Celebrating the Power of Friendship: The Significance of Friendship Day

Introduction

Friendship Day, celebrated on the first Sunday of August every year, is a special day dedicated to honoring the beautiful bond of friendship. This day is a reminder of the importance of nurturing and cherishing our friendships, which play a vital role in making our lives richer and more meaningful.

History of Friendship Day

The concept of Friendship Day was first introduced in 1935 by the US Congress, but it gained popularity in the 1990s. The day is now celebrated worldwide, with people showing appreciation for their friends through various gestures and activities.

Significance of Friendship

Friendship is a unique and precious relationship that brings joy, support, and companionship to our lives. Friends are our confidants, partners in crime, and pillars of strength during difficult times. They help us grow, learn, and evolve as individuals.

Ways to Celebrate Friendship Day

1. Spend quality time with friends: Plan a fun outing, movie night, or game session.

2. Express gratitude: Write heartfelt letters or make personalized gifts.

3. Make new connections: Attend social events or join clubs to meet like-minded people.

4. Show appreciation: Small gestures like surprise gifts or thoughtful messages go a long way.

Conclusion

Friendship Day is a celebration of the love, trust, and camaraderie that defines true friendship. Let us cherish and nurture our friendships, recognizing their significance in making our lives more fulfilling and happy. So, go ahead and shower your friends with love and appreciation – they deserve it!

Navigating the World of Data Analysis Software: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

In today’s data-driven landscape, organizations and individuals rely on data analysis software to extract insights, identify trends, and inform decision-making. With numerous tools available, selecting the right software can be overwhelming. This article provides an in-depth exploration of popular data analysis software, their features, and applications.

1. Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)

– Ideal for: Basic data analysis, budgeting, and reporting

– Key features: Data visualization, pivot tables, formulas, and conditional formatting

1. Statistical Software (R, Python, SAS)

– Ideal for: Advanced statistical analysis, machine learning, and data modeling

– Key features: Data manipulation, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and data visualization

1. Data Visualization Tools (Tableau, Power BI, D3.js)

– Ideal for: Interactive data visualization, business intelligence, and storytelling

– Key features: Drag-and-drop interfaces, real-time data connection, and customizable dashboards

1. Big Data Analytics (Hadoop, Spark, NoSQL databases)

– Ideal for: Large-scale data processing, distributed computing, and real-time analytics

– Key features: Scalability, fault tolerance, and handling unstructured data

1. Data Mining Software (KNIME, RapidMiner, Orange)

– Ideal for: Predictive analytics, pattern discovery, and automated workflows

– Key features: Visual programming, machine learning algorithms, and data integration

1. Cloud-based Solutions (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)

– Ideal for: Scalable infrastructure, collaboration, and secure data storage

– Key features: On-demand resources, automated backups, and integrated analytics services

Conclusion

Selecting the right data analysis software depends on your specific needs, skill level, and organizational requirements. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each tool, you can harness the power of data analysis to drive informed decisions and business success.

WORKSHOPS ON SAGAR SETU APP

Sagar Setu has achieved integration with all 13 major ports and 41 non-major ports of India. The details of major ports and non-major ports are given in Annexure-I.

Sagar Setu application has garnered a base of over 21,000 users spread across diverse geographic regions within India. The sector wise details of user/Stakeholder using the Sagar Setu application is at Annexure-II. These users are port authorities, service providers like shipping agents, terminal operators, Customs House Agents (CHAs) Importers/ Exporters etc. The number of users, state wise including Andhra Pradesh is at Annexure-III.

The Benefits of Sagar Setu are as below:

Real Time Data Exchange enabling the following in the long term:

A single platform to perform all core activities for importers, exporters, customs brokers, and freight forwarders;
end-to-end functionality for performing self-clearance digitally and online transactions with custodians;
providing a level playing field for all relevant stakeholders, both large and small;
complete domestic tracking of shipments with notifications at each stage;
real-time information on activities;
enhanced transparency in government-to-business relations and ease of doing business;
reduced costs and timeframes for the execution of trade and logistics operations; and
paperless transactions for all stakeholders, along with business intelligence reporting and data analytics.

The visibility of operation is indicated stakeholder wise, as detailed below:

Ports & Terminal Operators: All 13 major ports (with their Terminal Operating System, TOS/ Port Operating System, POS) and 41 non-major ports are integrated with National Logistic Portal Marine (NLP-M). Almost all terminal operators at major ports have been onboarded.
Customs: Integration with Indian Customs Electronics Gateway (ICEGATE) streamlines the electronic exchange of data and information between customs and ports.
Port Health Organisation (PHO) module: PHOs can approve and issue certificates using the PHO module, and notifications will be sent to port officials. Requests for Free Pratique and Health Declaration Certificates to PHOs at ports are available through Sagar Setu.
Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) module: Real-time and online information exchange regarding vessel detention and release is available to MMD inspectors, port authorities, and other stakeholders.
Indian Railways: Messages from Sagar Setu are integrated with Frieght Operations Information System (FOIS) for sharing voyage registration, Electronic Verified Gross Margin (eVGM), berth allotment, container pendency, and bulk pendency.
Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP): Multiple messages are integrated between ULIP and Sagar Setu.
Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL): The DGLL module has been developed and provides information on lighthouse dues payment status on Sagar Setu.
Banks: Multiple banks have been onboarded in Sagar Setu for Business to Government Transactions (B2G) transactions. Sagar Setu also plans to implement Business to Business (B2B) transactions on its platform.

Improving Port Operations and Efficiency:

1. 98 messages have been integrated over NLP-M, providing the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) with visibility into key port operations metrics and monitoring efficiency.
2. The processes for PHO free pratique and health declaration forms have shifted entirely from manual to NLP-M, leading to a much reduced process time of five hours at most major ports.
3. With the data available in Sagar Setu, insights can be provided regarding vessel approval times, voyage tracking, and crew and cargo details, which can enable ports to improve their turnaround times and ensure greater transparency.

In the fiscal year 2024, there were close to 69 Lakhs message exchanges on Sagar Setu. The total value of financial transactions processed on the Sagar Setu platform amounted to INR 12,000+ crores.

The details of message exchange port/state wise including Andhra Pradesh are at Anneure-IV

A 24/7 Sagar Setu Helpdesk team operates to offer both operational and technical assistance. On an average around 1300 queries and issues are reported. The predominant issues reported by users are as under :

Challenges encountered with the exchange of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) files;
difficulties related to the integration with Customs (ICEGATE);
problems with the receipt of COPRAR (Container Pre-arrival Report) messages; and
various lesser application-related issues, including those concerning user registration and login, payment processes, etc.

The average time to resolve an issue is around 4 days.

A series of workshops and training programs have been organized, featuring key events such as Conference Room Pilot sessions in August 2022, Port Feedback sessions in August 2023, and a User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Demo session in September 2023. In addition to these scheduled events, bespoke sessions are also offered on an as-needed basis to educate users about the Sagar Setu application. Tailored sessions are regularly provided upon the request of stakeholders, including Port Authorities, regulatory bodies, and shipping agents, to ensure they are well-versed in using the application. Furthermore, routine weekly and monthly meetings with the nodal officers from various trade associations are held to discuss and resolve any issues that users may encounter during their operations. Sagar Setu also offers a range of user guides and video tutorials that are readily accessible to the general public.

Conducting workshop/training is a periodic and continuous exercise.

Annexure-I

Details of Major and Non Major ports of India onboarded on Sagar Setu.

List of Major Ports onboarded on Sagar Setu:

S. No	Port Name	State
1	Chennai Port Authority	Tamil Nadu
2	V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority	Tamil Nadu
3	Kamarajar Port Limited	Tamil Nadu
4	Mumbai Port Authority	Maharashtra
5	Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority	Maharashtra
6	Cochin Port Authority	Kerala
7	Visakhapatnam Port Authority	Andhra Pradesh
8	New Mangalore Port Authority	Karnataka
9	Paradip Port Authority	Odisha
10	SMPA Haldia Dock Complex	West Bengal
11	SMPA Kolkata Dock System	West Bengal
12	Deendayal Port Authority	Gujarat
13	Mormugao Port	Goa

List of Non-Major Ports onboarded on Sagar Setu:

Sr. No.	Port Name	State
1	Kakinada Seaport Limited	Andhra Pradesh
2	Krishnapatnam Port	Andhra Pradesh
3	Adani Gangavaram Port Pvt Ltd	Andhra Pradesh
4	Kakinada Anchorage Port	Andhra Pradesh
5	KAKINADA DEEP WATER PORT ( KDWP )	Andhra Pradesh
6	Ravva Port (Terminal)	Andhra Pradesh
7	Panaji Port	Goa
8	Adani Petronet (Dahej) Port	Gujarat
9	Hazira Port	Gujarat
10	Magdalla Group Of Ports	Gujarat
11	Mundra Port	Gujarat
12	Pipavav Port	Gujarat
13	Sika Port	Gujarat
14	AMNS Port Hazira	Gujarat
15	Gujarat Chemical Port Limited, Dahej	Gujarat
16	Essar Bulk Terminal (Salaya) Limited	Gujarat
17	Dahej Harbour and Infrastructure Limited	Gujarat
18	UltraTech Cement Ltd,GCW, Kovaya	Gujarat
19	Bhogat Port facility – Vedanta Limited	Gujarat
20	Bhavnagar Port	Gujarat
21	Vizhinjam International Port	Kerala
22	Kollam Port	Kerala
23	Beypore Port	Kerala
24	Vizhinjam Port	Kerala
25	Azhikkal Port	Kerala
26	Bankot Port	Maharashtra
27	Konkan LNG Pvt Ltd	Maharashtra
28	Dharamtar Port	Maharashtra
29	Dahanu Port	Maharashtra
30	Angre Port Pvt Ltd	Maharashtra
31	JSW Jaigarh Port	Maharashtra
32	REDI PORT LTD	Maharashtra
33	RANPAR	Maharashtra
34	Indo Eng Pvt Ltd	Maharashtra
35	JSW Revdanda Port	Maharashtra
36	Dighi Port Ltd.	Maharashtra
37	Karanja Terminal & Logistics Pvt. Ltd	Maharashtra
38	Dhamra Port Pvt Ltd	Odisha
39	Gopalpur Port	Odisha
40	Kattupalli Port Pvt Ltd	Tamil Nadu
41	MIDPL Kattupalli Port	Tamil Nadu

Annexure-II

Details of sector wise Stakeholders using the application:

Sr. No.	Stakeholders	Count
1	Importer/Exporter	7519
2	Customs Broker	5685
3	Shipping Agent	4619
4	Importer	792
5	Container Agent	645
6	Stevedore	379
7	Empty Yard Operator	222
8	Ship Chandlers	192
9	Shipping Line	184
10	Container Freight Station	178
11	Port Operations	109
12	Freight Forwarder	105
13	Exporter	104
14	Inland Container Depot	95
15	Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier	85
16	Terminal Operator – Sea	80
17	Rail Transport	64
18	Port Authority	61
19	Road Transport Operator	34
20	Regulatory Authority	31
21	Surveyor	27
22	Barge Operator	25
23	Port Health Organization	21
24	Port Marine	20
25	Coast Guard / Indian Navy	19
26	ICD Shipping Line	19
27	RAIL TRANSPORT OPERATOR	18
28	Port Finance	16
29	Mercantile Marine Department	15
30	Bunker Supplier	14
31	Latch-On Service Provider	14
32	IW–Vessel Operators	13
33	SA Administrator	11
34	BANK	9
35	Inland Waterways	8
36	Port Traffic	8
37	Container Train Operator	6
38	DG Shipping	4
39	HMC Operator	4
40	Coastal Cargo Stakeholders	3
41	Regulatory Operation	3
42	Tank Farm Operator	3
43	Plant Quarantine Organisation	1
44	Export Promotion Council	2
45	Indian Customs	2
46	Ministry of Commerce and Industry(DPIIT)	2
47	Directorate General of Lighthouses And Lightships	1
48	Food Safety and Standards Authority of India	1
49	Freight Operating Information System	1

Annexure-III

Number of Users, state-wise using Sagar Setu app:

Sl No	State	No of Stakeholders
1	Maharashtra	10285
2	West Bengal	3614
3	Tamil nadu	1804
4	Andhra Pradesh	1286
5	Gujarat	1123
6	Kerala	695
7	Odisha	483
8	Karnataka	249
9	Goa	199

Annexure-IV

Message exchanges (During FY24):

Sr. No	Port Name	State	Total (in Lakhs)
1	Chennai Port Authority	Tamil Nadu	29.4
2	V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority
3	Kamarajar Port Limited
4	Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority	Maharashtra	15.6
5	Mumbai Port Authority	Maharashtra	15.6
6	Visakhapatnam Port Authority	Andhra Pradesh	9.5
7	SMPA KDS	West Bengal	9.3
8	SMPA HDC	West Bengal	9.3
9	Cochin Port Authority	Kerala	1.9
10	Deendayal Port Authority	Gujarat	1.9
11	New Mangalore Port Authority	Karnataka	0.8
12	Paradip Port Authority	Odisha	0.6
13	Mormugao Port Authority	Goa	0.2

Resource Allocation In Rural Areas To Push Demand

Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) is implementing a number of rural development schemes namely, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Deendayal Upadhayay – Gramin Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) and National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) to alleviate poverty and to bring about overall improvement in the quality of life of the people in rural areas, strengthening of livelihood opportunities, providing minimum guaranteed employment, promoting self-employment, skilling of youths in various useful trades and entrepreneurship qualities, infrastructure development and provision of social assistance in alignment with the ‘India@100 Vision’. Allocation of resources under these schemes is a continuous process and funds are released to the States/UTs taking into account adherence of the schematic guidelines and assessing the actual requirement at ground level.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is a demand driven wage employment programme which envisages for the enhancement of livelihood security of the households in rural areas of the country by providing at least one hundred days of guaranteed wage employment in every financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. It offers rural households fall back livelihood options when better employment opportunities are unavailable. Additionally, it mandates an extra 50 days of wage employment for Scheduled Tribe households in forest areas and provides for an additional 50 days of wage employment in drought or natural calamity-affected rural areas. State Governments have the option to allocate additional days of employment beyond the guaranteed period using their funds

PMGSY is a one-time special intervention of the Central Government to improve the Rural Infrastructure through the construction of roads. PMGSY has been allocated a budget of Rs.19,000 crore for the current Financial Year. Out of this, Rs. 1,292.22 crore has been released to the States till 30.07.2024. Under PMGSY, the project proposals for 8,31,453 Km have been sanctioned with a value of Rs. 3,89,606.49 till 30.07.2024, and out of this, 7,65,719 Km of road length have been constructed at an expenditure of Rs. 3,24,993.65 crore. 20 to 25 % of the above spending is towards labour component which has created substantial employment opportunities in the rural area. Further in the Budget Speech 2024-25, the Government announced to launch of the fourth phase of PMGSY to provide connectivity to 25,000 rural habitations. When the roads and bridges to connect these habitations are sanctioned and construction starts on the ground substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities will be created in the rural area.

In order to achieve the target of “Housing for All” in rural areas, the Ministry of Rural Development is implementing Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G) with effect from 1st April, 2016 to construct 2.95 crore houses by providing assistance to eligible rural households with basic amenities. Under PMAY-G, out of the overall mandated target of 2.95 crore houses allocated to States/UTs, more than 2.94 crore houses have already been sanctioned to the beneficiaries and 2.64 crore houses have already been completed as on 29.07.2024. Government of India announced 2 Crore more houses to be constructed in the next five years till FY 2028-29 under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G).

The construction of a house under PMAY-G generates direct employment of approximately 201 person-days, which includes 56 skilled, 34 Semi-skilled, and 111 unskilled person-days. Accordingly, the construction of 2.64 Crore houses under the scheme has generated employment of around 531 crores of person-days. Further, constructing the remaining 0.31 crores of houses and the proposed 2 crore new houses are expected to generate employment of 464 crore person-days. Under the Rural Mason Training program of PMAY-G so far 2.7 lakh candidates have been trained. Further, some of the well-trained certified masons also got opportunities to work abroad in the construction field. The PMAY-G has been converged with MGNREGA under which the beneficiary is entitled to 90/95 person-days of unskilled labour from MGNREGA for construction of house, over and above the unit assistance. Under PMAY-G, the indirect employment is also generated through the production of building materials and their transportation for the house construction.

National Centre of Good Governance (NCGG) successfully concludes 3rd Internship program 2024 for post-graduate scholars

The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) has successfully concluded the 3rd batch of Internship Programme 2024 on 30th July at the New Delhi campus.

The internship programme aims to provide young and post-graduate scholars to undertake research, critical study, documentation and dissemination of best practices to develop a national repository, and establishing a platform for wider dissemination. In three internship programmes, 37 interns have submitted their research papers on diverse subjects of public policy.

The 3rd batch of the NCGG Internship Programme received more than 3,550 applications from across the country. After a rigorous selection process involving seven rounds of interviews, 17 interns were chosen based on their academic achievements and dedication to their respective fields. These interns represented diverse disciplines, including public policy, development, law, governance, and climate change, and from esteemed institutions such as the University of Delhi, IIM Shillong, IIT Kanpur, and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. The interns worked with Senior Professors from eminent institutions like IIPA, JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia who guided their research work in a mentorship role.

In the concluding session 17 research papers were present on contemporary areas of good governance like financial literacy initiatives, forecasting electric vehicles demand, digital currency transition in India, Reforming Public Services, e-Governance in Tertiary Health Care, Analysis of Health Insurance Schemes under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, etc.

The overall programme was coordinated by Dr. Gazala Hasan, Course Coordinator and Assistant Professor, NCGG, with assistance from Shri Akash Sikdar and NCGG team. The impactful research papers produced during the internship will be compiled into a comprehensive compendium, which will be accessible to the public via publication on the NCGG’s official website. This initiative underscores the Government of India’s commitment to nurturing young talent and advancing public policy research for a better governance framework.

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India's livestock sector is a vital economic pillar

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India and host State Tamil Nadu conducted a “Regional Training of 21st Livestock Census on Software (Mobile & Web Application/ Dashboard) and Breeds for State and District Nodal Officers (SNO/DNO) of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, A & N Island, and Lakshadweep”. The workshop was held today in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to train the State/District Nodal Officers of these states on newly launched mobile and web applications for conducting 21st Livestock Census which is scheduled during September-December 2024.

Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DAHD GoI conveyed her best wishes and greetings for the 21st Livestock Census virtually. She shared insights of the impact of Livestock Sector on the Indian Economy and the position of India in terms of global trade of livestock sector produce. She iterated that India’s livestock sector is a vital economic pillar, providing livelihoods for millions, contributing 5.5% to the national GDP, and supplying essential proteins. With a massive livestock population (53.6 crore) and global leadership in milk (1st) and egg (2nd) production, the sector is a powerhouse. She however mentioned that unlocking its full potential requires addressing challenges in productivity, infrastructure, and market access to tap into promising export opportunities.

Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Govt. of Tamil Nadu Dr. K Gopal inaugurated the workshop in the presence of Shri. Jagat Hazarika, Advisor (Statistics), Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, GoI, Shri V P Singh, Director, AHS, DAHD, GoI and Tmt. Mageswari Ravikumar, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Govt. of TN.

The ceremony commenced with the national anthem and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Addresses from these distinguished dignitaries marked the inauguration and set the stage for a collaborative effort towards the successful training of District and State level Nodal Offices for conducting the Livestock Census.

Dr. K Gopal addressed the workshop and highlighted the need for comprehensive training and capacity building at the grassroots level. He shared that Tamil Nadu is a key player in India’s animal husbandry and dairying sector, ranking among top states in milk production. The state boasts a significant livestock population and is a major contributor to national egg production through its robust poultry industry. He, however, highlighted that challenges like feed availability, animal diseases, and productivity enhancement need to be addressed to further boost the sector’s potential.

Sh. Jagat Hazarika highlighted the importance of this workshop in his address, underscoring the department’s commitment to leveraging technology for accurate and efficient data collection. He emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the 21st Livestock Census, which will play a critical role in shaping the future policies and programs of the Animal Husbandry sector and urged them to leverage the latest technologies to ensure the success of the census.

Tmt Mageswari Ravikumar emphasized the integration of sustainable practices within the livestock sector. She pointed out that the analysis and logical use of the data obtained after the livestock census will pave the way for formulating future departmental policies and implementing programs, as well as creating new schemes and generating employment in the field of animal husbandry for the benefit of livestock farmers. She also talked about the latest technologies developed by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), such as the use of sex-sorted semen. She extended a warm welcome to delegates from all states and wished them a successful training session.

The workshop featured a series of sessions beginning with a brief description of the 21st Livestock Census by the Animal Husbandry Statistics Division, followed by a detailed presentation by the team from ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) on the breed details of species to be covered in the census. The importance of accurate breed identification was emphasized, which is crucial for producing precise statistics used in various livestock sector programs and for the National Indicator Framework (NIF) of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The workshop included detailed sessions on the methodologies and live application of software of 21stLivestock Census by Software team of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt of India trained on the mobile application and dashboard software for State and District Nodal Officers.These Nodal officers shall conduct training for enumerators at their respective District Head Quarters.

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The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Sh. V.P. Singh, Director of the Animal Husbandry Statistics Division at the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. In his address, he expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries and stakeholders for their presence and concluded with a hopeful note that the census operation would be successful.

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DEDICATED PORTAL FOR EX-SERVICEMEN

The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), an attached office of Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) is to provide an interface between the retiring Service Personnel & Ex-Servicemen (ESM) (including Dis-abled Soldiers, Widows & Dependents) and the Environment (Skilling/ Training Institutes & Principal Employers) for ensuring their gainful Re-settlement.

The DGR has a website i.e., dgrindia.gov.in wherein registration and employment opportunities are provided to Ex-servicemen. Details of the same are as under:

Self-Employment Schemes such as Security Agency Scheme, Management of CNG Station, Coal Transportation & Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) Oil product agency outlets.
Employment opportunities/Jobs Vacancies received at DGR from Government & Non-Government Departments.
Regular updates on the sponsored Ex-servicemen for various DGR Schemes are also provided.

Registration on DGR website is restricted to only Ex-servicemen Officers as mentioned above. Details of last five Years Ex-Servicemen Officers registered on DGR website under various schemes are as under:

2020	2021	2022	2023	2024 (till 30.06.2024)
1087	856	910	1005	577

The data on the total number of ex-servicemen who have benefited from the information available on the DGR website for each scheme over the past five years is as follows:

S No	Details of Scheme	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024 (till Jun 24)
a.	Security Agencies & State ESM Corporations Empaneled	625	932	732	750	504
b.	ESM sponsored in security agency	32469	34338	32240	48525	17359
c.	ESM sponsored in Coal Companies	51	06	00	12	00
d.	Widows/ disabled ESM attached in Coal Companies	121	14	00	16	00
e.	Management of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Station in National Capital Region (NCR)/ Pune	45	39	47	66	00
f.	Sponsored for Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) Scheme (Petrol Pumps)	139	20	47	138	157
g.	Issue of Eligibility Certificates for allotment of Oil Product Agency (OPA) Retail Outlets	07	07	01	44	10
h.	Mother Dairy Milk Booths/Safal Booths	340	536	835	553	209
i.	ESM Sponsored/ Placement by DGR (Emp Dte)	4157	25528	8974	3388	1197
j.	DGR Technical Service Scheme	–	211	56	313	77
k.	Placement Post completion of PRC through Training Institutes	–	–	33	83	00
	Total	37954	61631	42965	53888	19513

WELFARE AND REHABILITATION SCHEMES FOR EX-SERVICEMEN

The details of welfare and rehabilitation schemes, financial assistance provided to ex-servicemen/widows and their dependents are as follows:

1. Financial assistance/ benefits given from Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) under Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund (RMEWF):

S No

Grants

Amount(in Rs.)

(i)

Penury Grant (65 Yrs and above)

(Non-Pensioners up to Hav Rank)

Rs. 4,000/-pm (Life time)

(ii)

Education Grant (up to two children)

Boys/Girls up to Graduation
Widows for PG

(Pensioner/Non Pensioner up to Hav Rank) and up to two children

Rs. 1,000/-pm

(iii)

Disabled Children Grant

(Pensioner/Non-pen up to JCO Rank)

Rs. 3,000/-pm

(iv)

Daughter’s Marriage Grant (up to 02 Daughters)

(Pensioner/Non-Pen up to Hav Rank)

Rs. 50,000/- *

Widow Re-Marriage Grant

(Pensioner/Non-Pen up to Hav Rank)

* If married solemnly on or after 21 April 2016

(v)

Medical Treatment Grant

(Non-pensioner up to Hav Rank)

Rs. 50,000/- (Max)

(vi)

Orphan Grant

(Pensioner/Non-pen All Ranks)

Daughters of ex-servicemen till she is married.
One Son of ex-servicemen upto 21 years of age.

Rs. 3,000/-PM

(vii)

Vocational Trg Grant for Widows

(Pensioner/Non-Pen uptoHav Rank)

Rs. 50,000/-

(One Time)

2. Serious diseases Grant from AFFD Fund to Non Pensioners ESM of all Ranks:

(i)

Serious Diseases as listed below: –

Angioplasty, Angiography, CABG, Open Heart Surgery, Valve Replacement, Pacemaker Implant, Renal Implant, Prostate Surgery, Joint Replacement and Cerebral Stoke.

Other Diseases: Where more than Rs. 1.00 Lac has been spent on treatment

75% and 90% of total expenditure to Officer and Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) respectively.

Up to a maximum of Rs. 1.50 Lac one time.

(ii)

Dialysis and Cancer treatment

75% and 90% of total expenditure

Officer and PBOR respectively.

Up to a maximum of Rs. 75,000/- per FY only.

3. Modified Scooter Grant: Rs. One lakh provided to those ESM, who are disabled after service with a disability of 50% or more and who are not covered under the scheme of AG’s Branch of IHQ (Army, Navy & Air Force).

4. Subsidy on Home Loan: KSB Reimburses, maximum of Rs. 1.00 Lac i.e. 50% of interest by way of subsidy on home loan from Bank/public sector institutions for construction of house to war bereaved, war disabled and attributable peace time casualties.

5. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme: Total 5500 scholarship are provided to eligible wards based on merit for the entire duration of the courses. The rates of Scholarship are as follows:

(a) Rs. 2500/- per month for boys.

(b) Rs. 3000/- per month for girls.

6. Financial support to institutions involved in rehabilitation of ESM: –

Sl. No.	Organisation	Quantum of Aid/Grant
(i)	Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centres (i) Kirkee (ii) Mohali	Establishment grant (per annum) (i) Rs. 1.20 crore w.e.f April, 2016 Rs. 30,000/-per Annum per inmate (ii)Rs. 10,00,000/- (w.e.f April, 2015)
(ii)	All India Gorkha Ex-servicemen Welfare Association, Dehradun	Rs. 12,00,000/- per annum
(iii)	Cheshire Homes (i) Lucknow, Delhi & Dehradun	Rs. 15,000/- per annum per inmate
(iv)	War Memorial Hostels: There are 36 WMHs which provide shelter to the children of War Widows/War disabled, attributable and non-attributable cases.	Rs. 1350/- per month

7. Reservation of seats in Medical/Dental Colleges for wards of Defence Personnel as Government of India Nominee. A total of 42 MBBS seats and 3 seats in BDS courses are allotted by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to KSB for wards of defence personnel as a Government of India nominee. Priority I is given to wards/widows of defence personnel killed in action.

8. Rail Travel Concession Identity Cards: KSB Sectt issues rail travel concession identity cards to war widows.

DETAILS OF VARIOUS RESETTLEMENT SCHEMES IMPLEMENTED BY DIRECTORATE GENERAL RESETTLEMENT (DGR)

(a) Upgrading their skills by imparting necessary training to prepare them to take on new assignments/jobs and assisting ESM in finding re-employment.

(b) Constant endeavour to provide employment opportunities in Government/Quasi Government/Public Sector Organizations.

(d) Providing Jobs through the following Schemes for self-employment.

Placement Assistance through on-line registration at DGR.
DGR Sponsored Security Agency Scheme
ESM Coal Loading and Transportation Scheme.
Coal Tipper Attachment Scheme.
Tipper Attachment Scheme for Widows and Disabled Soldiers.
Management of IGL/ MNGL CNG Stations by ESM in NCR/Pune.
Management of Company Owned Company Operated Retail Outlets.
Issue of DGR Eligibility Certificate for Allotment of LPG/Retail Outlet (Petrol/Diesel) Distributorship advertised by Oil Marketing Companies against 8% Reservation Quota.
Allotment of Mother Dairy Milk Booths and Fruit & Vegetable (Safal) Shops in NCR.
DGR Technical Service Scheme.
Resettlement Training/ Skill Development Courses.

9. Reservation in employment: The existing quota of reservations in employment is available for Ex-servicemen (ESM) in Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) is 14.5% in all Direct Recruitment Group ‘C’ Posts and 24.5% in all Direct Recruitment Group ‘D’ Posts. This includes 4.5% for Disabled ESM and Dependents of Service personnel killed in action.

Raksha Mantri Discretionary Fund has been renamed as Raksha Mantri Ex-servicemen Welfare Fund (RMEWF). The details of payments made to the beneficiaries of ESM and their dependents under (RMEWF) for the last three years is as under:-

Financial Year	Total Amount Paid	Total Beneficiaries
2021-22	Rs. 395.69 Cr	182728
2022-23	Rs. 248.17 Cr	98615
2023-24	Rs. 366.54 Cr	172133

The details of main activities of Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) and the manner in which it is beneficial for ESM and their families are as follows:

KSB organize and conduct following: –

The meeting of KSB and Director, DSW / Secy, RSBs
Annual Meeting of Management Committee of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
Periodic meetings of the Executive Committee of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
Progressing implementation of the decisions taken with concerned agencies.
Provide policy directive, as approved by the MoD, to Depts. of Sainik Welfare in States / UTs on matters of welfare of Ex-Servicemen.
Monitor and guide the Depts. of Sainik Welfare in the States in their functioning as per guidelines laid down by KSB / Ministry of Defence.
Provide budgetary support for establishment and maintenance costs of Depts. of Sainik Welfare and Zila Sainik Welfare Offices to State / UTs.
Attend as member of the Selection Committee convened invariably under the Chief Secretary of the State for selection of Director, Dept of Sainik Welfare / Secretary RSB and Zila Sainik Welfare Officer / Secretary ZSB convened one month prior to the post falling vacant.
Inspect the Department of Sainik Welfare of States / UTs each year and report on their functioning to State Govt / MoD.
Attend Rajya Sainik Board and Amalgamated Fund Meeting in States as special invitee.
Administer Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF).
Deal with redressal and queries related to welfare of Ex-Servicemen and families of deceased service personnel.
Operate the Scheme for allotment of Medical, Dental and Engineering seats under Ministry of Defence quota.
Organize and conduct ‘Armed Forces Flag Day Collection’ at Central Govt. Depts. located at Delhi.
Provide flags, posters and publicity material for conduct of the AFFD in States / UTs and Indian Mission abroad.
Operation of centrally sponsored schemes such as RMEWF (Raksha Mantri Ex-servicemen Welfare Fund) and PM Scholarship Schemes.
Issue I-Card for availing Rail Travel Concession to War Widows.
Provide financial assistance to paraplegic homes at PRC Kirkee & Mohali, 36 War Memorial Hostels, Cheshire Homes and various institutes and visit them to check its proper distribution.
Advise on the correct investment of the Amalgamated Fund by the RSBs of the States / UTs.
Inspect ZSBs at random to check their functioning and effectiveness.
All activities mentioned above cater for providing financial assistance related to welfare of ESM /Widows/wards and to redressal of grievances through 34 Rajya Sainik Boards and 413 Zila Sainik Boards, across the country.

A single window online grievance redressal mechanism (CPGRAMS) was launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievance in which any citizen can lodge grievances online and get response from the concerned department by clicking a single click on the portal. The Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare has extended this online grievance redressal mechanism (CPGRAMS/CPENGRAMS) to ex-servicemen also so that the grievances of Ex-servicemen can be redressed efficiently and in a time bound manner. The link of CPGRAMS/CPENGRAMS website has also been given in the website of Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, CGDA and all Pension Sanctioning Authorities so that ex-servicemen can lodge their grievances in any websites from their home by clicking on the pgportal.gov.in. Further, a dedicated portal (Raksha Pension Shikayat Nivaran Portal) for redressal of Pension grievances of Ex-servicemen (ESM) has been launched on 14th January, 2022. A Toll-free Number 1800111971 has also been made operational in order to facilitate the ESM pensioners for smooth redressal of their grievances.

Policies and Technological Innovations to mitigate Impact of climate Change

The Government is implementing National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) to mitigate the impact of climate change on water and food security. The NMSA is one of the Missions within the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which aims to evolve and implement strategies to make Indian agriculture more resilient to the changing climate. Under NMSA, the Per Drop More Crop aims to improve on-farm water use efficiency, enhance the adoption of precision irrigation and other water saving technologies for which subsidy is being provided to the beneficiary to increase the area under micro irrigation. In addition, the Government is promoting organic farming 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. The scheme Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati Programme (BPKP) aims to promote traditional indigenous practices and to create awareness of farmers. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Agroforestry & National Bamboo Mission also aim to increase climate resilience. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana (PMFBY) provides full insured amount on crop losses due to natural calamities.

Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is implementing a Sub-Mission on Nutri-Cereals (Millets) under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in all districts of 28 States and 2 Union Territories viz. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The incentives are provided to the farmers, through the States/UTs, on crop production and protection technologies, cropping system based demonstrations, production & distribution of certified seeds of newly released varieties/hybrids, Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management techniques, improved farm implements /tools/ resource conservation machineries, water saving devices, capacity building of farmers through trainings during cropping season, organizing events/ workshops, distribution of seed minikits, publicity through print and electronic media etc.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India has launched a flagship network project namely National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). The project aims to study the impact of climate change on agriculture including crops, livestock, horticulture and fisheries and to develop and promote climate resilient technologies in agriculture which will address vulnerable areas of the country and the outputs of the project help the districts and regions prone to extreme weather conditions like droughts, floods, frost, heat waves, etc. to cope with such extremes. The salient achievements of ICAR are as follows:

- During last 10 years (2014-2024), a total of 2593 varieties have been released by ICAR, out of these 2177 varieties have been found tolerant to one or more biotic and/or abiotic stresses.
- Risk and vulnerability assessment of agriculture to climate change is carried out at district-level for 651 predominantly agricultural districts as per Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) protocols. A total of 109 districts are categorized as ‘very high’ and 201 districts as ‘highly’ vulnerable.
- District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACPs) for these 651 districts have been prepared for weather aberrations like drought, floods, unseasonal rains and extreme weather events such as heat wave, cold wave, frost, hailstorm, cyclone etc. and recommending location specific climate resilient crops and varieties and management practices for use by the State departments of agriculture and farmers.
- Enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity of farmers to climate variability, the Concept of “Climate Resilient Villages” (CRVs) has been initiated under NICRA.
- Location-specific climate resilient technologies demonstrated in 448 CRVs of 151 climatically vulnerable districts for adoption by the farmers.
- ICAR through its NICRA project, creates awareness about impact of climate change in agriculture among farmers. Capacity building programmes are being conducted to educate the farmers on various aspects of climate change for wider adoption of climate resilient technologies.
- Climate resilient technologies viz., resilient intercropping systems, conservation agriculture, crop diversification from paddy to other alternate crops like pulses, oilseeds, agroforestry systems, alternate methods of rice cultivation (system of rice intensification, aerobic rice, direct seeded rice), green manuring, integrated farming systems, integrated nutrient management, integrated pest management, organic farming, site specific nutrient management, in-situ moisture conservation, protective irrigation from harvested rainwater in farm pond, micro irrigation method (drip and sprinkler) etc. have been developed and demonstrated at the farmer’s fields. Also, planting methods such as zero till drill sowing of wheat to escape terminal heat stress, raised bed planting, cropping intensification with harvested water have been demonstrated in North-Eastern States.

32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) on 3rd August 2024, at around 9.30 AM at National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex, New Delhi. Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.

The triennial conference, organised by the International Association of Agricultural Economists will be held from 02 to 07 August 2024. The ICAE is being held in India after 65 years.

The theme for this year’s conference is, “Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems.” It aims to tackle the pressing need for sustainable agriculture in the face of global challenges such as climate change, natural resource degradation, rising production costs and conflicts. The conference will highlight India’s proactive approach to global agricultural challenges and showcase the nation’s advancements in agricultural research and policy.

The ICAE 2024 will serve as a platform for young researchers and leading professionals to present their work and network with global peers. It aims to strengthen partnerships between research institutes and universities, influence policymaking on both national and global scales, and showcase India’s agricultural progress, including advancements in digital agriculture and sustainable agri-food systems. The conference will witness participation of around 1,000 delegates from around 75 countries.

Track2Training Services: Revolutionizing Professional Development and Training

Track2Training, accessible at www.track2training.org, is a pioneering platform dedicated to providing top-tier training and professional development services. With a mission to empower individuals and organizations through comprehensive learning solutions, Track2Training offers a wide range of programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of various industries. This article explores the extensive offerings of Track2Training Services and their impact on learners worldwide.

Comprehensive Training Programs

1. Online Training Courses

Track2Training offers a diverse selection of online training courses designed to enhance skills and knowledge across various domains. These courses are developed by industry experts and cover topics such as management, technology, healthcare, finance, and more. The online format provides flexibility, allowing learners to access high-quality education at their own pace and convenience.

2. Certification Programs

To help professionals advance their careers, Track2Training provides certification programs that validate expertise and skills in specific areas. These certifications are recognized by employers and industry leaders, making them valuable assets for career progression and job opportunities.

Customized Corporate Training

1. Tailored Training Solutions

Understanding that each organization has unique training needs, Track2Training offers customized corporate training solutions. These programs are designed in collaboration with organizations to address specific goals and challenges, ensuring that employees receive relevant and impactful training.

2. Leadership and Management Development

Track2Training specializes in leadership and management development programs aimed at cultivating effective leaders within organizations. These programs focus on essential skills such as strategic thinking, decision-making, team management, and communication, preparing leaders to navigate complex business environments.

Professional Development Workshops

1. Skill Enhancement Workshops

Track2Training conducts a variety of workshops focused on skill enhancement and professional growth. These workshops cover a wide range of topics, from technical skills and software proficiency to soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

2. Industry-Specific Training

To cater to the specific needs of different industries, Track2Training offers industry-specific training programs. These programs provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills relevant to fields such as IT, healthcare, finance, marketing, and education, ensuring that participants stay updated with industry trends and best practices.

E-Learning and Digital Resources

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Track2Training’s e-learning modules are designed to provide an engaging and interactive learning experience. These modules incorporate multimedia elements such as videos, quizzes, and simulations to enhance understanding and retention of information.

2. Resource Library

The platform features a comprehensive resource library that includes e-books, research papers, articles, and case studies. This extensive repository of digital resources supports continuous learning and provides valuable reference materials for learners.

Support and Mentorship

1. Personalized Mentorship

Track2Training believes in the power of personalized mentorship to support learners in their professional development journey. Experienced mentors provide guidance, feedback, and career advice, helping individuals achieve their learning objectives and career goals.

2. Community Engagement

Track2Training fosters a vibrant learning community where participants can connect, collaborate, and share knowledge. This community engagement promotes networking opportunities, peer support, and collaborative learning experiences.

Innovative Learning Solutions

1. Blended Learning

To offer a balanced and effective learning experience, Track2Training employs a blended learning approach that combines online and offline learning methods. This hybrid model ensures that learners benefit from both self-paced online modules and interactive in-person sessions.

2. Learning Management System (LMS)

Track2Training utilizes a state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver, track, and manage training programs. The LMS provides a user-friendly interface, enabling learners to access course materials, track progress, and engage with instructors and peers.

Conclusion

Track2Training Services, available at www.track2training.org, are dedicated to revolutionizing professional development and training. By offering comprehensive training programs, customized corporate solutions, professional development workshops, and innovative learning resources, Track2Training empowers individuals and organizations to achieve excellence. With a commitment to quality education, personalized mentorship, and community engagement, Track2Training is a trusted partner in the journey of lifelong learning and professional growth. For those seeking to enhance their skills and advance their careers, Track2Training stands as a premier destination for top-tier training and development services.

What Are the Possible Defenses to Assault Charges in Georgetown?

Those who suffer assaults experience physical attacks from or the threat of being attacked by other people. This experience may involve being punched, shoved, kicked, or pushed, and can even include weapons like blunt objects and guns. Assault charges are in different ways. They can include sexual assault or rape, grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, domestic violence, relationship abuse, hate crime, and so on. Each of these has legal consequences and can impact your life significantly. It can affect your relationships (personal or professional), tarnish your reputation, and lead to huge financial expenses and losses. When faced with assault charges, different possible defenses can boost your chances of getting a favorable result. Below is the detailed information about these defenses.

Alt: Assaulted Woman with Tape on Mouth

Self-Defense

Are you charged with assault? You may have a favorable outcome if you claim you acted in self-defense. The outcome may be that the case will be dismissed or your charges will be reduced. However, two conditions must be met for your claim to be accepted. The first is that the force of defense must be reasonable, and the second is that the cause of the attack should not be because you provoke the accused party. Moreover, you must prove that your self-defense was triggered because of imminent danger. You need to consult an experienced Georgetown assault lawyer to help you navigate how to present a highly convincing case.

Defense of Others or Property

You can claim that assault charges were due to the defense of others. This claim can only be valid in a court of law if you and your attorney can prove that your actions were due to imminent danger and that protecting others requires the use of force. If the case involves property, you need to prove that reasonable force is used for protection against theft or damage. Whereas, the force and the threat posed must be proportional.

Prevention Due to Mental State

For the defense, proving that the cause of actions was due to the lack of mental state, an experienced assault lawyer will be needed as soon as possible. The reason for this is to prove that the state of your mental health when the offense was committed inhibited you from forming the appropriate intent, leading to the assault.

Consent

Are you involved in a sexual assault or other physical contact cases? You can use consent as a defense to the charges. The success of the case depends on how well your criminal defense lawyer can prove that the alleged affected party gave informed and explicit consent to the act. This defense may be invalid if the alleged victim could not give consent because of several factors, including mental state, age, and so on.

Coercion

Sometimes, your safety or the safety of those around you may be threatened. If you act based on this, you can claim that the assault was because you were forced or threatened with danger. But your criminal defense attorney must prove that the coercion was immediate and that your action was the only reasonable option you had.

Government has taken various initiatives to promote entrepreneurship across various sections of the society including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes across the Country

The Government has taken various initiatives to promote entrepreneurship across various sections of the society including Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) across the Country including the State of Tamil Nadu. The details of the various initiatives taken by Ministries/Departments of the Government to promote entrepreneurship are as under:

1. Department of Financial Services – Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) was launched on 08.04.2015 to extend collateral free credit up to Rs.10 lakh by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs), i.e., Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs). Any individual, who is otherwise eligible to take a loan and has a business plan for small business enterprise can avail loan under the Scheme for income generating activities in the manufacturing, trading, service sectors including activities allied to agriculture across three loan categories, viz. Shishu (loans up to Rs. 50,000/-), Kishor (loans above Rs. 50,000/- and up to Rs. 5 lakh) and Tarun (loans above Rs. 5 lakh and up to Rs. 10 lakh). As on June 2024, a total of 48.78 crore loans have been extended under PMMY, since inception of the Scheme, out of which 5.55 crore loans have been sanctioned in the State of Tamil Nadu.

Stand-Up India (SUI) Scheme launched on 05.04.2016 has been extended up to the year 2025. The objective of the Scheme is to facilitate loans from Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) of value between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and one Women borrower per bank branch for setting up greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services or trading sector including activities allied to agriculture. The Stand Up India scheme has facilitated over 2.35 lakh loans to SC/ST and Women entrepreneurs across the country, out of which a total of 0.22 lakh loans have been sanctioned in the State of Tamil Nadu as on June 2024.

The District-wise number of loans sanctioned to SC/ST entrepreneurs during last five years in the State of Tamil Nadu under PMMY and SUPI is at Annexure-I.

2. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) – Start-ups, Innovation & IPR Division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has initiated various startup centric programmes/scheme to encourage the innovation led startup ecosystem to develop indigenous products in ICT domain pan India basis including startups led by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Tamil Nadu State. These initiatives are for the promotion of startups and entrepreneurs irrespective of caste and applicable for SC and ST also. Some of the major initiatives have been elucidated here:

(i) TIDE 2.0 Scheme: Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0) Scheme was initiated in the year 2019 to promote tech entrepreneurship through financial and technical support to incubators engaged in supporting ICT startups using emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, Block-chain, Robotics etc. The scheme aims to provide comprehensive support to tech-startups in seven thematic areas of National concern by leveraging emerging technologies. The supported thematic areas are Healthcare, Education, Agriculture, Financial inclusion (including digital payments), Infrastructure and Transportation and Environment and Clean Tech. The Scheme is being implemented through 51 incubators through a three tiered structure with an overarching objective to promote incubation activities at institutes of higher learning and premier R&D organisations. The scheme is envisaged to provide incubation support to approximately 2000 tech start-ups over a period of five years. Under TIDE 2.0 Scheme, following 6 incubation centre are functioning as TIDE 2.0 centre in the State of Tamil Nadu:

Sl. No.	Name of TIDE 2.0 Centre	Centre belongs to District	Start-ups supported
	FORGE Accelerator (Coimbatore Innovation Business Incubator), Coimbatore	Coimbatore	32
	PSG Science and Technology Entrepreneurial Park (PSG-STEP), PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore	Coimbatore	26
	IITM Incubation Cell (IIT Madras Incubation Cell), Chennai	Chennai	38
	Vellore Institute of Technology-Technology Business Incubator (VITTBI), Tiruchirapalli	Tiruchirapalli	38
	OASYS Institute of Technology, Anna University, Tiruchirapalli	Tiruchirapalli	11
	Vel Tech Technology Business Incubator, Vel Tech Institute of Science and Technology, Tiruvallur	Tiruvallur	18

(ii) FinBlue – FinTechCoE – FinTech Centre of Excellence set-up at Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Chennai for supporting the FinTech Start-ups with a target beneficiary of 58 startups over a period of 5 years with budget outlay of Rs. 11.13 Crore. The CoE is supported by MeitY, Government of India, Government of Tamil Nadu and STPI.

3. Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), through Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), is implementing Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) for assisting entrepreneurs in setting up of new enterprises in the non-farm sector. It aims to provide employment opportunities to traditional artisans/ rural and urban unemployed youth at their doorstep. PMEGP being a Central Sector Scheme assists General Category beneficiaries with Margin Money (MM) subsidy of 25% of the project cost in rural areas and 15% in urban areas. For beneficiaries belonging to Special Categories such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, Minorities, Women, Ex-servicemen, Physically Handicapped, Transgenders, beneficiaries belonging to Northeastern Region, Hill and Border areas, and Aspirational Districts, the Margin Money subsidy is 35% in rural areas and 25% in urban areas. The maximum cost of project is Rs. 50 lakhs in the manufacturing sector and Rs. 20 lakhs in the service sector. Also, own contribution of beneficiaries under Special Category including women is 05% and 10% for General Category beneficiaries. Since 2018-19, existing PMEGP/REGP/MUDRA enterprises are also supported based on past good performances with 2nd loan for upgradation and expansion. Under 2nd Loan, maximum project cost admissible for Margin Money (MM) subsidy under Manufacturing sector is Rs. 1.00 crore and for Service sector is Rs. 25 Lakhs. Eligible subsidy on 2nd loan for all categories is 15% of project cost (20% for NER & Hill States). Since inception i.e., FY 2008-09, more than 9.69 lakh micro enterprises have been assisted with Margin Money subsidy of more than Rs 25,500 Crore providing employment to an estimated ~79 lakh persons. Approximately, 50% of the units are set up by SC/ST/Women and 80% of the units are set up in rural area. During the next 2 years FY (2024-25 to 2025-26), Ministry has a target to set-up 1.6 lakh new enterprises with employment generation potential for 12.8 lakh persons.

The total number of PMEGP Units Assisted and estimated employment generated under SC and ST category throughout the country for the last 5 years is at Annexure-II.

The total number of PMEGP Units Assisted and estimated employment generated under SC and ST category in Tamil Nadu District-wise for the last 5 years is at Annexure-III.

4. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) – Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC&ABC) Scheme: Under the scheme, Agriculture Extension of umbrella scheme Krishonnati Yojana of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Extension Division is implementing a Central Sector component, “Establishment of Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (AC&ABC)” since April, 2002 to supplement the efforts of public extension, support agricultural development and create gainful self-employment opportunities to unemployed youths with qualification in agriculture and allied sectors. The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad is the implementing agency for Training Component and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is the implementing agency for Subsidy Component of AC&ABC programme. MANAGE implement, through selected Nodal Training Institutes (NTIs) under MoU with MANAGE, in various parts of the country

There is a provision of credit linked back-ended upfront composite subsidy on the bank loan availed by trained candidates under the programme. The subsidy is 44% in respect of women, SC/ST and all categories of candidates from North-Eastern and Hill States and 36% in respect of other categories. The subsidy is admissible for loans up to Rs.20 lakhs in case of individual and Rs.100 lakhs in case of Group Projects (for ventures set up by a group of 5 trained candidates).

5. Department of Science and Technology (DST) – In order to support young innovators and entrepreneurs through NIDHI-Technology Business Incubator (TBI), NIDHI-inclusive Technology Business Incubator (iTBI) program, Department of Science and Technology (DST) has established startup incubation centres in metropolitan cities, Tier-II and Tier-III cities in various parts of the country including Tamil Nadu. Through these centres, mentoring and financial support is provided to startups for development of prototype/products in order to promote youth from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, irrespective of their social status.

6. Ministry of Rural Development – Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), the sub-scheme under the DAY-NRLM programme supports the Self-Help Group (SHG) or their family members to set-up small enterprises in the non-farm sector. SVEP is Implemented across 31 states and UTs, with 358 project proposals approved, 235 DPRs sanctioned, and support extended to 2.98 lakh enterprises. However, the scheme does not specifically focus on the SC/ST population. The SVEP is approved in 10 Blocks in the State of Tamil Nadu. The details are as under:

Sl No.	State	District	Block
1	Tamil Nadu	Kanchipuram	Thiruporur
2	Tamil Nadu	Madurai	Thirumangalam
3	Tamil Nadu	Namakkal	Rasipuram & Vennandur (2)
4	Tamil Nadu	Villupuram	Ulundurpet
5	Tamil Nadu	Kallakurichi	Chinnasalem
6	Tamil Nadu	Thoothukudi	Kovilpatti
7	Tamil Nadu	Madurai	Sedapatti
8	Tamil Nadu	Chengalpet	Acharapakkam
9	Tamil Nadu	Trichy	Pullampadi
10	Tamil Nadu	Virudhunagar	Vembakottai

The District/Block wise SC/ST entrepreneurs supported in the state of Tamil Nadu under SVEP are as under:

Sl No.	District	Block	Total SC entrepreneurs	Total ST entrepreneurs
1	Chengalpattu	Thiruporur	1112	24
2	Kallakurichi	Ulundurpet	443	0
3	Madurai	Tirumanagalam	30	0
4	Namakkal	Rasipuram and Vennadur	55	0
			1,640	24

7. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) – The Government with an intent to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and encouraging investments launched the Startup India initiative on 16th January 2016. For attaining specific objectives, various programs are implemented by the Government under the Startup India initiative. All the steps undertaken by the Government under the initiative are inclusive and are implemented across States/Union Territories (UTs), cities, towns, and rural areas, including the State of Tamil Nadu. The details of such Government initiatives are placed as Annexure-IV.

8. Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) that is designed to address the challenges faced by the micro enterprises and to tap the potential of groups and cooperatives in supporting the upgradation and formalization of these enterprises. The Scheme has a Capacity Building component, which envisages providing 24 Hours/ 3 Days, Food Processing EDP (Entrepreneurship Development Programme) Training for, all applicants viz individuals and Groups(SHGs/ FPOs/ Cooperatives) recommended for availing credit linked grant by District Level Committee (DLC) and 8 hours/1 day training to SHG beneficiaries of Seed Capital under PMFME scheme engaged in micro food processing. The details of SC/ST beneficiaries of Tamil Nadu State trained under this capacity building component are as under:
(i) The total number of SC and ST entrepreneurs who have got the loan sanctioned
under PMFME Scheme for setting up of processing units during the last 4 years for the state of Tamil Nadu are as under:

Sl No.

Category

DLC Beneficiaries

1583

110

Seed Capital Beneficiaries (SHG Members)

1760 (Individual), 362 (Group)

1 (Activity Group)

62 (Individual)

13 (Group)

Seed Capital benefits received by SC/ST beneficiaries in Mayiladuthurai and Thanjavur Districts of Tamil Nadu under the above component of the Scheme are as under:

Sl. No.	Districts	Seed Capital Category (SHG Members)	SC	ST
1	Mayiladuthurai	Individual	13	1
2	Thanjavur	Individual	45	0

9. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) through National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) has been working for the empowerment, upliftment and development of entrepreneurs including Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) across the country including the State of Tamil Nadu. The details of the initiatives taken are as under:

(i) NIESBUD has implemented Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness of Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Programme of MSDE for strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem across different sections of the society including marginalized population. A total number of 90 SC/ST participants have been trained through the project in Tamil Nadu. The District wise details as is under:

State	District	SC	ST
Tamil Nadu	Madurai	6	2
	Chennai	10	0
	Madurai	38	1
	Villupuram	19	1
	Sivaganga	2	0
	Thrivallur	11	0
	Total	86	4
	Grand Total	90

(ii) NIESBUD implemented a project for creating entrepreneurial climate through Training of Trainers and Entrepreneurship Development Programme in Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS). The District wise details of SC/ST beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu under the project are as under:

State	District	SC	ST
Tamil Nadu	Chennai	8	1
	Madurai	31	1
	Salem	68	11
	Total	107	13
	Grand Total	120

(iii) STRIVE Project – Under the Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) project of MSDE, NIESBUD is conducting Entrepreneurship Awareness, Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Mentoring, and Handholding of trainees (and future trainers) in Industrial Training Institute (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institute (NSTIs). A total number of 456 participants have been trained under the Strive Project in Tamil Nadu. The District wise details are as under

State	District	SC	ST
Tamil Nadu	Chennai	18	79
	Gadag	199	121
	Tumakaru	14	25
	Total	231	225
	Grand Total	456

(iv) PMJANMAN – The Hon’ble Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), a Scheme of Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on 15th November, 2023 at Khunti District of Jharkhand. The Mission is aimed at targeted development of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) residing in 18 States including 1 Union Territory. These communities had been by and large left out of the schemes/interventions of Ministries/Departments, and therefore require multi-sectoral handholding through this Mission. The scheme focuses on 11 critical interventions related to 9 key Ministries including Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in about 22,000 villages in 200 districts. One of the key interventions in the mission is facilitating skill and vocational training in PVTG habitations, multipurpose centres, tribal hostels, training skilling, entrepreneurship developments of Van Dhan Vikas Kendra as per the suitable skills of these communities. A total number of 627 participants have been trained under the PMJANMAN Project in Tamil Nadu. The District-wise details are as under:

State	District	PVTG
Tamil Nadu	Ariyalur	305
	Chengalpattu	170
	Coimbatore	46
	Namakkal	2
	The Nilgiris	104
	Total	627

Annexure-I

The District-wise number of loans sanctioned to SC/ST entrepreneurs during last five years in the State of Tamil Nadu under PMMY and SUPI is

as under:

Sl. No.	District Name	Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)		Stand Up India Scheme (SUPI)
Sl. No.	District Name	SC	ST	SC	ST
1	Ariyalur	23,055	3,259	0	0
2	Chengalpattu	40,888	3,907	9	0
3	Chennai	202,755	15,654	489	13
4	Coimbatore	53,630	9,473	178	10
5	Cuddalore	177,717	27,622	51	7
6	Dharmapuri	53,923	6,558	33	4
7	Dindigul	38,988	3,868	66	35
8	Erode	64,625	8,440	88	3
9	Kallakurichi	22,189	1,492	2	0
10	Kanchipuram	152,231	49,981	121	4
11	Kanniyakumari	30,216	6,521	109	10
12	Karur	11,451	1,002	16	5
13	Krishnagiri	36,986	9,600	25	2
14	Madurai	40,125	5,194	207	17
15	Mayiladuthurai	14,018	259	12	0
16	Nagapattinam	93,179	4,478	18	0
17	Namakkal	68,657	9,934	35	8
18	Nilgiris	72,909	4,964	38	7
19	Perambalur	13,038	357	32	0
20	Pudukkottai	28,500	2,474	24	2
21	Ramanathapuram	30,522	4,721	21	2
22	Ranipet	14,346	655	0	0
23	Salem	78,152	13,670	114	8
24	Sivaganga	20,204	7,432	49	5
25	Tenkasi	6,127	789	1	0
26	Thanjavur	86,976	4,958	30	5
27	Theni	25,680	2,273	36	0
28	Thiruvallur	166,075	25,028	154	10
29	Thiruvarur	116,642	12,685	24	1
30	Tiruchirappalli	30,436	7,539	69	4
31	Tirunelveli	99,729	41,474	128	3
32	Tirupathur	50,888	9,624	10	0
33	Tiruppur	38,050	2,309	23	2
34	Tiruvannamalai	39,930	6,075	129	10
35	Tuticorin	101,860	33,488	48	8
36	Vellore	146,971	51,426	106	3
37	Villupuram	119,763	29,601	89	26
38	Virudhunagar	32,981	7,876	46	5
39	Other #	237,831	7,403	0	0
Total		2,682,243	444,063	2,630	219

# District-wise data for some of the NBFCs/ MFIs is not available.

Annexure-II

The total number of PMEGP Units Assisted and estimated employment generated under SC category throughout the country for the last 5 years is as under:

Sl. No.	State	2019-20		2020-21		2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
Sl. No.	State	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated
1	Andaman Nicobar	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
2	Andhra Pradesh	329	2,632	303	2,424	414	3,312	526	4,208	1,216	9,728
3	Arunachal Pradesh	1	8	–	–	–	–	1	8	–	–
4	Assam	207	1,656	191	1,528	207	1,656	115	920	109	872
5	Bihar	206	1,648	198	1,584	194	1,552	398	3,184	701	5,608
6	Chandigarh-Ut	2	16	1	8	7	56	2	16	1	8
7	Chhattisgarh	302	2,416	286	2,288	294	2,352	259	2,072	299	2,392
8	Dadra Nagar Haveli	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
9	Daman And Diu	1	8	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
10	Delhi	15	120	7	56	7	56	6	48	6	48
11	Goa	5	40	–	–	3	24	–	–	1	8
12	Gujarat	263	2,104	189	1,512	313	2,504	243	1,944	274	2,192
13	Haryana	409	3,272	296	2,368	307	2,456	298	2,384	250	2,000
14	Himachal Pradesh	387	3,096	416	3,328	427	3,416	304	2,432	343	2,744
15	Jammu Kashmir	254	2,032	229	1,832	537	4,296	374	2,992	658	5,264
16	Jharkhand	107	856	99	792	92	736	115	920	130	1,040
17	Karnataka	629	5,032	808	6,464	1,146	9,168	1,063	8,504	877	7,016
18	Kerala	164	1,312	152	1,216	169	1,352	245	1,960	292	2,336
19	Ladakh	1	8	1	8	2	16	–	–	–	–
20	Lakshadweep	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
21	Madhya Pradesh	132	1,056	447	3,576	921	7,368	725	5,800	653	5,224
22	Maharashtra	843	6,744	502	4,016	627	5,016	510	4,080	374	2,992
23	Manipur	20	160	27	216	16	128	9	72	4	32
24	Meghalaya	3	24	3	24	9	72	1	8	2	16
25	Mizoram	3	24	3	24	4	32	1	8	–	–
26	Nagaland	7	56	1	8	11	88	–	–	3	24
27	Odisha	277	2,216	313	2,504	393	3,144	320	2,560	248	1,984
28	Puducherry	13	104	8	64	16	128	5	40	6	48
29	Punjab	569	4,552	417	3,336	502	4,016	423	3,384	370	2,960
30	Rajasthan	340	2,720	266	2,128	238	1,904	140	1,120	92	736
31	Sikkim	7	56	5	40	7	56	1	8	6	48
32	Tamil Nadu	508	4,064	534	4,272	691	5,528	765	6,120	823	6,584
33	Telangana	301	2,408	328	2,624	449	3,592	354	2,832	347	2,776
34	Tripura	100	800	117	936	143	1,144	99	792	93	744
35	Uttar Pradesh	785	6,280	1,109	8,872	1,405	11,240	1,279	10,232	1,685	13,480
36	Uttarakhand	307	2,456	399	3,192	290	2,320	279	2,232	223	1,784
37	West Bengal	260	2,080	253	2,024	320	2,560	282	2,256	278	2,224

The total number of PMEGP Units Assisted and estimated employment generated under ST category throughout the country for the last 5 years is as under:

Sl. No.	State	2019-20		2020-21		2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
Sl. No.	State	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated
1	Andaman Nicobar	2	16	5	40	8	64	–	–	–	–
2	Andhra Pradesh	108	864	87	696	82	656	115	920	203	1,624
3	Arunachal Pradesh	158	1,264	89	712	196	1,568	155	1,240	166	1,328
4	Assam	421	3,368	353	2,824	474	3,792	310	2,480	271	2,168
5	Bihar	51	408	61	488	61	488	81	648	88	704
6	Chandigarh-Ut	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
7	Chhattisgarh	323	2,584	273	2,184	320	2,560	267	2,136	212	1,696
8	Dadra Nagar Haveli	–	–	6	48	2	16	1	8	1	8
9	Daman And Diu	2	16	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
10	Delhi	–	–	1	8	–	–	–	–	–	–
11	Goa	2	16	4	32	2	16	1	8	3	24
12	Gujarat	120	960	142	1,136	171	1,368	127	1,016	94	752
13	Haryana	–	–	3	24	1	8	2	16	2	16
14	Himachal Pradesh	117	936	107	856	171	1,368	128	1,024	107	856
15	Jammu Kashmir	83	664	73	584	226	1,808	175	1,400	235	1,880
16	Jharkhand	149	1,192	130	1,040	162	1,296	167	1,336	206	1,648
17	Karnataka	169	1,352	188	1,504	307	2,456	305	2,440	286	2,288
18	Kerala	12	96	6	48	19	152	16	128	13	104
19	Ladakh	303	2,424	271	2,168	292	2,336	90	720	117	936
20	Lakshadweep	–	–	2	16	7	56	2	16	–	–
21	Madhya Pradesh	78	624	256	2,048	567	4,536	466	3,728	368	2,944
22	Maharashtra	112	896	92	736	113	904	91	728	79	632
23	Manipur	610	4,880	548	4,384	403	3,224	211	1,688	140	1,120
24	Meghalaya	348	2,784	315	2,520	581	4,648	272	2,176	259	2,072
25	Mizoram	756	6,048	805	6,440	645	5,160	410	3,280	401	3,208
26	Nagaland	1,102	8,816	739	5,912	1,228	9,824	469	3,752	513	4,104
27	Odisha	122	976	115	920	214	1,712	169	1,352	94	752
28	Puducherry	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
29	Punjab	3	24	1	8	–	–	–	–	1	8
30	Rajasthan	266	2,128	227	1,816	236	1,888	170	1,360	121	968
31	Sikkim	27	216	25	200	38	304	34	272	68	544
32	Tamil Nadu	20	160	42	336	63	504	31	248	48	384
33	Telangana	267	2,136	235	1,880	319	2,552	352	2,816	387	3,096
34	Tripura	197	1,576	192	1,536	215	1,720	147	1,176	116	928
35	Uttar Pradesh	18	144	27	216	28	224	27	216	31	248
36	Uttarakhand	52	416	56	448	62	496	40	320	38	304
37	West Bengal	22	176	21	168	12	96	19	152	13	104

Annexure-III

The total number of PMEGP Units Assisted and estimated employment generated under SC category in Tamil Nadu District-wise for the last 5 years is as under:

Sl. No.	District	2019-20		2020-21		2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
Sl. No.	District	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated
1	Ariyalur	11	88	11	88	8	64	7	56	5	40
2	Chengalpet	0	0	13	104	21	168	22	176	24	192
3	Chennai	16	128	17	136	42	336	25	200	27	216
4	Coimbatore	14	112	12	96	5	40	21	168	15	120
5	Cuddalore	14	112	14	112	34	272	30	240	18	144
6	Dharmapuri	9	72	17	136	7	56	6	48	10	80
7	Dindigul	17	136	18	144	20	160	21	168	17	136
8	Erode	8	64	17	136	8	64	9	72	18	144
9	Kallakurichi	0	0	4	32	10	80	19	152	34	272
10	Kanchipuram	15	120	20	160	23	184	28	224	20	160
11	Kanniyakumari	2	16	1	8	5	40	3	24	3	24
12	Karur	7	56	8	64	14	112	33	264	16	128
13	Krishnagiri	9	72	7	56	11	88	13	104	6	48
14	Madurai	15	120	25	200	24	192	31	248	34	272
15	Mayiladuthurai	0	0	0	0	3	24	49	392	29	232
16	Nagapattinam	24	192	37	296	31	248	25	200	14	112
17	Namakkal	8	64	17	136	24	192	23	184	39	312
18	Nilgiris	7	56	12	96	12	96	18	144	13	104
19	Perambalur	8	64	15	120	16	128	19	152	14	112
20	Pudukottai	15	120	26	208	28	224	32	256	18	144
21	Ramanathapuam	7	56	6	48	8	64	7	56	10	80
22	Ranipet	0	0	0	0	8	64	20	160	20	160
23	Salem	7	56	19	152	18	144	25	200	13	104
24	Sivagangai	13	104	14	112	10	80	13	104	3	24
25	Tenkasi	0	0	4	32	4	32	11	88	19	152
26	Thanjavur	44	352	34	272	61	488	51	408	85	680
27	Theni	15	120	9	72	6	48	10	80	15	120
28	Thiruchirappalli	19	152	17	136	12	96	12	96	21	168
29	Thiruvallore	57	456	29	232	47	376	41	328	46	368
30	Thiruvarur	35	280	28	224	44	352	29	232	31	248
31	Thoothukudi(Tuticorin)	17	136	12	96	22	176	21	168	22	176
32	Tirunelveli	18	144	13	104	19	152	12	96	16	128
33	Tirupattur	0	0	2	16	22	176	3	24	16	128
34	Tirupur	5	40	4	32	8	64	9	72	16	128
35	Tiruvannamalai	17	136	18	144	12	96	20	160	17	136
36	Vellore	24	192	13	104	9	72	11	88	37	296
37	Villupuram	19	152	18	144	21	168	19	152	27	216
38	Virudhunagar	12	96	3	24	14	112	17	136	35	280

The total number of PMEGP Units Assisted and estimated employment generated under ST category in Tamil Nadu District-wise for the last 5 years is as under:

Sl. No.	District	2019-20		2020-21		2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
Sl. No.	District	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated	Units Assisted	Employment Generated
1	Ariyalur	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2	Chengalpet	0	0	1	8	0	0	0	0	1	8
3	Chennai	0	0	0	0	1	8	0	0	0	0
4	Coimbatore	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5	Cuddalore	0	0	0	0	1	8	1	8	1	8
6	Dharmapuri	0	0	1	8	1	8	3	24	0	0
7	Dindigul	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	8	0	0
8	Erode	0	0	0	0	1	8	0	0	0	0
9	Kallakurichi	0	0	1	8	0	0	0	0	0	0
10	Kanchipuram	0	0	2	16	17	136	2	16	22	176
11	Kanniyakumari	0	0	0	0	1	8	1	8	1	8
12	Karur	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
13	Krishnagiri	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	8
14	Madurai	1	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
15	Mayiladuthurai	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	8	1	8
16	Nagapattinam	2	16	0	0	1	8	1	8	0	0
17	Namakkal	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	24
18	Nilgiris	0	0	5	40	4	32	2	16	7	56
19	Perambalur	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
20	Pudukottai	1	8	1	8	0	0	0	0	0	0
21	Ramanathapuam	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
22	Ranipet	0	0	2	16	2	16	1	8	1	8
23	Salem	2	16	3	24	10	80	0	0	2	16
24	Sivagangai	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
25	Tenkasi	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
26	Thanjavur	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
27	Theni	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	8
28	Thiruchirappalli	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	24	0	0
29	Thiruvallore	0	0	0	0	1	8	1	8	0	0
30	Thiruvarur	3	24	0	0	0	0	1	8	0	0
31	Thoothukudi(Tuticorin)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
32	Tirunelveli	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	40	0	0
33	Tirupattur	0	0	1	8	0	0	0	0	1	8
34	Tirupur	0	0	0	0	1	8	0	0	0	0
35	Tiruvannamalai	7	56	6	48	4	32	0	0	2	16
36	Vellore	3	24	12	96	13	104	6	48	4	32
37	Villupuram	1	8	7	56	5	40	2	16	0	0
38	Virudhunagar	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Annexure-IV

The details of various programs undertaken by the Government to promote startups across the country are as under:

Startup India Action Plan: An Action Plan for Startup India was unveiled on 16th January 2016. The Action Plan comprises of 19 action items spanning across areas such as “Simplification and handholding”, “Funding support and incentives” and “Industry-academia partnership and incubation”. The Action Plan laid the foundation of Government support, schemes and incentives envisaged to create a vibrant startup ecosystem in the country.
Startup India: The Way Ahead: Startup India: The Way Ahead at 5 years celebration of Startup India was unveiled on 16th January 2021 which includes actionable plans for promotion of ease of doing business for startups, greater role of technology in executing various reforms, building capacities of stakeholders and enabling a digital Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS): Easy availability of capital is essential for entrepreneurs at the early stages of growth of an enterprise. The capital required at this stage often presents a make-or-break situation for startups with good business ideas. The Scheme aims to provide financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization. Rs. 945 crore has been sanctioned under the SISFS Scheme for period of 4 years starting from 2021-22.
Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) Scheme: The Government has established FFS with corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore, to meet the funding needs of startups. DPIIT is the monitoring agency and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the operating agency for FFS. The total corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore is envisaged to be provided over the 14th and 15th Finance Commission cycles based on progress of the scheme and availability of funds. It has not only made capital available for startups at early stage, seed stage and growth stage but also played a catalytic role in terms of facilitating raising of domestic capital, reducing dependence on foreign capital and encouraging home grown and new venture capital funds.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS): The Government has established the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups for providing credit guarantees to loans extended to DPIIT recognized startups by Scheduled Commercial Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Venture Debt Funds (VDFs) under SEBI registered Alternative Investment Funds. CGSS is aimed at providing credit guarantee up to a specified limit against loans extended by Member Institutions (MIs) to finance eligible borrowers viz. DPIIT recognised startups.
Regulatory Reforms: Over 55 regulatory reforms have been undertaken by the Government since 2016 to enhance ease of doing business, ease of raising capital and reduce compliance burden for the startup ecosystem.
Ease of Procurement: To enable ease of procurement, Central Ministries/ Departments are directed to relax conditions of prior turnover and prior experience in public procurement for all DPIIT recognised startups subject to meeting quality and technical specifications. Further, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) also facilitates and promotes procurement of products and services by the Government from startups.
Self-Certification under Labour and Environmental laws: Startups are allowed to self-certify their compliance under 9 Labour and 3 Environment laws for a period of 3 to 5 years from the date of incorporation.
Income Tax Exemption for 3 years: Startups incorporated on or after 1st April 2016 can apply for income tax exemption. The recognized startups that are granted an Inter-Ministerial Board Certificate are exempted from income-tax for a period of 3 consecutive years out of 10 years since incorporation.
Faster Exit for Startups: The Government has notified Startups as ‘fast track firms’ enabling them to wind up operations within 90 days vis-a-vis 180 days for other companies.
Exemption for the Purpose Of Clause (VII)(b) of Sub-section (2) of Section 56 of the Act (2019): A DPIIT recognized startup is eligible for exemption from the provisions of section 56(2)(viib) of the Income Tax Act.
Support for Intellectual Property Protection: Startups are eligible for fast-tracked patent application examination and disposal. The Government launched Start-ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) which facilitates the startups to file applications for patents, designs and trademarks through registered facilitators in appropriate IP offices by paying only the statutory fees. Facilitators under this Scheme are responsible for providing general advisory on different IPRs, and information on protecting and promoting IPRs in other countries. The Government bears the entire fees of the facilitators for any number of patents, trademark or designs, and startups only bear the cost of the statutory fees payable. Startups are provided with an 80% rebate in filing of patents and 50% rebate in filling of trademark vis-a-vis other companies.
Startup India Hub: The Government launched a Startup India Online Hub on 19th June 2017 which is one of its kind online platform for all stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India to discover, connect and engage with each other. The Online Hub hosts Startups, Investors, Funds, Mentors, Academic Institutions, Incubators, Accelerators, Corporates, Government Bodies and more.
International Market Access to Indian Startups: One of the key objectives under the Startup India initiative is to help connect Indian startup ecosystem to global startup ecosystems through various engagement models. This has been done though international Government to Government partnerships, participation in international forums and hosting of global events. Startup India has launched bridges with around 20 countries that provides a soft-landing platform for startups from the partner nations and aid in promoting cross collaboration.
Startup India Showcase: Startup India Showcase is an online discovery platform for the most promising startups of the country chosen through various programs for startups exhibited in a form of virtual profiles. The startups showcased on the platform have distinctly emerged as the best in their fields. These innovations span across various cutting-edge sectors such as Fintech, EnterpriseTech, Social Impact, HealthTech, EdTech, among others. These startups are solving critical problems and have shown exceptional innovation in their respective sectors. Ecosystem stakeholders have nurtured and supported these startups, thereby validating their presence on this platform.
National Startup Advisory Council: The Government in January 2020 notified constitution of the National Startup Advisory Council to advise the Government on measures needed to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country to drive sustainable economic growth and generate large scale employment opportunities. Besides the ex-officio members, the council has a number of non-official members, representing various stakeholders from the startup ecosystem.
National Startup Awards (NSA): National Startup Awards is an initiative to recognize and reward outstanding startups and ecosystem enablers that are building innovative products or solutions and scalable enterprises, with high potential of employment generation or wealth creation, demonstrating measurable social impact. Handholding support is provided to all the finalists across various tracks viz. Investor Connect, Mentorship, Corporate Connect, Government Connect, International Market Access, Regulatory Support, Startup Champions on Doordarshan and Startup India Showcase, etc.
States’ Startup Ranking Framework (SRF): States’ Startup Ranking Framework is a unique initiative to harness strength of competitive federalism and create a flourishing startup ecosystem in the country. The major objectives of the ranking exercise are facilitating states to identify, learn and replace good practices, highlighting the policy intervention by states for promoting startup ecosystem and fostering competitiveness among states.
Startup Champions on Doordarshan: Startup Champions program on Doordarshan is a one-hour weekly program covering stories of award winning/ nationally recognised startups. It is telecasted in both Hindi and English across Doordarshan network channels.
Startup India Innovation Week: The Government organises Startup India Innovation week around the National Startup Day i.e., 16th January, with the primary goal was to bring together the country’s key startups, entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, funding entities, banks, policymakers, and other national/international stakeholders to celebrate entrepreneurship and promote innovation.
ASCEND: Under ASCEND (Accelerating Startup Caliber & Entrepreneurial Drive), sensitization workshops on startups and entrepreneurship were conducted for all eight North Eastern States with the objective to capacitate and augment knowledge on key aspects of entrepreneurship and continue efforts towards creating a robust startup ecosystem in these States.
The Startup India Investor Connect Portal has been co-developed under the Startup India Initiative with SIDBI, serving as an intermediary platform that links startups and investors in order to help entrepreneurs from various industries, functions, stages, regions, and backgrounds in mobilizing capital. The portal has been built with the aim to enable in particular; early-stage startups located anywhere in the country to showcase themselves to leading investors/ venture capital funds.
National Mentorship Portal (MAARG): In order to facilitate accessibility to mentorship for startups in every part of the country, the Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and Growth (MAARG) program has been developed and launched under the Startup India Initiative.

First STI Conclave on “Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Livelihoods” organised jointly by ISTIC-UNESCO and CSIR

The International Science, Technology, and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC) under the auspices of UNESCO together with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) constituents, Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit (CSIR-TKDL Unit), New Delhi, and CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, India is organizing a STI Conclave on “Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Livelihoods” on 29-31 July 2024 at New Delhi, India.

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR inaugurated the first STI Conclave. The Guests of Honour were Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR- IICT, Hyderabad and Dr. Benno Boer, UNESCO Natural Science Specialist in New Delhi. The Plenary Talk was delivered by Prof. Anant Darshan Shankar, Founder and Vice Chancellor of the Trans-Disciplinary University (TDU), Bengaluru.

The three-days Conclave has internationally acclaimed speakers from India on varied subject such as biodiversity, traditional cultural expressions, integrative health and research, national and international policies on TK, IPR and associated matters, besides South-South Cooperation. The ISTIC-UNESCO team was led by Prof. Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman, Chairperson, Governing Council and Dr. Sharizad Dahlan, Director of the organization. From the CSIR, Dr. Viswajanani J Sattigeri, Head, CSIR-TKDL Unit and Dr. D. Shailaja, Chief Scientist, CSIR-IICT led the efforts on organizing the Conclave in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kalaiselvi remarked that the STI Conclave targets a topic which is the need of the hour considering that sustainability of lives is a matter of growing concern world over. She said that the Conclave provides a platform to bring awareness among the next-gen youth about the importance and value of the knowledge and practices inherited from our ancestors. Stating that modernity is always connected to the fundamentals of our traditional knowledge, she acknowledged that this Conclave rightly spreads the importance of bringing together traditions and modern S&T together.

Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICT highlighted the CSIR activities related to validation, innovation and integration of traditional medicines and modern S&T interventions as effective tools to address healthcare for all.

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Dr. Benno Boer elaborated on the three important aspects of sustainability through education, science and culture and how UNESCO brings together collaboration and cooperation to empower people and planet. He stated it was important to respect and live in harmony with nature for achieving sustainable living. He also spoke about the UNESCO’s platforms related to biodiversity spheres and the LINKS programs, that reiterates the need to explore and understand the meaning of local knowledge systems to conserve and preserve nature and thereby livelihoods.

The Conclave envisages promoting understanding and enhancing academic and professional capabilities under the theme of “Strengthening Competencies in Digitization, Preservation and Protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK) – Intellectual Property (IP) and People’s Rights”, among the participants with the aim to provide a platform for exchange of information on challenges related to TK in their countries and learn the best practices being adopted by India and others in safeguarding TK. The participants are from Indonesia, Philippines, Nepal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malaysia and India. The Conclave aims to emphasise the importance of engaging in collaborative learning models and expand the partnership and networks through engagement and cooperation for addressing the development challenges of the region, specifically through sustainable living through local knowledge systems.

About ISTIC-UNESCO

The International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation under the Auspices of UNESCO (ISTIC) is a UNESCO Category 2 Centre, the Malaysian Government has hosted since 2008. The Centre acts as an international platform offering sustainable programmes and services and augmenting sustainable development for South-South Cooperation. The Centre’s hosting is based on a six-year Agreement between the Malaysian Government represented by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and UNESCO. Its current Agreement is from February 2022 until January 2028. The Mission of the organization is to be “A leading international platform offering sustainable programmes and services in producing holistic talents towards institutional excellence and augmenting sustainable development for South-South Cooperation.” Its Vision is to be “A global leader in STI and the driving force for developing countries’ nation-building and socio-economic development.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.istic-unesco.org/web/about-istic/

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Author: Admin

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