The Government has set up a fund for improvement of Science and Technology infrastructure in universities and educational institutions. The Total cost of the fund for the current Five Year Plan amounts to Rs. 75 crore. It is expected to encourage scholars to pursue science and technology as a career.

    The new programme launched by the Department of Science and Technology aims to equip universities and laboratories with necessary infrastructure for pursuing science and technology research. This fund will supplement the efforts of the University Grants Commission which is providing grant to the Universities in its normal course of activities. Broad features of the scheme comprise refurbishing and establishing laboratories that will meet the standards of good testing practices, acquisition of essential sophisticated equipment, upgrading of existing facilities and support for maintenance of such equipment, ready access to information services, networking and potential facilities like data base and scientific journals.

    Meanwhile, the Indo-Russian Joint Council has decided to introduce fellowship under its Integrated Long-Term Programme (ILTP) to young Indian researchers to work in Russian laboratories. It has also decided to increase the ILTP fellowships to Russian scientists to work in Indian institutions.

    The labour Minister Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya has assured the Central Trade Unions that their concerns regarding the interests of workers will be communicated to the appropriate authorities. The assurance was given at a meeting with the representatives of the Central Trade Unions here today. The meeting was called by Dr. Jatiya to discuss proposed strike call by the Trade Unions of Public Sector undertakings on February 02, 2000. The Minister said that he had talked to the Prime minister in this connection as the approach of his Ministry was to safeguard the interests of the workers. Dr. Jatiya favoured a negotiated settlement and said the strike should be the last resort.

    The Labour Secretary Dr. L Mishra in his opening remarks said that the Labour Ministry is trying for the settlement of the outstanding wages and statutory dues of workers of the PSUs. He said the Board of Industrial Finance and Reconstruction, BIFR, has been apprised with the concern of the Trade Unions. He said the BIFR has been told that its approach should be revival and not the closure of sick units.

    The representatives of the Trade Unions while welcoming a negotiated approach were unanimous in their opinion that several union ministries like Finance, Commerce and Industry besides the Labour Ministry should be involved in the issues concerning workers. They requested for a meeting with the Prime Minister before the proposed strike and said that the concerned Ministers should be present in that meeting. They said that workers being an affected party should be consulted before taking any decision on disinvestment or privatization of a PSU. They expressed serious concern for non-payment of wages in some PSUs for several months and said that there should be no further delay. They also opposed the 10-year periodicity of the Wage Agreement and said that it should not be for more than five years. They called for early decision on the 6^th round of Wage Negotiations.

    There are 247 Central Public Sector Undertakings employing approximately 2.5 million people. The Labour Minister has already appealed them on January 26, not to go on the proposed strike as the Regional Labour Commissioners ( Central) have been advised to start conciliation.

    The Labour Minister Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya has appealed to the Trade Unions of Public Sector undertakings not to go on the proposed strike on February 02, 2000. Making the appeal Dr. Jatiya said that the Regional Labour Commissioners ( Central) have been advised to start conciliation. Expressing hope for an amicable settlement through dialogue, the Minister said the proposed strike would not be in the interest of the nation as it would adversely affect the economic activities in the country.

    In order to have a regular forum for consultation with film-makers, industry representatives and other connected with the film movement on the policies and programmes of the Directorate of Film Festivals, an attached office of the Ministry, it has been decided to set up an Advisory Panel on Film Festivals with the following constitution: -

1. Secretary, Ministry of Information & BroadcastingChairperson

2. Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

3. Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

4. Managing Director, National Film Development Corporation
5. Managing Director, Indian Airlines
6. Joint Secretary (External Publicity Division), Ministry of External Affairs

Ex-Officio – Non-official

7. Shri Yash Chopra
8. Smt. Ratnotma Sengupta (Art Editor, The Times of India)
9. Shri Bobby Bedi
10. Shri Jahnu Barua
11. Shri Mani Ratnam
12. Smt. Aparna Sen

2. The Committee will advise the Directorate of Film Festivals in the formulations of its policies and programmes and their implementation.

3. The term of the Committee will be one year. It will meet as required, but normally at least once in every four months.

    The Registrars of Companies (ROCs) in Eastern Zone comprising West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and the North Eastern Region launched 446 prosecutions against companies during December, 1999. During the month, 189 prosecution cases were disposed of.

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    A number of initiatives by the Department of Posts (DoP) in the last three months has contributed towards improvement in public services and customer care. Considering the need for providing the benefit of technology to the customers, a high priority was accorded to the computerisation of counter services. 78 Multi-purpose Counter Machines (MPCMs) were installed in various post offices across the country providing a responsive and efficient service. Waiting time for the customer, thus, has been reduced and a wide range of services has been made available through a single window.

    New application software for computerisation of Registration Sorting which was developed has been supplied to 50 centres. This will facilitate easy retrieval of data and speedy disposal of public grievances besides ensuring better record management. Application software for Mail net has also been developed. This will enable the Department to effectively monitor various activities in different mail offices and post offices from one central point. Deficiencies, if any, will thus be overcome without any delay.

    In order to effect faster transmission of mail, the Department has started using Kalinga-Utkal Express between Hazrat Nizamuddin and Puri and Lal Quila Express between Delhi and Sealdah for transmission of closed mail bags. This has facilitated faster movement of mail from Delhi to MP, UP, Bihar and Orissa and vice-versa and thus ensuring expeditious delivery. In addition, Muzaffarpur in Bihar circle has also been brought under the National Speed Post Network which now encompasses 93 stations in the country.

    Minister of State for Department of Food Processing Industries (FPI) Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said that first step taken towards disinvestment of Modern Food Industries Limited (MFIL) in favour of M/s Hindustan Levers Limited (HLL) will prove beneficial to Government, HLL, workers of the industries and the consumers. The agreements by Department of FPI were signed here today with their strategic parter HLL. The Minister Shri Hussain said that we will work jointly for the success, upliftment of MFIL and for the benefit of all.

    Speaking on the occasion Shri P.S Bhatnagar, Secretary FPI said that while signing the agreements interest of workers was considered of prime importance. He said that MFIL as a public sector undertaking was working with some limitations which will be overcome by the signing of these agreements. He hoped that this joint venture will prove an example for other PSUs to function under autonomous ventures. Working of the organisation will improve and MFIL’s Brand Name and its vast distribution network will help the joint venture from one success to another and this joint venture will be of strategic value for workers, HLL, Government and consumers.

    Secretary Disinvestment Shri Pradeep Baijal said that after Finance Minister’s announcement that Government’s participation in non-strategic sector will go down to 26 per cent, this joint venture is the first outcome. He said that everyone acted professionally with full transparency to handle the case and the agreements were signed two month’s ahead of schedule. He said that economically the agreement is justifiable.

    The salient features of the Shareholders Agreement are that out of 7 Directors, 2 will be from the Government side including the Chairman and remaining 5 from HLL; restriction on retrenchment of employees upto the first anniversary of the agreement without being given benefits equal to or better than the prevalent scheme of the Government or as prescribed by applicable law; termination or dismissal of employees through the first anniversary of the agreement to be governed in accordance with the applicable staff regulations and law; breach of obligations relating to the employees to constitute an "Event of Default" inviting penal action in terms of buying strategic partner'’ share at a discount or sell all the Government shares to strategic partner at a premium. This right is in addition to the remedies available under applicable law; restriction on the strategetic partner to sell its shares to any third party other than their affiliate until the first anniversary; after first anniversary and upto the third anniversary of shareholders Agreement, the Government has the option to sell its shares to the strategic partner at fair market value which shall not be less than the value per share being paid in the bid.

    The Agreements are in pursuance of Cabinet committee’s approval on Disinvestment of 74 per cent Government stake in MFIL. Two Demand Drafts amounting to Rs.105.45 crores to the government and infusion of fresh equity of Rs.20 crores into MFIL were handed over by HLL today.

    The agreements were signed by Shri K.K Gupta, Joint Secretary, FPI on behalf of Government and Shri Gunender Kapur, Head of Food and Shri P.P.R Asirvatham, Group treasurer and Head of Mergers and Acquisition on behalf of HLL.

    India and Philippines today signed an investment agreement aimed at greater economic cooperation, investments inflow and improvement of general trade relations between the two countries. The agreement was signed by the visiting Minister of State for Finance, Shri V. Dhananjaya Kumar and the acting Secretary of Trade and Industry, Ms. Lilla R. Bautista at Manila today.

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    Union Water Resources Minister, Dr. C.P. Thakur has called for efficient water management, control of waterlogging and check on salinity to achieve water and food security in the country.

    The Ministry of Small Scale Industries & Agro and Rural Industries initiated a number of new steps in the first Hundred days. In fact the creation of a separate Ministry for Small Scale Industries & Agro and Rural Industries to focus on the problems of this sector by itself was a major initiative.

    Substantial progress achieved in finalising Credit Guarantee Scheme for loans up to Rs. 10 lakhs is likely to be introduced from April 1^st, 2000. Administrative Staff College of India has been entrusted with a study to recommend a simplified legal system for the SSI sector.

    WTO Cell has been set up in the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) and WTO Sensitization seminars are being held in different parts of the country.

    Technology Upgradation Fund has been conceptualised. An interest subsidy scheme on the lines of the Textile Upgradation Fund is under finalisation.

    Vendors Development Programme for giving market exposure to SSI products has been intensified.

    One time grant of Rs. 1.2 crores has been extended to the Indian Leather Garment Association (ILGA) for setting up a CAD/CAM center for providing design support to the leather garment manufacturers.

    A Cell has been created in the Ministry for international cooperation and joint ventures in the SSI sector. Investment limit for the SSI sector in plant and machinery is reduced from Rs. 3 crore to Rs. 1 crore. Brand promotion for SSI under a Consortium approach has been initiated under the leadership of the National Small Sclae Industries (NSSI).

    Wide consultations were held with representatives of small scale industries in various states regarding their suggestions pertaining to fiscal matters.

    UNDP-assisted programme for capacity building in Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and Coir sectors has been finalised.

    National Seminar on techno-commercial aspects of neem-based products was held. Action plan for setting up demonstration centres for essential oils and neem-based products has been initiated.

    Comprehensive website, with networking facilities throughout the country, is being set up in the office of the Development Commissioner, Small Scale Industries.

    Procedure for reimbursement for grant for Rs.75,000/- to SSI units obtaining ISO-9000 certification has been simplified and training facilities for entrepreneurs for obtaining ISO certificates have been strengthened.

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PRIME MINISTER CONDOLES THE DEATH OF ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS ANGELO INNOCENT FERNANDES

    The Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has condoled the death of Archbishop Emeritus Angelo Innocent Fernandes. In his message, the Prime Minister said :

    "I am grieved to learn about the passing away of Archbishop Emeritus Angelo Innocent Fernandes in New Delhi on January 30, 2000.

    Fr. Angelo Innocent Fernandes, who retired as Archbishop of New Delhi in 1991, will be remembered for promoting inter-faith dialogue and working for peace and harmony. An accomplished scholar, he will also be remembered for his lectures on religion, philosophy, culture and society.

    I convey my heartfelt condolence to the Delhi Catholic Arch Diocese. May his soul rest in peace."

CONSERVATION OF OIL NECESSARY FOR SELF-SUSTENANCE - SHRI NAIK

   The Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Ram Naik, has urged countrymen to adopt measures which ensure optimum use of the limited resource of hydrocarbons. "The only mantra being Oil Conservation for Self-Sustenance by one and all", he said. The Minister was addressing the gathering at the valedictory function marking the close of Oil Conservation Fortnight 2000. Emphasising the need for conservation of oil by various sectors, Shri Naik asked oil sector, state governments and NGOs to carry the message of oil conservation to all parts of the country.

    Shri Ram Naik announced that as part of the government's efforts to deliver safe, clean and efficient fuel to the consumers at affordable price, only lead-free petrol will be available throughout the country from 1^st February 2000. The supply of 0.25 per cent sulphur High Speed Diesel (HSD) throughout the country commenced from 1^st January 2000. As a major step forward, motor spirit and HSD with 0.05 per cent sulphur-content will be introduced in the National Capital Region from 1^st April 2000. This type of fuel will be made available in other parts of the country also, as soon as possible.

    The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Santosh Gangwar, in his address, said that the observation of the Oil Conservation Fortnight (OCF) is not the end of the road. He called for keeping the momentum generated during the OCF up through the year. Shri Gangwar expressed hope that the intensified efforts to save oil with judicious use will be the redeeming feature of the new millennium.

    Shri E. Ponnuswamy, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, lauded the efforts made by the Oil Industry and PCRA in undertaking various effective measures for oil conservation. He said measures to conserve petroleum products need to be followed in various sectors with greater zeal. With ever-increasing consumption, the oil import bill is likely to touch Rs. 60000 crore this year. If wastage of at least of 10 per cent is avoided and another 10 per cent oil is saved, there can be a saving of almost rupees 12000 crore in the oil import bill.    

    Earlier, in his keynote address, Dr. S. Narayan, Secretary (P&NG) emphasised on the need to conserve oil for the economic development of the country and said that the cost of imports is a tremendous drain in our foreign exchange resources. He called for efforts to save oil, as every drop of oil is very precious for the country.

    The highlight of the valedictory function, at the close of Oil Conservation Fortnight (OCF) was the launch of PCRA website by the Petroleum Minister, Shri Ram Naik. The Ministers of State, Shri E. Ponnuswamy and Shri Santosh Gangwar released PCRA Exhibition posters and corporate brochures respectively. On this occasion awards were given in various categories to State Level Coordinators, Regional Level Coordinators, State Transport Undertakings, Refineries, Energy Auditors and to the winning students and teachers from amongst those who participated in the Essay Competition on oil conservation.