The Central Government has issued letter of intent to Yerala Medical Trust & Research Centre, Bombay for starting a new dental college under the name and style of Yerala Medical Trust Dental College And Hospital New Mumbai with an annual intake of 100 admissions.

    The Central Government has issued letter of intent to K.C.M. Educational Society, Moradabad in U.P. for starting a new dental college under the name and style of Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad with 100 admissions.

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238.43 LAKH DIRECT EXCHANGE LINES PROVIDED

    With the addition of about 600 telephone exchanges in October-November'99, the status of number of telephone exchanges in the country has increased about 25,700. During the last three months 12.73 lakh new telephone connections were provided, which is 28% of the current years target of 45.5 lakh lines with the addition of 17.48 lakh of switching capacity. Of this more than 2 lakh connections were provided in the rural areas of the country.

    During the period from the middle of October about 7,400 more villages were provided with telephone facility, taking the status of number of villages with telephone to 3.5 lakh (out of the 6.07 lakh villages). During the same period more than 6,600 Route kilometers of optical fibre cable and 1,750 Route kilometers of microwave systems were installed to improve the connectivity as well as to spread Internet facility. The tele-density improved during the period from 2.33 per 100 population to 2.44 per 100 population which is about 5%.

STATUS OF TELECOM SERVICES AS ON 31.12.1999

    Shri Sinha urged the bankers to quickly liquidate NPAs and he said that this could be done by a two phase process, one by not allowing fresh build up of NPA and, two, by taking care of the existing NPAs. The Finance Minister regretted that inspite of the decisions to reduce NPAs, further NPAs have been added in the last 2-3 years. Shri Sinha suggested that the bankers should deliberate on creation of Asset Reconstruction Company and Settlement Advisory Committees in Banks so that the problem of NPAs is sorted out. He also said that the question of procedures for advances, appraisal and disbursement of loans should be examined so that it becomes more transparent and effective.

    Shri Sinha expressed concern over the declining credit deposit ratio and unsatisfactory customer service in the banks and urged the bankers to work out separate mechanism to address this problem. He also said that in view of the globalisation of the economy, financial sector can play a major role by adopting global standards and prudential norms so that India is considered a safe destination for investment and a healthy partner for trade.

    Complimenting the public sector banks for their role all along in the country's march towards economic development, Shri Sinha said that this has proved that our banks have inherent strength and so they should welcome any kind of competition. He also said that banks being one of the few institutions that have reached the village level, there is a need to give renewed attention on priority sector lending, micro credit and inter-linking with NBFCs.

    With regard to cut in interest rate, Shri Sinha said that fiscal climate is required to be created so that without any inter-mediation of government and the RBI, the market will decide about it appropriately.

    Later in his address, the Minister of State for Finance, Shri B.V. Patil said that there is need to step up lending for agriculture and also improve the customer service so that the myth that banks exist for the well to do and not for the poor is clarified.

    Among others who were present on the occasion include, the RBI Governor Dr. Bimal Jalan, Chairman of Indian Bankers Association Shri Panner Selvam, Finance Secretary, Shri P.G. Mankad.

BLINDNESS CONTROL PROGRAMME

    In the current financial year 1999-2000, 12 lakh 72 thousand 53 cataract surgeries have been performed till November, 1999 as against the annual target of 35 lakh.

    The epidemiological situation of malaria in the country, have shown a decrease by 3.88 per cent in total malaria cases upto November end of last year as compared to the corresponding period of 1998.

    As per reports at Directorate of National Anti Malaria Programme upto November end of last year, 624 suspected cases of dengue have been reported from the States namely Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan with 10 deaths.

    During November 1999, a total of 550 cases with 107 deaths due to Japanese Encephalitis have been reported from the States namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh as against 350 cases with 86 deaths during the corresponding period of 1998.

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    The Government has decided to formulate uniform consent procedure to rationalise the consent procedure for implementation of pollution control laws in operating and establishing industrial projects in the country. This will also bring in more transparency and expeditious decision-making in the functioning of the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) of the Union Territories. For the implementation of water and air pollution control laws and management of hazardous wastes, SPCBs and PCCs grant consent to operate and establish industrial and other developmental activities in the States and Union Territories.

    The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has issues a draft Notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 on the uniform consent procedure to be adopted by SPCBs and PCCs. This will bring in uniformity in the process of grant and renewal of the consent by the SPCBs and PCCs and will also provide a level playing field to the industries so as to regulate investment for sustainable development.

    The new proposals provide for combined application form for obtaining consent which includes aspects of water pollution, air pollution and hazardous wastes management and handling. No authorisation shall be required in case of industries which are not generating hazardous wastes as per the specified category and a statement to the effect shall be sufficient for consideration of application.

    The SPCBs and PCCs are now required to issue the consent order valid for a period against each category of industries which have been classified into red, orange and green categories for the purpose of consent management. For red categories, the consent validity period is two years and for orange and green categories, it will be three and five years respectively. This will not only save time for the industries, but also streamline the functioning of the Boards. Further, the SPCBs and PCCs are required to prepare a list of non-polluting industries in the category of small, cottage and tiny industry for grant of simplified consent which will be valid for 10 years.

    The draft Notification stipulates the minimal frequency of the visits to the industries by the officers of Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) for inspection of treatment plants, sampling of effluents etc. The polluting industries (red category) in the small-scale sector will be visited once in a year whereas large and medium industries shall be visited once in three months.

    The new rules provide for recovery of charges by the PCBs for collection of samples and its analysis. The Boards are required to specify the schedule of monitoring of the effluent and emission by the industries which will progressively build up their own capabilities to carry out monitoring. In case of small industries, services of laboratories recognised by the Central Government or SPCBs and PCCs may be utilised.

    The State Industrial Development Corporations who are promoting the industrial development and providing infrastructural facilities for the industrial areas, will be responsible for providing facilities for proper collection and disposal of treated effluent from the industrial estates and regular monitoring of the ambient air, noise and water. SPCBs and PCCs will suggest suitable locations, parameters and frequency of such monitoring.

    The applications for grant of consent shall be processed in two stages only for expeditious clearance. In case of new project proposals, the applications for consent to establish shall be cleared within 60 days.

PRESS NOTE

    Subject: Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production and Use-based Index (Base 1993-94=100) for the month of November, 1999.

    The Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with base 1993-94 for the month of November, 1999 have been released by the Central Statistical Organisation. The General Index stands at 149.2 which is higher by 3.3% compared to the month of November, 1998.

    The Indices of Industrial Production for the Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity sectors for the month of November, 1999 stand at 119.0, 154.1, and 141.8 respectively, with the corresponding growths of –0.8%, 3.4% and 7.1% compared to the month of November, 1998. The cumulative growths during April-November, 1999 over the corresponding period of 1998 in the three sectors have been 0.0%, 6.9% and 7.9% respectively, with the overall growth in the General Index being 6.4%.

    Nine out of seventeen two-digit industry groups have shown positive growth during the month of November, 1999 as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. Wool, Silk and man-made fibre textiles have shown the highest growth of 24.3% followed by 11.2% for Machinery and Equipment other than Transport Equipment and 9.6% in Paper & Paper Products and printing, Publishing & Allied industries. On the other hand, Metal Products and Parts, except Machinery & Equipment have shown a growth of –8.8% followed by a growth of –8.6% in Other Manufacturing Industries and –7.7% in Rubber, Plastic, Petroleum and Coal Products.

    As per Use-based classification, the growth in November, 1999 as compared to November, 1998 is 3.8% both in Basic as well as Capital goods and 0.9% in Intermediate goods. The Consumer goods alongwith its components i.e., Consumer durables and Consumer non-durables have recorded growth of 5.3%.

    The President has appointed Shri T.S. Krishna Murthy, Secretary, Department of Company Affairs, in the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs, to be the Election Commissioner of India with effect from the date he assumes his office. His appointment will fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Shri G.V.G. Krishna Murthy with effect from September 30,1999. With this appointment, the three-member Election Commission will be full in strength.

    Shri Krishna Murthy belongs to Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), 1963. He was to retire on superannuation on May 31,2000. He shall have a tenure of more than five years. The service condition governing the tenure of Election Commissioners provides that the Election Commissioner shall hold office for a period of six years or upto the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The photograph of Shri Krishna Murthy can be down loaded from PIB website.

    The Second National Seminar & Exhibition "Indian No-Dig 2000" on Trenchless (No-Dig) Technology, will be held in New Delhi on 20^th to 22^nd January, 2000. The Seminar is being organised by the Indian Society for Trenchless Technology (INDSTT) in collaboration with Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC), Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T), International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT), U.K. & Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC)

    The Technology, commonly known as No-Dig method of Construction, is environment friendly and cost effective. It is a unique technique for laying, replacement and renovation of underground utilities such as Power & Telecommunication Cables, Sewage, Water supply & Gas Pipe lines without digging of ground above or with minimum digging. This technology also ensures that there is no traffic hindrance, obstructions, extra cost in providing diversions and their maintenance. The Government of India appointed NBCC as a Nodal Agency for promotion of Trenchless Technology in the country.

    A large number of participants from India as well as from other countries will be attending the 3-day Seminar.

    Shri Manohar Joshi, Minister of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises has assured the automobile sector that the new auto policy will be in tune with the times. Shri Joshi was speaking at a function to inaugurate an international conference on World Class Automotive Manufacturing organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), here today. Shri Jagdish Khattar, Chairman, CII, Delhi State Council & Managing Director, Maruti Udyog Limited, Sh. R. Seshasayee, Vice President, SIAM and Managing Director, Ashok Leyland Limited and Shri Rahul Bajaj, President, CII were also present on the occasion.

    Praising the growth of Indian auto industry, which achieved a gross turnover exceeding Rs.36000 crore in 1998-99, Shri Joshi informed the participants that the contribution of the Indian automobile industry to GDP has risen from 2.7% of GDP in 1992-93 to 4.0% by 1998-99. In addition, it has extensive backward and forward linkages generating, large, direct and indirect employment and contributing immensely to the mobility of the population in the country, Shri Joshi stated. He further informed FDI worth Rs. 4500 crore had flowed into the sector.

    Referring to the 5^th Auto Expo, which is currently on at Pragati Maidan, Shri Joshi said that with the speeding up of economic reforms and the liberalisation which accompanied it, the Indian automotive industry has witnessed the entry of a large number of new players, technologies, products and enhanced services. During this period, there have also been some causalities in the industry, only highlighting that the customer can be both demanding and unforgiving, Shri Joshi added.

    On challenges presented by the dynamic technological changes taking place in the Automobile Sector the world over Shri Joshi said that WTO also presents opportunities for the Indian automotive industry - both vehicles and components - to access new markets and enhance its global image. The contours of such a changing environment are already beginning to emerge strongly. With Quantitative Restrictions (QR's) on their way out, the Indian automotive industry has to contend with a whole new set of equations, he added.

    Shri Rahul Bajaj, Chairman, CII, spoke on the need for Indian Automobile Companies to have in-house Research and Development (R&D) in a technology driven competitive environment where free imports are likely to pose greater challenges.

    During the current financial year ending November, 1999 total number of family welfare sterilisations performed all over the country are of the order of 17 lakh nine thousand and 805. This is 8.9 per cent higher than that of the corresponding period of the last year.

    A similar trend has been reported in the IUD cases too. 30 lakh 80 thousand 843 women have adopted this family welfare method during the year ending November, 1999. This is 2.6 per cent higher than that of the corresponding period of last financial year.

    About 1 crore, 14 lakh 65 thousand and 336 people have used the condoms during the year 1999-2000 (upto November,1999), which is 13.9 per cent lesser than that of corresponding period of the 1998-99.

    About 54 lakh 94 thousand 663 people used the oral pills to adopt small family norm during the financial year 1999-2000 ending November, 1999 which is 4.9 per cent higher than that of corresponding period of 1998-99.

    The Union Public Service Commission has declared the result of the Special Class Railway Apprentices’ Examination held in August 1999. The candidates have qualified for Interview on the result of the said examination.

    The Candidature of these candidates is PROVISIONAL. In accordance with the Commission’s Notice for the Examination, all those candidates have to fill up detailed application form, which will be supplied to them by the Commission before being called for interview for Personality Test. In case any of these candidates does not receive a communication in this regard from the Commission within two weeks of publication of this result, he/she should immediately contact the Commission in the matter, giving particulars (i.e. full name, roll number and date of birth).

    About 16 crore 63 lakh 21 thousand 369 pregnant women have been vaccinated tetanus during the current financial year ending November 1999, which is 73.8 per cent of the annual target earmarked for this year.

    1 crore 37 lakh 96 thousand 19 children have been vaccinated with DTP, OPV, BCG and Measles. DPT vaccinations constitute 83.6 per cent of the annual target for 1999-2000, OPV vaccinations account for 84 per cent of the annual target of this year, BCG vaccinations constitute 89.3 per cent of the yearly target. In the case of measles vaccinations given till November 1999 account for 81.1 per cent of the yearly target.

    The Minister for Human Resource Development and Science and Technology, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi has said that the Government will come out soon with some policy decisions concerning bioresource development. He said all programmes of the National Bio-resource Development Board (NBDB) would be cleared as ‘green channel’ projects. Dr. Joshi also said that the Board will be asked to prepare a blue print of action for implementation during the next three years. Addressing the first meeting of the National Bioresource Development Board here today, he said the Government intends to move as fast as possible for the scientific development of bioresources of the country with the aim to provide basic minimum requirements to the people and contribute towards economic development.

    Underlining the need for the development of our bioresource Dr. Joshi said that it represents critically important and arguably the most fundamental component of any national development strategy. The bioindustrial revolution as envisaged for the new millennium would be entirely dependent on the availability, richness, development and sustainable utilisation of biological resources in the country with the application of new tools of science on an inter-disciplinary basis. Some of the areas of crucial importance in the realisation of this goal are inventorisation, molecular modelling and database development, use of molecular taxonomy, assessment of genetic diversity using biotechnological tools, molecular diversity in photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation, bioprospecting and finger printing of microbes, plants and animals and development of bioindicators etc. The Minister pointed out that India is one of the twelve mega biodiversity centres with 8% of the estimated bio-diversity of the world. It has 25 micro- centres of endemism with unique plants, animals and microbes not found elsewhere. Based on the criteria of richness of endemic species and threat perceptions, two ‘hot spots’ have been recognised in India out of 18 globally. About 1,27, 000 species of micro-organisms, plants and animals have been identified and further explorations are expected to add another 4,00,000 species to the list. This rich biological diversity needs to be developed and preserved for the benefit of people. With this in view only, the Government had announced the setting up of the Board last year, the Minister added.

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    With a view to doing away with the archaic method of salary disbursement and owing to the risk involved in cash handling, the Railways have decided to switch over to the scheme of disbursement of salary through cheques in a phased manner.

    Directives have already been issued making it mandatory for all group A and B Officers to take salary through banks/cheques by 31.1.2000. For extending this to all group C and D staff of Administrative offices in the 2^nd phase, discussions are on with the organised labour.

    The Railways disburse more than Rs.14,000 crore in cash annually by way of salary to its 16 lakh employees. To achieve this stupendous task, extensive security arrangements involving a large number of RPF personnel and a full team of Cashiers/Supervisors are deployed.

RS. 200 CRORE PER ANNUM ALLOCATED FOR MODERNISATION OF STATE POLICE FORCES

    The Central Government has increased the allocation under the MHA’s non-Scheme for modernisation of State Police Forces from Rs.50 crore to Rs.200 crore per annum. It is expected that this will improve the State Policing infrastructure.

    It is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments to train equip and modernise their police forces to keep pace with the changing security and law & order scenario since Police is a State subject. However, in order to supplement the efforts of the State Governments, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been implementing a Scheme for Modernisation of State Police Forces (Scheme) under the non-Plan since 1969-70. The scheme provides assistance to State Governments for procuring vehicles, light weaponry equipment for crowd control/traffic control/VVIP security, equipment for the State Forensic Science Laboratories and the State Finger Print Bureaux, Scientific aids to investigation etc.

    During the decade 1969-70 to 1979-80, funds to the extent of Rs.52 crore were released to the State Governments and during the second decade 1980-81 to 1990-91 funds to the extent of Rs.110 crore were released. During 90s, the amounts under this Scheme were substantially increased to Rs.30 crore per annum upto 1995-96 and is Rs.50 crore per annum from 1996-97 onwards.

    The Sixth Session of Indo- Russian Working Group on Ferrous and non-Ferrous Metallurgy concluded here today in an atmosphere of cordiality and frankness. A Protocol of joint cooperation was signed by Shri A.K. Basu, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. I.L. Mitrofanov, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Trade of Russian Federation (RF) and Co-Chairman of the R.F. Working Group.

    The issue of revival of the ailing Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO), through a joint venture between M/s Tyazhpromexport (TPE), a Russian Company and Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), by way of use of the Rupee-Rouble Escrow-Fund was discussed. The other areas of cooperation between the Russian and Indian Companies that were discussed included the progress of the dissemination of the Romelt technology developed by Russia in India and third world countries. This is an environment friendly technology converting iron ore fines to steel. A Plant based on this technology is being set up in Madhya Pradesh by the State owned National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)

    Exchange of technology between the two countries formed an important part of the discussions. New technologies were offered by SAIL and M/s TPE in the Non-ferrous sector.

    The points taken up in the Protocol will form a part of the Joint Commission Protocol to be signed by the two countries later.

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    The Union Finance Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha has said that there is a need to shun populism while formulating developmental schemes. He was addressing the gathering at the 12^th Golden Jubilee Lecture at the National Council of Applied Economic Research. The lecture was delivered by Dr M. S. Ahluwalia on the topic " Economic Performance of the States: A Disaggregated View".

    Dr Ahluwalia said that the States should not see borrowing as a resource. Expenditure cut, increase in revenue, reduction of operational inefficiency, downsizing government and disinvestment in the State PSUs are some of the measures which the States should adopt to come out of the tight fiscal situation. He suggested that from a system of block grants, we need to shift to a system whereby resource allocation is made on the basis of identification of weaknesses and further allocation is linked to the removal of weaknesses.

    While summing up, Shri Yashwant Sinha said that we need to review the developmental policy. Leakages have to be plugged and the developmental schemes need to be more focussed and result oriented. The Government will have to play a pro-active role as a facilitator of private investment in the States, he said.

    The Minister of State for Finance, Shri V. Dhananjaya Kumar has said that the officials of Customs and Central Excise should acquire a new perspective towards tax administration in view of the increasing economic inter-dependence of the countries brought about by gloablisation. He was addressing the young probationers after inaugurating the Training programme for the 52^nd Batch of the probationary officers of Indian Customs and Central Excise Service. He also said that the young officers will have to act as harbingers of change so that the expectations of public is met. He advised the probationers to adhere to the principles of integrity, judiciousness, courtesy, objectivity, transparency, promptness and efficiency.

    Later, the Minister laid the foundation stone for the academic block of the National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics. Chairman of CBEC, Shri S.D. Mohile was also present on the occasion.

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REPAYMENT OF 12.60% GOVERNMENT STOCK, 2000 AND GOVT OF INDIA ZERO COUPON BONDS, 2000

    The outstanding balance of 12.60% Government Stock 2000 and Govt. of India Zero Coupon Bonds, 2000 are repayable at par on 3^rd February, 2000. No interest will accrue on the 12.60% Govt. Stock, 2000 as from the said date. In the event of a holiday being declared on the said date by any State Government under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, these loan/bonds will be repaid by the paying offices in that State on the previous working day.

    To facilitate repayment of the loans on the due date, holders may tender the securities duly discharged at the Public Debt Offices, Treasuries/Sub-Treasuries and branches of State Bank of India and its Associate Banks (at which they are enfaced/as also registered for payment of interest) 20 days in advance of the due date for repayment of loans.

    Full details of the procedure for receiving the discharge value may be obtained from any of the aforesaid paying offices.

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    The meeting of the Chief Executives of Public Sector Banks have decided to improve the customer services in banks, increase transparency and accessibility. The Finance Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha himself laid emphasis on greater transparency and accessibility during the meeting. There was consensus for providing more flexibility and autonomy in operation and that banks should be particularly board-governed.

    It was felt that with public share holding, there will be a need for banks to put in place a modern practice of corporate governance. There was a view that in the interest of competition, efficiency and coverage of services to all sections of society, private and public banks should be allowed to compete with each other and it was not necessary to fully privatise banks. The meeting felt the need for more whole-time directors on the bank boards.

    The Chief Executives were of the opinion that the NPAs in banks is of a very high level and all efforts should be made to achieve international levels in case of NPA.

    The meeting attributed the cause of default to both lenders and borrowers. There were suggestions for making necessary amendments in respect of laws relating to foreclosure, insolvency and recovery through government machinery. The Finance Minister wanted bankers to evolve proper and model of asset reconstruction company so that the balance sheets of banks could be cleaned up.

    The issue of VRS was also discussed and it was felt that attractive VRS package should be used. It was suggested that …. most banks will be able to meet payment in respect of VRS, they have to carefully avoid adverse impact on their financial balance sheet. Role of information technology was emphasised, particularly in customer service and quick delivery of payment to face competition with other players in the field.

    The Chief Executives of the Banks were of the view that priority sector lending is no more a burden but an opportunity. They pointed out that the position of NPAs under priority sector has improved over a period of time. The meeting emphasised the need to play a pro-active role in meeting credit requirements for rural and poorer sections of society.