Month: August 2023

Financial assistance upto Rs. 5.00 Lakh for outstanding sportspersons living in indigent circumstances

 The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs implements the scheme of ‘Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons’ (PDUNWFS) with the objectives to provide suitable assistance to outstanding sportspersons now living in indigent circumstances, to provide suitable assistance to outstanding sportspersons injured during the period of their training for competitions and also during the competitions, depending on the nature of the injury, to provide suitable assistance to sportspersons for medical treatment, to provide suitable assistance to promote welfare of sportspersons generally in order to alleviate distress among them and their dependents in indigent circumstances, and to provide assistance to sportspersons living in indigent circumstances for training, procurement for sports equipment, participation in national and international sports events etc.

The information about state-wise and sports-wise number of sportspersons supported from this fund during last five years is available on the Department’s website https://yas.nic.in. Financial assistance upto Rs. 5.00 Lakh for outstanding sportspersons living in indigent circumstances and upto Rs. 10.00 Lakh for medical treatment to sportspersons or family members is provided under the scheme of PDUNWFS.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) has established 10 Regional Centres and 2 Institutional Units

 The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has established 10 Regional Centres and 2 Institutional Units in various parts of the country. The functions of these centres are, to implement and monitor the sports promotional schemes of SAI and Government of India, to conduct coaching camps and to assist the national teams for participation in international competitions by providing them with requisite state of the art infrastructure, equipment, coaching facilities and competition exposure, boarding and lodging to the selected trainees, scientific training/ equipment support, to provide scientific back-up to sportspersons to deliver high level performance in sports, to plan, construct, acquire, develop, manage, maintain and utilize sports infrastructure and facilities in the region, to liaise with other organizations/ sports bodies, State Govt./ UT Administration and act as an interface between the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and respective State Governments, and to conduct Certificate, Skill Development, Diploma, Graduation and PG Level courses in Coaching/Physical Education in collaboration with the Academic Wing of SAI at NSNIS Patiala & LNCPE Trivandrum.

The decision regarding creation of facilities/SAI centres depends on various factors, such as suitable proposals received from the State Governments, availability of funds, local demand, etc. Further, as a part of its restructuring exercise, SAI has carried out a review of its existing sports promotional schemes. In view of the available sports infrastructure and financial constraints, it has been decided to focus primarily on the existing centres with a view to achieve excellence.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) implements the following Sports Promotional Schemes across the country to identify talented sportspersons in various age groups and nurture them to excel at national and international level:

  • National Centres of Excellence (NCOE)
  • SAI Training Centre (STC)
  • Extension Centre of STC
  • National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC)

A total of 187 Centres, including NCOEs, STCs, Extension Centres, etc. are functional in the country for implementation of these schemes. Presently, 7780 talented sports persons (4688 boys and 3092 girls) are being trained in 34 sports disciplines on residential and non-residential basis. The sportspersons identified under SAI Sports Promotional Schemes come from all sections of society, including the rural, backward, and tribal areas of the country.

Further, the Government has launched the Khelo India Programme with twin objectives of mass participation and the promotion of excellence in sports. Various programmes have been launched under this scheme to promote sports and improve the level of sports and infrastructural facilities, including stadiums, playing fields, tracks and sports training centres across the country.

31 Khelo India State Centres of Excellence and 960 Khelo India Centres are being supported under the scheme. 267 Academies have been accredited under the scheme. 2510 athletes in 21 sports disciplines (including Para sports) have been identified as Khelo India Athletes (KIA).

National Overseas Scholarship schemes

 The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment implements two National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) schemes. One is implemented by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment for students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans and the other one is implemented by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPwD) for students with disabilities.

The criteria followed for selection of the candidates under the schemes is as under:

(i) NOS for SC etc.:

Selections are made for study in top 500 QS ranked foreign Institutes/Universities on the basis of unconditional offer of admission. At least 60% marks or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination are required. Further, the total family income including the candidate from all sources shall not exceed Rs. 8.00 lakh per annum in the preceding financial year and the age of the candidate shall not be more than 35 (Thirty Five) years, as on first day of April of the selection year.

(ii) NOS for students with Disabilities:

For Ph.D., First class or 55% (fifty five per cent) marks or equivalent grade in relevant Master’s Degree are required. Similarly, for Masters’ Degree 55% (fifty five per cent) marks or equivalent grade in relevant Bachelor’s Degree are required. The age of the candidate shall be below 35 (Thirty -Five) years as on lst January of the year of application and the Parents/Guardian’s income should not be more than Rs.8.00 lakh per annum.

The process of selection for both the schemes is as under:

  1. NOS for SC etc.:

The NOS portal (https://nosmsje.gov.in) is opened every year for calling of applications for the first round from mid of February to end of the March (for a period of 45 days). The candidates can apply on NOS portal for availing the scholarship under the scheme. Only complete and valid online applications are considered for award of the scholarship. After the scrutiny, the applications of all the eligible candidates’ are placed before the Selection-cum-Screening Committee for making their recommendations for selection as well as deciding the ranking of 125 candidates for scholarship. The ranking of the candidates are decided on the basis of QS ranking of the Institute/University he/she has sought admission to. Then, the provisional Award of Scholarship letters are issued to the selected candidates.

(ii) NOS for students with Disabilities:

Presently, the applications under the scheme are received offline throughout the year. The applications are examined by the Screening Committee constituted for the purpose. Applications shortlisted by the Screening Committee are placed before the Selection Committee. The candidates recommended by the Selection Committee are issued Award letters.

 Under both the schemes, disbursement of scholarship amount/ of miscellaneous expenses(on reimbursement basis) etc. incurred by the candidate, is done by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through Indian Missions abroad and for this funds are sanctioned to MEA through Letter of Authorization(LoA) by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Funds are released to MEA from time to time on demand by the Indian embassy concerned in respect of any NOS student.

The National Overseas Scholarship schemes of both the departments are central sector schemes and, therefore, there is no State-wise and district-wise distribution. However number of candidates benefitted under the schemes for last three years is as below:

Year

DoSJE

DoEPwD

Number of Beneficiaries

Number of Beneficiaries

2020-21

100

6

2021-22

125

11

2022-23

125

17

 

This information was given by Minister of State for Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

AWARENESS by National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation

 In order to create awareness about the various schemes of NSKFDC and sensitization among its target group i.e., Safai Karamcharis, Waste pickers, Manual Scavengers and their dependants. NSKFDC has been taking following initiatives:-

  1. Awareness Camps: – In order to make target group aware about the schemes of the Corporation and to motivate them to avail the benefits under the schemes, awareness camps are organized in the basties of the target group of NSKFDC. NSKFDC is reimbursing upto Rs.30,000/-per awareness camp for organizing the Awareness Camps to its implementing agency.
  2.   Loan Meals: – Loan meals are organized in various Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) wherein the channelizing agencies are also invited. The schemes of NSKFDC and necessary documentation formalities involved in availing the loan are explained to the target group in these meals.
  3. Workshops: – NSKFDC also organizes sensitization cum awareness workshops in various Municipalities to create awareness about the provision of MS Act, 2013 and prevention of manual hazardous cleaning so as to minimize the incidents of manual hazardous cleaning.
  4. Recognition of Prior Learning Programme (RPL):- NSKFDC also organizes 5 days RPL programme to provide necessary orientation to the target group of NSKFDC on mechanized, improved and safe sanitation practices.

Besides the above, following interventions are also taken to raise awareness and sensitization about the schemes of NSKFDC:

  • Radio Programme “Sawarti Jayeein Jeevan Ki Raahein” a regular feature on All India Radio by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt of India.
  • Distribution of leaflets/brochures about training progrmames by the Training Institutes.
  • Awareness during mobilization of candidates in their basties/localities for encouraging them for enrollment in training programme.
  • Dissemination of information/creatives through social media handles of Department and Corporation and through print media.

Further, the implementing agencies at their own level also create awareness about the schemes of the corporation through advertisements in newspapers, pamphlets and through notices at Notice board of their departments.

The progress made under various awareness-cum-sensitization programmes during the last 5 years and current year is as under: –

S.No.

Particulars

Nos.

1.

Health-cum-Awareness Camps

294

2.

Loan Melas

43

3.

Workshops

1177

4.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

(No of candidate)

50118

 

This information was given by Minister of State for Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Special Skill Initiative for North-East Region

 To create a robust skill-centric and industry ready ecosystem in North-Eastern Region (NER), Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Minister for Culture, Tourism & Development Of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Electronics & IT today Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar launched a special initiative ‘Transforming Lives, Building Futures: Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in North-East in New Delhi today.

As part of the initiative, 2.5 lakhs youth of the NER will be provided with industry relevant skill training programmes through a wide array of schemes and initiatives, including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS). The Government has earmarked a substantial fund of Rs360 crore to facilitate inclusive development, nurture entrepreneurial talent, and propel the socio-economic growth of the region. To fuel further growth, the concerted efforts are being made to provide vocational education and skill development programs to cater to the demand for skilled professionals across sectors, including agriculture, tourism, handicrafts, and information technology.

Minister, Public Health Engineering, Skill Development Employment & Entrepreneurship and Tourism; Government of Assam, Shri Jayanta Malla Baruah; MLA, Advisor to Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Excise Department, Government of Nagaland, Shri Moatoshi Longkumer; Minister, Public health engineering and Water security, Water resources & River Development, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of Sikkim, Shri Bhim Hang Limboo and Secretary, Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari addressed the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that the program will create unprecedented skilling opportunities for the youth in line with their interest areas and lead to unlocking the potential of N-E youth. He also said that the north-eastern region of our country is abundant with natural resources and demographic dividend and with a whole-of-government approach, our government has worked to drive unprecedented development of the region. Today’s program will further give impetus to these efforts and lead to socio-economic transformation of the region, he further added. He also said that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned to make India developed and Aatmanirbhar and a robust skill development mission is essential to make this dream a reality. We are working to make India, the skill-capital of the world, he further added.

Lauding the initiative, Shri G. Kishan Reddy said that this initiative of MSDE will benefit more than 2.5 lakh youth in phase one, which will make them job ready for domestic as well as international markets. This is yet another endeavour of Shri Narendra Modi’s government to make the NER the engine of growth.

Shri Rajeev Chandrashekar said that over the past 9 years, our Prime Minister has worked relentlessly to create a conducive skill ecosystem by laying emphasis on education, skilling and innovation. We are now looking into the future with current trends that can shape our skilling strategies. We are one of the youngest countries in the world with a demography that is of great relevance to global economies, he added. With the tremendous number of new opportunities being created in both entrepreneurship and in jobs, the need for skills have heightened. Transforming Lives and Building Future is not just a slogan, this is a mission for our Young Indians of North-East. We believe that the future of New India is bright and skilling is the passport for prosperity, he further added.

The Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in North-East initiative lays emphasis on alignment of courses with National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), bolstered by a digital infrastructure to develop well-rounded professionals. The event also deliberated on the need of enhancing industry participation in aggregating skill demand, simplifying training modules, curriculum development and augmenting training infrastructure to upgrade their skill sets in ‘earn while learn’ mode.

The special Initiative of “Transforming Lives- Building Futures: Skill and Entrepreneurship Dev in North-East will include:

  1. 2 Lakh skill training under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

  2. 30,000 Apprenticeship Engagement under National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)

  3. 20,000 to be skilled under Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS)

  4. Quality enhancement of ITIs under skill strengthening for industrial value enhancement (STRIVE)

  5. Strengthening of Polytechnics

  6. Special projects will be taken up for the special needs of North-East region under SANKALP.

  7. Skill India International Centre to be set up to promote overseas job opportunities.

Over the last nine years, MSDE has increased the network count of ITIs to 106 in north-eastern region. It has trained over 3 lakh beneficiaries and assisted 1000 entrepreneurs through Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE). MSDE has also trained about 12 lakh candidates under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) in textile, handloom, construction, apparel, agriculture, electronics and healthcare.

The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) has facilitated training to 38,240 candidates across 1,693 establishments in the last 7 years in north-east. Moreover, the centre has achieved significant success in training more 98000 beneficiaries with more than 72% women beneficiaries across JSS which stands as a testament to creating a robust skill ecosystem in the northeast region, empowering youth with domain and employability skills.

*****

Steps taken by Government of India to improve Women’s Health

Government of India implements various schemes/initiatives  to make healthcare more accessible to all  throughout the country including women, rural and SC/ST population.These schemes/initiatives include:

Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) through Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs):In February 2018, the Government of India announced 1,50,000 Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) to be established across the country by December 2022. The existing Sub- Health Centres (SHC), Primary Health Centres (PHC) and Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHC) are transformed into AB-HWCs to deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) that includes preventive, promotive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative services which are universal, free, and closer to the community. As on 31.07.2023 a total of 1,60,816 AB-HWCs have been operationalized across the country.

Photo by Jennifer Murray on Pexels.com
  • Health Melas are organized at the level of AB-HWCs to optimize utilization of health care services and generate awareness. Ayushman Health melas are ‘one-stop’ platforms to address a comprehensive range of health issues have proven to be an effective strategy to reach the masses and augment the utilization of healthcare services.
  • Teleconsultation services, through eSanjeevani, are available at functional AB-HWC to ensure specialist services closer to the people. As on 31st July 2023, more than 14.35 crore Teleconsultations have been provided via eSanjeevani portal.  Screening of women is also being done at AB-HWCs for breast cancer, oral cancer and cervical cancer.
  • National Free Drugs Initiative: States/UTs are supported to provide essential drugs based on the level of public health facilities free of cost to all who access these facilities.
  • Free Diagnostics Initiatives. (FDI): Under the initiative, support provided to States/UTs to provide a set of essential diagnostics (14 tests at Sub Centre/ Health and Wellness Centre level, 63 tests at PHC/ PHC-HWC level, 97 tests at CHC level, 111 tests at SDH level and 134 tests at DH level) at various levels of care, free of cost.
  • National Ambulance Services (NAS) –  Under the NHM, technical and financial support is provided for emergency medical services in States/UTs through a functional National Ambulance Service (NAS) network linked with a centralised toll-free number 108/102.
  • National Mobile Medical Units (NMMU) – are supported to facilitate access to public health care at the doorstep particularly to people living in remote, difficult, under-served and unreached areas to provide primary care services.

Apart from above mentioned schemes,Government has also implemented following schemes especially for pregnant women:

  • Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) provides assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare at no cost and zero tolerance for denial of services for every woman and newborn visiting public health facilities to end all preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
  • Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), a demand promotion and conditional cash transfer scheme for promoting institutional delivery.
  • Under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), every pregnant woman is entitled to free delivery, including caesarean section, in public health institutions along with the provision of free transport, diagnostics, medicines, blood, other consumables & diet.
  • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides pregnant women a fixed day, free of cost assured and quality antenatal check up by a Specialist/Medical Officer on the 9th day of every month.
  • LaQshya improves the quality of care in labour room and maternity operation theatres to ensure that pregnant women receive respectful and quality care during delivery and immediate post-partum.
  • Functionalization of First Referral Units (FRUs) by ensuring manpower, blood storage units, referral linkages to improve the access to quality of care for pregnant women
  • Outreach camps are provisioned for improving the reach of health care services especially in tribal and hard to reach areas. This platform is used to increase the awareness for the Maternal & Child health services, community mobilization as well as to track high risk pregnancies.
  • IEC/BCC campaigns: One of the key focus areas of Maternal Health is to generate demand through Information Education & Communication (IEC), Inter-personal Communication (IPC) and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) activities.

Steps taken by Government of India to improve Women’s Health

Government of India implements various schemes/initiatives  to make healthcare more accessible to all  throughout the country including women, rural and SC/ST population.These schemes/initiatives include:

Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) through Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs):In February 2018, the Government of India announced 1,50,000 Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) to be established across the country by December 2022. The existing Sub- Health Centres (SHC), Primary Health Centres (PHC) and Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHC) are transformed into AB-HWCs to deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) that includes preventive, promotive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative services which are universal, free, and closer to the community. As on 31.07.2023 a total of 1,60,816 AB-HWCs have been operationalized across the country.

Photo by Jennifer Murray on Pexels.com
  • Health Melas are organized at the level of AB-HWCs to optimize utilization of health care services and generate awareness. Ayushman Health melas are ‘one-stop’ platforms to address a comprehensive range of health issues have proven to be an effective strategy to reach the masses and augment the utilization of healthcare services.
  • Teleconsultation services, through eSanjeevani, are available at functional AB-HWC to ensure specialist services closer to the people. As on 31st July 2023, more than 14.35 crore Teleconsultations have been provided via eSanjeevani portal.  Screening of women is also being done at AB-HWCs for breast cancer, oral cancer and cervical cancer.
  • National Free Drugs Initiative: States/UTs are supported to provide essential drugs based on the level of public health facilities free of cost to all who access these facilities.
  • Free Diagnostics Initiatives. (FDI): Under the initiative, support provided to States/UTs to provide a set of essential diagnostics (14 tests at Sub Centre/ Health and Wellness Centre level, 63 tests at PHC/ PHC-HWC level, 97 tests at CHC level, 111 tests at SDH level and 134 tests at DH level) at various levels of care, free of cost.
  • National Ambulance Services (NAS) –  Under the NHM, technical and financial support is provided for emergency medical services in States/UTs through a functional National Ambulance Service (NAS) network linked with a centralised toll-free number 108/102.
  • National Mobile Medical Units (NMMU) – are supported to facilitate access to public health care at the doorstep particularly to people living in remote, difficult, under-served and unreached areas to provide primary care services.

Apart from above mentioned schemes,Government has also implemented following schemes especially for pregnant women:

  • Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) provides assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare at no cost and zero tolerance for denial of services for every woman and newborn visiting public health facilities to end all preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
  • Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), a demand promotion and conditional cash transfer scheme for promoting institutional delivery.
  • Under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), every pregnant woman is entitled to free delivery, including caesarean section, in public health institutions along with the provision of free transport, diagnostics, medicines, blood, other consumables & diet.
  • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides pregnant women a fixed day, free of cost assured and quality antenatal check up by a Specialist/Medical Officer on the 9th day of every month.
  • LaQshya improves the quality of care in labour room and maternity operation theatres to ensure that pregnant women receive respectful and quality care during delivery and immediate post-partum.
  • Functionalization of First Referral Units (FRUs) by ensuring manpower, blood storage units, referral linkages to improve the access to quality of care for pregnant women
  • Outreach camps are provisioned for improving the reach of health care services especially in tribal and hard to reach areas. This platform is used to increase the awareness for the Maternal & Child health services, community mobilization as well as to track high risk pregnancies.
  • IEC/BCC campaigns: One of the key focus areas of Maternal Health is to generate demand through Information Education & Communication (IEC), Inter-personal Communication (IPC) and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) activities.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY

 The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing an umbrella scheme- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) since 2017-18 across the country. PMKSY is a comprehensive package of component schemes, which is aimed at creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. It provides boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country, helps in providing better prices to farmers, creates employment opportunities especially in the rural areas, reduces wastage of agricultural produce, increases the processing level and enhances export of the processed foods.

682 projects with grants-in-aid of Rs. 3530.25 crore during the last four years  (2019-20 to 2022-23) and 33 projects with grants-in-aid of Rs. 160.22 crore during the current year  2023-24 (till 31.07.2023) have been approved under various component schemes of PMKSY across the country. Out of this, 53 projects with grants-in-aid of Rs. 248.44 crore and 4 projects with grants-in-aid of Rs. 13.30 crore have been approved during the last four years and current financial year (till 31.07.2023) respectively in the State of Tamil Nadu.  

Fund amounting to Rs. 3925.89 crore has been allocated to PMKSY and out of this, Rs. 2648.41 crore has been released under various component schemes of PMKSY across the country including the State of Tamil Nadu for the period from 2019-20 to 2023-24 (till 31.07.2023). The details of the same are provided at Annexure.

Annexure

Details of fund allocated / grants-in-aid released under various component schemes of PMKSY from 2019-20 to 2023-24 (till 31.07.2023)

                                                           (Rupees in crore)

S. No.

Component scheme of PMKSY

Financial

Year

Funds allocated

Grants-in-aid

released

1

Mega Food Parks (MFP)

 

 

2019-20

139.40

106.34

 

 

2020-21

61.25

61.22

 

 

2021-22

53.60

51.52

 

 

2022-23

24.00

21.68

 

 

2023-24

54.00(BE)

0.00
 

 

Total

332.25

240.76

 

 

 

 

  

2

Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure (Cold Chain)

 

 

2019-20

324.16

269.13

 

 

2020-21

250.58

204.89

 

 

2021-22

260.82

223.44

 

 

2022-23

220.00

201.64

 

 

2023-24

194.00(BE)

31.51

 

 

Total

1249.56

930.61

 

 

  

 

  

3

Creation of Infrastructure Development for Agro Processing Clusters (APC)

 

 

2019-20

49.83

43.53

 

 

2020-21

56.59

48.68

 

 

2021-22

53.50

49.08

 

 

2022-23

56.15

46.42

 

 

2023-24

81.00(BE)

5.73

 

 

Total

297.07

193.44

 

 

  

 

 

4

Creation/Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities (CEFPPC)

 

 

 

2019-20

200.72

169.98

 

 

2020-21

217.30

200.84

 

 

2021-22

241.00

236.58

 

 

2022-23

217.68

168.11

 

 

2023-24

319.00(BE)

26.62

 

 

Total

1195.70

802.13

5

Food Safety & Quality Assurance Infrastructure (FTL)

 

 

 

2019-20

39.80

26.85

 

 

2020-21

36.63

28.84

 

 

2021-22

46.60

34.14

 

 

2022-23

32.80

18.53

 

 

2023-24

44.50(BE)

2.47

 

 

Total

200.33

110.83

 

 

  

 

  

6

Operation Greens (OG)

 

 

2019-20

28.03

2.37

 

 

2020-21

38.00

38.00

 

 

2021-22

71.50

65.15

 

 

2022-23

73.34

69.91

 

 

2023-24

212.34(BE)

12.01

 

 

Total

423.21

187.44

 

 

  

 

  

7

Creation of Backward Forward Linkage (CBFL)

 

 

2019-20

48.96

42.13

 

 

2020-21

55.85

53.67

 

 

2021-22

40.39

32.85

 

 

2022-23

18.58

9.33

 

 

2023-24

5.19(BE)

0.42

 

 

Total

168.97

138.40

 

 

  

 

  

8

Human Resources & Institutions (HRI)

 

 

2019-20

23.69

17.70

 

 

2020-21

15.59

14.40

 

 

2021-22

8.89

7.80

 

 

2022-23

5.82

4.77

 

 

2023-24

4.81(BE)

0.13

 

 

Total

58.80

44.80

 

 

Grand Total

3925.89

2648.41

Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI)

 The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) was approved by the Union Cabinet on 31st March 2021 with a budget of Rs. 10,900 crores, to be implemented from 2021-22 to 2026-27. It consists of three components: incentivizing manufacturing in four major food product segments, promoting Innovative/Organic products of SMEs, and supporting branding and marketing abroad for Indian brands. Additionally, the PLI Scheme for Millet-based Products (PLISMBP) was launched in FY 2022-23 with an outlay of ₹800 crore, utilizing savings from PLISFPI. The scheme boosts the capacity of the food processing industry by supporting food manufacturing entities that are willing to expand their processing capacity, incentivizing the growth of strong Indian brands, enhancing the presence of Indian food brands in the global market, creating more employment opportunities, and ensuring higher income for farmers.

The Ministry is actively implementing three major schemes to promote the food processing sector: Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. These schemes offer comprehensive support across the entire food processing value chain, aiding the food industry in meeting international quality and safety standards for their food products. One of the objectives of the R&D scheme under PMKSY is to promote research and development in the field of food quality and safety standards in the food processing sector. Through this scheme, financial support is provided through grant-in-aid, covering 50% of equipment costs in general areas and 70% in difficult areas. Under another component scheme of PMKSY, known as “Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure,” financial assistance is provided to Central/State Government and private sector organizations/universities for the establishment and enhancement of food testing laboratories across the country. This initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with FSSAI regulations, which, in turn, facilitates the maintenance of high-quality and safety standards of processed food products to meet global demands.

To increase ethanol production, the Government is implementing the Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme nationwide. Various Ethanol Interest Subvention Schemes were introduced from 2018 to 2022, encouraging entrepreneurs to establish new distilleries or expand existing ones. The scheme offers an interest subvention of 6% or 50% of the interest charged by banks/financial institutions for five years, whichever is lower, along with a one-year moratorium, to promote ethanol production growth. Ethanol production from grain was also included under these schemes in 2021 to further promote ethanol production.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), which addresses the infrastructure challenges being faced by SMEs and promotes technology adoption in the food processing sector. PMKSY supports establishment of cold chains, and other processing facilities, which contribute to improving the supply chain and storage capabilities in the food processing sector. 1,281 projects have been approved under PMKSY.

The PMKSY provides significant support and incentives to food processing SMEs, encouraging their growth and development. Through financial assistance and other benefits, PMKSY facilitates the establishment of modern infrastructure/ technology, and capacity expansion for SMEs. This has led to increased processing levels, improved product quality, and enhanced market access for these SMEs. The Yojana has significantly boosted employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, assisting in the generation of jobs for 13.09 Lakh people.

The Ministry is implementing three major schemes – PMKSY, PMFME scheme, and PLI Scheme – to promote the food processing, thereby reducing food losses and promoting sustainability. The R&D Scheme under PMKSY aims to enhance production, including tech- based food processing innovation, quality, safety, and trade while promoting sustainability. The PLI Scheme for Food Processing Industry incentivises MSMEs that focus on innovative products, boosting innovation in the food processing sector. Additionally, the PLI Scheme for Millet-based Products promotes millets, which are special grains that need less resources to grow, provide excellent nutrients, and can withstand changes in the weather, which helps in achieving the goal of sustainability.

 To promote “Brand India” globally, the PLI Scheme for Food Processing Industry supports companies with branding and marketing abroad, boosting emergence of strong Indian brands. Companies receive 50% financial incentives for expenditure on international branding, capped at 3% of food product sales or ₹50 Crore per year, whichever is less. Presently, 77 applications are covered under this PLI component.

13th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting

 Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal attended the 13th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting held yesterday under the BRICS Presidency of South Africa virtually. The theme of BRICS this year is “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”. Shri Piyush Goyal, touched upon issues related to WTO, Supply chain, Digitalisation, MSMEs and on the issue of Mispricing and under-invoicing in the meeting.

The Minister lauded the South African Presidency on having an ambitious Agenda and successfully completing outcome oriented activities under the Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI). He extended strong support to BRICS spirit of equality, openness, inclusiveness, consensus, mutual respect and understanding.

Shri Piyush Goyal stressed upon building trust among each other and expressed strong belief in small, achievable, incremental steps towards WTO Reform. He also expressed how India wishes to see invigorated, improved, inclusive WTO as it completes three decades, talking about ’30 for 30’, which is an effort to bring at least 30 operational improvements to the WTO before the Organization completes 30 years, i.e., by 1 January 2025.

Reflecting India’s efforts to meet its commitments towards global efforts to fight the climate related challenges, the Minister apprised the BRICS Member countries about India’s achievement and its recent ranking at 5th position as per Climate Change Performance Index, published by German Watch. In this context, he also mentioned that India was the only G20 country in the top 10 rank. As BRICS members are also a part of G20, he sought cooperation for significant outcomes under the ‘Trade and Investment Working Group’ of G20 under India’s Presidency.

Shri Goyal also made it clear that for collective efforts amongst the BRICS countries, the utmost important issue would be to work in a trust based open atmosphere through transparency and sharing information. In this context, he also expressed disappointment that even within BRICS membership, a few Members had expressed concerns on Transparency. There are concerted efforts to bring in non-tariff barriers through the use of non science based Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary measures to stall the collective efforts of the BRICS countries, which is the core of collaborative efforts for trade. Our efforts to get the agreement amongst the Members to be fair under the prevailing system, unfortunately did not bring in the desired result. He made it clear that unless trade and investment activities are carried out cooperatively in a transparent manner, it would not yield the desired results.

On Supply Chains, Shri Goyal stressed that the principles of trust and transparency along with security and diversification being the most important factors for resilient and robust supply chains. This will be the foundation for an ensuring early warning system amongst BRICS countries which would play an important role in preventing wide ranging disruptions as were experienced during COVID-19.

On digital economy, while acknowledging that technology is a great equalizer and not a source of division, the Minister expressed deep concern over deprivation of the access to virtual platforms, tele-medicine, distance education and e-payments. He mentioned about pro-active actions and concerted decision taken by India to adopt whole- of-society approach to digital technology and improved public services. Shri Goyal mentioned the initiatives taken by India under the able leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, aiming at bridging the digital divide by leveraging cost-effective technology-based solutions.

As MSME’s are an integral part of the BRICS Members, Shri Piyush Goyal brought the importance of cooperation and collective efforts to the foreground for MSME’s. He expressed the need to focus on key areas like, exploring cooperation in the form of Research and Development, Technology transfers and joint Ventures as well as the Business development opportunities for possible partnerships in the future.

On Mispricing and underinvoicing, the Minister expressed his concern about the negative impact trade mis-pricing and under-invoicing has on the economies. He even mentioned that India had acknowledged its importance under its Chairship in 2021 and included it as an outcome through Capacity Building Workshop. He commended the efforts made by the South African Presidency for conducting a workshop in the continuity on the initiative taken by India.

In conclusion, the Minister laid stress upon the importance of collaborative efforts and commitment along with resilience, unity and transparency to face challenges under the principles of compassion, empathy and understanding, for a common brighter future.

***

5th India-Vietnam Joint Trade Sub-Commission meeting in New Delhi

 The 5th meeting of India-Vietnam Joint Trade Sub-Commission (JTSC) was held in New Delhi today. The meeting was co-chaired by the Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Rajesh Agrawal from the Indian side and Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ms. Phan Thi Thang from the Vietnam side. This meeting was held after a gap of more than four years since 4th JTSC meeting held in January 2019, on account of COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.

 

Vietnam is the 23rd largest global trade partner of India and the 5th largest among ASEAN countries with bilateral trade of USD 14.70 Bn during 2022-23. Vietnam accounts for 11.2% of India’s total trade with ASEAN. Vietnam is an important destination for India’s iron & steel and agricultural and animal products mainly meat products, animal fodder, cereals and marine products.

 

Both sides reviewed the progress on bilateral trade and economic cooperation and discussed ways to unlock the vast untapped potential in bilateral trade to enable the business communities from the two sides to benefit from the partnership of two of the fastest growing economies.

Both sides identified potential sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, textiles, footwear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, fertilizers, machinery and equipment, consumer products, energy and automobile industry, for expanding trade cooperation and agreed to work together to resolve market access issues and technical barriers faced by the exporters through regular and sustained bilateral discussions.

The Indian side raised the issues of pending registration of Indian fishery and meat establishments for export, restricted market access in public procurement of drugs for Indian pharmaceutical companies and high anti-dumping duties imposed on Indian polyster filament yarn products and sorbitol.

The Indian side highlighted the potential in service sector cooperation and suggested cooperation in IT, financial services, education sector, tourism, healthcare, tele-medicine, medical tourism and start-up ecosystem. The Indian side also suggested Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) on professional services, internationalization of RuPay card, QR based payment system, and domestic currency trade settlement.

Both sides discussed logistics challenges affecting bilateral trade and agreed to continue efforts for exploring direct shipping services, collaboration in freight movement and improving air connectivity.

 ***

Promotion of Organic Farming

 Government has been promoting organic farming on priority in the country since 2015-16 through the schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). Both the schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification and marketing and post-harvest management. Training and Capacity Building are integral part of the scheme. Incentives to farmers for producing and using organic fertilizers/manure are inbuilt in these schemes as on-farm and off-farm organic inputs.  Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is provided to the farmers for using organic inputs including organic fertilizers. PKVY is being implemented in all the States other-than North Eastern (NE) States across the country whereas MOVCDNER scheme is being implemented exclusively in the NE States.

Under PKVY, an assistance of Rs.50,000 per ha for a period of three years is provided to States including States of Tamil Nadu & Rajasthan for promotion of organic farming to cover different components like Training & Capacity Building, Data Management, PGS Certification, Value Addition, Marketing and Publicity. Out of this, assistance of Rs. 31,000 per ha for a period of three years is provided to farmers through DBT for on- farm /off –farm organic inputs. Whereas under MOVCDNER, an assistance of Rs. 46,575/ha for 3 years is provided for creation of FPO, support to farmers for organic inputs, quality seeds/ planting material and training, hand holding and certification.  Out of this, assistance @ Rs. 32500/ ha for 3 years is provided to farmers for off -farm /on –farm organic inputs under the scheme including Rs. 15,000 as DBT to the farmers and Rs. 17,500 for the planting material to be given to the farmers by State Lead Agency  (SLA) in kind.

In view of the increasing demand of organic farming products of India in the global market, Government is facilitating value addition, certification and marketing. As per requirement of International market, Government has initiated third party certification under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in 2001.

Under PKVY assistance @ Rs 8800/ha for 3 years is provided to facilitate value addition, marketing and publicity to all the states/UTs including Tamil Nadu. Assistance is provided for certification and training, handholding & capacity building respectively @ Rs 2700/-ha for 3 years and Rs 7500/- ha for 3 years under PKVY for farmers of all the States including Rajasthan. Where  as under MOVCDNER scheme assistance is provided @ Rs 10,000/-ha for 3 years for training, capacity building & certification.

The scheme-wise and state-wise details of funds allocated, released and utilized under organic farming (under PKVY & MOVCDNER) schemes during the year 2022-23 are given at Annexure –I.

A long-term experiment, at selected sites, for comparative evaluation of organic and conventional management conducted by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) indicated that yield was found to be higher during kharif and rabi /summer crops for coarse/ basmati rice based cropping systems, soybean-based systems compared to inorganic approaches indicating better suitability of these systems under long-term organic management approaches. Soil organic carbon was found to be significantly higher under long-term organic approach for coarse rice, basmati rice and soybean-based systems.

To disseminate information on organic and natural farming as well as on on- farm production and use of various kinds of organic fertilizers, National Center for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF) and its Regional Center for Organic and Natural Farming (RCONF) located at Ghaziabad, Nagpur, Bangalore, Imphal and Bhubaneswar are organizing various trainings namely, One Day Farmers’ Training, Two Days Training for Extension Officers/Staff, Two Days Training on PGS, 30 Days Certificate course, One day Jaivik evam Prakratik Kisan Sammelan for 500 participants, One Day Stakeholder consultations/ conferences on Natural Farming for 100 participitants, Orientation Program on Natural Farming and awareness programmes across the country. NCONF and RCONF also organize online awareness campaign and training programmes on organic and natural farming and production and use of organic and bio-fertilizers.

The ICAR also imparts trainings, organizes front-line demonstrations, awareness programs etc. to educate farmers on organic farming and organic fertilizers.

Scheme-wise (PKVY & MOVCDNER) and State-wise details of funds allocation, released and expenditure under organic farming during the year 2022-23.

Rs in lakh

S. No.

Name of the State

2022-23

Allocation

Release

Expenditure*

PKVY

1

Andhra Pradesh

826.35

0.00

0.00

2

Bihar

2830.65

1547.68

789.75

3

Chhattisgarh

3504.93

0.00

571.03

4

Gujarat

20.50

0.00

0.00

5

Goa

1025.10

0.00

283.05

6

Haryana

10.25

0.00

0.00

7

Jharkhand

1397.27

0.00

0.00

8

Karnataka

1045.61

512.55

256.35

9

Kerala

1971.12

1712.07

647.52

10

Madhya Pradesh

5925.51

0.00

1375.93

11

Maharashtra

745.90

449.67

776.74

12

Odisha

741.44

370.72

311.97

13

Punjab

222.46

0.00

0.00

14

Rajasthan

2452.64

1783.26

3363.94

15

Tamil Nadu

704.87

0.00

170.56

16

Telangana

30.75

0.00

0.00

17

Uttar Pradesh

12972.55

5089.32

2111.16

18

West Bengal

555.39

555.39

240.41

19

NE (Aspirational & Committed liabilities)

0.00

0.00

7.58

20

Himachal Pradesh

1121.36

0.00

1124.32

21

Uttarakhand

6030.68

5969.00

7652.94

22

All Union Territories (UTs)

893.02

193.55

0.00

 

Total

45028.35

18183.20

19683.25

MOVCDNER

S. No.

Name of the State

2022-23

Allocation

Release

Expenditure*

1

Assam

2681.80

2059.15

2059.15

2

Manipur

2915.37

2915.36

2815.36

3

Meghalaya

2011.88

621.57

524.33

4

Nagaland

1961.01

1390.60

1289.60

5

Mizoram

1604.25

1140.90

876.63

6

Arunachal Pradesh

1860.77

1642.17

1526.26

7

Sikkim

4005.10

1538.83

1398.25

8

Tripura

2759.82

3000.26

2819.01

 

Total

19800.00

14308.84

13308.59

*Expenditure column also includes expenditure incurred from the releases made in the previous years

 

National Food Security Mission

 In order to increase the production and productivity of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals (maize and barley), nutri-cereals (Shree Anna) and to fulfil the objectives of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), assistance is being provided to the farmers through States/Union Territories for interventions like cluster demonstrations on improved package of practices, demonstrations on cropping system, seed production and distribution of high yielding varieties/hybrids, improved farm machineries/resource conservation machineries/tools, efficient water application tools, plant protection measures, nutrient management/soil ameliorants, processing &post-harvest equipment, cropping system based trainings etc. Initiatives like distribution of seed minikits of newer varieties of pulses, production of quality seed, creation of seed hubs at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes/ State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)/ Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), technological demonstrations by KVKs have also been included under NFSM.

To meet the objectives of NFSM-Oilseeds,incentives/ subsidies are being provided for purchase of breeder seeds, production of foundation seeds & certified seeds, distribution of certified seeds, distribution of seed mini kits, demonstrations (block demonstrations /front line demonstrations /cluster front line demonstrations), farmers field school, training, supply of water carrying devices, plant protection equipments, soil ameliorates, micro-nutrients, weedicides, insecticides, bio-fertilizer/bio agents, etc. 

Government of India has launched a separate Mission i.e. National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in August 2021 to promote oil palm cultivation with the aim to augment the availability of edible oil in the country by harnessing area expansion, increasing crude palm oil production and productivity with the aim to reduce the import burden.

Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) is being implemented from 2015-16 in the country to focus on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through Micro Irrigation namely Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation systems. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed cost effective, location specific scientific technologies viz. rainwater harvesting and recycling, precision technologies for irrigation and farming practices, adoption of modern agronomic practices, diversifying cropping pattern from water guzzling crops like low land rice and sugarcane to pulses, oilseeds, maize and agro-forestry etc. Further, ICAR imparts training and organizes field demonstrations to educate farmers in these regard.

Under the Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM) programme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) implemented by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), lined field channels are constructed and wherever possible underground pipeline network is laid for providing last-mile connectivity to the irrigation system to enhance irrigation efficiency. The DoWR, RD & GR has set up Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) on 20.10.2022 for promotion, regulation and control of efficient use of water in irrigation, industrial and domestic sector. The Bureau facilitates promotion of improving water use efficiency across various sectors namely irrigation, drinking water supply, power generation, industries etc. in the country. National Water Mission (NWM) launched the ‘SahiFasal’ campaign in 2019 to nudge farmers in water stressed areas to grow crops which are not water intensive but use water efficiently and are economically remunerative, healthy and nutritious and suited to the agro-climatic-hydro characteristics.

The net irrigated area in the country has increased from 692.70 lakh hectare in the year 2016-17 hectare to 777.29 lakh hectare in the year 2020-21.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

Public Private Partnership Mode

 Government has constituted a Screening Committee on leveraging agriculture innovations for farmer to facilitate combined implementation on pilot scale of selected technologies/interventions by Private companies/startups to develop and refine products based on field-level observations, data and inferences for a fixed period.

Further, government has built Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture as an open source, open standard at interoperable public goods as per budget announcements for the 2023-24. In this regards, Architecture of three core registries i.e. Farmer registry, Geo referencing of village map registry, crop sown registry has been finalized. These registries can be used to develop various farmers centric solutions by the state governments as well as private sector entities.

Expenditure Finance Committee has approved a Central Sector Scheme for blended Capital Support to finance startups for agriculture and rural enterprise relevant for Farm Produce Value Chain.

Looking into the unique advantages of Drone technologies in agriculture, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has released the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for use of drones in pesticide and nutrient application in public domain in December 2021, which provide concise instructions for effective and safe operations of drones. In order to make this technology affordable to the farmers and other stakeholders of this sector, financial assistance @ 100% for purchase of agricultural drones and its attachments (actual cost of expenditure and its attachments or Rs. 10.00 lakhs, whichever is lower) together with the contingent expenditure is extended under Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) to the Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and @ 75% to FPO’s for its demonstration on the farmer’s fields. In order to provide agricultural services through drone application, financial assistance @ 40% of the basic cost of drone and its attachments or Rs. 4 lakhs, whichever is less also provided for drone purchase by existing and new Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) and also a general category farmers and @ 50% of the basic cost of drone and its attachments or Rs. 5 lakhs for SC/ST/women/small and marginal farmers and the agriculture graduates.

A component called “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” has been launched under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR) in 2018-19 with the objective of promoting innovation and agri-entrepreneurship by providing financial support and nurturing the incubation ecosystem. Under this programme, start-ups are encouraged to use innovative technologies to resolve challenges faced in agriculture and allied sectors. A total of 1176 start-ups have been selected in various areas of agriculture and allied sectors under this programme for providing financial support through Knowledge Partners and Agri Business Incubators appointed by the Department for implementation of this programme.

The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has been supporting Agri-based startups under the project called National Agriculture Innovation Fund (NAIF) initiated in year 2016-2017. It has two components viz. (I) Innovation Fund; (II) Incubation Fund and National Coordinating Unit (NCU):

Component I: 10 Zonal Technology Management Units and 89 Institute
Technology Management Units (ITMUs) established in 99 ICAR institutes provide a single-window mechanism to manage innovations, showcase intellectual assets, and pursue matters related to intellectual property (IP) management and transfer/commercialization of technologies in these institutes.

Component II: Agri-business Incubator Centres (ABICs) are set up to speed up the delivery of the new technologies to stake holders. The ABICs are the nodal point to provide the desired link for Agriculture Research &Development (R&D) Institutions for incubation/ commercialization of the validated technologies. So far, 50 Agri-Business Incubation Centers have been established and are operational in the ICAR network under the NAIF scheme.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

******

Flesh & Blood So Cheap

 

Flesh & Blood So Cheap cover

I liked this book. People who are interested in national disasters and US history as well as immigration will most probably be interested in reading this book.

Readers can gain knowledge of what it was like to work in New York City in the early 1900s. One of the things that was especially interesting was that there were no safety laws at work. Also, there was a big contrast between the rich and the poor. Some people may not like this book because it is very depressing, but it is an important event in history to remember.

This book was very well written. It has black and white photos along with descriptions of the photos. These photos give us a better idea of what people’s lives were like. This book is suitable for 9-20 year olds.

I give this book 5 stars.