A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between South Central Zone of Indian Railways and State Bank of India for Doorstep Banking for direct pickup of earnings covering all 585 Railway stations over SCR Zone. The direct pick up of cash from all the railway stations on SCR as per the MoU dispenses with the tedious and complex activity of movement of cash earnings through “Cash Safes” by trains. This will enable hassle free collection of traffic earnings by SBI and remittance into Government account avoiding delay in transmission of traffic cash earnings.

The MoU was signed by Dr B.S.Christopher, Chief Commercial Manager, Freight Services and Shri J.Meghanath, Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer, Traffic on behalf of South Central Railway and Shri Surendra Nayak, Deputy General Manager, Digital and Transaction Banking Unit, SBI, Hyderabad Circle.

Major benefits from the MoU are as follows:

• All the railway stations will have uniform cash remittance mechanism.
• Real time information about the cash being deposited by different stations which will help in better supervision and accountability.
• Avoidance of unwanted accumulation of cash at railway stations.
• Smart way of remittance of station earnings.

 

Speaking on the occasion, General Manager, South Central Railway, Shri Gajanan Mallya expressed happiness with the tie-up and opined that such understandings will go a long way in streamlining financial transactions accounting.

Prior to the MoU, the earnings generated at smaller railway stations each day were being manually sent with the Guard of nominated trains while in case of major stations, earnings were being remitted by the concerned commercial supervisor at the nominated nearest banks, which necessitated that Security escorts from Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel accompany the official. The existing procedure held scope for delay in remittances of cash owing to various factors such as holidays, availability of man power etc. The newly introduced facility of door step banking as per the MoU will do away with the difficulties faced earlier, besides increasing the pace of financial transactions and digitization of remittance of cash earnings of the Railways.

*****

Availability of reliable and affordable energy is key for development of any country.  Several steps have been taken to reform and strengthen the power sector as a whole including power generation, transmission & distribution. The details of year-long achievements for Ministry of Power  are as below :

1. Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA):

• Launched in Sept., 2017 with the objective to achieve universal household electrification by providing last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified households in rural and urban areas by 31^st March, 2019
• Scheme Outlay: Rs. 16320 Crore including GOI Grant of Rs. 12320 Crore
• GOI Grant released : Rs. 5720 Crore
• As on 31^st March, 2019, all States reported electrification of all willing households under ‘Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har GharYojana’ (Saubhagya), except few households in LWE affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
• Electricity connections to 262.84 Lakh households have been released from 11.10.2017 to 31.03.2019.
• Subsequently, seven States reported 19.09 Lakh un-electrified households which were un-willing earlier but are now willing to get electricity connection. These households are being electrified by the concerned States and as on 20.12.2019, electricity connections to 7.42 Lakh Households have been released.

2. Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram JyotiYojana (DDUGJY):

• 100% villages across the country stands electrified as on 28^thApril, 2018.
• Total Scheme Outlay is Rs.75893 Crore (DDUGJY: Rs. 43033 crore and RE Component: Rs.32860 Crore)
• Projects with total cost of Rs. 43486 crore have been sanctioned in 32 States/UTs.
• Besides above, additional amount of Rs.14270 crore has been sanctioned for creation of additional infrastructure to support 100% household electrification.
• GoI Grant released (Including RE Component)

Since 2014-15                                     –           Rs.45174 Crore

During 2019-20 (Up to 24.12.19)       –           Rs.3857 Crore

• Achievements as on 30.11.2019

 

Rural Electricity Infrastructure (Including additional infrastructure created for household electrification under DDUGJY & Saubhagya)

• 1475 nos. new sub-stations commissioned
• 1658 nos. sub-stations augmented
•  4,92,181nos. distribution transformers installed
•  3,71,985Kms of LT lines and 1,77,676Kms of HT lines (11 KV and 33 KV) erected
• 1,00,318 Kms feeder separation completed
• Metering.

Consumers                            : 1.27 Crore  Nos.

DistributionTransformers      : 1,73,559Nos.

Feeders                                 :  11,425 Nos.

 

3. Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS):

• Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) was launched in the year 2014 with an Outlay of Rs. 32,612 crore for improving and augmenting the distribution and sub-transmission systems in Urban areas with a view to improve reliability.
• Under the scheme, till today, system strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution network has been in 371 circles. 560 additional urban Towns have been IT-enabled, and about 30,000 kms of HT/LT lines have been installed across 546 circles in the country. 820 new substations have been constructed, while more than 50,000 Distribution transformers have been installed. For better work flow management in the Utilities, IPDS has also funded Enterprise resource planning (ERP) across several Utilities, out of which implementation has been completed in 6 Utilities.
• Under the older projects subsumed under IPDS, till now, 1287 towns have been IT enabled, and SCADA systems have been completed in 57 towns. System strengthening works have been completed in 1195 towns.
• Significant progress has been made under the scheme in the current financial year with the physical progress of IPDS reaching almost 80% in the system strenghening works. The details of the works accomplished under IPDS in new projects in the current financial year are as follows:

Works Accomplished under IPDS in Current Financial Year

 

Items		Unit	Achievement * April 2019 – 26 DEC 2019
Substations	New Substation	No.	200
	Capacity enhancement & Additional Transformers	No.	280
Over-head Lines	HT (33 & 11KV)	CKm	5,143
	LT (440 V)	CKm	1,464
Cables	Aerial Bunch / Under Ground	CKm	19,050
Distribution Transformers		No.	10,079
Meters	Smart/ Prepaid	No.	46,806
	Consumer-System	No.	20,533,72
Solar Panels		KWp	12,347

 

4. Smart Metering:

 

• In the current financial year, Ministry of Power has issued guidelines to all States to convert all existing consumer meters into Smart meters in prepaid mode. Operation of Smart meters in prepaid mode would allow consumers to pay as per their own financial convenience and electricity consumption requirements.
• EESL, a JV between CPSUs in the power sector, has been providing Smart metering services to various Utilities as per MOUs entered into with them. EESL has also established innovative financing arrangements for the Smart metering projects that would enable them to provide smart metering services to the DISCOMs without requiring any outright CAPEX funding from the States/Utilities. The recoveries against the funding towards smart metering installations would be taken as a monthly annuity from the Utilities over a period of seven to eight years.
• Apart from installations in NDMC for about 50,000 consumers, EESL has also started installation of Smart meters in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. Out of these States, the maximum installation is in the State of Uttar Pradesh, where more than 7.78 Lakh smart meters have already been deployed across 11 cities.

 

• More than 9 lakh smart meters have been installed in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, NDMC-Delhi and Andhra Pradesh as detailed below:

 

Sr. No	Name of State/ DISCOM	Smart Meter installations by EESL
1	NDMC	56,220
2	Uttar Pradesh	7,78,631
3	Haryana	73,933
4	Andhra Pradesh	780
Total		9,09,564

 

5. Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY):

• Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), a scheme for financial and operation turn around of Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) was launched by the Government for State owned Distribution Utilities on 20-11-2015 at a time when the outstanding debts and losses of the Distribution utilities had increased to levels that were adversely affecting the viability of the Power and Banking Sectors. The purpose of UDAY was to usher reforms across the Power and coal Sectors through competitive and cooperative federalism to pave the way for 24X7 affordable and reliable Power for all.

• UDAY incorporated a slew of measures, including financial re-engineering measures, as well as operational improvement measures. Exemptions were given to the States to borrow outside the FRBM limits in order to enable them to take over 75% of the outstanding debts of DISCOMs, as existing on 30th November 2015. The scheme had two outcome parameters: (i) AT&C loss reduction to 15%; and (ii) ACS-ARR gap reduction to zero by March 2019. Due to the large scale of problems/ challenges in some States, as well as late joining, some States were given extension to complete the turn around process by one or two years

• UDAY scheme is now in final stages, with majority of states having completed 3 years at the end of FY19. The performance from FY16 to FY18 (based on the data submitted by states on the UDAY portal) shows a consistent improvement in AT&C losses, and reduction in annual losses by almost 50% of pre-UDAY times.

• Significant improvements have been observed in terms of reduction in AT&C loss from 20.7% in FY16 to 18.2% in FY19. The lines losses have come down to below the levels of 20%, due to an increase in billing and collection of revenues, reduction in theft, and reduction in technical losses. States like Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur have increased the billing efficiency by ~ 8-10%. In many states, like Assam, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, collection efficiency has improved by more than 5%.

• Similarly, the gap between ACS and ARR has reduced from 59 paise per unit in FY16 to 27 paise per unit in FY19 due to cost side optimization measures including control in power purchase costs, and reduction in interest costs, and discipline in revision of tariff filings in most of the states.

• Half yearly trends of performance of UDAY States in FY20 indicate that the AT&C losses are lesser than those in the same period by 62 basis points, though there is a marginal deterioration in the revenue gaps. Variation in pattern of electricity consumption due to extent of heat and rainfall accounts for these variations.

• The Government of India is formulating additional reform frameworks to buttress the efforts under UDAY to achieve a complete financial and operational turn around of State owned Utilities.

6. Hydro

• 16% higher generation (120.7 BU) in 2019-20 (April ~ Nov.) from generation (103.9 BU) in 2018-19 (April ~ Nov.)
• Mangdechhu hydropower project (720 MW) in Bhutan commissioned in August 2019 and inaugurated by  Prime Minister on 17.08.2019

• CCEA approval of Rs. 1600 crore in July 2019 for pre-investment activities of NHPC’s Dibang Multipurpose (2880 MW) project in Arunachal Pradesh, the largest hydropower project to be initiated in the country.
• Revival of Subansiri Lower (2000 MW) project in Arunachal Pradesh, the largest under construction hydropower project, which was stalled since December 2011 due to local unrest and NGT case, has been re-started after NGT case was dismissed on 31.07.2019 and local issues were resolved
• Revival of Teesta-VI (500 MW) project in Sikkim, which was stalled since December 2012 through NHPC’s take over of the project through NCLT bidding.
• On the advice of the Central Govt., the state governments of hydro-rich states of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have provided relaxations to reduce tariff of hydropower projects:

• Jammu & Kashmir has deferred free power, exempted water cess for 10 years and have given exemptions from local taxes to  Kiru and Kwar Projects.
• Himachal Pradesh has also deferred free power, agreed for 50% reimbursement of State GST and for booking 1.5% LADF to any head other than project cost, BOOT/ BOOM for 70 years etc, with an objective to bring down hydro tariff below Rs. 4.5 per unit. On these lines, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh signed agreements with 3 CPSUs viz. NTPC, NHPC and SJVN for setting up 10 hydropower projects of 2917 MW on Chenab river entailing an investment of about Rs. 28,000 crore.

• Guidelines being prepared for operationalising the following measures to promote hydropower sector approved by the Union Cabinet on 07.03.2019 :
• Declaring Large Hydropower Projects (>25 MW) as Renewable Energy
• Hydropower Purchase Obligation(HPO)
• Tariff rationalisation measures
• Budgetary support for flood moderation component &
• Budgetary support for enabling infrastructure like bridges, roads etc.

 

The saleability issues facing hydropower would be addressed through HPO, tariff rationalisation measures and budgetary support for flood moderation and enabling infrastructure like roads, bridges etc. Large Hydropower projects (>25 MW) would also become eligible for green funding after being categorised as renewable energy source.

7. One Nation-One Grid-One Frequency:

• Expansion of ISTS transmission lines (220 kV and above) by 14,546 km
• Transformation capacity addition of ISTS network by 74,910 MVA
• Inter-Regional Transfer capacity of addition of 5,700 MW

8. MoP has approved implementation of ISTS transmission projects worth about Rs. 15,186 Cr under RTM/TBCB mode.
9. Setting up of Renewable Energy Management Centre (REMC):

Eight REMCs have been commissioned in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and Southern Regional Load Despatch Centre and Western Regional Load Centre during 2019. These REMCs would help in Grid integration of Renewable Energy by taking care of intermittency of RE generation and, facilitating real time forecasting, scheduling and real time tracking of Renewable Energy Generation.

10. Restoration work during Odisha cyclone:

Provided support by way of manpower, material and other support to the tune of Rs.11.48 crore for early restoration of transmission lines/ power system in the state of Odisha, which was badly affected by the cyclone ‘Fani’

11. Important works done in Jammu & Kashmir:
12. • 220 kV Transmission Line/ System from Srinagar to Leh, via Drass and Kargil was commissioned in February, 2019, but due to collapse of a few towers during the avalanche was not fully functional. This was restored and made fully operational.
    • Restoration of Kishenpur-New Wanpoh Transmission lines in J&K, affected by the recent snow storm in Kashmir, was completed under adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain
    • MoU signed and Work commenced in two CSR Projects in J&K at an estimated cost of Rs.5.78 crore
      • Improvement/ upgradation of inner link road at Wagoora.
      • Upgradation of 10 Army Goodwill Schools in J&K.
13. Srinagar-Drass-Kargil-Khalsti-Leh transmission system:

On 3^rd  February,2019, Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of lndia dedicated the 220kV Srinagar-Drass-Kargil-Khalsti-Leh transmission system aimed at powering Kargil and Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir thereby, connecting these regions of lndia to the National Grid.

13. MAHARATNA Status:

Power Grid Corporation of lndia Limited (POWERGRID) has been conferred with the coveted Maharatna Status by the Government of India on 23.10.201 9.

14. Power Rail Koyla Availability through Supply Harmony (PRAKASH) Portal:

PRAKASH portal was launched on 03.10.2019. Benefits of Portal to the Stake-holders: On a single platform, the following information will be available:

• Coal company: Stocks and the coal requirement at power stations
• Indian Railways: Actual coal available at siding.
• Power stations can plan future schedule by knowing rakes in pipe line and expected time of receipt
• MoP/ MoC/Ministry of Railways/CEA/POSOCO can review the overall availability of thermal power in different regions and coal available for the same

Information available on portal:

• Summary Dashboard: Summary of Generation, Coal receipt for power plants, Dispatch by Coal Company and Rake placement by Railways for month and financial year.
• Geo Status: Summary of power plant and siding details on Map of India.
• Reports: Following report will be available

• Daily Power Plant Status: Report gives Station data related to power generation, coal receipt, consumption and stock.
• Plant Exception Report: Report gives Station list having given stock on particular date.
• Periodic Power Plant Status: Report gives station data related to power generation, coal receipt, consumption and stock for selected period. Coal materialization based on dispatch by Coal Company is available.
• Coal Dispatch Report: Report gives subsidiary wise coal dispatch for particular period. It also gives source wise details of dispatch. Dispatch trend is also visible.

15. Transport Sector:

“Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles – Guidelines and Standards” were issued on 14.12.2018 which were subsequently revised on 01.10.2019.

• Public Charging Stations Installed by NTPC/EESL till December 2019:
  • NTPC : 57
  • EESL : 65

 

16. Energy Efficiency in Industry Sector:

• After the completion of PAT 2 Cycle involving 621 designated consumers from 11 Sectors, BEE has undertaken monitoring and verification process. It is estimated that these 621 large consumers would achieve energy saving target of 9.5 million tonnes of oil equivalent annually which is equivalent to reduction of 35 million tonnes CO2 emissions for the country.
• National conclave on Enhancing Energy Efficiency in MSME’s held on 23-24^th September,2019. Two new numbers of Energy Management Centres established in 2019. Energy Conservation Guidelines for MSME sector was published.

17. Appliances Sector:

• Energy Consumption standards for Air conditioners have been notified vide S.O. No. 3897 (E) dated 30th October, 2019 for further improvement with effect from 1st January, 2021. As part of the notification, it will be mandatory for the Air Conditioner manufacturers to incorporate “24-degree default setting” in their AC models from next year.
• The Energy Consumption standards for LED Lamps have been revised vide S.O. No.3631(E) dated 09.10.2019.
• Voluntary Star Labelling of Solar Water Heater to be launched on 14^th December,2019 during National Energy Conservation Awards Day.

18. Building Sector:

• ECBC has been notified by 15 States /UT till November, 2019.
• ECO-NIWAS Samhita (Energy Conservation Building Code for Residential Buildings) has been launched in December, 2018 and Star labelling of Homes was launched in February, 2019.

• Star-rating of commercial building is developed for office, BPO, shopping mall and hospitals.33 nos. of commercial buildings were awarded BEE star rating in 2019.
• An International  Building Energy Conference – ANGAN (Augmenting Nature by Green Affordable New-habitat) with support from GIZ under IGEN (Indo-German Energy Program) organized on 9-11, September, 2019.
• “ECO-NIWAS” Portal (www.econiwas.com) for promoting energy efficiency in residential building sector launched to benefit construction of energy efficient homes.

19. National Energy Conservation Awards and Painting Competition:

• Bureau of Energy Efficiency has been organizing school, state and national level painting competitions across the country every year. During 2019, over 84 lakhs students participated in these competitions and awards are to be given to the winners during the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day i.e. 14th December,2019.
• On this occasion 33 industrial units from various sectors were given awards for their excellent performance in energy efficiency. Altogether 355 units and establishments across the country participated in this year’s National Awards Programme and a total electrical saving of 10566 Million units and thermal Savings of about 2.40 milliontoe has been reported. This has resulted in CO2 emission reduction of 10.5 million tonnes.

20. North Eastern states:

• Over 1 crore LED bulbs, 93,900 LED tube lights and 3.65 lakh energy efficient fans distributed under UJALA scheme.
• Over 1 lakh LED street lights installed under SLNP.

21. Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA):

• Over 36.10 crore LED bulbs, 71.61 lakh LED tube lights and 23.10 lakh energy efficient fans distributed across the country.
• This has resulted in estimated energy savings of 47 billion kWh per year with avoided peak demand of 9,590 MW, estimated GHG emission reduction of 38 million t CO₂ per year and estimated cost saving of INR 18,935 crore per year in electricity bills of consumers.

22. Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP):

• Over 1 crore energy efficient LED streetlights have been installedacross the country.
• This has resulted in estimated energy savings of 6.9 billion kWh per year with avoided peak demand of 1,152 MW, estimated GHG emission reduction of 4.76 million t CO₂per year and estimated annual cost saving of INR 2,686 crore in electricity bills of Municipalities.

23. National E-Mobility Programme:

Procurement process of 10,000 e-cars concluded. The price discovered for e-cars is 25 % less than similar cars in market. Till date,1510 e-cars deployed/under deployment for Government offices and 470 Captive Chargers (300 AC & 170 DC) commissioned in these offices.

24. Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure:

EESL is also installing Public Charging Stations to promote Electric vehicles. Till date, 65 nos. of Public Charging Stations (PCS) have been commissioned in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area. MoUs signed with multiple stakeholders across the country.

25. Building Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP):

Building energy efficiency project has been completed in 10,310 buildings including Railway stations and Airports.

26. Agricultural Demand Side Management (AgDSM):

Over73,600 energy efficient pumps have been installed in Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

27. Decentralized solar power plants:

Decentralized solar power plant of60 MW cumulative capacity commissioned in the state of Maharashtra.

28. Atal JyotiYojana (AJAY) and Solar Study Lamp scheme:

Over 1.48 lakh Solar LED Street Lights commissioned in rural areas under AJAY and over 59.18 lakh Solar Study Lamps distributed to school going students under Solar Study Lamp scheme.

29. Ensuring Sustainability of Power Sector- Addressing issue of Payment delays by Discoms:

• The Central Government has taken a major step to address the problem of mounting outstanding dues towards Generating Companies by the Distribution Companies by issuing an Order on 28^th June, 2019 regarding Opening and maintaining of adequate Letter of Credit (LC) as Payment Security Mechanism under Power Purchase Agreements by Distribution Licensees. This mechanism has been made effective w.e.f 1^st August, 2019.

• Under this mechanism the Power will be scheduled for dispatch only after Letter of Credit (LC) for the desired quantum of power with respect to the generating stations has been opened. It shall be ensured by the concerned Load Despatch Centre that such entity, during the period of non-scheduling of power on account of Non opening of LC or advance payment, has no access to procure power from the Power Exchange(s) and they shall not be granted Short Term Open Access (STOA).

• The measure is expected to improve payments to the power generators and improve sustainability in the Power Sector.

30. Measures towards reduction of cost of power to the consumer:

• In order to reduce the cost of power procured by the Distribution Licensees, a new system has been put in place where for Inter State Generating Stations (ISGS), the merit order dispatch at national level shall be followed. Hence the cheapest generation will be available at the maximum level. This is a step where for ISGS, the State level merit order has been shifted to National level merit order. This mechanism has resulted in savings of approximately Rs 3 Crores every day and has a potential of saving Rs 1200 Crores in a year towards power procurement cost of Distribution licensees.
• An Order was issued by Ministry of Power on 15.11.2019 on “Reduction in cost of power due to pre-payment in entire value chain of power sector”. Electricity Regulatory Commissions are requested to take necessary actions in reduction of cost due to pre payment as in such cases the working capital requirements get reduced. This initiative reduces the cost of power to the consumer.

31. Promotion of Renewable Energy:

• In Order to promote the capacity addition of Solar and Wind Power Projects, the waiver available for use of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS transmission charges and losses) has been extended for use of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) for transmission of electricity by Solar or Wind power projects commissioned till December 2022. The waiver shall be applicable for the twenty five years from the commissioning of such projects.
• Clarification on Orders related to Renewable Purchase Obligation for Captive Power Plants (CPP) has been issued on 1^st February 2019.

32. Allowing use of linkage coal for short term power procurement and power exchanges:

• For the first time, linkage coal was allowed to Power Plants for selling power in the Day Ahead Market (DAM) through power exchanges or in short term through a transparent bidding process through Discovery of Efficient Energy Price (DEEP) portal. A methodology in this regard was issued by Ministry of Power on 2^nd December 2019.
• Till now the Coal Linkage was granted to power generating stations only for selling power through long term and medium term power purchase agreements. This move shall de-stress the Power Generating Stations which have not secured long term or medium term power purchase agreements.

33. Revival of Stressed Assets : Pilot Scheme II:

• In our endeavour for revival of the stressed assets, a Pilot Scheme was introduced by MOP in April 2018 to facilitate procurement of aggregated power of 2500 MW for 3 (three) years (covered under medium term) from the generating companies having coal based Power Plants which are already commissioned without having a power purchase agreement for the quantum of power the Bidder is willing to bid. Based on the experience gained in the Pilot Scheme, Pilot Scheme –II for procurement of another 2500 MW for the period of three years under medium term was notified on 01.02.2019.

***

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today interacted with a delegation from Russian media.  Speaking to the delegation, Shri Pradhan said, “2019 was a landmark year which boosted the bilateral relations between India and Russia to hitherto unscaled heights. The special and privileged strategic partnership between our two countries was strengthened significantly. Hon.  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has described Russia as a reliable partner and a special friend and President Putin in turn has talked of taking India-Russia relations to new heights of cooperation. It is uncommon to find two major powers that have developed a partnership such as ours.”

On bilateral co-operation in steel sector, Shri Pradhan said, “We remember fondly the contribution of then Soviet Union in development of our steel industry. We recognise the immense potential of Russia in supplying coking or metallurgical coal, which is largely imported by India, to support the Indian steel industry. During my visit to Moscow and a follow up visit to Vladivostok, we were able to identify the strong potential for expanding cooperation between India and the Russian Far East for import of coking coal. Further, I had requested Russian authorities to invest in developing the inland and port logistic of the Far East, improve connectivity of these ports with mining locations and improvements in evacuation infrastructure. In a short span of less than six months, Indian steel makers significantly increased off-peak of coking coal from the Far East Russia. I see great prospects in this sector in the coming years.”

Speaking about co-operation in oil and gas sector, Minister Pradhan said, “With the guidance of our strong leaders, we have strengthened our engagement in hydrocarbon sector. There is an ‘Energy Bridge’ between our two countries. With Russia being one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas and India being the world’s third largest energy consumer, Russia has the potential to become an important source to fulfill India’s oil and gas requirements. The Joint Statement on cooperation in oil and gas during Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visit to Russia in September provides a roadmap to deepen cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector. We invite investments by Russian companies in Indian oil and gas sector, particularly in gas business, gas infrastructure and petrochemicals.”

On the gas based economy, he said, “India has also embarked on the path of becoming a gas based economy. India is investing over $60 billion in developing natural gas supply and distribution infrastructure. LNG imports from Russia at competitive rates will help us in meeting the objectives of price stability and energy security.”

Speaking about connectivity, Shri Pradhan said, “We are keen to explore the new sea route to source crude oil and LNG through Russia’s Arctic. The route has the potential to cut the cost and time for transporting LNG from Russia to India. A sea line between Far-East Russia and the East coast of India will also facilitate sourcing of coking coal from the region.”

On crude oil sourcing, Shri Pradhan said, “We are working on the strategy to diversify our crude oil supply sources and we are now exploring ways to import crude from Russia as well.”

***

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, has said applications filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act related to Offices in Jammu and Kashmir under the Union Territory Administration will soon come under the jurisdiction of the Central Information Commission CIC). “A notification in this regard will be issued soon and the same pattern will be followed as in other UTs,” he said after a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Refuting reports in a section of the media on the ambiguity regarding the applicability of the RTI Act in the UT of J&K, Dr Jitendra Singh said all provisions of the RTI Act will be enforced in the newly carved out UT. “At the lower level, – Public Information Officers (PIOs) and First Appellate Authority the procedure for disposing of RTI applications will remain the same; the CIC comes into picture when the applicant makes Second Appeal which can henceforth be filed with the CIC,” said Dr Jitendra Singh.

 

***

India and Bangladesh signed key agreements in the field of Information and Broadcasting at the Information and Broadcasting Minister’s meet 2020, in New Delhi today. In the presence of Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Prakash Javadekar and his Bangladeshi counterpart Muhammad H Mahmud a formal co-production agreement was signed  on the biopic of “BangaBandhu”, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, which will be released during the birth centenary year of Bangabandhu. Bangladesh has decided to celebrate the ‘Mujib Year’ from March 17, 2020 to March 17, 2021 to mark the centenary year of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first President of Bangladesh.

 

 

Deepening India’s engagement with Bangladesh, an airtime exchange programme between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh Radio Betar was also launched. With today’s launch content from Maitree service has started airing in Dhaka and reciprocally content from Bangladesh Radio Betar has started airing on All India Radio in Kolkata.

 

 

Terming Indo Bangladesh friendship as organic, Union Information and Broadcasting minister, Shri Prakash Javadekar said that both countries share a great legacy. “We look forward to engage further with Bangladesh TV (BTV) and Betar in co-production of content, also India will extend all possible cooperation to Bangladesh in setting up the BongoBandhu film city”, said Shri Javadekar.

The information minister of Bangladesh Muhammad H Mahmud said that the relationship between New Delhi and Dhaka has reached new heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina.”Without the support of India, the liberation of Bangladesh would never have been possible; our relationship is historic”, said Shri Mahmud in his inaugural address.

 

***

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is celebrating its 145^thFoundation Day tomorrow.

With a humble beginning in 1875, the IMD has marched forward with various milestones and paradigms to serve the society. A brief on the initiatives and achievements of IMD during 2019 are given below:

RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Observations

• WMO recognized 5 observatories of IMD – Chennai (Nungambakkam), Mumbai (Colaba), Panjim, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram as a long-term observing station for more than 100 years.

• 27 Doppler Weather Radars are operational across the country including one portable DWR at Sonemarg, J&K meant for Shri AmarnathjiYatra.

• 13 Radiosonde/Radio Wind stations commissioned in 2019 taking the total number from 43 to 56 stations enabled with twice a day ascents.

• Three (3) Nos. transmissometer – RVR (Drishti System) installed at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Bhubaneswar making it to a total of 44 transmissometer – RVR (Drishti System).

• Preparation of realtime rainfall statistics was enhanced from 681 to 683 numbers of districts.

• New Aeronautical Meteorological Stations commissioned under RCS-UDAN Scheme.

• 341 numbers of new raingauge stations are added in the District-wise Rainfall Monitoring Scheme (DRMS).

• 138 District Agrometeorological Units have been established in comparison to earlier 130 units.

• Agromet Observatories have been installed at Five (5) AMFUs in Roorkee, Bhubaneswar, G. Udaigiri, Pusa and Agwanpur, thus total becoming 122.

• Monthly Meteorological Register (MMR) – Online was made operational at all surface observatories w. e. f. 1^stOctober, 2019.

• Air Pollution Section, IMD participated in 60^th and 61^stLaboratory Inter-comparison programme of WMO.

Modelling & Forecasting

• IMD’s North Karnataka Agro Meteorological Forecasting Centre (NKAFC) established at University of Agriculture (UAS) Dharwad (Karnataka) on 14^thFebruary, 2019.

• Global Forecast System (GFS) model upgraded and run 4 times a day to generate 10 days forecast.

• Regional WRF mesoscale model upgraded from 9 km to 3 km resolution.

• Hurricane WRF was run as a coupled model at a resolution of 2 km in collaboration with INCOIS.

• NWP Model based gridded rainfall data (WRF & GFS) are provided operationally to CWC for their flood forecasting model.

• SWIRL application Nowcasting software has been installed at 12 DWR stations.

• IMD in collaboration with NCMRWF & IITM implemented Thunderstorm and Lightning Modelling and Warning System.

• Impact based forecast initiated for different severe weather events.

• Two Hundred &Sixty One (261) more stations were added on Nowcast Warning Page of Newly launched IMDwebsite for issue of three hourly nowcast warnings for severe weather, thus increasing the total number to694.

• Within city local forecast and nowcast initiated for 100 places.

Communication System Networks

• IMD launched its new website: www.mausam.imd.gov.in for general public and Mobile App ‘MEGHDOOT’ forAgromet Advisory Services.

• In collaboration with IITM, a webpage, web application and mobile application developed for providing weatherforecast for KumbhMela during 2019 along with current weather information.

• New website of Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has been launched during 2019.

• A Data Supply Portal, http://dsp.imdpune.gov.inhas been made operational for automation of activities relatedto data enquiry, retrieval and supply.

• A new Web page made operational for INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR in stagger mode.

• A web-based Centralised Data Entry System (CDES) package was launched on 8^thAugust, 2019 to replace theoutdated DATEN9 software. At present, 91 surface stations, 40 airports and 11 PBO Observatories started sending datathrough this system.

• Agro-Meteorological Advisory Services (AAS) bulletins are disseminated under PPP mode and through KisanPortal to about 40.2 million farmers.

Improvement in Forecast Accuracy

• Significant improvement in forecast accuracy of severe weather events by 15 to 35% during the last 5 years.

• All India Severe Weather forecast (24 hrs) skill for 2019 has improved as compared to that of 2002-18. The Probabilityof Detection (POD) for 2019 had been 74%,92%, 85% and 85% for heavy rainfall, heatwaves, cold waves and nowcastrespectively.

• Annual average track forecast errors in 2019 for 24, 48 and 72 hours has been 69, 104 and 149 km against the meanforecast errors during 2014-18 of 86, 132 and 177 respectively Similarly, the track forecast skills in 2019 alsoimproved substantially and were 68, 79 and 77% for 24, 48 and 72 hours against the average of 58, 70 and 74% during theperiod of 2014 to 2018.

Awards and Appreciation

• Dr. M. Mohapatra, DG, IMD has been elected as Member Executive Council, WMO for 2019-2023.

• National Geographic Channel aired a story on “The Mega Cyclone FANI” on 7th October, 2019 highlighting therole of IMD in early warning services for ‘FANI’.

• Fascinated with the pin point accuracy of monitoring of cyclone FANI, Prince Charles visited the IMD, Delhi on 13^thNovember, 2019. Dr. M. Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Dr. MrutyunjayMohapatra, DirectorGeneral of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Charles to IMD.

• IMD earned appreciations from United Nations and Hon’ble President of India for accurate prediction ofcyclone FANI.

• Appreciation letters received from the State Governments of Gujarat, West Bengal, Tripura and Odisha forexemplary services provided by the IMD.

• President of India appreciated IMD for providing accurate forecast for Independence Day celebrations of 2019.

• Dr. M. Mohapatra, DG, IMD honoured with Bharat Gourav Award, 2019 by Jay Bharat Foundation and felicitatedby Chief Minister of Odisha for outstanding contribution to Disaster Management.

• Dr. M. Mohapatra DG, IMD was conferred with Fellowship of IMS & Indian Climate Congress in 2019.

• Indian Meteorological Society awarded Dr. H. R. Biswas for the best research paper published in 2019 in Weather &Climate Services.

 

Recent improvements in skill of severe weather forecasts in IMD

 

Improvement in heavy rainfall prediction in terms of False Alarm Ratio (FAR), Missing Rate (MR), Probability of Detection (POD),Heidke Skill Score (HSS) and Critical Success Index (CSI); for 24 hours lead period in 2019, in comparison with past 5 years.

 

 

 

Probability of Detection of heavy rainfall events, 24 hours in advance showing steady improvement during 2002 – 2019

 

 

 

Probability of Detection of Heatwave, 5 days in advance showing steady improvement during past 5 years

 

 

Substantial improvement in the track forecast errors & skill, compared to past 5 years.

*****

Armed Forces Veterans Day was celebrated at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt on 14 Jan 20 and several other locations across the country. Since 2017, Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed each year on 14 Jan as a mark of respect and recognition of the services rendered by Field Marshal KM Cariappa OBE – fondly known as Kipper – The first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces who retired on 14 Jan 1953. Commemoration of Armed Forces Veterans Day acknowledges and honours the selfless devotion and sacrifice of our veterans in the service of the nation.

Admiral Karambir Singh, the Chief of the Naval Staff was the Chief Guest at the Veterans Day function at Mankeshaw Centre. The Chiefs of Army and Air force were also present for the function. Samman and Vayu Smavedna, Army and Airforce Magazines respectively were released during the function which was attended by more than 2600 veterans, several banks, CGDA, DGR, KSB, ECHS and welfare organisations of the three services.

The official Wholesale Price Index for ‘All Commodities’ (Base : 2011-12=100) for the month of December, 2019 rose by 0.4 percent to 122.8 (provisional) from 122.3 (provisional) for the previous month.

 

INFLATION

The annual rate of inflation, based on monthly WPI, stood at 2.59% (provisional) for the month of December, 2019 (over December,2018) as compared to 0.58% (provisional) for the previous month and 3.46% during the corresponding month of the previous year. Build up inflation rate in the financial year so far was 2.42% compared to a build up rate of 2.92% in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Inflation for important commodities / commodity groups is indicated in Annex-1 and Annex-II.The movement of the index for the various commodity group is summarized below:-

PRIMARY ARTICLES (Weight 22.62%)

The index for this major group rose by 1 percent to 148.8 (provisional) from 147.3 (provisional) for the previous month. The groups and items which showed variations during the month are as follows:-

The index for ‘Food Articles’ group rose by 0.1 percent to 162.5 (provisional) from 162.4 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of betel leaves (13%), urad (9%), egg and mutton (5% each), bajra and jowar (3% each), moong, masur and maize (2% each), barley, pork, milk , wheat, condiments & spices and arhar (1% each). However, the price of peas/chawali (11%), ragi and fish-marine (3% each), coffee, beef and buffalo meat (2% each), fruits & vegetables, fish-inland, gram, tea and rajma (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘ Non-Food Articles’ group rose by 5.5 percent to 134 (provisional) from 127 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of floriculture (46%), raw silk and soyabean (7% each), fodder, rape & mustard seed and mesta (3% each), raw rubber, linseed, sunflower, gingelly seed (sesamum) and cotton seed (2% each), skins (raw) (1%). However, the price of gaur seed (4%), niger seed (3%), groundnut seed and castor seed (2% each), copra (coconut), raw cotton and hides (raw) (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Minerals’ group declined by 0.8 percent to 153.6 (provisional) from 154.8 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of copper concentrate (4%). However, the price of chromite (6%), limestone (5%), iron ore (3%), lead concentrate (1%) moved up.

The index for ‘Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas’ group rose by 3.5 percent to 86.0 (provisional) from 83.1 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of crude petroleum (5%).

FUEL & POWER (Weight 13.15%)

The index for this major group remained unchanged at its previous month level of 101.3. The groups and items which showed variations during the month are as follows:-

The index for ‘Coal’ group rose by 1.4 percent to 126.5 (provisional) from 124.8 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of coking coal (4%).

The index for ‘Mineral Oils’ group declined by 0.4 percent to 91.2 (provisional) from 91.6 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of petroleum coke (25%), furnace oil (17%), bitumen (7%). However, the price of naphtha (8%), LPG (3%), petrol (1%) moved up.

 

MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS (Weight 64.23%)

The index for this major group rose by 0.2 percent to 118.0 (provisional) from 117.8 (provisional) for the previous month. The groups and items which showed variations during the month are as follows:-

The index for ‘Manufacture of Food Products’ group rose by 1.0 percent to 136.6 (provisional) from 135.3 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of palm oil (8%), rice bran oil and groundnut oil (6% each), cotton seed oil and mustard oil (4% each), soyabean oil, condensed milk, wheat bran and rapeseed oil (3% each), molasses, sunflower oil, ghee and butter (2% each), copra oil, instant coffee, manufacture of processed ready to eat food, manufacture of cocoa, chocolate and sugar confectionery, manufacture of starches and starch products, bagasse, wheat flour (atta) and vanaspati (1% each). However, the price of manufacture of macaroni, noodles, couscous and similar farinaceous products (7%), processed tea, honey and buffalo meat, fresh/frozen (3% each), manufacture of prepared animal feeds, other meats, preserved/processed, processing and preserving of fish, crustaceans and molluscs and products thereof and gur (2% each), manufacture of health supplements, coffee powder with chicory, rice, non-basmati, basmati rice, sugar, salt and spices (including mixed spices) (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Beverages’ group declined by 0.3 percent to 123.4 (provisional) from 123.8 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of country liquor, bottled mineral water and rectified spirit (1% each).

The index for ‘Manufacture of Tobacco Products’ group declined by 0.2 percent to 152.9 (provisional) from 153.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of cigarette(0.2%), biri(0.1%) and other tobacco products(0.2%).

The index for ‘Manufacture of Textiles’ group declined by 0.2 percent to 116.9 (provisional) from 117.1 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of woollen yarn (2%), manufacture of other textiles (1%).

The index for ‘Manufacture of Wearing Apparel’ group rose by 0.1 percent to 139.1 (provisional) from 138.9 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of Leather garments incl. jackets(2.8%), Hosiery goods, others– cotton(1.1%) and cardigans and pullovers, knitted(0.2%). However, the price of shawls and scarves, knitted(1.1%), trouser/pants made of cotton and/or man-made fibre (0.8%) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Leather and Related Products’ group rose by 0.2 percent to 118.9 (provisional) from 118.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of belt & other articles of leather (3%), athletic/sport shoes (2%), leather shoe and gloves of leather (1% each). However, the price of chrome tanned leather (2%), travel goods, handbags, office bags, etc., harness, saddles & other related items and canvas shoes (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Wood and Of Products Of Wood And Cork ‘ group declined by 0.4 percent to 133.1 (provisional) from 133.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of wooden box/crate (6%), timber/wooden plank, sawn/resawn (1%). However, the price of wood cutting, processed/sized, wooden panel, wooden block – compressed or not and plywood block boards (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Paper and Paper Products’ group declined by 0.2 percent to 119.5 (provisional) from 119.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of corrugated sheet box (2%), corrugated paper board, tissue paper, base paper, pulp board and duplex paper (1% each). However, the price of laminated plastic sheet, card board and newsprint (2% each), bristle paper board, poster paper and paper carton/box (1%) moved up.

The index for ‘Printing and Reproduction Of Recorded Media ‘ group declined by 1.3 percent to 150.3 (provisional) from 152.3 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of journal/periodical (3%), printed books (1%). However, the price of printed form & schedule (11%), hologram (3D) (2%), sticker plastic (1%) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Chemicals and Chemical Products’ group declined by 0.5 percent to 116.2 (provisional) from 116.8 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of poly propylene (PP) (8%), acetic acid and its derivatives and sulphuric acid (4% each), menthol, organic chemicals and carbon black (3% each), alcohols, camphor, rubber chemicals, soda ash/washing soda, explosive, polyethylene and nitrogenous fertilizer, others (2%), viscose staple fibre, phthalic anhydride, ethyl acetate, aniline (including pna, ona, ocpna), poly vinyl chloride (pvc), polystyrene, expandable, insecticide and pesticide, dye stuff/dyes incl. dye intermediates and pigments/colours, aromatic chemicals, ammonium nitrate, oleoresin, ammonium phosphate, polyester chips or polyethylene terepthalate (pet) chips, sodium silicate, di ammonium phosphate, liquid air & other gaseous products, catalysts, agro chemical formulation and hair oil/body oil (1%). However, the price of ammonium sulphate (11%), foundry chemical (3%), varnish (all types), mono ethyl glycol, organic surface active agent and hydrogen peroxide (2% each), shampoo, fatty acid, detergent cake, washing soap cake/bar/powder, plasticizer, phosphoric acid, ammonia liquid, other inorganic chemicals, toilet soap, adhesive tape (non-medicinal), tooth paste/tooth powder and additive (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemical and Botanical Products’ group rose by 1.0 percent to 127.9 (provisional) from 126.6 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of vials/ampoule, glass, empty or filled and anti-retroviral drugs for HIV treatment (3% each), antidiabetic drug excluding insulin (i.e. tolbutam), API & formulations of vitamins, antibiotics & preparations thereof and digestive enzymes and antacids (2% each), cotton wool (medicinal) (1%). However, the price of antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory formulations (6%), plastic capsules, anti-allergic drugs and antioxidants (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Rubber and Plastics Products’ group rose by 0.6 percent to 108.3 (provisional) from 107.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of elastic webbing, plastic bottle and plastic components (4% each), condoms (3%), tooth brush, plastic box/container, polypropylene film, rubber cloth/sheet and medium & heavy commercial vehicle tyre (2% each), tractor tyre, plastic button, 2/3 wheeler tyre, plastic furniture, rubber crumb and conveyer belt (fibre based) (1% each). However, the price of rubber components & parts (4%), plastic bag , rubber tread, acrylic/plastic sheet, plastic film and plastic tube (flexible/non-flexible) (2% each), plastic tank, pvc fittings & other accessories, cycle/cycle rickshaw tyre, motor car tyre, rubber moulded goods, thermocol and 2/3 wheeler rubber tube (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Other Non-Metallic Mineral Products’ group rose by 0.3 percent to 115.8 (provisional) from 115.4 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of glass bottle and porcelain sanitary ware (6% each), ordinary sheet glass (2%), railway sleeper, cement blocks (concrete), asbestos corrugated sheet, poles & posts of concrete, stone, chip, clinker, plain bricks, electric insulating material, granite and marble slab (1% each). However, the price of graphite rod (5%), cement superfine, non-ceramic tiles, ceramic tiles (vitrified tiles) and toughened glass (2% each), lime and calcium carbonate, pozzolana cement and slag cement (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Basic Metals’ group rose by 0.2 percent to 103.5 (provisional) from 103.3 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of mild steel (MS) blooms (3%), MS wire rods and alloy steel castings (2% each), hot rolled (HR) coils & sheets, including narrow strip, sponge iron/direct reduced iron (DRI), pig iron, MS bright bars, aluminum powder, steel cables, ferromanganese and MS pencil ingots (1% each). However, the price of aluminum disk and circles (5%), brass metal/sheet/coils (4%), ferrochrome and cast iron, castings (3% each), other ferro alloys, aluminum alloys, alloy steel wire rods and stainless steel bars & rods, including flats (2% each), ferrosilicon, zinc metal/zinc blocks, stainless steel coils, strips & sheets, aluminum foil, aluminum shapes – bars/rods/flats, ms castings, steel forgings – rough and lead ingots, bars, blocks, plates (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Fabricated Metal Products, Except Machinery and Equipment’ group rose by 0.1 percent to 115.6 (provisional) from 115.5 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of copper bolts, screws, nuts and hand tools (2% each), electrical stamping- laminated or otherwise, metal cutting tools & accessories, hose pipes in set or otherwise, steel structures and forged steel rings (1% each). However, the price of sanitary fittings of iron & steel (5%), steel pipes, tubes & poles, steel drums and barrels, jigs & fixture, steel door and cylinders (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Computer, Electronic and Optical Products’ group rose by 0.5 percent to 110.0 (provisional) from 109.5 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of colour tv and microscope (3% each), meter (non-electrical) and electronic printed circuit board (pcb)/micro circuit  (1% each). However, the price of electro-diagnostic apparatus, used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences (2%), air conditioner (1%) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Electrical Equipment’ group declined by 0.3 percent to 110.6 (provisional) from 110.9 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of dry cells such as torch light batteries (3%), transformer and flourescent tube (2% each), electric switch, connector/plug/socket/holder-electric, pvc insulated cable, insulating & flexible wire, batteries, electric mixers/grinders/food processors, electrical relay/conductor and light fitting accessories (1% each). However, the price of air coolers (5%), rotor/magneto rotor assembly (4%), insulator, domestic gas stove, jelly filled cables and fibre optic cables (3% each), acsr conductors and electric accumulators (2% each), copper wire, solenoid valve, AC motor and electrical resistors (except heating resistors) (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Machinery and Equipment’ group rose by 0.4 percent to 113.0 (provisional) from 112.6 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of cranes (5%), gasket kit (4%), chillers, air filters, roller and ball bearings, precision machinery equipment/form tools, manufacture of bearings, gears, gearing and driving elements, mining, quarrying & metallurgical machinery/parts and hydraulic pump (2% each), conveyors – non-roller type, industrial valve, sugar machinery, packing machine, lathes, excavator and filtration equipment (1% each). However, the price of pressure vessel and tank for fermentation & other food processing and chemical equipment & system (6% each), solar power system (solar panel & attachable equipment) (5%), deep freezers (3%), machinery for plastic products – extruded (2%), hydraulic equipment, air gas compressor including compressor for refrigerator, motor starter, printing machinery, evaporator and injection pump (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Motor Vehicles, Trailers and Semi-Trailers’ group declined by 0.7 percent to 114.9 (provisional) from 115.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of engine and shock absorbers (3% each), head lamp, body (for commercial motor vehicles) and piston ring/piston and compressor (1% each). However, the price of brake pad/brake liner/brake block/brake rubber, others (2%), crankshaft, release valve, axles of motor vehicles, shafts of all kinds and filter element (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Other Transport Equipment’ group rose by 0.1 percent to 118.4 (provisional) from 118.3 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of bicycles of all types (2%). However, the price of scooters (1%) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Furniture’ group declined by 1.0 percent to 129.9 (provisional) from 131.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of foam and rubber mattress (7%). However, the price of hospital furniture (3%), plastic fixtures (3%), steel shutter gate (1%) moved up.

The index for ‘Other Manufacturing’ group rose by 0.4 percent to 114.1 (provisional) from 113.6 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of playing cards (2%), football and plastic moulded-others toys (1% each). However, the price of stringed musical instruments (incl. santoor, guitars, etc.) and cricket ball (2% each), non-mechanical toys, silver, cricket bat and table tennis table (1% each) declined.

 

WPI FOOD INDEX (Weight 24.38%)

 

The rate of inflation based on WPI Food Index consisting of ‘Food Articles’ from Primary Articles group and ‘Food Product’ from Manufactured Products group increased from 9.02% in November, 2019 to 11.05% in December, 2019.

FINAL INDEX FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 2019 (BASE YEAR:2011-12=100)

For the month of October, 2019 the final Wholesale Price Index for ‘All Commodities’ (Base: 2011-12=100) stood at 122.0 as compared to 122.2(provisional) and annual rate of inflation based on final index stood at 0.00 percent as compared to 0.16 percent (provisional) respectively as reported on 14-11-2019.

Next date of press release: 14-02-2020 for the month of JANUARY, 2020

 

 

Annexure-I

                            Wholesale Price Index and Rates of Inflation (Base Year: 2011-12=100)

Month of  December, 2019

 

Annexure-II

Trend of Rate of Inflation for some important items during last six months

 

 

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The following is a rebuttal regarding the issue of import of Urea raised by ShriUttam Gupta in his article in Financial Express dated 13.01.2020.

Introduction

There are two main agricultural seasons in India – ‘Kharif’ from 1^st April to 30^th September and ‘Rabi’ from 1^st October to 31^st March. The fertilizer requirement (including of Urea) for a season is determined by DAC&FW in consultation with representatives of States/UTs agriculture department before the beginning of a season and communicated to DoF.

Before the beginning of each agricultural season, the Steering Committee of Secretaries (SCOS) comprising of Secretary (Fertilizers) as Chairman, Chairman Railway Board, Secretary (Commerce), Secretary (Expenditure), Secretary (Agriculture) and Secretary (Shipping) as its members (AS&FA, DoF is also a special invitee to the Committee), considers the requirement of Urea for the season determined by DAC&FW, projected indigenous production and expected UOTA imports. Based on its analysis it decides the overall quantity of urea required to be imported on Government Account in a season and authorizes Department of Fertilizers to determine the timing, quantity and STE to import urea on government account, as and when necessary, for ensuring adequate availability of urea in the country.

 

DoF’s Mandate

DoF is responsible for ensuring adequate and timely supply of fertilizers throughout the country. In order to bridge the gap between the assessed requirement of urea for an agricultural season as determined by DAC&FW and the indigenous production of Urea plus imports under Urea offtake Agreement (UOTA) of GoI with OMIFCO, the Department of Fertilizers imports urea on government account. At present, as per DGFT Foreign Trade policy, import of urea for agriculture purposes is a canalized item and can be imported only through the State Trading Enterprises (STEs) as notified by DGFT from time to time. Currently, MMTC, STC and RCF are the notified STEs.

Process of Urea Import

Since the mandate of DoF is to ensure adequate and timely availability of Fertilizers, In this regard, to bridge the gap between the requirement and indigenous production of Urea plus imports under Urea offtake Agreement (UOTA) of GoI with OMIFCO, the Department of Fertilizers imports urea on government account. The concerned STE’s are authorized on rotation basis to procure imported Urea for DoF through competitive bidding process.

In the present context, since the STEs are Public Sector Undertakings, they are required to adhere to all other directions/guidelines of the GoI on tendering and procurement to ensure international competitive bidding and secure competitive prices.

The DoF does not import Urea on its discretion. There is well designed scrutiny of the proposals to go for any lot of imports. Ascribing discretion and vested interest to DoF functionaries show lack of appreciation of efforts by them in ensuring timely supply of fertilizers to the farming community.

 

***

The Election Commission of India today organized a Briefing Meeting for Observers to be deployed for the forthcoming NCT of Delhi Legislative Assembly Elections, for which schedule was announced on 6^th January, 2020.  Poll date for the single phased election for Delhi’s 70 constituencies is February 8, 2020 and Counting will be held on February 11, 2020. More than 150 officers drawn from IAS, IPS as also from Indian Revenue Service and other Central Services were called for the General, Police and Expenditure Observers briefing today. Adequate number of officers would be deployed on actual duty.

Addressing the Observers, Chief Election Commissioner Sh. Sunil Arora advised them to maintain close coordination with officers teams deputed in the field and to remain accessible at all times. Shri Arora particularly asked them to follow ECI’s guidelines with full sincerity and devotion and adhere to code of ethics with no laxity at all in performing assigned tasks. He asked the Observers to ensure due Assured Minimum Facilities at all the Polling booths. Despite the fact that infrastructure in national capital is better than many places in the hinterland, he asked the Observers to visit the Polling Booths to check due facilitation to senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities and women voters to ensure  Commission’s commitment to principle of Inclusive Elections. He reiterated that ECI shall not tolerate any wilful lapses.

Election Commissioner Shri Ashok Lavasa emphasized the significance of role of Observers. Wherever critical interventions are required to ensure that no lapses, even of the smallest nature,  cause disruption in the Electoral Process, Sh Lavasa said the officers should attend to it promptly. Familiarisation with laid down instructions and attention to specific details of additional facilities being initiated in Delhi Elections, such as Absentee Voter Facilitation to essential services categories, 80+ aged voters as also marked PwDs; QR code reader on Photo Voter Slips, would aid efficacy of Observers assigned the duty. He advised officers to be proactive to redress complaints and ensure impartiality while discharging their duties.

Speaking to the group, Election Commissioner Sh Sushil Chandra drew the attention of the Officers that as Observers they have a statutory duty to perform on behalf of Election Commission of India. He said the Officers so deputed, need to be neutral and impartial in discharge of their duties and be the actual face of ECI on the ground. He stated that the Observers should ensure strict compliance of ECI’s rules and Standard Operating Procedures like amenities at the polling booths, vulnerability mapping or compliance of Non-Bailable Warrants, deposition of licensed arms and strict compliance of expenditure management norms.

The half-day long briefing sessions held today had comprehensive briefing by the Secretary General ECI Shri Umesh Sinha on Election Planning, Security Management & SVEEP aspects; by the Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Shri Sandeep Saxena, who is also Delhi State in-charge at ECI, on Electoral Roll issues and IT applications; session on EVM VVPAT Management System by Deputy Election Commissioner Shri Sudeep Jain and on legal issues by Deputy Election Commissioner Shri Chandra Bhushan Kumar. Director Expenditure Sh Vikram Batra gave an overview of Expenditure Management issues and DG Communications Shri Dhirendra Ojha briefed the Officers on aspects of Paid News, Media Certification and Monitoring Committees as also Social Media.

It was particularly pointed out to the Observers that while in recent Jharkhand elections, Postal Ballot Facilitation for the Octogenarians and PwD voters was introduced on pilot basis, the optional facility of being able to cast vote from home would be extended across all 70 ACs of Delhi to voters above age of 80 years; marked PwDs as also to persons employed in essential services like Delhi Metro on-duty staff on polling day, Northern Railways Transportation s (Passenger and Freight ) services as also media persons for whom authority letters have been issued for covering poll-day activities in NCT of Delhi. IT applications like the Enabling Communication in Real-time Environment (ENCORE), an integrated portal to be used by Election Officers for overall management of aspects such as Candidate nominations, uploading of affidavits, Assigning symbol, Scrutiny of candidates nominations, Scrutiny of Candidate Permissions, Counting of Votes and Results dissemination etc. will be utilised for efficient and faster functioning. Other Apps to facilitate QR Code reading of Photo Voter Slips etc. would also be put in use in at least 11 ACs to ensure free, fair, peaceful, inclusive, accessible, ethical and participative election.

****

SBS/MR/AC

The 15^th Finance Commission today received a presentation on India’s Health Sector.  The presentation was given by Smt. Preeti Sudan, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare and Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NitiAayog in a meeting held in New Delhi today.  Chairman, Sh. N.K. Singh and all Members of the Commission were present at this meeting along with senior officials.

The Department of Health & Family Welfare proposed to the 15^th Finance Commission for untied funds to help in funding gaps in Primary Health care in the States.  This, they said, would help States with significant funding needs and health lag to get more funds and priorities spending on health.

The Ministry also asked for performance based incentives – a Composite Health Index to be utilized to encourage States to demonstrate performance on year on year basis.  The Ministry proposed a collaborative multi-sectoral non-ministerial approach by incorporating health impact considerations into the Government’s decision making process – Health in All Policies.

The Ministry projected the requirement of funds for a primary care for the purpose of addressing shortfall in infrastructure, health care professionals, supporting AB-HWCs, National Ambulance Service, and Funds for Medicines and Diagnostics.  For a 5 year period, total of Rs.5,38,305.38/- crores fund has been projected.

In the light of the discussions today the Commission has asked the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in consultation with Member, NitiAayog, Dr. V.K. Paul to come up with revised proposals on the optimum utilization of finances in respect of sectors specific grants.

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MC

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