'34'
FINAL RESULTS OF NDA AND NAVAL ACADEMY EXAMINATION-(I) 2000 ANNOUNCEDThe Union Public Service Commission have declared the final results of the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination-(I) held in May, 2000. The successful candidates have qualified for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force Wings of National Defence Academy for the 105th course and Naval Academy 10+2 (Executive Branch) for the 25th course, commencing from January, 2001.
There are some common candidates in the lists for Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy. The total number of such candidates in the three lists is 121. The number of vacancies as intimated by the Government is 204 for Army, 30 for the Navy, 66 for the Air Force and 35 for the Naval Academy.
The results of medical examination have not been taken into account in preparing the roll number lists. The candidature of all the candidates is provisional, subject to their submitting the requisite certificates in support of date of birth and educational qualifications etc. claimed by them to the Defence Authorities, wherever this has not already been done.
Last date for submission of proof of passing the
qualifying examination is 11th December 2000. For any further information, the
candidates may contact Facilitation Counter of the Commission, either in person or on
Telephone Nos. 3385271 or 3381125. The result is also available at Union Public Service
Commission Website at www.upsc.gov.in.
'2'
VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ON GURU TEGH BAHADUR MARTYRDOM DAY
Following is the text of the message of the Vice President of India, Shri Krishan Kant on Guru Teg Bahadur Martyrdom Day:
"The heroic life of Guru Tegh Bahadur is a saga of service and supreme sacrifice in defence of faith. His uncompromising commitment to the ideals of freedom of conscience and faith in God both enlightened the masses and inspired them to follow the path of righteousness. He sacrificed his life in obedience to his resolve.
On the solemn occasion of the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, let us rededicate ourselves to follow the ideals for which he lived.
I join the nation in paying my humble homage to the Guru."
‘7’
The Government is examining a proposal to set up a National Judicial Commission which would recommend judicial appointments in High Courts and the Supreme Court of India as also draw up a code of ethics for the judiciary. The matter is under examination. However, it is not feasible to indicate a time-frame by which a Constitutional Amendment Bill could be introduced.
This information was given by the Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Shipping Shri Arun Jaitley in a written reply to a question from Shri Ramanaidu Daggubati and Shri Sukdeo paswan in the Lok Sabha today.
‘7’
The Department of Company Affairs has directed Registrars of Companies to prosecute those companies which do not respond to the Company Law Settlement Scheme and Fast Track Exit Scheme.
The Government has introduced a Fast Track Section 560 Scheme which is expiring on December 25, 2000. After completion of the same, prosecutions will be launched.
Wide publicity was given to the scheme through pamphlets, notices, press releases, campaign meetings through Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India and Institute of Company Secretaries of India and various Chambers of Commerce all over India.
On expiry of Company Law Settlement Scheme, 2000 on August 31, 2000, extension upto September 30, 2000 was given.
This information was given by the Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Shipping Shri Arun Jaitley in a written reply to a question from Shri Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha today.
‘7’
ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINEThe Election Commission had purchased 1,50,000 Electronic Voting Machines in 1989-90. Recently, the Government has allocated Rs.150 crores for purchase of additional Electronic Voting Machines.
According to the Election Commission of India, it has decided to use of the Electronic Voting Machines in the future elections as widely as possible. This, in Government’s view, will generate necessary experience of voting by the Electronic Voting Machines so as to enable the Government to consider compulsory use of Electronic Voting Machines in the future.
This information was given by the Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Shipping Shri Arun Jaitley in a written reply to a question from Shri M.v. Chandrashekhara Murthy and Smt. Shyama Singh in the Lok Sabha today.
‘7’
The Central Government has, in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section 4 of Section 205C of Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), constituted a committee under Chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Company Affairs with ten other members to administer the Investor Education and Protection Fund to maintain separate account and other relevant records in relation to that fund in such form as may be prescribed in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. These rules will be notified in the Gazette of India as and when approved by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India/ Ministry of Finance. The money from the fund shall be utilised for promotion of investor awareness and protection of the interest of investors in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed.
This information was given by the Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Shipping Shri Arun Jaitley in a written reply to a question from Shri Jaibhadra Singh in the Lok Sabha today.
‘7’
The Government would like to introduce the Competition Bill in Parliament at the earliest available opportunity. However, the Government has not given a final shape to the Bill as yet.
The Government has, at the moment, only prepared a Draft Concept Bill on Competition Law. A copy of the Concept Bill has been made accessible on the internet at( www.nic.in/dca , the website of the Department of Company Affairs), inviting comments from all concerned.
The Concept Bill, broadly speaking, deals with the following aspects:
To prohibit agreements among enterprises which cause or is likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition within India.
To prohibit abuse of dominant position by enterprises.
To investigate acquisitions, mergers and amalgamations (collectively called "combinations") of enterprises when they exceed the prescribed threshold limits so that such combinations do not result in anti competitive situations.
To establish a Quasi-Judicial Body by the name, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), to investigate and adjudicate on these matters.
To repeal the existing Monoplies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 and to wind up the MRTP Commission.
To transfer the pending cases before the MRTP Commission to the CCI and to the Consumer Fora established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
This information was given by the Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Shipping Shri Arun Jaitley in a written reply to a question from Shri Vinay Kumar Sorake in the Lok Sabha today.
‘7’
The President is pleased to appoint Shri Mahmood Ali Khan, Shri Om Prakash Dwivedi, Shri Jiwan Dass Kapoor, Shri Badri Narain Chaturvedi, Shri Ramesh Chandra Chopra and Kumari Sharda Aggarwal, to be Additional Judges of the Delhi High Court, in that order of seniority, for a period of two years each, with effect from the date they assume charge of their respective office.
‘7’
It is the primary responsibility of the State Governments to provide funds for infrastructural facilities for the judiciary including those for setting up of High Courts. However, the Central Government has written to the Chief Ministers of the newly created States to send project proposals with tentative cost estimates so that the matter could be taken up with the Planning Commission.
The strength of judges sanctioned in the newly created High Courts is six for Chhattisgarh High Court comprising four permanent and two additional judges, 12 for Jharkhand High Court comprising 10 permanent and two additional judges and Seven for Uttaranchal High Court comprising four permanent and three additional judges.
This information was given by the Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Shipping Shri Arun Jaitley in a written reply to a question from Dr. C. Krishnan and Shri Vaiko in the Lok Sabha today.
‘7’
NO DECREASE IN PERCENTAGE OF VOTING
According to the figures furnished by the Election Commission of India, it is not true to say that there is a gradual decrease in the percentage of voting in the country over the years.
This information was given by the Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs and Shipping Shri Arun Jaitley in a written reply to a question from Shri Jai Prakash in the Lok Sabha today.
'16'
SSIs ACCOUNT FOR 35 PER CENT OF INDIA'S EXPORTS
The export percentage of small scale industries in the overall exports from India during 1997-98 and 1998-99 has been around 35 per cent, as per the latest information provided by Ministry of SSI, Agro & Rural Industries. The industry-wise details of SSI sector in the last three years show that the share of SSIs in respect of exports of sports goods, readymade garments and cashew nut kernels is 100 per cent; lac 99 per cent; woollen garments and knitwear 85 percent; spices 80 per cent; processed tobacco including snuff and bidis 67 per cent; processed foods 65 per cent; finished leather & leather products 44 per cent; basic chemicals, pharmaceuticals & cosmetics 29 per cent; engineering 28 per cent; and marine products 26 percent (data based on 1998-99 figures).
Facilities provided for encouragement of small scale industries during the last three years include: raising of SSI excise exemption limit under Central Excise Exemption Scheme, i.e., raising the limits from Rs. 30 lakh to Rs.50 lakh (vide notification dt.1/3/98) and from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs.100 lakh (vide notification dt.1/9/2000); Scheme for Technology Development and Modernisation Fund being operated from April 1995; Scheme of National Equity Fund from August 1987; Scheme of Credit Guarantee Fund for small industries being operated from August 2000; Scheme of giving incentive to the small/ancillary units acquiring ISO-9000 Certification-simplification of procedural norms from March 1994 besides continuation of the ongoing scheme of reimbursement of ISO-9000 certification expenses to small scale/ancillary industries upto 10th Five Year Plan and Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana launched in October 1993.
The performance of small scale sector in terms of employment for the last three years is:
- 167.20 lakhs
- 171.58 lakhs
- 178.50 lakhs
'16'
INDO-US TRADE ON THE UPSWING -- EXPORTS TO US UP BY OVER 21 PER CENT
India's trade with the United States (US) is growing at a rapid pace, with exports to the US during the current financial year (April-July 2000-2001) having registered a growth of 21.56 per cent, up from US $ 2576.92 million ($ 2.5 billion) during April-July of 1999-2000 to US $ 3132.60 (or $ 3.1 billion) during the corresponding period of the current year. Considering the size of the large US import market, there is immense scope for expanding the export base further by concentrating on quality, price and the delivery schedules. In fact, in the light of China's performance in the U market, the Commerce & Industry Ministry here feels that it should be possible for India to raise its share of the US market from the present 0.99 per cent to 2 per cent within the next five years or so given the right medium term strategy framework..
There is a special commodity thrust based on identified products that have done well in the US market in recent years and those with a high export growth potential. These include gems & jewellery; textiles & apparel; carpets; engineering goods & machinery; iron & steel, leather products; marine products; shelled cashew nuts; pepper, coffee, tea & rice; chemicals/petrochemicals & pharmaceuticals; toys & sports equipment; psyllium husk etc. Special efforts are also being made to develop other relatively new areas that are of interest from the viewpoint of US investment in India or trade potential such as Information Technology (IT) and Software, biotechnology, infrastructure, services, telecommunications, energy, environment, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce.
The US is India's largest trading partner and plays a dominant role in India's trade, accounting for 22.7 per cent of India's exports and around 7.69 per cent of India's imports. Even though India accounts for only 1 per cent of USA's total exports and imports, India's exports to USA have more than doubled during the period 1991-92 to 1999-2000. In 1999-2000, the total trade turnover between India and the US stood at US $ 12.16 billion dollars. Of this, India's exports stood at US $ 8533.88 million (i.e. $ 8.53 billion) -- an increase of 18.53 per cent over the previous year -- and imports from the US at $ 3629.53 million (or $ 3.62 billion), leaving a trade balance of US $ 4904.35 million (i.e. $ 4.9 billion) in favour of India.
The export-import statistics for 1998-99 & 1999-2000 and the trend of this year is as below:
(Value in US$ million)
| Year | Exports |
Growth (%) |
Imports |
Growth (%) |
Balance of Trade |
1998-99 |
7199.64 |
- |
3640.19 |
- |
(+) 3559.45 |
1999-2000 |
8533.88 |
(+) 18.53 |
3629.53 |
(-) 0.29 |
(+) 4904.35 |
April’99 to July’99 |
2576.92 |
- |
1146.68 |
- |
(+) 1430.24 |
April, 2000 to July, 2000 |
3132.60 |
21.56 |
937.57 |
(-) 18.24 |
(+) 2195.03 |
(Source: DGCI&S)
MORE ON INDO-US TRADE
EXPORTS & IMPORTS OF 1999-2000 vis-à-vis 1998-99
EXPORTS
During 1999-2000 India’s exports to USA at US$ 8533.88 million have registered a growth of 18.53%. In rupee terms, the growth is registered at 22.09%. The export growth of 18.53% may be considered significant in view of the fact that our exports to USA, accounts for 22% of our global exports. The Commodity-wise export statistics shows that Gems & Jewellery has the largest share (34.39%) in India’s exports to USA, followed by RMG (ready made garments) Cotton, including accessories (12.85%). Other commodities having larger share are cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups, etc. (5.43%); Handicrafts, excluding handmade carpets (3.52%); Manufacturers of metals (3.5%). These five commodities account for 60% share in India’s total exports to USA. The export of RMG silk has registered the maximum growth at 275.03%, though the volume is less, contributing just for 0.77% share in our exports to USA.
IMPORTS
During 1999-2000 the imports from USA at US$ 3629.53 million have declined by 2.03%. In rupee terms, the growth of imports is registered at 2.70%. Commodity-wise imports statistics shows that electronic goods has the largest share of 13.44% in India’s imports from USA followed by fertilizers manufactured (12.97%). Other commodities having larger share are machinery except electric and electronic goods (11.06%), Organic chemicals (6.6%); Pearls Precious semi-precious stones (5.31%); Professional instrument, etc except electronics (4.79%); Project goods (4.16%); Chemical material & products (5.1%). These eight commodities account for more than 60% share in India’s total imports from USA. The maximum import growth has been registered at 125.49% by Pearls precious semi-precious stones followed by iron & steel products at 99.01%.
TREND IN CURRENT YEAR (2000-01)
EXPORTS
During April-July (2000-2001), India’s export to USA at US $ 3132.60 million registered a growth of 21.56 % over the corresponding period of the previous year, when the export was US $ 2576.92 million. The share of India’s export to USA out of India’s global exports has been recorded 22.24 % during this period which was 22.77 % during the corresponding period of the previous year.
The major commodities of export of USA during April-July, (2000-2001) are as below:
i) Gems & Jewellery US $ 789.65 million (25.21 %)
ii) RMG cotton incl accessories US $ 505.86 million (16.15 %)
iii) Cotton yarn, fabrics, made-ups etc US $ 198.07 million(6.32 %)
iv) Prmry & semi-fnshd iron & stl US $ 136.07 million (4.34 %)
v) Manufactures of metals US $ 133.25 million (4.25 %)
vi) RMG manmade fibres US $ 114.71 million (3.66 %)
IMPORTS
India’s imports from USA during April-July, (2000-2001) has been recorded as US $ 937.57 million showing decrease of 18.24 % over the import in the corresponding period of the previous year when it was recorded at US $ 1146.68 million. During this period, the share of India’s import has been recorded as 5.43% as against 7.90 % during the corresponding period of the last year.
The major items of import from USA during April-July, (2000-2001) are as below:
i) Electronic Goods US $ 177.93 million (18.98 %)
ii) Machry excpt elec & electronic US $ 133.69 million (14.26 %)
iii) Profsnl inst, etc excpt electrnc US $ 61.23 million (6.53 %)
iv) perls prcus semiprcs stones US $ 53.27 million (5.68 %)
v) Organic chemicals US $ 45.1 million (4.81 %)
BALANCE OF TRADE
The balance of trade has remained in favour of India by US$ 4904.35 million. The share of exports to USA in India’s total exports, which was at 21.67% in 1998-99, has gone upto 22.70% during 1999-2000.
During April-July, 2000, the balance of trade has been in favour of India at US $ 2195.03 million, which has increased by US $ 764.79 million from the corresponding period of last year when it was US $ 1430.24 million.
'39' RAJYA SABHA
Food Corporation of India (FCI) has total storage capacity of about 25 lakh tonnes in the Andhra Pradesh Region. Out of which, about 4 lakh tonnes storage capacity is of CAP (covered and plinth storage), which is a scientific storage for storage of foodgrains.
About 2 to 3 lakh tonnes of rice is being moved ex-Andhra Pradesh to the consuming States in the Southern India so as to augment storage space for procurement of rice/paddy during the current procurement season. No distress sale of paddy has been noticed in Andhra Pradesh Region. Presently 110 procurement points are functioning for procurement of paddy by FCI in Andhra Pradesh Region, and about 1083 MTs of paddy has been procured in Andhra Pradesh Region during the current season as on November 14, 2000.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Sriram Chauhan in a written reply today in the Rajya Sabha.
‘6A’
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the following appointments: -
'27’
RAJYA SABHA
SETTING UP OF AGRI-CLINIC AND AGRI-BUSINESS CENTRES TO ENSURE REACH OF RESEARCH UPTO FARMERS
The Government proposes to take up a scheme for supporting the establishment of a network of agri-clinics and agri-business centres by Agriculture Graduates. The scheme proposes to extend self-employment opportunities to eligible Agriculture Graduates to support agricultural development through establishment of economically viable agri-clinics and agri-business centres of which the selected Graduates would be the owners. Beside providing employment to Agriculture Graduates, the scheme will assist in the reach of Agriculture Research upto the farmers. To begin with, the scheme aims at supporting the establishment of 5000 such clinics/centres per annum at an average cost of Rs.5 lakhs per venture with an outer ceiling of Rs.10 lakhs per individual venture. The Government proposes to extend credit linked back-ended subsidy for these ventures. It is proposed to operationalise the scheme through NABARD re-financing.
Some of the services and activities proposed to be covered under the scheme are testing of soil and water quality as also of inputs by setting up laboratories; pest surveillance, diagnostic and control services; maintenance, repairs and custom hiring of agricultural implements and machinery including micro irrigation systems; seed processing units; micro-propagation through plant tissue culture labs and hardening units; setting up of vermiculture units, production of bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, bio-control agents; provision of Extension consultancy Services; facilitation and agency of agricultural insurance services; setting up of information technology kiosks in rural areas for access to various agriculture related portals; value addition centres; and post harvest management centres for sorting, grading, standardization, storage and packaging.
After Graduation they will be given internship training for a period of about six months in the field. To provide training 50 centres near the Agriculture Universities/Research centres will be established. The possible locations of the Agri-clinics and Agri-business centres would be primarily decided by the Agriculture Graduate-entrepreneurs themselves, and, therefore, Government do not intend to prepare State-wise distribution of these ventures.
This was stated by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Nitish Kumar in Rajya Sabha here today. In reply to supplementaries Shri Nitish Kumar informed that no terminator seed has been and will be allowed in the country. Research on Genetically Modified seeds on cotton, soyabean etc. is on in the country and in various other countries. No consensus about their use has yet come out.
'26' Lok Sabha MODERN AIRCRAFTS FOR TRAINING
Directorate General of Civil Aviation has taken steps to procure 40 ‘Swati’ Light Trainer aircraft from M/s. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Hardwar to allot these aircraft to flying clubs for training purposes. An amount of Rs. 6.00 crore has been advanced to M/s. BHEL for this purpose and 17 ‘Swati’ aircraft have been delivered so far.
Approval has also been given to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to acquire one ‘Hansa-3’ trainer aircraft, developed by M/s. National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore at an estimated cost of Rs. 43.5 lakh. Directorate General of Civil Aviation has plans to acquire more ‘Hansa-3’ trainer aircraft, subject to availability of funds.
This information was given by the Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Sharad Yadav in a written reply to a question asked by Dr. Ashok Patel in Lok Sabha today.
'26' Lok Sabha ACQUISITION OF AIRCRAFT BY INDIAN AIRLINES
The lease of aircraft are considered to meet the capacity requirement till the proposals for purchase of new aircraft are completed and new aircraft are available for operations.
Presently there is no offer received from Singapore Airlines or any other airline for dry lease of aircraft. However, Indian Airlines has taken two A300 B4 aircraft on dry lease for a period of three years effective May/June, 1998. The lease period is being extended for another two years.
For the immediate capacity requirement, Indian Airlines is in the process of acquiring on dry lease basis five B-737 and two A320 aircraft. Further, Indian Airlines proposes to purchase three A300 B4 aircraft from Air India.
This information was given by the Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Sharad Yadav in a written reply to a question asked by Shri Ananta Nayak, Shri Kamal Nath, Dr. Manda Jagannath, Shri Uttamrao Patil and Prof. Ummareddy Venkateswarlu in Lok Sabha today.
'26'
AIR INDIA PRESENTS CHEQUE OF RS. 64.39 LAKH TO SHRI SHARAD YADAV
The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Sharad Yadav received the cheque of Rs. 64.39 lakh from Managing Director of Air India, Shri M.P. Mascarenhas as a further contribution to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. The cheque was presented in the presence of the Secretary, Civil Aviation and Chairman of Air India, Shri A.H. Jung and the Joint Secretary & Financial Adviser, Shri V. Subramanian.
In 1999, Air India employees contributed Rs. 1.5 crore towards National Defence Fund and Army Central Welfare Fund.
'26'
MARKETING OF TOURISM NEEDS TO BE FOCUSSED – PROF. GUPTA
The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta has said that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is working towards the changing needs of tourism industry in India. Efforts are being taken to upgrade airports at places of tourists interest like Buddhists circuit, sanctuaries, beach resorts etc. These efforts are expected to boost international traffic and provide the visitors with the hub and spoke network in order to minimize their inconvenience. With this view and mind the Government has also decided to encourage the use of turbo-prop aircraft. In addition, the draft new civil aviation policy also lays down that all scheduled operators would be required to deploy 10 percent of their capacity in North-East India, Jammu & Kashmir, the Andaman & Nicobar Island and the Lakshadweep so as to meet a commitment to widen the air coverage to remote and inaccessible areas. Prof. Gupta was speaking at the Fourth International Conference on "Aviation and Tourism, 2010" organised by Foundation for Aviation and Sustainable Tourism, here today.
Delivering in his inaugural address, Prof. Gupta said that marketing of tourism in India should be highly focussed, professional and innovative. He said that while the Government is trying its best to promote Indian tourism, the people from hospitality and travel industry and marketing professionals should take the efforts much beyond the activities of the Government. The State Governments has also drawn up ‘Investment and Development Plan’ in tourism sector and there are indications that there is going to be substantial investment by the foreign and Indian investors. The destination marketing strategies are also on the revision to focus on select market segments, he said.
Prof. Gupta said that aviation and tourism are interdependent and mutually supportive economic activities. In the Indian aviation scene, both domestic and international airlines have shown sporadic interest in development of tourism, but there has not been any concerted policy of boosting this particular issue barring some packaged tours operating within the country. The Government has now placed great emphasis on the development of aviation sector in the country. Domestic and international passenger traffic in India is projected to grow annually at 12.5 percent and 7 percent respectively over the next decade and domestic and international cargo traffic at 4.5 percent and 12 percent.
Elaborating on the initiatives taken by the Government for the liberalisation of the aviation sector, Prof. Gupta said that private sector participation in the sector is being encouraged for promoting investment, including the quality, efficiency and increasing competition. The objective now is to provide upgraded infrastructural facilities with the aim of accelerating integrated development of civil aviation while putting emphasis on its expansion and modernisation in line with the international standards.
‘21’
RAJYA SABHA
GOVERNMENT TO ENACT COMPREHENSIVE CENTRAL LEGISLATION OF AGRICULTURAL WORKERS
The Government proposes to enact a comprehensive Central Legislation for Agricultural Workers. This was stated by the Labour Minister Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha today. He said the proposed Act would provide for setting up of Agricultural Workers Welfare Boards in States to implement certain welfare/social security measures for Agricultural Workers and their families. Dr. Jatiya said that during the State Labour Minister’s Conference held early this year, several states opposed imposition of a cess for setting up of Agricultural Workers’ Welfare Fund . The Minister said that till a consensus is reached on the issue a Welfare Scheme is being worked out. Dr. Jatiya said that the Labour Ministry is also working on a social security package for Agricultural Workers as is available to beedi, mining and cine workers. He said that the second National Commission on Labour has been asked to have a comprehensive review of the problems of the labourers in the unorganised sectorAnswering another question the Labour Minister said that women workers in Agriculture and construction projects are covered by the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 so that there is no discrimination in terms of wages against them. He said that he has recently written to the states urging them to set up Welfare Boards for construction workers on the pattern existing in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
‘21’
CENTRE DECLARES BANK NOTE PRESS, DEWAS AS PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICES UNDER THE INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE ACT
Central Government has declared the services in the Bank Note Press, Dewas as public utility service under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 for six months with effect from November 27, 2000. In a notifications issued here, the Labour Ministry said the public interest required that the Paper Mill should be declared as public utility service.
'5' WEST BENGAL CHIEF MINISTER APRISES ADVANI ON THE SITUATION IN THE STATE
The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri Budhadev Bhattacharjee called on Home Minister, Shri L.K. Advani in the North Block today. He discussed with Shri Advani the situation along the Indo-Bangladesh Border – illegal immigration from Bangladesh as well as ISI activities and measures necessary to counter this. Both agreed that there was need for institutionalizing intelligence coordination between the Intelligence agencies of Central Government and the State Government.
The Chief Minister briefed the Home Minister on the ongoing agitation by Kamtapur Liberation Organisation for a separate State of Kamtapuri. Shri Bhattacharjee pointed out that there was no rationale behind the demand for a separate State either on the basis of population or language or contiguity.
The position regarding the working of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council was also reviewed. The Chief Minister indicated that the State Government had delegated almost all the subjects except law and order to the Hill Council. The activities of newly formed Gorkhaland Liberation Organisation and the possibilities of its links to some Nagas outfits was also reviewed.
The Chief Minister stated that the political violence in West Bengal was confined to only 7 police stations. The Home Minister pointed out that Midnapore district which is the centre of this political violence is perhaps the largest district in the country with a population of approximately one crore. The Chief Minister also indicated that the villagers who fled from their homes are now going back. The State Government is taking steps to restore peace and build up confidence. One Inspector General of Police had been especially earmarked for the maintenance of law and order in these areas. The Home Minister indicated that the police should inspire the confidence of the people as a neutral non-partisan agency. The Chief Minister agreed and indicated that the State Government was already taking steps towards this. The Chief Minister informed the Home Minister that he would be visiting Midnapore area on the 6th of December, 2000.
'5'
Activists of the LTTE and its sympathizers have been noticed conducting certain unlawful activities in India from time to time. The involvement of pro-LTTE groups in smuggling activities along the Tamil Nadu coast has also been reported. Some activists have been detained under various laws by the State Government of Tamil Nadu.
Despite being declared as an unlawful association ever since 1992, the LTTE continues to indulge in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India. Hence, the Government of Tamil Nadu had sent a proposal for banning the LTTE for a further period of two years beyond 14.05.2000. Accordingly, a decision was taken by the Central Government to declare LTTE as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, with effect from 14.05.2000, for a further period of two years. The notification issued by this Ministry has been confirmed by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal on 13.11.2000.
The concerned agencies of the Central and State Governments are keeping a close watch on the activities of LTTE and its sympathizers. Central Government shares intelligence inputs as and when received with all concerned. In order to curb infiltration and smuggling by LTTE activists, naval detachments and Coast Guard units have been established in vulnerable areas. Armed check posts and mobile patrols have also been set up. Coordination meetings of the Central and State agencies are also convened by the State Government of Tamil Nadu.
‘17B’
Rajya Sabha |
TOTAL PRODUCTION OF KHADI AND VILLAGE INDUSTRIES SECTOR GONE UP
The production of village industries has gone up from Rs. 4476.48 crores in 1998-99 to Rs. 5613.40 cores in 1999-2000. Thus the total production of Khadi and Village Industries Sector increased from Rs. 5112.37 crores in 1998-99 to Rs. 6165.34 crores in 1999-2000.
The total production of Khadi and Village Industries during 1998-99 was worth Rs. 5112.37 crores, out of which production of Khadi was Rs. 635.89 crores and that of Village Industries was Rs. 4476.48 crores. During the year 1999-2000 the production of Khadi Sector declined to Rs. 551.94 crores. Similarly, there was a decline in employment in Khadi Sector from 13.85 lakhs persons in the year 1998-99 to 12.35 lakhs persons in 1999-2000.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural Industries, Smt. Vasundhara Raje in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
‘17B’
Rajya Sabha |
UTILISATION OF FUND BY SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES
The Government has set up a National Innovation Foundation under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 with a corpus of Rs. 20 crore under the Department of Science and Technology in March, 2000. The main objective of the Foundation is to help India become an inventive and creative society and a global leader in sustainable technologies by scouting, spawning and sustaining and promoting grassroot innovations and to ensure evolution and diffusion of green grassroot innovations in a selective, time bound and mission oriented basis and to protect the rights of the innovators. The Foundation will build a National Register and data base of innovations at the grassroot level and link local innovators with science and technology experts in formal and informal sectors, forge linkage among innovators, investors and entrepreneurs and set up a few incubators at a leading academic locations. It will also undertake publication of papers, books for disseminating and augmenting grassroot innovations. The corpus with the Foundation, is however, not a Venture Capital Fund.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural Industries, Smt. Vasundhara Raje in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
'16'
OMAR ABDULLAH PEGS EXPORT TARGET TO LATIN AMERICA AT US $ 4 BILLION BY 2003
FOCUS: LAC PROGRAMME EXTENDED UPTO MARCH 2003; STUDY COMMISSIONED BY NCTI TO FURTHER TRADE PROSPECTS
Stating that he was bullish on developing lasting commercial relations with the Latin American Countries (LAC), Shri Omar Abdullah, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry has said that India’s export target to LAC should be US $ 4 billion in the coming three years. This, he said, was a modest and an achievable target. Speaking at the luncheon session on Indo-LAC Business Partnership – Opportunities and Challenges, here today, Shri Abdullah also announced that the Focus: LAC programme had been extended up to March 2003. The programme, he said, had broadened the horizons and active business ties & campaigns were being promoted through the Export Promotion Councils. Exporters were being given incentives and support for export promotion to Latin America, he said. Stating that the present level of India’s exports to Latin America of around US $ 700 million was much below the potential, Shri Abdullah said that the Ministry had commissioned a study by NCTI (National Council for Trade Information) to explore possibilities of furthering trade and investment cooperation between the two regions. The Session was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Shri Arun Bharat Ram, President, CII and Shri Madhur Bajaj, Chairman, CII-Latin America Committee were also present on the occasion.
Further, the Minister said that the Commerce & Industry Ministry had undertaken various policy measures like the scheme for bearing 50 per cent expenditure for opening of offices by the exporters in Latin America; visits of delegations, participation in trade fairs and market surveys under the market development assistance scheme (MDA); proposal for organising courses in Spanish and Portuguese with the help of IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) and opening of a business promotion office Sao Paulo by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). The Minister also informed the businessmen about some of the major policy decisions which were on anvil, like setting up of private sector marketing agency, setting up of corpus of $ 500 million for developing trade with LAC, LOC to LAC from the Exim Bank and development of shipping links.
Shri Abdullah exhorted the exporters to start looking at the opportunities that Latin America offered and appealed to them that they should stop talking about the barriers. "If the Chinese and Koreans can overcome the so-called barriers of distance and language and do billions of dollars of business with Latin America, the Indian businessmen can also certainly do", he said. With the emergence of technological innovations, Shri Abdullah said, these barriers were likely to be overcome. The shipping costs and time had also come down after the opening of the route via South Africa and there were direct shipping services from Mumbai to Brazil and Argentina, he added. The Minister also said that it should be recognised that reciprocal visits of economic missions of trade and investment would be effective in promoting contacts and networking among the two regions, and also exploring opportunities for partnerships, joint ventures and strategic alliances.
The Minister said that with the Latin American industries now undergoing rapid modernisation, there were immense opportunities for the Indian exporters to supply equipment and machinery. There was also scope for project exports, operation and maintenance contracts and supplies of locomotives and rolling stock in view of the privatisation and modernisation of the railways in Latin America, he said. The supply of auto parts and components also held a lot of scope for the Indian businessmen as automobiles was one of the leading industries in countries like Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Venezuela. With the ongoing modernisation of infrastructure, Shri Abdullah said, Indian exporters should target Latin American countries for obtaining contracts and projects in the fields of power generation, transmission lines, port modernisation and transportation sector.
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UNIDO TO OPEN REGIONAL OFFICE IN INDIA
UNIDO DG CALLS ON P.G. MANKAD
The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) will be setting up a Regional Office in India in view of the large number of programmes and projects being implemented by the UN body in this area. This was indicated during discussions between Shri P.G. Mankad, Secretary (Industrial Policy & Promotion), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and Mr. Carlos Magarinos, Director General of UNIDO, when the latter called on Shri Mankad here today. Shri Mankad welcomed UNIDO's initiatives in upgrading the New Delhi office into a Regional Office, in response to India's request and assured the UNIDO of all possible support from India in the establishment of the Centre which, he said, would benefit not only the country but also the entire region. He also said that the UNIDO by providing technical assistance could play a useful role in helping the local industry especially those in the small scale sector to achieve the technological capabilities required to face the growing challenge of global competition in a liberalised economic environment. Mr. Magarinos said that the UNIDO was keen to refocus and reshape its activities in the region and emphasised that India would have to play a key role in owning and developing the proposed Country Service Framework under UNIDO's Umbrella Programme for the region and in developing regional activities. He saw India as a major source of skilled manpower and industrial capabilities which had made the country a valuable partner for cooperation with the UNIDO.
The UNIDO, based in Vienna (Austria) and established in 1967, aims at promoting industrialisation of the developing countries to achieve sustained socio-economic growth. The major development objectives of the UNIDO work programme are: industrial & technological growth and competitiveness; equitable growth through industrial development; international cooperation in investment and technology; development of human resources for industry and environmentally sustainable industrial development. Mr. Magarinos is on a three-day visit to New Delhi with the basic objective of further broadening and deepening cooperation between India and the UNIDO mainly with a view to prioritising the development of a country service framework for India -- called the "UNIDO Umbrella Programme" -- aimed at promoting competitive industry, productive employment and sound environment.
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LOK SABHA |
OIL POOL DEFICIT AND ADVERSE IMPACT ON ECONOMY
The Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply today that the oil pool deficit on March 31, 2000 was Rs. 6256 crore which is currently estimated at around Rs. 12000 crore. The deficit at the end of the current financial year would depend on the consumption pattern of products, prices of crude oil and petroleum products in the international market and dollar-rupee parity.
He further said that in consideration of the sharp increase in the international prices of crude oil and petroleum products, Government decided to pass around 1/3rd of the estimated oil pool deficit by the end of current financial year through upward revision in the consumer prices of controlled petroleum products effective 30th September, 2000. Simultaneously, Government reduced duties of customs on crude oil from 15% to 10% and on petrol, diesel, etc., from 25% to 20%. Further, duties of excise have been reduced from 16% to 12% on diesel and from 32% to 16% on petrol. Government after considering various representations, have reduced the ex-storage point price of kerosene for public distribution system by Re. 0.89 per litre and of domestic LPG by Rs. 8.54 per cylinder with effect from 22nd November, 2000 resulting into reduction in retail selling prices by around Re. One per litre and Rs. 10 per cylinder respectively.
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LOK SABHA |
MARKETING RIGHTS TO JOINT-PRIVATE SECTOR REFINERIES
The Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Ram Naik, informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply today that the Government of India announced a road map for dismantling of Administrative Pricing Mechanism (APM) in November, 1997. The aforesaid announcement inter alia provided for grant of marketing rights for transportation fuels viz. Motor Spirit (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD) and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) conditional on owning and operating refineries with an investment of at least Rs. 2,000 crore or oil exploration and production companies producing at least three million tonnes of crude oil annually. Full de-regulation of petroleum sector is targeted from 1st April, 2002 onwards.
He further said that the Government have received requests from M/s Reliance Petroleum Limited, M/s Essar Oil Limited and M/s Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd., for grant of marketing rights for transportation fuels. Out of these refining companies, M/s Reliance Petroleum Limited and M/s Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd., generally fulfill the criteria for grant of marketing rights. Marketing rights will be granted after the APM is dismantled.
Government has already decontrolled all petroleum products except MS, HSD, ATF, LPG (Domestic) and Kerosene (PDS).
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LOK SABHA |
The Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Ram Naik, informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply today that import of Naphtha for sale to consumers is not permitted under the EXIM policy. Hence, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is not importing Naphtha for sale to consumers. However, IOCL acts as facilitating agency for import of Naphtha for consumption of Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (IPCL). The cost of Naphtha imported by IOCL as facilitating agency on behalf of IPCL has been in the range of US$ 289.70 per metric tonne (Rs. 13,029) to US$ 369.40 per metric tonne (Rs. 17,066) during the period May to November 2000.
The Minister further said that the Dabhol Power Corporation Limited (DPCL) is the only power unit in the country that imports Naphtha for self-use. The cost of Naphtha imported by DPCL has been in the range of US$ 297.68 per metric tonne (Rs. 13,375) to US$ 377.70 per metric tonne (Rs. 17,450) during the same period.
Shri Naik added to say that the cost of import of Naphtha by IOCL is thus comparable with the cost of import of Naphtha by DPCL. The minor variations in costs are on account of foreign exchange fluctuations/quality of product. The costs of import represent the landed cost of the product inclusive of customs duty. It does not include any handling costs and sales tax which is payable on indigenous product.
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LOK SABHA |
FUTURE PLAN FOR EXPLORATION OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS
The Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply today that Schemes for improved recovery of crude oil and gas in 14 major fields are proposed to be implemented by ONGC in stages. Out of these, eight fields have been taken up in the initial stage. These are: Kalol, North Kadi, Sanand, Santhal, Balol, Gandhar, Neelam and Heera. These fields are in addition to the scheme formulated by ONGC for redevelopment of Mumbai High Field for improvement in ultimate recovery. The tentative estimates by ONGC indicate the possibility of obtaining incremental production of about 10 million tonnes (MMT) cumulative over the next five years and 22 MMT cumulative over a ten year period.
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UNIDO DG MEETS POWER MINISTER SURESH PRABHU DISCUSSES CO-OPERATION IN POWER SECTOR
The Union Minister for Power Shri Suresh Prabhu, who met the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Mr. Carlos Magarinos here today, has said that India is interested in technical support for development of cleaner more efficient power technologies. Shri Prabhu told the UNIDO DG, that India was committed to develop its power sources while at the same time taking care of its environment. The country was also looking to promote cleaner and more efficient power generation technologies. The Minister mentioned that the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) at Bangalore was a centre, which could be developed as a centre for excellence in collaboration with UNIDO for the development of cleaner technologies. Mr. Magarinos was informed that over the next 12 years India would require an additional one lakh MW of power.Shri Prabhu also informed that his ministry would be hosting a technology summit next year and that India is interested in promoting hydro and thermal power generation sources with the use of cost efficient technology. He invited UNIDO to also collaborate in the summit. The Minister also mentioned that India was also looking to study appropriate funding mechanisms, which would reduce the cost of projects as well as delivered cost of projects.
The UNIDO DG was also told that the Power Ministry plans to set-up a portal for all bids and tenders. This would ensure transparency in the bidding process, increase competition and hopefully bring down costs. The possibility of networking with UNIDO in the respect was also discussed.
The Power Minister also raised the issue of technology benchmarking through UNIDO in power projects. The need for benchmarking hydro, thermal and transmission technologies would also help in assessing and negotiating projects on the bilateral route. UNIDO being the premier multi-lateral body dealing with industry would be the appropriate agency to benchmark technology and its cost for assessing its appropriateness and reasonableness, Shri Prabhu observed. Mr. Magarinos reacted favourably to the suggestion and agreed that the matter should be discussed further.
‘17A’ SHRI RAVINDER GUPTA ASSUMES CHARGE AS HEAVY INDUSTRY AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES SECRETARY Shri Ravinder Gupta, I.A.S (UP: 66) has assumed charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises here today. He joined vice Shri T.S.Vijayraghavan who superannuated today.
Before joining here shri Ravinder Gupta was Secretary in the Department of Defence Production and Supplies.
‘17A’ COOPERATION IN AUTO SECTOR TO BE THE THRUST AREA
UNIDO DIRECTOR GENERAL CALLS ON SHRI MAHOHAR JOSHI
The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises is planning to have an increasing level of cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Indicating that the Auto Sector is a prime area for providing the required thrust to the efforts for achieving sustainable cooperation, Shri Manohar Joshi, the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has asked UNIDO to reach out to the unexplored areas of the country. Earlier Dr.Carlos A. Magarinos, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organization during his call on the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Shri Manohar Joshi assured him of UNIDO’s commitment to identify newer areas of cooperation.
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UNIDO DIRECTOR GENERAL CALLS ON ENVIRONMENT MINISTER,
SHRI T.R. BAALU
Mr. Carlos Alfred Magrinos, Director General, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) called on Shri T.R.Baalu, Union Minister for Environment and Forests, here today. Welcoming Mr. Magrinos, the Minister said that the efficacy of UNIDO programmes would be enhanced if they were need-based and selected in accordance with country requirements after due consultations with various stakeholders. There must be conscious efforts to synergise enhancement of industrial productivity with control of pollution and protection of environment. The accent is shifting from "control" to "prevention" of pollution. During the meeting, it was indicated by the Union Minister that common effluent treatment plants had been working for some time, and that it would be useful to assess their performance. The scope for expanding common disposal facilities for hazardous and biomedical wastes also needs to be examined in detail. The expansion of capacity to enable continuous monitoring of pollution was also required. The Director General, UNIDO agreed with the Minister’s approach. He assured the Minister of UNIDO’s assistance for combating pollution and other country-specific environmental issues by making available necessary resources & technology for India.
The objective of the meeting was to further broaden and deepen environmental co-operation between India and the UNIDO by identifying the priorities for developing an ‘UNIDO Umbrella Programme’ (Country Service Framework-CSF) for India aimed at promoting, inter-alia, a sound environment. For this purpose, UNIDO is extensively evaluating all its projects in India and will incorporate the results of his visit into the preparation of the CSF programme.
A UNIDO technical mission will be arriving early next year to finalise the CSF programme for India.