Throne of Glass Novellas: Throne of glass

The second book in the series, Throne of Glass, is chaotic but beautiful. It tells the story of the gorgeously vicious assassin Celaena Sardothien, whom we have already been familiar with in the previous book. But this tale is nothing like its former, a fresh world if you ask me. Not like the next page of a book, which is new but familiar, this book mirrors a whole new story, though a few points are mentioned from the past in the second half, don’t expect anything from me, I don’t like the idea of me giving you readers any significant spoilers. After all the drama and catastrophes and tragedies in the past book, two things about our protagonist stay the same, her charming sarcasm and her intoxicating personality, which somehow catches up on every character in the book. Literally.

It is usual for Sarah to stop our hearts once or twice as we flip the pages, for this book does exactly that, and every other in the series as well. Nevertheless the tension, drama, and riot of climaxes, this whole book is perfect for a vacay-read, at least for me. If you are just beginning to enter the world of fantasy, or even books as well, this series is perfect for you. It will, somehow, amidst all the suspense, give you purpose. It gave me, I enjoyed my days more, especially during a time like the quarantine, It helped me cope through the days where I felt most lonely and almost on the verge of falling apart. Celaena’s courage, her iridescent confidence, made me a greater person. I started to see beauty in things usually undermined, things considered fallacious. Before reading this series, if anyone told me that an assassin could be the kindest person you’ll ever see, I’d have laughed straight in their face. But, I don’t know-how, this cruel vicious assassin is kind, loving, and almost frustratingly emotional.

Lastly, It’s not a tome with arid, bland, dreary text spit all over the pages, but a heart-throbbing story, of which you’ll surely savor every word.

Right to Information

By – Supriya

Right to Information Act (RTI) 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information. Since every citizen pays taxes, therefore he is entitled to know how the government is functioning . The Act empowers every citizen to seek any information from the government, obtain copies of any government documents , inspect any government documents , works and records , and take certified samples of materials of any government work. According to Act No . 22 of 2005 , The Right to Information Act is ” An Act to provide for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities , in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority , the constitution of a Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto”. This law was passed by Parliament on 15 June 2005 and came fully into force on 13 October 2005. The RTI Act extends to the whole of India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir . All bodies, which are contributed under the Constitution or are under any government notification ,or all bodies , including NGO’s , which are owned, controlled or substantially financed by the government are covered under the Act. All authorities covered must appoint their Public Information Officer (PIO) . In addition, every public authority is required to designate Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs) to receive RTI requests and appeals for forwarding to the PIOs of their public authority. Any person may submit a requests and appeals for forwarding to the PIOs of their public authority .
Any person may submit a request to the PIO for information in writing along with the application fees, which is ₹ 10 for Central Government Departments and different for different states.The application fees can be deposited either in cash, demand draft , cheque or money order. In the case of all Central Government Departments ,629 post offices have been designed as APIOs. This means that one can go to any of these post offices and submit his/her fee and application at the RTI counter in these post offices. A receipt will be issued as an acknowledgement and it is the responsibility of that post office to deliver it to the right PIO. It is the PIO’s obligation to provide information to citizens of India who request information under the Act. However, in case, one has problems locating their PIO/ APIO , one can address their RTI application to the PIO C/o Head of Department and send it to the concerned public authority with the requisite application fee. The Head of Department will have to forward his/her application to the concerned PIO. The PIO cannot refuse to accept application for information under any circumstances . Even if the information does not pertain to his/her department / jurisdiction, the PIO has to accept it and would have to transfer it to the right PIO within 5 days under sec 6(2). If the PIO or the concerned Department does not accept the application , it can also be sent by post. Moreover, the applicant can also make a formal complaint to the respective Information Commission under Section 18. The Information Commission has the power to impose a penalty of ₹25000 on the concerned officer who refused to accept the application. The Act also casts a direct accountability on the officer for non – performance . If the concerned officer does not provide information in time , a penalty of ₹ 250 per day of delay can be imposed by the Information Commissioner and if the information provided is false , a penalty of a maximum of ₹ 25000 can be imposed. The applicant is not required to disclose any information or reasons other than his name and contact particulars to seek the information . The Act specifies time limits for replying to the request. If the request has been made to the PIO, the reply is to be given within 30 days of receipt ; in case of an APIO , the reply is to be given within 35 days of receipt , and information concerning corruption and Human Rights violations is to be provided within 45 days. However, if life or Liberty of any person is involved , the PIO is expected to reply within 48 hours.
If the applicant does not receive information or is dissatisfied with the information received , s/he can file an appeal with the first appellate authority under Section 19 (1) of the Right to Information Act . One can file their first appeal within 30 days of receipt of information or within 60 days of filing RTI application, if no information is received. Even after the first appeal , if no information is received , then one can take the matter forward to the second appeal stage with the Information Commission, without paying any additional fees and within 90 days of disposal of first appeal . A second appeal is the last option under the RTI Act to get the information requested . For appeals against Central Government Departments, there is Central Information Commission (CIC) and for State Government Departments , there is State Information Commission.

THANKYOU !

Peer Pressure

More Harm Than Good
Peer pressure is the direct influence on people by peers, or an individual who gets encouraged to follow their peers by changing their attitude, values or behaviour just for the sake of acceptance. The section of society which is most vulnerable to the effects of peer pressure is teenagers. The fact of peer pressure is that when your peers start trying to get you do things which you otherwise wouldn’t do. For instance, in our society we have people who pressurise us to do things we don’t want to do, hence causing us to not being able to think for ourselves. If you neglect being able to think for yourself and let others do that job then it could have a good outcome for them, but for your well being and for you as a person it can turn out to be a disaster.

Ill effects and Impact

Peer pressure can harm the group by making it too uniform. When all the members think and act alike, the group does not have access to alternative opinions creating a barrier in solving problems.

Peer pressure is a rite of passage that all of us go through but its impact varies from person to person. Some are able to brush it off without any issues while it negatively impacts others. Peer pressure affects the lives of teenagers in a number of ways. It can take a self-confident child and make him or her someone who is not sure about themselves and has a low self esteem. It affects their academic skills too because despite being capable of performing well, they choose not to because in the eyes of their peers, it would seem uncool. In an effort to fit in with their peer group, they place more emphasis on being social rather than working on their academics.

Adolescence and Peer Pressure

The desire to be accepted by their peer group is one of the strongest motivating forces during adolescence. The reason that negative peer pressure happens, especially during adolescence, is because humans are social beings and ‘WE’ want to belong. We do what we believe others want us to do for the sake of acceptance and to ‘fit in’. Extreme peer pressure may lead you to follow what your peers feel right, thereby, you end up losing your own identity.

Conclusion
It honestly depends on the people you surround yourself with. Peer pressure is influenced from a members peers. So it is up to you who you hang around with. It is only a bad thing if you make it one.

Foods with preventive powers

There are a lot of benefits some foods serve us. Like mustard contains manganese and phosphorus, which contribute to strong bones and teeth so help prevent osteoporosis. Many other foods have similar preventive powers such as:

Asparagus for high blood pressure.

Image result for asparagus
Asparagus contains the natural diuretic asparagine, which helps your body get rid of excess salt and fluid. For people with oedema caused by high blood pressure, eating asparagus can be very helpful. Asparagus also has B-vitamins that help fight early cognitive decline and depression.

Onions For lung cancer

Image result for onion
Studies have found that dietary flavonoids that are found in onions, reduce risk of lung cancer. Onions may also help boost your good cholesterol.

Cheese for dental health.

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The fat that is naturally present in cheese coats your teeth and acts like a natural barrier against bacteria. Cheese also contains caesin, a protein that provides protection.

Lemons and limes for kidney stones

Lemons and lime contain citric acid that helps reduce the excretion of calcium in urine so it prevents kidney stones from forming. Lemon rinds are also rich in a component called rutin, which helps strengthen the walls of the capillaries, potentially reducing the pain and severity of varicose veins.

Papayas for arthritis

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Papaya is an excellent source for vitamin C. Thus help prevent the ailment, if consumed regularly.

Beets for a better brain.

Beets produce nitric oxide, which helps blood flow throughout your body and brain. Which decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

This Too Shall Pass

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As the new year of 2022 has arrived after a long triumphant journey of 2021, we all now have the opportunity to write a new story for ourselves. As we start with the first month of January, we all are at the same time gearing up for exams that are going to start very soon. I do not know how many are feeling the stress the moment I say the word “exams” but I for sure feel it every time I think about it. Now that everyone is aware of what I am going to talk about let, we get straight to it. The article is going to be about exam stress and the things we can do to make the situation of exams better for ourselves as individuals.

Why do we stress during exams?

To be very frank and I am not here to blame any government the past or the present, the problem of stress with exams is not just limited to the individual’s ideas and perspectives but the system of education also plays a very important role in it. Today the situation has come to such that if one mug up everything from the textbook and do not understand what they are reading and score well, then people see these individuals with the presumption that they are smart and intelligent. The stress of exams comes from a place of scoring well and not from the place of understanding the subject. I have often heard people saying that if the person has done their entire studying well, then they will not stress about exams. This is not at all true. Every child will stress about exams and it is natural with the competition they are constantly dealing with but what people forget is that each child is different; therefore, the intensity of stressing about exams will also be different. A little amount of stress is good. It helps us be alert and makes sure that we do not take things for granting and put our effort and hard work towards our exams. On the other hand, too much stress about the exam is not good for anybody. It not only affects us emotionally but, also physically and mentally. It might seem very conventional but even till today across the world under so many circumstances students feel a sense of identification with the marks that they score. Therefore, the stress of doing well in exams to meet the expectation of society still exists in the minds of people. I am not saying that people should fail or people should not do well in their exams. What I am saying is that the stress of performing well in exams should not be so much that it creates a sense of fear or over-expectation that will result in something negative. There are several other reasons why one stresses during an exam. It could be personal, familial, cultural, environmental, and so many more. I am not blaming anybody. I am just stating things that are still present in society while we can see slow change and improvement in it. Not many people will agree with what I say and that is completely understandable but it does not mean that this does not exist. It is important for people preparing for exams to understand that exams are not their final ones. We have so much more to learn, understand, and face practically in the real world.

There are so many exams one is going to write in their lives. One cannot be stressing about every exam excessively as it will be harmful to their health not just during that time but in the future as well.

326,783 Exam Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock Photos from Dreamstime

Things individuals can do to reduce their stress during exams

  1. Understanding the concept: It is very important to understand and learn the concept while reading any subject. Be it math, English, or science. When an individual understands the concept, they will not only be able to answer the direct questions that come during exams but also the twisted or indirect questions that come from the topic. When you understand the concept, you do not learn it only for the period rather you will always remember it and be able to use it practically in the real world.
  2. Clear your doubts beforehand: Make it a point to clear all your doubts before the exams. This way the stress of exams reduces because there is very little space for confusion. When all the clarifications are done the concept becomes clear and easy to understand. Do not ask a doubt because everyone is asking and if you do not ask then you will look like a fool. Do not stop yourself from asking doubts because no one is asking and if you do then you will like a fool. It is time we get past these notions.
  3. Take small breaks: Exams can be very hectic and stressful. Therefore, we must remove the notion that taking small breaks is waste of time because that is not true. Small gaps of break are necessary for our brains to grasp the information and retrieve everything that we understand and learn. A small break helps us to relax and stretch our bodies a little before we start studying again. It has been under the recommendation that taking a 20-minute break during our long hours of study helps us a lot.
  4. Do not skip your meals: Often when people are stressing about something their appetite decreases and they tend to eat less. This factor should come to such a level where people do not eat their meals on time or skip the meal and stressfully study for their exams. Three meals a day is very important because we as individuals tend to use more energy when we are studying. Therefore, to study efficiently we must provide enough amount of food to our bodies.
  5. Do things that you like and make you confident: when a person does things they like and makes, them confident regarding their exams it tends to reduce their stress about it. For example, some people like to write and learn which makes them confident about what they learn for exams while some people like to listen to calming music so that they can learn things peacefully which makes them confident about their exams thereby reducing stress about it. I leave it to the individual of doing the things they like, which makes them confident for their exams and reduces their stress regarding it.

I have mentioned some of the things people can do to reduce their stress during exams. There are so many more things that people can do to make exams less stressful for themselves.

Before I end this article, I would like my readers to remember that many exams shall come and go. Even if you do not do well in one exam, it is not the end of the world. I am not asking you to fail your exams, but even if by chance you do then it is completely okay. As long as you as an individual know that, you have put in your hard work and 100 percent that is that matters. I would like to conclude with a quote that is very important and it says, “Do not be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try.”

References

  1. Google search for quotes and images

A Resolution On Priority

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

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

The importance of prioritizing oneself.

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

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

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

An Important Priority during the Pandemic

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

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

References

  1. Google Image and Searches

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

 Increase in Telephone Subscription:

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

 

Jump in Internet and broadband penetration: 

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

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

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

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

 

 Growth in BTS and Towers: 

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

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

 

Increase in FDI:

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

 

(B) TELECOM REFORMS 

(i) Telecom Reforms announced on 15.9.2021: 

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

(a) Structural Reforms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(b) Procedural Reforms

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

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

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

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

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

(c) Addressing Liquidity requirements of Telecom Service Providers

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

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

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

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

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

 

C. PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

D. HARNESSING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

E. INDIA’s RANKING IN GLOBAL INDICES:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

F. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

Major Success Stories of M/o Earth Sciences During 2021

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

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DAIRY DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES

 1. Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

Breed Development:

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

New Initiatives of the Department:

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

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

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

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

New Components under Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

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

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

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

Awards and new launches

a)         Gopal Ratna Award 2021

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

b)        Launching of Breed Multiplication farm Portal

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

c)         Launching of Dairy mark

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

Ongoing Programmes

Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme: 

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

Genomic selection:  

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

e-GOPALA app: 

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

Establishment of MAITRIs:

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

2. DAIRY DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES:

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

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

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

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

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

Progress/Achievements (Jan-Dec 2021):

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

Physical achievements (January to December 2021)

S. No.

Parameter

Achievement

1

Milk Processing Capcity created (TLPD)

381

2

Incremental Daily Milk Procurement (TKgPD)

368.66

3

Dairy Cooperative Society organised/revived (Number)

1914

4

Farmer members enrolled (in lakh)

1.43

5

Bulk Milk Coolers installed (Number)

291

6

Automatic Milk Collection units installed (Number)

4251

7

Electronic Milk Adulteration Testing Machine installed (Number)

511

 

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

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

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

Launched: 21st December 2017

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

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

Components of DIDF:

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

New Components added in June 21

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

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

Newly Added EIA: Registered FPOs & SHGs.

 

Funding:

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

Progress under DIDF:

Financial Progress (Jan-Dec 2021): 

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

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

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

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

INTEREST SUBVENTION ON WORKING CAPITAL LOANS FOR DAIRY SECTOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Estimate of MLPs for the year 2019-20

Product

Milk

(Million Tonnes)

Egg

(Billion Nos)

Meat

(Million Tonnes)

Wool

(Million Kg)

Production

198.4

114.38

8.60

36.76

Growth Rate (%)

5.69%

10.19%

5.98%

-9.05%

 

 

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

Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

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

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

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

 

Schemes and Programs

  1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

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

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

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

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

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

b.         Implementation of FIDF

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

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

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

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

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

 

(c)        Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

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

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

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

 

Budget Announcements

a) Announcement of Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu

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

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

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

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

 

Other Key initiatives/ Highlights

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

 

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

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Towards Consumer Protection, the Department took several steps: 

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

 

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

    II)        Annual Accounts Rules relating to Central Consumer Protection Authority

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

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

V)        Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021

 

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

    i) Landmark judgments on Consumer Law and Practice

   ii) Handbook on Mediation under Consumer Protection Act, 2019

   iii) Handbook of E-filing before Consumer redressal Commission 

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

LEGAL METROLOGY:-

i) Steps taken for Ease of Doing Business

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

 

ii) Enforcement of Legal Metrology on the e commerce Platform

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

 

iii) Implementation of Government Approved Test Centre

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

 

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

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

v) Inauguration of RRSL Varanasi 

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

vi)        Time Dissemination

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

The department organized several activities under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav 

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

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

 

In addition, special cleanliness drive was organized: 

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

 

*******

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

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

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

 PM chairs meeting of CSIR Society

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

COVID-19 Mitigation Initiatives

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

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

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

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

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

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

100-bedded Makeshift Hospital Inaugurated in Bhatinda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Major Achievements and Highlights

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

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

Indian Bio-Jet Fuel Technology Receives Formal Military Certification

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

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

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

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

Launch of India’s First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus

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

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

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

CSIR-IIP Partners with IndiGo to Manufacture Sustainable Aviation Fuel 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CSIR develops indigenous Mechanized Scavenging System for Sewage Maintenance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

             

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs organized Janjatiya Gaurav Saptah 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tribes India – Aadi Mahotsav 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Achievements under FAME India II scheme in this year

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

Other Initiatives

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

The reforms can be placed in the following categories:

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

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

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

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

  • Late Payment Surcharge Rules 2021

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

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

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

  • Issuance of Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) Trajectory

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

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

  • Introduction of Green Day Ahead Market (GDAM)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Redesigning the Renewable Energy Certificate(REC) Mechanism 

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

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

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

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

Progress (From 01.11.2020  to 31.10.2021)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Fuel Linkages under SHAKTI:

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

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

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

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

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

    Pilot project for procurement of 2500 MW power:

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

2nd Round (2500 MW):

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

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

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

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

Rules/Policies adopted for robust transmission infrastructure 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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