The implementation of the recommendations of the First National Judicial Pay Commission Report (Shetty Commission) is under active consideration of the Government in consultation with the States and Union Territories. The Commission had submitted its final report on the pay revision for the judicial officers to the Prime Minister on November 11, 1999. As per its terms of reference, the Commission, has also forwarded its report to all the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.

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    Secretary, Family Welfare, Dr.A.R.Nanda has announced that a comprehensive Social Marketing Policy on implementation of Family Welfare Programme has been finalised and it is on the anvil.

    Addressing the National Conference on Population Policy: Mobilization of National and State policy makers, here, last evening, Dr.Nanda has said that New National Communication Strategy for Reproductive and Child Health Project will be forming part of the Social Marketing Policy.

    As per the recent directives from the Supreme Court of India the Department of Family Welfare has chalked out a Nation wide training programme for the Para Medical staff such as Midwives, Dais and Public Health Workers of the Rural areas in the basic Primary Health Care. This training will enable them to run the sub centers more effectively vis-à-vis the Rural Health Delivery system. Medical Council of India and Nursing Council of India have been requested to evolve the appropriate training programmes. These trained Para Medical staff will function as the intermediary public health persons for Primary Health Centres.

    Dr.Nanda has further said that there is an urgent need for the Special Cadre of Public Health/Community Health workers specially for manning the rural health institutions. Karnataka and Maharashtra have already deployed the services of the private medical personnel to run the primary health services in the remote rural areas.

    Dr.Nanda has reiterated that Centre is not for awarding disincentives to those who do not comply with the two child norm, at the National level. However certain States like Maharashtra have taken some motivational measures by announcing both incentives and disincentives in the State Population Policy, which may restrict the democratic rights in the local body elections. So far as Government of India is concerned, the two child norm bill for the State Legislators and Parliament Members, introduced in Rajya Sabha in 1982-83 is pending for want of consensus among the political parties. The Population Stabilization is possible by 2045 as envisaged by the National Population Policy 2000, added Dr.Nanda.

    India and Malaysia have underlined the need to expand the level of bilateral trade by way of diversification of the trade basket and increased interaction between the business chambers of the countries. Mr. Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Bin Syed Jaafar Alber, Foreign Minister of Malaysia who met Shri Murasoli Maran, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, here today, also emphasised the need for creating a synergy between the businessmen of the two countries while, he observed, the governments could play the role of an effective facilitator. Agreeing with the Malaysian minister that there was a lot of scope for setting up joint ventures between India and Malaysia, Shri Maran said there were a number of areas where the two countries could work together. A Trade Agreement is being signed by Shri Jaswant Singh, Union Minister for External Affairs with the Malaysian minister later in the day. This forms a part of the ongoing 2^nd Meting of the India-Malaysia Joint Commission. Shri V.K.Duggal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commence and Industry was also present during the meeting.

    Inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India is likely to touch US $ 5 billion this year (i.e., calendar year 2000). This was indicated by Shri Murasoli Maran, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, while addressing a feedback session with investors from Switzerland organised by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (IPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, here today. Underlining the priority being accorded to FDI, Shri Maran observed that the initial hesitation towards FDI was now a thing of the past and India today faced import competition with confidence. The new Export & Import Policy, he further said, was an important component of the liberalisation package as it reflected the graduation of the Indian economy from restrictive controls to an era of freedom and growth. Compared to the FDI inflows of US $ 4 billion during 1999, Shri Maran said that the target was to achieve FDI inflows of $ 10 billion annually in the next four to five years. "Our aim is to make a dent on poverty. For this, we have to grow faster and we need FDI as our savings are not enough", the Minister said. The cumulative investment approved for Swiss companies under the FDI route over the last decade is around $ 870 million. Major sectors include power & oil refinery, chemicals, electrical equipment, service sectors and transportation industries. "However, there are several areas where further cooperation and foreign direct investment is possible", Shri Maran said, adding that Switzerland was among the ten top investors in India and there was much to be learnt through cooperation with Switzerland known for its strengths in the fields of precision engineering, hi-tech, pharmaceutical sector and financial services.

    The Power Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has called for radical steps to ensure quality power at low cost to consumers. Giving away national awards for meritorious performance for Thermal Power Station here today, Shri Prabhu said that this is essential if we have to compete globally. He said that the performance of the Power Sector has not been satisfactory during the 9^th Plan. The Minister said that we will have to draw our strategies properly and called upon the public and private sectors to face the challenge jointly of meeting the target of doubling the power generation by 2012. He said the reform process has come to stay and the consumer should be educated about it. Shri Prabhu emphasised the need for finalising the emission norms for Thermal Power Station and their compliance. He said this is essential because thermal power, which accounts for 71 per cent of total power generation, will continue to have a dominant role.

    Presiding over the function, the Minister of State for Power Shrimati Jayawanti Mehta said that maximisation of power generation from the existing power stations and reduction of energy losses has assumed a special significance as generation of additional power capacity is highly capital intensive. She said that the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of thermal power stations was continuously increasing during the past few years and expressed hope that it would touch 70% by the end of 9^th plan.. Shrimati Mehta congratulated the award winners for achieving a new PLF peak of 67.3% in 1999-2000 as compared to 60% five years ago. She said that awards should have a proper name to reflect their importance.

    The Power Secretary Shri Ashok Basu said that reforms in the Power Sector should be accorded high priority and persued with speed. Notifying the issue of Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses needs urgent attention, Mr. Basu expressed hope that cent per cent metering would be achieved as scheduled. He said that punishment for power theft should be increased. The T&D losses for the year 1997-98 stand at an alarming value of 24.79% which normally should be 10 to 15%.

    30 thermal power stations were given Meritorious Productivity Awards for economic and efficient operations during 1997-98 while 41 power stations were conferred with Incentive Awards for economy in Secondary Fuel Oil Consumption and 10 power plants for economy in Auxillary Power Consumption for 1997. Vijayawada Thermal Power Station won the Gold Medal for excellent performance for consecutive four years from 1994-95 to 1997-98. The Ramagundam STPS & Dadri TPS of NTPC won Gold Medal for meritorious performance during 1997-98.

    20 State Electricity Boards / Electricity Departments were awarded 11 Shields for achieving reduction in transmission & distribution losses from 1994 to 1996-97.

    The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri P. Radhakrishnan met a delegation from Uttaranchal Development Action Group here today. The delegation urged the Minister to initiate steps for development of winter sports in Uttaranchal. The Minister was informed that the new state with its mountain stretches and rivers could be promoted as an ideal place for winter sports, adventure sports as well as water sports. River Rafting, skiing and ballooning are already established sporting activities in the area.

‘27’

    Our success depends not on what we know but on what we should do before, during and after the occurrence of the disaster as well as to what extent we are able to suitably educate our masses and create awareness among them. This was stated by Agriculture Minister Shri Nitish Kumar while inaugurating a seminar on "Community Participation and Public Awareness". In keeping with International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) today is being observed as the "National Day for Disaster Reduction".

    Educating and creating awareness among the masses will go a long way in not only minimizing to a great extent the loss of human lives but also help in reducing the increasing cost on relief and restoration. Knowledge and good practices relating to disaster management should be imparted both at the school and college levels. Universities, Research and Scientific Institutions should also be involved, he added.

    He said that India, due to its geographical location and varying climatic conditions is prone to a number of natural disasters like cyclone, drought, earthquake, flood, hailstorm and landslides. The vulnerability of our land to the disasters is very high which retards our planned development and progress. The vast coastline of about 8000 kms. On the east and west is exposed to on an average 5 to 6 cyclones every year; 68 per cent of the total area is drought-prone; 40 million hectares are vulnerable to floods and about 54 per cent of the land to occurrence of earthquakes with many areas being prone to multiple hazards. The Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC) has identified 139 districts in the country as multi disaster prone.

    The Minister said that the occurrence of natural disasters year after year is on the increase owing to a number of factors like deforestation, mining, development projects etc. These disasters ultimately affect the environment ecology and the society and have crippling effect on the economy. More stress is now required to be laid in the area of disaster prevention and mitigation and devising necessary medium and long term strategies as 1 billion population coupled with heavy cattle population puts pressure on the eco system and degradation of environment.

    Concerted and coordinated efforts should be made to familiarize ourselves with the use of advance technology, remote sensing, information technology and use of prediction equipment so that the forecasting is more accurate and also made people friendly. Further, we have to change our strategy from the existing method of relief and restoration to that of prevention and mitigation.

    He informed that the Government of India has set up a High Powered Committee (HPC) to review the existing arrangements for natural and man-made disaster; to recommend measures for strengthening organizational structures; and to recommend comprehensive model disaster management plans at the National, State and District levels. The Committee’s Report with its recommendations are expected by March, 2001. The Eleventh Finance Commission has made a number of recommendations on Calamity Relief with a view to ensure timely relief to the needy and has recommended creation of an inter-disciplinary cadre at the State level who would be trained and deployed on relief activities within or outside the State as and when a calamity occurs.

    Speaking on the occasion Minister of State Shri Shripad Y. Naik said that despite the progress achieved over the years in understanding natural hazards and the means for containing their adverse impact, the world’s losses from disasters, both in terms of lives and property, are rising. He said that when people change the environment by cutting down trees, over-grazing, over-cultivation, locating vulnerable communities and critical facilities in hazard zones, they often highten the impact of natural hazards. Developing countries are most vulnerable to disasters, accounting for about 95 per cent of the world’s major disasters. In a country of scarce resources like ours, there is a need for making disaster mitigation the cornerstone of development planning. The best way to manage natural hazards is to integrate disaster reduction efforts and development planning at all levels.

    Giving an overview Additional Secretary Shri Bhagat Singh informed that 18 centres of disaster management have been set up in various States. He said that various research activities are in progress to reduce the impact of natural disasters and efforts are being made to create general awareness.

    A Cycle Rally consisting of more than 100 children and organized by Sports Authority of India was flagged off from Rajghat today by Shri Jaspal Rana, the renowned shooter of India. A school children Run of about 2000 children was also flagged off today from Nehru Stadium by Minister of State Shri Shripad Y. Naik.

    After the inaugural of seminar Shri Nitish Kumar inaugurated an Exhibition set up by various organizations on National Day for Disaster Reduction.

    Minister of Textiles Shri Kashiram Rana has emphasised the need for enhancing competitiveness of handloom products in the changing economic scenario. Chairing the meeting of All India Handloom Board here yesterday, Shri Rana said that the basic requirements of the handloom sector are skill upgradation, technological changes in looms and equipments, services of designers and consultants and processing facilities to produce quality fabric and finished products.

    Observing that marketing is one of the major problems for the sector, the Minister stated that national and State level organisations, responsible for providing marketing facilities for handloom products, are in financial trouble in most of the States. The Government will now extend financial assistance for strengthening while enabling them to cater to the needs of weavers effectively, he said.

    Shri Rana disclosed that the Government is planning to restructure and strengthen the Weavers Service Centres with state-of-the-art equipments and technology in a phased manner so that they serve the weavers effective.

    Shri Rana said that the exquisite handloom products of the country have a large demand overseas and we need to tap the potential of the International market. "We can do so if we are able to improve our quality standard and adopt an aggressive approach in our marketing strategy abroad", he added.

    Taking note of the problems of the North Eastern States in the handloom sector, Shri Rana stressed that all possible help will be extended to sort them out. Handloom, handicrafts and sericulture are the key sources of the livelihood of millions of people in the region. The development of these sectors is a priority area as the region is industrially backward compared to the rest of the country.

    The Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Dhananjay Kumar also participated in the meeting. He said that the Handloom Sector has always been assigned a place of pride in our various policy pronouncements made from time to time. In the coming year, however, with the rapid changes in the international trading regime and dismantling of quantitative restrictions under multi-fibre agreement, handloom products won’t be marketable only by virtue of being handlooms but will have to compete with other products on equal terms in regard to quality excellence, price and its intricacy and exclusiveness.

    Minister of Textiles Shri Kashiram Rana has emphasised the need for promoting exports of handloom goods so as to develop the handloom sector. Chairing the meeting of the Consultative Committee of Parliament attached to the Ministry of Textiles here today, Shri Rana said that the exquisite handloom products of the country have a large demand overseas and we need to tap the potential of the International market.

    "We can do so if we are able to improve our quality standard and adopt an aggressive approach in our marketing strategy abroad", he added.

    Expressing concern at the marginal decline in the exports of cotton handloom madeups and fabrics last year, the Minister stressed the need for formulating new strategies to improve the situation. He informed the Members that the export situation has marginally improved this year. "While the exports stood at Rs. 802 crores during the period April-August last year, this year the value has been Rs. 832 crores".

    Speaking about the wool and woollen sector, Shri Rana said that the major problems faced by the industry include lack of technological inputs. "There is need to improve breed of sheep to increase productivity and the lustre of carpet grade wool; to increase awareness of credibility and provide quality testing standards and facilities; improve marketing of wool by providing market yards; improve processing of wool both pre-loom – such as de-burring, scouring, carding and combing – and post-loom processing, especially dyeing and finishing; and finally give attention to development of the wool textile machinery industry," the Minister added.

    Total collection of all taxes, including both direct and indirect taxes, during the month of September, 2000 amounted to Rs.21,515.81 crore as compared to Rs.18,710.28 crore during September, 1999, registering a growth of 14.99%.

    On a cumulative basis, upto September, 2000, total tax collection have amounted to Rs.8,23,12.02 crore, as compared to the total collection of Rs.69,049.15 crore during April-September, 1999, registering an increase of 19.21%

    The collection of income tax during the month of September, 2000 is Rs.3,657.44 crore as compared to Rs. 2,623.55 crore during the month of September, 1999, i.e. an increase of 39.41%. Collection of corporation tax during September, 2000 is Rs. 7,751.81 crore as compared to the collection of Rs. 6,641.77 crore during the month of September, 1999, i.e. an increase of 16.71%.

    The collection of income tax upto the end of September, 2000 is Rs.12,938.91 crore as compared to Rs.8,925.28 crore upto the end of September, 1999, i.e. an increase of 44.97%. Collection of corporation tax upto September, 2000 is Rs.13,450.33 crore as compared to collection of Rs. 9,506.36 crore during the corresponding period last year, registering an increase of 41.49%.

    Total collection of direct taxes during September, 2000 is Rs. 11,435.24 crore, as against Rs.9,557.34 crore during the corresponding month of last year, showing a growth of 19.65%.

    Total collection of direct taxes upto September, 2000 is Rs. 26,540.77crore, as against Rs.18,518.44 crore upto September, 1999, showing an increase of 43.32%.

    The collection of excise duties during the month of September, 2000 is Rs.5,750.00 crore, as compared to Rs. 4,952.91crore collected during September, 1999. Thus, excise collection during September, 2000 is higher by 16.09%. Collection of customs revenue during September, 2000 is Rs. 4,128.15 crore, as compared to Rs. 4,041.11 crore, thereby registering an increase of 2.15%.

    The collection of excise duties upto the end of September, 2000 is Rs.30,771.44 crore, as compared to Rs.26,972.31 crore collected upto September, 1999, thereby registering an increase of 14.09%. Collection of customs revenue upto September, 2000 is Rs. 23,331.75 crore, as compared to Rs.22,191.08 crore during the corresponding period last year, thereby showing a growth of 5.14%.

    Total collection of indirect taxes during September, 2000 is Rs. 10,080.57 crore as compared to Rs. 9,152.94 crore during the same month last year, representing an increase of 10.13%.

    Total collection of indirect taxes upto September, 2000 is Rs. 55,771.25 crore as compared to Rs. 50,530.71 crore upto September, 1999, registering an increase of 10.37%.

    Kenyan Assistant Minister of Labour and Human Resources Development, Mr. Jesee Maizs called on the Minister of State for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, Shri Bandaru Dattatraya here yesterday. During the meeting, both countries – India and Kenya – underlined the need for cooperation, particularly in the field of low cost housing, building material and technology and urban poverty alleviation.

    Recalling the long-lasting friendly relations between the two countries, Shri Dattatraya apprised the visiting dignitary of various measures taken by India to provide low cost housing and sanitation to economically weaker sections of society. He said that the major task before the country is to create surpluses in housing stock and facilitate construction of 20 lakh additional dwelling units as per the National Housing and Habitat Policy 1998.

    Taking note of the interest shown by the visiting dignitary in providing shelters to poor, Shri Dattatraya offered India’s assistance in providing low cost housing technology to Kenya. He said that construction cost of such houses are very low in comparison to traditional housing technology as building materials and components are procured by utilising agro-industrial wastes. The Minister further added that machines for constructing such housing components can even be operated by semi-skilled labour, resulting in employment opportunities for more people.

    Evincing keen interest in the housing activities currently going on in India, the visiting Kenyan Minister informed his Indian counterpart that Kenya is keen to learn from Indian experience in providing low cost housing and sanitation to economically weaker sections of society and tackling urban poverty.

    The Union Public Service Commission will be holding the Combined Defence Services Examination (II) – 2000 on 22.10.2000 (Sunday) as scheduled. Admission Certificates to all the eligible candidates and Rejection Letters to others have been issued. If any applicant does not receive any communication, he may contact Telephone Numbers 3381125 and 3385271. Our venue information will also be available on Union Public Service Commission website at http://www.upsc.gov.in which contains venue particulars in respect of all admitted candidates.

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SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS AGAINST NSCN(K) EXTENDED

    The security forces have extended the unilateral suspension of operations against NSCN (K) for a further period of six months with effect from 16^th of this month.