Problem of Contaminated Drinking Water

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From: Press Information Bureau Ministry of I&B <pib.kolkata@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Aug 3, 2010 at 4:26 PM
Subject: Releases..........pt1

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Rural Development

Problem of Contaminated Drinking Water

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

Nearly 1.44 lakh rural habitations across the country with ground-water based drinking water sources are affected by chemical contaminants like arsenic, fluoride, salinity, iron and nitrates. These habitations remain to be covered with safe drinking water supply.  State-wise and UT-wise distribution of the remaining quality affected habitations are at Annex-1.The consumption of drinking water with excess arsenic and fluoride over a prolonged period could result in various diseases. Bacteriological contamination of drinking water could result in diseases like diarrhoea and dysentery.                

State-wise number of water quality affected habitations remaining to be covered reported as on 27/7/2010
S.No.		Name of the State/UT	Total habitations	Fluoride		Arsenic	Iron	Salinity	Nitrate
1		ANDAMAN and NICOBAR	0	0		0	0	0	0
2		ANDHRA PRADESH	810	611		0	0	199	0
3		ARUNACHAL PRADESH	223	0		0	223	0	0
4		ASSAM	18659	248		719	17692	0	0
5		BIHAR	24420	4157		1590	18673	0	0
6		CHANDIGARH	0	0		0	0	0	0
7		CHATTISGARH	8838	18		0	8747	65	8
8		DADRA & NAGAR HAVELI	0	0		0	0	0	0
9		DAMAN & DIU	0	0		0	0	0	0
10		DELHI	0	0		0	0	0	0
11		GOA	0	0		0	0	0	0
12		GUJARAT	547	186		0	0	170	191
13		HARYANA	36	32		0	0	4	0
14		HIMACHAL PRADESH	0	0		0	0	0	0
15		JAMMU AND KASHMIR	5	0		0	0	5	0
16		JHARKHAND	1878	409		22	1446	0	1
17		KARNATAKA	8791	3084		34	4018	1000	655
18		KERALA	1018	109		0	662	194	53
19		LAKSHADWEEP	0	0		0	0	0	0
20		MADHYA PRADESH	3358	2906		0	97	349	6
21		MAHARASHTRA	4122	1426		0	901	570	1225
22		MANIPUR	5	0		0	5	0	0
23		MEGHALAYA	121	1		0	120	0	0
24		MIZORAM	0	0		0	0	0	0
25		NAGALAND	165	0		0	165	0	0
26		ORISSA	17668	639		0	15408	1593	28
27		PUDUCHERRY	4	0		0	4	0	0
28		PUNJAB	104	7		0	6	91	0
29		RAJASTHAN	34880	10788		8	60	23168	856
30		SIKKIM	0	0		0	0	0	0
31		TAMIL NADU	972	20		0	669	278	5
32		TRIPURA	7002	0		0	7002	0	0
33		UTTAR PRADESH	2087	530		856	500	199	2
34		UTTARAKHAND	17	1		3	11	0	2
35		WEST BENGAL	8334	959		3316	3546	513	0
		TOTAL	144064	26131		6548	79955	28398	3032

The Department of Drinking Water Supply under the Ministry Of Rural Development is implementing National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) and Jalmani.  Under NRDWP, rural habitations are covered with provision of adequate safe drinking water.  Under NRDWP, Rs. 6441.63 crore in 2007-08, Rs. 7298.78 crore in 2008-09 and Rs. 7989.72 crore in 2009-10 have been spent. As per available data as on 30.7.2010, in the online IMIS maintained by the Department, 11.85 crore people have been benefited from the above scheme in the period 2009-10.  Jalmani programme was launched in 2008-09 to provide safe and clean drinking water in rural schools by installing Standalone Water Purification systems.  Under Jalmani, in 2008-09 Rs. 99.99 crore and in 2009-10, 100 crore has been released to States to cover 1 lakh rural schools. Under the scheme, as on 27/7/2010, as reported by the States in the online Integrated Management Information System (IMIS), 27,643 rural schools have been covered, benefiting more than 85 lakh students since 2008-09.

 

This information was given by Ms. Agatha Sangma,  Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development  in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

 

akt/st/bs/dk/kol/15:53 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Mines

Production of Copper

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

 

The Minister of Mines and Development of North Eastern Region Shri B.K. Handique has said that Hindustan Copper Limited, a public sector undertaking, is the only mining company engaged in extraction of Copper in the country.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today he said, State-wise copper production is not maintained centrally since copper is finished product. Quantum of copper production (in the form of copper cathode) in the organized sector during each of the last three years and the current year is as under:-

 (Unit: Tonnes)

S.No.	Name of the Company	Installed Capacity (Annual)	Cumulative Production
			2007-08	2008-09	2009-10	2010-11(Up to May, 2010)
1.	Hindustan Copper Ltd	49,500	44,734	30,036	17,516	2061
2.	Hindalco Industries Ltd	5,00,000	3,23,900	2,97,800	3,33,300	45,725
3.	Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd	4,00,000	3,39,294	3,12,833	3,34,202	54,013
4.	Jhagadia Copper Ltd	50,000	10,000	11,100	3,300	Nil
Total		999500	717928	651769	688318	101799

 

Shri Handique said, Consumption of copper in the country during each of the last three years and the current year (Estimated) is as under:-

 

Year	Consumption (in thousand tonnes)
2007	475
2008	500
2009	525
2010	550

                  

The Minister said, Hindustan Copper Limited has prepared a road map for enhancing its mine production by optimal mining from current level of 3.15 million tonne per annum to 12 million tonne per annum in the next 7 to 8 years by expansion of Khetri Copper Mines in the State of Rajasthan, expansion of Malnjkhand Mine in the State of Madhya Pradesh by developing underground mines after the end of useful life of existing open-cast mines. Apart from this HCL has planned for integrated development of Singhbum Copper Belt Mines at Ghatsila in the State of Jharkhand and green field exploration within the country.

 

nsk/db/dk/kol/15:54 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Mines

Satellite Survey of Minerals

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

 

The Minister of Mines and Development of North Eastern Region Shri B.K. Handique has said that Satellite imagery and aerial photography are components of remote sensing surveys and have been / are being used for identifying suitable structures favourable for mineral deposits.  Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been conducting remote sensing surveys to ascertain the mineral potential of the country including backward and rural areas.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today he said, Recent  investigations of mineral exploration carried out by GSI (Field Season 2009-2010) using remote sensing in the country are as under:

(i)                  Interpretation and integration of geological, remote sensing and aerogeophysical data of part of Bangalore – Penakonda area, Karnataka for delineating of target blocks for different kind of mineralization.

(ii)                Pilot study on the application of Hyperspectral remote sensing in Hutti-Maski schist belt, Karnataka.

(iii)               Evaluation of placer mineral occurrence near Hownavra town, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka.

(iv)         Geological appraisal of the area east of Bisrampur Coalfield, Surguja district, Chhattisgarh by the application of Remote sensing techniques with special reference to the stratigraphy frame work and tectonic style.

(iv)              Use of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing data for the search of mineralized provinces / area in Precambrian terrain of Eastern and Northern Gujarat.

(v)                Identification of alternate sand resources in Achenkovil, Manimala, Meenachil and Muwattupuzha river basins of Pattianamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts, Kerala.

(vi)              Investigation for basemetal and associated gold in Dholpur area, Jaipur district, Rajasthan.

Shri Handique said, remote sensing technique is an indirect tool which in itself cannot lead to discovery of mineral deposits. It  is used in initial stage of mineral exploration to be followed by other exploration techniques on ground for establishing a mineral deposit.  Study of mineralized zones / alteration zones in identifying extension of mineralized belt or a new occurrence in geologically potential areas are carried out using remote sensing techniques.   Recently GSI is undertaking hyperspectral mapping using satellite and aerial platforms as a modern tool to strengthen the search of minerals in the country. 

The Minister said, the details of the mineral investigations during each of the last three years and the current year (including remote sensing investigations) are as under:

Mineral	Number of investigation taken
	2006-07	2007-08	2008-09	2009-10
Coal & Lignite	33	22	20	23
Base Metal	21	22	19	21
Gold	27	23	17	12
Diamond	8	6	5	3
Strategic minerals	3	1	2	3
Platinoid Group of Elements	8	8	3	7
Iron	12	5	5	7
Manganese	2	1	1	3
Chromite	-	-	-	1
Others	11	6	5	12

 

nsk/db/dk/kol/15:54 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Minority Affairs

Assistance to NGOs by Maulana Azad Education Foundation

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

    

The Government has said that 280 Non Government Organizations (NGOs) in the country, including 94 NGOs from Uttar Pradesh, have received financial assistance from the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) during the last three years.  Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Minority Affairs, gave the year-wise break up as under:

 

Sr.No.	Year	No. of NGOs that received financial assistance  from MAEF in the Country	No. of NGOs that received financial assistance  from MAEF in Uttar Pradesh
1.	2007-08	51	26
2.	2008-09	124	36
3.	2009-10	105	32

 

kkp/ska/dk/kol/15:55 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Home Affairs                             

SoO Agreement with UPDS Extended

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

It has been decided and mutually agreed to extend the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement with United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) in Assam for a further period of six months upto 31.1.2011. Tripartite talks on the demands of UPDS are continuing.

 

rs/dk/kol/15:55 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Civil Aviation                              

Statement By Shri Praful Patel, Minister Of State (Independent Charge) Of Civil Aviation In The Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

Following is the full text of the Statement by Shri Prafl Patel, Minister of Civil Aviation in the Rajya Sabha today in response to the Calling Attention Motion tabled by Shri P. Rajeeve, MP, Rajya Sabha regarding "Serious safety problems faced by airline industry in the country in the context of Mangalore aircraft crash":   

"Flight IX 812 of Air India Express operating from Dubai to Mangalore on Boeing 737-800 aircraft, was involved in an unfortunate accident on 22nd May 2010 while landing at Mangalore airport.  There were 160 passengers and 6 crew members on Board.  While all crew members lost their lives, 8 passengers managed to survive the crash.

The weather on that day was conducive for landing and the visibility was 06 KMs.  The runway was dry and ATC clearance had been given for Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach landing on Runway 24.  As per Manufacturer requirements, the runway length for Boeing 737 – 800 type of aircraft should be 7500 feet.  The runway at Mangalore airport is 8100 feet in length.

The aircraft was new.  It was delivered on 15th January, 2008 and made its first commercial flight on 25th January, 2008.  The aircraft did not have any reported history of technical snag.

The flight was under the command of Capt.  Zslatko Glucika, age 55 years, who had a total flying experience of 10,215 hours, out of which  2844 hours was on Boeing 737 – 800 type of aircraft and he had 7630 hours of experience as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).  The PIC had also successfully cleared the language proficiency test prescribed by DGCA.  The Co-Pilot, Capt. H.S. Ahluwalia, age 40 ½ years,  had a total flying experience of 3619 hours of which 3319 hours was on Boeing 737 – 800 type of aircraft.

DGCA has specified Flight Duty Time and Flight Time limitations by way of Aeronautical Information Circular No. 28/1992 dated 10th December, 1992 . As per these limitations for international flights with two pilot crew no air carrier may schedule a flight crew to fly for more than nine hours of flight time during any 24 consecutive hours without a rest period.  The PIC was on vacation and joined on 19th May, 2010.  He was given rest till evening of 21st of May, 2010.  He took a flight (IC – 811) at 09.30 PM on 21st May, 2010 and was assigned flying duty for flight No. IX – 812 on 22nd May, 2010.  The co – pilot had earlier been assigned flying duties on 18th May, 2010 at 06.00 AM and was given rest on 19th, 20th and 21st of May, 2010 before being assigned flight duty on flight IX – 812 on 22nd May, 2010.    In the case of the crew of the ill – fated aircraft the flight time recorded was 8 hours and 35 minutes and adequate rest was provided to the crew.

Both the pilots were fairly experienced in landing and take-offs from Mangalore airport. While the PIC had made 19 takeoffs and landings here, the Co-Pilot had made 66 takeoffs and landings.

The PIC was a British National and had Serbian licence.  As per the Rule 45 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, the Central Government has the power to validate licences granted by the duly competent authority in any foreign State and which for the time being in force, for the purpose of flying aircraft registered in India.  This power has been delegated to DGCA depending on demand   and availability of Indian Commanders.  The delegation is valid till 31st July 2011.   Under the above delegation, DGCA issues Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation (FATA). The FATA of the PIC of the ill – fated aircraft was valid till 31st July, 2010.

Out of 158 persons who died in the accident, interim compensation of Rs. 10 lakh to each adult deceased passenger; Rs. 5 lakh to each passenger below the age of 12; and Rs. 2 lakh to each injured passenger has been fixed.  This interim compensation has been paid to  the next of kin of 127 out of 128 adult passengers who lost their lives and to all 20 children, 4 infants and 8 injured passengers.  One passenger whose family members are in Dubai, due to unavoidable circumstances could not travel to India to claim interim compensation.  Arrangements are being made to settle the claim in Dubai itself. Also interim compensation to 5 of the 6 crew members have been disbursed.  In the case of the Commander Capt. Zslatko Glucika, whose family is in Belgrade, NACIL is in the process of distributing the interim compensation. An amount of Rs. 14.56 crores has been disbursed towards the above till date. It will be pertinent to mention here that the final compensation has to be assessed in accordance with the provisions of the Carriage by Air Act, 1972, which incorporates the Montreal Convention. Under this Convention, the amount of compensation is to be worked out in each case separately on "proof of loss basis". It is the endeavour of the Ministry to secure maximum compensation to the family members of the deceased as per Montreal convention. In 40 such cases, Air India Express has almost finalized the extent of final compensation as per the Montreal Convention. For the rest,  process is underway.

A Court of Enquiry headed by Air Marshal (Retd.) B.N. Gokhale has been set up under Rule 75 of the Aircraft Rules 1937 on 3.06.2010.  The Court is expected to submit its Report by 31st August 2010.

After the tragic crash, a Civil Aviation Safety Advisory Council (CASAC) has been set up in DGCA under the Chairmanship of Director General of Civil Aviation with 28 expert members from industry and stakeholders who have made significant contribution in aviation sector. The Council has constituted 4 different working groups for (i) Operations, (ii) Airworthiness, (iii) Air Navigation and (iv) Aerodromes. The Council can also invite international experts from ICAO, FAA, EASA, Boeing, Airbus etc.  Based on the above safety issues directions were issued to all concerned regarding adherence to SOPs – Stabilized approach for safe landing; Approach and Landing Reduction(ALAR)/ Monsoon training; Review of missed approach – 'Go around' encouraged in case of un-stabilized approach; Hard landing not punitive – when within limits; Presence of Cabin crew in cockpit in case of one pilot leaving the cockpit – log to be maintained by Sr. Cabin Crew; Cabin Crew to interact with pilots on intercom during period of lean cockpit activity; In the event of incapacitation of PIC, copilot to take over control and in the event of PIC not responding to calls of copilot regarding 'go around', assertiveness by copilot to be encouraged.

DGCA vide order dated 2nd June 2010 has decided that a team of officials from the Aerodrome and Flight Standard Directorate shall carry out special audit of airports identified as critical on a priority basis and shall review thoroughly the system and facilities at these aerodromes and also review any other assessment derived from the aerodrome specific restrictions.  Recommendations of the audit would be implemented by AAI within 1 month, at its airports, while for Defence airports, matter would be taken up with Defence Ministry for the implementation.  11 airports have been identified as critical, namely: Agartala, Calicut, Jammu, Kullu, Latur, Leh, Lengpui, Mangalore, Patna, Port Blair and Shimla.

DGCA has also issued Operations Circular 12 of 2010 on 1st June 2010 impressing upon all Scheduled/Non-Scheduled/General Aviation Operators to strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures for approach and landing that would result in decent landings acceptable within the limitations of the aircraft without compromising stopping distance requirements.

I would also like to mention here that DGCA is committed to sustain and enhance a robust safety oversight system through proactive regulation and its strict compliance.  The challenge before DGCA is to manage phenomenal growth of air traffic without compromising on aviation safety.  DGCA has taken various initiatives to ensure safe operations, some of which I would like to highlight here.

A Surveillance and Enforcement Division has been set up in DGCA for preparation and monitoring of the Annual Surveillance Programme.  The Division coordinates monthly meetings to review the surveillance conducted and a database of all findings detected during surveillance is maintained and monitored.  While, DGCA conducted 4327 surveillance activities in 2009, this year, 4788 activities have been planned and a substantial number of enforcement action has been taken.

A Board for Aviation Safety (BFAS) has been set up to resolve and monitor the progress of enforcement of deficiencies noted during surveillance.  The BFAS also determines enforcement actions against the approval holders based on the seriousness of the deficiencies observed.  To promote sharing of safety information by all stakeholders, the findings are displayed in a de-identified form on DGCA's website.  This approach will help in identifying and dealing with safety threats before they result in any mishap.

DGCA has also started evaluating the financial health of scheduled airlines and its impact on safety and is in the process of framing regulations to ensure that safety is not compromised on account of financial distress of airlines. 

Three ICAO technical projects in the areas of flight safety, aerodrome standards and navigation services have been commissioned by DGCA to enhance its safety oversight capabilities.  The aerodrome project has just been completed and ICAO findings in the identified areas have been addressed.  The other two projects are underway and are expected to be finalized soon.

An Aviation Regulatory Advisory Panel (ARAP) with eight Working Groups has been set up to review existing regulations in airworthiness, flight operations, flight safety, licencing, air transport services and air navigation services.  The panel will study the best international practices and globally harmonized standards and suggest revision in current regulations wherever required.

The concept of Safety Management System (SMS), recommended by ICAO is also under consideration and a draft regulation for the same is under process."

 

mc/mk/dk/kol/15:56 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Rural Development                 

Selection of beneficiaries Under Poverty alleviation Programmes

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

The list of the families living Below Poverty Line (BPL) prepared on the basis of BPL Census 2002 is being used by most of the States for selection of beneficiaries under various poverty alleviation programmes. In the States, where the BPL list has not been finalized as per BPL Census 2002, the selection of beneficiaries is done from the BPL list available with the State Governments/District Rural Development Agencies for poverty alleviation programmes.

This information was given by Shri Pradeep Jain 'Aditya' Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

 

akt/st/bs/dk/kol/15:56 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Rural Development                 

Ensuring Jobs for Job Card Holders

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

As per reports available from the States, a total of 1.29 crore job cards were issued under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA during 2009-10. A job card issued under the Act is valid for a period of 5 years. The household holding a Job Card has to, under Para 9 of Schedule II of the Act, submit application for work to be entitled to receive employment. Therefore, the number of households provided employment has to be seen against the number of household who demanded employment. During 2009-10, a total of 5.25 crore households were provided employment under the Act.

An average of 54 days of employment per household was provided to all the 5.25 crore households who got employment under the Act during 2009-10.

The Ministry has identified shortcomings in the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA. The shortcomings and action taken by the Ministry to remove them is as given below:

(i)                  Lack of awareness: Intensive IEC activities including print as well as electronic media have been taken up to make rural population aware of their legal rights under the Act. Civil Society Organisations have also been associated in the awareness generation programmes.

(ii)                Lack of adequate staff with the implementing authorities: Instructions have been issued to all State Governments for deployment of adequate number of technical and non-technical staff with the implementing authorities. Ministry has enhanced administrative expenses from 4% to 6% out of which salaries of such staff is paid.

(iii)               Delay in wage payment: With a view to ensure timely wage payment infuse transparency in wage disbursement; wage payment to Mahatma Gandhi NREGA workers has been made mandatory through workers accounts in banks/post office. To cover gaps in financial services and outreach, Rural ATM, hand held devices, smart cards, biometrics and business correspondent models have been initiated.

This information was given by Shri Pradeep Jain 'Aditya' Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

 

akt/st/bs/dk/kol/15:56 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Rural Development                 

Achievements under Poverty Alleviation Programmes

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

The Ministry of Rural Development implements the major schemes viz., Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as wage employment and Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY)/National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) as self employment programme for employment generation and poverty alleviation in all the rural areas of the country through State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. In addition to these schemes, the Ministry of Rural Development also implements other schemes namely, Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) and Total Sanitation Programme (TSC) for overall improvement in living standard of rural households.

The Ministry of Rural Development has not monitored/maintained State-wise number of persons crossed the poverty line during the last three years.

This information was given by shri pradeep Jain 'Aditya' Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

 

akt/st/bs/dk/kol/15:56 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Mines                           

Quality Management Committee in Geological Survey of India

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

The Minister of Mines and Development of North Eastern Region Shri B.K. Handique has said that Government of India, Ministry of Mines has set up a Quality Management Cell in the Geological Survey of India(GSI) on 1st February, 2010, with the following objective keeping the Report of the High Powered Committee on restructuring of GSI:-

 

•        To help evolve and devise new mechanisms and systems for better quality management and control so that the services rendered by GSI are at par with international standards.

•        Help devise mechanisms and systems for quality management and implement quality management system and procedures in GSI.

•        Ensure quality audit and quality control.

•        Conduct evaluation studies.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today he said, to execute the above mandate, a Quality Management Committee (QMC) comprising of the members from the following organisations was constituted to steer and advise the Cell on measures to be undertaken to enhance the quality of GSI services, advise on Quality audit of GSI and   oversee the implementation:-

i)                    Three senior officers of GSI, with experience in baseline data acquisition, mineral resource assessment and laboratory system management.

ii)                   Three senior retired officers of GSI with similar experience

iii)                 One representative of each of the following organization (not below the rank of Scientist 'F') : a) Council of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, b)National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, c) National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) /National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, d) Oil & Natural Gas Commission (ONGC), Dehradun, e) Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, f) Atomic Mineral Division (AMD), Hyderabad, g) Representative of Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon and h) Quality Council of India, Delhi

Shri Handique said, after the constitution of the committee two meetings of the QMC have been held on 30.03.2010 and 12.07.2010 as follows:

(i)                  The major issues discussed during the 1st QMC meeting are as under:

o   Methodology to be adopted for improving the quality of various services rendered by GSI and measures to enhance the quality of field inputs and output generated by GSI through its Field Season Programmes (FSP).

o   Devising methods/mechanisms for in-house quality management for enhancing the quality of services rendered by GSI.

o   Operationalising in-house quality management systems and procedures.

o   Constitution of task force in all the Missions to prepare a base document for quality control/management.

o   Standardization of the working procedures through prescription of procedures, setting down responsibilities and accountability and enforcement including reporting and evaluation.

(ii)                The issues discussed during the 2nd QMC meeting are as under:

o   Preparation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all services/activities.

o   Incentevising motivation,   leadership, supervision and monitoring of quality of work at various hierarchical levels.

o   Issues related to obtaining certification of labs especially the Chemical labs, based on SOPs.

o   Human Resource development through various training programme including advanced training.

o   Making Quality issues an integral part of all Field Season Programme (FSP) related activities and quality review to be taken up in all Mid Term Review (MTR), Regional Advisory Council (RAC), Head of the Department(HoD), Quarterly Progress Review (QPR), Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) and its Committees meetings.

o   Carrying out of sample studies for assessing the ground situation.

The Minister said, quality improvement is a continuous process. The High Powered Committee on restructuring of GSI made specific recommendations on the need to improve quality on all aspects of GSI's functioning and a multipronged effort has been initiated, based on the initiatives mentioned in answer to part (c) and (d) of this question. It is expected that as the quality improvement processes become internalized, benchmarks of quality standards will be evolved along with standardization of processes, with a view to ensuring progressively, quality control, quality management, quality assurance and quality certification for the various services and products of GSI.           

 

nsk/db/dk/kol/15:57 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment                          

Shri Wasnik Asks State Agencies to Utilize Fund in More Effective Manner

Inauguration of National Conference of Manging Directors of State Channelising Agencies

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

The Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Mukul Wasnik has called upon the State Governments to strengthen their State Channelising Agenceis (SCAs) in all possible ways to ensure that the allocated funds are utilized in more effective manner. He was addressing the National Conference of the Managing Directors of State Channelizing Agencies of National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) here today. The State Channelsing Agencies are nominated by the State Governments and are responsible for implementing the Schemes of the Corporation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that it is a matter of concern that some States like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Manipur are not taking enough steps for drawl of allocated funds. Continuous default in repayment of loan installments by the SCAs of these States and non-availability of adequate Government Guarantee has created a situation where disbursement of loans by the apex corporations to these SCAs has become difficult, the Minister added.

Shri Wasnik asked the participating Managing Directors of the State Channelizing Agencies to take effective measures to ensure that loans are repaid on time and also impress upon their respective State Governments to provide Government Guarantees so that poorer segment of the backward class are not deprived of concessional financial assistance available under NBCFDC schemes.

The Minister said that we have to find workable solutions to ensure that the target groups get finance at concessional rates of interest and establish market linkages for products. "We must remember that the target group belongs to one of the most vulnerable sections of the society and therefore it is our duty to ensure that all possible help reach these sections in most effective manner" he emphasized.

The Wasnik said that efforts should be made not only to provide finances at concessional rate of interest but also to assist the beneficiaries in skill up gradation and providing access to modern technology as the majority of these sections are engaged in traditional occupations such as pottery, carpentry, black smithy, handloom weaving, stone cutting etc. and these occupations, due to advent of technology, face problems of obsolescence and irrelevance. The training would enable them to find self-employment opportunities and also get gainful employment in new and emerging areas such as information technology etc.

The Minister commended the NBCFDC for initiating the scheme to provide soft loans for pursuing higher education at the graduate and post-graduate levels in the field of medicine, engineering, information technology etc. The Ministry of HRD has also launched a scheme of interest subsidy on educational loans in which the apex corporations under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment have been included which would enable them to provide the benefit of interest moratorium to all those who have availed the educational loan facilities.

Shri K.M. Acharya, Secretary (SJ&E) and Shri A.A. Naqvi, Managing Director, NBCFDC also spoke on the occasion. Shri Mukul Wasnik also released two Brochures brought out by the Corporation on this occasion.

 

vba/rs/dk/kol/15:57 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises                             

Maharatna Status to PSUs

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

The orders for conferment of Maharatna status to IOC, NTPC, ONGC and SAIL were issued on 19.5.2010.

 

The proposals for grant of Maharatna status to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC), NTPC Limited (NTPC), Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) were received from their concerned Administrative Ministries.  The Central Public Sector Enterprises fulfilling the following criteria are eligible to be considered for grant of Maharatna status: -

 

·        Having Navratna status

·        Listed on Indian stock exchange with minimum prescribed public shareholding under SEBI regulations

·        An average annual turnover of more than Rs. 25,000 crore during the last 3 years

·        An average annual net worth of more than Rs. 15,000 crore during the last 3 years

·        An average annual net profit after tax of more than Rs. 5,000 crore during the last 3 years

·        Significant global presence or international operations

 

This information was given by Sh. Arun Yadav, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises in reply to a written question in Rajya Sabha today.

 

sbs/rs/dk/kol/15:57 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Minority Affairs                        

Implementation of The Recommendations of Sachar Committee

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

The Sachar Committee was constituted by the Central Government and a statement on the follow-up action on the recommendations of that Committee was laid in the House on 31.08.2007. Implementation of the decisions taken by the Government on the follow up action on the recommendations of Sachar Committee, which are implemented by the concerned Ministries/ Departments of the Central Government, is reviewed on quarterly basis. The status of implementation on the follow-up action of the decisions up to 31st March, 2010 is available on the website of the Ministry of Minority Affairs i.e. www.minorityaffairs.gov.in .

 

This information was given by Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Minority Affairs, in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

 

kkp/ska/dk/kol/15:58 hrs.

 

 

 

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Minority Affairs                        

Protection Of Human Rights Of The Citizens, Including Minorities

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Minority Affairs, has said that the Government of India is committed to protect the human rights of citizens including minorities. The Indian Constitution contains extensive safeguards for the protection of human rights. In addition, the National Human Rights Commission has also been set up under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 to provide an effective mechanism for the promotion and protection of human rights and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. The Government has also set up the National Commission for Minorities to monitor the working of the safeguards provided in the Constitution and in laws enacted by Parliament and the State Legislatures and make recommendations for the effective implementation of safeguards for the protection of the interests of Minorities by the Central Government or the State Governments.

This information was given in the Rajya Sabha by Shri Salman Khurshid in written reply to a question on a recent report of an international NGO, Minority Rights Group International, in respect of minorities in the country.

 

kkp/ska/dk/kol/15:58 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Minority Affairs                        

Merit-Cum Means Scholarship Scheme for Students Belonging to Minority Communities

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

The merit-cum-means scholarship scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2007 for students belonging to Minority communities. It is being implemented through State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. Under this scheme scholarships are available for pursuing professional and technical courses in the country, at graduate and post-graduate levels, in institutions recognized by the appropriate authority. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Minority Affairs, said that every year 20,000 fresh scholarships are proposed to be awarded in addition to the renewals. 30% of these scholarships are earmarked for girl students. 

To be eligible, a student should have secured admission in any technical or professional institution, recognized by an appropriate authority. In case of students admitted without a competitive examination, students should have secured not less than 50% marks.  The annual income of the family from all sources should not exceed Rs.2.50 lakhs.   Seventy institutes for professional and technical courses have been listed in the scheme.  Eligible students from the minority communities admitted to these institutions are reimbursed full course fee. Course fee of Rs.20,000/- per annum is reimbursed to students studying in other institutions.

Under the Merit-cum- means based scholarship scheme, there is no earmarking of funds State-wise. The year-wise fund allocation and expenditure under the scheme since its inception is given below:-

 

Year                       Budgeted Amount( in Rupees)                  Expenditure(in Rupees)

2007-08                                54.00 crore                                                          40.80 crore

2008-09                                65.00 crore                                                          64.79 crore

2009-10                                100.00 crore                                                       97.51 crore

2010-11                                135.00 crore                                                       2.37crore (till 30.6.2010)

 

kkp/ska/dk/kol/15:58 hrs.

 

 

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways                                

Six Laning of NHs

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

Six-laning of 6500 km of National Highways including entire Golden Quadrilateral and 800 km of other high density traffic corridors are presently approved under National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase-V with target for completion by December, 2012. Six-laning projects under NHDP Phase-V are being implemented predominantly on Private Public Partnership (PPP) mode.

The proposals for six-laning of the existing National Highways are approved by the Government / National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) based on consideration of traffic volume as well as inter-se priority.

This information was provided by Shri R.P.N. Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways in the Lok Sabha today

 

rs: pm/dk/kol/15:59 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways                                

Targets for Construction of NHs

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

The Government/NHAI has set up a target for constructing 4770 km of National Highways during the current financial year. As of May 2010, the construction has been completed for 684 km.

In order to achieve the target and expedite implementation of projects, regional offices have been set up by NHAI headed by Chief General Managers. Powers have been delegated to the Chief General Managers who will monitor land acquisition matters as well as implementation of projects. Special land acquisition units are also set up to expedite land acquisition. State Governments have been requested to appoint Chief Secretaries as Nodal officers to expedite NHDP projects by removing bottlenecks if any. Projects are also closely and periodically reviewed at Head Quarter as well as field units.

This information was provided by Shri R.P.N. Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways in the Lok Sabha today

 

rs: pm/dk/kol/15:59 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways                                

Stricter Norms for Assistance under CRF

New Delhi: August 3, 2010.

 

The procedure for identification, prioritization, preparation of detailed proposals for the projects under the Central Road Fund (CRF) scheme has been modified with effect from 01.04.2010. This has been done as per the instructions issued by the Ministry in March 2010 to stipulate submission of detailed estimates for the projects prioritized and finalized by the Standing Committee headed by the Secretary of this Ministry. This will facilitate accord of detailed technical and financial sanction including administrative approval by the Ministry for such projects.

The procedure has been modified as it was felt essential that the projects under CRF be sanctioned for the full cost and that cost be based on Detailed Project Report. This will make the cost estimation realistic as also there will be no necessity for the States to bear the excess cost beyond 10% of the amount administratively approved and avoid downsizing the projects by some States to reduce scope of work and restrict the cost within the limit of 10% excess.

This information was provided by Shri R.P.N. Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways in the Lok Sabha today

 

rs: pm/dk/kol/15:59 hrs.

--
Palash Biswas
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