Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Dhamendra Pradhan has called upon all the stakeholders to contribute positively in transforming India into a gas based economy.  Presiding over the national conclave on emerging opportunities in the natural gas sector here today, he said that the present share of gas in the energy basket of the country is 6.2% and the target is to take it to15% by 2030.  He said that the world average is 24% while within the country, the Gujarat has 26% share of gas based energy.

Describing the natural gas as the next generation fossil fuel which is comparatively cheaper and less polluting, Shri Pradhan said that the Government has taken a number of initiatives to give thrust to gas based economy.  He said that the domestic gas production is likely to increase in the current financial year to 34.55 billion cubic metre.   Pricing and LNG marketing freedoms have been given to gas producers, LNG terminal capacity is being augmented and national gas grid is being developed.  Shri Pradhan said that this is the first time that Government of India is providing Rs.10,500 crore worth of viability gap funding for laying pipeline in Eastern and North-Eastern India.  He said gas pipeline network will be ready from Kutch to Kohima and Kashmir to Kochi.  Shri Pradhan said that 4 lakh crore rupee worth of investment is likely to be made in such projects which is a challenge as well as an opportunity.He said that the sources of import have been diversified and the Government is holding discussions with gas-exporting countries for getting more gas on favourable terms. He said that CBG is a great initiative which has the potential to generate wealth from waste, provide employment, protect the environment, and give boost to the economy.

Calling upon the States to fully cooperate and support the gas infrastructure activities and projects, he said Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has prepared a draft Policy of City Gas Distribution (CGD), which may be adopted by States to facilitate such activities.

Shri Pradhan said that PNGRB is likely to soon start bid round 11 for CGD and States make like to give suggestions in identification of geographical areas.  He also called upon the States to adopt qualification packs developed by Hydrocarbon Sector Council in their Vocational Training Institutes.   He called upon the States to actively promote CNG usage in State transportation and mining sector.

Shri Pradhan called upon all the entities who have bagged CGD rounds to not delay their work and immediately start action.  He also called upon PNGRB to strictly monitor the progress.

Shri Pradhan announced that Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) will have a Help Desk for holding any future interaction with all stakeholders. He assured full support to all the stakeholders who are part of the gas based supply chain.

In today’s meeting State Ministers from Gujarat, Assam, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Goa participated.  They also gave suggestions for improving the gas network in the country.  Besides various stakeholders from private and public sector involved in various aspects of supply chain of gas distribution took part in the conference.

An exhibition was also inaugurated by the Minister, highlighting various developments and initiatives in the gas sector.

*****

In the aftermath of any disaster, many organisations and individuals work silently but effectively to alleviate suffering of the affected population. A good deal of work is done in research/ innovations in early warning, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, rescue, relief and rehabilitation. In order to recognise the excellent work done by individuals and institutions in India in the field of disaster management, Government of India has instituted an annual award known as Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar. The award is announced every year on 23rd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

The award scheme for the year 2020 was given wide publicity. Nominations for the award were solicited from 1st August, 2019 onwards. Last date for receipt of Nominations was 15th October 2019. The response to the award scheme was overwhelming, with about 330 nominations from institutions and individuals. For the selection of award, the nominations were scruitnised by the two high level Committees.

For the year 2020, Disaster Mitigation & Management Centre, Uttarakhand (in the institution category) and Shri Kumar Munnan Singh (Individual category) have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar for their commendable work in Disaster Management. In case the winner being an institution, it shall receive a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakhs. This cash prize shall be utilized by the winning institution for Disaster Management related activities only. In case of the winner being an individual, winner shall receive a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs.

It may be recalled that for the year 2019, 8th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) located at Ghaziabad, had been selected for the award for its commendable work in disaster management.

Following is a summary of the work of the winners of 2020 Award:

Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre (DMMC), Uttarakhand discharges the functions of State Disaster Management Authority under the Government of Uttarakhand. Since its establishment in 2006, it has coordinated various post disaster functions relating to coordination, requisition, information exchange and media briefing, including those after 2010, 2012 and 2013 major disaster incidences. DMMC has been organizing mock exercises at state, district and tehsil level with the support of NDMA and has trained State Government officials in Incident Response System (IRS) and organized incidence response trainings (IRTs) till tehsil level. DMMC ensures interaction with various scientific and academic institutions working in the field of DRR in the country for dissemination of emerging technologies and techniques amongst State Government departments through workshops.

The DMMC has extended research facilities to students and has published more than 50 papers in peer reviewed scientific journals. It has developed rich audio-visual and print IEC material that is one of the best in the country, particularly in Hindi and includes a Censor Board certified popular film ‘THE SILENT HEROES’ that was released on 11th December, 2015 in more than 200 theatres of 100 cities across the nation. This film highlights the importance of preparation and capacity building and carries the message of social inclusion. The work done by DMMC is innovative and original and ranges from pre-disaster preparation and capacity building to post-disaster response and rehabilitation. Continuity of these programs for almost two decades and keen interest shown in these by other states and countries is a measure of sustainability of these programs.

Shri Kumar Munnan Singh was appointed as a founder Member of the National Disaster Management Authority in 2005 following his commendable work during 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. In NDMA, Shri Singh envisioned and had taken painstaking efforts to establish, one of its kind specialist response force, the ‘National Disaster Response Force’ from scratch to today’s strong force of 14,000 personnel comprising of 12 battalions. Under the superintendence and directions of Shri Singh, NDRF delivered commendable response in its nascent phase itself during devastating Kosi foods, 2008.

Shri Singh also propounded and implemented the concept of Community Capacity Building by the NDRF as a force multiplier and as a result NDRF so far has trained around 60 lakh people who are the first responders amongst their community. Considering wide gap in the Indian disaster management framework, Shri Singh formulated the concept and curriculum for training of response forces and veterinarians for management of livestock during disasters. With comprehensive training and techniques, response forces have been able to timely evacuate and protect livestock during a disaster. Protection of animals during disasters is directly related to livelihood issue of rural population. It is hoped that this initiative of Shri Singh will have a significant and positive impact on livelihood sustainability of rural population in areas vulnerable to perennial floods and cyclones.

*****

As on 22nd January, 12,828 passengers from 60 flights have been screened for Novel Coronovirus symptoms, and no passenger has been detected in India so far.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has taken following actions on this issue of NCoV:

• Secretary (H) is regularly reviewing the evolving scenario and the preparedness status.
• Secretary (H) has also written to the States/UTs to review their preparedness, identify gaps and strengthen core capacities in the area of surveillance, laboratory support infection prevention & control, logistics, risk communication and in particular, hospital preparedness in terms of isolation and ventilator management of critically ill patients of SARI.
• Thermal screening is being done at the International airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Cochin. MoCA has asked airlines to follow International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines for managing and notifying anybody reporting illness on flights originating from China and disembarking in India. MoCA has instructed for in-flight announcements for India bound flights.
• A travel advisory has been issued on 17^th January and put up on Ministry’s website and also on the Twitter handle for wider circulation.
• Port and Airport Health Organizations have been sensitized and thermal screening has been initiated at the international airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Cochin airports. The Airport Health Organizations at the airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Cochin have put up signages at prominent locations informing the public about self-reporting of illness. Immigration officers manning the counters have been sensitized at these airports. MoHFW has written to State Governments of Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala and Karnataka to review and strengthen preparedness measures at designated airports for provision of isolation and critical care facilities, linkages with VRDL network laboratories and adherence to infection prevention and control guidelines.
• Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme has issued advisory to all States/UTs for SARI surveillance to pick up any travel related case reported in the community and follow up contacts of suspect/confirmed cases.
• National Institute of Virology, Pune is fully geared up to test samples of nCoV. Ten other laboratories under Indian Council of Medical Research’s Viral Research and Diagnostics Laboratories network are also equipped to test such samples, if a need arises.
• Adequate stock of Personal Protection Equipment is being maintained by Medical Stores Organization.
• Rapid response teams of the States/UTs have been trained in management of MERS-CoV outbreak (a similarly placed virus, reported from Middle East) in the year 2014. More recently these Rapid Response Teams of all States/UTs, APHO/PHOs and Regional Directors of this Ministry have also been trained (in Nov.-Dec., 2019) on management of high risk pathogens in context of Ebola virus disease outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Ministry of External Affairs has also been requested to disseminate travel advisory (in local languages) to Indian Embassies in China and adjoining countries for wider circulation and passenger information. In view of significant population of Indian students in China, MEA has been requested to provide details of such students.
• Ministry of Home Affairs has been requested to share details of travelers from China who have been issued e-Visa since 31^st December, 2019.

The situation is being closely monitored by the top officials of the Ministry in close coordination with other concerned Ministries & Departments and States/UTs.

****

The Brazilian delegation led by the Union Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Ms. Tereza Cristina Corrêa da Costa Dias called on the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan today for a brief interaction and discussing issues of bilateral importance.The interaction was held in a very cordial atmosphere and Secretary, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ravi Kant and Mr. Orlando Leite Ribeiro, Secretary of International Relations and Trade, Mr. Dalci de Jesus Bagolin, Agricultural Attaché and Mr. Pedro Mariano Martins Pontes, Secretary, Embassy of Brazil, were also present during the interaction.

Welcoming the Agriculture Minister of Brazil, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan underlined the excellent political relationship and strategic partnership between the two countries and stated that both the countries have a lot of convergence and understanding of each other on various international issues. Elaborating on the measures taken by the Government of India to ensure the food security concerns of its citizens, Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan also informed that about 800 million people of the country are presently covered under the Targeted Public Distribution System through which beneficiaries are distributed foodgrains at highly subsidized prices by the Government of India.

Shri Paswan also informed the Brazilian side that India has also launched a Programme named “one nation one ration card” to ensure the Inter-State portability of the ration card. During the interaction, Shri Paswan requested the Brazilian side to consider granting market access for the Indian commodities in Brazil especially, corn seeds and onion request for which are pending since 2012, as a reciprocal measure as India has already granted market assess to Brazil for export of various commodities like cotton, maize, soybeans etc.

Shri Ram Vilas Paswan thanked the Brazilian side for the recent announcement by Brazil regarding visa free travel for Indian citizens and expressed hope that India and MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement would be further expanded for the benefit of both the countries.  For sugar and ethanol related technology, research cooperation both countries share their experiences. Both countries agreed to work together in the area of blending ethanol with petroleum to curb climatic change. Brazil proposed MoU with ICAR and National Sugar Institute, Kanpur in the area of milk sugarcane buffalo and ethanol etc.

The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Ms. Tereza Cristina Corrêa da Costa Dias thanked the Indian side especially the Union Minister for facilitating the interaction and assured that the issues raised by the India would be given due consideration. She also expressed her hope that the bilateral relationship between the two countries which is one of the oldest in the Latin-American Region will continue to strengthen and deepen over the years as the people of India and Brazil have similar aspirations and developmental challenges.

*****

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar today held a bilateral meeting with the Brazilian Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply Ms. Tereza Cristina Correa da Costa Dias at KrishiBhawan in New Delhi to discuss various bilateral trade opportunities, interests and issues. Both Ministers affirmed that agriculture is a priority for both Brazil and India and resolved to strengthen cooperation in the agriculture and allied sectors.  The strong bilateral relations between India and Brazil have continued to strengthen and deepen over the years and were reiterated.  The two countries have similar aspirations and developmental challenges especially for small and marginal farmers which makes the two countries natural partners.

Shri Tomar expressed pleasure at intensification of cooperation in the agriculture sector and of the warm, friendly and mutually beneficial relationship between India and Brazil. Shri Tomar said that India is honoured to have President of Brazil as the Chief Guest for Republic Day and the Brazilian Minister for Agriculture being part of high level delegation is an indicator of the importance attached by the Brazilian Government to cooperation in the area of Agriculture and allied sectors.

Shri Tomar said that India and Brazil are Strategic Partners and the bilateral relationship is one of the oldest in the Latin American region and has continued to strengthen and deepen over the years.  As two large democracies and growing economies India and Brazil have similar aspirations and developmental challenges which make us natural partners. He further added that there is a keen interest on the part of leadership of both the countries to take the relationship to the next level.He said that thecooperation is multifaceted and is not only in the bilateral arenabut also in multilateralfora such asBRICS and IBSA and particularly theUN.

Shri Tomar further expressedhappiness that the first meetingof the Joint Working Group on Agriculture was held last week and the major areas of interest emerging from theJWG meeting was exchange of germplasmof livestock and Agriculture produce, insurance & credit programme of India and various other policies for small and family farmers.Agriculture Minister announced approval for market access to sesame seeds from Brazil to India and thanked Brazil for granting market access to maize seeds from India.

Shri Tomar said that the bilateral trade at US$ 1045 million in 2018-19 is way below potential and is not reflective of the strengths of both economies and there is a need to encourage more trade given the huge complementarities and synergies that exist between India andBrazil.He said that India is interested in diversifying the commodity basket with regard to agricultural exports to Brazil. Brazil imports onions, fresh and dried grapes, wheat and meslin, maize, rice, soyabean and cotton from other countries of the world. The Union Agriculture Minister requested Brazil to explore sourcing these agricultural items fromIndia.

Shri Tomar further discussed several issued of mutual importance including the Market access issues and Brazilian investmentin India.Brazil and India agreed to work towards expeditious resolving of market access to other agricultural products of interest toeach other.   Both Ministers were committed to resolving outstanding issues through continuous interaction.Shri Tomar in conclusion expressed confidence that in the coming years, India’s relationship with Brazil will further gain in strength. Both the sides agreed to expeditiously finalize the Work Plan under the MoU between ICAR and Brazilian Agricultural Research Cooperation (EMBRAPA) to ensure organized and sustained engagements in the suggested sectors.

The Brazilian Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply Ms. Tereza Cristina Correa da Costa Dias in her opening remarks said that today is the second day of her visit and she felt very welcome in India. She said that the technical team which had visited earlier was thrilled with the results of the visit. Ms. Dias stated that this bilateral matches the wishes of the Brazilian President who also wishes to boost bilateral trade ties and improve overall country to country relationship taking it to new heights. She further said that the fundamental objective is to identify various issues and synergise ways and means to overcome them including tariffs which will help in the progress of both the nations.

Ms. Dias said that both countries share a common challenge with a huge part of the population being engaged in agriculture and most of them being small and marginal farmers with low income and lack of market access and very little access to new technology and innovations.   She said that if we can manage to overcome the bottlenecks, it will provide a major impetus to boosting trade and business ties. She said that Wheat, Rice, Millets, Sorghum are some of the products that India would like to export to Brazil and that she will try to move forward on this as far as possible.

Ms. Dias also said that Brazil has a Zero Tariff Program which has a quota of 7.5 Lakh Tons which can be effectively utilised by India for furthering their exports to Brazil. She thanked India for opening the market for Sesame seeds of which India is a major exported but Brazil can complement Indian production especially during the period between harvests. She also said that Brazil is keep on exporting Avocadoes and Citrus to India and is looking forward to expand the relationship in other products as well. She also added that technology should be harnessed and teleconferencing should be used to further trade talks between the two nations before the next delegation meet. She said as a result of the visit Brazil is taking back the creation of Joint Working Group and the cooperation between ICAR and IMBRAPA. In conclusion she said that India and Brazil has taken the first step and will walk the wider path of growth and progress together.

*****

APS/AS

The 15^th Finance Commission headed by Chairman, Shri N.K. Singh alongwith its Members and senior officials met today with the representatives of the Rural Local Bodies of Goa.

The Commission was informed that:

•        First State Finance Commission was constituted in 1999 and Government of Goa had accepted its recommendations in November, 2001.
•      Second State Finance Commission submitted its report in December, 2007, but Government had not accepted the recommendations of the Second State Finance Commission.
•      Third State Finance Commission was constituted in January, 2017 (10 years after submission of report of the Second Finance Commission) and has not submitted the report after completion of three years.

          The main Recommendations of 14^th Finance Commission were:

•    Grants recommended by 14^th Finance Commission to Rural Local Body Rs. 134 crore (Rs. 120 crore Basic Grant and Rs. 14 crore Performance Grant).  Out of Rs. 120 crore (Basic Grant), Goa has received only Rs. 50 crore by the end of 31^st March, 2019. (42% of the grant recommended by 14^th Finance Commission).

•    Out of Rs. 14 crore Performance Grant, Goa has received only Rs. 2.62 crore in 2016-17 (First year of performance Grant). (20% of the grant recommended by 14^th Finance Commission).

The 15^th Finance Commission desired to know the reason(s) for not accepting the recommendations of 2^nd SFC.  It also sought information as to why submission of report of Third State Finance Commission was awaited even after three years of its constitution. In view of the fact that in 2016-17 & 2017-18, 191 Village Panchayats had generated Rs. 24 crore and Rs. 25 crore respectively as Tax Revenue, the Commission has asked for the status of Accounts of Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Representatives of RLBs of Goa included –  Smt. AnkitaNavelkar, North Goa ZP President,  Shri NavnathNaik, South Goa ZP President , Shri Mohan Verekar, ZP Member Ponda, Smt. Suvarna Tendulkar, ZP Member Sanvordem, Shri RupeshNaik, ZP Member Saligao, Shri ArunBankar, ZP Member Mandrem, Shri PramodFaldassai, Canacona-AgondaSarpanch, Smt. SnehaLathaNaik, Sanvordem-MollemSarpanch, Smt. PrashilaGaude, SankhiliPapiSarpanch, Shri Arjun Naik, Sanguem Village Panchayat Uguem and Shri AlluluiAfonso, AvedeCotmi, Quepem.

The Commission has noted all the issues raised by the representatives and has assured to address them in the recommendations to the Union Government.

*****

The 15^th Finance Commission headed by Chairman, Shri N.K. Singh alongwith its Members and senior officials today met with the representatives of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Goa today.

The Commission was informed that:

• Out of the 18 functions envisaged in Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution, 10 functions have been devolved to ULBs.  Further, Out of the 10 devolved functions, (i) Roads and Bridges and (ii) Public Health, Sanitation conservancy and solid waste management have been partially devolved.
• Accounts of the ULBs are maintained and audited upto 2016-17.
• Number of local bodies (2018) at each level of ULBs is as below:

• First State Finance Commission was constituted in 1999 and Government of Goa had accepted its recommendations in November, 2001.

• Second State Finance Commission has submitted its report in December, 2007, but Government has not accepted the recommendations of the Second State Finance Commission.

• Third State Finance Commission was constituted in January, 2017 (10 years after submission of report of the Second Finance Commission) and has not submitted the report after completion of three years.

Recommendations of 14^th Finance Commission:

• Grants recommended by 14^th Finance Commission to Urban Local Body Rs. 220 crore (Rs. 176 crore Basic Grant and Rs. 44 crore Performance Grant).  Out of Rs. 176 crore (Basic Grant), Goa has received only Rs. 104 crore by the end of 31^st March, 2019. (59% of the basic grant recommended by 14^th Finance Commission).

• Out of Rs. 44 crore Performance Grant, Goa has received only Rs. 8.62 crore in 2016-17 (First year of performance Grant). (20% of the grant recommended by 14^th Finance Commission).

The 15^th Finance Commission has sought the reason(s) for not accepting the recommendations of 2^nd SFC. The Commission also wanted to know why the submission of report of Third State Finance Commission is awaited even after three years of its constitution and whether ULBs have suffered any loss of revenue due to subsuming of advertisement & entertainment tax, unless levied by local bodies, in GST. The Commission wanted to know, if any, compensatory mechanism was provided to ULBs to meet the revenue shortfall due to such subsuming.

Representatives of Urban Local Bodies present at the meeting were:-  Shri Uday V. Madkaikar, Mayor, Corporation of City of Panaji, Shri Rayn Braganza, Chairperson, Mapusa Municipal Council, Shri Rajaram A. Gaonkar, Chairperson, Bicholim Municipal Council, Shri Akhtar Ali Shah, Chairperson, Valpoi Municipal Council, Smt. Nitu Sameer Dessai, Chairperson, Canacona Municipal Council, Smt. PanzyCoutinho, Chairperson, Cuncolim Municipal Council and Shri Nandadeep M. Raut, Chairperson, Mormugao Municipal Council.

The Commission has noted all the issues raised by the representatives and has assured to address them in the recommendations to the Union Government.

*****

MC

The 15^th Finance Commission headed by Chairman, Shri N.K. Singh alongwith its Members and senior officials met today with the representatives of the Trade and Industry bodies in Goa.

The Commission was informed that:

• Growth rate of GSDP (at current prices, 2011) of State has fluctuated widely during 2012-13 to 2018-19 compared to GDP (at current prices, 2011) of India.

• The share of primary, secondary and tertiary sector in GSVA (current prices, 2011) of the State was 9.6%, 46.3%, & 34.3%, respectively, in 2018-19.

• The State ranks 19^th position in India as far as ‘Ease of Doing Business’ is concerned (2019).
• During the last three years the year–on-year tourists’ arrival is growing at the pace of about 20%. In 2017, there were 68,95,234 domestic tourists and 8,90,459 foreign tourists which is more than four times the population of the State.

The Commission observed that the State Government needs to take steps to facilitate structural transformation of the economy by increasing its activity in service sector.  As in 2018-19, the secondary sector contributed 46% to GSVA (current prices) of the State, making it largest among the 3 sectors of the economy (primary, secondary & tertiary).

The Commission also noted that share of tertiary sector in GSVA (current prices, 2011) of the State has declined from 41% in 2013-14 to 34% in 2018-19. On the other hand, the share of primary sector remained constant at around 9-10% during the same period.

The Commission sought information on the areas for private sector participation towards further encouraging tourism sector in specific areas such as infrastructure development, tourist safety, beach safety and surveillance system, hospitality management etc.

The representatives of the following organizations were present at the   meeting – CREDAI-Goa, Economic Development Corporation Ltd., Goa Industrial Development Corporation, Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Chartered Accountant Association of Goa, Confederation of India Industry (CII), Casino – Hotel “Neo Majestic”, Goa Barge Owners Association and Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association.

The Commission has noted all the issues raised by the representatives and has assured to address them in the recommendations to the Union Government.

******

Election Commission of India today organised the 1st Sukumar Sen Memorial Lecture instituted as a tribute to the first Chief Election Commissioner of India. Sh Sen had served as the first Chief Election Commissioner of India from 21st March 1950 till 19th December, 1958.

Former President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee delivered the inaugural lecture on electoral processes of India and challenges of our electoral systems. Sh Mukherjee’s lecture highlighted the importance of institutions in our National evolution.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh Mukherjee described Sh Sukumar Sen as “chosen to play obstetrician and to deliver Indian democracy’s first crop of nearly three thousand elected representative. Realising with surprising un-I.C.S. humility that democracy likes its mechanics to be as self-effacing as possible, the Chief Election Commissioner became an unseen, undogmatic influence patiently judicial in his attitude to parties but insistent in regard to the machine he wielded”.   Sh Mukherjee noted “Free, fair, popular and credible elections are a cornerstone, indeed the life blood of Democracy. Sen, by seamlessly conducting the first two general elections, aided India’s transition from a Crown colony to a sovereign Democratic Republic in practical terms.”

Sh Mukherjee recalled that “The Constituent Assembly of India, which prepared the Constitution, had intensely debated the issue of universal adult franchise. It had unhesitatingly adopted the principle of adult suffrage with the full knowledge of the difficulties involved.” The Former president said “The foremost achievement of the First General Election lies in the fact that it cemented and painstakingly brought about unification of India”. Indian democracy and its inherent power of assimilation has successfully thwarted insurgency and separate movements and elections have successfully co-opted varied groups into the electoral mainstream, he stated. “Indian Democracy has been tested time and again. Consensus is the lifeblood of Democracy. Democracy thrives on listening, deliberating, discussing, arguing and even dissent. Enthusiastic participation of people in the electoral process is the key to healthy democracy”, he underlined.

Speaking about the role of Election Commission, Sh Pranab Mukhejee said, “In my opinion, the Election Commission of India, respected and revered by the people and feared by the participants of elections, has mostly stood the test of time. The role of the Election Commission in the practical play of democracy in India has been simply outstanding. The challenges it has had to face have been daunting. The management of an electorate of over 900 million in 2019 that is nearly the combined population of third, fourth and fifth largest nations in the world, and ensuring fair polling is not an easy job. I compliment the Election Commission for this laudable achievement.”

Taking note of some of  the challenges that our electoral system  faces, Sh Mukherjee spoke of embargo on the sanctioning and implementation of developmental projects; Disproportionately large size of the electorate vis-à-vis the number of public representatives as also adequate representation of women in Parliament and the Assemblies that has emerged as a major area of concern. Highlighting the importance of institutions, Sh Mukherjee complemented “If democracy has succeeded, its largely due to the perfect conduct of elections by all Election Commissioners starting from Sukumar Sen to the present Election Commissioners”. There can be no room for speculation that challenges the very basis of our democracy. People’s mandate is sacrosanct and has to be above any iota of reasonable doubt, he emphasized.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Chief Election Commissioner Sh Sunil Arora said “Election Commission of India is indebted to Shri Pranab Mukherjee for kindly agreeing to deliver the First Sukumar Sen Memorial Lecture. There could not be a harmonious combination of theme and the speaker for this evening – a savant and a rajrishi“. Shri Mukherjee, is considered a living encyclopedia of political, constitutional and historical matters. He was honoured with Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2019 for his distinguished contribution to public affairs. “Shri Mukherjee, as President of the republic, had addressed ECI’s National Voters Day event twice in 2016 and 2017. We are delighted to have him back to deliver the inaugural Sukumar Sen Memorial Lecture”, Sh Arora added. He also elaborated that the objective of this lecture is to make a positive intervention in the democratic and electoral discourse, within the ambit of the Constitutional mandate of the Election Commission of India. ECI wishes to involve a wide cross-section of people including political parties, leading constitutionalists, legal luminaries, academicians, civil society activists in it. He also remembered Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his 123^rd birth anniversary today.

Shri Ashok Lavasa, Election Commissioner welcomed the gathering and Shri Sushil Chandra, Election Commissioner thanked the audience on this momentous occasion.

It may be recalled that Sh Sukumar Sen commendably conducted the first two Lok Sabha elections of India held in 1952 and 1957 simultaneously with the Legislative Assembly Elections based on universal adult franchise under challenging circumstances and little precedence to guide him. On this occasion a reprint of the Report on India’s First Election was released by Shri Pranab Mukherjee as also a postal stamp in memory of Shri Sukumar Sen was unveiled.  It is proposed that every year a leading figure, whether from India or abroad, who had made a recognizable contribution in furthering democracy, would be invited to deliver the lecture.

Today’s lecture was attended by Mr. Sen’s family members, grandchildren Dr Asis Mukerjee, Mrs Shyamali Mukerjee, Sanjiv Sen, Sonali Sen, Debdatta Sen, Sujaya Sen and great grandchildren Aditya Vikram Sen, Arjun Veer Sen as also a wide cross section of invitees from National Political Parties, Members of the Academia, Civil Society Organisations, senior civil servants, media persons as also the international delegates who have gathered in New Delhi to attend the 10^th Annual Meeting of The Forum of the Election Management Bodies of South  Asia (FEMBoSA) & an International Conference on ‘Strengthening Institutional Capacity’ being hosted by ECI on 24th of January 2020.

*****

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his Jayanti.

“On 23rd January 1897, Janakinath Bose wrote in his diary, “A son was born at midday.” This son became a valorous freedom fighter and thinker who devoted his life towards one great cause- India’s freedom. I refer to Netaji Bose, who we proudly remember on his Jayanti today.

India will always remain grateful to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. He stood up for the progress and well-being of his fellow Indians” the Prime Minister said.

***

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will meet and interact with the 49 Children who are winners of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2020, tomorrow i.e January 24, 2020.

The 49 awardees are from various of states of India including one each from Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

The children are winners in the fields of art & culture, Innovation, Scholastic, Social Service, Sports and Bravery.

Government of India acknowledges children as one of the most important partners in nation-building. Their hopes and aspirations are to be acknowledged and their achievements are to be rewarded.

Although every child is precious and his or her achievements have to be appreciated, there are some whose achievements will serve as an inspiration to many others.

Towards this end the Government gives these awards every year to recognize exceptional achievements of our children in various fields.

Any child with an exceptional achievement in the fields of innovation, scholastic achievements, social service, arts & culture, sports and bravery can apply for the award. Also, any person who knows about a meritorious achievement by a child can recommend this child for the award. A high-level committee selects the winners after careful consideration of each application.

President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar yesterday, i.e January 22, 2020.

At Home with Tribal Artists, NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers & Tableaux Artists

The Prime Minister would also interact with over 1730 Tribal Artists, NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers and Tableaux Artists who are going to participate in the Republic Day Parade in a At Home event on the 24th Of January, 2020.

VRRK/ VJ