even during peace time. This challenge is compounded by employment of stand-off weapons, projectiles and munitions including cruise missiles by the adversaries. Also, over the years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of 8

vital assets along with increase in air threat from both hostile states and malign non-state actors. a. Contract for five Squadrons of Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System i.e. S-400 missile system has been signed with the Russian Government. The equipment of the first Sqn is likely to be inducted in mid 2020. b. IAF is procuring 18 Squadrons of Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile System which has been jointly developed by DRDO and IAI. Induction of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile System will be from early 2020 onwards. c. Contract has been signed in September 2019 for seven additional indigenous Akash Squadrons and associated specialist infrastructure. Induction would commence from early 2021onwards.

 Rafale Aircraft: To enhance the combat capability of IAF and improve its fighter squadron strength is in progress. Rafale is an omni-role fighter aircraft which will provide long range capability to engage targets in depth and will provide a strong weapons and systems capability edge over our adversaries. The delivery of the aircraft has commenced and the training of IAF personnel is in progress.  Additional Su-30 MKI Aircraft: IAF had contracted for 272 Su-30 MKI aircraft under various contracts. Presently deliveries are continuing under block IV contract and are likely to conclude by March 2020. The Su-30 MKI currently is the largest and amongst the most potent fighter fleet in operation with the IAF.  Apache Helicopter: Apache is a Tandem Seating, day/night, all weather capable platform. It is highly agile, survivable against battle damage and is easily maintainable even in field conditions. The helicopter is capable of prolonged operations in tropical and desert regions. Being a Multi-role network centric platform capable for deployment in Air Combat, AD, CI Ops, UAV neutralization, CSAR, Urban Warfare, the aircraft meets all requirements of the IAF as well as the Strike Corps requirements of the Army. Fitted with a state of the art Fire Control Radar (FCR), the AH-64 has the capability to detect, locate, designate, track and engage targets in daylight, night, and in reduced visibility conditions.17 helicopters have already been delivered.  Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopter (HLH): The delivery of 15 x Chinook helicopters has started from March 2019 and will be completed by March 2020. Induction of the helicopters has commenced in March 2019. Ten helicopters have been received so far.  ASTRA:ASTRA BVR missile being designed and developed by DRDO has been evaluated for its performance and missile firing with foreign seeker was successful. IAF plans to procure these missiles for fighter aircraft.  Integration of BrahMos Air to Surface Missile on Su-30MKI Aircraft:Successful integration of the BrahMos missile on the Su-30 MKI has been completed. It would enhance the strategic significance and combat potential of the aircraft.  Induction of Flight Inspection System Aircraft (Dornier-228):IAF has inducted Do-228 Dornier aircraft with on board Flight Inspection System (FIS) to undertake the Cat-II calibration of Navigational aids available at Modernised Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) of IAF bases. The induction of FIS aircraft would facilitate the in-house calibrations of MAFI assets and Navaids. 9

Upgrades

 Mirage-2000: The Final Operational Clearance (FOC) D&D has been completed in March 2018 and Series production is underway.  MiG-29: The upgraded aircraft have been allotted to a frontline Squadron, and are being used for operations. The upgraded aircraft are equipped with state of the art avionics, an array of smart air to air and air to ground weapons and are capable of in-flight refuelling which significantly increases its combat potential.  Jaguar DARIN-III: The upgrade of DARIN-I Jaguar aircraft to DARIN-III standard by HAL included integration of new mission computers, cockpit displays (SMDs, Engine and Flight Instrumentation System), Fire Control Radar, Hybrid navigation system and Autopilot with advanced modes. With the integration of these systems through new mission software, the cockpit has been transformed into a fully functional glass cockpit. With the integration of the radar as primary sensor, the operational capability of the Jaguar aircraft in detecting air, surface and sea targets has been enhanced manifolds. With the avionics of DARIN-III aircraft the capability has improved significantly. Flight trials for FOC have been completed in November 2019. DARIN-III platform has matured into a potent strike platform with state-of-the-art integration of the sensors on-board.The delivery of upgraded aircraft will commence from December 2019.

Make Projects

 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C): AEW&C is an indigenous system successfully developed by DRDO. The second AEW&C aircraft has been handed over by CABS to IAF on 11 Sep 19.  Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS): The IACCS is fully indigenous project which will integrate all sensors to give composite Air Situation Picture and aids in quick decision making.

International Exercise

 Ex Garuda: Four Su-30MKI participated in Ex Garuda at Mont-de-Marsan, France from 01 to 14 Jul 19.  Ex Eastern Bridge: Five Mig-29 participated in Ex Eastern Bridge V in Oman from 15 to 26 Oct 19. This is the first time that the MiG-29 ac participated in an international exercise abroad. The exercise was conducted professionally and performance of MiG -29 was appreciated.  JMT: The bilateral phase of Joint Military Training with Singapore Air Force is planned from 14 to 29 Nov 19 at Air Force Station Kalaikunda. Su-30MKI participated in this exercise.

HADR

10

 Aerial Fire Fighting Operation: Air effort was provided by Mi-17 V5 helicopters for fire- fighting operations at Theni (),Katra, Pathankot, Kasuali, Malviya Nagar, Bandipur (Karnataka) and Merchant Vessel off the coast in Sunderban area. A total of 93 sorties /52:20 HRS / 154 KL of water utilised.  Flood Relief Ops: 2019 (Op Varsha):The IAF had deployed heptrs for Flood Relief Ops in a number of states (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Bihar. Various class of heptrs were utilised towards the task. A total of 219 sorties /172:10 hrs were flown air lifting 1061 pax and 84.4t of load.  Casualty Evacuation: During FY 2019-20, 103 sorties 85:00hrs airlifting 85 pax till 25 Oct 19,including (Team of 12 trekkers (British Nationals) were trapped at Nanda Devi pass following an avalanche. One month of effort 45 Hrs / 47 sorties, 4 trekkers + 07 mortal remains retrieved).

Women Empowerment in IAF

 NCC Special Entry: NCC special entry has been extended to women Air Wing Cadets with C Certificate for the first time ever. This would enable them to directly go for SSB, without any screening test to become a Short Service Commissioned Officer in the flying branch of IAF.‘ ’  Induction in the Fighter Stream: Women pilots have been performing admirably well in the transport and helicopter streams of IAF. As a natural progression, IAF has inducted women pilots in the fighter stream as well. Accordingly, the first batch of three women trainees were inducted in fighter stream. Currently, six are posted to fighter squadrons and two are undergoing post commissioning training on Hawk-132 ac. One more woman trainee has been allotted fighter stream was commissioned in Dec 19.  Diplomatic Assignment: Diplomatic posts on Indian mission abroad are traditionally manned by male officers. WgCdr Anjali Singh is the first woman officer who has been nominated by IAF as Dy Air Attaché in Embassy of Russia.  Flight Commander: WgCdrShalizaDhami was commissioned into the helicopter stream of the IAF in Dec 2003. She was granted PC in Dec 18. She became the first woman helicopter QFI in the IAF in Nov 13. She has over 2000h of flying to her credit. She has been recently posted as the first woman Flight Commander of a Combat unit of the IAF (131 FAC Flt, Hindonwef 26 Aug 19)

indian coast guard

 Raksha Mantri commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Varaha in Chennai on September 25, 2019 to further strengthen coastal security.  Third Vessel in the series of 05 Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian‘ Coast’ Guard, Sajag was ceremoniously launched on November 14, 2019 at Goa Shipyard Limited by Mrs Vijaya Shripad Naik, wife of Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik. Entirely designed‘ ’ in- house by GSL, these OPVs will form a formidable part of ICG fleet and will be used for protection of Exclusive Economic Zone of India.

Ship Acquisition 11

 During the year RFP for the following ship acquisition proposals have been issued:-

Sl Name of Project Project Cost Date of Remarks (in Cr) issue RFP

(a) Acquisition of 02 Pollution 673.00 27 Feb 19 - Control Vessels (PCVs)

(b) Acquisition of 12 Air Cushion 355.80 26 Jun 19 06 for ICG & 06 Vehicles (ACVs) for IA

(c) Acquisition of 08 Fast Patrol 803.68 26 Jun 19 - Vessels (FPVs)

 In order to promote indigenous design and development of defence equipment, all RFPs have been issued under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.  Induction of Ships. 11 Surface platforms (02 Off-Shore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), 03 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), 06‘ Interceptor Boats’ (IBs) have been inducted in the calendar year 2019.

Capacity Building of Foreign Maritime Agencies:

 Gifting of Interceptor Boats (IB) to Mozambique Navy. Director General K Natarajan, PTM, TM visited Maputo from 28-30 Jul 19 as part of high level Indian delegation led by Hon ble RM for handing over two interceptor boats to Mozambique Navy. A four member ICG Team has been deputed to Maputo, Mozambique for assisting and training the Mozambique’ Navy in the operation and maintenance of these boats. Prior to deputation of team, 14 Mozambique Navy personnel were trained for 12 days from 05-16 Nov 18 at Chennai in IB operations.  Gifting of Interceptor Boat to Maldives.GoI gifted one ICG Interceptor Boat (C-447) to Maldives in Nov 19. Training of MNDF crew was also conducted at Chennai from 01-13 Oct 19 in IB operation.  Spares for Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Suraksha. On the request of Sri Lanka Coast Guard, ICG has gifted essential spares for keeping the ship operational.

Surveillance

In addition to undertaking maritime surveillance in Maritime Zone of India, ICG ships and aircraft are also deployed for undertaking maritime surveillance of littoral states. In 2019, ICG undertook five extended Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) deployments in the Maldivian EEZ.

 A National Level Coastal Defence Exercise (CDE) Sea Vigil-19 for all coastal states and UTs was conducted from January 22-23 by ICG. The aim was to validate the efficacy of the nation s Coastal Defence Organisation against threats‘ arising from’ the sea.

’ 12

Aid to Civil Authority

 In August, consequent to issuance of warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coastal states, ICG Districts and Stations were placed on high alert for assisting Civil Administration. A total of 53 CGDRTs were mobilised in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala with lifesaving/rescue gears and were deployed on rotation. A total of 4418 persons were evacuated by ICG teams to safer locations.  Consequent to the issuance of warnings by India Meteorological Department (IMD), ICG took pre-emptive measures during Cyclone Fani in Bay of Bengal, Severe Cyclonic Storm Vayu in Arabian Sea, Cyclonic Storm 'Kyarr', Cyclonic Storm 'Maha' and Cyclonic Storm 'Bulbul'. ‘ ’ ‘ ’ Coastal Security

 The Indian Coast Guard, in consultation with all stakeholders, has instituted state-wise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for coordination among various agencies on coastal security issues. These SOPs are aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the Coastal Security Mechanism. The Mechanism as well as SOPs are validated through biannual exercises in each Coastal State, wherein all stakeholders participate. A total of 16 Coastal Security exercises have been conducted in 2019 till date.  Based on intelligence inputs, Coastal Security Operation are also being conducted/ participated by the Coast Guard. A total of 45 Coastal Security Operations have been conducted by the Indian Coast Guard in 2019 till date.

Overseas Deployment of ICG Ships to Foreign Ports.

 Indian Coast Guard Ships are being deployed overseas from time to time to interact with foreign Coast Guard and other Maritime Agencies in the region. A total of 06 ICG ships visited 15 foreign countries from Jan 19 to till date.

DEFENCE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (DRDO)

 IAF CONDUCTS FIVE TRIALS OF AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE ASTRA: DRDO flight-tested Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) Astra form Su-30 MKI platform off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. The trials were held from 16-19 September 2019. Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the trials against Jet Banshee target aircraft simulating all possible threat scenarios. The five trials conducted during this period, tested missiles in different configurations. Three missiles were launched in combat configuration with warhead and neutralized manoeuvring targets to establish the end-game capability of the missile. The trial campaign also included a direct hit of the target by the telemetered missile at maximum range.  LCA (NAVY) MAKES ARRESTED LANDING: The first ever arrested landing of Light Combat Aircraft (Navy) at the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) INS Hansa, Goa, took place on 13 September 2019. The test will pave the way for the indigenous platform to undertake aircraft carrier landing demonstration on board the Indian Naval Aircraft Carrier, Vikramaditya. Text book arrested landing heralds the arrival of true indigenous capability. 13

 LOW WEIGHT, FIRE & FORGET MAN PORTABLE ANTITANK GUIDED MISSILE TESTED: DRDO flight tested indigenously developed low weight, fire and forget Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM) on 11 September 2019 in the ranges of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The missile was launched from a man portable tripod launcher on the target mimicking a functional tank. This was the third series of successful testing of MPATGM. The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics. The test paves the way for the Army to have 3rd generation indigenous MPATGM. The missile was earlier tested successfully on 13 March 2019.  DRDO HANDS OVER SECOND INDIGENOUS AEW&C SYSTEM TO INDIAN AIR FORCE: DRDO handed over the second of three indigenously designed Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, Netra, to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 11 September 2019 to augment the service s network centric capabilities. The system was delivered to Bhatinda Air Force Station in Punjab. The system comprises an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, secondary’ surveillance radar, electronic and communication countermeasures, beyond line-of-sight data links, communication systems, advanced identification friend-or-foe system, provides 240° coverage, and surveillance range more than 250 km.  QUICK REACTION MISSILE TEST-FIRED: DRDO flight-tested its state-of-the-art Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) against live aerial live aerial targets from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur on 4 August 2019. Two missiles, developed by DRDO, were tested against two live targets, meeting complete mission objectives of engaging the targets. QRSAM, with many advanced technologies, engaged the targets at different ranges and altitudes. The system has been tested in final configuration with radar mounted on a vehicle and missile on the launcher. It comprises indigenous Phased Array Radar, Inertial navigation System, Data Link & RF Seeker, and is being developed for Indian Army with search and track on move capability with very short reaction time. The missile was earlier tested on 26 February 2019.  INDIAN NEUTRALISES LIVE SATELLITE IN LOW EARTH ORBIT: The country joins a select group of nations with such capability. DRDO conducted an Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile test Mission Shakti from Dr APJ Abdul kalam island in Odisha on 27 March 2019. A DRDO developed Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Interceptor Missile engaged a Live Indian satellite orbiting‘ in Low Earth’ Orbit (LEO) in a Hit to Kill mode. The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters. Tracking data from range sensors confirmed that the mission met all its objectives.‘ The test demonstrated’ India s capability to defend its assets in outer space and vindicated the strength and robust nature of DRDO s programmes. ’  FINAL OPERATIONAL CLEARNCE OF LCA TEJAS MK I FOR INDIAN AIR FORCE: In ’ a landmark occasion, Light Combat aircraft Tejas Mk I for Indian Air Force was informally awarded Final Operational Clearance (FOC) on 20 February 2019. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy handed FOC Certificate and Release to Service Document (RSD) to the Chief of Air Staff Air chief Marshal BS Dhanoa in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra and chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Shri R Madhavan. IOC standard Tejas are already serving in the 45th Squadron of IAF since July 2016.  DRDO’S IGNITER COMPLEX AT HEMRL, PUNE: Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik inaugurated the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) Igniter Complex at 14

High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune on 05 NOV 2019. HEMRL has created a state-of-the-art facility for design, processing and evaluation of ignition systems. The facility consists of process, assembly & storage buildings and a design centre. Remotely controlled sophisticated equipments such as Sieve Shaker, Planetary Mixer, Granulating Machine, Pelleting Machine etc are installed in the process buildings. Design, modeling and simulation laboratory; assembly and testing centre are also part of Igniter Complex.  SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF TWO BRAHMOS MISSILES FROMLAND AND AIR PLATFORMS: DRDO, Indian Air Force and BrahMos jointly successfully conducted two BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles tests today, one each from land and air platforms. The first missile launch was from a land based mobile launcher, where most of the components were indigenous, including the missile airframe, fuel management system and DRDO designed seeker. The second launch of the missile was carried out by Indian Air force (IAF) from SU-30MKI platform against a sea target. The test conducted in user configuration, revalidated the ship attack capability of the advanced air-launched cruise missile.  SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT TEST OF TWO PINAKA MISSILES IN SALVO MODE: As part of the series of flight trials of Pinaka missile system, two test firings were conducted by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on 17 DEC 2019. The first trial was conducted on December 19, 2019, wherein one missile was fired at 75 kilometre range.  QUICK REACTION SURFACE TO AIR MISSILE SUCCESSFULLY FLIGHT-TESTED OFF ODISHA COAST: Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was successfully flight-tested from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the Odisha coast on 23 DEC 2019. The missile was flight-tested with full configuration in deployment mode intercepting the target mid air, meeting the mission objectives. The entire event was monitored by Ground Telemetry Systems, Range Radar Systems, Electro Optical Tracking System etc.

DEFENCE PRODUCTION

 To boost Defence manufacturing under Make in India , Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh chaired a Roundtable Conference with CEOs of Indian & Foreign Defence companies including MSMEs and start-ups on August‘ 9, 2019 in New’ Delhi.  To further encourage the Make in India initiative in Defence and Aerospace sector, Shri Rajnath Singh accorded approval to allow Private Sector industry to compete with Ordnance Factories and DPSUs‘ for the prestigious’ Raksha Mantri s Awards for Excellence on July 16, 2019.  Raksha Mantri launched a Dashboard of Department Defence Production’ (DDP), Ministry of Defence. The dashboard is available for the general public at https://ddpdashboard.gov.in. The DDP Dashboard contains progress on key initiatives of the Department which include Defence Exports, Defence Offsets, Defence Production, Intellectual Property Rights filed (Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti), Make in India in Defence Projects, Startups working in Defence, Investments in Defence Corridors and Artificial Intelligence Projects in Defence.  Shri Rajnath Singh has approved setting up of a Committee under the Chairmanship of Director General (Acquisition) to review the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 and Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2009. The Committee will revise and align the procedures with the aim of ensuring seamless flow from asset acquisition to life cycle support. 15

 It is very important to have Ideation, Innovation and Incubation to achieve the goal of indigenisation and self-reliance in cutting edge-technologies. This was the underline theme of Def Connect 2019 organised‘ in New Delhi on October 5, 2019.’ It was organised to showcase the accomplishments of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative and‘ construct a strong’ outreach towards the potential future entrepreneurs of the defence sector. Third phase of Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC) thrown open to prospective startups in the event under which three challenges from the Army, Navy and Air Force.

DEFEXPO 2020

 Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the Apex Committee for DefExpo 2020 in New Delhi on September 9, 2019 in the presence of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri . The huge exhibition that will showcase India s defence manufacturing capabilities as well as world s top defence manufacturing companies would be held for the first time in Lucknow from 05 08 February, 2020. Raksha Mantri’ launched its website, www.defexpo.gov.in, which provides’ online services to exhibitors, besides hosting informative content about the product– profile of DPSUs and Ordnance Factories.  Raksha Mantri chaired Ambassadors Round Table on DefExpo 2020 in New Delhi on November 4, 2019 in major outreach to defence manufacturing industries of the world. Heads of Missions and Defence Attaches’ of over 80 countries participated in the conference.  Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the mobile app of the forthcoming DefExpo 2020 on December 27. The app is available on Apple App Store and Android Play Store. The main features of the app are inform, engage and feedback . It provides detailed information about the day-to-day programme-wise schedule of the event; participating exhibitors; Defence Public Sector Undertakings‘ (DPSUs), guest speakers’ of seminars/webinars planned during the event; publications i.e., electronic brochures and e-books; maps and directions of the venues and city weather.

DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE (DESW)

 On the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD), Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) on behalf of DESW took a unique initiative and organised the first ever Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) conclave on December 02 to create awareness about the Ex- Servicemen (ESM) and how the corporate India can play an important part in their resettlement and rehabilitation. The conclave was chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh. He apprised the audience in great detail about the challenges faced by the ESM and their dependents and appealed to corporate world to come forward and support the cause of their welfare with help of three attached offices of DESW.  Apart from the Defence Services Estimates (DSE) Budget, AFFD Fund is the major source of funding for welfare and rehabilitation of war widows, ESM and their dependents. A sum of Rs 9.97 crore has been collected during FY 2019-20 (as on December 09, 2019). The fund is administered by KSB Sectt under the aegis of its Management Committee headed by Raksha Mantri and Executive Committee headed by Secretary, DESW. 16

 As per the Action Plan on Single Use Plasticprepared by the department, instructions have been issued to all our attached offices and field establishments to minimise the use of single use plastic.  As per the action plan, the department and its attached offices undertook a nationwide campaign on Jal Shakti Abhiyan on August 17. Posters and other informational material on the theme were prepared and shared widely with all field Offices/Establishments.  A one-day workshop on Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) was organised on December 06 in New Delhi to create awareness, review the progress and lay down the future roadmap on JSA and SBA.  A large number of Ex-Servicemen participated in the Run for Unity event at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi on October 31to observe the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel as National Unity Day (Rashtriya‘ Ekta Diwas).’

RESETTLEMENT

 An Entrepreneurship-cum-Resettlement Seminar was conducted by DRZ (North) at Richen Auditorium on June 22. A DGR stall was set up for the veterans and the event was conducted in the form of interactive lectures. ‘  An Interactive’ Voice Response System (IVRS) for the KSB Helpline (011-26717987) was launched on September 06 which can attend to 20 calls simultaneously both in Hindi and English.This will reduce the waiting time for the grievance redressal of the ESM and enable ESM to access information regarding the status of their applications.  A total of 65,483 ESMs have been given employment through various self-employment schemes managed by Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) such as Security Agency Scheme, ESM Coal Transport and Tipper Attachment Scheme, Management of CNG, Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) Scheme of BPCL/IOCL/HPCL, Allotment of Oil Product Agencies, Mother Dairy Milk Booths/ Safal Booths, ESM placement by DGR and Rajya Sainik Boards etc.  There has been increase in employment generated through ESM Job Fairs for employment in private sector. Based on an MoU signed between DGR and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), ESM Job Fairs have been organised. These Job Fairs are conducted at a suitable venue where the suitably identified ESM are provided to the corporate employers based on the openings offered matched with the skills of the ESM. Details of Job Fairs conducted during 2019 are as under:-

Location Date Participation Job vacs (approx)

Corporate ESM

Employers

Kolkata 27 Feb 2019 17 1924 3180

Goa 15 Mar 2019 23 402 368 17

Ahmadabad 23 Aug 2019 31 1526 559

Chandigarh 11 Oct 2019 31 1090 2570

Pune 16 Oct 2019 29 856 2779

Chennai 22 Nov 2019 42 1438 2430

Kolkata 29 Nov 2019 41 1815 1192

Total 214 9051 13078

 Approval of the Government for recognition of the following Four Ex-servicemen Associations has been accorded vide DESW order dated September 16, 2019.

(a) Disabled War Veterans (India)

(b) Indian Ex-Services League (IESL)

(c) Air Force Association

(d) National Ex-Servicemen Co-ordination Committee

HEALTH CARE

 On January 8, DESWissued sanction for setting up of two additional Regional Centres of Ex- servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) at Yol, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) and Bhubaneswar(Odisha).  On January 30, sanction was issued for supply of medicines to ECHS beneficiaries by amendment to the provision regarding Authorised Local Chemist (ALC).  DESW issued an order for grant of ECHS facilities to the Assam Rifles pensioners and their dependents residing in India & Nepal.  Approval has been issued to CCSorders for grant of ECHS facilities to World War-II Veterans, Emergency Commissioned Officers, Short Service Commissioned Officersand pre- mature retirees.  Instructions have been issued to all Command Headquarters and Regional Centres for according priority to ECHS members and dependents above 75 years age in ECHS OPD of Military Hospitals.  ECHS beneficiaries have been allowed to obtain domiciliary medical equipments for which ECHS ceiling rates are available on the recommendations of Government Hospital Specialists in addition to the Specialist of the Military Hospital.  24x7 helpline has been operationalisedto guide and assist ECHS beneficiaries on their general queries. 18

 A detailed Standard Operating Procedure for taking action against private hospitals empanelled with ECHS has been notified in order to strengthen vigilance against hospitals indulging in malpractices in a transparent and faster manner.  It has been decided to introduce facility for the AYUSH system of treatment in ECHS Polyclinics of Delhi/NCR on a pilot basis.

Directorate General Defence Estates (dgde)

 A Common Mobile Application for all Cantonment Boards, namely 'CB e-Services' has been launched and same is available on Google Play Store, for providing online services to Cantonment residents on a single platform.  Under the Swachh Bharat Mission launched by the Government, all Cantonment Boards have taken earnest steps for creating clean and green Cantonment areas. All 62 Cantonments have already been certified by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs as Open Defecation Free areas and the ODF status is also being sustained in all Cantonments.  As recommended by the Expert Committee and after consultation with all the stakeholders, necessary instructions were issued to all Cantonment Boards to allow/permit construction of a w.c./toilet in existing buildings in absence of any such provision within that tenement to an authorized resident, subject to condition that proper sewerage connection to the said building already exists in the Cantonment.  As recommended by the Expert and after consultation with all the stakeholders, necessary instructions were issued on December 10 to all Cantonment Boards regarding definition of repair works to authorize buildings for which notice for sanction under Section 235 of the Cantonment Act, 2006 may not be required.  Definition of repair works include internal partition wall, parapet wall or a cornice or chajja, repairing of staircase, damaged roof, boundary wall, reflooring of the surface of an existing floor, plastering and patch work, replacing of fallen bricks or stones, false ceiling, whitewashing, repairing existing plumbing, sanitary and other utility services.  With this decision, the situation in Cantonments would improve thereby benefitting several households residing in the Cantonments.

Land Management:

Ø 264 No. of leases have been renewed/extended in the current year 2019.

Ø 15,155 files have been digitised during the year.

Ø 2,65,095 acres of Defence Land (both inside and outside Cantonments) have been surveyed.

Ø Government sanction has been issued by MoD in 21 cases for transfer of Defence Land for infrastructure / public utilities projects.

BORDER ROADS ORGANISATION 19

 BRO has constructed approximately 60,000 Km of roads, Maj Pmt Bridge of 51,000 Mtr length, 19 Airfield and 02 tunnels in difficult and remote area of the country. As a part of its contribution of strengthening bonds of friendship with neighboring countries, BRO has also developed road infrastructure in some friendly countries in the neighborhood.  Foundation Stones by PM.

(i) - Rd. The Akhnoor - Poonch Road is planned to be upgraded to National Highway Double lane (NHDL) specs with paved shoulders. The proposed upgradation also includes four tunnels and bypasses that will ensure AW connectivity. Foundation stone of this roadwas laid by the Prime Minister Shri on 03 Feb 19.

(ii) Se La Tunnel. Construction of Se La tunnel on road Balipara Charduar Tawang has been undertaken to provide all weather connectivity to Tawang by bypassing Se La pass which has an altitude of 13960 ft. The foundation stone was laid– by PM on– 09 Feb 2019.

 Achievement of works targets: Achievement of BRO during the period from Jan 2019 to Nov 2019 is as under:-

Items A/U Achievement upto 20 Nov 2019

Formation Works Km Eqvt Cl 9 1123.46

Surfacing Works Km Eqvt Cl 9 2099.58

Resurfacing Works Km Cl-9 2339.38

Permanent Works Cr 1601.15

Tunnel Cr 282.12

Maj Bridge Mtr 2557.64

 Inauguration of Major Bridges.

(a) Diffo Bridge (span 426.6m long Pre-stressed Concrete Box Girder type) over Diffo River on road Roing - Koronu Paya under Project Udayak in the state of Arunachal Pradesh by Hon ble Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitaraman on 18 Jan 2019. – (b) Kalai Bridge’ (span 265 m PC Box Grider Bridge) over Suran River on Jammu - - Poonch Road (NH-144A) under Project Sampark in Jammu & Kashmir Region by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, AVSM, YSM, SM, GOC in-C Northern Command on 17 Jan 2019. 20

(c) E-inauguration of Bein Bridge (span 331.20 Mtr PSC Box Girder Bridge Cl 70 R)on Road Parol - Korepannu Rajpura under Project Sampark in Jammu & Kashmir Region by Dr Jitendra Singh, Hon ble Minister of State for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Minister of State– for Prime Minister s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department ’of Atomic Energy and Department of Space on 08 Mar 2019 from Delhi through video link. ’

(d) Dhok Bridge (span 120.80 mtr Multi Cell Box Bridge of load class 70 R) over Dhok Nallah on road Akhnoor-Palanwalla under Project Sampark in Jammu & Kashmir Region by Shri Jugal Kishore, Member of Parliament on 08 Mar 2019.

(e) Averi Patti Bridge (span 135.00 mtr Major pmt Bridge of load class 70 R) on approach road to Averi Patti Army Camp on NH 05 (Kingal Rampur Road) under Project Deepak in the state of Himachal Pradesh by Lt Gen Surinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM*, VSM, GoC, Western Command on 04 Apr 2019. –

(f) Jad Ganga-II Bridge (span 45 Mtr PSC Box Girder Bridge Cl 70 R)on Road Naga- Sonam under Project Shivalik in the state of Uttarakhand by Lt Gen Harish Thukral, PVSM, SM, GOC UB Area on 06 Jun 2019.

(g) Malot Bridge (span 45 Mtr PSC Box Girder Bridge Cl 70 R) on road Simli Gwaldam under Project Shivalik in the state of Uttarakhand by Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, Hon ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand on 14 Jun 2019. –

(h) ’ Ujh Bridge (span 1000 m, Cl 70)on Parol - Korepannu - Rajpura road under Project Sampark in Jammu & Kashmir Region by Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon ble Raksha Mantri on 20 Jul 2019 in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble MoS, PMO and COAS. ’

(j) Basantar Bridge (span 617.40 m, Cl 70) on Rajpura - Madwal - Pangadur - Phulpur road under Project Sampark in Jammu & Kashmir Region by Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon ble Raksha Mantri on 20 Jul 2019 in the presence of Dr. JitendraSingh, MoS, PMO and COAS. ’ (k) Bridge (span 70 Mtr, Cl 70) on Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road under Project Vijayak in Ladakh Region by Lt Gen Harpal Singh, AVSM, VSM, Director General Border Roads on 29 Aug 2019.

(l) Col ChewangRinchen, MVC*, SM Bridge (span 430 Mtr (10 Spans of 43 Mtr Triple Double Reinforced Extra Wide Bailey Bridge over Micro Pile foundation), Cl 70) on D-S- DBO road under Project in Ladakh Region by Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon ble Raksha Mantri on 21 Oct 19. ’ (m) Bridge (span 85 Mtr, Cl 70) on Zojila--Leh road (NH 1) under Project Vijayak in Ladakh Region by Shri JamyangTsering Namgyal MP Ladakh on 04 Nov 19. 21

(n) Sisseri Bridge (span 200 metre / Cl 70 R) on road Ranaghat Mebo Dambuk Bomjir (NH-13) under Project Brahmank in the state of Arunachal Pradesh by Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Mantri on 15 Nov 2019. – – – –

 Completion of Bridges. The following bridges have been completed:-

S/No Name of Br Road Span State

(a) Sidhar Jauljibi - Munsiari 40 m, Cl-70 Uttarakhand

(b) Sirali Jauljibi Munsiari 45 m, Cl-70 Úttarakhand

(c) Bhowlikhalta Jauljibi – Munsiari 45 m, Cl-70 Uttarakhand

(d) Charigad Jauljibi – Munsiari 85 m, Cl-70 Uttarakhand

(e) Dongatoli Pithoragarh– - Tawaghat 30 m, Cl-70 Uttarakhand

(f) Tawangchu Balipara - Charduar 50 m, Cl- 70 Arunachal Pradesh

(g) Sukha Orang - Kalktang - Shergaon 45 m, Cl- 70 Arunachal - Rupa - Tenga Pradesh

(h) Daraj Rajouri - Kandi - Bhudhal 72 m, Cl-70 Jammu & Kashmir

(j) Puneja Basoli - Bani Bhaderwah 50 m, CL-70 Jammu & Kashmir – (k) Jadganga-I Nelong Naga 40 Mtr/ CL-70 R, Uttarakhand

(l) Punar Joshimath– Malari 35 Mtr/CL-70 R Uttarakhand

(m) Karcha-II Bhaironghati-– Nelong 50 Mtr/CL-70 R Uttarakhand

(n) Kulanagad Pithoragarh-Tawaghat 45 Mtr/CL-70 R Uttarakhand

(o) Dobat-I Pithoragarh-Tawaghat 40 Mtr/CL-70 R Uttarakhand

(p) Khandpair Jauljibi-Munsiari 45 Mtr/CL-70 R Uttarakhand

(q) Uletopko Zozila-Kargil-Leh 35 Mtr/CL-70 R Jammu & Kashmir

Completion of Roads. The under mentioned roads have been completed:- 22

(a) Joshimath- Malari - 62.67 Km

(b) Naga Sonam - 11.20 Km

(c) Musapani-Ghastoli– - 7.40 Km

(d) Tri Jn-Bheem Base-Dokala - 19.72 Km

(e) Nacho -Tama Chung Chung - 53.55 Km

(f) Girthidobla - Sumna - 7.05 Km

(g) - Saserla - 52.39 Km

(h) -Photile-Chusumule-Zursar - 80.30 Km

(j) Damchu-Haa Link of NHDL specification - 12.80 Km

· Opening of Passes. Imp passes were opened for traffic after timely Snow clearance as under:-

S/No Name of Rd Pass Date of opened for Traffic

(a) Razdhan Pass 06 May 2019

(b) Zojila Pass 28 Apr 2019

(c) Rohtang Pass 19 May 2019

(d) Baralachla Pass 1. un 2019

 Indo-China Border Roads (ICBRs).BRO has been entrusted with 61 Indo - China Border Roads (ICBRs) having length of 3346 Km. Till date 75% road length has been black topped and 98 % has been connected. As on date 36 roads of length 2501 Km have been completed.  Underwater Tunnel Across Brahmaputra: The Approval-in-Principle has been accorded by MoD. The proposal includes 02 road tubes and 01 rail Tube. BRO has floated a Global RFP for DPR on 15 Oct 2019 with extended date of opening of technical bid on 22 Jan 2020.  Nimmu-Padam-Darcha (N-P-D) Road And Tunnels.Nimmu-Padam -Darcha (N-P-D) road is 297 Km long which takes off at Km 400 of -Kargil-Leh road, 34 Km short of Leh in J&K state and terminates at Darcha at Km 145 of Manali-Leh road in Himachal Pradesh. Initially in 2002 this road was conceived to be developed to Cl-9 (Single lane) specification under PM package for J&K. However, due to various reasons including operational, during 23

the year 2007, it was decided to develop this road to National Highway Double Lane specification. Out of 297.00 Km connectivity achieved for 257.55 Km.

National cadet corps (NCC)

 Penetration into Remote/LWE Areas: NCC has been constantly making efforts to enhance its presence in remote/LWE areas and costal/border areas. Approx. 35% of newly raised units i.e. 18 units with 54,000 cadets of ongoing 2.0 lakh cadet expansion, are in such areas.

 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: From August 08 October 27, this year over 10.5 lakh cadets took part voluntarily in various cleanliness drives. – a. Swachhta Abhayan: Since Jan 2017, NCC Cadets have been associated with Swachhta based activities, to include Eight Fortnight Swachhta based Pakhwada. A mega Swachhta Pakhwada was conducted from September 11 till October 27, with major focus on Plastic Waste Management, as part of Swachhta Hi Sewa (SHS) Plan of the PM in which over 9 lakh cadets participated. As part of Mega Swachhta Pakhwada, to spread awareness Pan India Relay Cycle Rallies encompassing both Inter & Intra State started on August 08 from all four corners of the country and covered almost all the States/UTs. b. Mega Pollution Pakhwada: An Anti-Pollution Pakhwada was conducted by approx.fivelakh cadets of NCC, pan India, from 01-31 July. Rallies and Awareness Campaigns on all types of Pollution i.e. Air, Water, Land & Noise were covered in the same. c. MoD Swachhta Pakhwada: Over 7.5 lakh cadets participated in Swachhta Pakhwada fortnight from 01-15 December. On 07 December, approx. 4.5 lakh cadets participated in Plog Runs Pan India based on Plastic Removal theme.

 World Water Day (March 22): Approx. 78,000 NCC Cadets Pan India participated in Water conservation rallies/ programmes.  Anti-Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking Day (June 26): As part of our Social Service and Community Development Action Plan, approx. 95,000 NCC cadets participated in various rallies and awareness programmes Pan India.  Tree Plantation: Approx. 4.2 lakh saplings have been planted by NCC Cadets this year including a Special Drive to celebrate Independence Day.  Blood Donation: Approximately one lakh units of blood was donated through linked civil voluntary programmes and a special Drive on the occasion of NCC Day on November 19.  International Yoga Day: In keeping up with our set tradition last year, this year also on June 21, over 7.38 lakh cadets participated in the event in around 6, 400 different venues.  Disaster Relief: NCC cadets were actively involved in assisting the civil administration in relief operations during the Bihar, Kerala, and Maharashtra floods and the damage due to cyclone in Odisha.

Source: PIB 24

2. 2019 Year End Review: Ministry of I&B

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is regarded as one of the key Ministries that is entrusted with the task of disseminating information about government policies, schemes and programmes through the different mediums of communication.

The Ministry took a series of initiatives in the year 2019 to inform the public in a seamless, transparent and accurate manner of all important activities undertaken by the Government.

Information Sector

· World Book Fair at New Delhi from 5th to 13th January, 2019. Discussion on Children s Literature and Young Readers Trapped in Electronic Gadgets organized by Publications Division at World Book Fair. Publications Division also released ten books during‘ the’ event Saral Panchatantra Part I; Children s Vivekananda;’ Children s Mahabharat in English; Shekhawati ki Lok Sanskriti; Hamare Samay me Upanishad; Haar Ki Khushi; Maa Ka Janamdin;– Bapu ki Vani; Ved Gatha; and Bal Mahabharat’ in Hindi. ’

· India Pavilion at London Book Fair, 12th to 14th March. 2019. The India Pavilion laid special focus on 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and displayed the digital version of the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, apart from various other titles on Culture, History and Folklore of India.

· Reference Annuals ‘Bharat 2019’ and ‘India 2019’ released- the flagship publications brought out by Publications Division.

· Photo Exhibition to commemorate Centenary of Jallianwala Bagh incident in Amritsar by Regional Outreach Bureau organized in April 2019, titled Photo Exhibition on Freedom Struggle.

· Several e-projects of Publications Division launched, including its redesigned dynamic website, mobile app Digital DPD , e-version of Rozgaar Samachar and e-book Satyagrah Geeta . “ ” “ · E-version” of Rozgar Samachar launched with a view to make aspirants aware of job opportunities in government sector including public sector enterprises.

· ‘Jaldoot’ a travelling exhibition on Jalshakti Abhiyan arranged by Regional Outreach Bureau, Pune. The exhibition consisted of various information display panels and Audio- Visual components to create awareness about bold initiatives and decisive actions taken by the government. 25

· Second Volume of ‘Loktantra Ke Swar’ and ‘The Republican Ethic’ released- Compilation of selected speeches of President of India, brought out by Directorate of Publications Division.

Broadcast Sector

· Travelogue program “Rag Rag Mein Ganga” and quiz show “Meri Ganga” on Doordarshan launched. The travelogue series Rag Rag Mein Ganga has been made by Doordarshan in collaboration with National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). The show relays the message of the need of rejuvenating River“ Ganga while also ”informing about the efforts of the Government to clean Ganga presented in a unique and interesting format. The quiz show Meri Ganga has also been made by DD in collaboration with NMCG in an attempt to cover school children from all zones– of the country and trigger curiosity in them to feel closer to the‘ cause of cleaning’ Ganga.

· Private FM Radio broadcasters permitted to broadcast All India Radio (AIR) News bulletins, in English/Hindi as per list of bulletins given in News Schedule, subject to certain terms and conditions.

· Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched DD Arunprabha, a dedicated 24x7 Doordarshan satellite channel for Arunachal Pradesh on 9th February, 2019.

· 11 more State DD Channels brought on the Satellite footprint of India through DD Free Dish. It is for the first time that the States of Chhattisgarh, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Uttarakhand have got their own DD Channel on a Satellite Network through DD Free Dish.

· Doordarshan’s Free Dish Set Top Boxes in Jammu and Kashmir distributed, besides launching half an hour Dogri programme and News Bulletin from DD Kashir and the signature tune of the channel, in an effort to reach out to the public in border areas to disseminate the message of Information, Education and Entertainment.

· Ministry aims to establish Community Radio Stations in every district of the Country, as announced at the 7th National Community Radio Sammelan in August 2019, as development of a vibrant culture of Community Radio will help in greater information dissemination at the grassroot level, which will result in further empowerment of people.

· Accessibility Standards for Persons with Disabilities in TV programmes implemented. In a significant beginning from this year s Independence Day, Private Satellite News TV channels telecast programme on Independence Day Celebrations with sign language interpretation. ’

· Patriotic song “Watan” produced by Doordarshan to mark the occasion of Independence Day released. The song pays tribute to New India. It highlights several path breaking initiatives of the government including the determination and vision behind 26

the successful launch of "Chandrayaan 2". The song also pays tribute to the bravery and valour of our armed forces and the martyrs of the country.

Films Sector

· Facilitate in organization of 2nd Jharkhand International Film Festival in Ranchi, Jharkhand from 1st to 3rd February, 2019. The objective of promoting the Festival is to encourage states that have showcased potential of promoting cinema.

· Indian Panorama Film Festival organized by Directorate of Film Festivals at New Delhi. Festivals like this helps viewer s rise above the barrier of language and understand each other s culture better while also facilitating people to people contact from different cities. ’ ’ · India Pavilion at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival acted as a platform to popularize Indian Cinema in overseas market and facilitate new business opportunities.

· India Pavilion at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2019, wherein India was designated as the Guest of Honour for the Book Fair, which was held from 24th 30th April, 2019. – · India Pavilion organized at Cannes Film Festival 2019, to showcase Indian cinema across linguistic, cultural and regional diversity, with the aim of forging international partnerships in distribution, production, filming in India, script development, technology, promoting film sales and syndication. India Pavilion was also set at Toronto International Film Festival (Sept. 2019). ‘ · 50th International’ Film Festival of India organized in Goa. Russia was the focus country during the festival. The great doyen of Indian cinema Shri Amitabh Bachchan and the Thalaiva of Indian film industry Shri Rajinikanth flagged off the extravaganza and announced the festival open. Shri Rajinikanth was conferred the 'Icon Of Golden Jubilee Award' for‘ his outstanding’ contribution to Indian cinema, a first time award beginning with the 50th edition. One of French cinema's defining faces actress Ms. Isabelle Anne Madeleine Huppert was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The festival opened with the Italian film Despite the Fog directed by Goran Paskaljevic. Particles directed by Blaise Harrison and produced by Estelle Fialon won the coveted Golden Peacock Award. Lijo Jose Pellissery conferred‘ Best Director’ Award for ‘Jallikattu’; Seu‘ Jorge ’was declared Best Actor (Male) Award and Usha Jadhav got Best Actor (Female) Award.

· 66th National Film Awards. The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu conferred National Film Awards for the year 2018in various categories at its 66th edition, held at New Delhi. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting (I&B), Shri Prakash Javadekar; Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Shri Ravi Mittal were amongst other dignitaries present on the occasion. Some of the prominent winners in various categories for this year National Film Awards includes Gujarati film Hellaroin Best Feature Film category. BadhaaiHo bagged the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Hindi movie 27

Padmanwas awarded Best Film on Social Issues, Aditya Dhar won Best Director Award for Uri: The Surgical Strike, AyushmanKhurana and Vicky Kaushal jointly won Best Actor Award for their performances in Andhadhun and Uri: The Surgical Strike, whileKeerthy Suresh bagged Best Actress trophy for her performance in Telugu movie Mahanati. Marathi movie Naal got the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director while another Marathi movie Paani won the award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/ Preservation. NargisDutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration was given to Kannada film OndallaEradallaand Uttarakhand was awarded the Most Film Friendly State.

In addition, it is pertinent to mention that the First Annual Conference of Media Units working under I&B Ministry was organized at New Delhi. During the Conference, performance of the Media Units was reviewed. The focus of the Conference was on ensuring synergy between the Media Units in their day to day functioning. Discussions on using modern technological tools for communication was also done during the course of Conference.

Source: PIB

3. Year End Review 2019 - Ministry of Textiles

The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, participated in World Cotton Day celebrations observed from 7th October to 11th October 2019 at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. The WTO organized the World Cotton Day event in collaboration with the Secretariats of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani, participated in the plenary session of the event which was attended by heads of states and heads of international organisations.

WTO hosted the event at the request of the Cotton 4 countries, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali to celebrate their official application for the recognition of 7th October as World Cotton Day by the United Nations. World Cotton Day– celebrated the many advantages of cotton, from its qualities as a natural fibre, to the benefits people obtain from its production, transformation, trade and consumption. World Cotton Day also served to shed light on the challenges faced by cotton economies around the world because cotton is important to least developed, developing and developed economies worldwide.

Between 2011 and 2018, India implemented a Cotton Technical Assistance Programme (Cotton TAP-I) of about USD 2.85 million for seven African countries namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Chad and also Uganda, Malawi and Nigeria. The technical assistance focused on improving the competitiveness of the cotton and cotton-based textiles and apparel industry in these countries through a series of interventions which had significant outcomes leading to a demand for a follow on project. 28

At the Partners Conference in Geneva, Textiles Minister announced that India will launch the second phase of the Cotton Technical Assistance Programme (TAP) for Africa. In the five year long second phase, the programme will be scaled up in size and coverage and will be introduced in five additional countries, namely Mali, Ghana, Togo, Zambia and Tanzania. The Cotton TAP programme will now cover 11 African countries including the C4 (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali).

Cotton is a global commodity that is produced all over the world and a single tonne of cotton provides year-round employment for five people on average. Cotton is a drought resistant crop ideal for arid climates, it occupies just 2.1 % of the world s arable land, yet it meets 27% of the world s textiles need. In addition to its fibre used in textiles and apparel,– food products are also derived from cotton like edible oil and animal feed’ from the seed. ’ PROMOTION OF PASHMINA SHAWLS

Government of India has been providing marketing facilities for all handloom products including Pashmina Shawls all across the country under Handloom Marketing Assistance (HMA), a component of National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP). Since 2016- 17, a total of 678 Handloom Marketing events/expos have been organized in different states to help weavers from all across the country to sell their products. The above product is also registered as Kashmir Pashmina vide application No.46 under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Government of India has sanctioned 2 Textile Parks in Jammu and Kashmir under Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP). Details are as under:

Sl. Name of Textile Park District GoI Share

No.

1 J&K Textile Park, Kathua, Jammu Kathua 39.70

2 Kashmir Wool & Silk Textile Park, Kathua 40.00 Ghatti, J & K

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published an Indian Standard for identification, marking and labelling of Pashmina products to certify its purity in August this year.

The certification will help curb the adulteration of Pashmina and also protect the interests of local artisans and nomads of Ladakh who are the producers of Pashmina raw material. It will also assure the purity of Pashmina for customers.

The BIS certification of Pashmina will go a long way in discouraging counterfeit or substandard products presently mislabelled and sold as genuine Pashmina in the market. 29

TECHNICAL TEXTILES INDUSTRY IN INDIA

Technical textiles are material and products manufactured primarily for their technical properties and functional requirements rather than for aesthetic characteristics. The scope of use of technical textiles encompasses a wide range of applications such as; agro-textiles, medical textiles, geo-textiles, protection-textiles, industrial-textiles, sports-textiles and many other usages. Use of technical textiles have benefits of increased productivity in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture fields; better protection of military, para-military, police and security forces, stronger and sturdier transportation infrastructure for highways, railways, ports and airports and in improving hygiene and healthcare of general public. In India, technical textiles hold immense growth opportunities both for the industry as well as across various applications.

Technical textiles is the harbinger of many new age applications covering almost all walks of life, and having immense potential for bringing in higher level of productivity, efficiency, cost economics; and offering innovative solutions to many engineering and general applications. In addition to their commercial use, technical textiles have been identified for mandatory use across various important missions, programmes and schemes of the Government of India. Some of these are National Health Mission, Jal Jivan Mission, National Horticulture Mission and infrastructure development of highways, railways and ports. In order to boost a rapid growth of the technical textile segment in the country, the government has taken following major initiatives:

207 technical textiles items have been brought under separate head in the Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) code under the Foreign Trade Policy.

With a view to derive the benefits of technical textiles in various fields of applications, currently 92 application areas have been identified for mandatory use across 10 Central Ministries/Departments. Technical textiles has seen an increase in exports by 11% in April June quarter of 2019.

Bureau– of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed standards for 348 technical textiles products.

On request from the Industry, Ministry of Textiles has included 6 additional courses for technical textiles in its Skill Development Programme called Samarth.

The work of conducting fresh baseline survey on technical textiles sector has been given to IIT Delhi.

The Ministry has issued Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order dated 23.10.2019, prescribing minimum local purchase content for technical textiles items in 10 segments for government procurement.

In terms of the projections of the last baseline survey on technical textiles submitted in 2015, the market size in India for the year 2017-18 is projected as Rs 1,16,217 30

crore. Although, there is no projection in the last baseline study with regard to the projections for the 2020-21, taking into account the current trend of growth and various initiatives of the Government, domestic market size of the technical textiles is expected to cross Rs 2 lakh crores by the year 2020-21.

Scheme for Promoting Usage of Agro textiles in North East Region:

The usage of Agro textiles in the North East Region has led to average increase in farmers income by 67% to 75%. Increase in intensity of crop cycles by 3 to 4 crops in a year is seen as there is cultivation throughout the year. It has led to reduced water consumption by’ 30%-45% and has prevented damages to crops due to birds and hailstone.

Scheme for Promoting Usage of Geotechnical Textiles in North East Region:

Use of Geotextiles in infrastructure projects has led to improvement of serviceability of the infrastructure and increased maintenance intervals for infrastructure such as roads and hill slopes.

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

Two new NIFT campuses will be set up at Panchkula (Haryana) and Ranchi (Jharkhand). At present, NIFT has 16 Campuses all over India:

S. No NIFT Campuses State

1 Bengaluru Karnataka

2 Bhopal Madhya Pradesh

3 Bhubaneswar Odisha

4 Chennai Tamil Nadu

5 Gandhinagar Gujarat

6 Hyderabad Telangana

7 Jodhpur Rajasthan

8 Kangra Himachal Pradesh

9 Kannur Kerala

10 Kolkata West Bengal

11 Mumbai Maharashtra 31

12 New Delhi Delhi

13 Patna Bihar

14 Raebareli Uttar Pradesh

15 Shillong Meghalaya

16 Srinagar Jammu & Kashmir

In view of the recent trends of apparels and costumes, and based on the feasibility study conducted by NIFT, the following Under Graduate Programmes will be introduced by NIFT at its existing two NIFT campuses from academic session 2020-21.

NIFT Shillong

1) Bachelor of Design (Textile Design)

2) Bachelor of Design (Fashion Communication)

NIFT Bhopal

1) Bachelor of Design (Fashion Communication)

2) Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design)

3) Bachelor of Fashion Technology (Apparel Production)

The above programmes will be in addition to the existing programmes already running at these campuses.

INTEGRATED TEXTILE PARKS

The Government is implementing the Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP) which provides support for creation of world-class infrastructure facilities for setting up of textile units, with a Government of India grant up to 40% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs. 40 crore. However, Government of India grant is up to 90% of the project cost for first two projects (each) in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir with ceiling of Rs. 40 crore for each textile park.

The Scheme is demand driven. A total of 59 textile parks have been sanctioned under SITP by the Ministry of Textiles out of which 22 textile parks have been completed and rest are under various stages of construction. The details are given below: 32

S.No. Name of the Park Location State

1 Islampur Integrated Textile Park Islampur Maharashtra

2 Latur Integrated Textile park Latur Maharashtra

3 Amitara Green Hi-tech Textile Ahmedabad Gujarat Park

4 Karanj Textile Park Surat Gujarat

5 Shahlon Textile Park Surat Gujarat

6 Palsana Textile Park Surat Gujarat

7 Shanti Integrated Textile Park Surat Gujarat

8 Satyaraj Integrated Textile Park Ichalkaranji Maharashtra

9 Dhule Textile Park Dhule Maharashtra

10 Shree Ganesh Integrated Textile Dhule Maharashtra Park

11 Aalishan Eco Textile Park Panipat Haryana

12 Guntur Textile Park Guntur Andhra Pradesh

13 Tarakeaswara Textile Park Nellore Andhra Pradesh

14 Brandix India Apparel City Private Vishakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh Limited

15 Gujarat Eco Textile Park Limited, Surat Gujarat

16 Mundra SEZ Textile & Apparel Kutch Gujarat Park Limited,

17 Fairdeal Textile Park Pvt. Ltd., Surat Gujarat

18 Vraj Integrated Textile Park Ahmadabad Gujarat Limited ,

19 Sayana Textile Park Ltd., Surat Gujarat 33

20 Doddabalapur Integrated Textile Doddabalapur Karnataka Park,

21 Metro Hi-Tech Cooperative Park Icchalkaranji, Maharashtra Limited,

22 Pride India cooperative Textile Icchalkaranji, Maharashtra park Limited,

23 Baramati Hi Tech Textile Park Baramati, Maharashtra Limited,

24 Purna Global Textiles Park Ltd. Hingoli Maharashtra

25 Lotus Integrated Tex Park Barnala, Punjab

26 Rhythm Textile & Apparel Park Nawanshehar, Punjab Ltd,

27 Ludhiana Integrated Textile Park Ludhiana Punjab Ltd,

28 Kishangarh Hi-Tech Textile Kishangarh, Rajasthan Weaving Park Limited ,

29 Next Gen Textile Park Pvt Ltd , Pali, Rajasthan

30 Jaipur Integrated Texcraft Park Jaipur, Rajasthan Pvt Ltd,

31 Palladam Hi-Tech Weaving park, Palladam, Tamilnadu

32 Komarapalayam Hi-Tech Weaving Komalarapallyam, Tamilnadu. Park Ltd. ,

33 Karur Integrated Textile Park, Karur Park Tamilnadu

34 Madurai Integrated Textile Park Madurai, Tamilnadu Ltd,

35 The Great Indian Linen & Textile Tirupur District Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Company, Uthukuli,

36 Pochampally Handloom Park Bhuvangiri Telangana Limited, 34

37 White Gold Textile Park, Rangareddy Andhra Pradesh

38 Hosiery Park Howrah West Bengal

39 Prag Jyoti Textile Park Darang Assam

40 Hindupur Vyapar Apparel Park Ananatpuram Andhra Pradesh Limited

41 MAS Fabric Park (India Ltd Nellore Andhra Pradesh

42 Surat Super Yarn Park Limited, Surat Gujarat

43 Kejriwal Integrated Textile Park, Surat Gujarat

44 J&K Textile Park, Kathua J&K

45 Gulbarga Textile Park, Gulbarga Karnataka

46 SIMA Textile Processing Centre, Cuddalore, Tamilnadu

47 EIGMEF Apparel Park Ltd., Kolkata West Bengal

48 Asmeeta Infratech Ltd. Thane Maharashtra

49 Deesan Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. Dhule Maharashtra

50 RJD Integrated Textile Park Pvt. Surat Gujarat Ltd.

51 Kashmir Wool and Silk Textile Ghatti J&K Park

52 Farrukhabad Textile Park Farukkhabad Uttar Pradesh

53 Eco-Tex Textile Park Bareily Uttar Pradesh

54 NSP Infrastruture Pvt. Ltd Surat Gujarat

55 Hinganghat Integrated Textile Vidharbha Maharashtra Park

56 Pallavada Technical Textiles Park Erode Tamilnadu Pvt

57 Himachal Textile Park Una Himachal Pradesh 35

58 Kancheepuram Perarignar Anna Kanchipuram Tamilnadu Silk Park.

59 Kalapana Awade Textile Park Kolhapur Maharashtra

Two textile parks have been sanctioned in Uttar Pradesh so far, under the Scheme:

Sr. Name of the Park Location Year of GOI grant Status No. sanction (in Rs. Crore)

1 Farrukhabad Textile Park Farrukhabad 2016 40.00 Sanctioned

2 Eco-Tex Textile Park Bareilly 2015 40.00 Sanctioned

CAPACITY BUILDING IN TEXTILE SECTOR

The Government has approved a skill development scheme titled SAMARTH, a Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector, covering the entire value chain of the textile sector, excluding Spinning and Weaving in the organized sector, on pan India basis, including the state of Tripura, for a period of three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20, with an outlay of Rs.1300 crore to train 10 lakh persons. The salient features of the scheme are:

i. Training programmes are aligned with the provisions of Common Norms and courses offered under the scheme are National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant. ii. Web based MIS for ease of implementation and monitoring.

 (iii) Physical verification of Training Centres before allocation of training target.  (iv) 70% mandatory placement within 3 months of completion of training for organized sector.

v. Training by certified Trainers having cleared Training of Trainers (ToT) course.

 (vi) Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS). vii. CCTV recording of entire training programme and assessment process. viii. Post Placement tracking.

 (ix) Mobile App for different stakeholders for ease of monitoring and implementation.

x. Preference to be given to marginalized social group and aspirational districts.

 (xi) Public grievance redressal mechanism. 36

xii. Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibitions & Redressal) Act, 2013.

The details of State Government agencies allocated skilling targets so far and signed Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry of Textiles for undertaking training programme under Samarth, at a function held on 14th August, 2019 in New Delhi, are given below:

S. No. Name of Implementing Agency State

1 Arunachal Pradesh Handloom & Handicrafts Society Lt. Arunachal Pradesh

2 Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Kannur Kerala

3 Handloom & Handicrafts Wing, Directorate of Commerce Mizoram & Industries

4 Handloom & Textiles Tamil Nadu

5 Telangana State Textile Complex Cooperative Society Telangana

6 U P Industrial Cooperative Association Ltd Uttar Pradesh

7 Khadi Village Industries Board (UPKVIB) Uttar Pradesh

8 Institute of Entrepreneurship Development, Kanpur Uttar Pradesh

9 Uttarakhand Skill Development Society, Dehradun Uttarakhand

10 Director of Handlooms & Textiles-Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh

11 Assam Skill Development Mission Assam

12 Handloom Textiles & Sericulture Department Assam

13 Madhya Pradesh Laghu Udyog Nigam Madhya Pradesh

14 Directorate of Skill Development Tripura

15 Karnataka State Textile Infrastructure Development Karnataka Corporation Limited

16 Department of Textiles, Commerce & Industry, Manipur Directorate of Handlooms & Textiles, Government of Manipur 37

17 Directorate of Industries & Commerce Haryana

18 Directorate of Sericulture & Weaving Meghalaya

19 Directorate of Handloom, Sericulture & handicraft Jharkhand

20. Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Jammu & Kashmir* Institute*

21. Institute of Entrepreneurship Development Odisha* Odisha*

*MoU has not been signed yet.

The Ministry has allocated over 4 lakh skilling targets in organised and traditional sectors to Government agencies in 18 States and skilling targets in traditional sector to Sectoral Organisations of Ministry of Textiles (Central Silk Board, Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, Development Commissioner of Handloom and National Jute Board) for commencing the training programme under the scheme. Process of empanelment and training target allocation to textile industry/industry association has also commenced as per the scheme guidelines.

The details of amount allocated and utilized since the inception of the Samarth scheme are given below:

Year Fund allocated Fund utilised

(Rs. in crore) (Rs. in crore)

2017-18 100.00 100.00

2018-19 42.00 16.98

2019-20 100.50 17.39

(as on date)

Total 242.50 134.37

A web based centralised Management Information System (MIS) has been operationalized for monitoring of all aspects of the implementation of the training programme under the scheme. All aspects of the training programme viz. proposal for empanelling of implementing partners, training centre verification, trainee enrolment, Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System, Assessment & Certification, placement & tracking of trainees and payment to implementing partners are interfaced with the web based MIS of Samarth. 38

Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL)

On 6th March 2019, Cabinet approved a Scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) to enhance competitiveness of apparel and made-ups exports. Rebate of Taxes/levies was approved through an IT driven script system at notified rates up to 31.03.2020.

POWERTEX INDIA

Under Powertex India 4797 looms have been upgraded under the in-situ Upgradation Scheme for Plain Powerloom and Rs.44.98 crores have been released. In the Group Workshed Scheme 141 projects have been approved and Rs. 7.64 crores have been released. In the Yarn Bank Scheme 8 projects have been approved and Rs.5.27 crores have been released. 12 Buyers Seller Meet organized at a cost of Rs.1.35 crores. Nineteen Powerloom Service Centres have been set up at a cost of Rs.4.58 crores.

GROWTH OF SILK PRODUCTION

Integrated Scheme for Development of the Silk Industry

For the development of the Indian silk industry patents have been obtained for 5 technology packages, 50 research projects have been concluded and 55 technology packages disseminated. 13885 persons have been trained under various programmes organized by the Research & Training institutes of Central Silk Board (CSB).

The total raw silk production has increased by 11% (35,468 MT) during 2018-19 over the previous year 2017-18 (31,906 MT). The bivoltine raw silk production achieved a record production of 6,987 MT during 2018-19 by registering 18.95% growth over previous year. Raw silk yield per hectare has increased to 105 kg during 2018-19 compared to 96 kg during 2014-15

The Textiles Ministry has taken various steps through the Central Silk Board (CSB) to protect the interest of the silk producers.

CSB through a restructured Central Sector Scheme Silk Samagra and 38 projects under North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) protects the interests of the farmers by supporting them through beneficiary oriented components like raising of kisan nursery, plantation with improved mulberry varieties, irrigation, chawki rearing centres with incubation facility, construction of rearing houses, rearing equipment and door to door service agents for disinfection. 42,026 beneficiaries have been covered. Mulberry plantation in 32,552 acres have been developed. Raw silk production in the North East region has increased from 4,602 MT in 2013-14 to 7,482 MT 2018-19 with total increase from 17% to 22% of India s total production. It has generated employment for the tribal communities and also created sustainable livelihood for them. The positive impact of this is reflected in significant increase’ in Disease Free Layings (dfls) consumption, cocoon 39

production, raw silk production besides increase in income from sericulture and its share in the total annual family income.

Strengthened Research & Development system to improve the levels of cocoon production and productivity to develop improved mulberry/host plant varieties, silkworm hybrids and technology packages to minimize drudgery.

For production of 3A-4A grade raw silk from the bivoltine cocoons, Automatic Reeling Machines (ARM) have been established in the country.

Central Silk Board and State Governments mobilize additional funds for sericulture development through convergence by availing the schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Rashtriya Krishi Yojana (RKVY) being implemented by various other Ministries of Government of India.

The basic customs duty of 10% & 20% is levied on raw silk and silk fabric import respectively. This makes the domestic silk weaving market segment stronger and also makes Indian silk export sector highly competitive.

The Jute and Jute textile industry:

The jute industry occupies an important place in the economy of India and is one of the major industries in the eastern region, particularly in West Bengal. Jute, the golden fibre, meets all the standards for safe packaging in view of being a natural, renewable, biodegradable and eco-friendly product. It is estimated that the jute industry provides direct employment to 0.37 million workers in organized mill and in diversified units and supports the livelihood of around 4.0 million farm families.

Development of Jute Sector

For the welfare of jute farmers the JUTE ICARE (Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise) has been launched to promote scientific practices related to Jute Cultivation for Quality & Quantity improvements.– In order to facilitate modernization and up-gradation of technology in existing/ new jute mills and JDP units an incentive Scheme for Acquisition of Select Machinery (ISAPM) has been launched.

In order to facilitate registered jute exporters for participating in foreign fairs/BSMs and Trade delegations to enhance exports of jute products an Export Market Development Assistance Scheme (EMDA) has been launched. To support jute entrepreneurs to display and promote jute diversified products through retail outlets in Metro cities, State Capitals and tourist places Retail Outlet of Jute Diversified Products and Bulk Supply Scheme has been put in place.

In order to provide assistance to the jute mills by supporting construction cost for toilet blocks for the jute mill workers a Workers Welfare Scheme (Sulabh Sauchalaya) has been

’ 40

implemented. Incentives are being given to successful 10th & 12th class girl children of workers of Jute Mills / MSMEs in order to provide education support.

To create new/ skilled work force for production of value added JDPs, to provide self- employment opportunity and facilitate backward and forward linkage to the existing and new entrepreneurs the Jute Integrated Development Scheme (JIDS) has been launched. To supply jute raw materials to MSMEs Units and artisans at mill gate price plus actual transportation cost the Jute Raw Material Bank (JRMB) scheme has been put in place.

In order to promote the Indian Jute Industry, the Government has set up the Indian Jute Industries Research Association (IJIRA). A variety of research activities has been undertaken by IJIRA for enabling faster retting of jute plant, softening of hard root cuttings of jute and’ eco- friendly oil-free processing of jute.

In the field of product development IJIRA has developed light-weight jute bag, Jute Geotextiles for construction of rural roads, Jute-thermoplastic composites and Bio- degradable laminates for jute cloth. IJIRA has also developed high-end products like jute- based air filter media, valuable chemicals from jute stick and process waste and jute-based sanitary napkins. In the field of machinery development, IJIRA has developed high-speed roller drafting machine and Continuous damping-calendaring-cutting machine.

COMPREHENSIVE HANDLOOM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) is targeted at development of Mega Handloom Clusters in clearly identifiable geographical locations covering at least 15000 handlooms with the Government of India contributing up to Rs.40 crore per cluster over a period of 5 years. Components such as conducting diagnostic study and corpus for raw material are fully funded by the Government of India whereas components like lighting units, technological up-gradation of looms and accessories are 90% funded by the Government of India. Other components such as creation of infrastructure for design studio/ marketing complex/garmenting unit, marketing development, assistance for exports and publicity are 80% funded by the Government of India.

Eight Mega Handloom Clusters viz. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Sivasagar (Assam), Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu), Murshidabad (West Bengal), Prakasam and Guntur districts (Andhra Pradesh), Godda & neighbouring districts (Jharkhand), Bhagalpur (Bihar) and Trichy (Tamil Nadu) have been taken up for development. Under the CHCDS, around 1.75 lakh handloom weavers have been covered for which Rs. 131.91 crore has been released for various interventions during the last four financial years and the current financial year.

Furthermore, under National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), based on the viable proposals received from the State Governments, 294 Block Level Clusters (BLCs) have been sanctioned in the country covering around 1.6 lakh handloom weavers for which Rs. 165.99 crore has been released for various interventions during the last four financial years and the current financial year. 41

Under the MUDRA scheme loans were sanctioned to 35952 weavers with a total disbursement of Rs 181.68 crore. 8611 handloom workers have been provided skill upgradation training. 7417 Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata (HSS) items have been distributed to 7285 beneficiaries.

Financial Assistance of Rs 38.77 crores has been provided to 34 aspirational districts for handloom development. Hastkala Sahyog Shivirs are being organized throughout the country to spread awareness about various schemes and benefits available to the Artisans and Weavers. In order to enhance the weavers income, direct interface of textile companies are being developed with handloom clusters. Producer companies of handloom weavers, societies and SHGs are being formed under the’ Companies Act.

MODERNIZATION OF HANDLOOMS

In 2018-19, 29.93 lakh bales have been imported and 42.83 lakh bales exported up to 31.01.2019 as per Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), Kolkata. Cotton balance sheet including quantity of import and export as finalized by the Cotton Advisory Board (CAB) for last 3 years are as under:

(Quantity in lakh bales of 170 Kgs)

Crop Year Opening Production Import Consumption Export Closing stock stock

2016-17 36.44 345.00 30.94 310.41 58.21 43.76

2017-18 43.76 370.00 15.80 3019.06 67.59 42.91

2018-19 42.91 337.00 22.00 311.50 50.00 40.41 (P)

Taking into account demand and supply situation in the country, as per above statement, there is sufficient availability of cotton in the country.

Ministry of Textiles has been implementing (i) Yarn Supply Scheme throughout the country to make available all types of yarn at mill gate price to handloom weavers. The scheme is being implemented through– National Handloom Development Corporation. Under the Scheme freight is reimbursed and depot operating charges at 2% is given to depot operating agencies. For Handlooms, a component of 10% price subsidy also exists on hank yarn, which is applicable on cotton, domestic silk, wool and linen yarn with quantity caps. 42

(ii) In Power loom sector, Yarn Bank Scheme provides interest free corpus fund of up to Rs.2.00 crores to Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)/ Consortium of Power loom weavers to enable them to purchase yarn at wholesale rate and give the yarn at reasonable price to the small weavers. 89 Yarn banks are in operation on pan India basis involving interest free corpus fund of Rs.26.17 crores of Government of India. There is no scarcity of supply of yarn to the Power loom weavers.

The Government of India, Ministry of Textiles has been implementing Block Level Cluster under National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) for providing skill upgradation training in Weaving, Dyeing, Designing. disciplines and also provide upgraded looms/ accessories to handloom weavers to improve quality of fabric and enhance productivity. Total 436 Block Level Clusters have been sanctioned from 2015-16 to 2019-20 (till 18.11.2019) under NHDP/CHCDS covering 303366 beneficiaries across the country out of this, 52 BLCs have been sanctioned to Tamil Nadu covering 58268 beneficiaries.

For welfare of the handloom weavers, life & accident insurance coverage is provided to handloom weavers/ workers enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and converged Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana (MGBBY) across the country. The details of benefits and total annual premium, share i.e. Government of India, LIC and Weavers/ Workers under PMJJBY/ PMSBY & converged MGGBY under Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme is as under:

Scheme Age Insurance coverage Benefits Annual premium components group (in Rs.)

Pradhan Mantri 18- 50 Natural Death 2,00,000 Rs.330/- Jeevan Jyoti Bima years Yojana (PMJJBY) Accidental Death 2,00,000

GoI share - Rs.150/-

LIC share - Rs.100/-

Weaver/worker - Rs.80/-

Pradhan Mantri 18- 50 Accidental Death 2,00,000 Rs.12/- Suraksha Bima years Yojana (PMSBY) Total Disability 2,00,000 entirely borne by Government of India (GoI) Partial Disability 1,00,000

Mahatma Gandhi 51- 59 Natural Death 60,000 Rs.470/- 43

Bunkar Bima years Accidental Death 1,50,000 Yojana (MGBBY) Total Disability 1,50,000 GoI share - Rs.290/-

Partial Disability 75,000 LIC share - Rs.100/-

Weaver/worker - Rs.80/-

Ministry of Textiles has signed Memorandums of Understanding with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to secure educational facilities for the weavers and their families. NIOS offers Secondary and Senior Secondary level education with specialized subjects on design, marketing, business development, etc. through distance learning mode for handloom weavers, whereas IGNOU offers continuing education programs through accessible and flexible learning opportunities relevant to the aspirations of handloom weavers and their children for career progression. Ministry of Textiles is providing reimbursement of 75% of the fee towards admission to NIOS/IGNOU courses in case of SC, ST, BPL, and Women learners belonging to handloom weavers families.

UPLIFTMENT OF HANDICRAFTS’

For the upliftment of the handicrafts sector financial assistance is provided to handicrafts artisans under Direct Benefit to Artisans under following schemes of Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles:

(i) Mudra Loan with Interest Subvention & Margin Money for Handicrafts Artisans:

Under Mudra Loan assistance is provided to artisans/weavers with Interest subvention of 6 % for a period of 3 years to a maximum limit of Rs.100000 to meet their credit requirements. Further to encourage the artisans to avail the facility of MUDRA loan, 20% of loan amount is also being provided as margin money in their loan amount not exceeding Rs. 10,000. Handicrafts Service Centers are facilitating artisans in availing the credit facility by mobilizing them, creating awareness and submitting applications to the Banks.

(ii) Support to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances (Pension Scheme):

This scheme provides financial assistance to artisans who are the recipient of Shilp Guru Award/ National Award/ Nation Merit Certificate holders/ State Award in handicrafts and are not less than 60 years of age having annual income less then Rs. 50,000. Financial assistance of Rs. 3,500 per month is given to Master Craftsperson in indigent circumstances.

(iii) Insurance Scheme for Handicrafts Artisans: 44

Handicrafts artisans /workers in the age group of 18-50 years are being provided life, accident and disability cover under the PMJJBY and PMSBY. Handicrafts artisans /workers in the age group of 5l-59 years already enrolled under the Aam Admi Bima Yojana (AABY) are covered under the Converged Modified Aam Admi Bima Yojana (Converged AABY).

(iv) MoU with NIOS and IGNOU:

MoUs have been signed between Ministry of Textiles and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Another MoU has been signed between Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) for collaboration in the area of education for handicrafts artisans and their children wherein reimbursement of 75% of the fee for SC/ST/BPL and the women artisans is being made. In the MoU there is provision for designing courses exclusively for the handicrafts artisans and their children. Accordingly, NIOS has been sanctioned 15 training programme in Zari Zardozi craft in the Varanasi region under the component of Training through Established Institutions of Human Resource Development Scheme. So far, 99 Scheduled Caste artisans have completed training and are practicing the craft at present with enhanced earning.

The Ministry of Textiles implements various schemes for promotion and development of handicrafts sector under National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS).

The NHDP has following components:

1. Base Line Survey & Mobilization of Artisans under Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana, 2. Design & Technology Up gradation, 3. Human Resource Development, 4. Direct Benefit to Artisans, 5. Infrastructure and Technology Support, 6. Research and Development, 7. Marketing Support & Services.

The CHCDS has following components:

1. Mega Cluster 2. Special projects under Integrated Development and Promotion of Handicrafts (IDPH).

The Government has taken initiative to implement cluster development project under Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojna (AHVY) for the overall development of artisans in Uttar Pradesh. 62 clusters have been sanctioned during last three years in Uttar Pradesh where 31000 artisans have benefitted. The Government has taken initiative under CHCDS, whereas 4 handicrafts mega cluster at Mirzapur -Bhadhoi, Moradabad, Bareilly & Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh have been sanctioned. Twenty-one New Block Level Clusters have been sanctioned.

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Under PAHCHAN initiative, 23.68 lakh artisans have been provided Identity Cards up to March 31st 2019. 50000 new artisans will be enrolled under PAHCHAN initiative. 309 Handicrafts training programmes have been proposed under HRD scheme to benefit 7600 artisans directly.

In order to promote India s handicrafts 5754 Improved tool kits have been distributed and 2000 Toolkits will be distributed under Design and Technical Upgradation scheme. 327 Handicrafts Training programmes’ have been organised to benefit 6720 artisans directly.

63 Domestic and 54 International Marketing events have been organized to benefit 12075 artisans directly. 190 Domestic and 80 International Marketing events have been proposed in the year 2019-20.

Source: PIB

4. Year end Review of M/O Social Justice and Empowerment & DEPwD

The vision of the D/o Social Justice & Empowerment is to build an inclusive society wherein members of the target groups can lead productive, safe and dignified lives with adequate support for their growth and development. It aims to support and empower its target groups through programmes of educational, economic and social development and rehabilitation wherever necessary. The mandate of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment is empowerment of the socially, educationally and economically marginalised sections of the society including (i) Scheduled Castes (ii) other Backward Class (iii) Senior Citizens (iv) Victims of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (v) Transgender Persons (vi) Beggars (vii) Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) (viii) Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) and (xi) Economically Weaker Section (EWS)

1. TRANSGENDER PERSONS (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) ACT 2019 TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF TRANSGENDER PERSONS & THEIR WELFARE The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2019 was passed by the Parliament and received the assent of President of India on 5th December, 2019. It was passed by the on 26th November, 2019 and already passed by the 17thLok Sabha on 5th August, 2019. The Act will make all the stakeholders responsive and accountable for upholding the principles underlying the Act. It will bring greater accountability on the part of the Central Government and State Governments/Union Territories Administrations for issues concerning Transgender persons. The Act will benefit a large number of transgender persons, mitigate the stigma, discrimination and abuse against this marginalized section and bring them into the mainstream of society. It will lead to greater inclusiveness and will make the transgender persons productive members of the society.

2. VAYOSHRESHTHA SAMMAN TO EMINENT SENIOR CITIZENS AND INSTITUTION 46

The President of India Shri Ram NathKovind presented the “VayoshreshthaSamman” to the eminent senior citizens and institutions in recognition of their services towards the cause of the elderly persons, to mark the “International Day of Older Persons”, at a function in New Delhi on October 03, 2019. The experience of Senior Citizens are the Plethora of wisdom. The coveted VayoshreshthaSamman was instituted in the year 2005 and was upgraded to the status of National Awards in the year 2013. The National Awards were presented in 13 different categories. Since 2014-15, the Ministry has disbursed Rs. 190.62crores to 1595 NGOs towards the maintenance of old age homes across the country.

3. NATIONAL SURVEY ON EXTENT AND PATTERN OF SUBSTANCE (DRUG) ABUSE IN INDIA

The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment has assigned the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of substance (Drugs) Abuse in India to National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, New Delhi, which is completed. National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-25 has also been prepared and implemented, which aims at reduction of adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multipronged strategy involving education, de-addiction and rehabilitation of affected individuals and their families. Since 2014- 15, under the scheme the total number of beneficiaries are 4,98,247.

4. MOU SIGNED BETWEEN DAIC AND DICCI TO EMPOWER SC AND ST COMMUNITIES THROUGH RESEARCH ON DALIT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) in New Delhi on 20th June, 2019 in the presence of Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment. The overall motives of this MoU is the empowerment of SC and ST communities through research on Dalit entrepreneurship, empowerment, skill development capacity building among SC/ST women and youth, impact of different schemes of the Government on socio-economic conditions of SC and ST and other similar subjects.

5. EMPOWERING SCs& STs

 Scheme of Dr. Ambedkar Chairs aims to provide well-funded Centres of learning to intellectuals, academicians and students to undertake studies and research with an intention to understand assess and disseminate ideas and thoughts of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.  Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages is to appreciate the socially bold step of an Inter-Caste marriage, taken by the newly married couple and to extend financial incentive to the couple to enable them to settle down in the initial phase of their married life.  Dr. Ambedkar Foundation National Essay Competition Scheme is to encourage writing on social issues, among the Students of Schools / Colleges / Universities / Institutions and arouse their interest in Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts on fundamental social issues like social justice, removal of 47

untouchability, caste based prejudices, removal of inequality and discrimination, social democracy, national integration, communal harmony etc.

6. 17TH RUN AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlot took part in the 17th Run Against Drug Abuse”, on the occasion of ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking’, in New Delhi on June 26, 2019. Since 2014-15, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment has released Rs. 210.68 Crores towards the Central Sector Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse. Under the scheme the total number of beneficiaries are 4,98,247 and Since 2014-15, Ministry has assisted 1777 projects of the 1082 NGOs throughout India.

DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (DEPWD) DEPwD was created in order to give focused attention to Policy issues and meaningful thrust to the activities aimed at welfare and empowerment of the Persons with Disabilities.It acts as a Nodal Agency for matters pertaining to disability and Persons with Disabilities including effecting closer coordination among different stakeholders: related Central Ministries, State/UT Governments, NGOs etc. in matters pertaining to disability. Its vision is to build an inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities so that they can lead productive, safe and dignified lives.Its mission is toempower Persons with Disabilities, through its various Acts/Institutions/Organizations and Schemes for rehabilitation and to create an enabling environment that provides such persons with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and enables them to participate as independent and productive members of society. ACHIEVEMENTS OF DEPwD

1. Cabinet has approved the proposal of establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) at Sehore, Madhya Pradesh which has been registered as a society under Madhya Pradesh Society Registration Act, 1973 on 28th May 2019, with the objective to promote mental health rehabilitation using an integrated multidisciplinary approach and developing trained professionals in the area of mental health rehabilitation. It is being set up on a piece of 25 acre of land allotted by the Government of Madhya Pradesh along Bhopal-Sehore highway in Madhya Pradesh. Pending construction of permanent site, NIMHR has been made functional from a temporary accommodation provided by the Govt. of Madhya Pradesh at Old Zila Panchayat Bhawan, Sehorew.e.f 30.09.2019. It is providing rehabilitation and clinical services and also runs Certificate Course on Care Giving (CCCG). CPWD has invited tender for construction of building on turnkey/EPC mode and the bids are under evaluation.

2. India’s First Country Report on Status of Disability and Implementation of United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)was submitted in November,2015 was considered and successfully adopted by United Nations on 03rd September this year along with certain recommendations. 48

3. The Government has approved setting up of a Centre for Disability Sports at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh with a view to provide contemporary training facilities for Divyang Sportspersons at par with leading countries in the world. The work order for setting up of the Centre has been issued to CPWD. A Project Monitoring Committee and a Governing Body has been constituted by the Department on 28.08.2019 to monitor the project implementation and overall supervision. 4. A Cultural Event “Divya Kala Shakti: Witnessing Ability in Disability” was organised on 23rd July, 2019. The event showcased the talents of children and youth with disabilities from different parts of the country. It was held in the august presence of Hon’ble President of India, Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha, Hon’ble Council of Ministers and Hon’ble Members of both the Houses of Parliament.

5. The Extension Centre of National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) at Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been upgraded to Composite Regional Centre on 19th June, 2019. 6. DEPwD has developed a Management Information System (MIS) Portal for stakeholders of Accessible India Campaign (AIC). Shri ThaawarchandGehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment launched the MIS portal on 18.09.2019.MIS portal will bring all the nodal Ministries, and States/UTs on a single platform for monitoring the progress being made against each target of AIC. The portal will be useful in maintaining all the function on digital platform and capture data on a real-time basis. 7. Secretary, DEPwD Participated In 22nd Session of UN Committee on CRPD at Geneva (09 SEP 2019). India is a signatory of the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). It ratified this Convention on 01-10-2007 in pursuance of Article 35 of the Convention. India submitted its First Country Report on Status of Disability in India in November 2015. The UN Committee on CRPD in its 22nd Session took up India’s First Country Report for consideration during 2nd & 3rd September 2019 at UNHRC, Geneva. 8. Observation of World Mental Health Day by DEPwD on 10th October, 2019. DEPwD observed the “World Mental Health Day” on 10th October, 2019. The Department undertook a series of activities during the week by its various National Institutes to raise awareness about Mental Health issues including identification of early signs to prevent aggravation and rehabilitation/mainstreaming of successfully cured mentally ill persons.

9. The Vice President of India Shri M. Venkiah Naidu Conferred National Awards for Outstanding Work Done Towards Empowerment of PwDs on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3rd December, 2019. He conferred the National Awards on Individuals, Institutions, Organizations and State/District etc. for their outstanding achievements and work done towards empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlot presided over the function. Ministers of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Shri RamdasAthawale and Shri Rattan Lal Kataria also graced the occasion. 49

Source: PIB 5. Year End Review 2019 Ministry of Home Affairs

Important Bills Passed by Parliament

1. Jammu and Kashmir - Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A ; The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019; The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2019 2. National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019 3. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019 4. Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 – aims to increase operational efficiency of SPG in ensuring the security of the Prime Minister of India. 5. Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 – focus on granting Indian Citizenship to persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities on ground of religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. deliberations held by Union Home Minister with various stakeholders from North East and their concerns against the CAB 2019 addressed in the final Amendment Act. 6. Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019 – enhances the punishment for existing offences like illegal manufacture, sale, transfer and illegal acquiring, possessing or carrying prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition; illicit trafficking of firearms; celebratory gunfire endangering human life. Arms licenses to be issued for 5 years in electronic form, which would prevent forgery. The Amendment would reduce possession of illegal firearms and commission of criminal offences by limiting 2 licenses per person. Ownership of arms by retired and serving personnel of armed forces and sportspersons remains unaffected by the Amendment. Further, Ancestral guns may be retained in a Deactivated State. 7. Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 - to make the constitution of NHRC and SHRCs broader and more inclusive. 8. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019 - Administrative efficiency, better service delivery and effective implementation of Central and State Government Schemes to be the focus.

Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

1. Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A

 Historic step to remove Article 370 and 35A of Constitution of India  Brought JK & Ladakh at par with other States and UTs  All provisions of Constitution of India, without any modifications or exceptions, to now apply to JK & Ladakh  Laws of Union Government wrt education, empowerment of SC, ST, Minorities etc to be applicable to JK & Ladakh  Boost to local economy and employment opportunities by increasing investment; Reservation to EWS of society in jobs & educational institutions to apply in JK & Ladakh  Betterment of socio-economic infrastructure in JK & Ladakh 50

2. The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019

Jammu and Kashmir reorganised into

of Jammu and Kashmir with legislature, and  Union Territory of Ladakh without Legislature  Formally came into force on 31st October, 2019  Maps of newly formed UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh released  1st Winter-grade Diesel outlet for Ladakh inaugurated by Union Home Minister; move to boost tourism in extreme weather conditions

3. The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2019

3% reservation in services and educational institutions extended to people living near the International Border (IB) in J&K, in line with reservation given to people living near the (LoC)

4. Amarnath Yatra

 3,42,883 yatris had safe and secure Darshan  Higher by nearly 20%, as compared to 2018 5. Cabinet approved Inclusion of 5,300 Displaced Persons families of J&K in the Rehabilitation Package for Displaced Families of PoJK and Chhamb, under the PM’s Development Package 2015 for Jammu & Kashmir 6. Government Employees of UTs of J&K and Ladakh to get all 7th Central Pay Commission Allowances from 31st October 2019 - allowances worth around Rs. 4800 crores approved for Government employees.

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor

1. Union Cabinet passed a resolution on 22nd November 2018 to celebrate the historic occasion of 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Devji in a grand and befitting manner, throughout the country and across the globe 2. India signed the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement with Pakistan on 24th October, 2019 3. Indian pilgrims of all faiths to undertake year-round Visa-free travel to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib through Kartarpur Sahib Corridor – a long standing demand of followers of Guru Nanak Dev ji 4. State of art Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) developed (estd. project cost – Rs. 400 crore), having modern public amenities and security features; architecture reflecting cultural heritage of Punjab 5. 54 Immigrations counters at PTB for facilitating travel of over 5000 pilgrims per day 6. 4.19 km long, 4-lane highway worth Rs. 120.05 crores built, in record time of 6 months, on Indian side for giving accessibility for pilgrims to the PTB 7. Special Trains run from across the country to facilitate pilgrims to visit Sultanpur Lodhi, the place where Guru Nanak Devji attained enlightenment and developed as Heritage Town 51

8. 300ft. Monumental National Flag at PTB 9. Online portal (prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in) created to facilitate registration of pilgrims and provide other important information including Do’s & Dont’s and FAQs Strict Action on Terror and Insurgency

1. National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019

 NIA empowered with extra territorial jurisdiction for investigation of terrorism related offences taking place outside India, in which Indian property/citizens are victims  The mandate of NIA is expanded by inclusion of new offences viz. explosive substances, human trafficking, manufacturing/sale of prohibited arms and cyber terrorism, to its Schedule

2. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019

 Central Government empowered to designate individual as terrorist  NIA empowered to seize/forfeit property representing proceeds of terrorism in cases investigated by NIA  After recent amendment, 4 Individuals viz., Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi and Dawood Ibrahim proscribed as Terrorists  Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) banned for another five years under sub-sections of UAPA, 1967

3. Cyber Crime Control

 National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) launched as a citizen centric initiative to facilitate public for reporting of all types of Cyber Crimes without visiting Police Station  The complaints reported on this portal are accessible online to the law enforcement agencies of respective States/UTs for taking appropriate action as per law  12th India Security Summit on ‘Towards New National Cyber Security Strategy’ held in New Delhi

4. Review Meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE)

 Incidents of LWE violence down from 2258 in 2009 to 833 in 2018  Number of deaths dropped from 1005 in 2009 to 240 in 2018  Districts affected by naxal violence reduced from 96 in 2010 to 60 in 2018

5. Smart Fencing - Union Home Minister launched BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) under Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) on Indo-Bangladesh border in Dhubri district of Assam, as an effective deterrence against illegal infiltration. Two pilot projects covering about 71 Kms on Indo-Pakistan Border (10 Kms) and Indo-Bangladesh Border (61 Kms) of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) have been completed. 6. International Drug Syndicate busted - largest seizure of contraband drugs by NCB in India - 20 Kgs of Cocaine, worth Rs. 100 crores, seized.

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Focus North East

1. National Register of Citizens (NRC), Assam published on 31.08.2019

 A machinery created for detection and deportation of illegal immigrants  ‘In-principle’ approval given for setting up of 1000 additional Foreigners Tribunals (FTs)  ‘In-principle’ approval given to Assam Government for creation of e-FT platform (estd. cost – Rs. 99 crores)

2. Government of India, Government of Tripura & National Liberation Front of Twipra led by Sabir Kumar Debbarma (NLFT-SD) sign Memorandum of Settlement

 NLFT (SD) to abjure path of violence, join mainstream and abide by Constitution of India  Agreed to surrender 88 cadres with their weapons  Cadres to get surrender benefits as per the Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Scheme, 2018  Government of Tripura to help surrendered cadres in housing, recruitment, education etc.  Government of India to consider proposals of State Government for economic development of tribal areas of Tripura.

3. North East Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition inaugurated by Union Home Minister in Aizawl – focus on tapping huge employment opportunities in the North East, due to availability of natural resources and presence of traditional culture and skill, by giving boost to traditional handloom and handicrafts

Disaster Management

1. International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

 launched by Prime Minister during the UN Climate Action Summit in New York on 23rd September, 2019  Knowledge exchange platform on different aspects of disaster and calamity resilience of infrastructure  Assist countries for Infrastructure Development based on risk context and economic needs  Pooling of Technological Expertise of stakeholders

2. Cyclones Fani, Vayu, Maha and Bulbul

 Successful coordination of Assistance to States and execution of Rescue & Rehabilitation and dissemination of timely information to National & Regional Media by MHA  Sensitization Workshop for Nodal Officers dealing with Disaster Management in all Departments/ Ministries of Central Government held by MHA

3. Immediate Visits of Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) and Rescue-Relief Ops

 Preliminary visits by IMCT for on-the-spot assessment of the flood affected States without waiting for Memorandum from them 53

 IMCT to visit again for detailed damage assessment, after Memorandum submitted byStates  High Level Committee chaired by Union Home Minister approved Rs 4432.10 crore of additional Central assistance to Odisha, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh  Additional financial assistance of Rs. 1813.75 crore given from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to flood affected States of Karnataka and Bihar

· 5375 persons rescued and more than 42,000 evacuated by NDRF from various districts of flood affected states viz. Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat

· Central Forces successfully evacuated 900 persons from Mahalaxmi Express stranded in flood in Maharashtra

· NDRF evacuated more than 11,000 people from flood affected areas of Assam & Bihar

4. India hosted SCOJtEx-2019 for the 1st time

 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Joint Exercise (SCOJtEx)-2019 on Urban Earthquake Search & Rescue organized in New Delhi  Home Minister chaired 10th Meeting of Heads of Departments of SCO Member States, dealing with the prevention and Elimination of Emergency Situations  SCOJtEx to facilitate collective preparedness & building a common understanding of internationally recognized procedures to co-ordinate post-earthquake responses  This joint exercise with SCO member states to be helpful in developing personal understanding amongst counterpart teams to tackle any disaster situation

5. India hosted 1st International Conference on ‘Landslides Risk Reduction and Resilience’ in New Delhi 6. Heat Wave 2020: Two-Day Workshop on Preparedness, Mitigation and Management of Heat Wave held in Bengaluru 7. Experts from 33 countries participated in International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure-2019, held in New Delhi.

Pride of the Nation - Security Forces

1. Increasing Age of Retirement of CAPFs Personnel to 60 years

 Ensuring Uniformity in Age of Retirement for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel  More than 7 Lakh personnel to be benefitted

2. Organized Group ‘A’ Services Status to Officers of CAPFs 54

Grant of Consequential Benefits of Non Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU) and Non Functional Selection Grade (NFSG)

3. National Police University (NPU)

 ‘In-Principle’ approval given for establishing NPU  100 acres land made available for it

4. Two day National Conference on ‘Criminal Activities and Radicalization in Jails: Vulnerability of Inmates and Jail Staff and their Protection’ organized by Bureau of Police Research & development (BPR&D)

5. State-of-art building of Delhi Police Headquarters inaugurated in New Delhi

Census of India - 2021

1. Foundation Stone of ‘Janganana Bhawan’ laid; Census 2021 to be conducted in 16 languages 2. All India Conference of State Coordinators, Directors of Census Operations for Census of India 2021 and updation of National Population Register in the country held 3. Launch of a Census App and Census Portal

 The Mobile App for Pre—Test Data Collection started from 12.08.2019 released on Google Play Store  Census Management and Monitoring Portal (CMMP) operationalized  ‘Pen-Paper Census' to be transformed to a 'Digital Census' in Census 2021

National Unity

1. ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’

 Celebrated across the country with fanfare  ‘Run For Unity’ organised throughout India – over 25,000 participated in New Delhi alone

2. ‘Sardar Patel National Unity Award’

 Government of India instituted Highest Civilian Award for contribution to Unity and Integrity of India  Notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs on 20th September, 2019  President of India to confer the Award by a Sanad under his hand and seal  Presentation ceremony to be held along with the Padma Award presentation ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan  Award to consist of a medal and a citation

3. Inter-State Council Meetings

 North, West and East Zonal Councils Meetings organised by MHA 55

 To foster Inter-State co-operation and co-ordination in the field of economic and social planning, border disputes, linguistic minorities or inter-State transport etc.  Issues having Centre-State and inter-State ramifications resolved with consensus, after due deliberations

4. Emergency Response Support System (ERSS- Dial 112) launched; operational in 28 States/UTs

 Single emergency number (112)  Step towards building a SMART Police force - Citizen Centric Service to strengthen proactive community policing  Computer aided dispatch of field resources to the location of distress  Citizens can send their emergency information through call, sms, email and through the 112 India mobile app.  MHA has sanctioned Rs. 100 crores from Nirbhaya Fund for setting up/strengthening of Women Help Desks in Police Stations, with a view of making police stations more women friendly and approachable.

5. National Launch of Private Security Agency Licensing Portal

 Online portal to ensure transparency in licensing in Private Security sector and give a boost to its credibility  Initiative to give a pan-India profile to the online licensing process – boost employment opportunities in the sector  Easy online access of criminal records from across the country – facilitate easy online police verification of security guards

6. Unified Portal for Licensing of Eating Houses/ Lodging Houses in NCT of Delhi launched

· Single window online system, under Digital India programme, to improve Ease of Doing Business and encourage entrepreneurs to start up new businesses in Food and Beverages sector.

 A people-friendly system to prevent corruption by infusion of transparency and increase compliance with rules and regulations by all stakeholders through simplifying and rationalizing the regulatory processes (registration & inspection).

Bilateral Agreements/MoUs

1. India and Uzbekistan signed Security Cooperation Agreement 2. MoU between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors

3. MoUs signed between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors 56

4. MoU signed between India and Myanmar on bilateral cooperation for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons

5. MoU between India and USA to access tip line reports on Missing and Exploite Children. Foreigners

1. Liberalization of Medical Visa Regime

· Facilitation by non-requirement of conversion of primary visa into medical visa, when a foreigner seeks admission into a hospital owing to an illness Source: PIB 6. Year End Review: Ministry of Science and

Technology

Indian Science Congress (ISC), 2019 held at Jalandhar

Indian Science Congress (ISC) 2019 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 3rd January. The 106th Session of Indian Science Congress, 2019 was held from January 3-7, 2019 at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, and Punjab.

During the Congress, significant lectures from three Nobel Laureates; 20 Plenary Sessions & several sectional symposia with top authorities from DRDO, ISRO, DST, ICAR, CSIR, ICMR, AICTE, NAAC, UGC, ISCA, the USA, UK Universities, were attended by nearly 30,000 participants. More than fifteen thousand delegates participated at this scientific meet.

“The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill - 2019” passed in Lok Sabha:

In a landmark decision, the Lok Sabha passed “The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill - 2019” on 8th January, 2019. The Bill has been formulated recognizing the need for regulation of the use and application of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) technology, for establishing identity of missing persons, victims, offenders, under trials and unknown deceased persons.

MoU signed for Inter-Ministerial Cooperation for Promotion and Facilitation of Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education: 57

The DBT and ICAR entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 15th January, 2019 for much-needed emphasis on multi-disciplinary R&D activities and nurturing innovations in Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education.

Highlighting the importance of the MoU, Secretary DBT, Mrs. Renu Swarup said that five to ten focused programmes both short, medium and long term will be developed and implemented. Major facilities and technology platforms created by both the agencies will be accessible to the National systems and a joint working group will be constituted to take the partnership forward.

Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation addresses Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC):

On 16th January, the Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation, Professor Mark Walport, during his two-day visit to Delhi, at the invitation of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Professor K. Vijay Raghavan met and addressed the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM- STIAC).

Chaired by Professor K. Vijay Raghavan, the PM-STIAC is an overarching body that assesses specific science and technology domains in India, and formulates interventions and roadmaps. It advises the India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on all matters of science, technology and innovation.

One Health India Conference, 2019 held:

Two-day long One Health India Conference, 2019 was inaugurated on 18th February in New Delhi. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology in partnership with the Departments of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) and Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DAHDF), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare; the Departments of Health Research (DHR) and Health & Family Welfare (DHFW), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, hosted the “One Health India Conference”. The conference aimed to launch India's new One Health Initiative - an inter-sectoral approach to tackling the most urgent health threats in India as well as in low and middle income countries across South and South East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Department of Biotechnology celebrates its 33rd Foundation Day:

The Department of Biotechnology in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day in New Delhi on 26th February with the theme as "Celebrating Biotechnology: Building Indian as an 58

Innovation Nation". On the occasion, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan gave away the Biotechnology Research Innovation and Technology Excellence (BRITE) awards.

The Minister announced key missions at the foundation day ceremony including Atal JaiAnusandhan Biotech Mission - Undertaking Nationally Relevant Technology Innovation (UNaTI), which is expected to transform Health, Agriculture and Energy sectors during the next 5 years. This mission included GARBH-ini - A Mission to promote Maternal and Child Health and develop prediction tools for pre-term berth, IndCEPI - A Mission to develop affordable vaccines for endemic diseases, Development of Biofortified and Protein Rich wheat - contributing to POSHAN Abhiyan, Mission on Anti Microbial Resistance for Affordable Diagnostics and Therapeutics and Clean Energy Mission - Innovative Technology interventions for Swachh Bharat.

Cabinet approves MoU between India and UK on Cancer Research Initiative:

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7th March, 2019, has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and U.K. on Cancer Research Initiative. The MoU was signed on 14th November 2018.

Photo Exhibition titled "Celebrating Indian Women in Science: An Incredible Journey" organised:

The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India in Partnership with India International Centre, New Delhi, organized a Photo Exhibition on 7th March, 2019, titled "Celebrating Indian Women in Science: An Incredible Journey". The aim of the exhibition was to remember, acknowledge and showcase the stories of great Indian women scientists on International women’s day, who have contributed to the development of science through their outstanding work.

Cabinet approves five years’ extension of Biomedical Research Career Programme:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 27th March approved the continuation of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP), and Wellcome Trust (WT)/DBT India Alliance beyond its initial 10-year term (2008- 09 to 2018-29) to a new five year phase (2019-20 to 2023-24) with Department of Biotechnology (DBT) increasing its commitment to two times that of WT. The total financial implication will be Rs. 1092 crore with DBT and WT contributing Rs.728 crore and Rs.364 crore respectively. 59

Government and IIT-Delhi to set up a Centre of Excellence for Waste to Wealth Technologies:

The Principal Scientific Advisor to the Govt of India, Prof K. Vijay Raghavan and Director, IIT Delhi, Prof V. Ramgopal Rao signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 2nd May, in New Delhi for setting up a Centre of Excellence for Waste to Wealth Technologies for implementation of sustainable, scientific and technological solutions for waste management, through validation and deployment of available technologies for transformation of waste to wealth.

MoU for Joint Collaboration on Cancer Research:

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), M/o Science and Technology and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India on 22nd May signed an MoU for supporting joint collaborative research programmes in the area of Cancer. This MOU shall help strengthen the various initiatives specifically for cancer viz. Strategizing and prioritizing cancer research, development of new and affordable technologies, jointly design and fund clinical trials, coordinate and collaborate for translational research, interventions, training of manpower and infrastructure development.

Launch of electronic collection facility of Non-Tax Receipts of Survey of India The electronic collection facility for the costs of maps and other publications will now be available at all the sale counters of Survey of India (SoI). This will help students, researchers and other customers to buy what they would need using credit/ debit cards etc.

Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Thailand in the field of Astronomy (12th June):

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation between India and Thailand in the field of Astronomy / Astrophysics / Atmospheric Science. The MoU will lead to new scientific results, human resource development through increased scientific interaction and training, joint use of scientific infrastructure etc. The MoU was signed in November, 2018.

Cabinet approves Intimation of Letter of Intent between India and Costa Rica in the field of Biotechnology: 60

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of signing of Lotter of Intent (LOI) between India and Costa Rica in the field of Biotechnology.

Cabinet approves Inter-Institutional Agreement between India and USA for cooperation in the field of medicine:

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th July gave ex- post facto approval to the Inter-Institutional Agreement between India and the USA in the areas of regenerative medicine and 3D bioprinting, new technologies, exchange of scientific ideas/information and technologies, and joint use of scientific infrastructure.

Drones to undertake Large scale Mapping of Village areas in Maharashtra:

Survey of India, the national mapping agency of the country under the Min of Science & Technology has signed an MoU with Department of revenue & Land records, Govt of Maharashtra to undertake the Large scale Mapping of Village Gaothan (Aabadi) areas in the State of Maharashtra using drones.

India joins the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub:

India joined the Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research and Development (R&D) Hub as a new member on 12th September. This expands the global partnership working to address challenges and improve coordination and collaboration in global AMR R&D to 16 countries, the European Commission, two philanthropic foundations and four international organisations (as observers).

National Centre for Clean Coal Research & Development inaugurated at Bengaluru:

Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, inaugurated the National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development at Indian Institute of Science (IISc)-Bengaluru on 16th September. Government of India through Department of Science & Technology, has set up the National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development (NCCCR&D) as a national level consortium on clean coal R&D, led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)-Bengaluru.

Government launches ‘UMMID’ initiative to tackle inherited genetic diseases of new born babies: 61

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan on 23rd September launched UMMID (Unique Methods of Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders) initiative and inaugurated NIDAN (National Inherited Diseases Administration) Kendras.

25th edition of DST-CII India Netherlands Technology Summit inaugurated at New Delhi on 15th October:

Inaugurating the 25th edition of DST-CII India Netherlands Technology Summit at New Delhi by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands and Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, expressed their pleasure at the successful collaboration in Science & Technology between the two countries. ‘NEXUS’ was the central theme of the summit, discussing how to co-create on pioneering innovative solutions for global challenges related to water, food and good health for all.

Cabinet approves proposal for Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation between India and the United States of America:

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23rd October approved the proposal for Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation between India and the United States of America. The Agreement would provide an opportunity to promote ‘high quality’ and ‘high impact’ research and innovation partnerships as well as broadening and expanding relationships between the extensive scientific and technological communities.

Guidelines Released for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals in India on 24th October:

While releasing the guidelines, Dr. Harsh Vardhan informed that these “Guidelines for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals in India” is one of the most important steps for delineating quality, safety and efficacy assessment of the novel nanoformulations. He further added that these guidelines are intended to provide transparent, consistent and predictable regulatory pathways for nanopharmaceuticals in India. The guidelines will pave the way for significant benefits through such cutting edge technology and contribute to the mission on “Affordable Health Care for All”.

India and Netherlands launched the second phase of the LOTUS-HR (Local Treatment of Urban Sewage streams for Healthy Reuseplant) as a part of joint collaboration: 62

During the visit of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty, Queen Maxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands a joint launch of the second phase of the Local Treatment of Urban Sewage streams for Healthy Reuse (LOTUS-HR) program was done by the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan on 5th October. The launch programme was held during the visit of Netherlands King & the Queen to the India-Netherlands water laboratory at the Barapullah drain in Delhi.

5th India International Science Festival held in Kolkata from 5th to 8th November, 2019:

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated via video conference, the 5th India International Science Festival at Kolkata on 5th November. Addressing on the occasion, Prime Minister said the theme of the festival “RISEN: Research, Innovation and Science Empowering the Nation” reflects the aspirations of 21st century India. He said science and technology has a major impact on society, and therefore government is providing the Institutional Support for both Invention and Innovation. Advocating for a strong ecosystem supporting Science and Technology, he said every effort is being taken to support innovation in the country.

India’s first-ever global Mega-Science exhibition, ‘Vigyan Samagam’, inaugurated at the Science City in Kolkata (4th November):

This multi-venue Science Exhibition, after its successful journey in Mumbai and Bengaluru, opened for public in Kolkata from 4th November till December 31, 2019. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Department of Science and Technology (DST), the funding agencies of these projects and the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, who are venue partners and having expertise in design and hosting such exhibitions, have joined hands to organize this prestigious Science Exhibition.

3-day Global Bio-India Summit, 2019 inaugurated (21st November):

Union Ministers Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Shri Dharmendra Pradhan also inaugurated the Global Bio-India Exhibition. Global Bio-India is one of the largest biotechnology stakeholders conglomerate being held in India for the first time. Over 3,000 delegates from around 25 countries and over 15 states of India are participating in the mega event.

5th Meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) 63

The 5th Meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States’ Heads of Ministries and Departments of Science and Technology and Permanent Working Group on S&T Cooperation concluded in Moscow, Russia on 21st November. Secretary, DSIR & DG, CSIR, Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, led the Indian delegation. India will be the host of Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of SCO Member States in 2020, which will approve the Draft SCO Roadmap on cooperation between research institutions of SCO Member States for the period 2021-2023.

Global Bio-India Awards presented on 22nd November:

Presenting the awards, the Union Minister of Railways and Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal said the Government has simplified the Patents regime for Start-ups, MSMEs among others to encourage innovation. He assured the Department of Industrial will extend all support to new and emerging enterprises in Biotechnology sector.

8th Foundation Day of Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA) (PPP between Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)) held on 28th November:

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan recognized and felicitated the exceptional performance of GITA project in contributing towards enhancing the country’s innovation ecosystem. The theme of the event was ‘Making India Future Ready’.

Prime Minister confers Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) prizes for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018:

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conferred Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) prizes for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 in New Delhi on 28th February. The SSB prize is awarded each year on the basis of conspicuously important and outstanding contributions to human knowledge and progress, made through work done primarily in India during the five years, preceding the year of the prize.

Redefined units of measurement of kilogram, Kelvin, mole and ampere implented in India by CSIR-NPL:

After decades of ground-breaking laboratory works, the world’s scientific and technical community, in a landmark and historic decision taken in the recent open session of the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) at BIPM on 16th November 2018, has unanimously adopted the resolution to redefine four of the seven base units, the kilogram (SI unit of weight), Kelvin (SI unit of temperature), 64 mole (SI unit of amount of substance), and ampere (SI unit of current). The new SI is being implemented worldwide from 20th May 2019 i.e. the World Metrology Day by CSIR-NPL in India.

NSG facility inaugurated at CSIR-CCMB:

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the Next Generation Sequencing (NSG) facility at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMC) in Hyderabad on 20th July. The facility includes technology for high genome sequencing and also diagnostic sequencing of clinical samples. The state of art machine, acquired at a cost of Rs. 8 crore can sequence 18,000 samples in 8 minutes. The NGS would help prenatal genetic screening and counselling, thereby generating large scale genomic data critical for diagnosis and therapy.

First Indigenous Fuel Cell System developed by CSIR launched on CSIR Foundation Day on 26th September 2019:

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, on 26th September unveiled the first Indigenous High Temperature Fuel Cell System developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in partnership with Indian industries under India’s flagship program named “New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI)” on the occasion of CSIR Foundation Day in New Delhi. A unique example of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) among CSIR’s three Laboratories [CSIR-NCL, Pune; CSIR-NPL, New Delhi & CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi (Chennai Center)] and two Indian industries; M/s Thermax Limited, Pune and M/s Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai exemplified exploiting materials of science developments at CSIR laboratories into practice by Industry.

President of India presents awards for outstanding contributions in Science and Technology on the occasion of CSIR Foundation Day on 26th September:

The President lauded the accomplishments of CSIR and its technological interventions towards the socio-economic development of the nation. The President presented the CSIR Technology Awards to teams of CSIR and the G.N. Ramachandran Gold Medal to Prof. Amitabha Chattopadhyay of CSIR-CCMB.

Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan launches “Green Crackers” developed by CSIR in a bid to curb air pollution on 5th October:

Green logo and QR coding system was also launched to track manufacture & sale of counterfeit crackers. Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and 65

Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan announced that Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs have been successful in developing various environment-friendly fireworks such as sound emitting crackers, flowerpots, pencils, chakkar and sparklers.

CSIR conducts Whole Genome Sequencing of over 1,000 Indians for Biomedical Applications:

The CSIR has conducted Whole Genome Sequencing of 1,008 Indians from different populations across the country. Announcing details of the IndiGen Genome project, the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the whole genome data will be important for building the knowhow, baseline data and indigenous capacity in the emerging area of Precision Medicine.

CSIR signs MoU with KVIC on promotion of honey production Khadi outlets to also display CSIR products on 5th December:

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to leverage the expertise available in CSIR with the effort of KVIC for promotion of honey production and also to enable wider outreach of the CSIR technologies and products.

MOU signed between Ministry of AYUSH and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research on 22nd April 2019

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of AYUSH and CSIR, New Delhi for cooperation in research and education in areas of traditional systems of medicine and its integration with modern science.

CSIR signs MoU with Indian Navy on 5th April 2019

The Indian Navy and CSIR signed a MoU to undertake joint research and development of advanced technologies for the Indian Navy. This will be a collaborative arrangement between labs of CSIR, the Indian Navy and Indian industry.

HPCL & CSIR have developed BND

HPCL and CSIR–NPL released 26 Petroleum BNDs (Bharatiya Nideshak Dravya or Indian Reference Material) coinciding with the occasion of World Metrology Day. 66

These will be of immense use for BS VI fuels and will save foreign exchange through import substitution for Certified Reference Materials (CRMs). This will provide traceability for all vital parameters of Petroleum products testing and certification comprising of 13 physical properties, 2 Physicochemical properties and 11 Chemical properties, including BND for sulfur content measurement at lower concentrations which will be of immense use for BS VI fuels.

CSIR and IIT Delhi Signed an MoU on 16th July 2019

CSIR and IIT Delhi, have entered into an agreement with five of the renowned National Laboratories of CSIR Viz CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute, CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory. As a part of MoU, IIT Delhi plans to promote collaborative research, exchange of ideas, development of knowledge, enhancing high quality research throughput. IIT Delhi and CSIR aspire to leverage the mutual expertise to contribute to the socio economic needs of the country.

Union Minister of S&T Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a demonstration plant for converting plastic waste to diesel

Honourable Union Minister of S&T Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a demonstration plant for converting plastic waste to diesel based on technology developed by CSIR- IIP. This plant can convert one tonne of plastic waste into 800 liters of diesel every day that is of automotive grade and is in collaboration with Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) India.

CSIR-NPL designated as the National Verifciation Agency for Air quality monitoring instruments

Union environment ministry has designated CSIR-NPL as the national verification agency for certifying instruments and equipment for monitoring emissions and ambient air quality, which will assist in maintaining standards of instruments and data of air quality being collected.

CSIR-IICT has signed a global licensing pact with Sun Pharma

CSIR-IICT has signed a global licensing pact with Sun Pharma for patents on dermatology, ophthalmology and oncology. Sun Pharma will pay upfront and milestone linked payments upto Rs 240 crore and royalties to CSIR-IICT from commercialization. 67

Joint Workshops conducted by CSIR and Fraunhofer, Germany

Series of workshops were conducted between CSIR and Fraunhofer Institute, Germany towards Indo - German collaboration in Research and Innovation towards leapfrogging in Frontier Technologies.

CSIR and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (National Institutes of Health) USA, signed an MoU

The MoU was to strengthen and develop research cooperation related to environmental health sciences with emphasis on understanding the health effects associated with exposure to air poluttants and other environmental chemicals.

Smart Aerospace Composite Manufacturing Facility was inaugurated, by Union Minister of S&T and ES

Smart Aerospace Composite Manufacturing Facility was inaugurated, by Hon’ble Union Minister of S&T and ES which will produce high quality lightweight polymer composite airframes for the HANSA-NG program of CSIR-NAL and the present prototyping facility shall produce 3 to 4 aircraft per year.

Union Minister of S&T and ES inaugurated at CSIR-NCL Venture Center, a MedTech clean room facility

Hon’ble Union Minister of S&T and ES inaugurated at CSIR-NCL Venture Center, a Med Tech clean room facility which is designed for the manufacture of medical devices and diagnostic services for undertaking clinical study and testing purposes. This has the potential to boost the innovation ecosystem and startups in the medical devices sector.

International training programme on Petroleum Refining Technology and Petrochemicals conducted by CSIR-IIP

A eight weeks international training programme on Petroleum Refining Technology and Petrochemicals was conducted by CSIR-IIP, Dehradun. About 15 foreign Government officials mainly from African countries participated in the programme under Indian Technical Economic Cooperation.

CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur launched the Indian air quality Interactive Repository or IndAIR 68

CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur launched the Indian air quality Interactive Repository or IndAIR which has archived approximately 700 scanned materials from pre-internet era (1950-1999), 1215 research articles, 170 reports and case studies, 100 cases and over 2,000 statues, to provide the history of air pollution research and legislation in the county. Such a repository on the subject of air pollution is one of the first in the world.

CSIR-TKDL (Traditional Knowledge Digital Library) signs Agreement with Asiam Agri History Foundation

An agreement with Asian Agri History Foundation, at Pant Nagar was signed by TKDL for cooperation related to digitization and inclusion of information on traditional Indian agriculture and allied domains

CSIR has signed MoU with CNRS, France

MoU signed with CNRS, France for Promotion & Support of Scientific & Technological Research in areas of mutual interest including including plant and marine biotechnology; health research; environment and climate change studies; engineering science and technology; material science and technology; energy science and technology and water research.

CSIR-IHBT, Palampur and Ladakh Farmers and Producers Co-operative Limited (LFPCL) have entered into an MoU

The MoU is to grow saffron in Ladakh using tissue culture technology for production of disease free, healthy and flowering sized saffron corms in the non-traditional areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Leh, North East and hilly regions of Tamil Ladu.

Zero Waste Potash technology developed by CSIR-CSMCRI

The efforts of CSIR scientists from CSIR-CSMCRI who have developed a technology for recovery valuable potash from spent wash and saves foreign exchanges and prevents hazardous spent wash being discarded was appreciated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Source: PIB 7. Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Earth Sciences 69

Alerts for various cyclone storms during the year:

During the year, various alerts and timely warnings were issued regarding Cyclonic storms, Heavy rainfall warning, Sea condition, Storm Surge Warning, Damage Expected, pre-cyclone alerts and expected damage, etc.

The alerts were issued for Cyclonic Storm ‘PABUK’ over Andaman Sea & neighbourhood, Cyclone ‘FANI’ over Southwest Bay & adjoining Southeast of Bengal, Cyclone Alert for Odisha, West Bengal & Srikakulam and Vijayanagaram Districts of Andhra Pradesh Coasts, Cyclonic Storm ‘VAYU’ over Northeast & adjoining East central Arabian Sea, Depression over northwest Bay of Bengal off north Odisha – West Bengal coasts, Cyclonic Storm ‘HIKAA’ over northeast and adjoining east central Arabian sea and Cyclonic Storm ‘BULBUL’ over northwest and adjoining West-Central Bay of Bengal. Other alerts like Snowfall over hills, hailstorms and Western Disturbance were also disseminated by issuing press releases.

Low cost device for ocean states forecast and mapping potential fishing zones launched:

For seamless and effective dissemination of emergency information and communication on disaster warnings, Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) and Ocean States Forecasts (OSF) to fishermen, the Government on 9th October launched the Gagan Enabled Mariner’s Instrument for Navigation and Information (GEMINI) device. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), joined hands with Airports Authority of India (AAI) to utilize the GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) satellite system to transmit the PFZ, OSF and disaster warnings to fishermen with GAGAN system consisting of three geosynchronous (GSAT-8, GSAT- 10 and GSAT-15). GAGAN foot-print covers the entire Indian Ocean round the clock.

Government launched Special Weather Services for Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj

The government on 14th January launched special weather services for the benefit of people visiting Prayagraj during Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela 2019 was held at Prayagraj during January-March 2019. A mobile application named "Kumbh Mela Weather Service" was developed to disseminate the live weather information (temperature, humidity, rainfall and winds) as observed in all the above four sites. The Mobile App was available for downloading from Google Store.

3-day International Symposium on “Advances in Agro-meteorology for managing climatic risks of farmers” organised at New Delhi:

Considering the urgent need of sharing the agro-meteorological knowledge among researchers, policy makers, industry and farmers to learn from each other, identify the technologies/practices and develop a roadmap for risk management, the Association of Agro Meteorologists (AAM) organized a 3-day International Symposium on “Advances in Agro Meteorology for Managing Climatic Risks of Farmers” (INAGMET-2019) at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (India) beginning 11th February, 2019. The symposium was jointly organized with 70

India Meteorological Department, Indian Centre of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Agricultural Research Institute and Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Vice President addressed the Silver Jubilee celebrations of NIOT in Chennai; sought innovative solutions to conserve water and tackle climate change, pollution:

Inaugurating the silver jubilee celebrations of National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai on 3rd November, the Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said technology was needed for protection of coastal areas from negative impacts of climate change and for development of blue coastal infrastructure for the benefit of society.

The NIOT was established in November 1993 as an autonomous society under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India by the then Department of Ocean Development. NIOT has established itself as one of the premier institutes in the world, working on various ocean technologies.

Visit of UK’s Prince Charles to India Meteorological Department

Prince Charles visited the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 13th November, 2019. Dr. M. Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, IMD welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Charles to IMD. DGM IMD highlighted the evolution of cyclone warning system aftermath of Odisha Super Cyclone in 1999 which led to loss of 10,000 human deaths to the current modernised early warning system of IMD which has minimised the loss of lives to less than 100 due to very severe cyclonic storms crossing the coast since 2013. The modernised system has not only helped India, but also the 13 countries in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea region to minimize loss of lives to less than 100. His Highness appreciated the accurate predictions during cyclone FANI which crossed Odisha coast in May, 2019 and recent cyclone Bulbul which crossed West Bengal-Bangladesh coast in November, 2019.

MoU between India and the UK on Cooperation in Weather and Climate Sciences:

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28th February was apprised of the MoU between India and United Kingdom (UK) on Cooperation in Weather and Climate Sciences. The MoU was signed on 28th January 2019, under which, an Implementation Agreement on Weather and climate science for service partnership will also be signed between India and the UK.

MoU on Antarctic cooperation between India and Argentina:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 27th March was apprised about an MoU signed in February, 2019 between India and Argentina on Antarctic cooperation. The MoU will help scientific cooperation on projects in the fields of Earth sciences, as well as those related to the protection and conservation of the natural environment of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans. 71

Source: PIB 8. Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs

Winter Session, 2018 of Parliament concluded on January 8-9, 2019; highlight – 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill passed:

The Winter Session, 2018 of Parliament commenced on Tuesday, 11th December, 2018. Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Tuesday, 8th January, 2019 which provided 17 sittings spread over a period of 29 days. Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Wednesday, 9th January, 2019 which provided 18 sittings spread over a period of 30 days. Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines, said the productivity of Lok Sabha was approx. 47% and that of Rajya Sabha was approx. 27%.

Shri Tomar said that the special achievement of this session of Parliament was that both Houses passed the 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill which will provide reservation in services and educational institutions for economically weaker sections in general category. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2019 were passed by both Houses of Parliament.

During the Session, 17 Bills (12 in the Lok Sabha and 05 in Rajya Sabha) were introduced. The Lok Sabha passed 14 Bills and while the Rajya Sabha passed 04 Bills during the session. 05 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament.

Proclamation issued by the President on the 19th December, 2018 under Article 356 of the Constitution of India in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir was discussed and adopted in the Lok Sabha on 28.12.2018 and in the Rajya Sabha on 2nd and 3rd January, 2019 respectively.

Interim Budget Session of Parliament 2019 - Productivity of Lok Sabha - 89% and Rajya Sabha - around 8%; 4 Bills passed by both Houses:

Interim Budget Session, 2019 of Parliament which commenced on Thursday, 31st January, 2019 was adjourned sine die on Wednesday, 13th February, 2019. The Session provided 10 sittings spread over a period of 14 days. The productivity of Lok Sabha was 89% and that of Rajya Sabha was 8% approximately.

This being the first Session of the year, the President addressed both Houses of Parliament on 31st January, 2019. Interim Budget for 2019-20 was presented on Friday, the 1st February. General Discussion on the Interim Budget was held in Lok Sabha. Due to constant interruptions in the House, the Rajya Sabha could not take up the Interim Budget for discussion. 72

During this Session, a total of 9 Bills (3 in Lok Sabha and 6 in Rajya Sabha) were introduced. 5 Bills were passed by Lok Sabha, 5 Bills were passed by Rajya Sabha and 4 Bills were passed by both Houses of Parliament.

All Political Parties condemn Terror Attack and pledge support to Government:

A meeting of floor leaders of various political parties in Parliament, chaired by the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Rajnath Singh on 16th February, condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on our security forces in Pulwama. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said all political parties, in one voice, condemned the terror attack and observed a two minute silence for the martyred soldiers. A resolution condemning this act of terrorism was also adopted during the meeting, the Minister informed.

Cabinet approved dissolution of the Sixteenth Lok Sabha:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 24th May gave its approval to the Resolution advising the President to dissolve the Sixteenth Lok Sabha, which was constituted on 18.05.2014. The first meeting of the Sixteenth Lok Sabha was held on June 4, 2014, when members were administered oath and affirmation. The life of the present Lok Sabha is, therefore, to expire on June 3, 2019, unless the President dissolves it earlier.

Shri Narendra Modi chaired Meeting of Presidents of Political Parties; PM announces a Committee to study the issue of ‘One Country, One Election’ threadbare:

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, chaired a Meeting of Party Presidents of all political parties having representation in Parliament, on 19th June. Issues that came up for discussion included:

Ways to Improve productivity of Parliament; One Country, One Election; Building a New India in the 75th year of Independence; Programme and commitments to Celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary; & Development of aspirational Districts.

Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh conducted the meeting. Various Party Presidents emphasized that an atmosphere of discussion and dialogue must prevail in Parliament. Participants in the meeting also expressed the hope that approximately half of the members of the 17th Lok Sabha, are first time MPs, who would take this opportunity to carry forward the spirit of constructive dialogue in the House.

Government held All Party Leaders Meeting to discuss important issues to come up during Budget Session of Parliament 2019;

Addressing floor leaders of various parties in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in New Delhi on 16th June, on the eve of the Budget Session of Parliament 2019, Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi called on leaders of all political parties in Parliament to work cohesively with the government in running the House smoothly and to collectively address issues related to the welfare of people. 73

The Prime Minister exhorted all leaders to cooperate with the Government and strive in the direction of making a New India by 2022 and achieve the true meaning of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas'. Shri Modi said that Government is always receptive to the issues raised by all Political Parties and is ready to discuss all issues of national importance on the floor of both Houses of Parliament.

First Session of Parliament After General Elections - productivity of Lok Sabha shoots to 137% and Rajya Sabha rises to 103%; abrogation of Article 370 and Triple Talaq Bills among 30 Bills passed by the Parliament:

The First Session of Seventeenth Lok Sabha commenced on 17th of June, 2019 and 249th Session of Rajya Sabha commenced from 20th June, 2019. Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on 6th August. Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on 7th August. The Session had a total of 37 sittings of Lok Sabha and 35 sittings of the Rajya Sabha.

Being the first Session of the 17th Lok Sabha, new Members took Oath/Affirmation during the first two days i.e. 17th and 18th June. Election of Speaker, Lok Sabha was held on 19th June.

This being the first Session after General Elections, the President addressed both Houses of Parliament assembled together on 20th June. The Union Budget for 2019- 20 was presented on 5th July. General Discussion on the Union Budget was held in both Houses. This engaged the Lok Sabha for 17 Hours 23 minutes against allotted 12 Hours and Rajya Sabha for 12 Hours 30 minutes against allotted 12 Hours.

This Session has been historic in many ways as legislations relating to almost all walks of socioeconomic activities have been passed. A total of 40 Bills (33 in Lok Sabha and 07 in Rajya Sabha) were introduced. 35 Bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 32 Bills were passed by Rajya Sabha. 30 Bills have been passed by both the Houses of Parliament, which is a record in single first/effective Session after constitution of new Lok Sabha.

The most important business transacted during this Session is the abrogation of certain provisions from Article 370 and Presidential Orders thereunder. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, which declares the triple talaq/talaq-e-biddat void is a major step towards grant of gender justice to the Muslim women. Other important legislations include the Protection of Children form Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the National Medical Commission Bill, 2019, Consumer Protection Bill, 2019, National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 and Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Code on Wages Bill, 2019 and the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Departing from the earlier practice of adjourning the Houses for the day in the event of death of a sitting Member of the particular House, a new practice has been developed of adjourning the House for an Hour or Two and then meeting again for transacting essential business of the day.

The productivity of Lok Sabha was approx. 137% and that of Rajya Sabha was approx. 103%. 74

Winter Session of Parliament - 15 Bills passed in both the Houses; Lok Sabha productivity 116% Rajya Sabha 100%:

The Winter Session, 2019 of Parliament which commenced on Monday, the 18th November, 2019 concluded today. The Session provided 20 sittings spread over a period of 26 days.

During the Session, 18 Bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha passed 14 Bills while the Rajya Sabha passed 15 Bills during the session. 15 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament and would become Acts of Parliament.

Among the Bills passed by both Houses of the Parliament, the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019 aims to retain the inclusive character as envisioned by the founding fathers of the Constitution by continuing the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes for another ten years ie. upto 25th January, 2030. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019, Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill 2019, National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Bill, 2019, Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and Arms Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, were among other major Bills enacted by the Parliament.

The productivity of Lok Sabha was approx. 116% and that of Rajya Sabha was approx. 100%.

The President of India launched web-portal of “National Youth Parliament Scheme”:

A special function on the occasion to commemorate 70th Anniversary of adoption of the Constitution of India, - “Samvidhan Diwas” was organized in the Central Hall of Parliament on 26th November. The President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs graced the occasion and addressed the gathering of the Members of both Houses of Parliament.

On this occasion, the President Shri Ram Nath Kovind launched the Web-Portal of “National Youth Parliament Scheme”.

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has been implementing Youth Parliament programme since 1966 in Schools under the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi and NDMC, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Universities/ Colleges. So far, around 8,000 educational institutions and more than 4,00,000 students have been covered under the Youth Parliament programme of the Ministry.

The web-portal of the National Youth Parliament Scheme is available at www.nyps.mpa.gov.in. The main objective of the portal is to increase the outreach of the youth parliament programme of the Ministry to hitherto untouched sections and corners of the country.

Orientation Course on Parliamentary Practices and Procedures for - IAS officers of 2017 Batch: 75

Inaugurating the Orientation Course in New Delhi on 17th July, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla said that the Legislative, Executive and Judiciary wings should all fulfil their responsibility to bring a change and give direction to build a New India. He advised the officers to move ahead with an open mind to do justice to the people in an impartial manner.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi called upon the officers to think of the last person of the society, as they perform their duties. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal said that as part of the Executive wing of democratic system they should be responsible to the people. MoS (Parliamentary Affairs) Shri V. Muraleedharan said the officers should make every effort to build a New India.

International Yoga Day 2019 celebrated in Parliament:

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi participated in the yoga event on 21st June organised by Lok Sabha Secretariat, along with Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, other Ministers and MPs.

Source: PIB 9. Year End Review 2019- Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

YEAR OF CONSOLIDATION

This was a year for consolidating the gains that accrued from major policy decisions taken in the previous five years, a time for monitoring of ongoing projects, tackling road blocks and adding to the already impressive pace of work achieved during the past years. During 2018-19, projects in about 5,494 km length were awarded and completion was achieved in about 10,855 km length of roads. The rate of development of roads has increased significantly from about 11.7 km during 2013-14 to about 30 km now. During the current year, projects for 3211 km length have been awarded and 5958 km length has been constructed till November 2019.

During the year the Ministry and its associated organizations have carried forward the good work of the previous years, expanding the national highways network in the country, taking various steps to make these highways safe for the commuters and making best efforts to minimize adverse impact on the environment. As a result, National Highways (NHs) length has increased from 91,287 km in April, 2014 to about 1,32,500 km. as on 31.12.2019.

Construction of National Highways 76

Year Award (Km) Construction (Km)

2019-20* 3211 5958

2018-19 5493 10855

2017-18 17055 9829

2016-17 15948 8231

2015-16 10098 6061

2014-15 7972 4410

*Achievement till Nov, 2019

Targets for 2019-20

Award - 10,000 Km

Construction – 11,000 Km

Under ToT mode, a bundle of 9 projects with total length of 566 km has been awarded this Financial Year for a concession fee of Rs. 5,011 crores against the reserve price of Rs. 4,998.71 crore. Further initiatives are being taken up to bid out more projects under TOT mode during this Financial Year.

Accelerated Development of Highways

The Ministry proposes to develop additional 60,000 kms of National Highways in the next five years, of which 2500 km are Express Ways/Access Controlled Highways, 9000 kms Economic Corridors, 2000 kms for Coastal and Port Connectivity Highways and 2000 kms Border Road/ Strategic Highways. The Ministry also intends to improve connectivity for 100 tourist destinations and construct Bypasses for 45 towns/cities during this period.

Expenditure of Ministry increased from 33,745 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 1,37,354 crore in 2018-19. During the current year an expenditure of Rs. 85,275 crore has already been incurred till November 2019 including IEBR of NHAI.

Augmenting Finances through Innovative Instruments 77

With a view to augmenting sources of funding for NH projects, the NHAI intends to raise Rupees one lakh crore through Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) Model of asset monetization in the next five years. Finances are also likely to accrue from Securitization of Toll Revenues as well as the setting up of Infra Investment Trust (InvIT). Other steps being taken by NHAI include financing new projects through National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) supported SPVs.

Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) and Securitization of user fee receipts of NHs

With a view to expanding the project base available with NHAI for monetization under TOT mode and for raising finance against toll receipts from identified Public Funded/Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) projects through securitization, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has accorded the following approval (vide communication no. CCEA/20/2019 (i) dated 25.11.2019 ):

NHAI is authorized to monetize public funded NH projects which are operational and are collecting toll for at least one year after the COD through the Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) on a case to case basis.

NHAI is authorized to vary the Concession Period between 15 to 30 years depending on project features.

The detailed proposal for every TOT bundle, including the proposed project stretches; estimated concession value & proposed concession period shall be approved by NHAI Board (Authority).

NHAI is allowed to raise long term finance from banks by securitizing the user fee receipts from fee plazas as alternate mode of asset monetization.

Securitization would offer an alternative mode for raising finance against toll receipts from identified Public Funded/HAM projects. Securitization as a model entails the generation of upfront funds against the future cash flows generated by select assets.

Infrastructure Investment Trusts

In order to enhance NHAI’s resource mobilization, the Cabinet has accorded the following approval (vide communication 39/CM/2019(i) dated 13.12.2019):

NHAI is authorized to set up Infrastructure Investment Trust(s), as per InvIT Guidelines issued by SEBI, to monetize completed National Highways that have a toll 78

collection track record of at least one year and NHAI reserves the right to levy toll on the identified highway.

NHAI is authorized to incorporate SPV(s) which are essential and integral part of the entire InvIT structure.

NHAI is authorized to set up its first InvIT as per the structure approved by NHAI Board and to incorporate two SPVs which are essential and integral part of the InvIT structure:

 An SPV to hold all identified public funded projects to be placed in an InvIT  An SPV to act as an Investment Manager in the proposed InvIT

NHAI is authorized to create a reserve fund from the sums received from InvIT, which shall be kept in a separate account for repayment of debt.

Progress of Major Programmes/ Landmark Projects

The work of major bridge across Sharavathi backwaters, approaches between Ambargodu and Kalasvali in Karnataka and 16 packages of Trans Rajasthan Highways project have been awarded.

A three-lane underpass inaugurated at Parade Road junction near Manekshaw Centre on NH 8 in New Delhi on 12.07.2019. With opening of this underpass, movement of traffic from Airport to Dhaula Kuan has become signal free.

Dasna-Hapur section of Delhi-Meerut Expressway (package-3) in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilakhuwa has been inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister, Shri Nitin Gadkari on 30th September, 2019. The completion of this section is expected to further help in decongesting the National Capital Region, bring down pollution levels and reduce travel time significantly.

The integrated bus ports in Cuttack (Odisha) and in Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) have been approved and the DPRs thereon are under progress.

National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program which provides for collection of user fee through FASTags based on RFID technology. In order to save fuel, time and pollution and to ensure seamless movement of traffic, it has been decided to enable all lanes in Fee Plazas for electronic toll collection program through FASTags. The Tolling systems 79 would be spruced up to create a digital experience of seamless tolling for all the Highway users.

The Ministry vide letter dated 29th November, 2019 initiated the process of declaring “FASTag lane of Fee Plaza” for all the lane to be complied w.e.f. 15th December, 2019. However, considering the request of NHAI and that the Citizens inconvenience this condition has been eased for the next 30 days. It has been accordingly decided that depending on the traffic pile up at high traffic volume fee plazas, not more than 25% “FASTag lane of Fee Plaza” may be converted temporarily to hybrid lane by the RO concerned. It should also be ensured that least possible number be converted into hybrid lane and that at least 75% lanes of every fee plaza remain declared and operational as “FASTag lane of Fee Plaza” in order to incentivize the vehicles carrying FASTag. A total of 1,11,70,811 FASTag have been issued till 26.12.2019.

Ministry is trying to bring inter-operability of the FASTags with the State Governments so that a single FASTag can be used both at State Highways Toll Plaza and National Highways Toll Plaza. An NHAI Prepaid Wallet was also launched giving customers the choice of not linking their FASTag to their bank accounts and includes the feature of UPI recharge.

Discouraging the use of ‘Single-Use Plastic’

This Ministry has directed all offices/officers/staff to stop use of ‘Single-Use Plastic’ in office premises, and also to use locally produced environment-friendly products such as Kulhads, clay glasses/plates etc. in place of harmful plastic products.

Swachhata hi Seva Campaign (SHS)

The Government decided that in 2019-20, the ‘Swachhata hi Seva Campaign (SHS)’ 2019 between 11th September, 2019 to 27th October, 2019 will focus on Plastic Waste Management as the main theme. For the campaign, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways prepared a detailed Action Plan and the personnel undertook Shramdaan and ensured the collection of all plastic waste on and around National Highways. Efforts for awareness generation were also successful; roughly 69,000 people were mobilized, and shramdaan of around 2,22,226 lac-man hours was done during the campaign. Waste plastic has been used in 56.96 km of road length by Nov, 2019. More roads are being constructed using plastic waste.

Road Safety

State Support Programme 80

A State Support Programme aimed at incentivising the States to improve their road safety performance is proposed to launched to reduce the overall fatalities by road accidents by 25% by 2024. With a view to accurately recording the accident details so that timely corrective action is undertaken a Geo-Tagged accident data collection programme would be launched under the project “Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD)”. IT based road safety infrastructure would be erected on all the four lane and above Highways. Incidence management systems shall also be provided on all such Highways.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 is the principal instrument through which road transport is regulated in the country. The same has been amended first time in a comprehensive way after thirty years by The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, passed by the Parliament and published in the Gazette of India on 9th August 2019.

The Act will bring reforms in the area of Road Safety, bring citizen facilitation, transparency, and reduce corruption with the help of information technology and removing intermediaries. The Act will strengthen public transport, safeguard and protect Good Samaritan and reform the insurance and compensation regime. It will allow innovation and new technologies such as driverless vehicles, to be tested in live environment and increase efficiency in research. The Act will facilitate Divyang by allowing motor vehicles to be converted to adapted vehicles with post-facto approval and facilitating licence to drive adapted vehicles. The provisions of compensation and post – accident treatment have been amended and measures will be taken provide cashless treatment for accident victims.

Road Safety Provisions and Penalties

 It facilitates electronic monitoring of vehicles for enforcing traffic rules.  Provision of a refresher training course to obtain the DL after its suspension or revocation for certain offences like over speeding, drunken driving etc.  Penalties have been introduced for new offences and enhanced for existing offences.  For offences committed by juveniles-  penalty of Rs. 25000 and imprisonment up to 3 years for the owner/guardian.  Digital intermediaries and aggregators (Ola and Uber) will follow guidelines prescribed by the Centre.  Constitution of National Road Safety Board to render advice on Road Safety and Traffic Management.

Citizen facilitation, Transparency and Reduction in Corruption 81

 All forms, fees and documents under the Act can be submitted online to avoid human intervention.  Dealer point registration - for registration of new motor vehicles, the onus to apply for registration has been shifted to dealers and the requirement to produce vehicles before authority has been removed.  Formulation of National Registers for DLs and registrations to bring transparency.  Automated testing.  The validity periods for DLs have been extended.  DLs can be renewed anytime between 1 year before its expiry till 1 year after its expiry to facilitate citizen away from home, visiting abroad, chronic patients etc.

Employment facilitation

 The requirement of minimum educational qualification for license to drive transport vehicles has been removed.  Scheme for setting up driving schools with the Central assistance.

Increased accountability of manufacturers of Motor Vehicles

 Centre can order recall of motor vehicles for any defect.

Insurance and Compensation

 Constitution of Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.  compensation for hit and run cases.  Cashless treatment of road accident victims during golden hour.  Drivers and Co-driver/helper have been included as third parties, for the purpose of insurance.

Implementation Status of MVA, 2019

The Central Government has made operational around 60 provisions of the new Motor Vehicles Amendment Act starting from 1st of September 2019 in whole of India.

 For operations of these provisions there is no requirement of amendment of the rules.  The provisions implemented from 1st of September include provisions relating to- o Enhanced penalties for the offences under the Motor Vehicles Act o Facilitation of the licencing process so that the citizen can apply anywhere in the State for obtaining the Learner Licence, Driving Licence or Renewal o Allowing driving licence holders to apply for renewal any time between one year between one year before its expiry upto one year after its expiry. This will greatly help our citizens working and staying abroad. 82

o Facilitation of the process of registration of vehicles process so that the citizen can apply anywhere in the State for registering the vehicles or recording any other changes o Provisions which provide for powers to the Central and the State Governments for formulation of rules  The States are in the process of issuing notifications in regard to the amount to be charged for the offences which are ‘compoundable’.

The rest of the provisions would be made operational as soon as the Rules for them have been drafted. The process of formulation of rules is underway and we expect that in the next 2 to 4 months the rules would be in place as it involves detailed consultation.

Transport Sector

The Ministry has notified GSR886 (E) dated 29th November, 2019 to bring amendment in the forms in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 in regard to capture of the Mobile Numbers of the owners when availing any service relating to the Registration of the Vehicles. While examining the subject “Management of worsening traffic in Delhi”, Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee MHA has also observed that a large number of vehicles of VAHAN data base do not have the mobile numbers. In view of the above, considering the urgency of the issue the relevant Forms in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 which pertains to the service relating to the Motor Vehicle i.e. the registration, transfer, Register of Motor Vehicle, Renewal, duplicate copy, grant of NOC, change of address, entry or termination entry for Hire/ Purchase/ Hypothecation are proposed to be amended to include for capturing the mobile number of the owner as and when they apply for availing services.

To ensure ease of doing business at RTOs, it is proposed that from 2020 learning licenses would be issued online, registration of vehicle would be done the same day and App based transfer of license and registration would be made possible.

The Ministry issued Notification bearing No. GSR 784 (E) dated 12th November, 2008, vide which it had been mandated that all commercial vehicles manufactured after April 2009 need to have retro-reflective tape applied. This is as per Rule 104 of CMVR. It has come to the notice of the Government that most of the older vehicles, taking advantage of this notification, are taking exemption during their annual fitment test. In this regard, this Ministry vide GSR 80 (E) dated 23rd October, 2019 has mandated fixation of retro-reflective tape on all the vehicles irrespective of date of manufacturing and also notified their specifications. This is expected to enhance road safety. 83

Keeping with the demand of economically backward and unemployed persons, this Ministry issued a notification GSR 681 (E) dated 23rd September, 2019 for omission of Rule 8 of the CMVR 1989, wherein educational qualifications have been prescribed for obtaining driving licenses.

In order to ensure compliance of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, an advisory to all States/ UTs has been issued on 23rd September, 2019 to facilitate citizens so that they can use Digilocker or mParivahan app to show Driving Licence, Registration Certificate, etc., in electronic format. The States were also requested that provision for handheld devices for mParivahan or e-challan with requisite ‘PoS’ machine may be made available to the Enforcement officers.

This Ministry made an amendment in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 vide GSR 527 (E) dated 6.6.2018, which provides for online IT based linkage of PUC certificate with VAHAN database. The States through an advisory dated 23rd September, 2019 have been requested that the information relating to the PUC check should be made using the online system being provided by the Ministry and the data should be made available to citizens in ‘electronic form’ also on the m-Parivahan platform.

With a view to enhancing the security features in a vehicle, the Ministry has issued a draft notification GSR 521 (E) on 24th July, 2019, allowing the motor vehicles and their parts, components, assemblies, sub-assemblies to be affixed with permanent and nearly invisible microdots that can be read physically with a microscope and identified with ultra violet light sources.

In order to combat the issue of pollution by encouraging usage of less polluting fuel, the Ministry issued a draft notification GSR 522 (E) dated 24th July, 2019 regarding emission standards for additional alternate fuels.

The Ministry, in keeping with the demand of economically backward and unemployed persons, has issued a notification GSR 681 (E) dated 23rd September, 2019 for omission of Rule 8 of the CMVR, 1989, i.e., the minimum educational qualification for driving transport vehicles.

Draft notification has been issued on 19.06.2019 to exempt Battery-Operated Vehicles/electric vehicles from paying registration fees.

This Ministry has authorized and provided for one more Vehicle Testing Agency for Testing of Vehicles. As per the notification dated 18th July, 2019, GSR 511 (E) the Ministry through amendment in Rule 126 of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Rules, 1989 has added ‘National automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) Indore’. This will ease 84

the workload and pressure on the existing vehicle testing agencies such as ARAI, ICAT, ARAI, GARC, etc.

Data on “Road Accidents in India 2018”

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released its annual publication on ‘Road Accidents in India, 2018’. It provides data on accident related deaths and injuries, calendar yea- wise, based on information supplied by the Police Department of States and UTs. As per the Report, Road accidents in the country have increased marginally by 0.46 % during 2018 with the year seeing 4,67,044 road accidents as against 4,64,910 in 2017. The fatalities during the same period have also risen by about 2.37% and 1,51,471 persons were killed in 2018 as against 1,47,913 in 2017. Road accident injuries have however showed a decrease of 0.33% in 2018 as compared to 2017.

Registration Mark for newly formed UT, Ladakh

Ministry vide SO 4262(E) dated 25th November, 2019 has assigned a new Registration Mark for newly formed UT, Ladakh as “LA” for registration of vehicles u/s 41(6) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This is applicable from the date of publication of Notification.

Source: PIB 10. Year End Review 2019 : Ministry of

Railways

Higher Investment in Railways

 Highest ever CAPEX: Rs. 1,60,176 crore in 2019-20 Budget Estimates. o 20.1% higher over 2018-19 o Utilization upto end of November 2019 (April-November 2019) is Rs.1,02,008.61 crore, which is 63.7%. The utilization of funds during the corresponding period in 2018-19 was 61.3%.  With a proposed investment of Rs 50 lakh crore until 2030, Budget 2019 laid the roadmap for Railways to become the growth engine of the country.

Infrastructure Thrust

Faster construction o Construction of Total New Line, Doubling & Gauge increased from 1014 Track KM last year to 1165 Tkm this year (+15%) (period: April-Nov) 85

o Elimination of manned level crossings increased by 199%  904 MLCs have been eliminated up to November 2019 compared to 296 during the same period last year; increased mechanization leading to 27% higher deep screening of track & turnouts (9,059 km this year vis a vis 7,159 km last year); production and use of longer rails (260 meter) (~ 75% of total) reducing weld joints; drastic reduction in rail/weld failures by 23%.

 Higher Bridge rehabilitation (+82%): 861 bridges rehabilitated in Apr-Nov 2019 compared to 472 last year same period o Construction of Foot Over Bridges (FOB) increased by 44%

 170 FOBs constructed between Apr-Nov 2019 as compared to 118 during Apr-Nov 2018. o Higher Rail Renewal (+27%) - 3,560 Track km (Tkm) between Apr-Nov 2019 against 2,812 Tkm during Apr-Nov 2018

Commissioning of Complete Projects o 320 km long Gauge Conversion Project from Jaipur-Ringas-Sikar-Churu in Sept 2019 o Doubling project (7 Km length but very important to decongest New Delhi Station) between New Delhi to Tilak Bridge (5th & 6th line) o 113 Km long New Line Port connectivity project in Andhra Pradesh connecting main land with Krishnapatnam port o 55.47 Km long Doubling work in UP from Meerut-Muzaffarnagar o 42.5 Km long New Line Coal Project from Kharsia-Korichhapar o New Line stretching to 67 km from Rajgir-Hisua-Tilaiya including Islampur-Natesar in Oct 2019 o Doubling of Line stretching to 42 km from Hajipur-Ramdayalu Nagar in Oct 2019 o 19 Km long coal project named Bakhtiarpur-Barh completed and commissioned for coal movement to Barh NTPC Thermal Power Plant. o 45 Km long length doubling project from Lumding to Hojai o 112 Km long New line National Project construction in Tripura named Agartala–Sabroom

Connecting India - Lines approved o 3rd line between Allahabad- Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction (UP) o New Line between Sahjanwa-Dohrighat (UP) o Doubling of Line from New Bongaigaon-Agthori (Assam) o New Line between Vaibhavwadi-Kolhapur (Maharashtra)

Approval for raising of speed to 160 kmph by 2022-23 on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi Howrah routes : Benefits :- o 60% increase in average speed of passenger trains o Journeys by Rajdhani train to become fully overnight

Modern Train Control System 86

Indian Railways to modernize its Signaling system by implementing Modern Train Control system with Long Term Evolution (LTE) based Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) System.

 This is one of the most ambitious modernization projects of Indian Railways, which envisages upgradation of signaling system for improving safety, Line Capacity and to run trains at higher speed. It is to be implemented after approval of NITI Aayog, Extended Board for Railways (EBR) and sanction of CCEA.  As a prelude to taking up the above modernization work of signaling system on pan-India basis, 4 works of total 640 Route KM at a total cost of Rs. 1810 Crores have been sanctioned as pilot projects for extensive trials. The four sections are Renigunta (RU) – Yerraguntla (YA) section on South Central Railway, Vizianagaram (VZM) –Palasa (PSA) section on East Coast Railway, Jhansi (JHS) – Bina (BINA) Section on North Central Railway and Nagpur (NGP) – Badnera (BD) Section on Central Railway. These are some of the busiest routes on Indian Railway network with heavy traffic.

Towards a Green Electrified Railways

o Railway Electrification increased from 1440 Route KM to 2041 RKM this year (+42%) (period: April-Nov) o From April 2018 to 5th November 2019, 436 trains converted from End of Generation (EoG) to Head on Generation (HoG) to reduce diesel consumption; taking cumulative number to over 500 trains.  Total 39 Workshops, 7 Production Units, 5 Diesel Sheds and one Stores Depot are now ‘GreenCo’ certified. Of these, 7 received the certification in 2019-20.  With 4 more Railway Stations getting Green Certification in 2019-20, 13 Railway Stations have achieved Green Certification till now. 18 more Railway Buildings, Offices, Campuses and other establishments are also Green certified, including 2 Supervisor Training Centres (STCs) and 3 Railway Schools. Railway Hospital Ajmer is the first railway hospital to achieve Green rating.  85 Railway Stations have been given ISO:14001 certification in current year for implementation of Environment Management System.  Renewable Energy:

Indian Railways has planned to source about 1000 Mega Watt (MW) Solar Power and about 200 MW of wind power progressively by 2021-22 across Zonal Railways & Production Units. Details are as follows:-

i. Solar Energy: v. Roof Top Power Plants:

 500 Mega Watt (MW) solar plants on the roof top of Railway buildings through developers’ PPA mode with 25 years agreements, which will be used to meet non-traction loads at Railway Stations, etc.  Out of this, 96.84 MW of solar plants have already been installed. These plants will reduce

CO2 emission & reduce carbon footprints. 87

 16 stations have been declared Green Railway stations across IR, which are meeting energy needs completely either through solar or wind power. These stations are Roha, Pen, Apta in CR, Niamatpur halt, Kanhaipur halt, Teka Bigha halt, Mai halt, Garsanda halt, Niyazipur halt, Dhamaraghat in ECR, Shri Mata Vaisno Devi, Shimla in NR, Unhel, Khanderi, Bajud, Ambli Road, Sadanapura & Sachin in WR – are 100% Green Powered stations.  Work in progress for about 111 MW Solar plants.  Tenders for 93 MW Solar plants have recently been awarded by Railway Energy Management Company Limited (REMCL), a company under the Ministry of Railways.  Tenders for 45 MW rooftop solar capacity floated by REMCL.  Balance 154 MW is under different stages of planning. v. Land based Power Plants:

 About 500 MW Land based solar plants to meet Traction & Non-Traction requirements.  Out of this about 3 MW has already been installed at MCF, Raebareili.  Bhilai (50 MW) on 300 acre vacant Railway land – Work awarded by REMCL & is under progress. Targeted for commissioning by March 2021.  In addition to the above land based solar projects, IR has also taken up two pilot projects for feeding solar power directly to 25 kV AC traction system.

 Diwana Solar Plant Project (2 MWp) through REMCL: PPA signed on 14.06.19.

Work started & targeted for completion by March 2020.

 Bina Solar Project (1.7 MWp) through BHEL: Work started & under execution & targeted for completion by February 2020.

 Tenders for Two Hybrid plants (solar + wind) of 140 MW (35 MW solar + 105 MW wind) and 109 MW (27 MW solar + 82 MW wind) capacity has also been floated by REMCL.

ii. Wind Energy:

Out of 200 MW target of IR, 103.4 MW wind plant has already been installed.

 Wind Mill Plant of 21 MW (for non-Traction) capacity in Tamil Nadu, 26 MW (for traction) capacity in Rajasthan, 6 MW (for non-traction) & 50.4 MW (for traction) capacity in Maharashtra has been installed.  Further, tenders for 187 MW capacity floated by REMCL as part of Hybrid renewable energy plants.

Initiatives for Station Redevelopment

 For three (03) stations (Anand Vihar, Bijwasan, and Chandigarh), contracts have been awarded by Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC) on 30.10.2019.

 For Five (05) stations, MoU signed with 88

 RLDA & NHAI in April, 2019 for Redevelopment of Ajni (Nagpur) as Multi-Modal Transport Hub. Broad scheme has been finalized and Bids are under invitation.  RLDA & Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) in Oct, 2018 for Redevelopment of Dehradun station. MDDA has engaged architectural consultant for preparation of plan.  ECoR & State Govt. of Odisha on 19.09.2019 for redevelopment of Bhubaneswar station.  RLDA & DDA on 19.12.2019, for redevelopment of Anand Vihar and Bijwasan station.

 IRSDC has taken up integrated facility management for five stations, viz, Pune, Secunderabad, Chandigarh, Anand Vihar and city since March/April 2019.  For redevelopment of Gwalior, Nagpur, Sabarmati and Amritsar Railway Stations through Public-Private Partnership, in-principle approval was granted by PPPAC- Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee on 20.12.2019. The tender process for this has set in motion. The objective of the project is to give world class facilities at these railway stations to passengers just like at airports. Important features for all the stations are - segregated arrival/departure routes of passenger movement, 100% Divyang friendly, obstruction free entry and exit to the station, ample sitting spaces, provision of lifts and escalators to assist passenger movements. The development shall be on Transit Oriented Development (TOD) principles, aiming to decongest the cities.

Make in India

 Indian Railways to manufacture 44 rakes of Vande Bharat Trains. Its Production Unit Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai set the process in motion by publishing tender on 22nd December 2019 for supply of electrical equipment and other items for 44 train sets of 16 coaches each. The procurement shall be done in accordance with extant "Make in India" policy of DPIIT, Government of India.  Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi has exported 07 diesel locomotives to Srilankan Railways  Indian Railways to provide Broad Gauge and Meter Gauge Diesel Locomotives to Bangladesh Railways for a period of 2 years to help them in improving train operations  Taking ahead Make-in-India initiative, some of the track maintenance machines such as Utility Vehicles (UTVs), Rail Bound Maintenance Vehicles (RBHVs), Track Laying Equipment (TLE), Rail Threader (RT) and Rail-cum-Road Vehicle (RCRVs) have been fully indigenized.  Most of the track maintenance machines supplied during the last five years were manufactured in India by world’s leading manufacturers under Make-in-India.  One more manufacturing plant by a world’s leading manufacturer of track machines has been commissioned at Karjan in Gujarat in the month of Nov.2019. First machine manufactured in this plant is likely to be rolled out by Feb.2020.

Focus on Passenger Services

Punctuality

 The punctuality performance of Indian Railways for Mail/Express trains has increased to 75.67% (April-Nov) as compared to 68.19% in the same period of last year reflecting an improvement of 7.5%. 89

New coaches and trains

 First Tejas Train between Delhi-Lucknow started operating - first ever train with operations managed by IRCTC and not Indian Railways  Booking for 2nd Tejas Train operated by IRCTC between Mumbai and Ahmedabad started.  2nd Vande Bharat Express inducted in regular service from New Delhi to Katra  194 trains have been upgraded to Utkrisht standard in 2019-20  78 New Train services overall introduced between Apr-Nov 2019.  120 pairs of ICF trains converted to faster and safer LHB utilizing 156 LHB rakes.  104 passenger trains have been converted into faster and safer MEMU utilizing 60 MEMU rakes of 8-Car each.  Augmentation of on-board carrying capacity in train: 656 additional coaches have been augmented in the period from April to November 2019.  Sleeper coaches attached in Humsafar trains for ensuring convenience and affordability of Humsafar trains.  Running of special trains: 28,500 trips of special trains run during festivals and holidays in the period from April to November 2019.

Increased Rolling Stock Production

 495 Electric Locomotives produced in April-Nov 2019 compared to 309 in Apr - Nov 2018 (+60%)  3,837 LHB coaches produced in April-Nov 2019 compared to 2,739 in Apr-Nov 2018 (+40%)  Integral Coach Factory (ICF) of Indian Railways produced its 3000th coach of the year 2019-20 in less than 9 months. Number of working days to achieve this reduced from 289 days in 2018- 19 to 215 days in the current year, a reduction of 25.6%.  Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) turned out 300th locomotive of the FY 2019-20 on 21st December 2019, in less than 9 months (in 216 working days). The working days for production of 300th loco has reduced from 292 days in the year 2017-18 to 249 days in 2018-19 and further to 216 days in the current FY 2019-20. Therefore, a reduction of 28% since 2017-18 in number of working days to achieve the figure.  CLW created a world record by producing record total 446 locomotives in the calendar year 2019.

Passenger Charges

 The Terminal Tax on Railways Passenger Act, 1956 repealed. Terminal tax used to be levied on passengers carried by Railways from or to certain places of pilgrims or where fairs, melas or exhibitions were held.  Passenger Earnings: The total originating passenger earnings on Indian Railways for the period April 2019 to November 2019 is 35249.13 crore which is 4.20% higher than the 33829.58 crore earned during the corresponding period of last year.

Measures to make Ticket Reservation Easier

 Proliferation of Ticket selling Facility to common Passengers: 90

i. With a view to encourage passengers to purchase unreserved tickets through Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), the policy of facilitator liberalized. o The spouse/adult children of retired railway employees have also been allowed to become facilitator. These facilitators issue unreserved tickets through ATVMs to the intending passengers through smart card issued to them. o Zonal Railways have been empowered to increase the facilitator based ATVMs as per field requirement.

 Easy and economical access of information to Passengers: Charges for verification of journey details rationalized for easy accessibility of information regarding self travel to rail passengers.  SMS Alerts to passengers: In order to enhance passenger convenience, SMS alerts are being sent to those passengers who furnish their mobile number at the time of booking of tickets in case of following scenarios:-

 At the time of booking and cancellation of reserved tickets through counters  SMS alerts as and when the status of waitlisted ticket changes to RAC/Confirmed or from RAC to Confirmed  At the time of charting conveying the final status of ticket to Confirmed, RAC and Waitlisted ticket holders  SMS alerts in case of upgradation of ticket  SMS in case of short termination & diversion of trains.

 HHT on trains: i. Hand Held Terminals (HHT) have been provided to ticket checking staff of Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains. Instructions issued to provide HHTs to TTEs manning all premier category of trains viz. Tejas, Gatiman, Duronto, Mahamana, Humsafar and Vande Bharat Express trains. ii. HHT enables downloading of the reservation chart on the device and mark turned up/non-turned up status of passengers. Vacant accommodation, if any, after preparation of second reservation chart gets transferred to the next remote location for booking.

 Rationalisation of Flexi Fare: Flexi Fare earlier introduced in premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto has been further rationalized and made people-friendly based on the feedback viz., reduction of maximum cap in all flexi fare applicable classes, offering graded discounts in all flexi-fare trains and discontinuation of flexi fare in certain trains with low occupancy. The Flexi Fare scheme has given an additional earning of Rs 532.53 crore in the current year. Flexi fare has been removed from Humsafar train fare.  Artificial Intelligence based PNR confirmation predictor has been integrated with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website which predicts the probability of waitlisted ticket getting confirmed at the time of booking and eliminates last minute uncertainties faced by the rail passengers,.  Refund of fare due to misconnection of Train: - If a Passenger misses connecting train owing to late running of the train by which he had been travelling, the fare for travelled portion shall be retained and the balance amount of ticket shall be refunded as the fare for untraveled portion. 91

 Scope of booking online reserved ticket by foreign tourists enhanced: Earlier foreign tourists could book reserved accommodation upto 365 days in advance in1AC, 2AC, 3AC & EC class only, now this advanced booking facility has been extended for booking tickets in AC Chair Car, Sleeper and 2S class also.

Hygienic & Quality Food

 Web-based live streaming facility through CCTV of Kitchen units of IRCTC extended to 40 kitchens units from 18 kitchen units (May, 2019).  Introduced Food packets with QR Codes linked to live kitchen feed from previous 2 to 28 in present.  The number of POS machines installed on trains for billing and digital payments has increased from 2,742 (May, 2019) to 5122 on 417 trains and 703 rakes  In addition, 6002 other digital modes of payment including POS machines made operational in 2018 Static Units (Food Plaza, Fast Food Units, Refreshment Rooms, Catering Stalls etc.)  E-catering has increased from an average meal of 11,858 for FY 2018-19 to 21,026 meals for FY 2019-20 (upto 30 Nov 2019)  8223 Metallic Boards containing message for availability of menu and ‘Right to Bill’ for the passengers, have been fixed in 185 pairs of trains.  Number of Rail Neer plants have been enhanced from 9 to 12 (May, 2019) with an increase in the average production from 6.62 Lakh litres to 9 Lakh litres of Rail Neer per day.  Taking note of the need to further improve variety, hygiene and quality of food for its passengers, Indian Railways rationalized the menus and revised the tariff for catering services on trains and railway stations.

 The tariff on Rajdhani/ Shatabdi/ Duronto trains has been revised after 6 years while the tariff of standard meals for Mail/ Express trains after 7 years since the last revision in 2012. The rate of Janta Meal has been kept unchanged at Rs.20.  There shall be three categories of standard meals viz., Standard Vegetarian Meal, Standard Non-Vegetarian Meal (with 2 Eggs curry) and Standard Non-Vegetarian Meal (with Chicken Curry) against the previous two. Now more regional food variety including three types of Biryani will also be available for the passengers.

 As part of the ‘Eat Right India’ movement launched in 2018 by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Mumbai Central Railway Station became the country’s first “Eat Right Station” as certified by FSSAI. The Railway station was conferred with “Eat Right Station” certification with 04 Stars rating by FSSAI on 29th November 2019. CSMT Mumbai was conferred with “Eat Right Station” certification with 5-star rating in December 2019.

Enhancing Vendor Base

 49,466 new vendors/contractors and 535 bidders (for e-Auction) registered on IR E-Procurement website since 01.01.2019. Total numbers of registered vendors and bidders on IREPS as on date are 1,57,109 and 4077 respectively.  Vendor meets organised on a pan-India basis at 24 prominent locations across the country during May 2019. During these meets, a total of 4008 vendors participated, out of which 1845 vendors 92

were new to Railways. High value items required by Railways were displayed along with important information such as detailed specification, annual requirements, vendor approving agency etc. Also, Technical sessions as well as interactive Q&A sessions were held to disseminate important information to vendors and address their queries.  Vendors were also made aware of the crucial policy initiatives taken by the government in the field of ‘Ease of Doing Business’.

Swachh Bharat, Swachh Railways

 38,331 Bio-toilets installed in 11,703 coaches from Apr-Nov 2019. This takes the cumulative numbers of bio-toilets to 2,34,248 fitted in 65,627 coaches. Now, the percentage coverage of coaches with bio-toilet has reached at 98%.  No single use plastic material in railway system from 150th Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd Oct 2019  Ministry of Railways has been adjudged as the best Central Ministry for implementation of ‘Swachhta Action Plan’ (for 2018-19), and was awarded by Hon’ble President of India on 06th Sept 2019.  Integrated mechanised cleaning is now provided at 950 stations.  Independent third party Survey of passenger perception on the cleanliness standards was carried out at 720 major Stations.  The number of trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto and other important long distance Mail/Express trains with facility of On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) for cleaning of coach toilets, doorways, aisles and passenger compartments during the run of the trains has increased to 1090 pair of trains.  OBHS service is supported by SMS based on demand “Coach-Mitra” service to cover over 1050 pairs of trains.  Railways continued setting up of more mechanized laundries for improving quality of washing of linen provided to AC coach passengers. 61 mechanised laundries were set up till 2018-19 and 5 more added in 2019-20. Orders for 14 more mechanized laundries with total capacity 109 tonnes per day (TPD) have been placed. It is planned to cover 100% linen washing requirement by mechanised laundries by next financial year.  As an initiative to reduce, recycle and dispose plastic waste generated in stations in an eco friendly manner, comprehensive policy guidelines have been brought out for installation of Plastic Bottle Crushing Machines (PBCMs) by Zonal Railways. At present, around 315 PBCMs have been installed at 229 stations including several district headquarter railway stations over Indian Railways.

Safety First

Best ever safety record

 Zero passenger fatalities during April-December 2019

New Measures to Enhance Security

 Number of stations with the installation of CCTV based Surveillance System increased to more than 500. 93

 One seat/ berth earmarked for Railway Protection Force staff to travel in the trains for attending to any safety related requirements on board.  Indian Railway Institute of Disaster Management at Bangalore has been opened for training of officers and staff.

 Commandos for Railway Security - Launch of the first Railway Commando Battalion ‘CORAS’ on 14.08.2019 to tackle the menace of terrorism and naxalism in Railways.  The recruitment in Railway Protection Force (RPF) against vacancy of 1121 Sub-Inspectors & 8619 Constable notified in 2018 has been finalized and training has been started.  The recruitment of 798 Constable (Ancillary) and 246 Constable (Band) in RPF is in final stage.

Empowerment of RPF to make seizure under Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act

 Government of India through its notification dated 11.04.2019 empowered RPF to make seizure and arrest under NDPS Act.  Subsequently RPF has made a large number of such recoveries amounting to the total amount of Rs. 6,74,56,340/- with the arrest of 211 persons up to Oct. 2019.

Commitment to Humanity

 Lives of 151 passengers were saved during the current year 2019 upto Nov. (106 male & 45 female.) in an emergency situations such as from railway tracks during train movement and during natural disasters such as floods.  9150 cases of left behind luggage valued at Rs.1,59,93,186/- (approximately) were retrieved and handed over to their owners during the year 2019 (up to Nov.).  During the year 2019 (up to Nov.) RPF rescued 255 children (Boys 214 + Girls 41) from human traffickers with arrest of 64 persons.  Besides this a total of 10681 children (Run away, Drug addict, Destitute, Kidnapped, Left behind, Missing etc.) were rescued during the year 2019.  RPF Security Helpline no. 182 (Toll free) is operational 24 X 7 for security related grievances of passengers in distress and in need of help. 32222 calls received on it have been redressed up to Nov. 2019.  To facilitate safe and comfortable journey of women passengers, besides regular drives, special drive was also launched to restrict entrance of male passengers in coaches reserved for ladies. The detailed figure of offenders prosecuted is as under –

Drive No. of cases No. of persons arrested Amount of fine realized registered in Rs.

04.12.19 5938 7151 685890

(Special drive)

2019 (up to 97737 92131 18152974 Nov.) 94

 Drives to deter unauthorized entry into compartments reserved for persons with disabilities were conducted regularly. On the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” a special drive was conducted and offenders were prosecuted. The details are as under -

Drive No. of cases No. of persons arrested Amount of fine realized registered in Rs.

03.12.19 4788 5674 533195

(Special drive)

2019 (up to 65482 74471 15342435 Nov.)

 A drive named “Operation Thirst” was conducted in which 1430 persons were apprehended for sale of sub-standard packaged drinking water over the railways with recovery of 69041 unauthorized water bottles.  Sustained drive against touts involved in procuring & selling of e-tickets using fake IRCTC IDs

Year No. of cases registered No. of persons arrested

2017 1859 2060

2018 2843 3192

2019 (up to Nov.) 3861 4377 was conducted. Annual comparative figure:-

Putting Freight in Fast Lane

 The Dedicated Freight Corridor is targeted to be fully commissioned in phases by the year 2021. o Bhadan – Khurja section (194 km) of Eastern DFC completed in all respect and trial commercial runs have started from 2.10.2019. o Rewari- Madar section (305 Km) of Western DFC has also been completed in all respect and trial commercial runs have started from 27.12.2019.  Induction of new Wagons: Total induction of new wagons during April-Oct., 2019 is 9153 wagons v/s 6114 wagons inducted during April-Oct., 2018  In 2019-20, freight charges rationalized with (i) removal of 15% Busy Season Surcharge on all commodities (except POL and Iron Ore), (ii) removing 5% supplementary charge on two point rake combinations and Mini rake, (iii) mini rakes are allowed upto 1000 km intra-zonal traffic.  Round trip charging for container traffic has been introduced for a distance of less than 50 Km on each way. Under this scheme, Haulage Charge for 0-100 Km slab will be charged for total to and from movement, instead of charging for 0-50 Km slab each way. This is around 35% cheaper per TEU/round trip. 95

 90 commodities de-notified from the list of notified and brought under Freight All Kind (FAK) rates i.e., lower rates are now applicable when transported in container.  Electronic Transmission of Railway Receipts (eT-RR) facility has been implemented pan-India in 2019. Under this, customer has the option to receive, transfer and surrender the Railway Receipt (RR) electronically. It enhances the ease of doing business multifold for Railway freight customers. As a precursor to enable this, Indian Railway has implemented electronic registration of demand for wagons (e-RD).  In place of entering into a tripartite agreement with each zonal railways, single agreement e- payment facility with base terminal Railway has been allowed to Automobile Freight Train Operators (AFTOs) from 20th May 2019.  Exemption from mandatory weighment was allowed in case of import containerized traffic to three operators (CONCOR, GRFL, DLI) on the basis of transmission of SMTP details from Custom server to Freight Operations Information System (FOIS) of IR via Electronic Data Interchange. In May 2019, five more operators namely Adani, ICT&IPL, HTPL, IILPL and PMLPPL have been permitted exemption from weighment in case of import containerized traffic.  Further, Nepal bound containerized import traffic has also been exempted from mandatory weighment from September 2019 on the basis of Custom document submitted by CONCOR. This step is expected to further lower operational time and improve fluidity.  Integration of Electronic In-motion Weighbridge Locations: In pursuance to Railway Board’s instructions dated 14.01.2019 to all Zonal Railways regarding proliferation of In-motion Weighbridge with FOIS, till November 2019, a total of 218 locations have been configured for integration with FOIS and data have been captured of weighment and total 43 locations are online.  Methodology for levying of Terminal Access Charge @one time for double operation of container handling at railway terminals has been extended till further advice.  IR has changed its business processes and procedures which earlier maintained container itself as the commodity. Now, the commodities being carried in it are recognized and due GST exemption on service of transport of goods by rail in containers by IR is being given.  For freight stability to customers, long term tariff contracts entered with 31 key customers till 15.12.2019. It is customer friendly as inbuilt in the system as per the agreement with the customer.  5 new routes upgraded and notified with enhanced loadability of CC+8 in 2017-18. 13 routes in 2018-19 and 21 routes in 2019-20 till 15.12.2019.  Charging of traffic through Bogibeel, Digha and Monghyr Rail-cum-Road Bridges were notified.  Permissible Carrying Capacity of various newly inducted wagons was notified like BOBRNHSM1, BAFRDR, BFNS, BFNSM, BFNS 22.9. Permissible Carrying Capacity of BCNHL and BRN wagons was modified.  Notifications were issued for extending help of transportation of water, relief material etc. to areas affected by drought in Rajasthan/ Maharashtra, flood in Kerala/ Assam/ Karnataka/ Maharashtra, cyclone in Odisha/ Tamil Nadu/ West Bengal/ Andhra Pradesh etc.  E-Payment Facility: A total of 1231 Freight Customers are now availing e-payment facility since November 2019.

Digital India 96

 Number of Stations with the High Speed free Wi-Fi increased to more than 5,500.  Real Time Train Information System (RTIS) in collaboration with ISRO for automatic chart preparation and passenger train information, fast tracked: 2700 electric locomotives have been provided with RTIS and 3800 diesel locomotives provided with RAMLOT; Automatic control charting being done for 6500 locomotives; balance 6000 electric locomotives to be provided with RTIS equipment in a year’s time. Tender for balance in process.  Industry 4.0 in Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli for higher productivity.  Two modern techniques (i.e. Use of Drone mounted camera and 3D scanning of riverbed) introduced in Railways during the year for inspection of bridges.  For predictive maintenance, an automated system for detecting defective wheel, bearing and catching the same before it fails, IR is in the process of installation of 25 OMRS way-side inspection systems at 20 locations spread over entire network. Defect report generation and alert communications takes place in real time for taking corrective action, accordingly. As on date, 6 OMRS systems have been installed and total installations will be completed in the year 2020 itself.  Computerization of Train Signal Register (TSR): TSR equipment have been supplied on 650 stations. All stations have been commissioned and made live at 508 stations by November 2019. All locations are expected to be made live by March 2020.  A separate land management system viz. Indian Railways Land Management System (IRLAMS) being developed for the management of land related data such as land records, lease license records documented at one place.  End-to-end digitalization of procurement process of Indian Railways has been accomplished. All the processes from generation of demand, processing of demands, publication of tenders, technical evaluation of bids, tender finalization, preparation and issue of letter of acceptance / contracts / modifications, inspection of material by RITES/ Consignee, acceptance and accountal of supplies, online receipt and processing of vendors' bills, issue of material to consignees etc. are digital.  e-Reverse auction made as the default mode of tendering for tenders for procurement of goods valuing more than Rs. 5 cr. The process of e-RA has now been further improved to have better competition.  An e-application IR-WCMS launched as a pilot project in 17 divisions of IR to handle works contracts on e-platform. This e-application shall be extended soon to all divisions of IR.  All activities/stages of sale of scrap from Lot formation, Catalogue publication, e-auction, collection of Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) and Balance Sale Value (BSV) to issue of Sale Release Order (SRO) etc. digitized.  72000+ Digital Files created in mere 6 months’ time over 58 establishments of Indian Railways replacing manual file. The NIC e-office implemented by RailTel is helping Indian Railways to save tons of paper every day. In the phase I of the project 50000+ users have been created.  Other digital initiatives: Electronic Drawing Approval System (E-DAS); Unique Medical Identity Card (UMID) for health care; Human Resource Management System (HRMS).  In order to cater to ticketing needs of passengers at Halt stations, a scheme launched where computerized unreserved tickets are being made available at Halt stations through Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) terminals replacing earlier manual printed card tickets system. This is being done through the nearest nodal station. In addition, trials of Portable-UTS have been approved over Southern Railway for issue of tickets at halt stations. Trials of enhanced ETM 97

using android mobile phone and Bluetooth printer in connected mode have been approved over Northern Railway.  RailMadad: The Complaint Management system was rechristened as ‘RailMadad’ and was decided to remain as a Railways-only Portal for redressal of customers’ grievances. It was conceptualised in April 2019 as an integrated complaints platform (Web, SMS, App, Manual Dak, Social Media & IVRS Helpline 139). The RailMadad application was rolled out on 15.07.2019 (Beta application) and on 21.10.2019 (Final Version). RailMadad application was designed and developed as per industry standards to make it more user friendly.  To increase non-fare revenue, it has been decided to allow advertisements on IR website indianrail.gov.in for a period of one year on a trial basis, as a pilot project.

 IRCTC will do the marketing and all the liaisoning with advertisers.  The net revenue sharing between IRCTC and MOR shall be 50:50.  Instructions have been issued on 03.09.2019 and advertisements have started w.e.f. 19.09.2019.

 It has also been decided to allow advertisements on NTES website, IREPS website and UTS-on- mobile App on similar terms and conditions.

 Instructions have been issued on 17.10.2019.

 Instructions have been issued to IRCTC on 24.10.2019 to integrate Chatbot solution on IR website indianrail.gov.in on a trial basis for 6 months. Net revenue accrued from this initiative shall also be shared between IRCTC and MoR in 50:50 ratio.  To make public aware of the on-going activities of Railways, upgraded Rail Drishti Dashboard (www.raildrishti.in) has been launched encompassing all the digitisation efforts in Indian Railways and promoting transparency and accountability. It brings information from various sources on a single platform and gives access to key statistics and parameters to every citizen of the country.

Financial Initiatives

Payment through Letter of Credit in Domestic Supply/Works contracts:

The scheme of payment through Letter of Credit in Domestic Supplies/Works contracts has been implemented on all Indian Railways in coordination with CRIS and SBI. All tenders invited by Zonal Railways and Production Units both for supplies/works having an estimated value of Rs 10 lakhs and above, have an option for payment from Railways through a Letter of Credit arrangement.

Centralised Integrated Payment System (CIPS):

Implementation of SBI’s CIPS is a system improvement to ensure online payments without manual intervention. This initiative was one of the action points of 100 Days Action Plan of Finance Department. Indian Railways has implemented Centralized Integrated Payment System (CIPS) with effect from 12.09.2019 after entering into MOU with SBI. CIPS facilitates digital 98

signing of payment files and it is automatic & secure server to server transfer from Integrated Payroll & Accounting System (IPAS) server to SBI server.

Implementation of GST:

CGST Act, 2017 and IGST Act, 2017 was passed by the Parliament and assented by the President of India on 12th April, 2017. Given the strict guidelines, following milestones have been completed in a time-bound manner:-

a. Income Tax PAN for Ministry of Railways has been obtained across the Railways; b. Modification made in the software for PRS, UTS, FOIS, to levy GST; c. Timely instructions are issued to all the GMs levy of GSTs on Parcel, Sundry Commercial Receipts, Engineering Receipts; d. CRIS developed GST Manual Utility for capturing Offline transactions; e. Modification effected in Accounting Software to account for Input Tax Credit; f. To ensure that all pre-GST Contracts are aligned with the transitional guidelines into the GST Regime; g. To ensure that the new Contracts entered into post 1.7.2017 is aligned with the GST Rules; h. To study the impact of the GST Rules in respect of transactions with SPVs;

a. In all around 140 policy circulars were issued to all the Units;

j. Re-engineering of processes are done from time to time. For example, remodelling of IRFC funded contract has been done recently that will result in reduction of leasing cost to Indian Railways;

Organisational Restructuring of Indian Railways

The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 24.12.2019 approved a transformational organisational restructuring of the Indian Railways. This historic reform will go a long way in achieving Government’s vision of making Indian Railways the growth engine of India's vikas yatra.

The reforms include:

i. Unification of the existing eight Group A services of the Railways into a Central Service called Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) ii. Re-organisation of Railway Board on functional lines headed by Chairman Railway Board (CRB) who will be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with 4 Members and some Independent Members iii. The existing service of Indian Railway Medical Service (IRMS) to be consequently renamed as Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS).

Unification of services had been recommended by various committees for reforming Railways. Unification of services will promote smooth working of Railways, expedite decision making, create a coherent vision for the organisation and promote rational decision making. The 99

modalities and unification of the services will be worked out in consultation with DoPT and the approval of Alternate Mechanism appointed by Cabinet in order to ensure fairness and transparency.

Employment

Indian Railways successfully completed one of the world’s largest recruitment exercises

 o An unprecedented 47.45 Lakhs candidates applied for over 64,000 posts of Assistant Loco Pilots & Technicians o About 1.17 Crores candidates appeared for over 63,000 posts in Level I (erstwhile Group D) posts including over 2400 vacancies reserved for Disabled candidates (Divyangjan) with around 600 for each of the 4 Disability categories of LD, VI, HI and MD, and o About 24.75 lakhs candidates appeared for over 13,500 posts for Junior Engineer (JE).

Indian Railways provided another chance to eligible Multiple Disability (MD) ‘Divyangjan’ Level-1 candidates to rectify disability option for Railway jobs.

Ayushman Bharat in Railway Hospitals

Introduction of Pradhan Mantri- Jan Arogya Yojna (PM-JAY) in Railways o Ayushman Bharat has been introduced in 91 hospitals of Indian Railways. o Treatment of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries has already started at empanelled Railway hospitals.

Source: PIB 11. YEAR END REVIEW: MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

PM dedicates a Swachh Bharat to Bapu and the people of India:

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, dedicated a Swachh Bharat India to the people of India and the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd October, 2019, in front of 20,000 Swachhagrahis and Sarpanches assembled from all over the country at a massive public event at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, The Prime Minister said that by alleviating 60% of the world’s share of people defecating in the open, India has significantly contributed to the global achievement of SDG 6.

A Clean and Open Defecation Free (ODF) India on 2nd October 2019 was the most befitting tribute possible to give to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. He saluted the work done by lakhs of Swachhagrahis in response to the Mission's clarion call for making Swachhata a 100

Jan Andolan, a people’s movement and physically bowed to the gathering to express his gratitude.

2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2019:

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2019, a massive countrywide awareness and mobilization campaign at Mathura on 11th September 2019, with special focus on ‘plastic waste awareness and management’. The launch of SHS was organized jointly by the Central Departments of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

3. First meeting of National Ganga Council:

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh on 14th December.

The Council has been given overall responsibility for superintendence of pollution prevention and rejuvenation of River Ganga Basin, including Ganga and its tributaries. The first meeting of the Council was aimed at reinforcing the importance of a ‘Ganga-centric’ approach in all departments of the concerned states as well as relevant Central Ministries.

Prime Minister, reviewed the progress of work done on various aspects of cleaning river Ganga with a focus on ‘swachhta’, ‘aviralta’ and ‘nirmalta’.

4. Swachh Bharat Awards:

At the Swachh Mahotsav event in New Delhi on 6th September, the President Shri Ramnath Kovind complimented the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) for inspiring historic behaviour change in the country and putting forth a model for the world to replicate. He also gave away a set of Swachh Bharat awards. More than 1300 swachhata champions including school children, NCC cadets, volunteers from NSS and NYKS, swachhagrahies, sarpanches, representatives from States and UTs, central government ministries and media persons participated in the grand event.

5. 6th India Water Week – 2019:

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 6th India Water Week-2019, on September 24, 2019 in New Delhi. The theme of the India Water Week-2019 is ‘Water Cooperation – Coping with 21st Century Challenges’

6. Jal Shakti Abhiyan:

Jal Shakti Abhiyan, which is a collaborative effort of the Central and State Governments to accelerate progress on water conservation activities in the most water stressed blocks and districts of India. Under this campaign, the entire Government of India machinery of over 1000 senior Central Government officers have joined the States to promote focused interventions for 101

water collection and conservation, including restoration and renovation of traditional water bodies.

7. Patna river front dedicated to people:

In another important step towards Nirmal Ganga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th February laid the foundation stone for sewerage infrastructure at four towns in Bihar including Karmalichak (Patna), Barh, Sultanganj and Nauguchia. PM also dedicated to people the Patna River Front that includes 16 ghats, 1 crematorium, 4.9 km promenade, community- cum-cultural centre, audio-visual theatre and eco centre build at a cost of Rs. 243.27 crore.

The sewerage infrastructure projects for which foundation stone was laid include sewerage network of 96.54 km and 1 sewage pumping station (SPS) in Karmalichak (Patna), 11 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP), 3 SPS and interception & diversion of 3 drains in Barh, 10 MLD STP, 4 SPS and interception & diversion of 5 drains in Sultanganj and 9 MLD STP, 6 SPS and interception & diversion of 9 drains in Nauguchia. These sewerage projects costing Rs. 452.24 crore will prevent flow of 6.7 crore litre of sewage per day into River Ganga.

8. Villages across India discuss PM’s letter on Water Conservation:

To promote water conservation across the country ahead of the monsoon season, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, wrote letters to all Sarpanches, urging them to undertake Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation activities in rural India. Gram Sabhas were convened across the country on 22nd June and the Prime Minister’s letter was read out publicly to all the residents of the village. The sitting of Gram Sabha was followed by shramdaan for water conservation, as outlined in the Prime Minister’s letter. Activities included building and cleaning small ponds for storing rainwater, tree plantation drives, Constructing/installing storage tanks for rainwater harvesting, and afforestation.

To mark the occasion, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, kicked off the water conservation Shramdaan in Jodhpur in Rajasthan, and also held a Jan Samvad with villagers and Swachh Bharat Summer Interns, who are youth volunteering for Swachhata work. He also inaugurated a rainwater harvesting unit at Narwa village, and did shramdaan for retrofitting of toilets and construction of Compost pits in the district.

9. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi felicitated the Safai Karmacharis working in Kumbh:

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on 25th February honoured and paid respect to the safai karamcharis working in the Kumbh Mela, by washing the feet of five of them. The gesture was a part of the ”Swachh Kumbh, Swachh Aabhaar” programme, where the Prime Minister addressed a gathering of 10,000 safai karamcharis, swachhagrahis, police personnel and naviks of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj yesterday. The gathering was organized by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh (GoUP).

10. India’s first HAM project in sewerage sector, the 14 MLD STP at Sarai, Haridwar completed before time: 102

14MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Sarai in Haridwar was inaugurated on December 5, 2019. The Sarai 14 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant is the first STP to be completed under the Hybrid Annuity (HAM) Based Public Private Partnership Model, involving a cost of Rs. 41.40 crores, and the Plant has been completed before its scheduled timeline.

The vision of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is long term and hence the capability being created would fully take care of the requirements up to 2035.Municipal sewage, being the main source of pollution in the Ganga, is being tackled through 150 Sewerage projects at a cost of more than Rs. 23,000 crores (more than 3 billion USD), in addition to various interventions for checking industrial and other sources of pollution in the Ganga

11. River Cleaning to be taken up in Mission Mode:

The cleaning of river Ganga and its tributaries would be taken up in a mission mode. He said this while participating in a Cleanathon event of “Namami Gange” at the Kalindi Kunj Ghat near Okhla Barrage in New Delhi. Shri Shekhawat said that Government could only be a catalyst, but to realise the dream and vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi - “Aviral Dhara”, “Nirmal Dhara” and “Swachh Kinara”, the Cleanathon project should truly become a mass movement. He said that the Government is working on the project by adopting the Basin Approach, which is more sustainable.

12. Swachh Mahotsava 2019:

The Minister of Jal Shakti Shekhawat launched Swachh Mahotsav 2019 - a campaign to celebrate the successes of the Swachh Bharat Mission and honour the stakeholder who were instrumental in making it happen. Kickstarting the Mahotsav, winners of Swachh Sundar Shauchalaya were recognized by the Minister. The Mahotsav was organized by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti and culminated on 2nd October 2019, the 150th birth year anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

13. Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inspected Namami Gange STP projects at Dinapur and Ramana:

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reviewed the ongoing Namami Gange projects in Varanasi during his visit to the city on 18th June. He inspected the 140 Million Litres Day (MLD) Dinapur Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) from inlet upto outfall point into Varuna. He was accompanied by Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra.

Sh. Shekhawat instructed the officials of Dinapur STP to conduct periodic chemical checks to ensure that the sewage does not have any industrial or other toxic discharge. Under the Namami Gange program, 2 STPs at Dinapur and Goitha (120 MLD) have been recently completed at Varanasi, of which, the Dinapur STP was inaugurated late last year by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in November 2018. 103

Furthermore, the 50 MLD STP being constructed in Ramana will bolster the existing sewage treatment capacity of the city and take it to 412 MLD which is adequate to meet the sewage treatment demand till 2035 and stop untreated sewage from entering the Ganga in Varanasi.

Shri Shekhawat also inspected all the 84 iconic Ghats of Varanasi by boat with a particular focus on the 26 Ghats, where the projects of repair/ renovation have been taken up under the Namami Gange Program. He also reviewed the project for regular cleaning of the 84 Ghats as well as the river surface cleaning project, both of which have been put in place under the Namami Gange Program to ensure cleanliness in and around the river.

Apart from inspecting the Ghats, he also observed the Ghat pumping stations and tapping of drains. Out of 23 drains, 20 drains have already been tapped. The remaining 3, including Assi are being tapped through Ramana STP project, which is to be completed during this year.

14. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inspected ongoing Projects in Rishikesh and Haridwar:

Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reviewed the ongoing Namami Gange projects in Rishikesh and Haridwar on 13th June. Shri Shekhawat was shown the working of the Sarai Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) on the miniature model of the Sarai STP and then inspected the plant in detail, where the officials took him through the operations of the plant. He also inspected the control room of the STP.

Shri Shekhawat also inspected the under construction Jagjeetpur STP which is slated for completion later this year. Under the Namami Gange programme, NMCG has approved 4 projects, 2 projects related to laying of Interception and Diversion (I&D) works and 2 projects for creating 82 (68+14) Million Litre Per Day (MLD) STP capacity.

15. Meeting with all States for water conservation, rural drinking water supply and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen):

The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, held a review meeting with all State Ministers and State Principal Secretaries for Water Resources, Drinking Water and Sanitation and PHED in New Delhi on 11th June. The focus of the meeting was to review the steps taken and action plans made by various States for the drinking water and sanitation sectors in the country, especially their preparedness to conserve rainwater over the forthcoming monsoon months. 24 State Water and Sanitation Ministers joined the meeting to represent the sectors in their respective States.

16. Capacity Strengthening Initiative for 2.5 lakh Panchayats launched:

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on 27th July launched the capacity strengthening initiative of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. This initiative would create a poorl of 2800 filed trainers in its trainings, who will reach out to around 2.5lkah gram Panchayats across the country. 104

The initiative seeks to ensure the sustainability of open defecation free (ODF) villages created under the Swachh Bharat Mission in the long term and enable field trainers and members of PRIs (Panchayat Raj Institutions) to create capacity to manage solid and liquid wastes as well as improve access to safe and adequate drinking water supply.

Addressing more than 6000 Mukhiyas, Jal Sahiyas, Swachhagrahis and others present on the occasion, Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the need for people’s participation highlighting that it is now time to turn the “jal ka andolan” into “jan ka andolan” to avert the impending water crisis.

17. Jal Shakti Abhiyan for Water Conservation Launched:

Union Jal Shakti Minister, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on 1st July announced the commencement of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan - a campaign for water conservation and water security. The campaign would run through citizen participation during the monsoon season, from 1st July, 2019 to 15th September, 2019. An additional Phase 2 would be run from 1st October, 2019 to 30th November, 2019 for States receiving the North East retreating monsoons. The focus of the campaign will be on water stressed districts and blocks.

18. Meeting of State Ministers for Jal Jeevan Mission :

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat chaired a Conference of State Ministers on Jal Jeevan Mission in New Delhi on 26th August. State Ministers in-charge of Drinking Water from 17 States; and Principal Secretaries/Secretaries attended theconference. The objective of the Conference was to discuss the implementation of the newly announced Jal Jeevan Mission,to provide individual household water tap connection to everyrural household in the country by 2024.

19. India’s Largest Rural Sanitation Survey Launched:

Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2019 (SSG 2019) in the capital on 14th August. The survey covered 17,450 villages in 698 districts across India and include 87,250 public places namely schools, anganwadi centers, public health centres, haat/bazaars/religious places, making it India’s largest rural sanitation survey. Around 2,50,000 citizens were interviewed for their feedback as part of the survey. Citizens will also be mobilised to provide feedback on sanitation relation related issues online using an application developed for the purpose.

20. National Launch of 10 Year Rural Sanitation Strategy (2019-2029):

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, GoI launched the 10 Year Rural Sanitation Strategy (2019-2029), which focus on sustaining the sanitation behavior change that has been achieved under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G), ensuring that no one is left behind, and increasing access to solid and liquid waste management. 105

Since the launch of the SBM-G in 2014, over 10 crore toilets have been built in rural areas; over 5.9 lakh villages, 699 districts, and 35 States/UTs have declared themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF). This strategy has been prepared by DDWS, in consultation with State Governments and other stakeholders, and it lays down a framework to guide local governments, policy makers, implementers and other relevant stakeholders in their planning for ODF Plus, where everyone uses a toilet, and every village has access to solid and liquid waste management.

21. National Water Mission Awards- 2019:

Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Sekhawat said that water conservation along with water-harvesting and judicious and multiple use of water are key to tackle the water challenge in India. Speaking after giving away the National Water Mission Awards-2019 in New Delhi on 25th September, the Minister lamented the fact that only 4 percent of CSR obligation is spent on water, while it is around 11 percent for the water-intensive industries and called for a rethink on the issue. Shri Shekhawat also urged the policy planners to take into account the multiple use of water in Agriculture and Industries for the judicious use of scarce resource.

22. Ganga Aamantran – a unique initiative to connect with Ganga’s Stakeholders Launched:

The ‘Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan’ is a pioneering and historic exploratory open-water rafting and kayaking expedition on the Ganga River to be held between 10th October 2019 to 11 November 2019. Starting at Devprayag and culminating at Ganga Sagar, the expedition will cover the entire streatch of over 2500 kms of the Ganga River.

This is the first ever effort by National Mission for Clean Ganga to raft across the entire stretch of the river and also the longest ever social campaign undertaken through an adventure sporting activity to spread the message of River Rejuvenation and Water Conservation on a massive scale. The expedition will draw attention to the ecological challenges being faced by Ganga.

The expedition would encompass the five Ganga basin states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal with stops at Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Sonepur and Kolkata.

23. CGWB signs MoU with Australia’s MARVI:

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) signed an Memorandum of Understanding with MARVI (Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through Village-level Intervention) Partners of Australia in New Delhi on 22nd November. Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MoS Jal Shakti and Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Rattan Lal Kataria, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri UP Singh, Education Minister of Australia, Mr. Dan Tehan and Australian High Commissioner to India, Ms. Iven Mackay were present.

24. Shri Nitin Gadkari laid Foundation Stones for Namami Gange Projects in Agra and Mathura: 106

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stones of six Namami Gange projects in Agra and Mathura on 23 Jan 2019. The four projects in Mathura have a sanctioned cost of Rs 511.74 crore. These include two sewerage projects.

25. NMCG Officials and Partners come together to contribute to Clean Ganga Fund:

The officials and partners of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) came together on one platform on 15th January, to make personal donations to the Clean Ganga Fund on a voluntary basis. Officials from various executing agencies, stakeholders and aartners with Team NMCG including State Bank of India, Union Bank of India, Engineers India Ltd., WAPCOS, HDFC etc contributed to the Clean Ganga Fund at an event held at the NMCG headquarters.

26. MoU for construction of Renukaji multipurpose dam:

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shipping and Road Transport & Highways on 11th January signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh - Shri Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan –Sh. Ashok Gehlot, Uttarakhand -Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, Haryana- Shri Manohar Lal, Delhi - Shri Arvind Kejriwal, and Himachal Pradesh - Shri Jai Ram Thakur in New Delhi for the construction of Renukaji Multi-Purpose Dam project in the Upper Yamuna Basin.

Under the Renukaji Multi-Purpose Dam project, three storage projects are proposed to be constructed on the river Yamuna and two of its tributaries - Tons and Giri in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh of Upper Yamuna Basin. These include Lakhwar project on river Yamuna in Uttarakhand , Kishau on river Tons in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and Renukaji on river Giri in Himachal Pradesh.

Shri Gadkari also presided over the ceremony of signing of concession agreement for Namami Gange projects in Prayagraj under Hybrid Annuity Mode and One-City-One-Operator concept. The agreement was signed amongst Shri Akhil Kumar from National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri Anil Kumar Srivastava from U.P. Jal Nigam and Shri Dilip Pormal from Prayagraj Water Pvt. Ltd.

27. Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid foundation stone for projects worth Rs 5,894 crore at Chandi Ghat in Haridwar:

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid foundation stone for projects worth Rs 5,894 crore at Chandi Ghat in Haridwar on 21st February.

The projects included six newly constructed sewage treatment plants (STPs) along with 18 pumping stations across the state of Uttarakhand under National Mission for Clean Ganga. The venue for the inauguration was Chandi Ghat. This ghat in Uttarakhand is part of 36 others which have been completed. The STPs and Ghats are part of 48 projects in the field of sewerage 107

management, Ghats and Crematoria works, River front development works, Afforestation, Bio- remediation, Rural sanitation and River surface cleaning works at the cost of Rs. 1354.33 Cr. which are at different stages of implementation.

28. Foundation stone laid for many sewerage infrastructure projects in Bihar:

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Road Transport and Highways & Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone of sewerage projects worth Rs 2785.23 Cr in Chhapra, Bihar in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Sushil Kumar Modi on 29th February.

The projects will prevent the flow of 32 Crore Litres of Sewage per day into the Ganga river from 13 towns of Bihar including Patna, Chhapra, Sonepur, Danapur, Maner, Phulwarishari, Bakhtiyarpur, Fatuha, Mokama, Begusarai, Khagaria, Munger and Bhagalpur.

29. Jal Shakti Abhiyan becomes a jan andolan :

The Cabinet Secretary, Shri Pradeep Kumar Sinha, on 26th August reviewed the work done so far under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA),and in particular the second field visit of the 1100 central government officers to the 256 most water stressed districts of India. He lauded the efforts and commitment of the officers in helping make the Jal Shakti Abhiyan a people’s movement for water conservation.

30. National Planning Workshop on ODF Plus and Water Conservation held in Delhi:

With over 5.6 lakh villages, 622 districts, and 30 States/UTs declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) in rural India underthe Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti organized a two-day National Planning Workshop on ODF Plus and Water Conservation from July 12-13, 2019 in New Delhi. Secretaries-in-Charge of Sanitation, Mission Directors and other key state level officials from 29 states/UTs attended the workshop.

The Minister of State then launched the Solid Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) Dashboard, ODF-Plus Advisory and the ODF-Plus & Swachh Gram Darpan Mobile Application to foster healthy competition between States and districts undertaking ODF-plus activities.

31. Cabinet approves “FMBAP” for Flood Management Works in entire country and River Management Activities and works related to Border Areas during 2017-18 to 2019-20:

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7th March approved the "Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP)" for Flood Management Works in entire country and River Management Activities and works related to Border Areas for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20 with a total outlay of Rs.3342.00 crores.

Benefits: 108

The FMBAP Scheme will be implemented throughout the country for effective flood management, erosion control and anti-sea erosion. The proposal will benefit towns, villages, industrial establishments, communication links, agricultural fields, infrastructure etc. from floods and erosion in the country. The catchment area treatment works will help in reduction of sediment load into rivers.

Funding pattern:

The funding pattern for FM Component for works in general category States will continue to be 50% (Centre) : 50% (State) and for projects of North Eastern States, Sikkim, J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the funding pattern will continue to be 70% (Centre) : 30% (State).

32. Projects worth Rs. 1387.71 Cr in Yamuna towns approved under Namami Gange:

In its 20th Executive Committee meeting held on 15th February, 2019, sewerage infrastructure and other projects worth Rs.1387.71 Cr focusing on towns along river Yamuna have been approved. The projects involve construction and renovation of sewage treatment plants, online monitoring systems of sewage treatment plants and other infrastructure projects.

33. NMCG partners with Solidaridad Multi-Stakeholder Platform for sustainable growth of Kanpur-Unnao leather Cluster:

NMCG has partnered with Solidaridad to launch the Multi-Stakeholder Platform for sustainable growth of the Kanpur-Unnao Leather Cluster. Solidaridad convened a Multi-Stakeholder Platform, a unique public-private partnership in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Tanneries in Kanpur area have been a priority for Ganga rejuvenation and a comprehensive project of common effluent treatment plant has been taken up under Namami Gange for the Jajmau Tannery cluster alongside arrangement for conveyance, chrome recovery and pilot ZLD Plant. Attention is also on improving processes within the tanneries to make them more green and sustainable. Solidaridad is one such agency to help in this. This programme is currently working with around 100 tanneries in the Kanpur-Unnao Leather Cluster and will soon be expanding to the other important leather geography of India and adjoining countries.

34. Over 3.5 lakh Water Conservation Measures taken up in a single month as nationwide Jal Shakti Abhiyan hits the ground:

In a countrywide effort to enhance water security, especially in water stressed districts, the Centre initiated Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) has delivered over 3.5 lakh water conservation measures in 256 districts. Out of these, 1.54 lakh are of water conservation and rain water harvesting measures, 20000 relate to the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies, over 65000 are reuse and recharge structures and 1.23 lakh are watershed development projects. An estimated 2.64 crore people have already participated in the Abhiyan making it a Jan Andolan. About 4.25 crore saplings were planted as a part of the efforts. The outcome of the first phase of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan was announced at a review by Cabinet Secretary in New Delhi on 2nd August. 109

Shri Parameswaran Iyer, Secretary, DDWS, shared that the JSA has led to an increase in groundwater level, surface water storage capacity, soil moisture in farm lands and increased plant cover. The JSA is a collaborative effort of various Ministries of the Centre and State Governments, and is primarily a Jal Sanchay campaign, which has gained phenomenal momentum in this past one month.

The campaign is successfully running with the involvement of about 1300 officers of the central government joined by state and district officials who are required to take up 3 field visits.

35. Paint Your Toilet:

In an effort to promote ownership and sustained usage of toilets and also provide a facelift to the crores of toilets built under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation launched a month-long campaign, “Swachh Sundar Shauchalaya” that commenced on 1st January. The campaign comprised a unique Contest, under which, households were being mobilised to paint and decorate their toilets. It was spearheaded by Gram Panchayats and coordinated by district administrations.

36. National Workshop on Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) on 30th and 31st January 2019:

The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBMG) of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, held a National Workshop on Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) on 30th and 31st January 2019 in New Delhi. The workshop was attended by District Collectors, CEOs, CDOs, Executive Engineers and other officers, from across the country. The workshop emphasized the importance of Fecal Sludge Management (FSM) for rural census towns and large dense villages and Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resource–dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) in rural areas. It also covered Plastic Waste Management, Grey Water Management and featured case studies from across the country.

37. “Darwaza Band -Part 2” campaign launched:

The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen on 6th February launched the 'Darwaza Band -Part 2' campaign which focuses on sustaining the open defecation free status of villages across the country. The campaign, produced by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, was launched in Mumbai in the presence of iconic actor Shri Amitabh Bachchan. The 'Darwaza Band- Part 2' campaign has been supported by the World Bank and is being rolled out countrywide immediately after the launch.

38. Independent Verification of Swachh Bharat Grameen confirms over 96% usage of toilets:

The National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS) 2018-19, conducted by an Independent Verification Agency (IVA) under the World Bank support project to the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G), has found that 96.5% of the households in rural India who have access to a toilet use it. The NARSS also re-confirmed the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status of 90.7% of villages which were previously declared and verified as ODF by various districts/States. The 110 survey was conducted between November 2018 and February 2019 and covered 92040 households in 6136 villages across States and UTs of India.

Source: PIB 12. Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is responsible for the work of advocacy, monitoring and implementation of Constitution 73rd Amendment. The role of the MoPR involves strengthening the administrative infrastructure, basic services etc. by leveraging technology and capacity building of the functionaries of Rural Local Body (RLB). Ministry’s roadmap to realise the above objective is through three pillars:

· Provision of basic services through the Finance Commission Funding,

· Capacity building of RLBs through Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and

· Convergent & holistic planning through inclusive & participatory process through Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and advocacy work

Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) Grants

During the current Financial Year 2019-20, FFC Grant of Rs.48,497.57 crore (including release for previous years) has been released to 26 States for Gram Panchayats (GPs) as on 18.12.2019. The year-wise allocations and release of Finance Commission Grants for the Award period 2015-16 to 2019-20 (as on 16.12.2019) is as under:

(Rs. in crore)

Sl. Year Basic Grant Performance Grant No. Allocation Release Allocation Release

1. 2015-16 21624.46 21510.46 -- --

2. 2016-17 29942.87 29718.76 3927.65 3499.45

3. 2017-18 34596.26 33575.12 4444.71 1943.55

4. 2018-19 40021.63 37897.41 5047.53 -- 111

5. 2019-20 54077.80 43736.08 6609.33 --

Total 180263.02 166437.83 20029.22 5443.00

Ministry monitors the effective utilization of FFC Grants by the GPs through Public Financial Management System (PFMS). Around 5.5 Lakhs assets created by using FFC grants in GPs have been geo-tagged as on today to give thrust on digital monitoring system.

Around 1,10,102 numbers of Gram Panchayats are on-board in PRIASoft-PFMS and 68,014 GPs are already doing digital payments through PRIASoft -PFMS. 2,00,850 numbers of GPs are on- board in PRIASoft double entry cash-based accounting application meant for Panchayats.

Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)

The restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) has been operationalized w.e.f. 2018-19 with the primary aim of strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with main thrust on convergence with Mission Antyodaya and emphasis on strengthening PRIs in 117 Aspirational districts.

During 2018-19, Ministry had approved the Annual Action Plans (AAPs) of 32 States/UTs and Rs. 598.25 crore was released to States/UTs and implementing agencies upto 31st March, 2019. During current year, Ministry has approved the Annual Action Plans (AAPs) of 33 States/UTs and released Rs.406.22 crore to States/UTs and implementing agencies till 18.12.2019. Some of the major activities approved during 2019-20 to States/UTs are:

i. 38.22 lakh participants for GPDP training and 36.94 lakh participants for Other than GPDP training. ii. Construction of 3108 Gram Panchayat Bhawans and repair of 2384 Gram Panchayat Bhawans iii. Co-location of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in 3404 Gram Panchayats iv. Construction of 04 State Panchayat Resource Centres (SPRCs) and 09 District Panchayat Resource Centres (DPRCs) v. Procurement of 10292 computers in Gram Panchayats vi. 47 Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs) vii. PESA Areas: 19512 Gram Sabha Mobilisers, 85 District Coordinators, 411 Block Coordinators and14382 Gram Sabha Orientation

People’s Plan Campaign (PPC)- Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas

Inspired by the visible and quite satisfactory performance of the Gram Panchayats, Gram Sabhas and other stakeholders involved in the PPC during 2nd October, 2018 to 31st December, 2018 and to provide sustainability to the GPDP formulation process into a participative and transparent exercise, the process of GPDP preparation for the financial year 2020-21 again started in a Campaign mode from 2nd October, 2019 as PPC-2019. The status of PPC as on December 16, 2019 is as under: 112

i. 210432 numbers (78.2%) of Gram Sabhas held ii. 221378 numbers (82.3%) of Gram Sabhas Scheduled iii. 103607 numbers (38.5%) of facilitators feedback received. iv. 97315 numbers (36.2%) of GPDP Approved as per facilitator's feedback. v. 42113 numbers of (15.6%) GPDP uploaded on PlanPlus vi. 5805 numbers of GPDPs in pipeline

Incentivization of Panchayats:

The Ministry has been incentivizing the Panchayats/ States/ Union Territories (UTs) under the scheme of Incentivization of Panchayats, one of the central components of the restructured scheme of RGSA, in recognition of their good work for improving delivery of services &public goods and to encourage a spirit of competition.

Awards, including financial incentives ranging from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.50 Lakh, are given annually to best performing Panchayats/States/UTs under various categories namely, (i) Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar (DDUPSP) for Gram/ Block/ District Panchayats; (ii) Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar (NDRGGSP) for Gram Panchayats; (iii) Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) Award for Gram Panchayats; (iv) Child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award (CFGPA) for Gram Panchayats and e-Panchayat Puraskar for States/UTs. During 2019 the following National Panchayat Awards were conferred:

i. DDUPSP to 195 Panchayats (District/Block/Gram) in 24 States. ii. NDRGGSP to 20 GPs in 20 States. iii. GPDP Award to 3 GPs across the country. iv. CFGPA to 22 GPs/Village Council in 22 States/UT. v. e-PanchayatPuraskar to 6 States.

Mission Mode Project on e-Panchayat:

Under the e-Panchayat MMP, a suite of Core Common Applications has been developed collectively called Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) Applications. Following are some of the key activities undertaken under the e-Panchayat MMP during the year:

i. Unified portal focusing on Work Based Accounting: Unified Portal is a new initiative of the Ministry, which will provide the GPs with a single interface to prepare and implement their GPDP. Unified portal would reduce the number of data entries that Gram Panchayat user performs. It will bring in a more user-friendly interface with ease of navigation that would make it hassle-free for the GPs to track, monitor and modify their Action Plan. ii. On-boarding of schemes on PRIASoft-PFMS integration for real time payments by GPs: The Ministry, in the current year, has put in place a robust mechanism capturing the entire gamut of activity right from the stage of planning to monitor the various stages of work, recording the expenditure incurred for the works to providing a complete detail of the asset created. Around one lakh GPs have onboarded this interface. iii. Gram Manchitra: Gram Manchitra is a Spatial Planning Application launched by Hon’ble Minister of Panchayati Raj on October 23, 2019 on the occasion of National Panchayat Awards, 113

2019, for facilitating and supporting GP users to perform planning at Gram Panchayat level with the use of geo-spatial technology. It provides a single/ unified Geo Spatial platform to better visualize the various developmental works to be taken up across the 29 sectors and provide a decision support system for GPDP.

Source: PIB 13. Year End Review: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

India’s leadership and commitment on environmental issues under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has led to landmark achievements. With significant developments such as India for the first time ranking among the top ten countries in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) goes further to prove that all efforts and activities being currently undertaken by the country under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) are setting a tone of vast improvements.

Some of the major highlights of the Ministry in the year 2019 are outlined below:-

Environment:

· Air pollution is one of the biggest global environmental challenges of today. A time bound national level strategy for pan India implementation to tackle the increasing air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner in the form of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched on 10th January, 2019.

· Third Indo-German Environment Forum with the theme "Cleaner Air, Greener Economy:" held in New Delhi in February. The one-day event through panel discussions and parallel sessions focused on challenges, solutions and necessary framework conditions of air pollution control, waste management and circular economy as well as implementation of NDCs and SDGs based on Paris Agreement and Agenda 2030 of UN respectively.

· In a significant first, India piloted resolutions on two important global environment issues relating to Single-use Plastics and Sustainable Nitrogen management at the fourth session of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) which was held in Nairobi from 11th to 15th March 2019.UNEA adopted both the resolutions with consensus.

· India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) Launched in March this year. India is one of the first countries in the world to develop a comprehensive Cooling Action plan which has a long term vision to address the cooling requirement across sectors and lists out actions which can help reduce the cooling demand. Cooling requirement is cross sectoral and an essential part for economic growth and is required across different sectors of the economy such as residential and commercial buildings, cold-chain, refrigeration, transport and industries. 114

· In order to strengthen the implementation of environmentally sound management of hazardous waste in the country, the Ministry amended the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 vide notification G.S.R. G.S.R. XX (E), dated 01 March 2019. The amendment has been done keeping into consideration the “Ease of Doing Business” and boosting “Make in India” initiative by simplifying the procedures under the Rules, while at the same time upholding the principles of sustainable development and ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

· On World environment Day, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar launched a people’s campaign #SelfiewithSapling urging all to join and plant a sapling and post the selfie with the sapling on social media. Shri Javadekar stressed that ‘Jan Bhagidari’ is integral towards tackling the environmental issues and environment protection has to be a people’s movement.

India Hosts COP14, Will Restore 26 Million Hectares of Degraded Land by 2030

India hosted the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) from 2-13 September 2019 at Greater Noida. During the Conference, the Prime Minister announced “India would raise its ambition of the total area that would be restored from its land degradation status, from twenty-one million hectares to twenty-six million hectares between now and 2030”.

The country has leapfrogged from Bharat Standard IV to Bharat Standard VI for vehicle emission norms and from 1st April 2020, vehicles will be BS VI compliant. There is also a strong push for use of e-vehicles by introducing multiple policy interventions and incentives.

Forest & Wildlife: 115

· A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in February between MoEF&CC and University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada for next 10 years in New Delhi. Both the institutions shall explore opportunities for future collaborations in the field of forestry science through their respective organizations namely Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Wildlife Institute of India, Forest Survey of India, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy and Directorate of Forest Education, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

· A dedicated“Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” with a budgetary contribution of Rs 97.85 Cr from Central Government was launched in February . The Asiatic Lion endemic to Gir landscape of Gujarat, is one of the 21 critically endangered species identified by the Ministry for taking up recovery programmes.

· ‘Not all animals migrate by choice’ campaign launched to raise awareness on illegal wildlife trade.

Tigers count in India rise to 2967, in 2018

On the occasion of International Tiger Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the results of the fourth cycle of All India Tiger Estimation - 2018 in New Delhi on July 29th, 2019. The count of tigers in India has risen to 2967, in 2018, according to this census.

Total Forest and Tree Cover rises to 24.56 percent of the total geographical area of the Country.

Towards, the end of 2019,Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar released the biennial “India State of Forest Report (ISFR)”, in New Delhi. Announcing the results the Union Minister said that India is among few countries in the world where forest cover is consistently increasing. In the present assessment, the total forest and tree cover of the country is 80.73 million hectare which is 24.56 percent of the geographical area of the country. As compared to the assessment of 2017, there is an increase of 5,188 sq. km in the total forest and tree cover of the

116

· In a major boost towards promoting afforestation and achieving green objectives of the country, the Ministry handed over Rs.47,436 crores of Compensatory Afforestation Fund anagement and Planning Authority, CAMPA funds to various states in August. Important activities on which the fund will be utilised will be for the Compensatory Afforestation, Catchment Area Treatment, Wildlife Management, Assisted Natural Regeneration, Forest Fire Prevention and Control Operations, Soil and Moisture Conservation Works in the forest, Improvement of Wildlife Habitat, Management of Biological Diversity and Biological Resources, Research in Forestry and Monitoring of CAMPA works etc.

· With efforts towards protecting and conserving Snow Leopards, the First National Protocol on Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India was launched on the occasion of International Snow Leopard Day in October.

· Draft amendment to the Indian Forests Act withdrawn to remove any misgivings, thereby enriching the livelihood of tribals and forest dwellers. 117

Climate Change:

· A publication released in February on climate actions in India titled “India – Spearheading Climate Solutions”. This publication “India – Spearheading Climate Solutions” mentions the key actions India has taken under various sectors towards combating and adapting to climate change.

· India CEO Forum on Climate Change was organized, as the pioneering initiative of the government, inviting industry representatives, exchanged views on climate change issues and discussed opportunities to collaborate in regard to fulfilling India’s national as well as international climate change commitments.

India to increase share of non-fossil fuels to 175 GW by 2022 and further take it to 450 GW

World leaders gathered in New York in September for the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) Climate Action Summit. Bringing attention towards India’s efforts in always following a climate sensitive sustainable development pathway by mainstreaming climate change concerns in development policies, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced thatIndia is going to increase the share of non-fossil fuels to 175 GW by 2022, and will further take it to 450 GW. The Global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure was also launched.

New leadership group announced in September at Climate Action Summit to drive industry transition to low-carbon economy.

India at COP 25, Calls upon more countries to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The 25th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held under the Presidency of Chile in Madrid, 118

Spain on 02nd – 15th December 2019.Some of the Key issues discussed at COP25 werePre- 2020 implementation and ambition gaps, Article 6 under the Paris Agreement, Enhanced Transparency Framework (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification), Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation related matters where in India has been stressing on parity between mitigation and adaptation and Technology development and transfer.At COP25, India also called upon more countries to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to reduce dependence on fossil fuels to meet the growing energy requirement, even as it acknowledged the phenomenal progress made by the Alliance and the growing solar energy capabilities the world over.

Other Key initiatives / activities undertaken by the Ministry

· In order to boost the investment in wind power projects and help in providing wind power at cheaper rate, a conscious decision to relax the condition of charging the lease rent of Rs. 30,000/- per MW for wind power projects was made in August.

· Brazil, South Africa, India and China, BASIC countries held its 28th Ministerial meeting on Climate Change from 14th to 16th August in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where in India participated.

· Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa,BRICS Nations come together for Urban Environmental Management in Sao Paulo, Brazil in August, where it was agreed upon to work together to resolve the multifaceted environmental issues faced by BRICS cities.

· India hosted the Second Lead Author Meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III Sixth Assessment Report at New Delhi, beginning 30th September to 4th October 2019.

· The proposal was approved for setting-up of a New Regional Centre of the GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development at Ladakh.

· In a first, a four-day long Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, MoEF&CC & Centre for Media Studies (CMS) VATAVARAN-2019 Short Film Competition and Festival on Environment was held. Range of discussions, seminars, workshops, interactions were organized to churn innovative ideas, paving a path for new talents and creative minds in the stream of film making with a sense of responsibility towards the Environment.

· A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India represented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Government of Switzerland represented by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs on Technical Cooperation in the field of Climate Change and Environment was signed on 13.09.2019. The MoU will remain in effect for a five-year period, and may be renewed for similar periods, as agreed upon by the Parties. The MoU identifies several areas of cooperation including capacity building on Climate Change and sustainable water management; sustainable forest management; sustainable development of mountainous regions; environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development; air, land and water pollution; clean and renewable energy and climate change risk management. 119

· To strive to make our beaches clean and create awareness amongst citizens about the importance of coastal ecosystems, the Ministry undertook a mass cleanliness-cum-awareness drive in 50 identified beaches under the “Swachh – Nirmal Tat Abhiyaan”, from 11th - 17thNovember, 2019. The identified beaches were in 10 coastal States/Union Territories (UTs) namely Gujarat, Daman & Diu, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The beaches were identified after the consultation with the States/UTs.

· Promoting the use of environmentally friendly products, the Ministry in November gave Environment Clearance to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to set up new 2G Ethanol plant at Panipat. It is also pertinent to highlight that it was declared that no separate environmental clearance was required to produce additional ethanol from B-heavy molasses as it does not contribute to the pollution load, giving further benefits to farmers and the sugar industry.

· In another first, Annual Meet of the State Nodal Agencies implementing the National Green Corps ‘Ecoclub’ programme of MoEF&CC, organized by the Ministry’s Environment Education Division, in collaboration with the GEER Foundation, Gujarat was held from 20th to 21st December 2019 in Kevadia, Gujarat.

Source: PIB 14. Year End Review: Department of Space

Following are the initiatives of Department of Space during the year 2019:

Missions and Project Related Activities

 ISRO has successfully accomplished 13missionsincluding06 launch vehicle missions and07 satellite missions during the year 2019.  50 foreign satellites from 07countries were launched on commercial basis during this period.  PSLV-C44 successfully launched Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2 on January 24, 2019 from Sriharikota.  On February 06, 2019GSAT 31 communication satellite was successfully launched from Kourou, French Guiana onboard Arianespace rocket.  EMISAT was successfully launched onboard PSLV-C45 on April 01, 2019 from Sriharikota. The launch viewing gallery was inaugurated and opened to the public for viewing launches live from Sriharikota.  On May 22, 2019 RISAT-2B radar imaging earth observation satellite was successfully launched onboard PSLV-C46 from Sriharikota.  The successful launch of GSLV-MK III M1, India's most powerful launch vehicle, was accomplished in July 22,2019. This launch vehicle is capable of launching 04 ton of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit(GTO). The mission carried Chandrayaan-2 Orbiterspacecraft to its intended orbit.The instruments are continuously providing very useful science data. 120

 On November 27,2019 -3, a third generation agile advanced satellite having high resolution imaging capabilitywas successfully launched by PSLV-C47 from Sriharikota.  On December 11,2019, PSLV-C48 successfully launched RISAT-2BR1radar imaging earth observation satellite from Sriharikota.  India’s first inter-planetary mission “ (MOM)” completed five years in Martian orbit in September 2019.  , the first Indian multi-wavelength space observatory, completed four years in orbit in Sept 2019. The data has been made open to public. Astrosat has more than 900 registered users from 24 countries.  Global Standards body 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which develops protocols for mobile telephony, has approved India’s regional navigation system NAVIC.  Qualcomm Technologies Inc. in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), has developed & tested chipset platform across their portfolio which can support the Indian Regional Navigation satellite system, NavIC.  The first-ever NavIC demonstration using the Snapdragon Mobile Platforms was showcased by Qualcomm during the India Mobile Congress at New Delhi on October 14-16, 2019  A new center namely Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) is created within ISRO/DOS with the responsibility to act as the lead center for Human Space Flight Program, .The Gaganyaan project has the objective of demonstrating human space flight capability to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with 3 crew members for 5-7 days in orbit and to safely recover them after the mission.  Overall configuration of GSLV-MK III, crew escape system, crew module and service module for Gaganyaan have been finalized. An MoU is executed with Indian Air force for crew selection and training. Institute of Aerospace Medicine is identified for crew selection and screening criteria. This process is in progress.  NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Bengaluru, a wholly owned Government of India Company under Department of Space, was incorporated on 6th March 2019. The business activities of NSIL is mainly driven towards enabling Indian industries to productionise space systems and to exploit the commercial opportunities emanating from the Indian space programme.  Commissioning of the Second Vehicle Assembly Building at Sriharikota to improve the frequency of launch.  The notable development of the year was technology transfer of Li-ion to Indian industries.10 industries were selected for the transfer of the Li-ion cell technology from ISRO.

Other activities

 A year-long programme for commemorating the birth centenary of ISRO founder father Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai was inaugurated on August 12, 2019. The programme includes exhibitions, competitions to school children, journalism awards and speeches by eminent personalities. The programme will be conducted across 100 selected cities all over India.  Space Technology Cells(STCs) were established at IIT Guwahati and IIT Delhito take up the space technology research and applications to newer heights.  Space Technology Incubation Centres (S-TIC) were established at NIT, Trichyand NIT, Jalandharfor developing concepts related to Space Science and technology in line with the National policy of‘Start-up India’. 121

 Regional Academic Centre for Space(RAC-S) was established at NIT, Kurukshetra to develop Academia-Industry ecosystem for Space technology.  Two batches of ISRO’s UNISPACE Nanosatellite Assembly &Training (UNNATI) programmewereorganized at Bengaluru. Around 62participants from more than 30countriesparticipatedin this programme.  A special programme for School Children called “YuvaVIgyaniKAryakram (YUVIKA)" was organized, in tune with the Government's vision "Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”. The Program is primarily aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications.  The Department of Land Resources in collaboration with ISRO has published fifth edition of Wasteland Atlas-2019.The new wastelands mapping exercise is carried out by ISRO using Indian Remote Sensing Satellites.  Chandrayaan-2 data users meet, which is third in the series of lunar science meets, was held on October 22, 2019 at DOS Branch Secretariat, New Delhi. Lunar science meets are organised to maximise the science outcome from this mission and to increase the user base, particularly from non-ISRO institutions such as national institutes, academias and Research organisations.  Satellite based mitigation support was effectively provided for mitigating the ill effects of various disasters faced by the country during the period such as floods, tropical cyclonic storms, and forest fire alerts.  As many as 127 (out of 157) Space Technology projects are progressing as per schedule for the utilization of Space Technology space based tool and application in the Governance and Development.  Data in the form of maps covering more than 1000 blocks were provided to Jal Shakti Abhiyan at local level, with specific information on ground water recharge potential areas.  As part of enhanced outreach programme, ISRO launched ‘Samwad with Students’ wherein youngsters across India had an opportunity to interact with Chairman, ISRO.

Source: PIB 15. Year End Review of Ministry of Tribal

Affairs

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal Ministry for overall policy, planning and coordination of programmes for development of ST’s. To this end, Ministry of Tribal Affairs has undertaken activities that follow from the subjects allocated under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.

This is year saw considerable progress in digital mechanisms and online monitoring systems especially for scholarship schemes and expenditure of funds for tribal welfare. Tribal medicine emerged as another priority area along with tribal research. Expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools was stepped up this year while empowerment of tribals through schemes like Van Dhan Yojana and Aadi Mahotsavs also remained on the forefront. Affirmation of tribal rights and their role in forest development was another another important highlight this year. 122

Out of the total budgetary allocation of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to the tune of Rs. 6847.89 crore, a total of Rs. 5160.97 crore (i.e. 75.37%) has already been spent on various schemes.

TRANSFORMATIONAL INITIATIVES w.r.t SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES

Selection process for scholarship schemes through dedicated portals:Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing 3 Central sector Scholarship schemes, the selection process is transparent, merit based and managed through dedicated portals in line with the resolve of the Government towards digital India.

Scholarship Scheme url Managed by

National Fellowship Scheme https://tribal.nic.in/nfs.aspx MoTA

National Scholarship Scheme https://scholarships.gov.in MoTA (Top Class)

National Overseas scholarship https://tribal.nic.in/nos.aspx MeITY/NIC Scheme

The applications for the academic year 2019-20 are under verification and final merit list will be prepared by January 2020.

Integration with digi-locker:During the year, both Fellowship and Overseas Portals have been integrated with Digi Locker. The student registers on Digi-locker and Scholarship Portal with same Log-IN ID and Password. All documents available on Digi-Locker are automatically fetched and visible on application form. In case some document is not available on Digi-locker, student has option to upload it manually in application form. This has prevented uploading of fake and fraudulent documents and has made verification process easy.

Integration of universities with fellowship portal:There are 331Universities where 4794 tribal Scholars are pursuing fellowship programs. All such Universities have been integrated with Fellowship portal through "Verification Module", wherein the registered Nodal officer of University can view documents available on Digi-locker and documents uploaded by Scholar and can approve or reject application digitally. It has resulted in time saving and checks fraudulent verification. There is also a facility to monitor applications pending with Universities and Ministry of Tribal Affairs continuously follows up with Universities to expedite verification.

Grievance redressal and communication mechanism:For faster communication and grievance redressal, all stake holders, i.e Students, Universities, Canara Bank (Authorised Bank for disbursal) and Digi Locker have been registered with "Communication Module" of portal. This not only helps in speedy grievance redressal but all stakeholders can be contacted instantly through Bulk messages and Mails. All officers in hierarchy can monitor the pendency of query/grievance. It is ensured that all queries are resolved in 24 hrs. FAQ are updated based on thread-based query. Students are also provided continuous handholding through User Manual, 123

Video Clipping, Phone Helpline, emails, Remote Access by Help Desk. About 2500 queries pertaining to Top Class students were received and resolved by emails also.

Tribal talent pool:Ministry is funding 4794 research scholars for doing MPhil and PhD in Fellowship Scheme, wherein tribal scholars from all over India are studying in select Universities. In order to get connected with Tribal Talent, harness their strength by understanding their areas of interest and empowering them to develop as entrepreneurs, researchers and make them aware about various other schemes of Govt of India for their welfare, Ministry has chalked out a unique initiative with Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA). AIst interactive 3-day workshop for researchers was organized in Delhi from 3rd to 5th December, where 57 students from 7 Universities like JNU, DU, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, Jamia Milia participated. The workshop had interactive session with Officers of Ministry, Corporate, NGO; Technical Sessions,Group Discussions and field visit to Rewadi (digital Village) village in Haryana. The program is aimed to evaluate quality of research projects taken by students, improve their research skills, understand issues concerning students, know their area of interest and aspirations; and capacity building. Similarprogrammes have been planned in coming months in different Universities all over India where such scholars are studying. Based on these programs, Ministry plans to select 500 tribal scholars who would be invited in National Level Workshop in Delhi after the completion of program in another 6 months.

Affirmative action:The Top-Class Students Scholarship Scheme provides scholarship to 1000 students each year. Up to 2017-18, there were not enough applications and all 1000 slots were not filled. It was only in 2018-19 for the first time, about 2400 students applied, out of which 1400 students could not receive scholarship. On the initiative of PMO, meetings on “affirmative action” were held by Secretary,Ministry of Tribal Affairs with CII, FICCI, Assocham and DICCI. FICCI could connect Ministry of Tribal Affairs to interested Corporates who have offered to help 25 students pursuing Medical courses. Many Corporates and NGOs have also shown interest to support and act as mentor for such talent and offered to give Internships to interested Scholars. Many Civil Societies and Corporates have also offered partnership with MoTA to work together for welfare of tribals in areas of Livelihood, Talent pool, Tribal healers, Tribal Culture & Festivals and are keen to become part of "Affirmative Action".

Scholarship through DBT:The funds are directly transferred to fellowship student Bank account by Canara Bank through PFMS (DBT mode) and in account of Top-Class students by theMinistry. To ensure students are regular in their studies and are engaged in research activities, they have to file quarterly continuation certificate verified by University for release of next instalment.

DBT portal for post matric:As mandated by DBT Mission- Cabinet Secretariat, Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the first Ministry to develop DBT-Portal (dbttribal.gov.in) for Post Matric Scholarship. The portal has facilitated data sharing, eased communication and improved monitoring mechanism which expedited budget release process. Ministry of Tribal Affairs could utilize its entire budget of Rs. 2000 cr. by releasing funds available in BE to States in September 2019. 124

The States have been given facility to share beneficiary data online through Web services, Excel/CSV file or through Manual Entry of Data depending on IT capability of State. As different States/UTs have Portals on different platforms, using different databases and different format, a 31 field common format has been designed for Data sharing by States. As the Portal was rolled out in June 2019, data of about 45 lac beneficiaries has been uploaded by States for FY 2017-18 and 2018-19 through "Data Sharing Module". During the year, 9 states/UTs which were processing Scholarships manually have been brought on National Scholarship Portal, including J&K, Manipur, Andaman and Nicobar, Daman Diu, Dadra-Nagar Haveli, Goa etc.

In DBT Portal, the States have been given facility to upload queries, documents Utilization Certificate, Statement of Expenditure online. All important notices and letters are sent through portal and has facility of sending Bulk messages in order to have better communication with states. The "Communication Module" has substantially reduced time earlier taken through physical mode.

The Portal has facility to generate various MIS reports like State wise, Institute wise, gender wise, Stream wise beneficiaries report for monitoring. These e-initiatives have resulted in paradigm shift from manual paper-based UC Based monitoring to Data Based online monitoring.There is Standardization of data collection process and Data sharing is mandated for release of funds.There is mapping of funds released and their utilization.However,States need continuous hand holding, persuasion and efforts for loading complete and correct data.

Data analyticsand MIS reports: Centre for Data Analytics (CEDA), under NIC has been entrusted with task of analysing data captured on all 4 Scholarship Portals. In 2 years there is data bank of 45 lacs Students getting scholarship from CS and CSS schemes. ''State Wise Data Analysis Reports" are shared with states online on DBT-TRIBAL Portal and regular meetings are held with States through regular VCs, State visits by MoTA Officers and vice versa. Standardisation of Data and getting clean and correct data is a mammoth exercise, which would need constant follow up by a dedicated team. The database has capability of generating various MIS reports like State wise, Institute wise, gender wise, Stream wise report for monitoring and coordination with universities and students.

PRADHAN MANTRI VAN DHAN YOJANA

Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) is a Market Linked Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Program for forming clusters of tribal SHGs and strengthening them into Tribal Producer Companies has been launched with participation from all the 27 States from the Country.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs approved the Van Dhan Scheme Guidelines on 26.02.2019 while the scheme is to be implemented by TRIFED. Nearly Rs 100 cr have been sanctioned this year for setting up 676 VDVKs in 18 States covering 200,740 beneficiaries for livelihood generation . 125

TRIFED has also conducted two National level advocacy workshops and 5 State level advocacy workshops TRIFED is also developing a robust web-based IT platform and mobile application for data collection, tracking, and monitoring of all the activities under PMVDY

In Nagaland, the Longleng VDVK in Longleng District have begun the value addition and processing work in Hill Grass to make Hill Grass Brooms.In Maharashtra, the Malegaon VDVK &Resod VDVK from Washim District has initiated processing & value addition of Marking Nut. In Chattisgarh, the Birgudi VDVK in Dhamtari District and Gotiya VDVK in Jagdalpur District have started working in Sal leaves & Tamarind processing and value addition respectively.

MINOR FOREST PRODUCE

The number of MFPs notified have been revised from 23 to 49 under Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Development of Value Chain for MFP’.

STREAMLINING FUNDING OF NGOs

Ministry is funding about 250 NGOs for 350 projects mainly on Health and Education in deficient service area, LWS areas, Border areas. In order to bring transparency and efficiency in release of funds to NGOs, the process of inviting applications, verification and release of funds is through a dedicated NGO portal ( https://ngograntsmota.gov.in.). Each NGO can now track status of its application. In order to ensure NGOs utilize funds for the given purpose only, funds are monitored through EAT Module. On the portal NGOs have been given facility to upload queries, documents and grievance through Communication Module. Various Regional Workshops are also organized. Some of these 'e-governance initiatives for ST Welfare Schemes' were launched on 12th June, 2019 at Ambedkar Bhavan, New Delhi by Minister for Tribal Affairs.

Ministryhas also initiated process of grading of NGOs on basis of defined criteria. Those NGOs whose performance would be below mark would be given time to improve. In case they do not confirm to standards defined by MoTA, their grants may not be renewed. A 3 day workshop was organized in Delhi to train these NGOs on use of EAT Module for financial transparency and were asked to share their best practices.

Ministryhas given a research and evaluation project to PriceWaterhouseCooper (PWC) to study the implementation of STC under 330 schemes of Central Ministries / Departments to understand the relevance thereof. The study is likely to be completed by January, 2020. Based on the outcome of the project, STC MIS portal will be modified to track end use of funds to tribal beneficiaries to know whether benefit was in cash or kind and Infrastructure created in tribal areas with allocated funds.

16. Ministryis contemplating to bring in legislation for enactment of STC Act to regulate the STC funds being utilized by Central Ministries / Departments in order to fetch optimum results for the benefit of STs and ST dominated areas. The draft concept Note for STC Actis under consideration of NITI Aayog. 126

HEALTH, WATER AND LIVELIHOOD OF TRIBALS

Ministryhas taken unique initiative to solvewater problems and Livelihood problems of the tribal areas. Action Research project has been given to SECMOL-LADAKH, wherein they would establish Ice stupa in 50 villages and which will solve problem of drinking water and water required for agriculture. SECMOL will also plant trees through community participation. Himmotthan Society, Uttarakhand, which is managed by Tata Foundation has been given project on sheep rearing, Packaging of Apricot and Peas as these are perishable items and locals do not get remunerative price for their products.

Ministry has prepared a Health Action Plan to mitigate the gaps in health infrastructure and other health services in the tribal dominated areas. The draft health plan is under consideration of NITI Aayog.

A one day National Workshop on Tribal Enterprise with focus on Honey, Bamboo & Lac was held on 08/08/19 in New Delhi with the objective to improve the production of the 3 very important products from forests to ensure maximum returns and to build better livelihood opportunities for the tribals.

TRIBAL HEALERS AND TRIBAL MEDICINES

Tribals have vast traditional knowledge of treating diseases with locally available medicinal plants. In order to protect this knowledge, which is fast vanishing, Patanjali Research Institute has been given pilot project for research on Tribal Healers and Medicinal Plants in Uttarakhand. Similar projects have been given to AIIMS-Jodhpur, Parvara Institute of Medica Science and Mata Amritamai Institute for Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Kerala.

TRI Uttarakhand has been made nodal TRI for coordination of research works being conducted for tribal medicine by various CoEs and TRIS so as to create a centralized knowledge hub on the subject. MoTA intends to entrust subjects to other TRIs also for PAC India coordination and management of centralized information system on the subject.

TRIBAL RESEARCH, CULTURE AND MUSEUMS

Ministry has mooted the proposal for setting up of National Level Tribal Research Institute to act as a knowledge hub and repository of information related to STs. The NTRI is to spearhead research and evaluation studies on tribal issues and to provide handholding support to State TRIs in their functioning. NITI Aayog has provided in-principle approval for the NTRI.

State Tribal Research cum Cultural Centre and Museum was inaugurated on 21/08/19 at Dehradun, capital city of the State. Built at a cost of Rs. 12 crore released by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, this imposing 2 storied centre is expected to play a major role in propagation of rich tribal culture and traditions of Uttarakhand besides research activities.

TRI Uttarakhand has been made nodal TRI for coordination of research works being conducted for tribal medicine by various CoEs and TRIS so as to create a centralized knowledge hub on the 127 subject. MoTA intends to entrust subjects to other TRIs also for PAC India coordination and management of centralized information system on the subject.

As a part of the resolve of the Government to construct Freedom Fighter Museums in States where tribals lived, struggled against the Britishers and refused to bow down so that the coming generations may know how our tribals made sacrifices for the pride of mother India. Till last year, Ministry of Tribal Affairs had sanctioned Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum in the States of Gujarat, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala. During current year MoTA has sanctioned Projects for setting up of Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum at Manipur and Mizoram.

Ministry has given a project to IIPA for conducting workshops for TRIs to assess the need and course of action for revamping of their functioning towards tangible outputs.

The Ministry has provided financial assistance for the organization of tribal festivals in 14 States across the country including Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, Pawl Kut Festival in Mizoram, SamakkaSarakkaMedaramJatrra in Telangana.

EKLAVA MODEL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS

Programme to establish 462 new EMRS across India launched by the Prime Minister India on 12th September, 2019 at Ranchi, Jharkhand.55 EMRSs have been made functional this year with an enrolment of 4833 new students. Cumulatively 284 schools have become functional with an enrolment of 72839 students as on date.

Second edition of the National EMRS Cultural Fest was organized at Udaipur, Rajasthan from 28th to 30th November, 2019 to exhibit the rich tribal culture and heritage.

National EMRS Sports Meet, 2019 has been organized at Bhopal, MP, which saw the participation of EMRS students from 21 States across the nation. The event was held from 9th to 13th December, 2019 to showcase and encourage the tribal students in various disciplines of sports.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs organized an event to felicitate the students of Eklavya Model Residential School, Kalsi, Uttarakhand State who were invited at Rashtrapati Bhavan to perform in a function being held in honour of Freedom Fighters on 09/08/19.

TRIBAL EMPOWERMENT

TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairsstrives to promote economic development of the Tribal communities of the country through marketing development and sustained upgradation of their skills and products.

The recently launched flagship scheme of tribal empowerment , PMVDY is being implemented by TRIFED. 128

In collaboration with TRIFED, M/o Tribal Affairs organised a National Tribal Festival “Aadi Mahotsav” atDilliHaat, INA, New Delhi from 16th November to 30th November 2019 to disseminate rich tribal culture, heritage and traditions of the region. Union Home Minister Shri inaugurated the festival. Further, funds have been sanctioned to TRIFED for organizing similar festivals at 20 different locations nationwide including at Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh where it was organized on 17/08/19.

Some of the other important activities taken up by TRIFED for empowerment of tribals include opening new outlets of TRIBES India, procurement of tribal products, sale of tribal products through countrywide exhibitions, promoting domestic and international sales through e- commerce, tribal artisan melas among others.

TRIBAL FOREST RIGHTS

Complete withdrawal of draft amendment IFA, 2019 by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (M/oEFCC) on the pursuance of Ministry of Tribal Affairs. M/oEFCCstated that the tribal rights will be protected fully and they will continue to be the important stakeholder in forest development.

Source: PIB 16. Year End Review 2019- Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Following are the initiatives of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions during the year 2019:

‘Good Governance Index’ launched on ‘Good Governance Day’

MoS (PP) Dr Jitendra Singh launched the ‘Good Governance Index’ at an event organized by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, on the occasion of Good Governance Day i.e. 25th December, 2019. The Good Governance Index is a uniform tool across States to assess the Status of Governance and impact of various interventions taken up by the State Government and UTs. The objectives of GGI are to provide quantifiable data to compare the state of governance in all states and UTs, enable states and UTs to formulate and implement suitable strategies for improving governance and shift to result oriented approaches and administration. Various principles have been kept in mind while selecting the indicators, i.e. it should be easy to understand & calculate, citizen-centric & result driven, leading to improved results and applicable to all states and UTs, among others. Various consultation meetings were held with the stakeholders, including consultations with sector experts, ministries, states & UTs. The GGI takes into consideration ten sectors: 1). Agriculture 129

and Allied Sectors, 2). Commerce & Industries, 3). Human Resource Development, 4). Public Health, 5). Public Infrastructure & Utilities, 6). Economic Governance, 7). Social Welfare & Development, 8). Judicial & Public Security, 9). Environment and 10). Citizen-Centric Governance.

On the occasion, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has also brought out a Handbook for Retiring Central Government Employee, including All India Service Officers, to make them, as well as their families, aware of their entitlements and various procedural formalities with respect to their retirement benefits.

The Minister also launched the 15th edition of Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure (CSMOP).

Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)’s initiatives for UTs of J&K and Ladakh:

 A two-day Regional Conference (November 15-16, 2019) on ‘Replication of Good Governance Practices in UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, was organised in Jammu. The Conference was inaugurated by the Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, in the presence of the Lt. Gov. of J&K, Shri G.C. Murmu, Secretary DoPT & DARPG, Dr C. Chandramouli, and J&K Chief Secretary, Shri BVR Subrahmanyam. The valedictory session was chaired by Shri K. K. Sharma Advisor to the LT. Governor of J&K. After intensive deliberations, ‘Sushasan Sankalp: Jammu Ghoshana’ resolution was adopted. The Conference resolved that Government of India and the participating State Governments and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh shall collaborate to Develop the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as models of administrative excellence using digital technologies in implementation of welfare Union Territory programs. The Regional Conference was attended by Delegates from 19 States and 4 Union Territories. In addition, 450 officials from Government of Jammu and Kashmir participated in the Regional Conference.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1591817

 A 2-day regional conference in Jammu under the theme ‘Ek Barat Shresht Bharat’ with focus on ‘Jal Shakti and Disaster Management’ was organized on 30th Nov-1st December 2019. The Regional Conference brought together officials from the sister State of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in technical sessions on Jal Shakti and Disaster Management Practices. The technical sessions included Rejuvenation of Rivers – Cauvery and Jhelum, Reducing Water Consumption in Agriculture, Urban Flooding, Experience Sharing by District Collectors and Line 130

Departments and also talks by specialists in Water Management practices. The Regional Conference was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh in the presence of Lt. Governor of J&K Shri G. C. Murmu on November 30, 2019. The conference was attended by 350 delegates from Jammu and Kashmir.

 Three delegations from DARPG visited Srinagar in September – October 2019 to firm up the collaboration, the first delegation led by Shri V. Srinivas, Additional Secretary, DARPG had visited J&K on 4-5th September, 2019. This was followed by 2 delegations led by Joint Secretary DARPG Shri V. Shashank Shekhar. The Additional Secretary DARPG held discussions with the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir and Principal Secretaries/ Secretaries of the line Departments in outlining the collaboration roadmap.

22nd National Conference on e-Governance and adoption of ‘Shillong Declaration’

DARPG, in association with Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India and the State Government of Meghalaya organized the 22nd National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) 2019 on 8-9thAugust, 2019 at Shillong, Meghalaya. The theme of this Conference was “Digital India: Success to Excellence”. At the valedictory session, the historic ‘Shillong Declaration’ outlining the roadmap on e-Governance of the Nation was adopted after intensive deliberations during the sessions held over two days.

DARPG in association with the Administrative Reforms Commission of the Government of Kerala organized the National Seminar on e-Governance at Thiruvananthapuram on August 27-28, 2019. The theme of the National Seminar was digital empowerment of the citizens.

‘Nagpur Resolution- A Holistic approach for empowering citizens’

The ‘Nagpur Resolution- A Holistic approach for empowering citizens’ was adopted during the Valedictory session of the two-day Regional Conference on ‘Improving Public Service Delivery – Role of Governments’, in Nagpur on 22nd December, 2019. The Conference resolved that Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Public Services and the participating State Governments shall collaborate to empower the citizens by policy interventions for better service delivery through timely updation of citizens charters, implementation of enactments and benchmarking standards for continuous improvement, among others. 131

Chairperson and members of Lokpal administered oath of office:

The Chairperson, Lokpal, Sh. Justice P. C. Ghose and its eight members were administered the Oath of Office. The logo, motto and website of the Lokpal were also launched during the year.

Four Information Commissioners administered the oath of office of the Information Commissioner

Four Information Commissioners namely Shri Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, Smt. Vanaja N Sarna, Shri Neeraj Kumar Gupta and Shri Suresh Chandra were administered the oath of office of the Information Commissioner, Central Information Commission(CIC) by the Chief Information Commissioner, Shri Sudhir Bhargava, on 1st January, 2019. With their induction, the total number of Information Commissioners in the Central Information Commission including Chief Information Commissioner has gone upto 7.

Passing of RTI Amendment Bill, 2019

After being passed in Lok Sabha, the RTI Amendment Bill, 2019 was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 25th July, 2019. The Lok Sabha had passed the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on 22nd July. In this amendment, it is proposed to amend the Right to Information Act, 2005 so as to provide that the term of office of, and the salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of, the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners and the State Chief Information Commissioner and the State Information Commissioners, shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

CPGRAMS reforms and National workshop on CPGRAMS

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) organised the National Workshop on Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) Reforms on 5th November 2019. The CPGRAMS reforms for Departments of Financial Services and Telecommunications (DoT) and the ‘Online Hackathon on Data-Driven Innovation for Citizen Grievance Redressal’ was launched during the event. The CPGRAMS reforms for Department of Posts were launched on 25th September 2019 as part of the 100 days’ agenda of DARPG. The new version of CPGRAMS 7.0 will lead to reduction in grievance disposal time and improved quality of grievance redressal. 132

National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)’s training programmes:

The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), India’s leading civil services training institution, has entered into an MoU with the Maldives Civil Services Commission for capacity building of 1000 Maldives civil servants over the next 5 years. The agreement was signed during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Male on 8th June 2019.

The 2-week long Special Training program was conducted by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) at Mussoorie and Delhi in pursuance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India-Bangladesh and India-Maldives which were signed for training 1800 civil servants of Bangladesh and 1000 civil servants of Maldives over a period of 5 years. In all, 33 officials from Maldives and 31 officials from Bangladesh participated in the Training Program.

The Valedictory Session held on 27th September in New Delhi was addressed by Dr Jitendra Singh Minister of State for Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions. The program was conducted under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program (ITEC) from 16th September at Mussoorie and Delhi. Under the MoU, 10 training programmes will be conducted from September 2019 to December 2020. The first 3 training programs under the MoU would be held in 2019 (a) September 16-28, 2019 and November 18-30, 2019 for 60 officers of the middle management level (b) December 2-14, 2019 for 30 officers of top management at the Permanent Secretary level.

Capacity building program for the Permanent Secretaries and Secretary Generals of the Republic of Maldives held

The Capacity Building Program was conducted by the National Centre for Good Governance from December 6 to December 13, 2019. The program was attended by 15 Permanent Secretaries and Secretary Generals of the Republic of Maldives. This is the first capacity building program for Top Management Officials of the Republic of Maldives conducted by the National Centre for Good Governance in India. Under Memorandum of Understanding between India and the Republic of Maldives, 1000 civil servants of Maldives are to be trained at the National Centre for Good Governance. Till date, 3 capacity building programs for 100 Officials have been successfully conducted.

MoU signed between UPSC and the Civil Service Council of Mongolia

On 3rd July, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Civil Service Council of Mongolia 133 in New Delhi, to take forward the cooperation between the Commissions of the two countries. The Chairman, Union Public Service Commission, Shri Arvind Saxena and Chairman, Civil Service Council of Mongolia, Mr. B. Baatarzorig signed the MoU in the presence of officers from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).

14th Annual convention of the Central Information Commission held on 12th October

The Union Minister of Home Affairs Shri Amit Shah presided over the 14th Annual convention of the Central Information Commission as Chief Guest on 12th October, 2019. Shri Shah praised RTI as a great step to remove injustice and corruption from the system and increase the efficiency of governance. He said that RTI removes arbitrariness from governance and acts as a major grievance redressal tool. He said that the use of high technology methods like video conference and digitization of RTI files makes the lives of litigants easier.

CBI organises first National Conference on Cybercrime Investigation and Forensics

The first National Conference on Cybercrime Investigation and Forensics was organized by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on 4th -5th September, 2019. Around 50 Officers including DGPs, ADGPs, IGPs, DIGPs and SPs dealing with cybercrime in State & UT Police, Central Agencies, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, other Ministries, experts from Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and academia participated in the Conference.

National e-Governance Awards, 2019 presented:

MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh, presented the National e-Governance Awards, 2019 at a function organised by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in New Delhi on 27th February. With a view to recognize and promote Excellence in implementation of e-Governance initiatives, the Government of India presents National Awards on e- Governance every year. The 14 Awards were given in 6 categories to recognize achievements in the area of e-Governance, with Gold and Silver Awards in each category. A Special Jury Award was also presented in Category-I for IRCTC Rail Connect Mobile App.

Posting of Assistant Secretaries in Central Government Ministries/Departments: 134

On 2nd July, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacted with about 160 young IAS officers of the 2017 batch, who were appointed as Assistant Secretaries in the Government of India. The Valedictory session was held on 1st October, 2019. The Prime Minister encouraged the officers to be receptive towards new ideas, new concepts and perspectives. Interacting with officers, Prime Minister said that maintaining service orientation is paramount for a civil servant as it will bring out neutrality.

Integrated Grievance Cell & Call Center for pensioners:

An Integrated Grievance Cell & Call Center was inaugurated on 20th June, 2019 for pensioners with the objective of providing easy access to pensioners in registering their grievances and getting speedy resolution. This centre is also working as team which coordinates with different Ministries/Departments to resolve the problems of the elderly pensioners.

All India Pension Adalat

All India Pension Adalat was organized on 23.08.2019 by DoPPW by roping in various Ministries and Departments all over the country. The MoS (PP) interacted with the nodal officers and the pensioners present at these Pension Adalats at remote locations from Delhi through live video conferencing. More than 50 centers were connected through live video conferencing with the event being organized in Delhi. Around 4,000 Pensioners’ cases were resolved in a single day.

Rule 54(3) of Family Pension Rules, 1964 amended

Rule 54(3) of Family Pension Rules, 1964 amended vide extra-ordinary gazette notification dated 20.09.2019 with an objective to provide enhanced family pension to the dependant of deceased government employee who dies before completing 7 years of service. Earlier, for Families of Government servant dying in harness for reasons other than attributable to government duty, the admissible Family Pension was 30% of last pay drawn, if the official had not put in at least 7 years of service. For the Families of those Government servants who had put in at least 7 years or more of service, the admissible Family Pension was at an enhanced rate of 50% of the last pay drawn. This distinction of the No. of years of service was removed with effect from 1st October 2019 and now enhanced Family Pension would also be admissible to the Families of all Government servant in the unfortunate event of their death even before their completing 7 years of service. 135

1. To provide ease of living for aged pensioners orders were issued on 18.7.2019 to allow them for submission of Life Certificate from October, 1st instead of November, 1st which will be valid till 30th November of subsequent year. 2. As part of this Department’s special emphasis to Jammu, a presentation on Bhavishya was given to J&K administration for adopting Good Governance practices after restructure in of the status. This was followed up with a workshop on Bhavishya at Jammu which was conducted for the personnel of the border Secretary Force Jammu on 25th September, 2019.

Source: PIB 17. Year End Review- 2019: Ministry of Labour and Employment

Ministry of Labour and Employment has taken a number of initiatives for bringing transparency and accountability through reforms and enforcement of Labour Laws, with the objective of strengthening the safety, security, health, social security for every worker and bringing ease of compliance for running an establishment to catalyze creation of employment opportunities. These initiatives include governance reforms through use of e-governance measures and legislative reforms by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the existing labour laws into 4 labour codes. Two mega pension schemes were launched during the year for old age protection and social security of unorganized workers.

LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES: LABOUR LAW REFORMS

Labour Codes: As per the recommendations of the 2nd National Commission on Labour, Ministry has taken steps for codification of existing Central labour laws into 4 Codes by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the relevant provisions of the Central Labour laws. At present, the Ministry has been working on to simplify, amalgamate & rationalize the provisions of the existing Central labour laws into 4 Labour Codes.

(I) Labour Code on Wages: The Code on Wages, 2019 subsumes 4 existing Laws, viz. the Minimum Wages Act, 1948; the Payment of Wages Act, 1936; the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. It has been passed by both Houses of the Parliament and assented to by the President on 08.08.2019.

(II) Labour Code on Industrial Relations: The draft Labour Code on Industrial Relations subsumes the existing Laws viz. The Trade Union Act, 1926; The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Code has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 28.11.2019.

(III) Labour Code on Social Security & Welfare: The draft Code on Social Security subsumes 09 Labour Acts like: The Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923, The Maternity 136

Benefit Act, 1961, The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, The Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 etc.

The Code has been introduced in Lok Sabha on December 11, 2019.

(IV) Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions: The Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2019 subsumes the 13 Labour Acts like: The Factories Act, 1948, The Plantation Labour Act, 1951, The Mines Act, 1952, The Building and Other Constructions Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 etc.

The Occupational Safety Health & Working Conditions Code, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 23.07.2019. Presently, the Code has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour for examination.

GOVERNANCE REFORMS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Shram Suvidha Portal:

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has developed a unified Web Portal ‘Shram Suvidha Portal’, to bring transparency and accountability in enforcement of labour laws and ease complexity of compliance.

Allotment of unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) to Units after registration to facilitate online inspection & compliance was started on the Portal with its launch on 16.10.2014 itself. Unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) has been allotted to 27,81,065 units as on 08.11.2019.

Transparent Labour Inspection Scheme in Central Sphere was started on the Portal with its launch on 16.10.2014 itself. Since the launch of the Labour Inspection Scheme, 5,24,189 inspection reports across the four Central Labour Enforcement Agencies have been uploaded on Shram Suvidha Portal.

ONLINE RETURN – Unified Online Annual Returns have been made mandatory in respect of eight (8) Central Labour Acts, namely, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, and the Building and Other Construction Workers(Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) (BOCW) Act, 1996. These Returns which were half yearly/annually earlier, now need to be filed by all employers annually only and are to be filed online. 1,08,711 online returns have been filed on the Shram Suvidha Portal as on 08.11.2019 Since launch of the Online Annual Return.

31,047 online returns have been filed on the Shram Suvidha Portal till November 08, 2019 under Mines Act, 1952 (Coal Mines Regulations, Metallurgical Mines Regulations and Oil Mines Regulations). 137

Unified monthly Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) for EPFO and ESIC has been made operational.

COMMON REGISTRATION: Common Registration form for EPFO and ESIC has been made operational. 1,27,544 units have been registered with EPFO & 1,07,681 units have been registered with ESIC as on November 08, 2019.

Common Registration under three Central Acts namely the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) Act, 1996, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and conditions of Service) Act, 1979 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 is being provided online on Shram Suvidha Portal. 6052 registrations have been issued using this facility as on 08.11.2019.

Licenses under two Central Acts, namely, the, Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 have been made online. 20,316 licenses have been issued using this facility as on 08.11.2019.

State Integration

Integration of States with Shram Suvidha Portal is under way. As on date, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Delhi are being integrated with the Portal. Data is being shared and LIN is being allotted to the establishments covered by the state labour enforcement agencies.

Start Up India

Facility for exemption from Labour Inspections under six (6) Central Labour Acts is being provided to the Start-ups which submit self certified declarations through Shram Suvidha Portal.

State/UT Governments have been advised to regulate the inspections for the Start-Ups, wherever applicable and extend the self-certification compliance regime from 3 years to 5 years. 27 States/UTs have taken action on the advisory dated 12.01.2016 /06.04.2017 issued by this Ministry for self-certification and to regulate inspection under the four (4) labour laws viz. the Building & Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979,the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 for the start-ups wherever applicable.

Social Security Schemes

Government of India has launched two pension schemes for old age protection and social security of Unorganised Workers in 2019.

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM), a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, was launched in February, 2019 for the benefit of unorganized workers. It is central 138 sector scheme open to unorganised workers, whose monthly income is Rs.15000/- or below and who has an Aadhar number as well as savings bank / jan-dhan account. The minimum age for joining the scheme is 18 years and the maximum is 40 years. Under the scheme, minimum assured monthly pension of Rs.3000/- will be provided to the beneficiaries from the age of 60 years onwards. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service Centres, with its network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. In addition eligible persons can also self-enroll through visiting the portal www.maandhan.in. Under the scheme, the subscriber is required to pay the prescribed monthly contribution amount and the Central Government provides equal contribution. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is the Pension Fund Manager and shall be responsible for pension pay-out. Total number of 39,00,525 beneficiaries under PM-SYM have been enrolled as on 10.12.2019.

National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeepers and Self-Employed Persons has been launched on 12.09.2019. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service Centres, with its network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. In addition eligible persons can also self-enroll through visiting the portal www.maandhan.in. The traders in the age group of 18-40 years with an annual turnover, not exceeding Rs.1.5 crore and who are not a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS/PM-SYM or an income tax payer, can join the scheme. Under the scheme, 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Subscribers, after attaining the age of 60 years, are eligible for a monthly minimum assured pension of Rs.3,000/-. Total number of 20,000 beneficiaries under NPS-Traders have been enrolled as on 10.122019.

Pension Week was also celebrated in all the States/UTs w.e.f. 30th November to 06th December, 2019 in coordination with Common Service Centres, to increase the enrolments under both the Schemes, i.e. PM-SYM and NPS-Traders. A Central level function was inaugurated on 30.11.2019 by Minister for Labour and Employment launching the Pension Week/Pension Saptah. All the State Governments/UT Governments were requested for popularizing and bringing more awareness about the scheme. The progress of the Scheme is being reviewed regularly in the Ministry for taking initiatives under Mission Mode.

Major Steps Taken In EPFO

Three new apps to improve service delivery of subscribers were launched by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment on EPFO Foundation Day. The details of three important digital initiatives of EPFO are as under:

1. Online Facility for UAN generation by worker: Now any workers can obtain Universal Account Number (UAN) directly on EPFO website which enrolls them for PF, Pension and Life Insurance benefits and a worker need not depend on his employer alone for UAN. This is in the direction of ease of living and ensuring universal social security.

2. EPS Pensioner’s PPO in DigiLocker website/Application (APP) EPFO integrates with DigiLocker of NeGD to create depository of electronic PPOs which is accessible to individual pensioners. This is a move towards paperless system and ease of living for pensioners. 139

3. e-Inspections: Digital interface of EPFO with employers: The E-Inspection Form would be available in user login of employers not filing ECR which enables employer to inform either closure of business or unpaid dues with proposal for payment. It will nudge employers for compliant behavior and prevent undue harassment of non-willful defaulters and eliminate inspector raj.

Central Board of Trustees, EPF recommends crediting of 8.65% rate of interest on Accumulations in the EPF Member’s Account for the year 2018-19:

In 224th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, EPF under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment (I/C) Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, the Central Board recommended crediting of 8.65 % rate of interest on the EPF accumulations in the EPF member’s account for the year 2018-19.

New Initiatives taken in Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting held on 21 August 2019:

1. Amendment in Employees’ pension Scheme 1995:

In a major decision, the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) EPF in a meeting held at Hyderabad on 21 August 2019, approved the proposal to recommend for amendment in Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 for restoration of commuted value of pension to the Pensioners after 15 years of drawing commutation which will benefit approx. 6.3 lakhs pensioners. This was a long pending demand of the pensioner

2. Launch of Revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 Version:

The Chairman CBT also launched the revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 version which will benefit more than 5 crores subscribers and lakhs of employers by speedy and smooth resolution of grievances.

Selection of ETF Manufacturers: The Board approved the decision to choose the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) manufacturers through public bidding by 30/10/2019, extension of the term of the present ETF manufacturers (SBI MF and UTI MF) till then and also to authorized the Finance Investment & Audit Committee (FIAC) to conduct the exercise of choosing ETF manufacturers.

Allocation of investment in Nifty 50 and Sensex: The Board approved the proposal that the fund allocation between Nifty 50 and Sensex ETFs be divided evenly, i.e. in the ratio of 50% to 50%.

Appointment of a Consultant in addition to M/s. CRISIL Ltd: The Board approved the nomination of members from employer’s and employee side in a Committee constituted to select and appoint a separate Agency/Consultant in addition to M/s. CRISIL limited, inter-alia to review the working of the Portfolio Managers (PMs), assist the investment Committee in redemption of ETFs, etc. 140

Appointment of Portfolio Managers for managing funds of Central Board, EPF: The Central Board approved Request for Proposal (RFP) document for appointment of Portfolio Managers and recommendation of the FIAC on appointment of Portfolio Managers.

Exercise of early redemption options available in DHFL Bonds: The Board approved for early redemption option in DHFL bonds recommended by FIAC.

Major Steps Taken In ESIC

Rate reduction in ESI Contribution- The ESI Corporation has reduced rates of ESI Contribution being paid by employees and employers covered under ESI Scheme from 6.5 % (Employees’ share 1.75% & Employers’ share 4.75%) to 4% (Employees’ share 0.75% & Employers’ share 3.25%) with effect from 01.07.2019. This reduction of contribution rates, will ensures financial relief to employers and employees. However, the healthcare benefits under the ESI scheme will remain the same. The decision will benefit 36 million workers and 1.28 million employers.

Health Passbook for ESI Beneficiaries - ESIC has introduced a Health Passbook for ESI Beneficiaries in Phased manner. This Health Passbook serves as a user-friendly mechanism for beneficiary identification, recording of clinical finding and consultation advice by the Insurance Medical Practitioner(s). Salient feature of Health Passbook is as under: -

 Separate Passbook with Unique Health ID, QR code and photograph of Insured Persons and his/her family members.  Serves for beneficiaries identification & recording of clinical findings and consultation advice by ESI Doctors/IMPs.  Passbook would be issued by the ESIC Branch Offices in a phased manner.

Insured Persons of ESIC from newly implemented area to get treatment under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): ESIC has decided to provide cashless medical care services to entitled Insured Persons and Beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat package rates in newly implemented area of 102 designated Districts through PMJAY empanelled hospitals up to a maximum limit of Rs.5.00 lakh, beyond which individual case will be channelled to ESIC for seeking approval for further expenditure on ESI beneficiaries. Similarly, PMJAY beneficiaries may get in-house medical treatment services as per Ayushman Bharat approved packages from underutilized ESI Hospitals.

ESIC – Chinta Se Mukti app launched - The Corporation has also launched the ESIC “Chinta Se Mukti” app available on the UMANG platform to facilitate stakeholders to view contribution details, eligibility for benefits, claim status, etc. in their Mobile Handset.

Extending medical benefits to Non-IPs – The Corporation has extended its medical services to Non-Insured Persons (General Public) in its under-utilized hospitals. Now, Non-IPs can avail medical services from underutilized ESIC Hospital, at Alwar (Rajasthan), Bihta (Bihar), Gulbarga (Karnataka), Bareilly Varanasi, Sarojani Nagar (Lucknow) & Jajmau (Kanpur) on a nominal charge of Rs.10/- for OPD Consultation and at 25% of CGHS package rates for IPD. 141

Unified Website - In order to maintain the corporate identity of ESIC and to have a repository of common information, and also to have uniformity in design and content, a Unified Website www.esic.nic.in has been launched. All the Regional Offices/Sub-Regional Offices, ESIC Hospitals and ESIC Medical Institutions & Hospitals have been made part of this single unified website.

ESIC- contributing excellence in sports - ESIC had recruited 135 meritorious sports persons including Shri Pramod Bhagat, ace para-shuttler from all across India during the year 2016. Shri Pramod Bhagat, an ESIC employee at Regional Office, Bhubaneswar has received prestigious Arjuna Award for the current year on 29th Aug., 2019. Shri Pramod Bhagat has many tournaments to his credit including five international titles in six tournaments he participated. He won a gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 category at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in Basel. Bhagat said he is now focusing to clinch a gold medal in the Olympics.

Strengthening of Medical Infrastructure– In order to provide in-house quality medical services in the major ESIC Hospitals, of late, ESIC has procured state-of-the-art medical equipments viz. MRI, CT Scan etc. for ICU, Secondary & Super Speciality care.

National Career Service Project-(NCS) - The Ministry is implementing the National Career Service (NCS) Project as a Mission Mode Project for transformation of the National Employment Service to provide a variety of employment related services like career counselling, vocational guidance, information on skill development courses, apprenticeship, internships etc. The services under NCS are available online and can be accessed directly, through Career Centres, Common Service Centres, post offices, mobile devices, cyber cafes etc. The various stakeholders on the NCS platform include job-seekers, industries, employers, employment exchanges (career centres), training providers, educational institutions and placement organizations.

The progress of NCS Portal is given below:

NATIONAL CAREER SERVICE

Sl. No. Parameters Number as on 31st October, 2019

1. Active Jobseekers Registered 1.01 crore

2. Active Employers Registered 25184

3. Total Vacancies Mobilized 58.50 lakh

With the increased focus of Government on Career Counselling, the Ministry proposes to create a network of Career Counsellors where the Career Centres will become the hub of Career Counselling in their area. Under the process, 5645 Active Career Counsellors from various States/UTs have got registered at NCS Portal. 142

The NCS Project also envisaged setting up of Model Career Centres (MCCs) to be established in collaboration with States and other institutions to deliver employment services. Approval for 146 MCCs has been accorded (including 07 MCCs on non-funding basis). These model centres can be replicated by the States from their own resources. The Government now, keeping in view of the importance of the employment as a thrust area in Government Schemes, and to provide employment related services to maximum job seekers and other stakeholders has decided to establish 100 more Model Career Centres (MCCs) thereby extending the geographical coverage of the scheme increasing number of Government funded MCCs to 200 during 14th Finance commission (2017-2020). Proposals were received from different States. On the recommendations of the Appraisal Committee, Government has approved 171 (including 07 on non-funding basis) Model Career Centres. Further 37 more model career centers have been recommend by the Inter Ministerial Appraisal Committee in the meeting held on November 20, 2019.

National Career Service Centres for Differently Abled (NCSC-DAs): 21 National Career Service Centres for Differently Abled (NCSC-DAs) are functioning in the country under the administrative control of Directorate General of Employment, M/O Labour & Employment. These Centres evaluate residual capacities of Persons with Disabilities, provide Vocational Training, and extend Vocational Rehabilitation assistances etc. to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The Services of NCSC-DAs are open to Persons with Disabilities irrespective of the gender and education in the category of Locomotor, Visual & Hearing impaired, Mild Mental Retardation and Leprosy Cured.

6644 Candidates have been rehabilitated upto October 31, 2019 by NCSC-Das.

National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs; Directorate General of Employment is implementing the scheme for “Welfare of SC/ST job seekers through Coaching, Vocational Guidance and Training and Introduction of new courses in existing National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs and Establishment of new NCSCs in the States not covered so far” Under the scheme, National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs has been set up by Govt. of India, Ministry of Labour& Employment, DGE to enhance the employability of SC/ST job seekers through coaching/training. So far 25 National Career Service Centre Centres for SCs/STs have been set up.

67761 candidates have been provided guidance and counselling services, 5621 students were trained in typing and shorthand and 1050 candidates were trained in computer skills by NCSC-SC/STs upto October 31, 2019.

Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) –Under the scheme, Government of India is paying Employer’s full contribution i.e. 12% towards EPF and EPS both (as admissible from time to time) for a period of three years to the new employees through EPFO.

This scheme has a dual benefit, where, on the one hand, the employer is incentivised for increasing the employment base of workers in the establishment, and on the other hand, a large number of workers will find jobs in such establishments. A direct benefit is that these workers 143

will have access to social security benefits of the organized sector. All the beneficiaries under this scheme are Aadhaar Seeded.

 152778 Establishments covering 12165587 Beneficiaries have benefitted till November 25, 2019 under Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY).

BRIEF OF WORKERS EDUCATION SCHEME

The Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education & Development (renaming ofCBWE), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Governme nt of India conducts the Workers Education Programmes of varied nature and duration in the country through its 50 Regional and 7 Sub- Regional Directorates spread Kashmir to Kannyakumari and Leh and laddakh for all categories without making any distinction on the basis of male and female in Organised, Unorga nised and Rural Sectors. The DTNBWED training programmes aim at creating desired a wareness among the workers in general and unorganized/ rural workers in particular about their rights and entitlements under various welfare schemes of the Ce ntral /State government etc.

The Board has organized 1625 training programme organized sector workers, 1120 programme conducted for unorganized and 150 for rural workers.

Source: PIB 18. Year End Review: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)

Major Achievements of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) during the calendar year 2019 are as follows:

1. NLCPR/NESIDS/Special Packages/SIDF/HADP

 In December 2017, Government of India approved North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) to meet the gaps in social & physical infrastructure in NER.  Total 211 projects costing Rs. 3124.72 crore have been implemented under the scheme of NESIDS/NLCPR/Special packages/SIDF/HADP by the Ministry in North Eastern Region.  In-principle approval has been accorded for First Bamboo Industrial park to be set up in North East Region. It will be established at Manderdisa in Dima Hasao District of Assam in an area of 75 hectares at a cost of Rs 50 crore. This project is targeted to be completed by March 2021.  Nine (09) meetings of IMC/NESIDS Committee held during the current calendar year for consideration of projects proposals received from NE States under NLCPR/NESIDS/Special Packages/SIDF.

2. North Eastern Council: 144

 The 68th Plenary of the North Eastern Council was held on the 8th & 9th September, 2019 at Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati Assam. During the course of the Plenary, many important decisions were taken on board in consultation with 8 states of the North East. In the Plenary, the Home Minister and Chairman, NEC suggested allocating thirty percent of the NEC’s allocation for new projects under the existing “Schemes of North Eastern Council” for focused development of deprived areas; deprived/neglected sections of society and emerging priority sectors and related issues.  Destination North East, the event promoting and popularizing the North Eastern Region, culture, heritage and business opportunities was organised at Varanasi between 23-26 November 2019. The four-day event showcased the 8 sister states of Northeast India. There was representation from all the states and also from Central Government agencies. The event was inaugurated by the Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region in the presence of senior officers of MDoNER and NEC.  The MOS (I/C), M/DoNER visited Mizoram to propagate Eco-tourism with wildlife sanctuary/parks, good scenic beauty, waterfalls, forests, culture, heritage, handicraft and business in the region. The visit also focused on significant aspect of the local community’s active participation towards increasing tourist-community cultural interfaces.  The Prime Minister on 6th March, 2019 at Gulbarga, Karnataka inaugurated the Girls’ Hostel for the students of the North Eastern Region at Bangalore University.  Construction of a hostel for the North East Students at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi: The cost of the project is Rs. 28.675 crore, out of which the NEC released a total of Rs. 11.01 crore. The project has commenced on ground and the present progress is approximately 10%. The project is likely to be completed by December, 2020.  Purchasing of land for “Construction of Hostel for the students of North East States” at , Delhi: A sum of Rs 2.50 crore for purchasing of land measuring 1990 Sqm for construction of a hostel for the NE students at Rohini, New Delhi was sanctioned. The land possession certificate from the DDA, Delhi has been received.  Establishment of the NEC Convention Centre at Dwarka: The Government, through NEC, proposes to set up the NEC Convention Centre at Sector 13, Dwarka, New Delhi. The Centre would have an auditorium of 1000 seating capacity with banquet hall, exhibition space, museum, library, food court, office space, car parking space and provisions for eight guest rooms and three staff quarters. The DDA has allotted land measuring 5341.75 Sqm.  Inauguration of Administrative Building of CBTC at Bernihaat, Assam was made by the Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.  North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS): Under NERSDS, NEC undertakes up gradation of important and strategic inter-state roads which were not properly maintained by either of the two States. During 2019-20, 10 new projects for an amount 882 crore have been sanctioned till now and projects worth Rs. 118 crore are under process for sanction.  The Scheme of Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources NLCPR (Central) has been transferred to NEC for implementation during April, 2018. During the period 2019-20, an amount of Rs. 217.41 crore has been released under the said scheme for projection of MajuliIsland, Agartala-Akhaura rail line project etc.  Allocation and Expenditure: Against Budget Estimates of Rs. 1476.00 crore in FY 2019-20, the actual expenditure of Rs. 867.32 crore has been made as on 13.12.2019 achieving 58.75% of BE. 145

 Project completion: During 2019-20, total 78 projects and Non-projects with an approved cost of Rs. 964.25 crore have been completed.  Release of Rs. 1 crore each to the 14 Aspirational Districts: During the 67th Plenary, it was decided to provide Rs. 1 crore to each Aspirational Districts located in the NER to enable them to make substantial progress on the various indicators. The NEC had released a total of Rs. 14 crore to the 14 Aspirational Districts of the NE states.  Foundation stone was laid for the office Building of MDoNER CPSU NERMAC by MOS (I/C), MDoNER at Guwahati.

3. NORTH EASTERN STATE ROAD INVESTMENT PROGRAMME (NESRIP) (Renamed as NE Road Sector Development Scheme – EAP)

 12 projects of upgradation of National Highways in 7 states of North East having total length of 432.2 km with an estimated cost of Rs 2144.56 crores is under progress with the assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB) and during this year all the projects have made a very good progress.  During the Calendar Year 2019, MDoNER had supported 21 externally aided projects in the State of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura in various Sectors [Environment, Water, Health, Tourism, Education, Power, Rural, Road, Medical, Agricultural.] with a total project cost of Rs. 20,000 crores from various Multilateral Development Banks (MDB).

4. North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP)

North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP) is a livelihood project funded by Government of India. The third phase of the Project implementation started in June, 2014 for a period of 6 years i.e. upto 31st March, 2020. The current phase i.e. Phase-III of the project covered Tirap (Undivided) and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh; Churachandpur and Chandel districts of Manipur. The project current status as recorded below-

Particulars Target Achievement

State to be covered 2 2

Districts to be covered 4 4

Village to be covered 1,177 1212

Household to be covered 58,850 58789

Natural Resource Management Group (NaRM-Gs) 1,570 1383

Self Help Group (SHG) 3,920 3494

NaRM-G Cluster Association 60 123 146

SHG Federation 175 134

During the FY 2019-20 [Till October, 2019] Funds to the tune of Rs. 96 crores had been disbursed/utilized for the Scheme

5. North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP)

NERLP, a World Bank aided project launched in 2012, was implemented by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), to improve rural livelihoods. The project covered 1,645 villages under 58 development blocks across 11 districts of 4 states of Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The Project has concluded on 30.09.2019 and is running on an extended time upto 31.12.2019 for completion of closure related activities, mainly audit of the scheme.

The major achievements of the project are as under: i. 10462 boys and girls were trained in various job skills.

(ii) 2,92,889 households were covered through formation of 28,154 Self Help Groups (SHGs) and 1,212 Village Federations, as well as formation of 1599 Community Development Groups (CDG).

(iii) 97% of the members of SHGs formed by the project have Savings Bank Accounts with a cumulative savings to the tune of Rs.60.51 crores.

(iv) Project has released a Community Investment Fund (CIF) of Rs.319.15 crores to 28,154 SHGs.

(v) A total number of 5,535 SHGs have availed bank linkage with a total sanctioned bank loan amount of Rs.58.19 crores. The average loan amount per SHG from Bank is Rs.1.02 Lakh.

(b): State-wise details of people skilled are as under:

STATE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAINED

Mizoram 1601

Nagaland 1438

Sikkim 3491

Tripura 3932 147

Total Trained 10462

6. NORTH EASTERN HANDICRAFTS AND HANDLOOMS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD (NEHHDC)

 NEHHDC developed 30 innovative Handicrafts and Handlooms products in its Craft Promotional Centre (CPC) and at clusters in the North Eastern Region.  NEHHDC launched one Online Shopping portal in June 2019 for marketing of North East Handloom and Handlooms Products.  NEHHDC opened one Showroom at the Ekta Mall, Kevadia near the Statue of Unity, Gujrat and has showcased a wide range of Handicraft and Handloom products of North Eastern Region.  NEHHDC introduced 35 Vendors for supplying Handicraft and Handlooms Products.  NEHHDC conducted many training programmes for waivers/artisans in NER last year.

7. North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd (NERAMAC) –The major activities of NERAMAC from 01/01/2019 to 15/12/2019 are given as under.

 Procurement and supply of products of the NE region like Ginger, Large cardamom, pineapple, pera, kiwi etc.

· Agri-input supply business to the Govt. of Assam. (Black Gram, Green Gram, Vermicompost, Tissue Culture Orchid, Black Pepper rooted cutting, tissue culture banan seeding etc.)

· Retail sale of purchased /packaged products like Turmeric power, Pineapple Squash, Kiwi Squash , kiwi jam, Black Pepper Power, Large cardamom, Black rice etc

· NERAMAC organised/ participated in many events /exhibitions/seminars all over the country for branding North east agri-horticulture products.

· Application for GI tagging for the following 10 exotic produces of NER has been filed (Chak Hao, Black Cherry, Dekang, Sweet Cucumber, Long Cavendish Banana, Dalle Chilli, Outanga, Letuka, Jackfruit, Sohiong).

 Registered 75 nos of FPOs/FPCs under MOVCDNER and 16 Entrepreneurs of NER complying FSSAI with NERAMAC for catering market linkages.  Conducted training/workshop/seminars/Post GI Activities etc for the farmers and entrepreneurs updating them on latest trends/techniques of marketing so that they can develop and market competitive products/produces. Approx 600 farmers have been benefitted out of the training/workshop/seminars.  Promoted organically grown produces/products under umbrella brand ‘ONE’ Organic North East.

8. NORTH EASTERN DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION LTD(NEDFi). 148

 During the period January 1, 2019 to December 16, 2019, the Corporation extended total sanctions & disbursements of Rs.315.72 crore and Rs.281.55 crore respectively. Various sectors financed were microfinance, healthcare, tourism & hospitality, handlooms & handicrafts, food processing etc. Till December 16, 2019, cumulative sanction & disbursement were Rs.5285 crore and Rs.4047 crore respectively.  The Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (M-DoNER) jointly with North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) & Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI),has set up the North East Venture Fund (NEVF), a dedicated Venture Fund for the North East Region  NEDFi conducted 3 nos. of training programmes for 71 nos. representatives from various NGOs/ MFIs.  Corporation conducted a total no. of 16 Business meets with participation of over 1000 nos. Participants from all eight States of NER for dissemination of information on its schemes and programmes.

 The Corporation facilitating disbursement of subsidies under the Transport Subsidy Scheme, Central Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme, Central Interest Subsidy Scheme, Freight Subsidy Scheme & Central Comprehensive Insurance Subsidy Scheme to industrial units of all the eight NER States. The details of disbursement under various schemes during the year are given below:

CENTRAL SUBSIDIES:- (Rs. in Cr.)

Disbursement from 01.01.2019 to 16.12.2019

Scheme Amount

Transport Subsidy 529.34

Central Capital Investment Subsidy 499.67

Central Interest Subsidy 18.12

Central Comprehensive Insurance Subsidy 18.45

Freight Subsidy 90.63

Total 1156.21

 NEDFi under its CSR initiative facilitated Capacity Building through exposure visit and training to 691 nos. beneficiaries by conducting 25 nos. of programmes.

Source: PIB

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19. Year End Review 2019- Department of School Education

In pursuance Prime Minister's vision for ‘Transforming India’, Ministry of Human Resource Development took a leap forward in transforming education sector with the motto of “सबकोशिक्षा, अ楍छीशिक्षा ”(Education for All, Quality Education). In the year of 2019 Dr K. Kasturirangan Committee submitted the Draft National Education Policy to Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. The Government of India had initiated the process of formulating a New Education Policy to meet the changing dynamics of the requirements of the population with regard to quality education, innovation and research, aiming to make India a knowledge superpower by equipping its students with the necessary skills and knowledge and to eliminate the shortage of manpower in science, technology, academics and industry. MHRD has launchedPradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Program (DHRUV) to identify and encourage talented children to enrich their skills and knowledge and also launched NISHTHA – National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement to improve learning outcomes at the elementary level through an Integrated Teacher Training Programme. Beside this, MHRD launched several new schemes in Higher Education Department to boost research & Innovation culture in the country. Department of Higher Education of HRD Ministry has finalized and released a five-year vision plan named Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP). SWAYAM 2.0, Deeksharambh andPARAMARSHare other major schemes of Department of Higher Education launched in 2019. In the year of 2019, Ministry of HRD has actively participated in various nationwide campaigns like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB), Fit India Campaign, 70th anniversary of Constitution Day, 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi among others. In order to preserve environment some campaigns have been initiated by MHRD. Save water and One Student One Tree are major successful campaigns of MHRD. Major Achievements of Department of School Education & Literacy NISHTHA – National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement A National Mission to improve learning outcomes at the elementary level through an Integrated Teacher Training Programme called NISHTHA – National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement has been launched on 21st August, 2019. This integrated programme aims to build the capacities of around 42 lakh teachers and Heads of Schools, faculty members of SCERTs and DIETs and Block Resource Coordinators and Cluster Resource Coordinators. This training programme has been included as one of the two transformative ideas from Department for the 100 days programme of the Government. The initiative is first of its kind wherein standardized training modules are developed at national level for all States and UTs. However, States and UTs can contextualize the training modules and use their own material and resource persons also, keeping in view the core topics and expected outcomes of NISHTHA. 150

Union HRD Minister launches a unique initiative for talented students ‘Pradhan Mantri In novative Learning Programme- DHRUV’ Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched a un ique initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme-DHRUV, which will act as a turning point in the lives of extra ordinarily talented students, from the premises of the Indian Sp ace Research Organisation (ISRO) Headquarters at Bengaluru on 10th October 2019. The new Pr ogramme ‘DHRUV’will act as a platform to explore the talent of outshining and meritorious stu dents, and help them achieve excellence in their specific areas of interest may it be science, perfo rming arts, creative writing, etc. These talented students apart from realizing their full potential a re expected to contribute to the society in a big way.With children drawn from all over the countr y, the DHRUV programme reflects the true spirit of EK Bharat Shreshth Bharat.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu gave the DHRUV batches to all the 60 students selected under DHRUV programmehave been broadly chosen from classes 9 to 12, from all schools including government and private. The students will both shine through their achievements and light a path for others to follow. Union HRD Minister launches Integrated Online junction for School Education ‘Shagun’ Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched one of world’s largest Integrated Online Junction for – School Education ‘Shagun’ in New Delhi on 28th August 2019. School Education Shagun (URL: htpp://shagun.govt.in/) is an over-arching initiative to improve school education system by creating a junction for all online portals and websites relating to various activities of the Department of School Education and Literacy in the Government of India and all States and Union Territories. 1200 KendriyaVidyalayas, 600 NavodayaVidyalayas, 18000 other CBSE affiliated schools, 30 SCERTs, 19000 organisations affiliated with NTCE among others are integrated with Shagun. Report cards of 15 lakh schools all over the country will be available on the newly created junction. The portal seeks to connect approximately 92 lakh teachers and 26 crore students.The website provides a very robust feedback mechanism. Common people can directly give their feedback about schools which will further increase the public participation and will ensure accountability and transparency. President presents National Awards to 46 teachers from across the country for their exceptional contribution: The purpose of National Awards to Teachers is to celebrate the unique contribution of some of the finest teachers in the country and to honor those teachers who through their commitment and industry have not only improved the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students.

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This year the online self nomination process followed by 3 tier selection process at District, State and National level has been completed. The Independent National Jury recommended name of 46 teachers. The award carries a Silver Medal, Certificate and Rs. 50,000/- as award money. PM interacts with students, teachers and parents at “Pariksha Pe Charcha 2.0” The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, interacted with students, teachers and parents, as part of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2.0 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi on 29th January 2019. The interaction, which lasted for over ninety minutes, saw students, teachers and parents relax, laugh, and repeatedly applaud the Prime Minister’s observations, which included a touch of humour and wit.Students from across the country, and also Indian students residing abroad, participated in the event. National Workshop of HRD Ministry on Social Media Outreach & Communication: Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated the 'Social Media Outreach & Communication: National Workshop on Management and Best Practices'organised by Ministry of HRD for various educational institutions and organisations in New Delhi on 27th December.Nearly 200 Social Media Champions from various Centrally funded educational institutions participated in the workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to bring the social media communication and outreach of various institutions under one umbrella and to open a channel for day to day communication and dialogue with these institutions. Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+): To ensure quality, credibility and timely availability of information from all the schools in the country, the revamped UDISE + has been launched by the Department. The GIS based mapping portal gives information about location of more than 15 lakh schools in the country along with some salient highlights. The Data Analytics portal gives percent information about the aggregate position of the school. Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) 2.0:- Diksha Portal was launched in 2017 for providing digital platform to teachers giving them an opportunity to learn and train themselves and connect with teacher community. This initiative has been taken forward to enhance coverage and improve the quality of e-content for teachers...All States and UTs and also KVs and NVs have been asked to involve proactively in curating contents for DIKSHA. NCERT, CBSE are also actively involved in taking the DIKSHA initiative forward. Till date, more than 67000 of content pieces have been hosted on DIKSHA and more than 10.5 crore scans have been affected. Four year B.Ed Integrated Course formulated

A four year B.Ed integrated course to bring about qualitative improvement in teacher\education p rogramme has been published in official gazette on 29th March, 2019.

Performance Grading Index (PGI) 152

To objectively evaluate the performance of the school education system in the States/UTs, MHRD has designed a 70 indicators based matrix called Performance Grading Index (PGI) to grade the States and UTs. Operation Digital Board (ODB): The aim is to provide by March 2023, two smart classrooms for every Secondary/Senior Secondary schools in1,01,967 Government and 42,917 Aided schools in all States/UTs and 1704 KVs and NVs making a total of 1,46,588 schools. One-time amount of Rs.2.40 lakhs will be required to procure hardware, including accessories and a recurring cost of Rs.3.00 lakhs (for 5 years) for electricity charges, internet connection etc. The total budgetary requirement will be Rs. 8782.55 crore (Rs. 5671.50 crore required by the DoSEL, MHRD and rest Rs. 3111.05 crore by States) spread over a period from April 2020-21 to March 2026-27. Broad features of this project have been finalized and draft EFC note will soon be uploaded as per prescribed procedure (after ‘in principal’ approval of D/o Expenditure). Scheme for Financial Assistance for Appointment of Language Teachers (ALT) The Centrally Sponsored restructured scheme of ‘Appointment of Language Teachers (ALT) Scheme’ has been launched for the remaining period of current FY 2019-20 i.e. from October, 2019 to March, 2020 for appointment and training of Hindi teachers in North Eastern States and the Urdu Teachers in States/UTs. A proposal is being prepared to extend this scheme. Mid-Day Meal (MDM) The National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools, popularly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is an on-going Centrally-Sponsored Scheme which covers all school children studying in Classes I-VIII of Government, Government-Aided, Special Training Centres including Madarsas and Maqtabs supported under Samagra Shiksha. During 2018-19, 11.98 crore children studying in 11.34 lakh institutions have been enrolled under the Scheme. A total of 24.95 lakh cook-cum-helpers have been engaged by the States/UTs under Mid-Day Meal Scheme and more than 90% are women. Out of 24.95 lakh cooks, 21% SCs, 15% STs, 42% OBCs and 7% are from Minorities. ** Releases as on date i.e. 23.12.2019 School Nutrition Gardens (SNG) A guideline on School Nutrition Gardens has been issued to all states and UTs. It is a place where herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown in the school premises for use in preparation of Mid-Day Meal.

Samagra Shiksha First time introduction of Library Grant and promotion of reading

 The Central Government has launched the Integrated scheme for school education named as SamagraShikshaw.e.f 2018-19. Under the Samagra Shiksha, for the first time, Library grant at school level has been introduced.  States/UTs have also been advised to set up Readers’ Club in schools in a phased manner with the help of National Centre for Children’s Literature (NCCL), is a wing of National Book Trust (NBT) to promote the habit of reading. 153

 In the year 2019-20, an outlay of Rs. 71164.78 lakh has been approved under library grant for 1009357 schools of different categories.

Sports and Physical Education

 In the year 2019-20, an outlay of Rs. 800.40 crore has been approved under sports grant for 1002558 government schools of different categories.  The fresh guidelines for sports and physical education are being prepared.  NCERT organized Yoga Olympiad across the country at various levels, schools from states and UTs, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools participated in the Yoga Olympiad, culminating in the National Yoga Olympiad on 18th to 20th June, 2019 at NCERT, New Delhi.  Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made Health and Physical Education compulsory in all classes from I-XII. It has been advised to schools that Health and Physical Education includes three areas i.e. Health Education, Physical Education and Yoga and all three areas are essential to achieve holistic health (physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual).

Kasturba Gandhi BalikaVidyalaya:

 There are Four Types of KGBVs under Samagra Shiksha which are as under:

 Type-I: Existing KGBVs for classes VI to VIII.  Type-II: KGBVs for classes VI to X.  Type-III: KGBVs for classes VI to XII.  Type-IV: Existing Girls’Hostel for IX to XII.

 Under Samagra Shiksha, total 5930 KGBVs have been sanctioned in the country out of which 4881 KGBVs are operational enrolling 6.18 lakh girls as on 30.09.2019.  In the year 2019-20, Rs. 424750.05 lakh has been sanctioned for all KGBVs in the country.

Safety and Security of School Children:

 The Department of School Education and Literacy has issued a letter on 18.10.2019 to all States and UTs for display of ‘School Safety Pledge’ on a board or painted on wall at prominent places in all Schools. Under Samagra Shiksha, a provision of Rs. 500/- per school has been made in this regard. This Department is framing the guidelines for safety and security of school children. In this regard, consultations have been held with various stakeholders including students, teachers, Counsellors, Principals and School Managements.

Self Defence Training for Girls:

 Self defence training is being imparted to girls of class VI to XII belonging to Government Schools under Samagra Shiksha. Fund for this purpose is provided for three months @ Rs. 3000/- per school per month

 Self defence training is also being given in Kasturba Gandhi BalikaVidyalayas  Under Samagra Shiksha, an amount of Rs. 15346.257 lakh has been estimated for 180160 Elementary Schools and Rs. 6656.358 lakh has been estimated for 81800 Secondary Schools for self defence training for the year 2019-20. 154

Equity:

 Bridging gender and social category gaps at all levels of school education is one of the major objectives of Samagra Shiksha. The Scheme attempts to reach out to girls, and children belonging to SC, ST, Minority communities and transgender.

 State specific interventions: Special state specific projects for varied interventions under equity are emphasized for enhancing access, retention and quality by promoting enrolment drives, retention and motivation camps, gender sensitization modules etc.

 State specific projects for varied interventions are sanctioned by the Project Approval Board as per the Annual Work Plans proposed by the State/UT concerned. A total of Rs. 21486.35 lakh at elementary level and Rs. 16083.22869 lakh at secondary level have been approved for various State specific projects for the year 2019-20.

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)

 Scholarship to the 34493 students involving an amount of Rs. 40.71 crore has been sanctioned.  Approx 1,33,460 successful application have been received on NSP.

National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)

 Incentive amount of Rs. 8.56 crore to the 28547 beneficiaries girls have been sanctioned.

PARTICIPATION IN NATIONWIDE INITIATIVES 1. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB)

 HRD Ministry is the nodal ministry for this flagship campaign of Government of India.An illustrative list of suggested activities has been drawn up by the Department of School Education & Literacy. The Department has shared detailed guidelines including calendar of activities with all the States and UTs and concerned organizations for carrying out all the activities in all the schools.  These activities include Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Utsav, Talking Hour in morning assembly for news and information on partnering State, Student’s State Project Notebook, learning of alphabets and of folk songs, translation of proverbs and 100 sentences of partnering State, inclusion of few pages in course book in the language of partnering State, Know your Partnering State, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat School Report, Themed Display Board and Wall Magazine, State Day celebration of partnering States, Cultural Competition on partnering State, Essay competition, Drama (on culture, history & tradition), Optional Classes on language of partnering State, Literary Fest, Pledge on Important National Campaigns in the language of partnering State and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat annual report.  The schools are to organize these activities as per the calendar shared by the Department or in coordination with partnering States/UTs, keeping in view the academic calendar. The schools are required to maintain a report on activities conducted under “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” in the form of quarterly and annual school report. The State/UTs have been requested to upload/send action taken report, videos and photographs of the activities at [email protected].

2. Fit India Campaign 155

 The Fit India Movement was launched by the Prime Minister on 29th August, 2019 at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.  Department of School Education and Literacy in co-ordination with Department of Sports, organised the Fitness Pledge on 29th August, 2019 in States and UTs, KendriyaVidyalayaSangathan (KVS), NavodayaVidyalayas Samiti (NVS), Central Board of Secondary Education. Nearly, thirteen lakh schools and eleven crore students all over the country took the fitness pledge.  Further, guidelines on Fit India Plogging Run prepared by Department of Sports were issued by Department of School Education and Literacy to States, UTs, KVS, NVS and CBSE to organize Fit India Plogging Run on 2nd October, 2019. Awareness on ‘No to Single Use Plastic’ and Collection of plastic garbage from homes, streets and open spaces was the main focus of the event.  Department of Sports has prepared a ranking system of Fit India Schools to make Fit India a people’s movement. This department has written to all Principal Secretaries/Secretaries, School Education Department of States/UTs regarding “Fit India Movement-Fit India School” and to attain Fit India 3 or 5 Star.  Following the recommendations of the reviewing Committee of Fit India Movement , the school education department has advised the States and UTs to organise daily fitness classes in all schools and all sports facilities available in States and UTs should be made available to the school students.

3. Constitution Day

 Celebration of Constitution Day on 26th November, 2019 and yearlong activities are to be organised in all schools up to the 26th November, 2020. Accordingly, a calendar of activities was prepared and States and UTs were advised to carry out the following activities:

i. Pledge taking ceremony to mark the occasion by reading of the Preamble to the constitution in a special assembly in the school ii. Debates, essay competitions, cultural programs, quiz competitions, seminars and lectures etc. may be held at State, District and school levels. iii. State level essay, debate and quiz competitions on fundamental duties and themes related to constitution may be organized across the State, the winners at State level may be suitably rewarded. iv. Reading of Preamble and Fundamental Duties. v. Organizing Mock Parliament. vi. Public messages on Fundamental Duties for dissemination among students and staff during the celebrations. Brochures, pamphlets and e-posters on Fundamental Duties may be prepared in Hindi, English and regional languages and distributed in schools among students. vii. Effective utilization of Government/Organisation websites and MyGov platform to encourage citizen centric activities on the prescribed theme. Students may be encouraged to participate in online quiz/ Olympiad competitions being organized by MyGov. viii. Invite eminent personalities from different walks of life to disseminate the message of Fundamental Duties. ix. Talks by eminent lawyers and legal scholars on Fundamental Duties and related themes may be organised in schools.

 About 9.63 lakh schools and 10.96 crore students participated in the reading of Preamble and other activities across the country on 26th November, 2019. 156

4. 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is being commemorated for a period of two years from 2nd October, 2018 to 2nd October, 2020 throughout the nation as well as at international level. The Department of School Education & Literacy is conducting nationwide activities for the same. The following activities have been completed by Dept. of School Education & Literacy:  CBSE organised Expression Series on Mahatma Gandhi from 19th August to 3rd September, 2019. Approximately 4.5 lakh students participated across the country. 4314 shortlisted entries were uploaded by schools on CBSE Expression Series App out of which 18 selected as best entries. The Expression Series was based on the life, vision and philosophy of the father of the nation. The series was meant to provide a creative outlet to children and provide them with a platform to express themselves on various themes. The winners of the series were felicitated by HRM on 1st October, 2019 in the programme organized to commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.  A large National Level Function was organised on lst October, 2019 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi  Swachh Bharat Diwas (Shramdan: Plastic Waste Collection) was organized on 2nd October 2019 and 6,70,33,153 students of 7,73,050 schools participated in Shramdaan for Plastic Waste Collection on 2nd October 2019.  Intensive programmes and activities on Mahatma Gandhi were organized in schools during the week from 23rd September, 2019 to 2nd October, 2019.

Kala Utsav

 Kala Utsav is an initiative of the Department of School Education & Literacy to recognize the importance of aesthetics and artistic experiences for school students, which play a major role in creating awareness of India’s rich cultural heritage and its vibrant diversity. The National level Kala Utsav is scheduled to be held at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh form 2nd -5th January, 2020. Competitions will be held in the four themes of Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Dance and Painting at District and State levels and the winning teams thereafter will participate at the national level competition. The Students of Classes IX to XII of any Government, Government –aided and Private schools may participate in Kala Utsav. A total of 38 teams (36 State/UTs +KVS+NVS) are likely to participate at the National level.

Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madrasas (SPQEM)

Ø Project Approval Meeting of the SPQEM was held on 16th September,2019 wherein Rs. 8788.00 lakh for General States and UTs with Legislature has been approved. Whereas an amount of Rs. 950.00 lakh and 2.00 lakh were approved for NER states and UTs without Legislature respectively. Ø Till date, Rs. 5912.808 lakh has been released to States under SPQEM. File of Rs.806.10 lakh has been processed/under submission.

Infrastructure Development of Private Aided/Unaided Minority Institutes (IDMI) 157

Ø Project Approval Meeting of the IDMI was held on 27th November, 2019 wherein Rs. 2000.00 lakh for General States and Rs. 250 lakh for NER States have been approved. Ø An amount of Rs. 303.63 lakh under IDMI scheme has been processed to release.

Snapshot of Coverage of Children with Special Needs -CwSN (2019-20)

 More than 20 lakh CWSN enrolled in schools or receiving home based education.  Rs. 136375.31 lakh estimated for various interventions of Inclusive Education for CWSN for the year 2019-20.  Braille textbooks are being provided to 40,311 children with visual impairment at elementary level (class I to VIII) with an estimated outlay of Rs. 123.25 lakh.  Large print books are being provided to 91,254 children with low vision at elementary level (class I to VIII) with an estimated outlay ofRs.289.00 lakh.  Outlay of Rs. 619.09 lakh has been estimated for in-service training of 26,817 special educators.  5.96 lakh girls with special needs receiving stipend through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).  More than 2.32 lakh CWSN using aids and appliances through scheme/s like ADIP etc.  Total outlay of Rs. 1911.05 lakh has been estimated for conducting 17,734 sports events and exposure visits thus promoting social inclusion.  Approximately 64.24% of schools at elementary level and 58.28% at secondary level are equipped with ramps with handrails and approximately 19.59% of schools at elementary level and 24.40% at secondary level have disabled friendly toilets (DFT) to enhance retention of CWSN in regular schools.  An outlay of Rs. 1995.93 lakh has been estimated for 58,392 assistive devices, equipmentsand teaching learning materials (TLM).  Engagement of 28,285 resource persons and special educators have been estimated to cater to the diverse & unique needs of CWSN from elementary to higher secondary level.

Initiatives by autonomous organizations for CwSN

 Books in Accessible Format on e-Pathshala Portal for CwSN has been developed by NCERT, the ePathshala mobile app supports Text to Speech to help children with visual impairment.  Audio books have been developed by NCERT, in which textbooks are presented in audio form, to help the visually challenged learners  NCERT has developed Tactile Map Books with 25 maps and diagrams, with Braille and English text to encourage collaborative learning.  CBSE’s provision for CwSN: Exemptions/ Concessions Rules Applicable for Both Class X & XII Board Exam Facility of Scribe and compensatory time: Candidates with disabilities as defined in The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 are permitted to use a Scribe or allowed Compensatory time etc.

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NavodayaVidyalayaSamiti (NVS)

CONSTRUCTION OF JNV BUILDINGS

· As per 100 days action plan, newly constructed building of 10 JNVs i.e. Kanshiram Nagar(UP), Malkangiri-II (Odisha), Sitapur-II (UP), Dang (Gujarat), Navsari (Gujarat), Puri (Odisha), Palwal (Haryana), Bhandara (Maharashtra), Jhabua-II (MP), Ahemdabad (Gujarat) were inaugurated. · As a part of 100 days agenda foundation laying done in respect of 10 JNVs and construction work begun viz. SefaiJala (Tripura), South Tripura (Tripura), South West Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Jalpaiguri (W.B.) Kalaburgi-I (Karnataka) & Kolar (Karnataka) Jhabua (MP) &Mahisagar (Gujarat) · Construction of additional dormitory has been completed in JNV Srikakulam, JNV Vishakhapatnam, JNV Vijayanagaram, JNV Kodagu & JNV Mandya. · Infrastructure for implementation of Rooftop grid connected Solar power has been completed on 176 sites. Generation of power has also been started on 12 sites. On other JNVs, net metering is awaited.

RECRUITMENT · Process for engagement of 01 male and 01 female counsellor in all functional JNVs has been completed. Recruitment for filling up 2370 posts advertised on 9th July, 2019 is at advance stage of completion.

 Offers of appointment to 218 PGTs have been issued. Joining status is awaited.

SHAALA DARPAN ShaalaDarpan portal of NVS has been launched on 06.11.2019 at National Museum Auditorium, New Delhi by Shri Sanjay Dhotre, Minister of State for HRD. It eliminates the prevailing manual system of service processes followed in the organization & to improve access to real-time data for decision support and to enhance efficiency and transparency of school operations, development of “ShaalaDarpan” project is has been developed with the help of C-DAC, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE of NVS Students

ADMISSION IN IITS, NITS AND MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NVS STUDENTS : 2019

JEE NEET

Appeared in JEE Main 11733 Appeared in NEET 16156

Qualified in JEE Main 4451 Qualified in NEET 12654

Qualified in JEE Advanced - 966 First list

TREE PLANTATION All field units of NVS have been instructed to implement “One Student One Tree Campaign”. It aims at involving school students in raising plant nurseries to bring them closer to natural environment, help them understand the natural processes of germination and feel the joy of watching saplings grow. Students are involved in activities right from sowing the seed to transplanting, watering, weeding etc. so that students can learn the process also. More than 2.40 lakhs saplings were planted by the of students ofJNVs in 2019-20. Digital initiatives: -

a. Process of application for the Class VI examination has been made online leading to better access for the rural population to the application process. Faceless admission process has resulted in more transparency and least corruption. b. Process of transfer has been made online which has resulted in increased transparency and timely completion of the process. c. Recruitment process has been made online and faceless till appointment. The appointment letters are also downloaded by candidates using their login password

KendriyaVidyalayaSangathan

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Achievements-2019

i. Inauguration of new constructed school buildings: 17 newly constructed school buildings of KendriyaVidyalayas were inaugurated . ii. Foundation Stone laying of school buildings : Minister of HRD has laid the foundation stone of 7 school buildings of KendriyaVidyalayas. iii. Opening of New KendriyaVidyalayas : During last 6 months 25 KendriyaVidyalayas have been opened.

iv. Filling up of vacancies:The details of posting of staff in the last 6 months in various KendriyaVidyalyaas / Regional Offices / KVS (Hqrs.) are as under :-

S.No. Name of Post Pay level No. of offer of appointment issued

1. PRT 06 3000

2. TGT (English, Hindi, Maths, 07 3473 Science, Social Studies, Sanskrit)

3. Assistant Section Officer 06 31

4. Senior Secretariat Assistant 04 218

5. Junior Secretariat Assistant 02 684

6. Steno. Grade II 04 37

Total 7443

Click here for more details on KVS achievements.

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CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION (CBSE) Achievement-2019 CBSE has taken up several initiatives like formation of Hubs of Learning programme, training school teaches, process of recruitment of teachers, a new Vidya-Daanprogramme, preparation of students for PISA 2021, celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi, AryabhatGanit Challenge , handbooks on Artificial Intelligence for school children, and participation in national Campaigns like Fit India, Swachchtha, EBSB among others. Click here for details of activities of CBSE.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TEACHER EDUCATION

 Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP)

NCTE has invited applications form the institutions seeking recognition for 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP). The institutions have submitted online applications which will be processed as per the provisions stipulated in the relevant Regulations. Applications were invited between 03.06.2019 and 31.07.2019.

 Launching of online Performance Appraisal Report system (PAR)

One of the conditions of recognition by NCTE is to direct the filing of a Performance Appraisal Report annually, which includes annual statement of accounts duly audited by a Chartered Accountant The Online Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) system was formally launched on 23rd September 2019 and all recognized TEIs are required to fill up data on various regulatory parameters.

 Launching of Online Teacher-Pupil Registration Management System (OTPRMS)

Some prospective employers prior to employing a person as a teacher require verification of recognition status from NCTE regarding degree/diploma/certificate in teacher education. In this regard, the NCTE has launched Online Teacher-Pupil Registration Management System (OTPRMS) to facilitate candidates who have passed out of teacher education programmes from NCTE recognized institution (s). This programme was launched on 26.07.2019. 162

 Silver Jubilee Celebrations

The NCTE in its Silver Jubilee year organized an International Conference with the theme “Journey of Teacher Education: Local to Global on 17th and 18th August, 2019. The Conference highlighted the achievements of the Indian education system and facilitated dissemination of quality global practices in teacher education. The NCTE intends to engage its resources towards launching “Project Lighthouse” by identifying 700 institutions, approximately one in each district of the country in the first phase. The partner Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) will be selected by NCTE through a transparent procedure and they shall be academically and administratively supported and mentored for running an emblematic 2-year B.Ed. programme from the academic session 2020- 21 onwards. This programme is expected to prepare 70,000 exemplar teachers in the year 2020- 22. The selection of the 700 TEIs shall be done for 5 consecutive years after which 3,500 model TEIs will be capacitated to prepare a total of 3,50,000 quality teachers trained at international levels of competence. The TEIs so selected will be supported with several specific interventions like a centralized entrance examination for admission of students, a revised and up-to-date curriculum, capacity building of the teacher educators, etc. It is also envisioned to arrange for international placement of some selected student-teachers of these TEIs.

 Instituting “Best Teacher Educator Award” to be given to 20 exemplary teacher-educators every year.

The NCTE has initiated a programme for awarding 20 meritorious teacher educators every year. The first instalment of awards will be given in 2020. Source: PIB 20. Ministry of Tourism : Year End Review 2019

Ministry of Tourism is committed to make policies and programmes for the development and promotion of tourism. This sector has the capacity to boost economy, foreign exchange earnings and provide large number of jobs at every level that’s why Ministry of Tourism continuously consults and collaborates with other stakeholders in the sector including various Central Ministries/ agencies, the State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations and the representatives of the private sector. In 2019 Ministry of taken several steps like reducing E–visa fees, reducing GST rates on hotel room booking, opening 120 new peaks for mountaineering etc. Along with this several steps taken under Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD Scheme and various other events of Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat were some of the important highlights for the ministry this year.

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 India’s rank in Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) of World Economic Forum has moved from 65th rank in 2013 to 34thrank in 2019.

 Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during the period January- November 2019 were 96,69,633 as compared to 93,66,478 in January- November 2018 registering a growth of 3.2%.

 During January- November 2019, a total of 25,51,211 tourist arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 20,61,511 during January-November 2018, registering a growth of 23.8%.

 Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) FEEs during the period January- November 2019 were Rs. 1,88,364 Crore as compared to Rs. 1,75,407 Crore in January- November 2018 registering a growth of 7.4%.

 Development of thematic circuits is being undertaken under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. A total number of 77 projects for an amount of Rs 6035.70 Crore have been sanctioned till date under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

 Integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations is being undertaken under the ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) Scheme. A total number of 28 projects have been sanctioned till date for an amount of Rs.840.02Crore under this Scheme.

 The “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan’’ project is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India, State/ UTs Government for developing tourist amenities at heritage/tourist sites and making them tourist friendly, in a planned and phased manner.Ministry of Tourism has signed 27 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU’s) till dateunder the Adopt a Heritageproject.

 E-visa:

 e-Visa has 4 sub-categories i.e., e-Tourist visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa.  e-Visa is valid for entry through 28 designated Airports and 5 designated seaports  At present the e-Visa Scheme is available to nationals of 169 countries.  E-visa has now been further liberalized to include the following:

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i. e-Tourist Visa of 5-year duration has been launched in addition to one-year e- Tourist Visa. This e-Tourist Visa for 5 years will be with a stay stipulation of maximum of 90 days’ multiple entry and non-extendable. ii. A one-month e-Tourist Visa with double entry, has been launched. iii. e-Conference Visa, in line with e-Conference Visa for Government/P.S.U. conferences, would be provided for private conferences organized by private persons/companies/ organizations.

 The Government has substantially reduced the visa fee on e – visa to increase tourism competitiveness of the country. New visa rates will be as under:

i. 30 days e-TV (April-June) - US $ 10/- ii. 30 days e-TV (July -March) - US $ 25/- iii. 01-year e-TV - US $ 40/- iv. 05 years e-TV - US $ 80/-

 The Government has opened more than 120 mountain peaks for mountaineering and trekking. The opening of the peaks would help in promoting adventure tourism in the country.

 The Government has reduced GST on hotel rooms with tariffs of ₹1,001 to ₹7,500/night to 12%; those above ₹7,501 to 18% to increase India’s competitiveness as a tourism destination vis-à-vis other competing markets in the region.

o Ministry of Tourism was designated as the nodal Ministry for organizing the “Bharat Parv”. The event was held at the Red Fort, Delhi from 26th to 31st January 2019, as part of the Republic Day 2019 Celebrations. It was organized on the theme of Celebrating 150 years of Mahatma. The highlights of the Parv included a replica of the ‘Statue of Unity’ created by Sculptor Padmashri Ram V. Sutar, performances by the Armed Forces Bands (static and moving), a Multi-Cuisine Food Court, Crafts Mela, Cultural Performances from different regions of the country, a Photo Exhibition by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and setting up of Gandhi Gram by Ministry of Culture (NZCC) in which 10 artists created paintings on the theme of 'Ideology of Mahatma Gandhi'.

 Ministry of Tourism organized a Mega Fam Tour as part of the celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2019. Tour Operators, representatives of Travel Media, Opinion Makers, etc. from 20 countries participated in the Mega Fam Tour. A special event for Celebration of IDY was organized at Lal Bagh, Bengaluru on June 21, 2019 for the participants of the Mega Fam Tour. IDY was widely celebrated by this Ministry through its Domestic Indiatourism Offices in the country. An estimated 69 events having participation of more than 26600 persons including tourism stakeholders, Government Officials, tourists and the local communities were held in different cities around the country. IDY branding was undertaken 165

during all these events and many celebrities were invited to create more awareness about the celebration of the IDY. India Tourism, overseas organized events in association with the Indian Missions to celebrate IDY.

 Ministry of Tourism organized State Tourism Ministers Conference on 20th August 2019 at Ashok Hotel, New Delhi. The Conference was attended by more than 18 Tourism Ministers and senior officials from the State Governments. Various issues pertaining to implementation of projects and developing synergy for grievance redressal and Safety & security of the tourists were taken up in the Conference.   Ministry of Tourism has launched ‘Incredible India Tourist Facilitators Certification’ (IITFC) programme. The certification programme is an Online Learning Management System which aims at creating skilled manpower to work as tourist facilitators. The programme helps local citizens in harnessing the local experience and traditional knowledge for assisting tourists and to be a potential bread earner for their households.

 Ministry of Tourism has revamped the Incredible India website. It showcases India as a holistic destination, revolving around major experiences, such as, spirituality, heritage, adventure, culture, yoga, wellness and more. Going forward, the website will be available in Hindi and leading international languages. Hindi version of the Incredible India was launched in the Tourism Ministers Conference held on 20th August 2019 at Ashok Hotel, New Delhi.

 The Minister of Tourism and Culture led a delegation of senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism to Ladakh from 3-6th September 2019 to explore tourism potential of Ladakh and design appropriate policy interventions for tourism in consultation with the local authorities in Ladakh.

 The Ministry of Tourism supported India Tourism Mart (ITM) 2019 organized by Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) held at New Delhi from 23rd to 25th September 2019. About 240 international delegates from 51 countries participated in this event. The B2B meetings and networking sessions between the buyer and seller delegates were held on 24th and 25th September 2019. ITM provides a national platform for Government as well as private stakeholders with an opportunity to interact with the foreign counterparts.

 The Ministry of Tourism organized the National Tourism Awards 2017-18 function on 27th September 2019 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. A total number of 76 awards under different categories were given during this function. The Hon’ble Vice President of India; Secretary-General of United Nations World Tourism Organization 166

(UNWTO) and Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (IC) gave away the awards to the winners.

 The World Tourism Day was celebrated on 27th September 2019 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This year the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) had designated India as the venue for the celebrations. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the global community of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution of the tourism sector in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2019, in line with UNWTO’s overarching focus on skills, education and jobs throughout the year, the topic of the World Tourism Day was ‘Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all’. Hon’ble Vice President of India was the chief guest for the inauguration of World Tourism Day. Union Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (IC); Secretary-General of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Tourism Minister of Paraguay and 82 international delegates were present on the occasion.

 The Incredible India "Find the Incredible You" campaign released globally by the Ministry of Tourism during 2018-19 has been declared winner of the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award 2019 in the “Marketing - Primary Government Destination” category. This year’s awards attracted 198 entries from 78 organizations and individuals worldwide.

 Ministry of Tourism celebrated Paryatan Parv, 2019 from 2nd to 13th October 2019 at National Level. The Delhi leg of the Parv was organized from 2nd to 6th October 2019 at Rajpath lawns.TheCentral theme of Paryatan Parv - 2019 was 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi. The platform was also used to promote the idea of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. On pan India level, various tourism related activities were also organized by the State Governments, Line Ministries, India Tourism Offices and Institutes of Hotel Management etc., during Paryatan Parv - 2019.

 Ministry of Tourism in association with the State Government of Manipur organized the “8th International Tourism Mart” (ITM) at Imphal, Manipur from 23rd to 25th November 2019. The Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Culture & Tourism and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur jointly inaugurated ITM on 23rd November 2019 at Imphal, Manipur.

ITM was organized in the North Eastern region with the objective of highlighting the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets. A total of 35 foreign delegates from 18 Countries, 79 domestic sellers from the North Eastern Region and 32 domestic delegates from the Western, Eastern and Northern Region participated in ITM - 2019. 167

Source: PIB 21. Ministry of Culture: Year End Review 2019

The Ministry of Culture is committed to preserve and promote the rich art and culture of India, both tangible and intangible. Ministry and his autonomous bodies have worked whole year for this. Commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, 29 days cultural extravaganza Sanskriti Kumbh at Kumbh Mela, 10th edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, Commemoration event of 76th anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind Government, Restoration work of architectural genius Markandeshwar temple in Maharashtra and various other events of Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat were some of the important highlights for the ministry this year. 1. Sanskriti Kumbh, a 29 days Cultural extravaganza organised at Kumbh Mela Area, Prayagraj from 10th January, 2019 Sanskriti Kumbh, a 29 days cultural extravaganza was organised at Kumbh Mela Area, Prayagraj from 10th January, 2019. The Ministry of Culture, Government of India organized Sanskriti Kumbh with intent to showcase the rich Cultural Heritage of India in all its rich and varied dimensions viz. Performing Arts- Folk, Tribal and Classical art forms, Handicrafts, Cuisines, Exhibitions etc. all in one place. Under the banner of Sanskriti Kumbh, Rashtriya Shilp Mela was also organized in the premises of NCZCC where Shilp Haats were set up to display handicrafts and live demonstration of the skill by craftsmen. Special arrangements were made for the delegates of “Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas” for participating in the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.Around ten thousand participants attended the colourful convention.President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the three day. Gandhian Resurgence Summit at Parmarth Niketan camp at Prayagraj Kumbh. About 300 Gandhians from different parts of the country and organisations are participating in the Summit. 2. Auction of Mementos received by Prime Minister, organised in two chapters, one in January and another in September, 2019 The physical auction of Mementos received by the Prime Minister, organised by National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, culminated on 28th January 2019 and the e-auction had taken place from 29th to 31st January 2019 for remaining items which are not sold during the physical auction on the portal www.pmmementos.gov.in. The proceeds from auction are donated for the noble cause of Namami Gange. Second Chapter Exhibition of Prime Minister’s gifts was organised from 14th September to 3rd October, 2019 by the Ministry of Culture at National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi. Mementos included 576 Shawls, 964 AngaVastram, 88 Pagris and various jackets portraying the diversified and colourful Culture of our Country. The Major Highlight of the Physical auction organized at NGMA was that a specially handcrafted wooden bike, received a successful bid of Rs. 5 lakhs. A similar bid was also received for a unique painting, which depicts Prime Minister 168

Modi on a railway platform – a uniquely artistic interpretation of Narendra Modi’s special bond with the railways. 3. New campus of National Museum Institute inaugurated at Noida on 30th January, 2019 The new Campus of the National Museum Institute was inaugurated at A-19, Sector 62, NOIDA (Institutional Area), on 30th January, 2019.Four new courses i.e. (i) Archaeology; (ii) Palaeography, Epigraphy and Numismatics; (iii) Structural Conservation and (iv) Cultural & Heritage Management, were proposed to be commence. In addition to these regular courses, short-term courses of five-month duration i.e. Art Appreciation and Bhartiya Kalanidhi (Hindi), which are very popular, were promised to be conducted by the Institute to disseminate the knowledge about the country’s tangible and intangible heritage. 4. Special Postage Stamp on Kumbh Mela was released on 2ndFebruary

Union Minister of State for Railways and Communication Mr Manoj Sinha released a special postage stamp of the Indian Postal Department on Kumbh Mela on 2nd February, 2019. A special first day cover was also released on the occasion. Its cost is five rupees.

5. 20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav organised in New Delhi The 20th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM), the international theatre festival of India, is organized by National School of Drama. The 20th BRM comes with 111 national and international acts in its basket that includes folk and other traditional theatre forms, invitee plays, and productions by the students of the National School of Drama. 6. President of India Presented Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2017 The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented the Sangeet NatakAkademi Awards for the year 2017 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 06, 2019. 7. Foundation Stone of Taj View Gardenon the Taj Corridor Area between the Agra Fort and TajMahal laid on 14th February Foundation Stone of Taj View Garden on the Taj Corridor Area between the Agra Fort and TajMahal in Agra was laid on 14thFeburary, 2019. The Taj View Garden is being developed on the Mughal period’s Charbagh garden pattern by the Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. A permanent photo exhibition was also curated near the newly constructed Visitor’s Facility Centre at the Eastern Gate of TajMahal. 8. Virtual Experiential Museum established at Man – Mahal near Dashashwamedh Ghat at Varanasi 169

Virtual Experiential Museum has been established by the National Council of Science Museum (NCSM) working under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) helped in designing and curation of this Virtual Experiential Museum and also in preparing of script for various documentaries to be shown in this VEM.The Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Virtual Experiential Museum (VEM) in a Centrally Protected Monument under Archeological Survey of India, Man – Mahal, situated on the bank of the Ganges near holy DashashwamedhGhat at Varanasi. 9. Azaadi Ke Diwane’ Museum at Red Fort Complex in New Delhi, created by ASI Pays Homage to Unsung Heroes of Freedom Struggle of the Nation The ‘Azaadi ke Diwane’ museum was inaugurated at Red Fort, Delhi on 4th March, 2019. Created by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the museum within the Red Fort complex pays homage to all the unsung heroes of freedom struggle of the nation, who would have otherwise been merged away in forgetfulness. 10. National Council of Science Museums of Culture Ministry collaborates with Google Arts & Culture for largest interactive online exhibition on inventions and discoveries The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India has collaborated with Google Arts & Culture for ‘Once upon a Try’: Epic journeys of invention and discovery - the largest online exhibition about inventions and discoveries ever curated, as an attempt to explore humanity’s greatest inventions and discoveries in an interactive online exhibition. The online exhibition was launched on 7th March, 2019 and contains collections, stories and knowledge from over 110 renowned institutions from across 23 countries, highlighting millennia of major breakthroughs and the great minds behind them.

11. Release of Dictionary of Martyrs of India’s Freedom Struggle (1857-1947) The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, released the Dictionary of Martyrs of India’s Freedom Struggle, on 7th March, 2019 at an event in Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi. This five-volume dictionary contains an account of the martyrs from India’s First War of Independence in 1857, to India’s Independence in 1947.The martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the non- cooperation movement, the Quit India Movement, and those soldiers of the Azad Hind Fauj, who attained martyrdom, among many others are included. The project for compilation of “Dictionary of Martyrs” of India’s Freedom Struggle was commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, to the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) to commemorate the 150th anniversary of uprising of 1857. 12. New Pandit Institute of Archaeology at Greater Noida in UP inaugurated by the Prime Minister

The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh was inaugurated by The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 9th March, 2019. A statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya at the campus and Deendayal Museum in the Institute campus was also inaugurated on the same day. The state-of-the-art institute, built at an estimated cost of Rs. 170

289 crore is spread over 25 acres. The Institute comprises of an auditorium with seating capacity of 1000 people, an open air theatre and an Archaeological Museum. The Institute of Archaeology (IA) is an academic wing of ASI under the Ministry of Culture.

13. Ministry of Culturefacilitates in setting up of FM Radio Transmitter on 103.7 MHZ frequency at Baltal for ‘Amarnath Yatra’ Pogramme For the first time ever, on a request from Ministry of Culture (MoC), Ministry of I&B set up a FM Radio Transmitter on 103.7 MHZ frequency at Baltal, on the Amarnath route. A studio facility was set up at Baltal Base Camp, and “AmarnathYatra” program was generated from Baltal base camp. transmitter was also tuned to Baltal. All India Radio (AIR) transmitted regular services on crowd management, weather, health and other alerts; devotional music was provided by Ministry of Culture.Ministry of Culture curated and created high quality devotional content for the Yatra, which includes Mantras, Shlokas and Bhajans with contextual meaning on Shiva, Parvati and Ganesh. Leading music directors and singers were roped in for this purpose. Archival content was taken from National Cultural Audio-visual Archives, under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. 14. India gets its 38th world UNESCO World heritage site As Pink City Jaipur India’s nomination of the Jaipur City, Rajasthan got inscribed on 6th July, 2019 on the World Heritage List of UNESCO during the 43rd Session of the World Heritage Committee held at Baku, Azerbaijan. The nomination of Jaipur City has successfully been done by complying with the various UNESCO guidelines of 2017. With Successful inscription of Jaipur City, India has 38 world heritage sites that include 30 Cultural properties, 7 Natural properties and 1 mixed site. 15. Restoration work of architectural genius, Markandeshwar temple in Maharashtra initiated by Archaeological Survey of India The restoration work of Markandeshwar temple in Maharashtra by the Archaeological Survey of India has been initiated in the month of July, 2019. Known as the “Khajuraho of Vidarbha”, the temple of Markandadeo is situated on the bank of River Wainganga in district Gadchiroli of Maharashtra. A detailed documentation process was initiated to carry out the condition mapping of the temple in order to carry out the conservation process. 16. Historic Safdarjung Tomb in New Delhi illuminated with advanced LED Lights Safdarjung Tomb is one of those historical monuments which attracts thousands of tourists every year and is the pride jewel in Delhi’s history.With the illumination the architectural beauty of the 17th century Mughal era monument displayed its historic reflection on Delhi after sunset. To highlight the architectural beauty including arches and minarets of the Safdarjung tomb,a total of 213 technologically advanced LED lights were used which consumes less electricity – the consumption of which is approximately 62% less than conventional light fixtures. 17. Nepali and Santhali languages included in the Scheme for grant of Senior/Junior Fellowships of Culture Ministry The Ministry of Culture administers a scheme component namely Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Artistes in the Fields of Culture. The fellowships are awarded for undertaking research oriented projects.Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), 171

Dwarka is the Nodal institute for handling the Scheme of Sr. /Jr. Fellowship till selection process. “Literary Arts” is one of the Fields under this Scheme where candidates can apply for research in 22 languages as their Sub-Field. The remaining 2 languages from the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution i.e. Nepali and Santhali were included in the Sub-Field of Field “Literature” in the scheme component ‘Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Artistes in the Fields of Culture’. 18. Delhi Public Library launchedMobile Library Busesprocured under C.S.R assistance from Airports Authority of India Mobile Library Buses procured under C.S.R assistance from Airports Authority of India were launched under the “Ghar-Ghar Dastak Ghar Ghar Pustak” Scheme of the Delhi Public Library, which aims to provide books to the citizens of Delhi, especially, the residents of slums, resettlement colonies and rural areas. 19.Excavation carried out by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Maharastra’s Phupgaon, indicated towards Iron Age Settlement

The recent excavation carried out by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Maharashtra’s Phupgaon has revealed evidence of an Iron Age settlement in the Vidarbha region. The excavation at the site was taken up between December, 2018 and March, 2019.The team of ASI took up an intensive survey in the region between Chandur Bazar to Dariyapur of Purna basin at Phupgaon (N 21° 24’ 00.6” E 77° 54’ 11.6”), Amravati district of Maharashtra. The site is situated in the vast meander of the river Purna, a major tributary of Tapi, which used to be a perennial river, but at present is completely dried-up due to the dam construction in the upper stream. The site is situated about 20 m away from the river bed and its one-third portion has been subjected to frequent erosion during the heavy water current in the earlier times. ASI is of the view that the excavation at Phupgaon has provided important insights into Iron Age people of Purna river basin. Chronologically, the site could be placed between 7th C BCE and 4th C BCE. However, further detailed study of the site with chronometric dating is being taken up to reveal further aspects of Iron Age of Vidarbha. 20. ‘The Diary of Manu Gandhi’ (1943-44) brought out by National Archives of India, on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in collaboration with Oxford University Press 172

‘The Diary of Manu Gandhi’ (1943-44) has been brought out by National Archives of India, on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in collaboration with Oxford University Press and launched at a function in the auditorium of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library today in New Delhi. The Diary of Manu Gandhi originally in Gujarati has been edited and translated by Dr Tridip Suhrud, a well-known scholar engaged in understanding the Gandhian Intellectual tradition. The first volume covers the period 1943-1944. 21. Integrated NOAPS single window clearing system of National Monuments Authority for 517 local bodies in six States launched An integrated NOC online Application Processing System for National Monuments Authority (NMA) for 517 local bodies of six states was launched in the public domain over the URL: http://nmanoc.nic.in/ by the Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent Charge), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel on in New Delhi. Online processing of applications requesting NOC for construction related work in prohibited and regulated area of ASI protected monuments has been made simpler with this system. Six New States are now a part of this Integrated Online Application Portal with Urban Local Bodies Count.The Portal has integration with the Smart ‘Smarac’ Mobile App of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), through which the applicant traverses his plot and the geo coordinates of his plot along with the images get uploaded into the NIC portal along with the proximity and the approval status. 22. Water Conservation system and Baby care & Feeding Room installed at Taj Mahal Premises A Water Conservation system and Baby care& Feeding Room at the premises of Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh was installed and inaugurated by the Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent Charge) on 29th August, 2019. The Water Conservation System which in its first turn puts about 10000 litre of polluted water coming out of RO System into the old well located in the premises of the heritage site. 23. ‘Gallery of Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities’ at PuranaQilacurated by ASI showcases confiscated and retrieved antiquities for public ‘Gallery of Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities’ at Purana Qila curated by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)showcases confiscated and retrieved antiquities for public, the Gallery is located in the arched cells of Purana Qila. The number of antiquities recovered in the last five years has been the highest ever, So far, ASI, has retrieved 44 stolen antiquities from USA, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Canada and England and 119 more antiquities are in the process of retrieval. Owing to the efforts of ASI no theft has been reported from any Centrally Protected Monument or site museum under ASI during last few years. 24. First ever architectural LED illumination of Qutab Minar The historic Qutb Minar came alive as it saw the first ever architectural LED illumination inaugurated by Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (I/C) Shri Prahalad Singh Patel in New Delhi on 31st August, 2019. To highlight the architectural beauty including arches and minarets of the Qutb Minar, a total of 358 technologically advanced LED lights have been used which will consume 62% less 173 electricity than conventional light fixtures. Warm lights will highlight the architectural features on the monument’s facade. Apart from the minaret, the pathways and smaller structures around the Qutb Minar have also been lit. The new illumination comprises lighting that accentuates the silhouette of the monument with the interplay of light and shade. The duration of illumination will be from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily with a monthly cost of Rs16,615/- which comes out merely to Rs 1,99,388/- for a year. 25. The first ever Mobile Science Exhibition (SCIENCE EXPLORER) of NCSM organised in Leh for entire Ladakh Region The first ever Mobile Science Exhibition (SCIENCE EXPLORER) for the entire Ladakh Region in Leh was flagged off by the Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent charge), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel on 5th September, 2019. Mobile Science Exhibition (MSE) programme, originally launched as Mobile Science Museum (MSM) in 1965, with a mission ‘If the people cannot visit the museum, let the museum visit the people at their doorsteps’, is the largest and the longest running outreach programme of NCSM. It is very successful in supplementing formal education with non-formal mode of science education, in creating a scientific awareness in the society and nurturing scientific temper and creative potential of the young people in the areas where MSE programmes are conducted. 26. Union Culture Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel participates in BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meet at Curitiba, Brazil Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent charge) Shri Prahlad Singh Patel participated in BRICS Culture Ministers’ meeting held in Curitiba, Brazil.On the occasion, Shri Patel said that India attaches importance to its engagement with BRICS which has emerged as a valuable forum for consultation, coordination and cooperation on contemporary global issues of mutual interest and has helped to promote mutual understanding. Joint exhibition titled Bonding Regions & Imagining Cultural Synergies is being hosted by National Gallery of Modern Arts of India under the auspices of the BRICS Alliance of Museums and Art Galleries during November-December, 2019.Shri Patel proposed to add another field of cooperation under the aegis of BRICS Alliance on Literature envisaging BRICS Literary Festival to enhance cooperation and exchanges in the field of literature and promoting translation of literary works of famous writers and poets of BRICS member states. 27. 10th edition of ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav' organised in Madhya Pradesh Under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Matrix, 10th edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav was organised by the Ministry of Culture in Madhya Pradesh. Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri LaljiTandon in the presence of Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (I/C), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated the festival in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on14th October, 2019. Under the broad umbrella theme of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat has covered a profusion of art forms practised and performed by artists from all Zonal Cultural Centres of India, from Classical dance, viz. Classical dance, Loknritya, folk music, to visual and culinary arts. Handloom and handicrafts are equally being exhibited in stalls and tents curated at this Mahotsav. The gastronomic culture of Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and several other partnering states is being showcased in food stalls. After its conclusion in Jabalpur, Mahotsav travelled to Sagar and concluded at Rewa on 21st October, 2019. 174

28. CCRT e-portal and YouTube Channel at the event “Digital Bharat Digital Sanskriti” launched CCRT e-portal and YouTube Channel was launched at“Digital Bharat – Digital Sanskriti” program organised by Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (Ministry of Culture) on 20th October, 2019 at CCRT Head Quarter located at Dwarka, Delhi. With an aim to take India to a newer digital pinnacle and to promote our culture Union Minister will inaugurate CCRT e- portal and YouTube Channel (with support from Routes 2 Routes). 29.Commemoration event of ‘76th Year of Formation of Azad Hind Government’ Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (IC), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel took part in the commemoration event of 76th anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind Government on 21st October, 2019 at Red Fort, Delhi. 30. Excavation by Archaeological Survey of India in Gottiprolu, Andhra Pradesh indicate it as a Trade Centre of Early Historic Period The 1st phase of excavation by a team of Archaeological Survey of India’s Excavation Branch – VI, Bangalore at Gottiprolu near Naidupeta in Nellore (now renamed as Sri Potti Sri Ramulu) district, Andhra Pradesh has discovered the remains of a huge settlement surrounded by a massive brick enclosure. Among many other antiquities unearthed are one life size Vishnu sculpture and a wide variety of pottery of the early centuries of current era. Detailed topographical study and drone images have helped in identifying an early historic settlement surrounded by a fortification and the possibility of a moat encircling it. The fortification is very much clear on the eastern and southern sides of the mound while its other arm seems to have been levelled as a result of modern settlements. 31. UNESCO designated Mumbai as a member of UNESCO creative cities network (UCCN) in the field of film and Hyderabad in the field of gastronomy UNESCO has designated Mumbai as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of FILM and Hyderabad in the field of GASTRONOMY. 32. Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed by the Parliament Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been passed by the Parliament after it was passed in RajyaSabha. The Bill was earlier passed in LokSabha on 2nd August 2019. It seeks to make apolitical the trust that runs Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial by removing the clause pertaining to the President of INC as a permanent member of the trust. The Bill also amends to include the Leader of Opposition recognised as such in the House of the People (LokSabha) or where there is no such Leader of Opposition, then the Leader of the single largest Opposition Party in that House as a member of the trust. 33. All records relating to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj de-classified and placed them in the National Archives of India All records relating to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj de-classified and were placed in the National Archives of India. Accordingly, a total of 304 declassified records/files have been transferred to National Archives of India by above mentioned Ministries/Offices for 175 permanent retention. Out of 304 files, 303 files are already uploaded on the Netaji web portal i.e. www.netajipapers.gov.in . 34. ‘Kalash’ (urn) containing soil of Jalianwala Bagh, the soil of martyr unveiled at National Museum ‘Kalash’ (urn) containing soil of Jalianwala Bagh, the soil of martyrs primarily was presented to the Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi and later, unveiled at National Museum in New Delhi. The main idea behind displaying the ‘Kalash’ containing soil of Jalianwala Bagh in National Museum is to inspire the youth of India specially children and pay tribute to the martyrs of freedom struggle. The holy soil was brought by the Culture Minister when he visited the historical Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial. The soil from the land of sacrifice has reached National Museum after 100 years. 35. Indian Culture Portal showcasing information about the rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage of India launched by Union Culture Minister The Indian Culture portal was envisioned by the Ministry of Culture and was developed by a team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay while the curation of the data has been done by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).Indian culture portal is the first government authorized portal where knowledge and cultural resources of various organizations of Ministry of Culture are now available in public domain on a single platform.This project is a part of the Prime Minister’s Digital India initiative to showcase information about the rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage of India both at home and abroad. 36. President of India chaired the second meeting of the National Committee for Commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind chaired the second meeting of the National Committee for Commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 19th December, 2019. Participants of the meeting included members of the National Committee including the Vice President, Shri Venkaiah Naidu; Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi; members of the Union Cabinet; Chief Ministers of various states; noted Gandhians among others. Prime Minister of Portugal HE Mr. Antonio Costa, the only foreign Prime Minister to be a member of the Committee, also participated in the meeting. The Prime Minister addressed the dignitaries stating that while government commemorations of centenaries are held from time to time, the ‘Gandhi@150’ commemorations have become far more than just an occasion. They have become a program of the Jan Samanya and a matter of pride for every Indian. Source: PIB 22. Year End Review 2019- Department of Higher Education

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In pursuance Prime Minister's vision for ‘Transforming India’, Ministry of Human Resource Development took a leap forward in transforming education sector with the motto of “सबकोशिक्षा, अ楍छीशिक्षा ”(Education for All, Quality Education). In the year of 2019 Dr K. Kasturirangan Committee submitted the Draft National Education Policy to Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. The Government of India had initiated the process of formulating a New Education Policy to meet the changing dynamics of the requirements of the population with regard to quality education, innovation and research, aiming to make India a knowledge superpower by equipping its students with the necessary skills and knowledge and to eliminate the shortage of manpower in science, technology, academics and industry. MHRD has launchedPradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Program (DHRUV) to identify and encourage talented children to enrich their skills and knowledge .MHRD also launched several new schemes in Higher Education Department to boost research & Innovation culture in the country. Department of Higher Education of HRD Ministry has finalized and released a five-year vision plan named Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP). SWAYAM 2.0, Deeksharambh andPARAMARSH are some of the other major schemes of Department of Higher Education launched in 2019. 1. Five-year vision plan 'Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP)' finalised and released by HRD Ministry:

 In accordance with the decision of the Prime Minister for finalizing a five-year vision plan for each Ministry, the Department of Higher Education of HRD Ministry has finalized and released a five-year vision plan named Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP). This report has been prepared after a detailed exercise done by the Experts.  Sets out to deliver further on principles of Access,Inclusion,Quality,Excellence and enhancing employability in Higher Education.  EQUIP is a vision plan aiming at ushering transformation in India’s higher education system by implementing strategic interventions in the sector over five years (2019-2024).  EQUIP has been prepared based on reports of Ten expert groups constituted to deliberate upon important aspects of Higher Education.  Currently EQUIP has been submitted for in principal approval of EFC.

2. Institution of Eminence (IoE):

 10 institutions in public sector and 10 institutions in private sector have to be declared as IoE.  Each Public institute (IoE) will be eligible to receive Rs. 1000 crore during next 5 years.  10 Public Institutions are IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, University of Hyderabad, Banaras Hindu University, University of Delhi, Jadavpur University & Anna University.

 10 Private institutions are BITS Pilani, MAHE Karnataka, Jio Institute, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham, Tamil Nadu , Vellore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Odisha, O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana, Bharti Institute, Satya Bharti Foundation, Mohali, Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh. 177

3. Scheme for Transformational and Advanced Research in Sciences (STARS)

 Launched in February, 2019. To be implemented, monitored and managed by IISc, Bangalore.  For providing extra mural funding to faculty of HE institutions for research projects in basic sciences.  Total budget of Rs. 250 crore has been allocated out of which Rs. 50 crores will be released in FY 2019-20.  More than 1000 proposals received, out of these 141 proposals approved.

4. Higher Education Financing Agency

 HEFA finances for HEIs, KVs, NVs, AIIMS and other educational institutions of the Ministry of Health.  To fund projects to the tune of Rs. 100,000 crore by 2022.  As on 11th December, 2019, projects worth Rs. 37,001.21 crore have been approved.  A loan amount of Rs. 25,564.52 crore have been sanctioned and Rs. 5,537.06 crore have actually been disbursed  The number of educational institutions that have availed funding through HEFA stands at 75.

5. Construction of permanent Campuses in IISER Tirupati and Berhampur

 Permanent campuses of IISER, Tirupati & IISER Berhampur will be setup by funding through HEFA with capital cost of Rs. 1137.16 crore & Rs. 1229.32 crores respectively  Both institutes has been sanctioned Rs. 525 crore each in first tranche.

6. RashtriyaUchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)

 Rs.5871.82 crore including Rs. 801.82 crore during the FY 2019-20 has been released to State Governments.

7. Impactful Policy Research in Social Science (IMPRESS)

 to support the social science research in the higher educational institutions and to enable research to guide policy making.  A total cost of Rs.414 Crore for implementation up to 31.3.2021. The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi is the project implementing agency.

8. Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC)

 394 proposals totalling Rs. 251.09 Crores have been approved in the first call for proposals.  Rs. 80 crores have been released to IIT Kharagpur for FY 2019-20 under SPARC.

9.National Education Policy

 Currently, the Ministry is in the process of finalising the National Education Policy, 2019 178

 based on the Draft NEP report submitted by the Committee to Draft NEP, and the stakeholder feedback thereon.

10.SWAYAM 2.0

 Launch of SWAYAM 2.0 with enhanced features and facilities.  To offer Online Degree Programmes through SWAYAM by Top Ranking Universities.

Key Features of SWAYAM 2.0 –

 Higher Scalability and Performance  Enhanced features for faculty and students  Improved assessment and evaluation  Internationalisation  Translation to Indian languages  Local chapters and mentors  Offering of On-line Degrees

SWAYAM 1.0 was Launched on 9th July 2017 by the President of India with the Objectives ofEqual access to Quality education ,Increase GER in Higher Education from 26 to 30 in next 5 years and Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime learning In SWAYAM platform

 2800+ courses offered  1.23 Crore students enrolled in the courses  Examinations conducted across 125 cities across India  Over 5 lakh students obtained certificates

11. SWAYAM PRABHA- DTH Educational Channels:

 Project for telecasting high quality educational programs through 32 DTH channels on 24x7 basis to reach out to student/learners of India with wide reach and minimal cost.  It aims to support those students who do not have good learning options like lack of teacher or internet etc. It also aims to provide dedicated channels ‘IITPAL’ to assist the students of 11 and 12 standards aspiring to join premier educational institutions in the country.  SWAYAM Prabha project is managed by Chief Coordinator from IIT Madras.  All 32 channels are telecasting high quality curriculum mapped educational contents on 24x7 basis.  Every day, there will be new content for at least (4) hours which would be repeated 5 more times in a day.  All telecasted videos are available on YouTube as archival.  Total telecasted videos are around 60,000.  On YouTube there are 4,12,403 subscribers and 2,05,70,482 views.

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12. Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) A new Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) was launched for providing industry apprenticeship opportunities to the general graduates exiting in April 2019 through the National Apprenticeship Promotional Scheme (NAPS). The program aims to enhance the employability of Indian youth by providing ‘on the job work exposure’ and earning of stipend. 13. Study in India Programme:

 An initiative of MHRD

 Total Number of Registrations on Study in India Portal was 69012 from across 190 countries of the world.  Total Number of Admissions till date around 3800.  1800+ scholarships awarded.  Education Fairs conducted in Malaysia, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal.  Approval received to start IND-SAT examination in April 2020.

14. Scholarship Schemes

 Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) : 37293 scholarships disbursed involving an amount of Rs 44.66 crores in F.Y. 2019-20.  Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir :10720 scholarships disbursed involving an amount of Rs 165.82crores in F.Y. 2019-20.  Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme (CSIS) :Total 935497 interest subsidy claims involving an amount of Rs 1584.69 crores in F.Y. 2019-20.

15. ASEAN Fellowship

 Launched on 16th September, 2019 by MHRD & MEA.  1000 fellowships to the students of ASEAN countries for pursuing integrated Ph.D programmes in IITs.

16. Launch of the Endowment Fund of IIT Delhi

 Launched on 31.10.2019.  Will work towards building a relation of trust and credibility with its alumni through better communication, professionally managed team structure and periodic reporting.

 The Alumni are coming together to make an initial contributions to the tune of INR 100 Crores towards the target of USD 1 billion that will be created over a period of six to seven years (2025).

18. Central Universities 180

 Two new Central University in the State of Andhra Pradesh have been established in August, 2019 namely: Central University of Andhra Pradesh and Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh.

19. Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIITs)

 IIIT has been opened at Raichur (Karnataka) from July, 2019 in PPP Mode. IIT Hyderabad is the Mentor Institute.  Financial allocation for this in year 2019-20 is 03 crores.

20. Language Institutes:

 The proposals to convert the three Sanskrit Deemed to be Universities namely, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan (RSKS), Delhi, Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha (SLBSRSV), New Delhi and Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha (RSV), Tirupati has been passed in Lok Sabha and is proposed to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha in the forthcoming budget session of Parliament.  Central Institute of Classical Telugu shifted from Mysore to Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh.  Fund allocation for National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) & National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language (NCPSL) is Rs 84 Crore and 5.65 Crore respectively in both the years 2018-19 & 2019-20.  In the FY 2019-20, For Langauage Institutions a total of Rs 52.84 Crores has been allotted.

21. National Institutes of Technology & Indian Institutes of Engineering Science and Technology:

 Foundation stone for permanent campus of NIT, Uttarakhand has been laid by the HRM. 10% EWS reservation has been implemented.  NIT Think Tank Group has been constituted to suggest ways for improving NIRF rankings of NITs & IIEST.

22. Filling up of vacancies in Higher Educational Institutes

 Vacancy position in centrally funded higher education under MHRD is updated on every friday.  Vacancy position in state funded institutions is maintained by RUSA.  Since June-19, advertisements have been issued for 12272 faculty vacancies in CFIs and 1507 posts filled up.  In HEIs under State Govts, 25419 faculty vacancies advertised since June-19 and 6170 posts filled up.

23. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) :

 For IITs an amount of Rs 5616.77 Crores has been Budgetary allotted in FY 2019-20.  After including an amount of Rs 526.25 crore through HEFA, the total allocation mounted to Rs 6143.02 crores. 181

24. UNESCO Activities

 Organisation of ‘World Youth Conference on Kindness’ by MGIEP in partnership of MHRD on 23.08.2019 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi  Nomination of four Indian cities i.e. Srinagar, Mumbai, Lucknow and Hyderabad for the UNESCO Creative City Network.

Coordination of INCCU with Ministry of Culture :-

 UNESCO Reactive Monitoring Mission : Mrs. Nao Hayashi, UNESCO, Paris and Dr. Michael Pearson, ICOMOS, Australia, Members of Reactive Monitoring Mission nominated by UNESCO World Heritage Centre visited Mountain Railways of India - World Heritage Sites and give-suggestions for maintaining of World Heritage Status. For this purpose, the team met the Deputy Secretary-General of INCCU on 12.12.2019. Representatives of Ministry of Culture and ASI were also present in the meeting.  Nominations for Reconstitution of Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO have been called from Ministry of Culture.  Nominations for 40th General Conference of UNESCO were called from Ministry of Culture  Forwarding of communication from UNESCO that in the framework of the forthcoming Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, an Information and exchange session took place on 3 October 2019 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  International Center for Documentary Heritage (ICDH) of UNESCO, newly established UNESCO Category II Institution in the Republic of Korea specialized in documentary heritage- related issues including UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) Programme, organized its first capacity-building workshop for Member States. The workshop was held in Daejeon, Republic of Korea, from 19 to 22 November 2019.  Forwarding a letter received from the Assistant Director-General for Culture, inviting GoI to participate in the thirteenth meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the 1954 Hague Convention, scheduled to take place on 2 December 2019, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Room XI, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.  Forwarding a letter received from Assistant Director-General for Culture, inviting GoI to participate the seventh meeting of the Parties to the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. This session will take place on 3 and 4 December 2019, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Room XI, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.  In consultation with Ministry of Culture, nominations of four Indian Cities for UNESCO Creative Cities Network sent to UNESCO

Coordination of INCCU with Ministry of Communication :-

 Nominations for 40th General Conference of UNESCO were called from Ministry of Communication

Coordination of INCCU with Ministry of Environment &Forest :- 182

 Forwarding the proposal of Panna Biosphere Reserve (PBR) received from Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change for inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO.

25. International Cooperation

 Launch of DUO- India Fellowship Programme. Exchange of faculty and students would be taken up between India and 14 European countries which come under SPARC.  Initiated the process of setting up of a chair in a University in the UK on Guru Nanak Dev Ji in commemoration of 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in coordination with University Grants Commission (UGC).  Study in India Programme: Number of Foreign students admitted under Study in India Programme for the Academic Year 2019-20 is 3164.  Bilateral Meetings by Union HRD Minister during UNESCO’s General Conference 13- 15.11.2019)

Date: 13.11.2019 : Norway, Mexico, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, UAE Date: 14.11.2019 : Singapore, Saudi Arabia Date: 15.11.2019 : Uganda, Nepal 26. National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT):

 Finalized a newly proposed scheme i.e. National Education Alliance of Technologies (NEAT) through PPP Model between MHRD and EdTech companies  for offering Adaptive and personalized learning through Artificial Intelligence (AI)  to the students with specific emphasis on students from economically and socially backward regions..

27.Annual Refresher Programme In Teaching (ARPIT)

 Launched in 2018.  The first round of training was completed in March 2019 with the conduct of examination.  For ARPIT 2018, 75 NRCs identified, 9 deleted due to non- adherence of timelines; 51000+ enrolments, with actual enrolment being 37199 (one learner registering in more than one course). Of these, 6411 faculty registered for exam, 3338 qualified and in re-examination 469 qualified thereby a total 3807 faculty qualified ARPIT 2018  UGC as per their notification recognised ARPIT as equivalent to a refresher course for their career advancement.

 Funding for NRCs is as per the approved budget for development of online MOOCs faculty refresher courses under National Resource Centres (NRCs) through SWAYAM which is Rs. 14.70 lakhs.  An additional provision of Rs. 5 Lakh has been provisioned for meeting of Advisory Council / workshop and other contingency expenditure.  In order to popularise the ARPIT 2019, this time Ministry used the database of Higher education faculty in the disciplines notified as NRCs and intimated each of the faculty individually through 183

SMS and e-mails informing them about ARPIT program offered by different NRCs in distinctive disciplines persuading them to log in and join this online program and get benefit from it.  Total 1,46,214 learners enrolled for 48 ARPIT courses.

28. University Grants Commission (UGC) : Implementation of Quality Improvement Programme Deeksharambh – A guide to Student Induction Programme’ has been launched on 18.07.2019. In 8 Regional Workshops 1650 candidates participated. Total 319 HEIs have implemented the Student Induction Programme.

 Learning outcomes based curriculum framework (LOCF) revision: New curriculum in 16 subjects which is based on LOCF has been uploaded on UGC website to facilitate universities to revise the curriculum.

 Use of ICT based learning tools for effective teaching learning process: 125 Universities have come on board for accepting credit transfer for MOOCs courses done through SWAYAM platform.

 Life skills (Jeevan Kaushal) for students : The curriculum launched on 11th September, 2019

 Social and Industry connect for every institution: Every institution shall adopt at least 5 villages for exchange of knowledge and for the overall social/economic betterment of the village communities.

 Induction training for all new teachers, and annual refresher training for all the teachers – role of the NCRs; and mandatory leadership/management training for all educational administrators.

 Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India’s Developing Economy (STRIDE): launched on 01.07.2019 for Promoting quality research by faculty and creation of new knowledge.

 PARAMARSH- A scheme to mentor institutions seeking National Assessment and Accreditation Council accreditation Launched on 18th July, 2019.

29. AICTE achievements:

 Training for Technical Teachers: “A comprehensive training Policy for Technical Teachers” introduced for the first time in the world. o Target: 30,000 fresh faculties & 30,000 faculties having up to 5 years of teaching experience are to be trained every year.  Revision of Curriculum: Diploma in Engg. & Tech. (7 Disciplines); B. Arch.

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 ATAL Academy: 11 Academies launched covering as many states; Conducted 100 FDPs in thrust areas.

 Protsahan Mudra Scheme: Android App has been developed and launched.

 Mandatory Induction Program: 120 Faculty Development Programs; 15,000+ Faculties Trained.

 Examination Reforms: To test the understanding of the concepts and the skill – rather than the subject knowledge. 2250 teachers participated in 17 Workshops held in 2019.

 Mandatory Internship: Over 1 Lakh internships posted on an exclusive portal developed by AICTE.

 Smart India Hackathon 2019: Over 3 lakh students participated at 66 centers.

 One Student One Tree: More than 55,000 AICTE Institutions Participated; More than 2 Lakhs Students Participated; More than 28 Lakh trees Planted.

 Jal Shakti Abhiyan: More than 34000 Students of AICTE colleges mapped to the local administration of water- stressed districts.

30.EK BHARAT SHRESHTHA BHARAT :

 Celebrating Diversity to Realise Unity  4 Lakh Plus people across country participated/ witnessed range of activities  About 16 states showed enthusiasm & regular activity  358 Schools, 227 HEIs, 28 states, 7 Uts, 7 Central Ministries participated  About 1000 activities of Literary, Cultural, Sports, Culinary & Student Exchanges etc. held  Same pairing of States/ UTs to be continued till June 2020.  8 Participating Ministries :Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Sports, Department of Youth Affairs , Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Defence  activities : Student Exchange , Teacher Exchange , Youth Festival , EBSB Day , EBSB Clubs , Screening of Films, Translation of Books

31.Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan :

 SwachhtaPakhwada 2019 for HEIs conducted during 1st-15th September  Swachhata Hi Seva 2019 observed in HEIs from 11th September to 27th October, 2019  6900 institutions participated in Swachhta Ranking exercise. Swachhta Awards given to HEIs on 3rd December, 2019  BBA and MBA Courses on Waste Management Launched

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32. FIT India Movement:

 Fitness Pledge taken by HEIs on 29th August, 2019.  FIT India Plogging Run organised on 2nd October, 2019 in Universities and Colleges.  Participants collected plastic garbage while running.

Other Activities Proposed:

 Fitness Hour - Every HEI to provide for a fitness hour in its daily routine from January 2020.  Fitness Clubs – Each Institution to have a fitness club that will lead the activities during Fitness Hour  Monthly, theme based Fitness Awareness Campaigns – Every Institution to carry out month long campaign on selected themes related to various aspects of fitness  Sports Competitions – Every HEI to organize annual sports competitions, which will lead to State level and National level University games.  First University Games to be held in Odisha in February 2020  Star Rating of Universities based on performance on the above Fitness promoting criteria

33. 70th Anniversary of Indian Constitution :

 A year long, mass awareness campaign was launched on the Constitution Day - 26th November 2019 in institutions of Higher Education across the country  155075 students and faculty from over 700 universities and colleges viewed the live telecast from Central Hall of Parliament and read the Preamble to the Constitution  Kartavya Portal launched  An online, National Essay Competition for students of HE Institutions announced  The competition to be held in 11 rounds, one every month, focussing on one Fundamental Duty  Over 5000 students registered for Ist round to be held on 26th December  National Law University, Delhi is the national coordinating university, 25 state coordinating universities  Competition to be held through NTA, registration through the portal - kartavya.ugc.ac.  Debates, Mock Parliaments, MOOT Courts  workshops, guest lectures by eminent jurists, poster making , slogan writing, street plays

Source: PIB 23. Year End Review 2019 - Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare

The major highlights of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare during the year 2019 are as follows:

Launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

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PM-KMY inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 12th September, 2019 provides for payment of minimum pension of Rs.3000/- per month to the eligible small and marginal farmers on attaining the age of 60 years. It is voluntary and contributory pension scheme, with entry age of 18 to 40 years. The monthly contribution by farmer ranges between Rs.55 to 200. Central Government will contribute an equal amount in the pension scheme. Till now 19, 19, 802 beneficiaries have been registered.

Launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

PM-KISAN Scheme inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 24th February, 2019 which provides for transfer of an amount of Rs. 6000/- per year in three equal instalments each of Rs. 2000/- directly into the bank account of beneficiary farmer families. The Scheme initially covered only small and marginal farmer families with land holding upto 2 hectares as beneficiaries, subject to certain exclusion criteria for higher income status. The Government later extended the scheme with effect from 1st June 2019 to all farmer families irrespective of land holding size, subject to applicable exclusions. Since the launch of PM Kisan till now about 8.12 crore farmer families have been benefitted and more than Rs. 48,937 crore has been released under the scheme. A new facility has been provided on PM-KISAN Web-portal (www.pmkisan.gov.in) through ‘Farmers’ Corner’ Link to facilitate the farmers for self registration, edit his/her name in PM-Kisan data base as per Aadhar Card, access the beneficiary list and status of payment. The farmers are being facilitated for self registration and data correction through Common Service Centers.

Constitution of High Powered Committee of Chief Ministers for ‘Transformation of Indian Agriculture’

A High Powered Committee of Chief Ministers for “Transformation of Indian Agriculture” has been constituted and two meetings of the Committee have been held on 18th July, 2019 and 16th August 2019 to deliberate and firm up their report.

Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Kharif 2019-20 season and Rabi Crops of 2019-20 increased

The Union Government has announced an increase in MSP for Kharif 2019-20 season. MSP of Paddy increased by Rs.65 per quintal, Jowar by Rs.120 per quintal, Bajra by Rs.50 per quintal, Ragi by Rs.253 per quintal and Maize by Rs.60 per quintal. MSP of Tur, Moong and Urad pulses raised by Rs.125, Rs.75 & Rs.100 per quintal respectively. MSP of Groundnut up by Rs.200 per quintal, Sunflower seed by Rs.262 per quintal, Nigerseed by Rs.63 per quintal, Medium staple cotton by Rs.105 per quintal, Long staple Cotton by Rs.100 per quintal, Soybeen (yellow) by Rs. 311 per quintal and Sesamum by Rs. 236 per quintal.

The Government has announced the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Rabi Crops of 2019-20 to be marketed in Rabi marketing season (RMS) 2020-21. The MSP of Wheat and Barley increased by Rs. 85 per quintal each, Gram by Rs. 255 per quintal, Lentil by Rs. 325 per quintal, Rapeseed & Mustard by Rs. 225 per quintal and Safflower by Rs. 270 per quintal. 187

e-NAM –One Nation One Market

421 new mandis have been approved for integration under the e-NAM. Along with these, FPOs have also been on-boarded on e-NAM portal and they have started uploading their produce for trading from their premise. Further, 23 Warehouses of CWC located in 11 districts of AP have been declared as Deemed Market under Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing (APLM) Act which will facilitate trading in future through these warehouses on e-NAM portal.

Other Initiatives and Achievements:

25 Seed-Hub Centres have been sanctioned across the country for increasing availability of quality seeds of Nutri-Cereals (Millets) and the first instalment of Rs.723.00 lakh has been released.

During current year (2019-20), 12.40 lakh Soil Health Card has been distributed to farmers under Model Village Project.

Under Farm Mechanization 1,44,113 machineries have been distributed and 2300 Custom Hiring Centres have been established during current year (2019-20). During 2019-20, 32,808 machineries have been distributed and 8662 Custom Hiring Centres have been established under Crop Residue Management Programme.

Muti lingual Mobile App “CHC-Farm Machinery” was launched, which helps the farmers for getting rented farm machinery and implements through Custom Hiring Service Centres (CHC) in their area. As on date, 41,992 CHCs with 1,33,723 Agricultural machinery for renting out are registered on this Mobile app. Total 1,12,505 farmers as users are registered on this Mobile App.

During current year (2019-20) 73,658 hectare additional area has been covered under Horticulture Crops and 59 Nurseries have been established.

Source: PIB 24. Year Ender 2019 Ministry of Renewable Energy

As a part of Nationally Determined Contributions as per the Paris Accord on Climate Change, India has made a pledge that by 2030, 40% of our installed power generation capacity shall be from non-fossil fuel sources and also by 2030, reduce emission intensity of GDP by 33-35 % from 2005 level. Economic growth, increasing prosperity, a growing rate of urbanisation and rising per capita energy consumption has increased the energy demand of the country. Keeping in view the above and our commitment for a healthy planet with less carbon intensive economy, we decided in 2015 that 175 GW of renewable energy capacity will be installed by 188 the year 2022. This includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from biomass and 5 GW from small hydro power.The substantial higher capacity target will ensure greater energy security, improved energy access and enhanced employment opportunities. With the accomplishment of these ambitious targets, India will become one of the largest Green Energy producers in the world, even surpassing several developed countries. The Prime Minister in his address atto Climate Action Summit stated that “India’s renewable energy capacity would be increased to much beyond 175 GW, and later till 450 GW”.In line with the objective of expanding renewable energy sector, several important initiatives were taken during year 2019. Renewable Energy capacity is rising rapidly and the status of projects as on 17.12.19 is given below:

Sector Installed Under Tendered Total Installed/ capacity Implementation (GW) Pipeline (GW) (GW) (GW)

Solar 32.53 25.05 25.78 83.36 Power

Wind 37.28 9.64 2.20 49.12 Power

Bio 9.94 0.00 0.00 9.94 Energy

Small 4.65 0.55 0.00 5.20 Hydro

Wind 0 1.44 0.00 1.44 Solar Hybrid

Round the 0 0.00 1.60 1.60 Clock (RTC) Power

Total 84.40 36.68 29.58 150.66

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MAJOR INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN DURING THE YEAR 2019

1. Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)

In a major initiative towards making Annadata also a Urjadata PM-KUSUM scheme was approved on 8th March 2019 and implementation guidelines were issued on 22.7.2019. State- wise allocation of capacities for the first year was made on 13.8.2019. The scheme covers grid-connected RE power plants (0.5 – 2 MW)/ Solar water pumps/ grid connected agriculture pumps and has following three components: Component A: Installation of 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Plants by farmers of 500 kW to 2 MW capacity within 5 km distance from sub-station primarily on barren/uncultivable land. The DISCOMs will purchase power at pre-fixed tariff for which they will get PBI of Rs. 0.40 per unit up to Rs. 33 lakh per MW in a span of five years. Component B: Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps for which Government of India will provide financial support up to 30% of the cost of solar pump and States to also provide at least 30% of the cost of solar pump, balance cost to be shared by the beneficiary farmer. (For NE and hilly States/UTs the Central support would be up to 50% of the cost of solar pump) Component C: Solarisation of 10 Lakh existing Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps for which Government of India will provide financial support up to 30% of the cost of solarisation and States to also provide at least 30% of the cost of solarisation, balance cost to be shared by the beneficiary farmer. (For NE and hilly States/UTs the Central support would be up to 50% of the cost of solarisation) Targets: Setting up of 25,750 MW additional solar capacity by 2022. Implementing framework: Scheme will be implemented by agencies designated by States for the three components in the respective states as per implementation guidelines issued by MNRE. Centralised tendering envisaged for Component-B. Centralised tendering for 1.75 lakh solar pumps Component-B completed by EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Ltd.) and States started implementations of Component-B. For Component-A and C the States have to initiate process as per Guidelines. 2. Standard bidding guidelines The Ministry has issued Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar & Wind Power Projects with an objective to provide a framework for procurement of solar & wind power through a transparent process of bidding including standardisation of the process and defining of roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders. In order to strengthen the contractual provision in the Contract (Power Purchase Agreement) between the solar power generators and the Procurers, and to facilitate setting up of solar power projects, the Government, vide notification dated 22.10.2019 from Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, has made following major amendments to the ‘Guidelines for Tariff 190

Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects: (i). Solar Power Generators have been allowed to submit documents/Lease Agreement to establish possession/right to use 100% (hundred per cent) of the required land in the name of the Solar Power Generator for a period not less than the complete term of the PPA, on or before the Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCD). (ii). Clear and elaborate provisions for time extension and compensation to affected party in the event of natural and non-Natural Force Majeure events with specific provisions regarding termination due to natural and non-natural Force Majeure events have been included. (iii). Quantum of Compensation for back-down has been increased from 50 % to 100% with provision for recognition of only written instructions of back-down and payment of back-down compensation. (iv). Corresponding Time Extension in date for achievement of financial closure and scheduled commissioning date, in case there is a delay in adoption of tariff by the concerned Electricity Regulatory Commission beyond a period of 60 days from the filing of such application. Similar relaxations were also made for wind power bidding guidelines. 3. Development of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) This Ministry has undertaken a scheme to develop Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) under the existing Solar Park Scheme. The objective of the UMREPP is to provide land upfront to the project developer and facilitate transmission infrastructure for developing Renewable Energy (RE) based UMPPs with solar/wind/hybrid and also with storage system, if required. The implementing agency of the UMREPPs may be a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in form of a Joint Venture Company (JVC) to be set up between Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) and any State Public Sector Undertakings (SPSU) or State Utility or Agency of the State Government or a SPV fully owned by any CPSU or a SPV fully owned by any State PSU / State Utility / Agency of the State Government. NTPC, SECI, NHPC, THDC, NEEPCO, SJVNL, DVC, NLC and PFC have proposed to set up UMREPPs of around 42,000 MW in various states. 4. Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar (RTS) Programme Phase II of the Grid connected rooftop solar programme was approved with a target for achieving cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar (RTS) Projects by the year 2022 in February 2019. In the Phase-II Programme, Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for the residential sector has been restructured. Important features of the Phase-II of RTS are as under: -

 Power Distributing companies (DISCOMs) will be the implementing agencies  Subsidy/CFA will be available for the residential sector only 191

 CFA under residential category will be provided for 4000 MW capacity and the same will be provided on the basis of benchmark cost or tender cost, whichever is lower.  For RTS systems up to 3 kW, CFA is 40%; for capacity above 3 kW and up to 10 kW, CFA is 40% for first 3 kW and 20% for balance quantity; for capacity above 10 kW, CFA is 40% for first 3 kW and 20% for next 7 kW. No subsidy beyond 10 kW capacity.  For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA), CFA will be limited to 20% for RTS plants for supply of power to common facilities; however, the capacity eligible for CFA for GHS/RWA will be limited to 10 kW per house with maximum total capacity up to 500 kWp.  Residential Consumers/Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations have to pay only balance amount after deducting the CFA to the empanelled vendor for installation of the RTS project  For availing the benefit of CFA, indigenously manufactured PV Modules and Cells are to be used.  Performance based incentives will be provided to DISCOMs based on RTS capacity achieved in a financial year (i.e. 1st April to 31st March every year till the duration of the scheme) over and above the base capacity i.e. cumulative capacity achieved at the end of previous financial year.

5. Solar PV manufacturing Government Producer Scheme for setting up Solar PV Power plants using domestically manufactured SPV cells & modules Government have approved a Scheme [CPSU Scheme Phase-II (Government Producer Scheme)] for setting up of solar PV power plants by Government Producers [Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs)/ State Public Sector Undertakings (SPSUs)/ Government Organisations, etc.], as per extant Guidelines, in a World Trade Organization (WTO) compliant manner, using domestically manufactured solar PV cells and modules to encourage ‘Make in India’ in Solar PV Manufacturing sector. Solar PV Manufacturing linked PPAs for Solar Power Plant Tenders for setting up Solar PV Manufacturing Capacities in India linked with assured off take in the form of PPAs for Solar Power Plant has been finalized. SECI has already concluded a bid for one such tender under which 2-3 GW of Solar PV Cells &Modules manufacturing capacity linked with 8-12 GW of Solar PV Power plants capacity is likely to come up. 6. Wind-Solar Hybrid The main objective of the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar PV hybrid system for optimal and efficient utilization of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure and land. The wind - solar PV hybrid systems will help in reducing the variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability. The policy also aims to encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation of wind and solar PV plants. So far, SECI has awarded 1440 MW capacity of wind solar hybrid projects after e- reverse auction. In addition, Hero Future Energies has commissioned wind solar hybrid project by adding 28.8 MW of 192 solar project to an existing 50 MW wind project (Total 78.8 MW hybrid project) in Raichur district, Karnataka. 7. Offshore Wind Power in India The National Offshore wind energy policy was notified in October 2015 with an objective to develop the offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) along the Indian coastline of 7600 km. eight zones are identified each in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu having cumulative offshore wind energy potential of 70 GW. Expression of Interest for first 1 GW offshore wind project was floated in April, 2018. More than 35 participants from in country onshore wind developer / manufacturer as well as international offshore wind developers had participated. The inputs received from the participants have been duly considered in designing the bid documents. 8. Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) Phase-II (66.5 GW REZ) Potential renewable energy zones (66.5 GW – Solar 50 GW and Wind 16.5 GW) have been identified in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh and a comprehensive transmission scheme was evolved integrating these renewable energy zones. The scheme is being implemented in phases by way of either Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) or through Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) by PGCIL. The TBCB bids are being carried out by PFC and REC. The allotment of works in TBCB or RTM is done by established committees of transmission constituted by Ministry of Power. Of this, Phase-I projects (for evacuation of 12.4 GW) have been bid out, awarded and are under implementation. Phase-II projects (for evacuation of approx. 15 GW) have been allotted by Ministry of Power in October/November 2019 and the bids have been issued by PGCIL/PFC. The Phase-III (approx. 39 GW) projects are under approval of the National Committee on Transmission. 9. Payment Comfort Opening of LCs by all DISCOMs/ distribution licensees for all producers Ministry of Power has issued an order regarding opening and maintaining of adequate Letter of Credit (LC) as Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) under Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) by Distribution Licensees (DISCOMs). Further, Ministry of Power has instructed Power System Operation Corporation Ltd. (POSOCO) that according to the Procedure for Scheduling of power to Distribution Company, Power will be scheduled for dispatch only after a written intimation is given to the appropriate Load Despatch Centre (LDC) i.e. NLDC/RLDC/SLDC that Letter of Credit (LC) for the desired quantum of power w.r.t the generating stations has been opened. Term loans to DISCOMs for clearing outstanding payments of RE generators Ministry has requested PFC/REC/IREDA to extend short term loan to DISCOMs for the purpose of making payments to renewable energy generators.

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10. Energy Storage SECI have floated two tenders which include battery storage systems: -

1. 1200 MW tender with requirement of supplying power during evening/morning (six hours) peak, with battery storage system. 2. 400 MW round the clock renewable, this will also come with battery storage system.

11. Second Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) The Ministry hosted the second assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 30th and 31st October 2019 New Delhi. On 30th October 2019, coordination and consultation meetings on different aspects of ISA programmes and initiatives were held. The Assembly met on 31st October 2019 & was presided by Shri R.K. Singh, Hon’ble Minister & ex-Officio President of ISA. Delegations from 78 countries participated in the Assembly including 29 Ministerial delegations of which 25 are from ISA member countries, two from signatory countries, and two from prospective member countries. The Assembly deliberated upon ISA’s activities and new proposals for accelerating development and deployment of solar energy in ISA member countries and approved Rules and Procedure of the Assembly, Manual of Regulations of ISA, and Work Programme and Budget for the year 2020. 12. Global Solar Event for commemorating 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi Ministry in association with IIT Bombay organised Global Student Solar Assembly to commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to promote the Gandhian idea of sustainable living. Over 6,800 students from National Capital Region created Guinnes world record by lighting the largest number of solar lamps together at Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, New Delhi. Another Guinness World Records was made during this event on sustainability lessons to the largest number of participants at a single place. 13. Dispute Resolution Mechanism During the period MNRE set up a Dispute Resolution Mechanism for wind/solar projects to consider the unforeseen disputes between solar/wind power developers and SECI/NTPC, beyond contractual agreement. This mechanism will help in smooth implementation of solar/wind energy projects in India, by expeditiously resolving, unforeseen disputes that may arise beyond the scope of Contractual Agreements. 14. Off-Grid Solar PV Applications Programme Phase III Government is implementing Phase-3 of the Off-Grid Solar PV Applications Programme for Solar Street Lights, Solar Study Lamps and Solar Power Packs. Based on the demand for solar street lights and solar study lamps sanction has been issued to States; EESL has completed centralised tendering for solar street lights and solar study lamps. Provision has been made for financial supportup to 90% of the benchmark cost of the system for NE States, Hilly States/UTs and Island UTs; up to 30% of the benchmark cost of the system for other States. Solar study lamps for students will be provided in NE States and LWE affected areas with 85% financial support from Central Government. 194

Targets: 118 MW of off-grid solar power systems during 2018-20. Implementing framework: Projects will be implemented by State Nodal Agencies in their respective States. Centralised tendering will be done for solar streetlights and solar study lamps. 15. Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) Phase-II Applications covered: Solar Street Lights. Financial support: 75% of the cost by MNRE and balance 25% through MPLAD. Targets: A total of 3,04,500 Solar Street Lights (SSLs) will be installed in the following states/ regions:

i. States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam, which were covered in Phase-I of the Scheme as there is additional demand in these States. ii. Hilly States/UTs of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. iii. North Eastern States including Sikkim. iv. Islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. v. Parliamentary constituencies covering 48 aspirational districts of States other than those covered in (i) to (iii) above.

Implementing framework: Project is proposed to be implemented by EESL. Hon’ble MPs of concerning parliamentary constituencies will provide consent letter along with location of lights. Respective DM will issue sanction for allocation of funds from MPLAD funds. Achievements: During Phase I of the Scheme, sanction for allocation of funds from MPLAD fund received for 96 parliamentary constituencies. Out of sanctioned 1.45 lakh Solar Street Lights 1.34 lakh have been installed. Current Status: Ph-II of the Scheme is under implementation. Consent letters for installation of 1,31,586 SSLs have been received from 120 Hon’ble MPs against which sanction from DMs has been received for 31,426 numbers of SSLs and 13,583 SSLS have been reported installed. Source: PIB 25. Year End Review 2019 - Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare

The major highlights of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare during the year 2019 are as follows:

Launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

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PM-KMY inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 12th September, 2019 provides for payment of minimum pension of Rs.3000/- per month to the eligible small and marginal farmers on attaining the age of 60 years. It is voluntary and contributory pension scheme, with entry age of 18 to 40 years. The monthly contribution by farmer ranges between Rs.55 to 200. Central Government will contribute an equal amount in the pension scheme. Till now 19, 19, 802 beneficiaries have been registered.

Launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

PM-KISAN Scheme inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 24th February, 2019 which provides for transfer of an amount of Rs. 6000/- per year in three equal instalments each of Rs. 2000/- directly into the bank account of beneficiary farmer families. The Scheme initially covered only small and marginal farmer families with land holding upto 2 hectares as beneficiaries, subject to certain exclusion criteria for higher income status. The Government later extended the scheme with effect from 1st June 2019 to all farmer families irrespective of land holding size, subject to applicable exclusions. Since the launch of PM Kisan till now about 8.12 crore farmer families have been benefitted and more than Rs. 48,937 crore has been released under the scheme. A new facility has been provided on PM-KISAN Web-portal (www.pmkisan.gov.in) through ‘Farmers’ Corner’ Link to facilitate the farmers for self registration, edit his/her name in PM-Kisan data base as per Aadhar Card, access the beneficiary list and status of payment. The farmers are being facilitated for self registration and data correction through Common Service Centers.

Constitution of High Powered Committee of Chief Ministers for ‘Transformation of Indian Agriculture’

A High Powered Committee of Chief Ministers for “Transformation of Indian Agriculture” has been constituted and two meetings of the Committee have been held on 18th July, 2019 and 16th August 2019 to deliberate and firm up their report.

Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Kharif 2019-20 season and Rabi Crops of 2019-20 increased

The Union Government has announced an increase in MSP for Kharif 2019-20 season. MSP of Paddy increased by Rs.65 per quintal, Jowar by Rs.120 per quintal, Bajra by Rs.50 per quintal, Ragi by Rs.253 per quintal and Maize by Rs.60 per quintal. MSP of Tur, Moong and Urad pulses raised by Rs.125, Rs.75 & Rs.100 per quintal respectively. MSP of Groundnut up by Rs.200 per quintal, Sunflower seed by Rs.262 per quintal, Nigerseed by Rs.63 per quintal, Medium staple cotton by Rs.105 per quintal, Long staple Cotton by Rs.100 per quintal, Soybeen (yellow) by Rs. 311 per quintal and Sesamum by Rs. 236 per quintal.

The Government has announced the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Rabi Crops of 2019-20 to be marketed in Rabi marketing season (RMS) 2020-21. The MSP of Wheat and Barley increased by Rs. 85 per quintal each, Gram by Rs. 255 per quintal, Lentil by Rs. 325 per quintal, Rapeseed & Mustard by Rs. 225 per quintal and Safflower by Rs. 270 per quintal. 196

-NAM –One Nation One Market

421 new mandis have been approved for integration under the e-NAM. Along with these, FPOs have also been on-boarded on e-NAM portal and they have started uploading their produce for trading from their premise. Further, 23 Warehouses of CWC located in 11 districts of AP have been declared as Deemed Market under Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing (APLM) Act which will facilitate trading in future through these warehouses on e-NAM portal.

Other Initiatives and Achievements:

25 Seed-Hub Centres have been sanctioned across the country for increasing availability of quality seeds of Nutri-Cereals (Millets) and the first instalment of Rs.723.00 lakh has been released.

During current year (2019-20), 12.40 lakh Soil Health Card has been distributed to farmers under Model Village Project.

Under Farm Mechanization 1,44,113 machineries have been distributed and 2300 Custom Hiring Centres have been established during current year (2019-20). During 2019-20, 32,808 machineries have been distributed and 8662 Custom Hiring Centres have been established under Crop Residue Management Programme.

Muti lingual Mobile App “CHC-Farm Machinery” was launched, which helps the farmers for getting rented farm machinery and implements through Custom Hiring Service Centres (CHC) in their area. As on date, 41,992 CHCs with 1,33,723 Agricultural machinery for renting out are registered on this Mobile app. Total 1,12,505 farmers as users are registered on this Mobile App.

During current year (2019-20) 73,658 hectare additional area has been covered under Horticulture Crops and 59 Nurseries have been established.

Source: PIB 26. Year Ender 2019 Ministry of Heavy Industry

The automobile industry is one of the key drivers of the Indian economy. Since the liberalization of the sector in 1991 by way of allowing 100 percent FDI through automatic route, Indian automobile sector has come a long way. Today, there is a presence of almost every global auto manufacturer in the country. All categories of vehicles like two-wheeler, three-wheeler, passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, Trucks, Buses, Tractors and heavy Commercial vehicles are produced in the country. India is the largest manufacturer of 2W and 3W and 4th largest manufacturers of passenger cars in the world. Total turnover of the Indian Automobile Industry during 2018-19 was about 118 Billion USD (Rs 8.2 Lakh Crore), which constitutes 7.1% of the country’s total GDP, 27% of Industrial GDP and 49% of Manufacturing GDP. This industry is one of the largest employers and provides about 37 million direct and indirect jobs. 197

The current annual sale of vehicles of all categories is about 26 million (2018-19) which is slated to increase by more than 3 times to about 84.5 million by 2030.

Import of crude oil to the tune of billions of liter per year and associated emission of millions tons of CO2 and other pollutants are some of the main challenge being faced by the country which is directly related to Automobile sector. Presently, India is facing an acute air pollution crisis and 14 of the top 20 most polluted cities in the world are in India.

To address these challenges, different stakeholder departments of the Government are devising strategies like tightening of CAFÉ Norms, introduction of BS VI compliant vehicles by leapfrogging from BS IV to BS VI directly, Fuel efficiency norms for heavy duty commercial vehicles, Start rating for the vehicles and so on. Promotion of Electric Mobility, which has Zero Tail pipe emission is an efforts of the government in this direction to reduce oil dependency and also to reduce vehicular pollution from the cities.

Embracingelectric mobility on large scale is imperative to tackle the various crisis arising due to pollution and giving the citizens of India a better quality of life.

Electric & Hybrid Mobility:

Government of India approved the National Mission on Electric Mobility (NMEM) in 2011 and subsequently National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 (NEMMP 2020) was unveiled in 2013 by the Prime Minister. 198

The NEMMP 2020 is a National Mission document providing the vision and the roadmap for the faster adoption of electric vehicles and their manufacturing in the country. This plan has been designed to enhance national fuel security, to provide affordable and environmentally friendly transportation and to enable the Indian automotive industry to achieve global manufacturing leadership. It is one of the most important and ambitious initiatives undertaken by the Government of India that has the potential to bring about a transformational paradigm shift in the automotive and transportation industry in the country. This plan was a culmination of a comprehensive collaborative planning for promotion of hybrid and electric mobility in India through a combination of policies aimed at gradually ensuring a vehicle population of about 6-7 million electric/hybrid vehicles in India by the year 2020 along with a certain level of indigenisation of technology ensuring India’s global leadership in some vehicle segments.

As part of the NEMMP 2020, the Government approved the scheme titled ‘Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric (&Hybrid) Vehicles in India’ (FAME India) in March, 2015 for an initial period of 2 years from 01stApril, 2015 with an aim to reduce dependency on fossil fuel and to address issues of vehicular emissions. The Scheme has been extendedfrom time to time till 31st March, 2019 with total outlay to Rs. 895 crore. The 1st Phase of FAME India Scheme was implemented through four focus areas namely (i) Demand Creation, (ii) Technology Platform, (iii) Pilot Project and (iv) Charging Infrastructure. 199

Demand creation is aimed at incentivizing the buyers of xEVsthrough providing demand incentives, leading to an upfront reduced purchase price at the time of purchase of vehicle at dealer level. The component of pilot projects envisaged trial of new technologies, business models etc. with special focus on public transportation. The technology platform under the scheme has been under execution in tandem with theDepartment of Science and Technology (DST) where PPP projects for development of EV (Electric Vehicle) technologies have been approved. Charging Infrastructure component envisages installation of charging station in different cities depending upon the uptake of electric vehicles in the country. 200

Achievements under Phase-1 of FAME India scheme:

Although the FAME Scheme was described as pilot scheme at the time of sanction before consideration of main scheme as envisage in NEMMP 2020, this scheme was very successful in creating the major policy discourse on Electric Mobility among all stakeholders including different departments of Government of India and State Governments.

Some of the quantitative and qualitative success of this scheme is as given below.

In this Phase of the Scheme about 2.8 lakh hybrid and electric vehicles are supported by way of demand incentive amounting to about Rs 359 crore resulting in saving of about 50 million liters of fuel and reduction of about 124 million Kg of CO2.

Projects worth about Rs. 158 Crores are sanctioned for the technology development projects like establishment of testing Infrastructure, setting up of ‘Centre of Excellence’ for Advanced Research in electrified transportation, Battery Engineering etc. to various organisations / institutions like Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, Non Ferrous Material Technology Development Centre (NFTDC) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Under this scheme, DHI has sanctioned 425 electric and hybrid buses to various cities in the country with total cost of about 300 Crores. Out of 425 e-buses, 400 are received and deployed in various cities such as Indore, Lucknow, Guwahati, J&K, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Shimla 201 andMumbai. Remaining 25 no of e-buses at Mumbai are expected to be deployed by end of this month.

Under charging infrastructure, Government of India has sanctioned about 500 charging stations / infrastructure in cities like Bangalore, Chandigarh, Jaipur and NCR of Delhi. Department of Heavy Industry also entrusted the task of making three expressways fully E-vehicle friendly by way of establishment of charging infrastructure at regular intervals to its public sector undertakings like BHEL and REIL. These highways are Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Jaipur and Mumbai-Pune Expressways. Out of these recently Delhi – Chandigarh highway is declared as first expressway of the country which is E-vehicle friendly expressway.

FAME India Scheme Phase II:

Based on the outcome and experience of the FAME India Scheme, the second Phase of FAME Scheme was finalised and notified on 8thMarch 2019 with the approval of Union Cabinet. Second phase of thescheme commenced from 1st April 2019 with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 Crorefor a period of 3 years. This scheme has 3 components. namely – a) Demand Incentives: b) Charging Infrastructures: c) Administrative Expenditure including Publicity, IEC Activities:

Salient features of FAME India Scheme Phase II:

This phase aims to generate demand by way of supporting 7090 e-Buses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55000 e-4 Wheeler Passenger Cars (including Strong Hybrid) and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers.

With greater emphasis on providing affordable &environment friendly public transportation options for the masses, the scheme will be applicable mainly to vehicles used for public transport or those registered for commercial purposes for all segment of vehicles.

For e-2W segment, this scheme is also applicable to privately owned registered e-2W also.

Depending upon offtake of different category of e-Vehicles, the provision has been made in the scheme for inter as well as intra segment wise fungibility.

Scheme is applicable to only those xEVs, which is fitted with advanced chemistry battery.

Scheme is applicable to only those vehicles, which is defined as Motor Vehicle as per CMVR and eligible to registered with Road Transport Authority.

In this phase, the demand incentive is linked to battery capacity i.e. Rs. 10,000/KWh for all eligible Vehicles except e-Buses (for which the incentive is Rs. 20,000/KWh), subject to capping 202 at certain percentage of cost of eligible Vehicles [i.e. 40% for e-Bus and at 20% for all other categories of eligible Vehicle].

Demand incentive is extended to only those vehicles having ex-factory prices less than the threshold value.

Further, keeping in view market and technology trends in batteries, a provision has been made for revision of demand incentives from time to time under the scheme.

The incentive is applicable to vehicles manufactured in India as per phase manufacturing program issued by the department. Only OEMs which have achieved 40% localization level in case of 4W and Buses and 50% localization in case of 2W and 3W are only eligible to get incentives.

Performance under FAME India scheme Phase II:

OEMs and Vehicle Models: So far, 13 OEMs have registered their 39 EV Models [2W= 14; 3W=11 & 4W=14] for availing benefit of demand incentives under Phase-II of FAME Scheme. So far about 5500 EVs have been sold to the eligible user of the electric vehicle.

Sanction of Electric Buses: In order to promote electric mobility in public transport, Department has invited the proposal from cities and state transport corporations through an Expression of Interest for deployment of Electric Buses under Operation cost model basis. After examining the proposal department has sanctioned of 5595 no of e-buses to 64 cities for intra-city and intercity operations across 26 states/UT under the Scheme. These buses will runabout 4 billion Kilometer distance during their contract periodand are expected to save cumulatively about 1.2 billion litersof fuel over the contract period, which will result into avoidance of 2.6 million tonnes of CO2 emission.

Sanction of Charging Infrastructure: To address the issue of range anxiety, department has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting Proposals from Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)/municipal corporations, PSUs (State/Central) and public/private entities desirous for deployment of EV charging infrastructure in different states/cities for availing incentives under Fame India Scheme Phase II. About 100 proposals are received in response to the EoI for deployment of about 7000 charging stations in above cities. All proposals are under examination and sanction of charging station across the cities will be issued shortly.

Other initiatives to promote Electric Mobility:

In addition to FAME India scheme Phase II, different wings of Government is working to promote electric mobility in the country. Some of the major action in this regards are as given below.

GST on EVs is reduced to 5% from the current rate of 12%. 203

Government has extended an additional income tax deduction of Rs 1.5 Lakh on interest paid on loans to the buyers of Electric Vehicle to buy EVs is provided.

Ministry of Power has allowed sale of electricity as ‘service’ for charging of electric vehicles. This would serve as an incentive to attract investments into charging infrastructure.

Ministry of Road Transport Highways (MoRTH) issued notification regarding exemption of permit in case of battery operated commercial vehicles.

MoRTH has issued a notification for Green Number plate for the use of Electric Vehicles.

Ministry of Finance has revised the custom duty on the EV components to promote local manufacturing of these components.

Challenges faced in wider adoption of EVs

(i) Lack of awareness among people

(ii) Range anxiety

(iii) High capital cost of EVs as compared to ICE vehicle

(iv) Sub-Par performance of EVs as compared to ICE vehicle

(v) Recycling of battery

Way Forward:

Government is working on following initiatives to promote electric mobility.

Sanction of about 1000 charging stations in various cities in response to Expression of Interest issued by Department of Heavy Industry

Issue of fresh Expression of Interest for inviting proposals fromeligible public entities for installation of charging infrastructure on major identified highways.

Monitoring timely deployment of 5595 electric buses sanctioned under the schemes to 64 cities and eight State Transport corporations.

Publicity activities to promote public to adopt electric mobility.

Issue of fresh EOI for sanction of additional buses to the states/cities for intra city and intercity operations.

Department of Public Enterprises 204

Government of India is granted Maharatna status to Power Grid Corporation of India limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation limited which will enable the Boards of these CPSEs to exercise greater Financial and operational powers and facilitate expansion of operation in the global market.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited(BHEL), a Maharatnacompany

BHEL took the following initiatives of Commissioning India’s first Lithium-ion based Space Grade Cell manufacturing facility at BHEL Bengaluru, utilizing technology developed by ISRO. It also commissioned manufacturing facilities for gates & dampers to meet emission norms for coal-based power plants.

BHEL supplied special Tanks, Rigs, Batteries and Solar Panels for ISRO’S Chandrayaan modules a significant contribution by the company in the space programme of the country.

For the first time BHEL received order for 25 nos of 5000 HP electric locos (WAG-7 type) with regenerative braking system from Indian Railways.

DPE is monitoring the capital expenditure (CAPEX) by CPSEs & other Government organizations where target is more than Rs. 500 crore. This has resulted in better spending for infrastructure projects by the CPSEs and other Government organizations. The CAPEX achievement of these organizations has increased to Rs. 2,05,368 crore in first six months of 2019-20 as compared to Rs. 1,94,331 crore in first half of previous year (increase of 5.69%). CAPEX review meetings have been conducted on 03.09.2019 and 05.09.2019 in respect of 16 CPSEs.

Source: PIB 27. Year Ender 2019 Ministry of Minority Affairs

In the year 2019, Ministry of Minority Affairs, under the dynamic and energetic leadership of Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, focussed on educational empowerment of Minorities, especially Muslim girls, and job-oriented skill development of youths belonging to Minority communities. “Development with Dignity” has been the goal of Minority Affairs Ministry.

Educational Empowerment-

More than 80 lakh students from six notified Minority communities- Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh and Muslim- have been sanctioned pre-matric, post matric, merit-cum-means and other scholarships in first six months of the Modi Govt-2. These students include 60 per cent girls. 205

Besides, in the year 2019, celebrating 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Ministry of Minority Affairs provided “Begum Hazrat Mahal Girls Scholarships” to 3 lakh economically backward girls belonging to the six notified Minority communities.

Under the programme to connect Madrasas with formal education, more than 750 teachers including large number of women teachers, from Madrasas from various states have been trained by the Ministry of Minority Affairs this year so that these teachers can impart mainstream education to Madrasa students across the country.

Union Minority Affairs Minister Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi speaking on the subject said, “besides traditional teachings in Madrasa, Urdu, Arabic and other languages, Madrasa teachers are also being provided training for mainstream formal education like Hindi, Maths, English, Science, Computer, regional languages etc. These teachers are being provided training from reputed institutions of the country such as IIT, Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Hamdard, Anjuman-e-Islam, Amity University and other reputed educational institutes”.

About more than 650 school dropout students have also been provided bridge course by the Ministry in 2019 so that these students can continue their higher studies or go for a job.

Skill Development/Employment Opportunities-

More than 1 lakh 25,000 youths belonging to Minority communities were provided job-oriented skill development training through various schemes such as “Gharib Nawaz Employment Scheme”, “Seekho aur Kamao”, “Nai Manzil”, “Usttad”, “Nai Raushni” in 2019.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has decided to organise 100 “Hunar Haat” in the next five years across the country to provide market and employment and employment opportunities to master artisans, craftsmen and traditional culinary experts. First “Hunar Haat” of the Modi Government- 2 was organised in Jaipur from 24th August to 1st September, 2019. More than 200 master artisans and culinary experts including a large number of women artisans from every corner of the country participated in this “Hunar Haat”. Then “Hunar Haat” was organised at North Central Zone Cultural Centre in Prayagraj (UP) from 01st to 10th November, 2019 where more than 300 master artisans and culinary experts including a large number of women artisans from every corner of the country participated. “Hunar Haat”, organised by Ministry of Minority Affairs, from 14th to 27th Nov, 2019 at India International Trade Fair, Pragati Maidan, was inaugurated on 15.11.2019. All the “Hunar Haat”, being organised in 2019 and 2020 will be based on the theme of “Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat”. “Hunar Haat” was also organized at Sabarmati River Front Ahmedabad, Gujarat from 07th to 15th December, 2019. The next “Hunar Haat” is being organised at Mumbai from 20th to 31st December, 2019 and then Lucknow (10th to 20th January, 2020); Hyderabad (11th to 19th January, 2020); Chandigarh (from 20th January to 1st February, 2020) and Indore (08th to 16th February, 2020).

In the coming days, “Hunar Haat” will also be organized in New Delhi,

Gurugram, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Dehradun, Patna, Indore, 206

Bhopal, Nagpur, Raipur, Hyderabad, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jammu, Shimla, Goa, Kochi, Guwahati, Ranchi, Bhubneshwar, Ajmer and other places.

Thousands of master artisans, craftsmen, including large number of women artisans and people associated with them were provided employment and employment opportunities through “Hunar Haat” in 2019.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has also sanctioned 100 “Hunar Hubs” in different parts of the country in the first six months of the Modi Government-2. Training is being provided to master artisans, craftsmen and traditional culinary experts according to modern needs in these “Hunar Hubs”. More than 2 lakh 65 thousand artisans and craftsmen and people associated with them have been provided employment and employment opportunities through “Hunar Haat” in the last about 2 years.

“Pradhanmantri Jan Vikas Karykram” (PMJVK)-

Under “Pradhanmantri Jan Vikas Karykram” (PMJVK) of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, 104 Common Service Centres have been approved across the country in the first six months of the Modi Govt-2. These centres will work as a single-window assistance centre for the needy people to provide information regarding Central Government and State Governments schemes as well as to assist them in getting benefits of these welfare schemes.

Under PMJVK, several development projects—Toilet facilities- 53, Solar

Power Facilities in Schools- 16, Additional Class Rooms- 324, Health Centres- 223, Anganwadi Centres- 52, Residential Schools- 33, Degree Colleges-7,

School Buldings-98, Hostel-98, ITI-4, Hunar Hubs-100, Skill Development Centres- 10, Medical College-1 and Polytechnics- 3 have been sanctioned/constructed in 2019. Besides, a Yunani College is being constructed in Bareily in UP with an estimated cost of Rs 130 crore. Girls hostel, school buildings etc. are being constructed in Aligarh Muslim University, Mallapuram in Kerala and Murshidabad in West Bengal.

Haj-

India has become the first country in the entire world which has made the entire Haj 2020 process 100 per cent digital. Online application, E-Visa, Haj mobile app, “E-MASIHA” health facility, “E-luggage pre-tagging” providing all information in India itself regarding accommodation/transportation in Makkah Madinah have been provided to Indian Muslims going for Haj.

Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi signed Bilateral annual Haj 2020 agreement between India and Saudi Arabia with Haj & Umrah Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten on 01st December, 2019 in Jeddah. 207

For the first time facilities have been provided for digital pre-tagging of baggages of pilgrims. This will ensure the Indian pilgrims will get information in India itself about building along with the room allotted to the pilgrims and transportation like details of bus to be taken by the pilgrims after reaching to the airport in Saudi Arabia. Even SIM card has been linked to mobile app which will ensure Haj pilgrims immediately getting all the latest information regarding Haj in Makkah- Madina on their mobile phone. This year, a 100-line information centre has been established at Haj House, Mumbai for providing information regarding entire Haj process. While on one hand health card is being provided to Indian Haj pilgrims in the country, on the other hand “E- MASIHA” (E Medical Assistance System for Indian Pilgrims Abroad), an online system to create and maintain the complete health database of Indian pilgrims along with doctors’ prescriptions, medical treatment as well as medicine disbursals, has been developed to deal any emergency in Makkah-Madinah.

Haj Group Organisers (HGOs) have also been connected with 100 per cent digital system which has ensured transparency in their functioning and it has also ensured better facilities to Indian Haj pilgrims. For the first time, a portal of HGOs—http://haj.nic.in/pto/ (Portal for Haj Group Organisers) has been developed which contains all the details of HGOs, their packages etc.

A record number of 2 lakh Indian Muslims including 48 percent women Haj pilgrims performed Haj in 2019 in first six months of the Modi Govt-2, that too without any subsidy. A record number of 2340 Muslim women also performed Haj this year without “Mehram” (male companion).

Union Minority Affairs Minister Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi chaired a meeting to review Haj 2019 and preparation for Haj 2020. Two lakh Indian Muslims will go for Haj 2020 from 22 embarkation points across the country. One new embarkation point will be opened for next Haj- Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh).

Waqf-

In a major achievement, 100 per cent digitisation of Waqf properties across the country has been completed. There are about 6 lakh registered Waqf properties across the country. A programme on war footing has been launched for 100 per cent Geo tagging and digitalisation of Waqf properties across the country to ensure these properties can be utilised for welfare of the society.

Geo tagging of a total of about 1 lakh 40 thousand Waqf properties has been completed. GIS/GPS mapping of the Waqf properties has been initiated with the help of IIT Roorki and Aligarh Muslim University.

The Central Waqf Council has provided video conferencing facilities to 20 state Waqf boards and it would be provided in the remaining state Waqf boards by the end of this year.

On 8th November, 2019, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar

Abbas Naqvi chaired conference of “Mutawalis” of Southern States at Kochi, Kerala. “Mutawali” Conference was attended by more than 200 Mutawalis from southern states. 208

In the conference, Shri Naqvi said that Mutawalis are “Custodian” of the waqf properties and it’s their responsibility to ensure safety and better utilisation of waqf properties.

On 17th January, 2019, report of a five-member committee, constituted to review waqf properties lease rule, headed by Justice (Retd) Zakiullah Khan, was presented to Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in New Delhi.

A total of 8 Mutawalis were awarded under “Qaumi Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme” for better management of Waqf properties in their respective state Waqf boards. In a national conference of Central Waqf Council (CWC), organised at NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi on 29th July, 2019. This was for the first time that Mutawalis had been encouraged and awarded for better utilisation of Waqf properties especially for socio-economic-educational empowerment of needy.

Source: PIB 28. Year End Review -2019 of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is responsible for co- ordination of all skill development efforts across the country, removal of disconnect between demand and supply of skilled manpower, building the vocational and technical training framework, skill up-gradation, building of new skills, and innovative thinking not only for existing jobs but also jobs that are to be created. The Ministry aims to Skill on a large Scale with Speed and high Standards in order to achieve its vision of a 'Skilled India'.

The Vision Statement of the Ministry has been “To create an ecosystem of empowerment by skilling on a large scale at speed with high standards and to promote a culture of innovation based entrepreneurship which can generate wealth and employment so as to ensure Sustainable Livelihoods for all citizens in the Country.”

The Ministry has strived towards this vision, by putting special emphasis in 2019 on Convergence, Increased Scale, Meeting Aspiration and Improved Quality. This has led to enhanced skilling opportunities and trained workforce in the country, and also inculcation and support to the entrepreneurial spirit among the people. The initiatives of the Ministry are as follows:

Convergence

1. National Skill Development Mission (NSDM): Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) formed in 2014 to give a fillip and focus to the skill 209

development and entrepreneurship efforts in the country. Because of the efforts under NSDM, more than One Crore youth are being imparted skills training annually under various programs of the Central Government.

2. Skill India Portal: A strong IT Platform, namely Skill India portal launched to converge the skilling data of various Central Ministries, State Governments, Private Training Providers and Corporates on a single platform. This will now enable data driven decision making by the policymakers and help remove information asymmetry in the skilling ecosystem. This will also be single touch point for the citizens of India to access skilling opportunities and seeking related services.

Increased Scale

3. Industrial Training Centres (ITIs): Expanded and modernized the existing Long- Term Training eco-system in India. The total number of Industrial Training Centres (ITIs) increased by 12% from 11964 in 2014 to 14939 in 2018-19. The trainee enrolment has increased by 37% from 16.90 Lakh to 23.08 Lakh during the period.

4. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Launched the Flagship Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (1.0 & 2.0) in 2015 to provide free skill training avenues to youths of India. Under the program about 87 Lakhs youth have been trained till date. Under the placement linked program under PMKVY 2016-19, more than 54% have been linked to employment.

5. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK): Out of the 812 allocated PMKKs, 681 centres had been established and target to train over 18 Lakh candidates under PMKVY scheme was allotted out of which training has been imparted to 9,89,936 candidates, 8,85,822 Assessed, 7,40,146 certified and 4,35,022 candidates have been placed successfully. 501 centres had been inaugurated by Hon’ble Members of Parliament for the respective parliamentary constituency and/or other representatives for their respective constituency.

6. Recognition of Prior Learning: There is the deepening of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL program, under PMKVY 2016-19, was launched to recognize the prior skills acquired by Individuals. Till date, more than 26 lakh people have been oriented under the RPL program of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Under the Best in Class Employer category of RPL, more than 11 lakh employees have been oriented into formal skilling with the assistance of companies.

7. RPL in Supreme Court: Under Recognition of Prior Learning Program (RPL) Training in Supreme Court, TATA Strive and Maruti Suzuki have completed training one batch of cooks and drivers respectively of Supreme Court. Training was spread 210

over two days in which safety aspects, personal grooming, soft skills and few technical aspects were covered.

8. MoU with India Post Payments Bank: BFSI (Banking, Financial Services & Insurance) Sector Skill Council under MSDE has entered into a MoU with India Post Payments Bank to certify 1,70,000 Grameen Dak Sewaks under RPL Best in Class Employers. As on date, a total of 9,046 candidates have been certified under the same.

9. Centre Accreditation: Significant creation of Short-term standardized skilling capacity through Centre Accreditation and Affiliation portal – SMART. 11,977 Centres have been accredited and affiliated till date which has an annual Training capacity of about 50 Lakh/Annum.

10. Skill Development in Jammu & Kashmir: A meeting held between officials of MSDE, Govt. of J&K, and State Skill Development Mission (JKSSDM) to discuss ways to ensure 100% coverage of all the eligible beneficiaries from J&K and the steps to be undertaken thereby for this. Officials from various Organisations including NSDC, DJSS and various Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) were also present in the meeting. To promote long term skilling, NSTI Jammu has been made operational. Trainers are being trained to impart NSQF LEVEL-6 training.

11. Skill Development in Leh: For better outreach of the skill training to all parts of the country, a NSTI extension centre was opened in Leh. Ministry is taking all possible steps to create a precision trained workforce in the nation.

12. SANKALP: A regional workshop on SANKALP was held in Kohima, Nagaland on 3rd–4th September, 2019. Six States namely Nagaland, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim participated in the workshop. Workshops with District Officials and trainers were also held alongside the regional workshop. Apart from it, a workshop was also held in Delhi and Maharashtra under SANKALP. Further, a delegation visit to Seoul, Korea was undertaken which was organized by the World Bank and video conferences were held with States/ UTs for reviewing the status of State Incentive Grant (SIG) baseline and submission of State proposal under SANKALP.

13. STRIVE: The main focus of the scheme is to improve the performance of ITIs. Under phase one, 314 ITIs have been selected & 198 Performance Based Grant Agreements have been signed. The scheme also works towards increasing Capacities of State Governments to Support ITIs and Apprenticeship training. Till date, 31 States have signed MoU i.e. Performance Based Funding Agreement (PBFA). To improve 211

Teaching and Learning techniques, NSQF Trainings are being imparted to training officers, Principals and Instructors across the 36 States and UTs for NSQF.

14. International Collaboration: Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship met officials from counterparts working in skill development across countries like Singapore, UAE, Japan, Canada, Australia to further build capacity for skilled workforce in the country, jointly work on transnational standards and bridging demand for skilled workforce in these countries by collaborating with them and supplying them with trained professionals.

15. PM-YUVA Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Yuva Udyamita Vikas Abhiyan) is implementing a pilot project in 300 institutes (200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)/National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), 50 Polytechnics, 25 PMKKs/ PMKVY and 25 Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)), across 12 States and Union Territories (Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Telangana, Kerala, West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra).

The project aims to promote entrepreneurship as an alternative career choice and enable sustained long-term mentoring support through the journey to potential and early stage entrepreneurs, by imparting entrepreneurship education and mentoring support to trainees/ beneficiaries from skilling ecosystem. The pilot project is expected to reach out to around 70,000 youth through entrepreneurship awareness and education sessions. The project is likely to create 600 new and 1000 scale-up enterprises by March, 2020. The approved budget for the pilot project is Rs 12 crores.

16. Collaboration with Reliance Jio: To strengthen the industry connect, DGT and MSDE have collaborated with Reliance Jio to set up training labs at 6 NSTIs for their home connect division. A job mela was organised at 6 locations. i.e. NSTI Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad & Kolkata along with Govt, ITI Pusa New Delhi. 4OO candidates have been selected for this training.

17. MoU with Cisco, Quest Alliance & Accenture: Employability skill Labs at 6 NSTIs have been set up under this partnership with the Directorate General of Training (DGT) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Cisco, Quest Alliance & Accenture. Youth across India enrolled in industrial training institutes(ITIs) will be trained in digital literacy, career readiness, employability skills, and advanced technology skills such as data analytics.

Meeting Aspirations

18. Kaushalyacharya Awards: To recognize and appreciate the good works done by trainers, Kaushalacharya Awards 2019 ceremony was organized on 5th Sept 2019 to 212

felicitate 53 trainers from different sectors for their exceptional contribution towards creating a future-ready and skilled workforce.

19. National Entrepreneurship Awards 2019: MSDE conferred NEA 2019 to 30 Young Entrepreneurs and 6 Organizations / Individuals, building Entrepreneurship eco- system in the country. The awards were presented to honor outstanding contributions in entrepreneurship development. The award included a trophy, a certificate and prize money up to Rs 10 lakhs. This is in line with promoting entrepreneurship amongst the youth so as to create more job givers than job seekers in the nation.

20. Skill Saathi Counseling Program: MSDE also launched the Skill Saathi program which was aimed to sensitize the youth of the country on various avenues under Skill India Mission and increase the aspiration for skill development. Close to 40 lakh students were counselled under the program.

21. Policy action to offer vocational courses: Under this, the MSDE initiated a drive to create a policy action on offering vocational courses in schools and equal weightage to vocational courses for admission in UG courses. The Draft Credit Framework for vertical and horizontal mobility from vocational to general and vice-versa has been developed. The framework is under finalization in consultation with Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

22. 500 skills hubs in government schools: MSDE has also finalized a plan for setting up 500 skill hubs and labs in government schools. Working closely with CBSE to develop “Hubs of Excellence in Skills” for school students, MSDE will introduce high quality, technology-oriented skill programs to schools. Skill India currently engages with 9100+ schools and has integrated skills from 20 sectors. So far 7.5 lakh students have benefited from it. These initiatives are being planned in conjunction with States.

23. Embedded apprenticeship degree program: MSDE and MHRD have together rolled out the SHREYAS program where apprenticeship degree programs in retail, media and logistics are embedded into degree programs such as BA/BSc/BCom (Professional) courses in the higher educational institutions. So far, the program has been included in 25 colleges with 643 students enrolled.

24. Catalyzing demand for formal skills by promoting Apprenticeship through Apprenticeship Pakhwada: MSDE held an Apprenticeship Pakhwada which was celebrated across the nation where industries and State Governments committed close to training of 7 lakh apprentices in this current fiscal year, which if converted will almost double the number of apprentices trained over the last amendment made to the Apprenticeship Act of 1961. MSDE is also promoting Third 213

Party Aggregators (TPAs) who will be key catalysts for promoting apprenticeship training which is one of the most sustainable form of skill development.

25. India Institute of Skills (IIS): In order to bring a certain standard and stature in terms of quality and quantity to skills, MSDE recently announced setting up of the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Mumbai which would be to the stature and repute of IIMs and IITs of the country. This project is in partnership with the Tata Group, with over 4.5 acres of land provided by the Government. The Tata Group will invest around Rs. 300 crores and on completion, IIS will have a capacity of training 5,000 trainees every year.

26. MoU with SBI: MSDE has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SBI for engagement of 5000 apprentices as banking front office executive and tele-callers in the current financial year 2019-20, as part of an initiative to launch partnerships for promotion of apprenticeship in the financial sector.

27. Skill Vouchers: MSDE is also developing a skill vouchers program for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), as a provision model to enhance the delivery and quality of the programs. Vouchers are expected to be provided to learners and entrepreneurs towards the training program they see most value in.

28. WorldSkills International Kazan 2019: The 22 winners of IndiaSkills 2018 and their experts had represented the country with their outstanding performance at the WorldSkills International 2019 (WSK), held in Kazan, Russia. India won one gold, one silver, two bronze and 15 Medallions of Excellence at the biggest competition for skills. India ranked 13th among 63 countries that participated at WorldSkills International 2019, marking it to be the best finish for the country in the coveted skill championship. They were felicitated with certificates and cash prizes for their remarkable performance.

Improved Quality

29. Reforms to Apprenticeship Act of 1961: The ministry introduced a wide range of reforms to the Apprenticeship Act of 1961, to make it significantly easier for industry to take on much needed apprentices. The comprehensive reforms under Apprenticeship rules 1962 include:

 Increasing upper limit for engaging apprentices from 10% to 15%;  Decreasing the size limit of an establishment with mandatory obligation to engage apprentices from 40 to 30;  Payment of stipend for 1st year has been fixed rather than linking it to minimum wages; 214

 10% to 15% hike in stipend for 2nd and 3rd year to apprentice;  Duration of apprenticeship training for optional trade can be from 6 months to 36 months.

30. Dual System of Training: The MSDE is also scaling up the ITIs Dual System Training (DST) scheme to at least 1000 ITIs. The DST is a model of training inspired by the German method and provides industry exposure through industry led trainings to students of the various ITIs. In the first 100 days, 40 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) have signed partnership agreements and as many as 739 MoUs have been signed. The duration of the practical training portion of the course has also been made flexible and adaptive to the industry schedule. All the 138 plus courses under CTS have been brought under the ambit of DST, as against only 17 courses earlier. ITIs are exclusively permitted to conduct training under DST with deemed affiliation in the 3rd shift.

31. New Age Skills: In a bid to keep up with the times, MSDE has also launched new age courses in 12 NSTIs. These include Internet of Things – Smart Healthcare; Internet of Things – Smart cities; 3D printing; Drone pilots; Solar Technicians and Geo Informatics among many others.

32. Formation of District Skill Committees: In order to get to the grass roots of the country with its various reforms and empower every citizen, the ministry has formed District Skill Committees (DSC) in all Districts as part of its Aspirational Skilling Abhiyaan under the Sankalp program, which is funded by World Bank. The MSDE is handholding these District Skill Committees through the Directorate General of Training (DGT) to further identify skill gap at a local level and then strengthen the ecosystem for local market driven skill development opportunities.

33. Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MNGF): MSDE has also constituted the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MNGF) for 75 districts across 6 states. Under these 75 young professionals shall be selected and will be deputed in identified 75 districts for supporting the district officials in district level planning, monitoring of activities related to skilling' management of data/information, coordination among different stakeholders in districts' assistance to District Skill Development Committee.

34. Indian Skill Development Services (ISDS): To ensure that the skilling of the country’s youth gets the importance that it deserves, the government has carved out an altogether new administrative service much like the Indian Revenue Service or the Post and Telegraph Service. The Indian Skill Development Services (ISDS) has been created through a notification by the MSDE. This service has been created for the Training Directorate of the Ministry of Skill Development and 215

Entrepreneurship. ISDS will be a Group ‘A’ service where induction will take place through Indian Engineering Service Examination, conducted by UPSC. The fresh batch of the newest central government services, the Indian Skill Development Services commenced their training program at the Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Mysuru on September 9, 2019. The Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS) has 263 All India posts. The cadre comprises of 3 posts at Senior Administrative Grade, 28 posts at Junior Administrative Grade, 120 posts at Senior Time Scale and 112 posts at Junior Time Scale.

35. Community mentors called Business Sakhis: Based on the learnings from various schemes and programmes introduced for women’s entrepreneurship promotion, in 2018, NIESBUD in association with UNDP, NIRDPR and TISS jointly developed a new concept and system that is providing mentorship support services of both psycho- social and business supports through a cadre of community mentors called Business Sakhis (Biz-Sakhis).The curriculum was released on 9th Nov.2019 on the occasion of NEA ceremony. These mentors will provide backward (with financial institutions for example) and forward (with more lucrative business ideas and market) linkages. Moreover, the mentor will provide the aspiring entrepreneur with the much-needed psychological support that a woman will need to face all the obstacles that prevent her from starting or sustaining her own business. They act as community-based business consultants for enterprise development.

36. Train the trainer programme: The curriculum for Five days TOT programmes for the faculty of ITI was developed and the Trainers Training programmes on employability, entrepreneurship and life skills are designed and organized for 4068 trainers of PMKVY at pan-India Level. The institute has organized the Entrepreneurship Development programmes for the most-needy skilled unemployed youth from OBC/SC/ST/Manual Scavengers and women.

37. Launch of an MIS portal for Jan Shikshan Sansthan: An MIS portal was launched for Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS). The benefits from the adoption and implementation of the solution have been enhanced monitoring & management capabilities, along with scaling up scheme operation. The ministry now plans create a JSS setup in every district in the country.

38. eSkill India platform: In a technology driven environment, e-learning is pivotal in deepening the reach of skilling opportunities for the Indian youth. NSDC created an e- Skill India, a multilingual e-learning aggregator portal, providing e-skilling opportunities to the Indian youth. eSkill India leverages the skilling opportunities from Indian and global leaders in online learning, by consolidating online courses curated by leading knowledge organizations that share NSDC’s commitment of making India a Skill Capital of the World. eSkill India provides anytime, anywhere 216

skilling —beyond the boundaries of location and time. Today, eSkill India has onboarded organizations such as TCS, BetterU, IBM, SAS, BSE, Apollo Medvarsity, Enguru, Amrita Technologies, iPrimed, Wadhwani Foundation, English Edge, Fair and Lovely, AIFMB, etc. offering high-quality courses in diverse sectors such as Agriculture, Healthcare, Telecom, Employability, Management, Retail, Pharma, Banking and Finance, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, etc. which enable a one stop shop to the skill seekers via a single learning platform. The courses are available in English, Hindi and 9 regional languages. The learners are guided through self- paced interactive videos and quizzes.

Source: PIB 29. Year End Review -2019 of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas

The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is concerned with exploration and production of Oil & Natural Gas, refining, distribution and marketing, import, export and conservation of petroleum products. Oil and Gas being the important import for our economy, many initiatives have been taken by the Ministry for increasing production and exploitation of all domestic petroleum resources to address the priorities like Energy Access, Energy Efficiency, Energy Sustainability and Energy Security.

 PRADHAN MANTRI UJJWALA YOJANA (PMUY)

With the objective to provide clean cooking fuel to poor households, especially in rural areas ensuring universal coverage of LPG as cooking gas in the country, the Government launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) in May 2016, with an initial target of 5 crore. It was further revised to providing 8 crore connections to an adult woman of poor households by March, 2020, which has already been achieved on 7th September, 2019 i.e. 7 months ahead of the target.

Implementation of this scheme enhanced economic productivity and quality of life of women, by removing drudgery associated with collection of wood. The free time, thus, available with them, can be utilized in multi spheres for improving their life standards.

 PAHAL

The Government, as a measure of Good Governance, has introduced well targeted system of subsidy delivery to LPG consumers through PAHAL. The initiative of the Government was aimed at rationalizing subsidies, based on approach to cut subsidy leakages, but not subsidies themselves. 217

PAHAL Scheme was launched on 15th November 2014, initially in 54 districts. It was subsequently extended to rest of the country from 01.01.2015 for providing the direct benefits transfer of LPG subsidy to the bank account of the LPG consumers. As on 13th December 2019, 25.84 crore LPG consumers have joined the PAHAL Scheme and Rs. 1,22,666.82 crore have directly been transferred to the bank accounts of LPG consumers.

PAHAL Scheme has been designed to ensure that the benefit meant for the genuine domestic customer reaches them directly and is not diverted. The scheme has helped in identifying ‘ghost’ connections, multiple connections and inactive connections which in turn has resulted in curbing diversion of subsidized LPG to commercial purposes.

 REFORMS IN EXPLORATION AND LICENSING POLICY

The Government notified ‘Reforms in Exploration and Licensing Policy, for enhancing domestic exploration and production of oil and gas’ on 28th February 2019, with the objective to intensify exploration activities, attract foreign and domestic investment and enhance domestic production. The salient features of Policy Reforms are as under:

i. Shifting of focus from ‘revenue’ to ‘production maximisation’. ii. No Revenue Sharing with Government in Category- II & III sedimentary basins. iii. Boost to exploration activities by assigning greater weightage to exploration work programme.

a. For unexplored areas in Category I basins, 70% weightage to Minimum Work Programme and 30% weightage to Revenue Sharing with a cap of 50% at Highest Revenue Sharing point (HRP); and b. For Category II and III sedimentary basins, 100% weightage for Minimum Work Programme.

iv. Shorter exploration period for early development. v. Fiscal concessions for early monetization and commercial production. vi. Marketing and Pricing freedom for natural gas. vii. The policy envisages bidding out of 66 small and marginal producing nomination fields operated by National Oil Companies (NOCs) to have collaboration with private E&P players for inducting new and innovative technology, infusing fresh investment and best management practices to enhance production of oil and gas by adopting Enhanced Oil Recovery/Improved Oil Recovery (EOR/IOR) methods. NIO for bidding out 66 fields has been issued by ONGC and OIL in the last week of June 2019. viii. The MoU of ONGC and OIL were restructured with 50% weightage for physical production, Other physical parameters 30%, Financial performance parameters 20%. ix. Redefining the Role of DGH by delegation of additional powers and functions to DGH to strengthen the compliance/regulatory, developmental and coordination role of DGH. x. Simplified and investor friendly Model Bid documents, including increasing of bidding cycle frequency from twice to thrice in a year. xi. Promoting Ease of Doing Business:

a. Simplified contractual terms with emphasis on cutting down

approvals of Government/DGH/Management Committee and expeditious grant of approvals 218

b. Setting up of Empowered Coordination Committee (ECC) under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary for expediting process of approvals. c. New Dispute Resolution Mechanism for amicable and speedy redressal of contractual dispute. d. Electronic Single Window mechanism based on IT workflow and processes for processing of approvals. Standard Operating procedures (SoPs) for grant of approvals under PSC have also been finalized.

 OPEN ACREAGE LICENSING POLICY (OALP) BIDDING ROUNDS

During the year 2019, 32 blocks covering approximately 59,000 sq.km area have been awarded under OALP bid Rounds II and III and 7 Blocks with an area of approximately 18500 sq.km have been awarded under OALP Bid Round-IV.

 PETROLEUM EXPLORATION LICENSES

Central Government has already granted Petroleum Exploration Licenses (PELs) for all the offshore blocks and also recommended to all the concerned State Governments to grant PELs for all on-land blocks allocated under Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) regime.

 NATIONAL SEISMIC PROGRAMME

As on 30.11.2019, surface coverage of 41,902 Line Kilo Meter (LKM), out of 48,143 LKM has been achieved under NSP.

 NATIONAL DATA REPOSITORY (NDR)

The NDR was established by the Government to assimilate, preserve and upkeep the vast amount of data which could be organized and regulated for use in future exploration and development, besides use by R&D and other educational institutions. The operation of NDR was formally launched on 28th June, 2017 in DGH Office, Noida. Total data uploaded in NDR till 30 November, 2019 is 2.30 million line kilometres of 2D Seismic Data, 0.78 million square kilometres of 3D Seismic data and 17588 exploratory wells. The data availability in NDR will help investors to carve out blocks for submission of expression of interest under OALP.

 MONETIZATION OF NEW EXPLORATION LICENSING POLICY (NELP) DISCOVERIES

42 (cumulative) NELP discoveries were monetized as on 31st October, 2019.

 REFINERY

Out of the 23 refineries operating in the country, 18 are in public sector, 3 are in private sector and 2 as a joint venture, with a total refining capacity of 249.366 MMTPA. Out of the refining capacity of 249.366MMT, 142.066 MMT is in the public sector, 19.10 MMT in joint venture and the balance 88.20 MMT is in the private sector. The country is not only self-sufficient in the refining capacity for its domestic consumption, but also exports a sufficient quantity of petroleum products. 219

 AUTO FUEL VISION AND POLICY

Introduction of BS-IV & BS-VI fuels in the Country:

a. Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas vide order dated 19.01.2015 has notified for implementation of BS- IV Auto Fuels in the entire country. Accordingly, BS-IV Auto Fuels has been implemented in the entire country w.e.f. 01.04.2017. b. It has also been decided that the country will leapfrog directly from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards and BS- VI standards will be implemented in the entire country w.e.f. 01.04.2020. c. Considering the serious pollution levels in Delhi, the Government has already commenced supply of BS- VI in National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi w.e.f. 01.04.2018. d. The Government has also started supply of BS-VI auto fuels in 20 Districts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh & Haryana adjoining NCT of Delhi.

 LIBERALIZATION OF NORMS OF PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN THE RETAIL SECTOR

The Government has approved the guidelines for granting authorization to market transportation fuels i.e. Motor Sprit (MS) / High Speed Diesel (HSD). Necessary notification in this regard has been published in the Gazette of India on 08.11.2019.

 DPIIT’S PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (PREFERENCE TO MAKE IN INDIA) ORDER

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has prescribed minimum local content for Petroleum and Natural Gas products under Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017 on 25th June, 2019. During the current Financial Year, Policy to Provide Purchase Preference (linked with Local Content (PP-LC)) was reviewed by the Steering Committee constituted under the Policy by MoP&NG. As per the recommendation of Steering Committee, Policy has been extended for a further period of one year w.e.f. 1st October, 2019.

 NATIONAL GAS GRID

overnment of India has identified the requirement of development of additional 15000 Km of Gas Pipeline and various pipeline sections to complete the Gas Grid. The status of new pipeline projects being implemented by Govt. PSUs which are part of National Gas Grid are as under:

I. Jagdishpur – Haldia&Bokaro – Dhamra Pipeline Project (JHBDPL): The 2655 km. pipeline project is being executed by GAIL at an investment of Rs.12,940 Cr., which includes 40% capital grant (i.e. Rs.5,176 Cr) from the Government of India and the project is scheduled to be completed progressively by December, 2020. JHBDPL will cater to the energy requirements of five states, namely Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal.

II. Barauni to Guwahati Pipeline: Pipeline from Barauni to Guwahati is being implemented as an integral part of JHBDPL project to connect North East Region (NER) with the National Gas Grid. The approx. 220

length of the pipeline is 729 km, having capacity of 2 to 2.5 MMSCMD with an estimated project cost of Rs. 3308 crores. Completion of the project is scheduled by December 2021.

III. North East Gas Grid: “Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North-East India” (Vision Document) released by MoP&NG on 09.2.2016 comprehensively examines the gaps in Natural Gas infrastructure and proposes Natural Gas pipeline grid in North-east region. Thus, a joint venture of five oil and gas CPSEs i.e. GAIL, IOCL, OIL, ONGC and NRL named as “Indradhanush Gas Grid Ltd” (IGGL) has been entrusted for the development of Natural Gas Pipeline Grid in North-East, i.e. North East Gas Grid (NEGG), in all North Eastern States i.e. Assam, Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya, in a phased manner at an estimated project cost of Rs. 9265 crore. Further, a CCEA Note seeking Capital Grant required as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) for setting up the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid (NEGG) is under consideration.

IV. Kochi-Koottanad- Bangalore-Mangalore (Ph-II) Pipeline Project (KKBMPL): The construction work to develop Kochi-Kottanad-Managlore-Bangalore pipeline (KKBMPL) and Ennore-Thiruvallur-Bengluru- Puducherry-Nagapatinam-Madurai-Tuticorin Pipeline (ETBPNMT) in the southern part of the country is in progress. Efforts are underway for development of these pipeline project and provide accessibility of natural gas sources (domestic and imported both) to southern cities by connecting KKMBPL and ETBPNMT projects with the existing gas grid.

 PROMOTION OF LNG / CNG IN VEHICLES

As on October, 2019, about 55.17 lakh households are availing the benefit of domestic gas in the form of PNG for cooking purpose. Oil & Gas companies along with its Joint Venture/ subsidiary CGD companies have firmed up plans to expand the coverage of PNG network to achieve additional 1 Crore PNG households by 2024. The Government has given priority in allocation of domestic gas (the cheapest gas available in country) for supply to households in the form of Piped Natural Gas (PNG)(Domestic) and Transport segment in the form of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)(Transport) across the country. City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks have been declared as a "Public utility" under Industrial Dispute Act (IDA) 1947. At present (October, 2019), 1838 CNG stations are making available CNG to meet the requirement of 34.54 Lakh CNG vehicles in the country.

Government is meeting 100% gas requirement of PNG (Domestic) and CNG (Transport) segment of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks across the country.

 CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION (CGD) BIDDING

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) formed under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006, grants authorization for setting up of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in the cities / geographical areas of the country through open bidding process. Supply of domestic PNG to households, setting up of CNG stations for vehicles, providing PNG to small industries and commercial establishments can be carried out only by the authorised entity.

221

In 9th and 10th CGD Bidding Rounds, 86 and 50 Geographical Areas (GAs) have been authorized respectively. As per the commitment made by the various entities for the 50 GAs during 10thCGD Bidding Round, 2,02,92,760 domestic PNG (piped natural gas) connections and 3,578 CNG (compressed natural gas) stations for transport sector would be installed during a period of 8 years up to 31st March 2029, in addition to 58,177 inch-km of steel pipeline. After completion of 10th Round of CGD bidding, CGD would be available in 229 GAs comprising 407 districts spread over 27 States and Union Territories, covering approximately 70 percent of India’s population and 53 percent of its geographical area.

Ø LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG) REGASIFICATION

At present, the country is having 6 LNG terminals meeting regasification capacity of 39.2 Million Metric Tonne per Annum (MMTPA). These 6 terminals are located at Dahej (17.5 MMTPA), Hazira (5 MMTPA), Dabhol (1.7 MMTPA), Kochi (5 MMTPA), Mundra (5 MMTPA) and Ennore (5 MMTPA). Dabhol terminal capacity utilization will also be enhanced to 5 MMTPA with breakwater in coming years.

 SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas received Swachh Bharat Award under Swachhata Action Plan Category in Swachh Mahotsav 2019, held on 06th September 2019. MoPNG has allocated a budget of Rs 342.50 crore for 2018 -19, but with the help of continuous monitoring through various meetings including apex level review meetings, MoPNG including Oil & Gas CPSEs, has achieved an expenditure figure of around Rs 473 crore, showing an achievement of around 138%.

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), its attached offices, and Oil & Gas CPSEs, under the administrative control of MoPNG, celebrated Swachhta Pakhwada fortnight from 01st July 2019 to 15th July, 2019, with full zeal and enthusiasm. On 16th September 2019, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan distributed the Awards to all the winners of the Swachhta Pakhwada 2019, and also to the winners of Inter-refinery Swachhta Ranking 2018-19. As a result of this initiative led by MoPNG, there were more than 60,000 activities undertaken across India and more than 200,000 trees were planted. Various activities were organized as a part of Pakhwada 2019 such as Cleanliness Drives (8450), Awareness Campaigns (5844), Competitions for School Students / Communities (1750) and many more activities. This year, the Swachhta Pakhwada saw an unprecedented public participation of more than 25,00,000 people.

A “Jan-Andolan” for Swachhata was launched on the theme of “Say No To Single Use Plastic” by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas from 11th September to 27th October, 2019 to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. With a collaborative effort, all the CPSEs and other organizations under MoPNG joined hands to make a cleaner and greener India. The valuable contributions made by the Ministry, its attached offices and Oil and Gas CPSEs have gone towards making “Swachhata Hi Seva-2019” Campaign a huge success, and a stepping 222

stone to eradicate Single Use Plastic from every nook and corner of our great nation, thereby making Swachh Bharat a reality.

 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION/ IMPORTANT AGREEMENTS/ CONTRACTS

a. The 13th Edition of India’s flagship hydrocarbon Conference, PETROTECH-2019 was organised in February 2019 in New Delhi. This biennial International Conference presents the Indian hydrocarbon sector prevailing global oil and gas dynamics. b. On 22nd September 2019, Hon’ble PM hosted a roundtable for CEOs of US Energy sector in Houston. During the event, Tellurian and PLL signed an MOU wherein PLL and its affiliates intend to negotiate the purchase of up to 5 MMTPA of LNG from the proposed Driftwood LNG project. c. India co hosted AMER8 (Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable 8) in Abu Dhabi in September 2019. India will host AMER9 in Indian in 2021. d. On 10th September 2019, Hon’ble PM and H.E. PM of Nepal, jointly inaugurated South Asia’s first cross- border petroleum products pipeline from Motihari in India to Amlekhgunj in Nepal through video conference. e. On 5th October 2019, Hon’ble PM and H.E. Sheikh Hasina, PM of Bangladesh jointly inaugurated the project to Import of Bulk LPG from Bangladesh through video-link. f. On 8-9 Oct 2019, Minister PNG jointly inauguration the completed infrastructure works funded by Mongolia for the Oil Refinery in Shainshand, Mongolia. The refinery project is funded by India under LOC. g. The 3rd meeting of ITT (International Think Tank) was held in New Delhi on 13th October 2019 to discuss the challenges and the way forward for the Indian oil and Gas sector for the future. h. The 3rd Edition of CERAWeek India Energy Forum event held in New Delhi from 14th – 15th October, 2019. During the event, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas met with CEOs of global oil and gas majors.

a. An MoU signed between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) and Saudi Aramco for exploring opportunity to fill two caverns in Padur SPRs.

j. An MoU was signed between MoPNG and Ministry of Energy of Russia on use of Natural Gas in transportation sector on 05th September 2019. k. A Joint Statement on Cooperation between India and Russia in Hydrocarbon Sector for 2019-2024 was issued in Vladivostok, Russia on 4th September 2019 after Hon’ble PM’s annual bilateral summit with H.E. Russian President. The Joint Statement provides a Roadmap to for India's private and public companies to explore the possibility of collaborating in LNG projects, including in the Arctic.

 ETHANOL BLENDED PETROL (EBP) PROGRAMME i. Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2018-19, 188.57 crore litre of Ethanol has been procured by OMCs for blending purpose. For ESY 2019-20, the Government has fixed an enhanced remunerative price for ethanol procurement, based on raw material utilized viz. for C heavy Molasses at Rs. 43.75/- per litre, for B heavy Molasses at Rs. 54.27 per litre, for sugarcane juice/ sugar/ sugar syrup at Rs. 59.48/- per litre and for Damaged Food grains at Rs. 47.63/- per litre. Sugar and sugar syrup have been allowed for the first time for ethanol production to support the industry in liquidating their excess stocks. Government has published a long-term ethanol procurement policy so that the industry can take a long-term view on fresh investments in this sector. The amended provisions of Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 223

giving control on production, movement and storage of ethanol to the Central Government, have now been implemented in 13 States.

 BIO-DIESEL PROGRAMME

I. order to encourage production of biodiesel from Used Cooking Oil (UCO), Oil Marketing Companies have floated Expression of Interest on 10.08.2019, for supply of biodiesel produced from UCO at 100 locations across the country. This has been extended to 200 locations on 10.10.2019. The ex-factory UCO based biodiesel price has been fixed for three years. The price for the first year has been fixed at Rs 51/litre, for the second year at Rs 52.7/litre and for the third year at Rs 54.5/litre. GST and transportation shall be payable in addition to this price. MoP&NG has issued Gazette Notification dated 30.4.2019 on the subject ‘Guidelines for sale of Bio-diesel for blending with High Speed Diesel for transportation purposes - 2019’.

 2ND GENERATION ETHANOL

Subsequent to opening up of alternate route i.e. Second Generation (2G) route for ethanol production, Oil Marketing Companies are in the process of setting up 12 2G bio-refineries with an investment of Rs.14,000 crores. Five 2G bio-refinery projects in Bhatinda, Bargarh, Numaligarh, Panipat and Gorakhpur are in advanced stage of construction.

In order to encourage setting up of second generation bio-fuels plants, Government has launched a scheme namely i.e. “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana” for providing financial support to integrated bio-ethanol projects, using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock. Under this scheme, proposals for assistance have come from IOCL (Panipat plant), BPCL (Bargarh), HPCL (Bhatinda), MRPL (Davangere), and NRL (Numaligarh) apart from IOC R&D for a Demonstration plant at Panipat.

Source: PIB

30. Year end Review of M/O Social Justice and Empowerment & DEPwD The vision of the D/o Social Justice & Empowerment is to build an inclusive society wherein members of the target groups can lead productive, safe and dignified lives with adequate support for their growth and development. It aims to support and empower its target groups through programmes of educational, economic and social development and rehabilitation wherever necessary. The mandate of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment is empowerment of the socially, educationally and economically marginalised sections of the society including (i) Scheduled Castes (ii) other Backward Class (iii) Senior Citizens (iv) Victims of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (v) Transgender Persons (vi) Beggars (vii) Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) (viii) Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) and (xi) Economically Weaker Section (EWS) 224

1. TRANSGENDER PERSONS (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) ACT 2019 TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF TRANSGENDER PERSONS & THEIR WELFARE The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2019 was passed by the Parliament and received the assent of President of India on 5th December, 2019. It was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 26th November, 2019 and already passed by the 17thLok Sabha on 5th August, 2019. The Act will make all the stakeholders responsive and accountable for upholding the principles underlying the Act. It will bring greater accountability on the part of the Central Government and State Governments/Union Territories Administrations for issues concerning Transgender persons. The Act will benefit a large number of transgender persons, mitigate the stigma, discrimination and abuse against this marginalized section and bring them into the mainstream of society. It will lead to greater inclusiveness and will make the transgender persons productive members of the society.

3. VAYOSHRESHTHA SAMMAN TO EMINENT SENIOR CITIZENS AND INSTITUTION

The President of India Shri Ram NathKovind presented the “VayoshreshthaSamman” to the eminent senior citizens and institutions in recognition of their services towards the cause of the elderly persons, to mark the “International Day of Older Persons”, at a function in New Delhi on October 03, 2019. The experience of Senior Citizens are the Plethora of wisdom. The coveted VayoshreshthaSamman was instituted in the year 2005 and was upgraded to the status of National Awards in the year 2013. The National Awards were presented in 13 different categories. Since 2014-15, the Ministry has disbursed Rs. 190.62crores to 1595 NGOs towards the maintenance of old age homes across the country.

4. NATIONAL SURVEY ON EXTENT AND PATTERN OF SUBSTANCE (DRUG) ABUSE IN INDIA

The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment has assigned the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of substance (Drugs) Abuse in India to National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, New Delhi, which is completed. National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-25 has also been prepared and implemented, which aims at reduction of adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multipronged strategy involving education, de-addiction and rehabilitation of affected individuals and their families. Since 2014- 15, under the scheme the total number of beneficiaries are 4,98,247.

5. MOU SIGNED BETWEEN DAIC AND DICCI TO EMPOWER SC AND ST COMMUNITIES THROUGH RESEARCH ON DALIT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) in New Delhi on 20th June, 2019 in the presence of Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment. The overall motives of this MoU is the empowerment of SC and ST communities through research on Dalit entrepreneurship, empowerment, skill development capacity building among SC/ST women and youth, impact of 225

different schemes of the Government on socio-economic conditions of SC and ST and other similar subjects.

6. EMPOWERING SCs& STs

 Scheme of Dr. Ambedkar Chairs aims to provide well-funded Centres of learning to intellectuals, academicians and students to undertake studies and research with an intention to understand assess and disseminate ideas and thoughts of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.  Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages is to appreciate the socially bold step of an Inter-Caste marriage, taken by the newly married couple and to extend financial incentive to the couple to enable them to settle down in the initial phase of their married life.  Dr. Ambedkar Foundation National Essay Competition Scheme is to encourage writing on social issues, among the Students of Schools / Colleges / Universities / Institutions and arouse their interest in Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts on fundamental social issues like social justice, removal of untouchability, caste based prejudices, removal of inequality and discrimination, social democracy, national integration, communal harmony etc.

7. 17TH RUN AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlot took part in the 17th Run Against Drug Abuse”, on the occasion of ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking’, in New Delhi on June 26, 2019. Since 2014-15, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment has released Rs. 210.68 Crores towards the Central Sector Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse. Under the scheme the total number of beneficiaries are 4,98,247 and Since 2014-15, Ministry has assisted 1777 projects of the 1082 NGOs throughout India. DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (DEPWD) DEPwD was created in order to give focused attention to Policy issues and meaningful thrust to the activities aimed at welfare and empowerment of the Persons with Disabilities.It acts as a Nodal Agency for matters pertaining to disability and Persons with Disabilities including effecting closer coordination among different stakeholders: related Central Ministries, State/UT Governments, NGOs etc. in matters pertaining to disability. Its vision is to build an inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities so that they can lead productive, safe and dignified lives.Its mission is toempower Persons with Disabilities, through its various Acts/Institutions/Organizations and Schemes for rehabilitation and to create an enabling environment that provides such persons with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and enables them to participate as independent and productive members of society. ACHIEVEMENTS OF DEPwD

2. Cabinet has approved the proposal of establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) at Sehore, Madhya Pradesh which has been registered as a society under Madhya Pradesh Society Registration Act, 1973 on 28th May 2019, with 226

the objective to promote mental health rehabilitation using an integrated multidisciplinary approach and developing trained professionals in the area of mental health rehabilitation. It is being set up on a piece of 25 acre of land allotted by the Government of Madhya Pradesh along Bhopal-Sehore highway in Madhya Pradesh. Pending construction of permanent site, NIMHR has been made functional from a temporary accommodation provided by the Govt. of Madhya Pradesh at Old Zila Panchayat Bhawan, Sehorew.e.f 30.09.2019. It is providing rehabilitation and clinical services and also runs Certificate Course on Care Giving (CCCG). CPWD has invited tender for construction of building on turnkey/EPC mode and the bids are under evaluation.

5. India’s First Country Report on Status of Disability and Implementation of United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)was submitted in November,2015 was considered and successfully adopted by United Nations on 03rd September this year along with certain recommendations. 6. The Government has approved setting up of a Centre for Disability Sports at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh with a view to provide contemporary training facilities for Divyang Sportspersons at par with leading countries in the world. The work order for setting up of the Centre has been issued to CPWD. A Project Monitoring Committee and a Governing Body has been constituted by the Department on 28.08.2019 to monitor the project implementation and overall supervision. 7. A Cultural Event “Divya Kala Shakti: Witnessing Ability in Disability” was organised on 23rd July, 2019. The event showcased the talents of children and youth with disabilities from different parts of the country. It was held in the august presence of Hon’ble President of India, Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha, Hon’ble Council of Ministers and Hon’ble Members of both the Houses of Parliament.

9. The Extension Centre of National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) at Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been upgraded to Composite Regional Centre on 19th June, 2019. 10. DEPwD has developed a Management Information System (MIS) Portal for stakeholders of Accessible India Campaign (AIC). Shri ThaawarchandGehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment launched the MIS portal on 18.09.2019.MIS portal will bring all the nodal Ministries, and States/UTs on a single platform for monitoring the progress being made against each target of AIC. The portal will be useful in maintaining all the function on digital platform and capture data on a real-time basis. 11. Secretary, DEPwD Participated In 22nd Session of UN Committee on CRPD at Geneva (09 SEP 2019). India is a signatory of the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). It ratified this Convention on 01-10-2007 in pursuance of Article 35 of the Convention. India submitted its First Country Report on Status of Disability in India in November 2015. The UN Committee on CRPD in its 22nd Session took up India’s First Country Report for consideration during 2nd & 3rd September 2019 at UNHRC, Geneva. 12. Observation of World Mental Health Day by DEPwD on 10th October, 2019. DEPwD observed the “World Mental Health Day” on 10th October, 2019. The Department undertook a series of 227 activities during the week by its various National Institutes to raise awareness about Mental Health issues including identification of early signs to prevent aggravation and rehabilitation/mainstreaming of successfully cured mentally ill persons.

10. The Vice President of India Shri M. Venkiah Naidu Conferred National Awards for Outstanding Work Done Towards Empowerment of PwDs on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3rd December, 2019. He conferred the National Awards on Individuals, Institutions, Organizations and State/District etc. for their outstanding achievements and work done towards empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlot presided over the function. Ministers of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Shri RamdasAthawale and Shri Rattan Lal Kataria also graced the occasion.

Source: PIB 31. Year End Review 2019 Ministry of Home Affairs Important Bills Passed by Parliament

9. Jammu and Kashmir - Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A ; The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019; The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2019 10. National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019 11. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019 12. Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 – aims to increase operational efficiency of SPG in ensuring the security of the Prime Minister of India. 13. Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 – focus on granting Indian Citizenship to persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities on ground of religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Marathon deliberations held by Union Home Minister with various stakeholders from North East and their concerns against the CAB 2019 addressed in the final Amendment Act. 14. Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019 – enhances the punishment for existing offences like illegal manufacture, sale, transfer and illegal acquiring, possessing or carrying prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition; illicit trafficking of firearms; celebratory gunfire endangering human life. Arms licenses to be issued for 5 years in electronic form, which would prevent forgery. The Amendment would reduce possession of illegal firearms and commission of criminal offences by limiting 2 licenses per person. Ownership of arms by retired and serving personnel of armed forces and sportspersons remains unaffected by the Amendment. Further, Ancestral guns may be retained in a Deactivated State. 15. Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 - to make the constitution of NHRC and SHRCs broader and more inclusive. 16. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019 - Administrative efficiency, better service delivery and effective implementation of Central and State Government Schemes to be the focus. 228

Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

2. Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A

 Historic step to remove Article 370 and 35A of Constitution of India  Brought JK & Ladakh at par with other States and UTs  All provisions of Constitution of India, without any modifications or exceptions, to now apply to JK & Ladakh  Laws of Union Government wrt education, empowerment of SC, ST, Minorities etc to be applicable to JK & Ladakh  Boost to local economy and employment opportunities by increasing investment; Reservation to EWS of society in jobs & educational institutions to apply in JK & Ladakh  Betterment of socio-economic infrastructure in JK & Ladakh

3. The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019

Jammu and Kashmir reorganised into

 Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with legislature, and  Union Territory of Ladakh without Legislature  Formally came into force on 31st October, 2019  Maps of newly formed UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh released  1st Winter-grade Diesel outlet for Ladakh inaugurated by Union Home Minister; move to boost tourism in extreme weather conditions

4. The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2019

3% reservation in services and educational institutions extended to people living near the International Border (IB) in J&K, in line with reservation given to people living near the Line of Control (LoC)

5. Amarnath Yatra

 3,42,883 yatris had safe and secure Darshan  Higher by nearly 20%, as compared to 2018 6. Cabinet approved Inclusion of 5,300 Displaced Persons families of J&K in the Rehabilitation Package for Displaced Families of PoJK and Chhamb, under the PM’s Development Package 2015 for Jammu & Kashmir 7. Government Employees of UTs of J&K and Ladakh to get all 7th Central Pay Commission Allowances from 31st October 2019 - allowances worth around Rs. 4800 crores approved for Government employees.

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor 229

10. Union Cabinet passed a resolution on 22nd November 2018 to celebrate the historic occasion of 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Devji in a grand and befitting manner, throughout the country and across the globe 11. India signed the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement with Pakistan on 24th October, 2019 12. Indian pilgrims of all faiths to undertake year-round Visa-free travel to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib through Kartarpur Sahib Corridor – a long standing demand of followers of Guru Nanak Dev ji 13. State of art Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) developed (estd. project cost – Rs. 400 crore), having modern public amenities and security features; architecture reflecting cultural heritage of Punjab 14. 54 Immigrations counters at PTB for facilitating travel of over 5000 pilgrims per day 15. 4.19 km long, 4-lane highway worth Rs. 120.05 crores built, in record time of 6 months, on Indian side for giving accessibility for pilgrims to the PTB 16. Special Trains run from across the country to facilitate pilgrims to visit Sultanpur Lodhi, the place where Guru Nanak Devji attained enlightenment and developed as Heritage Town 17. 300ft. Monumental National Flag at PTB 18. Online portal (prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in) created to facilitate registration of pilgrims and provide other important information including Do’s & Dont’s and FAQs Strict Action on Terror and Insurgency

2. National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019

 NIA empowered with extra territorial jurisdiction for investigation of terrorism related offences taking place outside India, in which Indian property/citizens are victims  The mandate of NIA is expanded by inclusion of new offences viz. explosive substances, human trafficking, manufacturing/sale of prohibited arms and cyber terrorism, to its Schedule

3. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019

 Central Government empowered to designate individual as terrorist  NIA empowered to seize/forfeit property representing proceeds of terrorism in cases investigated by NIA  After recent amendment, 4 Individuals viz., Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi and Dawood Ibrahim proscribed as Terrorists  Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) banned for another five years under sub-sections of UAPA, 1967

4. Cyber Crime Control

 National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) launched as a citizen centric initiative to facilitate public for reporting of all types of Cyber Crimes without visiting Police Station  The complaints reported on this portal are accessible online to the law enforcement agencies of respective States/UTs for taking appropriate action as per law  12th India Security Summit on ‘Towards New National Cyber Security Strategy’ held in New Delhi

230

5. Review Meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE)

 Incidents of LWE violence down from 2258 in 2009 to 833 in 2018  Number of deaths dropped from 1005 in 2009 to 240 in 2018  Districts affected by naxal violence reduced from 96 in 2010 to 60 in 2018

7. Smart Fencing - Union Home Minister launched BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) under Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) on Indo-Bangladesh border in Dhubri district of Assam, as an effective deterrence against illegal infiltration. Two pilot projects covering about 71 Kms on Indo-Pakistan Border (10 Kms) and Indo-Bangladesh Border (61 Kms) of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) have been completed. 8. International Drug Syndicate busted - largest seizure of contraband drugs by NCB in India - 20 Kgs of Cocaine, worth Rs. 100 crores, seized.

Focus North East

2. National Register of Citizens (NRC), Assam published on 31.08.2019

 A machinery created for detection and deportation of illegal immigrants  ‘In-principle’ approval given for setting up of 1000 additional Foreigners Tribunals (FTs)  ‘In-principle’ approval given to Assam Government for creation of e-FT platform (estd. cost – Rs. 99 crores)

3. Government of India, Government of Tripura & National Liberation Front of Twipra led by Sabir Kumar Debbarma (NLFT-SD) sign Memorandum of Settlement

 NLFT (SD) to abjure path of violence, join mainstream and abide by Constitution of India  Agreed to surrender 88 cadres with their weapons  Cadres to get surrender benefits as per the Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Scheme, 2018  Government of Tripura to help surrendered cadres in housing, recruitment, education etc.  Government of India to consider proposals of State Government for economic development of tribal areas of Tripura. 4. North East Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition inaugurated by Union Home Minister in Aizawl – focus on tapping huge employment opportunities in the North East, due to availability of natural resources and presence of traditional culture and skill, by giving boost to traditional handloom and handicrafts

Disaster Management

2. International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

 launched by Prime Minister during the UN Climate Action Summit in New York on 23rd September, 2019  Knowledge exchange platform on different aspects of disaster and calamity resilience of infrastructure  Assist countries for Infrastructure Development based on risk context and economic needs  Pooling of Technological Expertise of stakeholders 231

3. Cyclones Fani, Vayu, Maha and Bulbul

 Successful coordination of Assistance to States and execution of Rescue & Rehabilitation and dissemination of timely information to National & Regional Media by MHA  Sensitization Workshop for Nodal Officers dealing with Disaster Management in all Departments/ Ministries of Central Government held by MHA

4. Immediate Visits of Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) and Rescue-Relief Ops

 Preliminary visits by IMCT for on-the-spot assessment of the flood affected States without waiting for Memorandum from them  IMCT to visit again for detailed damage assessment, after Memorandum submitted byStates  High Level Committee chaired by Union Home Minister approved Rs 4432.10 crore of additional Central assistance to Odisha, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh  Additional financial assistance of Rs. 1813.75 crore given from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to flood affected States of Karnataka and Bihar

· 5375 persons rescued and more than 42,000 evacuated by NDRF from various districts of flood affected states viz. Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat

· Central Forces successfully evacuated 900 persons from Mahalaxmi Express stranded in flood in Maharashtra

· NDRF evacuated more than 11,000 people from flood affected areas of Assam & Bihar

5. India hosted SCOJtEx-2019 for the 1st time

 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Joint Exercise (SCOJtEx)-2019 on Urban Earthquake Search & Rescue organized in New Delhi  Home Minister chaired 10th Meeting of Heads of Departments of SCO Member States, dealing with the prevention and Elimination of Emergency Situations  SCOJtEx to facilitate collective preparedness & building a common understanding of internationally recognized procedures to co-ordinate post-earthquake responses  This joint exercise with SCO member states to be helpful in developing personal understanding amongst counterpart teams to tackle any disaster situation

8. India hosted 1st International Conference on ‘Landslides Risk Reduction and Resilience’ in New Delhi 9. Heat Wave 2020: Two-Day Workshop on Preparedness, Mitigation and Management of Heat Wave held in Bengaluru 10. Experts from 33 countries participated in International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure-2019, held in New Delhi. 232

Pride of the Nation - Security Forces

2. Increasing Age of Retirement of CAPFs Personnel to 60 years

 Ensuring Uniformity in Age of Retirement for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel  More than 7 Lakh personnel to be benefitted

3. Organized Group ‘A’ Services Status to Officers of CAPFs

Grant of Consequential Benefits of Non Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU) and Non Functional Selection Grade (NFSG)

National Police University (NPU)

 ‘In-Principle’ approval given for establishing NPU  100 acres land made available for it

4. Two day National Conference on ‘Criminal Activities and Radicalization in Jails: Vulnerability of Inmates and Jail Staff and their Protection’ organized by Bureau of Police Research & development (BPR&D) 6. State-of-art building of Delhi Police Headquarters inaugurated in New Delhi

Census of India - 2021

4. Foundation Stone of ‘Janganana Bhawan’ laid; Census 2021 to be conducted in 16 languages 5. All India Conference of State Coordinators, Directors of Census Operations for Census of India 2021 and updation of National Population Register in the country held 6. Launch of a Census App and Census Portal

 The Mobile App for Pre—Test Data Collection started from 12.08.2019 released on Google Play Store  Census Management and Monitoring Portal (CMMP) operationalized  ‘Pen-Paper Census' to be transformed to a 'Digital Census' in Census 2021

National Unity

2. ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’

 Celebrated across the country with fanfare  ‘Run For Unity’ organised throughout India – over 25,000 participated in New Delhi alone

‘Sardar Patel National Unity Award’

 Government of India instituted Highest Civilian Award for contribution to Unity and Integrity of India  Notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs on 20th September, 2019 233

 President of India to confer the Award by a Sanad under his hand and seal  Presentation ceremony to be held along with the Padma Award presentation ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan  Award to consist of a medal and a citation

Inter-State Council Meetings

 North, West and East Zonal Councils Meetings organised by MHA  To foster Inter-State co-operation and co-ordination in the field of economic and social planning, border disputes, linguistic minorities or inter-State transport etc.  Issues having Centre-State and inter-State ramifications resolved with consensus, after due deliberations

5. Emergency Response Support System (ERSS- Dial 112) launched; operational in 28 States/UTs

 Single emergency number (112)  Step towards building a SMART Police force - Citizen Centric Service to strengthen proactive community policing  Computer aided dispatch of field resources to the location of distress  Citizens can send their emergency information through call, sms, email and through the 112 India mobile app.  MHA has sanctioned Rs. 100 crores from Nirbhaya Fund for setting up/strengthening of Women Help Desks in Police Stations, with a view of making police stations more women friendly and approachable.

National Launch of Private Security Agency Licensing Portal

 Online portal to ensure transparency in licensing in Private Security sector and give a boost to its credibility  Initiative to give a pan-India profile to the online licensing process – boost employment opportunities in the sector  Easy online access of criminal records from across the country – facilitate easy online police verification of security guards

7. Unified Portal for Licensing of Eating Houses/ Lodging Houses in NCT of Delhi launched

· Single window online system, under Digital India programme, to improve Ease of Doing Business and encourage entrepreneurs to start up new businesses in Food and Beverages sector.

 A people-friendly system to prevent corruption by infusion of transparency and increase compliance with rules and regulations by all stakeholders through simplifying and rationalizing the regulatory processes (registration & inspection).

Bilateral Agreements/MoUs

3. India and Uzbekistan signed Security Cooperation Agreement 234

4. MoU between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors

4. MoUs signed between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors

5. MoU signed between India and Myanmar on bilateral cooperation for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons

5. MoU between India and USA to access tip line reports on Missing and Exploited Children

Foreigners

1. Liberalization of Medical Visa Regime

· Facilitation by non-requirement of conversion of primary visa into medical visa, when a foreigner seeks admission into a hospital owing to an illness Source: PIB