Releases...........pt1

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Home Affairs  

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil Inaugurates 4th Convention on RTI

SAYS: ACT CAN BE INSTRUMENTAL IN IMPROVING PUBLIC DELIVERY SYSTEMS

GOVT PREPARED TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN RTI THROUGH LEGISLATION – PRITHIRAJ CHAVAN

New Delhi: October 12, 2009

 

The 4th Annual Convention on RTI got under way here today.  President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil inaugurated the two-day Convention organized by CIC. The theme for this year's convention is "Strengthening Right to Information".  In her inaugural address, the President said that for assessing deliverability, the citizens need information about how their government is functioning. RTI gives to each individual citizen the means to question and to get answer. The Act has in a way created a virtual "Parliament of People" where every citizen through a simple method can seek information authorities, she added. The President further said that RTI can be instrumental in bringing about improvements in the public service, delivery systems and mechanisms. She said that rights given under RTI Act are extensive and therefore it is important that there is a deep sense of responsibility while exercising them. (full text of the President's speech is available on www.presidentofindia.com.)

Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithiraj Chavan in his remarks said that in the first four years of this law the Government has been ably supported by different stakeholders like the information seekers, civil society, media, the Information Commissioners and the Information Providers.  This has helped achieve the aim of the government to inculcate a culture of transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority and to secure access to information to all its citizens.

He further said that the Government undertook massive training and sensitization programme, which were organized both by the government itself as well as in collaboration with the civil society organizations. These efforts were supplemented by the State Governments. Shri Chavan said the Government initiated an independent study to understand the key issues and constraints in using this powerful tool, realizing that the Central Government itself will not be able to fully appreciate the practical difficulties at the ground level.

The Minister said that the Government last year launched a centrally sponsored Plan scheme to strengthen the working of the State Information Commissions. This involved building capacity of various stakeholders, propagating RTI, making interventions in the educational medium and setting up a National Resource Centre for RTI.  The Planning Commission has given an 'in-principle' approval for extending the scheme to cover IT interventions/E-governance for RTI which would address the issues on both the demand and supply side through the use of technology.  This he felt would help us in extending awareness to the remotest corners of the country.

Shri Chavan said, our experience has now prepared us to attempt further strengthening of the RTI Act by initiating some legislative changes.  These would be in the nature of making the RTI Act more user friendly, trying to put more information in the public domain and removing some legal infirmities. He further said that a consultation with the Chief Information Commissioners and Information from the Centre and State Commissions, has been planned for October 14 in which Civil Society organizations working in this field will also be involved in discussion stage.

Shri Wajahat Habibullah, Chief Election Commissioner, in his welcome address said that the RTI Act has given India a model democracy and the Supreme Court has ruled that it is a part of fundamental rights under Article 19(1) of the Constitution.  He further said that following the Indian law, some neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh have also moved towards freedom of information for its citizens.

The two-day convention is being attended by representatives of civil society and media both from within the country and from SAARC countries. The deliberations are expected to produce documents of contemporary as well as long term relevance to South Asia. Technical Sessions are being chaired by Justice Sri Madan B. Lokur, High Court of Delhi, Ms. Medha Patkar, Sri Sanjay Baru, Sri Wajahat Habibullah, Chief Information Commissioner and Sri A.N. Tiwari, Shri M.M. Ansari both Information Commissioner, Central Information Commission.

The deliberations of each of the technical sessions are aimed at bringing about the insight on the current issues of the Act and its mapping to the theory and practices of the Right to information.

 

rs/sr/dk/kol/17:33 hrs.

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Law & Justice   

Appointment of Andhra Pradesh High Court Additional Judges

New Delhi: October 12, 2009

 

In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 224 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint (1) Shri Nalla Bhuma Narayan Rao (2) Shri Samudrala Govindarajulu, to be Additional Judges of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, for a period of two years with effect from the dates they assume charge of their respective offices.

 

vlk/ska/dk/kol/17:33 hrs. 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Law & Justice   

Appointment of Madhya Pradesh High Court Additional Judge

New Delhi: October 12, 2009

 

In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 224 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Piyush Mathur, to be Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, for a period of two years with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.

 

vlk/ska/dk/kol/17:34 hrs. 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Law & Justice   

Appointment of Uttarakhand High Court Judge

New Delhi: October 12, 2009

 

In exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Alok Singh, to be Judge of the Uttarakhand High Court, with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.

 

vlk/ska/dk/kol/17:34 hrs. 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Human Resource Development  

Shri Kapil Sibal congratulates Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan

New Delhi: October 12, 2009

 

Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource Development, has congratulated the Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry for 2009, Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan. Following is the text of the congratulatory letter sent by Shri Sibal to Dr. Ramakrishnan:

 

"My happiness and excitement knew no bounds on learning your bagging the Nobel Prize for Chemistry of 2009. You make every Indian proud.

 

I understand that you have been to the University of Madras very recently and your lectures were extremely inspiring to the students. I would appeal to you to come to India as often as you can and impress the young men and women of India with your infectious passion for science. The delights of scientific discovery and technological innovation are unfortunately unknown to many of our young men and women, primarily because opportunities are not available to them. We in the Ministry are determined to remove every thing that impedes creativity and innovation in young minds. Our plan to establish 14 world-class universities in India is part of this great endeavour. I shall greatly count on your contribution to realize this great dream of India.

 

Please accept my heartiest congratulations."

 

mv/hb/dk/kol/17:34 hrs. 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting  

Ministry of I&B Publication: 'Spreading the Message'

New Delhi: October 12, 2009

 

To disseminate information regarding the key programmes and policies of the Government in the Information, Broadcasting and Film Sectors, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has, for the first time, brought out a publication "Spreading the Message". The compendium compiled aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the policy initiatives taken by the Ministry in the light of the changing profile of the media and entertainment industry.

 

Authentic information is indispensable for empowering people to make informed choices in a democratic set up. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting plays a critical role in Government's communication process. Comprehensive information regarding the Ministry's mandate, initiatives and structure at one single source will enable the stakeholders to avail of the benefits and services accruing from the policies more optimally.

 

The publication provides an overview of key sectoral responsibilities and structures in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It profiles the policy initiatives in the context of the Media Units under the different wings of the Ministry. It also provides ready reference to key initiatives such as the Print Media Policy, Policy guidelines outlining provisions of IPTV; DTH; Setting up of Community Radio and Uplinking/ Downlinking Guidelines. The compendium illustrates the guidelines governing the different awards given by the Films Wing for the National Awards and the International Film Festival.

 

In her Foreword to the publication the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Smt. Ambika Soni has reiterated that 'the role of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is that of a change agent in catalyzing growth and development by providing accurate and timely information to the people'. The compendium will enable the stakeholders to understand the role and responsibilities of the Ministry in Government's efforts to keep the people informed, the Minister said.

 

sbs/rs/dk/kol/17:34 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting  

Public Screenings of Award Winning Films

New Delhi: October 12, 2009

 

The Dte. of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is organizing public screenings of the award winning films of the 55th National Film Awards 2009 from 10th October to 16th October 2009 at Siri Fort Auditorium II & III. A detailed schedule of the screening timings is attached herewith.

Entry to all PIB accredited journalists is free for all shows on production of valid PIB accreditation card.

Schedule of screening timings can be accessed at PIB website http://pib.nic.in .

 

sbs/rs/dk/kol/17:35 hrs. 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting  

Online Registration for IFFI 2009 Starts

New Delhi: October 12, 2009

 

The online registration for Media Accreditation for the 40th International Film Festival of India, Goa has started with effect from today, the 12th October 2009. Media persons can visit http://pib.nic.in and click Media Accreditation – IFFI 2009 to proceed further. The 40th International Film Festival of India will be held at Panaji, Goa from November 23rd 2009 to December 3rd 2009.

 

The last date for online registration for accreditation is November 15, 2009. Only online applications will be accepted.

 

sbs/rs/dk/kol/17:35 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Defence  

Two Prithvi-II Missiles Successfully Test Fired

New Delhi: October 12, 2009

 

Two operationalised Prithvi (P-II) Missiles were successfully launched today within minutes of each other, by the Armed Forces as part of the operational exercises. The launches took place at 10.30 AM from the launch pad at Interim Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Balasore, Orissa. The two missiles aimed at two different targets at 350 Kms from the launch point, met all the mission objectives.

 

Two Naval ships located at the targets, tracked and monitored both the missiles hitting the targets very accurately. All the Radars and other sensors along the East coast monitored the Missiles trajectory parameter.

 

Prithvi, the first missile developed under Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme programme, has the capability to carry 500 Kg of warhead, has a length of Nine metres with one metre diameter thrusted by Liquid propulsion twin engine. It uses Advanced Inertial Guidance System with manoeuvring trajectory and reaches the targets with a few metre accuracy.

 

Both the missiles were from the stock of Armed Forces and the total launch activities were carried out by the Strategic Force Command. The launches were witnessed by Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister, Dr. VK Saraswat, Lt Gen BS Nagal, C-in-C, Strategic Forces Command, Lt Gen VK Singh, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, Sri Avinash Chander, Director Advanced Systems Laboratory, Shri SK Ray, Director, Research Centre Imarat, Shri SP Dash, Director ITR, Shri VLN Rao, Programmed Director, Maj Gen (Retd) R Khetrapal, CMD, Bharat Dynamics Limited and other senior DRDO Scientists.

 

samir/raj/dk/kol/17:35 hrs. 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Defence  

Exercise Yudh Abhyas 09

New Delhi: October 12, 2009

 

1.         As part of the ongoing Indo-US Defence Cooperation, an Indo-US Joint Exercise YUDH ABHYAS 09 is being conducted at Babina from 12 to 29 Oct 2009, under the aegis of HQ Southern Command. The aim of this exercise to conduct a joint Indo-US training exercise under the framework of agreed joint training programme for sharing useful experience in Peace Keeping operations and humanitarian the disaster relief situations. The scope of the exercise is to conduct Indo – US joint training exercise with CI/CT focus in a semi urban scenario under UNPKO Chapter VII.  The following aspects have been incorporated:-

 

(a)        Peace Keeping Operations to include Military Coordination, Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) and Rules of Engagement (ROE).

 

(b)        Stability Operations to include mounting and ROE, Mine/Counter IED Operations and Patrolling.

 

(c)       Human Rights Aspects.

 

(d)        Civil Military Operations to include Road opening, convoy protection and Humanitarian Assistance.

 

(e)       Community Operations.

 

(f)         Logistics Support Operations to include Equipment issues and Humanitarian Assistance issues.

 

(g)        Share and learn form each others experience through combined Military decision making and planning process, and employment of forces.

 

(h)        Promote mutual trust and understanding through the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures and associated logistics support.

 

(j)         Exposure high technical based weapons, equipment and systems.

 

(k)        Exercise is planned to be conducted under UN Mandate.

 

2.           Mechanised Infantry  Battalion  of Indian army  and 2nd Squadron of 14 CAV of 25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (Approx strength of 325 persons) from US  are participating in this exercise

 

s om singh/rajendra/dk/kol/17:36 hrs. 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation  

Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production and Use-based Index (Base 1993-94=100) for the month of August, 2009.

New Delhi: October 12, 2009

 

The Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with base 1993-94 for the month of August 2009 have been released by the Central Statistical Organisation of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The General Index stands at 292.3, which is 10.4% higher as compared to the level in the month of August 2008. The cumulative growth for the period April-August 2009-10 stands at 5.8% over the corresponding period of the pervious year.

 

2. The Indices of Industrial Production for the Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity sectors for the month of August 2009 stand at 181.1, 313.0, and 245.1 respectively, with the corresponding growth rates of 12.9%, 10.2% and 10.6% as compared to August 2008. The cumulative growth during April-August, 2009-10 over the corresponding period of 2008-09 in the three sectors have been 8.4%, 5.5% and 6.6% respectively, which moved the overall growth in the General Index to 5.8%.

 

3. In terms of industries, as many as fourteen (14) out of the seventeen (17) industry groups (as per 2-digit NIC-1987) have shown positive growth during the month of August 2009 as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. The industry group 'Rubber, Plastic, Petroleum and Coal Products' have shown the highest growth of 21.5%, followed by 16.4% in 'Textile Products (including Wearing Apparel)' and 15.7% in 'Wool, Silk and Man-made Fibre Textiles'. On the other hand, the industry group 'Jute and Other Vegetable Fibre Textiles (except cotton)' have shown a negative growth of 10.2% followed by 9.6% in 'Food Products' and 3.6% in "Wood and Wood Products; Furniture and Fixtures".

 

4. As per Use-based classification, the Sectoral growth rates in August 2009 over August 2008 are 10.0% in Basic goods, 8.3% in Capital goods and 14.3% in Intermediate goods. The Consumer durables and Consumer non-durables have recorded growth of 22.3% and 3.7% respectively, with the overall growth in Consumer goods being 8.5%.

 

5. Alongwith the Quick Estimates of IIP for August 2009, the indices for July 2009 have undergone the first revision and those for May 2009 have undergone the second (final) revision in the light of the updated data received from the source agencies. (It may be noted that revised indices (first revision) in respect of June 2009 have already been released in September 2009 and these indices shall undergo final (second) revision in November 2009).

 

6. Statements giving Quick Estimates of the Index of Industrial Production at Sectoral, 2-digit level of National Industrial Classification (NIC)-1987 and by Use-based classification for the month of August 2009, along with the growth rates over the corresponding month of previous year, including the cumulative indices and growth rates, are enclosed.

 

Index of Industrial Production - Sectoral  attached………

samir/raj/dk/kol/17:35 hrs. 

 

STATEMENT I: INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION - SECTORAL
(Base : 1993-94=100)
Month	Mining		|	Manufacturing		|	Electricity		|	General
	(104.73)		|	(793.58)		|	(101.69)		|	(1000.00)
	2008-2009	2009-2010	|	2008-2009	2009-2010	|	2008-2009	2009-2010	|	2008-2009	2009-2010
Apr	171.1	176.9	|	285.0	286.1	|	218.2	233.6	|	266.3	269.3
May	177.4	183.4	|	293.1	298.5	|	230.1	237.6	|	274.6	280.3
Jun	158.8	181.3	|	290.4	313.1	|	217.1	234.4	|	269.2	291.3
Jul	161.4	175.9	|	291.6	313.2	|	225.9	235.4	|	271.3	290.9
Aug *	160.4	181.1	|	284.0	313.0	|	221.6	245.1	|	264.7	292.3
Sep	162.9		|	298.4		|	219.3		|	276.2
Oct	175.1		|	278.6		|	231.2		|	262.9
Nov	175.4		|	286.3		|	216.4		|	267.6
Dec	188.1		|	304.5		|	223.1		|	284.0
Jan	188.1		|	304.8		|	227.9		|	284.8
Feb	183.2		|	297.4		|	212.7		|	276.8
Mar	209.8		|	326.9		|	241.3		|	305.9
Average			|			|			|
			|			|			|
Apr-Aug	165.8	179.7	|	288.8	304.8	|	222.6	237.2	|	269.2	284.8
			|			|			|
Growth over the corresponding period of previous year						|			|
			|			|			|
Aug	2.8	12.9	|	1.7	10.2	|	0.8	10.6	|	1.7	10.4
			|			|			|
Apr-Aug	3.5	8.4	|	5.1	5.5	|	2.3	6.6	|	4.8	5.8
			|			|			|
* Indices for Aug 2009 are Quick Estimates.
NOTE : Indices for the months of May'2009 and Jul'2009 incorporate updated production data.