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Memories of Another day

Memories of Another day
While my Parents Pulin babu and Basanti devi were living

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

No Forceful acquisition of land for railway projects

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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No Forceful acquisition of land for railway projects

 

New Delhi : September 16, 2009

 

The Ministry of Railways has decided that there shall not be any forceful acquisition of land for the railway projects. Accordingly, it has been decided to comprehensively review Railway's Land Acquisition policy to ensure that forceful acquisition of land, including agriculture land, is completely avoided. The focus of this review will be to facilitate transaction/purchase/acquisition of land directly from the land owner with complete transparency.

 

All existing land acquisition cases shall be critically examined in the light of the above review within a period of one month.

 

AKS/HK/LK/TR  /spandey

 

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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India Committed to bring down tobacco consumption says Shri Dinesh Trivedi

INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON FCTC BEGINS IN NEW DELHI

 

New Delhi : September 16, 2009

 

The Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Dinesh Trivedi has said that India is committed to bring down tobacco production as per the provisions of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Speaking at the inaugural session of First meeting of the Working Group under Articles 17-18 of WHO Frame Work Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Shri Trivedi said that apart from focusing on health dimensions of the tobacco consumption, there is a need for concentrating on alternative livelihood for the millions of farmers and cottage industry workers who are engaged in tobacco related activities. " Tobacco lobby has used these two stake holders to stall many serious steps to curb the tobacco menace in the country", the Minister said.

 

Shri Trivedi outlined various initiatives of the Government of India to control tobacco consumption which kills about 9 lakh people every year in the country. Shri Trivedi informed that India has enacted comprehensive legislations to curb smoking. In order to provide economically viable activity to various stake holders the Ministry is collaborating with Central Tobacco Research Institute and Directorate of Agricultural Research and Extension to establish viable, sustainable, alternatives to tobacco crops. Ministry is also in touch with Ministries of Labour and Finance to develop skills based vocational training for bidi rollers. Internationally also India is one of the pioneers in signing FCTC and containing sustained collaboration with WHO and other International Organizations.

 

WHO-FCTC is the only International Public Health Treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organisation (WHO). India along with 168 countries have ratified the FCTC. The WHO-FCTC has identified key strategies for reduction in demand and supply of tobacco products. These demand reduction and supply reduction strategies are very useful tool for all countries who want to control the epidemic of tobacco. The key demand reduction strategies include price tax measures and non-price measures (ban on smoking in public places, comprehensive ban on advertisement, promotion and sponsorship, statutory warnings, tobacco product regulations, etc.). Likewise, key supply reduction strategies include combating illicit trade, alternative livelihood to tobacco workers, alternate cropping, etc.

 

Articles 17 & 18 of the WHO-FCTC forms one of the core supply reduction strategy of FCTC. It envisages for economically viable alternative activities to tobacco crop and manufacturing of tobacco products; protection of environment and health of the person in respect of tobacco collectors & manufacturers. There is an urgent need to look at the supply reduction strategies, as these are most difficult strategies to implement due to challenges from other stakeholders (farmers, tobacco workers, bidi rollers). These stakeholders would become hurdles to any tobacco control efforts, if their concerns are not addressed.

 

DS/GK/spandey

 

 

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Sports Minister gives rupees 3 lakh to widow of late Shri Makkhan Singh Brilliant Runner & Arjuna Awardee

 

New Delhi : September 16, 2009

 

Dr. M.S. Gill, Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports presented, a demand draft of Rs. 3 lakh to Smt. Sulinder Kaur , widow of late Shri Makkhan Singh here today. The amount has been approved by the Sports Minister as a lump sum assistance from the National Welfare fund for the Sportspersons after coming to know about the family living in miserable condition.

 

Late Shri Makkhan Singh was Gold Medalist in 4 x 400 mtrs relay race and also won Silver medal in 400 mtrs in 1962 Jakarta Asian Games. He also participated in 1964 Olympic Games. In the National Games held in 1964, he won Ist position in 400 mtrs race overshadowing Shri . Milkha Singh , who secured second position. Because of his brilliant performance, the Government decorated him with Arjuna Award in 1964.

 

National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons provides assistance to sportspersons of yesteryears and their families, who brought glory for the country but are now living in indigent circumstances. The Ministry considers such cases for financial assistance based on media reports or personal representation given by sportspersons themselves or by their family members.

 

It may be recalled that the Sports Ministry had approved financial assistance of Rs. 1.5 lakh each earlier this month to widows of four members of the Indian football Team that took part in Melbourne Olympics, 1956 and reached up to semi-finals. In February, this year, nine surviving members of the Indian Football Team, namely Shri Samar Banerjee, Shri S.S. Narayan, Shri A.S. Salam, Shri A. Hussain, Shri N.K. Nandi, Shri P.K. Banerjee, Shri M.Z. Zulfikar, Shri Tulsidas Balaram and Shri Keshto Pal were also given financial assistance of Rs. 1.5 lakh each.

 

RM/AS/spandey

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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International Ozone Day celebrated

UNIVERSAL PARTICIPATION – OZONE PROTECTION UNIFIES THE WORLD

 

New Delhi : September 16, 2009

 

The 15th International Ozone Day was celebrated on 16 September 2009 at the FICCI Golden Jubilee Auditorium in New Delhi to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The theme for this year was "Universal participation – Ozone protection unifies the World". Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment & Forests was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Speaking on the occasion Shri Ramesh said that India was one of the first developing countries to join the Montreal Protocol and pledge its commitment to protect the Ozone Layer. As a part of the accelerated phase-out of CFCs, India has completely phased out the production and consumption of CFCs as on 1 August 2008, 17 months prior to the agreed schedule.

 

The Minister said that the Montreal Protocol has been hailed as one the most successful examples of an international environmental treaty. With Timor-Leste becoming the 196th state to ratify it, it has become the first treaty to ever achieve universal participation. At a time when the world is trying to solve the problem of climate change, the International Ozone Day provided a timely reminder of how international cooperation can help to solve major global environmental problems.

 

Shri Ramesh informed that over 97% of controlled Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) have been phased out by the Montreal Protocol. The end of 2009 will mark another significant milestone in the history of its implementation, with the use of potent ODSs –CFCs, Carbon Tetra Chloride(CTC) and Halons, except pharmaceutical-grade CFCs used in the manufacture of Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) – being ceased completely. While CFCs required for manufacturing for MDIs used by Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients are still available in India, a national transition strategy to phase them out by 2013 is currently under implementation. A comprehensive Road Map and Action Plan to phase-out of production and consumption of HCFCs in various sectors in India has also been developed. The Government of India has also taken a number of policy measures, fiscal and regulatory, to encourage the early adoption of alternative technologies in this area by existing and new enterprises, the Minister said.

 

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the World Bank recently also launched the India: Chiller Energy Efficiency Project to accelerate the conversion of CFC-based chillers using new, more energy efficient technologies. Given that the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously supporting the phase-out of consumption of ODSs, it is a good example of how the implementation of the Montreal Protocol can contribute towards addressing global warming.

 

A number of competitions had also been organized for children on 4 September 2009 to mark this occasion. Prizes to the winners of these competitions were presented by the Hon. Minister. The 11th Edition of the "Montreal Protocol: India's Success Story" describing India's activities under the Protocol was also released on this occasion.

 

The Madini Puraskar for the year 2008 were also awarded by the Hon'ble Minister to six Writers of Books in Hindi on environment and related subjects.

 

VLK/ska  /spandey

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Regulated retail sale of Oselatamivir Phosphate and Zanamivir allowed

 

New Delhi : September 16, 2009

 

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has on 15th September, 2009 issued a Notification under Section 26 E of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940 restricting the sale of the drugs 'Zanamivir' and 'Oselatamivir Phosphate'. Prior to the issue of this Notification, the retail sale of Oselatamivir phosphate had been banned by the Central Government and its distribution was permissible only through Public Health Institutions. On the other hand, there was no restriction on the retail sale of Zanamivir.

 

As per the current information available with the Government of India Oselatamivir Phosphate and Zanamivir are only available drugs that can be used for the treatment of Influenza 'A' (H1N1) in humans. Taking into account the current spread of the Influenza 'A' (H1N1) in the country, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has decided that retail sale of Oselatamivir Phosphate and Zanamivir should be allowed in the country but in a regulated manner. After the issue of the Notification referred above only such chemists who have the license to sell, stock or distribute drugs specified under Schedule X to the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945 would be authorized to sell the above named drugs against proper medical prescriptions.

 

Pharmaceutical companies manufacturing these drugs have been kept in a state of readiness to roll out the drugs into the retail market after the issue of the notification referred to above.

 

It is expected that within the next five to seven days both the drugs would be available in the retail market from such chemists who hold a licence under Schedule X. State Governments have also been advised to augment the number of chemists with Schedule X licences by granting these licences expeditiously on application by such chemists who may now seek a licence under Schedule X.

 

DS  /spandey

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Project 15-A destroyer, INS Kochi To be launched on 18 Sep 2009

 

New Delhi : September 16, 2009

 

The second of the three Project 15-A stealth destroyers will be launched on 18 Sep 09 by Mrs Madhulika Verma, wife of Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of the Naval Staff. The 6500 ton ship, to be named INS Kochi, is being built by Mazagon Docks Ltd in Mumbai. Designed indigenously by the Directorate of Naval Design, these are a follow-on of the existing Delhi Class destroyers – INS Delhi, INS Mysore and INS Mumbai.

 

The ship has advanced stealth features, which make it less vulnerable to detection by enemy radar and will be fitted with state-of-the-art weapon systems which include the supersonic BrahMos surface-to-surface missile, the LRSAM Long Range Surface-to-Air Missiles and the MFStar multi-function radar system providing accurate data on surface and air targets. In addition, the ship's close-range defence capability will be boosted by four AK-630 rapid-fire guns and a Medium Range gun. The ships will also be fitted with indigenously developed twin-tube torpedo launchers and anti-submarine rocket launchers, the NPOL developed Humsa-NG hull-mounted sonar, and two multi-role helicopters adding punch to the ship's anti-submarine capability. The maximum speed of the ship is above 30 Knots.

 

The destroyer will be launched using the pontoon-assisted launch technique, to be employed for the first time in the history of Indigenous warship building. This technique helps in overcoming slipway/ draft constraints and permits launching of heavier vessels.

 

PVS/PRR  /spandey

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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1546 Water Resources Projects appraised by CWC

 

New Delhi : September 16, 2009

 

Central Water Commission (CWC) under Ministry of Water Resource has appraised more than 1546 Projects since 1961 till March, 2009. The appraisal of the project ensures that the project proposal is in tune with the overall development plan; the basic planning of the project is reliable and investigations are as per established norms. It is also ensured that international/inter-state agreements or tribunal awards for utilization of water are duly followed and the lay out and design of the project are optimal.

 

After confirmation of the techno-economic feasibility of the project, the Advisory Committee on irrigation, flood control and multipurpose projects headed by the Secretary, Water Resources considers the project for acceptance and thereafter it is recommended for investment clearance by the Planning Commission.

 

During the year 2008-09, technical examinations of 37 Water Resources projects (14 Major irrigation, 9 Medium irrigation and 14 Flood protections) were completed and accepted by Advisory Committee. At present 169 irrigation schemes (111 Major & 58 Medium) are under different stages of appraisal.

 

SK/RS  /spandey

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Tribal Affairs Ministry sanctions Rs. 116.90 crore for Madhya Pradesh under Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan

RS. 58 CRORE RELEASED AS FIRST INSTALMENT

 

New Delhi : September 16, 2009

 

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned a grant of Rs. 116.90,50,000/- (Rs. One hundred sixteen crore ninety lakh fifty thousand) for the State of Madhya Pradesh as regular allocation.

 

The first instalment of grant-in-aid of Rs. 58,00,00,000/- (Rs. Fifty Eight crore) has been released to the State Government towards Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan (SCA to TSP) for the year 2009-10.

 

Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan (SCA to TSP) is provided by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to the State Governments as an additive to the State Plan to bring about a more rapid economic development of tribals in the States. The Scheme was launched during the 5th Five Year Plan. The objective and scope of SCA to TSP, which was originally meant for filling up of the critical gaps in the family-based income-generation activities of the TSP, has been expanded to cover the employment-cum-income generation activities and the infrastructure incidental thereto not only family-based, but also run by the Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

 

The ultimate objective of extending SCA to TSP is to boost the demand-based income generation programmes and thus raise the economic and social status of tribals. 30% of the funds released are meant for activities benefiting women beneficiaries.

 

The fund releases under SCA to TSP are based on the population and area of STs in the States concerned. From 2008-09, projects/activities are being approved prior to release of funds. The performance of the States is generally monitored through review meetings with the States and also based on Utilization Certificates and Progress Reports of activities furnished by the States.

 

VBA/RS  /spandey

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Expert Committee to review the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988

 

New Delhi : September 16, 2009

 

The Government has constituted an expert Committee to review the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and to suggest changes therein. The Committee will be chaired by Shri S.Sunder, Former Secretary, Ministry of Surface Transport. It will review the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 in a comprehensive manner in order to ensure that the provisions of the Act address present days requirements of the Road Transport Sector in an effective manner. It will also study the contemporary Act of the leading Asian countries like China, Japan etc. and make suggestions to adopt best practices suitable for India.

 

It will have ten members including Professor Dinesh Mohan, IIT (Delhi), Shri O P Agarwal, CEO & MD, UMTC, Shri S R Marathe, Director (ARAI), Pune, Shri Dilip Chenoy, DG (SIAM), and Transport Commissioners of Government of M.P and Karnataka amongst others. Shri S K Dash, Joint. Secretary (Transport), Ministry of Road Transport & Highways will be the Member Secretary. The Committee may co-opt any other member as deem appropriate by the Chairman.

 

The Committee will submit its report to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways within a period of three months.

 

RS :PM  /spandey

 

 

 

     


 
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