It has come to the notice of the Department of Company Affairs that some NBFCs or Nidhis have been registered with words "Mutual Funds" forming part of their names, although they are not actually mutual funds. This is likely to create confusion in the minds of investors.

    In the cases where NBFCs or Nidhis have already been incorporated with words "Mutual Funds" in their names, the ROCs have been asked to get their names changed under Section 21 of the Companies Act, 1956 within a reasonable time of six months failing which, report would be sent to the Department of Company Affairs for initiating action for withdrawal of Notification issued in their favour under Section 620A of the Companies Act.

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri N.T. Shanmugam has said that his Ministry had already released Rs.1.5 crore as grant-in-aid to Goa Medical College for purchasing Linear Accelerator. In his letter to the Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Francisco C. Sardinha, the Minister has informed that this is the maximum amount made available under the scheme "Development of Oncology Wing in Medical College", to the hospital.

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri N.T. Shanmugam has said that government is presently formulating a National Population policy which aims at all important goal to stabilise population at the earliest. The first step in achieving this goal is to reduce fertility rate to the replacement level which is 2.1. In his inaugural address at the three-day Millennium Conference on Population, Development and Environment Nexus, here today, the Minister said that a focussed family welfare programme, spread of education, steady improvement of economic status of families and sincere implementation of the population policy can achieve this goal by the year 2010.

    In a few months, India’s population will be touching one billion mark. Despite the recent decline in the rate of population growth, India is still adding more than 15 million persons to its population every year. By 2001, the Indian population will be four times its size in 1901 and unless the will of all sections of the community is summoned and all possible resources are harnessed, the current trend will lead India to becoming the most populous country in the world by 2050 with a population of 152 crores.

    The annual growth rate of population which was 1.96 per cent during 1951-61, has now dropped to 1.6 per cent. Even though the birth rate has come down from 41.7 per thousand in 1951-61 to 26.4 in 1998, the death rate and infant mortality rate have dropped even more sharply. Life expectancy which was 37.1 years for men, and 36.1 years for women in 1951, has doubled to reach 62.4 for men and 63.1 for women. The birth rate in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim, Pondicherry and Chandigarh is near replacement level already. Birth rate can be brought down to replacement levels in another 8-10 States during the next decade. The States of UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan, Assam, Haryana and Orissa have to make special efforts towards population stabilisation.

    Dr. Bharat Ram, Chairman, Population Foundation of India, Dr. K. Srinivasan, President, Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP) and Dr. Michael Vlassoff, UNFPA Representative of India are among others who have addressed this conference.

    The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment will receive the National Award as producer of the two award winning films `SAMAR' and `Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar'.

    The awards will be given by the President Shri K.R.Naryanan at the 46th National Film Festival Awards function to be held here tomorrow.

    Directed by Shyam Benegal `SAMAR' is the film on Dalit Empowerment and it won the best feature film award of 1998. The other film produced by the Ministry `Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar' won the award as best feature film in English and it has been directed by Dr. Jabbar Patel.

NEW MEMBERS FOR NCDRC

    Shri B.K. Taimni and Smt. Rajyalakshmi Rao have been appointed as whole-time Members of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for a period of five years. This will come into effect from the date they assume charge on the terms and conditions prescribed in the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 read with the Consumer Protection Rules, 1987 as amended from time to time.

    The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri E. Ponnuswamy has emphasised the importance of safety management programme in the production, distribution and other hazardous operations in oil sector. Inaugurating the two-day 10^th Oil Industry Safety Workshop here today, Shri Ponnuswamy said that in todays competitive environment which is accompanied by sophisticated technology, there is a greater need for putting in place an efficient safety management system. It requires not only a strong safety structure through corporate policy but also change of attitude and motivation of the individuals involved.

    The Minister said that the productivity and safety are linked to each other and need to be persued vigorously in all the sectors particularly in petroleum sector. He drew attention to the fact that any loss as a result of non-observance of safety precautions in oil sector is a national loss as country is heavily dependent on the imports for its domestic requirements. Any unsafe operation always runs a risk of avoidable loss of precious human lives and also the loss of scarce hydrocarbon resources of the country besides the monetary and other consequential losses due to delays in production etc. The proper observation of the safety norms is a pre-requisite in the present context when a very high importance is attached to conservation of oil and avoidance of any wastage. Better safety practices therefore result in higher productivity and optimum utilisation of the resources of the country, he added.

    Shri Ponnuswamy cautioned that if the organisations are not prepared to gear themselves with a sound accident prevention system they will have to learn their lessons in a hard and painful way through accident and postmortems. This may involve heavy cost in terms of man and material. It is, therefore, essential to learn from the previous experiences and to leave behind healthy practices for future generations.

    Shri Shiv Raj Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas emphasised the role of the safety in oil sector and its importance in the context of opening of the oil sector for private sector. Shri J.K. Verma, Executive Director, Oil Industry Safety Directorate also briefed the gathering about various activities of Oil Industry Safety Directorate to ensure that accidents and the losses are prevented in oil sector.

PARLIAMENTARY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS

    The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Ram Naik said that the demand for Petroleum Products in the country is said to reach 155 million tonnes by the year 2006-7. This is almost three times of the level of 55 million tonnes in 1991 and 89 million tonnes in last fiscal year. Speaking at the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry , Shri Naik, informed that as against indigenous crude oil production of about 33 million tonnes in a year, country is dependent upon imports to the extent of 70 per cent of our requirements. The Government has recently approved award of 25 exploration blocks under NELP to accelerate domestic crude production.

    The Minister informed that the prices of crude oil and petroleum products have risen very steeply during the past one year. It has reached Rs. 7540 per tonne at present against Rs. 3210 per tonne in February, 1999, an increase of 134 per cent. As a result the oil import bill during the current year is expected to be around Rs.55000 crores. Similarly the quantum of subsidy on kerosene (PDS) and domestic LPG has increased substantially. At today's international prices, subsidy on kerosene is Rs.7.85 per letre and Rs.144 per cylinder on LPG.

    Drawing attention of the Members to the menace of adulteration and other mal-practices in the sale of petrol/ diesel etc., Shri Naik stated that strict action would be taken against any erring person. Referring to the special drive against adulteration launched in November-December, he said the cooperation of State Governments was necessary to take action under the Essential Commodity Act. At a meeting of State Civil Supplies Minister a broad consensus emerged at reduction in the difference between the prices of the diesel and kerosene which is presently Rs.11.45 per litre in Delhi. This price difference is one of the principal reason for the adulteration of petroleum products. Even in neighbouring countries the difference between the prices of diesel and kerosene is very minimal as only 39 paise per letre in Pakistan, 5 paise in Bangladesh and Rs.1.6 in Sri Lanka.

    The Minister said in view of the pricing policy initiated in 1997 the prices of diesel will have to further go up to match the principle of import parity as international prices have been showing increasing trends. This can be prevented only if the duties and sales taxes on diesel are reduced by the Central and the State Governments. Shri Naik also informed the Members several initiatives taken by the Government production and supply of oil products in all parts of the country. He said entire waiting list for LPG connection as on 1^st December, 1999 will be cleared by the end of December, 2000 releasing connections in excess of 1 crore in a single year. Quality of fuel has been improved with supply of only lead free petrol and diesel with only 0.25% sulphur content.

    The Members expressed serious concern on the adulteration of oil products and called for severe punishment and penalties against the involved dealers/officials. They said other mal-practices like short supply, seal tempering etc. should be urgently checked. The members also urged Minister to reconstitute the dissolved Dealer Selection Boards (DSB) at an early date so that more retail outlets and LPG agencies are set up facilitating availability of the crucial oil products with a wider marketing network. Members at large urged the Minister to reduce subsidy on kerosene as the poor men's fuel was being black marketed resulting in misuse of the subsidy besides giving incentive for being used as adulterant.

    Replying to the members queries the Minister said that action is being taken so that the new DSBs are set up by 31^st March, 2000. Earlier DSBs were dissolved after a review of their functioning revealed that the majority of them did not function satisfactorily. He saught their cooperation in finding suitable persons with unimpeachable integrity to head the DSBs. Shri Naik assured that no efforts will be spared to rectify the situation as regards the mal-practices in marketing of oil products.

    Shri Santosh Gangwar and Shri E. Ponnuswamy both Ministers of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas were present at the meeting. Following members of Parliament attended the meeting of the Committee: S/Shri Jaswant Singh Bishnoi, Dr. Laxminarayan Pandey, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) B.C. Khanduri, N.H. Diwathe, Kishan Singh Sangwan, Nagmani, Kunwar Sarvaraj Singh, Prakash Paranjpe, Ram Jeevan Singh , M.H. Gavit, Harpal Singh Sathi, Prof. Ram Bakhsh Singh Verma, A. Vijaya Raghavan, N.R. Dasari ,Satish Pradhan and Oscar Fernandes.

    The Ministry of Railways has clarified that the low value monthly season tickets introduced from 1^st January this year are no drain on the exchequer rather they have started bringing additional resources for the Railways.

    These low value tickets were introduced for the low income groups having a monthly income of less than Rs.400/- with a view to ensure that this target group, who could not afford travel expenses and were by and large travelling without ticket could be motivated to become bonafide rail passengers through such concessional MSTs. It was expected that this method would not only reduce the extent of ticketless travel but would also generate a feeling of dignity and self-respect among these weaker sections. The measure was also expected to generate in turn additional resources for the Railways.

    According to the figures available with the Ministry of Railways about 30,000 such low value MSTs have been sold by the end of last week (12th February, 2000). The revenue generated through sale of these MSTs thus, to begin with, is in the order of Rs.4.5 lakh per month.

    In view of the above, news appearing in certain sections of the press that this scheme would cost the Railways a loss of Rs.500 to 700 crore is not correct.

STATE WELFARE SECRETARIES CONFERENCE OPENED TODAY

    The Ministry of Social Justice & empowerment has asked the States to promote voluntary action in a balanced manner in the areas like disability, Scheduled Caste development and prevention of alcoholism etc. Addressing the two-day Conference of the State Welfare Secretaries here today, Smt. Asha Das said that the Government has prepared draft guidelines to facilitate release of financial assistance and monitoring usage of the funds by the NGOs.

    Smt. Asha Das drew the attention of the States to the fact that the outreach of five Apex Finance and Development Corporations functioning under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for promoting economic development activities for the benefit of the backward and disadvantaged sections of the society, has been very limited, the number assisted were quite small and assistance advanced not reasonably utilised as some State could not take full advantage of the schemes.

    The Secretary stressed the need to critically examine the programmes and investments that have not yielded the desired results. She said that we have to target our interventions better in the area of welfare programmes for all categories especially Scheduled castes and the Safai Karmis & their dependents. The State Corporations concerned with the welfare of the targeted groups have been asked to attempt a shift towards micro lending through NGOs and self help groups, so that even the tiny credit needs of the poorest could be met, she said.

    Smt.Asha Das said that the Planning Commission has approved a National Programme for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities as a State Sector Scheme. She said that model schemes for implementation have been circulated to the State Governments and expressed the hope that the States would put the necessary structure in place and utilise the allocation of funds for this purpose.

    Smt. Asha Das asked the States to regulate and monitor the orphanages and encourage in-country adoptions. She emphasised that in-country adoption is the best way of rehabilitating the destitute and abandoned child. She said that State Governments are expected to carry out periodical inspections of all agencies and institutions handling in-country and inter-country adoptions.

    The Secretary also asked the State Governments to give inputs and suggestions especially in the areas where they need support from the Centre in view of their special needs and unique social problems.

    The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Smt. Maneka Gandhi will address the Conference tomorrow.

'24'

    The Staff Federation of the Department of Telecom Services (DTS) have deferred their one-day nation-wide strike proposed for tomorrow, in response to the appeal made by the Government. The decision to defer the strike came following the talks between the officials of the Department and the three Telecom Employees Federations. This was disclosed by the Secretary, DTS, Shri P.S.Saran here late last evening.

    The three Federations namely National Federation of Telecom Employees (NFTE), Federation of National Telecom Organisation (FNTO) and the Bharatiya Telecom Employees Federation (BTEF) had given notice for the strike on 15.2.2000 to express their concern over the financial viability of the corporate entity after the corporatisation of the DTS and some staff related matters like job security, pension and terminal benefits etc.

    Initiation of exploitative agriculture without a proper understanding of the various consequences of every one of the changes introduced into traditional agriculture, and without first building up a proper scientific and training base to sustain it, may only lead us, in the long run, into an era of agricultural disaster rather than one of agricultural prosperity. This was stated by Dr. M.S Swaminathan, eminent agricultural scientist in his keynote address at the Five Day long International Conference on Managing Natural Resources for sustainable Agricultural Production in the 21^st century here today.

    Dr. Swaminathan said that Intensive cultivation of land without conservation of soil fertility and soil structure would lead, ultimately, to the springing up of deserts. Irrigation without arrangements for drainage would result in soils getting alkaline or saline. Indiscriminate use of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides could cause adverse changes in biological balance as well as lead to an increase in the incidence of cancer and other diseases, through the toxic residues present in the grains or other edible parts. Unscientific tapping of underground water will lead to the rapid exhaustion of this wonderful capital resource left to us through ages of natural farming.

    To meet the demand of increasing population, India’s foodgrain production must be increased to about 300 million tonnes by the year 2020. To achieve these targets, foodgrain production must increase at the rate of 5 million tonnes/per year over the next 2 decades. It is only through a synergy between appropriate technologies and public policies that we can ensure sustainable food security.

    Dr. Swaminathan emphasised on three point section plan to prove Neo-Malthusian predictions wrong three point action plan is needed, he said. Defending the gains already made and bridging the yield gap by integrated management of natural resources at the village/watershed level which includes soil health care, water conservation and management, Integrated Gene Management, Integrated Nutrient Supply with particular emphasis on the incorporation of green manure crops and pulses in the rotation, Integrated Pest Management and Improved Post-Harvest Technology. Based on an inter-disciplinary constraints analysis, appropriate packages of technologies, services and public policies will have to be introduced in all the blocks of the State to raise average yields to bridge the gap between potential and actual yields.

    Further Spread the Gains to Additional areas and Farming systems. New technologies are available for dry farming areas as well as for areas with problem soils. In all rainfed areas, the watershed development and water harvesting movement should be linked to the Technology Missions in oilseeds, pulses, maize and cotton. The urban green belt programme should preferably concentrate on fruits, vegetables, flowers, poultry, fish and animal products and on the preparation of processed and semi-processed foods in accordance with market demand. A third step which needs to be taken is the revitalisation of the earlier practice to cultivate the consume ragi and a whole series of minor millets, pulses, tubers and oilseeds.

    Finally make new gains from farming systems diversification and value addition. Further gains can be made only through knowledge-intensive and environment friendly ecotechnologies. Introduction of knowledge intensive eco- and precision agriculture will make farming both intellectually stimulating and economically rewarding.

    Dr. Swaminathan said that we must harness frontier science and technologies such as information and space technologies, biotechnology and renewable energy technologies and blend them with traditional wisdom and technologies. A holistic approach is a must so that both producers and consumers benefit from enhanced production. Restructuring of the extension service is essential for enabling our farm families to enter the age of ecological and knowledge intensive agriculture. This is the pathway to an ever-green revolution, he said.

    Chairing the Conference Dr. R.S Paroda said that the man’s greed rather than his needs is putting enormous pressure on the capacity of the biosphere resulting in over-exploitation of the natural resources as the demand is not within the paradigm set by ecological constraints. The productivity of agricultural lands is decreasing due to a number of biotic and abiotic stresses. The injudicious use of the inorganic fertilizers and pesticides that supports today’s high-yield agriculture has already had effects on land, water and crop quality, and therefore, a fresh relook on technologies for their efficient use is obvious.

    Dr. Paroda said that land degradation is not only a bio-physical problem, it is as much a socio-economic problem causing enormous losses of productivity, and results in disparity of income. Mostly poorest of the poor suffer more than others. It seems that to meet the targeted production of the next few decades, management of land resource would be a major challenge of the next millennium for the scientific community in India.

    New situation is emerging from the spread of an Intellectual Property right regime in agricultural research. In this era, competition is likely to replace co-operation, sharing of information may become difficult and consideration of profits may overweigh public good. He warned that let it not lead to over-exploitation of natural resources. Our natural resources are under tremendous pressure, in many cases they are degrading as a result of pollution. There are opportunities to modify our existing practices to be in harmony with nature, rather than in confrontation. The scientific fraternity can plan a vital role and make all the difference between over-exploitation and sustainability. Dr. Paroda said that the research and development agenda to be discussed in this conference may not be limited to the challenges that our generation faces to ensure sustainable agriculture development but also the legacy that this generation will leave for our future generations. Expressing his confidence, he said that the Delhi statement emerging from the deliberations of this Conference would become the International Agenda for setting priorities of the new millennium in the arena of natural resources management.

    Shri Bhaskar Barua, Secretary Agriculture emphasised on the need of Ground and Silver (revolutions and river) watershed development.

    Union Minister for Surface Transport, Shri Rajnath Singh has approved the proposal to extend the nomination facility to public sector undertakings/units of the Department of Shipping to procure ships, dredgers, boats etc. by placing orders on Indian Public Sector Shipyards.

    The nomination facility will act as a support measure to facilitate generation of orders for Indian Public Sector Shipyards, which have been facing under-utilization of their installed capacity. .

    The nomination facility was already available to the Port Trusts.

    With this, Port Trusts and Public Sector Undertakings of the Surface Transport Ministry such as Shipping Corporation of India, Central Inland Water Transport Corporation of India, Inland Waterways Authority of India and Directorate General of Lighthouses & Lightships can procure vessels etc. on nomination basis as well. They will, however, still have the option to go in for open competitive bidding.

    The Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Administrations have also been advised to consider adopting similar procedure of placing orders on nomination basis on Indian Public Sector Shipyards.

'42'

FILIPINO DELEGATION VISITS INDIA TO DISCUSS PURCHASE OF BULK DRUGS

    A 5-member delegation from the Department of Health of the Government of the Philippines held discussions with Shri Arvind Varma, Secretary Chemicals & Petrochemicals and Shri Arun Kumar, the Chairman of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), here today. The delegation is on a 6-day visit to India and is being led by Dr. Mrs. Ma. Margarita Galon, the Under Secretary in the Philippines Department of Health. Dr. Galon is the administrative head of the Department. The delegation comprises 5 Government officials representing drug regulatory authorities in the Philippines and 10 members representing trade and industry.

    The visit of the delegation is the culmination of efforts recently made by India to promote pharmaceutical exports to the Philippines. Initiatives have been taken in recent months in arranging interaction of Indian pharma exporters with importers in the Philippines. Four Indian companies had sent their representatives to the Philippines in November-December, 1999.

    Dr. Galon said that the Philippines Government is trying to bring down the cost of medicines to ensure that the poor had access to quality medicines. On an average the price of medicines in the Philippines is 10 to 12 times that in India. The delegation’s visit is an attempt to explore possibilities of sourcing quality medicines from India. The delegation also discussed the drug price control mechanism presently in India.

    The Secretary Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Shri Varma offered all possible help in achieving the objectives of the delegation and suggested continued interaction with the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (PEPC) in the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals.

    The pharmaceutical industry in India is today one of the largest and most advanced among the developing countries. The Indian pharmaceutical industry manufactures bulk drugs belonging to several major therapeutic groups requiring various manufacturing processes. The industry has also developed excellent production facilities.

    Exports of pharmaceuticals from India have risen steeply from a meagre US $ 10.69 million in 1980-81 to approximately $1,430.7 million in 1998-99. During April 1998 to March 1999, the total exports were higher by 13.52% than the performance for the corresponding period during 1997-98.

    The Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has urged "the industry to substantially augment the Government's efforts and invest more in human resource development - to meet immediate needs as well as to prepare for tomorrow's challenges".

    Speaking at a function for giving away Shram Awards 1998 here today, the Prime Minister stressed the need for more investment in human resource development so that workers could give their best. In particular, he emphasised the need for acquisition of knowledge-based skills and for the setting up of more responsive training systems and institutions. Expressing concern over the inadequate representation of women in the workforce, Shri Vajpayee called for steps to reverse this adverse trend. Referring to the fact that the number of persons who have access to ITIs and Polytechnics is not more than 1 million, he wanted this huge gap to be filled to meet the needs of the emerging workforce. Though all these steps aimed at human resource development for a more productive workforce are primarily the responsibility of Government, the Prime Minister observed that Government's initiatives need to be supplemented and complemented by industry.

    The following is the text of the speech of the Prime Minister on the occasion :

    "It gives me great pleasure to be with you on this occasion and distribute the Shram Awards for 1998.

    I congratulate the winners for showing exemplary commitment to productivity, standardisation and quality control. You have shown excellence, imagination and resourcefulness that, I am sure, will inspire your colleagues. I also congratulate all working men and women whose contribution to the national economy is reflected in the fact that India has been performing well in virtually all sectors.

    The strength of a country is measured primarily by its economic prosperity. In 1947, India inherited a colonial economy that had been designed to serve the interests of our British rulers. They systematically tapped India’s wealth for their own prosperity, ignoring the well-being of India and her people.

    In the last five decades, as a nation we have travelled a long distance, building up our own national economy to serve national interests. Today, the Indian economy is poised to emerge as a formidable force. Credit for this success should be shared with millions of working men and women. Their tireless labour and dedication have enabled our nation to emerge as one of the top ten countries of chief industrial importance.

    I am confident that in the next few years we will further improve our position and India, now that she is firmly set on the path of industrial resurgence, will be second to none in terms of production, technological innovation and all-round excellence. I am also confident that our engineers, architects, mazdoors, whether highly skilled or unskilled, through their collective effort and imagination, will make India self-sufficient and self-reliant.

    No effort and no contribution are larger than that of our working class. It is they who have created India’s physical infrastructure, ranging from roads to buildings, ports to airports, hydroelectric projects to giant industrial complexes. They are the builders of what Pandit Nehru described as the "temples of modern India".

    Indeed, a revitalised and re-energised working class can become the engine of growth and development and thus help build a strong, prosperous India, a forward moving and forward looking nation.

    But, for that, we have to invest more in human resource development so that workers are able to give their best.

    Of the 350 million strong workforce at present, the majority is unskilled or semi-skilled. Our labour force is growing at a rate of 2.5 %, which is higher than the rate of growth of our population. A large number of people are entering the labour market without possessing the necessary wherewithal for effective entry to, and absorption by, the market.

    Over the decades, we have built institutions like ITI's and polytechnics for skill training, skill formation and skill upgradation. But the number of persons who have access to these institutions is not more than one million. Therefore, there is a huge gap that needs to be filled to meet the needs of the emerging workforce.

    There are other reasons, too, why we must invest, and invest now, in enabling our potential workforce to acquire skills and our existing working men and women to upgrade their skills as well as acquire new skills.

    Sweeping changes are taking place in the global economic environment. With the advent of the 21^st century, we have entered the information age. Against this backdrop, the acquisition of skills, in particular acquisition of knowledge-based skills, must receive unreserved support at all levels.

    In the coming years, we must create a workforce that is skilled or highly skilled, and has the ingenuity and resourcefulness to adjust itself to the rapid changes in the labour market. That is the only way we can survive in the face of a fiercely competitive global environment.

    The new century will witness a relentless pursuit of new knowledge, information and skills that are of direct interest and relevance to an increasingly globalised economy and rapid technological change. We will also witness information technology playing an important role, reducing costs and increasing the speed of communications. This will be a major factor in globalising production and integrating financial markets.

    All this, in turn, will induce demand for skilled labour, necessitating higher investment in education and skill development which are now acknowledged as vital ingredients in making economies internationally more competitive and productive. They will also help mitigate social and economic vulnerability arising out of globalisation.

    Thus, we need to pay greater attention to the task of setting up more responsive training systems and institutions. We need to ensure both pre-service as well as on-the-job training. There is no gainsaying that countries that have a strong institutional base in training systems will be able to adjust better to the new economic environment while others will lag behind.

    Simultaneously, we also need to ensure that women have adequate and equitable access to education and training opportunities so that their representation in the nation's workforce can increase. Women constitute barely 25 per cent of the total workforce today.

    A variety of factors have contributed to this adverse sex ratio in the workforce, including discrimination against women in matters of employment and wages. This adverse trend will have to be reversed.

    It is true that all these steps aimed at human resource development for a more productive workforce are primarily the responsibility of Government. But Government's initiatives need to be supplemented and complemented by industry.

    Till now, industry’s participation in skill training initiatives has been limited. I urge industry to substantially augment its efforts and invest more in human resource development -- to meet immediate needs as well as to prepare for tomorrow's challenges.

    My Government has all along emphasised the importance of the working class and the human element in industrial production. We are committed to creating conditions that will encourage individual initiatives, ingenuity, resourcefulness and skill-acquisition.

    We believe that working men and women are the most important assets of our nation. We recognise their inherent potential and we shall, through our policies and programmes, harness that potential for building a strong and prosperous, forward looking and forward moving India.

    The Prime Minister’s Shram Awards reflect Government's recognition of the contribution by working men and women to the noble task of nation building. The 31 winners of this award today symbolise the new work ethos and culture that are needed to meet the new challenges of the new century.

    I am sure their achievement will motivate workers in the organised as well as unorganised sectors and informal areas. Together, we can usher in a new era of rapid social and economic change.

    Jai Hind!"