The storages in Ukai (27% of designed live storage), Sabarmati (4%), Kadana(8%), Shetrunji (3%), Bhadra (1%), Damangaga (57%) and Dantiwada (1%) in Gujarat; Mahi Bajaj Sagar (18%) and Jhakam (21%) and Rana Pratap Sagar (31%) in Rajashthan; Gandhi Sagar (0%), Tawa (16%), Bargi (37%) in Madhya Pradesh; Minimata Bango (52%) and Mahanadi (14%) in Chattisgarh; Hirakud (41%), Balimela (9%), Salandi (37%), Rengali (39%) and Upper Kolab (26%) in Orissa are below par.

    Besides, the storage in Nagarjuna Sagar (30%), Sriram Sagar (30%) and Somasila (28%) in Andhra Pradesh; Tenughat (35%) and Tilaiya (13%) in Jharkhand; Gobind Sagar (32%) and Pong Dam (22%) in Himachal Pradesh; Ghataprabha (41%), Malaprapha (7%) and Harangi (16%) in Karnataka; Jayakwadi (36%), Bhima (15%), Mula (45%), Yeldari (35%), Girna (10%) and Khadkwasla (27%) in Maharashtra; Lower Bhawani (25%) in Tamil Nadu; Matatila (13%) in Uttar Pradesh and Mayurakshi (39%), Kangsabati (14%) in West Bengal are also very low.

    In order to derive the best possible benefits from the available water, CWC is keeping in touch with the Department of Agriculture and cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture and providing information on the weekly storage position to the Crop apprising the situation to various Departments and Ministries involved in Water Resources Planning.

'25'

SHIPPING TONNAGE IN OPERATION

    During November, 2000, the tanker freight market continued to show upward trend. However, the dry cargo market remained steady.

    Chartering Wing made shipping arrangements to cover a quantity of 26.51 lakh MT of cargo in bulk (dry and liquid) on 40 vessels comprising Indian and foreign. In addition, two tankers were chartered on time chartered basis for coastal movement of cargo account Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Hindustan Petro Chemicals Ltd. (HPCL) , Mumbai.

'7'

ACTION AGAINST MISUSE OF EMBLEMS AND NAMES

    The power of registration under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 of individuals, society and organisation is vested with the Registrar of Societies of the States and Union Territories. However, in case of doubt regarding the applicability of the provisions of the Act, the concerned Registrar seeks clarification or approval of the Central Government. It is in this context that States and Union Territories have been directed to take penal action against individuals, societies and organisations for misuse of the provisions of the Act.

    During the month under report the public sector unit Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL) produced 5074 tonnes of copper cathodes and 3234 tonnes of continuous cast copper rods crossing their targets of 3934 tonnes and 2794 tonnes respectively. The private sector units Indo Gulf Corporation Ltd. (IGCL) produced 9577 tonnes of copper cathode and 9640 tonnes of continuous cast copper rod. The other private unit Sterlite industries (India) Ltd. (SIL) produced 10333 tonnes of copper anode during the month crossing its target of 10278 tonnes.

    During the month the production of Zinc was 10631 tonnes against a target of 11700 tonnes and lead 4140 tonnes against a target of 4250 tonnes. The Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL), a public sector unit produced 8804 tonnes of zinc and Bilani Industries Ltd. (BIL) a private unit produced 1827 tonnes. HZL produced 3710 tonnes of lead and a private unite Indian Lead Ltd. (ILL) produced 430 tonnes of lead during the month.

    The Hutti Gold Mines Ltd. (HGML), during December produced 159.37 kg of gold against a target of 156.608 kg.

    The total value of Mineral production covering metalliferrous and industrial minerals excluding fuel minerals, miner minerals and atomic minerals was Rs.511 crore during December, 2000 as against Rs.471 crore in December 1999.

    The Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. (MECL) drilled about 13 thousand meters and mined 504 meters during the month. The implementation of NALCO’s projects for expansion of Bauxite mines and alumina refinery at Damanjodi are on progress. The expansion of NALCO’s aluminium smelter at Angul are on schedule. BALCO’s project for installation of new cold rolling mill will be completed by June 2001.

    India’s imports during April-December 2000-2001 are valued at US $ 38150.25 million representing a growth of 8.95% over the level of imports valued at US $ 35015.67 million in April-December 1999-2000. Oil imports during April-December 2000-2001 are valued at US $ 12449.65 million which is 78.23% higher than oil imports valued at US $ 6985.13 million in the corresponding period last year. Non-oil imports during April-December 2000-2001 are estimated at US $ 25700.60 million which is 8.31% lower than the level of such imports valued at US $ 28030.54 million in April-December 1999-2000. Imports during December 2000 are valued at US $ 3775.94 million which is 12.05% lower than the level of US $ 4293.31 million in December 1999. In rupee terms, the imports decreased by 5.45%.

    The trade deficit for April-December 2000-2001 is estimated at US $ 5883.95 million which is lower than the deficit at US $ 8221.78 million during April-December 1999-2000.

    Tables giving details of exports, imports and trade balance, according to the provisional estimates of Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics (DGCI&S), are attached.

GOVERNMENT KEEN TO EXPLOIT HYDRO-POWER POTENTIAL'

    The Power Minister reaffirmed that the Government would like to meet the substantial portion of power requirement over the next 10 to 12 years through hydropower. The CEA in its 16^th Power Survey released last week has pegged the power requirement over the next 10 to 12 years at about one lakh MW. Shri Prabhu added that India needs to find the least hazardous source of power and issues like resettlement and environment need to be addressed while formulating hydropower projects. For this purpose, he said, the Ministry of Power has set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to look after the issues of resettlement and environment for which money would be set aside from project finances during the planning stage.

    The two-day conference is being orgnised with the aim of increasing awareness of the role, hydropower can play in the sustainable development of renewable energy. It will also promote and propagate hydro development which is planned and implemented in an environmentally and socially acceptable way.

    It is for the first time that Presidents of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), International Commission on Irrigation & Drainage (ICID) and International Hydropower Association (IHA) would be addressing the participants.

    The inaugural session of the Conference was also addressed by the Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Dr. Z. Hasan and the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the NHPC, Shri Yogendra Prasad.

ENTERTAINMENT SECTOR TO GROW UP TO RS. 60,000 IN FIVE YEARS

    Inaugurating the 7^th BES EXPO 2001-7^th International Conference and Exhibition on Terrestrial and Satellite Broadcasting, organized by the Broadcasting Engineering Society (India), here today, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Smt. Sushma Swaraj said that the Government on its part will always be ready to provide proper framework and policies as required. She said, Prasar Bharati needs to work out a strategy, which is cost effective to extend coverage to all parts of India for covering additional population in remote and sparsely populated areas. Prasar Bharati also needs to exploit the unique advantage of terrestrial broadcasting for generating and transmitting local content. It also needs to use its studios and programming personnel in a more meaningful way so that this objective can be effectively achieved. The role of Prasar Bharati as a public broadcasting service becomes more vital for informing people about socially relevant issues, developmental efforts and policies of the Government and issues, which are vital for the country. The Minister said, this requires proper selection of the content of programmes broadcast by Doordarshan and All India Radio.

Referring to the emerging convergence scenario with improving digital technology, which makes increasing number of services available to the end user, the Minister said we have to keep in mind the needs of the common man, particularly those who cannot afford to invest in costly equipment. The ultimate test of the improvements in the technology and the phenomenon of convergence will be whether it is able to improve the lives of the common man particularly the under-privileged.

    Smt. Swaraj emphasized that the service providers must be able to provide broadcasting, internet, telecommunications and data casting etc. Simultaneously, while the end user would demand his receiving instrument to be able to show him TV programmes, provide internet facilities and specialized information like that relating to whether, stock market, traffic condition etc., and also to act as a telephone and a computer.

    The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Ramesh Bais emphasized the need to re-orient news services and other programmes to suit the present scenario and regain its pre-eminence in the broadcasting sector. This would not only require technological improvement but also upgrading the standard of programme content. The Secretary designate, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Pawan Chopra appreciated the initiative taken by the broadcasting engineers to organize this international conference which provides a forum to discuss all aspects of the broadcasting sector. The Vice Chancellor, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Prof. K.K. Aggarwal delivered the keynote address on ‘Towards a Convergent World’.

'13'

CSIR MOUNTS SPECIFIC RELIEF OPERATIONS IN QUAKE-HIT GUJARAT

    A team of high-way engineers from the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) is also on its way to the State to facilitate rehabilitation of roads and bridges. The damage to these infrastructures is so severe that traffic movements at several locations have been disrupted.

    The CSIR is also forming a group to look into the revision of building codes and bye-laws so that new buildings can be made earthquake-safe. The Council is closely working with the Ministry of Agriculture, the nodal agency on Natural Disaster in structuring a permanent National Centre for Calamity Management.

    The CSIR says the rehabilitation programme among other things would require huge quantities of building material. One of the ways to somewhat meet the demand is to make effective use of the vast amount of the waste rubble and debris piled up everywhere and convert this waste into useful building material and components. Such a strategy was adopted by the CSIR some years ago at Kaliasur (Garhwal) following a major landslide.

    The huge quantities of debris, the disposal of which otherwise could create an environmental problem, can best be used for construction of roads and road embankments. The CSIR said, the debris could be converted into blocks for building construction in collaboration with the CBRI. The CSIR has the capacity to design and develop appropriate equipment to advise the State Government on these matters. Such an initiative could also lead to providing gainful employment to the earthquake displaced people.

    The Gujarat Government has appreciated the team from CBRI for giving outstanding help to the local administration in assessing the damage and mounting the salvage operations.

    The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation has issued instructions to all District Collectors for transferring the funds assigned by the Members of Parliament to Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat.

    Under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), MPs can recommend works outside their Constituencies/States for construction of assets that are permissible in the Guidelines for rehabilitation measures in the vent of natural calamity of rare severity in any part of the country, for an amount not exceeding Rs.10 lakhs for each calamity.

‘11’

SHRI PAWAN CHOPRA ASSUMES CHARGE OF I&B SECRETARY

    Shri Chopra was Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat prior to this appointment. He has also worked as an Additional Secretary (Revenue) and CMD, Rajasthan Finance Corporation.

    N.C.L.P’s. are being run in 96 districts of the country of which 7 are in Madhya Pradesh. They are in Bilaspur, Durg, Mandsaur, Rajnandgaon, Sarguja and Gwalior, and also one at Raigarh in Chhatisgarh. The child withdrawn from jobs are being rehabilitated in these Projects and their numbers are being increased to 100. In the N.C.L. Project areas, an integration of various developmental programmes are being attempted. These include stepping up enforcement of child labour laws, non-formal education, income and employment generation programmes, special schools, raising public awareness and survey and evaluation.

    In view of the magnitude of the damages caused by the earthquake, Shri Gangwar has called upon the citizens of the country to make contributions to the maximum possible extent to this noble cause. In a special appeal made to the people of his constituency i.e. Bareilly he requested them to make contributions both in cash and kind including physical assistance. Shri Gangwar has also embarked upon mobilising volunteers to carry out relief and rehabilitation work, particularly in the inaccessible parts affected by the earthquake.

    In addition, the PFC has decided to contribute a day’s wages of its employees for the welfare of the victims of the earthquake. PFC employees are also collecting donations and materials such as tents, medicines, grains, foodstuffs and woolens to be sent to Gujarat.

'8'

DR. JOSHI PRESENTS AIFACS AWARDS

    Dr. Joshi told the gathering that India has the tradition of art and culture since time immemorial and Indian art has the pride of place in the world. Indian art has depth, feeling and life in them. He urged the artists to keep up the Indian traditions and art alive.

    The awards carry cash prizes of Rs. 40,000, Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively.

    Responding to the appeal, Shri Rajiv Takru, DG, Apparel Exports Promotion Council (AEPC) who had already announced a contribution of Rs 21 lakh and dispatched 8500 blankets for Ahmedabad informed that 10,500 blankets are also being sent to Rajkot. He also assured the Garment Industry's support for a further contribution of Rs. 5 crores either in cash or kind for the earthquake relief.

    While a contribution of Rs. 2.11 crore is expected from TEXPROCIL and its members, SRTEPC is also expected to provide Rs. 2 crores. Various silk and woolen council members are likely to contribute about Rs. 1 crore. National Textile Corporation (NTC) has already sent dhotis and sheets etc. to Ahmedabad and 1800 blankets are further being sent. It has also volunteered a support of Rs. 50 lakhs.

    The Ministry of Textiles has also decided to immediately disperse the arrears of salaries due to NTC employees residing in Gujarat. It has also been decided to contribute one day's salary by the employees of Ministry of Textiles, Export Promotion Councils, PSUs and other allied bodies associated with the Ministry of Textiles. This is expected to generate about Rs. 1.5 crore.

    The Jute Industry has come forward with a consolidated offer of Rs. One crore. This includes the dispatch of one Lakh meter of jute, which has already been sent to Ahmedabad. Further, 2 lakh tones of jute will be dispatched shortly. The jute mill owners have also assured further contribution of Rs.7.5 lakhs.

    The existing schemes for the benefit of Handlooms and Handicrafts workers would be synergised for maximization of benefits in the Earthquake affected areas. About 2500 Work-shed cum Housing units in 25 worst affected villages are proposed to be constructed for the benefit of workers to sustain their livelihood with the support of DC (Handicrafts). Besides imparting training for starting the unit during the initial period, the tool kits will also be provided so that economic activities could be started and sustained. About 5000 work- sheds are also proposed to be made available for Handicraft workers in the worst affected areas of Surender Nagar and Kutch. DC (Handicrafts) and DC (Handlooms) would jointly help in the reconstruction efforts. The Office of the Development commissioner for Handicrafts is also working on a Work-shed cum Housing scheme for Ten talukas in Bhuj District having maximum concentration of Handicrafts workers. Out of this 4000 units are proposed to be constructed in rural areas while 1000 units in urban areas. An amount of Rs 5 Crore is proposed to be spent on this scheme. The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts has also given an assistance of Rs 10 Lakhs. Moreover the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handicrafts has contributed Rs. 50 lakhs as share capital assistance to Gujarat State Handicraft Development Board to assist the artisans.

    The Minister said that a report submitted by the Management Consultant which contains recommendations on suitable career prospects to attract and retain qualified technical staff in C-DOT is under consideration of the Government. He said that the level of skill and expertise of C-DOT engineers is well known in telecom industry and the superior compensation offered by telecom companies in the private sector, has resulted in migration of young talent outside which is a matter of concern. The Minister said that there is a need for effective harnessing of the abundant technical talent of young engineers for the success of C-DOT.

    The Minister informed the Members that C-DOT has developed a wide range of Digital Switching systems for rural and urban applications. The range extends from 128 lines' Rural Automatic Exchanges (RAX) to a 40,000 lines switching systems meant for urban and semi-urban applications. He said that the switching systems based on C-DOT technology which have a large presence in the Indian Telecom network is being extensively used to restore essential Telecommunications in earth-quake hit areas of Gujarat.

    Participating in the discussion, Members of the Consultative Committee appreciated C-DOT for its R&D work and suggested that a superior package be worked out in order to attract and retain qualified technical staff to prevent their migration. They said that C-DOT has vast export potential and the expertise and design developed by this premier research organization in the field of telecommunications should be utilized to the country's advantage. Members also complimented the DOT and BSNL for extending the local call area limit upto 200 Kms which they said would greatly help the general users. Some Members mentioned that certain doubts and misgivings about the calls becoming costlier as a result of reduction in pulse rate from 3 to 2 need to be removed. Members also welcomed the government move to allow limited mobility to basic service providers and said that it will vastly help in expansion the telecom base and increasing the tele-density in the country. Members of the Consultative Committee also underlined the need for augmenting the telephone services in the country, more particularly in the rural areas.

    The Minister of State for Communications Shri Tapan Sikdar was present in the Meeting. Others Members who attended the meeting include Dr.(Smt.)Sudha Yadav, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Shri Ramanand Singh, Shri Shyam Bihar Mishra, Shri Padam Sen Chaudhary, Shri Raj Narain Pasi, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Shri Abdul Rashid Shaheem, Shri Laxmanrao Pandurang Jadhav (Patil), Shri Bir Singh Mahto, Shri A.K.S. Vijayan, Shri Bhan Singh Bhaura, Shri Sanat Kumar Mandal, Shri Mahendra Baitha, Shri D.B. Atkinson, Col. Sona Ram Choudhary, Shri Rajo Singh (Lok Sabha Members) and Dr. D. Venkateswara Rao, Shri Mohd. Azam Khan, Shri Nilotpal Basu, Shri Anil Sharma, Shri Sharief-Ud Din Shariq (Rajya Sabha Members).

Background

    The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) was established jointly by the Department of Telecommunications and Department of Electronics in 1984. It was entrusted the task of design, development and engineering of digital electronic switching and transmission systems. The C-DOT designed switching equipment has contributed significantly to the development of telecommunications services in the country. C-DOT has revolutionized the telecom scenario of rural India.

    C-DOT has also developed a communication system called Time Division Multiple Access-Point to Point (TDMA-PMP) which promises to prove very effective in fast provisioning of telecom services in geographically distributed clusters of villages. The introduction of the Intelligent Networks Services in the country was made possible by the technology developed at C-DOT. Many Intelligent Network services like Virtual Card Calling, Free Phone and Premium Rate Service have become very popular.

    C-DOT has also been entrusted the task of providing Mobile Personal Communication Services in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal employing Mobile Switching Centres developed at the center. C-DOT is a multi-dimensional organization with many other technologies in radio, opto-electronics, satellite and network management fields. Work is also in progress on many leading edge technologies like SDH, ATM, Fibre Access Systems, etc.