India and Japan ink three agreements for cooperation in Railway Sector
India and Japan ink three
agreements for cooperation in Railway Sector
One MoU is on cooperation and assistance in the Mumbai – Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project
Two more comprehensive technological cooperation agreements signed for modernization and upgradation of Indian Railways
One MoU is on cooperation and assistance in the Mumbai – Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project
Two more comprehensive technological cooperation agreements signed for modernization and upgradation of Indian Railways
India and Japan have signed an MoU on 12th December,
2015 on cooperation
and assistance in the Mumbai – Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project (referred
by many as Bullet Train project). The two countries have also entered into two
comprehensive technological cooperation agreements on 11th December
2015, for modernization and upgradation of Indian Railways.
These agreements have been
signed during the official visit to India of His Excellency Mr. Shinzo Abe, the
Prime Minister of Japan, during December 11 – 13, 2015.
The details of cooperation
envisaged in the three Memorandums are as follows:
1) MoU between India and Japan on cooperation and assistance
in the Mumbai – Ahmedabad HSR Project
India and Japan
have signed an MoU on 12th December,
2015 on cooperation
and assistance in the Mumbai – Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project (referred
by many as Bullet Train project). Japan has offered an assistance of over
Rs.79,000 crore for the project. The loan is for a period of 50 years with a
moratorium of 15 years, at an interest rate of 0.1 per cent. The project is a
508 Kilometer railway line costing a total of Rs. 97,636 crore, to be implemented
in a period of seven years. It has been agreed that Shinkansen Technology will
be adopted for the project. The cooperation of Japan will be fixed on
transfer of technology and “Make in India”. Japan will assist India in training
of personnel for HSR.
2) Memorandum of Cooperation
(MoC) between Ministry of Railways and MLIT, Japan on technological cooperation
Areas of cooperation:
(a) Railway Safety;
(b) Rolling stock including train sets/EMUs;
(c) Information sharing for station development and land value capture;
(d) Information sharing for environment friendly sanitation technology in trains
(e) Signalling and telecommunication;
(f) Railway Electrification;
(g) Civil structure and railway track system;
(h) Train control system;
(i) Mitigation of natural disasters;and
(j) Any other areas jointly determined by both Sides within the scope of this MoC.
Areas of cooperation:
(a) Railway Safety;
(b) Rolling stock including train sets/EMUs;
(c) Information sharing for station development and land value capture;
(d) Information sharing for environment friendly sanitation technology in trains
(e) Signalling and telecommunication;
(f) Railway Electrification;
(g) Civil structure and railway track system;
(h) Train control system;
(i) Mitigation of natural disasters;and
(j) Any other areas jointly determined by both Sides within the scope of this MoC.
3) MoU on technological
cooperation between RDSO and Railway Technical Research Institute Japan
The main directions of cooperation between the Parties shall be the development of rail-related technical cooperation in which the Parties may have mutual interest, performance of consultation and other services,
The broad areas of technical cooperation may include:
(i) Safety in train operation;
(ii) Advanced techniques of maintenance;
(iii) Use of environment friendly technologies;
(iv) Throughput enhancement measures; and
(v) Any other area jointly agreed upon by the Parties
Specific projects under the above cooperation areas and modalities of cooperation will be jointly discussed and decided by the parties.
The main directions of cooperation between the Parties shall be the development of rail-related technical cooperation in which the Parties may have mutual interest, performance of consultation and other services,
The broad areas of technical cooperation may include:
(i) Safety in train operation;
(ii) Advanced techniques of maintenance;
(iii) Use of environment friendly technologies;
(iv) Throughput enhancement measures; and
(v) Any other area jointly agreed upon by the Parties
Specific projects under the above cooperation areas and modalities of cooperation will be jointly discussed and decided by the parties.
Background
Union Railway Minister Shri
Suresh Prabhu had wide-ranging discussions on various aspects of railways -
covering modernization, safety and technology upgradation of Indian Railways -
during his visit to Japan in September 2015. He held discussions with the
concerned Ministers of Japan and met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. On the investment
requirements of Indian Railways, he had discussions with leading financial
institutions and investment bankers and explained to them the 5 year USD 140
billion investment plan of Indian Railways. He had discussions with Pension
Funds as well, to seek their investments in the Railways. Another focus was the
Technology upgradation of Indian Railways through cooperation of Research
Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) of India and the Japan Railway
Technical Research Institute (JRTRI), both key railway research organizations.
The comprehensive
technological cooperation as envisaged in the above Memorandums are the result
of the above discussions and follow-up.
******
Government of India Signs MoU
to establish 3 IIITs
The Central Government today
signed Memorandum of Understanding and documentation for establishing three
Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIITs) at Ranchi, Nagpur and Pune.
These IIITs are operated on a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode with
participation of State Government and Industry, apart from the Central
Government. The IIITs are expected to bring out high quality IT manpower
required for building up IT industry in the country. The agreement has been
signed by Shri Vinay Sheel Oberoi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education
from the Central Government side and by Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors,
M/s ADCC Infocad, Nagpur and M/s Hubtown, Mumbai.
IIIT-Ranchi will operate from the Old Judicial Academy in the Administrative Training Institute, Ranchi admitting 120 students for the year 2016-17 through JEE 2016 examination. The partners for IIIT-Ranchi - the TCS and Tata Motors have committed participation in developing curriculum which is required by the industry. The institution will be mentored by NIT-Jamshedpur.
IIIT-Nagpur will be set up in the BMIT Campus (temporary campus) with the participation of M/s ADCC Infocad and TCS. Government of Maharashtra has identified 88 acres of land for setting up a permanent campus. The BNIT will be the mentor institution. It has proposed to admit 120 students in the CSE and ECE branches in 2016 through JEE-2016 examination.
IIIT-Pune will be set up in the Siddhant Engineering College (temporary campus) and the permanent campus will be constructed at Chakan for which the State Government has identified 100 acres of land. The industry partners are M/s Hubtown Mumbai and M/S Roltas have agreed to develop the curriculum suitable to the industry. The Institute will start functioning under the mentorship of COE Pune and 120 students will be admitted in 2016 through JEE-2016.
With this, the total number of IIITs in the PPP mode has gone up to 16, leaving 4 more to be set up for which scheduled has been fixed in the month of January 2016.
IIIT-Ranchi will operate from the Old Judicial Academy in the Administrative Training Institute, Ranchi admitting 120 students for the year 2016-17 through JEE 2016 examination. The partners for IIIT-Ranchi - the TCS and Tata Motors have committed participation in developing curriculum which is required by the industry. The institution will be mentored by NIT-Jamshedpur.
IIIT-Nagpur will be set up in the BMIT Campus (temporary campus) with the participation of M/s ADCC Infocad and TCS. Government of Maharashtra has identified 88 acres of land for setting up a permanent campus. The BNIT will be the mentor institution. It has proposed to admit 120 students in the CSE and ECE branches in 2016 through JEE-2016 examination.
IIIT-Pune will be set up in the Siddhant Engineering College (temporary campus) and the permanent campus will be constructed at Chakan for which the State Government has identified 100 acres of land. The industry partners are M/s Hubtown Mumbai and M/S Roltas have agreed to develop the curriculum suitable to the industry. The Institute will start functioning under the mentorship of COE Pune and 120 students will be admitted in 2016 through JEE-2016.
With this, the total number of IIITs in the PPP mode has gone up to 16, leaving 4 more to be set up for which scheduled has been fixed in the month of January 2016.
*****
ESIC to Launch its Hospitals
and Dispensaries Website on Monday
Curtain
Raiser
ShriBandaruDattatreya, the
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment is to launch
the new website ofEmployees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)on 14.12.2015. The new website will offer a host of
hassle-free features to the ESIC Insured Persons and their beneficiaries.
The ESI Scheme benefits about 2.03 crore family units of workers and over 7.89
crores beneficiary population.
During the last one year, ESIC
has launched many new and progressive initiatives aimed at empowering the
entire gamut of its stakeholders, which has proved to be very effective. Aimed
at Good Governance, as a part of Digital India, ESIC has launched E-Governance
Project to bring efficiency, transparency and accountability in its various
operations. Introduction of various online services, launching of IP portal,
Employer Portal, Integration of the Inspection Scheme of ESIC with
ShramSuvidha Portal of the Ministry of Labour& Employment, introduction of
online payment of ESI Contribution, facility for online grievance redressal
etc. are some of the notable initiatives.
For providing
better and improved services, the ‘ESIC 2.0: HEALTH REFORM AGENDA’ was
launched on 20th July, 2015. The salient features of the Health
Reform Agneda areonline availability of Electronic Health Record of Insured
Persons and their family members; change of bed sheet every day in all ESIC
Hospitals according to VIBGYOR pattern under operation Indradhanush to maintain
hygiene and cleanliness; evening OPD form 3PM to 5 PM in ESIC hospitals for Sr.
Citizens and disabled persons and Medical Helpline 1XXX-XX-3839 for emergency
and seeking guidance from casualty /emergency wing of ESIC hospitals. Under theHEALTH
REFORM AGENDA’ , over 73 lakhs discrete e-Health records have been
generated till date which has enabled the IPs and their family members to view
e-prescriptions and investigations/ tests reports online.
ESIC is making all
out efforts to bring ESI coverage in the uncovered areas and to bring more and
more factories/ establishments and Insured Persons under the ambit of ESI
Scheme. As a part of this the North-Eastern States of Mizoram, Manipur and
Arunachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands will be
brought under ESI coverage with effect from 31.12.2015. The latest decision
taken is bringing the construction site workers under the purview of ESI
Scheme. The mission of ESIC is to extend ESI Coverage to the
remaining 393 districts of the country by 1.4. 2016. Efforts are also on to
upgrade ESI Dispensaries and to start appropriate cancer detection/
treatment, cardiology treatment and dialysis facilities, Yoga facilities in all
ESI Hospitals, and also to extend AYUSH facilities at the dispensary level etc.
ESI Scheme in India
The Employees’ State Insurance
Corporation is a pioneer Social Security organization providing comprehensive
social security benefits like complete Medical Care and a range of Cash Benefits
in times of need such as employment injury, sickness, death etc. The ESI Act
applies to premises/precincts where 10 or more persons are employed. The
employees drawing wages up to Rs. 15,000/- a month are entitled to health
insurance cover and other benefits, under the ESI Act. The Act now applies to
over 7.23 lakh factories and establishments across the country, benefiting
about 2.03 crores family units of workers. As of now, the total beneficiary
population of ESI Scheme stands over 7.89 crores. Ever since its inception in
1952, the ESI Corporation has, so far, set up 151 Hospitals, 1459/188
Dispensaries / ISM Units, 812 Branch/Pay Offices and 61 Regional &
Sub-Regional/Divisional Offices.
***
Dr. Najma Heptulla Inaugurates
National Conference on “an Understanding of Educational Aspirations and
Attainment of Minority Girls”
Dr. Najma Heptulla,the Union
Minister for Minority Affairs inaugurated atwoday National Conference on “An
Understanding of Educational Aspirations and Attainment of Minority Girls” here
today. In her inaugural address Dr. Najma said that a lot needs to be done in
the field of education for girls specially girls of the minority community.
Advocating equality for girls in every aspect, the Minister said that
generations grow in the womb and lap of a mother and only enlightened mothers
can nurture enlightened citizens. Referring to her own education and days, she
underlined the importance of education and invited the girls to come forward
and to reap the benefits of various schemes being implemented by her Ministry.
Wishing the Conference success, the Minister said that a strong message should
emerge from this two day conference in this direction.
Justice(Retd) M.S.A Siddiqui Prof.Syed Akheel Ahmed from Mysore Universityand Shri Zafar Agha,Member NCMEI were also present on the occasion.
Earlier Dr.Shabistan Gaffar, President All India Confederation for Women Empowerment through Education welcoming the guests and participants outlined the agenda of the Conference.
The two day National conference has been organised by All India Confederation for Women Empowerment through Education in collaboration with Ministry of Minority Affairs. The Conference have five sessions and will deliberate on topics “Transition from Elementary to Secondary Education: Issues pertaining to Equity, Efficiency and Effectiveness”; “Minority Girls: Educational Aspiration, Attainment and Locating them in Labour Market” and “Evaluating Policy Intervention and discussing evidence on innovative practices”
Justice(Retd) M.S.A Siddiqui Prof.Syed Akheel Ahmed from Mysore Universityand Shri Zafar Agha,Member NCMEI were also present on the occasion.
Earlier Dr.Shabistan Gaffar, President All India Confederation for Women Empowerment through Education welcoming the guests and participants outlined the agenda of the Conference.
The two day National conference has been organised by All India Confederation for Women Empowerment through Education in collaboration with Ministry of Minority Affairs. The Conference have five sessions and will deliberate on topics “Transition from Elementary to Secondary Education: Issues pertaining to Equity, Efficiency and Effectiveness”; “Minority Girls: Educational Aspiration, Attainment and Locating them in Labour Market” and “Evaluating Policy Intervention and discussing evidence on innovative practices”
***
Government to make a statement
on India-Pakistan ties in Parliament next week
GST Bill, Real Estate Bill top legislative agenda
In Lok Sabha, 6 Bills passed, 6 introduced so far; 1-0 in Rajya Sabha
10 Bills passed by Lok Sabha still to be taken up in Rajya Sabha
External Affairs Minister
Smt.Sushma Swaraj will make a Statement on her recent visit to Islamabad
and developments relating to ties between India and Pakistan in both the Houses
of Parliament during the next week of Winter session of Parliament. This is one
of the major agenda items for next week.
In the
Lok Sabha, the Government has proposed to take up 9 items of legislative and
financial business during next week. Of these, time has been allotted for 7
items. A heavy agenda of 16 items are due to be taken up in Rajya Sabha
which lagged behind Lok Sabha in transaction of business this week due to
disruptions and forced adjournments.
Since
the commencement of this Winter session on November 26, Lok Sabha has passed 6
Bills while 6 new Bills were introduced. In Rajya Sabha, only one Bill could be
passed while no new Bills were introduced.
Legislative & Financial
Business proposed in Lok Sabha for next week
|
S.No.
|
Name
of the Bill
|
Time
allotted
|
|
1
|
The
Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015
|
2
hrs
|
|
2
|
Supplementary
Demands for Grants (General) for 2015-16
|
3
hrs
|
|
3
|
Demands
for Excess Grants (General) for 2012-13
|
|
|
4
|
Introduction,
consideration and passing of the related Appropriation Bills
|
|
|
5
|
The
Sugar Cess (Amendment) Bill, 2015
|
Time
to be allotted
|
|
6
|
The
National Waterways (Amendment) Bill, 2015
|
|
|
7
|
The
Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of
High Bill, 2015
|
3
hrs
|
|
8
|
The
Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015
|
2
hrs
|
|
9
|
The
Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015
|
2
hrs
|
Short Duration Discussion
(Rule 193) / Calling Attention (Rule 197) to be taken up in Lok Sabha
1. Price
rise
2. Sustainable
Development Goals (part discussed).
Suo-Moto Statement
By Minister of External Affairs regarding her recent visit to Islamabad and
recent development relating to ties between India and Pakistan.
Important Government Business transacted in Lok Sabha so far during the
current Session
Bills passed
1. The
Carriage by Air (Amendment) Bill, 2015
2. Bureau
of Indian Standards Bill, 2015
3. The
High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service)
Amendment Bill, 2015
4. The
Indian Trusts (Amendment) Bill, 2015
5. The
Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015
6. The
Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015 – Bill was earlier passed by Lok
Sabha and the amendments proposed by Rajya Sabha agree to by Lok Sabha.
Bill introduced
1. The
Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015
2. The
Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of the
High Court Bill, 2015
3. The
Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015
4. The
Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015
5. The
Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015
6. The
Sugar Cess (Amendment) Bill, 2015
Other Business taken up
Special
two days’ discussion on commitment to India’s Constitution as part of 125th Birth
Anniversary Celebration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Discussion held under Rule 193
1. Discussion
regarding situation arising out of incidents of ‘Intolerance’ in the country.
2. Flood
situation in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and several parts of the country.
3. Drought
situation in the country
Likely Business in Rajya Sabha during next week from 14th December,
2015
Legislative & Financial
Business
|
S.No.
|
Name
of the Bill
|
Time
allotted
|
|
1.
|
GST – The
Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Second Amendment) Bill, 2014 as passed
by Lok Sabha and as reported by Selected Committee, as passed by Lok
Sabha.
|
4
hrs
|
|
2.
|
The
Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2013 –
Cabinet
approved amended Bill on Dec 9,2015
|
3
hrs
|
|
3.
|
The
Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015, as passed by Lok Sabha.
|
2
hrs
|
|
4.
|
The
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment
Bill, 2015, as passed by Lok Sabha.
|
4
hrs
|
|
5.
|
The
Carriage by Air (Amendment) Bill, 2015, as passed by Lok Sabha.
|
2
hrs
|
|
6.
|
The
Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2012,Report
of Standing Committee presented on 13.12.2013
|
2 ½
hrs
|
|
7.
|
The
Anti Hijacking Bill, 2014 – Report of Standing Committee presented
on 11.03.2015
|
3
hrs
|
|
8.
|
The
Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015, as passed by Lok Sabha.
|
2
hrs
|
|
9.
|
The
High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service)
Amendment Bill, 2015, as passed by Lok Sabha.
|
3
hrs
|
|
10
|
The
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2015,as
passed by Lok Sabha.
|
4
hrs
|
|
11.
|
The
Appropriation Acts (Repeal) Bill, 2015, as passed by Lok Sabha.
|
2
hrs
(To
be discussed together)
|
|
12.
|
The
Repealing and Amending (Third) Bill, 2015, as passed by Lok Sabha.
|
|
|
13.
|
The
Indian Trusts (Amendment) Bill, 2015, as passed by Lok Sabha.
|
2
hrs
|
|
14.
|
The
Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of
High Courts Bill, 2015, after it is passed by Lok Sabha.
|
2
hrs
|
|
15.
|
The
Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015, after it is
passed by Lok Sabha
|
2
hrs
|
|
16.
|
The
Appropriation Bills, relating to following Demands, after they are
passed by Lok Sabha:
(a) Supplementary Demands
for Grants (General) for 2015-16 (Second Batch)
(b) Demands for Excess
Grants (General) for 2012-13
|
Time
to be allotted
|
Short Duration Discussions
(Rule 176) /Calling Attention (Rule 180) which could be taken up
1. Price
of Essential Commodities & Food Grains in the country
2. Growing
Intolerance endangering the unity and diversity of the country
Suo-Moto Statement
By Minister of External Affairs regarding her recent visit to Islamabad and
recent development relating to ties between India and Pakistan.
Important Government Business transacted in rajya Sabha so far during the
current Session
Bills passed
1. The
Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015 which was earlier passed by the
Lok Sabha has now also been passed by the Rajya Sabha.
Bill introduced – NIL
Other Business taken up
Special
three days’ discussion on commitment to India’s Constitution as part of 125th Birth
Anniversary Celebration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Short Duration Discussion
taken up
1. Damage
caused due to north-west monsoon rain and floods in Tamil Nadu and Andhra
Pradesh.
2. Situation
in Nepal and the state of Indo-Nepal Relations.
*********
Government to Rope in CPSUs in
Namami Gange Programme
With the aim of
expediting the progress of works under the flagship scheme of Namami Gange,
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation is
initiating a number of entry level activities during Jan-March 2016 which will
lead to visible results in a short time frame. These activities will include
repair, modernization and provision of public amenities at ghats, cleaning of
the river surface, treatment of directly discharging drains in villages along
Ganga and repair, renovation and construction of crematoria. These activities
will deploy improvised wood based cremation platforms, advanced trash skimming
machines for removal of floating solid wastes, bio-toilets and bio remediation
based sewage treatment in rural areas. The pollution being discharged into the
river from open drains in rural areas is being addressed for the first time.
In the medium term the Ministry is targeting creation of sewage treatment infrastructure on priority in all 118 cities and towns on the banks of Ganga. For this purpose, condition assessment of the existing infrastructure, their capacity utilization and remaining gap in treatment capacity as also feasibility for new infrastructure will also be assessed through a comprehensive study. After completion of this assessment the project would be undertaken on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis in Ganga basin and actual work will be undertaken by eligible firms selected through tendering process. These activities will not only be undertaken along Ganga, but the cities and towns on major tributaries namely Yamuna, Ramganga and Kali will also be included.
To take up these activities immediately, the Ministry has roped in the leading Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs). These CPSUs include Engineers India Ltd. (EIL), National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), WAPCOS Ltd., National Projects Construction Corporation Ltd. (NPCC), and Engineering Projects India Ltd.
For effective administration of these activities, the Ministry has divided the entire length of Ganga in five stretches coinciding with the boundaries of the states and allocated them to these CPSUs. These PSUs will take up the entry level activities and the assessment work in their designated stretches and will be responsible for implementation. This is expected to quick start the implementation process and facilitate easy scale up of these activities along the length of Ganga.
The Ministry is also institutionalizing a robust review and monitoring mechanism by roping in third party appraisal agencies from both public and private sector, State agencies, Urban Local bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions. Contemporary audit tools including social audit and community monitoring is also being considered.
In the medium term the Ministry is targeting creation of sewage treatment infrastructure on priority in all 118 cities and towns on the banks of Ganga. For this purpose, condition assessment of the existing infrastructure, their capacity utilization and remaining gap in treatment capacity as also feasibility for new infrastructure will also be assessed through a comprehensive study. After completion of this assessment the project would be undertaken on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis in Ganga basin and actual work will be undertaken by eligible firms selected through tendering process. These activities will not only be undertaken along Ganga, but the cities and towns on major tributaries namely Yamuna, Ramganga and Kali will also be included.
To take up these activities immediately, the Ministry has roped in the leading Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs). These CPSUs include Engineers India Ltd. (EIL), National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), WAPCOS Ltd., National Projects Construction Corporation Ltd. (NPCC), and Engineering Projects India Ltd.
For effective administration of these activities, the Ministry has divided the entire length of Ganga in five stretches coinciding with the boundaries of the states and allocated them to these CPSUs. These PSUs will take up the entry level activities and the assessment work in their designated stretches and will be responsible for implementation. This is expected to quick start the implementation process and facilitate easy scale up of these activities along the length of Ganga.
The Ministry is also institutionalizing a robust review and monitoring mechanism by roping in third party appraisal agencies from both public and private sector, State agencies, Urban Local bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions. Contemporary audit tools including social audit and community monitoring is also being considered.
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