Month: February 2020

MERIT Microenterprise Program

Have a business idea, but don’t know where to start?

You’ve been thinking about starting a business and you’d really like to work for yourself. You want more control over your work hours and environment and you’d like your work to fit into your life.
The problem is you’re not sure if your idea makes sense or if it will work.
If you haven’t done this before, you have nothing to compare it to. You may know people who think your idea is amazing. You might know others who think you’re crazy to start a business right now. You’re just not sure what to do next.

Wouldn’t it be nice if someone could tell you exactly how to proceed?

What you need to do is take the focus off of your business idea and focus on you. You may not yet have enough information to just jump in and go. However, information and resources are readily available that will help you make a great decision. You don’t need to feel so unprepared or anxious.

We can help.

We can help you figure out if your idea will work. In fact, we’ve helped over 500 people decide if starting a business was right for them. Many of them are in business today because they gained confidence in themselves and their business idea. They also took advantage of the tools and information that MERIT provides.

Would you like to know more?

MERIT provides you with practical steps to start a successful business.
The first step is to read more about the MERIT program and see if it’s right for you by going to MERIT’s website and watching the online orientation. To go to MERIT’s website, click here.
For more information, contact –
Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry
Small Business Development Center
626 High Street NE, Suite 210
Salem, OR 97301
503.399.5088
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Making the Leap from Working Professional to Pre-Med Student

If this is what “brave” is, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Being “brave” means feeling scared. However, it’s what many people have called me over the past several months as I’ve shared my ambitious (crazy?) plan to transform from a communications professional into a medical doctor.

Why I’m Planning on Going to Med School

No longer satisfied with living vicariously through the lives of my clinical friends and coworkers, who I have had the privilege to work alongside at the UVM Medical Center for the past eight years, I finally gathered up my courage and applied to UVM’s Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program (nope, they don’t let English majors just walk into medical school). For the next two-ish years, I’ll take all those science courses I dodged the first time around in college—trying to maintain a stellar GPA while juggling my husband and kids and multiple jobs.
I also need to gain valuable patient care experience, and feel very fortunate to have landed a position in non-invasive cardiology as a cardiology technician. I’ve learned to perform 12-lead ECGs (though I sometimes get tangled in the leads) and have been trained to assist with stress tests (think treadmill tests).

Feeling Right at Home

It has been so gratifying to care for patients for the first time in my life. Frankly, I’m humbled every time I walk into an inpatient room and enter the lives of people at their most vulnerable. I’ve been stunned by the kindness and patience of many patients, who are often in pain, as they tolerate me learning the ropes.
I’ve also come to appreciate the warmth and candor of all the employees I’m meeting for the first time—RNs, technicians, LNAs, respiratory therapists, unit secretaries, schedulers, and so many more. This hospital is supported by a cadre of wonderful, talented people that I am pleased to call my colleagues.
If the next step—physics, chemistry, biology is as gratifying as this one has been, I can’t wait to get started.
-Kim O’Leary lives in Essex and is a student in the UVM Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program.

How to Network and Sell in a Social Setting

Photo: Flickr
By Dawn McGinnis
What is it about person-to-person networking that can be so infuriating?  Everything I read says that mingling at business-related events will lead to more business opportunities.
Unfortunately, many of these events are filled with salespeople just like me.  The ritual seldom varies: when I tell them about my company they say “give me your business card and I’ll pass it along to the right person.”  Raise your hand if you have heard this, too, and have dutifully given your card.  Is your experience like mine? When I follow up with the right person they have no idea who I am or why I am contacting them, which can be an embarrassing way to begin with a prospective client.
When I am looking to grow my business I go where the decision-makers are.

Changing the Approach on How to Network

I had almost totally given up on networking when I decided to try a different tack.  Instead of going to events that I knew would be filled with other salespeople (I’m looking at you Chamber of Commerce, Anytown, USA), I now focus on opportunities to get in front of the ultimate decision makers: C-level managers and business owners.  Instead of rolling in when the room is nearly full, I am now often one of the first people there.  This gives me a chance to look at name tags (if they are laid out) so I can see who will be attending, and, as those people arrive I will be ready to engage.
I don’t eat or drink when I am working because I think it is sloppy to ask for an executive’s consideration holding a plate of food or offering a hand that’s greasy from eating chicken wings.

Making an Impression with Decision-Makers

When I have their attention, I introduce myself and ask them something specific to their industry, why they are at the event, or make other conversation in a business vein.  From my telephone calls with people with “C” in their title, I know that they don’t want to talk about how they are today and what they think about this hot/rainy/cold (fill-in-the blank) weather.
Once I feel that they are focused on me, I give a very short description of what our company does.  I don’t use sales phrases like “we have a proven track record of success in your industry” or “our clients rave about how much money we save them.”  I simply describe what we do and then ask if I can call them to talk further.  Usually they are surprised by this direct approach and often say yes or, at the very least, give me the name of another person to call.  I don’t ask probing questions or try to qualify them.  Because I have done my homework ahead of time I have already decided that their business is a potential fit.
If I call someone they referred to me I introduce myself by saying “I saw George at the business event earlier this week and he said that you are the person I need to call.”  If you doubt the potential of this approach I’d like to boast for a moment:  my company has a great contract with a company that started with me walking up to the owner at a business holiday party.
In the beginning I was terrified to approach business executives and pose this direct question.  What I have found is that they appreciate how I am mindful of their time and don’t talk their ear off.  If they agree to take my call I send a followup email the next day suggesting times in the next two weeks.  Sometimes they use this as an opportunity to disengage from the process, and that’s OK because the next time I see them I will ask if the timing is better for a conversation.  Surprisingly, I am able to schedule a call with them more often than not.
Now that you know my secrets you must be curious about where to engage with decision-makers.  Business journals around the country sponsor events throughout the year that are perfect for this approach. Best Places to Work, 40 under 40 and Business Growth Awards are some examples.  Also, look for local awards events based around a person or concept.  For example, in Vermont, our Businesses for Social Responsibility (a great organization that focuses on people, planet, and profit) gives an annual award to the person who exemplifies a strong commitment to the environment and workplace.  Look around your community for events that typically attract business owners and managers, and prepare for short, meaningful conversations.
I will always enjoy attending a variety of networking events because I love a party.  But when I am looking to grow my business, I go where the decision-makers are

Shri Arjun Munda inaugurates the function to celebrate “16th foundation of day of NCST”

Shri Arjun Munda, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs inaugurated the function to celebrate “16th Foundation of Day of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)” organised by National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) here today. He delivered keynote address on the occasion. Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs was the Guest of Honour. Shri Nand Kumar Sai, Chairman, NCST and members of the Commission and many dignitaries were present.

Shri Arjun Munda presented awards for exemplary service towards Scheduled Tribes in the country to (i) CPSU – Western Coalfields Ltd. Nagpur (Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mehra, CMD received the award) and (ii) Individual (Shri Ajay Kumar Jaiswal, Secretary, ASHA, Ranchi received the award).

Delivering keynote address, Shri Arjun Munda said that the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was set up with effect from 19th February, 2004 by amending Article 338 and by inserting a new article 338A  in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th Amendment Act, 2003 which inter-alia enjoins upon the Commission to oversee the implementation of various safeguards provided to Scheduled  Tribes under the Constitution or under any other law for time being in force or under any other order to the Govt. and to evaluate the working of such safeguards.

Shri Munda said that the Commission has been constituted with a great purpose to take care of STs in our country. He opined that there should be a Data Bank of Tribal lands all over the country, NCST should have an Independent Research Team for proper research work. Also, the Commission should have a proper Data Management System. He assured the full support and cooperation of Ministry of Tribal Affairs in strengthening NCST.

Shri Nand Kumar Sai, in his address dwelt upon the many activities and programmes of NCST for the welfare of STs in our country.

Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta said that that former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee created a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs in year 1999 and later on separate National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was created on 19th February, 2004. She said that many States have State Commission for STs but many States do not have such Commission for STs. All States should have Commission for STs. She said that the tribal people have contributed a lot in our freedom struggle and nation building.

The Commission comprise a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and three full time members (including one lady member). The term of office Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Members of NCST is three years from the date of assumption of charge. The Chairperson has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Ministries, the Vice Chairperson have the rank of a Minister of State and other Members have the rank of a Secretary to the Government of  India.

Constitution of India under Clause (5) of Article 338A has assigned the following duties and functions to the Commission:

  1. To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Schedule Tribes under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any order of the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards.
  2. To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Tribes.
  3. To participate and advice in the planning process of socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State.
  4. To present to the President, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, report upon the working of those safeguards.
  5. To make in such reports, recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or any State for effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes.
  6. To discharge such other function in relation to the protection, welfare and development and advancement of the Scheduled Tribes as the President may subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament by rule specify.

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How to Improve Project Management and Create a Better Process

Paul Dandurand is a big believer in process. The Burlington-based, start-up entrepreneur is CEO and founder of PieMatrix and creator of Pie, a visual project management software platform. He says a lack of process at many organizations leads to reduced productivity, failed projects, and disengaged employees.
We talked to Paul about project management, the pitfalls of lists, and keeping employees motivated through process improvement.

Process seems to be a lost art in today’s multi-tasking, fragmented workforce. When it comes to project management, why do you think process is something not done more effectively?

I see two reasons why many are missing a process mindset. One is a traditional focus on budget and time. When asked, the majority will say a quality end-result is critical, but upper management is more financially driven than quality driven, at least for the short term. Second, people who plan projects are more or less schedulers. They don’t think about how the process is done. It’s easier to think about who’s doing the what than the how. In these two cases, organizations end up running projects from task lists created from scratch or from a copy of something done in the past. In either way, it’s just a list of stuff with assignments, dates, and progress.

Why is process so important?

Eighty percent of what you’re doing at work is process based. We do repeatable work all the time, which naturally lends better for process. For example, let’s say an education department has a project to create courses for the new semester. Guess what? The approach is most likely the same each year. It’s a project, but the methodology is always repetitive. That’s the process part. A process is a set of repetitive ways to get something done really well, over and over. A good process leads to a good project done on time, on budget, and with happy results.

What happens to process when there is turnover at a company or organization?

Often when people leave, their knowledge goes out the door with them. It can be detrimental if the knowledge is not previously captured and available at your fingertips to execute in real time. Also, whether or not the process knowledge stays behind, we should still be open to improvement when a new person comes into the organization with new insight. The key to process is that it should be flexible and sustainable.

What do you think are some of the biggest pitfalls in project management?

The Standish Group CHAOS survey is a good place to look at the biggest pitfalls. It’s one of the most recognized and extensive project management surveys of large organizations. Their top reasons for failures are lack of executive support, weak behaviors on how people work together, poor user involvement when gathering information, business improvement effectiveness is lacking, and just not enough skilled and experienced people since the good ones get promoted or retire.
I love the CHAOS reports since they really show the seriousness of failures. I have a three-part blog series talking about why 70 percent of your projects fail and what to do about it.

What are some habits professionals need to have in order to be successful at project management?

When I think of a project manager, I think of someone who is a good team leader, a problem solver, and always thinking about getting quality results. It’s also someone who is engaging the team to be creative with how to improve the process for next time, and very diligent with following up by looking at what people are doing and asking questions.

What are some warning signs that an organization needs help with project management?

Too many crises, especially repeated ones. Disengaged people, missing targets, and lousy end results.

How can leaders and managers use process to help engage and motivate employees?

There needs to be a culture change to focus on process and process improvement. I would also suggest a focus on gathering ideas from employees and talking about lessons learned, and then figuring out how to incorporate those ideas and lessons. It’s also helpful to encourage employees by giving them recognition when they contribute ideas, help others, and ask for help.

How does process benefit employees and productivity?

A process helps you understand interdependencies, how work is grouped, and how to make it more efficient. A good process provides a way to draw on and improve from lessons learned. A process tends to engage the teams much more than a task list. It helps us think creatively about what we learned and how to make it better the next time around. I think the world would become a better place is everyone spent extra time thinking about how to incrementally improve something every day
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Gadkari Witnesses High Efficiency Logistic Vehicles in Gothenburg, Sweden

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari visited the Swedish Logistics Automotive manufacturer ‘Volvo’ in Gothenburg, Sweden today. The Minister saw high-efficiency logistics vehicles (road-trains), LNG trucks, electric trucks, etc. Volvo is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks, construction equipment, buses and heavy-duty diesel engines as well as a leading supplier of marine and industrial engines. The Minister was accompanied by Ambassador of Sweden in India Mr Klas Molin.

The Minister in in Sweden these days, to represent India at the “3rd High Level Global Conference on Road Safety for Achieving Global Goals 2030” being held in Stockholm during 19th and 20th of February, 2020. The objective of the two-day conference is to bring road safety on the global agenda and renew the world community’s commitment to safer roads. Leaders from participating countries will draw up a road-map for reaching the United Nation’s goal set under the UN Decade of Action of reducing road crashes by 2030.

During his stay in Stockholm, Shri Gadkari will have bilateral dialogue with his Swedish Minister for Infrastructure Tomas Eneroth, Minister for Foreign Trade Anna Hallberg, Minister for Business, Industry & Innovation Ibrahim Baylan and also with the British Minister for Road Safety Baroness Vere. Shri Gadkari will also hold talks with the World Bank Vice President (South Asia) Hart Schafer. Also on Gadkari’s itinerary will be a Sweden-India Transportation Safety and Innovation Partnership meeting to be attended a number of CEOs. Swedish and Indian businesses are likely to exchange several MOUs on this occasions.

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MS/

Indian Navy Reviews Refit of Ships and Submarines and Infrastructure Buildup

Indian Navy’s Annual Refit Conference (ARC) and Annual Infrastructure Conference (AIC) commenced at Headquarters Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam on 18 Feb 20. The two-day conference chaired by Vice Admiral GS Pabby PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Materiel (COM), Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence(Navy) is being attended by all the stakeholders representing the Naval Headquarters, three Naval Commands, the Tri-Services Andaman & Nicobar Command at Port Blair, Dockyards, Repair Yards and Material Organisations of the Navy.  The delegates will deliberate upon refit plans for all ships and submarines of the Indian Navy and formulate plans for infrastructure augmentation to meet the growing requirements of the Indian Navy.

Delivering the inaugural address, Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC welcomed the delegates and appreciated the dedicated efforts being put in by one and all in ensuring combat availability of Naval platforms. Role of the Naval Repair Yards towards the sustained operation of platforms at sea was lauded.

The Chief of Materiel (COM), during his address, complimented the forum for ensuring quality refits of ships and submarines, with a focus on the safety of personnel and material. During the course of the conference, technical and logistics aspects concerning refits were deliberated at length with a special emphasis on enhanced efficiency/ capability of sea-going units. He also urged all concerned to focus on greater indigenisation in keeping with the spirit of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The Annual Infrastructure Conference will be held on 19 Feb 20 to review progress towards modernisation and augmentation of repair and refitting infrastructure in order to maintain the lethal edge of combat assets of the Indian Navy.

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Indian Navy Reviews Refit of Ships and Submarines and Infrastructure Buildup

Indian Navy’s Annual Refit Conference (ARC) and Annual Infrastructure Conference (AIC) commenced at Headquarters Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam on 18 Feb 20. The two-day conference chaired by Vice Admiral GS Pabby PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Materiel (COM), Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence(Navy) is being attended by all the stakeholders representing the Naval Headquarters, three Naval Commands, the Tri-Services Andaman & Nicobar Command at Port Blair, Dockyards, Repair Yards and Material Organisations of the Navy.  The delegates will deliberate upon refit plans for all ships and submarines of the Indian Navy and formulate plans for infrastructure augmentation to meet the growing requirements of the Indian Navy.

Delivering the inaugural address, Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC welcomed the delegates and appreciated the dedicated efforts being put in by one and all in ensuring combat availability of Naval platforms. Role of the Naval Repair Yards towards the sustained operation of platforms at sea was lauded.

The Chief of Materiel (COM), during his address, complimented the forum for ensuring quality refits of ships and submarines, with a focus on the safety of personnel and material. During the course of the conference, technical and logistics aspects concerning refits were deliberated at length with a special emphasis on enhanced efficiency/ capability of sea-going units. He also urged all concerned to focus on greater indigenisation in keeping with the spirit of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The Annual Infrastructure Conference will be held on 19 Feb 20 to review progress towards modernisation and augmentation of repair and refitting infrastructure in order to maintain the lethal edge of combat assets of the Indian Navy.

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PM pays tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, on his Jayanti today.

Prime Minister said, “Bowing to one of the greatest sons of Mother India, the embodiment of courage, compassion and good governance, the exceptional Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti. His life continues to motivate millions.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj made a mark as a valorous warrior and an outstanding administrator. From building a strong navy to ushering several pro-people policies, he was outstanding in all spheres. He will always be remembered for his opposition to injustice and intimidation”.

 

Narendra Modi

✔@narendramodi

महान छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज यांच्या जयंती दिनी त्यांना नमन!

Bowing to one of the greatest sons of Mother India, the embodiment of courage, compassion and good governance, the exceptional Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti. His life continues to motivate millions.

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Narendra Modi

✔@narendramodi

 · 

महान छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज यांच्या जयंती दिनी त्यांना नमन!

Bowing to one of the greatest sons of Mother India, the embodiment of courage, compassion and good governance, the exceptional Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti. His life continues to motivate millions.

View image on Twitter

Narendra Modi

✔@narendramodi

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj made a mark as a valorous warrior and an outstanding administrator. From building a strong navy to ushering several pro-people policies, he was outstanding in all spheres. He will always be remembered for his opposition to injustice and intimidation.

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VRRK/KP

KALA KUMBH – Handicrafts Exhibitions for promotion of GI Crafts

With an objective to promote Geographical Indication (GI) crafts and heritage of India the Ministry of Textiles is organising Kala Kumbh – Handicrafts Thematic Exhibition in various parts of the country through the Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). The exhibitions are planned in various major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The exhibitions sponsored by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) started on 14th February, 2020 and will continue till 23rd February 2020 at Bengaluru and Mumbai and will also be organized in Kolkata and Chennai in March 2020.

The GI tag is used on handicrafts which correspond to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country). As on August 2019, 178 GI handicraft products were registered from all over India. The artisans are the backbone of Indian handicraft sector and possess inherent skill, technical and traditional craftsmanship.

During the 10 day exhibitions, the visitors will be able to see a wide variety of handicrafts with their friends and family and by buying these handicrafts they can directly contribute in the improvement of the livelihood of these artisans and also create awareness of the rich heritage of the country.

In Bengaluru exhibition, GI crafts like Mysore rosewood inlay, Channapatna lacquerware, Dharwad kasuti embroidery, Kolhapur chappal, Bidriware, Molakalmur handblock printing, Ananthapur leather puppet, Thrissur screwpine, Vishakapatna lacquerware, Sandur lambani embroidery, Jodhpur terracota, Jaipur handprinted textile, bronze casting, Medinipur mat weaving, Birbhum artistic leather and Khurdah palm leaf engraving are being displayed.

In Mumbai exhibition GI crafts like Chittoor kalamkari painting, Thrissur screwpine crafts, Pokharan terracotta crafts, Kutch embroidery & crochet crafts, Pingla patachitra, Birbhum kantha embroidery, Jajpur photachitra painting, Madhubani Mithila painting, Kolhapur chappal, Palghar Worli painting, Kondagaon wrought iron craft, Agate stone crafts and Krishna handblock printing are being displayed.

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Photo by julie aagaard on Pexels.com

Clarification about the Discussions and Decisions taken in the meeting of National Statistical Commission

A section of the media reported about the discussions and decisions taken in the meeting of the National Statistical Commission (NSC) on 15 Jan 2020.  It is clarified that in the meetings of NSC, the concerned Divisions make a presentation on the agenda items and after elaborate discussions, decisions are taken.  These decisions are unanimous after due deliberation and are in line with the Code of Professional Ethics notified by the Government.  It is further clarified that the NSC is a recommending body that helps the national statistical system in evolving better strategies to improve the functioning of the system.  It is unfortunate that the report has sought to portray a difference of opinion in the decision making of the Commission whereas the decisions were unanimous. Such coverage by the media is inappropriate, to stay the least, and the Commission unequivocally condemns it.  The Commission is conscious about the initiatives being taken for improving the data quality in the statistical products and processes and works closely with the statistical agencies in the central and state government to ensure its implementation.

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VRRK/AK

District Skill Committees to work closely with the Center to drive demand-driven skill development initiatives

  • Role of States to increase substantially in skill development activities
  • Discussion on developing an action plan for better implementation of skilling initiatives and for creating employment opportunities for India’s youth
  • Short Term Training courses to be introduced in ITIs in with due consultation from the State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs)
  • Promoting Self Employment and Entrepreneurship for overall economic growth and innovation

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organized a day long consultative workshop here today, with representatives from States and Union Territories, to review skill development across geographies and segments and to seek their valuable suggestions on streamlining the upcoming initiatives. The key thrust of the workshop was to increase the participation of the District Committees for better coordination of the skill efforts in each district and to achieve the broader objectives of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of making India the skill capital of the world.

During the workshop, Vision 2025 was also discussed which lays out the key focus areas and ready-to-implement roadmap for promoting Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in country.

The aim for organizing today’s workshop was to unlock the true potential of the youth by making skills aspirational and building sustainable livelihood pathways for them. The State and Union Territory representatives shared their regional perspective on the various aspects of the Skill India Mission including Apprenticeship, Long Term Skilling; Sankalp and Strive initiatives; Entrepreneurship; Short Term Skilling and the next stage of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), PMKVY 3.0 and the related challenges and opportunities.

The center proposed that the District Skill Committees (DSCs) should be further empowered with substantial fund allocation to ensure stringent monitoring and evaluation of skill training under the next phase of PMKVY.

Towards this, MSDE has recently introduced the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF), an initiative designed and implemented by IIM Bangalore in collaboration with State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs), where fellows will be posted in district for 2 years working closely with the district administration to create specific State Skill Development Plans. Relevant local and state level programs will also receive additional funding under the SANKALP scheme of MSDE, beyond the already allocated state incentive grants.

The workshop also deliberated on integration of skill development in the plans of Gram Panchayats ensuring last mile connectivity.

Urging the states to increase scale and standards of skill development, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said, “Our endeavor is to move away from the low skill equilibrium and contribute towards economic growth and wealth creation through skill development and entrepreneurship. This will eventually lead to increased employment prospects for the youth of the nation. The success of Skill India is dependent on the increased participation of the States and the District committees to drive demand-driven skill development in market relevant courses and prepare our youth to be industry ready.”

“There should consistent research and analysis on skill gaps at a local level, so that our strategies match the demand of the market and the aspiration of the youth. We should enable industry surveys to enable outcome-based skilling,” said Shri R K Singh, Minister of State (IC) Power and New & Renewable Energy, MoS in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

MSDE assured its support to States in keeping pace with the industry best practices by enabling upgradation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and encouraging more participation from industry giants. Initially, MSDE will focus on the top 500 ITIs, on the basis of the grading of these institutes, and will also determine surplus existing capacity for Short Term Training in ITIs. MSDE has also identified 100 industrial clusters for improved and broadening Apprenticeship training. Out of these, agreements have already been signed with eleven clusters.

To promote entrepreneurship in the country, the Ministry proposed entrepreneurship development unit in each State which will be anchored with State Skilling Mission. It also proposed developing mentorship and handholding of existing and new entrepreneurs, through district entrepreneurship incubation lab in existing skilling institutions.

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Gadkari Visits Safety Equipments Manufacturer and Winesses The E-Highway Test-Bed Demonstration Site in Sweden

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari visited the Swedish Automotive Safety Supplier ‘Autoliv’ in Stockholm today. The Minister presented a copy of the Report on ‘Road Safety in India’ to company representative, and took note of the recent products and innovations of the company. Autoliv is the world’s largest automotive safety equipment supplier, with sales to all major car manufacturers in the world.

Road safety is a major concern in India. The country has committed to safety, efficiency and sustainability in the transport sector. The problem of safety is also linked to social equity in India. With a large population of pedestrians, cyclists and motorised two-wheelers competing for space on roads, the road safety needs for these vulnerable sections has to be kept in mind while designing and developing transport strategies.

 

The Minister later visited E-highway Test-bed Demonstration site in Sweden. Government of India has already announced E-highways. During the visit, he was informed about the recent technological developments in the sector achieved by Sweden.

The Minister in in Sweden these days, to represent India at the “3rd High Level Global Conference on Road Safety for Achieving Global Goals 2030” being held in Stockholm during 19th and 20th of February, 2020. The objective of the two-day conference is to bring road safety on the global agenda and renew the world community’s commitment to safer roads. Leaders from participating countries will draw up a road-map for reaching the United Nation’s goal set under the UN Decade of Action of reducing road crashes by 2030.

During his stay in Stockholm, Shri Gadkari will have bilateral dialogue with his Swedish Minister for Infrastructure Tomas Eneroth, Minister for Foreign Trade Anna Hallberg, Minister for Business, Industry & Innovation Ibrahim Baylan and also with the British Minister for Road Safety Baroness Vere. Shri Gadkari will also hold talks with the World Bank Vice President (South Asia) Hart Schafer. Also on Gadkari’s itinerary will be a Sweden-India Transportation Safety and Innovation Partnership meeting to be attended a number of CEOs. Swedish and Indian businesses are likely to exchange several MOUs on this occasions.

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Central Government employees selected for appointment

s and Pensioners’ Welfare to address the longstanding demand of Central Government employees whose recruitment was finalized before 01/01/2004 but who had, for various reasons, joined the services on or after 01/01/2004. However, he noted that the last date to exercise this option would be 31/05/2020, and those who fail to exercise the option by this stipulated date would continue to be covered by the National Pension System.

The Central Government by this order has rectified a long standing grievance of a huge number of employees whose recruitment (including written examination, interview and declaration of result) had been finalized on or before 01.01.2004 (which was the cut-off date for employees to be covered under the old Pension scheme) but whose joining was delayed on account of administrative reasons and such delay was beyond the control of such Government servants.

This order of the Government of India is expected to give relief to several Central Government employees, some of whom were knocking the doors of the Courts in order to get covered under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 and will also substantially bring down the litigation on this subject matter.

A few illustrations where the selection was finalized before 01.01.2004 but actual joining took place on or after 01.01.2004 are as under:

  1. The result for recruitment was declared before 01.01.2004 but the offer of appointment and actual joining of the Government servant was delayed on account of police verification, medical examination etc.;
  2. Some of the candidates selected through a common selection process were issued offers of appointments and were also appointed before 01.01.2004 whereas the offers of appointments to other selected candidates were issued on or after 1.1.2004 due to administrative reasons/constraints including pending Court/CAT cases.
  3. Candidates selected before 01.01.2004 through a common competitive examination were allocated to different Departments/organization. While recruitment process was completed by some Department(s)/organizations on or before 31.12.2003 in respect of one or more candidates, the offers of appointment to the candidates allocated to the other Departments /Organization were issued on or after 01.01.2004.
  4. Offers of appointment to selected candidates were made before 01.01.2004 with a direction to join on or after 01.01.2004.
  5. Offers of appointment were issued to selected candidates before 01.01.2004, and many/most candidates joined service before 01.01.2004. However, some candidate(s) were allowed extension of joining time and they joined service on or after 01.01.2004. However, their seniority was either unaffected or was depressed in the same batch or to a subsequent batch, the result for which subsequent batch was declared before 01.01.2004.
  6. The result for recruitment was declared before 01.01.2004 but one or more candidates were declared disqualified on the grounds of medical fitness or verification of character and antecedents, caste or income certificates. Subsequently, on review, they were found fit for appointment and were issued offers of appointment on or after 01.01.2004.

In all the above illustrative cases, since the result for recruitment was declared before 01.01.2004, denial of the benefit of pension under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 to the affected Government servants is not considered justified.s

It has been decided that in all cases where the results for recruitment were declared before 01.01.2004 against vacancies occurring on or before 31.12.2003, the candidates declared successful for recruitment shall be eligible for coverage under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

Accordingly, such Government servants who were declared successful for recruitment in the results declared on or before 31.12.2003 against vacancies occurring before 01.01.2004 and are covered under the National Pension System on joining service on or after 01.01.2004, may be given a one-time option to be covered under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. This option may be exercised by the concerned Government servants latest by 31.05.2020.

Those Government servants who are eligible to exercise option in accordance with para-4 above, but who do not exercise this option by the stipulated date, shall continue to be covered by the National Pension System and the option once exercised shall be final.

The matter regarding coverage under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 based on the option exercised by the Government servant shall be placed before the appointing authority for consideration in accordance with these instructions. In case the Government servant fulfils the conditions for coverage under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, in accordance with these instructions, necessary order in this regard shall be issued latest by 30th September, 2020. The NPS account of such Government servants shall, consequently, be closed w.e.f. 01st November, 2020.

The Government servants who exercise option to switch over to the pension scheme under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972, shall be required to subscribe to the General Provident Fund (GPF).

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VG/VM/HS