The Government is continuously working under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the development of the country, especially the vulnerable tribal group families, through the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Jan Man Yojana (PM-Jan Man). Under this, Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan giving a gift to the tribal families of Madhya Pradesh, has approved more than 30 thousand houses in Madhya Pradesh. Union Minister said that PM Modi’s government is fully committed and sensitive towards the deprived and exploited. He said that every possible work will be done continuously for the upliftment of this section.
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while approving the allocation of additional targets for the year 2024-25 under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ministry of Rural Development, said that PM Janman Mission aims at the development of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) who have been left out from the schemes of various Ministries/Departments. Shri Chouhan said that the full focus of the Modi government is to reach out to the last person in the country. He informed that the targeted housing (4.90 lakh houses) under PM-Janman is to be completed by March 2026.
Union Minister informed that earlier a target6 of 3,70,963 (2,18,890 in the year 2023-24 and 1,52,073 in the year 2024-25) has been allocated to the States4, out of which 3.38 lakh houses have been sanctioned and the first installment3 has been released to 2.71 lakh beneficiaries and 62,005 houses have been completed. After the survey, the states have identified 46,573 additional eligible families, out of which more than 30 thousand houses have been allotted additionally to Madhya Pradesh. Earlier, 1,44,200 houses have been approved for Madhya Pradesh.
Approval of roads in Andhra Pradesh under PM-Janman – Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has also approved 76 roads of 297.18 km length in the state of Andhra Pradesh under PM-Janman. The estimated cost of these 76 roads is Rs 275.07 crore, out of which the central share is Rs 163.39 crore and the state share is Rs 111.68 crore.
Additional sanctioned housing in Madhya Pradesh (district wise)
Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the third edition of Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki, a one month long national campaign against gender-based violence in New Delhi today. Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurna Devi also graced the event with Ministers of states of Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani. The campaign, organized by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the aegis of the Ministry of Rural Development, will run across all States and Union Territories until 23rd December 2024. This initiative, led by DAY-NRLM’s extensive Self-Help Group (SHG) network, embodies the spirit of Jan Andolan. The Nayi Chetna campaign aims to amplify awareness and drive informed action against gender-based violence through grassroots initiatives. Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan released Nayi Chetna 3.0 joint Advisory along with Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurna Devi and Ministers of state of Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani. And they also inaugurated 227 new Gender Resource Centers in 13 states.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that during his tenure as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, he initiated numerous schemes aimed at women’s development. These initiatives brought about significant positive change in their lives, also enhancing their respect within their households.If women are to be completely empowered, then women empowerment, social empowerment, political empowerment, and educational empowerment must be achieved. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, women empowerment initiatives are being implemented as a campaign. I heartily congratulate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this endeavour. Programs like Nayi Chetna must be taken to society, as violence persists, affecting not only rural areas but also cities, where incidents like Nirbhaya occur. Daughters like Rubika Pahari and Ankita Sen are victims of heinous crimes. During my tenure as Chief Minister, I observed that 90% of rape cases involved acquaintances. Widespread public awareness is essential to combat this issue. Women self-help groups have sparked a revolution in women empowerment, uniting women as a force. This campaign must be taken to every village through these groups. To enhance its effectiveness, we will review and strategize its implementation in every village and city, with a focus on urban areas.
Shri Chouhan emphasizes the need for a new consciousness in India, where the tradition of respecting women seems to be dwindling. He stresses that there should be no tolerance for violence against women and no excuses for not taking action. To achieve this, he advocates for the death penalty for those convicted of rape, arguing that human rights are for humans, not for those who commit heinous crimes. He also highlights the importance of unity and collective effort among women, the Women Development Department, self-help groups, and society as a whole to ensure safety and end violence. Shri Chouhan envisions a future where women can live without fear of violence, and he urges everyone to work together to achieve this goal.
Shri Kamlesh Paswan highlighted the remarkable efforts of the Rural Development Ministry, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, in empowering women, who constitutes half of India’s population. Notably, the housing scheme has made significant strides, allocating 75% of houses to women. This initiative is part of the rapid changes taking place in India to promote women’s equality.
Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said that our nation’s progress hinges on the dignity, security, and freedom of every woman especially those in our rural heart land. Gender based violence is a global issue that knows no boundaries, taking many forms from physical and emotional abuse to online harassment and cyber bullying. Many gender based violence cases go unnoticed due to fear, social stigma, lack of awareness and inadequate support systems, therefore empowering women isn’t just a policy, and it’s our moral duty and societal necessity Dr. Pemmasani added.
Secretary of Rural Development Shri Shailesh Kumar emphasized the crucial role of women’s determination and dedication in driving this movement forward. He stressed that a strong movement can only be formed with the active participation and support of women. Shri Shailesh Kumar also acknowledged the current situation of gender-based violence and inequalities in India. Despite progress in women’s education, health, and political participation, women continue to face challenges like discrimination, social norms, high levels of violence, and unequal household workload. In rural India, the statistics are alarming, with 49% of women having no control over their income and 32% believing their opportunities are limited due to gender inequality.
The campaign is a collaborative effort in the spirit of “whole of government” approach and witness participation of 9 Ministries/Departments namely Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Department of Justice.
The objectives of Nayi Chetna 3.0 include raising awareness of all forms of gender-based violence, encouraging communities to speak out and demand action, providing access to support systems for timely assistance and empowering local institutions to act decisively against violence.The campaign’s slogan, “Ek Saath, Ek Awaaz, Hinsa Ke Khilaaf,” embodies the call for collective action through convergence efforts, adopting a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh convened a meeting of State GAD/ Personnel Secretaries to receive an update about the status of General Administration Department working in individual States and UTs as well as to familiarise them with new initiatives undertaken by the Central Government headed by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi.
The Union MoS DoPT shared a futuristic vision in governance driven by latest technology and motivated by the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The meeting served as a platform for fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among administrative leaders, with a focus on capacity building, technological integration, and reforms to enhance governance. The conference saw participation from almost all the States and Union Territories.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the critical need for regular interactions to empower civil servants in meeting the evolving challenges of governance. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, integrity, accountability, and efficiency, as reflected in initiatives like Mission Karmayogi, which has institutionalized capacity building for civil servants at all levels.
Highlighting the importance of grievance redressal mechanisms, the Minister noted that the centralized system has witnessed an unprecedented increase in public trust, with complaints handled annually growing from 2 lakh in 2014 to over 25 lakh in 2024. This surge demonstrates the government’s ability to address citizens’ concerns more effectively and in a timely manner.
During the meeting, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed several concerns raised by Principal Secretaries regarding administrative challenges and the development of civil servants. One key suggestion was the creation of a mentoring framework where senior officers could guide younger batches, helping them benefit from the knowledge and experience of their seniors. The Minister acknowledged this proposal and highlighted the importance of mentorship in shaping future leaders within the civil service.
Dr Jitendra Singh shared that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) had already initiated a mentorship program in 2016, where officers undergo a three-month exposure to central government priorities, gaining a better understanding of national-level governance. This initiative has proven effective in boosting the confidence and initiative of younger officers, enabling them to interact with senior mentors and learn key aspects of governance practices.
In response to concerns about the lack of exposure for officers at the Deputy Secretary and Joint Secretary levels, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized ongoing efforts to address this gap. He highlighted initiatives like the National Learning Week and Mission Karmayogi, which now cater to various levels of civil servants, including those in state administrations. These programs are designed to equip officers with the necessary skills to navigate dynamic governance challenges.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also appreciated the development of online knowledge series aimed at providing essential information to officers and assured that the DoPT would collaborate with states to share best practices and resources, further enhancing the learning environment for civil servants nationwide.
The conference explored several key topics vital to governance and administrative reforms, with a focus on the increasing role of technology in administration. A major highlight was the implementation of centralized grievance mechanisms, which have greatly enhanced public trust in the system’s responsiveness. The discussions showcased success stories, such as the integration of face recognition technology and year-long capacity-building initiatives, both of which are helping civil servants adapt quickly to evolving governance needs. These reforms, along with Mission Karmayogi’s institutionalized framework, are equipping officers with the necessary skills to tackle modern administrative challenges effectively.
Sessions at the conference aimed to provide civil servants with the tools needed for contemporary governance. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) presented key personnel reforms, and a discussion on Mission Karmayogi illustrated its transformative impact on civil services. The event also highlighted the use of electronic Human Resource Management Systems (eHRMS) to streamline personnel management, alongside discussions on the successful implementation of the Right to Public Grievance Redressal Act, which has boosted public service accountability.
Additionally, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) conducted a session on digitalization, centralized grievance redressal, and special campaigns, aiming to modernize administrative processes.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for states to adopt technologies like face recognition systems to improve administrative efficiency. He also stressed that the capacity-building measures under Mission Karmayogi would help civil servants navigate the complexities of modern governance.
The Minister also highlighted the 2018 amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, which introduced accountability for both bribe-givers and bribe-takers, fostering a more balanced and just approach to corruption. He further emphasized the need for regular exchanges of best practices among states to replicate successful governance models nationwide.
The conference, organized by DoPT, saw the participation of DoPT Secretary Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, DARPG Secretary Shri V. Srinivas, and senior officials from both departments, enriching discussions on governance reforms.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by expressing confidence that these collaborative efforts would drive progress and empower civil servants for more effective public service delivery.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment launched eShram portal (eshram.gov.in) nationwide on 26th August 2021 for creation of a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) verified and seeded with Aadhaar. eShram portal is meant to register and support the unorganised workers by providing them a Universal Account Number (UAN).
In October 2024, on an average about 60,000 registrations happened on eShram per day and a single day registration reached 97,839 on 09.10.2024. As on 19th November 2024, over 30.40 crore unorganised workers have registered on eShram portal, on a self-declaration basis. The key social security benefits extended to the unorganised workers through eShram portal are as follows:
eShram has been integrated with National Career Service (NCS) Portal. An unorganised worker can register on NCS using his/ her Universal Account Number (UAN) and search for suitable job opportunities. An option/ link has also been provided to registrant on eShram portal to seamlessly register on NCS.
eShram is also integrated with Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM). PM-SYM is a pension scheme for unorganised workers who are aged between 18-40 years. Using UAN (eShram), any unorganised worker can easily register on Maandhan portal.
To provide skill enhancement and apprenticeship opportunities to unorganised worker, eShram has been integrated with Skill India Digital portal of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
eShram is also integrated with myScheme portal. myScheme is a National Platform that aims to offer one-stop search and discovery of the Government schemes. It provides an innovative, technology-based solution to discover scheme information based upon the eligibility of the citizen.
Further, Ministry of Labour and Employment has also launched the eShram– “One-Stop-Solution” on 21st October 2024. eShram– “One-Stop-Solution” entails integration of different Social Security/ Welfare schemes at single portal i.e., eShram. This enables unorganised workers registered on eShram to access social security schemes and see benefits availed by them, through eShram. So far, twelve (12) Social Security/ Welfare Schemes have been integrated/ mapped with eShram which includes: – One Nation One Ration Card, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, National Social Assistance Programme (Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, National Family Benefit Scheme) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), etc.
eShram data is being shared with State/ UTs Labour Departments through integration and Data Sharing Portal (DSP) based on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and guidelines prepared by Ministry of Labour and Employment in consultation with National Informatics Centre (NIC), Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and States/ UTs. All States/UTs have been on boarded on Data Sharing Portal (DSP) and 10 States/UTs have completed integration.
Integration of Social Security/ Welfare Schemes with eShram is a continuous process.
The official data source on Employment and Unemployment is Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) which is conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) since 2017-18. The survey period is July to June every year. As per the latest available Annual PLFS reports, the estimated Worker Population Ratio (WPR) and Unemployment Rate (UR) on usual status for persons of age 15 years and above in the country is as follows:
Year
WPR (in %)
UR (in %)
2017-18
46.8
6.0
2018-19
47.3
5.8
2019-20
50.9
4.8
2020-21
52.6
4.2
2021-22
52.9
4.1
2022-23
56.0
3.2
2023-24
58.2
3.2
Source: PLFS, MoSPI
The above data indicates that the WPR i.e. employment has increasing trend and Unemployment Rate has a decreasing trend over the years.
The KLEMS (K: Capital, L: Labour, E: Energy, M: Materials and S: Services) database published by Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) provides employment estimates at all India level. As per the latest data of the database, provisional estimates for 2023-24, employment in the country increased to 64.33 crore in year 2023-24 compared to 47.15 crore in 2014-15. Total increase in employment during 2014-15 to 2023-24 is about 17 crore.
To provide various employment related services to the youth of the country on a single platform, Government of India has launched National Career Service (NCS) portal (www.ncs.gov.in) which includes services like job search & matching, career counselling, vocational guidance, information on skill development courses, internships etc through the portal. During the year 2024-25 (as on 15.11.2024), 1.12 crore vacancies were posted on NCS portal and more than 3.53 Crore number of vacancies mobilized on the portal since its launch in 2015.
Further, Government of India has also launched MY Bharat platform which provides myriad opportunities for youth engagement through various organizations onboarded on the portal with a view to involve them in meaningful activities. The MY Bharat portal is envisioned as a pivotal, technology-driven facilitator for youth development and youth-led development, with the overarching goal of providing equitable opportunities to empower the youth in realizing their aspirations.
Employment generation coupled with improving employability is the priority of the Government. Accordingly, the Government of India has taken various steps for generating employment in the country.
The various Ministries/ Departments of Government of India like Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, etc. are implementing different employment generation schemes/ programmes like Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes (RSETIs), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), etc. including increase in capital expenditure to boost employment creation. The details of various employment generation schemes/programmes being implemented by the Government of India may be seen at https://dge.gov.in/dge/schemes_programmes.
Further, Government announced in the Budget 2024-25, the Prime Minister’s package of 5 schemes and initiatives to facilitate employment, skilling and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over a 5-year period with a central outlay of Rs. 2 lakh crore.
India Employment Report, 2024 of Institute for Human Development (IHD) – International Labour Organisation (ILO) mentioned that in ILO’s Global Report Trends for Youth, 2022, the worldwide youth unemployment rate was 15.6 per cent in 2021. Further, as per World Employment and Social Outlook Trends, 2024 by ILO, globally, in 2023, the youth unemployment rate was 13.3 per cent.
The official data source of Employment/ Unemployment indicator in India at present is the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) since 2017-18. The survey period is July to June of the next year. As per the latest available Annual PLFS reports, the estimated Unemployment Rate (UR) on usual status for youth of age 15-29 years in the country in the year 2023-24 was 10.2% which is lower than global levels. Further, the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for youth indicating employment has increased from 31.4% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24.
Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) Payroll Data gives an idea of the level of employment in the formal sector. More than 1.3 crore net subscribers joined EPFO during 2023-24. Moreover, during September 2017 to August, 2024, more than 7.03 crore net subscribers have joined EPFO, indicating increase in formalisation of employment.
All the labour force indicators are providing evidence of improved employment scenario in the country.
Employment generation coupled with improving employability is the priority of the Government. Accordingly, the Government of India has taken various steps for generating employment in the country.
The various Ministries/ Departments of Government of India like Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Textile, etc. are implementing different employment generation schemes/ programmes like Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes (RSETIs), Deen Dayal Antodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), etc. The details of various employment generation schemes/ programmes being implemented by the Government of India may be seen at https://dge.gov.in/dge/schemes_programmes.
Air pollution in Delhi and NCR is a collective result of multiple factors including high level of anthropogenic activities in the high-density populated areas in NCR, arising from various sectors viz. Vehicular Pollution, Industrial Pollution, Dust from Construction and Demolition activities, Road and Open Areas Dust, Biomass Burning, Municipal Solid Waste burning, Fires in Landfills and air pollution from dispersed sources, etc. During post-monsoon and winter months, lower temperature, lower mixing heights, inversion conditions and stagnant winds lead to trapping of the pollutants resulting in high pollution in the region. This is further aggravated due to the emissions from episodic events like stubble burning, firecrackers, etc.
Incidences of paddy stubble burning in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, NCR districts of UP and other areas in NCR are a matter of concern and impact the air quality in the NCR, particularly in the period between October and November.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) developed a standard protocols, in consultation with major stake holders including Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), for recording and monitoring of crop residue burning events and paddy burnt area estimation, to avoid a diverse assessment of fire events/counts. As recorded through the standard ISRO protocol, the number of such incidents of paddy stubble burning, have witnessed a significant decline on year-to-year basis as evident from the following:
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) from time to time has appropriately communicated and issued directives & advisories to various stakeholders including the 11 Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) located within 300 km of Delhi, State Governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on “Ex-Situ Stubble Management” and to establish an ecosystem and robust supply chain mechanism to boost ex-situ utilisation of straw for tackling the problem of stubble burning. CAQM has also directed coal based TPPs including co-generating Captive TPPs situated in NCR to (i) initiate immediate steps to co-fire biomass-based pellets (with focus on paddy straw utilization) with coal through a continuous and uninterrupted supply chain targeting at least 5% co-firing of biomass pellets. (ii) TPPs to strictly comply with the standards of emissions, at all times and with immediate effect, as stipulated vide MoEFCC’s Notification S.O. 3305(E), dated 07.12.2015 and its amendments from, time to time.
Further, as per revised model contract for use of biomass in TPPs, issued by Ministry of Power, these power plants shall use minimum 50% of raw material as stubble/ straw/crop residue of rice paddy sourced from Punjab, Haryana or NCR. Further, emission standards for power plants have been notified and these are to be enforced by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). As per last co-firing status obtained from MoP till October, 2024, out of targeted 22.64 LMT for FY 2024-25, 11 TPPS within 300 Km of Delhi co-fired 6.04 LMT till October, 2024 (~28%), compared to 2.58 LMT (~14 %) against targeted 18.03 LMT in FY 2023-24.
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has launched a scheme to provide financial assistance to Compressed Bio-gas producers for procurement of biomass aggregation equipment for ex-situ management of paddy straw.
Further, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) in 2018 launched scheme for providing subsidy for purchase of crop residue management machinery and establishment of custom hiring centres (CHCs) in NCT of Delhi and the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for in-situ management of paddy straw. During the period from 2018 to 2024-25 (till 15.11.2024), a total of Rs. 3623.45 crores have been released (Punjab – Rs. 1681.45 crores, Haryana – Rs. 1081.71 crores, Uttar Pradesh – Rs. 763.67 crores, NCT of Delhi – Rs. 6.05 Crores and ICAR-Rs. 83.35 crores). The states have distributed more than 3.00 lakh machines to the individual farmers and to more than 40000 CHCs in these 4 States, which also include more than 4500 Balers & Rakes which are used for collection of straw in the form of bales for further ex-situ utilization. MoA&FW in 2023 revised guidelines under the scheme to support establishment of crop residue/paddy straw supply chain, by providing financial assistance on the capital cost of machinery and equipment.
Based on the deliberations and discussions held in series of meetings with the State Governments of Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, Government of NCT of Delhi, State Pollution Control Boards of NCR States and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and various other stakeholders viz. ISRO, ICAR, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), CAQM has provided a Framework to the states concerned for control / elimination of crop residue burning and directed these to draw up detailed state-specific action plans based on the major contours of the framework.
Based on the framework advised by CAQM through Direction dated 10.06.2021 to the concerned State Governments of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Government of NCT of Delhi to prepare state specific detailed, monitorable action plans based on learnings from the years 2021, 2022 and 2023. Action plans were reviewed, updated and finalised by the all-concerned State Governments for the year 2024. Accordingly, a statutory direction for strict implementation of the framework and revised action plan for prevention and control of paddy stubble burning during the year 2024, to eliminate the practice through strict enforcement was issued to the respective States on 12.04.2024. The Action Plans, inter-alia, comprises of following components: –
In-situ Crop Residue Management:
Availability and allocation of CRM machinery
High yield and short duration paddy varieties, as substitute of PUSA- 44.
Harvesting schedule staggered to improve machine utilization
Super SMS mandated with Combine harvester
Extensive use of Bio-decomposer developed by IARI
Ex-situ Crop Residue Management
CAQM, vide Direction dated 12.04.2024, has also asked the States concerned for effective implementation of revised action plan for control / elimination of crop residue burning. Further, to ensure effective enforcement mechanism for implementation of the plans of action for prevention and control of Paddy Stubble Burning, CAQM, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 14(2), vide Direction dated 10.10.2024 has authorised the Deputy Commissioners / District Collectors / District Magistrates in the States of Punjab, Haryana, NCR areas of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and in the NCT of Delhi to file a complaint/ prosecution before jurisdictional judicial magistrate, in case of inaction in respect of officials, including nodal officers and supervisory officers at various levels and Station House Officers, responsible for effective enforcement towards ensuring elimination of paddy stubble burning in their respective jurisdiction.
Various other corrective measures have been taken by the Government to tackle air pollution from stubble burning, which include:
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has framed Guidelines for grant of one-time financial support under Environment Protection Charge funds for establishment of pelletization and Torrefaction plants to promote utilisation of paddy straw. In case of setting up of palletisation plant, Rs. 28 lakhs per tonne per hour (TPH), or 40% of the capital cost considered for plant and machinery of a 01 TPH plant, whichever is lower, is provided as one-time financial assistance with a maximum total financial support of Rs. 1.4 crore per proposal. In case of setting up of torrefaction plants, Rs. 56 lakhs per TPH, or 40% of the capital cost considered for plant and machinery of a 01 TPH plant, whichever is lower, is provided as one-time financial assistance with a maximum total financial support of Rs. 2.8 crore per proposal.
A total of 17 applications for establishment of pelletization and Torrefaction plants under the above mentioned CPCB Guidelines have been sanctioned so far, out of which 02 plants are not coming up. Pellet production capacity of 15 sanctioned plants is 2.07 lakh tonne/annum. These plants are expected to utilize 2.70 lakh tonne of paddy straw per annum.
CPCB has deployed 26 teams (in 16 districts of Punjab and 10 districts of Haryana) for the period 01st October – 30th November, 2024 to intensify monitoring and enforcement actions regarding stubble burning. These teams are coordinating with concerned authorities/ officers deployed at the district level by the State Govt. and reporting to CAQM.
MoH&FW had deputed 31 Central Teams, which have conducted Quality Survey work w.e.f. 1-15th September, 2024 in the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and the Teams had visited 275 manufacturers and conducted quality audit of 910 agricultural machines. Further, 10 Central Teams have conducted survey on utilization of machines in States of Punjab and Haryana during 15th October-31st October 2024. A Team comprising members from DA&FW, CAQM and ICAR and other stakeholders had visited to the State of Punjab to witness the activities of paddy straw management on 14th November, 2024.
The tiger population has increased as per the All India Tiger Estimation done in 2022, with an estimated number of 3682 (range 3167-3925) as compared to the 2018 estimation of 2967 (range 2603-3346) and 2014 estimation of 2226 (range 1945-2491). The tiger population is increasing at a rate of 6% per annum in India when consistently sampled areas are compared. The details of tiger estimation pertaining to tiger landscapes in the country, for the years 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 is at Annexure-I.
The Government of India, through the National Tiger Conservation Authority, has advocated a three pronged strategy to manage human-wildlife negative interactions as follows:-
(i) Material and logistical support: Funding support through the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger, is provided to tiger reserves for acquiring capacity in terms of infrastructure and material, to deal with tigers dispersing out of source areas. These are solicited by tiger reserves through an Annual Plan of Operation (APO) every year which stems out from an overarching Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP), mandated under Section 38 V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Inter alia, activities such as payment of ex-gratia and compensation, periodic awareness campaigns to sensitize, guide and advise the general populace on man-animal conflict, dissemination of information through various forms of media, procurement of immobilization equipment, drugs, training and capacity building of forest staff to deal with conflict events are generally solicited.
(ii) Restricting habitat interventions: Based on the carrying capacity of tigers in a tiger reserve, habitat interventions are restricted through an overarching TCP. In case tiger numbers are at carrying capacity levels, it is advised that habitat interventions should be limited so that there is no excessive spill over of wildlife including tigers thereby minimizing man-animal conflict. Further, in buffer areas around tiger reserves, habitat interventions are restricted such that they are sub-optimal vis-à-vis the core/critical tiger habitat areas, judicious enough to facilitate dispersal to other rich habitat areas only.
(iii) Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs): The National Tiger Conservation Authority has issued following three SOPs to deal with human-animal conflict, which are available in public domain:
i. To deal with emergency arising due to straying of tigers in human dominated landscapes
ii. To deal with tiger depredation on livestock
iii. For active management towards rehabilitation of tigers from source areas at the landscape level.
The three SOPs inter alia includethe issue of managing dispersing tigers, managing livestock kills so as to reduce conflict as well as relocating tigers from source areas to areas where density of tiger is low, so that conflict in rich source areas does not occur.
Also as per Tiger Conservation Plans need based and site-specific management interventions are undertaken by the tiger reserves for improving the quality of wildlife habitat and funding support for these activities is provided under the Project Tiger Component of the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats.
As reported by States, the details of tigers lost due to confirmed unnatural causes (poaching, seizures and unnatural not poaching) during last three years and current year are at Annexure-II.
Annexure-I
Details of tiger estimation pertaining to tiger landscapes in the country, for the years 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 (As per All India Tiger Estimation Reports)
State
Tiger Population
2006
2010
2014
2018
2022
Shivalik-Gangetic Plain Landscape Complex
Uttarakhand
178
227
340
442
560
Uttar Pradesh
109
118
117
173
205
Bihar
10
8
28
31
54
Shivalik Gangetic
297
353
485
646
819
Central Indian Landscape Complex and Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex
Andhra Pradesh
95
72
68
48
63
Telangana
–
–
–
26
21
Chhattisgarh
26
26
46
19
17
Madhya Pradesh
300
257
308
526
785
Maharashtra
103
169
190
312
444
Odisha
45
32
28
28
20
Rajasthan
32
36
45
69
88
Jharkhand
–
10
3
5
1
Central India
601
601
688
1033
1439
Western Ghats Landscape Complex
Karnataka
290
300
406
524
563
Kerala
46
71
136
190
213
Tamil Nadu
76
163
229
264
306
Goa
–
–
5
3
5
Western Ghats
412
534
776
981
1087
North Eastern Hills and Brahmaputra Flood Plains
Assam
70
143
167
190
229
Arunachal Pradesh
14
–
28
29
9
Mizoram
6
5
3
0
0
Nagaland
–
–
–
0
0
Northern West Bengal
10
–
3
0
2
North East Hills, and Brahmaputra
100
148
201
219
236
Sunderbans
–
70
76
88
101
TOTAL
1411
1706
2226
2967
3682
Annexure-II
Details of tiger lost due to confirmed unnatural causes (poaching, seizures and unnatural not poaching) during last three years and current, State-wise
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved One Nation One Subscription, a new Central Sector Scheme for providing country-wide access to scholarly research articles and journal publication. The scheme will be administered through a simple, user friendly and fully digital process. This will be a “One Nation One Subscription” facility for the government higher education institutions and R&D laboratories of the central government.
A total of about Rs.6,000 crore has been allocated for One Nation One Subscription for 3 calendar years, 2025, 2026 and 2027 as a new Central Sector Scheme. One Nation One Subscription will build on and further enhance the scope and reach of the range of initiatives undertaken by the Government of India over the past decade in the domains of education, for maximizing access to quality higher education for the youth of India. This will supplement the ANRF initiative to promote research and development and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout government universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
The benefits of One Nation One Subscription scheme will be provided to all Higher Educational Institutions under the management of the Central or State Government and Research & Development Institutions of the Central Government, through a national subscription coordinated by a central agency, namely the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university centre of the University Grants Commission (UGC). This list covers more than 6,300 institutions, translating into nearly 1.8 crore students, faculty and researchers, who will be able to potentially avail benefits of One Nation One Subscription.
This is in line with the goals of Viksitbharat@2047, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The initiative will expand access to scholarly journals to a vast diaspora of students, faculty, researchers and scientists of all disciplines, including those in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, thereby promoting core as well as interdisciplinary research in the country. The ANRF will periodically review the usage of One Nation One Subscription and publications of Indian authors of these institutions.
The Department of Higher Education will have a unified portal “One Nation One Subscription” through which the institutions will be able to access the journals. The ANRF will periodically review the usage of One Nation One Subscription and publications of Indian authors of these institutions. The DHE and other Ministries having HEIs and R&D Institutions under their management shall be proactively conducting Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns among students, faculty and researchers of these institutions about availability and method of access to One Nation One Subscription, resulting in improved usage of the facility across the country. The State Governments will also be requested to carry out campaigns at their level for maximizing usage of the unique facility by students, faculty and researchers of all government institutions.
Government of India announces the commencement of a historic year-long celebration to commemorate the 75 years of the adoption of the Constitution of India, a milestone that reflects the remarkable journey of our democracy and the enduring legacy of our founding principles and Constitutional values starting on Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas), 26th November 2024. These celebrations are being conducted under the campaign tagline “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan” and aim to honour the contributions of the Constitution’s makers while reiterating the core values enshrined in it.
On 26th November 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26th January 1950, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian history. This day is significant as it marks the adoption of the world’s longest written Constitution, a cornerstone of India’s democratic framework. Since its inception, the Constitution serves as the guiding framework, shaping the nation’s progress over the past 75 years.
Celebration – Highlights:
Special Website (constitution75.com): A dedicated website, constitution75.com, has been created to enable citizens to engage with the Constitution’s legacy through interactive activities and resources. The website offers:
Read the Preamble and record a video: Citizens can participate in the campaign by recording videos while reading the Preamble of the Constitution in languages of their choice. The videos can be uploaded on the campaign website and certificate of participation can be downloaded.
Explore the Constitution in Multiple Languages: Access the full text of the Constitution in multiple languages, making it accessible to all citizens.
Dive into History: Learn about the making of the Constitution, read debates from the Constituent Assembly, reports of various committees involved in the making of the Constitution and gain insights into the values and principles that shaped modern India.
Interactive Features: “Know Your Constitution”, an AI enabled interactive feature, where one can ask questions about the Constitution and receive detailed answers related to the Constitution of India.
Mass reading of Preamble on November 26, 2024
On 26th November 2024, from schools to offices, from cities to villages, millions across India will read the Preamble together.
Capture the moment by uploading your selfies and videos on the website (constitution75.com) and sharing them on social media with pride.
Inaugural Programme at Central Hall of Parliament on 26th November 2024:
A grand inaugural programme will be held at the Central Hall of Parliament, led by the President of India, in the presence of the Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha and other dignitaries.
Programme Highlights:
Short Film Presentation dedicated to the glory of the Constitution of India, its making and historical journey.
Release of a commemorative Coin and Stamp dedicated to the 75th anniversary of adoption of Constitution of India.
Release of Books titled “Making of the Constitution of India: A Glimpse” and “Making of the Constitution of India & its Glorious Journey”
Release of Booklet dedicated to the Art of the Constitution of India.
Release of the Constitution of India in Sanskrit.
Release of the Constitution of India in Maithili.
Ceremonial reading of Preamble led by the President of India.
The Government of India calls upon the citizens to be a part of this historic occasion and show our collective pride in our Constitution and demonstrate our commitment to the democratic values that define our nation.
How to participate!
Visit constitution75.com to read the Preamble of the Constitution, record and upload your videos, and download a certificate of participation.
Engage with the interactive features of the website, explore the Constitution in multiple languages, and learn more about the journey that brought India its guiding framework.
Join the nationwide movement on 26th November 2024, take part in the reading of the Preamble at schools, colleges, government and private offices, panchayats, and others, across the country. Share your participation on social media to inspire others.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carries out upkeep of all Nationally protected monuments. Besides, Amenities and information has been provided at important monuments to enrich the experience of the visitors. Furthermore, the Government of India has launched Adopt A Heritage 2.0 Programme in 2023 to create framework for engaging public/private sector companies, NGOs, Trusts, Societies etc. to provide amenities at protected monuments to enhance visitors experience to make them visitor friendly.
Through the academies and ZCCs; the focus is on cultural preservation, documentation, research, publication, cultural exchange programmes, capacity building and conservation.
The Government of India promotes Indian folk Arts and Culture abroad through Global Engagement Scheme under which Festivals of lndia are organized in other countries showcasing folk art and other cultural events as exhibitions, dance, music, theatre, food fest, film fest, yoga etc. and through grant-in-aid to lndo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies for organizing programmes and activities including folk art and other cultural activities for their promotion abroad
The Government of India has taken several initiatives for enrich India’s cultural heritage during last 5 years. An Umbrella Scheme ‘Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana’ comprising several sub-schemes has been developed to provide financial assistance for the promotion of Arts and Culture, such as:Promotion of Guru Shishya Parampara.Promotion of Art and Culture.Construction of Tagore Cultural Complex.Scheme for Scholarship and fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture. The Details of funds disbursed under Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana in the last five years and are given as under:- (Amount Rs. in Crores)S. No.Years Total funds disbursed1.2020-21100.312.2021-22126.183.2022-23182.254.2023-24166.955.2024-25(Up to 21.11.2024)59.98
MoUs have been signed under ‘Adopt A Heritage 2.0’ for the following monuments in the State of Bihar and Maharashtra: S. No.Name of StateName of Monument1.BiharBuddhist Stupa, Kesariya, Champaran2.MaharashtraElephanta Caves, Raigarh (Maharashtra) The details of financial assistance to the States of Maharashtra and Bihar under “kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana” scheme is given below: – (Amount Rs. in Crores)S. No.YearsTotal funds disbursedBiharMaharashtra1.2020-212.694.482.2021-223.406.983.2022-236.288.544.2023-248.1916.285.2024-25(up to 21.11.2024)1.454.79
The Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) in the country with headquarters at Patiala (Punjab), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), Dimapur (Nagaland) and Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu) to protect, promote and preserve various forms of folk art & culture throughout the country and also to set up mechanism for development of the cultures of various regions. The mandate behind setting up of these ZCCs was to bind the nation culturally while retaining the individuality of the regions that comprise them. The aims and objectives of establishing these ZCCs are:
to preserve and promote the projection and dissemination of arts in the concerned zone;
to develop and promote their rich cultural diversity;
to encourage folk & tribal arts and preservation of vanishing arts;
to involve youth in creative cultural communication and lay special emphasis on the linkages between different areas and their contribution to Indian culture.
A Corpus Fund was provided to each ZCC towards cost of equipment and infrastructure including buildings. Government of India provided Rs. 10.00 crore each to all the seven ZCCs in 7th & 10th Plan. During 2014-15, an additional amount of Rs. 10.00 crore each was provided to six (6) ZCCs viz. North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala; South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur; South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur; West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur; North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Prayagraj & Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata and Rs. 20.00 crore was provided to North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur towards corpus enhancement, taking the total corpus to Rs. 30.00 crore for NEZCC, Dimapur and Rs. 20.00 crore each for the remaining six ZCCs. All the administrative expenses of these ZCCs are being met by the interest accrued on this Corpus Fund. Land required by each Centre was provided free of cost by the State Governments wherein the headquarters of ZCCs are located.
For the promotion of art & culture in the country, these ZCCs organize various cultural activities and programmes on regular basis throughout the year for which annual grant-in-aid is provided to them. Besides, Ministry of Culture also organizes Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs (RSMs) through these ZCCs where a large number of artists from all over India are engaged who showcase their talents during these programmes. From November, 2015 onwards, fourteen (14) RSMs and four (04) Zonal Level RSMs have been organized by Ministry of Culture across the country. In addition, a minimum number of 42 Regional Festivals are organized by these ZCCs every year for promotion of art and culture.
The Ministry of Culture is committed to the preservation, conservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage, including regional languages, traditional art forms, and performing arts that are at risk of extinction. Through its autonomous bodies and Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs), several targeted initiatives are carried out by the ministry.
Sahitya Akademi (SA)works for the promotion of literature in24 recognized languages and various unrecognized and tribal languages by organizing language conventions and awarding the Bhasha Samman to scholars for their contributions to unrecognized languages like Haryanvi, Koshali-Sambalpuri, Paite, Magahi, Tulu, Kurukh, Ladakhi, Halbi, Saurashtra, Kumauni, Bhili, Warli, Banjara/Lambadi, Khasi, Mising, Kodava, Chakma, Rajbanshi, Awadhi, Bundeli, Garhwali, Kachchhi, Himachal, Ao, Karbi, Angami, Gondi, Ho, Chhattisgarhi, Gojri, Bhojpuri, Ahirani, Lepcha, Mundari, Garo, Bhili, Kui, Khasi, Mizo, Pahari, Kokborok.
Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) and Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA) undertake initiatives to preserve endangered performing arts and visual arts, respectively, by organizing workshops, exhibitions, and residencies, and creating platforms like Museum of Performing Arts and the PARI project to showcase regional art and talent. Several other initiatives like Kala Deeksha, Kala Dharohar, Museum of Performing Arts, Kala Pravah (Temple Festival Series), Jyotirgamaya, camps for puppetry, Dokra Casting, Mask Making, Rangoli Workshop, Tribal art conclave, have been undertaken by these autonomous bodies for the preservation of the dying and rare performing art forms across the country.
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) focuses on documenting endangered languages and art forms through films, texts, digital archives, and workshops. National Mission on Manuscripts undertakes the works of conserving manuscripts to tap into the vast potential of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and to make rare manuscripts accessible to scholars, researchers, and the general public.
Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) play a pivotal role in reviving rare and vanishing art forms through schemes like Guru-Shishya Parampara, which trains disciples under eminent Gurus, and the Young Talented Artists Award to encourage young talents. Other notable initiatives include Theatre Rejuvenation, which supports stage shows and workshops, Shilpgram, which promotes rural crafts and organizes fairs, and National Cultural Exchange Programme (NCEP), which fosters cross-cultural understanding.
The Ministry’s plan of action includes sustained documentation of endangered art forms and languages, expanding digital archives for research, and ensuring intergenerational transmission through training programs like Guru-Shishya Parampara. It is envisaged to organize cultural festivals, exhibitions, and exchange programs across the country through public-private collaborations, and state-level partnerships to enhance awareness and appreciation of India’s diverse heritage with a view to safeguard the country’s cultural legacy for future generations. Honouring artists and scholars with awards like Bhasha Samman and promoting North-East cultural heritage through initiatives like Octave are among the integral parts of the Ministry’s strategy.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Cooperative Conference 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also launched the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives 2025 and released a commemorative postal stamp. On this occasion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, the President of International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperation, and several other dignitaries were present.
On this occasion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said in his address that the United Nations’ decision to observe 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives is a timely step and will prove to be a blessing for millions of poor people and farmers worldwide. He added that the inauguration of the International Year of Cooperatives-2025 by Prime Minister Modi today and the hosting of the International Cooperative Conference of the ICA in India is a welcome step.
Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi three years ago gave the clarion call of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” which reflects the essence of theme of this conference, which paved the way for the prosperity of millions of villages, women, and farmers. He said that in previous 3 years, many new activities have taken place in the cooperative sector of India, and after 75 years of independence, India’s cooperative movement has experienced a revival, bringing with it a new zeal.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in next 3 years, through 2 lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), there will not be a single village panchayat in India without a cooperative society. He said that many steps have also been taken to make PACS modern, tech-enabled and economically-viable. He said that through 3 new cooperative bodies formed at the national level, the farmers of India will be able to increase their access to the domestic as well as global market. He said that National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) will not only increase the participation of farmers in world trade in the coming days, but will also work to inspire cooperatives all over the World as to how a small farmer can reach all the markets of the World. Shri Shah said that Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), Krishak Bharti Cooperative (KRIBHCO) and Amul have set examples in the field of cooperatives all over the world and similarly these three cooperatives will also guide the people working in the cooperative sectors of the World.
Shri Amit Shah said that after the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation three years ago, the entire legal framework of cooperatives has been strengthened, the White Revolution 2.0 and the Blue Revolution have also begun, in which the role of cooperatives is very important. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, comprehensive changes have taken place in the last 3 years for the overall development of cooperatives. Shri Shah said that in the coming days, we are also going to build a cooperative university, through which trained and tech-enabled human resources will be created. In the “International Year of Cooperatives,” the Modi government will usher in new dimensions to India’s cooperative movement by introducing a new cooperative policy.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in order to expand the reach of cooperatives, the Government of India is committed to connecting every village and farmer with the cooperative movement. He added that numerous efforts have been made to explore new areas and extend the scope of cooperatives.
Shri Shah stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, significant work has been done in the past three years to extend the reach of cooperatives to every individual and sector. He emphasized that the cooperative movement has opened several avenues for the empowerment of villages, farmers, women, and the underprivileged. Through this movement, the goal of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, can be achieved in the coming times. He also said that the International Year of Cooperatives, inaugurated today by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will pave the way for the empowerment of millions of poor people, farmers, and women worldwide, enabling them to live with dignity and respect.
The real estate sector should look at a greater formalisation that will help the industry grow faster. This was stated by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his keynote address at the 25th Foundation Day of CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India) in New Delhi today. He further urged the industry to engage the labour in formal employment, giving them the social security benefits of insurance (ESIC) and provident fund (EPFO). This will help in the number of employees getting reflected in annual reports and in national statistics. If social security, healthcare and post-retirement benefits are provided then the employees will align with the industry’s goals of enhancing their quality of work leading to better productivity and greater profits, he said.
Commerce and Industry Minister also appealed to CREDAI to expedite formalisation of its 14,000 members. If everyone who works for CREDAI will receive salary through digital payment and if it is ensured that employees working in the ecosystem is a part of the national effort to meet the needs of the people, CREDAI’s contribution to employment will get recognised and rewarded, he said.
In his address, Shri Goyal raised the issue of environment pollution and urged CREDAI to consider setting up a team to study ways to adopt better construction techniques in the metropolitan cities of India. He further suggested the industry body to take this up as a mission and report to the Government steps being taken in this direction. Adopting steel and precast fabrication will speed up construction benefitting the entire ecosystem. This can help in reducing AQI and pollution levels, he said.
Shri Goyal lauded CREDAI for its contribution to making India a powerhouse and also in its journey towards Viksit Bharat and added that the industry has not only worked with brick and mortar to collectively prepare the nation for the future but has worked to provide opportunities and aspirations to the nation. Real estate contributes to the economy and jobs, he said.
Emphasising the difficulty citizens faced earlier in owning homes, Shri Goyal pointed out that a concerted effort has been undertaken in the last ten years to clean up processes, promote Ease of Doing Business and encourage businesses to expand. He also noted that bringing The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) into effect in 2017 was a challenge, however, the regulations have enabled citizens to acquire homes without dispute. The Minister further highlighted CREDAI’s commitment to rectify the processes and pointed out that provisions like Goods and Services Tax (GST), RERA Act and efforts to eliminate irregular transactions have resulted in an organised growth of the real estate sector.
Hailing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s efforts to clean up the banking system, Shri Goyal noted that non-performing assets (NPAs) have decreased significantly and banks have strong credit portfolios with strong balance sheets, maintaining healthy profit each year. It shows how important the banking sector is for the real estate sector and for the economy to gain momentum in meeting the aspirations of the nation. As income levels rise, more people will take possession of their homes as they will be able to afford cheaper loans at lower interest rates, he said.
Shri Goyal also spoke about affordable rental housing and announced that the Government would be engaging in discussions with the industry body to find ways to provide affordable rental to the citizens, besides working on the rehabilitations programme for slum dwellers. He said that affordable rental housing if made available would be able to stop the proliferation of slums in cities. Shri Goyal pointed out that aspects like parking lots and spaces for entertainment families should be looked into when planning layouts. He added that we need to recycle construction waste so that we move towards a circular economy as to be a net zero nation we have to begin from net zero localities and societies.
Encouraging the industry leaders and participants to look for real estate opportunities abroad, Shri Goyal said that expanding the real estate footprint outside India will add to India’s exports and infrastructure services. He also urged the industry to expand its sector and the 250+ associate industries to make real estate a $1 trillion contributor to the nation.
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