From: Press Information Bureau Ministry of I&B <pib.kolkata@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jul 13, 2010 at 2:17 PM
Subject: Releases..........pt1
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Tourism
Development and Promotion of Tourism in the North Eastern States
New Delhi: July 13, 2010.
Following is the background note issued in Guwahati today by Union Minister of State for Tourism Shri Sultan Ahmed on the occasion of All India Editors Conference on Social and Infrastructure Issues. The two day conference was organized by the Press Information Bureau, Government of India.
The full text is as follows:
North East region is a virgin unexplored terrain with vast tourism potential in the form of wild life sanctuaries, adventure tourism assets, diverse cultural heritage, multi faceted fairs & festivals, world famous Buddhist Monasteries etc.
Ministry of Tourism has already drawn up perspective Tourism plan for each of the North Eastern states for 20 years. These plans have been sent to the respective State Governments for development of tourism in their states. Projects are prioritized in consultation with the concerned State Governments. Based on the decision taken in prioritization meetings, the State Governments approach Ministry of Tourism with detailed proposals. Ministry of Tourism sanctions such projects after due scrutiny, under the existing guidelines.
Tourist Arrivals
The number of domestic and international tourist visits in the area during the years 2006 to 2009 is as under:
| 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009* | ||||||
| Domestic | Foreign | Domestic | Foreign | Domestic | Foreign | Domestic | Foreign | ||
| Arunachal Pradesh | |||||||||
| 80137 | 607 | 91100 | 2212 | 149292 | 3020 | 195147 | 3945 | ||
| Assam | |||||||||
| 2768824 | 10374 | 3436833 | 12899 | 3617306 | 14426 | 3850521 | 14942 | ||
| Manipur | |||||||||
| 116984 | 295 | 101484 | 396 | 112151 | 354 | 124229 | 337 | ||
| Meghalaya | |||||||||
| 401529 | 4287 | 457685 | 5267 | 549936 | 4919 | 591398 | 4522 | ||
| Mizoram | |||||||||
| 50987 | 436 | 43161 | 669 | 55924 | 902 | 56651 | 513 | ||
| Nagaland | |||||||||
| 15850 | 426 | 22085 | 936 | 21129 | 1209 | 20953 | 1423 | ||
| Sikkim | |||||||||
| 292486 | 18026 | 329075 | 17498 | 368451 | 19154 | 547810 | 17730 | ||
| Tripura | |||||||||
| 230645 | 3245 | 244795 | 3181 | 245438 | 3577 | 317541 | 4246 | ||
*Provisional
Plan Allocation for North Eastern Region
10% of the plan allocation of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India is earmarked for North Eastern Region (NER).
Funds allocated to the Ministry, funds earmarked for North Eastern Region vis-à-vis funds sanctioned to projects during the 2007-08, 2008-09 & 2009-10 Plan period are as under:
| Year | Plan Allocation | 10% earmarked for NE | Actual Expenditure | Percentage |
|
| (Rs.In Crore) | (Rs. In Crore) | (Rs. In Crore) |
|
| 2007-08 | 953.00 | 96.00 | 150.97 | 15.73 |
| 2008-09 | 1000.00 | 100.00 | 160.52 | 16.05 |
| 2009-10 | 950.00 | 95.00 | 178.61 | 18.80 |
Promotion and Marketing
In the financial year, 2007-08, and early 2008-09, a campaign with an outlay of Rs.15.51 Crores was launched in TV and Print (Magazine) in the Domestic Market.
A print Media campaign in various National and Regional News-papers was also launched for Rs. 1.64 Crore around the same time.
In the financial year 2008-09, Ministry of Tourism produced a colourful and informative map on the North –East Region of India to popularize North- East among the international as well as domestic tourists.
In the financial year, 2009-10, a booklet on the legends and folklores of North-East of India has been produced by the 'India Today Group' supported by the Ministry of Tourism. These legends and folklores are related to geography, beliefs, culture, tradition etc. of the North –East of India.
In April 2009, Ministry of Tourism participated in SATTE, 09, an international exhibition, at Delhi wherein all the North Eastern States including Sikkim were provided stalls to highlight tourism products of North East at no cost to these States.
In 2009-10, Ministry of Tourism released a campaign for an estimated amount of Rs. 6.23 Crores on various TV channels to promote North East of India including Sikkim among the domestic travelers. A 60 sec. TV commercial was aired during the campaign which was released in January / February 2010 through DAVP.
In 2009-10; MOT approved Central Financial Assistance of Rs. 14.90 lakhs to the State Government of Sikkim for the production of CDs and tourism literature.
In 2010-11, the Ministry of Tourism approved Central Financial Assistance of Rs. 26.38 lakhs to the State Government of Mizoram for the production of tourism literature and documentary film for the promotion and publicity.
9. In April 2009, Ministry of Tourism participated in SATTE, 09 at Delhi wherein all the North Eastern States including Sikkim were provided stalls to highlight tourism products of North East at no cost to these states.
10. The East and North East Road Show was organized in Kolkata on 11th & 12th August, 2009, the first ever domestic road show which was held in the country.
11. Interstate regional conference of Tourism Ministers of East and North East States was organized at Gangtok, Sikkim during 5th to 7th December, 2009.
Participation in International Travel Fairs and Exhibitions
The Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India provides space on complimentary basis to the North Eastern states, in the India Pavilions set up at major international travel fairs and exhibitions, including WTM in London, ITB in Berlin, ATM in Dubai etc. to give the states an opportunity to showcase and promote their tourist destinations and products.
Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme
The Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism has been modified so as to enable tourism service providers (travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, etc.) in the North Eastern Region, approved for undertaking the following promotional activities overseas :
(a) Participation in Travel Fairs and Exhibitions
(b) Sale cum Study Tours
(c) Printing of Publicity Material for distribution overseas.
Hospitality to Foreign Media/ Travel Trade personnel
Familiarization Tours to the North Eastern Regions are being arranged for Travel and Media Representatives from Overseas to the States in the North Eastern Regions on a regular basis under the Hospitality Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.
During the last financial year, a total of 10 familiarization tour was organize during which 21 guests visited North East Region of India under hospitality scheme. The guest were from Sweden, Finland, Germany, Poland, Australia, France, U.K. and The Netherlands.
IHM's/FCI
Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance for setting up of Institute of Hotel Managements (IHM) and Food Craft Institutes (FCI) in the state. As per the CCEA's approval, the scheme's scope has been enlarged to cover the funding of infrastructure creation in vocational schools, polytechnics /ITI's, Universities etc. for starting courses in Tourism and Hospitality sector.
There are three operational IHM's in North east region. They are viz.
IHM Guwahati, Assam
IHM Gangtok, Sikkim
IHM Shillong, Meghalaya
Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned CFA for setting up IHM/SFCI at following places in North East in recent years:
IHM in Arunachal Pradesh
IHM at Ailawng, Mizoram
IHM at Dimapur, Nagaland
IHM at Jorhat, Assam
FCI at Nagaon in Assam
FCI at Tura, Meghalaya
This apart, Ministry of Tourism has also granted Central Financial Assistance to IHM Guwahati for OBC Expansion work, Centralizing campus and additions to IHM campus.
Rural Tourism
Rural Tourism Scheme is the 10th plan initiative of the Ministry of Tourism. It aims at improving the rural economy by promoting traditional rural art, craft textile, culture etc. based livelihood through tourism process. Ministry grants CFA for creating infrastructure and for human resource development in rural areas for developing sustainable tourism in the form of rural tourism projects. However, this opportunity has remained largely unexplored by the state Governments.
Details of Rural tourism projects sanctioned to the North Eastern states are as given in Annexure.
Adventure Tourism
Ministry of Tourism gives CFA for creating infrastructure relating to adventure activities. So far Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned following Adventure Tourism projects to the North Eastern States:-
1. Development of Aero-sports at Aizwal - Rs. 2.98 crore
2. High Altitude Trekking in Sikkim – Rs. 0.94 crore
3. Purchasing of Adventure sports Equipments in Manipur – Rs. 0.06 crore
4. Construction of Eco and Adventure Centre Chemchi Rs. 4.94 crore.
5. Construction of Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure Rs. 3.89 crore
And Eco-Tourism at Chemchi (Phase II)
Assistance for construction of Heliport
Ministry of Tourism is providing CFA for construction of Heliport as a component for areas which are inaccessible but having tourism potential, with a maximum financial ceiling of Rs.75.00 lakh under the scheme of product infrastructure development of destination and circuits. Accordingly, all State Governments /UT Administrations have been requested to submit the proposal as per the guidelines.
For the first time any where in the country, the State of Sikkim has been granted Central Financial Assistance for three destination projects that include development of Heliport viz. Destination Development of Mangan Tourist Axis including Heliport in North Sikkim for Rs. 3.29 crore, Destination Development of Geetang Khola waterfall including Heliport in West Sikkim for Rs. 3.25 crore and Destination Development Of Tourist Infrastructure Under Berfung-Ralong Constituency Including Heliport At Chemchey In South Sikkim for Rs.4.22 crore. These would facilitate easy access to the destination mentioned above which are of immense tourism potential, where the tourists are otherwise discouraged due to long and taxing travel through hilly roads.
Assistance for construction of convention centre
In order to promote Meetings, incentives conventions and exhibitions(MICE), Ministry of Tourism has decided to consider proposals for grant of financial assistance upto Rs. 5.00 crore for construction of one convention centre in each State/UT under the scheme of Product/ Infrastructure development for destinations and circuits.
Manipur and Mizoram are the two North eastern states to receive financial assistance for construction of convention centre. For construction of Convention centre at Imphal, Government of Manipur has been sanctioned an amount of Rs 4.16 crore while, for construction of convention centre at Berawatlang Tourist Complex , Aizwal, Government of Mizoram has been sanctioned an amount of Rs.4.68 crore
Incentive on setting up hotel industries
Hotel industries are entitled for capital investment subsidy to the tune of 30% for Hotels (Not below 2 Star category) under the North east Industrial Investment promotion Policy (NEIIPP), 2007. Five year tax holiday is available for creation of accommodation in the districts close to World Heritage Sites provided they are constructed and start functioning from 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2013.
Other initiatives to boost Tourism in the North Eastern States.
Relaxation in Leave Travel Concession (LTC) norms for Central Government employees
In relaxation of CCS (LTC) Rules 1988, the Government has decided to permit Government servants to travel by air to North Eastern Region on LTC as follows:-
Group A and Group B Central Government employees will be entitled to travel by Air from their place of posting or nearest airport to a city in the NER or nearest airport.
Other categories of employees will be entitled to travel by air to a city in the NER from Guwahati or Kolkata.
All Central Government employees will be allowed conversion of one block of Home Town LTC into LTC for destinations in NER.
Relaxation of norms for recognition of service providers in the North Eastern States
To meet the need to increase registration coverage for service providers, the Ministry of Tourism recently liberalized its guidelines. For the North Eastern region the relaxation is even more. For instance, the requirement of qualified staff has been relaxed from the existing two qualified staff to one with the other being owner who would be treated as a qualified staff. Secondly, the requirement of office space has also been reduced from the existing 250 Sq. ft to 100 Sq. ft. in hilly areas. North Eastern Region has been considered as hilly area. Thirdly, the chartered Accountant's Certificate regarding turn over of the firm in Rupee earnings would be treated as Foreign Exchange earnings, provided there is documentary evidence that such earnings are from inbound tour operations only.
The Ministry till date has granted approved of recognition to service providers in the States of North- Eastern Region as under:
| North – Eastern Region | |||||
| State | Travel Agency | Inbound Tour Operator | Domestic Tour Operator | Adventure Tour Operator | Tourist Transport Operator |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Nil | 01 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Assam | 01 | 08 | 01 | Nil | Nil |
| Manipur | 01 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Meghalaya | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Mizoram | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Nagaland | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Tripura | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Sikkim | Nil | 11 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Total | 02 | 20 | 01 | Nil | Nil |
ad/db/dk/kol/14:02 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Rural Development
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana
New Delhi: July 13, 2010.
The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme being implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for the non-BRGF districts. The scheme focuses primarily on providing financial assistance to the States/UTs for Training & Capacity Building of elected representatives (ERs) and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) so that they can perform the functions devolved upon them and the schemes entrusted to them effectively, besides a small component for infrastructure development. Under the Infrastructure Development component, assistance is provided for Satellite based training infrastructure for Distance Learning for the ERs and Functionaries of the PRIs and, in respect of the Hilly States and States in the North Eastern Region, for capital expenditure on establishment of Panchayat Resource Centres/ Panchayat Bhawans at Block/Gram Panchayat levels.
With the Panchayats at the three tiers being called upon to undertake more and more responsibilities for service delivery and working as the local self government, after the passing of the 73rd Amendment Act, there is increasing need for Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) of elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). As the CB&T activities are undertaken by the State/UT administrations, the objective of the scheme is to assist States/UTs in carrying out actual training activities as well as to set up Panchayat Ghars at Gram Panchayat level and Training/Resource centres at Regional/Block level.
The scheme has two components of Training & Capacity Building and Infrastructure Development. Under the component of Training & Capacity Building, financial assistance is provided to the States/UTs for Training of elected representatives (ERs) and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs as well as for setting up of Satellite/SWAN based training infrastructure for Distance Learning for the ERs and Functionaries of the PRIs. Under the component of Infrastructure Development, assistance is provided for establishment of Panchayat Resource Centres/ Panchayat Bhawans at Block/Gram Panchayat levels.
The scheme is demand driven in nature and provides for funding on 75:25 sharing basis between the Central and State Governments concerned. Assistance under the Training component is also given to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), where the central assistance is 100% and such proposals are required to be forwarded with the recommendations of the State Government concerned.
The training content encompasses a range of issues, including improving the process of planning, budgeting and expenditure management, information systems, participatory and consultative decision making, improving local taxation and in particular delivery of public services to the poor.
The scheme of RGSY supports the National Capability Building Framework of the Ministry for comprehensive Capacity Building & Training of the Elected Representatives & Functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions. The NCBF is available at <panchayat.gov.in/brgf> as also at <pri-resources.in>. It provides for first training to all ERs of PRIs within 6 months of elections and refresher/sectorally focused trainings thereafter every year.
The standard norms for expenditure on training are as follows:
For elected representatives of PRIs.
| S. No. | Category | Cost per participant per day (In Rs.) | Duration in Days |
| 1. | ZP Members | 600 | 3 |
| 2. | Block Samiti Members | 450 | 3 |
| 3. | GP Members | 300 | 3 |
| 4. | GP Secretaries | 300 | 3 |
For functionaries of Panchayats and Line Departments.
| S. No. | Category | Cost per participant per day (In Rs.) | Duration in Days |
| 1. | Central | 600 | 5 |
| 2. | State | 600 | 5 |
| 3. | District | 500 | 3 |
| 4. | Block | 450 | 3 |
| 5. | Village | 250 | 3 |
| 6. | Total/Spl. Courses | 250 | 3 |
TA/DA of participants has not been included. The cost includes expenditure on:
(a)Boarding and lodging, reproduction of training materials in local language, stationery.
(b)Transport including field visits.
(c)Resources persons.
(d)Hiring of venue and training equipments.
Travel expenses may be reimbursed to the elected representatives only (Rail/Bus fare on actual basis). Rates and duration for training programme on computer application for PRI functionaries may be decided by the State Government concerned.
Similarly, rates for organising workshops/seminars, awareness generation, campaign for social mobilisation through Gram Sabhas, Exposure visits in and outside of the State and IEC activities etc. would be proposed by the State Governments concerned keeping all the relevant factors in view and may vary from case to case. However, the funding would be on 75:25 basis.
Physical and Financial performance (past 5 years)
(a) Physical Achievement: The RGSY Scheme was started in year 2006-07
NUMBER OF ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES AND FUNCTIONARIES TRAINED
| Year | Participants trained | Total | ||||||||
| Elected Representatives | Functionaries | |||||||||
| 2006-07 | 86497 | 17406 | 103903 | |||||||
| 2007-08 | 104872 | 21316 | 126188 | |||||||
| 2008-09 | 423914 | 67132 | 491046 | |||||||
| 2009-10 | 339085 | 50303 | 389388 | |||||||
| PANCHAYAT GHARS / RESOURCE CENTRES AT GRAM PANCHAYAT LEVEL SANCTIONED UNDER THE SCHEME OF RASHTRIYA GRAM SWARAJ YOJANA SINCE INCEPTION | ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
| Sl. No. | State | Infrastructure sanctioned | No. of Units | Year of sanction | ||||||
| 1 | Bihar | Gram Panchayat Ghars | 95 | 2006-07 | ||||||
| 2 | Gujarat | Gram Panchayat Ghars | 240 | 2006-07 | ||||||
| 3 | Himachal Pradesh | Gram Panchayat Ghars | 120 | 2006-07 | ||||||
| 4 | Rajasthan | Gram Panchayat Ghars | 180 | 2006-07 | ||||||
| 5 | West Bengal | Gram Panchayat Ghars | 5 | 2006-07 | ||||||
| 6 | Assam | Gram Panchayat Ghars | 770 | 2007-08 | ||||||
| 7 | Himachal Pradesh | Gram Panchayat Ghars | 120 | 2007-08 | ||||||
| 8 | Orissa | Gram Panchayat Ghars | 350 | 2007-08 | ||||||
| 9 | Manipur | Gram Panchayat Ghars | 82 | 2007-08 | ||||||
| 10 | Himachal Pradesh | GP Resource Centre | 150 | 2008-09 | ||||||
| 11 | Himachal Pradesh | GP Resource Centre | 150 | 2009-10 | ||||||
| 12 | Manipur | Gram Panchayat Ghars | 82 | 2009-10 | ||||||
| 13 | Rajasthan | Gram Panchayat Ghars | 180 | 2009-10 | ||||||
|
TRAINING INFRASTRUCTURE SANCTIONED UNDER THE SCHEME OF RASHTRIYA GRAM SWARAJ YOJANA | ||||||||||
| Sl. No. | State | Infrastructure sanctioned | No. of Units | Year of sanction | ||||||
| 1 | Arunachal | Panchayat Resource Centre at Block level | 150 | 2008-09 | ||||||
| 2 | Assam | Panchayat Resource Centre in the Kahikuchi campus of State Institute of Rural Development at Guwahati. | 1 | 2008-09 | ||||||
| 3 | Himachal Pradesh | Administrative Block at PRTI Mashobra | 1 | 2008-09 | ||||||
| 4 | Tripura | Training Institutes at Udaipur in South District and Kumarghat in North Tripura | 2 | 2008-09 | ||||||
(b) Financial Achievement :
(Rs. In crore)
| Year | Budget | Expenditure | (%) Achievement |
| 2006-07
| 52.95 | 52.00 # | 98.20 |
| 2007-08
| 45.92 | 46.54 | 101.35 |
| 2008-09
| 48.35 | 48.35 | 100.00 |
| 2009-10
| 44.23 | 44.23 | 100.00 |
| 2010-11
| 50.00 | 6.19 (As on 23.06.2010) | 12.38 |
(#) While the allocation for Training and Capacity Building was reduced to Rs. 24.95 crore, the entire allocation for NE region of Rs. 7.50 crore was re-appropriated for spending under RGSY.
New initiatives taken under the scheme :
In order to review the progress under the scheme and take suitable and timely remedial measures, a Web based Monthly Progress Reporting System has been introduced.
For augmenting the infrastructure of N.E. & Hilly States, the financial assistance was provided towards construction of training institutions and Panchayat Resource Centres.
The State Institute of Rural Developments (SIRDs) are unable to provide qualitative training in set-timeframe to all Elected Representatives of PRIs. For overcoming this challenge, this Ministry has been exploring the option of public private partnership model that may fall beyond the traditional approaches but has the potential to provide some lead to ensure 100% training coverage and quality assurance in a time bound manner. Towards this larger goal, MoPR had organized a PRI-CB&T Business Meet with States and Private organizations. As a follow up, States are exploring/utilizing the services of NGOs/other organizations in CB&T effort.
Future Plans for strengthening of scheme
Emphasis will be given to conduct the training programmes through Distance Learning Facilities for maximum coverage of participants. Several States are already under the process of setting up SATCOM infrastructure.
Efforts would be made to get enhanced allocation for the Scheme and include/converge with other Schemes of MoPR/other Ministries.
st/bs/dk/kol/14:04 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Centre Advises Punjab & Haryana Governments to Utilise Available Rs. 3467 Crores for Flood Relief
New Delhi: July 13, 2010.
MHA has issued an advisory to the Punjab & Haryana governments that the balances available at their disposal under the Calamity Relief Fund should be utilized for initiation of immediate restoration/repair works and immediate relief to the people affected by floods in the two States. The following balances are already available at their disposal :
Haryana - 1151.45 crore
Punjab - 2316.46 crore
The State Governments have been advised to deploy these resources immediately in terms of extant guidelines. They have also been informed that in case of additional Central assistance, a Memorandum indicating the total assessed damage may be sent to the Central Government urgently so that the dispatch of a Central Team can be considered.
As on date in Haryana, 5 teams of 8th Bn NDRF consisting of 206 personnel along with boats- 32 have been deployed.
Similarly as on date in Punjab, 5 teams of 7th Bn NDRF consisting of 194 personnel along with boats- 28 have been deployed.
rs/ks/dk/kol/14:04 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Finance
Committee Set up for Comprehensive Review of NSSF Structure,
Interest Rate, Tenor and Other Administrative Matters
New Delhi: July 13, 2010.
The Government, following recommendations of the Thirteenth Finance Commission, has set up a Committee, headed by Smt. Shyamla Gopinath, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India, for comprehensive review of the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) structure, interest rate, tenor and other administrative matters. The Thirteenth Finance Commission, in its report, has made recommendations to provide debt relief to States, in which the Commission inter alia recommended that the interest rate on loans contracted by the States till 2006-07 and outstanding at the end of 2009-10 be reset at a common interest rate of 9% in place of the existing rates of 10.5% or 9.5%. The Commission has also recommended that all aspects of the design and administration of the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) be examined with the aim of bringing transparency, market linked rates and other much needed reforms to the scheme.
Other members of the Committee, set up on July 8, 2010, include, Joint Secretary (Budget), Ministry of Finance; Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance, DEA; Principal Secretary (Finance), Govt. of Maharashtra; Principal Secretary (Finance), Govt. of West Bengal; Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Director & Chief Executive, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER); and Shri J.M. Garg, Chairman and Managing Director, Corporation Bank.
The terms of reference of the Committee include:
I. Review of the existing parameters for the small saving schemes in operation and recommend mechanisms to make them more flexible and market linked;
II. Review of the existing terms of loans extended from the NSSF to the Centre and States and recommend the changes required in the arrangement of lending the net collection of small savings to Centre and States;
III. Review of other possible investment opportunities for the net collections from small savings and the repayment proceeds of NSSF loans extended to States and Centre;
IV. Review of the administrative arrangement including the cost of operation; and
V. Review of the incentives offered on the small savings investments by the States.
While making its recommendations, the Committee is expected to consider the importance of small savings within the overall savings in the economy especially its contribution in promoting savings amongst small investors and need of NSSF to be a viable fund.
by/kp/gn-221/10/dk/kol/14:05 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
EPIF to Provide Platform to Share Knowledge and Experience, About Latest ECO-Technologies
Anand Sharma to Launch EPIF 2011 Tomorrow
New Delhi: July 13, 2010.
Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, is scheduled to launch the Eco-Products International Fair (EPIF) 2011, here tomorrow. EPIF-2011, seventh in the series is scheduled to be organized in India during 3rd to 6th March, 2011 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi with a parallel international conference on the theme "Green Productivity for Sustainable Environment". EPIF is the largest environmental fair in Asia and showcases the most advanced environmental friendly technologies, products & services that enhance sustainable productivity and competitiveness. The hosting of EPIF 2011 will provide a window to Indian companies to promote their products, and encourage other companies to enter into the increasing market of this segment. The Fair is being jointly organized by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry; Asian Productivity Organisation (APO); and National Productivity Council (NPC).
The objective of the Fair is – to create awareness and involve the public in creating a better environment through the use of eco products and eco services; to provide the platform for international and Indian companies to share knowledge and experience regarding latest eco technologies; to provide a marketing venue to showcase the latest eco technologies & eco products to Government, Industries and the Public; to provide a business platform for buyers and sellers to meet and explore business collaborations; accelerate eco-knowledge and expansions of green market in India.
Manufacturers from various sectors are expected to showcase their products and services that reduce the environmental burden and enhance sustainable productivity. Visitors are expected from wide range of disciplines from Industry, associations, professionals from various disciplines, government agencies, academics, general public and students.
The EPIF 2011 is expected to provide sales opportunities with global eco-product producers and potential ideas for innovative green entrepreneurs; benefit society to get awareness and knowledge to identify and use eco products/services in day to day life; help government in devising/formulating schemes and policies to promote use of clean and green technologies; encourage greening the supply chain and public procurement activities and enhance the acceptance of eco-product alternatives in industry to meet environmental goals like reducing carbon and water foot print and create a sustainable growth path and helps India to meet voluntary or binding emissions reduction, and other millennium development goals.
rj/mrs/dk/kol/14:05 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Railways
Free Rail Travel Facility for Freedom Fighters Now Extended in Rajdhani/Shatabdi Trains Also
New Delhi: July 13, 2010.
In a gesture of honour to the freedom fighters, the Ministry of Railways has decided that 1st Class/2nd AC Complimentary Card Passes issued to freedom fighters/their widows will also be valid for travel in 3rd AC of Rajdhhani trains and Chair Car of Shatabdi/Jan-Shatabdi express trains along with a companion in same class, in addition to the existing facility. Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways has been asked to make necessary notification in the software and notify the date of implementation of this scheme. The Ministry of Railways has issued instructions to all Zonal Railways to implement this decision by stamping the Complimentary Card Passes issued to Freedom Fighters/their widows, i.e. "Valid for travel in 3rd AC in Rajdhani trains and Chair Car in Shatabdi/Jan-Shatabdi trains along with a companion in same class". The decision to permit freedom fighter to travel in Rajdhani/Shatabdi train was taken by the Ministry of Railways after consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Earlier, the freedom fighters/their widows receiving pension from Central revenues under the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme of Ministry of Home Affairs, are issued Complimentary Card Passes on life time basis for free rail travel on all Indian Railways (except Metro Railway, Kolkata) in 1st Class/2nd AC along with a companion in same class by any train other than Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains. With the new decision, the complimentary card passes will also be valid for travel in 3rd AC of Rajdhani & Chair Car of Shatabdi/Jan-Shatabdi express trains along with a companion in same class.
aks/hk/lk/t r/dk/kol/14:05 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
* * * * * *
Ministry of Tourism
Union Ministry of Tourism Sanctioned 210 Projects Amounting to Rs. 540,
Crore for North East States During the First Three Years of the 11th Plan
New Delhi: July 13, 2010.
The Union Minister of State for Tourism Shri Sultan Ahmed has said that his ministry is taking special interest in promoting North East Region as "Paradise Unexplored" both for domestic and international tourists. Addressing the All India Editors Conference on Social and Infrastructure Issues in Guwahati today, though 10% of the plan allocation of the Ministry of Tourism is earmarked for North Eastern Region. However, the funds released by the Ministry to NER has far exceeded the limits.
He said, the total number of infrastructure projects with an amount of Rs. 391.85 crore were sanctioned to NER during the 10th plan period(2002-07). Whereas during the first three years of the 11th Plan (up to December, 2009), the number of projects sanctioned is 210 with an amount of Rs. 540 crore.
Shri Sultan Ahmed said. The Ministry of Tourism has drawn up perspective Tourism plan for each of the North Eastern states for 20 years which have been sent to them for the development of tourism in their states.
He said. For the year 2010-11, the Ministry of Tourism held prioritization meetings with these states one by one for the projects which are to be prioritized as per the perspective plan. 76 projects have been approved out of which 39 are destinations, 6 are circuits and 29 are under Rural Tourism.
Listing other initiatives Shri Sultan Ahmed said that the Ministry had organized a road show at Kolkata in August 2009 for providing an opportunity to States of NER to showcase their wide variety of tourism products to both domestic and international travelers. He said the ministry has modified the Market Development Assistance Scheme for the region. Under the scheme, one tour by the approved service provider to a particular state and a total of not more than two in one financial year are eligible for the financial assistance. However, one additional tour is considered for visiting the North Eastern region. He said, service providers from the NER are eligible for three tours outside their respective states.
The scheme also enables to the approved service providers in the NER for undertaking promotional activities in the overseas markets for participating in travel fairs and exhibitions, sale cum study tour and printing of publicity material for distribution overseas.
Referring to publicity and marketing, the Minister listed the steps taken by the ministry to promote North East Region. He said during 2009-10 the following steps were taken:
(i) a booklet on the legends and folklores of North East of India has been produced by the 'India Today' group supported by the Ministry of Tourism which are related to geography, beliefs, culture, tradition etc. of this region
(ii) Ministry released a campaign on various TV channels to promote NER among the domestic travelers. A 60 seconds TV commercial was aired during the campaign, released in January/February, 2010.
(iii) Ministry of approved central financial assistance of Rs. 14.90 lakh to Sikkim for the production of CDs and tourism literature.
(iv) Ministry of Tourism participated in SATTE, 2010 at Delhi wherein all the NER were provided stalls to highlight their tourism products
(v) Inter-state regional conference of Tourism Ministers of NER was organized at Gangtok, during 5th to 7th December, 2009
In 2010-11, the Ministry of Tourism has approved central financial assistance of Rs. 26.38 lakh to Mizoram for the production of tourism literature and documentary film
Familiarization tours to the NER are being arranged for travel and media representatives from overseas on a regular basis under the Hospitality scheme of the Ministry.
Shri Sultan Ahmed said, Recently, the Union Ministry of Tourism has modified its guidelines for extending financial support to state governments/UTs for production of publicity material in collaboration with the private sector. Under the existing scheme, the Ministry supports the NE R for the production of collaterals and tourism promotional material on 50:50 cost sharing basis subject to maximum of Rs. 25 lakh by Ministry. The 50% states' share could be split equally between State and the private sector. However, recognizing the special needs of the NER, the upper ceiling of Rs. 25.00 lakh per state in a financial year will not apply.
The Minister said, his Ministry provides financial assistance for setting up State Institute of Hotel Management IHMs/Food Crafts Institute FCIs. Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the widening scheme's scope to cover the funding of infrastructure creation in vocational schools, polytechnics/it is, Universities etc. for starting courses in tourism and hospitality sector.
The Minister said, Hotel industry are entitled for capital investment subsidy to the tune of 30% for hotels(not below 2 star category) under the North East Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, 2007. Also 5 years tax holiday is available for creation of accommodation in the districts close to World Heritage sites provided they are constructed and start functioning from 1st April 2008 to 31st March, 2013.
Shri Sultan Ahmed said with a view to provide an opening for showcasing the rural products, the Ministry grants CFA for creating infrastructure and for human resource development. He said out of 153 rural sites, 51 sites in NER are being developed under the Rural Development scheme. The Ministry is also providing funds for creating infrastructure relating to adventure activities in NER.
The Minister said, his Ministry now is also providing the financial assistance for the construction of Heliport as a component for areas which are inaccessible but having tourism potential with the financial ceiling of Rs. 75 lakh. And North Eastern States specially Sikkim has shown keen interest in the scheme.
Shri Sultan Ahmed said, with a view to promote meetings, incentives conventions and exhibitions (MICE), Ministry is providing central assistance up to Rs. 5 crore for the construction of a convention centre in each state/UT
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Palash Biswas
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