AADHAR Authentication towards Ujjwala Yojana

 The Centre is very much in the spree of empowering marginalised women and have come up with various initiatives to help them in pursuing ease of living, like that of providing subsidised gas connection through Pradhanmantri Ujjwala Yojana and the necessity of AADHAR authentication for that. Besides, Krishi Vigyan Kendras of ICAR at various districts have come forward to augment income of the women farmers. And that became imminent in the Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) events at various locations of Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Alipurduar.

  

Besides, The farmers took much interest in spreading pesticides in the fields bearing crops through drones.

Today, BCKV, ICAR explained to SHG members on schemes to augment income at Lodhasuli of Jhargram district. Here also, women involved in agriculture thronged in numbers listening with apt attention schemes towards agriculture.

 

On Monday, the second phase of the VBSY programme was held at Topshikhata Gram Panchayat of Alipurduar 1. Besides, the first phase of VBSY was held at Salkumar-2 Gram Panchayat of Alipurduar 1 today. This apart, VBSY events also took place at Dabadari Gram Panchayat of Debra block, Paschim Medinipur, Dhargram under Dahala Gram Panchayat of Khatra block, bankura.  

 

Oil marketing companies involved in the domestic gas sector are providing AADHAR authentication services to facilitate subsidy transfer to the bank account of the beneficiaries, especially women beneficiaries in most of the VBSY sites.

 

That apart, change in personal details regarding gas connection is also being provided at the venue, which attracted several women beneficiaries in most of the places where VBSY is going on.

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Global Fisheries Conference India 2023

 On the occasion of World Fisheries Day, Dept. of Fisheries, GoI is organising two day Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 which began at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat today.  Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the Special Pavilion and main Exhibition of Global Fisheries Conference India 2023. Minister of States for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Dr. Sanjeev K. Balyan, and Dr. L Murugan, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Ministers of various states, Ambassador of various countries, other dignitaries and heads of various organisations and fisheries research institutes were present in the event.

Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala released the “State Fishes of India Booklet” to encourage each state in India to adopt a fish and conserve its biodiversity. The booklet contains details of 21 fish species adopted as State Fish and declared as State Aquatic Animal. The other key publication released was “Handbook on Fisheries Statistics year 2022” that aims at providing key data points and performance indicators for the Fisheries sector making accurate and reliable fisheries data available to all.

Further, Union Minister Shri Rupala distributed Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) claim cheques (Rs 5 lakhs each) to beneficiaries /legal heirs from states of Odisha and Puducherry, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to eligible beneficiaries with the loan amount of Rs 35 thousand to Rs 3 lakhs for beneficiaries from Gujarat, Green Fuel conversion kit for sustainable development of fisheries sector that included beneficiaries from Kerala and transponders for beneficiaries from Gujarat.

In his address, Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala welcomed all the guests and lauded the efforts for getting together diversified national and global experts and stakeholders on one platform on important matters of deliberation terming the event to be historic. He encouraged that the series of state fish declaration by major states of UP, Maharashtra and Gujarat make fish rearing an interesting subject for the general public. He further hoped that new products and innovation for sustainable development continues to enhance.

At the event,  the Inland Reservoir Lease Portal of Government of Gujarat was launched by Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel. The reservoir leasing will now be done on online using the portal through e-tender/ e-auction for transparency in lease allocation procedure with priority given to Fisheries cooperatives, FFPO, SHGs etc. Chief Minister of Gujarat also digitaly launched Black spotted Crocker (commonly known as Ghol) as the State Fish of Gujarat.

Chief Minister of Gujarat in his keynote address welcomed all guests and highlighted that as a leading fish production and exporting state in India, it is a great opportunity for Gujarat to host this mega event. Gujarat is a policy-vision state hence along with the existing progressive programs and initiatives, Blue economy is being prioritised as a key focus area.

MoS Dr. Sanjeev K. Balyan welcomed all the dignitaries and highlighted that the Indian Fisheries sector has expanded from the coastal states to the Northern states and inland fisheries and aquaculture particularly shrimp aquaculture is getting popular in the Northern states of India. Provisions should thus be made to continue with the momentum through infrastructure support.

MoS Dr. L Murugan congratulated all on occasion of World Fisheries day. He informed that a unique outreach program undertaken by Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala covering the 8000 kms coastline of India is progressing towards completion. He highlighted that the achievements of the Fisheries sector are in line with the vision of Prime Minister of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India as Indian products and services are being popularised to achieve self-sufficiency and of best quality.

Mr. Takayuki Hagiwara, Head of Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in India congratulated all on occasion of World Fisheries Day prioritising healthy ecosystem and healthy stocks as a key FAO strategy. He exhibited confidence that India can champion the Blue Transformation initiatives as it has the potential to expand sustainably and FAO gladly extends its support to India in its initiatives for innovative value chain development, reduction of illegal and unregulated fishing etc.

Minister for Agri, AH, Cow-Breeding, Fisheries, RH & RD, Govt. of Gujarat, Shri Raghavjibhai Patel in his special address thanked all the participants for coming and highlighted that the state of Gujarat has been progressive and under Digital India has launched online systems that create transparency and make immediate transfers possible to beneficiaries directly. He envisioned an aqua park in Gujarat in time to come.

Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi welcomed all the guests and informed that the Department of Fisheries, GoI has four focus areas namely improvement of production and productivity, infrastructure development and strengthening market linkages, technology infusion and ease of Doing business as done under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) Act amendment.

Towards the end, a message by Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat was shared with the audience where he expressed his best wishes on occasion of World Fisheries day and hoped that the conference achieves its objectives of bringing in diverse perspectives.

Joint Secretary for DoF, Shri Sagar Mehra highlighted that the Department of Fisheries organized the event of this scale and magnitude for the first time. He said it is moment of pride for DoF (MoFAH&D, GoI) to host 10 foreign missions from the countries of France, New Zealand, Norway, Australia, Russia, Spain, Zimbabwe, Angola, Brazil and Greece along with International organisations namely Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN-FAO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Bay of Bengal Program (BoBP), Marine Stewardship Council India (MSC), Ministers from the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himanchal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Goa and Andhra Pradesh.

The delegation interacted with the exhibitors in the special pavilion that included demonstration of aquariums, Artificial reefs, Seaweed Cultivation, capture fisheries, marine cage culture, biofloc, RAS, fish feed, LPG converter kits, pearl extraction and nucleus implantation, model of Setcom satellite terminals communication system, eco-friendly movable kiosks, mutli-species hatchery etc.

In line with the past years, on occasion of the World Fisheries Day, awards were distributed by the dignitaries. Andhra Pradesh was awarded as the Best Marine State, Uttar Pradesh awarded as the Best Inland State award, Assam as the Best Himalayan region and North Easter State award. Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu) was awarded as the Best Marine District, Seoni (Madhya Pradesh), Kamrup (Assam) won the Best Inland District and the Best Himalayan and North Eastern District respectively and Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) won the Best District in the Union Territories category. Awards for Best Fish Farmers, Best Fisheries Cooperatives and the Best Fisheries Enterprises were also distributed during the function.

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International collaboration for sustainable growth of fisheries, aquaculture

 An International Round Table Meet led by Union Fisheries Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala at the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 has called for cooperation and collaboration between countries for a sustainable growth of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Partnering with other countries and organisations that have advanced technologies and expertise in fisheries and aquaculture to facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge would greatly help to enhance the Indian fisheries sector, the meet suggested.

Speaking at the session, Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala said that the GPS system should be made user-friendly to the fishermen, utilising the global expertise and technologies. Cost-effective and reliable technologies are essential for marine navigation to be truly beneficial to fishermen venturing into the sea, the Minister said.

“Global exchange programmes in data collection and data sharing can play a major role to improve the fisheries sector, Shri Rupala said. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, these programmes can facilitate the adoption of best practices, promote sustainable resource management, and develop effective mitigation strategies in response to climate change. This collective approach can play a pivotal role in safeguarding the livelihoods of traditional fishermen, who are particularly vulnerable to the escalating impacts of climate change.

Global data exchange programmes can significantly enhance the quality and availability of fisheries data, providing a comprehensive understanding of fish stocks, migration patterns, and ecosystem dynamics”, the Union Minister said.

In his address, Mr. DimitriousIoannou, Ambassador of Greece, underscored the critical need to harmonize fishing and aquaculture practices with environmental sustainability. He advocated for a multifaceted approach that encompasses both domestic and international strategies.

This high-level dialogue was attended by Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying  Sanjeev Kumar Balyan and Dr L Murugan,  Union Fisheries Secretary, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Ambassadors  from Greece, Angola and diplomatic delegation from  Australia, Brazil, France, Norway, Russia, Zimbabwe and; State Fisheries Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura; representatives of international organisations such as Food and Agriculture Organisation  (FAO) of the United Nations , Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO), GiZ; Asian Development Bank (ADB); senior officials of the Department of Fisheries, Govt of India; senior officers of State Fisheries Departments and Heads of various research and development agencies.  Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Fisheries Secretary welcomed the gathering.

The forum underscored the need of exchange of adequate technology expertise to tap the unexplored deep-sea resources in India. The country has vast unexplored deep-sea resources and equipping the fishermen and the vessels with adequate technologies and training could utilise these untapped resources, it observed.

The speakers at the Round Table Meet identified four major areas which require international collaboration. They are enhancing fisheries production targeting food and nutritional security, strengthening of aquaculture to combat human hunger, sustainable utilisation of the resources in the fisheries sector, and development of deep-sea fishing.

Shri Sanjay Kumar Nishad, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries of Uttar Pradesh emphasised the importance of collective efforts and advanced technologies to boost fish production and secure the livelihoods of fishermen and aqua farmers.

Highlighting the potential for growth in the fisheries sector, Shri Jai Prakash Dalal, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries of Haryana announced plans for an Aqua Park, and he invited investors to participate in this development.

Shri Chander Kumar, Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry of Himachal Pradesh, Shri A L Hek, Minister of Fisheries of Meghalaya, Shri Pangjung Jami, Minister of Fisheries of Nagaland, Shri Sudhangshu Das, Minister for Fisheries, Animal Resource Development of Tripura and Shri Nilkanth Halarnkar, Minister for Fisheries of Goa also spoke at the meet.

Foreign diplomatic delegations expressed their keen interest in fostering collaboration with India in several key areas, including research, data collection, resource monitoring and technology backstopping.

Discussions on expanding market access for Indian fishery products, collaborating with research institutions, universities and international organisations to conduct research on sustainable fishing practices, aquaculture technologies and resource management were also held during the session.

Mr. Clemente Pedro Francisco Camenha, Ambassador of Angola, Mr Peter Hobwani, Deputy Ambassador of Zimbabwe, Mr. Sergey Muratov, Head of National Research Institutions for Preservation and Safety of Fisheries Sources and Aquaculture, Russia, Mr. Monique Tran, Counsellor for Agricultural Affairs, France, Mr. Christian Valdes Carter, Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Norway, Mr. Wagner Antunes, Head of the Trade Promotion Department, Embassy of Brazil and Dr Richard Niall, First Secretary (Agriculture), Australian High Commission spoke at the International Round Table Meet.

Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, GoI, Ms Neetu Kumari Prasad gave the summary of the discussion and the vote of thanks.

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15th annual convocation of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology at Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha

 The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the 15th annual convocation of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology at Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha, today (November 21, 2023).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the development of our country depends on the contribution of youth. Students graduating from this university will be responsible for constructing roads, buildings, dams and factories using the latest technologies. As engineers, they will be the architects of progress. As innovators, they will be bridges between imagination and reality. She stated that in the rapidly progressing world, the skill and knowledge that they have acquired in this institution are going to be the bedrock upon which their future as well as the future of the nation will be built.

The President was happy to note that a special Satellite Launch Vehicle developed by the students of the Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology has been successful on an experimental basis. It received appreciation from ISRO and a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the University and ISRO for further research. She also noted that an Innovation and Incubation Center has been established in the campus of this university. She appreciated students and faculty members of the University for their Creative Work.

The President said that we have set a target to make India a developed country before 2047. She added that technology can accelerate the pace of development. Therefore, technocrats and engineers will play an important role in making India a developed nation.

The President advised students to be mindful of the fact that their success will not solely be measured by their personal achievements. She said that it will also be measured by the positive impact they will make on the lives of others. She urged them to make every effort for excellence, not just for personal gain, but also for the progress of the Nation. She also urged them to strive to become agents of positive change, advocates of diversity and champions of integrity.

The President said that we should not forget our traditional values while embracing technical advancements. The National Education Policy – 2020 focuses on mother tongue, tradition and culture. She emphasised that the development of the country should be inclusive and dedicated to the entire humanity. She said that we must always remember the values inherent in our culture to make development humanity friendly.

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Balancing Pain Relief and Side Effects: Tramadol's Role in Pain Management

 For anyone who has ever experienced chronic pain, the search for effective pain relief can be a significant challenge. The world of analgesics or pain relievers encompasses a vast array of medications, each with its set of benefits and potential drawbacks. One such medication that has gained attention is Tramadol. Understanding what is Tramadol, its uses, and the delicate balance between its efficacy and side effects is vital for patients and healthcare providers.

Photo by Tree of Life Seeds on Pexels.com

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic, which means it’s in the same class of drugs as morphine, but it’s chemically different. It’s used primarily to treat moderate to severe pain, whether from surgery, injury, or chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. One of the main Tramadol uses is in long-term pain management due to its potential for lesser addiction compared to other opioids.

Tramadol Dosage and Formulations

Tramadol dosage can vary based on the patient’s pain level, age, and other factors. Typically, it starts with a lower dose, which can be increased until effective pain management is achieved without significant side effects. It’s available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid, with the Tramadol 200mg being one of the most potent doses. This high dosage is not common and is reserved for specific situations with strict monitoring due to its potency.

In some regions, like Mexico, the Tramadol 200 mg, especially Tramadol 200mg Mexico formulations, can be procured, often under different trade names. Tramadol pill forms, especially the Tramadol 200 mg tablet and Tramadol 200mg white capsules, are prevalent.

What is in Tramadol and How Does It Work?

The primary active ingredient in Tramadol is Tramadol hydrochloride, which works by changing the way the brain perceives pain. Unlike other opioids, it also has an effect on neurotransmitters, increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which can contribute to its pain-relieving effect.

Balancing Benefits and Tramadol Side Effects

Like all medications, Tramadol has side effects. The most common Tramadol side effects include dizziness, nausea, constipation, and headaches. It’s also essential to understand the more serious side effects like respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.

An intriguing question for many is, “Does Tramadol make you sleepy or awake?” Tramadol can indeed cause drowsiness, but for some, it might cause insomnia. This duality underscores the importance of individualized care and monitoring when prescribing Tramadol.

Regarding its potency, many wonder about the effects of high dosages, like “Tramadol 200 mg high” or the impact of “200 milligrams of Tramadol.” The answer is that higher doses increase the risk of side effects, including the rare but serious risk of serotonin syndrome. Overdosing can also lead to slowed breathing, seizures, or even death.

How Long Does Tramadol Last?

The duration of Tramadol’s effects depends on the formulation. Immediate-release forms might last up to 6 hours, while extended-release tablets or capsules, such as Tramadol 200mg, can provide pain relief throughout the day.

Global Perspectives: Tramadol in Mexico and Beyond

While Tramadol is available worldwide, the regulations governing its sale and distribution vary. In some places, such as Mexico, Tramadol, including the Tramadol 200mg Mexico formulation, might be more accessible. It’s always crucial for patients to ensure they’re getting legitimate products, given the rise in counterfeit medications.

As the demand for reliable and authentic sources for medications rises, platforms like https://medicinesmexicamrx.com/ have come to the forefront, providing users with easy access to various drugs.

When deciding on the use of Tramadol or any medication, the goal is always to balance benefits with potential risks. It’s undeniable that Tramadol, from the standard Tramadol pill to the potent Tramadol 200mg white capsules, offers substantial pain relief for many.

Successful Teacher Training Workshop on "Nano Quest

 A specialized Teacher Training Workshop convened at CSIR-CSIO in Chandigarh on November 20th, 2023 marked a significant milestone in the realm of science education. The workshop, organized as part of Knowledge and Awareness Mapping Platform (KAMP)’s third Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program for educators in collaboration with the CSIR – Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), brought together over 40 enthusiastic teachers from diverse schools.

The central theme of the workshop, “Nano Quest – A Journey of Exploration through Nanoworld,” underscored the commitment of educators to enhance their knowledge and teaching skills in the field of science education. The diverse training modules covered various facets of science education, providing a unique opportunity for educators to learn from esteemed scientists and experts associated with CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh. 

 

Dr. Sachin Tyagi, Principal Scientist at CSIR-CSIO, delivered an enlightening technical session on “माइक्रोवेव अवशोषण अनप्रयोग – “माइक्रोवेव अवशोषण अनुप्रयोग – चुभंकीय सामग्री आधारि त समिश्रण” which translates to “Microwave Absorption Applications – Magnetic Material Based Composites.” The workshop also featured a session by Dr. Abhay Sachdev, Senior Scientist at CSIR-CSIO, exploring the “Prospects and Applications of Nanomedicines.” In a practical turn, Dr. B. Sreekanth and Dr. Inderpreet Kaur, scientists from CSIR-CSIO, guided teachers on Environmental Monitoring, providing insights into skill development in a scientific context.

Mr. Dhiraj Singh Rajput, Regional Head of KAMP and Mr. Kaushal Payal, Regional Manager of KAMP captivated the audience with an in-depth presentation on the KAMP, an initiative of CSIR-NIScPR and NCPL. Stressing the importance of science education beyond textbooks and classrooms. Mr. Dheeraj emphasized the need for a dynamic and immersive experience that encourages students to question, explore, and innovate.

The workshop served as a platform for educators and administrators to gain fresh perspectives on science education, exchange ideas on effective teaching strategies, and align with the latest developments in the field. The collective knowledge and experience shared by the scientists promise to leave a lasting impact on the future of science education.

Continuous Professional Development programs of this nature play a vital role in equipping teachers with the latest tools and knowledge to enrich the learning experiences of their students. Beyond enhancing educators’ understanding of scientific concepts, these initiatives aim to spark a profound enthusiasm for scientific exploration in students.

About CSIR-CSIO:

CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) is a premier national laboratory dedicated to the research, design, and development of scientific and industrial instruments. As a multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional apex industrial research & development organization, CSIO stimulates the growth of the Instrument Industry in India.

About CBSE (Training/Capacity Building Programmes):

CBSE is committed to addressing quality concerns in school education, prioritizing the development of teachers and principals. The Board provides various training programs to enhance their understanding of curriculum, delivery mechanisms, and other professional qualities.

About KAMP:

KAMP is an Initiative and Knowledge Alliance of CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) and industrial partner M/S Nysa Communications Pvt. Ltd. (NCPL). It aims to develop creativity, meaningful learning, critical reading, and thinking skills, bringing out the inherent abilities of students.

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4th Capacity Building Programme for Civil Servants

 The 2-week Capacity Building Programme (CBP) for civil servants of Arunachal Pradesh unveiled at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) Mussoorie on 20thNovember, 2023. This is in furtherance to further improve the governance and public service delivery in North-East and Border States as per the guidance and directions of Honorable Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. An MoU was signed with NCGG in 2022 to train 500 officers of Arunachal Pradesh over the next five years. As part of the agreement, NCGG has already imparted training to 113 officers including the 30 participants of the ongoing 4thCapacity Building Programme.

The two-week capacity building programme has been scientifically tailored by the NCGG team and included the exchange of vast information, knowledge, new ideas, and best practices that promote citizen-centric governance. The sessions for each training programme were firmed up by the NCGG faculty based on the need of the state and in consultation with Government of Arunachal Pradesh. This capacity-building programme will help the civil servants in putting up dedicated efforts to fill in the gaps between policies and implementation in their respective work places.

The Inaugural session was presided over by Shri V. Srinivas, Director General, National Centre for Good Governance. He requested the participating officers to make full use of the exposure that they will have during the programme and take advantage of the opportunity and urged them to share knowledge and work in groups as effective team building is essential to foster good ideas which can be utilized to improve the quality of life of citizens. He appreciated the efforts in Arunachal Pradesh in implementation of government programmes. In his address he highlighted the importance of redressing citizen grievances in a time bound manner and also effective handlings of court related work as these are mechanisms of ensuring justice to people. He stressed on the importance of harnessing the programme’s maximum potential and learning from best practices, which can be modified to suit their own contextual settings. He emphasized on the pressing requirement for civil servants to fully capitalize on the digital revolution and embrace the latest IT innovations. He encouraged the officers to work in group activities and share experiences through presentations on saturation of priority sector programmes, how to be effective officers, Land reforms among other sectors.

Giving the welcome address and overview of the programme, Dr. B.S. Bisht, Course Coordinator of the programme said that in the 4th capacity building programme, NCGG will share various initiatives taken in the country such as equity and government intervention, public policy & implementation, fintech and inclusion, improving public service delivery, changing paradigm of good governance, ethical perspective in governance, disaster management: Indian and global practices, vision of India @2047: focus on civil services, executive judiciary interface,  digital governance: case studies of passport seva and MADAD, technology enabled governance, leadership coordination and effective communication skills, Public private partnership for infrastructure development, approach to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030, aspirational districts, behavioral change management, Digital India, Water conservation: a village creates magic, Education in tribal region-Eklavya model residential school (EMRS), saturation of basic services in villages/service plans in NE region, development and conservation, promoting the livelihood: a case of Himalayan state, tourism: potential for growth, rural housing, overview of rural development in context to watershed management, climate change & its impact on bio-diversity: policies and global practices, innovations in public administration, overview of national security scenario, project planning, execution and monitoring-JJM, centralized public grievance redressal & monitoring system among other important topics.

The participants will also be exposed to visits aimed at observing a diverse range of developmental projects and institutions. These visits offer invaluable insights and first-hand experiences of prominent initiatives and organizations, including but not limited to the Parliament of India, AIIMS, Paryavaran Bhawan, MDNIY, NDMC, Pradhanmantri Sanghralaya, among others. 

The overall supervision and coordination of the 4th capacity building programme is being carried out by Dr. B. S. Bisht, course coordinator for Arunachal Pradesh, along with Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, co-course coordinator, and the capacity building team of the NCGG.


EPFO adds 17.21 lakh net members during the month of September 2023

 EPFO’s provisional payroll data released today highlights that EPFO has added 17.21 lakh net members in the month of September, 2023. Month-on-month comparison of payroll data shows an increase of 21,475 net members over the previous month of August 2023. Year-on-year comparison of payroll data reflects an increase of 38,262 net members over the previous year of September, 2022.

The data indicates that around 8.92 lakh new members have enrolled during September, 2023. Among these newly joined members, the age-group of 18-25 years constitutes 58.92% of total new members added during the month. This demonstrates that majority of the members joining organised sector workforce of the country are youth, who are mostly first-time job seekers.

Payroll data shows that approximately 11.93 lakh members exited but rejoined EPFO. These members switched their jobs and re-joined the establishments covered under the ambit of EPFO and opted to transfer their accumulations instead of applying for final settlement thus, extending their social security protection. As compared to the previous month, number of exits have decreased by 12.17% with 3.64 lakh exits in the month of September, 2023. The data also highlights that the number of members exiting EPFO has been declining since June, 2023.

Gender-wise analysis of payroll data represents that out of the total 8.92 lakh new members added during the month, around 2.26 lakh are new female members, joining EPFO for the first time. Also, the net female member addition during the month stood at around 3.30 lakh.

State-wise analysis of payroll data denotes that net member addition is highest in the 5 states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat and Haryana. These states constitute around 57.42% of net member addition, adding a total of 9.88 lakh members during the month. Of all the states, Maharashtra is leading by adding 20.42% of net members during the month.

Month-on-month comparison of industry-wise data displays significant growth in the members working in establishments engaged in the Sugar industry, courier services, iron and steel, hospitals, travel agencies etc. Of the total net membership, around 41.46% addition is from expert services (consisting of manpower suppliers, normal contractors, security services, miscellaneous activities etc.). 

The above payroll data is provisional since the data generation is a continuous exercise, as updating employee record is a continuous process. The previous data hence gets updated every month. From the month of April-2018, EPFO has been releasing payroll data covering the period September, 2017 onwards. In monthly payroll data, the count of members joining EPFO for the first time through Aadhaar validated Universal Account Number (UAN), existing members exiting from coverage of EPFO and those who exited but re-joining as members, is taken to arrive at net monthly payroll. 

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All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural and Rural Labourers

 The All India Consumer Price Index Number for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) (Base: 1986-87=100) for the month of October, 2023 increased by 15 points and 14 points respectively to stand at 1241 (one thousand two hundred and forty-one) and 1251 (one thousand two hundred and fifty-one) points respectively. The major contribution towards the rise in general index of Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers came from food group to the extent of 13.20 and 12.48 points respectively mainly due to increase in prices of rice, wheat atta, pulses, vegetables, milk, onion, chillies (green), mixed spices etc,.

There has been an upward trend in the index across all the states. In the case of Agricultural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 5 States, 11 to 20 points in 13 states and an increase of more than 20 points in 2 states. Tamil Nadu with 1427 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 960 points stood at the bottom.

In the case of Rural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 5 states, 11 to 20 points in 13 states and an increase of more than 20 points in 2 states. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with 1415 points each topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 1011 points stood at the bottom.

Amongst states, the maximum increase was experienced by Jammu & Kashmir for both CPI-AL and CPI-RL (32 and 29 points respectively) mainly due to rise in the prices of rice, wheat atta, onion, kadam saag/spinach, etc. The minimum increase in both the indexes was experienced by Kerala (1 point each).

Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 7.08% and 6.92% in October, 2023 compared to 6.70% and 6.55% respectively in September, 2023 and 7.22% and 7.34% respectively during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, food inflation stood at 8.42% and 8.18% in October, 2023 compared to 8.06% and 7.73% respectively in September, 2023 and 7.05% & 7.00% respectively during the corresponding month of the previous year.

All-India Consumer Price Index Number (General & Group-wise):

Group

Agricultural Labourers

Rural  Labourers

 

September, 2023

October, 2023

September, 2023

October, 2023

General Index

1226

1241

1237

1251

Food

1166

1185

1171

1190

Pan, Supari,  etc.

2004

2009

2014

2019

Fuel & Light

1307

1308

1299

1299

Clothing, Bedding  &Footwear

1261

1266

1307

1315

Miscellaneous

1274

1277

1278

1278

            

The CPI – AL and RL for the month of November, 2023 will be released on 20th December, 2023. 

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Incentive for foreign film production will be increased to 40 % of the expenses

 Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur said that India will increase the incentive for foreign film production in the country to 40 % of the expenses incurred with an increased cap limit of Rs.30 crore (exceeding 3.5 million US Dollars). Earlier, the per project cap for the incentives only Rs 2.5 Crore. An additional 5% percent bonus for Significant Indian Content (SIC), in his inaugural address at the 54th International Film Festival of India at Panaji, Goa today. 

Shri Thakur said that there was a need for a higher incentive to attract medium and big budget international projects to the country considering India’s size and vast potential. “ This paradigm shift in incentivizing film production serves as a testament to India’s commitment and support for artistic expression and reinforces our position as a preferred destination for cinematic endeavors”, he added. 

Further, in a glorious tribute to the legendary actress Madhuri Dixit, the 54th International Film Festival of India honoured her with ‘Special Recognition for Contribution to Bharatiya Cinema’ Award. “An icon across the ages, Madhuri Dixit has graced our screens with unparalleled talent for four incredible decades,” posted the Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur on X. 

The Union Minister also announced a recruitment drive for the young minds who were selected in the ’75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow,’ opening up doors to limitless opportunities for their blossoming talents and career trajectories. The ’75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow,’ now in its 3rd edition, was born in 2021 from the Prime Minister’s vision to provide the youth with a platform to showcase their creative expression through the medium of cinema. “This year, out of nearly 600 entries across 10 categories, 75 young filmmakers have been handpicked from 19 states, including remote areas like Bishnupur, Jagatsinghpur, and Sadarpur”, the Minister added.

The Minister also announced a new category of awards – Best Web Series (OTT) Category – being introduced in this edition of IFFI. Highlighting the new components in the festival, Shri Anurag Thakur said that IFFI will acknowledge and honour the transformative role of original content creators in India, celebrating their contributions to employment and innovation. The Minister emphasized that, “for the first time, IFFI has augmented the scope of Film Bazaar by introducing a well-curated ‘VFX & Tech Pavilion’ to showcase the latest innovations from the cinema world, and a documentary section to its co-production market to support non-fiction storytelling.” 

Confirming India’s commitment to the cause of women empowerment, Shri Thakur said that this year’s IFFI will feature films from 40 remarkable women filmmakers. “Their talent, creativity and unique perspectives promise to make the festival a celebration of diverse voices and narratives”, he highlighted. 

Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has consistently stressed the creation of an inclusive and accessible India through the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ Adding another dimension to the PM’s vision, the Minister emphasized that IFFI is upholding ‘Sabka Manoranjan’ i.e ‘Entertainment for all’ by making inclusivity a guiding principle. “All venues for this year’s festival will be equipped with facilities catering to the differently abled. There will be four additional special screenings for visually and hearing impaired delegates with embedded audio descriptions and sign language provisions”, he added.

The Minister also touched upon several measures taken by Government of India in the recent past to augment the Media & Entertainment Sector in India. “Recently, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, received approval from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. This legislation not only broadens the legal framework, shifting its focus beyond censorship to encompass copyright protection but also introduces rigorous measures against piracy”, he emphasized.

Underlining the significant role of Cinema as a uniting force, Shri Thakur said, “I strongly believe that, throughout its history, Cinema has captured and chiseled ideas, imagination and innovation such that it forms the driving force for peace, progress and prosperity in a world which is increasingly distressed with division.” 

Linking India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 Mission to the scientific possibilities offered by visionary works of art, the Minister said, “in 1902, long before space organizations were even conceived or conceptualized, a remarkable visionary work of art and a French Film by Georges Méliès, A Trip to the Moon spread the seeds of scientific possibility and progress in people’s minds.” The Minister said, “the power of cinema is incredible and it is fascinating how these ideas shape our world.”

Shri Anurag Singh Thakur congratulated Hollywood Actor/Producer Michael Douglas for having been conferred with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed Jury of the International Competition, the Indian Panorama, the Best Web Series (OTT), and the 75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow. 

Concluding his remarks, the Minister said that his vision for IFFI is not limited to one event, but what IFFI should be when India celebrates its 100th year of Independence once we transition from Amrit Mahotsav to Amrit Kaal. 

 


Global Fisheries Conference India 2023

 Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala will inaugurate Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad on 21st November 2023. The concept has thus taken shape of a two-day conference from 21st to 22nd November 2023 on the occasion of World Fisheries Day being celebrated globally. The Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 was conceptualised by the Department of Fisheries with the aim of devising a way forward for the Indian Fisheries and Aquaculture sector in conjunction with the stakeholders from the fisheries’ value chain. 

The event will kick-start with the inauguration of the Exhibition by Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala and followed by the Inaugural session, Press Conference, International Round table and parallel Technical Sessions, Industry Connect Sessions and G2G/G2B and B2B Bilaterals. The exhibition stalls and food mela will be accessible to all visitors and participants throughout the two days, post inaugural ceremony.

One of the key event will be the International Roundtable led by Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala with the foreign missions of France, New Zealand, Norway, Australia, Russia, Spain, Zimbabwe, Angola, Brazil and Greece, International organisations namely Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN-FAO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Bay of Bengal Program (BoBP), Marine Stewardship Council India (MSC India) among others, Ministers from the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himanchal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Goa and Andhra Pradesh along with senior officials from Department of Fisheries (GoI), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), State/UT Fisheries Departments and Fisheries institutes. The objective of the International Roundtable will be to discuss collaborations with international organizations, Ministries, research institutions among others on sustainable fishing practices, aquaculture technologies and resource management. 

Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 is a unique opportunity that is expected to bring together varied stakeholders at one place platform. More than 5000 participants will be hosted during the two days for multiple sessions and engaged in thought provoking discussions and deliberations. In total a series of ten sessions have been planned for the Technical Sessions and the Industry Connect Sessions. Whilst open forums for Government-to-Government (G2G)/Government-to-Business (G2B) and Business-to-Business (B2B) Bilaterals will be simultaneously held.

The Technical Sessions have been planned with the objectives of fostering deeper understanding of trending topics in Fisheries sector pertaining to challenges and opportunities in Inland Aquaculture, Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture, Deep Sea Fishing, sustainable aqua feed, fish health management, innovations & best practices, New and Emerging Technologies etc. 

The Industry Connect Sessions are also planned during event with focus on bringing together business and industrial organisations in the fisheries sector to share market insights, trends, opportunities and challenges while networking and foster collaborations/partnerships. 

The G2G/G2B/B2B bilaterals are also being facilitated to entail discussion and dialogues between policy makers, experts and industry for knowledge sharing, networking etc. This is an open format forum for stakeholders to freely explore opportunities for bilateral discussion and deliberations. 

The exhibition is also organized that hosts more than 200+ exhibitors, who are demonstrating a wide range of products, services and innovations by the start-ups, associations, co-operatives, SHGs, and small-medium enterprises from the sector. A special pavilion has been set up that exhibits chosen start-ups RAS, Artificial Reef, Seaweeds, Transponders, Raceways, Deep Sea Fishing Harbours etc.

At a macro level, all activities planned during the Global Fisheries Conference 2023 are expected to yield views and thought process of national and international stakeholders for identifying focus areas, gaps, opportunities, solutions and partnerships for the development of the Indian Fisheries sector.

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United Service Institution of India to organise Annual UN Forum 2023 on ‘International Humanitarian Law & Peacekeeping’ in New Delhi

 United Service Institution of India (USI), the country’s oldest think-tank established in 1870 for research and debate on national security and military affairs, is organising its Annual UN Forum 2023 in New Delhi in November 21-22, 2023. The forum on ‘International Humanitarian Law and Peacekeeping’ is being organised in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Centre for UN Peacekeeping Operations.

With contemporary UN peacekeeping missions increasingly being deployed in volatile environments characterised by asymmetric warfare, ensuring adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) principles has become critical. However, applying IHL norms presents challenges arising from the complexity of modern conflicts, actions by non-state actors and blurred lines between combatants and civilians in urban battlespaces.

Against this background, the forum aims to discuss the applicability and limitations of implementing IHL frameworks in UN peace operations through an interactive, multi-stakeholder approach. The sessions will enable a deeper examination of some of the contemporary issues like the protection of civilians, accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, the role of women in peacekeeping operations, and leveraging technology for more effective operations.

The forum will involve insightful perspectives presented by both academicians and practitioners who have first-hand experience of peacekeeping challenges. Keynote addresses will be delivered by senior officials from the Indian Armed Forces and the Ministry of External Affairs. The forum will be held over two days as under:

  • Session 1 will discuss application of IHL principles to peacekeeping given situations involving non-state actors and urban warfare.
  • Session 2 will analyse constraints to protection of civilian mandates and overcoming them by integrating IHL norms.
  • Session 3 will examine legal frameworks to ensure accountability when peacekeepers are targeted, and measures to enhance their protection.
  • Session 4 will focus on the importance of gender-inclusive peacekeeping and challenges for women peacekeepers.
  • Session 5 will discuss utilising technology for more effective peacekeeping through data analytics, AI and advanced surveillance.

The event will conclude with a plenary session aimed at consolidating takeaways for peacekeeping practitioners and providing recommendations to further informed discourse on IHL and its integration into UN peace operations. The dialogues during the forum can contribute to developing training modules and policy frameworks to make peacekeeping more effective while ensuring the rights and safety of peacekeepers and civilians.

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Jan Aushadhi Stall at trade fair

 Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya visited Jan Aushadhi stall at the trade fair today to oversee the functioning of the stall. The Minister also appreciated that this stall is providing information about the noble project of the Government of India to make accessible and affordable Health Care throughout the country. 

42nd India International Trade Fair is being held from 14th to 27th November at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Being a part of this International Trade Fair, a demonstration stall has been set up by Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in Hall No. 5 (Stall No. 8-B) where the general public is being made aware of the salient features of this noble project. Through this stall, information is being given to the public about the affordable and high quality medicines of Jan Aushadhi. 

As we all are aware that with an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. Under this scheme, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to provide generic medicines. As on 31st October 2023, 9998 Janaushadhi Kendras are functional across the country. Product basket of PMBJP comprises 1965 drugs and 293 surgical equipment which are sold at retail shops at 50% to 90% cheaper than branded medicines. PMBJP has drastically brought down the prices of more than 1965 quality medicines and making these medicines available within the reach of large section of population, especially the poor and patients with chronic diseases. 

In last 9 years, there has been unprecedented growth in number of Kendras which were only 80 in 2014 and have now grown to more than 9998 Kendras almost all districts of the country. In the financial year i.e., 2022-23, PMBI has sold Jan Aushadhi Medicines worth Rs. 1236 Crore which has led to savings of approximately Rs. 7416 Cr. to the citizens. In last 9 years, the no. of Kendras have increased by 100 times and the sales have also increased by more than 170 times. In all, during the past 9 years, total savings of approximately Rs. 23,000 crores for the citizens have been possible due to this noble scheme.

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Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Santhigiri Ashram

 Dr. Sashi Tharoor, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri A.N. Radhakrishnan, State General Secretary, BJP, Prof. K.V. Thomas, Special Representative, Govt. of Kerala, Shri P.K. Das, National Executive Member, BJP, Swami Jnana Thapaswi, General Secretary, Santhigiri Ashram, Swami Chaitanya Jnana Thapaswi, President, Santhigiri Ashram, Shri Gokulam Gopalam, President of All India Malayali Association.

Let me indicate and unfold my heart, ever since I landed here, I cannot describe in words the kind of feeling I had. Sublimity in action. Every moment I spent so far here, will be etched in my memory forever.

Dear brothers and sisters, I would leave this place fully surcharged, energized, motivated and inspired to follow the principles that Santhigiri Ashram is following and espousing. I take it as a personal accomplishment and a matter of great honour, that I am associated with Santhigiri Ashram on this momentous occasion.

On the journey of 25 years, it has traversed so much, with so much impact and appreciation, changing lives of the people for the better. On this occasion of dedication of the Silver Jubilee Centre of Kerala-based Santhigiri Ashram in New Delhi, I congratulate everyone associated with the Organisation.

My good wishes on this auspicious occasion to every person associated with various centres, nationally and globally, of Santhigiri Ashram. I have gathered that it has been a remarkable journey. 25 years is not a long time to make that kind of impact but what I have gathered, what I have come to know and what I have seen myself is that you are catalysing a big social change and hand-holding those who need your assistance, giving succour to those who need it for sure.

In changing Bharat, home to 1/6th of humanity, you are playing a pivotal role by engaging in skill development that empowers the people.

Brothers and sister, you are an epicentre of wholesome change. What we need in this country today is a mind-set that reflects our civilizational ethos. Rather than empower the pocket of a person, it is required that we empower their minds, we empower their faculties and that you are doing imminently in a better fashion by empowering human resource through skill development. My congratulations to you!

Your recognition by Government of India as a social and scientific research organisation, is befitting. It also indicates that Government of India is acting on very objective parameters that it has chosen such an institute, such a place, for this recognition.

Brothers and sisters, while doctor Shashi Tharoor happens to be Member of Parliament from an area very close to the Ashram in Kerala, my home State also has a great connection with Ashram.

Parnasala-the monument in the shape of full bloomed Lotus in Makrana white marble, is a final resting place of the founder of Santhigiri Ashram. The marble is from my home State. It is a divine coincidence that lotus and marble from Makrana also came to be reflected globally during G20 and also that became motto of G20, widely claimed and enthused all Indians all over the world and carried to the world a message of which you happen to be an epicentre. Nothing is more important in life than to preserve our culture and contribute to the health of the people. If we go to our Upanishads, one of the Upanishads has plethora of information about health and no country in this world can have what we have, a civilizational ethos of thousands of years, uparalleled, for all to see.

What is required is that we all believe in them. This is a historic time for Bharat. The world is changing very fast, rise of Bharat is unstoppable, the rise is incremental, the rise has been acclaimed by global institutions. If IMF today says our Bharat is the rising economy among large economies, if it says India is a favourite destination of investment and opportunity, it is on the account of the action which you people have taken.

You have contributed spinally to the mood of the nation by arriving at situation. It is like endeavours of your kind, it is like a contribution of people at large that in a decade, Bharat traversed from fragile 5 to big five and in 2022, we have great distinction of becoming 5th largest global economy overtaking UK and France. In matter of time by 2030, we would overtake Japan and Germany to become the third largest global economy.

All this because of one aspect: there is emergence of an ecosystem that allows every person in the country to unleash his or her energy to fully exploit talent and potential to realise dreams and aspirations. It is gratifying to note that you are massively contributing by skill development to help people realise their dreams and aspirations, to help a person who might have lost hope, is a divine activity, you are engaged in this divinity.

Brothers and sisters, no culture in the world can take pride in that kind of sublimity of civilizational growth that we in Bharat can take. Our spine is our culture ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ the word, the expression defines our philosophy over the ages and we treat the world as one family.

In this perspective, very rightly the theme of India G20 Presidency reflecting ‘One Earth, One Family, One future’, this was highly impactful and applauded by one and all.

We are a country that not only just preaches, we preach after practicing and that happened when we faced pandemic COVID. Your Ashram was engaged 24×7 to help people who need assistance but at a global level, our Bharat assisted with Vaccine Maitri about 100 countries and to many of them vaccine was given as a contribution to their health.

When we are 1/6 of humanity, it is our obligation that will keep this planet in a healthy state, a state which we can pass on to the future generation.

We are trustees but there are concerns that we overlook. I have been saying for a long time that nothing can be more inappropriate and condemnable that some informed minds, knowledgeable people, monetizing ignorance of people for political equity; that cannot be allowed. An informed mind has to be spiritual and an informed mind has to be nationalist, non-exploiter.

Your Ashram is engaged in empowerment of women. Empowerment of women is critical to growth of humanity. Empowerment of women is not an option, it is the only way and that is why on September 21, there was an epochal development. Several efforts were made over a period of three decades, for one reason or the other the efforts could not fructify. On 21st September, Bharat had one third reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State legislature. The reservation is horizontal and vertical indicating that it is socially equitable.

It is in that context, I said that some people who know when it can fructify, who knew that it cannot happen in 2024 elections, they have made an issue of it and therefore I say intelligent minds must not absorb silence. They must give befiting reply and neutralize such sinister narratives that seek to monetize ignorance of the people for getting petty political equity. I am sure what you are doing is full of sublimity and things will go in the right direction.

I have come to know another very important aspect. It fills me with honour and pride to acknowledge that new Sanyasins chosen to walk the enlightened path, this is not easy, this is a great sacrifice, this is a divine call and two of them hail from the daily Ashram.

Brothers and sisters, in an era where life pace is relentless and materialism pervasive and who knows better than people around. They have lost all sense of being humane, of being kind, reflecting compassion. They are engaged in materialism, reckless exploitation of natural resources. They think their political empowerment, their fiscal power can determine how much natural resources they need to consume.

I have no hesitation in saying that to be a good Indian, to be a good member of this planet, we have to realize the planet is not only for human beings, it is for all living beings, it is not exclusive to us. There has to be optimum utilisation of natural resources. Your pocket, your fiscal power, your fiscal muscle cannot determine how much gas, petrol you will use. That sense has to be inculcated.

I am at the right place to make this point and I am sure message going from this place will carry greater credibility and conviction.

We remember Eklavya because Eklavya could not find a Guru, so he had a Guru, the guru was not aware of it. By merely having that situation he could go to that height. We have to re discover Guru- Shishya Parampara. गुरु बिना कोई ज्ञान नहीं है, गुरु बिना ज्ञान होकर भी हम अज्ञानी रहते हैं.

I travelled to Kerala where there is primary Santhigiri Ashram, to pay my regards to my teacher Miss Ratnavali Nair. I have no difficulty in saying that my biological birth was in a village but my real birth was handled by my Guru. That is the capacity of the gurus.

Another aspect is that we had forgotten the kind of reservoir we have, the depth we have in health management. It is soothing to know that on a very wide scale this is being globally accepted now. The efforts of the Santhigiri Ashram when it operates Ayurveda Panchkarma training centres are indeed notable. These centres are not limited to the benefit of some. The messages are taken across to the millions, it’s a game changer and will define our future healthcare.

A country can rise not only on the strength of industries or infrastructure. We are having world class infrastructure but our country will attain great heights when its youth have an ecosystem which provides them level playing field, which provide them with opportunities that allow them to channelise their energy by acting in a manner that their aptitude is translated into ground reality. That is the situation we are bringing in the country today. Our rise is expandable on this account. The kind of contribution that Ashram is making is commendable. I congratulate everyone associated with the Ashram that such an effort must get widely disseminated and it is emulative for others.

True progress is not to be reckoned in terms of wealth, your big house, your big car. True progress is happiness, joy and that comes when you are healthy. A healthy mind is essential for doing anything which is great. You may be possessed of great attitude, talent, skill, but if you are not healthy, you can’t contribute.

These days increasingly we are having another facet of health and that is mental health. Ashram is doing a good job but I would urge the Ashram that mental health issue is staring us in the face. It is writing on the wall. We need to be innovative to find solutions to that by serious counselling and hand holding so that people don’t lose hope.

In a society where people lose hope, the society cannot rise like a plateau it rises like a pyramid.  In a country what we are having is inclusive development that includes all.

Can you imagine in a country where 400 million people could not think of having a bank account, are having functional bank accounts. Can you imagine a country where every household that is in a need of gas connection and the number runs into more than 100 million, the government has made available. Dr Shashi will find out that in 1989 when I was elected to parliament in Lok Sabha I had great power in my hand because I could give 50 gas connections to individuals in a year. Look what the government has done and therefore let us not have the approach, to see everything from political stance. When there are issues of governance we have to dictate our actions with high degree of objectivity.

As Vice-President of the country it is my obligation to be part of Rajya Sabha, the Upper House. What would you expect of that house is that we engage in dialogue, debate, deliberation and discussion, that will be your expectation. But when I see with my own open eyes, with pain and anguish, that disruption and disturbance has been weaponised.

There will have to be a narrative in society to neutralize such kind of tendencies and nation has a role to play. Your silence will resonate in the ears of future generation, if you don’t break it and tell the people to do the duty for which they have been sent to Parliament.

Progress blossoms only with holistic development. I see that all around. I am son of a farmer, I could not imagine all my life that in a country like ours there will be farmers, number being more than 110 million, who will be receiving thrice a year benefit of government installments. Government giving instalments is not my concern, government being fully equipped to send money is not my concern, my pride is that the farmer in a distant village is fully technology-equipped to receive the benefit.

We have some of the finest brains in Parliament, they have seen the world. They know global developments. They know that in 2022 per capita data consumption of Internet in Bharat was more than that of USA and China taken together. Why should they be on back foot? A political commitment or belief in a political ideology cannot bind you to that level, that you don’t recognise nationalism, that is very fundamental to imagine the kind of revolution that has taken in this country technologically to every village. That is why in 2022, 46% of digital transactions were in Bharat. Our digital transactions were four times the combined transactions of USA, France, Germany, UK.

I would therefore appeal to political fraternity, it is good to be in politics, it is good to play politics as your party demands. Be a stakeholder in politics but also keep nation above politics. We cannot allow narratives that demean, taint, tarnish our country on untenable grounds. People leave this country only to demean us. Our country has had enough of people with iconic status on parameters which are baffling. You have to work for a system where only the deserving ones get that slot.

Brothers and sisters, I take great pride in sharing with you that Padma awards have been awarded for the last few years. The awardees were not known. But everyone after the award has been given has only one thing to say: the award has been given to the right person. Recognition of the right person in society is fundamental. You are doing a great job. We owe it to the nation. We owe it to humanity to appreciate your work. I know you don’t want appreciation. You can continue without appreciation. But the failure of the concerned people to appreciate good work is not a good thing in society. We must appreciate everything that is taking place in the national interest, in the interest of humanity, and in the welfare of needy people. And that is what you are doing.

Friends, this centre is a testament to comprehensive care. I have seen it during my brief interaction. I got surcharged. I am profoundly moved to dedicate the Silver Jubilee Centre to humanity. A sanctuary where professional training and spiritual growth converge, promising a future illuminated by holistic well-being and enlightened progress. Brothers and sisters, this stands as a poignant testament to the Ashram’s enduring commitment to serve and heal the wounded hearts of humanity.

I once again wish Santhigiri Ashram and all the well-wishers the best in their endeavours. In the time I had, I offer my sincere prayers for one nation, one world. I conclude—I’m emotive. What I have seen with my eyes, what I have felt—everything was pristine, sublime, authentic, with full commitment, no self-interest, only giving to society at large. Please continue with it.

Thank you.

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36th Annual Conference and Literary Festival of All India Santali Writers’ Association at Baripada, Odisha

 The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the inaugural session of the 36th Annual Conference and Literary Festival of All India Santali Writers’ Association at Baripada, Odisha today (November 20, 2023). 

Speaking on the occasion, the President appreciated writers and researchers who are contributing to the Santhali language and literature. She appreciated that All India Santali Writers’ Association has been promoting Santhali language since its establishment in 1988. She noted that use of Santhali language has been increased in government and non-government sectors, after its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution on 22 December, 2003. She remembered former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on the occasion, during whose tenure Santhali language was included in the Eighth Schedule.  

The President said that most of the Santhali literature was available in the oral tradition. Pandit Raghunath Murmu has not only invented the Ol Chiki script, but he has also further enriched the Santhali language by composing plays like ‘Bidu Chandan’, ‘Kherwal Bir’, ‘Darege Dhan’, ‘Sido- Kanhu – Santhal Hool’. She highlighted that many Santhali writers are enriching Santhali literature with their works. She said that it is a matter of pride that Damayanti Besra and Kali Pada Saren – popularly known as Kherwal Saren – have been honoured with Padma Shri in 2020 and 2022 respectively for education and literature. 

The President said that authors are vigilant watchdogs of society. They make society aware and guide it through their work. Many litterateurs showed path to our national movement during the freedom struggle. She urged writers to continuously create awareness in the society through their writings. She stressed that creating awareness among the people of tribal communities is an important task. She said that building a strong and vigilant society is possible only through continuous awareness. 

The President said that literature is a mirror of the culture of a community. She said that natural co-existence of humans with nature is seen in the tribal lifestyle. She added that the tribal communities believe that the forest does not belong to them but they belong to the forest. She highlighted that today climate change is a huge problem and nature-friendly living is very important to tackle this issue. She urged writers to write about the lifestyles of tribal communities so that other people could know about the life values of tribal society. 

The President said that India is a beautiful garden of different languages and literatures. She added that language and literature are the subtle threads that bind the nation together and literature is enriched by extensive exchange between different languages which is possible through translations. She said that readers of Santhali language should also be introduced to the literature of other languages through translation. She underlined the need for similar efforts to make Santhali literature reach the readers of other languages. 

The President said that there is a need to keep children engaged in self-study right from the beginning. She added that that anyone can become a good reader by doing self-study since childhood. She highlighted the need to create entertaining and comprehensible children’s literature. She stated that emphasis should be laid on creating interesting children’s literature not only in Santhali literature but in all Indian languages.

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