Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Programme Covering Children, Adolescent Girls & Women Launched in 200 Districts

The Government has taken new measures to reduce malnutrition among children & women. A multi-sectoral nutrition programme which aims at prevention and reduction in child under-nutrition (underweight prevalence in children under 3 years of age) and reduction in levels of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women has been launched in 200 high-burden districts during the 12th Five Year Plan. Concerned States /UTs have been advised to setup State Nutrition Council/ Districts Nutrition Cells and prepare nutrition action plans for approval of the Government. The Government has also taken several steps to encourage and ensure adequate availability of nutrition amongst different ages especially children in the age group of 0-6 years, adolescent girls and pregnant and lactating mothers. This Ministry is implementing several schemes/programmes such as Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Rajiv Gandhi Schemes for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) namely SABLA, Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojna (IGMSY) as direct targeted interventions. To create awareness about nutrition challenges and promote home-level feeding practices a Nationwide Information, Education and Communication campaign against malnutrition has been launched during 2012-13 This information was given by Union Minister of Women and Child Development Ministry, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in an oral reply to a question in Lok Sabha today (25/07/2014).  Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Shri Prakash Javadekar's statement in Loksabha on Discussion & Voting on Demands for Grants 2014-15, for Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

A large number of issues are lying pending for environmental clearance. All the industrialists of the country, NGO‟s Chief Ministers and other Ministers want their approval and they request the Government to find a way out for their clearance. The protection of Environment and Development is not contradictory to each other. Both can go hand in hand. The Government wants to promote the duo simultaneously. Late Shri Deen Dayal Upadhyay aptly said that sustainable development is very much in Indian life style from time immemorial.

 We live in sync with nature. I believe that unless it takes the shape of a mass movement environment cannot be protected. Your kind cooperation is solicited in this mass movement. Some Hon. Members have said that budget allocation for this purpose is not adequate. Here I would like to point out that the funds have not been reduced. A separate Ministry for Ganga Action Plan and Ganga Cleaning is set up and it is led by Sushri Uma Bharti. The Ministry of Water Resources has been added to it. Thus, the funds of Rs. 535 crore which were meant for the Ministry of Environment in earlier Budget, are now transferred to her Ministry. It is a structural change.

I have tried to streamline procedures. Since these procedures will betransparent and simple I am confident the courts and others will appreciate my efforts. I have done away with the licence Raj, permit quota. We have madeonline submission of applications of environmental clearances applicable from 1st June. While dealing with environmental clearance, I decided to accord forest clearance also. I am happy that online submission of applications for forest clearance has started last week. It is transparent. So many cases related to defence are lying pending for environmental approval. We visited China border. I thought border roads should be clear. If forest clearance is required to be accorded for a stretch of 5 acre, why should the file be referred to Delhi? We accorded border roads clearance of 6 thousand kms. We are to raise new corp of one lakh soldiers. The army will be raised, their accommodation, training centre, ammunition depots, firing range would be set up. Why should the file of the army station be referred to the Central Ministry? Defence strategic infrastructure has been covered in general approval. The process has now been streamlined.

All Hon. Members have said that the transmission line, rail road pass through forest area. If a wind mill is to be set up, a pole is to be erected, one has to walk 17 km. and there is a small patch of forest. Permission to erect the pole was not accorded. Earlier, general approval was required for transmission line of upto 220 kv. Now technology has improved. There may be a proposal to set up transmission line of 1200 KV or 2000 KV. Such lines will protect forest area.

The population of tigers has increased in Maharashtra. The Project Tiger is very much successful there. Setting up of new Bore National Sanctuary for tigers has been approved there. The environment related projects will continue.

Seven States have been affected by the Gadgil and Kasturi Ranjan report. An issue of eco-sensitive zone has emerged. The problem of such zone is that even a small stone is not allowed to be quarried for repair of house. Ground toothing is needed there. I allowed ground toothing to all seven states who had requested so. Ground toothing is going on there. If required, we will seek opinion and consent of the local Panchayats and representatives of people like you.

26 sand mines were to be auctioned in Punjab. We all require such auction. But it was informed that for want of environmental clearance bidders are not approaching. They do not believe that environmental clearance can be accorded later on. Forests exist but are degraded. We are planning to bring back these degraded forests under re-afforestation.

Earlier, one has to come to Ministry seeking permission for settling up 20 MW Bio-mass power plant. I said – what is the need for such permission. Bio-mass plant is a good plant which is the best cleaning agency. Now, the permission for bio-mass plant will be given at local level.

The widening of roads was not possible in naxal affected area and killing of CRPF Jawans is a routine matter. The Maoists blow off people by planting bombs on roads.Road widening in such areas has been brought in general approval list.

The CAMPA fund worth of Rs. 33 thousand crores is lying idle with centre. We will ensure that the CAMPA fund reaches to states which are really in need of it.

The steps are being taken to prevent animal-men conflict and deforestation. We will not let the practice of cuttings tree illegally go on. Actions will be taken for busting such rackets and the members of racket will have to pay for it. The states have to decide on the number of eco-sensitive zones in their states. If the states‟ projects in eco-sensitive zones fall within the rules, then the approval will be accorded.

Government is committed to increase CNG in public transport in all cities. As far as, the river Ganga is concerned, the government has already sanctioned 6 STPs during the last 50 days. These STPs are centrally funded with 70% fund going from the centre. Unfortunately many STP do not operate for 24 hours. Hence, filth goes into water. It can be stopped only if the STP run 27x7.

We must think afresh of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Orissa as how to protect environment, tribals and ensure development. The Vanbandhu Scheme will ensure that they get employment, facilities, development and their rights. Forest rights are very important. The latest forest survey shows that tribals are helping forest cover to grow faster. We now have 23-24 percent forest cover and have to take it further 33 per cent.

 National Board of Wildlife has established two days ago. It will now start functioning immediately. Climate change in the world is reality and if we have to face the challenges of climate change, then actions have to be taken as well as to redefine the role of India to be played on world forum. We have to present ourselves effectively. 

National Foundation for Communal Harmony to host Music Concert

The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) has organised a Music Concert for Peace and Harmony at the Azad Bhawan Auditorium, ICCR, New Delhi tomorrow evening as part of its outreach activities. Entitled “Sur Sangam”, the gala evening will feature a performance by the renowned Sufi Bhakti singer Ms. Rashmi Agarwal. The Foundation aims to promote Communal Harmony and National Integration through the medium of songs and music. Ms. Rashmi Agarwal is a local accomplished Sufi and Ghazal singer. A Post-Graduate in Hindustani Classical Music, she had training under Gurus like Smt. Kamala Bose, Smt. Savita Devi and Smt. Shanti Hiranand. Besides Sufi Bhakti, Ms. Rashmi Agarwal is equally at ease rendering Thumri Gayaki and Dadra and Indian folk songs. Besides TV and radio, she has performed for the ICCR on various international forums including the US and UK. ***Courtesy: pib.nic.in

MALABAR – 2014

Courtesy: Photo Division

Exercise Malabar is a complex, high-end operational exercise that has grown in scope and complexity over the years. Malabar 2014 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises conducted to enhance multinational maritime relationships and mutual security issues. 

The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training. Whilst ashore at Port Sasebo, Japan from 24 to 26 Jul, the interactions will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on Carrier Strike Group operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, anti piracy operations and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations. 

Three ships of Indian Navy viz. INS Ranvijay (guided missile destroyer), INS Shivalik (stealth frigate) and INS Shakti (fleet tanker) have already entered Port Sasebo, Japan on 23 Jul 14 for participating in the exercise. 

The sea phase of the exercise is scheduled from 27 to 30 Jul 14 and will be conducted in the Western Pacific Ocean. Exercises planned during this phase include search and rescue exercises, helicopter cross-deck landings, underway replenishments, gunnery and anti-submarine warfare exercises, Visit, Board, Search and Seize operations (VBSS) and Liaison officer exchange and embarkation. Designed to enhance maritime cooperation among the navies of the participating nations, these exercises further hone individual capacity to conduct operations in a multi-national environment. 

The Indian, Japanese and U.S. navies have a common understanding and knowledge of a shared working environment at sea. This exercise would further help advance the level of understanding among the navies. 

Two destroyers along with a P3C Orion and a sea-plane (US-2) are participating from the Japanese Navy. From the US Navy one submarine (SSN), two destroyers, one tanker along with one MR aircraft would be participating. One US Carrier Strike group (CSG) is likely to join for the sea phase of the exercise. 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Logo Design Competition launched for ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ Campaign

The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development today launched a Logo Design Competition for the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ Campaign. The President of India in his address to the Parliament this year had announced that such a campaign will be launched across the country for saving the girl child and enabling her education. The Union Finance Minister has announced an initial corpus of Rs. 100 crore for the campaign in the budget for the year 2014-15. The Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Maneka Gandhi has said that education and safety of the girl child is top priority of the Government. The logo for the campaign ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ is to be developed through crowd sourcing with the purpose of including the logo in all advertisements issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and also for mass campaign through conventional and social media. The Global Logo Design Competition shall have the following objectives:- • Creation of a Logo for a campaign aimed at improving child sex ratio and promote value of the girl child • Highlight the absolute importance of education in empowering girls • Ensuring engagement with the youth of the country on this issue as they are the future parents • Ensuring ownership of the issue by the masses as stakeholders and generating awareness through the competition. The ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign will be a major inter-ministerial initiative of Government of India bringing together Ministries/Institutions/Civil societies in a rational effort to reverse the declining sex ratio. The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development will be nodal ministry and will be assisted by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Human Resource Development and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in this endeavour. The last date for receiving entries is 3rd August, 2014. The winning entry will receive a cash award of Rs. 50,000/- and national recognition. Entries can be emailed to betibachaobetipadhao@gmail.com The details of the logo competition for ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ can be obtained from www.wcd.nic.in Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Special Arrangements Made for Accepting Returns of Income

Offices to Remain Open on 26th July and 27th July, 2014, Being Saturday and Sunday, for Accepting the Returns During Normal Office Hours

For the convenience of the taxpayers, the Income Tax Department has decided to keep the offices open for accepting the returns of income during normal office hours on 26th July and 27th July, 2014, being Saturday and Sunday. This direction has been issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in exercise of powers conferred under Section 119 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Special arrangements have also been made by way of opening additional receipt counters, wherever required, on 26th, 27th, 28th, 30th and 31st July, 2014 in order to facilitate the taxpayers in filing their returns of income conveniently and in a timely manner.  The due date for filing of return of income within the meaning of Explanation 2(c) to Section 139(1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 is 31st July, 2014. Courtesy: pib.nic.in

“Mainstreaming” AIDS awareness to reduce HIV infection rate Health, IT Ministries forge collaboration for last push against disease

“Big is not necessarily beautiful, small messages for awareness building with prevention as focus works better in the case of AIDS control,” Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health, said on 23/07/2014. 

At the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MICT), Dr Harsh Vardhan observed, “Big hospitals may lead to better treatment, but if state-of-the-art IT education tools are used to disseminate information that will prevent killer infections, the investment is more worthwhile.” 

The partnership between the Health Ministry’s Department of AIDS Control and the Department of IT and Telecommunications is expected to engender a society with heightened knowhow on HIV infections. The networks of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (in Mumbai and Delhi) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (rest of India) will be the chief vehicles of this “mainstreaming” of AIDS awareness. 

This strategic tie-up will give a boost to the Ministry’s entrenched activities like putting up banners, posters, etc., in areas dominated by risk groups and display of other promotional material in public spaces. Combating discrimination of HIV-AIDS victims is also a part of the drive. 

“The goal of zero-HIV incidence cannot be achieved only unless the disease’s spread is addressed holistically. Mainstreaming and partnership building are key in the national AIDS control programme’s multi-sectoral response,” Dr Harsh Vardhan said. 

The Department of AIDS Control is already providing preventive, care and support treatment services through 1,873 targeted interventions , and its network of 1,131 STI Clinics, 1,137 blood banks, over 15,000 integrated counselling and other infrastructure. The Minister said that information about these services needs to reach all the people in the country, especially those who are most at risk for HIV. 

At present, India has about 2.1 million people with HIV infections –roughly 0.27 percent of the population. About 90 percent are in the 15-49 age group. This group, Dr Harsh Vardhan noted, is quite savvy in contemporary forms of connectivity and could easily be targeted through mobile telephony and social media. 

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has a major role to play in spreading information on prevention and services related to HIV, the Health Minister noted. MCIT will also facilitate effective management of strategic information through National e-governance, Community services centres, and through push-based SMS, etc. 

Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister, MICT, said the collaboration will work through Common Service Centres which, apart from spreading knowledge, will also encourage voluntary blood donation and facilitate access to Social Protection schemes. He added that MICT plans to connect 50,000 panchayats with a broadband optic-fibre network during the current financial year. Over the next two years another 100,000 would be added. 

****Courtesy: pib.nic.in