Although there has been rapid growth in bilateral trade in products such as gems and jewellery, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, cotton and man-made textiles, basic agro, organic and inorganic chemicals, engineering goods, electronic goods, fertilisers, machinery, project goods, etc., new products like plastics and rubber, electrical and electronic components, computer software, building materials, drugs & pharmaceuticals, medical disposables, metals, machinery, chemicals & allied products and engineering goods were identified as having considerable scope for increasing India’s exports to Israel. The Israeli side identified products and areas such as telecommunications and medicinal equipments, agro-chemical and bio-technology, geo-thermal energy, educational aids and water management as possessing considerable scope for increasing Israel’s exports to India.

    Both sides agreed that establishment of joint ventures for exploiting comparative advantages in specific sectors may be pursued with renewed vigour so that markets in both the countries could be exploited for mutual benefit, as well as markets in third countries. It was agreed that experts from Israel would visit India and explore the possibility of establishing joint ventures in India with Indian companies. Issues in respect to licensing and tariff mechanism would also be examined so that it could be resolved with active cooperation from the Ministry of Commerce, before such joint ventures go on stream.

    For promotion of trade between the two countries, the Indian side indicated its interest in organising an exclusive Indian exhibition in Israel in 1999 through the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).

    The Indian side expressed its satisfaction over Israel’s participation as a partner country in the 4th Technology Summit being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi during October 28-29, 1998. The two sides agreed that this opportunity could be utilised by MATIMOP (The Israeli Industry Centre for Research and Development) to prepare a scheme to facilitate the availibility of suitable and modern technologies through a single technology information window in both the countries. The Israeli side submitted material produced by MATIMOP on Israeli technology sources. The proposed framework would also render assistance for the setting up of joint ventures in sectors of mutual benefit.

    Both the sides noted that work towards signing of agreement between the Department of Electronics and MATIMOP of Israel, as well as between NASSCOM and the Israeli Association of Software Houses has reached an advanced stage and these could be signed very soon. It was also noted that the instruments of ratification with respect to agreement on telecommunication and posts were ready for exchange by both the countries so that the agreement could come into force.

    It was noted by both the sides that India had a lot of scope for use of geo-thermal energy for generation of electricity. Whereas the Israeli side has developed technology useful for Indian conditions, India has a vast reserve of geo-thermal energy yet to be tapped. It was agreed by both sides than an MOU could be signed soon to make the cooperation in this field possible for mutual benefit.

    The Ministry of Urban Affairs has sought fiscal incentives under Sections 10 (23) G and 80 (1) A under the Income Tax Act for the housing initiatives. Further assistance under Section 36 (1) (VIII) of Income Tax Act to the housing financial institutions should be continued. In addition, the Ministry of Finance has been urged to increase loan assistance for economically weaker sections and low income group housing through the quantum of concessions under Section 36 (1) (VIII). The Ministry of Finance has also been urged to allow tax concessions to the corporate sector and housing financial institutions which contribute a part of their profits to the Shelter Funds and the Risk Fund to be created by the Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment. Besides, tax concessions under the Wealth Tax Act may be provided for promoting the rental housing scheme. The Finance Ministry has also been requested to amend the National Housing Bank Act expeditiously for early foreclosure procedures.
    The other important areas wherein the Ministry of Finance is to play major role in the housing and construction sector is through allowing access to large international funds from various international agencies like Asian Development Bank, World Bank, German KfW, Japanese Overseas Economic Cooperation Funds and other sources for low cost housing. Added to this, the Ministry of Finance has been urged to consider borrowing low cost funds and passing them on to the housing financial institutions. It has been impressed to take steps for bearing the exchange risk by the Government to keep cost of funds low. In this connection, it has been stressed that any loss to the exchequer would be more than offset by the increased inflows from Excise Duty due to higher consumption of building materials.

    To give further impetus to the housing and construction sector, the Ministry of Finance has been requested to direct the insurance sector to provide higher allocation for economically weaker section and low income group housing to meet the additional target. Besides, Stamp Duty should be reduced and the registration procedure simplified. An early action to this effect has been solicited. The Ministry of Finance has also been advised to provide access to long term funds from provident fund and pension fund through the Ministry of Labour.

    The multi-pronged actions on the part of the Ministry of Finance are intended to generate momentum in the building and construction industry. It will provide impetus to the Government to facilitate the construction of 2 million housing annually including 7 lakh in urban areas and 13 lakh in rural areas besides accelerating construction of new houses in urban and rural areas.
 
 

    Shri Badal said that a nation’s progress is measured by its educated and healthy population and the corporates can help in universalisation of primary education, supplementing infrastructural development of primary schools, starting institutions of vocational education, teachers’ training etc.

    Citing a recently completed survey of corporate living undertaken by the Social & Rural Research Institute, the Minister said that out of 647 companies only 36% have some sort of arrangement supporting the social development activities. Sixty nine per cent of the public sector companies had a policy to the extent given by government requirements and 7% of all companies surveyed had a written policy on social development activities.

    Shri Badal also exhorted the corporates to give special attention to environmental concerns and develop a holistic approach to the welfare of the masses.
 
 

    Shri Barnala pointed out that though consumer movement has gained momentum in the country it had still a long way to go to achieve the desired results. Underlining the role of voluntary and non -governmental organisations in creating awareness among the people on consumer rights the Minister said that only when every village is covered by such an active organisation, we would be able to achieve some measure of success. The Minister also gave away the National Awards on Consumer Protection for the years 1995 to 1997 under three categories, namely, voluntary consumer organisations, youth and women categories for excellent work in promoting consumer interests.

    Speaking on the occasion Shri Satya Pal Singh Yadav, Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs said that the Government will to introduce the Bill for amending the Consumer Protection Act as early as possible, may be in the coming winter session of Parliament itself. He also appealed to the State Governments and consumer organisations to suggest ways and means to popularise consumer education and consumer awareness.

    Shri N.N. Mookerjee, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs said that so far 43 Citizens’ Charters have been drawn up in various central ministries and departments with a view to provide a clean, effective and responsive administration at all levels with emphasis on transparency and accountability. The Department has decided to set up ‘Consumer Information Centres’ in various parts of the country. To start with at least one such centre will be set up in each state to be run by a reputed non-governmental organisation with financial assistance from the department. The Secretary also requested the State Governments and Union Territories to recommend voluntary organisations to take up the issue of Consumer Protection at grass-root level availing of financial assistance from the central government under the consumer welfare fund set up for this purpose.

    As on April 1, 1998, a total of 1,53,251 cases have been filed in the State Commission of which 91,500 have been disposed of. In the district fora 11,87,923 cases have been filed and 9,23,894 cases disposed of. In the National Commission the disposal rate has registered 59.06% with a disposal of 8,549 cases out of a total of 14,476. The Department is also collecting details of the number of cases disposed of within 90 days, between 90 days and 150 days and above 150 days from States and Union Territories.
 
 

    Presenting the Swarna Jayanti Fellowship awards, here today, to young scientists, the Prime Minister emphasised the role of scientific research in national development. While underlining the need to free the research institutions from bureaucratic control, he also stressed the need to enhance science and technology infrastructure in the country.

    Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s speech on the occasion:-

    "I am very happy to present the Swarna Jayanti Fellowship Awards to the young and brilliant scientists who are doing research in frontier areas of science and technology. The fellowship and the monetary grant that it gives will allow you to focus on your research better and become internationally renowned scientists.

    The world over, the best scientific research is done by scientists in the age group of thirty to forty. The Swarna Jayanti Fellowship is a scheme that we have devised to recognise and reward such Indian talent. This will help and motivate you to aim at more challenging achievements.

    This scheme recognises that rewards for scientists and intellectuals need to be not only monetary, but also psychic and moral. Recognition for good research within the scientific community, as well as in the society at large, is the most precious incentive that scientists look forward to.

    It is only appropriate that these fellowships carry the name of the Swarna Jayanti of India’s Independence. For India’s founders had always wanted the people to develop a scientific temper. They further dreamed that Indian scientists and engineers would be associated with the latest advances in science and technology for national development.

    Which is why, independent India set up a large network of research laboratories and other scientific institutions. I am confident that your efforts will help in making their vision a reality.

    While we have achieved much in scientific research and development, a lot more needs to be done. This has to be both to solve the basic needs of hundreds of millions of poor people and the emerging needs of Indian industry that has to compete with other companies for global markets.

    Our scientists are capable of doing wonders. It is sad that most of them do so in foreign countries, not here.

    To reverse this trend, my government believes that strong scientific research can only be done when the best minds are selected for research and when they are free to focus on their research and not filing out forms and kow-towing to bureaucrats. There is an urgent need to remove many cumbersome and delaying procedures from our research establishment.

    I urge the Ministry of Science and Technology to take up the task of freeing our research and development institutions from bureaucratic control as a high priority.

    I congratulate the Minister for Science and Technology and the Department of Science & Technology for taking such initiatives as the Swarna Jayanti Fellowship Program. They have also come up with the Kishore Vigyan Protsahan Yojana, created a fund for S&T infrastructure in universities and other institutions for higher learning and are bringing closer links between scientists, industry and universities.

    Dear young scientists, I have high hopes from you. I am sure that you will exceed these hopes.

    Thank you."

    According to the provisions of the Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, it is mandatory to set-up Crises Groups at State, District and Local levels in districts in which Major Accident Hazard Installations are situated.

    The Environment Minister said his Ministry is organsing Regional Level Workshops at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai to create awareness and to provide an opportunity for a dialogue between the concerned Departments and industry. Shri Prabhu also said that he had always laid emphasis on new and clean technologies in place of cleaning-up of technologies. He suggested to members of industry that they should look at pollution control responsibilities as more of an opportunity than as a burden.

    Shri Prabhu disclosed that his Ministry will be making amendments to the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 (MSIHC). Some fundamental changes are – expansion of the list of chemicals, definition of major accident, On-site, Off-site Emergency Plans and provisions for isolated storages.

    A Country Report prepared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Preparedness and Response to Chemical Emergencies’ has indicated that there about 1,254 Major Accident Hazard Units in the country.

    Emergency preparedness gathers added importance in the context of proliferation of industrial plants often in densely populated urban areas. Increasing use of toxic chemical substances by industrial plants with inadequate safety infrastructure has raised serious concerns for the safety of workers, communities surrounding such sites and the environment.

    Also speaking at the seminar, the Environment and Forests Secretary, Shri Vishwanath Anand, said the seminar was the 1^st in a series of workshops which will be organised with stake-holders. Shri Anand said just like the Crisis Groups at the Centre, these groups need also to be set-up at the State and district levels. In the past year the Ministry has been following-up this matter and their has been a mixed response from the States.

    The seminar is being organised and sponsored by the Ministry of Environment and Environment Forests in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). Representatives from industry, industrial hazard experts and Non-government Organisations (NGOs) are attending the meet.

    As per the review report for July,Æ98 the Cochin Unit with 23,581 MT production exceeded target of 16850 MT by 140%. The Rasayani Unit of the company also had high target realisation of 98.4% during the period with a production of 60627 MT of chemcials against a target of 61637 MT.

    The performance of both the units of HOCL have been even better during the month of July, 1998. Actual total production of Rasayani unit during the month of July 1998 was recorded at 19345 MT against the target of 17540 MT, achieving the target at 110.3%. Cochin Unit produced 10674 MT against the target of 5750 MT achieving the target at 185.6% during the month of July, 1998. HOCL has fixed its annual target for 1998-99 at 201810 MT and 62700 MT for Rasayani and Cochin plants respectively, aggregating both the units at 264510 MT.

    HOCL has two units one each at Rasayani (Maharashtra) and Cochin (Kerala) which produce basic organic group of Heavy Chemicals and intermediates such as Nitrobenzene, Hydrogen, Aniline, Sulphuric Acid, Formaldehyde, Nitrotoluene, Conc. Nitric Acid, Acetic Acid, etc. at Rasayani unit. HOCÆs Caustic/Chlorine plant with an isntalled capacity of 20,000 MT per year has gone on stream in March, 1997. Cochin unit produce Phenol, Acetone and Propylene etc.

    The South African Minister sought India’s assistance in training the South African technicians in the area of Mines Safety. She said such a training programme could be chalked out during the next meeting of India-South Africa Working Group.. The visiting Minister lauded the Indian mining industry for its performance.

    Shri Ramesh Bais apprised the South African Minister of India’s efforts to liberalise the mining sector and several reforms being initiated. In this context, Shri Ramesh Bais also told the visiting dignitary to encourage South African mining companies to invest in India. He emphasised that the mining sector of South Africa and India share similar geological features by virtue of their having once formed a common landmass referred to as Gondwanaland.

    Shri Bais also told Ms. Shabanga that collaboration between the two major Indian Ocean-rim economies in the mineral sector should take place at a pace which may serve as an example for other sectoral co-operations.

    It may be recalled that recently the first meeting of the India-South Africa Working Group on Geology and Mineral Resources was held in South Africa which identified six projects of mutual co-operation in the field of Geology and in the field of mining technology.

    The South African Minister will visit the Zawar Mines near Udaipur, Chanderiya Smelter at Chittorgarh and IOC Refinery at Mathura during her stay.
 
 

    The main agenda points discussed today are Operation in the field on design and construction of Jhanjra Project, Talcher Ib Valley Coalfield, Opencast mines of Singrauli Coalfield; Updated technologies in coal mining; Modernisation of coal mines; method of segregation of Marcasite in lignite scams; deputation of the Russian experts; spares for Russian equipment being used in India; possibility of exploiting deep seated lignite in Manargudi and deposits nearer to coastal area like Bahur by advanced technologies like Hydro-excavation or others; available blasting technology with minimum environmental hazards for loosening the hard formations such as ferrugenous sand stones existing in Neyveli Lignite fields and methods of Fly ash disposals.

    The Russian delegation consisting of 16 members was led by Mr. Kassikhin G.A. Head of the Department of Coal Industry in the Ministry of Fuel and Energy of the Russian Federation. Indian side was led by Shri N.N Gautam, Advisor (Projects) Ministry of Coal. The Groups will be deliberating for two days.

    Shri G.M.C. Balayogi, Speaker, Lok Sabha called on Shri Soichiro Ito, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan
yesterday. He also met His Excellency Kozo Watanabe, the Japanese Vice Speaker of the House.
Speaker Balayogi and his Japanese counterpart reviewed Indo-Japanese relations since the end of the second World War till dated. They noted that the relationship had been steady, based on strong emotional, cultural and economic ties.

    The two Speakers also discussed the relationship between the two countries in the backdrop of the nuclear tests conducted by India in May 1998. Shri Balayogi clarified that the tests were done to build India's deterrence; were not targeted against any country; that this approach of India was reflected in her unilateral declarations of moratorium on further tests and of no first-use; that India stood committed to universal, non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament; and that, in any case the two countries should get on with economic co-operation. Further, Shri Balayogi mentioned that India treated Japanese concerns on tests not as arising out of any rancour but out of their tragic experience as the sufferers of atomic bombing.

    Speaker Soichiro Ito also recalled the smooth Indo-Japanese relations and the respect Japan always had for the great personalities of India, Mahatama Gandhi, Tagore etc.

    Responding to Indian Speaker's suggestion that India's nuclear tests should not result in psychological distancing between the two countries, Speaker Ito said"He accepted India's clarifications with understanding". He also wanted Indo-Japanese relations to continue to be smooth, though the two Houses of the Japanese Parliament had adopted resolutions, resenting India's nuclear tests. He said too that Deputy Speaker Watanabe would be leading a Parliamentary delegation to India in the later half of November 1998.

    Earlier, Speaker Balayogi had paid a visit to Hiroshima. He was specially received by Mayor Takashi Hiraoka, and taken round the museum. This was indeed a special gesture as it was a Sunday.

    Shri Balayogi also visited Renkoji Temple where the ashes of Late Subhash Chandra Bose are kept enshrined. Rev. Koshi Moehizuki, Chief Priest of the Temple, and Mr. Shigemoto Okuda, a Member of Hikari Kikarn, Japanese Liaison Organisation with Subhash Bose's Indian National Army received Shri Balayogi.
 
 

    The government took a policy decision on 26^th August 1998 regarding the introduction of GMPCS service in the country. The subscribers of the service of this service would be able to communicate from any point on earth through hand-held telephone units. The subscriber will have a single telephone number irrespective of his location. With GMPCS, flexible and convenient communication will be possible with more economical use of radio frequency spectrum.

    With the introduction of GMPCS, India will enter a new era of communications where there will be no boundaries and the global village will shrink further. GMPCS, as coined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is a mobile telecommunication service, similar to the cellular service with a difference that the cells are formed over the entire globe or region by a network of satellites above the earth. GMPCS service complements the existing fixed public telephone and cellular service by enabling reach of telecommunication to unserved and remote areas.

    In the matter of inter-connection, GMPCS would be governed by the regulations framed by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The tariff policy will also be determined by TRAI.
 
 

    Shri Advani expressed the hope that this Conference will give an opportunity to the participants to have an in-depth exchange of knowledge and experience regarding various aspects of radio communication. In particular, it will enable them to deliberate on the early implementation of POLNET, which has been recently cleared by the Union Cabinet. POLNET, which is a part of an integrated plan for Police Telecommunication Network in India, was under consideration of the Central Government for the last 10 years. Out Government cleared it within six months of assuming office. The Central Government has been helping the States in modernising their police telecommunication systems. The implementation of POLNET will take these systems to a state-of-the-art level, Shri Advani added.

    Explaining the concept of POLNET, Shri Advani said that it integrated the communication system nationwide right upto the police station. Secondly, it solves the existing cumbersome problem of repetition, by extending the much-awaited two-way voice connectivity. This makes radio communication faster, more reliable and takes it to a far wider scale.

    He further said that the need for such an advanced system cannot be overstated. India’s security environment is changing rapidly. New and sophisticated challenges to internal security have emerged, which require a highly professional response. Advanced telecommunications is a vital part of such a professional response. We should bear in mind here that modern telecommunications facilities are available also to those who pose a threat to the nation’s internal security. In the case of India, the threat to India’s internal security is also integrally linked to the threat to India’s external security. The evil designs of the ISI and its links with anti-national elements in Kashmir and elsewhere are well known. Our Government will deal with this threat firmly. Indeed, we have made several breakthroughs in this regard.

    On this occasion, the Minister emphasised that the hardware of communications is a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition for achieving the desired results. DCPW should pay great attention to training and re-training of its officers, and acquisition by them of new knowledge about information and communication technology and their impact on security.

    Shri Advani said that the information technology scenario is changing dramatically. Global mobile telephony, which was unimaginable even a decade ago, is a reality today. But telecommunications cannot be seen in isolation. With the convergence of telecom, computers, media and electronics, we see how the same network can carry voice, data, pictures and even video images. He favoured that the Indian Police adopt these technologies to improve professionalism and efficacy. Specially, they should give a priority to computerisation of our police stations, conversion of all their important data in the electronic format, and creation of an intranet connecting all of them. The POLNET is a major step towards that objective.

    Earlier while delivering his welcome address, Shri Kamlesh Deka, Director, Police Telecommunication, DCPW gave a detailed picture of the growth of police telecommunication in the country and also informed that the present police telecommunication network with more than 88,000 regular police wireless stations was poised for total revolution with the implementation of the POLNET, which will also inter-connect the police computers for helping quick exchange of information pertaining of crime and criminal.

    Earlier, Union Home Minister presented Police Medals for meritorious services for the year 1996, 97 and 98 to the various officers of DCPW. The Minister released on the occasion a souvenir Polcom India’98 and English-Hindi Police Telecommunication Technical Glossary brought out by DCPW.

    On the occasion of 3-day conference, an exhibition of Police Communication and allied equipments and the innovation made by Police personnel in the field of Police Telecommunication is being organised in CGO Complex for public viewing.
 
 

    The Prime Minister has also approved that the following members of the Union Council of Ministers will be permanent invitees to the Council hereaftter:
 
 

i)	Shri Murli Manohar Joshi	Minister of Human Resource Development
ii)	Shri Naveen Patnaik	Minister of Steel & Mines

 
 

    While congratulating the awardees he said that this award would inspire awardees to work with greater zeal in the services of the country and humanity. He also hoped that the medical faculty would make all out efforts to retain our preeminence in the world community and help in producing able doctors to meet the health care needs of the people.

    He also emphasised on the need to develop appropriate mechanisms in the scheme of Medical Education so that continuous availability of graduate doctors & specialists may be ensured in rural areas.

    It may be noted that Dr. B.C. Roy awards are given annually as a mark of recognition of eminence and statesmanship in science, art, literature, philosophy and medicine in the memory of the great statesman and former Chief Minister of Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. Some of the great recipients of this award are, late Smt. Indira Gandhi, Dr. Jeevraj Mehta, Dr. Sushila Nayar and Dr. Nar-ul-hasan.
 
 

    In regard to radio, a half an hour programme of folk songs anchored by well-known personalities, will be broadcast on National Channel and Vividh Bharti. Interactive panel discussions consisting of politicians, engineers, doctors, social activists etc. before an invited audience is expected to help in removing the inhibition of participants and mobilising the support of these Opinion Leaders and the audience in favour of family welfare programme.

    In addition it has been decided to utilise Zilla Saksharata Samithies (ZSSs) for reaching out to people left out under conventional IEC (Electronic, print) channels, in a language and medium known to them. The proposal in this regard will be considered in consultation with National Literacy Mission/Deptt. of Education and the funds for this will be released through SCOVA or through State Govts. Under this, various activities like Kalajathas, folk songs, Bhajans, Kirtans, Street Plays, local theatre, hoardings, wall writings, rallies, training of NGOs & Panchayat members, organising Swasthya Melas, workshops etc. will be undertaken.

    It may be noted that ZSSs have been very successful in the literacy campaign and since education and family welfare are mutually supportive, this endeavour is expected to facilitate community mobilisation against population explosion.

    In addition, Mahila Swasthya Sanghs, National Population Education Programme and Health Awareness Unit of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan will be actively involved in taking the message of family welfare and RCH to the remote corners in the country. Also, the Govt. has decided to carry out Opinion Leader Sensitisation by involving the State/Regional Health & Family Welfare Training Centres. These 2-3 day workshops will sensitize 25-30 Opinion Leaders like MLAs, Zilla Panchayat Members, Municipal councilors, Social and Religious leaders and Professionals of repute in each state/region.

    Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has asked the State/UTs to immediately submit the IEC Action Plan and the expenditure reports to the centre so that IEC activities can continue unimpeded. Also, State/Uts have been asked to fill all vacant posts in IEC divisions immediately, so that the resources may be fully utilized to maximise outcome. The Union Government also expressed concern over the failure of State/UT govts. in sending the quarterly performance reports thus preventing the Centre from taking timely corrective measures.
 
 

    In her message, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Sushree Uma Bharti expressing grief said that Ghulam Ahmed was a great Cricketer, besides being an able cricket administrator.
 
 

    The Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee has stressed the need to give a further fillip to scientific research and development to meet the basic needs of the masses and make the Indian industry globally competitive. He said India has achieved much in scientific research but a lot more needs to be done. Our scientists are capable of doing wonders but it is sad that most of them do so in foreign countries and not here. To reverse this trend the Government believes that strong scientific research can only be done when the best minds are selected for research. The Prime Minister was giving away the first Swarna Jayanti Fellowship Awards here today. Shri Vajpayee said that there is an urgent need to remove many cumbersome and delaying procedures from our research establishments. He urged the Ministry of Science and Technology to take up this task on top priority basis. The Swarna Jayanti Fellowship has been devised to recognise and reward Indian science talent, he said.

    The Minister for Human Resource Development and Science and Technology, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi said, greater stress is being laid on the development of technologies and their applications. In recognition of this the Government has placed instruments like the Technology Development Board in position to encourage application of technologies developed indigenously and also obtained from abroad. It goes without saying that it is through basic research only that a nation can attain sustained excellence for technology development. The Swarna Jayanti Fellowship which aims at encouraging basic research, assumes special significance both in the field of science & technology as well as in the economic sense. Various initiatives taken by the Government such as the creation of Technology Development Board and the Swarna Jayanti Fellowships are a step towards bringing the diverse disciplines of academics, industry and research institutions together for integrated development, he stated.

    In all eleven scientists were selected for the Fellowship from among 700 contestants. Meant for young scientists in the age group of 30-40 years, the Fellowship will enable them to attain world class level in science. It carries an award of Rs.25,000/- per month besides research grant for equipment, travel etc. The Fellowship was instituted on the occasion of India’s 50^th year of Independence. The awardees are : Dr. Santanu Bhattacharya of IISc, Bangalore; Dr. P.P. Chakrabarti, IIT,Kharagpur; Dr. Atul H. Chokshi, IISc., Bangalore; Prof. D.V. Khakhar, IIT, Mumbai; Dr. T.P. Radhakrishnan, University of Hyderabad ; Dr. Mohit Randeria, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai; Dr. Madan Rao, Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai; Dr. V.K. Singh, IIT, Kanpur; Dr. Subrata Sinha, AIIMS, New Delhi; Prof. Vasudevan Srinivas, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai and Prof. Jayant Udgoankar, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore.
 
 

   M/s Zoom Developers will start collecting fee after the completion of bridge. The fee rate to be charged on the bridge is Rs.8 for a car and Rs. 13 for a truck. This section of the Highway, currently, has a traffic of over 20,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) and the existing Korthalayer bridge is in a dilapidated state requiring urgent replacement.

     Government has taken several initiatives to attract private investment in the National Highways. 11 BOT agreements have so far been signed. This has brought in Rs. 580 crore to the National Highway sector.