PM to address Kisan Kalyan Mela at Sehore in Madhya Pradesh; release guidelines for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

PM to address Kisan Kalyan Mela at Sehore in Madhya Pradesh; release guidelines for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will address farmers; and highlight Government initiatives for the development of the agriculture sector and welfare of farmers, at the Kisan Kalyan Mela at Sehore in Madhya Pradesh tomorrow. 


He will also release the guidelines for operationalization of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the pathbreaking scheme for crop insurance, that was approved by the Union Cabinet last month. 

The scheme will come into effect from the upcoming Kharif season. It envisages a uniform premium of only 2 per cent to be paid by farmers for Kharif crops, and 1.5 per cent for Rabi crops. The premium for annual commercial and horticultural crops will be 5 per cent. 

There is no upper limit on Government subsidy for this scheme. The provision of capping the premium rate, which existed in earlier schemes, and resulted in low claims being paid to farmers, has been done away with. Farmers will get claims against the full sum insured, without any reduction. 

The Prime Minister will distribute soil health cards, and crop insurance settlement claims to select beneficiaries. 

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PM’s interaction through PRAGATI


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired his tenth interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation. 

The Prime Minister reviewed the complaints and grievances from people relating to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and directed all concerned officials to expedite their redressal. 

In course of his review today, the Prime Minister reviewed the progress of vital infrastructure projects in the road, railway, coal, power and renewable energy sectors, spread over several states, including Mizoram, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Delhi. 

Reviewing the Char-Dham road connectivity improvement project in Uttarakhand, the Prime Minister called for expediting the work at the earliest. 

Shri Narendra Modi took stock of the comprehensive redevelopment projects of Railway Stations. He suggested to all Chief Secretaries to work towards at least one such redevelopment project in each State. He said such redeveloped railway stations would become iconic structures and centres of economic activity. 

The Prime Minister reviewed the scheme for upgradation of campuses of National Institutes of Fashion Technology (NIFTs), and for setting up of grid connected solar power projects in Government organizations, CPSUs and Ordinance Factories. He asked all Chief Secretaries to work towards speedy implementation of solar power projects in their respective States. 

The Prime Minister reviewed the programme for elimination of Kala Azar, and called for all efforts to eradicate this disease at the earliest. He also reviewed “Mission Indradhanush,” and emphasized the need for an organized and aggressive action plan to cover all children for immunization in a specific time-frame. 

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Signing of BRICS Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the fields of Science, Technology and Innovation 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today was apprised about signing of BRICS Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the fields of Science, Technology and innovation. 

India signed BRICS Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the fields of Science, Technology and Innovation(STl) in March 2015 at Brasilia, Brazil on the sidelines of 3rd BRICS STI Ministerial meeting. 

The MoU envisages promotion of cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation among BRIGS countries by means of mutually agreed S&T events and activities. 

The objectives of the MoU are to establish a strategic framework of cooperation in STI to address the common global, and regional socio-economic challenges utilizing shared experiences and complementarities in STI among the BRICS countries; co-generate new knowledge and innovative products, services and processes etc. 

The Ministry of Science and Technology from Indian side and the counterpart Ministries from other BRICS countries are the nodal Ministries/ Departments for realizing the objectives of the BRICS MoU on STI Cooperation which shall be on the basis of mutually agreed areas of cooperation, modes and mechanisms and joint funding as per national norms of respective BRICS member countries

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Memoranda of Understanding signed with various countries for cooperation in the field of agriculture & allied sectors 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today gave its ex-post facto approval for Memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed between India and various countries for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. 

The MoUwill help in the nature of capacity building, knowledgeexchange through visits of scientists and technicians, exchange of genetic resources that aidin development of appropriate technologies and farm practices for enhancing agriculture productivity at farmers' field. Expertise and technology so developed is applied all over the country as per felt needs. 

Expenditure incurred on implementation of such MoU is managed within the "financial allocation made for the Department. 

Background: 

Under Transaction of Business Rules, 1961, cases involving negotiations with foreign countries on treaties, agreements and other important matters need to be brought before the Cabinet for approval. 

Earlier, prior approval under Rule 12 of the above rules was obtained in certain cases and subsequent Cabinet approval could not be obtained. Therefore, ex-post-facto approval in respect of MoUs signed with 13 countries namely, Netherlands, Nepal, Cyprus,Israel, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Tanzania, Surinam, Zambia, Syria, Bhutan, Chile and Mauritius is being obtained. 


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Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Singapore on cooperation in the field of Urban Planning and Governance 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today gave its ex-post facto approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE), an Agency of Government of Singapore on cooperation in the field of Urban Planning and Governance. The MoU was signed on 24th November, 2015. 

The MoU will allow the two countries to share experiences in the field of urban development, governance and capacity building. 

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Cabinet approves nomination of Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog as a part-time Member of the Telecom Commission 

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for nomination of Chief Executive Officer, NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog as a part-time Member of the Telecom Commission in place of Secretary, Planning Commission which is Non-existent now. 

The participation of Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog in the meetings of Telecom Commission will lend value to the deliberations of the Commission, because the NITI Aayog has been mandated to serve as a Think Tank of the Government. 

Background: 

The Telecom Commission was set up by the Government of India vide Resolution dated 11th April, 1989 with administrative and financial powers of GoI to promote rapid development in all aspects of telecommunications. 

Before supersession of the Planning Commission, the Telecom Commission was composed of a Chairman [Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Telecommunications], four full time members [Member (Finance), Member (Production), Member (Services) & Member (Technology)] and four part time members [Secretary (Department of Electronics & Information Technology), Secretary (Department of Economic Affairs), Secretary (Planning Commission) & Secretary (Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion)]. 

After supersession of the Planning Commission and its replacement by the NITI Aayog, only three part time Members were left with the Telecom commission. 

In order to lend values to the deliberations of the Telecom Commission, a need was being felt to introduce the CEO, NITI Aayog as its part-time Member because the NITI Aayog has been mandated to serve as a Think Tank of the Government. 

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Cabinet approves Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Proposal for Notification of Commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of World Trade Organization (WTO), ratification and acceptance of the Instrument of Acceptance of Protocol of TFA to the WTO Secretariat and constitution of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF). 

The Trade Facilitation Agreement contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues. These objectives are in consonance with India’s “Ease of Doing Business” initiative. 

The Trade Facilitation Agreement shall enter into force for the notified members upon acceptance by two-third WTO Members. 

To facilitate both domestic coordination and implementation of the provisions of the Agreement, a National Committee on Trade Facilitation would be set up under the Joint Chair of Secretary, Department of Revenue and Secretary, Department of Commerce. 

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Amendment to the Delimitation Act, 2002 and the Representation of the People Act, 1950 regarding delimitation of constituencies in West Bengal consequent upon exchange of the territories between India and Bangladesh 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to amend section 11 of the Delimitation Act, 2002 and section 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. It will enable Election Commission to carry out limited delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary Constituency(cies) in the Cooch Behar District of West Bengal consequent upon the exchange of 51 Bangladeshi enclaves and 111 Indian enclaves respectively between India and Bangladesh, with effect from 31st July, 2015. This is in pursuance of the Constitution (One Hundredth Amendment) Act, 2015 and also allows for introduction of a Bill, namely, the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in Parliament. 

Background 

In a historic pact between India and Bangladesh, 51 Bangladeshi enclaves (Chhitmahals) in Indian Territory and 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh territory were exchanged with effect from 31st July, 2015. The move altered the geography and demography of the district of Cooch Behar in West Bengal. With a view to carry out consequential geographic and demographic alterations vis-à-vis the electoral mosaic of the affected areas, the Election Commission requested to amend section 11 of the Delimitation Act, 2002 and section 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 to enable it to carry out limited delimitation of constituencies in the affected areas. Since the newly acquired area consequent upon the exchange of territory between India and Bangladesh has become the part of the Indian territory, it is required to make delimitation exercise within the limited constituency area before the ensuing State Assembly elections in West Bengal. Accordingly, the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2016 has been proposed for enactment. 


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Cabinet approves Agreement for collaborative activities in the area of Traditional Medicine between 

Ministry of AYUSH and the World Health Organization 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Agreement for collaborative activities to be signed in the area of Traditional Medicine between Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India and the World Health Organization, Geneva. 

The long-term collaboration with WHO would help in improving International acceptability and branding of Ayush systems, facilitate awareness generation regarding AYUSH systems of Medicine by means of education, skill development, workshops, publications and exchange programs between AYUSH and WHO for capacity building, facilitate advocacy and dissemination of information on AYUSH systems amongst the Member States; collaboration with third Parties for creating synergies in implementation of WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 particularly in the context of AYUSH systems. 

The expenditure for carrying out collaborative activities will be met from the allocated budget under the existing plan schemes of Ministry of AYUSH. 

The activities will start subsequent to the signing of agreements by the two parties as per terms of reference mutually decided. As a first step in the long-term collaboration, India would assign to WHO activities for development of the following WHO technical documents/publications which will help in better international acceptability of Indian Systems: 

i. Benchmarks for training in Yoga; 

ii. Benchmarks for practice in Ayurveda; 

iii. Benchmarks for practice in Unani Medicine; and

iv. Benchmarks for practice in Panchakarma

Under the long-term collaboration, AYUSH and WHO would subsequently take up other mutually agreed activities and initiatives that could encompass multilateral collaboration for promotion of Traditional and Complementary Medicine/Systems (T&CM) including development of the WHO publication on the Basic terminologies for T&CM; establishment of a database for global T & CM practitioners; establishment of a network of international regulatory cooperation for T&CM practice. 

The agreement between WHO and AYUSH is expected to benefit the practitioners of AYUSH systems. 

Background

Ministry of AYUSH having the mandate to promote, propagate and globalize the recognized Traditional and Complementary Systems of Medicine (T&CM) including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homeopathy, proposes to collaborate and cooperate with the World Health Organization. Within the United Nations framework, World Health Organization is the directing and coordinating authority for health. It provides leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends. 

During the presentation of Ministry of AYUSH before the Hon’ble PM on 3rd July 2014, Hon’ble PM desired that the Ministry needs to seize the opportunities for taking a lead in the world at a time when holistic health care has gained currency. India should strive to compete with China, when it comes to export of herbal medicine. It was emphasized that roadmap be prepared to establish India’s credentials in holistic health-care, including preparation of authoritative and credible literature. 

Given the strategic importance of collaboration between India and WHO for enhancing global positioning and acceptability of Traditional Systems of Medicine recognized in India (including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga & Naturopathy, Sowa-Rigpa and Homeopathy), Ministry of AYUSH and WHO should foster a long-term relationship. 


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Cabinet grants ‘in-principle’ approval to the LIGO-India mega science proposal 

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ‘in principle’ approval to the LIGO-India mega science proposal for research on gravitational waves. The proposal, known as LIGO-India project (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory in India) is piloted by Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Science and Technology (DST). The approval coincides with the historic detection of gravitational waves a few days ago that opened up of a new window on the universe to unravel some of its greatest mysteries. 

The LIGO-India project will establish a state-of-the-art gravitational wave observatory in India in collaboration with the LIGO Laboratory in the U.S. run by Caltech and MIT. 

The project will bring unprecedented opportunities for scientists and engineers to dig deeper into the realm of gravitational wave and take global leadership in this new astronomical frontier. 

LIGO-India will also bring considerable opportunities in cutting edge technology for the Indian industry which will be engaged in the construction of eight kilometre long beam tube at ultra-high vacuum on a levelled terrain. 

The project will motivate Indian students and young scientists to explore newer frontiers of knowledge, and will add further impetus to scientific research in the country. 

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Big Boost to the Railway Sector: CCEA approves construction of additional Railway lines 

              
The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved construction of six Railway Lines and a Railway bridge to cater to both increased passenger and freight needs in various areas of the country. The proposals will cost over Rs.10,700 crore and most part of the expenditure will be met through extra budgetary resources (Institutional Financing). Details of the six approved projects are as follows:

1)   Doubling of Hubli-Chickajur railway line

Doubling of 190 km long Hubli-Chickajur broad gauge single railway line has been approved. The total estimated expenditure will be Rs.1294.13 crore. The project is likely to be completed in 4¼ years during 13th Plan period and will cover the areas of Chitradurga, Davangere, Haveri and Dharwad.

Entire route from Pune-Miraj-Hubli-Bengalore has been identified for doubling which will not only improve smooth flow of traffic but also boost overall development of the region.

This stretch is part of an important rail link of passenger trains between Mumbai and Bangalore and goods trains to the ports at Mangalore.  On this route, doubling between Bangalore-Tumkur and Arsikere-Chickajur have already been completed.  On balance portion, doubling work between Hubli-Londa part of Hubli-Londa-Vasco-da-Gama, is also in progress.

2)   Construction of Wardha (Sewagram) – Ballarshah 3rd railway line

Construction of Wardha (Sewagram) – Ballarshah 3rd railway line of 132 km will be taken up at an estimated completion cost of Rs.1443.32 crore.  The project is likely to be completed in five years during 13th Plan period and will be located in Wardha and Chandrapur districts.

The line capacity utilization of the section is saturated and running of additional Mail/Express and Goods traffic over the section cause detention to the trains.  Wardha (Sewagram) – Ballarshah section is very important from goods originating point of view of Nagpur Division where many collieries and many sidings are proposed on the section. 

3)   Doubling of Ramna-Singrauli railway line

Doubling of 160 km long Ramna – Singarauli railway line has been approved at a cost Rs.2675.64 crore and is likely to be completed by 2019-20.   The project will cover the districts of Garhwa in Jharkhand, Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh and Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh.

The Ramna-Singrauli section falls in Dhanbad Division of East Central Railway.  At present traffic utilization of the section is 105%, resulting in detention of trains and loss of revenue.  In order to attain the desired fluidity and increase in the sectional capacity, doubling of this single line section is very essential from operational point of view.  The project will serve the freight and passenger traffic needs in the jurisdiction of Northern Coal Fields and series of power plants and associated small scale industries in and around Anpara and Shaktinagar, namely Anpara Super Thermal Power Plant, Rihand Super Thermal Power Plant, Renusagar Hydro Power Plant,Singrauli Super Thermal Power Plant, Vidhyachal Super Thermal Power Plant.

4)   Construction of 3rd railway line between Anuppur-Katni

 Construction of 165 km long 3rd railway line between Anuppur-Katni in Madhya Pradesh has also been apporved at a cost of Rs.1595.76 crore. The project is likely to be completed in 5 ¼ years spanning over 12th and 13th plan period. 

The project would cover the districts of Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria and Katni districts of Madhya Pradesh.

 There has been tremendous surge in coal and one mining which has been geared up in the recent past and ambitious plans for an enormous leap forward in the ensuing years to tap these resources lying hitherto untapped.  As a result of the rapid industrialization, number of industrial townships have also grown up along the project line.  These developments have resulted in large demand for additional coaching services on the section.  With this anticipated increase of freight traffic, the capacity utilization will reach upto 175%.  Apart from this substantial additional coal traffic from IB valley, Korba area, East Corridor and Gevra Road – Pendra Road Project would be channelized through this route to the respective destinations. In order to meet the growth in the freight and passenger traffic, tripling of 3rd line between Anuppur-Katni is essential.



5)   Doubling of Katni-Singrauli railway line

Construction of doubling of 261 km long Katni – Singarauli railway at a cost of Rs.2084.90 crore has been approved. The project will be completed in 5 ¼ years.  The project would cover the districts of Katni, Shahdol, Sidhi and Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh.

Katni-Singrauli is a critical and busy section carrying coal from Northern Coal Fields towards Western and Northern thermal power plants.  This section intersects Allahabad-Mumbai route at Katni.  Provision of doubling between Katni-Singrauli section would provide the necessary line capacity for introduction of additional mail/express and passenger trains to serve the people of the area and transportation of coal from collieries.  This will also boost overall development of the region.

6)   Construction of additional Bridge and doubling project of Rampur Dumra-Tal-Rajendrapul

Construction of additional Bridge and doubling project of Rampur Dumra-Tal-Rajendrapul sector in Bihar at a cost of Rs.1700.24 crore has also got CCEA’s approval today.

The project is likely to be completed by 2019-20.  The project is located in Begusarai and Patna districts of Bihar.

The existing rail-cum-road bridge at Hathidah has single line track and doubling is not possible.  Present traffic utilization of the section is 123.5%.  At present this is the only railway bridge connecting both North and South Bihar.  Existing single line has resulted in heavy detention of goods and passenger traffic.

In order to streamline the operation of traffic in this single line section, it is very essential that one additional bridge and doubling of this section is undertaken.  By providing this facility, there will be ample fluidity in maintaining train operations as well as introduction of more passenger/goods trains in the section and it will augment line capacity too.  This will also facilitate in minimizing the running time of trains between Kiul-Barauni and Mokama-Barauni section and will ease out the existing operational constraints in this section.