Releases......pt2

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Railways  

Battery operated vehicles for disabled and elderly passengers at major railway stations

New Delhi: August 28, 2009

 

In a significant move aimed at providing traveling comforts to disabled and old aged passengers, the Ministry of Railways has decided to allow private parties to operate free round the clock service of battery operated cars at the platforms of major railway stations for carrying disabled and old aged passengers for boarding the trains. The policy guidelines in this connection have been sent to all the Zonal Railways.

 

The parties would be allowed of first cum first serve basis under certain terms and conditions which include; i) No charge shall be levied either from the passenger or from the Railway. ii) Railway shall provide only electricity free of cost for charging the batteries of the vehicle. iii) Party shall be allowed to advertise on the panel of the vehicles which shall be bound by the guidelines stipulated for advertisement on railway premises. iv) The vehicle shall be used to cater only the disabled and old aged passengers. v) An agreement with the party shall be entered into for a period of maximum one year. vi) Repairs, maintenance and replacement, if required, will be done by the party. vii) The number of vehicles to be piled at a station will be decided by the Zonal Railways based on requirement. And viii) An annual review of the performance shall be undertaken to assess the revenue involved and possibility of revenue sharing.

 

aks/hk/lk/tr/dk/kol/17:35 hrs. 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation  

Promote mutual cooperation and co-existence among a cross-section of city dwellers along with the provision of safe and reliable civic amenities, good living conditions and safety against natural and manmade disasters: Selja

New Delhi: August 28, 2009

 

The Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Kumari Selja says that Urbanisation has led to extreme overcrowding and congestion with a marked deterioration of the quality of life in the cities. Speaking at an International workshop on the subject of safety and security in the slums at Oslo, Norway she said, India has 286 million people living in 5000 cities and towns out of which 61.7 million or nearly 22 percent urban population is living in slums and squatter settlements. Inability of the individual household or community to satisfy the needs of the poor compels them to resort innovative ways of survival in cities. The Minister said, Demolition of slums is the constant threat which causes insecurity and fear amongst the poor. Due to frustration, helplessness and insecurity the urban poor face compelling circumstances that are not conducive for social cohesion and harmony. She said, Crimes both serious as well as not very serious and violence against vulnerable groups such as women and children are quite prevalent in the slums. Natural and manmade disasters like floods, cyclone, drought, communal violence are also affecting safety of the cities especially the slum dwellers and urban poor. It is felt that the safety issues have serious consequences on overall sustainability of human settlements and socio-economic development. Kumari Selja said, Growth, with equity, with focussed programmes to eliminate and deal with urban poverty, will have to be high on the agenda of the governments at the central and state levels. We need to not only build capacities at city level to adequately address insecurity in slums; but also contribute to the establishment of a culture of prevention. Prevention strategies at the city level will need to be initiated in order to form partnerships between municipalities, community organisations, the police, and the judicial system. Sustainable safety must be made an integral part of strategic municipal planning. A community building approach that emphasises the importance of social capital (social justice, trust, participation, sharing common values) is vital when working towards local safety solutions. The Minister said, it is important to develop a framework with concrete tools to help cities address crime and insecurity. This includes citywide tools to facilitate data collection and analysis to support policy development and help monitor the impact of new urban security policies, integrated polices and multi-sectoral approaches at city level, developing partnerships for good governance and consensus building and ways to measure and ensure sustainability of impacts of urban security strategies and policies.

 

Therefore, there is a need to promote mutual cooperation and co-existence among a cross-section of city dwellers along with the provision of safe and reliable civic amenities, good living conditions and safety against natural and manmade disasters.

 

Here is the full text of Minister's speech

 

"Distinguished dignitaries on the dais, participants on the Board of Governors, Ladies and Gentlemen. At the outset I thank the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway and Urban Poor Fund International for inviting me to the Board of Governors Meeting & the international workshop on the subject of safety and security in the slums. This theme of this seminar "Safety and Security in the Slums" is not only very apt but also timely. I wish to share a few of my thoughts in this august gathering.

 

In this era of rapid urbanization, promotion of safer cities has emerged as one of the concerns for policy makers and planners. Crime is a serious problem in cities all over the world. Crime and the fear of crime are serious threats to the stability and social climate of cities, to sustainable and economic development, the quality of life and human rights. Recent studies show that over the past years, all urban residents especially the slum dwellers in the world have been victims of crime. Clearly, crime, whether violent or not, is growing, which is posing serious threat to urban safety all over the world. The threats to urban safety pose a huge challenge to both national and city governments.

 

Urbanisation has led to extreme overcrowding and congestion with a marked deterioration of the quality of life in the cities. India has 286 million people living in 5000 cities and towns out of which 61.7 million or nearly 22 percent urban population is living in slums and squatter settlements. Inability of the individual household or community to satisfy the needs of the poor compels them to resort innovative ways of survival in cities. Demolition of slums is the constant threat which causes insecurity and fear amongst the poor. Due to frustration, helplessness and insecurity the urban poor face compelling circumstances that are not conducive for social cohesion and harmony.

 

Crimes both serious as well as not very serious and violence against vulnerable groups such as women and children are quite prevalent in the slums. Natural and manmade disasters like floods, cyclone, drought, communal violence are also affecting safety of the cities especially the slum dwellers and urban poor. It is felt that the safety issues have serious consequences on overall sustainability of human settlements and socio-economic development.

 

Crime is a social phenomenon and no system for its prevention and control could ever be conceived without an active participation of public. Civil Society should serve as primary tool for the desired transparency and accountability in the functioning of various penal institutions established by the State to control crime. A variety of problem and individual oriented approaches to crime prevention can be devised and implemented through the self-help endeavours and collective interaction of people themselves. Apart from direct intervention in situation and problem responsible for crime, voluntary agencies can be greatly instrumental in moulding public opinion and in mobilizing social support for an effective implementation of social legislation, enacted to eradicate social evils. Government and Non Government organisations can work through the dissemination of knowledge and provision of legal advise on children's rights, human rights. Familiarity with their rights make citizens feel more a part of society and lead to reduction of conflict. Cities can be made safe by extending crime prevention and control measures beyond criminal justice system and by building social action to curb conditions which produce crime. We need to focus on prevention of crime by protecting various vulnerable groups within the framework of social justice.

 

There has been increasing concern among policymakers that the frustrations accompanying long-term unemployment among large populations of young men in urban areas may feed political and ideological unrest and provoke violence. As demonstrated by the riots in Paris in late 2005, high youth unemployment, particularly within marginalized ethnic minorities, can create urban unrest, which can challenge government authority and endanger national stability. More importantly, high levels of unemployment among youth, particularly in urban areas, indicate that cities are unable to absorb labour, which in the long term has a direct impact on economic growth and poverty reduction. We need to work consciously towards developing initiatives that improve the livelihood of the youth and their feeling of purpose and belonging.

 

Urban violence erodes the social capital of the poor. Insecurity affects the poor more intensely, breaks down socio-cultural bonds and prevents social mobility, thus contributing to the development of urban ghettos and stigmatised neighbourhoods. The largest number of victims of crime and of the fears it generates are found living in the slums and other informal settlements. Today, 1 billion people, or 1 of every 3 urban dwellers, live in slums. We need to look at ways of making our cities inclusive places able to provide for all.

 

The Habitat Agenda commits the nations to achieve the goal of improving living and working conditions on an equitable and sustainable basis, so that everyone will have adequate shelter that is healthy, safe, secure, accessible and affordable and that includes basic services, facilities and amenities, and will enjoy freedom from discrimination in housing and legal security of tenure.

 

Town planning and architecture have an acknowledged impact on security. Public spaces are the reflection of energy, of confrontation, of conflicts operating within the city. From town-planner to policeman, the concept of the city is pluralistic and requires a dialogue between science and know-how, which are sometimes quite far removed from each other. At the national and local levels, city and local authorities stand out clearly as the most important partners to advance urban safety. We need to promote urban planning and governance for safety as an integrated approach to addressing crime and enhancing the role of local government in crime and violence prevention in slums.

 

Recent evidence suggests that apart from unplanned growth of human settlements, natural and human-made disasters are increasing in frequency the world over, and that this trend is partly linked to climate change. Vulnerability of human settlements is higher in slum areas due to larger population densities.

 

Urban safety is essential to development, but the constraints in achieving it include a lack of institutional and legal frameworks, the negative impact of weak governance, difficulties in measuring results and realizing inclusive participation and partnerships, and limited capacity at the local level.

 

Growth, with equity, with focussed programmes to eliminate and deal with urban poverty, will have to be high on the agenda of the governments at the central and state levels. We need to not only build capacities at city level to adequately address insecurity in slums; but also contribute to the establishment of a culture of prevention. Prevention strategies at the city level will need to be initiated in order to form partnerships between municipalities, community organisations, the police, and the judicial system. Sustainable safety must be made an integral part of strategic municipal planning. A community building approach that emphasises the importance of social capital (social justice, trust, participation, sharing common values) is vital when working towards local safety solutions. It is important to develop a framework with concrete tools to help cities address crime and insecurity. This includes citywide tools to facilitate data collection and analysis to support policy development and help monitor the impact of new urban security policies, integrated polices and multi-sectoral approaches at city level, developing partnerships for good governance and consensus building and ways to measure and ensure sustainability of impacts of urban security strategies and policies.

 

Therefore, there is a need to promote mutual cooperation and co-existence among a cross-section of city dwellers along with the provision of safe and reliable civic amenities, good living conditions and safety against natural and manmade disasters.

 

In addition, in order to prevent crime and violence, social development policies will have to be a part of crime prevention programmes. In order to promote a just social development programme so as to alleviate poverty and to address the causes and roots from which crime and violence emanates in cities, the nature and delivery of development will also have to change. Greater democratisation and participation, more decentralisation, and enhanced autonomy at the local/city level, will need to be a prerequisite for development.

 

Other very important concern in the present urbanizing scenario of our cities is threat of eviction and insecurity of tenure faced by the urban poor due to inadequate planning and development interventions, which requires a long term perspective and corrective measures. These together will, in the long run, enhance and promote development of safe cities and making them just and equitable for all its citizens.

 

While poverty as such cannot be taken as the sole factor or cause of crime in the cities, however, it may compel the poor to abate or conspire with such acts due to helplessness. Government of India is striving hard by making policies and programmes for social justice and empowerment through a wide range of poverty alleviation measures. Swaran Jayanti Shahari Rojgar Yojana (SJSRY) – the poverty alleviation programme of Government of India is focussing on empowerment of the poor communities especially women. The scheme has been formulated with bottom up approach where the poor especially women are implementing the scheme It was in this context that Government of India initiative for Urban Renewal led to implementation of programmes with emphasis on basic services, shelter, slum upgradation, equity and social justice. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) is another important and comprehensive programme initiated by Government of India to develop basic services for the poor and promote land tenure, affordable shelter, water, sanitation, education, health and social security. This Mission lays emphasis on community participation and on public-private-people participation in urban planning and implementation. The underlying emphasis of all these schemes is based on the understanding that the poor themselves will have to be sufficiently empowered to overcome poverty through self-help, collective initiatives and participation in decision making that affect their lives.

 

I hope that today's deliberations will sensitize various stakeholders to take further steps for the promotion of safe, secure and inclusive city and make them just and equitable. The Govt. of India, as in the past, will provide all possible support for making efforts in this regard".

 

ad/ak/dk/kol/17:35 hrs. 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises  

Prime Minister presents National Awards to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises

 

Rs. 4,735 CRORE EARMARKED UNDER PMEGP SCHEME FOR GENERATING 37 LAKH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES : DINSHA PATEL

New Delhi: August 28, 2009

 

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh presented the National Awards to the successful Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) as also to the Banks for excellence in MSE/micro lending here today. Spelling out the positive contribution of the MSME sector towards employment generation, the Prime Minister said "this sector is an important component of our national economy. It provides employment to nearly 60 million people and contributes over 45% of the total manufactured output and 40% of our exports earnings".

 

Congratulating the award winning entrepreneurs, he said that MSMEs also have an important role to play in developing the skills of our youth and thereby empower them to lead a life of dignity and self respect. Apart from producing technical manpower, this sector has trained a very large number of young people. In this way it contributes to the growth of disbursed industrialization in our large country.

 

Dr Manmohan Singh said, "the recent global economic slow down has had an adverse impact on the growth of our economy. Micro, small and medium enterprises have also not remained unaffected. But I can say with some satisfaction that the Government has been alive to the needs and concerns of the sector"… "I am happy that the stimulus packages that the Government announced in coordination with the RBI contained many measures, which have been of help to this sector. These measures have been taken forward in the Union Budget of 2009-10".

 

Further he added, "I do recognize we need to do more to realize the full development potential of this very important sector. It is in this pursuit that I have had the benefit of taking a meeting with the representatives of this sector two days back and I have issued directions for constitution of a Task Force that would look into the remaining difficulties still being faced by this sector. After the recommendations of the Task Force are available within a time bound period of three months, we will decide on how to further move ahead on this road to provide relief and support to this important sector. Let me assure each one of you that your concerns will continue to receive our government's very serious and honest consideration".

 

Felicitating public sector banks for their commendable role in providing credit to MSMEs the Prime Minister said "credit is the lifeline of any business more so for businesses in MSME sector. Our government is committed to double the flow of credit to MSMEs in five years. I note with some satisfaction that loans outstanding to this sector from the public sector banks have registered a growth of close to 25% during the one year". He further urged the banks to ensure higher flow of funds to these enterprises and also urged MSMEs to explore new and emerging sources of finance such as Venture Capital and Private Equity.

 

Congratulating Sushri Kumud Joshi, Chairperson, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Shri Manmohan Singh said, "I am also very happy to know that a programme of comprehensive reforms in the Khadi sector is planned to be launched with assistance from the Asian Development Bank".

 

The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating once again his governments' commitment to support, to nurse and to encourage this very important segment and sector of economy. "I once again congratulate today's award winners and I hope that they will serve as an inspiration for others and role models for guiding more people to come in this vital area of national economy".

 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dinsha Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MSME said, "the micro, small and medium enterprises sector is the second largest sector after the agriculture sector in employment generation and through two crore sixty lakh enterprises in this sector, about six crore people get employment.

 

The Minister said to face the global competition and improve the capacity of the enterprises the Ministry is implementing National Manufacturing Competency Programme. "For the 11th Plan, an amount of Rs. 605 crore has been earmarked for this programme. Under this programme, for increasing the competency, many programmes are being implemented under Public-Private partnership in order to attain global standards in quality and competency".

 

Referring to Prime Minister's initiative on Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) the Minister said, "during 2008-09 to 2011-12, an amount of Rs. 4,735 crore has been earmarked under this scheme for generation of 37 lakh employment opportunities in rural and urban areas of the country".

 

The Minister added, "in rural areas, Khadi and Village Industries sector plays an important role in generation of employment and in fulfillment of dreams of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. But in view of the changing scenario there are a number of challenges for this sector. Therefore, many programmes are being run by Khadi and Village Industries commission (KVIC). For Upgradation and revitalization of Khadi sector, with the help of Asian Development Bank, an ambitious programme has been put in place. In addition to this, on the sale of khadi, in place of 'rebate' scheme, steps are being taken to start Market Development Assistance (MDA). The year 2009 has been declared as 'International Year for the Natural Fibres' by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Coir industry is providing employment to 7 lakh skilled and unskilled labourers throughout the country, out of which 80 % are women".

 

Praising the role of banks in the credit available to MSME, Shri Dinsha Patel said "I congratulate those banks who provide support in fulfilling the requirements of this sector for which they are being honoured through national awards.

 

The National Award Function was organized by the four important organizations under the Ministry of MSME, namely Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME), National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and Coir Board.

 

Total 225 awards were presented in various categories, Shri Dinsha Patel and the Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Shri Dinesh Rai also presented some of the awards.

 

rts/vn/dk/kol/17:35 hrs.