Day: January 1, 2022

A Resolution On Priority

7 Tips to Make Sure You Actually Keep Your New Year's Resolution This Time | Inc.com

As we are moving ahead to a new and better year, we all have made some kind of decisions or resolutions to make our lives better, more progressive, and more successful. Some people have made decisions regarding their physical health betterment. However, how many of us have been making resolutions or decisions to make ourselves better internally and mentally? The numbers are few and it is growing slowly which I am really happy and glad about. Therefore, my article today is going to be about how it is time for us to look after ourselves not just physically but, also emotionally and mentally. It is important to do this because we have no idea how 2022 is going to pan out for all of us. This year the pandemic is teaching us something important which is, putting aside our industrialized and mechanized world and starting caring for ourselves. Before I start a quote by Jack Kornfield, where he says, “If your compassion does not include yourself then it is incomplete”  

The importance of prioritizing oneself.

There have always been constant assumptions that if one prioritizes them then are arrogant and selfish. This is not true in all cases. It is important to look after one emotionally and mentally as if they do of themselves physically. Let me ask you this question if you are physically incapable of doing things will you take a rest and get better by seeking medications and other help or will you just go about it until it gets worse? I am sure most of you will take a rest and relax until you feel better. Then why does no one do the same when they are mentally and emotionally not in the state to do something? People must start asking these questions to themselves and attempt to do things better for themselves internally. Self-care, self –preservation, and self-indulgence do not make an individual evil, bad, selfish, arrogant, or anything else that they are put in association with. When an individual prioritizes, one then they not only makes themselves better but they also make the society and environment a better place to live for others as well.

When an individual spends time with himself or herself they understand how they can make themselves better to deal and cope with things, it helps them work on their strength and weaknesses, helps them deal with issues and problems, not just the ones they are facing outside but even the ones internally as well. These are just some of them that have been put here but there are many more things that happen during the process.  When one learns to prioritize themselves, they become more confident, strong, powerful, trustworthy, etc with themselves, which is such an important to have as human beings. One of the most important things is when we prioritize ourselves, we see ourselves as human beings and not machines. We learn to be understanding, easy, and compassionate to ourselves just like how we are with others.

The reason I am specifying more on emotional and mental health is that even though we are getting progressive and developing we tend not to give enough importance to our mental and emotional health. Yes, with changing years, things are getting better but we can still do more. We often seem to acknowledge our physical health and problems whether they are big or small however, we do not do the same kind of acknowledgment to our mental and emotional health. There are various reasons for it such as cultural or ethnicity bias, societal taboo, fear, and so many more things that play a role in the way we see things. It is time we get over these and start prioritizing and bettering ourselves positively before it is too late. 

An Important Priority during the Pandemic

As we are moving to 2022 and the Pandemic is coming along with us, it becomes even more important for us to look after our overall health of ourselves. The pandemic is somewhere responsible for us to create more importance and awareness towards better mental health. During the pandemic, we all were confiding into four walls. It is during that time that we realized that time how important it is to take a break from our hectic scheduled life and give some time of relaxation ourselves. This was the time when people realized that things can be overwhelming for everybody and it does not make anyone weak. We realized that anyone can have mental problems and it is not bad to have one and seclude them away from society. The taboo of mental health problems and emotional problems has been reducing over the past years because the problems are increasing and people can come over the myths and disbelief that they are holding mental health and that is thanks to information, awareness, and openness to experience change. Prioritizing things that we like and love has been one of the most important things in the lockdown. It could be the simplest thing as cleaning your house, cupboard, or rearranging your clothes, etc, or more intense such as getting back to things one is passionate about such as painting, singing, drawing, etc. It could even be just relaxing oneself and binge-watching shows. Whatever one does it should make them feel better and relaxing. The pandemic has been responsible for really sad, disheartening, and big scars in our lives, which will never leave us, but it has also taught us some important lessons of life, which we should never forget.

My article is not going to be long and it is not going to tell everybody what he or she should do to prioritize themselves. Rather what I am going to tell them is that they should make a point to put it on their resolution list or just a reminder into their daily lives so that we can make this world and ourselves a better place and people to live. We must realize that money, power, success is not the only things that keep our world running and moving ahead. It is also kindness, generosity, compassion, trust that are responsible for keeping this world and people ahead towards a brighter future. To conclude with a beautiful quote by Mandy Hale where she says, “It is not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It is necessary”

References

  1. Google Image and Searches

Rural tele-density jumps from 44% in March 2014 to 59% in 2021

 Increase in Telephone Subscription:

  • Total telephone connections rose to 118.9 crore in September 2021 from 93 crore in March 2014, with a growth of 28 % in the said period. The number of mobile connections reached to 1165.97 million in September 2021. The tele-density which was 75.23% in March 2014 has reached 86.89% in September 2021.
  • Urban telephone connections rose to 66 crores in September 2021 from 55 crore in March 2014, a growth of 20% while the growth in rural telephone connections was 40%, which is double of urban increase, rising from 38 crore in March 2014 to 53 crores in September  2021. The rural tele-density jumped from 44% in March 2014 to 59% in September 2021.

 

Jump in Internet and broadband penetration: 

· Internet connections jumped from 25.15 crore in March 2014 to 83.37 crore in June 2021, registering a growth of 231%.

· Broadband connections rose from 6.1 crore in March 2014 to 79 crores in June 2021, growing by about 1200%.

· Average revenue realization per subscriber per GB wireless data reduced to Rs. 9.8 in June 2021 from Rs. 268.97 in December 2014, a reduction of more than  96%.

· Average monthly data consumption per wireless data subscriber increased by 22605% to 14 GB in June 2021 from 61.66 MB in March 2014.

 

 Growth in BTS and Towers: 

· The number of Mobile Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) increased from 8 lakh in 2014 to 23 lakhs in 2021 growing by 187 %.

· The number of mobile towers increased from 4 lakh in 2014 to 6.6 lakh in 2021 growing by 65%.

 

Increase in FDI:

  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in telecom sector rose by around 150% between 2014-2021 from Rs. 62,386 Crore in 2002 to 2014 to Rs. 1,55,353 crore during 2014-2021.

 

(B) TELECOM REFORMS 

(i) Telecom Reforms announced on 15.9.2021: 

In view of the telecom industry facing financial stress and challenges on issues like liquidity, rationalization of levies, Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) and spectrum pricing, the Government has approved a number of structural and process reforms in the Telecom sector:

(a) Structural Reforms

1.         Rationalization of AGR:  Non-telecom revenue will be excluded on prospective basis from the definition of AGR.

2.         Bank Guarantees (BGs) rationalized: Huge reduction in BG requirements (80%) against License Fee (LF) and other similar levies. No requirements for multiple BGs in different Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) regions in the country. Instead, one BG will be enough.

3.         Interest rates rationalized/ Penalties removed: From 1st October, 2021, delayed payments of License Fee (LF)/Spectrum Usage Charge (SUC) will attract interest rate of SBI’s MCLR plus 2% instead of MCLR plus 4%; interest compounded annually instead of monthly; penalty and interest on penalty removed.

4.         For Auctions held henceforth, no BGs will be required to secure instalment payments. Industry has matured and the past practice of BG is no longer required. 

5.         Spectrum Tenure: In future Auctions, tenure of spectrum increased from 20 to 30 years.

6.         Surrender of spectrum will be permitted after 10 years for spectrum acquired in the future auctions.

7.         No Spectrum Usage Charge (SUC) for spectrum acquired in future spectrum auctions.

8.         Spectrum sharing encouraged- additional SUC of 0.5% for spectrum sharing removed.

9.         To encourage investment, 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under automatic route permitted in Telecom Sector. All safeguards will apply.

(b) Procedural Reforms

10.       Auction calendar fixed – Spectrum auctions to be normally held in the last quarter of every financial year.

11.       Ease of doing business promoted – cumbersome requirement of licenses under 1953 Customs Notification for wireless equipment removed. Replaced with self-declaration.

12.       Know Your Customers (KYC) reforms: Self-KYC (App based) permitted. E-KYC rate revised to only One Rupee. Shifting from Prepaid to Post-paid and vice-versa will not require fresh KYC.

13.       Paper Customer Acquisition Forms (CAF) will be replaced by digital storage of data. Nearly 300-400 crore paper CAFs lying in various warehouses of TSPs will not be required. Warehouse audit of CAF will not be required.

14.       Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation (SACFA) clearance for telecom towers eased. DOT will accept data on a portal based on self-declaration basis. Portals of other Agencies (such as Civil Aviation) will be linked with DOT Portal.

(c) Addressing Liquidity requirements of Telecom Service Providers

The Government approved the following for all the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs):

15.       Moratorium/Deferment of up to four years in annual payments of dues arising out of the AGR judgement, with however, by protecting the Net Present Value (NPV) of the due amounts being protected.

16.       Moratorium/Deferment on due payments of spectrum purchased in past auctions (excluding the auction of 2021) for up to four years with NPV protected at the interest rate stipulated in the respective auctions.

17.       Option to the TSPs to pay the interest amount arising due to the said deferment of payment by way of equity.

18.       At the option of the Government, to convert the due amount pertaining to the said deferred payment by way of equity at the end of the Moratorium/Deferment period.

 

C. PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES

(i) Service delivery in villages through BharatNet – Progress in 2021:        

 

· The flagship BharatNet project is being implemented in a phased manner to provide broadband connectivity to all the Gram Panchayats (approx. 2.6 lakh GPs) in the country. The Phase-I has been completed in December 2017 covering over 1 lakh GPs.

· In 2021 (01.1.2021 to 31.10.2021), a total number of 17,232 GPs have been made Service Ready of which 16,344 GPs are on Optical Fiber Cable and 888 GPs are on satellite media.  

· As on 01.11.2021, out of the remaining Gram Panchayats to be connected under BharatNet Phase-II, a total of 1,79,247 GPs have been connected by laying 5,52,514 km Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), out of which 1,61,870 GPs are Service Ready. 

· In addition, 4218 GPs have been connected over satellite media taking the number of total Service Ready GPs to 1,66,088. 

· The scope of BharatNet has now been extended to reach all villages in the country in accordance with the announcement made by  the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 15th August 2020. 

· On 30.06.2021, Government accorded approval for a revised strategy for implementation of BharatNet through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in 16 States of the country covering about 3.61 lakh villages (including 1.37 lakh GPs). 

 

(ii) Installation of mobile towers in LWE affected areas: In order to provide mobile connectivity in the areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), the Government has installed mobile towers at 2343 locations under Phase- I of this project and these towers are providing mobile services. Under Phase-II of this project, the Government has approved installation of 2542 towers for providing 4G mobile services and the project is under implementation. 

 

(iii) 210 out of 354  Uncovered Villages  covered with mobile services: In order to provide connectivity in villages in border areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Karnataka and West Bengal, the Government has accorded to connect 354 villages. As of October 2021, around 210 villages have been covered with mobile services.

 

(iv) 4G based Mobile service in 502 uncovered villages under Aspirational District Scheme: In order to boost telecom infrastructure in Aspirational Districts of four states namely Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan, the Government has accorded to provide 4G based Mobile service in 502 uncovered villages and the project is under implementation. 

 

The Government in November 2021 has further accorded to provide 4G based Mobile service in 7287 uncovered villages of Aspirational Districts of 5 States namely Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Odisha. 

 

(v) 1,358 towers installed under Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP) for the North-Eastern Region: Government has drawn up a plan to provide Mobile connectivity in the uncovered villages and along National Highways of Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh in North East region. The projects are under implementation and as of October 2021, a total of 1,358 towers have been installed, covering 1246 villages and 283 National Highway sites.  

 

(vi)  Submarine Optical Fiber Cable Connectivity Laid under Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for Islands :

Andaman & Nicobar Islands: The undersea 2,313 km optic fiber-based telecom connectivity between Chennai and Andaman & Nicobar Islands was inaugurated in August 2020. 

Lakshadweep islands: Government has approved a proposal for provision of submarine Optical Fiber Cable Connectivity by laying approximately 1891km of submarine cable between Kochi and Lakshadweep Islands. The project is under implementation and targeted to be implemented by May 2023. 

 

(vii) Launch of Satellite-based broadband connectivity for Lakshadweep Islands: Minister of State for Communications and Administrator to Union Territory of Lakshadweep launched and dedicated to the nation the high capacity satellite-based connectivity for Lakshadweep for providing broadband services on 14.08.2021. Under this Satellite project, the bandwidth has been enhanced from 318 Mbps to 1.71 Gbps for Lakshadweep Islands. For Agathi, Androth, Minicoy & Kavaratti Islands, the bandwidth has been enhanced by 200 Mbps, whereas for Amini, Chetlat, Kalpeni, Kadmath, Kiltan & Bitra Islands, the bandwidth has been enhanced by 100 Mbps. 

(viii) 50000 Access points deployed under PM-WANI: The Government on 09.12.2020 approved the proposal to proliferate broadband through Public Wi-Fi Networks under the framework of Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI).  It is expected that with Public Wi-Fi Broadband, the user experience and Quality of Service for Broadband will be improved significantly. This service will be especially useful in rural areas where Public Wi-Fi Hotspots are also being created under BharatNet. Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Hotspots will lead to increased employment for small and micro entrepreneurs, and provide them with an additional source of income. 

 

Under the PM-WANI framework, online registrations of PDOAs and App providers began on 07.01.2021. As on 23.11.2021, a total of 125 PDOAs and 63 App Providers have been registered by DoT and more than 50000 Access points have been deployed under PM-WANI.

 

(ix) New Guidelines for Other Service Providers (OSPs):  The Department has issued New Guidelines for OSPs on 05.11.2020 and then the Revised Guidelines for OSPs dated 23.06.2021 to further simplify and liberalize the Terms & Conditions for registration of OSPs. It is expected that the New guidelines for OSPs will make the Indian IT/ITeS Industry more competitive in the Global market and further boost the Industry. Under the new guidelines, (i) no registration certificate or bank guarantee required from OSPs, 

(ii)  Work from anywhere (WFA) in India is permitted 

(iii) Sharing of infrastructure between domestic OSP and International OSP is permitted etc.

 

(x) Online licensing for use of Spectrum: This initiative has been launched on 29.06.2021 to facilitate online licensing for use of Spectrum to conduct Experiments, Demonstrations and for Testing Requirements. The scope of existing Saral Sanchar Portal of DoT, on which applications for Access Services, Internet Services, Internet Services and other licenses are being received, has accordingly been expanded to cover this initiative and to make the approval process faceless, transparent and time bound.

 

(xi) Liberalisation of Unified License and Commercial VSAT CUG license

The Unified License and Commercial VSAT CUG license regime have been liberalized by permitting:

  1. Backhaul connectivity through satellite using VSAT to Access Service providers for Cellular mobile services and Wi. Fi hotspots.
  2. Sharing of VSAT hub for both Commercial VSAT CUG Service and BLD Service
  3. Sharing of active and passive infrastructure under any service authorization for providing other authorized services to the same license.
  4. Sharing of gateway hub for HTS satellites, managed and operated by the satellite provider itself, with the satellite bandwidth seeker.

 

D. HARNESSING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

 

(i) High Throughput Satellites (HTS): HTS have the capability of delivering significantly enhanced data rate as compared to conventional satellites. The deployment of HTS in coming times will be instrumental in providing abundant capacity and connectivity to unconnected or sparsely connected regions. Department has issued notifications on 23.09.2021 and 27.09.2021 which will enable framework for sharing of HTS gateway hubs. The data speed restrictions for different types of satellite-based telecom network deployments have been done away with, thereby enabling deployment of faster throughput networks. The relevant standard has been revised and in line with advancements in technology in this field and will help in realizing the Government’s broadband proliferation initiatives. 

 

(ii) Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite is an emerging satellite technology which offers low latency communication by virtue of low propagation delay. Such new technology satellites may supplement availability of requisite bandwidth that could be utilized for rendering broadband services alongwith voice communication in difficult terrain and far-flung areas bringing digital inclusion and digital empowerment at par with others to fulfil the vision of government. 

 

(iii) Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment: Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC), an attached office of this department, completed evaluation of products for determination of trusted sources on trusted Telecom Portal. This is in accordance with mandate under the National Security Directive for procurement of Telecommunication Equipment.

 

E. INDIA’s RANKING IN GLOBAL INDICES:

 

  1. India climbed 21 spots in Network Readiness Index 2021 (released on 2-12-2021), reached to 67th position : In an major improvement  India jumped 21 rank, from 88 in 2020 to 67th position in 2021,  in Network Readiness Index(NRI)  which was developed by World Economic Forum in 2002 and now published by  M/s Portulans Institute, Washington. India ranked 3rd among lower middle income countries and 12th among Asia & Pacific countries. The number of countries being evaluated is 130.

 

The report released on 02-12-2021 reveals that India not only improved its ranking but also improved NRI score from 41.57 in 2020 to 49.74 in 2021 i.e  20%. 

 

The report stated, “India is another strong economy in the region and made one of the most notable improvement in NRI 2021 by jumping 21 positions. The aggressive upward movement resulted from better country-wide performance in addition to the introduction to more relevant indicators to the NRI framework. India displayed significant progress across most pillars and sub-pillars, with the technology pillar (49th ) as it’s best dimension.…”

 

  1. India ranks among top 10 in ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2020 (release on 29.06.2021): DoT in consultation with concerned stakeholders of Cybersecurity (such as MeitY, NSCS, MHA etc.) had submitted a detailed and comprehensive response to ITU on this issue. As a result, India has jumped 37 places to be ranked 10th in Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2020 launched by ITU. India is the fourth among Asia-Pacific nations and the ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2020 rankings demonstrates the country’s success and commitment to cybersecurity. 

National Telecommunication Institute for Policy Research, Innovation & Training (NTIPRIT), launched a course on “National Security” on 17.05.2021 initially for DoT officers and will later be expanded to cover officials in other Government Department as well as the Private sector.

 

F. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Technology ownership is considered necessary to take lead in the global competitive market and also to make value addition in global supply chains with IPRs. The technology control also facilitates development and production of cost-effective communication network products and devices to bridge digital divide considering the large rural geographies in the country.  

 

Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative provides a big impetus to address current and future technology needs in telecom sector. The following initiatives are being driven in the next generation communication technologies including 5G, upcoming 6G, Quantum Communications etc.   

 

  1. 5G Test bed: The Indigenous 5G Test bed project funded by DoT has reached its final stages. The eight (8) implementing agencies viz IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IISC Bangalore, SAMEER and CEWiT have been working over a period of 36 months. Costing ~ Rs 224 Cr, the project is likely to be completed by 31st December’2021, paving the way for end-to-end testing of 5G User Equipments (UEs) and network equipment by 5G stakeholders developing 5G Products/Services/Usecases, including indigenous Start-ups, SMEs, Academia and Industry in the country. The indigenous 5G test bed, a visionary technology development project initiated in telecom space, will enable development, testing and proliferation of 5G technology system components, cross-sectoral usecases, besides setting up foundation for the development of “6G Technology landscape” in the country. 

 

  1. 5G Reference to TRAI and rollout: In September, 2021, a reference  has been sent to TRAI, seeking recommendations for the auction of spectrum identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)/ 5G with regard to reserve price , band plan, block size, quantum of spectrum to be auctioned and conditions of auctions in 526-698 MHZ,700 MHZ, 800 MHZ, 900 MHZ, 1800 MHZ, 2100 MHZ, 2300 MHZ, 2500 MHZ, 3300-3670 MHZ and 24.25-28.5 GHZ bands for 5G public as well as  private  5G networks, for meeting the spectrum requirements of captive 5G applications of the industry (Industry 4.0). Process of assignment of frequencies to TSPs would be initiated at the earliest possible.  

 

With regard to rollout of 5G services, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)- M/s Bharti Airtel, M/s Reliance Jio and M/s Vodafone Idea- have established 5G trials sites in Gurugram, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jamnagar, Ahmadabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Pune, Gandhi Nagar cities. These Metros and big cities would be the first places for launch of 5G services in the country, next year. 

 

  1. 6G Technology Innovation Group (TIG): A 6G Technology Innovation Group (TIG) is constituted by DoT with the objective to co-create and participate in the development of 6G technology ecosystem through increased participation in capability description, standards development at international standard setting bodies. This would be necessary to prepare India’s manufacturing and services ecosystem to capitalise on 6G opportunity. 6G TIG, comprises members from Government, Academia, Industry Associations and TSDSI (Telecom Standards Development Society of India). In its 1st meeting on 25.11.2021, TIG members presented the future technology needs in different sectors of economy to enhance India’s contribution in global value chain.  Taskforce are formed to make recommendations on aspects viz. Mapping of global 6G activities;  India’s competencies and potential pre-Standardization activities; Mission 6G program; Research views on IMT for 2030 and beyond; with regard to Networks , Devices, Spectrum, multi-disciplinary innovative solutions. 

 

  1. Quantum Communications (QC): C-DOT, the R&D arm of DoT, is currently working on Quantum communication systems.  Under the National Mission on Quantum technologies and Applications, the ETG (Empowered Technology Group) has identified C-DoT as the lead agency for Quantum Communications, one of the four components of the National Mission. The TSDSI has recently approved a Study Item to study the need for post-quantum-cryptography in 5G Network in various Industry Verticals and bring out various approaches to evolve a migration path towards security based on post-quantum-cryptography.

*****

Deep Ocean Mission- to explore and harness deep-oceanic resources and support Blue Economy Initiatives

 The year 2021 brought some unprecedented challenges for mankind amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Indian scientists and researchers came out with a number of remarkable achievements in the field of Earth Sciences and related sectors in year 2021. A few of many success stories of the hard work and relentless efforts of Indian scientists and researchers are listed below.

Major Success Stories of M/o Earth Sciences During 2021

  • The Deep Ocean Mission, India’s ambitious plan to explore and harness deep-oceanic resources and support the Blue Economy Initiatives of the Government of India with a budget of Rs 4077 crores was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on June 16, 2021. Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will be the nodal Ministry implementing this multi-institutional ambitious mission. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences and Ministry of Science & Technology launched the SAMUDRYAAN, Indian Manned Ocean Mission under Deep Ocean Mission on 05th November 2021.
  • The underwater mining system was deployed from ORV Sagar Nidhi and Seabed locomotion trials of the experimental undercarriage system of underwater mining system (Varaha-I and II) was successfully undertaken over a distance of 120m on water-saturated soft soil at 5270 m depth in the Central Indian Ocean (CIO) during March – April 2021.
  • Two gliders were deployed in the Bay of Bengal to monitor the deep ocean physical and biogeochemical parameters with special emphasis to understand the temporal and spatial variability of the Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ). Both the gliders after covering 5000 km distance are recovered and collected data was retrieved. 
  • An Earth System Science Data Portal (ESSDP) of MoES (https://incois.gov.in/essdp) was launched on 27 July 2021.  The ESSDP hosts about 1050 metadata records of data collected and maintained under different programs implemented by MoES over the years and link them to the respective data centres. It facilitates ease of search and discovery of various data-sets by different search criteria. ESSDP serve the increasing data-discovery needs of a wide range of users including research institutions, operational agencies, strategic users, academic community, industry, policy makers and the public. 
  • Accurate and timely prediction of tropical cyclones Tautkae, Yaas, Gulab and Shaheen combined with fieldwork by disaster management agencies, that helped save thousands of precious lives of countrymen.
  • There have been significant improvements in forecasting accuracy with respect to severe weather events including tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, fog, heat wave, cold wave, thunder storm. In general, there has been 20 to 40 percent improvement in forecast accuracy of severe weather events in recent five years (2016-2020) as compared to previous five years (2011-15).The annual average track forecast errors in 2021 have been 60 km, 93 km and 164 km respectively for 24, 48 and 72 hrs against the past five-year average error of 77, 117 and 159 km based on data of 2016-2020. 
  • To mitigate the casualties due to thunderstorm and associated severe weather phenomena, IMD issues three hourly nowcasts for severe weather including thunderstorm and associated weather phenomena for about 1084 stations and all districts in India on regular basis utilizing Radar and satellite data as well as ground based observations. These nowcasts are provided in real time to the users through the Website of India Meteorological Department. Additionally, in case of possibility of severe thunderstorms and associated severe weather phenomena, warnings are issued through SMS and e-mail to the Disaster Management authorities and mass media like All India Radio, TV and social media.
  • Three Doppler Weather Radars were commissioned at Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand and Kufri, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu.Eleven new District Agro-Meteorological Units (DAMUs) were established during the year taking the total of DAMUs to 199.
  • Atmospheric Research Testbed is an open field observatory spread over 100 acres of land (50 km northwest of Bhopal in Sehore District of Madhya Pradesh) for better understanding on the processes governing monsoon convection and land-atmosphere interactions over the core monsoon region using the state-of-the-art observational systems such as Radars, Wind Profilers, UAVs etc. This Atmospheric Research Testbed will be a unique facility in the Tropical region. A Dual-polarimetric C-band Doppler Weather Radar was commissioned in the above facility recently for detailed precipitation process studies in the core monsoon zone.
  • Under Lightning Location Network, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has established total 83 sensors across the country. With these installations, sensors have been placed in all the States and Union territories except Lakshadweep Islands
  • IITM has successfully developed indigenous Decision Support System (https://ews.tropmet.res.in/dss/) for advanced air quality management for Delhi NCR region. It was inauguratedby the Hon’ble Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on 18 October 2021.
  • The Data Assimilation (DA) system at National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), has been updated to assimilate more new satellite observations. A High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) system was also implemented to support nowcasting activities of IMD.
  • The High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model has been developed to generate forecasts for next 12 hours. The RADAR data is assimilated in HRRR model every 10-15 min over a 1-h period. The HRRR is hourly updated, cloud-resolving, convection-allowing atmospheric model, with horizontal resolution of 2km and provides reflectivity and rainfall forecast for next 12 hours. The HRRR model coversthe entire mainland of India viz. North-West Domain, East & North-East Domain and South Peninsular India domain and forecast products are updated after every two hours.
  • A Virtual Centre on Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML)/ Deep Learning (DL) is established at IITM Pune in order to expand the domain through multidisciplinary programs in the field of Earth System Sciences.
  • During the year, several advisories (88 nos.) on possible coral bleaching were provided s comprising of the locations of Hot Spots (HS) and Degree of Heating Weeks (DHWs) estimated using SST anomalies derived from satellite data on a bi-weekly basis.
  • A water quality buoy deployed by National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) in the coastal water off Puducherry at 10m depth (~1.5 km from the coast) was dedicated to the nation on 28.07.2021 by the Chief Minister of Puducherry. This is an automated water quality buoy fitted with sensors to monitor the variations in the water quality and productivity of the coastal waters. The real time water quality data will be disseminated through web-based forecasting system and a mobile app “clean coast” at every 20 minutes interval.
  • Under the Resource Exploration and Inventorization System (REIS) programme taxonomic studies of samples collected on-board FORV Sagar Sampada within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) yielded six new species of decapod crustaceans, one new species of polycheate and two species of deeps eels.
  • The Joint OMNI-RAMA Indian Ocean Data Portal developed by INCOIS jointly with NIOT and PMEL-NOAA was launched on 9 August 2021. It will showcase the large inventory of meteorological and oceanographic data sets with direct access for data display and delivery.
  • The Existing National Seismological Network has now been strengthened to 150 stations with the addition of 35 new seismic observatories to improve the operational capability to detect any earthquake of M:3.0 or above in most parts of the country
  • The seismic microzonation work of four cities, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Coimbatore and Mangalore, is at advanced stage of completion and work related to eight more cities (Patna, Meerut, Amritsar, Agra, Varanasi, Lucknow, Kanpur and Dhanbad) has been started and various Geophysical & Geotechnical surveys are in progress.
  • Under the Scientific Deep Drilling project in the Koyna Intraplate Seismic Zone, Maharashtra,the evidence of deep-water percolation in the Koyna Seismogenic Zone has been established withseveral damage zones being delineated between 2 and 3 km in the Koyna pilot borehole based on the physical and mechanical properties of the rock formations.  
  • Under the national network project, Submarine Ground Water Discharge (SGD), National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) has estimated SGD flux from three coastal catchments of southwest coastal zone of India through aquifer modelling technique. There are nine critical zones with a total shore length of 106.5 km, out of 640km surveyed, in the SW coastal zone having SGD signatures
  • The 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (40-ISEA) was launched from Murmugao, Goa in January 2021 with 43 Indian members on board expedition vessel MV Vasiliy Golovnin. The 41st Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica launched from National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa on November 15, 2021.
  • The 41st expedition has two major programs. The first program encompasses geological exploration of the Amery ice shelf at Bharati station. This will help explore the link between India and Antarctica in the past. The second program involves reconnaissance surveys and preparatory work for drilling of 500 meters of ice core near Maitri in collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey and the Norwegian Polar Institute. It will help in improving the understanding of Antarctic climate, westerly winds, sea-ice and greenhouse gases from a single climate archive for past 10,000 years. 
  • The International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean) established at INCOIS, Hyderabad a UNESCO Category 2 Centre, had trainees from 95 countriestill date. The online training mode due to the pandemic has enabled increased participation from Indian Ocean Rim countries in the training programmes. During January 2021 – November 2021, 9 training course and 3 webinars were conducted. A total of 1526 persons (Male: 904, Female: 622) were trained of which 906 are from India and 620 (Male: 386, Female: 234) from 58 other countries.
  • The Implementation Agreement on “Technical Cooperation in Development of the Research moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and prediction (RAMA) and the Ocean Moored buoy Network in the northern Indian ocean (OMNI) for Improving Weather and Monsoon Forecasts” was signed on 09 August 2021 in a virtual event. 
  • India and Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) towards promoting scientific and technical cooperation in marine science and ecology on 17th December 2021.
  • The innovative technologies developed by National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) on “Recombinant Ectoine Deep Sea Bacteria for Skin Care And Cosmetic Application” And Biosurfactant From Marine Bacteria For Environmental Cleanup And Waste Management To M/S. Cosmos Biotech LLP (CBLLP), Bengaluru, Karnataka and M/s ECO BUILDCORP PRIVATE LIMITED (EBPL), Bengaluru, Karnataka respectively through NRDC.
  • Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements.  This event is an embodiment of all that is progressive about India’s socio-cultural, political, and economic identity. The MoES iconic week celebrations began on October 18, 2021 and ended on October 24, 2021.To commemorate the monumental occasion, MoES and all its institutes hosted a set of activities for a resurgent, AtmaNirbhar Bharat.
  • The seventh edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF 2021) organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Science and Technology and Vijnana Bharati along with Government of Goa was held in Goa during 10-13, December 2021. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), MoES was the nodal agency for organizing the IISF 2021. The theme of IISF 2021 was ‘Celebrating Creativity in Science’. The festival had 12 programmes including the mega science and technology expo. About 25% of the delegates participated in physical mode and 75% delegates and experts participated through virtual platforms. Three Guinness World Records were set by students in IISF 2021. These records were for (i) most number of students assembling a model rocket kits simultaneously and launching it (ii) most number of students assembling rainwater harvesting kits online and at a single venue and (iii) most number of students attending a space exploration session and building a replica of the giant radio telescope dish antenna.

*****

DAIRY DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES

 1. Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

Breed Development:

The Livestock sector, besides contributing to the national economy, plays a key role in providing livelihoods to 80 million rural households. India is a global leader amongst dairying nations and produced 198.48 million tonnes of milk in the current year valued at more than Rs 8.32 lakh crore. However, productivity of Indian dairy animals is low as compared to most of the dairy countries in the world.  Due to low productivity farmers are not getting remunerative income from rearing of dairy animals. 

New Initiatives of the Department:

a)         Implementation of Rashtriya Gokul Mission from 2021-22 to 2025-26

In order to improve productivity and enhance milk production, thereby making dairying more remunerative to the farmers Rashtriya Gokul Mission for genetic upgradation  of bovine population and development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds has been   extended for implementation with an allocation of Rs 2400 crore over duration of 5 years.  Several new technologies have been accessible to the farmers at their doorstep under the Mission such as sex sorted semen, IVF technology, genomic selection etc. 

Focus of the implementation of the scheme has been shifted from creating cattle and buffalo breeding infrastructure in the States to bringing quality breeding services including artificial insemination services, IVF technology and sex sorted semen at farmer’s doorstep. The scheme also focuses on facilitating private entrepreneurship to improve access and affordability. 

With implementation of proposed programme milk production in the country will be increased from 198.4 million metric tonnes in 2019-20 to 300 million metric tonnes in 2024-2025.  8 crore farmers engaged in dairying will get direct benefit in the form of increased milk production on an average 1200 kg per animal per year.

New Components under Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

i)          Accelerated Breed Improvement programme: Under the component, IVF technology and artificial insemination with sex sorted semen is being leveraged to produce female calves female calves for the dairy farmers. IVF is important tool for genetic upgradation of bovine population at rapid rate, work which is done in 7 generations (21 years in case of cattle and buffaloes) can be done in 1 generation (3 years in case of cattle and buffalo) through IVF.  The technology has huge potential in enhancing farmers’ income through production of only female calves with genetic potential of producing 4000 kg of milk per lactation thus increasing farmers income by many fold. Under the Accelerated Breed Improvement programme 2 Lakh IVF pregnancies will be established in next five years. Subsidy at the rate of Rs 5000 per assured pregnancy will be made available to farmers. The programme has already been initiated in the country.

Sex sorted semen production has been introduced in the country for production of only female calves upto 90% accuracy.  Use sex sorted semen will be game changer not only enhancing milk production but also limiting stray cattle population. During the next five years 51 lakh pregnancies will be established and subsidy of Rs 750 or 50% of the cost of sorted semen on assured pregnancy is  available to farmers. 

ii)        Establishment of Breed Multiplication Farms: A major constraint for aspiring dairy farmers is the difficulty of procuring high quality heifers or milch animals from their local areas. To address this issue and to attract investment including entrepreneurship for the dairy sector,  and to simultaneously create the opportunity for developing a hub and spoke model of dairy farming where small and marginal dairy farmers can thrive with the help of a local hub of reliable dairy services, a subsidy of 50% (up to Rs 2 crores per farm) on capital cost (excluding land cost) is being provided to private entrepreneurs under this component for establishment of breed multiplication farms of minimum herd size of 200 heads of bovines. The entrepreneur will obtain bank finance for the remaining capital cost and sale high quality heifers, conceived through sorted sex semen/ IVF, to farmers in the region. 

Awards and new launches

a)         Gopal Ratna Award 2021

Gopal Ratna Award has been launched by the Department in 2021 and is one of the highest National Awards in the field of livestock and dairy sector. Objective of the award is to encourage all individual farmers, artificial insemination technicians nicians and Dairy cooperative societies working in this sector. Awards are conferred in three categories, namely (i) Best Dairy Farmer Rearing Indigenous Cattle/buffalo Breeds; (ii) Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) and  best Dairy Cooperative. Award consists of a Certificate of merit, a memento and following  cash amount in each category: Rs. 5,00,000/-(Rupee five lakh)  for 1st rank holder;  Rs. 3,00,000/- (Rupee three lakh )     to 2nd rank holder  and  Rs. 2,00,000/- (Rupee two lakh)  to 3rd rank holder. For the first time, applications were invited on self nomination basis through online application portal https://gopalratnaaward.qcin.org from 15.07.2021 to 15.10.2021. Total 4401 applications were received and were evaluated by the Department and 4 beast dairy farmers, 3 best AI technicians and 3 best dairy cooperatives in the country were felicitated on 26th November 2021.

b)        Launching of Breed Multiplication farm Portal

Breed Multiplication Farm Portal has been launched on 26th November 2021 to receive online application from interested private individuals/ Entrepreneurs, FPOs, SHGs, FCOs, JLGs, and Section 8 companies for breed multiplication farm.

c)         Launching of Dairy mark

Dairy mark has been launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 23rd December 2021, this unified logo is featuring the earlier respective logos BIS-ISI mark & NDDB-Quality Mark  and Kamadhenu Cow, for ‘Product–Food Safety Management System–Process’ certification under one umbrella. With the dairy mark our consumers will be ensured about the quality of milk and milk products and will be easy for milk producers/processor to obtain quality certification by applying online to BIS through portal. 

Ongoing Programmes

Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme: 

Nationwide AI Programme has been initiated in September 2019 and under the programme AI services delivered free of cost at farmers’ doorstep.  As on date 2.20 crore animals have been covered, 2.6 crores Artificial Insemination have been performed and 1.4 crores farmers benefitted under the programme.  Income of the participating farmers is expected to increase with the enhancement in productivity. During the next five years Nationwide AI programme will be extended to 15 crore breedable bovines benefitting 7.5 crore farmers.

Genomic selection:  

Advanced dairy nations are using DNA based selection called genomic selection for proving genetic merit of the bulls at birth against 6- 7 years taken in traditional method to prove genetic merit of the bulls. DNA chip for genomic selection has been developed, Indus chip and Buff chip by NDDB and Low density chip for cattle and buffalo by NBAGR. This chip has been converged with the chip developed by NBAGR for undertaking genomic selection of indigenous breeds. Cost of production of bulls will be reduced substantially.

e-GOPALA app: 

A comprehensive breed improvement marketplace and information portal for direct use of farmers in the form of the e-GOPALA app (Generation of Wealth through Productive Livestock) has been launched by Hon’ble PM on 10th September 2020.  e- Gopala app the digital platform is helping farmers in managing livestock including buying and selling of disease free germplasm in all forms (semen, embryos, etc); availability of quality breeding services (Artificial Insemination, veterinary first aid, vaccination, treatment etc) and guiding farmers for animal nutrition, treatment of animals using appropriate ayurvedic medicine/ethno veterinary medicine. 

Establishment of MAITRIs:

In order to meet the demand of AI technicians project has been sanctioned under Rashtriya Gokul Mission for induction of 90958 Multi Purpose AI technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs) as on date 11,000 MAITRIs have been trained and inducted. With the establishment of MAITRIs Artificial insemination coverage will be available at farmer’s doorstep.

2. DAIRY DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES:

1.)  National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) :-

The Department is implementing Central Sector Scheme- “National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)” across the country since Feb-2014 with an objective of creating/strengthening of infrastructure for Production of quality milk, Procurement, Processing and Marketing of Milk & Milk Products through State Implementing Agency (SIA) i.e State Cooperative Dairy Federation. 

The scheme has been restructured/realigned in July 2021. The restructured NPDD Scheme will be implemented from 2021-22 to 2025-26 with a budget allocation of Rs.1790 crore. The scheme the aims to enhance quality of milk and milk products and increase share of organised procurement, processing, value addition and marketing. This scheme has two (2) components:- 

(i)        The Component ‘A’ focuses towards creating/strengthening of infrastructure for quality milk testing equipment as well as primary chilling facilities for State Cooperative Dairy Federations/ District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union/SHG run private dairy/Milk Producer Companies/Farmer Producer Organisations. 

(ii)       The Component ‘B’ provides financial assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as per project agreement already signed with them. The central Government share in this project is proposed to be funded through NPDD (Component A). 

Progress/Achievements (Jan-Dec 2021):

12 new projects in 8 States were approved under NPDD scheme during January 2021 to December 2021 at a total outlay of Rs. 361.67 crore (Central Share Rs.236.94 crore). These projects primarily aims for creation of additional milk processing capacity of 60 thousand litres per day and strengthening of village level milk chilling, collection and testing infrastructure by installation of 788 bulk milk coolers (with a capacity of 2201.9 thousand litres), 5172 automatic milk collection units and 3921 electronic milk adulteration testing machines.

Physical achievements (January to December 2021)

S. No.

Parameter

Achievement

1

Milk Processing Capcity created (TLPD)

381

2

Incremental Daily Milk Procurement (TKgPD)

368.66

3

Dairy Cooperative Society organised/revived (Number)

1914

4

Farmer members enrolled (in lakh)

1.43

5

Bulk Milk Coolers installed (Number)

291

6

Automatic Milk Collection units installed (Number)

4251

7

Electronic Milk Adulteration Testing Machine installed (Number)

511

 

“Dairying through Cooperatives” Component B of National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) scheme

Cabinet  Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved restructuring of National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) under Central Sector Scheme (CSS) umbrella Scheme “Development Programmes” on 14.07.2021 as “Dairying through Cooperatives” Component B of National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) scheme.”Dairying through Cooperatives” Component B of National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) scheme has the aims to increase sales of milk and dairy products by increasing farmer’s access to organised market, upgrading dairy processing facilities and marketing infrastructure and enhancing the capacity of producer owned institutions, thereby contributing to increase in return to milk producers in the project area with an outlay of Rs.1568.28 crore including in the form of Loan of Rs.924.56 crore (JPY 14,978 million) by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), RS. 475.54 crore as Grant by Govt. of India and participating Institutes’ (PI)share of Rs.168.8 crore for the period of 5 year from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Eligible States are Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The scheme provides employment generation opportunities in the field of procurement, processing, marketing etc under the project area of the scheme.

2) Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) Scheme:-

Launched: 21st December 2017

Objectives: To modernize the milk processing & chilling plants including value addition

Scheme Outlay: Rs. 11,184 Cr; Total project outlay: Rs. 10,005 Crore (Loan: Rs. 8004 Crore, End Borrowers’ contribution: Rs. 2001 Crore); NDDB & NCDC Contribution: Rs. 12 Crore, Interest subvention (Government of India): Rs. 1167 Crore

Components of DIDF:

  • Milk processing, Chilling and Value added Products plants
  • Milk Chilling infrastructure
  • Electronic milk testing kit

New Components added in June 21

  • Cattle feed/ feed supplement plants
  • Milk transportation system (Refer van/insulated tankers etc)
  • Marketing infrastructure
  • Commodity and Cattle feed go-downs
  • ICT infrastructure
  • R&D (lab & equipment, innovations, product development etc)
  • Renewable energy infrastructure/ plants, trigen/ energy efficiency infrastructure
  • Pet bottle/packaging material manufacturing units for dairy purposes

End Implementing Agency (EIA): State Milk federation. District Milk Union, Multi-state dairy cooperative, Milk producer Companies, Subsidiaries of NDDB,

Newly Added EIA: Registered FPOs & SHGs.

 

Funding:

    • Interest subvention [DAHD to NABARD]: 2.5% (with effect from 11.09.2020), Any increase in cost of funds, shall be borne by the Eligible End Borrowers (EEB).
    • NABARD to keep the cost of borrowing to the minimum and ensure that interest subvention does not exceed 2.5%. NABARD will not charge more than 0.6% towards fund management cost.
    • Loan [NABARD to NDDB / NCDC]: At not more than 6% interest rate
    • Fund management and loan risk cost. : Not more than 0.5% by NDDB/NCDC
    • Loan [NDDB / NCDC to EEB]:
    • At present interest rate is ranging between 5.07%  to 5.36% as informed by NABARD
    • Direct funding by NDDB allowed in Dec, 2021. NDDB proposed effective rate 5.30%

Progress under DIDF:

Financial Progress (Jan-Dec 2021): 

During 2021, 8 projects from 4 states with total outlay of Rs 750.82 Cr with loan component of Rs 519.26 Crore have been sanctioned by NDDB and NCDC. Rs 101.91 Cr of laon has been disbursed.

On cumulative basis, as on 21.12.2021, under DIDF, 48 Projects from 13 States with a total outlay of Rs. 6216.15 Crore with a loan component of Rs. 4101.82 Crore have been sanctioned by NDDB and NCDC Further, Rs. 1256.68 Crore of loan has been disbursed. DAHD, GoI has released Rs. 54.59 Crore to NABARD as interest subvention.

Physical Progress: On cumulative basis, 45 LLPD Milk Processing Capacity, 113 BMCs with 3.54 LLPD capacity, 165 MTPD Drying capacity and 6.76 LLPD Value added Processing (VAP) capacity has been established. Around 23 thousand villages have been covered under the scheme

3) Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer organizations engaged in dairy activities” (SDC&FPO)

INTEREST SUBVENTION ON WORKING CAPITAL LOANS FOR DAIRY SECTOR

Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has introduced a new
component “interest subvention on Working capital loans for Dairy sector” as one of
the component under its scheme “Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer
Producer organizations engaged in dairy activities” (SDC&FPO). Under the interest
subvention component of SDCFPO scheme so far Rs 146.57 Cr has been provided as interest subvention amount against eligible total working capital loan amount of
Rs 10588.64 Cr for milk unions as on 13.12.2021.

KISAN CREDIT CARD (KCC) FOR ANIMAL HUSBANDRY & DAIRYING
FARMERS

A Special drive has been undertaken to provide concessional credit to Animal Husbandry & Dairying farmers through Kisan Credit Cards during 01.06.2020 to 31.12.2020. This has enabled such farmers to gain access to institutional credit at concessional interest rate for working capital expenditure. Under this drive 14.25 fresh KCC were issued to Animal Husbandry and Dairy Farmers.

In order to provide Kisan Credit Card facility to all eligible Animal Husbandry and Fishery Farmers, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in association with Department of Financial Services have launched a “Nationwide AHDF KCC Campaign from 15 th November 2021 to 15 th February 2022. During this Campaign, District Level KCC Camps are being organized in every week for on the spot scrutiny of applications. Under this campaign 50,454 KCC were sanctioned as on 17.12.2021.

3. Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP):

Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC) scheme and National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) are merged under Disease Control Programme renamed as Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC) Programme.

  1. National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

National Animal Disease Control Programme for control of Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis (NADCP) is a Central Sector Scheme, with an outlay of Rs 13,343 Cr for five years and was launched inSeptember 2019. The main aim of the Scheme is to control FMD and Brucellosis by 2025 with vaccination and eventual eradication of FMD. Also, the objective of the scheme is to vaccinate all Livestock including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig biannually against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and to vaccinate all Female Bovine Calves (4-8 months old) annually against Brucellosis.

The programme envisages 100% ear tagging of the eligible animal population and their registration on the INAPH (Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health portal), in order to enhance the traceability, monitoring and control of animal diseases. So far, approximately 21.93 crore cattle and buffaloes have been ear tagged; 16.91 crore cattle and buffaloes have been vaccinated in FMD round-1; 4.46 crore cattle and buffaloes have been vaccinated in the ongoing FMD round-2; and 0.27 crore female bovine calves (between 4-8 months of age) have been inoculated in the ongoing Brucellosis vaccination phase. 

  1. Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC) Scheme

The Livestock Health & Disease Control scheme with the aim of reducing risk to animal health by prophylactic vaccination against diseases of animals, capacity building of Veterinary services, disease surveillance and strengthening veterinary infrastructure. The major activities supported are: Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP) for eradication and control of two major diseases namely Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and classical swine fever (CSF); establishment and strengthening of mobile veterinary units (ESVHD); and Assistance to States for control of other economically important, exotic, emergent and zoonotic animal diseases (ASCAD). The funding pattern is 100% central assistance for the CADCP and the non-recurring components of ESVHD, and 60:40 between Central and State for the other components as well as for ASCAD, with 90:10 for hilly and NE States and 100% for UTs. 

Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) include both NADCP and LHDC, with budget allotment (BE Rs.1470.00 crore and RE Rs. 886.00 crore). Out of this Rs. 886 crore already Rs. 678.51 Crore have been released to the states/UTs under LH&DC during current financial year, including the sanction of MVUs to different states as per the action plan/proposal.

4. Various Developments /Achievements in AHS Division during 2020-21: –

  • There is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely “Livestock Census & Integrated Sample Survey Scheme” under the development programmes category with two components, (i) Livestock Census (LC) & (ii) Integrated Sample Survey (ISS). The main objective of Livestock Census is to provide information on livestock population, species-wise and breed-wise along with age, sex-composition etc. up to household level in rural and urban areas.

As per 20th Livestock Census report, the Total Livestock Population and total poultry in the country is 536.76 million and 851.81 respectively showing an increase of 4.8% and 16.8% respectively over Livestock Census-2012. 

  • Publication work of Breed-wise Report of Livestock and Poultry (based on 20th Livestock census) is at final stage and is going to be published soon.
  • On the other hand,Integrated Sample Survey(ISS) is an annual survey,main objective of ISS is to estimate of the production of milk, egg, meat and wool at National, State and district level. Activities of the survey were not digitised and compiled manually till 2020-21.In order to digitize all activities under ISS Survey the Division has developed a software, in collaboration with IASRI, consisting development of a web portal and an android application namely “eLISS” for collection of MLP data from Households. From 2021-22, the data are being collected through the android application only, so that data collected through Integrated Sample Survey can made available on time with ensured reliability.
  • The latest Publication of Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics-2020 is published in year 2020.

Estimate of MLPs for the year 2019-20

Product

Milk

(Million Tonnes)

Egg

(Billion Nos)

Meat

(Million Tonnes)

Wool

(Million Kg)

Production

198.4

114.38

8.60

36.76

Growth Rate (%)

5.69%

10.19%

5.98%

-9.05%

 

 

MV/MG                                                       *************

Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

 The fisheries sector has been recognized as a powerful income and employment generator as it stimulates growth of a number of subsidiary industries and is a source of cheap and nutritious food, at the same time it is an instrument of livelihood for a large section of economically backward population of the country. Fishery sector occupies an important place in the socio-economic development of the country. “Fisheries is a fast-growing sector in India, which provides nutrition and food security to a large population of the country besides providing income and employment to more than 28 million people.

Fisheries sector has been recognized as a ‘Sunrise Sector’ and has demonstrated an outstanding double-digit average annual growth of 10.87%since 2014-15. The sector has reached record fish production of 142 lakh tons in FY 2019-20 and has immense potential for growth. Moreover, it has been instrumental in sustaining the livelihoods of over 28 million people in India especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities and has contributed towards encourage socio-economic development. 

India is the second largest fish producing country in the world accounting for 7.56% of global production and contributing about 1.24% to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 7.28% to the agricultural GVA. Fisheries and aquaculture continue to be an important source of food, nutrition, income and livelihood to millions of people. Export earnings from the Fisheries sector has been Rs.46,662.85 crores during 2019-20. The sector provides livelihood support to about 280 lakh people at the primary level and almost twice the number along the value chain and the annual average growth rate in the Fisheries sector has been 7% over the last few years. Fish being an affordable and rich source of animal protein, is one of the healthiest options to mitigate hunger and nutrient deficiency. The sector has immense potential to double its exports, it is essential that sustained and focused attention is given to the fisheries sector through policy and financial support to accelerate its development in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner.

 

Schemes and Programs

  1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

The Cabinet on 20thMay, 2020 approved the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at a highest ever total investment of Rs. 20,050 crores comprising of (i) Central share of Rs. 9407 crores, (ii) State share of Rs 4880 crores and (iii) Beneficiaries contribution of Rs. 5763 crores for its implementation within a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories.  PMMSY was initially announced in the Union Budget for FY 2019-20 and subsequently announced as part of the COVID-19 Relief Package (AtmaNirbhar Bharat Package) of the Government of India. PMMSY was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 10th September 2020. 

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying issued the Administrative Approval and the Operational Guidelines of PMMSY to all the States/UTs on 12th June 2020 and 24th June 2020 respectively.

During 2020-21, Proposals from Thirty four (34) States/UTs (except West Bengal, Chandigarh) and other organizations at a total cost of Rs. 2881.41 crore (Rs. 2746.86 crore under CSS + Rs. 134.56 crore under CS) involving central share of Rs. 1089.86 crore (Rs. 955.26 crore under CSS + Rs. 134.56 crore CS) have been approved and 1st installment of Central share of Rs. 585.68Crores (Rs. 500.08 Crore under CSS + Rs. 85.60 Crore under CS) have been released. The activity wise achievement made is as under:

During 2021-22, As on date the Proposals from sixteen (16) States/UTs for developmental projects and 22 States/UTs under Livelihood and Nutritional Support during fishing ban/lean period component with a total project cost worth of Rs. 2600.54 crore involving central share of Rs. 845.31 crore have been approved and 1st installment of Central share of Rs. 405.92 Crores and Rs. 176.27 crore as a committed liability were released to various States/ UTs. The activity wise Achievements under PMMSY during the year 2021-22 till date is as under;

  1. Inland Fisheries:2983 hectares of pond area for inland aquaculture, 676 Biofloc units and 1178 Nos of Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), 10,490 Nos of cages and 126 hectares pens in reservoirs and other water-bodies; 110 Nos of fish/prawn hatcheries, 79 hectares of pond area for Inland Saline-alkaline culture were approved. 
  2. Marine Fisheries:101 deep sea fishing vessel, 260 up gradation of existing fishing vessels, 1,353, Bio-toilets in mechanized fishing vessels; 890 nos of open sea cage for fish culture; 2nos Small Marine finfish hatcheries, 642 hectares of pond area for brackishwater aquaculture and  3 nos of brackishwater hatcheries were approved. 
  3. Fishermen Welfare:974 Nos  replacement boats and nets for fishermen; Livelihood and nutritional support for 6,58,462 fishers’ families for conservation of fisheries resources during fishing ban/lean period and 19 nos Extension and support services (MatsyaSevaKendras).
  4. Fisheries Infrastructure:127 Nos. ice plant/cold storages, 117 Nos fish feed mill/plants; 4660 units of fish transportation facilities viz., refrigerated (67) and insulated trucks (373), auto rickshaws (783), motor cycles (1893) and bicycles with ice box (1304); 957 units of fish retail markets (81) and fish kiosks including ornamental kiosks (876)and 13 value added enterprise units have been sanctioned so far. 
  5. Aquatic Health Management:4 nos, Disease diagnostic centre and quality testing labs, 2 Mobile centres and testing labs and one Aquatic referral labs have been approved. 
  6. Ornamental Fisheries: 273 Nos of Ornamental fish rearing units and 37 Nos of Integrated Ornamental fish units (breeding and rearing) have been approved. 
  7. Seaweed Cultivation:23,000 nos rafts and 41,000 nos monoline tubenet approved for seaweed cultivation. 
  8. Development In North East Regions:Total Project cost of Rs. 122.50 crore were approved with a central share of Rs. 59.75 crore. There are   23 nos Hatcheries, 421.76 ha area for Integrated Fish Farming, 29 nos Re-circulatory  Aquaculture System(RAS), 115 nos of Ornamental Fisheries units, 290 Nos of Biofloc units, 300 ha Construction of new ponds and 39 nos Feed mills were approved.
  9. Other Important Activities:Sagar Mitras : 368 Nos and 19 units Matsya Seva Kendra.

b.         Implementation of FIDF

In order to address the infrastructure requirement for fisheries sector, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying during 2018-19 has created dedicated fund namely Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a total funds size of Rs 7522.48 crore. FIDF provides concessional finance to the Eligible Entities (EEs), including State Governments/Union Territories and State entities for development of identified fisheries infrastructure facilities through Nodal Loaning Entities (NLEs) namely (i) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), (ii) National Cooperatives Development Corporation (NCDC) and (iii) All scheduled Banks.

Under the FIDF, the Department of Fisheries provides interest subvention up to 3% per annum for providing the concessional finance by the NLEs at the interest rate not lower than 5% per annum. Loan lending period under FIDF is five years from 2018-19 to 2022-23 and maximum repayment period of 12 years inclusive of moratorium of 2 years on repayment of principal.

Under the FIDF, so far 156 nos proposals to the tune of Rs. 5954.96 crore have been received from various eligible Entities (EEs) including State Governments and Union Territories. These proposals have been received from a total of 20 States/UTs namely Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, J&K, Telangana, Mizoram, West Bengal, Assam, Lakshadweep, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Andaman and Nicobar, Kerala, Tripura, Goa and Bihar.

The Tripartite MoA is executed between the (i) concerned (loan availing) State Government, (ii) NABARD and (iii) Department of Fisheries(DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, GOI funding the State/UTs Projects under FIDF by NABARD. However, so far, only 8 States Governments namely Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana and Goa have signed the Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for availing the initial concessional finance.

The Central Approval and Monitoring Committee (CAMC) constituted under FIDF has approved projects to the tune of Rs. 3783.46 crore with Project cost restricted for interest subvention under FIDF for Rs. 2304.37 crores.

 

(c)        Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

The Hon’ble Finance Minister announced Rs.2 lakh crore concessional credit boost to Rs.2.5 crore farmers including fishers and fish farmers under Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme as a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Package.  Thus, Department of Fisheries in collaboration with all the States/UTs took up a special drive several times to saturate the issuance of KCC to fishers and fish farmers. Further, Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala launched the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) campaign to cover fishers and fish farmers on 15th November, 2021. The said campaign will run from 15.11.2021 to 15.02.2022 and will seek to bring majority of fishers and fish farmers under coverage of institutional credit.

Fishermen can be classified into two types, viz., Marine fishers and fish farmers (Aquaculturists), Aquaculture which required heavy capital investment was still nascent in the country and traditional marine fishers did not require too much capital as per their current practices. Under this scheme and under PMMSY, DoF was working with State Governments and fishers/fish farmers to make them aware about the best practices and encouraging them to scale up their activities. This would help farmers enhance their income and also lead to higher credit offtake.

As on date, a total of 6,08,820 of KCC applications received from fishers and fish farmers. Out of that, 70,818 KCCs have been issued and about 4,80,965 lakh applications are with the Banks at various stages for issuance of KCCs.  And sum of Rs. 1038.60 Crore has also been disbursed to various KCC card holder beneficiaries against the KCC issued.

 

Budget Announcements

a) Announcement of Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu

The initiative intended under Budget announcement would link and promote Seaweed farming and the seaweed-based industries together to bring out full-fledged expansion of this sector. Further, One Stop Park for entire seaweed value chain will link all the activities, farmers, processors, buyers, exporters, importers, retailers together for arriving at an optimum output and thereby maximizing value addition, minimizing wastage, increasing farmers income and creating employment opportunities and this Will be developed on a hub and spoke model for which Government would invest about Rs 100 crores for establishing the seaweed park.

The possible area of Collaboration is being identified by State Government of Tamil Nadu after the detailed deliberation and discussion with the stakeholders and Government of India, for further submitting the comprehensive model for the Multipurpose seaweed park at the earliest.

b) Announcement of Development of 5 Major Fishing harbours as hub of economic activities  

5 major fishing harbours – Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, and Petuaghat – will be developed as hubs of economic activity with world class infrastructure and amenities, Seamless and quality cold chain and Hygienic handling, reduce post-harvest losses for which around 600 crores would be spent. In this regard, Preparation of DPRs and Impact Assessment Study wherever required will be completed by 30thSept, 2021 followed by sanction of the Projects by 31st December, 2021.

 

Other Key initiatives/ Highlights

  1. Sri Pratap Chandra Sarangi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, laid the foundation stone of the project on promotion and scaling up of Open Sea Cage Culture at Balasore coast, Odisha on 10thJannuary, 2021.  Chief Executive, NFDB and both the Joint Secretaries from the Department were present in the event. Subsequently, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Sarangi inaugurated a training-cum-awareness program on Fisheries and Aquaculture with special focus on PMMSY was organised jointly by Department of Fisheries, Govt of India, National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad and Department of Fisheries, Govt of Odisha on 11-01-2021 for the benefit of the fish farmers of Odisha state.  During the program all the 30 District Fisheries Officers of Govt. of Odisha along with 50 farmers each (1500 farmers), all the 07 Krishi Vigyan Kendra with 30 farmers each (210 farmers), 650 farmers enrolled under Aqua One Centres (Funded by NFDB), more than 1000 Shrimp farmers, Famers and hatchery operators of Odisha, CIFA scientists and technical personnel etc. participated in the webinar. 
  2. Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying , Shri Giriraj Singh laid the foundation stone for establishment of Aquatic Animal Quarantine Unit (AAQU) and Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (DDL) at Padappai, Chennai on 21st January, 2021. The aquatic quarantine facility would play a major role to safeguard of farming sector from the ingress of diseases and to minimize the risk associated with the introduction of live aquatic animals. Hon’ble Minister also attended various programmes organised by Coastal Aquaculture Authority(CAA), Central Institute of Brakishwater Aquaculture(CIBA), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) and Tamil Nadu State Fisheries Department during his visit from 20th to 24th  January, 2021.  
  3. Hon’ble then Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Giriraj Singh visited Goa during 5th-7th February 2021 to discuss the development of fisheries sector with Government of Goa including development of fishing harbour/landing centre, seaweed cultivation, mariculture activities under PMMSY in the State of Goa. Further, Hon’ble Minister also announced a series of interventions under PMMSY for taking up in Goa till 2024-25. During his visit, he has also visited various scientific Institutes such as National lnstitute of Oceanography (NIO), Fishery Survey of India, Goa Base, Goa University’ NCPOR and discussed stratergles for making Goa as one of marine fisheries export hubs in the country.
  4. The Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched “Matsya Setu” App on 6thJuly, 2021. Matsya Setu App has been developed with the funding support of National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad. It is a self-learning App with species-wise/subject-wise online course modules explained by renowned aquaculture experts. It would enable aqua farmers and entrepreneurs to learn the advancements in the aquaculture technologies and better farm management practices at their convenience. Upon successful completion of each course module, an e-certificate can be auto-generated.
  5. The Department of Fisheries and its subordinate organizations celebrated the National Fish Farmers Day on 10th July 2021. The day was also celebrated as NFDB Foundation Day. During the occasion, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched the social media/radio jingles and slogans for popularizing and promoting domestic fish consumption across the country as a health food
  6. On 15th July, 2021, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying chaired a meeting with Hon’ble Members of Parliament of Lok Sabha from coastal areas to discuss the draft Indian Marine Fisheries Bill, 2021 as a part of fulfilling an assurance in Lok Sabha.  Hon’ble Union Minister also had detailed consultations with Hon’ble Members of Parliament of Rajya Sabha from coastal states/UT and Hon’ble Members of Parliament of Lok Sabha from coastal areas on the revised draft of Indian Marine Fisheries Bill, 2021 from 26th -28th July, 2021. The suggestions made by Hon’ble MPs were incorporated in the draft Bill.  Further, consultations on the draft Bill were also held with fishermen associations and marine fisheries experts and their views and suggestions were obtained.
  7. National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with M/s Oriental Insurance Company Ltd (OICL) on 14th July, 2021 for implementation of Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Besides, a tripartite Service Level Agreement (SLA) between NFDB, OICL and M/s Providence Insurance India Pvt. Ltd (Insurance Intermediary) was also signed on 14.07.2021 for smooth coordination and monitoring for implementation of Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS).
  8. The Department organized a webinar on “Major Disease Problems in Freshwater Aquaculture and its Management” on 28th August, 2021 under my chairmanship as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav. Officials of Department of Fisheries, Gol, States/UTs, faculty from State Agriculture and Fisheries Universities, entrepreneurs, aquaculture farmers, hatchery owners, representatives from aquaculture industry, etc. participated in the webinar. ICAR Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture made a presentation on major disease problems in freshwater aquaculture in lndia and their management.
  9. Shri Parshottam Rupala, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying launched the River Ranching Programme in Ganga River at Brijghat, Garh Mukteshwar, Uttar Pradesh on 8.10.2021.  Simultaneously the program was conducted in States of Uttarakhand, Odisha, Tripura and Chhattisgarh. A total of Rs.8.85 lakh fingerlings were ranched on 8.10.2021 in three river systems namely Ganges, Brahmaputra and Mahanadi. During October, 2021, a total of 76.91 lakh fingerlings have been ranched nationwide. This is expected to boost the fish population in these rivers.
  10. As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mohatsav celebrations, the Department of Fisheries organized a webinar on “Fish for Health and Fish for Wealth” on 20th October, 2021 and it was well attended by participants comprising Officials from Department of Fisheries (Gol) and States/UTs, faculty from State Agriculture Universities, entrepreneurs, aquaculture farmers and fishers from across the country. Dr. B.K. Das, Director, Central Inland Fisheries Research lnstitute (ClFRl), Barrackpore, West Bengal made a detailed presentation on Fish Health, emerging fish and shellfish disease in lndia, and its prevention and mitigation. 
  11. Dr. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Information & Broadcasting visited Lakshadweep during 30th October to 1st November, 2021 and inaugurated stocking of fishes in Marine Sea cage Farm at Agatti island, developed jointly with CMFRI, Department of Fisheries Lakshadweep, Department of Fisheries, Gol and NFDB by stocking of seeds of high value Pompano fish. He also launched, All-weather seaweed seed reserve cages at Kavaratti island. This technology provides an opportunity for seaweed farming in deeper areas of lagoons and this technology is expected to create new employment opportunities for women in fisheries sector.
  12. Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala and Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr. L. Murugan, jointly unveiled the Inaugural Plaque of Laxmanrao Inamdar National Academy for Co-operatives Research and Development, National Co-operative Development Corporation (LINAC-NCDC) a Fisheries Business Incubator Centre at Gurugram under PMMSY scheme on 16th November, 2021. LINAC-NCDC Fisheries Business Incubator shall motivate young entrepreneurs to join the sector, leading to employment generation and boost Start-ups activities that will lead to further growth and development of the fisheries sector in India.
  13. Celebration of World Fisheries Day-2021:       The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has celebrated the ‘World Fisheries Day’ 2021 at Rail Auditorium, Bhubaneswar Odisha on 21st November, 2021. Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr. L. Murugan has graced the occasion. Various State Fisheries Departmental Officers, fish farmers, fishermen, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, professionals, officials and scientists from across the nation has participated in the event. During the event, the awards were given to the best performing States for 2020-21 in the category of Inland, Marine, Hilly and North-eastern region, best district for Inland, Marine, Hilly and North-Eastern Region, Best Quasi Government Organization/ Federation/ Corporation/ Board in Inland, Marine, Hilly and North-Eastern (NE) Region. Besides, this awards were also presented under Best Fish Farmer (Inland, Marine and Hilly and NE Region), best Hatchery (fish, shrimp and trout hatchery), best Fisheries Enterprises, best Fisheries Co-operative Societies/Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)/Self Help Groups (SHGs), best Individual Entrepreneurs, best Innovation idea/Technology Infusion. Hon’ble Union Ministers also released the various publications of booklets, posters, Radio Jingles during the event.

 

*************

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

 From Price Monitoring and Price Stabilisation to tightening noose over violators of Consumer Protection Act, the Department of Consumer Affairs under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution made concerted efforts round the year to bring relief and provide protection to the Consumers. 

Some of the key initiatives and achievements of the Department are: 

In the area of Prime Monitoring, the Department of Consumer Affairs strengthened the mechanism through: 

Price Monitor Cell monitors wholesale and retail prices of twenty-two essential commodities (Rice, Wheat, Atta, Gram Dal, Tur (Arhar) Dal, Urad Dal, Moong Dal, Masur Dal, Sugar, Gur, Groundnut Oil, Mustard Oil, Vanaspati, Sunflower Oil, Soya Oil, Palm Oil, Tea, Milk, Potato, Onion, Tomato and Salt) based on data collected from 179 market centres spread across the country. These prices are collected through the Mobile App.  The following are the achievements during the year:

  • 57 new price reporting centers were added. Thus, the number of price reporting centers has increased from 122 on 01/01/2021 to 179 till date
  • Operational Guidelines of the scheme for Strengthening of Price Monitoring Cell were issued on 19/08/2021
  • During the year, Rs. 1,47,01,908/- has been released to States/UTs for strengthening the price monitoring mechanism.
  • Mobile App for reporting was operationalised w.e.f. 1st January, 2021. All price collection centres have migrated to daily price reporting through Mobile App.
  • Predictive price forecasting model has been developed for proactive analysis and thereafter requisite policy-level interventions. 

Similar efforts were made in the area of Prime Stabilization Fund: 

Prices of some of the horticulture commodities especially onion, potato and pulses are highly volatile. At harvest time and soon thereafter, a steep fall in the wholesale and retail prices is normally observed. With depletion of the stored stocks, the prices tend to increase. This phenomenon is more apparent in the case of onions, potatoes and pulses. Price volatility affects consumers in a big way. Abnormal increase in price of these commodities affect the consumers by way of increase in food consumption budget. Wide price fluctuations also lead to speculation which further impact prices in retail market. To mitigate hardships to consumers, buffer stock is created for procurement and distribution of agri-horticultural commodities, utilizing the “Price Stabilisation Fund”. The following has been achieved in PSF during 2020-21:

  • 12.83 LMT of pulses has been Transferred from PSS of DACFW to PSF, DoCA.
  • 4.94 LMT of pulses has been disposed from PSF buffer.
  • Onion buffer of 2.08 LMT built for market intervention. Onion from the buffer has been released in a targeted and calibrated manner to cool down prices. Onion was also offered to States/UTs @ Rs.21/kg ex-storage location for distribution to consumers in their States. 

Release of funds to States/UTs as reimbursement for intra-States transportation and fair price dealer’s margin for distribution of pulses under PMGKAY and ANB

Rs. 35.59 crore was released to States/UTs as reimbursement for expenditure on intra-State movement & handling of pulses, as also fair price shop dealer’s margin and Additional Margin Distribution through PoS Device under the PMGKAY and ANB scheme.

To protect the rights of Consumers, the Department tirelessly worked towards Consumer Awareness:

  • Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) implements policies for the benefit of consumers and public at large by strengthening consumer protection and creating awareness.
  • Recognizing the importance of information dissemination, the Department has been conducting country-wide multimedia awareness campaigns titled “Jago Grahak Jago”. Through simple messages, consumers are made aware of fraudulent practices and the mechanism to seek redressal.
  • A media campaign for publicizing Consumer Protection Act, 2019 was run through laptop branding, weather report / news report captions, animated bug logo insertion on DD News, DD Kisan and regional channels of Doordarshan. Scroll messages have been run on DD News and DD Kisan for educating consumers about features of Consumer Protection Act, 2019, BIS standards, MRP, expiry date, National Consumer Helpline (NCH) etc.
  • Scroll messages were run on Lok Sabha TV for educating consumers about features of Consumer Protection Act, 2019, BIS standards, MRP, expiry date, National Consumer Helpline (NCH) etc
  • Sponsored Radio Programmes (SRPs) were run in regional languages in the North-Eastern Region through All India Radio for educating consumers about features of Consumer Protection Act, 2019, Hallmark, MRP, expiry date etc. Branding of 4s & 6s of India- Australia Test Series was done to spread awareness about National Consumer Helpline (NCH). Ad Libs (Live messages by RJs) are also being run during National News as also a special programme for consumer awareness, over AIR.
  • Due to increased digitalization, social media, is a strong influence and helps in advocacy. Regular posts in the form of creatives and audio / visual on Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and other initiatives of the Department are being uploaded on the Department’s social media handles https://twitter.com/jagograhakjago, https://twitter.com/consaff, https://www.facebook.com/ConsumerAdvocacy/ and https://www.instagram.com/consumeraffairs_goi/ to educate and empower consumers. These tweets have helped consumers obtain relevant information, including about in redressal mechanism.
  • Audio and video spots have been produced on the various aspects of Consumer Protection Act, 2019. These spots have been dubbed in 20 regional languages. These audio and video spots, along with video spots on mechanism for redressal of consumer grievances and Legal Metrology and Hallmarking of gold jewellery, have been made available in separate language folders on the website of Department of Consumer Affairs under “Videos and Audios” link under “Publicity” available under “Organisation and Units” tab. Alternatively, they can be accessed at https://jagograhakjago.gov.in/ConsumerAwareness/video/index.html. These details have been shared with the State / UT Governments, State Controllers of Legal Metrology and Voluntary Consumer Organisations with the request to disseminate them widely. Print creatives on Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and other initiatives of Department of Consumer Affairs, have been designed and made available under “Print Creatives” link under “Publicity” available under “Organisation and Units” tab. Alternatively, they can be accessed at https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/organisation-and-units/division/publicity/print-advertisements.  This entire material (audio spots, video spots and  print creatives) can be downloaded by any individual / organization for information and further dissemination.
  • The Department is making use of Common Service Centres (CSCs) across the country by displaying posters on tin plates on consumer awareness through CSCs located in SC dominated, ST dominated and NER areas. These posters are based on features of Consumer Protection Act, 2019, declarations to be seen on packaged commodities, procedure for filing consumer grievances etc.
  • IRCTC is displaying messages on daily ticket confirmation / cancellation mails, e-tickets and Banner Train List Top. These messages relate to Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery, National Consumer Helpline and e-Daakhil.

One of the pioneer institutions under the Department, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) also have remarkable accolades:

The Bureau of Indian Standards was set up as a statutory organization under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 by taking over the assets and liabilities of the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) that came into existence in 1947. The Bureau has its Headquarters in New Delhi. It has a network of 05 regional offices, 41 branch offices, 08 laboratories and 01 Training Institute.

BIS Act 2016 came into force with effect from 12 October 2017, subsequently Governing Council was reconstituted and its third meeting was held on 01 March 2021 at BIS HQ New Delhi.

The mandate of BIS is to formulate standards that promote quality of goods and services. The Bureau provides technical support to industries and services sector by way of updated standards, developing new standards in emerging areas, and providing certification of goods and services for ensuring quality and safety. The performance of BIS in its principal activities are indicated below: 

  1. STANDARDS FORMULATION
  • During 2021, 1028 standards (624 new and 474 revised) were formulated and 3484 Standards were reviewed. The total number of standards in force, as on 25 November 2021 is 21466. 6816 Indian Standards have been harmonized with ISO/IEC standards. A total of 89 Indian Standards have been published under Services Sector Division Council.
  • As of December 2021, BIS is a member of ISO Technical Management Board (TMB) and IEC Standardization Management Board (SMB). BIS is Participating (P) member in the three Policy Development Committees of ISO(CASCO, COPOLCO and DEVCO), 490 Technical Committees/Subcommittees of ISO and 102 Technical Committees/Subcommittees of IEC, and an O-member in 185 Technical Committees/Subcommittees of ISO and 69 Technical Committees/Subcommittees of IEC. 
  • BIS has successfully contested the membership of ISO Council, the apex governance body of ISO, for the 2022-2024 term and will be represented by DG BIS in the Council.  
  • Presently, BIS has 31 MoUs and 08 BCAs signed with National Standards Bodies and other standards development organizations of other countries. 
  • BIS (India) is currently chair of SARSO Technical Management Board for the three year term starting from Oct 2020 to Oct 2023. 

 

  1. CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT
  • Product Certification: BIS operates a Product Certification Scheme under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 and the Rules there under and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The certification scheme is voluntary in nature, except for 381product standards that have been made compulsory by the Central Government on various considerations. During 01 January 2021 to till date, 4356 new licences were granted, which include 77 products covered for the first time under the scheme. The total number of Indian Standards covered under BIS Certification Marks Scheme is 1101.The total number of operative licences, held by domestic manufacturers as on date, is 39950.
  • Foreign Manufacturer’s Certification Scheme (FMCS): The total number of operative licenses are 1010 against 138 different standards from 56 countries. Total 39 licenses have been granted since 01 March 2021.
  • Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): More than 4000 licenses and 7500 requests for inclusion received from Indian and foreign manufacturers have been granted w.e.f. 01 March 2021 till date under CRS. First license for Ortho Phosphoric Acid was granted in November 2021.
     
  1. HALLMARKING
  • During the period from 1st January, 2021 to 25th November, 2021 number of hallmarking registration has grown from 34,487 to 1,25,558 while the number of BIS recognized Assaying and Hallmarking centres have increased from 943 to 976. During the same period, 5.95 crore articles of gold and silver jewellery/artefacts have been hallmarked.
  • Quality control order for mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery/artefacts has been issued on 23 June 2021 by the Govt. of India which makes hallmarking mandatory in 256 districts of the country where there is atleast one Assaying and Hallmarking centre. 
  • In view of the implementation of Mandatory Hallmarking Order, a new online system for the automation of the assaying & hallmarking activities at AHCs has been made functional with the new Hallmark consisting of six digit HUID (Hallmarking Unique ID). Since the launch of HUID based system for hallmarking, 4.11 crore articles of gold jewellery/artefacts have been hallmarked as on 25 November 2021.
  • Hallmarking of gold Bullion in the fineness of 999 & 995 as per IS 1417:2016 was started in October 2015. Under this scheme, so far, 44 licences have been granted to refineries/ India Government Mint for Gold bullion and coin as on 25 November, 2021.

 

  1. MANAGEMENT SYSYTEMS CERTIFICATION
  • BIS operates 19 Management Systems Certification Schemes in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 ISO/IEC 17021 Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems. – Requirements. 
  • The Quality Management Systems Certification Scheme, the Environmental Management Systems Certification Scheme and Food Safety Management Systems Certification Scheme have been accredited by National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) against the standard ISO/IEC 17021. 
  • BIS has also applied to NABCB for accreditation of its certification schemes for Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS) and Energy Management System (EnMS) as per IS/ISO 45001 and IS/ISO 50001 respectively.  
  • Recognition of BIS has been renewed as a Food Safety Auditing Agency as per Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety Auditing) Regulations, 2018 for the following scopes:
  1.  Food Processing
  1. Dairy
  2. Other Sectors (including Packaged Drinking Water, Nuts, Spices, Bakery, Edible Oil, Fruit and Vegetable processing, ready to eat/cook etc.)
  1.  Food Storage/ware house/cold storage
  • As on 25 November 2021, a total of 1236 operative licenses exist under the Management systems certification schemes.

 

  1. LABORATORY
  • Eight BIS laboratories have facilities for testing of products in the field of chemical, microbiological, electrical and mechanical requirements. In addition to product testing, BIS has established gold assaying lab at Chennai, Sahibabad and Kolkata. Gold assaying lab at Chennai is a referral lab and also tests silver jewellery. 
  • Laboratories at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Mohali, and Sahibabad have been accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories ( NABL) as per ISO/IEC 17025. 
  • BIS also operates Laboratory Recognition Scheme (LRS) based on ISO/IEC 17025 for recognition of outside laboratories.There are 274 BIS recognized labs.
  • Test facilities for Footwear products have been established in Central Lab and likely to be completed in Eastern Regional Lab (EROL), Kolkata by December’21. Test facility for Energy Meter has been installed at BIS Central Laboratory.
  • New Initiatives:
  1. Development of Laboratory Information Management Software(LIMS)
  2. Interactive sessions with schools, colleges and industries have been organized by BIS Labs.
  3. Gap analysis of the 226 ISS shared with District Administration and 692 ISS shared with Central Government Departments has been initiated.

 

  1. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
  • The Standards portal was enhanced to add new features like “Know Your Standard” providing a one-stop solution to access all the standards related data and documents. Another feature implemented in Standards portal was “Weekly Bulletin” to access information about ongoing activity in standards formulation etc. 
  • The BIS website (www.bis.gov.in) has been declared compliant with Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) 2.0 by STQC on 10 Aug 2021 (valid till 09 Aug
    2024). Further, in order to have more interactive engagement with stakeholders, separate web-pages (in multi-language) have been developed for all the Branch Offices (BO) and Laboratories of BIS (https://www.bis.gov.in/index.php/bo-lab-webpage/). 
  • New ‘BIS Talks’ Portal has been developed to provide access to all the educational films launched by BIS. 
  • An upgraded version of BIS CARE mobile app facilitates stakeholders to verify authenticity of ISI mark, Registered Jewellers and marked electronic goods under Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).The app also facilitates users in submitting complaints. Feature for ‘Know Your Standards’ and finding laboratories empaneled/recognized by BIS have also been added. 
  • e-Office software by NIC was deployed and implemented throughout the
    Headquarter and all the branch offices of BIS to enable paperless file movement and processing. 
  • AHC Automation Software automates the workflow of Assaying and Hallmarking Centre & facilitates jewelers to get their articles hallmarked & enables the progress of work done for the hallmarking requests. The generation of HUID is done using indigenous randomized algorithm using the software. Advanced Hallmarking Dashboard & HUID tracker have been
    deployed which would facilitate BIS officials to monitor the hallmarking activities, get an insight of the statistics and key quantifiable attributes & plan the market surveillance activities accordingly.
  • The conformity assessment portal enables domestic manufacturers to apply for grant of license for use of Standard Mark (ISI) on their products, renewal of such licenses, inclusion in the scope of variety with payment of fees and submission of payment through simplified online means. BIS can process these requests and communicate their decision online, and facilitate real time tracking of the applications by our stakeholders. 
  • Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and development of Mobile-App based Surveillance Module have been developed. Entire work-flow of BIS laboratories and around 500 Private and government laboratories recognized/ empaneled by BIS right from the dispatch of product samples to them to the dispatch of test reports by them have been automated with the implementation of LIMS. 
  • A Consumer Engagement Portal has been developed to cater to Consumer
    Engagement and Standards Promotion Activities, Complaints Management and Enforcement Activities. The portal facilitates NGOs/Consumer Organizations to register with BIS in order to take up the activities or programs offered by BIS. 
  • A training portal has been developed by BIS to cater to the emerging training needs of various stakeholders. Portal has been integrated with GST portal to generate invoices in real time. 
  • A portal is in for managing activities of HR, Finance, Accounts and Stores. 
     
  1. CONSUMER AFFAIRS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
    • 462 Standard Promotion programmes were organized by Regional Offices / Branch offices throughout the country during April to November 202 for Consumers.
    • 774 Standard Promotion Activities with Industry activities, including for awareness programs for Jeweller/Artisans were conducted during April to November 2021. 
    • BIS organized 284 activities for students and faculty of colleges and technical institutes during April to November 2021.
    • During April to November 2021, BIS conducted 354 Standard Promotion activities with Government as the primary stakeholder. 
    • State Level Committees on Standardisation have been constituted in 08 States with a view to promoting the use of Indian Standards as a means to creating a robust Quality Ecosystem in the country and protecting the interest of the consumers by ensuring active involvement of the States/UTs in the formulation and use of standards. 
    • 85 standards clubs have been created throughout the country until 25th November 2021.

 

    • During the year, 211 complaints related to quality of BIS certified products, unauthorized use of BIS Standard Mark and Violation of Quality Control Orders were received and 145 complaints were redressed. As on 01.12.2021, 171 complaints of these categories are under investigation at different stages under different Regional and Branch Offices. In addition, BIS had also redressed 221 grievances received through CPGRAMS portal during the year.

 

    • BIS conducts enforcement activity to curb unauthorized use of BIS Standard Mark by unscrupulous manufacturers. During the year, BIS carried out 65 Search & Seizure operations at the premises of manufacturers misusing BIS Standard Marks and seized material bearing fake BIS Standard Marks.

 

    • To publicize ISI mark and Hallmark amongst common consumers, a number of publicity activities are undertaken by BIS HQ, Regional Offices and Branch Offices through Print, Electronic, Outdoor and Digital media.

Towards Consumer Protection, the Department took several steps: 

  • Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence of progressive India was flagged off on 12th March, 2021 which will end on 15th August, 2023. 
  • The broad mandate of the Central Consumer Protection Authority is to regulate matters relating to violation of rights of consumers, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements which are prejudicial to the interests of public and consumers and to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class.
  • To commemorate the monumental occasion of India’s 75 years’ independence, CCPA has initiated some activities which align with the larger vision of the Department of Consumer Affairs of establishing a hassle free, inexpensive, quick, quality redressal of consumer grievances and upholding the consumer right for a safe product .
  • The Central Consumer Protection Authority, with the active participation of stakeholders, has mooted a pan India ranking of Consumer Commissions to reduce pendency by taking concerted efforts to dispose of pending cases through Mediation, holding Lok Adalats, hearing through videoconferencing etc.
  • For assessing the Consumer Commissions, cases pending with them as on 30th September 2021 shall be taken as baseline and progress shall be evaluated on the basis of cases disposed of till 28.2.2022 and the outcome will be declared on the basis of ranking of the State and District Commissions on 15.3.2022 i.e. on ‘World Consumer Rights Day’ i.e. during the iconic week to be observed by the Department of Consumer Affairs from 15.3.2022 to 22.3.2022. For the purpose of assessment of performance of State Commissions and District Commissions, parameters for ranking have been devised. Based on the percentage of disposal and score obtained, State and District Commissions shall be ranked as per the ranking parameters and awarded ‘Best State Commission’ and ‘Best District Commission’.
  • Consumer Protection Act 2019 provides for e-filing of grievances where in consumers can file the grievances in consumer commissions electronically. So far e-filing has been introduced in 24 States / UTs and NCDRC.                                                
  • The following Rules/Regulations under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 have been notified :

 

I)         Consumer Protection Search and Seizure and Compounding of Offenses by the Central Authority and crediting of Penalty Rules, 2020

    II)        Annual Accounts Rules relating to Central Consumer Protection Authority

    III)      Central Consumer Protection (Annual Report) Rules, 2021

IV)      Regulations on submission of inquiry or investigation by the investigation wing of Central Consumer Protection Authority 

V)        Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021

 

  • Department celebrated World Consumer day with the theme Tackling Plastic Pollution on 15th March, 2021.
  • The Department of Consumer Affairs celebrated the National Consumer Day, 2021 on 24thDecember, 2021 on line, presided over by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Ministry of Textile. The theme of National Consumer Day was Consumer: Know your rights.
  • During the celebration, following E-Books were released by the Hon’ble Minister:

    i) Landmark judgments on Consumer Law and Practice

   ii) Handbook on Mediation under Consumer Protection Act, 2019

   iii) Handbook of E-filing before Consumer redressal Commission 

  • Besides above, Hon’ble Minister flagged off NTH Mobile Van for Drinking Water Testing.

LEGAL METROLOGY:-

i) Steps taken for Ease of Doing Business

  • The Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 have been amended vide GSR 149 (E) dated 3.3.2021 to make the provisions that:
    • Such weights or measures which are used by the industries for their internal use and which do not affect the quantity delivered to the consumers or are not used in any transaction or for protection, shall not require re-verification.
    • For adopting a uniform procedure throughout the country and to avoid double stamping of the same weights and measures in the interest of industries, the procedure for first time verification and stamping of weights and measures, sent from one State to another State, has been made
  • The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India vide GSR No 779(E) dated 2.11.2021 has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011 for enhanced protection of Consumer Rights, ease of doing business and reducing the compliance burden. The requirement for standard pack sizes for various types of commodities have been omitted:  this would reduce the compliance burden for the industries. To ensure that consumers are able to make an informed choice and for protection of Consumer rights, Unit Sale Price for all pre packed commodities meant for retail sale is introduced.
    • The declaration of date of manufacture on the pre packed commodities have been made mandatory for imported commodities. 
    • The declaration of MRP on the pre packed commodities simplified.
    • The declaration of quantity sold in numbers have been made simpler by easing out the manner in which the quantity in number can be expressed.

 

ii) Enforcement of Legal Metrology on the e commerce Platform

  • During the last one year a number of notice have been issued to the e commerce companies and e market places for violation of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities), Rules 2011.
  • The violation includes the country of origin, charging more than MRP etc. Around 82 companies have compounded till date with total compounding amount of around  Rs 44.55 lakhs.
  • Due to the enforcement actions on the e commerce companies, it is observed that the companies are now giving due diligence on the declarations on the e commerce platform.

 

iii) Implementation of Government Approved Test Centre

  • The Legal Metrology (GATC) Rules, 2013 have been implemented, as the Government of India vide GSR no 95(E) dated 1st Feb 2021 have allowed the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories/ISO:IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratories for calibration of weights and measures which are in conformity with the GATC rules.
  •  A list of around 70 labs have been provided by the NABL which can work as GATC. Further a draft application form for GATC and flowchart for application of GATC have been submitted by NABL. 
  • The NABL have been assigned the task of accepting the new applications from private NABL accredited laboratories. All the RRSLs of Legal Metrology have been assigned the status of deemed GATC who have started functioning as  GATC.

 

iv) Digitization of the services of Legal Metrology through its online portal lm.doca.gov.in

  • There are four services of Legal Metrology which have been digitized through the portal lm.doca.gov.in . This has allowed the applicant to apply online for these applications which have reduced the timeline for application and hassles of sending application by post and receiving the certificates though post. 
  • Earlier the entire process of nomination/ registration used to take about 25-30 days from sending the application by post and receiving of certificates, which has been reduced to 3 days. Similarly, the time taken for model approval have reduced from 6 to 9 months to 2 to 3 months.
  • Further it has introduced the contactless applications with submission of fees through Bharat Kosh online which earlier on was very problematic through demand draft.

v) Inauguration of RRSL Varanasi 

Under the Strengthening of RRSL & IILM scheme, The RRSL Varanasi Laboratory has been inaugurated by the Prime Minias a conglomerate of the various testing and calibration facilities shall be very beneficial for the industries like the textile, agricultural, automation and infrastructure etc along with the effective enforcement of Legal Metrology in the region. The laboratory building is ready for the inauguration and is expected to inculcate the feeling of confidence in the industries regarding their performance and production at par with the international standards. As in industrial production the accurate and precise measurement plays a major role for the overall quality. This will be in line with the vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat mission and Vocal for Local.

vi)        Time Dissemination

The dissemination of time through five RRSLs and NPL project is going on for which the tender for the procurement of the time ensembles shall be done soon through the Global Tender Enquiry. 

The department organized several activities under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav 

Department of Consumer Affairs and the organisations under it have organised training programs lectures webinars and consumer awareness programs on various issues like drinking water, BIS standards, Hallmark, Consumer Protection, Independence of the country, Single Use Plastic, footwear, importance of standards for Nation building and e-commerce websites. These activities involved participation of educational institutions, Self-help Groups and industry bodies. Messages on MRP, pre- packaged commodities, National Consumer Helpline (NCH), BIS standard etc were disseminated through TV and social media. A Nukkad Natak was organised in the India International Trade Fair to create consumer awareness on hallmarking, BIS standards, NCH and importance of taking receipt after purchase. A hackathon on My gov portal was undertaken involving large number of software professionals to provide software solutions for Consumer Court Cases assessment and Legal Metrology registered and approved shops in an area. 

  • The Department will continue to organise consumer awareness activities like training programs lectures webinars Nukkad Natak and dissemination of messages on TV and social media. These activities will create awareness among consumers on various issues. The Department will celebrate its iconic week from 14th March 2022 to 20th March 2022. During this week, the Department will carry out consumer awareness involving participation of various stakeholders. The Department plans to undertake all India ranking of the District and State Consumer Commissions based on their performance and disposal of consumer court cases registered.
  • Department has participated in the Exhibition on Good Governance Week from 20.12.2021 to 26.12.2021 organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances under Adazi Ka Amrit Mahotsava.

 

In addition, special cleanliness drive was organized: 

  • A Special Drive on Cleanliness was organized during 2nd to 31st October 2021.  All Sections and common areas were decongested and cleaned up during the drive.  Old obsolete and unserviceable articles, office furniture and electronic waste were disposed of through auction, resulting in freeing of space measuring 3350 Sq.ft and realizing a sum of Rs.172,500/- deposited by the highest bidder.  A total of 43,807 files and registers were reviewed and weeded out, and the statistics and photographs uploaded in the departmental portal as well as submitted to Department of Administrative Reforms & PG.
  • The Department also organized a Consumer Awareness programme on 13th November 2021 at Constitution Club of India.  During the event, Sections contributing to achieving the cleanliness targets were rewarded and Nukkad Natak by the departmental staff members on the theme of `Cleanliness’ and `Consumer Awareness’ were staged.  Two such Nukkad Natak programmes were also performed at India Trade Fair Exhibition venue and Dilli Haat, INA on 26th November and 29thNovember 2021 respectively, by the departmental team on the same theme.

 

*******

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered the inaugural address at the National Metrology Conclave 2021 organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research -National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi on its 75th year of inception. 

CSIR-NPL, New Delhi, is one of the few premier laboratories established under CSIR before independence on January 04, 1947. As a beginning of the Platinum Jubilee year and to commemorate this special day as its NPL Foundation Day Celebrations, CSIR-NPL organised a National Metrology Conclave under the theme ‘Metrology for the Inclusive Growth of the Nation’. Vice-President, CSIR and Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Health & Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan and Principal Scientific Advisor Dr K VijayRaghvan graced the function.

 PM chairs meeting of CSIR Society

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the CSIR Society on the 04th of June 2021 through videoconference. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister remarked that the Corona pandemic has emerged as the biggest challenge of this century. But whenever there was a big humanitarian crisis in the past, science has prepared the way for a better future. He added that the basic nature of science is to create new strength by finding solutions and possibilities during crises. He urged CSIR to take society and industry along and move forward in a definite way with a roadmap. 

COVID-19 Mitigation Initiatives

Launch of aerial delivery of Covid-19 vaccine through Octacopter drones in Jammu

Hon’ble Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, launched the aerial delivery of Covid-19 vaccine through Octacopter drones in Jammu on 27th November 2021. The Octacopter drones indigenously developed by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) are medium class BVLOS multi-copter UAV. The UAV is made out of lightweight carbon fiber foldable structure for ease of transportation and has unique features like autonomous guidance through dual redundant MEMS based digital Autopilot with advanced flight instrumentation systems. NAL Octacopter is integrated with Powerful onboard embedded computer and latest generation sensors for versatile applications like agricultural pesticide spraying, crop monitoring, mining survey, magnetic geo survey mapping etc. The demo was conducted from CSIR-IIIM, Jammu to Government Sub-District Hospital, Marh, Jammu in 15 minutes covering a distance of 15 kilometers. The first consignment of 50 vials of COVID vaccines was dropped by the Drone near the International Border (IB) in the Marh area.

Swasth Vayu Non-invasive Ventilator developed by CSIR-NAL receives regulator nod; technology commercialized with 6 private companies

CSIR-NAL scientists along with medical professionals from CSIR-IGIB came forward to address the shortages of ventilators in the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and indigenously designed and developed the non-invasive Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure Ventilator – SwasthVayu, with additional features to treat Covid-19 patients and make the country self-reliant. The expert committee constituted by Director General of Health Services, Government of India, has evaluated the performance of the device. The expert committee, after careful evaluation, concluded that SwasthVayu might be used on Covid-19 patients who require oxygen supplementation up to 35%. CSIR-NAL has commercialized this technology with six private companies and one of these companies (in the MSME category) has set up the production facilities for almost 300 units per week. CSIR-NAL bagged an order for supply of 1200 SwasthVayu machines to Delhi Government, and the execution & installation at various hospitals in Delhi. 

CSIR-IIP has developed, installed and commissioned 108 Oxygen Plants in partnership with DRDO and funding from PM-CARES

CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun, has developed oxygen enrichment units that can generate up to 500 litres per minute of medical-grade oxygen. This is based on an innovation that allows oxygen to be produced more efficiently and cheaply – using pressure vacuum swing adsorption technology (PVSA). It is cost effective and also has a small footprint and technology has been licensed to multiple industrial partners.

100-bedded Makeshift Hospital Inaugurated in Bhatinda

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh virtually inaugurated a 100-bed makeshift Covid hospital at Talwandi Sabo in district Bathinda, Punjab, scaling up the state’s preparedness for Covid-19 pandemic. The makeshift hospital for Covid patients was built within a very short span of a month & a half with the help of HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL) Refinery, Bathinda, under the guidelines of CSIR- Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee.

CSIR-CBRI setup a 44-bedded makeshift hospital at Safdarjung Hospital

CSIR’s Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) setup a 44-bedded makeshift hospital at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, providing for management of COVID-19 patients. Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the facility.

CSIR-CSIO developed UV Disinfection technology to combat SARS-CoV-2 transferred to indigenous manufacturers and also installed in the Central Hall of Parliament

CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) developed an UV-C air duct disinfection system. The disinfection system can be used in auditoriums, large conference rooms, classrooms, malls etc. which will provide a relatively safer environment for indoor activities in the current pandemic. The technology has been developed according to the requirements for deactivation of SARS COV-2 virus contained in an aerosol with necessary ventilation measures, necessary safety and user guidelines and tested Bio-safety standards etc. The CSIR-CSIO developed product is tested for more than 99 % disinfection and could be used as a retrofit solution to Air Handling Units (AHUs) of buildings, transport vehicles and other spin off applications. CSIR-CSIO has transferred the technology to 28 companies. The technology has been installed in the central hall of parliament for inactivation of the virus before the commencement of monsoon session of the parliament.

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, jointly with Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) and other companies recycle PPE waste into useful products

In a proof-of-concept study, the CSIR-NCL team successfully demonstrated the lab-scale manufacture of moulded automotive products from the decontaminated PPE plastic waste (at M/s Niky Precision Engineers, Pune) by leveraging the existing recycling infrastructure available in Indian cities. CSIR-NCL and RIL have now signed an MoU to scale up the production, laying a path to take the concept to the national level. A pilot scale of 100 Kg in the Pune city area was successfully implemented by collaborating with Pune-based companies like M/s APPL Industries Limited, M/s SKYi Composites, M/s Harsh Deep Agro Products, M/s Urmila Polymers, M/s Jai Hind Autotech Pvt. Ltd., who produced the recycled goods.

Innovative Patient-Friendly Saline Gargle RT-PCR Testing Method developed by NEERI Nagpur

Scientists of Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) under CSIR have achieved another milestone in this journey, with the development of a ‘Saline Gargle RT-PCR Method’ for testing COVID-19 samples. The Saline Gargle method offers a bunch of attractive benefits, all rolled into one. It is simple, fast, cost-effective, patient-friendly and comfortable; it also offers instant results and is well-suited for rural and tribal areas, given minimal infrastructure 

Role of CSIR-IICT in the Synthesis of Agonist molecule for use in COVAXIN developed by Bharat Biotech International Ltd.

Bharat Biotech International Ltd. (BBIL) emerged as the frontrunner in the development of indigenous vaccine for COVID-19, COVAXIN™. The vaccine developed by BBIL is a highly purified, whole virion, inactivated SARS-CoV2. The vaccine is formulated with Algel-IMDG, which contains chemisorbed TLR7/8 agonist onto aluminium hydroxide gel to generate the requisite type of immune responses. Owing to the significant role played by TLR7/8 agonist molecule in the performance of a vaccine, CSIR constituent lab, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) based in Hyderabad, was approached by BBIL to develop the synthetic route for the agonist molecule with indigenous chemicals at an affordable price and with highest purity. This agonist molecule has aided BBIL to scale up the production of the adjuvant.

CSIR and Tata MD partner to make COVID-19 detection more accessible across India by harnessing network of CSIR labs

CSIR’s apex scientific research organisation and Tata MD, the new healthcare venture from the Tata Group have announced a significant partnership to ramp up the COVID-19 testing capacity across Tier II and III towns as well as rural areas across India. CSIR and Tata MD are developing this capacity to manage any future surge in the COVID-19 testing requirements. The initiative will utilise CSIR’s network of labs across India and help increase India’s testing capacity in smaller locations in the country. CSIR and Tata MD will jointly develop the testing capacity and the RT-PCR CRISPR test will be done using the Tata MD CHECK SARS-CoV-2 test kits that are powered by FELUDA technology from CSIR-IGIB.

 

Major Achievements and Highlights

State-of-the-art Heli-borne survey technology for ground water management launched

Hon’ble Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, launched state-of-the-art Heli-borne survey technology for ground water management developed by CSIR-NGRI Hyderabad on 5th October 2021. Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekawat graced the occasion with his presence. To start with, the States of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana are being taken up for this latest heli-borne survey and the beginning was made today from Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the water technologies of CSIR from source finding to water treatment would benefit millions of people across the country and positively contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Har Ghar Nal Se Jal” as well as “doubling farmers’ income” goals. 

Indian Bio-Jet Fuel Technology Receives Formal Military Certification

CSIR-IIP Dehradun’s home-grown technology to produce bio-jet fuel has been formally approved for use on military aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The provisional clearance (PC) certificate was handed over by Shri R. Kamalakannan, Group Director (AT&FOL), Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) to Mr Saleem Akhtar Farooqui, Principal Scientist from CSIR-IIP in the presence of Group Captain Asheesh Shrivastava and Wing Commander A Sachan of the IAF and Mr R Shanumgavel of CEMILAC. This certification represents India’s growing confidence in aviation biofuel sector and another step towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launches India’s first Virtual Science Lab for children under CSIR Jigyasa programme

Hon’ble Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched India’s first Virtual Science Lab for children under CSIR Jigyasa programme, which will also connect students with scientists across the country.

Describing the Virtual Lab as a huge new beginning, Dr Jitendra Singh said this will not only take science to all segments of students in every corner of the country, but it is also in tune with the National Education Policy (NEP), where students are allowed to choose any subject and the concept of streams has been disbanded. He said, the new facility will immensely benefit students from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and Government Schools, and will help in catching them young.

Launch of India’s First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus

India’s first indigenously developed and manufactured Hydrogen fuel cell bus was launched on 15 December 2021 in Pune. CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) and CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI) developed the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology in collaboration with Sentient Labs, an R&D innovation lab incubated by KPIT Technologies.

DCGI gives approval for use of Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Anaemia treatment

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approved the use of Hydroxyurea in the treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA). The CSIR’s Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission is coordinated by the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Cipla, and with support from CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM). The committee of experts constituted by Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved marketing of Hydroxyurea for treatment for SCA.

CSIR-IIP Partners with IndiGo to Manufacture Sustainable Aviation Fuel 

CSIR’s Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun, and IndiGo have signed an agreement to manufacture and deploy Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). It will help in controlling carbon emissions.

Hansa New Generation (NG) aircraft, designed and developed by CSIR-NAL, successfully make its maiden flight

Hansa New Generation (NG) aircraft, designed and developed by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bangalore, successfully made its maiden flight on 3 September 2021. The aircraft took off from HAL airport at 2:09 PM and flew at an altitude of 4000 ft. and gained a speed of 80 knots before it made a successful landing after about 20 minutes. 

MoUs exchanged between Aarhus University, Denmark and Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland and CSIR-NGRI; CSIR-TKDL and Danish Patent and Trademark Office 

During the visit of Prime Minister of Kingdom of Denmark to India, in the presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, two CSIR agreements were exchanged between the two countries. The first was the MoU between CSIR-NGRI, Aarhus University, Denmark and Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland on mapping of ground water resources and aquifers. The second was the TKDL Access Agreement between CSIR and Danish Patent and Trademark Office.

CSIR and NCSM sign a MoU for setting up of Science Museums at select CSIR Labs

A MoU was signed between CSIR and National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) in the presence of Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and DoNER and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh. The MoU aims at setting up Science Museums at select CSIR Laboratories to promote scientific curiosity and awareness among the common people across all sections of society. 

CSIR develops indigenous Mechanized Scavenging System for Sewage Maintenance

CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur developed indigenous Mechanized Scavenging System was successfully demonstrated at the premises of the CSIR-NPL. Two more versions of machine have been developed for tier-2 and tier-3 cities. 

CSIR-CMERI demonstrates three Variants of advanced indigenous design and featured Mob Control Vehicle prototypes

In a view to elevate modern technical support to paramilitary forces engaged in maintaining law and order situation; train and equip them with advanced options, CSIR’s Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) demonstrated its three innovative variants ‘Compact, Medium, Heavy’ category of Mob Control Vehicles (MCVs) to a team of MHA recommended members under leadership of IG (RAF), CRPF. The demonstration was successfully carried out at Parade Ground, CRPF Group Centre, Gurugram recently. 

CSIR-CDRI and Marc Laboratories Ltd, India sign License agreement for developing drug for coronary and cerebral artery diseases

CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow is committed to support Pharma Cluster in Uttar Pradesh and has tied up with UP-based Marc Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., India, a young progressive enterprise with operating base in 13 other states. It has signed an agreement for the development of a synthetic compound S-007-867 as modulator of blood coagulation cascade, in particular as inhibitor of collagen induced platelet aggregation. This may be helpful in treating patient population of coronary and cerebral artery diseases. The institute has recently obtained the permission to initiate the Phase I clinical trials for the drug

Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated with one-day awareness cum training programme for farmers, Agriculture Start-Ups and young entrepreneurs in Jammu under CSIR- Aroma Mission Phase-II 

Hon’ble Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the one-day awareness cum training programme for farmers under CSIR-Aroma Mission Phase-II at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, and further During interacted with Agriculture Start-Ups, young entrepreneurs and farmers. Dr Jitendra Singh flagged off two mobile vans for awareness the Mission and inspected Stalls showcasing the processed products of aromatic plants from the UT. He also unveiled a song in Baderwahi language composed by artist Maloop Singh for mass awareness to attract farming community to embrace lavender farming.

CSIR celebrates 20 years of India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library, the first of its kind globally

CSIR launched a new campaign of highlighting 80 success stories from the organization as it is set to turn 80 years old in 2022. This campaign was launched recently as CSIR’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) completes two decades of safeguarding India’s Traditional Knowledge. To commemorate the two decades’ journey, a webinar “Two Decades of TKDL – Connecting to the Future” was organized. The distinguished dignitaries who graced the program were Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar, Former DG, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR; Vd. Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Min of AYUSH; Shri Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary, DPIIT and Ms. BegonaVenero, Sr. Counsellor, Traditional Knowledge Division, WIPO, Geneva, and Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR.

             

15th November declared to be observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas every year

 Scheduled Tribes (ST) constitute approximately 8.6 percent of population of India numbering around 10.4 crores. There are over 705 Scheduled tribes notified under article 342 of the Constitution of India. In keeping with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’, the Government of India has focused on development of tribes and conservation of their heritage and culture as a priority.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs in line with this vision and its enduring commitment for welfare of tribals geared itself to ensure sectoral development through enhanced allocation of financial resources, convergence of efforts, re-engineering of planning and implementation mechanism of the Ministry.

The budget of MoTA also increased from Rs. 3850 crores in 2014-15 to Rs. 7484 crores in 2021-22. This enhanced availability of resources has enabled the Ministry to chart a new progress path with greater commitment to ensure holistic development of tribal communities.

  The major highlights of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs during the year 2021 are as follows:

  • Cabinet approves declaration of 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved declaration of 15thNovember as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas dedicated to the memory of brave tribal freedom fighters so that coming generations could know about their sacrifices about the country. 

The date is the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa Munda who is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country. Pursuant to the speech of Prime Minister on Independence Day of 2016, Government of India has sanctioned 10 tribal freedom fighter museums across the country. Tribal Freedom 

  • Inauguration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Jharkhand by Prime Minister

 Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum and Park. Congratulating citizens of the state and the tribal society, PM Modi dedicated the Birsa Munda Memorial Udyan and Museum to the nation. A 25-feet tall statue of Birsa Munda was installed on the premises. “The project has been developed, in association with the Jharkhand government,” 

  

It demonstrates the way tribals struggled to protect their forests, land rights, their culture and displays their valour and sacrifices, which is vital for nation-building.

  • Prime minister Shri Narendra Modi laid foundation stone of 50 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools on occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

On the occasion of Janjatiya Garav Divas Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of 50 new Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in 27 districts of 7 States and 1 UT through  virtual mode from Bhopal  at an event to commmeorate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (India @ 75). The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been making continuous efforts in the direction of welfares of the tribal community; education being one of its key areas of intervention. The presently held stately stone laying foundation event marks the indomitable spirit of the Ministry aiming to niche education as a powerful driver for tribal students to pave the roads for future success and accomplishments.  

  • Minister Shri Arjun Munda and MoS Shri Bisheshwar Tudu laid the foundation stone of 11 EMRS in Jharkhand and Odisha.

Shri Arjun Munda and MoS Shri.Bisheshwar Tudu laid the foundation stone of 11 EMRS in Jharkhand and Odisha between July and September 2021. Total 84 EMRS foundation stones were laid during 2021; out of which foundation stone for 50 EMRS was laid by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, total 27 EMRS foundation stone was laid by Tribal Minister Shri Arjun Munda and MoS Shri Bisheshwar Tudu. Other than these, 7 foundation stone of EMRS was laid by State Ministers.

639 EMRSs have been sanctioned, which include 288 under the old scheme and 351 in the new scheme. There are 367 functional EMRSs across the country with around 85,232 students currently enrolled. The construction is under progress in 173 EMRSs, out of which 66 are in the old scheme and 107 are under the new scheme.

These schools are envisaged to be brought at par with Navodaya Vidyalayas. National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) as an autonomous body under the Ministry has been set up to provide overall support and policy directions to the schools in order to bring uniformity in the administration of the schools. The State/UT EMRS Societies at the State/UT level have been set up for day-to-day Administration and Management of the schools.

  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs organized Janjatiya Gaurav Saptah 

The Government of India has announced 15th November, the Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ to pay tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of tribal freedom fighters and for the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of valour, hospitality and national pride.

More than 125 events / activities were organized during the week-long Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations from 15th to 22nd November in various parts of the country to mark the Iconic Week to remember the great unsung tribal heroes who have sacrificed their lives and contributed to nation-building.

  • Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah lays foundation stone for Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum at Luangkao village in Manipur

The Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, laid the foundation stone of the ‘Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum’ at Luangkao village, in Manipur’s Tamenglong district. The museum will inspire the youth of the country in dedicating their service to the nation apart from realizing the spirit of the freedom struggle.

Addressing on the occasion the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that “It has been 75 years since the country achieved independence from the British, and the country has a strong commitment to become a superpower of the globe while celebrating its 100th year of independence 25 years later,”.

The Union Home Minister also remembered the life and sacrifices made by Rani Gaidinliu, whose struggle to free her people from the British began from an early age. Mentioning the freedom fighters of Manipur and others from the northeast region, the Union minister also reminded the gathering of the Central government’s decision to rename Mount Harriet, the third-highest island peak in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where Manipur’s Maharaja, Kulchandra Singh, and 22 other freedom fighters were imprisoned after the Anglo-Manipur war (1891).

  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Microsoft sign MoU on Joint initiative for Digital Transformation of Tribal Schools. 

The collaboration seeks to skill educators and students in next-generation digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. With a vision to build an inclusive, skills-based economy, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) linked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Microsoft to support the digital transformation of schools such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and Ashram Schools, among others under the Ministry, at an online event ‘Empowering Youth for Success’. Under affirmative action initiative, Microsoft will make AI curriculum available to tribal students in both English and Hindi at all EMRS schools under the Ministry to skill educators and students in next-generation technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. 

Under this programme in the first phase, 250 EMRS schools were adopted by Microsoft, out of which 50 EMRS schools were given intensive training, and 500 master trainers were trained, in the first phase. 

  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs and CBSE jointly launched an online certificate course on Experiential Learning for the 21st Century for EMRS and CBSE teachers

As part of celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Shri Anil Kumar Jha and Chairman, CBSE, Shri Manoj Ahuja, jointly launched a certificate course on Experiential Learning for the 21st Century for educators from CBSE and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in collaboration with Tata Trusts, CETE, TISS (Centre of Excellence in Teacher Education, Tata Institute of Social Sciences), Mumbai and MGIS (Mahatma Gandhi International School), Ahmedabad.

The programme was deployed for 350 educators in 6 States and the event was attended by Shri Asit Gopal, Commissioner, National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Dr Naval Jit Kapoor, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Mr R. Pavithra Kumar of Tata Trusts were also present, on the occasion.

  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs and NCERT join hands for the NISHTHA Capacity Building Programme for EMRS Teachers and Principals

To fulfil the long-standing vision of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and to achieve academic excellence in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), 120 EMRS teachers and principals from 3 states completed a 40 days’ NISHTHA-National initiative for School Heads and Teachers Holistic Advancement Program’. It was a national flagship program of the NCERT on 19th June 2021. The Capacity Building programme aimed at building competencies among teachers and school principals, additionally, improving the quality of School Education through Integrated Teacher Training.

MoTA recently collaborated with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), a national apex education body of several programmatic initiatives and interventions and conducted similar programmes across 350 functional EMRS schools pan India.

  • Shri Pramod Kumar Shukla, English Lecturer from Eklavya Model Residential School, Chattisgarh, receives National Award for Teachers-2021 from President Sh Ram Nath Kovind on Teacher’s Day.

The Hon’ble President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, on September 5th 2021, presented the National Teacher Award to 44 talented teachers selected from all over the country on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. 

The award was also bestowed upon Shri. Pramod Kumar Shukla, English Lecturer of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Karpawand, Bastar Chattisgarh. It is the second award in a row for EMRS teachers and holds special significance for Eklavya Model Residential Schools established under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. In 2020, Smt. Sudha Painuli, Vice Principal, EMRS-Kalsi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, was felicitated with the award. With the implementation of National Education Policy- 2020, it is believed that greater thrust shall be given to teachers as they gain centre-stage, empowering the teachers to implement the NEP recommendations. It holds direct insinuations to change the facets of EMRSs established for providing quality education to tribal students at the behest of talented and committed teachers.

  • 35.2 lakh tribal students disbursed Pre and Post Matric Scholarships through DBT during 2020-21

The Ministry disbursed an amount of Rs. 2500 crores to 35.2 lakh tribal students under Pre and Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme through Direct Benefit Transfer during 2021, amid the Coronavirus pandemic situation to provide essential support for the continuation of education. In this regard, the State’s portals of Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Schemes have been integrated with DBT Tribal Portal and DBT Bharat Portal. Moreover, 331 Universities have been assimilated into this scheme, while an online student verification process has been undertaken to identify and verify the student’s details.

The total Budget Outlay for Pre/Post Matric, National Fellowship and Scholarship, and the National Overseas Scholarship has been upgraded to Rs. 2546 Crores in 2021 from the previous budget outlay of 2013. Over 32, 08,154 students benefitted from these scholarships and the mode of implementation of this scheme remained fully online, to shift from paper-based application to data-based application as well to reduce the release time of the scholarship.

  • Union Education Minister and Union Tribal Affairs Minister jointly launched School Innovation Ambassador Training Programme

The Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and the  Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, jointly launched the ‘School Innovation Ambassador Training Program’ for 50,000 school teachers. It aims at training 50,000 School Teachers on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, IPR, Design Thinking, Product development, Idea generation, among others.

  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs Bags Prestigious SKOCH Challenger Award for “Best Performance In E-Governance” & 3 Gold Awards for Its Initiatives

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) received the coveted “SKOCH Challenger Award”- “Best Performance in e-Governance” today for its various initiatives such as Digital Dashboard and Digital Transparency on its 20+ Online Portals with updated information of its implemented schemes, taken during last year. The Award was received by the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, at the Virtual SKOCH Summit. 

The Ministry also received 3 Gold Awards for its initiatives namely “Eco-Rehabilitation of tribal villages through Innovative design in water management using Ice-stupas”, Swasthya: Tribal Health and Nutritional Portal and the Performance Dashboard “Empowering Tribals Transforming India” which were received by Dr Naval Jit Kapoor, Joint Secretary, on behalf of the Ministry. 

  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs bags Award of Appreciation in the 18th CSI SIG E-Governance Awards 2020

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs bagged the prestigious Award of Appreciation in the Project Category-Central Government Entity – in the 18th CSI SIG e-Gov Awards 2020 for their ‘Performance Dashboard Empowering Tribals Transforming India through various ICT initiatives”. The award was received by the Joint secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Dr. Navaljit Kapoor from the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.

  • Tribal women making Rakhis with seeds of indigenous trees under Vruksha Bandhan Project

In a unique initiative Ministry of Tribal Affairs in partnership with The Art of Living Foundation, Aurangabad, and Maharashtra launched Vrushka Bandhan Project where 1100 tribal women created Rakhis for Raksha Bandhan with seeds of indigenous trees, which is a unique contribution to increasing forest cover & combating climate change.

The Rakhis were made of indigenous seeds stuck on naturally dyed, soft indigenous, non-toxic, biodegradable cotton. Once used, the seeds can be sown in soil, thereby benefiting the environment. It is expected that thousands of trees would be planted under this project and project will provide employment to tribal women associated with the project.

  • Tribal Affairs Ministry and AIIMS organized workshop for NGOs for mission of Sahi Poshan-Desh Roshan as part of POSHAN MAAH

A workshop for Non-Governmental Organizations on Nutrition and Health was organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs on 09th September, 2021, as part of its POSHAN MAAH activities. The purpose of the workshop was to closely associate NGOs working with Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the mission of Sahi Poshan-.Desh Roshan. The workshop was attended by more than 70 NGOs who are working in the health sector in tribal areas.

  • 86 ST Entrepreneurs from Southern States honoured as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Week Celebrations of Tribal Affairs Ministry

In a bid to promote entrepreneurship amongst the tribal community and encourage successful entrepreneurs, a grand event was organized by the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India honoured tribal entrepreneurs on 22nd November 2021 at Visakhapatnam in association with TRICOR-Andhra Pradesh

  • Tribal Affairs Ministry has taken up several initiatives to promote leadership qualities and talent among tribal youth

GOAL (Going Online as Leaders) is a joint initiative of Ministry with Facebook for digitally-enabled mentorship and empowering tribal youth to become leaders in their area of interest. Through the GOAL initiative, renowned people from the industry, arts, politics, business etc., known for their leadership skills or roles, are mobilized to personal mentor tribal youth through a digital medium. GOAL program has so far covered 23 States / UTs.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs continuously strives for fostering partnerships with reputed organizations: working for the welfare of tribes like Microsoft, Art of Living Foundation, Tata Foundation, and SECMOL aimed at taking the project with community participation and for creating awareness about leadership among tribal youth.

  • One Day National Conference on Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) organised to celebrate 25th year of PESA 

One of the themes of Amrit Mahotsav is the ‘whole of Government approach’ and ‘Jan Bhagidari’. Taking this into consideration, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs planned several activities during this period both at the National as well as the State Level.

PESA is a significant Act for the welfare of the tribal communities. Officials of the State and Public representatives were asked to visit tribal regions and comprehend the issues of the Tribal at the grassroots level. During the gathering, it was accentuated that safeguarding the culture of the tribal communities is a necessary measure, to be transparent with the tribals and show them the ray of development under rapidly evolving scenarios. Endeavors were made toward this path in many states; different exercises were embraced under PESA in Maharashtra resulting in the economic empowerment of tribals.

  • National Aadi Mahotsav held in Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi– A Celebration of Tribal Culture, Crafts and Commerce

The National Aadi Mahotsav was held at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, from the 1st to the 15th February 2021. It celebrated several aspects of tribal culture that evinced a lot of interest and witnessed much footfall in the first place. The festival was an attempt to familiarize the people with the rich and diverse craft, the culture of the tribal communities across the country in one place. 

The fortnight-long National Tribal Festival witnessed the participation of thousands of tribal artisans, chefs, artists and cultural troupes from 25 states across the country. The rich tribal culture was evident in the forms of rare tribal handicrafts, handloom and natural products, tribal cuisines as they were exhibited in about 200 stalls. The Aadi Mahotsav succeeded in winning the hearts of the residents of Delhi and witnessed heavy footfall over 15 days and the sales registered. It observed tribal artisans register approx. Rs 4 Crore in direct sales over the past fortnight. Moreover, a purchase order worth Rs 8 Crores was placed by TRIFED; leading to a total of approx. Rs 12 Crores in business transactions for the tribals participating in this festival. The Aadi Mahotsav was in its entirety a celebration of the spirit of tribal life – crafts, culture and cuisine. 

  • Tribes India – Aadi Mahotsav 

As India is celebrating the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Aadi Mahotsav from 16th November to 30thwas organised in Dili Haat. 

cap 1.png

With more than 200 stalls from across the country and about 1000 artisans and artists participating with their unique stories, the AadiMahotsav is a way to draw the Adivasis into the mainstream. Showcasing traditional art and handicrafts, and the cultural heritage of the country, this festival connects the tribal artisans with larger markets and brings to focus the diversity and richness of the tribes of India.

Cap2.png

The Aadi Mahotsav is a mini-India where the exquisite craft traditions of tribal artisans – weavers, potters, puppeteers, and embroiders – are all in one place. With a wide range of artefacts like paintings be it in the Warli style or Pattachitras; jewellery handcrafted in the Dokra style to bead necklaces from the Wancho and Konyak tribes to the famous Toda embroidery from the South; from virgin coconut oil of the Nicobar Islands to multi-flavoured Nutra-beverages of north-east; from colourful puppets and children’s toys to traditional weaves such as Dongri shawls, Bodo weaves, Kota Doria from Rajasthan; iron craft from Bastar to bamboo craft and cane furniture; pottery such as blue pottery and Longpi pottery from Manipur, the festival is a feast for the senses.

  • Shri Arjun Munda, Minister of Tribal Affairs virtually launched the nationwide campaign “COVID Teeka Sang Surakshit Van, Dhan aur Uddyam” to accelerate the pace for COVID vaccination among tribals in India. 

The campaign was launched to leverage the 45,000 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVK) of the Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), a national level cooperative body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.

  • M/o Tribal Affairs and Goa Government Jointly Launch Shramshakti Digital Data Solution Tomorrow for Migrant Workers and Tribal Migrant Cell

In a move that would effectively help in the smooth formulation of State and National level programs for migrant workers, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) launched “Shram Shakti”, a National Migration Support Portal and Shram-Saathi, a training manual for migrant workers in Goa. To facilitate and support approximately 4 lacs migrants who come from different States to Goa, the Chief Minister of Goa will also launch a dedicated Migration cell in Goa. MoTA has also sanctioned Tribal research Institute, Tribal Museum, Van Dhan Kendras and Tribal Lok Utsav in Goa.

  • Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Arjun Munda launched ‘Adi Prashikshan Portal’ and 3 -Day Online Capacity Building Programme for ST PRI Members 

Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, launched the ‘ADI PRASHIKSHAN’ portal and inaugurated a three-day training programme on “Capacity Building Training of Master Trainers for ST PRI Members” as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in New Delhi. 

The Adi Prashikshan portal developed by the Ministry acts as a Central Repository of all training programs conducted by Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs), different divisions of Ministry, National Society for Education of Tribal Students (NESTS), Centre of Excellence funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and National Tribal Research Institute.  

  • M/o Tribal Affairs organised the second National Conclave on Sickle Disease in India on World Sickle Cell on 19th June, 2021 Unmukt project to eliminate Sickle Cell Disease launched

To commemorate World Sickle Cell Disease Day on 19th June 2021, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MOTA) organized the Second Online National Conclave on ‘Sickle Cell Disease in India’, in partnership with FICCI, Novartis, Piramal Foundation, Apollo Hospitals, NASCO and GASCDO.The event brought together a group of experts on Sickle Cell Disease across India to deliberate on recent advances in Sickle Cell Disease management-ranging from early diagnosis to the latest medicines and advances in the treatment of the disease.

 

 

Shri Arjun Munda, Union Minister and Renuka Singh Sauta flagged off mobile vans under the Unmukt project for strengthening screening and timely management of SCD in Khunti district of Jharkhand and Kanker in Chhattisgarh, two tribal districts with a high prevalence of sickle cell disease among tribals.

  • Tribal Health Collaborative ‘Anamaya’: A Multi Stakeholder Initiative to enhance Tribal Health and Nutrition launched

Anamaya, the Tribal Health Collaborative, was launched by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan and Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, at a function in New Delhi . The Collaborative is a multi-stakeholder initiative of the Tribal Affairs Ministry supported by the Piramal Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). It will converge efforts of various Government agencies and organisations to enhance the health and nutrition status of the tribal communities of India.

  • Joint Communication for more effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act signed by Environment and Tribal Affairs Ministries

The Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 recognizes the rights of the forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers. These communities are dependent on forest resources for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs.

A “Joint Communication” was signed by Shri R.P. Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), and Shri Anil Kumar Jha, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), in the presence of Minister of Environment, Shri Prakash Javadekar and Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda. 

The Joint Communication, addressed to all Chief Secretaries of States/UTs, pertains to more effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 and for harnessing the potential for livelihood improvement of the Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDSTs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs).

  • Shri Arjun Munda, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs inaugurates New Building complex for the Tribal Cultural Research & Training Mission (TRI), Andhra Pradesh as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Sh. Arjun Munda; MoS Tribal Affairs, Renuka Singh Saruta, and Dy. Chief Minister & Minister for Tribal Welfare, Andhra Pradesh, Smt.Pamula Pushpa Srivaniji virtually inaugurated the New Building complex for the Tribal Cultural Research and Training Mission (TRI) of Andhra Pradesh on 15th  August 2021 as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav India @ 75.

  • Measures undertaken by the Government to improve the livelihood of Tribals during COVID situations

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provided funds to the State Governments based on their proposals for undertaking various livelihood activities, including agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and other non-farm based livelihood activities etc. under the schemes ‘Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS)’, ‘Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)’ and ‘Grants under Article 275(1)’ during 2020-21. An amount of Rs. 587.47 crore was approved/sanctioned by various State Governments for launching various livelihood activities.

Further, funds to the tune of Rs. 12355.43 crore have been provided as Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) by the other Central Ministries / Departments under livelihood related schemes during 2020-21 and 2021-22.

  • Institutional Support for Development and Marketing of Tribal Products/Produce:
  • Under the scheme, TRIED has been promoting E-Commerce sale of tribal products from its own portal http://www.tribesindia.com and also present on all major e-commerce portals like Amazon, Snapdeal, Flipkart, Paytm, and GEM.
  • TRIFED has made the online sales of Rs. 99.74 lakhs in financial year 2020-21.  During the current financial year 2021-22, TRIFED has made the sale of Rs.127.54 lakhs (Upto 30.11.2021).
  • TRIFED has established a network of 145 Outlets i.e. 97 own Sales outlets, 33 outlets on consignment sale and 15 franchise outlets located across the country as on 30.10.2021.
  • The total number of suppliers/producers empanelled with TRIFED as on 31.10.2021 is 2915.
  • Sale of tribal products by TRIFED during 2019-20 – Rs. 40.30 cr, 2020-21 – Rs. 29.63 cr and 2021-22 (as on 30.10.2021) – Rs. 18.43 cr.
  • Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) SCHEME:
  • MSP for majority of Minor Forest produce have been increased.
  • 37 new items under the MSP for MFP scheme list from 2020-21.
  • No. of MFP under MSP scheme increased from 50 to 87 during 2020-21.
  • Procurement of MFPs under MSP for MFP scheme by States from GoI funds is Rs. 317.89 Cr. since the implementation of the scheme.
  • Van Dhan Vikas Karyakaram:
  • Under the scheme of ‘MSP for MFP’ Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Clusters (VDVKCs) act as common facility centres for procurement cum value addition to locally available Minor Forest Produce.
  • Rs. 254.64 cr. released to TRIFED in last three years for setting up Van Dhan Vikas kendra Clusters (VDVKCs).
  • 3110 VDVKCs have been sanctioned till date since its inception in 2019-20 benefitting 9.28 lakh MFP gatherers of more than 52000 SHGs.
  • Equity Support to NSTFDC/STFDCs:
  • NSTFDC extends concessional loans to the eligible Scheduled Tribe persons for undertaking any income generation activities/ self-employment through its implementing agencies.
  • Rs. 748.75 cr have been disbursed by NSTFDC in the last three years (2019-20 to 30.11.2021) to 4.04 lakh tribal beneficiaries under its five schemes.
  • NSTFDC has signed MoU with KVIC to act as implementing agency under PMEGP scheme. The MoU aims at providing concessional loans to tribal entrepreneurs seeking financial assistance through banks and SCAs and the ST beneficiaries will get back ended subsidy up to 35% of the unit cost.

****

Investment in manufacturing of EVs, batteries and high technology automotive components in India

 The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has been continuously working towards making the auto sector in India ‘Aatmanirbhar’ by augmenting ’Make in India’ efforts of the Government and to position India as an alternative manufacturing hub for automobiles and its components. The key initiatives of Ministry of Heavy Industries during the year are as under:

  1. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India Phase II (FAME India II) Scheme has been launched with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore to incentivize demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) by providing upfront subsidies and creating EV charging infrastructure. 1 million Electric 2 Wheelers, 5 lakh Electric 3 Wheelers, 55,000 Electric Cars and 7,090 Electric Buses are to be supported under FAME II through subsidies. Allocation of Rs 1000 crore has also been made under FAME II for provision of EV charging stations.
  • FAME India II Scheme was redesigned in June 2021 based on experience particularly during Covid-19 pandemic and feedback from industry and users. The redesigned scheme aims at faster proliferation of Electric Vehicles by lowering the upfront costs. Following amendments have been made in the scheme:
  • Demand incentive for Electric 2 Wheelers has been increased from Rs 10,000/KWh to Rs 15,000/KWh with maximum cap increased from 20% to 40% of the cost of vehicles. 
  • For Electric 3 Wheelers, aggregation will be the key method to bring the upfront cost at an affordable level and at par with ICE-3 Wheelers. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) will aggregate demand for 3 lakh Electric 3 Wheelers for multiple user segments.
  • For Electric Buses, 9 cities with over 4 million population (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat and Pune) will be targeted. EESL will aggregate the demand in these 9 cities for remaining Electric Buses under the scheme on OPEX basis.
  • Further the scheme has been extended for a further period of 2 years i.e. upto March 31, 2024 

After remodeling of FAME II in June 2021 sale of electric two wheelers has increased to over 5000 per week from 700 per week before remodeling.

Achievements under FAME India II scheme in this year

    • In calendar year 2021, total 1.4 lakh Electric vehicles (1.19 Lakh electric two wheelers, 20.42 K electric three wheelers and 580 electric four wheelers) have been incentivized upto 16 December 2021 amounting to incentive of about Rs 500 Crore under Phase-11 of FAME. Total 1.85 lakh Electric Vehicles have been incentivized under FAME II till now.
    • 835 Electric buses have been deployed (314 in Mumbai, 150 in Navi Mumbai, 90 in Ahmadabad, 105 in UP, 30 in Goa, 25 in Patna, 49 in Surat, 16 in Rajkot, 25 in Delhi, 11 in Chandigarh, 10 in silvassa and 10 in Dehradun), in this year till 16 December 2021. Total 861 Electric buses have been deployed under FAME II.
    • 50 Electric Buses have been sanctioned to GSRTC for deployment in Kewadia a place of national importance.
    • City/State Transport undertakings have issued supply order for 1040 Electric buses in this year till 16 December 2021 (100 in Goa, 100 for intercity bus operation by MS RTC, 40 in the city of Chandigarh, 300 in Delhi by DTC, 300 in Bangalore, 50 for intracity and 50 for intercity bus operation in the city of Tirupati, 100 for intercity bus operation by GSRTC). Total supply orders have been issued for 3428 Electric Buses under FAME
    • Timeline extension has been granted to STUs/CTUs undertakings as per their request to issue Supply Order/Letter of award by STUs/CTUs for 1040 electric buses in this year (100 in Goa, 100 for intercity bus operation by MSRTC, 40 in the city of Chandigarh, 300 in Bangalore, 50 for intra-city and 50 for intercity bus operation in the city of Tirupati, 100 in Rajkot, 150 in Surat, 50 each to KSRTC & NWKSRTC, 50 to Navi Mumbai).
    • 1576 EV charging stations have been sanctioned and Letters of Award have been issued across 9 Expressways and 16 Highways in this year till 1 6 Dec 2021.
    • Letters of Award (LOA) issued for 35 Charging stations have been issued till 1 6 Dec 2021 (25 in the city of Coimbatore and 10 in Erode). Total LOA have been issued for 1797 Charging stations in cities under FAME II.
    • Total 104 EV charging stations have been commissioned in this year till 1 6 December 2021 [91 under FAME I (9 on Delhi – Chandigarh, 3 on Mumbai-Pune Expressways, 12 in Bangalore, 4 in Ranchi, 10 in Goa, 45 in Hyderabad, 6 in Agra and 2 in Shimla) and 13 under FAME —II (4 in the city of Chennai, 3 in Delhi 4 in Nagpur and 2 in Ahmedabad)]
  1. Union Cabinet on May 12, 2021 approved the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore to incentivize setting up of manufacturing facilities in the country for 50 Giga Watt Hour of ACC and 5 GWh of “Niche” ACC. As of now ACC are imported in the country. The scheme was notified on June 9, 2021
  • Through this Scheme, the Government intends to optimally incentivize potential investors, both domestic and overseas, to set- up Giga-scale ACC manufacturing facilities with emphasis on maximum value addition and quality output and achieving pre-committed capacity level within a pre-defined time-period.
  • Total investment of Rs 45,000 crore is envisaged under this scheme. The scheme will reduce the import bills of ACC by Rs 1,50,000 crore.
  • Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued on October 22, 202 I for inviting proposals from domestic and international manufactures for setting up manufacturing facilities for ACC Battery Storage in India. Pre-Proposal Conference was held on Nov 12, 2021 which was attended by over 100 participants representing over 20 domestic and international manufactures.
  1. Union Cabinet on Sep’ 15, 2021 approved the Productivity Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Automobile and Auto Components with an outlay of Rs 25,938 crore to incentivize manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology products and attract investments in the Automotive Manufacturing value chain. Its prime objectives include overcoming cost disabilities, creating economies of scale and building a robust supply chain in areas of Advanced Automotive Technology products.
  • It is estimated that over a period of five years, the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components Industry will attract fresh investment of over 142,500 crore, incremental production of over 12.3 lakh crore and will create additional employment opportunities of over 7.5 lakh jobs.
  • This scheme will facilitate the Automobile Industry to move up the value chain into higher value added products and increase India’s share in global automotive trade.
  • The PLI Scheme is open to existing automotive companies as well as new investors who are currently not in automobile or auto component manufacturing business.
  • The scheme has two components viz Champion OEM Incentive Scheme and Component Champion Incentive Scheme. The Champion OEM Incentive scheme is a ‘sales value linked’ scheme, applicable on Battery Electric Vehicles and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles of all segments and any other advanced automotive technology as specified by Ministry of Heavy Industries. The Component Champion Incentive scheme is a ‘sales value linked’ scheme, applicable on Advanced Automotive Technology components of vehicles, Completely Knocked Down (CKD)/ Semi Knocked Down (SKD) kits, Vehicle aggregates of 2-Wheelers, 3-Wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and tractors etc. Incentives are applicable both on domestic sales as well as on exports of the eligible products.
  • The scheme provides incentive of 13- 18% on Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles and their components and incentive of 8-13% on Advanced Automotive Technology products related to safety, emission control, shared, convenience, efficiency etc. The incentives will be available for five-year period from FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27.
  • The PLI scheme for Automobile and Auto components and the Guidelines have been notified on Sep 23, 2021. Application Form for PLI Scheme, List of Advanced Automotive Technology Products and Window for Notice Inviting Applications has been notified on Nov 9, 2021. Window for Notice Inviting Applications is open for 60 days from Nov 11, 2021 to Jan 9, 2022.
  1. Ministry of Heavy Industries organized Round Table on December 4, 2021 in Goa under chairmanship of Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister for Heavy Industries with all stake holders from Central Government, State Governments & UTs, leaders of Auto OEMs & Automotive Component Manufacturers, Start Ups and Technical Experts to work out strategies to promote adoption of Electric Vehicles in India and attract investment in manufacturing of EVs, batteries and high technology automotive components in India.

Other Initiatives

A 11 .3 km long, Asia’s longest high-speed track (HST) was inaugurated at NATRAX, Indore, Madhya Pradesh by Hon’ble Minister (HI&PE) on June 29, 2021. This will be a one stop solution for all sorts of high speed performance tests for automobiles within the country. Availability of NATRAX HST will encourage indigenous development of wide variety of automobiles.

  1. NATRIP is one of the most significant initiatives of the Govt of India for the growth of Automobile sector in India and includes setting up of “State of the Art” automotive Homogenization, Testing, Certification and R&D infrastructure at three new centers at GARC, Chennai, NATRAX Indore, NIAIMT Silchar and upgradation of three existing centers at ARAI Pune, VRDE Ahmadnagar and ICAT Manesar (Gurugram). This project has been completed on Mar’3l 2021 and subsequently taken over by National Automotive Board (NAB).

In compliance of directives of Cabinet Secretariat for digitization of official records, the work of digitization of more than 15 Lakh pages (accumulated since inception of the project) were completed in Nov 2021 for NAB (NATRIP)/HQ. This is a major work accomplished by NAB (NATRIP) organization in time bound manner.

  1. Issue of GST Concession Certificate to orthopedic disabled persons is one of the important services provided by MHI under its Citizen’s Charter. As a step towards Digital India, an online portal for issuing Aadhar Authenticated GST concession certificate was launched by MHI in Nov 2020. The development of online portal has improved the quality of service rendered by this Ministry. This IT enabled initiative has helped streamlining the process and facilitated issue of 1942 GST Concession Certificate in 10 months period from Jan’21 to Dec’21 (highest ever in the last five year period). This portal has helped the beneficiaries to avail benefits even during Covid- 19 pandemic scenario in 2021.
  1. In order to address the skill gaps and infrastructure development and technology needs for the Capital Goods Sector, Phase I of the Capital Goods scheme was rolled out by the Department in 2014. Phase I of the scheme fostered partnerships between Academia and Industry for engendering technology development with Government support.
    • The outcomes of the Scheme have proved the efficacy of the strategies deployed for technology and industrial infrastructure development.
    • Fifteen Common Engineering Facility Centres(CEFCs) including four Industry 4.0 SAMARTH centres and 6 Technology Innovation Platforms, Eight Centres of Excellence (COEs) for Technology Development, A 500 acres world class Machine Tool Park in Tuiuakuru, Karnataka in partnership with the Government of Karnataka has been established under the scheme. 25 new technologies in the field of machine tools, textile machinery, earth moving machinery, nano and sensor technologies, are being developed at national research institutes of eminence such as IITs, IISc, CMTI, etc. and some of these technologies are undergoing commercialization.
    • 74 workshops, webinars, awareness sessions etc have been organized under the theme Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav by SAMARTH Centers, Technology Innovation Platforms, CoEs, and Capital Goods Industry Association in this year.
  1. Development of web based open manufacturing technology innovation platforms: The Ministry of Heavy Industries has developed web based open manufacturing technology innovation platforms under the ongoing Capital Goods Scheme. These platforms wilt help in bringing all India’s technical resources and the concerned Industry on to one platform to kick start and facilitate identification of technology problems faced by Indian Industry and crowd source solutions for the same in a systematic manner so as to facilitate start-ups and angel funding of India innovations. This includes the development of the key ‘mother’ manufacturing technologies’ indigenously through ‘Grand Challenges’ on the Platforms to help achieve the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and a globally competitive manufacturing sector in India. Hon’ble Minister of Heavy I ndustr les inaugurated the Technology Innovation Platforms on July 2, 2021 (through virtual mode). Details are as below:
    • Six Technology Platforms have been developed by IIT Madras, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), Automotive Research Association of India(ARAI), BHEL and HMT in association with IISc Bangalore. These platforms will focus on development of technologies for the globally competitive manufacturing in India. These platforms will facilitate industry (including OEMs, Tier 1 Tier 2 & Tier 3 companies & Raw Material Manufacturers), start-ups, domain experts/professionals, R&D institutions and academia (colleges & universities), to provide technology solutions, suggestions, expert opinions etc. on issues involving manufacturing technologies. Further, it will facilitate exchange of knowledge with respect to research & development and other technological aspects.
    • Online registration on the Technology Platforms can be done at following url: https://aspire.icat.in, https://sanrachna.bhe1.in/, https://technovuus.araiindia.coin/, https://techport.hmtmachinetoo1s.com, https://kite.iitm.ac.in/, htrps://drishti.cmti.res.in/. Over 60,000 Students, Experts, Institutes, Industries and labs have already registered on these platforms.
  1. MHI is in the process of launching the Phase 2 of the ‘Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector’ which will further lead to indigenization of products and technology. The Scheme proposal with total financial outlay of Rs. 1207 cr including Government Budgetary support of Rs. 975 crore is under approval.

 

****

Electricity (Promotion of generation of Electricity from Must-Run Power Plant) Rules, 2021

 The Ministry of Power in the current year has undertaken an array of reforms. Union Minister for Power and NRE Shri R.K Singh highlighting the reforms said that we have put in place rules and procedures for ease of doing business and ease of living. As a result of the reforms, power sector is poised for greater growth and more reforms are on the anvil in the next year, he remarked.

Shri Singh mentioned that the power sector has shown strong growth in demand in 2021 as it is 14 percent higher than in the previous year, this is indicative of the fact that our economy is recovering and the 28 million new consumers we have added are adding more appliances. The minister noted that the government has continued with reforms in the power sector and efforts also continue to keep the price of power low.

The reforms can be placed in the following categories:

  1. Reforms and Restructuring (R&R)
  • Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020

The Ministry of Power has notified Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 on 31.12.2020 under section 176 of the Electricity Act, 2003. These Rules shall empower the consumers of electricity and emanate from the conviction that the power systems exist to serve the consumers and the consumers have rights to get the reliable services and quality electricity.  

Implementation of these Rules shall ensure that new electricity connections, refunds and other services are given in a time bound manner.  Wilful disregard to consumer rights will result in levying penalties on service providers.

An amendment to Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 was also notified on 29.09.2021 wherein the limit for net metering was increased to 500KW from 10KW.

  • Late Payment Surcharge Rules 2021

Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge) Rules, 2021 have been notified by the Central Government on 22nd February, 2021.Late Payment Surcharge means the charges payable by a distribution company to a generating company or electricity trader for power procured from it, or by a user of a transmission system to a transmission licensee on account of delay in payment of monthly charges beyond the due date. Late Payment Surcharge shall be payable on the payment outstanding after the due date at the base rate of Late Payment Surcharge applicable for the period for the first month of default.

  • Waiver of ISTS Transmission Charges and Losses for Solar & Wind Power

In Order to promote generation from renewable sources of energy, Ministry of Power has issued an Order on 5th August 2020 for extension of waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges and losses for transmission of the electricity generated from solar and wind projects commissioned till 30th June 2023.Further an order was issued on 21.06.2021 for extension of waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for transmission of the electricity generated from solar and wind projects up to 30.06.2025.Moreover vide this order the waiver of ISTS charges shall also be allowed for Hydro Pumped Storage Plant(PSP) and Battery Energy Storage System(BESS).

  • Issuance of Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) Trajectory

Long term RPO growth trajectory for the period 2016-17 to 2018-19 has been notified by Ministry of Power on 22.7.2016. .An order on RPO Trajectory for a further period of three years i.e. from 2019-20 to 2021-22 under the provisions of Tariff Policy has been issued by Ministry of Power on 14.06.2018. In super-session of orders dated 22.7.2016 and 14.06.2018, Ministry of Power has specified new RPO trajectory vide order dated 29.01.2021. Trajectory for HPO has also been issued through this order.

This would help in meeting the renewable energy generation targets set by the Central Government.

  • Introduction of Green Day Ahead Market (GDAM)

Green Day Ahead Market (GDAM) is a marketplace for trading of renewable power on a day-ahead basis. This would facilitate accomplishment of green targets as well as support integration of green energy in a most efficient, competitive and transparent manner. GDAM was launched on 25.10.2021.

The Green day Ahead Market will be available through the Power Exchanges. The GDAM market structure will be within the existing Day Ahead Market (DAM) structure but will create a separate clearing mechanism and price discovery for renewable and conventional energy sources.

It will give opportunity to the RE generators to sell their power and reduce curtailment and also the buyer of RE to transparently purchase green power from the market. It would also facilitate the obligated entities to meet its Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO).

  • Electricity (Timely Recovery of Costs due to Change in Law) Rules, 2021

Timely recovery of the costs due to change in law is having importance as the investment in the power sector largely depends upon the timely payments. At present the pass through under change of law is taking a lot of time, forcing the drying of the investment in the power sector. If payment is not made in time, it impacts the viability of the sector and the developers get financially stressed. If this is not addressed now, the investment will not come and the electricity consumers may face shortages of power once again. In order to address this issue, Ministry of Power has notified Electricity (Timely Recovery of Costs due to Change in Law) Rules, 2021 on 22.10.2021.

  • Electricity (Promotion of generation of Electricity from Must-Run Power Plant) Rules, 2021

Ministry of Power has notified Electricity (Promotion of generation of Electricity from Must-Run Power Plant) Rules, 2021 on 22.10.2021. This rule is mainly to achieve this goal and will help in promotion of the generation from renewable sources. This will ensure that the consumers get green and clean power and secure a healthy environment for the future generation. 

  • Implementation of Phase- 1 of Market Based Economic Despatch (MBED)

With the objective of Redesigning of present market mechanism for lowering the cost of power purchase to Consumers, Framework for Implementation of Phase1 of Market Based Economic Despatch (MBED) wherein mandatory participation by ISGS ( Inter State Generation Stations) plants and voluntary participation by other generators, was communicated to CERC for  implementation from 1st  April, 2022.

  • Redesigning the Renewable Energy Certificate(REC) Mechanism 

Ministry of Power assent was given to make amendment in the existing Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism, in order to  align the  present REC mechanism with the emerging changes in the power scenario and also to promote new renewable technologies.

  1. Power Market Reforms:
  • Green Term-Ahead Market (GTAM):Pan-India Green Term-Ahead Market in electricity was launched on 1st September, 2020. As a market segment, it has provided one more avenue to renewable to trade electricity which will, inter-alia, help to achieve ambitious renewable energy capacity addition targets of the Government of India. GTAM Contracts will enable obligated entities to procure renewable power at competitive prices at the power exchanges and help meet RPOs.  This would also reduce burden on renewable rich States which can trade the surplus renewable generation generated within the State pan-India. The total cleared volume in G-TAM was 785.83 MU in 2020-2021. In 2021-22, till September, 2021, the total cleared volume was 2744 MU.
  • Green Day Ahead Market (GDAM): After the successful launch of Green Term-Ahead Market (GTAM) in August 2020, “Green Day Ahead Market (GDAM) – a Marketplace for trading of renewable power on a day-ahead basis” has been launched by Sh. R K Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy on 25th October, 2021. The intent is to promote merchant green power plants and provide additional sale avenues to existing renewable power plants that are either facing payment risk with the distribution companies (DISCOM) under the existing PPA or have surplus energy. Expected Benefits from the introduction of GDAM are deepening the Green Market, Accelerating the addition of Renewable Capacity, Shift from PPA based Contract to Market-Based Models and Reduction of Curtailment of Green Power. In the Green Day Ahead market launched in October 2021 about 211 MU have been traded from 27.10.2021 to 07.12.2021 at average Price Rs.4.52 per unit.
  • Govt. has introduced Pan India Real Time Market (RTM) of electricity on 3rd June 2020. The introduction of RTMas an organized platform for energy trade closer to real time to the buyers and sellers has not only facilitated grid integration of renewables but also brought greater market efficiency. With RTM, Buyers/sellers have the option of placing buy/sell bids for each 15-minute time block. RTM is benefitting all stakeholders viz. generators including renewable generators having opportunity to sell their surpluses, better management of variability of renewable generation, better utilization of transmission systems, opportunity for distribution utilities to buy or sell power closer to real time and finally consumer getting reliable power supply.In FY 2020-21, the total cleared volume in Real Time Market was 9467.96MU. In FY 2021-22, the total cleared volume in Real Time Market was 9933.4 MU till September, 2021. The highest daily volume of 98.334 MU was traded on 28thAugust, 2021.
  • Despite the Covid 19 pandemic,All India demand continued to achieve the new benchmarks. The highest All India demand of 200570 MW was achieved on 07th July 2021.
  1.   Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS)

Government of India notified “Integrated Power Development Scheme” (IPDS) in December’14 to extend financial assistance against capital expenditure to address the gaps in sub transmission and distribution network and metering in urban areas to supplement the resources of Discoms/ Power Departments.

The scheme has an outlay of Rs. 32,612 crore including a budgetary support of Rs 25,354 crore from Government of India during the entire implementation period.

Progress (From 01.11.2020  to 31.10.2021)

  • Total funds invested under the IPDS by GOI + States in this period: around Rs.  3800Cr. with around Rs. 2,290 Cr released as GOI grant from MOP
  • System strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution network has been completed in over 70 circles covering over 500 towns inspite of COVID Pandemic and addition of following infrastructure:
        • 45 new Power Sub-Stations commissioned;
        • Capacity augmentation of more than 50 exiting Power Sub-Stations completed
        • More than 7,000 ckm of Aerial Bunched/Underground cables laid to reduce losses
        • About 3,000 new Distribution Transformers charged for improving power supply in towns
        • Around 1MwP of Solar Panels installed on Govt buildings and Substations as contribution towards green energy
      • Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Substations commissioned for first time in NE States, Haryana; works completed in 25 Substations of AP, Assam, Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan & Uttarakhand
      • Major projects completed–Underground cabling work under IPDS in Varanasi andKumbh Area, Haridwar
      • Rs.240 Cr approved for around 1000ckm of Underground cabling in Ayodhya
      • Over 5Lakh Smart Meters installed in Andaman Nicobar Islands, Bihar, HP, MP, Punjab& Rajasthan etc.
      • IT enablement of smaller towns completed in 6Discoms&Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for improvement in Operational Efficiencies of Discoms completed/upgraded in 5 Discoms during this period.
      • Overall IPDS has contributed in increase in hours of Power supply in urban areas to 22 hours/day and improved consumer convenience though Digital payments etc.

Further, Revamped Reforms Based and Results Linked Distribution Sector Scheme has been approved by Ministry of Power in July 2021 with an outlay of Rs. 3,03,758 crore over a period of five years from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26 for providing conditional financial assistance for supporting DISCOMs to undertake reforms and improve performance in a time bound manner with following objectives

      • Improve the quality, reliability and affordability of power supply to consumers through a financially sustainable and operationally efficient Distribution Sector
      • Reduce the AT&C losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% by 2024-25
      • Reduce ACS-ARR gap to zero by 2024-25
  1.    Hydro Power Development:
    • Guidelines for providing Budgetary support for Flood Moderation / Storage Hydro Electric Power projects and Cost of Enabling Infrastructure i.e. roads and bridges were issued by the Ministry on 28.09.2021 to promote the Hydro Sector.
    • All the 04 units of Kameng Hydro Power Project (600 MW) constructed by NEEPCO in Arunachal Pradesh have been fully commissioned and have commenced their operation from 12.02.2021.
    • Luhri Stage-I HEP (210 MW): Investment Approval accorded by GoI on 20.11.2020. Award of EPC package for Civil and HM works awarded on 24.11.2020 and EM works awarded on 16.07.2021.
    • Dhaulasidh HEP (66 MW): Investment Approval accorded by GoI on 01.10.2020. Award of EPC package for Civil and HM works awarded on 06.05.2021.
    • The Model Contract Document for Dispute Avoidance Mechanism in Hydro CPSUs through “Independent Engineer” has been issued vide O.M. dated 27.09.2021.
    • Kholongchhu (600 MW) Hydro Electric Project in Bhutan

The Concession Agreement for the project was signed between Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) and Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited (KHEL) [Joint Venture (JV) Company of SJVN Ltd (Indian CPSU) & DGPC Bhutan (RGoB PSU)] at Bhutan in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, GoI and Hon’ble Foreign Minister, RGoB on 29.06.2020.  All three main Civil works packages have been awarded on 04.03.2021 & the project is scheduled to be commissioned by Feb., 2026.

    • Lower Arun Hydro Electric Project (679 MW) in Nepal

Lower Arun project was allotted to SJVN Ltd by Government of Nepal (GoN) on Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis through international competitive bidding on 04.02.2021.  MoU has been signed for the development of 679 MW Lower Arun HEP between SJVN Ltd and Investment Board Nepal (IBN) on 11th July 2021. 

    • Investment approval for 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project has been accorded on 11.02.2021 with an estimated project cost of Rs. 5281.94 crore (November 2018 PL). The project is scheduled to be completed within 60 months from the date of investment approval.
    • Investment approval for 120 MW Rangit-IV Hydroelectric Project has been accorded on 30.03.2021 with an estimated project cost of Rs.938.29 crore (October 2019 PL). The project is scheduled to be completed within 60 months from the date of investment approval.
  1. Thermal Power:
  • Revised/New Coal Stocking Norms in Coal Based Thermal Power Plants

Central Electricity Authority (CEA), monitors the coal stocks being maintained at the power stations along with their daily coal consumption requirements. The earlier coal stocking norms were advisory in nature, at times; power plants do not maintain coal stock as per the norms, which is not desirable for a sustained plant operation. In view of this, the existing coal stocking norms have been revised and issued by Central Electricity Authority (CEA) on 06.12.2021 to ensure more fuel security to the power plants, reflect true picture of the stocks being maintained at each power stations and ensure sufficient coal stock even during the period of less supply by CIL/SCCL during the month of July to September.

The revised norms mandates 12 to 17 days of coal stock at pit head stations and 20 to 26 days coal stock at non-pit head stations with month-wise variation based on coal despatch/coal consumption pattern during the year corresponding to 85% PLF, and prescribes the coal stocks to be mandatorily maintained by the power plants and penalty mechanism for not maintaining the stocking norms. The coal stock for 17 days at pit head plants and 26 days stocks at non-pit head power plants have been made mandatory during February to June every year.

The power plants are graded as red, yellow and green for not maintaining the coal stocks; and would be penalized for not maintaining their normative availability due to reduced coal stocks and their fixed charges shall be reduced in a graded manner.

  • National Mission on use of Biomass in coal based power plants:

Ministry of Power on 17th November, 2017 issued Policy on biomass utilization for power generation through co-firing in coal based power plants. In this earlier Policy, it was advised in the policy that coal based thermal power plants, except those having ball and tube mill, of power generation utilities, to endeavor to use 5-10% blend of biomass pellets made, primarily, of agro residue along with coal after assessing the technical feasibility, viz. safety aspect etc.   In order to support the energy transition in the country and to achieve the target of cleaner energy sources, the policy has been modified and issued on 08.10.2021. This modified policy would provide the necessary direction in achieving the desired goals.

  • Fuel Linkages under SHAKTI:

Govt. of India, Ministry of Coal had approved a new coal linkage allocation policy on May 17, 2017 named SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing & Allocating Koyala Transparently in India). Linkages granted under SHAKTI Policy in the last one year:

Shakti Policy Para B (ii) –  Linkage on auction basis for Independent Power Producers (lPPs) with PPA based on domestic coal. Under clause B(ii) of the SHAKTI Policy, the lPPs participating in auction bid for discount on existing tariff.

    • 4th round auction got completed on 28.09.2021 by PFCCL wherein 3.1983 MT (G11 Grade) was provisionally allocated.

Shakti Policy Para B(viii)(a) – Linkage on auction basis for non-PPA capacity for Short Term & DAM: Ministry of Power issued a methodology in this regard on 02.12.2019 to carry out such auction at every quarter to cater to the dynamic requirements of short term and day-ahead markets (DAM). Amendment to the methodology was issued on 12.05.2020.

    • Till date 5.39 MTs (G13 grade equivalent) of coal have been allocated to various power plants in auctions held for six quarters viz. Apr-June’20, July-Sep’20 and Oct-Dec’20, Jan-Mar’21, Apl-June’21 and July-Sep’21.

    Pilot project for procurement of 2500 MW power:

In order to address the problem of lack of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in the country, the Ministry of Power had notified a scheme for procurement of 2500 MW on competitive basis for a period of 3 years from the generators with commissioned projects having untied capacity.

2nd Round (2500 MW):

    • 21 Bidders (Generating Companies) submitted their Technical and Financial Bid. Financial Bids were opened on 07.02.2020. After e-Reverse Auction Rs 3.26/kWh (Fixed Charge of Rs 1.63 per unit and Variable Charge of Rs 1.63 per unit) tariff was discovered.
    • As per Status report provided by PTC on 10.11.2021, PTC have executed PPAs with the Bidders to whom PFCCL have issued LOAs and PSAs with Utilities/Discoms for a total quantum of 820 MW.
  • Stressed Assets in Thermal Power Sector

Department of Financial Services (DFS) sent a list of stressed projects in the power sector on 22.03.17 to Ministry of Power (MoP). The 34 non-captive coal based power projects mentioned in the DFS list are mostly private and have a total installed capacity of 40,130 MW. Status of 34 thermal power projects of capacity 40,130 MW which are under stress as reported by DFS is as follows:

    1. 17 projects with a total capacity of 20,290 MW have been resolved.
    2. 7 projects with a total capacity of 9,310 MW are at various stages of resolution.
    3. 10 projects with a total capacity of 10,530 MW are at very initial stage of construction and are totally stalled. Such projects have either been ordered to be liquidated or heading towards liquidation.
  1. Highlights under Energy Efficiency :
  • Energy Efficiency Initiatives Launched under the Bharat ka Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
    • With an objective to accelerate Energy Transition in Industrial Sectors, Union Minister of Power released “User Manuals” for different stakeholders of PAT scheme such as BEE, CERC, POSOCO etc. through Video Conferencing on 1st March, 2021.
    • The detailed outcome of PAT Cycle-II including energy savings, investment reported, technology up gradation as well as reduction in CO2 emission was documented by BEE as “Pathways for Accelerated Transformation in Industry Sector” and was released on 1st March 2021 by the Union Minister.
    • Under the vision for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ Union Minister of Power launched “Energy Efficiency Enterprise (E3) Certifications Programme for Brick manufacturing Sector” in March, 2021 .
    • “Aiming for Sustainable Habitat: New Initiatives in Building Energy Efficiency 2021”Union Minister of Power announced various initiatives being taken by Government of India towards energy efficiency in the building sector on 16th July, 2021. The initiatives launched included:
    • Specifying code compliance approaches and minimum energy performance requirements for building services, and verification framework with Eco Niwas Samhita 2021.
    • The web-based platform ‘The Handbook of Replicable Designs for Energy Efficient Residential Buildings’ as a learning tool, which can be used to create a pool of ready-to-use resources of replicable designs to construct energy-efficient homes in India.
    • Creating an Online Directory of Building Materials that would envisage the process of establishing Standards for energy efficient building materials.
    • Announcement of NEERMAN Awards, (National Energy Efficiency Roadmap for Movement towards Affordable & Natural Habitat), with the goal of encouraging exceptionally efficient building designs complying with BEE’s Energy Conservation Building Codes.
    • Online Star Rating tool for Energy Efficient Homes created to improve energy-efficiency and reduce energy consumption in individual homes. It provides performance analysis to help professionals decide the best options to pick for energy-efficiency of their homes.
    • Training of over 15,000 Architects, Engineers and Government officials on Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017 and Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) 2021).
  • Energy Efficiency in Industry Sector:
    • PAT cycle –II ended on 31st March 2019 wherein 621 Designated Consumers (DCs) from 11 sectors have achieved total energy savings of about 14.08Million tonnes of Oil Equivalent (MTOE) translating into avoiding of about 66 million tonnes of Carbon dioxide. These savings exceeded the notified target by about 18%.The energy saving of PAT Cycle II have been converted to Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts) tradable at the Power Exchanges. Under the second cycle of PAT, a total of 57.38 lacs ESCerts to 349 industrial units have been issued and 193 industrial units are entitled to purchase 36.68 lacs ESCerts.
    • PAT Cycle –VII has been notified commencing from 2022-23 to 2024-2025 wherein 509 Designated Consumers from 9 sectors have been notified with total energy consumption reduction target of 6.627 MTOE.
  • Energy Efficiency in SME
    • 600 Small Scale Projects have been implemented in 5 Sectors (Ceramics, Dairy, Foundry, Hand Tools, Brass) leading to savingsof about 11452 toe of energy, mitigating 61515 Tonne of CO2 emission, attracted investment of 88 Crs so far. The project is currently in scale-up phase in 23 Clusters.
  • Energy Efficiency in Appliance Sector:
    • 28 appliances in labelling programme.10 Mandatory appliances and 18 Voluntary Appliances.
    • Voluntary star labelling program for UHD TV and Air Compressor launched on 11th January, 2021.
    • Amendment Notification of Tubular Fluorescent Lamps (TFL), LED, Storage Water Heater, Room Air Conditioners, ColorTV  and Refrigerators (FFR and DFR) notified.
    • Existing energy consumption standards for Chillers, Washing Machines, Microwave Ovens has been extended by a period of 1 year starting from 1st January, 2022 to 31st December, 2022.
  • Energy Efficiency in Building Sector:
    • 20 States and Uts namely, Rajasthan, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Karnataka, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tripura, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh and Union Territories (Uts) of Andaman & Nicobar and Puducherry have notified ECBC for their states.
    • Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) Cells of BEE, housed at State Designated Agencies (SDAs), are supporting implementation of ECBC at State level. As on 31s October, 2021, 48 ULBs from 8 States have incorporated provisions of ECBC for building approval process.
    • As on 31st October,2021, 264 buildings have been awarded star rating under various categories.
  • Energy Efficiency in Transport Sector:
    • Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Union Minister of Power, launched the “Go Electric” Campaign on 19th February, 2021 to spread awareness on the benefits of e-mobility and EV Charging Infrastructure in India. The launch witnessed the unveiling of “Go Electric” logo which depicts the evolution of e-mobility eco-system.
    • BEE conducted 9 stakeholder consultationwith EV stakeholders to address the challenges faced by implementing agencies in deployment of charging infrastructure.
    • Under the Go- Electric Campaign, State Nodal Agencies / State Designated Agencies have conducted 15 roadshows, 35 webinars and various other awareness activities radio jingles, EV Carnival, hoardings, pamphlets advertisements on electricity bills in multiple states across the country.
  • Strenghthening Energy accounting in DISCOMs:
    • Amendment in exiting Notification: Ministry of Power issued a notification to include all the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) under the preview of EC Act. As per the notification (S.O. 3445(E) dated 28th September, 2020), which was formulated in consultation with BEE “All entities have been issued distribution license by State/Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission under the Electricity Act, 2003 (36 of 2003)” are notified as Designated Consumers (DCs). Earlier, the DISCOMs whose annual energy losses were equal to or above 1000 MU were only covered as Designated Consumers.
    • Regulation under EC Act notified by BEE on 6th Oct, 2021 to mandate Energy Accounting by DISCOMs.
  • State Designated Agencies
    • State-wise Actions on Annual targets and Headways on Energy Efficiency (SAATHEE) Portal Launched on 11th January, 2021. It is an interactive web portal for SDAs and will be helpful in capturing physical and financial progress of energy efficiency activities being implemented by States/ Uts across the country.
    • Union Minister for Power chaired a virtual meeting on 22nd October, 2021 with senior officials from State Governments and industry partners to review the current level of activities in the field of energy efficiency and clean energy transition being implemented by State Agencies.   During the meeting, the following reports were released as given below:
      • State Energy Efficiency Index – 2020 – The report of State Energy Efficiency Index – 2020 to help the states in monitoring their programmes by contributing for National Climate Action Goals
    • eBook on Best Operating Practices by SDAs –The e-book on best energy efficiency practices of State Designated Agencies to facilitate the coordination of peer groups and adoption of best practices by other states.
  1. Initiatives for strengthening  Transmission infrastructure
  • Formation of Central Transmission Utility of lndia Ltd (CTUIL): Central Transmission Utility of lndia Ltd (CTUIL), a 100o/o subsidiary of Power Grid Corporation of lndia Ltd, has been notified as the Central Transmission Utility under Section 38 of the Electricity Act 2003 on 9th March 2021 and CTUIL has started functioning w.e.f. 1st April 2021. In due course it will be fully independent and 100% Government owned company.
    • Monetisation of Transmission Assets of Power Grid Corporation of lndia (PGCIL) through lnfrastructure lnvestment Trust (lnvlT)

Based on approval of the CCEA conveyed by MoP vide order 15.09.2020, PGCIL monetised five TBCB projects through POWERGRID lnfrastructure lnvestment Trust (PGlnvlT) in May’21. This is the 1’t lnvlT sponsored by a CPSE and largest public offer by any lnvlT/RelT. PGCIL received Rs.7,735 crore. As per National Monetisation Plan issued by NlTl Aayog, POWERGRID is targeted for carrying out monetisation of Rs. 45,200 crore of assets during FY 2021-22 lo FY 2024-25 (including Rs. 7735 crore already raised during FY 2021-22).

Rules/Policies adopted for robust transmission infrastructure 

  1. MoP Letter dated 06-08-2021 regarding Revised Guidelines and SBDs for procurement of ISTS through TBCB process along with Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs) issued on 06.08.2021 includes Standard Single Stage Request for Proposal for Selection of TSP through TBCB process to establish ISTS projects and Standard Transmission Service Agreement for Development and Operation of ISTS System for Transmission of Electricity through TBCB Route
    • Ministry of Power, in August 2021, has released the revised the Standard Bid Documents (SBDs), containing Request for Proposal (RfP) and Transmission Service Agreement (TSA) for award of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) Projects on TBCB. Last SBDs were issued in 2008. Similarly, Ministry of Power had earlier notified “Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) Guidelines for Transmission Service” and “Guidelines for Encouraging Competition in Development of Transmission Projects” in April 2006. These Guidelines were also revised and notified in August 2021.
  1. MoP Resolution on Guidelines on Encouraging Competition in Development of Transmission Projects and on TBCB Guidelines as published in Gazette of India on dated 10th Aug 2021
    • Based on extensive stakeholders’ consultation, revised SBDs for award of ISTS systems on TBCB and revised Guidelines have been prepared.   Revised SBD and revised Guidelines would promote ease of doing business for private developers in transmission sector, address concerns of developers on risk sharing, encourage competition in transmission, and facilitate timely completion of transmission lines. All these provisions would bring in more private investment in transmission sector.

3) Electricity (Transmission Planning, Development and Recovery of ISTS Transmission Charges) Rules, 2021 issued on 01.10.2021

    • The Central Government has promulgated the above Rules  paving the way for complete overhauling of transmission system planning to give power sector utilities easier access to electricity transmission network across the country. The rules underpin a system of transmission access which is termed as a General Network Access in the inter-state transmission system.  This providesz flexibility to the States as well as the generating stations to acquire, hold and transfer transmission capacity as per their requirements. Thus, the rules will bring in rationality, responsibility and fairness in the process of transmission planning as well as its costs. 

4) MoP order dated 20.10.2021 for dissolution of 5 Regional Power Committees (Transmission Planning)

    • Prior to this order, regional consultation for planning of ISTS system is done at Regional Power Committee (Transmission Planning) [RPC-TP] and Regional Power Committee [RPC]. In order to fast-track the ISTS planning process, it was agreed to have regional consultation on planning of ISTS system only with RPC and to dissolve RPC-TP. Accordingly, the order will facilitate doing away with dual consultation with regional constituents during ISTS planning process.

5) MoP advisory to all states dated 1.9.2021, along with the Report, for bringing 33 kV system under Transmission for performance improvement of sub-transmission system

    • Ministry of Power had constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of CMD, POWERGRID, with representatives from Central Electricity Authority, State Transmission Utilities of Haryana, Maharashtra and Odisha and Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd to suggest measures for reduction of losses in the sub-transmission system & for ensuring reliability and efficient performance and to make recommendation for promoting investment in sub-transmission system. The Committee had observed high losses and outage rate at 33 kV level compared to higher voltage level.

Accordingly, to improve the performance of 33 kV system, Ministry of Power has issued advisory to State/Uts on 01.09.2021 to take following actions:

i)33 kV system should be the handed over from DISCOMs to the STU for better planning, loss reduction and increased supply reliability. It can be done in phased manner. In the first phase, incremental assets in 33 kV network and existing overloaded assets/assets can be handed over to STUs.

ii)State Govt. would need to provide financial assistance to STU for upgrading/modernizing their 33 kV assets.

iii)In the event, the State Govt. is not in a position to provide financial assistance to STU, then STU can be asked to form JV with POWERGRID on 50:50 equity basis for mobilising their financial resources.

6) MoP order for Re-constitution of the “National Committee on Transmission” (NCT)

    • As a part of energy transition goal, India has set a target of 500 GW of Renewable Energy capacity by 2030. In view of shorter gestation period required for construction of Renewable Energy Sources compared to that of transmission system, the transmission planning and approval process has been revamped by Ministry of Power to reduce the time taken for planning and approval of transmission system required for evacuation of power from Renewable Energy sources especially.

In order to simplify the process of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) planning and approval to further facilitate RE development in the country in consonance with energy transition goal, Terms of reference of National Committee on Transmission (NCT) have been modified on 28.10.2021 with delegation of powers to CTU and NCT among others to fast-track ISTS meant for RE.

7) MoP Letter to State & Uts on Report of Task Force on Cyclone Resilient Robust Electricity Trans & Distribution Infrastructure in the Coastal Areas along with Report of Task Force  on Cyclone Resilient Robust Electricity Transmission & Distribution Infrastructure in Coastal Area

    • On the basis of representation received from State, a Task Force was constituted by this Ministry, vide order dated 02.06.2020 to recommend preventive and mitigation measures for minimizing the damages to transmission and distribution infrastructures due to Cyclone in coastal areas of the country.

The task force suggested a multi-pronged approach, which encompasses the change in design philosophy, better planning and adoption of modern technological solutions required to safeguard the T&D infrastructure 

from natural disasters and to increase resilience, reliability and availability of the system. 

After acceptance of the Report by the Ministry, the Report was shared with coastal States and UTs vide MoP’s letter dated 10 June 2021 with a request that each Coastal States/Uts may mark out areas prone to cyclones within 20-30 kms of Coast line and any new construction / reconstruction of Power systems in these areas will follow the design parameters laid down in this report.

***

Petroleum & Natural Gas

 The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is concerned with exploration and production of Oil & Natural Gas, refining, distribution and marketing, import, export and conservation of petroleum products. Oil and Gas being the important import for our economy, many initiatives have been taken by the Ministry for increasing production and exploitation of all domestic petroleum resources to address the priorities like Energy Access, Energy Efficiency, Energy Sustainability and Energy Security. Following initiatives have been taken up by the Ministry in the current year:

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: PMUY was launched in May, 2016 to provide 8 crore deposit free connections to poor women. The second phase of the scheme Ujjwala 2.0 has been launched by Prime Minister in the Mahoba District of Uttar Pradesh on 10th August, 2021 on pan-India basis to provide additional one Crore LPG connections, along with free first refill and stove. As on 01.12.2021, a total of 80.5 lakh connections have been released under this scheme. This Ministry is monitoring the implementation of the scheme on a daily basis.

 

Refill Portability: In order to create competition among distributors in the interest of customer service, refill portability was implemented which enables customer to choose his/ her distributor at the time of booking the refill. In such a scenario, a customer not satisfied with services of his parent distributor can choose any distributor from the list of distributors of the same company serving in his locality/area. This would result in better customer satisfaction and impetus for distributors for providing better service. With customers exercising the right to choose the delivery partner, it further motivates the distributors to provide best in class services to the customers and improve their performance ratings. The flexibility to choose the Distributor for each refill further expands the bouquet of digital services being offered to LPG customers.

Hassle free Non-subsidised LPG Connection (Across the counter): To ease out the process of issuance of new connection, LPG Non-subsidised domestic connection can be issued across the counter with the submission of requisite proof of ID and self-declaration of address by the customer. In case customer wants to submit documents to avail subsidy after taking non-subsidised connection, provision is also enabled to convert to subsidised connection, by submitting Proof of Address other than self- declaration subject to OMC and NIC dedupe clearance.

Graphical user interface, websiteDescription automatically generated     ApplicationDescription automatically generated

Development of Non-monetized Discoveries: A total of 09 discoveries {03 from nomination regime (03 from ONGC) and 06 from PSC} have been monetised as on November, 2021. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas vide resolution dated 8.11.2019 revised the guidelines for authorization to market transportation fuels, which would promote ease of doing business and boost private players to invest in retail sector. The said resolution applies for marketing of only Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel for “Bulk” and “Retail” business. Further, under the New Guidelines, authorization has been given to 10 Companies as on 16th December, 2021.

  1. Gas Grid: A total of 21735 Kms of pipelines have been laid upto September, 2021 as part of the Gas Grid. 

Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme: During Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2020-21, 302.30 crore litre of Ethanol has been procured by OMCs for blending purpose till 30.11.2021. The feedstock wise enhanced ethanol prices have been announced for the ongoing Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2021-22- from C heavy Molasses route at Rs.46.66/- per litre; from B heavy Molasses route at Rs.59.08/- per litre; from sugarcane juice/ sugar/ sugar syrup route at Rs.63.45/- per litre; from Maize and damaged food grains route at Rs.52.92/- per litre and from surplus rice available with FCI route at Rs.56.87/- per litre.

Biodiesel Blending Programme: On 4th May, 2021, the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas remotely flagged off the first supply of UCO (Used Cooking Oil) based Biodiesel blended Diesel under the EOI Scheme from Indian Oil’s Tikrikalan Terminal, Delhi. The GST rate on biodiesel, which is sold to Oil Marketing Companies for blending with diesel, has been reduced from 12% to 5% by the Ministry of Finance w.e.f. 1st October, 2021.

Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT): “Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT)” initiative was launched on 1st October 2018 wherein Oil and Gas Marketing Companies are inviting Expression of Interest (EoI) from potential entrepreneur to procure Compressed Bio Gas (CBG). Under this initiative, 2700 Letters of Intent (LoIs) have been issued till 15th December 2021. Supply of CBG initiated from 16 plants through 26 ROs and injection of CBG in CGD network at one place in Gujarat. 

Reduction of Regulatory Compliance Burden: Reducing compliance burden, simplification of procedures and improving ‘Ease of Doing Business’ is a continuous process in the Petroleum & Natural Gas sector. In the special campaign launched by the Government in the year 2021, a total number of 276 compliances were reduced and procedures simplified.

Performance Indicator of MoP&NG: Production as on 01.12.2021 is 42.65 MtoE (Oil – 19.88 MMT; Gas – 22.77 BCM). Total of 105 exploration blocks covering an area of 1,56,580 sq km awarded till date. 50 discoveries monetized till 30.11.2021. INR 2,75,781 Cr spent on Hydrocarbon infrastructure till 30.11.2021. As on 01.12.2021, 80.5 Lakh LPG connections released against 1.29 Cr cleared application under Ujjwala 2.0. Indian Gas Exchange launched in June 2020. 21,735 km gas pipeline laid upto Sept., 2021. A total of 83.7 Lakh PNG (D) connections and 3532 CNG stations as on 31.10.2021. CAPEX in overseas assets till date is INR 22,681 Cr. Production of ~56 MMToE from overseas O&G assets added since FY 19 (achieved 50% of the target).

DSF-III: DSF-III was launched on 10th June 2021 by the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas. Thereafter on 30.07.2021, a Promotional Road show on DSF-III was organized in presence of Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri.

Setting up of PSA Plants : In view of perturbing situation created due to second wave of Covid-19 and shortage of oxygen supply in various States across India, as per the directions of MoH&FW, 13 Oil PSUs were assigned 110 Hospitals in States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra for setting up a Pressure Swing adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants of adequate capacity under CSR activity so as to appropriately address the oxygen shortage in these Hospitals/Districts. CPSEs are setting up PSA Plants of combined capacity of 98840 LPM. A total of 101 Plants are commissioned and others are at later stage of commissioning.

Setting up of Jumbo facilities: In some refineries, LMO (Liquid Medical Oxygen) is not produced, but Oxygen at low pressure is available. This cannot be liquefied or transported via cylinders. As this Oxygen can be used for medical purposes, hence jumbo Covid care Facilities have been set up adjacent to the refinery premises in coordination with the State Govts. The details of such facilities are as below:

 

PLANT NAME

 

LOCATION

 

OXYGENATED BED CAPCITY SUPPORTED

STATUS

 

PANIPAT NAPTHA CRACKER, IOCL

Panipat, Haryana

 

500 Beds

 

Operational

 

CPCL (IOCL)

Chennai, T.N.

60 Beds

Operational

Bina Refinery

Bina, Madhya Pradesh

200 Beds

Operational

Kochi Refinery

Kochi, Kerala

350 Beds

Operational

HMEL

Kanakwal, Bathinda

100 Beds

Operational

 

Gasoline Desulphurization (GDS) Unit under CPCL-fuel Quality up-gradation project has been dedicated to the nation by Hon’ble Prime Minister through video conferencing on 17.02.2021. INDMAX project at Bongaigaon Refinery of IOCL was dedicated to nation on 22.02.2021. Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical Project (PDPP) at Kochi Refinery of BPCL was dedicated to the nation by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 14.02.2021. 

 

******

Petroleum & Natural Gas

 The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is concerned with exploration and production of Oil & Natural Gas, refining, distribution and marketing, import, export and conservation of petroleum products. Oil and Gas being the important import for our economy, many initiatives have been taken by the Ministry for increasing production and exploitation of all domestic petroleum resources to address the priorities like Energy Access, Energy Efficiency, Energy Sustainability and Energy Security. Following initiatives have been taken up by the Ministry in the current year:

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: PMUY was launched in May, 2016 to provide 8 crore deposit free connections to poor women. The second phase of the scheme Ujjwala 2.0 has been launched by Prime Minister in the Mahoba District of Uttar Pradesh on 10th August, 2021 on pan-India basis to provide additional one Crore LPG connections, along with free first refill and stove. As on 01.12.2021, a total of 80.5 lakh connections have been released under this scheme. This Ministry is monitoring the implementation of the scheme on a daily basis.

 

Refill Portability: In order to create competition among distributors in the interest of customer service, refill portability was implemented which enables customer to choose his/ her distributor at the time of booking the refill. In such a scenario, a customer not satisfied with services of his parent distributor can choose any distributor from the list of distributors of the same company serving in his locality/area. This would result in better customer satisfaction and impetus for distributors for providing better service. With customers exercising the right to choose the delivery partner, it further motivates the distributors to provide best in class services to the customers and improve their performance ratings. The flexibility to choose the Distributor for each refill further expands the bouquet of digital services being offered to LPG customers.

Hassle free Non-subsidised LPG Connection (Across the counter): To ease out the process of issuance of new connection, LPG Non-subsidised domestic connection can be issued across the counter with the submission of requisite proof of ID and self-declaration of address by the customer. In case customer wants to submit documents to avail subsidy after taking non-subsidised connection, provision is also enabled to convert to subsidised connection, by submitting Proof of Address other than self- declaration subject to OMC and NIC dedupe clearance.

Graphical user interface, websiteDescription automatically generated     ApplicationDescription automatically generated

Development of Non-monetized Discoveries: A total of 09 discoveries {03 from nomination regime (03 from ONGC) and 06 from PSC} have been monetised as on November, 2021. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas vide resolution dated 8.11.2019 revised the guidelines for authorization to market transportation fuels, which would promote ease of doing business and boost private players to invest in retail sector. The said resolution applies for marketing of only Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel for “Bulk” and “Retail” business. Further, under the New Guidelines, authorization has been given to 10 Companies as on 16th December, 2021.

  1. Gas Grid: A total of 21735 Kms of pipelines have been laid upto September, 2021 as part of the Gas Grid. 

Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme: During Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2020-21, 302.30 crore litre of Ethanol has been procured by OMCs for blending purpose till 30.11.2021. The feedstock wise enhanced ethanol prices have been announced for the ongoing Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2021-22- from C heavy Molasses route at Rs.46.66/- per litre; from B heavy Molasses route at Rs.59.08/- per litre; from sugarcane juice/ sugar/ sugar syrup route at Rs.63.45/- per litre; from Maize and damaged food grains route at Rs.52.92/- per litre and from surplus rice available with FCI route at Rs.56.87/- per litre.

Biodiesel Blending Programme: On 4th May, 2021, the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas remotely flagged off the first supply of UCO (Used Cooking Oil) based Biodiesel blended Diesel under the EOI Scheme from Indian Oil’s Tikrikalan Terminal, Delhi. The GST rate on biodiesel, which is sold to Oil Marketing Companies for blending with diesel, has been reduced from 12% to 5% by the Ministry of Finance w.e.f. 1st October, 2021.

Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT): “Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT)” initiative was launched on 1st October 2018 wherein Oil and Gas Marketing Companies are inviting Expression of Interest (EoI) from potential entrepreneur to procure Compressed Bio Gas (CBG). Under this initiative, 2700 Letters of Intent (LoIs) have been issued till 15th December 2021. Supply of CBG initiated from 16 plants through 26 ROs and injection of CBG in CGD network at one place in Gujarat. 

Reduction of Regulatory Compliance Burden: Reducing compliance burden, simplification of procedures and improving ‘Ease of Doing Business’ is a continuous process in the Petroleum & Natural Gas sector. In the special campaign launched by the Government in the year 2021, a total number of 276 compliances were reduced and procedures simplified.

Performance Indicator of MoP&NG: Production as on 01.12.2021 is 42.65 MtoE (Oil – 19.88 MMT; Gas – 22.77 BCM). Total of 105 exploration blocks covering an area of 1,56,580 sq km awarded till date. 50 discoveries monetized till 30.11.2021. INR 2,75,781 Cr spent on Hydrocarbon infrastructure till 30.11.2021. As on 01.12.2021, 80.5 Lakh LPG connections released against 1.29 Cr cleared application under Ujjwala 2.0. Indian Gas Exchange launched in June 2020. 21,735 km gas pipeline laid upto Sept., 2021. A total of 83.7 Lakh PNG (D) connections and 3532 CNG stations as on 31.10.2021. CAPEX in overseas assets till date is INR 22,681 Cr. Production of ~56 MMToE from overseas O&G assets added since FY 19 (achieved 50% of the target).

DSF-III: DSF-III was launched on 10th June 2021 by the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas. Thereafter on 30.07.2021, a Promotional Road show on DSF-III was organized in presence of Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri.

Setting up of PSA Plants : In view of perturbing situation created due to second wave of Covid-19 and shortage of oxygen supply in various States across India, as per the directions of MoH&FW, 13 Oil PSUs were assigned 110 Hospitals in States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra for setting up a Pressure Swing adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants of adequate capacity under CSR activity so as to appropriately address the oxygen shortage in these Hospitals/Districts. CPSEs are setting up PSA Plants of combined capacity of 98840 LPM. A total of 101 Plants are commissioned and others are at later stage of commissioning.

Setting up of Jumbo facilities: In some refineries, LMO (Liquid Medical Oxygen) is not produced, but Oxygen at low pressure is available. This cannot be liquefied or transported via cylinders. As this Oxygen can be used for medical purposes, hence jumbo Covid care Facilities have been set up adjacent to the refinery premises in coordination with the State Govts. The details of such facilities are as below:

 

PLANT NAME

 

LOCATION

 

OXYGENATED BED CAPCITY SUPPORTED

STATUS

 

PANIPAT NAPTHA CRACKER, IOCL

Panipat, Haryana

 

500 Beds

 

Operational

 

CPCL (IOCL)

Chennai, T.N.

60 Beds

Operational

Bina Refinery

Bina, Madhya Pradesh

200 Beds

Operational

Kochi Refinery

Kochi, Kerala

350 Beds

Operational

HMEL

Kanakwal, Bathinda

100 Beds

Operational

 

Gasoline Desulphurization (GDS) Unit under CPCL-fuel Quality up-gradation project has been dedicated to the nation by Hon’ble Prime Minister through video conferencing on 17.02.2021. INDMAX project at Bongaigaon Refinery of IOCL was dedicated to nation on 22.02.2021. Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical Project (PDPP) at Kochi Refinery of BPCL was dedicated to the nation by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 14.02.2021. 

 

******

Maritime India Vision 2030 launched

 SAGARMALA PRAGRAMME

(i)   Maritime India Summit, 2021

The Prime Minister on March 02, 2021 inaugurated the ‘Maritime India Summit 2021’ through video conferencing. The summit was organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and conducted on a virtual platform from 2ndto 4thMarch, 2021. 486 MoUs were signed for Maritime India Summit 2021 by 22 Maritime Ports/Agencies/Authorities for INR 3.39 lakh crore or USD 47.02 Bn across different subsectors. A compendium of 400 Investible Projects for INR 2.24 lakh crore or USD 31.08 Bn for investment was released for the Summit. During the three days of the summit, a number of important announcements were made.

The Prime Minister launched the Maritime India Vision 2030, which contains the targets to be achieved by Maritime Sector over the next decade alongwith the strategies related to each of the stakeholders of MoPSW. Sagar-Manthan: Mercantile Marine Domain Awareness Centre (MM-DAC) which is an information system to enhance maritime safety, search, rescue capability and environment protection was also launched.

MIS 2021 highlights:-

  • About 1.90 lakh delegates registered for the summit.
  • 16 international ministers from 11 nations joined the summit for different sessions.
  • A total of six Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of three states and two State Ministers attended different sessions.
  • A total of 55 CEOs attended the CEO’s forum, which include 31 international CEOs and 24 Indian CEOs.
  • A total of 22 CEOs attended the CEO’s roundtable, which include 11 International and 11 Indian CEOs
  • A total of 185 speakers attended various thematic sessions during the summit, which included 124 Indian speakers and 61 International speakers
  • A total of 110 exhibitors participated in the summit, in 18 pavilions and 107 booths, which led to 7500+ B2B meetings
  • A total of 70500+ Visitors were recorded at the end of three days of the summit.

(ii)        Sea Plane Services

An Memorandum of Understanding signed between Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ministry of Civil Aviation on 15.06.2021 to jointly facilitate the development of “Non-scheduled/Scheduled operation at sea plane services within territorial jurisdiction of India under RCS-UDAN scheme.

(iii)       Public Private Partnership:

In order to further improve the viability of Public Private Partnership projects the following initiatives have been taken:

  • The Model Concession Agreement (MCA) for Public Private Participation (PPP) projects in Major Ports to provide flexibility to cater to the dynamic business environment.
  • A new dispute redressal institutional mechanism in the form of SAROD-Ports has been constituted  jointly by Indian Private Ports & Terminals Association (IPPTA) and Indian Ports Association (IPA)

(iv)    Modal Concession Agreement

To attract more PPP projects and to give flexibility to PPP operators, revised MCA has been issued in November, 2021 with the approval of  Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. 

(v)    Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030

Maritime India Vision 2030 was formulated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways with the objective of propelling India to the fore­front of the Global Maritime Sector in the next decade.Detailed discussions involving 350+ stakeholders from all parts of the maritime sector viz. ports, shipyards, inland waterways, trade bodies & associations, ministries, legal experts, national and international industry experts were undertaken. Substantial deliberations and ideations running over More than 250 different brainstorming sessions, study of 100+ global benchmarks & best-in-class examples, and anal­ysis of 50+ Acts and Laws (including state & envi­ronmental) have led to development of MIV 2030. Over 150 initiatives covering 515 key activities across 10 themes encompassing all the facets of maritime sector have been identified to form the building blocks for future of the Indian Maritime sector.

MIV 2030 envisions an overall investment of INR 3,00,000 – 3,50,000 Cr across ports, shipping, and in­land waterways categories. This Investment amount excludes projects already under implementation stage as part of Sagarmala project. This vision roadmap is estimated to help unlock INR 20,000+ Cr worth of potential annual revenue for Indian Ports. Further, it is expected to create an additional 20,00,000+ jobs (direct and non-direct) in the Indian maritime sector.

PORTS SECTOR

(i)    Digitization

Major strides have been taken at the major ports towards the digitization of key EXIM processes. The PCS 1x has digitized processes such as Electronic Invoice (e-Invoice), Electronic Payment (e-Payment) and Electronic Delivery Order (e-DO) for physical release of cargo by custodians. Further, the process of generation of electronic Bill of Lading (e-BL) and enabling the Letter of Credit (LC) process to be conducted digitally have already been implemented in the PCS 1x. There is also going to be complete integration between PCS 1x and Indian Customs EDI Gateway (ICEGATE). Partial integration has been completed (PCS 1x is integrated with ICEGATE via SFTP for existing messages, further for SCMTR messages PCS 1x-ICEGATE is getting integrated for API integration). Further, the Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) solution has been implemented at all major ports to enable seamless movement of traffic across port gates, including substantial reductions in documentation checks. All Major ports have already implemented Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID). Up gradation and integration with recent technologies- IGoT, Block Chain to ease transaction and real time basis tracking has been envisaged in Maritime India Vision 2030. Further the process to bootstrap PCS 1x into National Logistics Portal-Marine (NLP-Marine) is already underway which will act as a Unified Digital Platform all maritime stakeholders. NLP Marine + PCS 1x platform is envisaged as the central hub for all interactions with various stakeholders viz. Port, Terminals Shipping Lines/ Agents, CFS and Customs Brokers, Importer / Exporter etc.

(ii)   Enterprise Business System

An Enterprise Business System (EBS) is being implemented at 5 Major Ports (Mumbai,  Chennai, Deendayal, Paradip, Kolkata (including HaldiaPort)) with project cost of approx. 320 crores) to provide a digital port ecosystem that will adopt leading International Practices without losing its alignment to existing local needs. A total of 2474 processes (ChPT – 671, DPT – 376, KoPT – 501, HDC – 374, MbPT – 278 and PPT – 274) were rationalized, harmonized, optimized and standardized to arrive at a final reengineered process count of 162 processes        

(iii)   Western Dock, Paradip Port

The Cabinet approved the project of Deepening and Optimizing of Inner Harbour Facilities of Western Dock at Paradip Port under PPP mode with total estimated cost of Rs. 3004.63 crore. The scope includes Western Dock berths, Capital dredging in the channel and in front of the berths and all other ancillary equipment and facilities. The proposed project envisages construction of Western Dock Basin to handle cape size vessels with an ultimate capacity of 25 MTPA in two phases of 12.50 MTPA each. The project will cater to the requirement of coal and limestone imports besides exports of granulated slag and finished steel products.

(iv)   Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 

The Major Port Authorities Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 23.9.2020 and subsequently by the Rajya Sabha on 10.2.2021 with amendments.  The Bill alongwith amendments passed by the Rajya Sabha was again passed by the Lok Sabha on 12.2.2021. After assent by the President the Major Port Authorities Act 2021 was notified by the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law & Justice on 18.2.2021. The Major Port Authorities Act 2021 (1 of 2021) has come into force with effect from 03.11.2021.  Five Rules under the Act have also been notified in the Gazette of India on 23rd November 2021.

(vi)  The Prime Minister dedicated the 8-laning of Korampallam Bridge and Rail over Bridge to the Nation and laid the foundation stone for 5 MW Ground-Based Solar Power Plant at VOC Port, Tuticorin, through video conferencing from Coimbatore.

(vii)  The Mobile X-Ray Container Scanner system installed at Kamarajar Port was commissioned on 1stJuly, 2021. The Mobile X-Ray Container Scanner system is operated by the Container Scanner division of Chennai Customs. 

(viii)   The first Coal Export Movement from N. S. Dock, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata to Khulna, Bangladesh was flagged off on 02nd July, 2021, for Rampal Power Station set up by Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company Ltd., a JV between NTPC & Bangladesh Power Development Board. 

(ix)  Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), one of India’s premier container handling ports, flagged a trial operation at the newly constructed coastal berth on 09th July, 2021. 

(x)  The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, virtually flagged-off the dwarf container train service from Jawaharlal Nehru Port on 20.09.2021.

(xi)  Shri V. Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways visited Visakhapatnam Port on 23.9.2021. The Minister inaugurated “Grade Separator from H-7 to Convent Junction” and laid Foundation stone for “Development of Cruise Terminal”. 

 

INLAND WATER TRANSPORT

 

(i)         Inauguration of projects by Prime Minister

Prime Minister digitally launched Mahabahu Brahmaputra in Assam on 18.02.2021 and inaugurated the following initiatives of IWAI: –

  • Flagging off of 4 Ro-Pax vessels to be operated by Govt. of Assam.
  • MV JFR Jacob – for service between Guwahati and North Guwahati.
  • MV Bob Khathing – for service between Dhubri and Hatsingimari.
  • MV Rani Gaidinllu and MV Sachin Dev Burman – for service between Neamati and Kamalabari (Majuli).
  • Foundation stone for construction of 4 tourist jetties at Jogighopa, Pandu, Biswanathghat and Neamati.
  • Foundation Stone for construction of IWT terminal at Jogighopa.
  • Dedication of IWAI digital portals Card and PANI to the Nation

(ii)        Signing of MoUs

In presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, IWAI signed MoUs on 26.08.2021 with:

  • Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) for development of Dhansiri River (NW-31) for movement of Over Dimensional Cargo (ODC) and Project Cargo of Numaligarh Refinery using Inland Water Transport.
  • Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Limited (HSCL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited for construction of Ship Repair Facility Project at Pandu, Guwahati, Assam.

(iii)       Stakeholder Conclave 

A Stakeholder Conclave was organized on “Waterways as Engine of Growth” at Guwahati on 27th August, 2021. Minister of State for Ports Shipping & Waterways and stakeholders participated in the Conclave.

(iv)       Movement of cargo on National Waterways

The Cargo movement on National Waterways continued to be encouraging. This year so far 54.03 Million Ton has been achieved from April-October 2021 against 37.22 Million Ton last year for the same period recording 45.15% increase.

(v)        Inland Vessels Bill, 2021 

Parliament on 02.08.2021 passed the Inland Vessels Bill, 2021, which aims to replace over 100 years old Inland Vessels Act, 1917 (1 of 1917) and usher a new era in the inland water transport sector to make the Legislative framework user friendly and promote ease of doing business.

SHIPPING SECTOR

(i)         All Women Officers’ Sailing’ aboard SCI Tanker M.T. Swarna Krishna

As a part of its on-going Diamond Jubilee celebrations of SCI, and also to commemorate the International Women’s Day on March 08, 2021, SCI achieved a historical feat when Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, virtually flagged of the “All Women Officers’ Sailing” on MT Swarna Krishna – SCI’s crude oil carrier from JNPT Liquid Berth Jetty on March 06, 2021. 

(ii)        Delivery of Sindhu, 500 pax Passenger vessel to Andaman and Nicobar Administration

Cochin Shipyard Limited delivered the first 500 Pax cum 150 Tons Cargo vessel named “Sindhu” to Andaman and Nicobar Administration on March 27, 2021. This project is a part of a “Make In India” initiative of the Government.

(iii)       Awards and Accolades 

On the occasion of ‘Day of the Seafarer’, which was virtually celebrated on 25th June, 2021, Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) was recognized and conferred with the prestigious National Maritime Day Celebration Award for the historic journey of M.T. Swarna Krishna, being the first Indian Flag vessel with all Women Officers on board.

(iv)       Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021 

The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021 has been notified and published in the Gazette of India by Legislative Department, Ministry of Law & Justice on 2nd August, 2021 after getting the President’s assent on 31st July, 2021. The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on 22ndMarch, 2021 and by the Rajya Sabha on 27thJuly, 2021. The Act aims to replace over 90-year-old Lighthouse Act, 1927, to incorporate the global best practices, technological developments and India’s International obligations in the field of Marine Aids to Navigation. The new Act will facilitate harmonized and effective functioning of aids to marine navigation and Vessel Traffic Services along the Indian coastline. 

(v)        Promotion of flagging of merchant ships in India 

In order to achieve the objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Union Cabinet has approved a scheme to provide Rs.1624 crore over five years as subsidy to Indian Shipping companies in global tenders floated by Ministries and CPSEs for import of government cargo. 

(vi)       Strategic Disinvestment of Shipping Corporation of India 

On 10.11.2021, Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary “Shipping Corporation of India Land and Assets Limited” pursuant to approval of Board of Directors based on the concurrence given by this Ministry and NITI Aayog for hiving off the Non-core Assets of the Company as a part of the Demerger under SCI’s strategic Disinvestment process.

(viii)    Agreement between India and Maldives 

Agreement for augmenting marine safety, security and environment protection in the region through cooperation in the LRIT system between India and Maldives was signed on 30.09.2021 at Male by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Maldives and High Commissioner of India on behalf of the Government of India. 

(viii)     Inauguration of Lighthouse at Valiyazhikkal

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways inaugurated a new Lighthouse at Valiyazhikkal in Alappuzha district of Kerala in the presence of Alappuzha MP, on 30th October, 2021. Construction of the lighthouse will immensely benefit the mariners plying in this Kerala region and the local fishermen will benefit for Day mark in day time and Safe return in Night time from the sea. After obtaining the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) clearance and other statutory clearance, the 41.26 metre height pentagonal RCC tower with elevator and allied buildings have been constructed and the lighthouse is currently on trial run since 03rd June, 2021.

(ix)       Special Campaign from 2nd October, 2021 to 31st October, 2021

During the drive Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways took meetings with the officials of Ministry on the special campaign for disposal of pending matters and issued written instructions on the issues such as Clean India Drive directly to all officers/ Staffs to take necessary action in this regard. Main Secretariat of the Ministry Weeded out 5179 files, organized Swachhta Pakhwada, freed 561 Sq. Feet of floor area and Organizations of this Ministry weeded out 160700 files and 8294 obsolete equipment / furniture disposed of during the campaign. 

(x)        Reducing Compliance Burden (RCB)

The Sub-Nodal Agencies under this Ministry i.e., Directorate General of Shipping and Indian Port Association identified 124 compliances for reduction of same in Phase-I and Phase-II. The progress of RCB was reviewed regularly and the target of reducing the all 124 identified items was achieved before 15th August, 2021.

(xi)       Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Programme

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has prepared week wise programme for the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav from March, 2021 to August, 2022 which include programmes for foundation stone laying and inauguration at Major Ports. 27 organizations under the Ministry have organized various activities like Essay Writing Competition, Singing Competition of Patriotic Songs/Inspirational songs, Quiz on National Freedom Movement and India’s rich Culture & Heritage. Programmes on Nutrition, Exercise and Yoga by organizing various competitions have also been done. Programmes for providing Assistance to Old Age Home, Health checkup camp, Eye camp and training programmes for employees and family have also been organized. As on date, around 124 programmes have been organized by various organizations under this Ministry and around 104 programmes details uploaded on Ministry of Culture website after the celebration. 

********

Enhanced Mining Surveillance Activity Under Satellite Based Monitoring

 

  • Policy Initiatives

Amendment to Act & Rules

 

  • The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) has been amended through the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021, which has been notified on 28.03.2021, for giving boost to mineral production, improving ease of doing business in the country and increasing contribution of mineral production to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Some of the major reforms brought in the Amendment Act, 2021 are as under:
  • Removed the distinction between captive and merchant mines. It allows all captive mines to sell up to 50% of the minerals produced during the year after meeting the requirement of attached plant subject to the payment of additional amount as prescribed under sixth schedule of the MMDR Act. Further, all future auctions will be without any end use restrictions.
  • Resolved all pending cases under section 10A (2) (b) of the Act. 
  • Statutory clearances to be valid even after expiry or termination of mining lease and shall be transferred to the successful bidder in the auction.
  • To ensure ease of doing business,restriction on transfer of mineral concessions are removed and now mineral concession can be transferred without any transfer charge. 
  • Additional amount hasto bepaid by government companies on grant of new lease or extension of lease which will ensure additional revenue to State Government.
  • Central Government is empowered to conduct auction in cases where the States face challenges in conduct of auction or fail to conduct auction within prescribed time fixed in consultation with State Government. The revenue from auctions will accrue to State Government. 
  • Empowered the Central Government to issue directions regarding   composition and utilization of funds under District Mineral Foundation (DMF).  Direction to include the MPs, MLAs and MLCs in the Governing Council was issued in April, 2021.
  • Simplification of exploration regime – (I) National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) shall be an autonomous body; (ii) Private entities may be notified under Section 4(1) of the MMDR Act for conducting exploration; (iii) Enable funding of eligible private exploration agencies from NMET; (iv) Provision for seamless PL-cum-ML (composite licence).
  • In order to implement the amendments made in the MMDR Amendment Act, 2021 Ministry of Mines has notified the following Rules:
  • The Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, 2015 amended through the Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Amendment Rules, 2021 for simplifying the exploration norms prescribed in the rules for certain category of mineral deposits and benchmarking the MEMC Rules with globally accepted classification standards.
  • Relaxation of Exploration Norms- 
  1. ML for limestone, iron ore and bauxite having surficial deposit can be granted at G3 level of exploration.
  2.  Reassessment of resources in respect of expired, terminated, surrendered or lapsed mines on the basis of available reports of exploration before auction.
  3. Auction of composite licence (PL-Cum-ML) at G4 level for all minerals.
  4. Definition of various stages of exploration, etc., exploration norms for different types of deposits and reporting template.

    • Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 amended through Mineral (Auction) Third Amendment Rules, 2021.  The highlights of amendments in the Rules are as follows:
    • Definition of Value of Estimated Resources (VER) clarified to enable its calculation in case average sale price of any mineral is not published for any month.
    • To facilitate auction of CL for minerals (other than placer deposits) whose VER cannot be assessed, but have mining potentiality.
    • To provide for sale of 50% of mineral from auctioned captive mines.
    • Cap on Net Worth requirement for ML – Rs. 200 Cr. and for CL – Rs. 100 Cr.
    • Upfront payment – instalments changed from existing 10%, 10% and 80% to 20%, 20% and 60%.
    • Time-lines added for ML for submission of 1st instalment of upfront payment and for issue of LoI by the State Government.
    • Time-lines added for CL for submission of Performance Security – 15 days (extendable by further 15 days), for issue of LoI by the State Government – 15 days and execution of PL deed of CL – 1 year (extendable by further 6 months) from issue of LoI.
    • The MCR, 2016 has been amended through Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Mineral) Concession (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2021 on 2nd November, 2021. The highlights of amendments in the Rules are as follows: 
  1. New rules inserted to provide manner of sale of 50% of mineral produced from the captive leases. With this amendment, the Government has paved the way for releasing of additional minerals in the market by greater utilization of mining capacities of captive mines. The allowance for sale of prescribed quantity of mineral shall also motivate the lessees to enhance the production from the captive mines. Further, payment of additional premium amount, royalty and other statutory payments in respect of the quantity sold shall boost the revenue of the State Governments. 
  1. Provision added to allow disposal of overburden/ waste rock/ mineral below the threshold value, which is generated during the course of mining or beneficiation of the mineral. This will enable ease of doing business for the miners. 
  2. Minimum area for grant of mining lease has been revised from 5 ha. to 4 ha. For certain specific deposits, minimum 2 ha. is provided. 
  3. Part surrender of mining lease area allowed in all cases. Presently, part surrender was allowed only in case of non-grant of forest clearance. 
  4. Rules amended to allow transfer of composite licence or mining lease of all types of mine. 
  5. New rules inserted to provide for mutation of ML/ CL in favour legal heirs on death of the lessee or licence. 
  6. Interest on delayed payments revised from existing 24% to 12%. 
  7. Rules regarding period of mining lease granted to Government companies and their payments incorporated in the MCR, 2016.
  8. Penalty provisions in the rules have been rationalized. Previously, the rules provided for penalty of imprisonment up to 2 years or fine up to 5 lakh rupees or both for violation of each and every rule irrespective of the severity of the violation. Amendment in the rules categorized the violations of the rules under the following major heads: (a) Major Violations: Penalty of imprisonment, fine or both. (b) Minor Violations: Penalty reduced. Penalty of only fine for such violations prescribed. (c) Violation of other rules has been decriminalized. These rules did not cast any significant obligation on the concession holder or any other person. Thus, violation of 49 rules has been decriminalized.  
    • Ministry of Mines has notified the Mineral Conservation and Development (Amendment) Rules, 2021 on 3rd November, 2021 to amend the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 [MCDR] to provide rules regarding conservation of minerals, systematic and scientific mining, development of the mineral in the country and for the protection of environment. The highlights of amendments in the Rules are as follows: 

(I) Rules prescribed that that all plans and sections related to mine shall be prepared by combination of Digital Global Positioning System (DGPS) or Total Station or by drone survey in relation to certain or all leases as may be specified by Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM). 

(ii) New Rule inserted to provide for submission of digital images of mining area by lessees and Letter of Intent holders. Lessees having annual excavation plan of 1 million tonne or more or having leased area of 50 hectare or more are required to submit drone survey images of leased area and up to 100 metres outside the lease boundary every year. Other lessees to submit high resolution satellite images. This step will not only improve mine planning practices, security and safety in the mines but also ensure better supervision of mining operations. 

(iii) Requirement of submitting satellite images obtained from CARTOSAT-2 satellite LISS-IV sensor on the scale of cadastral map deleted in view of the insertion of provision for submission of high resolution Georeferenced Ortho-rectified Multispectral satellite and use of drone survey as per Rule 34A. 

(iv) Provision of daily return omitted to reduce compliance burden. Power of taking action against incomplete or wrong or false information in monthly or annual returns given to IBM, in addition to State Govt. 

(v) Allowed engagement of a part-time mining engineer or a part-time geologist for category ‘A’ mines having leased area below 25 hectares. This will ease compliance burden for small miners. 

(vi) In order to increase employment opportunity, diploma in mining and mine surveying granted by duly recognised institute along with a second class certificate of competency issued by the Director General of Mines Safety is added in qualification for full time Mining Engineer. Also, qualification for part time Mining Engineer added. 

(vii) Provision of forfeiture of financial assurance or performance security of the lease holder added in case of non-submission of final mine closure plan within the period specified. 

(viii) Amount of financial assurance increased to five lakh rupees for Category ‘A’ mines and three lakh rupees for Category ‘B’ mines from existing three and two lakh rupees, respectively. 

    • In addition to the above amendments, the Ministry has notified rescission of two rules, namely, Minerals (Transfer of Mining Leases Granted Otherwise than through Auction for Captive Purpose) Rules, 2016 and Mineral (Mining by Government Company), Rules, 2015. These rules had become obsolete in view of the above amendment in the MMDR Act and the MCR, 2016.
    1. Exploration Initiatives
  2. Geological Survey of India (GSI)
  3. GSI has completed 8,577 sq. km Specialized Thematic Mapping (on 1:25,000 scale) out of 23000 sq. km target during Annual Programme  2021-22 till the end of November 2021.
  1. GSI has completed 77,395.1 sq. km National Geochemical Mapping (on 1:50,000 scale) out of 240,000 sq. km target during Annual Programme 2021-22 till the end of November 2021.
  2. GSI has completed 35,220 sq. km National Geophysical Mapping (on 1:50,000 scale) out of 1,00,000 sq. km target during Annual Programme 2021-22 till the end of November 2021.
  3. GSI has completed preliminary marine mineral investigation for 3485 sq. km in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) out of 4,000 sq. km target during Annual Programme 2021-22 till the end of November 2021.
  4. GSI has been engaged in 6 programmes of National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (NLSM on 1: 50,000 scale) during 2021-22.  GSI has covered 18,640 sq. km by Landslide Susceptibility Mapping out of 35,147 sq. km target during Annual Programme 2021-22 till the end of November 2021.
  5. As per the dissemination policy 2019 of GSI, all reports of mineral exploration, baseline data generation and fundamental geosciences are made available to all stakeholders through GSI portal.
  6. GSI has taken up about 250 mineral exploration projects during 2021-22.
  7. GSI has handed over 43 (G3/G2) reports to the State Government in 2021. Of these, 14 blocks are of limestone, 4 blocks are of base metal, 4 blocks of bauxite, 3 blocks of gluconate, 6 blocks of manganese, 6 blocks of iron ore and one each of diamond, float iron ore, flux grade dunite (MgO), magnetite, PGE and graphite & vanadium.
  1. The state of Odisha has the largest contribution with 11 blocks followed by Rajasthan (6 blocks) and Jharkhand (6 blocks). The other contributing states are Madhya Pradesh- 4 blocks, Meghalaya- 3 blocks, Chhattisgarh- 3 blocks, Bihar- 3 blocks, Gujarat- 2 blocks, Tamil Nadu 2 blocks. Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka have contributed one block each.
  1. GSI has also handed over 100 potential G4 stage blocks in phase I for auction as Composite Licence to the State Governments in the month of September, 2021 and 52 potential G4 stage blocks in phase II in the month of November, 2021.

 

(b) Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL)

 During the year 2021 (Till Nov-21), MECL has submitted 39 nos. of Geological Reports of different minerals commodities e.g. Coal, Lignite, Copper, Limestone, Iron ore, Manganese, Magnesite etc. and added 10,414.36 million tonnes of resources to National Mineral Inventory out of which 17 Geological Reports have been submitted to NMET.

  1. MoU has been signed with Odisha Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (OMECL), Bhubaneshwar for carrying out detailed exploration and allied works in the state of Odisha.
  2. MoU signed with Department of Mines & Geology (DMG), Rajasthan and Rajashtan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML) for taking up feasibility study for solution mining of potash and pilot plant construction in Rajasthan.
  3. MECL signed MoU with Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDIL), Ranchi for detailed Energy & Non-Coal exploration in CMPDIL blocks.
  4. MECL signed MoU with Directorate of Mines & Geology (DGM), Goa to expedite assessment of mineral resources and take-up exploration of mineral acreage for carrying out mineral block for its auction.
  5. MoU signed with Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM), Madhya Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh State Mining Corporation Limited (MPSMCL) for carrying out exploration and allied works for Mineral Acreages in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
  6. Under modernization program, MECL has taken steps on advent of Technological Innovations and adoption of advanced software and equipment etc. such as DATAMINE Studio-RM, Geovia Minex & Geo SURPAC (Dassault System, France), Arc GIS, ERDAS IMAGINE, Slimhole Geophysical logging system, Core scanner, XRF, ICP MS, ICP OES etc
  7. Under strategic diversification program, to increase sustainability and profitability MECL is diversifying its activities in both areas viz. business level and corporate level diversification. MECL has been engaged as Program Manager for carrying out various activities at BGML including appointment of Consultant for its techno-commercial feasibility studies and future action plan of BGML. In addition, MECL has been engaged by Government of Rajasthan as a Program Manager to carry out feasibility study for solution mining of the Potash. Further MECL is also providing consultancy to State Government for technical support to study the feasibility of mineral block for its auction purpose. MECL has deputed nodal officers for various states and posted its geological officials in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Goa.
  8.   MECL is also providing geochemical analysis services as a referee agency to various State Governments, CPSEs and other agencies.
    • Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the 5th National Conclave on Mines and Minerals-2021 in November and felicitated 149 mines obtaining five-star rating under star rating of Mines for the performance year 2017-18 to 2019-20. The Minister also handed over 52 potential mineral blocks carved out of G4 stage mineral investigations to the State Governments. This was in addition to hundred mineral blocks handed over to different state governments earlier in September this year.

 

 

    • A technical session with panel discussions was conducted during the Mines and Minerals Conclave to present and discuss about the recent amendments in Mining Laws for easing the process of auctions of Mineral Blocks and mineral exploration. An online portal of Accreditation Scheme developed by Ministry of Mines through QCI-NABET for Exploration Agencies in Mineral Sector has also been launched during the Conclave.
  1. Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)

Besides IBM’s core charter of functions, i.e. carrying out various field inspections, Ore Dressing investigations, some of the major achievements are;

  1. .Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, inaugurated 5th National Conclave on Mines and Minerals-2021 on 23.11.2021 and felicitated 149 mines obtaining five star rating under star rating of Mines for the performance year 2017-18 to 2019-20.
  2. Mining Surveillance System (MSS) is a satellite-based monitoring system which aims to establish a regime of responsive mineral administration by curbing instances of illegal mining activity through automatic remote sensing detection technology. Using the Mining Surveillance System, 52 major mineral triggers have been detected across the country in second phase. Out of which 45 have been verified by the State Governments and in 5 cases unauthorized mining activities have been identified. Similarly, in respect of minor minerals, 130 triggers have been generated, out of which 104 have been verified and in 9 cases unauthorized mining activities have been identified. The training programmes to State Government officers for its adoption of the MSS for minor minerals have also been done.  In the third phase in 2020-21, out of the 119 triggers generated for major minerals across the States, 62 triggers have so far been verified by the State Governments and 9 cases are observed as unauthorized Mining after field verification by respective State Governments. 
  3. Total 164 Officers from various States participated in the training of Mining Surveillance System. 
  4. Under Mining Tenement System, Modules of MTS Project viz. PMKKKY, Registration and Daily Returns were already launched. Daily Return and Monthly Return are live to view and submit the returns. 
  1. During the current year, Average Sale Price (ASP) for Minerals up to September, 2021 and of Metals up to October, 2021 have been hosted on IBM website.
  1. IBM has brought out important publications like Indian Minerals Year Book 2019 (vol. I to III), Half Yearly Bulletin on mineral Information for the period Oct.19 to Mar.20 & April 2020 to September, 2020 issues, Statistical Profiles of Minerals for the Year 2018-19 issue, Indian Mineral Industry at a Glance 2016-17 and 2017-18 issues, Bulletin on Mining Lease and Prospecting Licenses 2019 and Monthly Statistics of Mineral Production (MSMP) up to March 2020 issue to disseminate the technical data for interest of all stakeholders.
  2. As part of the capacity building of human resources, conducted 8 online training courses for IBM employees through VC-NIC wherein a total 292 IBM officials participated.
  1. During 2020-21, the IBM offices observed Swachhata Pakhwada during 16th-30th November 2020 in office premises as well in mining site areas, nearby villages and schools.
  2. Initiatives Towards Self- Reliance in Strategic Minerals. 

Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) 

Under the aegis of Ministry of Mines, a Joint Venture company namely the Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) of NALCO, HCL & MECL has been established. With the objective to ensure mineral security of the country, KABIL is mandated to identify & acquire overseas mineral assets of critical & strategic minerals so as to ensure supply side assurance of energy minerals – primarily the critical & strategic minerals such as Lithium, Cobalt & others. Based on commissioned study and selection criteria various countries have been shortlisted for exploring the mineral asset acquisition abroad.

Engagement of KABIL is underway with select source countries such as Australia, Argentina, Bolivia and Chile etc. which are endowed with the cited critical & strategic minerals. The primary interface has been the respective Embassies & Missions of India in those countries for sharing of information with respect to prospective mineral acreages primarily with state owned organizations for taking up due diligence and investment decisions. 

It is foreseen that securing supply side assurance of the critical & strategic minerals such as Lithium, Cobalt etc. to start with will offer the intended impetus to the “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” initiative of Government of India and will cater to several sectors such as e-mobility, renewable energy, medicine, aerospace, aviation, etc. 

  1. National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
    • Performance Highlights for FY 2020-21:
    • Despite the adverse conditions prevailing due to Covid pandemic, NALCO’s Net Profit for FY 2020-21 has jumped by 840% to Rs.1299.53 crore compared to Rs.138 crore in FY2019-20.
    • Achieved highest ever Bauxite production (73.65 Lakh tonne) since inception in FY 2020-21.
    • Highest ever export metal sale of 1.92 lakh tonne achieved surpassing the previous best of 1.47 lakh tonne achieved decade back in 2009-10.
    • Mining Lease deed of Utkal-D Coal block executed in March, 2021.
    • Total procurement through GeM portal is Rs. 343.19 Crores in FY 2020-21, against Rs. 8.42 crores achieved in 2019-20. 
    • Against mandated procurement target of 25% from MSEs, NALCO achieved 30.42% of total procurement in FY 2020-21.
    • Performance Highlights for FY 2021-22 (Till Nov’2021)
    • The Company achieved Net Profit of Rs.1, 095 Crore during H1 FY 2021-22 against Rs.124 Crore achieved in corresponding period of previous year. 
    • Highest ever Aluminium cast metal production of 2,26,029 MT since inception surpassing the previous H1 highest of 2,21,208 MT in the FY 2010-11.
    • Lean Slurry ash disposal system of CPP to mines void has been commissioned in July’2021. This facilitates environment friendly ash disposal.
    • NALCO’s Panchpatmali Bauxite Mines was awarded 5 Star Rating by Ministry of Mines for sustainable Mining in Nov’2021.
    • Alumina Refinery bagged the CII EXIM Bank Business Excellence Platinum award & Panchpatmali Bauxite Mines received the award in Gold plus category at CII National Quality Summit.
    • NALCO has been granted mining lease of Utkal-E coal block over an area of 523.73 Ha by the Department of Steel & Mines, Government of Odisha on 12.04.2021.
    • NALCO has bagged the Non-Ferrous Best Performance Award 2020-21 instituted by the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), under the large scale manufacturing unit category in Nov’21.
    • NALCO’s Panchpatmali Bauxite Mine has been awarded the prestigious Pollution Control Excellence Award 2021 by the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha, for effective pollution control measures and sound environment management practices.

 

    • Major Activities taken up by the Company to help in fighting the Covid-19 Pandemic:
    • NALCO contributed Rs. 7.6 crore (including one-day salary of employees amounting to Rs.2.6 crore) to PM CARES Fund. The Company also contributed one-day salary of employees amounting to Rs.2.6 crore to CM’s Relief Fund, Odisha. Total contribution toward COVID-19 relief fund is Rs. 10.2 crore.
    • Funded 200 bedded exclusive COVID-19 hospital at Nabarangpur and 70 bedded SLNM College & Hospital at Koraput, Odisha.
    • NALCO in convergence with Govt of Odisha, funded 150 Bedded District Covid Hospital at Angul District, Odisha.
    • Set up two exclusive COVID Care Centres (50 bed each), one each at Damanjodi and Angul and one COVID Care Centre at Bhubaneswar (20 bed).
    • 25,70,000 capacity (dose) Covid vaccine Refrigerated Truck, two Ventilator Ambulance and Digital x-ray machine donated to Govt. of Odisha.
    • NALCO’s contribution to the commemoration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
    • NALCO to support and build 300 smart e-class rooms in Odisha as an academic developmental initiative.
    • NALCO, in association with NALCO Foundation reached out to an Old Age Home at Bhubaneswar and donated electronic utility items like refrigerator & mixer grinder, monthly ration, masks and sanitizers.
    • NALCO is celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav by organizing a number of activities among the school children.  
  1. Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL)
    • Physical Performance Highlights for FY 2020-21:
    • Total copper metal sales of the company were 32,997 tonne in 2020-21.
    • Financial Performance Highlights for FY 2020-21:
    • During 2020-21, the turnover of the Company was Rs.1760.84 crore as against Rs. 803.17 crore during FY 2019-20 registering an increase of 119%. The Profit/(Loss) After Tax from continuing & discontinuing operation during FY 2020-21 was Rs 109.98 crore.

 

    • Highlights of other Achievements:
    • HCL being the first non-banking PSU to raise capital of Rs.500 Crore from the market for the ongoing capital expenditure project through QIP (qualified Institutional Placement) route in April 2021.
    • HCL facilitated Govt. of India to disinvest GoI shareholding by around 6.62% through OFS (Offer For Sale) route in Sept’2021.
    • HCL procured 41.12% of total procurement from MSME vendors in FY 2020-21 against the mandatory target of 25%. 
    • Power Purchase agreement (PPA) has been signed with party for installation of 4.5 MWp solar plant at MCP Unit. 
    • The Malanjkhand underground mining project has achieved important milestones i.e interconnection of north and south mines at 240 mRL & 295 mRL. This has created readiness for taking out ore production through decline from underground mines.
    • HCL has signed a long-term sale agreement with a domestic primary copper producer for sale of around 60% of its total quantity of annual copper concentrate production. 
    • Awards & Accolades:
    • DGMS, Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI, intimated HCL about selection of National Safety Award (Mines) – 2017(Winner) & 2018 (Runner both LIFRM-type-6 category) for Kolihan Mine,
    • National Safety Award (Mines) 2018 (Winner-LIFRM-type-6 category) and 2019 (Runner-LAFP -type-6 category) for Khetri Mine,
    • National Safety Award (Mines)- 2020 (Runner) (LAFP- type -4 category) for Malanjkhand mine,
    • Khetri mine of HCL was adjudged as five star rated mine for the year 2017-18 and the award has been given by Hon’ble Minister of Mines on 23.11.2021 in the 5th National conclave on Mines & minerals at New Delhi.

  Research & Development (R&D) Initiatives 

 Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development & Design Centre (JNARDDC)

  1. During 2021 JNARDDC was granted one patent for novel R&D process.  

Patent no. 340231 dated 02.07.2020 (Inventor – Dr Md Najar PA) for “Development of process for selective in-situ dissolution of alumina & silica bearing mineral phases in bauxite at room temperature for geo–analytical application”.  The selective and self-sustained dissolution of alumina (Al2O3) and silica (SiO2) bearing mineral phases in bauxite such as gibbsite and kaolinite at room temperature enable rapid determination of the mineral constituents both at the exploration site as well laboratory with comparable accuracy. The distinguished advantage of the process is its easy flexibility and portability to remote mining sites for quick assessment of bauxite and laterite samples and need of minimum infrastructural support. 

  1. JNARDDC successfully upgraded its NABL accreditation from ISO/IEC 17025:2005 to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 with inclusion of new scope covering all parameters of chemical testing of chromite ore which is expected to enhance the business opportunities.
  2. Setting up of Coal Characterization and Research Laboratory (CCRL) in record time (to test coke/coal samples for various parameters through proximate analysis – fixed carbon, moisture, volatile matter and ash & gross calorific value by prescribed IS/ASTM methods), acquiring NABL accreditation for CCRL (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) and substantial inflow of coal referee samples for analysis which will provide major boost to the earnings of the Centre in the times to come. 
  3. Developing expertise for providing end to end technology solutions (optimized die design, fabricated dies with process parameters by process integration) for small and medium enterprises for manufacturing of critical extrusion profiles. Currently, critical extrusion profiles are developed based on implicit knowledge of shop floor personnel gained on basis of hit and run trials which are not only costly but also time consuming. In order to effectively utilize the extrusion facilities, Centre is focusing on new end user applications such as profiles used in automobiles, building and construction, aerospace so that prototype can be made and demonstrated to end user industries to promote consumption. 
  4. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power renewed the nomination of JNARDDC as a sector expert for the aluminium sector under the PAT (Perform, Achieve & Trade) Scheme in National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) under Climate Change Project
  5. Nomination and authorization of JNARDDC by Ministry of Mines (MoM), Govt of India to carry out the functions earmarked for Metal Recycling Authority as stipulated in the “National Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework 2020” (excluding statutory functions) till a regular authority is notified. JNARDDC will work under the supervision of Ministry of Mines and closely co-ordinate with MoEF & CC, CPCB/SPCB’s, Dept. of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Indian Standards and other Stakeholders for performing various activities related to Non-Ferrous Metal (namely Al, Cu, Zn and Pb) Recycling which ensures proper guidelines for scrap handling, processing, quality, certification and environmental norms etc. A platform will be devised to bring all the stakeholders including recyclers, OEMs, scrap traders, generators etc. for reporting or registration in an organized manner under one umbrella. The Centre has initiated the activities to ensure that the desired frame work is in place and implemented.

 
 
 

  1. National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM)

 NIRM Established as an R&D support and expertise to Mining Sector. NIRM deals with field and laboratory investigations, basic and applied research and solving complex problems in almost entire spectrum of Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering related to Mining and Civil engineering activities. 

  1. During the period affected by Pandemic due to covid-19 NIRM had taken all efforts to complete its scientific investigations and the scientific initiatives were involved in major mines (coal and metal). NIRM through advanced geological, in-situ stress measurements, numerical modelling, excavation design, engineering geophysical investigations, advanced monitoring of underground structures and stability of excavations have provided tailor made scientific services that resulted in significant advantages in terms of time, money, safety and productivity in the civil and mining industries.
  2. Engineering geophysical investigations in the old, abandoned mines areas (8 locations) in the state of Madhya Pradesh have led to mapping the old remnant huge cavity pockets that were hazardous to surface buildings including residential colonies. This prevented untoward safety incidents and environmental hazards associated with such abandoned mines. 
  3. The in-situ stress measurements of NIRM have vital for design and excavation of underground caverns of defence sector in Visakhapatnam. NIRM is continuing to provide its expertise for the classification and identification of suitable rock for armour rocks for ports and naval base near Visakhapatnam.
  4. The 3D numerical model analysis of underground excavations in Arun 3 HEP, Nepal and Punatsangchu HEP in Bhutan identified the zones of rockmass for critical displacements and behavioural trend for more efficient design for long term stability of the underground structures.  
  5. For the new and upcoming units of Kudankulam nuclear power plant (KKNPP), Tamil Nadu (2 x 1000 MW) near operating units 1 and 2, NIRM technical guidance led to completion of rock excavation and about 0.14 lakhs cubic meter of hard rock was excavated safely.
  1. Key scientific initiatives for various upcoming hydel and mining projects within the country and abroad are taken up to continue the scientific contribution for civil, mining and infrastructure sectors.
  2. NIRM made various scientific publications in national and international journals. A large participation of NIRM scientists is scheduled for the international conference at Malaysia – on Geotechnical challenges in Mining, Tunneling & Underground structures.

*******

Multilateral agreement with 120 countries to enable faster customs clearance of Postal items

 

For more than 150 years, the Department of Posts (DoP) has been the backbone of the country’s communication and has played a crucial role in the country’s social economic development. It touches the lives of Indian citizens in many ways: delivering mails, accepting deposits under Small Savings Schemes, providing life insurance cover under Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) and providing retail services like bill collection, sale of forms, etc. The DoP also acts as an agent for Government of India in discharging other services for citizens such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) wage disbursement and old age pension payments. The Year End Review for Department of Posts highlights the achievements, and progress on various initiatives of department in the year 2021.

 

  1. Supply Chain and e-Commerce: Mail, Express Services and Parcel:

 

    • Real time updation of delivery: Postman Mobile App implemented in 1.43 lakh POs including 98,454 Post Offices in rural areas. Real time delivery status of 47.5 crore from January-October, 2021 Speed Post and registered articles done through the Postman Mobile App.

 

    • 98% letter box is attached with Departmental Post Offices have been covered under electronic clearance through Mobile App named “Nanyatha”.

 

    • A flagship product of Department of Posts “Speed Post” marked are venue of Rs. 1413.34 crores for handling of traffic of 34.97 Crores during the period of January 2021 to October2021.

 

    • Department is the sole delivery partner of UIDAI since it since option. DoP so far been delivered 166.73 crore Aadhaar cards through ordinary posts and 1.56 crores Aadhaar PVC cards through Speed Post from Jan 2013 to Nov 2021.

 

    • Department of Post shas entered into a tie up with LIC of India for providing complete print to post solution for printing and delivery of policy bonds issued by LIC where in more than 2 crore Policy Bonds are expected to be printed, posted and delivered in a year through Speed Post, generating are venue of more than Rs.100 crores per annum.

 

    • Department of Posts has entered into tie up with Election Commission of India (ECI) for delivery of Elect or Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) through Speed Post. In the initial phase, ECI would provide 6-7 Crore EPICs for delivery through Speed Post, generating are venue of around Rs. 100 in a year.
    • Department of Posts has installed Global Positioning System (GPS) in approx. 1263 operational Mail Motor Services (MMS) vehicles across the country and also implemented PS based online tracking system for all the MMS operative vehicles in all Postal Circles with 24X7 control rooms.

 

    • 17 additional new MMS vehicles have been purchased for Jammu & Kashmir Postal circle to improve inter-state connectivity.

 

    • 75 new vehicles have been replaced against condemned vehicles in various Circles during the current FY 2021-22.

 

    • A multilateral agreement for the exchange of electronic advanced data (EAD) has been entered into with more than 120 countries. This agreement shall enable transmission of electronic customs data of International Postal items before their physical arrival at the destination country. It shall also enable faster customs clearance of Postal items.

 

    • PRIME United States Postal Services (USPS) tracked service agreement is signed between India Post and USPS. It will meet the customers demand for a cost-efficient and track-able service. It will help in increasing the mail volume and revenue of India post.

 

    • In order to simplify and ease the customs clearance of International articles, automated Postal Bill of Export (PBE) Software is being developed by DoP. The first version of automated (PBE) software is developed and it is under production environment. It will ease the process of commercial export through Postal Channel by enabling customs clearance in digital mode. After implementation of this software the booking of commercial exports will not remain limited to notified locations.

 

    • International Business Center (IBC) Surat was inaugurated by Minister of State for Communications on 03.11.21. It will provide a much-needed platform in the region to boost commercial export and will fulfill the demands of exporters. 

 

    • During the 2nd wave of COVID-19, Department of Posts in collaboration with Customs authorities, facilitated clearance, processing and delivery of COVID related emergency shipments received through post from abroad e. g. oxygen concentrators, equipment, medicines etc. In order to further facilitate the clearance and faster delivery of such shipments a COVID helpdesk was established at Dak Bhawan and all Offices of Exchange.

 

 

  1. Banking Services and Financial Inclusion:

 

    • Digital Financial empowerment of the public at large: DOP serves more than 29.29 crore Active POSB accounts through 1.56 lakh post offices across length & breadth of the country and have an outstanding balance of Rs. 12,56,073 crore under Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) Schemes. Overall, 1.67 crore new accounts opened and Rs. 4.71 lakh crore Deposits, Rs. 3.48 lakh crore withdrawal made thereby approx. Rs. 8.19 lakh crore volume of transactions handled in CBS (Core Banking Service) POs. As a result, Net addition of 51.45 lakh accounts and Net deposits of Rs. 1,22,851 crore have been done in CBS POs since April, 2021.The Post Office CBS system is the largest network in the world with 24,971 Offices already on this network. Further 1,29,219 Branch Post Offices have been also enabled to access the network on real time basis. The CBS has enabled the DOP in providing 24×7 services through ATMs, Internet & Mobile Banking.

 

    • Financial Empowerment of Rural Populace: All the 9 Small Savings Schemes of MoF are available in 1.56 lakh Post Offices. 5 Schemes, namely, Monthly Income Scheme, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, Public Provident Fund, National Savings Certificate & Kisan Vikas Patra have been introduced in Bos (Branch Post Offices). People living in rural India will not be required to come to town & cities to do any Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) transaction. The same will be available at their doorstep through local Branch Post Offices.

 

    • Economic Empowerment of Girl Child: Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) scheme is also known as girl child prosperity scheme and was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji on 22nd January, 2015 in Panipat, Haryana. SSA scheme ensures a bright future for girl children. This scheme has facilitated them in proper education, marriage expenses and securing their future. The Sukanya Samriddhi Account can be opened in any post office. A total of 2.26 Crore Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts have been opened with deposits amounting to Rs. 80,509.29 Crore, by the Department of Posts, till October, 2021 since introduction of the scheme. Approx. 86% of the total SSA accounts in the country are through Post Offices only.

 

    • Insurance and Pension coverage of masses at reasonable rates: The PM Jan Suraksha Schemes, namely, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeewan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) & Atal Pension Yojana (APY) were launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister in May, 2015. The DOP has been playing an active role under these Government of India flagship schemes and had made 3.47 Lakh Atal Pension Yojana (APY), 7.54 Lakh Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) (including annual auto renewals) and 1.38 crore Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) (including annual auto renewals) enrolments so far.

 

3. Postal Life Insurance (PLI)/Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI):

 

    • A provision has been introduced for claimant to file an appeal against rejection of death claim cases in PLI/RPLI.

 

    • “Sankalan” e-compendium comprising Post Office Life Insurance Rules 2011, various Standard Operating Procedures, Forms etc. was released on occasion of PLI Day i.e., 01.02.2021 for ease of officials working at various offices as well as for the use of customers and is also available on website.

 

    • Rule 61 of POLI Rules, 2011 has been amended wherein the restriction of two (2) years for settlement of claim on death due to suicide has been reduced to one (1) year, at par with insurance industry practice.

 

    • Business Performance of PLI and RPLI: As on 31.10.2021, there were a total of 100.51 lakh active PLI and RPLI policies with an aggregate sum assured of Rs. 2.32 lakh crores.

 

    • Investment Functions of PLI and RPLI Fund: The total corpus of PLI/RPLI fund has reached Rs. 1.27 lakh crores upto 31.10.2021.

 

    • Bima Gram Yojana : From January 2021 to October 2021, 6,657 villages brought under the coverage of Bima Gram Yojana (BGY). Each Bima Gram Yojana village has at least 100 households covered by one RPLI policy.

 

    • Customer can procure Postal Life Insurance policies online without visiting Post Office. To facilitate multiple payment option of PLI premium and disbursement like Maturity/ Surrender/  Survival/  Death  /  loan,  a  close  integration  with  Post  Office  Savings  Bank (POSB) has been done, wherein policy holders can use Standing Instructions (SI), POSB eBanking, mobile banking facility and also use Post Office ATM facilities. Multiple payment gateways have also introduced in the system for online premium payment.

 

    • PLI/RPLI Policy bonds in digital format are now available to policy holders through DigiLocker.

 

4. Citizen Centric Services:

    • Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (PoPSK): With the growing need of citizens for a passport, Ministry of External Affairs and Department of Posts have mutually agreed for setting up Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (PoPSKs) in post offices to utilise the reach and infrastructure of Post Offices for delivering passport services. 428 PoPSKs have been made operational till date, of which 02 PoPSKs have been opened in 2021 namely (i) Dombivali, Maharashtra and (ii) Ekma, Bihar. 12,01,360 applications have been processed through PoPSKs from January, 2021 to October, 2021.

 

    • Aadhar Enrolment and Updation Centres: The facility has brought convenience to the citizens by way of generating new Aadhaar and updating their Aadhaar cards in case of any   change/mis-match.   More   than   42,000   Postal   Officials/MTS/GDS   have   been trained/certified to perform Aadhaar operations. The Aadhaar Enrolments are done free of cost. 13,352 Post Office Aadhaar Centres have been set up across the country. 1,49,50,803 requests for enrollments / updations have been processed by these Centres from January, 2021 to October, 2021.

 

    • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): More than 3.29 crores transactions were performed involving an amount of Rs. 3607 crores for a period from January, 2021 to October, 2021. Disbursed benefits of more than 275 schemes of different Ministries to beneficiaries including those in remote and rural areas.

 

    • Digital Inclusion: 1,29,252 Branch Post offices are using SIM based handheld Point of Sale (POS) devices.

 

  •     Digital Advancement of Rural Post Offices for a New India (DARPAN): Carried out 12.87

crores online Postal and financial transactions involving an amount of Rs.19,402/- crores for a period from January, 2021 to October, 2021 through 1,29,252lakh Branch Post Offices in the rural areas of the country. More than 1.95 crores transactions per month are taking place through DARPAN devices.

 

    • PO-CSC (Post Office-Common Service Centres): A convergence of Post Offices and Common Service Centres for effective delivery of various citizen centric services is a part of the five-year Vision Document (2019-24) of the Department of Posts. Accordingly, 91867 Post offices are now providing CSC services through Digital Sewa Portal of CSC.

 

      • Launched on 04.05.2020 in 22 Pilot Post Offices selected from 11 Circles.

 

        • Expanded to 91867 offices by Oct 2021.
        • MoA Signed between DoP and CSC-SPV on 15.12.2020
        • More than 49669 Operators trained
        • 100+ CSC Services are offered through these POs which include G2C and B2C Services.
        • Since its inception, as on 31.10.2021, 7.37 Lakh transactions worth ₹59.9 Crores were delivered through 91867 PO-CSCs

 

      • Some of Government to Citizen Schemes Promoted by CSC are:
        • Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors’ Atma Nirbhar Nidhi Yojana

(PMSVANIDHI)

        • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat)
        • Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Yojana (PM-SYM)
        • Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan Yojana (PM-LVM)
        • The Election Card Printing
        • Various e-District Services
        • Some of B2C (Business to Citizens) Services offered are
        • Bharat Bill Payment System Bills (Electric, Gas, Water bills etc…)
        • Renewal Premium collection for Life Insurance Policies and General Insurance such as Motor Vehicle,etc
        • Third party services such as EMI collections for various loans offered by financial institutions and submission of online application forms for loans.
        • Travel services such as Ticket booking service is available for Flight, Train and Bus Tickets

 

    • Opening of new Branch Post Offices (BOs) in 90 identified Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affecteddistricts in the country: In pursuance of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Note for Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), a proposal for opening of 4903 new Branch Post Offices (BOs) in 90 identified LWE districts in the country was under taken. In the first phase, 1789 Branch Post Offices have been opened, so far. Recently, Ministry of Finance (MoF) has approved the proposal for opening of remaining 3114 BOs in 90 LWE districts. In this context, 3114 Gramin Dak Sewaks –Branch Postmaster & Assistant Branch Postmaster posts have already been sanctioned to all concerned circles viz, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Telangana & Uttar Pradesh respectively for opening of remaining 3114 BOs in 90 LWE districts. All concerned circles have already been intimated to make 3114 BOs functional by the end of the March.

 

5. Public Grievances:

 

    • Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS): Revamping of Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) was done by mapping over 1.5 lakh Post Offices till the level of Branch Post Offices byintuitive navigation of complaints to the line-end offices for faster resolution of grievances. Department of Posts was the first Department to revamp CPGRAMS in collaboration with Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances. This version not only saves time of resolution but also reduces human intervention by bypassing infructuous levels. The option of remedy of Appeals against resolution was provided to the complainants on CPGRAMS in Jan 2021. The details of the grievances handled in 2021 upto 15.11.2021 areas under:-

 

Year

Complaints received during the period    including

B/F

Complaints settled during the period

% of settlement               of settle ment

Average disposal time (days)

01.01.2021 to

15.11.2021

48637

46585

96

16

 

 

    • Social Media Cell: Social Media Cell is an independent entity and deals with the Twitter, Facebook & Instagram accounts of the Department of Posts. Social media team has been strengthened and its working hours extended from 8 hours a day to 16 hours a day. Consequently, the overall average first response time was brought down to 1 hr 35 minutes from over 4 hours. The details of the complaints handled in 2021 upto15.11.2021 areas under:-

Year

Complaints

received during the period

Complaints

settled during the period

% of settlement

01.01.2021 to

15.11.2021

2,39,133

2,37,187

99.2 %

 

    • India Post Call Centre (IPCC): The Department rolled out India Post Call Centre (IPCC) on 01.06.2018in Varanasi. The facility of Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) in IPCC is available for customers 24*7*365. Presently, IPCC is working in eleven languages mapped with geographical locations of the customers. 1.46 crore calls have been serviced in IPCC since its inception. Postal Life Insurance/Rural Postal Life Insurance and Financial Services facilities have been integrated in IPCC which enables IPCC to disseminate the citizens’ centric information to the citizens.

 

    • Implementation of Dynamic Queue Management System (DQMS) in Post Offices: Dynamic Queue Management System (DQMS) has wire based calling terminal which is available at counters and operates on a stand-alone software. A dispenser with thermal printer is available at the entry gate. DQMS has been installed in 325 Head Post Offices having six or more than six working counters. This has helped the public in reducing waiting time, increase in processing capacity, providing comfort level to staff and customers and monitoring customer flow.

 

    • Special Campaign to reduce pendency from 2nd Oct to 31st Oct 2021: Among all Ministries/Departments of Government of India, Department of Posts also participated in the special campaign from 2nd Oct to 31st Oct 2021, to reduce pendency. During the special campaign, the Department ensured significant disposal of Public Grievances, references from Members of Parliament, State Governments and Parliament Assurances. Further, all efforts were taken to improve records management, weeding out of files and overall cleanliness of Government Offices.

 

    • Initiatives taken by the Department in the COVID-l9 situation: CPGRAMS Portal: A separate category for ‘COVID-19’ grievances was created on CPGRAMS to address and monitor grievances of the public with regard to their postal needs in the backdrop of the pandemic. 879 grievances have been resolved within the prescribed timeline of 3 days from 01.01.2021 to 22.11.2021.

 

6. Marketing & Visibility of Department of Posts:

 

    • Department of Posts is also taking a number of steps to increase the visibility and awareness about postal products and services. In the current fiscal, the Department has undertaken several activities/ campaigns for the marketing of its products and services which include release of advertisement in Radio, TV, Hoardings, etc. The Social Media handles are being utilized for marketing of its products and services.

 

    • Apart from this, the Department of Posts is among the first few Departments of Government of India to set up its social media accounts. This enabled the Department in engaging with its customer base directly. So far, the Department of Posts has over 308.4K followers on Facebook, 323.8K on Twitter, 9.8k on Instagram and 204.9K on KOO. Videos related to the Department of Posts and various schemes of the Department are being uploaded on YouTube. There is constant update on the activities undertaken by the Department and promotion of Departmental products is being done on daily basis.
    • Department of Posts also has its own web portal (https://www.indiapost.gov.in) wherein information is regularly uploaded and updated for generating a broader awareness and visibility about the activities, products and services of the Department.
    • Through social media accounts of the Department of Posts, updates to the citizens about the Government initiatives, services being provided by the Department, and activities undertaken are being done.
    • Release of advertisement for promotion, publicity and advertising of Postal Life Insurance and Rural Postal Life Insurance through Radio Jingles in AIR FM and local FM channels across the country in the month of March 2021.
    • Under the initiative of the Government of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shared creative for promotion and publicity of “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana” PM-GKAY Foodgrains through Post Offices. This special scheme was initially available for 2 months (May & June) which was extended to November 2021. The creative on PM-GKAY was displayed in all the Post Offices across the country.

 

    • Under the initiative of the Government of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shared Jan Andolan Campaign 2021 creatives with renewed emphasis on ‘Dawaibhi, KadaiBhi’ with focus on the five-fold strategy viz Testing, Tracing, Treatment, COVID appropriate behaviour and Vaccination which was shared to all Circles on 8th April, 2021. The same was displayed in all Post Offices and also through the Social Media Handles of the Department of Posts.

 

    • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shared creatives on “Vaccines for all, Free for all” campaign, an initiative of the Government of India, was carried out in all Post Offices in the month of June 2021. This campaign was also carried out in the Social Media Handles of the Department of Posts.

 

    • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shared creatives on India’s achievement of “100 Crore vaccination mark”, which was displayed in all Post Offices across India. The creatives were also displayed in the Social Media Handle of the Department of Posts.

 

    • In the online campaign for celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav which is being coordinated by the Ministry of Culture, a major event relating to rendering of National Anthem of India (Rashtragaan) was done through the link https://rashtragaan.in/ which was shared to all Directorates/Divisions/Sections  of  the  Department  and  also  to  the  Circles.  A total of 2,11,608 of the Department took part in the online campaign.

 

    • An online quiz competition was held over the Social Media Handles of the Department of Posts in commemoration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav in the run up to Independence Day 2021. Four winners were selected from four Social Media Handles of the Department which was declared on 15th August 2021 and were presented with goody bags.

 

    • In regard to dissemination of information about the constitutional right to legal aid and availability of free legal aid services, NALSA has entered into a collaborative project with the Department of Posts. In this collaborative project Nation-wide sensitization is done through all Post offices across India owing to their well-established network. This dissemination of information of NALSA is being provided free of cost as a social obligation of the Department of Posts.

 

    • 11th Oct to 17th Oct 2021 was celebrated as India Post- Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav ICONIC Week, during which various activities, programs, webinars were conducted and also promoted on social media in collaboration with PIB and MyGov. Briefly described as below:

 

  • As engaging activities, a week-long activity for audience in collaboration with My Gov was organised where audience were asked to share snap/photo of their preserved letters/postcards along with brief touching story about it, at My Gov platform. Also, on Philately day, audience were requested to share their first stamp collected with the story behind it.

 

  • Webinars on the themes of “How India Post is contributing towards financial inclusion in rural areas”, on “Postal Life Insurance-Insuring Lives & Assuring Happiness” and “India Post for MSME, Small Business, Artisans “Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s Logistics partner” were live streamed on the social media handles of the Department.

 

  • In respect of on ground activities, various financial inclusion Melas with special focus on Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, PLI/RPLI were conducted across the country. Coverage on the Melas were done on the Social Media Handles of the Department. In respect of on ground activities, various financial inclusion Melas with special focus on Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, PLI/RPLI were conducted across the country. Coverage on the Melas were done on the Social Media Handles of the Department.

 

  • Documentary on India@75 (Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav), as provided by Ministry of Culture were displayed in the Melas to bring awareness and special cover on India@75 in consultation with Ministry of Culture was release which was also displayed through the Social Media Handles of the Department.

 

  • The whole week milestone on number of Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts opened, total number of life insured/covered were also shared through the Social Media Handles of the Department.

 

  • On 14th October ‘Business Development Day’, a total of 1.16 lakhs Aadhaar transactions (enrollment/updation) were done in 1641 Camps/Melas across the country and the same was also shared through the Social Media Handles of the Department.

 

  • Special Covers on Unsung Heroes of the respective State / UT in consultation with Ministry of Culture were released on Philately Day. The same was also shared on Social Media Handles of the Department.

 

************