Three-day National Thematic Workshop on Localization of (LSDGs) Sustainable Development Goals in Panchayats begins in Srinagar

 Ministry of Panchayat Raj (MoPR), Government of India, in close collaboration with Panchayati Raj & Rural Development Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, is organizing the National Workshop on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals in Gram Panchayats through Adopting Thematic Approaches on Theme 8: Panchayat with Good Governance during 21-23 August 2023 in Srinagar J&K. The Union Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Giriraj Singh will inaugurate the three-day Workshop tomorrow, in the august presence of Lt. Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha and Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil.

The National Workshop will be inaugurated in the presence of Shri Sunil Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Shri Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Additional Secretary, MoPR, Smt. Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner & Secretary, RD&PR Deptt. Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Vikas Anand, Joint Secretary, MoPR, Dr. Bijaya Kumar Behera, Economic Adviser, MoPR and other distinguished dignitaries and local public representatives. A host of Senior Officers of the Government of India and State Governments, representatives of United Nations / International agencies and around 1000 elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions from across the country are also expected to grace the occasion.

‘Meri Panchayat Mobile app’ developed by Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Meri Panchayat Mobile App, Operating Guidelines of NCBF, Service-level Benchmarks, Self-Assessments and Model Contract will be released during the inaugural session of the National Workshop.

Elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions from across the country and across the Jammu and Kashmir will attend the National Workshop. Panchayats that have taken initiatives in thematic areas have been invited to participate in the Workshop.

Participants will be consisting of elected representatives & functionaries of Panchayats, key stakeholders, domain experts and agencies doing exemplary work in the 5 Ts of Good Governance: Teamwork, Timeline, Transparency, Technology and Transformation.  Representatives of all States/ UTs from State Department of Panchayati Raj & Rural Development, Planning Department, NIRD&PR, SIRD&PRs, Panchayati Raj Training Institutes, will also participate in the workshop. Elected Representatives & Functionaries of selected Gram Panchayats from different States/ UTs will showcase their experiences in relevant thematic area through short video film presentation of 3 to 4 minutes during different Technical Sessions/ Panel Discussions.

The main objective of the workshop will be exhibiting the best strategies, approaches, convergent actions and innovative models in context to capacity building & training; best practices; monitoring framework, incentivization and reflection of themes of SDGs into Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).

 Background:

Sustainable Development Goals adopted by United Nations came into effect from January 1, 2016. Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Government of India has adopted thematic approach to SDGs – It is approach to ensure ‘local action’ for achieving ‘global plan’. The approach aims to localise SDGs in rural areas through PRIs, especially Gram Panchayats by clubbing 17 ‘Goals’ into ‘9 Themes’. Appropriate policy decisions and revisions have followed resulting into revamping of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) Guidelines which smoothens the process of Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) in Gram Panchayats.

In pursuance to the agenda of localising Sustainable Development Goals in Panchayats, Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Government of India is organising a series of Thematic Workshops/ Conferences on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) based on the nine themes to be saturated by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), at different locations in close collaboration with State/ UT Departments of Panchayati Raj, State Institutes of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PRs), line Ministries/ Departments and other stakeholders. The effective and impactful implementation of LSDGs can occur only when the concept and its process are properly understood, imbibed and implemented by the three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in order to ensure no one is left behind.

Vision of LSDGs Theme 8 – Good governance is an essential ingredient for socio-economic development of the country. It centers around the responsibility of government and governing bodies to meet the needs of the masses as opposed to select groups in society – “The way those with power use that power.

Good Governance has direct correlation to service delivery and progress 5T pillars framework of Teamwork Technology, Timeline, Transparency and Transformation are essential for Good Governance. It centres around the responsibility of Gram Panchayats to serve the people by delivering all citizen services in a timely efficient and transparent manner.

A Village with Good Governance must necessarily have very vibrant, strong, and active Gram Sabha wherein there is large popular participation, informed discussion and Inclusive decision making it is envisaged that Gram Panchayat act as an information facilitation centre including proactive disclosure of all information and has in place an effective grievance redressed mechanism.

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KVI activities in Tamil Nadu

 Chairman, KVIC Shri Manoj Kumar inaugurated several KVI activities during  Tamil Nadu visit  and interacted with Khadi workers during this visit. Presiding over a Khadi Karigar Sammelan held on August 19, 2023, at SITRA, Coimbatore,  he  expressed gratitude for the love and care extended by the Tamil people over the last 2 days. He emphasized that this event is not only a Khadi Karigar Sammelan but also a heartfelt interaction (“Man Ki Baat”) between him and the rural artisans. He said  Khadi serves as a weapon against poverty, starvation, and unemployment, while also contributing to development in villages and promoting women’s empowerment.

The Chairman honored the best-performing spinners and weavers by presenting them with certificates and momentum awards, in addition to distributing tool kits and equipment to around 40 Wood Craft artisans who have successfully completed the Training Programme on Waste Wood Craft which was attended by 800 rural artisans. During the event, a booklet showcasing success stories of the PMEGP beneficiaries was unveiled by the  Chairman.

In his  address Shri Kumar said according to data released by Niti Ayog, 13.05 Crore people have been lifted from poverty, and the dreams of the people are turning into reality under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

While Khadi was the pride of the national movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, it now stands as the symbol of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ under the guidance of Prime Minister,Shri Kumar said. “Like Gandhiji who used Khadi as a powerful weapon against the British rule, Prime Minister Modi has transformed Khadi into a potent and successful weapon for eradicating poverty, empowering artisans, ensuring food security, uplifting social status of women, and overcoming unemployment,” he said.

The Chairman said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has called on many occasions from national and international forums to buy Khadi and Village Industries products and has mentioned about promoting this sector which since 2014 has seen tremendous growth. He said for the last 9 years, production of Khadi has augmented 260%, while sales of Khadi has increased 450%.  He said that the Khadi Institutions in Tamil Nadu have registered a production of Rs.262.55 Crore and sales of Rs.466.77 Crore during the year 2022-23, which has helped to provide continuous employment to 14,396 artisans.  Further, he informed that it has been proposed to increase the production to Rs.303.39 Crore and sales to Rs.477.02 Crore.   He said KVIC through various schemes such as Khadi Vikas Yojana, Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, PMEGP, Scheme of Fund Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) has generated more than 9.5 Lakhs employment. Chairman.

 

Earlier in his visit  Chairman, KVIC inaugurated the PMEGP unit at Kalapet, the newly Renovated Sales outlet at Gandhigram Khadi Village Industries Public Charitable Trust at Gandhigram, Dindigul and  a Common Facility Centre (CFC) of Yarn dying unit under KRDP Scheme of KVIC at the newly constructed workshed of Ramanathapuram District Sarvodaya Sangh, Srivilliputhur . He distributed tool kits and equipment to 25 Waste Wood Craft artisans and Pedal Operated Agarbathi Machines to 10 artisans under Gramodyog Vikas Yojana on 17th august 2023 and 18th August, 2023 respectively.  The Chairman interacted with Khadi spinners and weavers during the Khadi Artisans’ meet, and visited Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan of Madurai District Sarvodaya Sangh at Madurai.

            The Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme is a flagship scheme of Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, providing sustainable employment both in Rural and Urban areas in setting up of micro and small units. The Scheme provides subsidy ranging from 15% to 35% depending upon the social category of the applicant and location of the unit with total project cost of Rs.50.00 Lakhs for manufacturing activity and Rs.20.00 Lakhs for Service activity.

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Strengthen the Bilateral Cooperation between India and Norway

 A high-level delegation led by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala alongwith Minister of State, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Dr L. Murugan, will be visiting Norway from August 21st  to 24th August, 2023. The delegation will also include Joint Secretary (Marine Fisheries) and other senior officers from the Department of Fisheries.

The main objective of the visit is to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between India and Norway in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, as per the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both countries in March, 2010. The delegation will hold bilateral discussions with the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Mr Bjørnar Selnes Skjæran, Ms. Kristina Sigursdottir Hansen and State Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Norway other key officials on various aspects of fisheries development, resource management, research, innovation and trade.

The delegation will also attend the Aqua Nor 2023, the biannual aquaculture exhibition and trade fair in Trondheim, Norway from 22nd to 24th of August, 2023, one of the world’s largest trade shows for aquaculture technology and innovation. The exhibition will showcase the latest developments and solutions for sustainable and profitable aquaculture. The delegation will interact with various Norwegian enterprises that have expertise in different aspects of fisheries and aquaculture, such as fish health, feed, genetics, equipment, processing and marketing.

The delegation will also visit some of the state of art facilities in Norway related to fisheries and aquaculture, such as fishing vessels, fishing harbours, hatcheries, cage farms and seafood processing units. The delegation will learn from the Norwegian experience and explore the possibilities of collaboration and investment in these areas.

The delegation will also engage with the Indian diaspora in Norway and apprise them of the initiatives and achievements of the Government of India in the fisheries sector and seek their suggestions and feedback.

The visit is expected to enhance the mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation between India and Norway in the fisheries sector and pave the way for substantial development through partnership in the future.

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SK/SS

Youth 20 (Y20) Summit concludes successfully today in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

 by Shashikant Nishant Sharma 

 Under the overall framework of G20 Presidency, the Y20 India engagement Group meeting concluded successfully in Varanasi today (20th August, 2023).

Y20, as part of  overall framework of G20 under Presidency of India has set new milestones for the world. During the summit, Y20 Communiqué was discussed and negotiated, thereafter, it has been signed successfully with unanimous consent.

The major recommendations included in the Communique are –

    • Empower Lifelong Learning
    • Prepare The Global Workforce For Global Challenges
    • Strengthen International Research Collaboration
    • Promote Universal Gig Worker Rights and
    • Implement Accessible Sustainable Financing and Mentoring.

A plenary session was held on the last day in Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre (RICCC). Sh. Sharad Vivek Sagar, Sh. Anmol Sovit, Y20 India; Sh. Pathikrit Payne, Coordination Head, Y20 India; Sh. Falit Sijariya, Head of Delegation, Y20 India and Smt. Aditi Narayani Paswan, Track Chair, Y20 India led the session. The Y20 2023 communiqué was released by the troika countries comprising of Chair Y20 India, Indonesia Organising Committee Representative and Brazil Organising Committee Representative. The Flag was officially handed over by Y20 India Chair to the Brazilian Head of Delegation.

Outcome of the Summit in form of the Y20 Communiqué was signed by Heads of Delegation, which marked the conclusion of the various discussions held during the last few months. It is a testament to the collective common vision across the five identified themes of Y20, which will ensure that the voices of young people are heard by the highest-level decision-makers on global platform.

During the 4 day summit, delegates visited Sarnath, the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Ganga ghat during a river cruise. India’s rich art, culture and heritage left a long-lasting impression on the delegates from across the world. Rich and diverse cultural heritage of the holy city of Varanasi; its spirituality, literature, art, and music also mesmerized the delegates from G20 countries, guest countries and international organisations.

The Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India were entrusted with the responsibility to organize Youth20 (Y20) Summit-2023. A number of events were organised including the Y20 Curtain Raiser in New Delhi, Inception meeting in Guwahati, Y20 Pre-Summit at Leh, Ladakh, 14 Y20 Consultations at various universities across the country and 50 brainstorming sessions each by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS).

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Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS)

 Ministry of Cooperation is developing a comprehensive National Cooperative Database in a phased manner. Mapping of about 2.64 lakh primary cooperative societies of three sectors i.e. Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS), Dairy and Fisheries has been completed in February, 2023 under Phase-I. Under Phase-II, Mapping of National Cooperative Societies/Federations has been completed. Under Phase-III, the Database is being extended to the remaining cooperative societies working in all other sectors. As per the Statistical Profile of Indian Cooperative Movement-2018 published by National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), State-wise number of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) in the country are placed at Annexure. 

The data of all cooperative societies, including PACS, collected under the National Cooperative Database has been entered and verified under the supervision of the District Registrar Office of the State Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS).

As per statutory provisions, the Cooperative Societies with objects not confined to one State are governed by Entry 44 of Union List of the Constitution and are centrally administered by Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) under provisions of Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. The Cooperative Societies, including Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS), with objects confined to one State are governed by Entry 32 of State List of the Constitution and are administered by the concerned State Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) as per provisions of respective State Cooperative Societies Act.

This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Annexure

State-wise number of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) in the country

 

Sr. No.

Name of State/UT

Number of PACS

1

 ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

51

2

 ANDHRA PRADESH

2051

3

 ARUNACHAL PRADESH

34

4

 ASSAM

766

5

 BIHAR

8463

6

 CHANDIGARH

17

7

 CHHATTISGARH

1333

8

 DELHI

0

9

 GOA

81

10

 GUJARAT

8484

11

 HARYANA

711

12

 HIMACHAL PRADESH

2127

13

 JAMMU AND KASHMIR#

643

14

 JHARKHAND

2345

15

 KARNATAKA

5679

16

 KERALA

1647

17

 LAKSHADWEEP

19

18

 MADHYA PRADESH

4457

19

 MAHARASHTRA

21217

20

 MANIPUR

223

21

 MEGHALAYA

179

22

 MIZORAM

159

23

 NAGALAND

1719

24

 ODISHA

2701

25

 PUDUCHERRY

53

26

 PUNJAB

3543

27

 RAJASTHAN

6411

28

 SIKKIM

176

29

 TAMIL NADU

4511

30

 TELANGANA

798

31

THE DADRA & NAGAR HAVELI AND DAMAN & DIU

2

32

 TRIPURA

268

33

 UTTAR PRADESH

8929

34

 UTTARAKHAND

759

35

 WEST BENGAL

7405
 

 Total

97961

Source: Statistical Profile of Indian Cooperative Movement-2018 published by NCUI

# The figures of Jammu & Kashmir (UT) included the figures of Ladakh (UT)

Relief to Cooperative Societies

 In order to realize the vision of ‘Sahakar se Samriddhi’, recently, the Government has taken following steps to provide relief to the Cooperative Societies which includes reduction of tax on various activities and increasing the threshold for TDS on cash withdrawal by them:

  1. Reduction in surcharge on cooperative societies

The surcharge on co-operative societies has been reduced from 12% to 7% on income of more than ₹1 crore and up to ₹10 crores.  This would help in enhancing the income of cooperative societies and its members who are mostly from rural and farming communities.

  1. Reduced Alternate Minimum Tax rate for cooperatives

Cooperative societies were required to pay Alternate Minimum Tax at the rate of 18.5%.  However, companies paid the same at the rate of 15%. To provide a level playing field between co-operative societies and companies, the rate for the cooperative societies have also been reduced to 15% for cooperative societies.

  1. Clarification in respect of section 269ST

Section 269ST restricts cash receipts in excess of ₹ 2 lakh from (a) any person in a day; or (b) from any transaction; or (c)  from multiple transactions in respect of single event or occasion. In case of violation of this provision, penalty for the amount in contravention of section 269ST is levied under Income Tax Act 1961. For payment of milk price to their members, Milk Cooperative Societies receive cash, in excess of ₹ 2 lakh across multiple days in a year, particularly on the bank holidays, from a distributor, with whom they have contract. Resultantly, huge penalties were levied on the Milk Societies by Income Tax Department by treating contract between Cooperative Societies with its distributor as one event / occasion.  CBDT vide Circular No 25/2022 dated 30.12.2022 issued clarification that in respect of cooperative societies, a dealership / distributionship contract by itself may not constitute an event or occasion for purpose of clause (c) of the section 269 ST. Receipt related to such a dealership / distributionship contract by the cooperative society on any day in a previous year, which is with in prescribed limit may not be aggregated across multiple days for that previous year. This would enable Cooperative Societies to make payments to their members, who are mostly from rural and farming communities, on bank holidays without fear of income tax penalty. 

  1. Concessional rate of tax for new manufacturing cooperative societies 

The new co-operatives that commence manufacturing activities till 31.03.2024 shall get the benefit of a lower tax rate of 15 %, as is presently available to new manufacturing companies.

  1. Relief for cash loan/transactions by primary co-operatives

As per Section 269SS of the Income Tax Act, 1961, any deposit or loan of more than ₹ 20,000 in cash is not allowed. Violation can invite a penalty equal to the loan or deposit amount.  Section 269SS of the Income Tax Act has been amended to provide that where a deposit is accepted by a Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) or a Primary Co-operative Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (PCARDB) from its member or a loan is taken from a PACS or a PCARDB by its member in cash, no penal consequence would arise, if the amount of such loan or deposit including their outstanding balance is less than ₹2 lakh. Earlier this limit was ₹ 20,000 per member. 

  1. Relief for repayment of loan in cash by primary co-operatives

As per Section 269T of the Income Tax Act, repayment of the loan or deposit of ₹ 20,000 or more in cash is not allowed. Violation can invite a penalty equal to the loan or deposit amount. Section 269T of the Income Tax Act has been amended to provide that where a deposit is repaid by a PACS or a PCARDB to its member or such loan is repaid to a PACS or a PCARDB by its member in cash, no penal consequence shall arise, if the amount of such loan or deposit including their outstanding balance is less than ₹2 lakh. Earlier this limit was ₹ 20,000 per member. 

  1. Increasing threshold limit for co-operatives to withdraw cash without TDS

A higher limit of ₹ 3 crore for TDS on cash withdrawal has been provided to co-operative societies.

  1. Relief to sugar cooperatives by providing deduction on account of the amount incurred for purchase of sugarcane.

Through Finance Act 2015, Section 36(1)(xvii) was inserted in Income Tax Act 1961 to provide for deduction on account of the amount of expenditure incurred by a cooperative society engaged in the business of manufacture of sugar. The clause took effect from 01.04.2016 i.e., assessment year 2016-17. However, the issue of treatment of additional payment for sugarcane price by Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs) as an income distribution to farmer members and resultant tax liabilities remained uncovered which was clarified by Central Board of Direct Taxes vide Circular No 18/2021 dated 25.10.2021. Accordingly, resultant tax liabilities on CSMs on additional payment for sugarcane price by them were mitigated w.e.f. 1.4.2016.

  1. Relief to sugar co-operatives from past income tax demand

An opportunity has been provided to sugar co-operatives to claim payments made to sugarcane farmers for the period prior to assessment year 2016-17 as expenditure. Accordingly, section 155 of the IT Act has also been amended to insert a new sub-section (19) vide Finance Act, 2023, w.e.f. 1st April 2023. In order to standardize the manner of filing application to the Jurisdictional Assessing Officer under sub-section (19) of section 155 of the Act and its disposal by the Jurisdictional Assessing Officer under the said section, CBDT vide Circular No. 14 of 2023 dated 27.07.2023 has issued Standard Operating Procedure for making application by the concerned Cooperative Sugar Mills. This has resolved the income tax issues in this matter pending for decades. This is expected to provide relief of almost ₹10,000 crore.

  1. Condonation of delay under clause (b) of sub-section (2) of section 119 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (IT Act) for returns of Income claiming deductions u/s 80P of the Act for various assessment years from AY 2018-19 to AY 2022-23

CBDT vide circular no. 13/2021 dated 26 July 2023 has authorized Chief Commissioners of Income-tax (CCsIT) / Directors General of Income-tax (DGsIT) to deal with applications of condonation of delay from  cooperative societies, who were unable to avail the benefit of deduction available under section 80P of the IT Act on account of delay in furnishing the return of income within the due date under sub-section (1) of section 139 of the Act for various assessment years from AY 2018-19 to AY 2022-23 and the delay was caused due to circumstances beyond their control or due to delay in getting the accounts audited by statutory auditors appointed under the respective State Law.

NTPC’s 660 MW Super Thermal Power Project in Barh, Bihar

 The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh dedicated to the nation a 660 MW Unit of Barh Super Thermal Power Project at Barh in Bihar today, August 18, 2023. The 660 MW unit inaugurated today is Unit #2 of Stage I of the project. The commissioning of this unit is another milestone in the government’s endeavour to provide reliable and affordable power to the nation.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister congratulated Team NTPC including all engineers and workers involved in the project for successfully completing the unit. The Minister expressed confidence that the remaining third Unit of the project will also be completed successfully. The Power Minister appreciated NTPC for fulfilling more than 90% of the power requirement of Bihar.

The Minister informed that the government has transformed the country from power deficit to power surplus in the last nine years. The whole country has been connected into one integrated grid running on one frequency, said the Minister. The Minister said that distribution systems have been strengthened on a scale which is unprecedented and that schemes for strengthening the distribution system in all States have been implemented at a sanctioned cost of more than Rs. 2 lakh crores. Shri Singh informed that the average availability of power in rural areas is 20 ½ hours today and in urban areas, the average is 23 ½ hours.

The Minister also informed that the Ministry of Power has notified Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 under Electricity Act, 2003. Implementation of these Rules shall ensure that new electricity connections, refunds and other services are given in a time bound manner, said the Minister.

Later, the Union Minister felicitated the engineers and workers associated with the completion of Unit #2 (660MW) of the Barh project.

MLA, Barh Shri Gyanendra Kumar Singh also spoke on this occasion. Earlier, CMD, NTPC, Shri Gurdeep Singh welcomed the Minister and other dignitaries and thanked them for their continued support and guidance.

CMD, PowerGrid, Shri K Sreekant; Director (HR), NTPC, Shri Dillip Kumar Patel; Director (Projects), NTPC, Shri Ujjwal Kanti Bhattacharya; and senior officials of Govt of Bihar, NTPC and other officials were present on the occasion.

The programme can be watched here.

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Extension of Power Grid’s sub-station at Lakhisarai, Bihar

 The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy laid the foundation stone for extension of POWERGRID’s 400/132 kV Lakhisarai Sub-station, at Lakhisarai, Bihar today, 18th August 2023. This sub-station has been built by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. As part of the project, 220 kV GIS will be constructed in existing sub-station premises along with installation of 2 transformers of 500 MVA capacity.

MLA Lakhisarai Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha; Member of Legislative Council Shri Ajay Kumar Singh; Chairman and Managing Director of POWERGRID Shri K. Srikanth; Director Project, Mr. Abhay Chowdhary and senior officers of POWERGRID and State Government were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh said that the extension of Power Grid’s sub-station at Lakhisarai will significantly improve electricity availability in the region. The Minister said that this will benefit the entire state of Bihar.

The Minister said that energy capacity of the country is being augmented in order to fulfil future power requirements as well. Shri Singh said that the centre has taken various steps and has given requisite funds to states in order to strengthen the power distribution systems.

Shri Singh said that there should be no reason for load shedding, since adequate systems have been put in place for generation and transmission of power. Asserting that the nation has to become a developed country, the Minister said that the government has formulated law providing for payment by the distribution licensees, of compensation to consumers for violation of standards of performance. Power generators should become a thing of the past, added the Minister.

The extension of the substation at Lakhisarai will lead to improved power availability in Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Munger and Jamui districts and will also ease supply of power to meet future energy demand. The installation of state-of-the-art GIS technology of 220 kV voltage level in Lakhisarai sub-station will further strengthen the connectivity of the region to the national grid. The provision of uninterrupted power supply will also lead to industrial and commercial development of the region.

The foundation stone laying programme can be watched here.

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Intracity Hydrogen Buses to start Operation in Leh on Trial Basis

 Towards achieving Carbon-Neutral Ladakh, NTPC is setting up Hydrogen Fuelling Station, Solar Plant and providing five Fuel Cell buses for operation on intracity routes of Leh.

The first hydrogen bus reached Leh on 17th August, 2023 as part of a 3-month-long process of field trials, roadworthiness tests and other statutory procedures. This will be India’s first ever deployment of hydrogen buses on public roads.

The first-of-its-kind Green Hydrogen Mobility Project at 11,562 ft is co-located with dedicated Solar plant of 1.7 MW for providing renewable power. A unique feature of this project is that the fuel cell buses are designed for operation in sub-zero temperatures in rarefied atmosphere, which is typical for high altitude locations.  

NTPC is committed to achieve 60 GW of Renewable Energy capacity by 2032 and be a major player in Green Hydrogen Technology and Energy Storage domain. The company is taking up several initiatives towards decarbonization such as Hydrogen blending, Carbon Capture, EV buses and Smart NTPC Townships.

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All-India Tree Plantation Campaign

 Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, planted the 4 Croreth tree under the All-India Tree Plantation Campaign of the Ministry of Home Affairs at the CRPF Group Center in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, today.

 

Shri Amit Shah also inaugurated 15 newly constructed buildings, built at a cost of Rs. 165 crores, across 8 different campuses of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). These include, construction of 220 family accommodations at 102 Rapid Task Force at a cost of Rs. 57 crores, construction of a 50-bed hospital in Group Center, Raipur at a cost of Rs. 17 crores, administrative building, quarter guard and parade ground at Recruit Training Center Jodhpur at a cost of Rs. 16 crores, construction of a 240-men barrack in Group Center Raipur built at a cost of Rs. 11 crores, and construction of hospitals, gyms, mess, sewage treatment plants, canteens, etc. in various parts of the country. Several dignitaries including the Union Home Secretary and Director Generals of CRPF, CISF, NSG, NDRF, ITBP, SSB, BSF, and Assam Rifles were present on the occasion.

 

In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that today is a significant day for all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). He added that three years ago, it was resolved that by December 2023, we would plant 5 crore trees and after gap filling, once they have grown bigger, we will dedicate them to the world. Shri Shah expressed confidence that the goal of planting 5 crore trees by December 2023 will be achieved. He remarked that to turn this seemingly impossible task into a reality, all the personnel of our CAPFs and their families embraced it as a challenge, regarded the trees as their friends, and dedicated time to care for them. He said that with the planting of 40 millionth sapling today, that too of Peepal, the contribution of all CAPFs in making the earth greener will forever be remembered. This campaign will write a new saga of sensitivity of CAPFs towards conservation of earth and climate change along with bravery. He stated that the target for planting 1 crore 50 lakh saplings this year is in progress, and a total of 4 crore saplings have been planted till today and the goal of planting 5 crore trees to be achieved very soon.

 

 

Union Home Minister said that today is the birth anniversary of Param Vir Chakra awardee Lieutenant Colonel AB Tarapore, who not only made the supreme sacrifice for the security of the country but also set an excellent example by valorously leading from the front and boosting everyone’s morale. Shri Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has immortalized the memory of Lieutenant Colonel AB Tarapore by naming an island in Andaman-Nicobar after him, ensuring that he remains alive in the hearts and minds of the people forever.

Shri Amit Shah said that ‘All India Tree Plantation Campaign’ to plant 5 crore trees is like a Mahakumbh of environmental protection. He added that the personnel of all our CAPFs have always stood steadfastly to ensure the country’s internal security and safeguard its borders with their courage, sacrifice, dedication, and hard work. Apart from ensuring the country’s internal security, disaster management, border security and ensuring public facilities to the first villages located on the borders, CAPFs are now doing unprecedented work towards environmental protection through tree plantation drive. He said that whether it is natural disasters or pandemics like COVID-19, our CAPFs have shown unwavering commitment to stand by the people in every crisis without hesitating to risk their lives. Shri Shah added that through the Vibrant Village Program, our CAPFs are ensuring that public service and facilities are made available to our first villages situated on the country’s borders. He said that now another dimension has been added, wherein our CAPFs have made consistent efforts in environmental protection by planting and nurturing 4 crore trees, and will achieve the target to plant 5 crore trees by December this year. Shri Shah added that it will be a biggest contribution by a security-related agency towards environmental conservation, globally. He said that all the CAPFs together have planted 4 crore trees, and the officials of Ministry of Home Affairs have overseen the program at various levels. All the DGs of all CAPFs have shown commitment to this program, and it has been wholeheartedly embraced at the platoon and sector levels. In several places, protective fences and nets were installed to safeguard the saplings, and trenches were dug to ensure their survival. He added that due to all these efforts, 4 crore trees are making the Earth greener, now.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that environmental protection is possible only by planting trees, a tree planted today will provide oxygen to many future generations. He added that with the increasing pollution, the ozone layer is being damaged, and as a result, in the future, solar rays will directly impact the Earth, due to which the earth will not remain safe for human life. He said that the only way to prevent such a scenario is by planting as many trees as possible and reducing the emission of carbon dioxide. Shri Shah added that two factors were considered when planting trees. First, the trees being planted should have a long lifespan, and second, they should be able to provide maximum oxygen, such as Peepal, Banyan, Neem, Jamun, and others. He said that these trees emit oxygen ranging from 60-100% and will contribute towards conservation of earth for years.

Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has worked towards developing and making India Aatmnirbhar in various sectors, thereby strengthening the country’s position in the world. He added that our heritage and culture has always promoted environmental protection, and through our sentiments and actions, we have always ensured conservation of environment. He highlighted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has made India a front-runner in the fight against climate change and global warming through the Green Initiative. Shri Shah said that for this reason, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”- One Earth, One Family, One Future, has been adopted as the mission statement of G-20. He added that India, along with France, initiated the International Solar Alliance, a project that aims to create One Sun, One World, One Grid. Many countries are now participating and contributing in this alliance. It is a significant achievement of the union government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Home Minister said that through the Lifestyle Style for Environment (LiFE) Mission initiative, Prime Minister Modi has put forth our traditional way of life to the world as a means to save the Earth. He added that the world is now following these initiatives, and it is because of these efforts that the United Nations honoured Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with the ‘Champions of Earth’ award, recognising his commitment to sustainable development.

Union Home Minister mentioned that India has also explored new methods to reduce single-use plastics. He added that through the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has taken a significant step towards environmental protection. He said that initially, only 39% of households in the country had toilets, but now, 99.9% of households have toilets, which is a remarkable achievement in our efforts towards environmental conservation. Shri Shah said that initiatives such as Net-Zero Carbon Emission, International Solar Alliance, 20% Ethanol Blending, construction of 12 modern refineries for converting bio-gas into biofuel, and the Green Hydrogen Mission are being eagerly observed by the world and are being emulated. He added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has showcased India’s commitment to environmental protection through eight crucial missions: National Solar Mission, National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, National Water Mission, National Mission for a Green India, National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change. These initiatives have re-establishing the age-old culture of environmental protection in our country.

Shri Amit Shah said that our CAPFs have planted four crore trees as part of this tree plantation campaign. When we reach the target of planting five crore trees, we will proudly showcase our sensitivity to the entire nation as CAPFs not only safeguard citizens’ lives but also work diligently for the protection of the environment. He added that today, our CAPFs have accomplished what seemed impossible. Home Minister expressed confidence that as security and valour for the nation are the ethos of CAPFs, they will also embrace tree plantation as their ethos.

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Integration of Traditional Medicine with modern medicine

 “Integration of Traditional Medicine with modern medicine would contribute to advancing the health system attributes related to quality, efficiency, equity, accountability, sustainability and resilience.” This was stated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, in the presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ayush and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization during his valedictory address at the G20 co-branded event, WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit, co-hosted by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Ayush. Shri Mahendra Munjapara, Union Minister of State for AYUSH and Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar and Prof. S P Singh Baghel, Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare were also present.

The two – day Global Summit for Traditional Medicine, with the theme “Towards Health and Well-being for All” explored the role of traditional complimentary and integrative medicine in addressing pressing health challenges and driving progress in global health and sustainable development.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya said, “Since the advent of a public health systems approach, there has always been a focus on providing holistic health services centred around the principles of healthcare integration. WHO’s Global Conference on Primary Health Care, 2018 & Declaration of Astana on Primary Health care had also mentioned that the success of primary healthcare will be driven by applying scientific as well as traditional knowledge and by extending access to a range of healthcare services, which include traditional medicines.”

On the different types of traditional medicinal practices that are followed in member states, such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese medicine, Herbal medicine etc, the Union Health Minister said, “In India, under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, we have a specific focus on Traditional Medicine & established a separate Ministry of AYUSH, which includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.”

He highlighted that “during the COVID-19 crisis, traditional medicines had played a very important role through scientific and evidence-based medicines in terms of preventive, therapeutic and public health management”. “Ministry of Health and the Ministry of AYUSH works closely to integrate, endorse, and develop holistic health, including through availability of traditional medicines and yoga in 150,000+ Health & Wellness Centres and by establishing centres of integrated medicines in our tertiary hospitals”, he stated.

Dr Mandaviya said, “under the overarching theme of India’s G20 Presidency of ‘One Earth, One Family & One Future’ and focus on reducing fragmentation and enhancing convergence, this meeting will be a torch bearer for effective health systems strengthening and will bring additional research, evidence and innovation to help us meet health-related Sustainable Development Goals.”

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said that “the Ayush industry’s evolution to holistic healthcare aligns with a global shift in health consciousness. This trend recognizes that health encompasses physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions.” He noted that the summit will help identify potential areas for collaboration and innovation in traditional medicines and help harness traditional medicine in achieving Universal Health Coverage goals.

Highlighting that the pandemic has underscored the significance of holistic health approaches, leading to a surge in interest and recognition for AYUSH systems, the Union AYUSH Minister said, “the AYUSH systems of medicine like Ayurveda emphasizes equally on prevention and treatment parts of healthcare. Practices like yoga helps in mind and body healing.”

Shri Sonowal also emphasized on the versatility of AYUSH across different industries. He said, “the pharmaceutical and food processing sectors benefit from the demand for herbal remedies and natural products, while the diagnostic sector gains from AYUSH’s preventive focus. This synergy amplifies India’s healthcare ecosystem, contributing to economic growth and healthcare sustainability.”

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Traditional medicines never had this kind of attention from governments, even though they have been practiced since millennia. Many of the important treatments of conventional medicines have their origin in traditional medicines like treatment for small pox.” He regretted that Traditional Medicinal practices are mostly stigmatized as unscientific but emphasized that they have their own utility as well. “Recognizing the benefits in the use of traditional medicines, WHO recently established the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat”, he stated.

Dr. Ghebreyesus appreciated India’s role in promoting the use of traditional medicines and hoped that this first-ever summit on traditional medicines will be a catalyst for bringing together modern science and traditional knowledge in making health systems better.

Shri Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: Shri Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH; Shri Lav Agarwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director, South East Asia Region, also participated at the event. The event also witnessed the participation of scientists, practitioners of traditional medicine, health workers and members of the civil society organizations from all over the world across the two days.

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Ms. Ninna Lego, founder of House of Macnok from Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh.

 Ms. Ninna Lego, founder of House of Macnok, is passionate about promoting sustainable living and empowering local artisans. Having grown up in the tranquil town of Mariyang, nestled in the Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, she developed a deep appreciation for handloom and handicraft products, along with organic farming. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Dr. MGR University in Chennai, Ninna pursued an MBA with dual specialisation in HR and Marketing from RGU to enhance her professional skills.

With her passion for arts and crafts, Ninna started making beaded earrings and necklaces for friends. Realising the demand for handmade jewellery and organic foods, she founded House of Macnok, offering an eclectic range of lifestyle products ranging from clothing, jewellery, to preservative-free food items such as smoked tea, wild honey, pickles, and medicinal herbs and spices, grown sustainably and packaged responsibly.

Ninna’s goal is to bring global attention to the artistic talents of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.Sustainability is central to her brand, and they take pride in reducing their carbon footprint and minimising waste.

House of Macnok directly employs ten people and supports over a hundred local artisans with regular work, fair wages, and access to a comprehensive training program that covers traditional and modern skills. The program includes training in sustainable practices, such as organic farming and natural dyeing techniques, and focuses on skill-building, product development and quality control.

It is a self-funded business with an initial investment of around Rs. 5 Lakh. In addition to the local market, they have clients pan India and Southeast Asia as well. Their best-selling products include fashion jewellery, organic foods and non-alcoholic wines.

Recognitions:

  • ‘The Best Handmade Brand’ at RGU on Women’s Day, 2018 and 2019
  • ‘Best Business Model Canvas’ on National Startup Day, 2023, by the Department of Planning and Investment, GoAP
  • Won the ‘Entrepreneurship Challenge’, 2022-23 under incubation category by IIMCIP, APIIP under the Department of Investment and Planning
  • Won the ‘North East Entrepreneurship Challenge’ (NEEDP) for the year 2023 under Incubation Category, sponsored by MDoNER, NEC, incubated by IIM Kolkata, and was ranked the top entrepreneur from the state
  • Selected as one of the top 9 women entrepreneurs under Pernod Ricard’s WE challenge, 2022

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Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) organise webinar under the theme “Investor Protection Framework in India: Challenges and Road Ahead”

 The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), in partnership with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), successfully conducted a significant webinar under the theme ‘Investor Protection Framework in India: Challenges and Road Ahead’. The webinar witnessed the convergence of diverse stakeholders including government entities, academic institutions, and industry experts.

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The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Anita Shah Akella, CEO, IEPFA and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Ms. Akella’s address underscored the critical importance of financial education and protection in the rapidly evolving financial landscape. As financial markets undergo transformation, the paramount significance of informed decision-making and safeguarding investor interests, Ms. Akella highlighted.

Ms. Akella emphasised that financially enlightened individuals wield the potential to create substantial economic impacts through astute financial decisions and elaborated on the concept of a “financially educated” individual, encompassing a comprehensive understanding of economic fundamentals, adept money management, and insightful decision-making spanning budgeting, savings, investments, and consumer choices. This holistic understanding empowers individuals to navigate the intricate realm of financial resources, assets, credit, insurance, taxes, and make prudent choices that resonate beyond individual households, creating positive impacts on communities and societies, Ms Akella said.

The event’s highlight was a stimulating panel discussion on “Investor Protection Framework in India: Challenges and Road Ahead”. Esteemed panelists shared their expertise on various topics, including insurance, digital initiatives, cybercrime awareness, evolving banking systems, and the pivotal role of regulatory bodies in fostering investor awareness.

The distinguished panelists included:

Mr. Dhirendra Kumar: Founder of Value Research. Mr. Kumar delved into the practicality of insurance tools and the need for simplified and comprehensive information disclosure to investors prior to making investment decisions.

Mr. R.K. Nair: Former Member of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Mr. Nair elaborated on insurance matters, emphasizing the practicality and transparent information disclosure about insurance tools to investors.

Mr. Neeraj Nigam: Executive Director at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Mr. Nigam provided insights into evolving banking systems and RBI’s role in promoting investor awareness in modern times.

Mr. Gangesh Varma: Principal Associate of Technology and Policy at Saraf and Partners. Mr. Varma discussed digital initiatives for investor awareness and the indispensable need to educate investors about cybercrime prevention.

The engaging panel discussion was adeptly moderated by Dr. C.S. Mohapatra, IEPF Chair Professor at NCAER.

Concluding the event, Mr. Sumit Agarwal, AGM at IEPFA, extended a vote of thanks, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of all participants, speakers, and attendees. He underscored the collaborative spirit of the webinar, aligning stakeholders towards the shared goal of enhancing financial literacy and safeguarding investor interests.

The resounding success of the webinar reflects the collective commitment to fostering financial awareness and safeguarding investor interests amidst a rapidly evolving financial landscape. As global economies embrace digital transformation and financial inclusivity, the event illuminated the pivotal role of financial literacy in unlocking the true potential of these advancements. The webinar sets the stage for sustained collaboration and initiatives that will undoubtedly shape a prosperous financial future for all.

About IEPFA

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) was set up on September 7, 2016, under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, for administering the Investor Education and Protection Fund for making refunds of shares, unclaimed dividends, and matured deposits/debentures, among other things, to investors.

About NCAER

NCAER is India’s oldest and largest independent economic think tank, set up in 1956 to inform policy choices for both the public and private sectors. It is one of a few independent think tanks world-wide that combines rigorous economic analysis and policy outreach with deep data collection capabilities, particularly for large-scale household surveys. NCAER is led by its Director General, Dr Poonam Gupta, the institution’s first woman head, who assumed office on 1 July 2021, and it is governed by an independent Governing Body currently chaired by Mr Nandan M. Nilekani.

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Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority organizes one day conference on e-NWR

 The Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) under the Department of Food and Public Distribution held a conference on “e-NWR based pledge finance with Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)” here today to create awareness amongst the RRBs about the eco-system of WDRA and benefits of pledge finance through e-NWR.

Shri Dheeraj Sahu, Joint Secretary, WDRA in his welcome address appreciated the unique role of regional rural banks in ensuring institutional credit to agricultural and rural sector in India through its vast network of 21,000+ branches in rural and semi-urban areas. He further highlighted that 70% of the RRB credit flows through the agricultural sector and 64% of their credit is targeted towards weaker sections including small and marginal farmers. Shri Sahu also underlined the commonality of interest between WDRA and RRBs.

Shri T K Manoj Kumar, Chairperson, WDRA requested all the RRBs to onboard with WDRA repositories so that they can start lending through electronic- negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWR). With the active participation of public sector banks, private sector banks and RRBs, WDRA is trying to improve the post-harvest credit in the country. He further added that RBI has enhanced PSL limit for e-NWRs from Rs. 50 Lakhs to Rs. 75 Lakhs while for other warehouse receipts PSL limit is capped up to Rs. 50 Lakhs only. He also said that banks should be encouraged to extend pledge finance only against e-NWR. WDRA has proactively reached out to banks directly during the last couple of years which has resulted in increasing pledge finance against e-NWR. The Chairperson urged RRBs to enter into MOUs with WDRA to promote pledge finance just as other banks such as SBI, PNB and Federal Bank have done. He further emphasized that WDRA had digitized its operations since 2017 and WDRA’s e-NWR is the first digitized negotiable warehouse receipt in India. He also requested RRBs to be a part of the Digital Gateway being created by WDRA in partnership with NABARD aimed at reducing pledge processing time and improving the ease of doing business.

Shri Mukesh Kumar Jain, Member, WDRA highlighted that RRBs are the lifelines of India’s rural economy. He said that the disproportion between pre and post-harvest finance results into distress sale by farmers and ballooning of NPA in KCC portfolio. RRBs are mandated to lend 75% of total loans and advances under priority sector. The gross NPA in KCC portfolio is quite high in banks including RRBs and if agriculture credit for post-harvest pledge finance is increased through e-NWR then it will help in reducing the NPA in KCC loan drastically. By storing goods in WDRA registered warehouses, farmers can take loans against the e-NWR issued and easily repay their KCC loan. Thereafter, they can sell the produce when prices improve and adjust the pledge loan. This will help in improving farmers’ income also. WDRA has submitted a proposal to the Government of India for formulation of a Credit Guarantee Scheme on e-NWR based pledge finance which will further help in reducing NPAs in KCC portfolio.

Further, Shri Jain stated that post-harvest pledge finance has the potential to go up from Rs. 40 thousand crores to Rs. 5 lac crores. It is seen that many frauds have happened in unregistered warehouses where physical warehouse receipts are given. As a result, banks have suffered huge losses in financing. However, under the WDRA ecosystem, Rs. 8,000/- crores finance has already been extended through WDRA registered warehouses and hardly any major dispute has been reported with respect to quality and quantity by banks. Under modified Interest Subvention (IS) scheme, 1.5% IS is extended to small and marginal farmers having KCC for a further period of up to six months post-harvest of the crop on the produce stored in warehouses registered with WDRA.

Shri Arun Kumar Shrivastava, Member, WDRA highlighted that the produce stored in WDRA registered warehouses has greater security compared with unregistered warehouses. He said that electronic negotiable warehouse receipt is safer compared with paper receipts especially as chances of fraud against paper receipts are very high. e-NWR is a negotiable instrument backed by the WDRA Act 2007. He also outlined the benefits of WDRA registered warehouses including various insurances, periodic inspections, scientific storage with SOP, etc. to safeguard the interest of depositors and bankers. He further said that Govt bodies such as FCI, NAFED and National Horticulture Board have already issued guidelines that Central Pool Stock should be kept in WDRA registered warehouses. Elaborating on the value chain of WDRA registered warehouse eco-system, he said that the direct beneficiaries of the WDRA ecosystem are farmers/warehouseman/ traders and requested RRBs which hold 18% of KCC accounts of farmers to come under WDRA’s ambit to improve post-harvest finance and improve financial health of farmers and the rural sector.

Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DAFW) also graced the occasionsaid that 86 per cent of India’s farmers are small and marginal farmers and they have very limited choice of marketing. Most of them usually sell their produce within the vicinity of their village to the middleman who goes to the Mandi for selling the said produce where too there is often limited choice. Apart from DAFW’s initiative of eNAM, options such as WDRA’s e-NWR can provide choices to farmers. The Department wants to promote post-harvest loaning which is low compared with pre-harvest loaning and wants to ensure that the farmers can hold their produce for 3-4 months when the prices are very low and there is glut in the market. He appreciated that e-NWR based pledge finance is an option for farmers where they can pledge their produce in the WDRA registered warehouse and can get loan against KCC at a very low rate of interest. He said that today the issue was not of production but marketing and that the Department is working with the Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO) to ensure that farmers get better price for their produce. He stated that the WDRA system is designed for better storage, no fraud and with checks and balances so that the farmers can be rest assured after keeping their goods in WDRA registered warehouses. He also spoke about the model APMC Act by which the Department is trying to bring uniformity across the country on marketing loans. The salient feature of the model APMC Act is to recognize the warehouse as Mandi and allow electronic trading through these warehouses such that farmers can keep their stock in the warehouse and get the loan against the said stock in 24-72 hours. Through electronic trading they can be informed about the price of the stock kept in the warehouse and without visiting the warehouse they can sell the stock and settle bank loans. He requested banks including the RRBs to join hands with the Department of Agriculture to promote this eco-system across the country to enhance its present limited outreach and said that with WDRA’s support, farmers would be able to get the remunerative price of their produce.

Ms. N. Neerja, CGM, NABARD said that the farmer is the center of all activities and e-NWR is beneficial for them. The Kisan Credit Card is an innovative step by the Govt. of India which has enabled farmers to get credit that has further enabled improvement in production of food grains. Digitization is significant especially in context of the agricultural value chain. Banks can increase their lending and profits by lending against secure e-NWR especially as Rs. 10 lakh crore is the combined balance sheet of all RRBs.

A video on the activities of WDRA pan-India was screened and a brief presentation was made on the benefits of the WDRA ecosystem. The major issues outlined in the presentation were challenges in agricultural marketing, WDRA’s prime objectives, various benefits of WDRA registration and the functions and role of WDRA in mitigating risks and promoting safe lending through e-NWRs for various stakeholders including RRBs.

WDRA jointly with NABARD is also working on developing a digital gateway for reducing the time and complexity of the present process of extending pledge finance and in this regard a presentation was made. In the said presentation, the objectives, core features, gateway architecture, connectivity and advantages of the proposed gateway were mentioned.

During Open House, the interaction with the participants including Chairpersons of Regional Rural Banks and repositories was lively and enriching. Significant suggestions were made in further improving the overall pledge finance system and enhancing the participation of RRBs in WDRA’s ecosystem. All the RRBs’ Chairpersons presented promised to help increase pledge financing through e-NWRs.

The conference was well-attended by representatives from regional rural banks, public sector banks, Ministries and Govt. bodies working in agriculture/logistics/financing, industry associations, repositories and media personnel.

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