Shri Vivek Joshi IAS (Haryana 1989) assumes charge of Chief Secretary – Haryana, General Administration, Human Resources, Personnel & Training, Parliamentary Affairs,
Vigilance Departments & Secretary lncharge – Plan Coordination with effect from 04th November, 2024.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Vivek Joshi the very best.
Indian Bureaucracy, Bhubaneshwar, November 09, 2024| In a recent directive, the Odisha state government has restructured additional charges held by senior IAS officers across key portfolios, canceling several prior assignments and reassigning roles to enhance operational efficiency. These changes impact critical sectors, including Energy, Forest, Excise, Food, and Civil Supplies.
Shri Rajesh Khoth HCS (2019) presently Estate Officer, HSVP, Hisar and Land Acquisition Officer, Hisar has been transferred and posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Hansi, Haryana.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Rajesh Khoth the very best.
Ms. Sheetal HCS (2023) presently awaiting orders of posting has been posted as OSD-I to Chief Secretary , Haryana, relieving Ms Radhika Singh HCS (2013) .
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Ms. Sheetal the very best.
Shri Hunny Bansal HCS (2023) presently awaiting orders of posting has been posted as OSD-II to Chief Secretary , Haryana, relieving Ms Shivjeet Bharti HCS (2020).
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Hunny Bansal the very best.
Shri Sunil Poonia RAS (2014), presently Additional Collector & Additional District Magistrate, Shahpura, Rajasthan, is transferred and appointed as Deputy Commissioner – Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Forum, Jaipur and Ex-Officio Deputy Secretary to Government of Rajasthan.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Sunil Poonia the very best.
Shri Dhara Singh Meena RAS (2011), presently Deputy Secretary, Department of Personnel (A-III/COMP.), Rajasthan, Jaipur, is transferred and appointed as CEO – Zila Parishad-cum-A.D.P.C., E.G.S. & Ex-Officio Chief Project Officer – Modified Area Development Agency (MADA), Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Dhara Singh Meena the very best.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) successfully concluded Special Campaign 4.0 from October 2 to October 31, 2024, focused on institutionalizing Swachhta (cleanliness) and reducing pendency across the Ministry and its organizations. During the campaign’s implementation phase, significant strides were made in resolving outstanding issues, clearing files, and optimizing office spaces, creating an environmentally friendly workspace.
Over the course of the campaign, 1.29 lakh files were reviewed, leading to the disposal of 1.01 lakh unnecessary files, freeing up approximately 68,916 square feet of office space. This reorganization generated a revenue of Rs. 4.62 crores from the disposal of scrap. Additionally, 369 cleanliness drives were held, and 13 operational rules were simplified to improve efficiency and promote a streamlined workflow.
“The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways remains committed to fostering a cleaner, more efficient work environment while supporting sustainable practices that benefit our communities and the environment. Through Special Campaign 4.0, we have not only reduced pendency and created more functional office spaces but also introduced innovative eco-friendly initiatives like waste-to-art and beach clean-ups. These efforts reflect our dedication to ‘Swachh Bharat’ and to building a greener, more responsible future for all,” said Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
As part of the Ministry’s commitment to environmental sustainability, several best practices were implemented, including transforming office waste into manure, creating artworks from waste, and organizing a sand art display on Puri Beach. These activities were complemented by school participation in cleanliness drives, the distribution of eco-friendly cloth bags in vegetable markets, and palm seed planting to mitigate high-voltage lightning risks. Through such initiatives, the Ministry has demonstrated its dedication to enhancing both operational efficiency and community engagement.
Haj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a sacred pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that Muslims aspire to undertake at least once in their lifetime. Every year, millions gather in Mecca, driven by devotion and a shared sense of spirituality. The Government of India, recognizing the significance of Haj, has made provisions to facilitate the pilgrimage, particularly for low-income individuals. Pilgrim support cum facilitation programs have been introduced to enhance accessibility, especially for women facing unique challenges. Ongoing reforms and policy improvements have further enriched the Haj experience, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that diverse segments of the Muslim community can partake in this profound spiritual journey.
Background The City of Bombay has a long-standing association with Haj, with Muslims embarking on their holy journey via the sea route from this port since British rule. The Haj Committee of Bombay was established in 1927, with Mr. D. Healy, Esq., the then Commissioner of Police, serving as its president alongside prominent Muslim public representatives. The first formal meeting of the Committee took place on April 14, 1927. Mr. Mustafa Fakih became the first Chairman of the Haj Committee constituted under the Haj Committee Act of 1959.
Evolution of Travel Methods
Until 1994, about 5,000 pilgrims traveled by ship from Bombay, while approximately 20,000 travelled by air. However, in 1995, sea travel for Haj pilgrims was discontinued, with all pilgrims then traveling by air. Consequently, additional embarkation points were established, increasing year by year.
Diversification of Haj Management
The growing number of embarkation points highlighted the need for appropriate representation from across the country within the Haj Committee of India. This led to the passage of the Haj Committee Act 2002, which ensures representation from all regions , in the Haj Committee of India. With the objective to ensure more focussed attention to the Haj pilgrims, the responsibility for all Haj-related matters was transferred from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) on October 1, 2016, reflecting the ongoing commitment of the Government to support Muslim pilgrims.
Functions of the Haj Committee of India (CHC)
The Haj Committee of India commonly known as Central Haj Committee (CHC) has been established by the Government under the Haj Committee Act 2002, for making all arrangements for the pilgrimage of Muslims for Haj, and for matters connected therewith.
The Committee works under the administrative superintendence of the Government and discharges the following main functions: –
Initiatives for Hassle-Free Haj Travel
Over time, the government has implemented several reforms to make Haj travel hassle-free, significantly enhancing digital backbone infrastructure for better accessibility and convenience. These initiatives also promote women’s equality, allowing more women to undertake the pilgrimage independently.
I. ABOLITION OF HAJ SUBSIDY
The Haj subsidy, which aimed to offset travel costs for pilgrims from India to Saudi Arabia, increased from Rs. 10.51 crore in 1994 to Rs. 836.56 crore in 2012-13. However, the subsidy was gradually reduced and completely abolished for Haj 2018. Since then, a record 4.54 lakh Indian pilgrims have performed Haj without subsidy. The estimated savings of approximately Rs. 400 crores from the subsidy have been redirected towards the educational empowerment of minority students, particularly girls, leading to increased enrollment and reduced dropout rates from the schools.
II. REQUIREMENT OF MEHRAM (MALE COMPANION) FOR WOMEN TO PERFORM HAJ REMOVED.
For decades, Muslim women in India have advocated for their right to perform Haj without a Mehram (male companion). Many, including professionals like teachers and doctors, faced barriers due to this requirement. In 2017, the government finally lifted these restrictions, marking a significant milestone, towards women empowerment.
During Haj 2023, the Government of India allowed single eligible women to apply individually under the LWM (Lady Without Mehram) category, eliminating the previous requirement to form a group of four. This change led to unprecedented participation, with over 5,000 women applying under the LWM category—an increase of 20% from the previous year. These initiatives have significantly advanced gender inclusivity and women’s empowerment in the context of the pilgrimage. 
III. DIGITISATION OF HAJ PROCESS
In previous years, Haj management processes relied heavily on manual and offline methods, resulting in a cumbersome and opaque system involving multiple agencies. To address this challenge, the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) recognized the need for a more efficient approach and has successfully digitized many Haj-related services, enabling citizens to access them anytime and anywhere. This modernization includes improvements to the application process and the computerization of the draw for selecting Haj pilgrims.
IV. ABOLITION OF DISCRETIONARY QUOTA
Since Haj 2023, the Government of India has removed all discretionary quotas previously held by dignitaries, including those from the Ministry of Minority Affairs, to promote equal opportunities for all citizens. These seats have been integrated into the general allocation for Haj pilgrims. Selection is now conducted through a digitized random process, ensuring transparency and immediate notification for both selected and waitlisted pilgrims.
V. SELECTION OF DEPUTATIONISTS
In 2023, the selection of administrative deputationists was exclusively made from CAPF personnel to enhance professionalism and support for pilgrims. Given the challenging topographical and climatic conditions in Saudi Arabia, CAPF members are well-trained and suited for such demanding work.
Major Initiatives for Haj Pilgrimage 2024
In 2024, a Bilateral Haj Agreement was signed on January 7, 2024, with H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) at Jeddah. This agreement established a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India for Haj 2024, with 1,40,020 seats reserved for those traveling through the Haj Committee of India. This allocation is particularly beneficial for first-time pilgrims, while 35,005 seats are designated for Haj Group Operators.
The Union Health Ministry oversaw comprehensive medical care for approximately 1,75,025 pilgrims, including around 40,000 elderly individuals aged 60 and above. In response to harsh weather conditions, round-the-clock medical support was provided, featuring enhanced services such as oral health and dental care, based on previous experiences. This year, nearly 2 lakh outpatient consultations were conducted, along with regular visits from medical teams to ensure the well-being of all pilgrims.
The government has established robust facilitation centers within Indian Missions to prioritize the welfare and safety of pilgrims abroad. These centers respond promptly to issues raised by pilgrims through various channels, including phone calls, emails, and social media. Indian Missions actively monitor the well-being of Indian nationals and are prepared to provide immediate support during emergencies, offering consular assistance, food, shelter, and return passage when needed.
The Haj pilgrimage has significantly improved thanks to initiatives from the Haj Committee of India and the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The Haj Committee has streamlined processes, enhancing accessibility and organization for thousands of pilgrims through improved logistics and dedicated support services. Complementing these efforts, the Ministry has introduced policies that provide financial assistance and awareness programs, empowering pilgrims and making their journey smoother. These initiatives not only honor the spiritual significance of Haj but also foster a sense of community among Indian Muslims. As these organizations continue to collaborate, the pilgrimage is poised to become even more meaningful and accessible, reflecting a strong commitment to the welfare of pilgrims and promoting cultural and religious diversity in India.
World Immunization Day, observed annually on November 10, aims to raise awareness about the vital role vaccines play in preventing infectious diseases and protecting public health. Immunization is one of the most effective and cost-efficient intervention for controlling and eradicating diseases, saving millions of lives globally each year. Vaccines help protect individuals from diseases like measles, polio, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. By reducing the incidence of infectious diseases, immunization not only safeguards individuals but also strengthens community health by building herd immunity. This day encourages governments, healthcare providers, and communities worldwide to emphasize the importance of vaccines and extend immunization coverage, especially to underserved populations.
In India, World Immunization Day is particularly significant due to the unique challenges the country faces in reaching remote areas. Further, children, in particular, remain at significant risk because they are either unimmunized or partially immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases. Partially immunized and unimmunized children are most susceptible to childhood diseases and are at a much higher risk of dying as compared to fully immunized children.
Immunization has been a central focus in India’s public health strategy for decades, leading to remarkable progress in reducing disease prevalence and child mortality rates. World Immunization Day thus serves as an opportunity to reaffirm India’s commitment to achieving universal immunization and to reflect on the progress made through landmark initiatives, including the Universal Immunization Programme and Mission Indradhanush. This day also highlights the need for continued efforts to ensure every individual has access to life-saving vaccines.
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is one of India’s most comprehensive public health initiatives, aiming to provide life-saving vaccines to millions of newborns and pregnant women each year. Initially launched in 1978 as the Expanded Programme on Immunization, it was rebranded as the UIP in 1985 when its coverage was extended beyond urban centres to rural areas, addressing disparities in healthcare access. In 1992, the UIP was incorporated into the Child Survival and Safe Motherhood Programme and later, in 1997, into the National Reproductive and Child Health Programme. Since 2005, under the National Rural Health Mission, the UIP has become a central component of India’s public health efforts, focusing on ensuring that vaccines reach every child, even in the most remote parts of the country.
With a targeted annual reach of around 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women, the UIP has become one of the most cost-effective health interventions in the country, significantly reducing the under-5 mortality rate from 45 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 32 per 1000 live births (SRS 2020). With consistent efforts to reach and vaccinate all eligible children against vaccine-preventable diseases, the country’s Full Immunization Coverage for FY 2023-24 stands at 93.23% nationally. (state-wise Full Immunization Coverage for FY 2023-24)
Currently, the program provides free immunization against 12 diseases, including nine nationwide, such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, and Hepatitis B. Additionally, it offers vaccines against Rotavirus diarrhoea, Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and Japanese Encephalitis in specific regions. Under this initiative, a child is considered fully immunized after receiving all vaccinations as per the national schedule within the first year of life. Notable milestones include India’s elimination of polio in 2014 and maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015, achievements that underscore the impact of the UIP in protecting public health.
Mission Indradhanush Mission Indradhanush (MI), launched in December 2014, is a strategic initiative by the Indian government aimed at increasing the full immunization coverage for children across the country, with a goal to reach 90% coverage. Mission Indradhanush specifically focuses on areas with low immunization rates, including hard-to-reach regions and communities where children are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. This mission adopts a targeted approach, prioritizing districts and pockets where immunization levels remain low, thereby striving to bridge critical gaps in vaccine coverage and ensuring that no child is left unprotected. Since its inception, twelve phases of Mission Indradhanush have been completed, covering 554 districts nationwide.
Mission Indradhanush has been integrated into other significant national programs, such as the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan and the Extended Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, further enhancing its outreach. Under these programs, immunization efforts extended to 16,850 villages across 541 districts and 48,929 villages across 117 aspirational districts, respectively. The first two phases of Mission Indradhanush alone led to a 6.7% increase in full immunization coverage in just one year, reflecting its early success.
The U-WIN Portal represents a major leap forward in India’s immunization efforts, providing a fully digitized record of vaccination for pregnant women and children from birth to 17 years under the Universal Immunization Programme. This digital platform aims to streamline vaccine delivery and record-keeping, ensuring that every individual can easily access and manage their immunization records. Designed with user-friendly, citizen-centric services, U-WIN allows for ‘Anytime Access’ and ‘Anywhere’ vaccination, offering flexible scheduling options for recipients. Citizens can self-register through the U-WIN web portal or the mobile app, which makes it easier for families to keep track of vaccination schedules and receive automated SMS alerts for upcoming doses. The platform also generates a universal QR-based eVaccination Certificate and provides the option to create an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID for themselves and a Child ABHA ID for their children, enabling comprehensive digital health management.
With accessibility in mind, the U-WIN portal is available in 11 regional languages, including Hindi, to ensure widespread usability across diverse linguistic communities. As of September 16, 2024, the platform has registered 6.46 crore beneficiaries, conducted over 1.04 crore vaccination sessions, and recorded 23.06 crore administered vaccine doses. This scale of registration and record-keeping highlights U-WIN’s impact in making immunization data readily accessible and securely stored for millions of families across the country. The platform’s broad capabilities demonstrate India’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance healthcare accessibility, streamline immunization tracking, and further strengthen public health infrastructure at the grassroots level.
India’s journey in public health showcases remarkable achievements in the elimination of several deadly diseases. From being officially certified polio-free to eradicating maternal and neonatal tetanus, the country has made significant strides in improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The country’s proactive efforts in disease control and vaccination, backed by strong infrastructure and international collaboration, have set global benchmarks. India’s successes in immunization programs highlight its growing capacity to tackle vaccine-preventable diseases and contribute to global health security.
India’s Public Health Milestones
India’s public health journey is marked by significant achievements, including the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive. From becoming polio-free to eradicating maternal and neonatal tetanus, the country has made great strides in improving health outcomes. Strong infrastructure, proactive disease control efforts, and international collaboration have helped India set global benchmarks in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases.
India’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, launched on January 16, 2021, stands as a global success story in public health. By January 6, 2023, the program had administered over 220 crore doses, covering 97% of eligible citizens with at least one dose and 90% with both doses. Initially focused on the adult population, the program expanded to include younger age groups, with vaccinations for those aged 12-14 beginning on March 16, 2022, and precautionary doses for individuals aged 18-59 starting on April 10, 2022.
Overcoming significant challenges, the program required rapid vaccine research, the training of 2.6 lakh vaccinators and 4.8 lakh support members, and the establishment of an IT platform for tracking and delivery. This proactive approach enabled India to not only meet domestic needs but also support global vaccination efforts through initiatives like Vaccine Maitri, which supplied vaccines to other nations.
On March 27, 2014, India, along with ten other countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region, was officially certified as polio-free—a significant public health achievement. India’s last reported case of polio was on January 13, 2011, in Howrah, West Bengal. However, despite this certification, the country remains vigilant due to the persistent risk of poliovirus importation from the two countries where polio remains endemic: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
India’s successful fight against polio has strengthened its broader immunization infrastructure, which is now being leveraged to protect against a range of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs). Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), the country continues to introduce additional vaccines, aiming to ensure that no child is left unprotected.
The systems developed during the National Polio Program have greatly enhanced routine immunization efforts, setting a goal of over 90% full immunization coverage. This progress is a collaborative effort supported by state governments, WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and other partners, who have been instrumental in not only eradicating polio but also in advancing India’s immunization initiatives for broader public health security.
India’s success in eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNTE) stands as a major public health accomplishment. Achieved in April 2015, well ahead of the global target of December 2015, MNTE validation was completed across all of India’s 36 states and union territories. This milestone signifies that the incidence of maternal and neonatal tetanus has fallen to less than 1 case per 1,000 live births, effectively eliminating it as a public health problem. This achievement reflects India’s commitment to safe maternal and newborn health practices through health system strengthening, high routine immunization coverage, clean delivery protocols, and strong surveillance. It is a testament to the dedication of health workers, policymakers, and all stakeholders involved.
In another historic milestone, India became the first country to be officially recognized as yaws-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), achieving this well before the global target year of 2020. This recognition highlights India’s proactive and sustained efforts to eradicate the disease, which primarily affects rural and marginalized communities. The elimination of yaws reflects comprehensive public health efforts focused on early treatment, health education, and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations. WHO and UNICEF lauded India’s achievements, noting the wider impact on community health, socio-economic improvement, and India’s continued leadership in global public health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, India’s commitment to immunization reflects a holistic approach to safeguarding public health, with a focus on reaching every individual, especially those in underserved and remote areas. Through initiatives like the Universal Immunization Programme, Mission Indradhanush, and the U-WIN portal, the country has made remarkable strides in increasing immunization coverage, combating vaccine-preventable diseases, and reducing child mortality. India’s successful elimination of polio, its resilient response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its dedication to leveraging technology for healthcare access underscore the nation’s capacity to meet complex health challenges. As World Immunization Day reminds us of the vital role vaccines play in public health, India stands as an example of what can be achieved with comprehensive planning, community engagement, and a commitment to universal access. Continued efforts will be essential to maintaining and expanding these achievements, ensuring that no child is left unprotected and every individual has access to life-saving vaccines for a healthier future.
Food Corporation of India (FCI) has successfully concluded the “Swachhta Hi Seva 2024” campaign with the celebration of “Swachh Bharat Diwas”. The Department paid homage to Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary during closing ceremony at Headquarters and its subordinate offices.
Food Corporation of India has started this Campaign from 17th September 2024 to 02.10.2024 across nation in 760 locations from J&K to Kerala (North to South) and Gujarat to North Eastern states (West to East) in all FCI Offices Zonal/Regional/Divisional and Godowns covering far flung areas. The Corporation has carried out a comprehensive cleanliness campaign focussing on the following three key pillars of Swachhata emphasizing a ‘whole of society’ approach with various Swachhata activities, School awareness Camps and Citizen centric initiatives across the nation.
Sampoorna Swachhata & Swachhata Lakshit Ekai: During this campaign, a total of 565 campaigns have been carried out and out of which FCI has identified 210 CTU sites (black spots) with a focus on adopting and time-bound transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs). FCI employees have carried out major cleanliness drives in cooperation with Local Municipal Authorities at different sites across the nation which were serving as dumping yards/black spots for waste materials and Garbage and transformed the CTUs with a better and revitalized look.
Swachhata Ki Bhagidari: FCI has carried out 824 Campaigns under Swachhata ki Bhagidari where various activities like Swachhata Pledge, Marathons, Walkathons, Door to Door Awareness Campaigns, Swachhata Chaupals etc have been successfully carried out by FCI employees by ensuring local public participation to spread Swachhata awareness.
Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs: FCI has carried out 338 campaigns across its offices by conducting preventive health check-ups and creating awareness about various government schemes for sanitation workers by setting up Single window camps at FCI Offices. During Closing ceremony at Headquarters and its various offices, the felicitation programs were carried out by recognizing their contribution to the society and nation and also felicitated them with gifts to motivate and inspire them to keep up the good work.
FCI is not only ensuring food security to the nation, infact it has integrated concept of Swachhata in its Offices/Godowns and operations which has worked towards realising Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of cleanliness as service.
Some of the highlights of the Mass Campaign are as under:
FSD Mon employees meticulously cleaned areas overgrown with grass, bushes and bamboo at FSD Mon, transforming the space into a spotless environment. In a remarkable display of creativity and sustainability, depot staff repurposed the bamboo to craft a functional dustbin, exemplifying the ‘Waste to Wonder’ art.
CTU Site transformed at Akashawani Road by FSD Udaipur.
CTU Transformation at nearby Park by Regional Office- Jharkhand and plants planted.
After cleaning of the garbage area plantation program was conducted at the CTU site to avoid any further dumping of waste materials at the site and talks held with local village panchayat representatives to transform this dumping yard into a public park.
CTU transformation of Rain Water Harvesting plant by FSD Ashokenagar under West Bengal Region.
The Rain water harvesting system was not properly functioning for quite some time which was acting as dumping yard for waste materials. The site was reinstated and Rain water harvesting system is function efficiently.
Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: Plantation Drive :
Food Corportion of India is not only ensuring food security, infact fulfilling its social duty towards environment sustainability. Under this campaign, Food Corporation has planted 27814 saplings across its various Offices and Godowns which exemplifies the Corporations dedication towards infusing environmental consciousness into our collection endevours.
Shri Dileep Mishra IAS (West Bengal 2019), presently Joint Secretary, UD & MA Department, is transferred and appointed as ADM, Jhargram, West Bengal.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Dileep Mishra the very best.
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