Cabinet Secretary today (27.1.2020) reviewed the situation arising out of“Novel Coronavirus” outbreak in China.

2.      Secretaries in the  Ministries of Health, External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Labour, Defence, I&B and Member-Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority, DG(Armed Forces Medical Services) attended the Meeting.

3.      Cabinet Secretary was informed that till yesterday 137 flights have been screened (total cumulative passengers 29707).

4.      Samples of 12 passengers were referred to NIV Pune.  No positive case has been reported so far.

5.      Following actions are being taken:

Ministry of Civil Aviation

(i)      issue of instruction to airlines for managing and notifying anybody reporting illness on all flights with direct or indirect connectivity to China.

(ii)      facilitate in-flight announcements and

(iii)     distribution of health cards to all flights with direct or indirect connectivity to China.

Ministry of Home Affairs

To ensure that integrated check posts initiate screening of visitors across Nepal border. States have been requested to provide health staff for these check posts. SSB/ BSF/Immigration officers manning integrated check posts have been sensitized.

Ministry of Shipping

To initiate entry screening at the International ports having traffic from China.

6.      Health Ministry also held a review meeting earlier today with Chief Secretaries to review the preparedness and screening in 5 states having border with Nepal.  They have been asked to ensure that community level monitoring of passengers is undertaken through health staff.

7.      It was decided that steps may be taken to prepare for possible evacuation of Indian nationals in Wuhan. Accordingly, Ministry of External Affairs will make a request to the Chinese authorities.

8.      Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Health will make arrangements for transport and quarantine facilities respectively.

***

SC

Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah presided over the signing of a historic agreement between Government of India, Government of Assam and Bodo representatives, in New Delhi today, to end the over 50-year old Bodo crisis. Further, a permanent solution has been found out for the problem that has cost the region over 4000 lives.

Present on the occasion were Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Convenor, NEDA and Assam Minister, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Executive Member of BTC, Shri  Hagrama Mohilary, representatives of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), United Boro People Organization (UBPO), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) factions – Gobinda Basumatary, Dhirendra Boro, Ranjan Daimary, B. Saoraigwra, along with senior officers from Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Assam.

With this agreement, over 1500 armed cadres will abjure violence and join the mainstream. A Special Development Package Rs. 1500 crores over three years will be given by the Union Government to undertake specific projects for the development of Bodo areas.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shah called this momentous occasion as the harbinger of a golden future for Assam, and that it was a direct consequence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s policy of focusing on North-East region’s development. The fruition of this vision can also be seen in the Bru-Reang agreement signed on January 16, 2020 to end the humanitarian crisis in Meghalaya and Tripura, recent surrender of 644 armed cadres in Assam and surrender of 88 armed NLFT cadres in Tripura to bring them to mainstream, in addition to today’s agreement.

Shri Shah said that Assam’s territorial integrity is assured with this agreement, as every single Bodo group has come on board. He noted that while earlier the states of North East used to feel neglected, Modi government ensured that a Union Minister visited the region every week in order to ensure effective implementation of Government schemes and timely completion of infrastructure projects.

 

The Home Minister added that this agreement is another success of Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas, Sab ka Vishwas’, as with this agreement, Assam’s road to development has been cleared. Ever since assuming office, Shri Modi has initiated numerous policy level interventions that have improved infrastructure, connectivity, economic growth, tourism and social development of the region.

Talking on the salient features of the agreement, Shri Shah said that the objective of the MoS is to increase the scope and powers of the BTC and to streamline its functioning; resolve issues related to Bodo people residing outside Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD); promote and protect Bodo’s social, cultural, linguistic and ethnic identities; providing legislative protection for the land rights of tribals; ensure quick development of tribal areas and rehabilitate members of NDFB factions.

The Minister said that in the past, not being satisfied with the settlements of 1993 and 2003, the Bodos have been consistently demanding more powers. A comprehensive and final resolution to their demands has been arrived at, while retaining the territorial integrity of the state of Assam. After Modi government came to power, intensive discussions were held since August 2019 with ABSU, NDFB factions and other Bodo organizations to reach a comprehensive solution to end the decades old Bodo movement.

 

   

 

After the agreement, the NDFB factions will leave the path of violence, surrender their weapons and disband their armed organizations within a month of signing the deal. The Union Government and the Government of Assam will take necessary measures to rehabilitate over 1500 cadres of NDFB (P), NDFB (RD) and NDFB (S), as per the laid down policy of the government.

The current agreement proposes to set up a commission under Section 14 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, which will recommend the inclusion or exclusion of tribal population residing in villages adjoining BTAD areas. In this commission, besides State government there will be representatives from ABSU and BTC. It will submit its recommendation within six months from the date of notification.

 

 

The Government of Assam will establish a Bodo-Kachari Welfare Council as per existing procedure. The Assam government will also notify Bodo language as an associate official language in the state and will set up a separate directorate for Bodo medium schools. The present settlement has proposal to give more legislative, executive, administrative and financial powers to BTC.

*****

Ms. Preeti Sudan, Secretary (HFW) chaired a video conference (VC) with Chief Secretaries and DG (Police) of the five states bordering Nepal (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim) and Pr. Secretary (H) of other states/UTs, to review their preparedness for prevention and management of coronavirus. Shri Ajay Bhalla, Secretary (Home), Dr.Balram Bhargava, Secy (DHR), Shri G.V.V. Sarma, MemberSecy (NDMA), Dr Gangakhedkar, Scientist (ICMR), Ms. Rubina Ali, JS (M/O Civil Aviation), Shri R K Agarwal,JS (Ports), M/O Shipping also joined the VC.

Secretary (H) also informed the states/UTs that Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare is closely and regularly monitoring the status of preparedness. The Union Health Minister has written to Chief Ministers of the five States bordering Nepal, and to Chief Ministers of other States/UTs, requesting them to personally review preparedness measures in the matter.

In response to the confirmed case of Novel Coronavirus in Nepal, India has stepped up the vigil at the border of Nepal. Secretary (HFW) reviewed the preparedness of these bordering states in terms of orientation of health and other agencies; adherence of various prevention &management protocols; awareness regarding prevention of coronavirus among the people being screened and those transiting the border with Nepal; self-reporting by these people; isolation wards; protective gear etc. The States have informed that they have made all necessary arrangements for screening of people transiting across the border. They also informed that travel advisories, other guidelines and protocols issued by the Health Ministry have been also widely disseminated. Orientation of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the medical personnel, and health officials has also been conducted. Awareness drives are being undertaken through miking, distribution of leaflets and signages at the border check posts. Secretary (H) has also advised for Special Gram Sabhas to be organised in coordination with Dept of Panchayati Raj over this week for enhancing awareness regarding the coronavirus diseases, its symptoms, preventive measures, reporting etc.in the border villages. She also advised them to coordinate with the Hotels Association for wider self-reporting by travellers from Nepal visiting religious and other tourist places in these states.

Secretary (HFW) informed that passengers are being screened at 7 airports, and risk communication and self-declaration at 12 other Airports. She advised the states to ensure that medical officers are deputed to coordinate with the airport authorities, while tertiary hospitals are also identified for these airports. She also advised the states to ensure that protocols for contact tracing, and timely collection and transportation of samples from suspected cases to NIV, Pune is followed. States need to assess requirement of personal protection equipment, masks etc., and undertake necessary procurement to ensure sufficient supply, she stated. Secretary (H) assured states of all support from the Health Ministry, including orientation of medical personnel/staff and other agencies through regular video conferencing. States have been advised to depute a nodal officer for coordinating the efforts of the different agencies within the states, and to regularly update progress to the Union Health Ministry.

Sh. Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, Home Affairs interacted with DGP of the States/UTs and guided them on key steps to be taken up in the bordering areas, in coordination with the Health Dept. The Shipping Ministry informed that necessary communication has been sent to the national port authorities. They were also directed to follow up with the Inland Waterways Authority of India, and coordinate with the maritime states. NDMA has been requested to share its guidelines and other relevant information with the state authorities.

****

MV

Cabinet Secretary today (27.1.2020) reviewed the situation arising out of “Novel Coronavirus” outbreak in China.

2.      Secretaries in the Ministries of Health, External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Labour, Defence, I&B and Member-Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority, DG (Armed Forces Medical Services) attended the Meeting.

3.      Cabinet Secretary was informed that till yesterday 137 flights have been screened (total cumulative passengers 29707).

4.      Samples of 12 passengers were referred to NIV Pune.  No positive case has been reported so far.

5.      Following actions are being taken:

Ministry of Civil Aviation

(i)      issue of instruction to airlines for managing and notifying anybody reporting illness on all flights with direct or indirect connectivity to China.

(ii)      facilitate in-flight announcements and

(iii)     distribution of health cards to all flights with direct or indirect connectivity to China.

Ministry of Home Affairs

To ensure that integrated check posts initiate screening of visitors across Nepal border. States have been requested to provide health staff for these check posts. SSB/ BSF/Immigration officers manning integrated check posts have been sensitized.

Ministry of Shipping

To initiate entry screening at the International ports having traffic from China.

6.      Health Ministry also held a review meeting earlier today with Chief Secretaries to review the preparedness and screening in 5 states having border with Nepal, in addition to Pr. Secretaries (Health) of other states.  They have been asked to ensure that community level monitoring of passengers is undertaken through health staff.

7.      It was decided that steps may be taken to prepare for possible evacuation of Indian nationals in Wuhan. Accordingly, Ministry of External Affairs will make a request to the Chinese authorities.

8.      Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Health will make arrangements for transport and quarantine facilities respectively.

 

***

Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur has expressed confidence that with concerted efforts of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), India would further improve its position in ranking for Ease of Doing Business. While addressing at Investiture Ceremony & International Customs Day 2020 here today, Shri Thakur said that India has risen in the Ease of Doing Business Rankings by being transparent, accountable and logical. This rise in rankings is due to the efforts of the officers of CBIC as Trading Across Borders is one of the key parameter of the rankings and it is credit to the efforts of CBIC that this key parameter has performed.

While stressing on harnessing technology for faster resolution, the Minister said that technology plays an important role by ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability. Shri Thakur appreciated the response of Custom officials to dynamics of changing ecosystem worldwide. Customs are doing well because they work as a team besides adapting and evolving, especially in a large and diverse country like India.

He said the 2020 theme of International Customs Organisation itself highlights the changing nature and role of customs today. The theme of International Customs Day, celebrated on 26^th January every year, is dedicated to the contribution of Customs towards a sustainable future where social, economic, health and environmental needs are at the heart of our actions, with the slogan “Customs fostering Sustainability for People, Prosperity and the Planet”.

Shri Thakur gave away the awards to CBIC Officers & Staff for their meritorious services on the occasion of Investiture Ceremony & International Customs Day. Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificates and World Customs Organization (WCO) Certificates of Merit Award were also presented to the distinguished officers of the CBIC.

Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Revenue Secretary, also spoke about the thrust on enhancing trade facilitation and the role of other stakeholders including participating government agencies. Revenue Secretary emphasized on use of technology in ensuring Ease of Doing Business.

Dr. John Joseph, Chairman CBIC, while congratulating the awardees highlighted recent key initiatives taken by the Customs for enhancing trade facilitation in line with the Action Plan for implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement of the WTO ratified by India.  He also complimented the officers for their dedicated work especially in the area of preventing smuggling of environmentally sensitive items, flora and fauna. Chairman CBIC said that officers of CBIC are fully committed towards hassle free trade and taking India to newer heights in Ease of Doing Business rankings.

Shri O. P. Dadhich, Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs Delhi Zone presented the vote of thanks.

The following officers received the Presidential commendation.

1. Exceptionally Meritorious Service rendered at the Risk of Life

1. Shri Afaq Ahmad Giri, Assistant Director, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Regional Unit, Jammu;
2. Shri Lalthanliana, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI Regional Unit, Aizawl;
3. Shri Ranjeet Singh, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI Regional Unit, Jammu;

B.  Specially Distinguished Record of Service

1. Shri Bankey Behari Agrawal, Principal Chief Commissioner, Central Goods and Services Tax & Central Excise (CGST & CEX) and Customs Zone, Hyderabad;
2. Shri Pramod Kumar Singh, Principal Commissioner, CGST & CEX Zone, Jaipur;
3. Shri Ashish Varma, Principal Additional Director General, DRI Zonal Unit, Ahmedabad;
4. Shri Vimal Kumar Srivastava, Additional Director General, National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN), Faridabad;
5. Shri Subhash Agrawal, Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai –II Customs Zone, Mumbai;
6. Dr. Satish S. Dhavale, Additional Director, Risk Management Centre for Customs, Directorate General of Analytics and Risk Management, Mumbai;
7. Shri Nagendra Kumar Mishra, Additional Commissioner, CGST & CEX Zone, Ranchi;
8. Shri Hardeep Batra, Additional Commissioner, World Customs Organisation Cell, CBIC, New Delhi;
9. Shri Sachin Jain, Additional Commissioner, CGST & CEX Zone, New Delhi;
10. Shri Rahul Ramesh Nangare, First Secretary, High Commission of India, London;
11. Shri Parmod Kumar, Additional Commissioner, Tax Research Unit, CBIC, New Delhi;
12. Ms. Sucheta Sreejesh, Additional Director, DRI Headquarters, New Delhi;
13. Shri Gauri Shankar Sinha, Director, Goods and Services Tax Council, New Delhi;
14. Shri Satish Pandurangarao Pattapu, Deputy Director, DRI Zonal Unit, Mumbai;
15. Shri Rajeev Kumar Arora, Assistant Commissioner, Directorate General of Taxpayer Services, New Delhi;
16. Shri. Ashok Kumar Gautam, Assistant Director, Directorate General of Human Resource Development (DGHRD), New Delhi;
17. Shri S. Kalyan Iyer, Assistant Commissioner, Directorate General of Systems & Data Management, Chennai;
18. Shri. Krishnamachari Srinivasan, Assistant Commissioner, CGST & CEX Zone, Chennai;
19. Shri Jitender Kumar Sharma, Superintendent, Directorate of Logistics, New Delhi;
20. Shri Vijay C. Bellary, Superintendent, CGST & CEX Zone, Bengaluru;
21. Shri Haresh G. Parecha, Superintendent, CGST & CEX Zone, Mumbai;
22. Shri Rakesh Bhargava, Senior Intelligence Officer, Directorate General of Goods & Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) Zonal Unit, Ludhiana;
23. Shri Ram Niwas, Senior Intelligence Officer, DGGI Zonal Unit, Chandigarh;
24. Shri R. Srivatsan, Superintendent, NACIN, Chennai;
25. Shri Vinod V. Pisharody, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI Zonal Unit, Mumbai;
26. Shri Krishnakant Gupta, Superintendent, Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS) Zonal Unit, Ahmedabad;
27. Shri Shasidharan, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI Zonal Unit, Cochin.
28. Shri Srusti Rameswara Baba, Senior Intelligence Officer, DGGI Zonal Unit, Pune;
29. Shri Dilip Singh Bisen, Senior Intelligence Officer, DGGI Zonal Unit, Mumbai;
30. Shri Somit Das, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI Zonal Unit, Kolkata;
31. Shri K. Amudhaganesh, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI Zonal Unit, Chennai;
32. Shri A Shanmugaraj, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI Regional Unit, Coimbatore;
33. Shri Vijay Prakash Verma, Senior Intelligence Officer, DGGI Zonal Unit, Jaipur;
34. Shri Sanjeev Kumar Bhalla, Intelligence Officer, DRI Headquarters, New Delhi;
35. Shri Rohit Issar, Intelligence Officer, DGGI, New Delhi;
36. Ms. Hem Lata, Senior Private Secretary, DRI Headquarters, New Delhi;
37. Ms. Neerja Sharma, Senior Private Secretary, DGGI Headquarters, New Delhi;
38. Ms. Nita Chirag Shah, Senior Private Secretary, DRI Zonal Unit, Ahmedabad;
39. Ms. Radha Vijaykumar, Administrative Officer, DRI Zonal Unit, Chennai;
40. Shri Vinod Joshi, Tax Assistant, Tax Research Unit, CBIC, New Delhi;
41. Shri S. Nageswaran, Driver Special Grade, DGGI Headquarters, New Delhi;
42. Shri Jaspal Chauhan, Driver Grade-I, DRI Headquarters, New Delhi;
43. Shri M. Shanthaveerappa, Head Havaldar, DGGI Zonal Unit, Bengaluru.

 

3. World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit

 

OFFICERS of CBIC

1. 1. Sh Rajan Chaudhary, Commissioner, Chennai-I, Chennai.
   2. Sh R K Mishra, Commissioner, JNCH, Mumbai Zone-II, Mumbai
   3. Sh Manish Kumar, Joint Commissioner, Directorate of           International Customs, New Delhi
   4. Sh Aneish P. Rajan, Joint Commissioner, Customs Preventive, Kochi.
   5. Dr. Subhash Yadav, Joint Director RMCC, Mumbai
   6. Sh Praveen Kumar Bali, Deputy Commissioner, TRU, CBIC, New Delhi
   7. Sh Kshitij Jain, Deputy Director, DG Systems, New Delhi
   8. Dr. Swati Bhanwala, Deputy Director, OSD (Land Customs), CBIC, New Delhi
   9. Dr. Anees Cherkunnath, Deputy Director, Directorate of Logistics, CBIC, New Delhi
   10. Ms. Anchita Pandoh, Deputy Commissioner, ACC Export, New  Delhi
   11. Sh Babu Lal Meena, Deputy Commissioner, Single Window, CBIC, New Delhi
   12. Sh Gyanender Saxena, Chemical Examiner Gr II, Customs Laboratory, Mumbai
   13. Sh Bibekananda Panda, Superintendent, WCO Cell, CBIC, New Delhi
   14. Sh Mukesh Bihari Pathak, Superintendent, Customs (Preventive), Jodhpur
   15. Sh Arghya Bhattacharya, Senior Intelligence Officer, DRI, KZU, Kolkata
   16. Sh Devanand P. Dhawa, Suprintendent, Customs (Preventive), Jamnagar
   17. Sh Upendra Kumar Vashishtha, Inspector (Examiner) DGHRD, New Delhi

 

Officers from other Government Agencies:

 

1. Sh S B Singh, Deputy Director General, National Informatics Centre, New Delhi
2. Sh Navin Kumar Vidyarthi, Indian Statistical Service, Director, TRU, CBIC, New Delhi

 

Recipient from Private Sector:

 

1. Sh. P.S. Atree, M/s P.S. Atree & Company Pvt. Ltd., Customs Broker, New Delhi.

 

****

The Government of India has announced the Sale (re-issue) of (i) ‘6.17 per cent  Government Stock, 2021’  for a notified amount of Rs 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (ii) ‘7.27 per cent  Government Stock, 2026’  for a notified amount of  Rs 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (iii) ‘6.45 per cent  Government Stock, 2029’  for a notified amount of Rs 5,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (iv)‘7.62 per cent  Government Stock, 2039’  for a notified amount of  Rs 1,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, and (v) ‘7.63 per cent  Government Stock, 2059’  for a notified amount of Rs 4,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction. Subject to the limit of Rs 14,000 crore, being total notified amount, GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs 1,000 crore each against anyone or more of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on January 31, 2020 (Friday).

Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.

Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on January 31, 2020. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon and the competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and
12.30 p.m.

The result of the auctions will be announced on January 31, 2020 (Friday) and payment by successful bidders will be on February 03, 2020 (Monday).

The Stocks will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.

****

RM/KMN

A Ceremonial Parade of the Southern Naval Command (SNC) was held at the Station Parade Ground, Venduruthy inside Naval Base, Kochi to commemorate the Nation’s 71st Republic Day. The parade was reviewed by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, PVSM,AVSM, NM, VSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Southern Naval Command (SNC) and comprised 24 platoons, including six armed platoons. The President’s Colour awarded to the Southern Naval Command was also paraded on the occasion, accompanied by a 50 men Guard of Honour. Prior arriving on Parade, the Commander-in-Chief paid floral tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the War Memorial. All naval ships in harbour at Kochi were also ‘Dressed Overall’, with various signal flags displayed from their masthead to both stem and stern (throughout from forward to aft) to mark the festive occasion.

The Parade was commanded by Commander SS Bose. The Parade was accompanied by the SNC band playing stirring martial music. The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, while addressing the parade, spoke of the significance of the Republic Day for the Nation and the role of armed forces in nation building. He stressed on the fact that the security situation in and around our country remains uncertain and with our adversaries making constant endeavours to undermine our integrity and development, maintaining the operational readiness of our ships and aircraft is of paramount importance.

The award of distinguished service medals to 04 officers of the Southern Naval Command by the President of India was also announced by the Government on the occasion of Republic day, which included Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) to Vice Admiral AK Chawla, FOC-in-C (South) Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) to Rear Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Commandant of Indian Naval Academy (INA), at Ezhimala, Commodore Ajith V Kumar, Chief Controller of Aeronautical Quality Assurance and Commodore RR Ayyar, Group Commander NCC, Ernakulam.

 

On the occasion of Republic Day, a Ceremonial Parade was held at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) parade ground at INS Circars today, 26 January 19. Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain PVSM, AVSM, VSM Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC took the salute and inspected a 50 men Armed Guard and later reviewed the platoons comprising of naval personnel drawn from all ships, submarines and establishments, Defence Security Corps and Sea Cadets Corps(SCC). Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Chief of Staff, ENC, was the Conducting Officer of the Parade and Cdr Abhishek Yadav was the Parade Commander. In addition to service personnel and their families, the spectators included a large number of veterans and parents of SCC cadets.

The Commander-in-Chief greeted all present on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day and complimented the men on parade on their immaculate turnout and outstanding drill. Speaking of the occasion, Vice Admiral Jain reminded everyone that on this day in 1950, India became the Sovereign Republic by adopting the Indian Constitution and how the framers of the Constitution, headed by Dr Balasaheb Ambedkar, drew from the best practices from across the world and give us the best Constitution in the world. He brought out that whilst we are well aware of our fundamental rights, it is equally important to know our Fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution that we must abide by. He called upon all to discharge these Fundamental Duties in safeguarding national interests. He further highlighted the restrictions in the fundamental rights imposed on armed forces personnel ensure discipline and efficient discharge of their duties.

Complementing the units of ENC for maintaining a high tempo of operations meeting all challenges on the Eastern Seaboard and displaying outstanding professionalism during the Mission-Based Deployment, Vice Adm Jain reminded the men and women on parade of the fragile security situation in the region and urged all present to never let their guard down, adding that there should be no compromise on security. He also underscored the importance of physical security and information security adding that security is every individual’s primary responsibility.

As part of the Republic Day celebrations, all naval ships at Visakhapatnam were also ‘dressed overall’ with various signal flags displayed from their main mast to the front and rear flag poles.

 

*********

 

On the occasion of Republic Day, a Ceremonial Parade was held at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) parade ground at INS Circars today, 26 January 19. Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain PVSM, AVSM, VSM Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC took the salute and inspected a 50 men Armed Guard and later reviewed the platoons comprising of naval personnel drawn from all ships, submarines and establishments, Defence Security Corps and Sea Cadets Corps(SCC). Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Chief of Staff, ENC, was the Conducting Officer of the Parade and Cdr Abhishek Yadav was the Parade Commander. In addition to service personnel and their families, the spectators included a large number of veterans and parents of SCC cadets.

The Commander-in-Chief greeted all present on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day and complimented the men on parade on their immaculate turnout and outstanding drill. Speaking of the occasion, Vice Admiral Jain reminded everyone that on this day in 1950, India became the Sovereign Republic by adopting the Indian Constitution and how the framers of the Constitution, headed by Dr Balasaheb Ambedkar, drew from the best practices from across the world and give us the best Constitution in the world. He brought out that whilst we are well aware of our fundamental rights, it is equally important to know our Fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution that we must abide by. He called upon all to discharge these Fundamental Duties in safeguarding national interests. He further highlighted the restrictions in the fundamental rights imposed on armed forces personnel ensure discipline and efficient discharge of their duties.

Complementing the units of ENC for maintaining a high tempo of operations meeting all challenges on the Eastern Seaboard and displaying outstanding professionalism during the Mission-Based Deployment, Vice Adm Jain reminded the men and women on parade of the fragile security situation in the region and urged all present to never let their guard down, adding that there should be no compromise on security. He also underscored the importance of physical security and information security adding that security is every individual’s primary responsibility.

As part of the Republic Day celebrations, all naval ships at Visakhapatnam were also ‘dressed overall’ with various signal flags displayed from their main mast to the front and rear flag poles.

 

*********

 

The number of companies registered for participating in the 11^thedition of the biennial mega defence exhibition, DefExpo 2020, to be held at Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow between February 5-9, 2020; has reached 1,000. In the DefExpo 2018, held in Chennai, 702 companies had participated. Thus, it has become by far the biggest ever DefExpo to be held in India.

The number of participatingforeign companies has also increased to 165 from the previous figure of 160.

The booked exhibition space by exhibitors for DefExpo 2020 has gone up by 60 per cent to over 42,800 square metres, compared to around 26,774 during the last edition. Defence Ministers and Service Chiefs of 35 countries have confirmed their participation for the DefExpo. A substantial number of Memoranda of Undertaking (MoUs) are expected to be inked during the Expo, resulting in forging of new business collaborations.

The theme of the Expo is ‘India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub’. The aim is to bring the leading technologies in the defence sector under one roof and provide a myriad of opportunities for the government,private manufactures and startups. The event will cover the entire spectrum of the country’s aerospace, defence and security interests.

The sub theme of the exhibition is ‘Digital Transformation of Defence’ which aligns with the concept of the future battlefield. Manufacturing for the aerospace and defence sector through application of newer technologies will also be focused upon. In addition to exhibiting products and technologies and live demonstrations by the Services, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and industry will showcase the land, naval, air and internal security systems. The ‘India Pavilion’ will exclusively showcase the jointness between the public and private sector, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)/Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and innovation eco-system, which is the key to the way forward.

There will be a sizeable Uttar Pradesh Pavilion at the DefExpo venue. Apart from displaying industrial prowess and huge potential for the investors, the UP government will organise several cultural programmes showcasing rich cultural heritage of the northern state. A unique experience for the visitors is planned at the Tent City, which is being especially erected at the venue.

The Central government has set up Defence Industrial Corridor in Uttar Pradesh with identification of six nodes. A Defence Planning Committee has also been formed. In this regard, the Government of UP has planned to build a defence manufacturing corridor along with the proposed Bundelkhand Expressway which will help in making India self-reliant in the field of defence production. The DefExpo will play the role of a catalyst in attracting not only investments but also cutting-edge technologies to the region.

The DefExpo 2020 is expected to see participation from over 70 countries and will be in line with the biggest of the international defence exhibitions. The show will be marked with numerous attractions such as:

• Live demonstrations of the services, DPSUs and industry showing the land, naval, air and internal security systems in action.  Live demonstration will be held at two locations viz. one at the exhibition site and the other at the Gomati river front. There will be no damage to the environment during the Gomati River Front display.
• Business seminars are being organised by both international and Indian Industry chambers viz. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), SYNERGIA, Directorate of Standardisation (DOS)/Department of Defence Production (DDP), US-India Business Council (USIBC), US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), etc. The seminar topics are futuristic and include discussions on artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things (IoTs), drones, wired warrior, etc.

For this exposition, technology has been used as an enabler and for the first time the DefExpo app was released by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on December 27, 2019 which is available on Apple App Store and Android Play Store. The main features of the app are to ‘inform, engage and feedback’. It provides detailed information about the day-to-day events; participating exhibitors; DPSUs, guest speakers of seminars/webinars; publications i.e., electronic brochures and e-books; maps and directions of the venues and city weather.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the preparations of DefExpo 2020 with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on January 5, 2020. Raksha Mantri also released a teaser film during the review meeting and the same are being aired at different platforms to provide an introduction of DefExpo in the run up to the event.

Detailed information about DefExpo 2020 is available at www.defexpo.gov.in.

ABB/SS/Nampi/DK/Savvy/MTJ/ADA

Government eMarketplace (GeM), under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Government of Uttar Pradesh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a GeM Organizational Transformation Team (GOTT) Project Management Unit (PMU) in the State.

The MoU aims to expedite the harmonization of the procurement guidelines of the two entities and integration of systems, enabling seamless procuring experience. The PMU to be setup under the MoU will make it easier for MSMEs of U.P. to onboard and transact on GeM. Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has advised Ministries and Departments of Central and State Governments to consider services of GOTT on an outcome based self-sustenance model. GOTT will assist the buyer agency to redesign the procurement processes and enhance competencies to derive maximum benefit from the online marketplace.

The MoU was signed by CEO, GeM, Talleen Kumar and Principal Secretary, Department of MSME and Export Promotion, Navneet Sehgal on 25th January 2020. Cabinet Minister, Siddarth Nath Singh and Minister of State, Government of Uttar Pradesh, UdayBhan Singh were also present on this occasion.

The Government of Uttar Pradesh is the second State after Punjab to establish a GOTT-PMU for effectively utilizing this transformational initiative towards inclusive, efficient and transparent procurement. Among the CPSEs, SAIL has already signed MoU for setting up a PMU. Many other states and CPSEs are in the process of setting up GOTT-PMUs.

 

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The visit of the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, is a sign of the growing importance of the India – Brazil bilateral partnership said Union Minister of Commerce and Industry & Railways, Piyush Goyal, during his address at the inaugural session of the India-Brazil Business Forum held in New Delhi today.

He hoped that as Brazil is one of the most important trading partners of India in the entire LAC (Latin America and Caribbean) region trade between the two countries will grow to USD 15 billion by 2022.

The 15 MoUs signed during the visit of the President of Brazil shows the power of democracy, demography, leadership, the talent pool available in India, India’s market and the aspirations of one billion Indian citizens for a better life said the Commerce and Industry Minister. The MoUs of cooperation that have been signed during the presidential visit on investments, trade facilitation, social security, agriculture, defence and double taxation makes this the most productive visit by a Brazilian Head of State.

Commerce and Industry Minister hoped that investments will also grow in the sectors of clean energy, startups, railways and creation of value chains between India and Brazil where goods may be semi assembled in one country and finished in another. Piyush Goyal informed that the entire Indian Railway will be fully electrified by 2024 and by 2030 the railway network in India will run completely on clean energy with zero emission.

Commerce and Industry Minister welcomed the announcement made during the visit of President of Brazil to India for visa free travel between the two countries. He added that visitors for business and tourism between two countries will benefit greatly from this.

Commerce and Industry Minister also urged that the India – Brazil Business Leader’s Forum may be activated and reconstituted to make it more relevant and contemporary to businesses in both countries.

Commerce and Industry Minister hoped that India’s services in wellness sector like Yoga and Ayurveda will further grow as Brazil has a strong community of Yoga and Ayurveda practitioners. Brazil has an association of Ayurveda (ABRA), a nonprofit association with offices in 9 states of Brazil and members all over Brazil and the third International Congress on Ayurveda was held from 12 to 15 March 2018 in Rio de Janeiro. The conference saw participation of more than 4000 delegates, including many from India.

India and Brazil share close relationship at the bilateral level as well as plurilateral fora like BRICS, BASIC, G-20, IBSA, International Solar Alliance and in larger multilateral bodies like UN, UNESCO and WIPO stated Commerce and Industry Minister. He further said that the decade long bilateral strategic partnership is based on a common global vision shared democratic values and a commitment to foster economic growth with social inclusion for the welfare of the people of both countries.

 

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Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Minister of State(I/C), Ministry of Civil Aviation in a Press Conference today informed that the newly constituted Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism (AISAM), headed by Hon’ble Home Minister and comprising of Union Ministers of Commerce & Industry, Finance & Corporate Affairs and Civil Aviation, as members, has approved the release of the Preliminary Information Memorandum (PIM) for inviting Expression of Interest (EOI) from the Interested Bidders (IBs) for Strategic Disinvestment of Air India.  He informed that the Government has released the PIM for seeking EOI for strategic disinvestment of Air India.

Addressing the Media, Shri Puri informed that Air India along with Air India Express has 146 aircraft in its fleet, 82 of which are owned by it; have worldwide bilateral rights and spread over domestic as well as international slots and added that   During 2018-19, both Air India and Air India Express carried around 26.2 million passengers.  Air India and Air India Express have average aircraft age of 8 years which is among the youngest fleet.   27 Boeing-787 with Air India are as young as 5 years and 27 Airbus-320 Neo (CFM engines) are as young as 2 years.  Air India and Air India Express have almost 51% share of the international traffic to/from India among Indian carriers and 18 % share including global carriers (ex-India).

Pointing out that Air India has coverage of 98 destinations with 56 domestic and 42 international destinations, Shri Puri informed that Air India offers 75 additional destinations through its secondary network of code share operations.  Air India and Air India Express have a combined revenue of Rs.30,632 crore in 2018-19, which is the highest among Indian carriers.  Air India + Air India Express employee cost as % of revenue is about 11% which is comparable to Indian carriers and much lower to International carriers.  AISATS provides in-house ground handling facilities at key metro airports – Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore.  Even after infusion of about Rs.30,500 crore as per Turn Around Plan since 2012, Air India has been running into losses year after year.  Due to its accumulated debt of about Rs.60,000 crore, its financial position is in a very fragile condition.

 

A few of the key decisive parameters in the current PIM include:

• Transfer of management control and sale of 100% shares of Air India along with Air India’s 100% stake in its subsidiary, Air India Express Limited and 50% stake in joint venture, AISATS.
• Freezing of Debt in Air India at Rs.23,286.5 crore which is approximately equivalent to the Written Down Value (WDV) of combined assets of Air India and Air India Express.
• The liabilities to be retained in Air India will be equal to certain current and non-current assets. Considering the combined figures as on March 31, 2019 the liabilities retained would be Rs 8771.5 crore.
• The remaining debt and liabilities of Air India and Air India Express will be allocated to SPV (Air India Assets Holding Limited).
• The contingent liabilities related to statutory dues and Government dues will be indemnified by Government.
• The contingent liabilities due to retired employees will be clarified at the RFP stage.
• Corporate guarantees given by Air India on behalf of Alliance Air will not be passed to new investor.
• Land and buildings at Delhi, Mumbai airports and Corporate Office which are core assets for running the airline will be given to new investor on right to use basis for a limited period.
• Government has committed to pay certain employees’ related dues before closing of transaction.
• The bidding structure on forming the Consortium has been eased as compared to last round of bidding.
• The financial capability of prospective investors has also been made more attractive such as lowering of Net Worth criteria to Rs. 3,500 crore, and Net Worth qualification of investor based on strength of its Affiliate.
• Individual member must have at least 10% share in the consortium i.e. a net worth or ACI of Rs.350 crore. The scheduled Indian commercial operator(s), however, with zero or a negative net worth are eligible to be a member of the consortium provided they have shareholding of <=51%.
• The Air India with new investor will continue using the ‘Air India’ brand.

 

Employees related issues

5. The total employee strength of the two companies is 17,984, out of which 9617 are permanent employees. Approx 36% of the permanent employee will be retiring in next 5 years.
6. AISATS has 11958 contractual employees and 399 employees are deployed from Air India and other subsidiary.
7. Employees’ dues of about Rs.1383.70 crore on account of Justice Dharmadhikari Commission’s recommendation on past arrears will be paid by the Air India Assets Holding Limited (AIAHL) – the SPV before closing of the proposed transaction.
8. Provision for Rs.207.63 crore towards wage arrears accruable to employees working on Narrow Body fleet has been made in the books of account of Air India. The treatment of this liability may be provided at RFP stage.
9. 3% of equity shares of Air India to be offered to the permanent employees of Air India as ESOP.

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