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International Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy-2009 inaugurated
ATOMIC ENERGY TO ADVANCE HUMAN PROGRESS: PM
New Delhi, Asvina 7, 1931
September 29, 2009
A three-day International Conference on 'Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy-2009 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh here today. While inaugurating the Conference, the Prime Minister said that "It is not beyond the imagination of the human mind to devise solutions and strategies that exploit the vast potential of atomic energy to advance human progress, while assuring global peace and security. The task would require the collective will, wisdom and determination of the international community but it is a task that can no longer be put off". In his address he said that if we do not use the power of the atom wisely for the universal good, the consequences would be devastating for the peace and progress that all nations seek for their people. Mentioning Dr. Homi Bhabha as one of India's greatest nation builders and scientific pioneers, the Prime Minister said that Dr. Bhabha laid the foundation of our nuclear programme while enunciating the three- stage nuclear power programme based on closed nuclear fuel cycle.
Dr. Singh further said that the first stage of our three-stages Nuclear Power Programme based on the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors and associated fuel cycle facilities, has now reached a level of maturity. The second stage envisages setting up of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) backed by reprocessing plants and plutonium-based fuel fabrication plants. With the construction of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam we have entered the second stage of the programme. A facility for reprocessing thorium fuel has been set up. An Advanced Heavy Water Reactor has been designed and its construction will be launched in the near future. This will expedite the transition to thorium-based systems that will mark the third stage of the programme.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that the return of India to the International Nuclear Global mainstream is of high significance not only for India but for global energy security as well. If India could manage its three-stage strategy well it might yield a potential of 4,70,000 MW of power by the year 2050, which would sharply reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and would be a major contribution to global efforts to combat climate change. The Prime Minister also addressed the vital issue of destructive uses of nuclear energy. He said that just as we seek to enhance peaceful uses of nuclear energy, we have a pressing and immediate moral obligation to draw down and eventually do away with its destructive use.
He regretted that global non-proliferation regime has not succeeded in preventing nuclear proliferation. He stressed the need for making global non-proliferation universal, comprehensive and non-discriminatory and linked to the goal of complete nuclear disarmament. Dr. Manmohan Singh said that 'India is proud of its non-proliferation record and is committed to global efforts for preventing the proliferation of all weapons of mass destruction.. We are committed to a voluntary, unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing'.
Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister of India, released Bhabha Centenary Commemorative Coins on this occasion. Mentioning Dr. Bhabha as architect of Indian Nuclear Progrramme , Shri Mukherjee said that the National and International recognition being achieved by Indian nuclear scientists was due to the conceptualization and vision of Dr. Homi Bhabha about the nuclear energy.
Dr. ElBaradei, Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency recalled the contribution of Dr. Homi Bhabha, as President of first International Conference on peaceful uses of atomic energy held in Geneva in 1955 . He mentioned that despite global recession, the nuclear energy has recorded a sustained growth. He added that Asia remained the focus of growth in the field of nuclear power. Elaborating the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, Dr. ElBaradei said that the nuclear radiation is being utilized for treatment of diseases like cancer and it has tremendous potential for developing techniques for enhancing the yield of various crops in agricultural field. He appreciated India's major role in the field of nuclear disarmament. The nuclear energy has a potential of generating power on a large scale which may be able to face the challenge of energy deficit in the world.
Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, Prof. P. Rama Rao, President Indian Nuclear Society and Dr. S. Banerjee, Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre also addressed the inaugural session.
GG/BS /spandey
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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PM's inaugural address at the international conference on peaceful uses of Nuclear Energy
New Delhi, Asvina 7, 1931
September 29, 2009
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that the return of India to the international nuclear global mainstream is of high significance not only for India but for global energy security as well. Dr. Singh inaugurated the international conference on peaceful uses of nuclear energy in New Delhi today.
Following is the text of the Prime Minister's opening remarks on the occasion:-
"It gives me great pleasure to be present at this inaugural ceremony of the International Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy. I extend a very warm welcome to all the participants particularly our guests from abroad. I extend a special welcome to Dr. El Baradei, who has made outstanding contributions to furthering the cause of global peace and whom we admire as an old friend of our country.
This Conference commemorates the birth centenary of one of India's greatest nation builders and scientific pioneers, Dr. Homi Bhabha. Dr. Bhabha laid the foundation of our nuclear programme by enunciating the three stage nuclear power programme based on a closed nuclear fuel cycle. We are proud of our national achievements in mastering all aspects of the fuel cycle. The current international interest in closing the fuel cycle is a vindication of Dr. Bhabha's pioneering vision and genius.
Dr. Bhabha was a brilliant scientist and a true visionary. At the first International Conference on Nuclear Energy in Geneva in 1955, Dr. Bhabha in his presidential address had said:
'For the full industrialization of the under-developed countries, for the continuation of our civilization and its further development, atomic energy is not merely an aid, it is an absolute necessity. The acquisition by man of the knowledge of how to release and use atomic energy must be recognized as the third epoch of human history.'
This bold vision of what the peaceful uses of atomic energy meant for humanity at large proved to be prophetic. This Conference is taking place on the crest of a global nuclear renaissance, in which I believe India will be a significant factor.
As a result of the far-sighted plans of our scientists, India emerged as a leader in the developing world in harnessing the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The first stage of our three stage nuclear programme, involving the setting up of Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and associated fuel cycle facilities, has now reached a level of maturity. The technology for the manufacture of various components and equipment for PHWRs in India is now well established and has evolved through active collaboration with Indian industry. The second stage envisages setting up of Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) backed by reprocessing plants and plutonium-based fuel fabrication plants. With the construction of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam we have now entered the second stage of the programme. A facility for reprocessing thorium fuel has also been set up. An Advanced Heavy Water Reactor has been designed and its construction will be launched in the near future. This will expedite the transition to thorium-based systems that will I believe mark the third stage of our programme. We are proud of the achievements of India's nuclear scientists and of our industry.
Dr. Bhabha had famously remarked that "no power is as expensive as no power" to justify his strong advocacy of nuclear power as an instrument of economic development. This is truer than ever before as the developing countries seek new energy sources to sustain high rates of economic growth. There is now a growing consensus that nuclear power is an important energy source that is also clean. In fact the majority of nuclear power plants under construction worldwide are now located in Asia.
A number of agreements and reciprocal commitments were concluded as part of the Civil Nuclear Initiative to allow the resumption of full civil nuclear cooperation between India and the international community and we look forward to their full and effective implementation in the coming months and years. The return of India to the international nuclear global mainstream is of high significance not only for India but for global energy security as well.
In our country, we see nuclear energy as a vital component of our global energy mix. The vast energy potential of the three stage programme allows us really to think big. Our nuclear industry is poised for a major expansion and there will be huge opportunities for the global nuclear industry to participate in the expansion of India's nuclear energy programme.
If we can manage our programme well, our three stage strategy could yield potentially 470,000 MW of power by the year 2050. This will sharply reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and will be a major contribution to global efforts to combat climate change.
The peaceful uses of nuclear energy are not just about power. There are promising applications in the areas of agriculture, food production and preservation, medicine and water desalination. In India, we have successfully developed 37 mutant varieties of seeds for commercial cultivation using nuclear techniques. Use of radiation technology for food preservation is growing. We have built a nuclear desalination plant at Kalpakkam and are working on the use of isotope hydrology techniques for rejuvenation of springs, which is an important source of drinking water. I see a growing role for nuclear energy in these areas in the coming decades.
With this limitless potential, I believe that the international community should reflect more on how international cooperation can multiply the benefits of nuclear energy for all humankind.
The International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles is an example of such international cooperation. India is a participant in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, or ITER Project. We are ready to contribute to global research and development into new proliferation-resistant fuel cycles. There are proposals for an international fuel bank and we would support efforts in this direction as a supplier nation.
Another critical area of cooperation is that of nuclear safety. The nuclear industry's safety record over the last few years has been encouraging. It has helped to restore public faith in nuclear power. But the technology and management of nuclear safety must be continuously improved.
This brings me to a vital issue that is fundamental to the safety and security of all humanity – the destructive uses of nuclear energy. Just as we seek to enhance peaceful uses of nuclear energy, we have a pressing and immediate moral obligation to draw down and eventually do away with its destructive use of nuclear energy.
I wish to reaffirm that this collective effort will have no greater proponent than India. India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had advocated the prohibition and abandonment of all weapons of mass destruction way back in the 1950s. It was a call that went largely unheeded at that time. We should not repeat the mistakes of the past.
In 1988, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi put forward at the General Assembly of United Nations a comprehensive Action Plan for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. We remain committed to that objective.
In 2006, India put forward a set of proposals at the United Nations General Assembly that outlined specific steps that could lead to the elimination of nuclear weapons. It included the proposal for the negotiation of a Nuclear Weapons Convention that would prohibit the development, production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons and providing for their elimination within a specified time frame.
It is a matter of regret that the global non-proliferation regime has not succeeded in preventing nuclear proliferation. Its deficiencies in fact have had an adverse impact on our security. Global non-proliferation, to be successful, should be universal, comprehensive and non-discriminatory and linked to the goal of complete nuclear disarmament. We believe that there is growing international acceptance for this viewpoint.
In this context, we feel encouraged by some recent positive signs. President Barack Obama indicated in a significant speech at Prague in April this year the willingness of the United States to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in its national security strategy and work towards a vision of a world free of nuclear weapons. The United States and Russia are also negotiating further cuts in their nuclear arsenals. States with substantial nuclear arsenals should take meaningful steps on nuclear disarmament.
India is proud of its non-proliferation record and is committed to global efforts for preventing the proliferation of all weapons of mass destruction. We are committed to a voluntary, unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing. As a nuclear weapon state and a responsible member of the international community we will participate constructively in the negotiations of an FMCT in the Conference on Disarmament.
We have an updated, effective and comprehensive export controls system and wecare committed to not transferring sensitive technologies and equipment to other countries that do not possess them. The IAEA has a crucial role in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, while reducing proliferation risks.
The specter of nuclear terrorism is a formidable challenge facing the entire global community. At the United Nations General Assembly India has been sponsoring a resolution calling for measures to address this threat.
We support strengthening international efforts in improving nuclear security and in this context, welcome President Obama's timely initiative to convene a Global Summit on Nuclear Security in 2010.
If we use the power of the atom wisely for the universal good, the possibilities are unbounded. But if we do not, the consequences would also be devastating for the peace and progress that all nations seek for their people. The choices are stark and the challenges are indeed daunting. But it is not beyond the imagination of the human mind to devise solutions and strategies that exploit the vast potential of atomic energy to advance human progress, while assuring global peace and security. This task will require the collective will, wisdom and determination of the world community but it is a task that can no longer be put off.
With these words, I once again welcome all. I wish your deliberations all success."
AD/HS/LV/VK/RK /spandey
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Lieutenant General MC Badhani is New DGBR
New Delhi, Asvina 7, 1931
September 29, 2009
Lieutenant General MC Badhani, has taken over as Director General Border Roads. He succeeds Lieutenant General AK Nanda. Lt Gen Badhani is the twentieth DGBR since the establishment of the organization in 1960.
The BRO has a glorious history and has earned the reputation of being the only road construction agency to maintain roads in difficult and inhospitable terrain and climate. BRO has the unique honour of constructing 46780 Kilometres of roads, 33060 Metres of bridges, constructing and maintaining 19 airfields and various other allied works both in India and abroad.
Lieutenant General MC Badhani, is an alumnus of National Defence Academy Khadakvasla, Pune, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, College of Defence Management, Secunderabad and National Defence College, New Delhi. The General Officer was commissioned into Bengal Sappers in Nov 1971. During his 38 years of illustrious service in the Army, the General Officer has held varied command, instructional and staff appointments, which include the Command of an Specialist Engineer Regiment, Chief Engineer of a Strike Corps, Chief Engineer Command, Brigadier-in-charge administration of a Desert Corps and Instructional appointments at the Army War College, Mhow and Armoured Corps Centre and School, Ahmednagar. Before taking over as Director General Border Roads, the General Officer was Commandant, Selection Centre East at Allahabad. A highly practical and pragmatic soldier, the General Officer brings immense knowledge and ground experience to his present appointment.
Samir/ RAJ /spandey
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Civil Aviation Secretary meets representatives of all airlines to ensure convenience of traveling public
New Delhi, Asvina 7, 1931
September 29, 2009
In view of the ongoing crisis in Air India, the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri M. Madhavan Nambiar alongwith the Director General of DGCA today met the representatives of all the airlines to ensure that passengers traveling by Air India had to undergo minimum inconvenience due to cancellation, re-routing and merging of Air India flights.
The CMD of Air India, present in the meeting, informed the Secretary that an effective mechanism for full refund of tickets has been set up. As a part of the contingency plan, Air India has put in place a special team to monitor the merging, re-routing, cancellations, refunds of flights and transfer of passengers to other airlines, as required. The airline was monitoring the situation continuously.
The Secretary appealed to all the airlines to make the transfer of Air India passengers into private airlines as seamless as possible. He has also asked them to explore the possibilities of mounting of extra flights in sectors where the demand was more. He stressed that there should be, and no exploitation of the passengers, and till the crisis was resolved and the tickets fares are to be held at the pre-strike period. The airport operators would also be asked to help in transfer of checked-in baggaged in case the Air India passengers were endorsed in flights of other airlines and had to be transferred to a different terminal building.
The DGCA cautioned all the airlines to be very watchful on the safety aspects and directed them to provide adequate facilitation to the passengers. The DGCA would carefully monitor the ticket prices during this period.
At the meeting, the representatives of all airlines, including, Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Indigo, Go Air, Paramount and Spice Jet, assured the Secretary that they would facilitate in every manner to help Air India in this crises situation. They also would appoint a 'point person' in each airline to coordinate with the Air India team in facilitating the passengers. They would also deployed additional capacity where possible and share loads in different sectors.
MC/MK /spandey
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Statement of the Secretary, Civil Aviation on Air India pilots issues
New Delhi, Asvina 7, 1931
September 29, 2009
Following is the full text of the statement of Shri M. Madhavan Nambiar, Secretary, Civil Aviation on Air India pilots issues:
"The Air India management has not taken any decision on the cut of PLI or any allowance for the unionized section of employees. Decision regarding the executive employees will be taken only after the committee setup to look into this matter has examined all aspects in consultation with employees.
The disruption of the flights is causing immense problem to the traveling public and bringing disrepute to the airline. In these circumstances the pilots and all employees must cooperate with the management for the turnaround of the airline.
Though the Government support is coming, it must be linked to a problem turnaround plan including cost cutting and revenue enhancement.
We will advise the management to enter into a comprehensive dialogue with all sections of employees. This strike must end immediately in the interest of the public and this will also stand the airline in good state for future Government support."
MC/MK /spandey
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Performance of production units during April - August 2009
New Delhi, Asvina 7, 1931
September 29, 2009
Chitranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) produced 64 electric locomotives against the target of 69 electronic locomotives and Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) produced 113 diesel locomotives against the target of 105 diesel locomotives during April-August 2009. Rail Coach Factory (RCF) produced 640 coaches against the target of 640 coaches where as Integral Coach Factory (ICF) produced 515 coaches against the targets of 511 coaches during the same period. Rail Wheel Factory (RWF) produced 80550 wheels and 32347 axles during the same period against the target of 79779 wheels and 25855 axles during April-August 2009.
During the month of August 2009, CLW, DLW, ICF, RCF and RWF have produced 19 electric locomotives, 27 diesel locomotive, 112 coaches, 125 coaches, 17284 wheels and 7449 axles respectively against the target of 21 electric locomotives, 22 diesel locomotive, 108 coaches, 125 coaches, 17680 wheels and 5818 axels.
Railways have realized an amount of Rs. 27.63 crore approximately during the month of August 2009 through ticket checking.
AKS/HK/LK/TR /spandey
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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IRCTC records growth of 17.3 per cent in its total income during 2008-09
New Delhi, Asvina 7, 1931
September 29, 2009
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), a Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways has recorded a growth of 17.3 per cent in total income during the year 2008-09. The total income of the company increased from Rs. 527.66 crore during the previous year to Rs. 618.77 crore during the year.
IRCTC has reported a profit after tax (net profit) of Rs. 46.50 crore for the fiscal 2008-09 as against Rs. 20.75 crore in 2007-08 due to enhanced revenue and control on expenditure. The company has declared a dividend of 46 per cent. The dividend comes to Rs. 9.31 crore, excluding dividend tax of Rs. 1.58 crore. The total outgo will be Rs. 10.59 crore during the year as against Rs. 4.85 crore during the previous year. IRCTC contributed a sum of Rs. 76.26 crore to the revenues of India Railways as against a sum of Rs. 62.76 crore during the provisos year, signifying an increase of 21.5 per cent
During the year 2008-09, the number of tickets booked through IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in has gone upto 4.4.1 crore tickets as against 1.89 crore tickets booked during the previous year. The value of tickets booked has gone upto Rs. 3889 crore during the year as against Rs. 1705 crore during the previous year. Ticket bookings touched a daily high of 2,26,925 tickets.
IRCTC has taken the following steps to ensure all round improvement in the quality of catering services:
„« Setting up of control rooms at New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Secunderabad, equipped with phone, fax & PC with broadband connectivity, being coordinated by Central Control at New Delhi.
„« Launching of toll free No. 1800-111-139 and 9771-111-139 for swift redressal of complaints & suggestions of passengers on phone and through SMS respectively.
„« Third party audit on food hygiene & safety by M/s TUV SUD South Asia, the multinational food audit & certification agency. Total of 181 mobile units were covered in year 2008-09. Overall improvement of 8.5 per cent has been noticed in IRCTC related aspects.
„« Engagement of M/s IMRB International, a leading market research firm to measure the degree of satisfaction of rail travellers on various aspects such as Food, Staff Behaviour & compartment related aspects to identify the areas for improvement.
„« Appointment of M/s RITES for Certification for Food Safety Management System (FSMS) as per ISO 22000:2005 in Quality Management System (QMS) of Base Kitchens, Rajdhani Trains and catering stalls.
AKS/HK/LK/TR /spandey
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Law and Justice
(Department of Justice)
Gram Nyayalaya Act 2008 to come into effect from October 2,2009
New Delhi, Asvina 7, 1931
September 29, 2009
The Central Government has decided that the provisions of the Gram Nyayalayas Act shall come into force in the areas to which this Act extends on October 2, 2009 i.e. the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 has been enacted to provide for the establishment of the Gram Nyayalayas at the grass roots level for the purpose of providing access to justice to the citizens at their door steps.
The salient features of the Gram Nyayalayas Act are as follows:—
(i) Gram Nyayalayas are aimed at providing inexpensive justice to people in rural areas at their doorsteps;
(ii) the Gram Nyayalaya shall be court of Judicial Magistrate of the first class and its presiding officer (Nyayadhikari) shall be appointed by the State Government in consultation with the High Court;
(iii) the Gram Nyayalaya shall be established for every Panchayat at intermediate level or a group of contiguous Panchayats at intermediate level in a district or where there is no Panchayat at intermediate level in any State, for a group of contiguous Panchayats;
(iv) the Nyayadhikaris who will preside over these Gram Nyayalayas are strictly judicial officers and will be drawing the same salary, deriving the same powers as First Class Magistrates working under High Courts;
(v) the Gram Nyayalaya shall be a mobile court and shall exercise the powers of both Criminal and Civil Courts;
(vi) the seat of the Gram Nyayalaya will be located at the headquarters of the intermediate Panchayat, they will go to villages, work there and dispose of the cases;
(vii) the Gram Nyayalaya shall try criminal cases, civil suits, claims or disputes which are specified in the First Schedule and the Second Schedule to the Act;
(viii) the Central as well as the State Governments have been given power to amend the First Schedule and the Second Schedule of the Act, as per their respective legislative competence;
(ix) the Gram Nyayalaya shall follow summary procedure in criminal trial;
(x) the Gram Nyayalaya shall exercise the powers of a Civil Court with certain modifications and shall follow the special procedure as provided in the Act;
(xi) the Gram Nyayalaya shall try to settle the disputes as far as possible by bringing about conciliation between the parties and for this purpose, it shall make use of the conciliators to be appointed for this purpose;
(xii) the judgment and order passed by the Gram Nyayalaya shall be deemed to be a decree and to avoid delay in its execution, the Gram Nyayalaya shall follow summary procedure for its execution;
(xiii) the Gram Nyayalaya shall not be bound by the rules of evidence provided in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice and subject to any rule made by the High Court;
(xiv) appeal in criminal cases shall lie to the Court of Session, which shall be heard and disposed of within a period of six months from the date of filing of such appeal;
(xv) appeal in civil cases shall lie to the District Court, which shall be heard and disposed of within a period of six months from the date of filing of the appeal;
(xvi) a person accused of an offence may file an application for plea bargaining.
The Central Government has decided to meet the non-recurring expenditure on the establishment of these Gram Nyayalayas subject to a ceiling of Rs. 18.00 lakhs out of which Rs. 10.00 lakhs is for construction of the court, Rs. 5.00 lakhs for vehicle and Rs. 3.00 lakhs for office equipment. Government has also estimated that the Gram Nyayalayas upon establishment would incur a recurring expenditure of Rs. 6.4 lakhs per annum on salaries etc. and proposes to share such recurring expenditure with the State Government for the first three years within this ceiling.
More than 5000 Gram Nyayalayas are expected to be set up under the Act for which the Central Government would provide about Rs.1400 crores by way of assistance to the concerned States/Union Territories.
The Government is working out a roadmap for judicial reforms. The setting up of Gram Nyayalayas will be an important measure to reduce arrears. There are as many as 2.6 crores of arrears and the Gram Nyayalayas are likely to reduce around 50 % of the pendency of cases in subordinate courts and also to take care of the new litigations which will be disposed within six months. This measure will usher in great revolution in disposal of cases and also to take justice to the doorsteps of the common man.
VLK/ska/spandey
