Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today launched PURVODAYA: Accelerated development of eastern India through integrated steel hub in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Shri Pradhan speaking on the occasion said “Whether it is our freedom movement or social reform, eastern India has provided leadership to the nation. Eastern India is a land of infinite opportunities. Despite being endowed with natural resources, this region has lagged behind in socio-economic development as compared to some other parts of the country. Today, we start Purvodaya in steel sector, a new chapter which will script the rise of eastern India by accelerated development of steel sector through an integrated steel hub.”

Speaking about Government’s efforts to develop eastern India, he said, “Our Government under the leadership of Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given unprecedented focus to the development of eastern India. About half of aspirational districts are in this region which is becoming hotspots of socio-economic development. Our Government has come up with a Rs. 102 lakh crore worth of National Infrastructure Pipeline. Whether it is pipelines, inland waterways, shipping, air or road, our Government is building infrastructure at an unprecedented pace. Eastern India holds special focus in our infrastructure development efforts.”

About technology, Shri Pradhan said, “21st century is going to be the age of knowledge and technology. New technologies are reshaping the economy and society. Industry 4.0 driven by digitisation holds immense promise. Embrace of Industry 4.0 by manufacturing in steel sector will ensure eastern India benefits from the wave of Industrial Revolution 4.0.”

Stressing upon the need of  improving business climate, he said, “Ease of Doing Business is not mere slogan for our Government. From setting up companies to  regulatory clearances, taxation etc., our Government has worked on every aspect of improving the Ease of doing Business. Recently, our Government came up with perhaps the biggest ever reform in the coal sector. More revenue, more production and logistic development in the coal sector will further fuel the growth of Eastern India.”

Purvodaya in steel sector is aimed at driving accelerated development of Eastern India through establishment of integrated steel hub. Eastern states of India (Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal) and Northern part of Andhra Pradesh collectively hold ~80% of the country’s iron ore, ~100% of coking coal and significant portion of chromite, bauxite and dolomite reserves. There is presence of major ports such as Paradip, Haldia, Vizag, Kolkata etc., with >30% of India’s major port capacity. In India’s march towards a $5 trillion economy, the 5 Eastern states can play a major role where steel sector can become the catalyst. This Eastern belt has the potential to add more than 75% of the country’s incremental steel capacity envisioned by the National Steel Policy. It is expected that out of the 300 MT capacity by 2030-31, over 200 MT can come from this region alone, driven by Industry 4.0.

The proposed Integrated Steel Hub, encompassing Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Northern Andhra Pradesh, would serve as a torchbearer for socio-economic growth of Eastern India. The objective of this hub would be to enable swift capacity addition and improve overall competitiveness of steel producers both in terms of cost and quality. The Integrated Steel Hub would focus on 3 key elements:

1. Capacity addition through easing the setup of Greenfield steel plants

2. Development of steel clusters near integrated steel plants as well as demand centres. 3. Transformation of logistics and utilities infrastructure which would change the socio-economic landscape in the East

Growth of steel industry through such a hub would lead to significant employment opportunities across the entire value chain and will play a significant role in overall socio-economic growth of Eastern India, thus reducing the disparity between the East and other regions of the country.

Smt. Rasika Chaube, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Ms. Vandana Yadav, Secretary, Industries, Govt. of West Bengal, Shri Hemanth Sharma, Secretary, Industries, Govt. of Odisha, Shri Sanjiv Singh, Chairman, Indian Oil, Shri Anil Chaudhary, Chairman, SAIL, Shri Anil Kumar Jha, Chairman, Coal India, Shri Chandrajit Banerjee, DG, CII, Shri S.K. Behera, MD, RSB Ltd. also addressed the audience.

YB/TFK

****

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari will present the ‘National Highways Excellence Awards’ to outstanding performers in NH sectoron Tuesday, the 14^th of this month in New Delhi.

The awards were institutedin the year 2018. The first cycle of awards in 2018received wide participation from around the country. Following the success of the first cycle, the Ministry decided to make the National Highways Excellence Awards an annual feature. Theaimis to recognise companies which are performing exceptionally well in the construction, operations, maintenance and tolling stages of highway developmentas well as in the arena of road safety.

The motive behind starting an annual awards program is to create a spirit of healthy competitiveness amongst all stakeholders involved in the development of highway infrastructure in the country and to contribute to the larger goal of expanding the road network in the country. By announcing awards each year, the Ministry would acknowledge exceptional work being done in various aspects of highway management and recognize those agencies which are going beyond the scope of their work to deliver the finest quality of services.

This year, the nominations were opened on August 19^th, 2019. An impartial and independent evaluation process was adopted which had objective and quantifiableassessment parameters.

Theseven award categories are :

1. Excellence in Project Management,

Efficient use of resources with finest quality standards and smooth execution of all project milestones. There are two subcategories based on the mode of implementation of project: EPC & PPP

2. Excellence in Operation and Maintenance

Smooth execution of repair works, periodic inspections, maintenance of special structures, enhancement of the natural environment & matchless riding quality. Based on the type of pavement of the highway, there were two sub-categories- Rigid & Flexible Pavement

3. Excellence in Toll Management,

Effective management of traffic and services at the plaza, such as availability of various modes of digital payment, fully automated toll gates, CCTV surveillance, emergency services, greenery and Swachh parameters

4. Excellence in Highway Safety

Extraordinary efforts to reduce road casualties, establish preventative safety measures and provide emergency response services. There are two subcategories based on the terrain: Hilly Terrain & Plain Terrain

5. Innovation

Significant achievement in devising or adapting a new technology or design in construction that enhances the quality, timeliness, cost effectiveness, safety and/or efficiency in the road development projects

6. Outstanding Work in Challenging Conditions

Special measures undertaken to develop highway infrastructure in a challenging environment (tough natural terrain, complex urban landscape, challenging climate or conflict zones)

MoRTH is dedicated to provide road connectivity to the last mile. In this pursuit, highways are being developed in geographically difficult terrains and tough climatic conditions. To incentivise agencies involved in such challenging projects, a unique category was introduced this year- Outstanding Work in Challenging Conditions.

7. Green Highway

Innovative practices adopted to protect or enhance the natural environment and/or minimize effect of project development on the environment. Green Highway, a new category introduced this year, aims to recognize exceptional work done to adopt environment friendly approaches in development of highway infrastructure, and encourage efforts in the maintenance of a healthy green cover.

Each award category had its ownpre-defined eligibility criteria, assessmentparameters and scoring rubrics. This year, 104 applications were receivedacross these seven categories on an online application platform designed by NIC. The applications are spread across the entire country. The assessment was carried out in three months. Each application underwent multiple rounds of scrutiny. First the data and documents submitted by the applicants were evaluated, and then shortlisted projects were visited on-site by a team of trained experts to corroborate the submitted data from findings on the field.

Detailed project profiles of the top 40 shortlisted projects were presented before an esteemed jury panel, who checked all the aspects of each projects and finalized 12 winners across the seven categories.

Toll authorities which have managed the best implementation of FASTag technology will also be awarded for increased automation in toll collection.

***

Admission test for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas for the session 2020-21 was held smoothly in 8252 centres covering 561 districts today. Admission in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) is done at Class VI through Selection Test every year. This is one of the biggest examinations conducted for the selection of students, predominantly from rural areas. Applicant seat ratio for the session 2020-21 is 63:1. For admission to 48000 seats in Class VI for the session 2020-21, 3046506 candidates, including 46.19% Girls, 19.05% SC, 29.23% ST and 83.91% rural candidates, registered through online mode. In the same test, last year 3010710 candidates had registered out of which 45.2% Girls, 18.13% SC, 27.42% ST and 81.26% were rural candidates.

As per the admission policy at least 75% of the seats in a district are filled by candidates selected from rural areas at Block level and remaining seats are filled from open merit of the district. Reservation of seats in favour of children belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is provided in proportion to their population in the district concerned provided that in no district, such reservation will be less than the national average (15% for SC and 7.5% for ST) but subject to maximum of 50% for both the categories (SC & ST) taken together. Minimum 33% of the total seats are filled by girls. There is a provision for reservation for divyang children (i.e. Orthopedically Handicapped, Hearing Impaired and Visually Handicapped) as per GOI norms. The NVS system has successfully served the purpose of deprived section of the population. At present around 40% students are girls. In case of SC and ST, it is presently around 44% of total student strength. Last year around 93% of admitted candidates were rural students.

*****

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has huge Bamboo reserves that can boost its economy in future. He was inaugurating a workshop-cum-exhibition on “Bamboo-A wonder grass” at Convention Centre, Jammu today. The workshop-cum-exhibition is being jointly organised by the North Eastern Council (NEC),  Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India and Government of Jammu and Kashmir through Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC), Guwahati, Assam and Department of Social Forestry, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Shri G.C. Murmu, Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and senior officers  were also present on the occasion.

While inaugurating the workshop, Dr Jitendra Singh said that bamboo cultivation can revolutionise the industry in Jammu and Kashmir in a cost-effective manner and can open new gates for the young start-ups. While referring to a series of workshops and conferences being organised in J&K, the Minister said that this is the 4th conference within a short span of 3 months. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, it has been decided to institutionalize every outreach initiative for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Other ministries are also conducting programs with an aim to go deeper to the district level and then to the assembly segment level, he added. He further said that the  UT Govt. is in the process of identifying 100 venues and will identify the programs to be held there in the first phase.

The Minister also emphasized on the fact that it is the time to apply the same amount of focus on Jammu and Kashmir as has been applied to North-East in recent years which has totally transformed the region into a heaven for start ups. There is an expectation that Jammu and Kashmir will too emerge as a great economic zone and successful practices of governance and development can be easily replicated in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the exhibition, the Minister said that the development of UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is being given special focus after the abrogation of Article 370. Dr Singh also said  that the dream of a 5 trillion economy can not be achieved unless we follow the global parameters. The new industrial policy is in the line so that we would have more investment here which will create more jobs for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, he added.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that every important project related to Jammu and Kashmir  that was stuck up  is now being  cleared.  He spoke about the Bathinda gas pipeline project, Uj river water project, Shahpur Kandi Project, Pakaldul Project to Kiru Project. This will bring a new dawn into the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, he added.

During the workshop-cum-exhibition, Dr. Jitendra Singh also inaugurated Bamboo and Cane cluster stalls established by eight states of North Eastern Region and exhibition stalls. He also visited live stations established by various departments of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

Lt. Governor, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri. G.C. Murmu emphasised on the fact that Bamboo being eco-friendly can help us saving the environment from pollution and can become a means of livelihood as well. The need of the hour is to find the economic use of it in Jammu and Kashmir as we have huge resources of Bamboo here, he added.

Addressing the workshop-cum-exhibition, Shri. K. Moses Chalai, Secretary, North Eastern Council, Govt. of India said that both North-East and Jammu and Kashmir have a great potential to grow together in Bamboo technology and this workshop is a good beginning to have a bamboo skill development in Jammu and Kashmir on the lines of North Eastern region.

Earlier in her welcome address, Ms Sarita Chauhan, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Forests, Environment and Ecology, Government of Jammu and Kashmir said that this workshop-cum-exhibition will boost the Jammu and Kashmir economy in future and this workshop will broaden the vision about it especially through the technical sessions. She also emphasised  on the development of the skills of artisans of Jammu and Kashmir to hone their skills and potential.

During the conference, the artists from the North Eastern Region performed a Bamboo Orchestra and the troupe from the North Eastern Region also performed a Bamboo Dance.

*******

After completing extensive trials on the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF), Naval version of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) did a successful arrested landing onboard INS Vikramaditya at 1002 hrs today. Commodore Jaideep Maolankar conducted the maiden landing. Captain Dahiya was the Landing Safety Officer (LSO) and Cdr Vivek Pandey Test Director on ship whereas Gr. Capt. Kabadwal and Cdr Ankur Jain were monitoring the aircraft through telemetry from SBTF. LCA Navy has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy has congratulated DRDO, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Indian Navy, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) teams.

***

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria visited the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp 2020 at Delhi Cantt today. The Chief of Air Staff inspected the Guard of Honour presented by the NCC cadets from the Army, Navy and Air Force. This was followed by a Band Display by the cadets.

The Chief of the Air Staff also inspected the well laid out ‘Flag Area’, prepared by the cadets from all 17 NCC Directorates, depicting various social awareness themes. He was given a brief by the cadets on their respective models.

Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauriavisited the ‘Hall of Fame’, a proud possession of the NCC, with display of rich archival collection of alumni photographs, models, motivational and other visual delights of the three wings of the NCC.Later, the Chief of the Air Staff and other distinguished guests witnessed a cultural programme by the cadets.

In his address, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria lauded the stellar role played by NCC in shaping the youth of the nation,enabling them to shoulder the responsibilities of building a strong India. He assured the NCC of the continued support of the Indian Air Force in conduct of its Air Wing activities.

***

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation Four Refurbished Heritage Buildings in Kolkata today. These are Old Currency Building, the Belvedere House, the Metcalfe House and the Victoria Memorial Hall. The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel and Governor of West Bengal Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar were also present on this occasion.

Photo Caption: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed at the dedication ceremony of the four refurbished Heritage Buildings to the nation, in Kolkata.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister termed it as a special day, as it begins a nationwide campaign to preserve India’s art, culture and heritage, and to Reinvent, Rebrand, Renovate and Rehouse them. Shri Modi said that India always wanted to protect and modernize its cultural heritage and structures. It is with this spirit that the Union Government has taken up the endeavour to develop India as major centre of Heritage Tourism in the World. He mentioned that five 5 Iconic Museums in the country will be made in keeping with the International standards. This is being started from the Indian Museum in Kolkata, which is one of the oldest museums in the world, he added.

Kindly click the link for the full speech of Prime Minister

 

Photo caption: The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘Ardhnarishwar’ sculpture at Old Currency Building in Kolkata in the presence of the Union Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel and Governor of West Bengal Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar.

 

Speaking on the occasion the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel said that it is a great privilege that the Prime Minister is dedicating these historical and heritage buildings in Kolkata to the Nation. The minister lauded the dedicated efforts of the officials of the Culture Ministry which helped the refurbished structures to come into being within the stipulated period. The renovated four heritage buildings are now open for the public. Our museum and the objects placed in it are the heritage of all of us. We all need to take care of them together, he added. Shri Patel also praised the art-works curated Old Currency Building, named Ghare Baire, from where the Prime Minister dedicated three other iconic and historical buildings of Kolkata, namely, Belvedere House, Victoria Memorial Hall and Metcalfe House.

Kindly click the link for details of the renovated heritage buildings

 

*****