March 02 |
MARAN CLEARS 34 FDI PROPOSALS WORTH Rs.713 CRORE
Shri Murasoli Maran, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, has cleared 34 foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals involving FDI worth Rs.713.00 crore. The proposals cover various sectors including chemicals, consumer & confectionery items, food & beverage, telecommunications, Software development, international air cargo transportation, Textiles and electrical & engineering components. The list of proposals cleared by Shri Maran is given below. Earlier, the Foreign Investment Promotion Board had submitted its recommendations for the Minister's clearance.
FDI PROPOSALS CLEARED
| S. No. | Name of the company & Regn. No. |
Activity | Percentage of FDI/NRI investment | Amount of FDI/NRI inflow (Rs. In crores) |
| 01. | M/s. Kuros Pet Food Pvt Ltd (Royal Canin) | Mfr, marketing and sale of extruded dry pet foods including dog and cat foods made from meats and cereals | Amendment in the existing FC approval | No fresh inflow is involved |
| 02 | M/s. Synergy Multibase Ltd | Mfr. of poly propylene, polythylene, etc. | Increase in foreign equity from 50.57% to 80% | 2.67 |
| 03. | M/s. SRF Ltd | Mfr. and sale of nylon industrial yarn/cord/fabrics, industrial fabrics and leather auxiliaries. | Change of status from OCB to Non-OCB | No fresh inflow is involved |
| 04. | M/s. SRF Ltd | Mfr. and sale of nylon industrial yarn/cord/fabrics, industrial fabrics and leather auxiliaries | Change of status from OCB to Non-OCB | No fresh inflow is involved |
| 05. | M/s. Lufthansa Cargo India Pvt Ltd | International Air Cargo Transportation | Increase in foreign equity from 95% to 100% | 1.25 |
| 06. | M/s. K & B India Pvt Ltd . | Processing, blending and wholesale trading of Tea including manufacture of instant tea | 100% | 1.00 |
| 07. | M/s. F&B Marketing India Pvt Ltd | Business in Food & Beverage products | 100% | 0.1 |
| 08 | M/s. Dresdner Kleinwort Benson Securities India Ltd.(Ind Global Shares and Securities Ltd ) | Security broking | Issue of Non-convertible
redeemable preference shares ( NCRPS)and expansion of activities |
40.00 |
| 09. | M/s. Fosters India Ltd | to carry on the business of manufacture of beer | permission for issue of Redeemable Non-cumulative Preference hare (RNCPS) | 35.00 |
| 10. | M/s. Sierra Optima Ltd | providing value added software services | preferential issue of warrants | 6.71 |
| 11. | M/s. Tata Home Finance Ltd | housing finance and related activities | Amendment in the existing FC approval | No fresh inflow is involved |
| 12. | M/s. Tata Asset Management Ltd | Financial advisory services | 50% | 31.18 |
| 13. | M/s. Bhagalakshmi Investments Pvt Ltd | Investment activities in telecom companies | 21.48% | 2.3 |
| 14. | M/s. Asian Telephone Services Ltd. | Investment activities in telecom companies | 21.48% | 2.3 |
| 15. | M/s. Sapte Investments Pvt Ltd | Investment activities in telecom companies | 21.48% | 2.3 |
| 16. | M/s. Vsapte Investments Pvt Ltd | Investment activities in telecom companies | 21.48% | 2.3 |
| 17 | M/s. Kerala Manufactum Pvt. Ltd. | Wooden furniture | 60% | 0.006 |
| 18 | M/s. Puratos | manufacture and market specialized ingredients for the bakery, confectionery, chocolate and catering industry | Amendment in the existing FC approval | No fresh inflow is involved |
| 19 | M/s. Ucal Polymer Industries Ltd (C/o Ucal Fuel Systems Pvt Ltd). | Mfr. of Carburettors and fuel pumps | downstream acquisition | 0.1 |
| 20 | M/s. Kamla Dials and Devices Ltd | Mfr. of watch dials and watch hands and packaging boxes | Restructuring of equity | No fresh inflow is involved |
| 21. | M/s. Trelleborg Automotive India Pvt Ltd | Mfg. Anti-vibration systems and Noise reduction products of all kinds | Acquisition of 20 equity shares | ---- |
| 22 | M/s. T & B Systems Pvt Ltd | mfr. of automatic teller machine and spares and development of computer software | Amendment in the existing FC approval | No fresh inflow is involved |
| 23 | M/s. Jin Information | Development of Computer software | Increase in foreign equity from 99.93% to 100% and also increase in paid up capital | 0.78 |
| 24 | M/s. Sehgal Software Pvt Ltd | Computer Software Development | ------ | ----- |
| 25 | M/s. America Online Inc., Virginia | Information Technology related products and services | 100% | 460.00 over a period of 5 years |
| 26 | M/s. iloka Pvt Ltd | Computer Software Development | 100% | 4.24 |
| 27 | M/s. Crest Synergy Pvt Ltd | Software development | Increase in foreign equity from 51% to 100% | 0.03 |
| 28 | M/s. Zakiya Atlantic Exports | BOU project to handicrafts etc. | 50% | 2.25 |
| 29 | M/s. ANA Consultants Pvt Ltd . | Mfr. of precision measuring instruments and portable calibrator apparatus | 100% | 0.77 |
| 30 | M/s. Energizer India Ltd | Mfr. of alkaline batteries, lithium batteries and other battery system | Increase in foreign equity from 51% to 100% | 0.07 |
| 31 | M/s. Mettler - Taledo India Pvt Ltd | Mfr. of industrial scales and laboratory balance | amendment in the existing FC approval | ---- |
| 32 | M/s. Wimco Ltd | Mfr. and sale of all kinds of description of matches and other lighting appliances | Permission to issue Redeemable Cumulative Preference Shares (RCPS) | 93.00 |
| 33 | M/s. Lytay India Ltd | Mfr. of light weight aggregate from fly-ash | Amendment in the existing FC approval | No fresh inflow is involved |
| 34 | M/s. Sandvik AB, Sweden | Mfr. of Hot extruded seamless stainless steel | Increase in foreign equity from 51% to 100% | 25.00 |
'7'
PROVISION OF CHANGE OF REGISTERED OFFICE WITHIN A STATE UNDER COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ACT ENFORCED
The Government in the Department of Company Affairs has issued a notification enforcing Section 7 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2000 relating to the provision for change of registered office within a State with effect from March 1, 2001. Under the amended Act, Section 17A has been incorporated which provides for :
No company shall change the place of its registered office from one place to another within a State unless such change is confirmed by the Regional Director.
The company shall make an application in the prescribed form to the Regional Director for confirmation under sub-section (1)
The confirmation referred to in sub-section (1) shall be communicated to the company within four weeks from the date of receipt of application for such change.
Explanation---For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the provisions of this Section shall apply only to the companies which change the registered office from the jurisdiction of one Registrar of Companies to the jurisdiction of another Registrar of Companies within the same State.
The company shall file, with the Registrar a certified copy of the confirmation by the Regional Director for change of its registered office under this Section, within two months from the date of confirmation, together with a printed copy of the memorandum as altered and the Registrar shall register the same and certify the registration under his hand within one month from the date of filing of such document.
The certificate shall be conclusive evidence that all the requirements of this Act with respect to the alteration and confirmation have been compiled with and henceforth the memorandum as altered shall be the memorandum of the company.
The notification has been issued under sub-section (2) of Section 1 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2000.
'25'
During the first three years of the Ninth Plan, the capacity addition in Major Ports has accrued to 38.05 Million Tonnes (MT). With this, the total capacity of Major Ports is expected to reach 314 MT by March 31, 2001.
The total approved outlay for Major Ports during the Ninth Five Year is Rs. 8543 crores .
Some slippage in capacity target of 377 MT is expected. The traffic at Major Ports is not growing as projected by the Ninth Plan Working Group and by the end of Ninth Plan, capacity of Major Ports is expected to be more than the traffic. Thus, no capacity constraint is anticipated.
The scheme "Replacement of Submarine Pipelines" has been completed in June, 2000. The scheme "Modernisation of Jetties" is progressing as per schedule and is expected to be completed by March, 2003.
'31'
NEW STANDARDS FOR WHEAT AND MILK PRODUCTS
The Government has amended with immediate effect the provisions under Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules (PFA), 1955 relating to standards for some dairy products and for atta, maida and barley powder.
The notification spells out the limits for preservatives like sorbic acid and nisin in cheese and processed cheese, harmonising these parameters in the standards under PFA with those prescribed internationally by Codex Alimentarius Commission. It also removes the specifications for partly skimmed milk powder currently available under the PFA. This has been done because this product has become anachronistic with the development of adequate refrigerated storage and transportation facilities as well as processing capacities in the country.
The existing standards in PFA Rules for atta, maida, suji, etc. require that they are free from uric acid, rodent hair, excreta etc. To further reinforce this aspect which has health implications, PFA Rules will now require that these products shall be prepared by milling, grinding, etc. from grains which are clean and free from rodent hair and excreta. In products like barley powder, the grain would need to be not only from grain that is clean and free from rodent hair but also properly dehusked. These provisions have been introduced as part of the on going exercise to ensure that consumers receive clean and wholesome food.
‘9’
RAJYA SABHA
The Government has drafted a new National Youth Policy in consultation with all concerned Union Ministers/Departments, Universities, Youth Wings of Political Parties and Voluntary Organisations. The draft National Youth Policy covers all aspect such as education, employment, health, environment, sports, arts and culture, science and technology etc. It has not yet come into force. A National Youth Policy was formulated and tabled in Parliament in 1988. However, a need was felt by the Government for a review of the existing National Youth Policy in view of rapid socio-economic changes in the country and also to address future concerns of the youth.
This information was given by the Minister of State of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in a written reply to a question by Shri Kripal Parmar in the Rajya Sabha today.
‘9’
RAJYA SABHA'
INCLUSION OF SPORTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOL CURRICULA
The Government plans to make sports and physical education as integral parts of the education system from school level onwards. Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE)’s Committee on Sports and Physical Education recommended that sports and physical education be made a compulsory subject in schools and colleges, annual fitness test be enforced in all educational institutions, assign 40 minutes daily for physical education and sports, organize mass participation activities and ensure optimal utilization of play grounds and the building facilities available in educational institutions. Further new National Curriculum Framework for School Education brought out by NCERT recently addresses itself to the issue of inclusion of physical education and lays stress on inclusion of games, sports, yoga, NCC, Scouting & Guiding and Red Cross under health and physical education at the upper primary and secondary stages. The new National Curriculum Framework for School Education has been circulated to all State Governments/U.Ts for implementation of the suggestions.
Like all other areas of education, school education including physical education in schools is a concurrent subject and implementation of which is a major responsibility of the States/Union Territories also. The recommendations of the CABE Committee have been referred to States and Union Territories for necessary follow up action.
For the benefit of students studying in Secondary/Sr. Secondary Schools situated in rural areas, central assistance upto Rs. 1.50 lakh is being provided for development of playfield and purchase of sports equipment.
Under the Scheme of Grants for creation of sports infrastructure, central assistance upto Rs. 5.00 lakh is provided to the Government/State/Navodaya/Kendriya Vidyalaya for development of playfields in the school; and
Under the Scheme of Grants for promotion of sports in universities and colleges, central assistance upto Rs. 3.00 lakh is provided for purchase of non-consumable sports items. In addition, central assistance upto Rs. 25.00 lakh is also provided for construction of stadia/swimming pool and development of playfields.
This information was given by the Minister of State of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan in a written reply to a question by Prof. (Shrimati) Bharati Ray in the Rajya Sabha today.
'28' PRIME MINISTER TO INAUGURATE CHIEF MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE ON POWER
MAJOR ISSUES RELATED TO POWER REFORMS TO BE TAKEN UP
The Conference of Chief Ministers and Power Ministers is being held here tomorrow. The Ministry of Power has been organizing this Conference at regular intervals in order to draw up a consensus on Power Sector Reforms. The last conference was held on February 26th 2000 where some important decisions were taken like metering of all consumers by December 2001. The Conference will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and will be attended by the Minister for Power, Shri Suresh Prabhu, the Minister of State for Power, Smt. Jayawanti Mehta, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Shri K.C. Pant and the Finance Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha.
A decade of experience of reforms and restructuring in the power sector has shown that distribution is the weakest link in the chain and only a time-bound and whole-hearted effort in reforming distribution can revitalize the power sector. While the main agenda for the conference would be distribution reforms, other related issues will also be taken up. They include addition of new capacity to the extent of one lakh MW in the next 10 to 12 years so as to meet power on demand by 2012. Other issues include stepping up of the process of rural electrification by treating electrification as a basic minimum service, an issue which was outlined in the Budget speech of the Finance Minister on February 28, 2001. Strengthening the transmission and distribution network and steps necessary to eliminate electricity theft, review of the financial situation of State Power Utilities and outstanding dues of CPSUs and the setting up of the National Power Grid will also be discussed. The new scheme of the Accelerated Power Development Programme (APDP) which has been linked to commitment towards reforms on parts of the States would also be discussed. The Conference deliberations it is hoped will also provide useful inputs to the Electricity Bill 2001 which is proposed to be introduced during the current session of Parliament.
All these issues are crucial and the support of the States is necessary in case reforms are to gain momentum. The purpose of the conference is to have continuing dialogue with the States on the issues confronting the power sector which have become urgent and pressing.
'19'
V DHANANJAY KUMAR LAUNCHES PORTAL ON INDIAN HANDICRAFTS
INDIANHANDICRAFTS.ORG.IN TO BRING ARTISANS AND BUYERS CLOSE
Shri V.Dhananjay kumar, Minister of state for Textiles has lauded the efforts of the office of the Development commissioner for Handicrafts for bringing the artisans, workers and all handicrafts sectors at one place. He was inaugurating a handicrafts portal containing comprehensive information on different crafts, artisans and related organizations. The Office of the Development Commissioner for Handicrafts has developed a GIS based portal on Indian Handicrafts named indianhandicrafts.org.in. Shri Anil Kumar, Secretary, Textiles and Ms Tinoo Joshi, Development Commissioner for Handicrafts were also present on the occasion.
Welcoming the launching of the portal, Shri Anil Kumar, Secretary, Textiles hoped that it would facilitate information exchange among all sectors of the Indian Handicrafts Industry thereby providing better opportunities for the handicraft workers. Ms Tinoo Joshi hoped that the artisans would be able to get better marketing opportunities through this portal for their master creations in the world markets.
The services of professionals of Indian Institute of technology Delhi had been requisitioned for designing and developing this portal.
'44'
RAJYA SABHA
During the period April 2000 to February, 2001, the Central Government have conveyed its approval to the grant of twenty Reconnaissance Permits and four Prospecting Licences for mineral survey and exploration to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, on the basis of their proposals.
Four Prospecting Licences have been granted to M/s. National Mineral Devlopment Corporation Ltd.,covering an area of 11.14 sq.kms.
Reconnaissance Permits have been granted to M/s. De-Beers India Surveys Pvt. Ltd., M/s. AMIL Mining India Pvt. Ltd., M/s. CRA Exploration (I) Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Phelps Dodge Exploration (I) Pvt. Ltd., M/s. Geomysore Services (India) Pvt. Ltd., M/s. National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd., M/s. De-Beers India Minerals Pvt. Ltd., and M/s. De-Beers India Prospecting Pvt. Ltd.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Mines Shri Jayasingrao Gaikwad Patil in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
'18'
VSP MARCHES AHEAD FOR BEST YEARLY PERFORMANCE
Visakhapatanam Steel Plant has produced 2.86 million tonnes (MT) of hot metal, 2.63 MT liquid steel and 2.24 MT of saleable steel during the period April-February, 2000-01 recording a growth of 8 per cent, 10 per cent and 7 per cent respectively over the same period last year. This was achieved inspite of the non-availability of a blast furnace for two months. Capital Repairs was undertaken in the blast furnace-1 ‘GODAVRAI’ for two months during the current fiscal.
Production of 749819 tonnes of Wire Rod Mill products and 586533 tonnes of Medium Merchant and Structural Mill (MMSM) during this period are the best yearly productions achieved by VSP in the respective areas. The performance in the production of sinter, hot metal, liquid steel, saleable steel, cast blooms, bar, billets, WRM and MMSM during Feb.2001 have been the best ever performance since inception. Steel ladle life of 70 heats in Feb.2001 is the highest so far. In February 2001, the annual rate of 7.15 lakh tonnes of Bar products crossed the annual rated capacity of 7.1 lakh tonnes for the first time.
On the sales front, the total sales turnover of Rs.2938 crore during the period April-Feb., 2000-01 recorded an impressive growth of 16 per cent over the same period last year. VSP sold iron, steel and by-products worth Rs.2659 crore in the domestic market and Rs.279 crore in the export market during this period. The domestic sale has registered an impressive growth of 17 per cent and export grew by 16 per cent over the same period last year. VSP’s sales during February’2001 was Rs.305 crore. Out of this Rs.290 crore was in the domestic market and Rs.15 crore in the export market.
Gujarat Earthquake |
‘20’
ALL INDIA PAINT & THINNER ASSOCIATION DONATES RS. 1.5 LAKHS FOR GUJARAT RELIEF WORK
Shri Ram Naik, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, today received a cheque of Rs. 1.5 lakh from the All India Paints & Thinner Manufacturers Association (AIPTMA) making contribution for the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for earth quake affected areas of Gujarat. The relief amount was presented to Shri Ram Naik by Shri Ashok Prabhakar, President, AIPTMA and Shri Prem Khanna, Secretary here today. Shri Naresh Narad, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, was also present on the occasion.
The Minister appreciated this noble gesture of the Association in coming forward for the assistance of our brethren who were severely hit by the devastating earthquake in Gujarat on January 26th, 2001. He said that it was our duty to make wholehearted contributions for relief and rehabilitation work. The representatives of the paint & thinner manufacturers assured that they would not be found wanting in providing helping hand to the community in times of crises.
Gujarat Earthquake |
‘32’
BLUE-PRINT FOR RENEWAL OF QUAKE-AFFECTED CITIES OF GUJARAT
Minister for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Shri Jagmohan made a plea for a total replanning and reconstruction of cities like Bhuj, Anjar, Bachau and Rapar, destroyed in the recent earthquake in Gujarat. Delivering a talk on "Converting Misfortune into Opportunity – the Gujarat Experience" here yesterday, Shri Jagmohan said that these cities which have suffered extensive damage should be fully redeveloped in accordance with new layouts, new services and infrastructural plans and new technologies.
While doing so, not only the latest scientific data but also the need to put up disaster-resistant building should also be taken into account. Due attention should also be paid to the dynamics of the current times and new requirements that are arising out of the compulsions of the globalised economy. The ‘future of the past’ should also be taken care of and the history and heritage of these settlements kept alive" the Minister observed.
Shri Jagmohan stressed that it would be a mistake to reconstruct the quake-affected areas with the old ideas – "with the same stones in the foundation", as he put it. He said: "We should lift ourselves to a new height of vision, to a new blaze of strength and steadfastness and design and develop a better level of life".
Shri Jagmohan showed a number of slides and illustrated his proposition by taking Bhuj city as an example. He said: "Before the earthquake, Bhuj, at quite a few places, was too crowded, its lanes too narrow, its environment too constricted and its historical buildings too hemmed in by all sorts of inappropriate structures. These places could now be replanned and redeveloped in toto. The places of historical significance, such as ‘Sharad Bangh Palace’, Rao’s Chhatria’, Aina Mahal’, ‘Prag Mahal’ and Katch Museum’, could be retrofitted to inject new life in them and made more attractive by suitably landscaping the areas around. Likewise, new fronts could be provided to water bodies and gardens laid along them. New civic and environmental assets could thus be created for the future".
"Massive public housing, with disaster-resistant designs could be undertaken, in areas earmarked for residential use, by a public authority or by a set of cooperative societies or by well-published NGOs and corporate houses. New industrial estates, commercial complexes, technology parks, transport network and green vistas could be simultaneously developed. Three specially designed buildings – one for a school, the other for a hospital and yet another for keeping essential material and equipment – capable of withstanding cyclone and earthquake of severe intensity, could also be constructed. Besides meeting the usual needs of a large thriving city, these buildings could act as emergency centres for providing relief and shelter", he added.
For carrying out the work of replanning, redevelopment and reconstruction, Shri Jagmohan suggested a special administrative machinery. This machinery would comprise:
A key component of Shri Jagmohan’s Blue-print is the promotion of a culture of prevention, preparedness and mitigation. He said: "This culture, unfortunately, is conspicuous by it’s absence in our country. In Gujarat, hundreds of death could have been prevented if public in general and builders in particular had even a modicum of realisation of the dangers embedded in violations of the norms of structural safety and municipal bye-laws regarding ‘floor area ratio’, ‘set-back lines’, ‘coverage’, ‘soil conditions’, etc. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that a strong awareness campaign should be launched, impressing upon the people to observe the building bye-laws themselves and also to lend their support to those who want to take firm action against land and building mafias operating in our cities. A new’ Techno-Legal Regime’ also need to put in place".
'44'
BALCO’S DISINVESTMENT COMPLETE
The management control of Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a public sector undertaking of the Ministry of Mines was transferred today to M/s Sterlite Industries Ltd. 51 per cent of Governments holding in BALCO was transferred in favour of M/s Sterlite after signing of shareholders agreement and share purchase agreement. M/s Sterlite Industries Ltd. handed over a cheque of Rs.551.50 crore in favour of the Government.
On behalf of the Government Dr. (Mrs.) Aruna Bagchee, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Mines signed the documents. On behalf of BALCO the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines and the CMD of the Company Shri S.C. Tripathi signed the agreement. Shri Tarun Jain, Director (Finance), M/s Sterlite Ltd., signed the agreement on behalf of the purchaser company. The cheque was handed over in the presence of the Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Shri Dipak Chatterjee and the Secretary, Department of Disinvestment shri Pradip Baijal and senior officers of the Ministries.
'13'
INDIA AND POLAND IDENTIFY 18 HIGH-TECH PROJECTS FOR JOINT COLLABORATION
India and Poland have identified 18 high-tech projects for joint collaboration. These are in physics, geo-chemistry, biology, mining, powder metallurgy and utilisation of flood waters for irrigational purposes. The fourth meeting of the Indo-Polish joint committee on science and technology held here early this week has approved these projects for implementation.
The Polish Minister for Science and Chairman of State Committee for Scientific Research Prof. A. Wiszniewski who co-chaired the joint committee meeting met the Minister for science and technology Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi here today and explored the possibilities of further strengthening the scientific cooperation between the two countries. Dr. Joshi told Prof. Wiszniewski that India and Poland have long been having fruitful cooperation in science and technology and the two countries should also collaborate in the development of herbal drugs. Both the leaders noted the impending Indo-Polish workshop in this regard. They also took into account the joint publication of two books on "Fuzzy Theory", in addition to numerous research papers. There have been more than one hundred exchange visits of scientists since 1993, when the two countries concluded an agreement on science and technology. Programmes of cooperation have already been concluded upto 2003, the two leaders further noted.
'8'
INDIAN LANGUAGE PROMOTION COUNCIL TO BE SET UP
The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has said that Hindi is a key to national integration. It has to be strengthened and popularised further. Shri Vajpayee was speaking at a function organised by the Central Hindi Directorate to honour non-Hindi speaking Hindi writers and also presentation of the Shiksha Puraskars. In all, the Prime Minister gave away five Shiksha Puraskars and nine awards to non-Hindi speaking Hindi writers for the year 1999-2000. The awards carry a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each.
The Minister for Human Resource Development Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi who presided said that the Government is committed to the alround development of Indian languages and that an Indian Language Promotion Council would be set up soon for the purpose. This will be a giant step towards the holistic development of all Indian languages and dialects. He pointed out that at least 100 universities in various countries of the world are teaching Hindi. He recalled that Shri Vajpayee made history years ago by addressing the United Nations in Hindi for the first time and taking it to the world platform. He expressed the hope that the awards will go a long way in popularising Hindi.
The Secretary, Secondary and Higher Education Shri M.K. Kaw and the Director of the Central Hindi Directorate Dr. Pushp Lata Taneja also spoke on the occasion.
The Shiksha Puraskar winners are; Shri Surendra Prasad Rai, Shri Shyam Sundar Sharma, Dr. Kanhaiya Lal Gandhi, Dr. Vinod Kumar Rai and Dr. A.B. Saxena.
The winners of non-Hindi speaking Hindi writers awards are Shri Anupam Kumar – Assamese; Dr. P.J. Haridas – Marathi; Smt. Snigdha Banerjee – Bangla; Smt. Sarla Bhardwaj – Punjabi; Dr. Vishnu Charan Swain – Oriya; Dr. Pradhan Gurudutt – Kannada; Dr. Vijay Kumaran C.P.V. – Malayalam; Dr. Rajam Natarajan Pillai – Tamil; Shri T.R. Varadarajan – Tamil.
‘9’
UMA BHARTI TO PRESIDE OVER THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE SPORTS MINISTERS TOMORROW
The Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Sushree Uma Bharti will preside over a National Conference of Sports Ministers of various States and Union Territories to be organised by the Ministry here, tomorrow. The one-day Conference was proposed as that the development of sports needs a participatory approach and calls for creation of inputs from the Government, the Federations, Sports Control Boards, Universities and colleges, Indian Olympic Association etc. The Conference Proposes to discuss a number of emergent and important issues in the sports sector like preparation of a working paper on the Code of Conduct for sports bodies, sports persons and sports administrators. The proposed new National Sports Policy, setting up of Academies in various sports disciplines in States as well as the approach paper to the 10th Plan would be the other issues to be discussed. The integration of sports and physical education with school curriculum is also as the Agenda for deliberations at the conference.
The Agenda states that there is a need to promote and regulate promotion of sports by enactment of a suitable code of conduct, laws, rules and regulations in order that the basic ingredients of sportsmanship, fair play, competition and character do not get undermined. The conduct of sports and games engulfs many segments of society. The Agenda proposes that entities like the National Sports Federations; Sports Federations; Sports Control Bodies and Institutions whether in the Army, Universities, schools, Railways etc.; Sports clubs and associations, officials and sports goods manufacturers may also be covered in the code of conduct. The aspects or activities which would be the concern of the Code would be financial supervision and management of sport entities; election; competitions; standardization of the constitution bye-laws etc.
The Conference will also discuss the proposed National Sports Policy and the various issues to be incorporated in it. The issues include broad basing of sports; integration of sports with education; infrastructure development; sports equipment; scientific backup and incentives to sports persons. Training and development of coaches; sports scientists; resource mobilization for sports and sports and tourism are other issues proposed to be included in the sports policy. The Sports Minister of various States would also be invited to give their comments on the proposal of setting up of academies in various sports disciplines in States. Potential of a particular sports discipline in different States, availability of suitable sites for setting up of the academy, financial requirement and the source of funding etc. also form part of the agenda. Integration of sports and physical education with the school curriculum is also proposed to be discussed at the Conference.
‘30’
RAJYA SABHA
CHANGES IN PLAN FOR ZOO UPKEEP
Subsequent to the incident of killing of the tigress in the zoo, Andhra Pradesh Government has evolved a plan for making the zoos in the State, namely, Hyderabad Zoo, Vishakhapatnam Zoo and Tirupati Zoo, self-supporting autonomous organisations. They have also developed a security plan involving modern gadgets like closed-circuit televisions and infra-red alarms at a cost of Rs. 262 lakhs. The Central Zoo Authority has approved the proposals worth Rs. 159 lakhs of which, the share of Central Zoo Authority comes to Rs. 107 lakhs. First instalment of Rs. 40.30 lakhs has already been released for the purpose.
Killing of the tigress "Sakhi" by poachers in the Hyderabad Zoo is the only incident of this nature in the country.
The Central Government after, discussions with the State Government, has evolved the following plan of action for better upkeep of zoo animals and their greater longevity:-
No new zoo should be established unless sustained availability of financial resources and technical inputs are available.
This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Minister of Environment and Forests in reply to a question by Hon’ble Member, Shri Rumandla Ramachandraiah, in the Rajya Sabha today.
‘30’
NATIONAL AWARD ON WILDLIFE PROTECTION INSTITUTED
The Union Ministry of Environment & Forests has instituted a national award on protection of wildlife, which will be known as "Amrita Devi Wildlife Protection Award" and will carry an award of Rs. One lakh.
The annual award will be given for significant contribution in the field of wildlife protection by having shown exemplary courage and valor or having done some exemplary work for the protection of wildlife in the country.
The Award of Rs. One lakh cash along with a citation will be given to an individual/institution pertaining to rural communities involved in wildlife protection.
In addition to the cash award and citation, a medallion will be awarded to the individual(s)/community-based organisation from the rural areas, including Gram Sabha for showing exemplary courage or valor for protection of wildlife. There will be no age limit for individuals.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests will invite the applications for the first Amrita Devi Wildlife Protection Award from the Chief Wildlife Wardens of the State Government in the month of April. Any citizen of India can also recommend the name. The nominations must be accompanied with the details viz: (I) Name and address of the nominee, (ii) Area of Work, (iii) Significant contribution made by the nominee in the field of wildlife protection and, (iv) Comments/recommendations of the concerned State Chief Wildlife Warden. The last date for receipt of nominations shall be 30th May for the preceding year.
The nomination for the Award signed by the sponsor, along with the recommendation of the Chief Wildlife Warden should be sent to the Director, Wildlife Preservation, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Paryavaran Bhavan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003.
‘30’
RAJYA SABHA
KILLINGS OF ELEPHANTS IN CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
As reported by the Uttranchal Government, as many as five elephants were found dead in Corbett National Park during the period from 27th December 2000 to 10th February, 2001. No elephant death has since been reported. Intensive surveillance is being maintained in the Park to ensure that poachers cannot operate in the area.
Preliminary reports sent by the authorities of the Corbett National Park in respect of the elephant killed on 27.12.2000, suggested the recovery of a sharp-edged iron piece from the alimentary canal of the animal. However, the detailed reports since received from the State Government authorities suggest that sharp metal projectiles, about 6-7 cm. in length, fired either from a gun or a bow, have been used to kill the elephants.
According to the reports received by the Central Government, senior police officers including the Director General of Police (Uttranchal) have visited the Corbett National Park and are providing help to the Park authorities in combing the forests and searching the culprits.
The Central Government has already requested the CBI to assist the State Government in investigating the matter.
As reported by the State Government, only a part of the Corbett Park was closed temporarily for the daytime visitors to facilitate combing operations in the Park. Now, this area of the Park is also open to visitors.
This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Minister of Environment and Forests in reply to questions by Hon’ble Members, Shri Nana Deshmukh, Shri Ramdas Agarwal, Smt. Saroj Dubey and Shri Janeshwar Mishra in the Rajya Sabha today.
‘30’
RAJYA SABHA
FLOW OF ANIMAL BLOOD IN YAMUNA
Slaughter Houses/Abattoirs have been categorised under group ‘H’ as per Master Plan Delhi 2001, which are not allowed to be operated in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. To prevent illegal slaughtering of animals, High Court of Delhi in its order dated 12.7.2000, in the CW No. 2455/2000, titled Young Qureshis Front Vs. Union of India & Others, has directed Delhi Police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi to ensure that those offending the law are brought to book and that there is no illegal slaughtering. Action has been taken by Delhi Police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi against the persons found indulging in slaughtering animals in open place or in residential houses without valid licence/permission from the civic authorities. In the year 2000, Municipal Corporation of Delhi conducted 152 raids with the help of Delhi Police, in which 9 premises were sealed and 572 animal skeletons destroyed. In the year 2001, 23 raids have been conducted by them till date, in which 1 animal skeleton has been destroyed.
To prevent illegal slaughtering of animals, Health Department of Municipal Corporation of Delhi has been directed to take necessary action against the persons indulging in illegal slaughtering of animals. The Dy. Commissioner of Delhi Police has also been asked to take necessary action under the law to stop illegal slaughtering.
This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Minister of Environment and Forests in reply to a question by Hon’ble Member, Shri Aboni Roy, in the Rajya Sabha today.
‘30’
RAJYA SABHA
POPULATION OF FOREST-DEPENDENT COMMUNITIES
It has been roughly estimated that around 350 million people in approximately 2 lakh villages living in and around the forest areas are dependent on forests for their livelihood needs. The Government as per the National Forest Policy, 1988, has involved the forest-dependent communities in the protection and development of forests through the Joint Forest Management Programme. At present, 36165 village forest protection committees have been managing jointly with the forest department around 10.25 million ha. of forest lands.
The result of this endeavour has started showing positive results in the regeneration of forests as reflected in the latest report of Forest Survey of India, which indicates an increase of around 3896 sq. km. of forest cover as compared to 1997 assessment.
This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Minister of Environment and Forests in reply to a question by Hon’ble Member Dr. M.N. Das, in the Rajya Sabha today.
‘30’
RAJYA SABHA
AIR POLLUTION IN DELHI Steps taken/being taken to reduce air pollution in the Delhi city include progressive tightening of emission norms for motor vehicles, supply of better quality of fuel having low sulphur content, adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as auto fuel, augmentation of public transport system, optimisation of traffic flow and development of road infrastructure, shifting of industrial units located in non-conforming areas, closing of hazardous industrial units, strengthening of air quality monitoring and surveillance system.This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Minister Environment and Forests in reply to a question by Hon’ble Member, Shri Rajeev Shukla, in the Rajya Sabha today.
‘30’
RAJYA SABHA
FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT IN GANGA ACTION PLAN
The Ganga Action Plan Phase-I (GAP-I) has been completed at a cost of Rs. 451.70 crore in 25 towns of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal and works corresponding to 835 MLD of sewage treatment capacity and other facilities like electric crematoria, low cost toilets, bathing ghats etc. have been created. However, some problems have surfaced in respect of operation and maintenance of some of the assets created under the Plan in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. This matter is being regularly pursued with the State governments. The second phase of the Ganga Action Plan for pollution abatement of Ganga and its major tributaries viz. Yamuna, Gomati and Damodar, was approved in stages between 1993 to 1996 at a cost of Rs. 1276.26 crore. So far, an amount of about Rs. 431 crore has been released to the concerned State Governments and against a sewage treatment target of 1861 Million Litre Per Day, a capacity of 634 Million Litre Per Day has been created so far. The following steps have been taken for improving the implementation of Ganga Action Plan Phase-II:
This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Minister of Environment and Forests in reply to a question by Hon’ble Member, Shri Bachani Lekhraj, in the Rajya Sabha today.
‘30’
RAJYA SABHA
DEATH OF SEA TURTLES IN ORISSAAs per the reports received from Orissa State Government, approximately 13541 turtles died on the sea cost of Orissa during 1999-2000, of which about 11720 sea turtles had died at Gahirmatha Coast. During 2000-2001, about 3202 sea turtles have died at Gahirmatha Coast. Total assessment for the year 2000-2001 for the deaths of sea tutles has not been completed yet. Main cause of death of sea turtles is entanglement in the gill nets during trawling. State Government has been advised to use "Turtle Excluding Device" in trawlers to avoid such mortalities. Though Orissa Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, 1982 has prescribed use of "Tiurtles Excluding Device" in the fishing nets, but no such devices are used at present. Other actions taken by State Government are as follows:
This information was given by Shri T.R. Baalu, Union Minister of Environment and Forests in reply to a question by Hon’ble Member, Shri Ananta Sethi, in the Rajya Sabha today.
‘5’
GOVERNOR J&K TO INAUGURATE IACP CONFERENCE OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM
Shri G.C. Saxena, Governor of J&K will inaugurate the Eighth Asian Executive Policing Conference of the International Association of the Chiefs of Police at Ashok Hotel on 5th March, 2001. The theme of the three-day Conference is "Law Enforcement: Emerging Challenges".
More than 60 international delegates from different countries have registered for the conference. The Directors General of Police of the various states and heads of central police organisations would also be attending the conference. Speakers from India and abroad would make presentations on a wide variety of topics like cyber crime, terrorism, organised crime, VIP security, border management and human rights.
The IACP, founded in 1893 in the U.S.A. is a non-profit organisation of law enforcement officers, which aims to advance the science and art of police services, develop and disseminate improved administrative, technical and operational practices for use in police work, and to foster police cooperation throughout the world. The IACP has come to be regarded as the professional voice of law enforcement the world over and its main endeavour is the upgradation of police professionalism in different spheres.
The IACP organises an annual conference in the USA and regional conferences in different world regions of the IACP. These conferences, seminars and workshops cover a wide variety of police subjects, where the experience of different countries in policing and techniques are shared to their mutual advantage. Subjects like terrorism and drug-trafficking, which are of vital concern to our country as well, form the primary focus of the deliberations of the IACP. It has a current membership of around 20,000 drawn from over 100 countries of the world.
So far, besides IACP headquarters, two world regions, namely the European Region and the Asia Pacific Region of the IACP, had been functioning. The Asia Pacific Regional Office started functioning in Delhi, under the Chairmanship of the Director, Intelligence Bureau, from 1994. The Intelligence Bureau also hosted the Fourth Asian Pacific Regional Conference of the IACP in Delhi in January 1992, in which over 100 foreign and Indian delegates participated. Police officers from India have also participated in the Asia-Pacific Regional Conferences/Seminars in the past, which were held in Seoul (July 24-28, 1990), Kathmandu (March 20-23, 1996), Bangkok (February 16-19, 1997), Taipei (January 11-16, 1998) and Ulaanbatar, Mongolia (September 12-14, 1999).
‘5’
ADVANI PRAISES THE ROLE OF CISF
Union Home Minister, Shri L.K. Advani lauded the role of CISF in providing extensive security cover to the country’s vital installations and industrial wealth. He further said that people’s greatest expectation from the Government today was "Safety and Security". He was addressing the 32nd Anniversary Parade of the Central Industrial Security Force at Indira Puram Ghaziabad today.
Advani said in the contemporary context, people from three professions – teachers, doctors and national security had very crucial role to play. ‘Sometimes I think the role played by the security personnel is most important as without adequate national security the country cannot progress." The Minister added.
The Union Home Minister informed the gathering that the Vajpayee Government was striving hard to live upto the people’s expectations in providing a "Su Rajya" (good governance) and fulfill the aspirations of the country’s founding fathers who worked for "Swaraj".
Turning to the need for a fool-proof internal security Shri Advani said the role of CISF was unique as its security network touched upon various facets of protection from enemy, natural disasters and accidents like fire. As regards dealing with disasters like the quake in Gujarat and the super-cyclone in Orissa, he said the "CISF should find a special role for itself in the disaster management".
Union Home Minister while referring to India’s commitment to cordial bilateral relations with Pakistan, he said the testimony lay in Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s famous trip to Lahore. Shri Advani said while India would always favour "good relations", during Ramzan truce itself it was announced that anyone trying to attack innocents would not be spared. In this context, he pointed out that as many as 184 terrorists were killed during the last three months of the ceasefire.
‘20’
DELHI GETS ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY DIESEL
All retain outlets in National Capital Territory (NCT) have started selling only 0.05% max. sulphur diesel from March 1, 2001. This quality of diesel was earlier being sold from 1.4.2000 at select outlets in National Capital Region for Bharat Stage-II compliant vehicles. Consequently, supplies of 0.25% max. sulphur diesel stand fully discontinued in NCT as of this date.
It may be recalled that a per the direction of the Supreme Court, passed on May 10, 2000, petrol with 1% max. benzene and diesel with 0.05% max sulphur only were to be supplied in the NCT with effect from 1.10.2000 and 1.1.2001 respectively. Petrol with 1% max benzene was introduced in the NCT from 1.11.2000.
In the NCT, the diesel with 0.25% max. sulphur carries a retail price of Rs. 16.56 per litre and the diesel with 0.05% max sulphur Rs. 17.06 per litre. Consequent to the withdrawal of 0.25% max. sulphur diesel from outlets, oil companies will sell only 0.05% max. sulphur diesel from March 3, 2001 which has a price of Rs. 17.06 per litre.
The requirement of ultra low sulphur diesel for NCT is being sourced from Mathura, Panipat and Koyali refineries. To meet the deadline set by the Supreme Court, contingency plans have been implemented in these refineries to bring down sulphur contents to 0.05% max. from the earlier level of 0.25% max.
In view of high growth rate of vehicles in the metropolitan cities, it was considered necessary to introduce Bharat Stage-II vehicular emission norms in the metros ahead of schedules. Accordingly, oil industry made plans to supply 0.05% max. sulphur petrol and diesel in all the four metropolitan cities by 1st July, 2001. The Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Ram Naik has expressed satisfaction on the implementation of the contingency plans by the oil companies to supply 1% benzene – 0.05% sulphur petrol and 0.05% sulphur diesel in the NCT.
‘6A’
GOVERNMENT ORDERS SUSPENSION OF LEAVE TRAVEL CONCESSION - PRESS NOTE
Pursuant to the Finance Minister’s announcement in the Parliament on February 28, 2001 while presenting the Budget for 2001 – 2002, relating to the facility of Leave Travel Concession (LTC) to Central Government employees, it has been decided that the facility of home town LTC and All India LTC to Central Government employees may be suspended for a period of two years with immediate effect. Employees who have less than two years service before retirement as on March 1, 2001 will be exempted from the operation of this LTC suspension order, provided they have not availed the facility in the current block.
The above orders shall also apply to All India Service Officers on deputation with the Central Government.
In case of Government servants who have already booked the tickets, the cancellation charges will be reimbursed by the respective Ministries/Departments/Offices. The LTC advances already drawn, if any, may be refunded immediately without any penal interest.
The Government servants who have commenced their outward journey on LTC prior to the date of issue of these instructions have to complete their inward journey as provided in the rules for availing LTC facility.
These orders shall apply to all autonomous/statutory bodies partially or fully funded by the Government.