Shri Handique Chairs 59th North Eastern Council Meeting

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Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region

Shri Handique Chairs 59th North Eastern Council Meeting

New Delhi: September 28, 2010.

 

The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Mines, Shri B.K. Handique has said that North Eastern Council (NEC) would play more proactive role in the development of the Region by promoting the capacities in emerging opportunities. Speaking at the 59th North Eastern Council Meeting here today, he said that NEC has recently signed an agreement with the State of Nagaland for setting up of regional institute for training of paramedics.

 

Shri Handique said Tripura has also evinced interest for establishing a Regional Nursing College in the State in partnership with NEC. The Minister informed the members of the Council that the Union Cabinet has recently approved the proposal of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to upgrade and declare the Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing College (RIPANS), Aizawl as a Regional Paramedical Institute by bringing under the National Institute.

 

The meeting is convened to discuss important issues related to the development of the North Eastern Region.

 

Following is the text of the Minister's speech on the occasion:

 

"Your Excellencies the Governors and Hon'ble Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States, Hon'ble Members of the NEC and distinguished invitees from the Central Ministries and organizations and officers…

 

I welcome you all to this 59th Meeting of the North Eastern Council. Today, I am looking forward to discuss important issues related to the development of the North Eastern Region.

 

In the last meeting held at Guwahati, I got the sense of expectations of the members and priorities of the States. Accordingly, NEC and Ministry of DoNER has been focusing on the issues discussed and deliberated in the last session. Hon'ble Members had also raised some important issues that they have wanted to be resolved as regards the Central Ministries. As a representative of the Member States both the NEC and the Ministry of DoNER are trying to facilitate this ongoing process of dialogue between the States and the Central Ministries and Departments. This indeed, is critical for implementation of Vision 2020. Today, we proposed to have presentations from four three Union Ministries of Telecommunications, Shipping and Railways on their action plans as regards implementation of Vision document. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Power could not be present today as our Plenary is clashing with a meeting of the Standing Committee of that Ministry. I appreciate their efforts and the sincerity of their intentions in firming up such plans. Under NER Vision 2020, we have been pursuing the line Ministries to formulate their Action Plans.

 

I am happy that the Ministries of Shipping (for Inland Waterways), Telecommunications and Railways are represented here today at their highest levels. These Plans have already been communicated to you. We hope that today's session will resolve many issues that have been plaguing the implementation of the projects in these sectors and bring forth the requirements of the States.

 

In this connection, while releasing the Vision 2020 document for the region, Hon'ble Prime Minister, Dr Man Mohan Singhji desired that there should be a proper synergy amongst the Planning Commission, the Ministry of DoNER and the NEC in planning for the NER.

 

In tandem with the expectations of the hon'ble members, NEC would play more proactive role in the development of the region by promoting the capacities in emerging opportunities, NEC has signed on 22 September 2010 an agreement with the State of Nagaland for setting up of regional institute for training of paramedics. I congratulate the Nagaland Government for the same. The Government of Tripura has also evinced interest for establishing a Regional Nursing College in the State in partnership with NEC. I am also happy to inform you that Union Cabinet has recently approved the proposal of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to upgrade and declare the Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing College (RIPANS), Aizawl as a Regional Paramedical Institute by bringing under the National Institute.

 

NEC has also engaged the Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation (India) Ltd., Noida, an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India, to assess the overall health infrastructure available in the North Eastern States at tertiary, secondary and primary levels and gaps persisting therein. The study is divided into two broad components namely (i) health workforce development plan in the NER and (ii) the North Eastern Region: health facility study. It is requested of the health departments and directorates of the North Eastern Governments to extend necessary support for this study.

 

NEC is consulting the Assam Rifles to facilitate admission of violence affected and poor students of all 8 states in the Assam Rifles School in Shillong from class VIIIth to Xth at its expense. This will promote 'inclusiveness for those sections of society which need it most. . We are hopeful to start it from the next academic year.

 

To further the process of Look East Policy, My Ministry has arranged for visit of 8 ASEAN Ambassadors to Manipur recently, though, unfortunately, their visit to Mizoram had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. This indicates the interest that the North East is generating in our neighbouring countries and their desire to have closer ties with the region. Under youth exchange programme, Myanmar team visited Kohima, Imphal and Guwahati in November 2009 and we deputed a renowned Chorus band from our region, Symbiosis, to Myanmar in April 2010. We are in the process of sending some more teams to other South East Asian Countries. Further, on the occasion of 150th Birth Centenary of Kabiguru Rabindranath Thakur, we are proposing send teams from Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura to Bangladesh for cultural exchange. My Ministry is in active consultation with the Ministry of Culture on this issue.

 

I am happy to announce that the Ministry of DONER will be partnering the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, 2011. It will showcase the North East with the themes of tourism, health and education sectors. I congratulate the Manipur Government for the quick response we have received from them on the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

 

The youth of our States are our most promising resource. Their education and skills should be our prime responsibility. I congratulate the Chief Minister of Mizoram for commissioning a comprehensive study on the education scenario of the State by eminent educationists. I urge him to implement the recommendations in this report.

 

To give impetus to the sports talent of the region, a football tournament, Dr. T. Ao Regional Football Tournament was started by NEC which would now be held annually in each of the 8 States by rotation. The first tournament was held in Nagaland in October, 2009 and the response was very encouraging. The same would be held in Manipur during the current year.

 

In order to support and sustain development activities, we need to tap External Aided Projects. I am glad to note that the Government of Meghalaya has taken an initiative of seeking external assistance from the Asian Development Bank for a programme on financial restructuring of the State called Meghalaya Public Resources Management and Reform Programme.

 

To promote efficient performance under NLCPR scheme, my Ministry has proposed an incentive by way of retention of projects amounting to Rs.20 crore from the priority list of a particular year over and above the annual entitlement of the State. The state of Sikkim is the first recipient of this incentive. I congratulate them for their good performance under NLCPR.

 

My Ministry closely monitors the expenditure of the minimum stipulated 10% of GBS of the 52 non-exempted Ministries of the Union Government. We found that some schemes do not have enough response from the State Governments. We, therefore, undertook an exercise to review the suitability of central schemes of selected Ministries in so far as the NER is concerned by senior officials of the State Governments of NER. The recommendations regarding Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Health and Food Processing have been communicated to the respective Ministries and the Planning Commission so that appropriate corrections are made in the 12th Plan.

 

We have made efforts to expedite sanction of some pending projects under NEC. I am happy to inform you that a project for upgradation and operationalisation of airport at Tezu has been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs.79 Crore. Arrangements as regards of air services in the NER with Alliance Air has been renewed for two more years, i.e. up to December 2011 and a more lasting and viable solution to the vexing problem of intra regional connectivity is being examined. NEC is sponsoring a study through Ministry of Civil Aviation a comprehensive study for Air Connectivity of the region and I hope that very soon, we can embark upon more concrete steps in this direction rather than piece meal approach.

 

NEC has already constituted a Working Group to identify Transport and Communication Projects for 12th Plan with members from the States, line Ministries and Planning Commission. The Working Group would identify interstate road, ISBT, ISTT and bridges which would be taken up in the 12th Plan. Two meetings of the Working Group have already been held. The final report of the Working Group is likely be submitted before end of this financial year. NEC is in the process of constituting Working Groups for the 12th Five Year Plan in other sectors as well.

 

In the last meeting at February, 2010 at Guwahat, several Members have raised issues relating to the progress of the Railway Projects. I urge the State Governments to complete land acquisition works and sort out any contentious issues particularly for the Dudhnoi-Mendipathar line and Harmuti-Itanagar line. The slow progress of the Lumding-Silchar line is regrettable. I urge all concerned parties to do everything possible to complete this critically important line. I also urge the Council Members to put forth their future requirement for the railway sector to the senior officials of the Railway Ministry who are present here today.

 

The Hon'ble Members of the Council are aware that following the Joint Statement of Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Manmohan Singhji and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, a railway line connecting Agartala in Tripura and Akhaura in Bangladesh will be constructed by India. My Ministry is in discussion with the Ministry of Railways and the State Governments to develop it as a multi-modal transport facility.

 

My Ministry is in discussion with the Ministry of Culture for setting up a North East Cultural Forum in association with the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, under the Ministry of Culture, located in Dwarka, Delhi.

 

While retaining sanctioning or approving projects under NLCPR or NEC, it is seen that the State Governments often do not take the required statutory or administrative approval from the line Ministries wherever applicable. This lapse delays the entire process. The States may like to keep this point in mind while posing projects to my Ministry or NEC.

 

I would like to now brief the Hon'ble Members some substantial achievements made under NLCPR. To increase the pace of sanction of projects, the Ministry has established a Technical Wing headed by a Superintending Engineer. It has also signed an agreement with M/S WAPCOS, a CPSU under Ministry of Water Resources for vetting of DPRs of road and bridges sector which comprises 40% of NLCPR funds.

 

Ministry completed retention of projects from Priority List 2010-11 of 7 States immediately on its receipt. Retention of projects in respect of Meghalaya is delayed due to late submission of Priority List by the State Government.

 

As advised by the Planning Commission in its Annual Plan meeting, Ministry decided to give an incentive every year to a good performing State in terms of completion of projects by retaining projects up to Rs. 20 crore as per States choice, over and above its entitlement. This year this incentive was given to the State of Sikkim.

 

NLCPR guidelines revised on 6.8.2009 to increase the flow of funds in NLCPR projects and make them more effective in the interest of faster implementation of projects. As per revised guidelines, the release of funds is restricted to only 3 installments of 40%, 40% and 20%.

 

Lastly, before I conclude I would like to put on record my appreciation of all the help I am getting from my colleagues in the Council without which it would not have been possible for me to function actively. I look forward for fruitful discussion today. I also take this opportunity to thank all my officers for all the support to the cause of the North Eastern Region."

 

NSK/DB *Photographs are also available on PIB Website.

 

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

 

I.V. Subba Rao Appointed Establishment Officer

 

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri I.V. Subba Rao, IAS (AP:79), presently in the cadre, as Establishment Officer and Additional Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions in the vacancy of Shri P.K. Misra, IAS (UP:76).

 

rs/sr/dk/kol/15:46 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2011

New Delhi: September 28, 2010.

 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will hold the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2011 on February 13, 2011 for admission to Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy for the Courses commencing in January 2012 and Officers Training Academy, Chennai for the Courses (Men and Women) commencing in April, 2012.

 

For details regarding the eligibility conditions, syllabus and scheme of the examination, centers of examination, guidelines for filling up application form etc. aspirants must consult the detailed notice of the examination published in the Employment News/Rozgar Samachar dated September 25, 2010. Details are also available on UPSC website i.e.http://www.upsc.gov.in.

 

Candidates can apply Online using the link www.upsconline.nic.in. Details instructions for filling up on line applications are available on the website.

 

Candidates, who wish to apply off-line, must apply in the Common Application Form devised by the Commission for its examinations, which can be purchased from the designated Head Post Offices/Post Offices (specified in Appendix-III of the notice) throughout the country.

 

In case of any difficulty in obtaining application forms from the designated HPOs/Pos, the candidates should contact the concerned Post Master or UPSC's "FORMS SUPPLY MONITORING CELL" over Telephone no.011-23389366/Fax No.011-23387310.

 

The last date for all offline applications to reach UPSC, either by hand or by Post/Speed Post or by Courier is October 25, 2010. However, in respect of candidates residing abroad or in certain remote areas specified in the Notice, the last date for receipt of application by post/speed post only (not by hand or by courier) is November 01, 2010.

 

All Online applications can be filled up to October 25, 2010 till 11.59 p.m. after which the link will be disabled.

 

In case of any guidance/information/clarification regarding their application, candidature etc. candidates can contact UPSC's Facilitation Counter in person or over Telephone No.011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 during working hours.

 

rs/sr/dk/kol/15:46 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Railways

'Commonwealth Express' Train Attracts More than Seven Lakh Visitors so Far

Exhibition Train In Delhi For Public Viewing From 29th September To 14th October 2010

New Delhi: September 28, 2010.

 

'Commonwealth Express' train, which has attracted more than seven lakh visitors so far during its about three months' journey across the country, is now arriving on its final destination in the capital for public viewing. The exhibition train will be available for public viewing at Pragati Maidan railway station from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from 29th September 2010 till 14th October 2010.

 

The train has so far travelled to 47 places which mainly include Ajmer, Agra, Jhansi, Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, Mysore Thgiruvanthapuram, Maduri, Chennai, Mancheswar, Raipur, Dhanbad, Kolkata, New Jalpaiguri, Gaya, Patna Varanasi, Lucknow, Una, Haridwar, Chandigarh, Ambala, Patiala, Udhampur, Jalandhar, Amritsar and other places since its inauguration on 24th June 2010 at Delhi by the Minister of Railways Mamata Banerjee. The main purpose of this special exhibition train is to spread awareness about sports and Information Technology especially among the youth and among the masses in general. The first stop of this train was at Amritsar on 25th after its flag off, to coincide with the event of arrival of Queen's Baton of Commonwealth Games in India. The itinerary of this train was planned in such a way that the arrival of the train at a particular place also coincided with the arrival of Queen's Baton as far as possible.

 

This train consists of 11 coaches out of which five coaches are being allocated to Railway Sports Promotion Board to showcase the history of Commonwealth Games, details of the venues of the events to be held in the month of October, 2010 in Delhi, to spread general awareness about different sports and to give wide publicity to the sports icons of India who have brought laurels to the country with their stupendous feats. Besides, one coach is exclusively dedicated to the Railway Sports Promotion Board to showcase their history, activities as well as achievements Railway sports persons at national and international level.

 

In the remaining 6 coaches of this exhibition train, Department of Information & Technology are showcasing the capacity and the work done in the country in the area of Information and Communication technology and the initiatives carried out by the Department of Information Technology and its affiliated entities in the fields of e-governance, infrastructure, technology relevant to rural India, language interfacing technology etc. The 'IT Story of India' is being told through the six coaches by way of backlit translites, front-lit digitally printed posters, short informational films etc. To reach out to the common man in as effective manner as possible, the content of the backlit translites has been made available in regional languages in addition to English, and the language changeover was happened in ten languages (as and when the train enters such a State).

 

aks/hk/lk/tr/dk/kol/15:47 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Shipping

Minister of Shipping Addresses Ports & Maritime Industry Seminar in Singapore

New Delhi: September 28, 2010.

 

Following is the full text of the speech of the Minister of Shipping, Shri G.K. Vasan delivered at the Seminar on Ports & Maritime Industry in Singapore today:

 

"I am extremely happy to be here today to attend this Seminar on the Ports and Maritime Industry and to interact with the industry captains who have contributed significantly in taking the maritime sector to its present heights.  Let me begin by thanking you all for your interest in the Indian Ports and Maritime Sector. I commend the High Commission of India in Singapore and Confederation of Indian Industry for organising this wonderful meeting with key industry leaders and investors in Singapore.

 

Singapore like India is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and secular country and historically has had a very close relationship with India.  I feel very much at home here as socially and culturally it is very akin to our country.

 

Today, India and Singapore enjoy close and robust relations, with economic cooperation as the major driving force.  Bilateral trade has been growing rapidly and has reached US$ 14.05 billion in 2009-10.  Singapore is also the second largest investor in India.  India has attracted cumulative investments of over 11.13 billion US $ from April 2000 to June, 2010. 10 % of the FDI inflows in India are from Singapore.  Almost 3000 Indian companies are based in Singapore.  Total Indian investment in Singapore up to March 2009 added up to US$ 14.4 billion.

 

Coming back to Infrastructure and with specific reference to ports and maritime sector, India now seeks to place its business relations with Singapore on a much-elevated trajectory.  And this strong delegation on Ports & Maritime Sector is a testimony to that.

 

I firmly believe that India and Singapore have tremendous scope for partnership in this sector including collaboration in the areas such as Port development, cruise shipping, bunkering and ship building, ship repair etc.  The existing engagement though encouraging does not reflect the true potential.

 

India is an emerging and vibrant economy and had grown consistently at over 9% in the recent past. Even during the worst global recession, the economy had shown resilience and had growth rates above 6%. In 2010-11, it is expected to grow at 9.2%.

 

The port sector in India has had a brilliant run in the last decade witnessing significant additions in capacity across the Indian coastline and cargo types.  This has been possible on the back of an excellent Public Private Partnership Programme executed by the Government of India in the Port Sector, attracting significant investments from Indian as well as overseas port operators and investors.  Current trade growth trends suggest that the Indian Port Sector would continue to require significant addition to capacity to meet future cargo handling demands across cargo types.

 

To provide a fillip to port development in the country, the Government of India had prepared the National Maritime Development Programme for the major ports.  Under the programme, Government has identified 276 port projects with an estimated investment of US$ 20.8 billion.

 

The objective of this programme is to upgrade and modernise the Port infrastructure in India which will enable it to benchmark its performance against global standards. In addition to this, the State Governments are also pursuing vigorously development of non-major ports and are aiming to attract huge investment in the sector.

 

Private partnership is the key feature of the port development program and we are expecting much of the investment to come in from private sector with a high proportion from overseas investors.  Already, India's port development program has attracted interest from many overseas investors, including PSA, APM, DP World etc.

 

To facilitate private sector participation, Government of India has also put in place a favourable and investor friendly policy framework.  Some of the policy initiatives taken by the Ministry include:

 

·          100% foreign direct investment allowed in Shipping and Port sectors.

·          The Model Concession Agreement for port projects has been simplified and this has expedited the decision making process.

·          Bidding documents have also been standardised to ensure uniformity and transparency in the award of projects.

·          Tariffs are being fixed upfront by the Tariff Authority of Major Ports.

·          Acquisition of all types of ships has been brought under the Open General License.

 

As a result of these initiatives, private investment in the port sector has increased significantly over the years. I am proud to say that 24 PPP projects involving an investment of almost 65 billion Indian Rupees have been completed and another 19 PPP projects in major ports are under implementation, involving an investment of almost Rs. 125 billion.  Currently 22 PPP projects are under bidding and scheduled to award in current financial year involving an investment of almost Rs.160 billion.

 

Similarly, India is also surging ahead in shipping and ship building sector.

 

India has one of the largest merchant shipping fleet and is ranked 16th among the maritime countries.  Indian tonnage has steadily grown over the last five years.   From 6.94 Million GT as on 1.4.2004 the Indian tonnage for the first time has crossed the 10 million GT mark last month.

 

There are tremendous opportunities in the Port and Maritime sector for investments given India's robust economic growth and ever increasing demand for energy. Energy demand-supply gap and low per capita steel consumption will cause India to depend on the import of thermal and coking coal to meet its energy and steel needs. Many of the upcoming power plants are expected to be located in the coastal areas and will depend on imported coal from Indonesia, Australia and other countries.

 

Imports of coal and oil will be one of the key drivers of development in Port and Shipping sector. This will provide immense opportunities for construction of new terminals, captive jetties and for acquisition of Tankers, LNG and bulk carriers.

 

The Container volumes in India are witnessing almost 18% CAGR growth.  However, containerization levels in India at present are low and therefore there is a huge potential in this sector. Mega Container Terminals have been planned in Vallarpadam, Chennai, JNPT and Ennore and implementation of these projects will provide many opportunities in the logistics business.

 

Another window of opportunity is the dredging sector. The requirement for dredging in India is huge whereas the current available capacity is limited.

 

Indian shipbuilding industry currently accounts for about 1 per cent of the global shipbuilding market and is targeting a world share of 5 per cent by 2017.  Shipbuilding in India has a high growth potential owing to certain inherent strengths like low labour cost, strong domestic demand, a well established steel and manufacturing industry and availability of technically qualified manpower.

 

The new shipyards in India are having world class modular shipbuilding infrastructure and state of art engineering facilities with large dry docks.  India recognizes that shipbuilding and ship repair have great potential to fuel economic growth and prosperity, particularly by creating employment opportunities for the people of India.  With the support of the government, the shipbuilding industry in India has reached a stage where it can now grow at a rapid pace.  Currently, the Indian shipbuilding industry is present in the medium and small vessel segments but the planned investments are targeting construction of larger and complex vessels.  An investment of about 4 billion $ is envisaged in Indian shipyards in near future.

 

Singapore has an impressive and well-functioning port and maritime industry and we look to you for expertise as well as investments.

 

I am aware that several Singapore companies have invested in India's ports, maritime & logistics sector and Singapore companies have also entered into joint ventures with Indian companies.  As the Indian maritime sector is poised for a healthy growth complimenting the growth of the Indian economy, I urge you to participate closely in India's Port and Shipping development programme as an active partner. I can assure you of all support from my government."

 

mc/mk/dk/kol/15:47 hrs.

 

--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/