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The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has approved a project for Cleaner Production and Environmentally Sound Management of Pesticides, Promoting Safety Health and Environmental Protection for Risk Reduction. The project is for U.S. $ 1,00,000 and is being implemented by the Cleaner Production and Environmental Management Branch of UNIDO.
The approval given to the Project follows the recent meeting between the Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhu and the UNIDO Director General, Mr. Carlos Magarinos. During the talks wide ranging discussions were held on subjects like safe pesticide formulation, creation of a network of cleaner technology in the chemical industries and the development of neem-based pesticides for application at the farm level.
The Project for Cleaner Production of Pesticides is part of the Trust Fund arrangement for the Regional Network on Safe Pesticide Production and Information for Asia and the Pacific (RENPAP). The RENPAP headquarters are based in New Delhi and the Institute of Pesticide Formulation and Technology at Gurgaon plays the role of technical coordinator unit on pesticide formulation and quality control. With the new approval for the fund, RENPAP which has 15 countries as member states, including China, the Philippines and South Korea will get a fresh lease of life and will be able to continue cooperation between member states for developing production of safe pesticides.
'29'
ENERGY REVOLUTION THROUGH GASIFIERS
Some years age, the inhabitants of Similiguda, a small hamlet in Rayagada of Orissa, could only dream of having electricity in their homes and streets. Today, it is not just a dream but a reality, thanks to the National Biomass Gasifier Programme of the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources. Not only Similiguda, but a large number of remote villages in other States also have been benefitted by this programme. In fact, it can be said that a quite energy revolution is being brought about, particularly in villages unreached and unreachable by conventional electricity through the grid.
About 1700 gasifier systems have been installed in more than a dozen states with an aggregate capacity of around 35 MW. The gasifiers have been found useful not only for rural electrification but also for minimising the electricity cost in industries, which rely on diesel, particularly during load shedding periods.
A typical case is that of Modern Roofings Ltd. which makes asphaltic roofing sheets from waste paper, in Andhra Pradesh. It has gone in for a biomass gasifier of 2,50,000 kcal/hr capacity. The project has been undertaken by the Hyderabad-based Agri Energy Services (P) Ltd. an Energy Services Company. Prior to the installation of the gasifier, which uses paddy husk as fuel, the furnace was being operated on High Speed Diesel. The total cost of operation then was Rs. 10,56,552 per year and it dropped steeply to Rs. 3,60,624 per year with the installation of the gasifier.
The total annual saving resulting from the retrofit is Rs. 6,95,928. In this particular case, the savings are shared for a period of 36 months between the supplier of the system and the customer.
The gasifier has come as a boon to small rice mills, particularly in paddy growing areas and peak harveting seasons. They rely on diesel gensets during load shedding. These are now retrofitted with gasifiers based on rice husk, which is a by-product of the mills themselves. This has brought down significantly the cost of operation. In one rice mill at Miryalaguda in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh, it was found that a 100 kW rice husk gasifier has helped in a saving of Rs. 1,38,000 per year.
Use of gasifiers in large kitchens is found to have helped reduce the cost of cooking to a significant extent. They have become quite popular for use in hostels, canteens and even in prisons in some states such as Tamil Nadu. The monthly saving in firewood, which would have been used otherwise, was found to be 5500 kgs in the kitchen of a residential school, catering to 425 students, in Vedurunagaram village in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
‘7’
COMPANY LAW SETTLEMENT SCHEME 2000 COMES INTO FORCE FROM JUNE 1ST
The Millennium Year Company Law Settlement Scheme, announced by the Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs Shri Ram Jethmalani on May 16, 2000 in the Lok Sabh, comes into force on June 1, 2000 and will be valid for three months upto August 31, 2000. The amnesty scheme, which involves applicant company or its officers, seeks to make them a declaration to the relevant Registrars of Companies (ROCs) that within stipulated time the company should apply with necessary fees seeking relief from prosecution and compounding of the period of delay in filing Annual Balance Sheets, Profit and Loss Accounts and other documents under the Companies Act.
During 1999 alone, out of 5, 16,100 companies in existence, 2,60,530 annual returns and 2,70,961 balance sheets were filed. The compliance level for these two documents was around 50 per cent. This means that more than five lakh prosecutions would have to be launched by the Government. Already 38,603 cases are pending in various courts for violation of Company Law as on March 31, 1999.
The scheme is intended to permit defaulting companies to file all pending documents on the payment of lumpsum amount based on the period of delay so that the system of Corporate Governance begins on a clean slate and investment climate emerges as a healthier one.
The fees to be paid by defaulting companies would be a minimum of Rs, 2,500 for filing upto two documents for a delay of less than three years and Rs. 3000 beyond three years, for documents upto five in number, the fees chargeable will be Rs.5000 minimum for a period of three years delay and beyond Rs.6000, upto 10 documents and for a delay less than three years the fees payable would Rs.7,500 and beyond three years Rs. 9000. Similarly, for more than 10 documents and delay less than three years the minimum fee will be Rs.10,000 and beyond three years delay Rs.15,000.
The Government has sought the cooperation of the three premier corporate institutes of Chartered Accountants of India, Company Secretaries of India, Cost and Works Accountants of India in making the Company Law Settlement Scheme a success. The Government has also sought the cooperation of the captains of industry and all professional bodies to use their good offices to ensure that individual companies come forward and take full advantage of one time offer. The Government has already declared that after the expiry of the period of three months on August 31, 2000, the Department of Company Affairs will come down with a heavy hand on the erring companies and the fines imposed thereafter would be increased to 10 times the present amount.
The scheme is intended to fetch about Rs. 100 crores, which would be utilised on computerising and modernising the works of the Department of Company Affairs and streamlining its operation including all the 20 offices of the ROCs.
‘7’
PRESIDENT’S ASSENT TO DESIGNS BILL, 2000
The President has given his assent to the Designs Bill, 2000, which was passed during the Budget Session of Parliament ending May 17, 2000. With this, the Bill has been notified in the Gazette of India as the Designs Act, 2000 (Act No. 16 of 2000).
The Designs Act, 2000 seeks to replace the Designs Act, 1911 and provides for a legal system for the protection of industrial designs to make them more efficient in order to ensure effective production to registered designs. The Act also seeks to promote design activity in order to promote the design element in an article of production. The Act is essentially aimed to balance these interests. It is also intended to ensure that the law does not unnecessarily extend protection beyond what is necessary to create the required incentive for design activity while removing impediments to the free use of available designs. It also meets the requirements of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regimen in tune with emerging globalisation of Indian economy.
'31'
SECRETARIES IN-CHARGE OF FAMILY WELFARE IN STATES/UTs TO MEET
The Centre has convened a meeting of the Secretaries/ Directors in-charge of Family Welfare in the States/UTs here tomorrow, the 1st June 2000 to discuss the modalities of the action plan for implementation of the National Population Policy 2000. The three day Conference will be inaugurated by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. C.P.Thakur. Besides National Population Policy, the Conference will discuss among other things, implementation of RCH Programme, Vanaspati Van Project under RCH Programme, Child Health Programme, Universal Immunisation Programme, Externally Aided Projects, involvement of NGOs in Family Welfare Programme and polio eradication.
This is one of the series of meetings planned by Union Health Ministry to prepare a draft documentation on the implementation of National Population Policy.
'31'
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. C.P.Thakur has said that the proposed Medicinal Plants Board will be set up as a non-statutory body through a Government resolution. Once formed, it will be replaced by a Statutory Board through an Act of Parliament.
While addressing media persons here, today Dr. Thakur said that a Task Force on Conservation and Sustainable use of Medicinal Plants set up under the chairmanship of the Member, Planning Commission, Dr. D.N.Tiwari submitted its report. The report has estimated that Rs.1000 crore would be needed for the period of five years for comprehensive development of Medicinal Plants Sector. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Family Welfare, Department of Bio-Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Department of ISM&H have been assigned specific responsibilities for undertaking conservation of medicinal plants, cultivation of endangered and valuable species, establishment of Vanaspati Vans, improving awareness, standardisation and Research and Development. The nodal responsibility for medicinal plants has been given to the Department of ISM&H for coordinating the efforts of various stake holders through the establishment of Medicinal Plants Board. A Monitoring Committee is being set up to co-ordinate all activities.
India is participating in the Expo 2000 held at Hannover, Germany from 1st June to 31st October 2000. The theme of the Expo is " Humankind Nature and Technology". The theme of the Indian pavilion is "Art of Living in Harmony". The practitioners of Ayurveda have been permitted to do diagnosis and dispense medicines, free of cost. Yoga demonstration is also planned to be shown in the pavilion.
Rs.20 crore has been earmarked in the Annual Plan 2000-2001 for assisting States of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Rajasthan, Kerala and Karnataka to strengthen their State Drug Testing Laboratories and modernise the Pharmacies.
A Memorandum of Understanding was entered into on 15th May, 2000 between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Central Council for Research in Unani medicine with a view to drawing upon the strength of CSIR to help the Unani Medicine Laboratories. A similar collaboration for Ayurveda will be ventured soon.
By 2005 Indian exports of herbal medicines will reach Rs.5000 crore mark which is at present at Rs.280 crore. Herbal plantations will be raised in 5000 hectares of forest land over the next 5 years.
Secretary ISM&H, Smt. Shailaja Chandra has disclosed that Dr.Devanayagam of Government Siddha Hospital, Tambaram, Chennai, has been treating AIDS/HIV patients with encouraging results. Opportunity infections could be curbed leading to the improvement of quality of life of the patients who are undergoing treatment. A similar achievement has been made by a Mumbai based Homoeopathy practitioner, whose treatment has brought down the viral load of the HIV patients numbering over 1000. British Homoeopathy Society has evaluated the work of Indian Homoeopathy practitioners.
‘13’ TIFAC DEVELOPS NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR FRP DOORS
The Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) has successfully developed a new technology for manufacturing fibre re-inforced plastic (FRP) doors and frames for the building and construction sector. The technology has been developed by its Composite Design Centre under the advanced composite mission. The Centre has transferred the new technology to 15 industries for large- scale commercialization.
The Centre has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Small Industries Corporation and the Building Materials & Technology Promotion Council to promote and market its glass-fibre composite technologies for the housing sector.
Also, the Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology , Thiruvananthapuram, in collaboration with TIFAC has developed "Porous Calcium Phosphate Component coated Chitin/Shitosan composite metal and its synthesis. This has been awarded a patent by the Japanese.
It may be noted that the same Institute, Funded by the Department of Science & Technology, is a pioneer in performing an open-heart surgery for the replacement of heart valve.
'39'
AMENDMENTS TO CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
BILL TO BE TABLED IN THE NEXT SESSION OF PARLIAMENT
The Government proposes to table the Consumer Protection Bill in the coming Session of Parliament. The proposed amendments to the Act will soon be finalised through discussions with various consumer fora and experts of consumer protection. This was stated here today by Shri Shanta Kumar, Minister of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, while addressing a meeting of Presidents and Members of National Commission and Presidents of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for finalising the proposed amendments to the Consumer Protection Act before finalising the Bill.Shri Shanta Kumar emphasised the need for strengthening the mechanism for consumer disputes redressal to reduce the delay in disposing of consumer cases pending in courts and to create confidence in the system. Consumer Courts should be strengthened to handle the increased volume of work and to overcome the 'creditability crisis'; he said. However, he expressed satisfaction on the functioning of consumer courts and said that the increase in the number of cases being filed in consumer courts all over the country showed the awareness that had been created among the consumers on the efficacy of the courts.
Speaking on the occasion, Justice Shri S.C. Sen , President of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) pointed out the need for setting up more benches of consumer courts for the speedy disposal of cases being filed in consumer courts. He also expressed the view that the Consumer Protection Act should be amended to exclude the big companies filing cases in consumer courts to protect their commercial interests. To deal with the medical neglignce cases, the Act should lay down some criteria to see that only genuine cases are filed in consumer courts, he added.
Shri K. Srinivasan, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs pointed out the need for making the Consumer Protection Act a 'Consumer Sovereignty Act' by incorporating necessary amendments to achieve the purpose for which it is instituted.
The enactment of the Consumer Protection Act ,1986 was considered as an important milestone in the area of consumer protection giving necessary impetus to the consumer movement. As on date, 32 Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions and 543 District Fora are functioning in addition to the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission in New Delhi. As of now, 14,82,576 cases had been filed in these Redressal Agencies, out of which 11,62,289 cases had been disposed of, which works out to 78 per cent.
‘18S'
STEEL MINISTRY GEARS UP TO MEET CHALLENGES AHEAD
‘The growth of the steel sector is intrinsically linked with the growth of the Indian economy. Every effort will be made to overcome the bottlenecks in the growth of the sector’, said today the Minister of Steel Shri B.K. Tripathy meeting the press for the first time after resuming charge of the Steel Ministry on March 29, 2000. He said that adequate steps will be taken to boost the consumption of steel in the domestic market. Emphasis will be laid on increasing demand in rural and agro-based industrial sector. Efforts will also be made to reduce the burden on the steel industry by maintaining input costs at a low level. The Finance Ministry will also be requested not to further increase the excise duty on iron and steel products.
The Minister said that due to drastic reduction in the import duties on iron and steel materials, some countries are reportedly dumping their finished steel products in India. Steps will be taken to strengthen anti-dumping and other safeguards to protect Indian steel industry from dumping of cheap imports. India has been exporting over two million tonnes of iron and steel products annually. The Ministry would take all possible measures to enhance export and remove bottlenecks standing in the way. Referring to the protectionist measures adopted by the US, EU, and Canada he said that efforts will be made to sort out the issues.
Shri Tripathy stressed on strict monitoring of implementation of financial and business restructuring package approved by the Government of India for SAIL. In case of RINL he said that the Disinvestment Commission has recently recommended that the entire accumulated losses of the company should be written off and the Government should initiate the process of disinvestment of not less than 51 per cent of its equity to its strategic buyers. A meeting was held recently by Finance Minister, Minister of Steel, Minister of Disinvestment and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh to discuss the issue. Government will be taking a decision soon on the matter. A revival package for improving the financial condition of HSCL, the largest construction company in the steel sector has been approved recently. Ministry is keen to ensure the revival of this company and is examining the diversification and promotion of business into other related areas, he said.
Regarding IISCO, he said that as a part of the financial-cum-business restructuring of SAIL, major portion of the accumulated losses of IISCO have already been written off to improve the financial health of the company. Steps have been initiated for joint venture participation in the company.
The Minister drew the attention of the press to 17 new private sector steel plants with a capacity of 11.8 million tonnes per annum with an investment of around Rs.22,800 crores, sanctioned by the financial institutions. They have also extended financial assistance for 21 new pig iron projects during the last five years. Several projects have been held up in the last stage due to financial constraints. The Ministry is keen to facilitate these private sector projects to be completed at the earleist. The Steel Ministry, he said, will be fully geared up to meet the challenges ahead.
‘18S'
NMDC PAYS RS.32.50 CRORE DIVIDEND FOR 1999-2000
The National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd., a public sector company of the Steel Ministry has paid Rs.32.50 crore dividend, 25 per cent of its profit, to the Government for the year 1999-2000. The Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Company Shri P.R. Tripathy presented the dividend cheque today to the Minister of Steel Shri Braja Kishore Tripathy . This is the fourth year in succession that NMDC has been paying 25 per cent dividend.Shri Tripathy, apprised the Minister company’s activities in the areas of expansion and diversification, including the foreign ventures. With the growth plan under way, NMDC is now poised to grow into a world-class organisation. During the year 1999-2000 NMDC earned a profit of Rs.207.95 crore before tax and its net worth has grown from 794 crore in 1998-99 to Rs.923 crore in 1999-2000. The book value per share has increased from Rs.60.11 in 1998-99 to Rs.69.85 in 1999-2000. The earnings per share for the year was Rs.12.27.
‘44’
SHRI JAYSINGRAO GAIKWAD PATIL TAKES OVER AS MOS FOR MINES
The Minister of State for Mines, Shri Jaysingrao Gaikwad Patil assumed office, here today. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that increasing production and promoting Research and Development in Mining technology would be the Ministry’s area of priority. He was earlier the Minister of State for Human Resource Development (Education).
After taking over, the Minister was briefed by senior officials of the Ministry of Mines on the issues before the Ministry. Performance of various public sector undertakings of the Ministry like National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO), Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd. (BALCO), Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. (BGML) was also discussed. The Minister was informed that around 95 % of the country has been mapped by Geological Survey of India.
Shri Patil is a Member of Lok Sabha from Beed in Maharashtra. He was the Minister of State for Cooperation with the Government of Maharashtra from May 1995 to March 1998. He was initially a Member of Legislative Council from the Graduate Constituency for two terms.
'15'
CENTRAL TAX BOARDs CHIEFS ASSUME OFFICE
Shri A. Balasubramanian and Shri B.P. Verma assumed office as Chairpersons of CBDT and CBEC respectively, here today. Shri Balasubramanian who belongs to 1964 batch of Indian Revenue Service was a Member of the Central Board of Direct Tax before assuming this office. Earlier he had served in various capacities in the Income Tax Department and was holding the post of Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Chennai.
Shri B.P. Verma belongs to the 1964 batch of Indian Customs and Central Excise Service and was earlier DG, Central Economic Intelligence Bureau before assuming the office of Chairman, CBEC. Shri Verma has served in various capacities in the Department of Central Customs and Excise besides being an Advisor to Royal Government of Bhutan in 1985-86. Shri Verma is a keen follower of tennis and has been closely associated with various associations of tennis in the country.
'16'
WEB PAGES ON IMPORTANT WTO ISSUES – COMMERCE DEPARTMENT’S NEW INITIATIVE
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (Department of Commerce) is putting up separate web pages on important issues that may be negotiated or discussed in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the near future. This information was given by Shri Nripendra Misra, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, at his first interactive meeting on WTO issues with the representatives of ASSOCHAM, CII, FICCI and FIEO. The first of such web pages relating to negotiations on services has already been put on the Department’s web page site (http://commin.nic.in/). Government have invited comments on the issues posted on this web site and the responses can be given on e-mail at schaudhuri@ub.delhi.nic.in The meeting was the first in a series of monthly interaction programmes with apex industry associations launched recently by the Department of Commerce as part of its wide-ranging consultation process for closer cooperation on WTO related issues.
The meeting discussed the state of play in the WTO in Geneva after the failure of Seattle Ministerial Conference. The Department informed the industry associations about various research and other initiatives taken for evolving India’s stand on WTO issues and in particular, on the mandated negotiations in the areas of agriculture and services. The industry associations also in turn informed the Department about the research and other initiatives undertaken by them. It was observed in the meeting that there is a great scope for synergies on these initiatives and that increased interaction between the industry associations and the government would enhance India’s preparedness to protect India’s national interest as well as seek further market access in areas where India has comparative advantage and core competence. Shri Misra requested the industry associations to share the results of their work and other initiatives with the government and amongst themselves.
'16'
MARAN URGES ENGINEERING EXPORTERS TO UPGRADE TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTIVITY
EEPC EXPORT AWARDS FOR 1998-99 PRESENTED
Shri Murasoli Maran, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, has urged the engineering exporters to upgrade their technology as also their productivity to be able to meet the emerging challenges of globalisation and not only protect their market shares in various countries but also further build upon them. While speaking on the export awards function organised by the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), here today, Shri Maran said that it was imperative that engineering exporters become a part of global networking of online production processes and provided goods of reliable quality at competitive prices. Shri P.P. Prabhu, Commerce Secretary, Shri S. B. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, Department of Commerce and Shri J.S. Bhasin, Chairman, EEPC were also present on the occasion.
Emphasising the need for diversification of markets and keeping up with the technological challenges, the Minister underlined the importance of building brands in overseas markets and ensuring lasting relationships with buyers. Shri Maran said that engineering exports occupy a very important place in the country’s export effort and project to the world that India’s capabilities extend far beyond the traditional sectors. The Minister was also appreciative of the fact that a large number of exporters of engineering products were from the SSI sector. While complimenting EEPC for their efforts towards getting the ISO-9002 certification, which they are likely to receive shortly, Shri Maran also placed on records his appreciation for the quality of the India-Tech Exhibitions being organised by EEPC in collaboration with the IT and telecom industries.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Bhasin said that Indian engineering industry has realised there is no substitute for quality and standardisation. To meet the growing demand of Indian engineering goods in EU, US and Japan, majority of engineering firms are pursuing well directed programme in order to achieve market positioning in the competitive international markets. In the recent years, EEPC has increased its marketing efforts including gathering market intelligence, international positioning of products and strengthening its three overseas offices, he said. Shri Bhasin urged the government to review the value cap introduced in the DEPB scheme and announce the duty drawback rate for residual category. He also requested the Minister to extend 100 per cent tax exemption for exporters for at least next three years as the phased withdrawal of section 80-HHC in the Union Budget had dampened the spirits of Indian exporters.
Shri Satish Dhanda, Vice Chairman, EEPC, delivered the vote of thanks.
The Minister presented total of 97 export excellence awards in various categories including All India Trophy for top and highest exporters to eight companies TISCO, Shree Uma Foundries, Metro Exporters, SAIL, IRCON, Tata Projects, and BHEL. Thirty exporters go highest exporters trophy and 59 exporters received certificate of export excellence.
'10-A' BIRSA MUNDA MEMORIAL COMPLEX IN BIHAR
The Centre has allowed the Bihar Government to utilize an amount of Rs. 3.12 crores, out of the funds made available under Special Central Assistance to the State Government for the establishment of a Memorial Complex in Ulihatu in Bihar in the name of BIRSA MUNDA, a great Tribal Freedom fighter. The complex will have the statue of Birsa Munda, a residential school with library, science museum, cultural museum and homeopathy, naturopathy and yoga clinical centres. The project will be implemented by the Bihar Government.
'39'
SHRI P. SHANKAR TAKES OVER AS FOOD & PD SECRETARY
Shri P. Shankar has taken over as Secretary, Food and Public Distribution in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution here today. The Department under his charge comprises Food and Public Distribution and the Department of Sugar and Edible Oils.Shri Shankar who belongs to the Tamil Nadu cadre (IAS-1996) was Secretary Sugar and Edible Oils in the same Ministry.
He succeeds Shri M.D. Asthana who has been posted as Principal Adviser, Planning Commission.
'27’
CENTRAL GOVT. CONSTANTLY MONITORING DROUGHT SITUATION
At a review meeting of the Committee of Secretaries, Shri Prabhat Kumar, Cabinet Secretary was informed that Central Government is constantly monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to mitigate the hardships being faced due to drought. Alongwith Secretaries of various Ministries i.e Agriculture, Rural Development, Water Resources, Railway & Health, Chief Secretaries Rajasthan Shri Inderjeet Khanna, Andhra Pradesh Shri P.V Rao and Gujarat Resident Commissioner Shri Sunil Sood attended the review meeting and thanked Cabinet secretary for timely and adequate relief to Rajasthan, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh to mitigate the drought situation.During pre-monsoon period upto May 15, 2000 the cumulative rainfall was normal to excess in 20 out of 35 meteorological sub-divisions of the country. This situation is better than last year when nine sub-divisions had received normal to excess rainfall. India Meteorological Development (IMD) informed that 10 out of 16 Model parameters are favourable and indicate that South West Monsoon for 2000 is likely to be normal. Cabinet Secretary told IMD to monitor and issue regularly weekly reports on drought situation with reference to rainfall conditions.
Railways have provided 13 rakes in March, 65 rakes in april and 105 rakes in May for the movement of fodder to different locations in Gujarat. 438 wagons transported water in Alapa, Khodiyar, Rajula, Jamnagar and Bharoch in Gujarat. In Rajasthan 24 rakes transported fodder and water is being transported to drought affected areas. 252 wagons of water was transported for various locations in Orissa. 7500 cusecs water has been released from Indira Gandhi Canal and 1815 cusecs water released from Bikaner/Gang Canal.
Foodgrain allocation is 4,19,205 metric tonnes to Gujarat, 5,26,462 MT to Rajasthan and 4,35,760 tonnes to Andhra Pradesh.
Rural Development Ministry has provided 128.55 crores to Gujarat, 116.88 crores to Rajasthan and 258.14 crore to Andhra Pradesh under various Rural Development Schemes.
NABARD has sanctions loans under RIDF-VI to Gujarat worth Rs. 146.70 crore, to Rajasthan Rs. 144.26 crore and to Andhra Pradesh worth Rs. 2.25 crore.
Amounts released under Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP), Rural Water Supply in DDP areas and Sub-Mission programmes are Gujarat Rs.92.41 crore, Rajasthan Rs. 102.55 crore and Andhra Pradesh Rs.66.70 crore.
In Gujarat 10.22 lakh persons have been employed on relief works and 4.19 lakh cattles are being looked after and 1800 new tube wells have been constructed.
In Rajasthan 11.13 lakh labour is engaged on drought and Rural Development related activities. 2.17 lakh cattles are being looked after. 2323 new handpumps have been installed and 80,101 handpumps have been repaired.
In Andhra Pradesh 371.604 lakh man days work has been provided, 10.76 lakh cattle are benefited, 414 new hand pumps have been installed, 1,34,700 hand pumps have been repaired and 4609 bore wells have been deepened/restored.
‘5’
FINAL RESULTS OF THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY EXAMINATION, OCTOBER, 1999 DECLARED
The Union Public Service Commission has declared the final results of the National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination, held by the Commission in October, 1999, here today. Total 723 candidates have qualified for admission to the 104th course of National Defence Academy commencing from July 2000 on the basis of the examination and interviews held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the Army, Navy and Airforce wings of NDA.
There are some common candidates in the lists of result for Army, Navy and Airforce. The total number of such candidates in the two lists is 170. The number of vacancies as intimated by the government is 197 for Army, 43 for the Navy and 73 for the Air Force.
The results of medical examination have not been taken into account in preparing the lists. The candidature of all the candidates is provisional.
Last date for submission of proof of passing the qualifying examination is 10th June, 2000. For any further information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Centre of the Commission, either in person or on Telephone numbers 3385271 or 3381125. The result is also available at Union Public Service Commission website at http://www.upsc.gov.in.
'15'
IMMENSE SCOPE FOR AMERICAN COMPANIES TO INVEST IN AGRI-BUSINESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS; SINHA
The Finance Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha has said that Indian economy is being liberalised at a sustainable and steady pace so as to optimize the gains. He was addressing a meeting organised by FICCI, USIBC, Chicago Council on Foreign Relations at Chicago yesterday.
While complimenting the American companies for their role in bringing about a spurt in industrial growth in India, Shri Sinha urged them to take advantage of the world's second largest emerging market with one of the richest pool of knowledge workers and science and technology manpower. Shri Sinha assured them of Indian Government's special thrust on infrastructure development and urged them to invest in a bigger way in energy, surface transport, telecom, ports and agri-business sectors. He also said that "one of the most important area where there is tremendous synergy between India and American enterprises is the knowledge based projects and services where both the countries have competitive advantage as exporters". Shri Sinha assured them of India's commitment to WTO regime and about the recent decision to remove quantitative restrictions on about 700 items as an indicator of this.
The Finance Minister invited the American companies to invest in agribusiness in India. Shri Sinha said that India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world and the world's largest producer of milk. However, a small portion of these are processed today resulting in massive waste and misallocation of resources, Shri Sinha said. Praising fundamental strength of the United States', high technological skills in small and medium priors, Shri Sinha invite them for joint ventures in India.
'31'
NATIONAL FAMILY HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGN 1-15TH JUNE 2000
The Family Health Awareness Campaign fortnight begins tomorrow in all the states except Karnataka, Gujarat and Mumbai District AIDS control society where it will be observed in July/August/September, 2000 respectively. It focuses its attention on reducing the transmission of STD by promoting early detection and treatment and thereby slowing the spread of HIV infection with community. The strategy of the campaign includes effective intersectional coordination, mass awareness and social mobilisation, capacity building in management of STD, procurement of STD Drugs, holding of camps in each village during campaign and Monitoring and evaluation.
Under effective intersectional coordination, steering and mass media coordination committees have been established at Central, State and District levels under Union Health Minister, Chief Secretary, Health Secretary and District Magistrate respectively with the objective to forge coordination amongst public, private and voluntary sectors. Under mass Awareness and Social Mobilisation, two rounds of house to house contact by health workers have been envisaged prior to observance FHAC. The objective of the household contact is to inform target group in age range of 15-49 years, about reproductive health problems, facilities available for treatment and ways and means to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Under capacity building in management of STD, a massive training programme is being undertaken in all the districts. Under the procurement of STD Drugs campaign, STD drugs have been supplied to each PHC to treat patients with STD and for effective management and follow up.
During this campaign it is proposed to hold camps separately for male and female target groups in each village . Each camp will be attended by male and female health workers separately and assisted by community volunteers. The health workers will discuss the problem of RTI/.STD with the target group in reference to cases, symptoms and complications. They will make them aware of the HIV/AIDS transmission and its prevention and control. Attendees of the camps will also be informed about the facilities available for treatment and referral slips will be issued to those who need treament . Health care workers would also keep a record for those who are referred for treatment so that they can follow up visis to ensure complete cure of the patients.
For the effective monitoring and evaluation of the campaign supervisory visits by Central and State level observers will be undertaken. For concurrent evaluation, state will identify independent agency.
India Clinical Epidemiology Network (INCLEN), AIIMS based professional organisation, has been assigned the responsibility for conducting process and impact evaluation.
During the last round of Family Health Awareness Campaign (1-15 December, 1999), whgich was observed by all States/UTs except Jammu and Kashmir and Orissa, 175 million people were identified in the target age bracket of 15-49 years. Out of which 45 million (25.6%) attended the village level camps organised for awareness. The number of persons referred to PHCs/CHCs were 1.7 million and 1 million were treated, 22.3 per cent male and 77.7 per cent females for RTI/STD, on syndromic management criteria.
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