Releases.......pt1

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Culture  

15-MEMBER COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED TO RECOMMEND THE MOST APPROPRIATE UTILISATION OF THE BUILDING

New Delhi: September 14, 2009

 

The National Library, Kolkata, the largest library in India, and an institution of National Importance has shifted most of its collections from the heritage building Belvedere to the newly constructed Bhasa Bhavan located at the same complex. Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India is contemplating possible use of this heritage building.

 

A Committee for the Heritage Building of the National Library has been constituted by the Union Ministry of Culture to recommend the most appropriate utilization of this architectural marvel. The constraints and stipulation that are essential for the preservation of heritage buildings in India will be kept in mind. The main feature of this building is the grand flight of steps with a carriage portico below somewhat similar to that in Government House, Kolkata. These steps lead to the vestibule, a tastefully decorated room from which the large hall is reached.

 

The 15-member Committee is headed by Prof. Barun De, Chairman, West Bengal Heritage Commission. Other members have been drawn from different fields such as art and architecture, theatre, archaeology, literature, history etc. The Committee will consult various stakeholders and concerned groups and submit its report within a period of six months.

 

The Terms of Reference of the Committee would be as follows:

 

(a) To deliberate on the different options available or presented to it for reutilization of the building;

 

(b) To consult different concerned groups, including the official of the National Library, to ascertain their views in this as well.

 

(c) To recommend to the Government the most appropriate utilization of this building keeping in mind the constraints and stipulations that are essential for the preservation of heritage building.

 

ad/db/dk/kol/13:42 hrs

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Textiles  

Ministry of Textiles–FICCI to organise Workshop on Protective & Fire retardant Textiles tomorrow

 

INDIAN PROTECTIVE TEXTILES MARKET TO BE OVER RS. 2,000 CRORE BY 2012-13

New Delhi: September 14, 2009

 

Ministry of Textiles and FICCI are jointly organising a Workshop on 'Strengthening-Government-Industry-Consumer Partnership in Protective Textiles' here tomorrow. Senior Officers from Central and State Governments will address the delegates. Over 100 delegates from various sectors like Defence, Police, Security, Regulators, State Government, Hotels, Multiplexes and industry are attending the workshop.

 

The Protective textiles are a growing industry in India, which is expected to grow at the rate of 9-10% per annum in next 5 years. The domestic market for such textiles is expected to increase from Rs.1,259 crore in 2007-08 to over Rs. 2,000 crore by 2012-13. Protective textiles include garments and related materials used for protection from harmful chemical environment, extreme temperatures (both high & low) and ballistic protection. Fire retardant suits, jackets, bullet-proof jackets, high visibility suits, etc., are some of the examples of protective textiles.

 

The objective of this workshop is to bring together consumers, suppliers and regulators in the area of public safety and understand each other's requirements and concerns. The use of these protective textiles is very limited and well below the potential in India, primarily because of lack of awareness amongst various consumer segments like Multiplexes, Hotels, Steel & Oil industry, etc. Also, unlike the case in developed countries, in India the relevant standards are not mandatory for textiles used in public places/buildings, as a result these fire retardant textiles are still not used in a large number in public, thereby exposing the public to a very high risk. Despite several rules/regulations in India, the usage of protective textiles (especially fire retardant) is far from adequate. Hence, there is an urgent need to promote this industry and encourage the use of these items. The Workshop will also focus on various rules/legislations that need to be amended to facilitate the use of these textiles in various places.

 

Smt. Rita Menon, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Shri Ajoy Acharya, Additional Secretary, Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Shri R.S. Sharma, Director, Delhi Fire Services and Shri Shishir Jaipurai, Chairman, FICCI Taskforce on Technical Textiles will address the Workshop.

 

rm/as/dk/kol/13:42 hrs