Shri Shrikesh Balajirao Lathkar IAS (Andhra Pradesh 2011), presently the Commissioner-Cum-Director, Land Records & Survey Department, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, is transferred and appointed as Private Secretary (PS) to Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister for Civil Aviation, in the Ministry of Civil Aviation at the level of Deputy Secretary for the period of five years with immediate effect.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Shrikesh Balajirao Lathkar the very best.
Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav IAS (Haryana 2013) appointed as Deputy commissioner- UT of Chandigarh on lnter-cadre deputation from Haryana cadre to AGMUT cadre with
immediate effect.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav the very best.
Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India and a digitally empowered economy, the Ministry of Coal has introduced the Mine Opening Permission module on the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) portal. The module was inaugurated on November 7, 2024, by Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal. This innovative digital tool is designed to simplify and speed up the approval process for coal mine openings, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and reducing processing time. This advancement fosters ease of doing business, cultivates an investment-friendly climate, and enables faster approvals, ultimately driving growth in the coal sector, strengthening energy security, and supporting India’s goals of self-reliance and sustainable development.
The Single Window Clearance System (SWCS), established on January 11, 2021, serves as a consolidated platform for obtaining all required clearances to operationalize coal mines. The new Mine Opening Permission module is a crucial enhancement that simplifies and expedites securing permissions for starting new mines or accessing new coal seams. By enabling online applications and real-time tracking, the platform minimizes manual paperwork, cuts down processing times, and ensures transparency and operational efficiency, creating a more supportive environment for investment in the coal sector.
This initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to progress and innovation in the coal industry. Through technology and automation, the Mine Opening Permission module facilitates faster decision-making, enabling the timely opening of coal mines to boost production and fortify India’s energy security.
Dr Karuna Kumari IAS (Assam Meghalaya 2010), currently Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Assam, has been approved for central deputation and appointed as Director – Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Delhi, for a period of five years.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Dr Karuna Kumari the very best.
The MY Bharath, Tamil Nadu, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, and Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai, will host the Kashmiri Youth Exchange Programme at the Government Youth Hostel in Adyar, Chennai, from November 9th to 15th, 2024. This program will bring together over 132 Kashmiri youth from six terrorism-affected districts of Kashmir—Anantnag, Kupwara, Baramulla, Budgam, Srinagar, and Pulwama—accompanied by 12 escort officers from the CRPF and NYKS.
The main objectives of the program are to promote national unity, integrity, and peace among the young people of the Kashmir Valley. It aims to offer participants opportunities to explore diverse cultural, industrial, historical, religious, and educational sites across the country. The program seeks to broaden participants’ perspectives on the social, cultural, religious, economic, and environmental realities in Kashmir. Additionally, it will provide knowledge on the Indian Constitution, citizens’ duties, national integration, patriotism, and the country’s development efforts. A key focus will be exposing participants to the technological and industrial advancements in various states, including skill development, educational, and employment opportunities.
Tmt. Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Hon’ble Member of Parliament for South Chennai, will inaugurate the program on November 9th, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. at the Youth Hostel Auditorium in Adyar. Distinguished attendees will include Shri Prakash Govindasami IAS, Principal Secretary/Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture Marketing and Agri-Business, Tamil Nadu; Dr. B Shamoondeswari IPS, Inspector General of Police, CO/o DGP/HoPF, Chennai; Shri M Annadurai IIS, Additional Director General of the Press Information Bureau & Central Bureau of Communication, Chennai; Shri Sai Prakash Leo Muthu, CEO of Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai; and Shri S Senthilkumar, State Director of MY Bharath, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry.
Over the seven-day program, participants will engage in various activities, including academic sessions led by experts, traditional folk performances, fitness activities, exposure visits, a food festival, career guidance, and a cleaning drive. Visits are planned to the Secretariat, Kalakshetra Foundation, B.M. Birla Planetarium, a seminar at Sri Sairam Engineering College, Marina Beach, and Mahabalipuram. Each evening, participants will showcase traditional folk dances from their regions. The program will conclude with a valedictory function on November 15th.
Shri Karma R Bonpo IAS (Sikkim 2010), currently Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Sikkim, is appointed as the Director of Census Operations and Director of Citizen Registration – Sikkim, for a period upto December 31, 2025..
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Karma R Bonpo the very best.
Smt Sweta Satya IES (Indian Economic Service 2012), currently Deputy Director, Investment Division , Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has been approved for central deputation and appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Delhi, for a period of four years.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Smt Sweta Satya the very best.
For a week from October 19 to 27, 2024, India’s government workforce embarked on an extraordinary journey of learning and growth through KarmayogiSaptah, a National Learning Week initiative. This was more than just course completion; it was a movement that united public servants across departments in a shared commitment to professional excellence and personal growth. Through KarmayogiSaptah, government employees, from entry-level officers to senior officials, dedicated themselves to expanding their skills and adapting their mindsets to meet the needs of a changing world.
At the inaugural event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched India’s first Public HR Competency Model, the Karmayogi Competency Model. This model, inspired by Indigenous knowledge systems, outlined key Sankalpas (resolves) and Gunas (virtues) that every Karmayogi official is encouraged to adopt in their work.
For participants, KarmayogiSaptah felt less like a standard government program and more like a festival of knowledge. Across ministries, employees embraced this opportunity to break from routine and engage in a culture of curiosity and active learning. It became a “festival of learning” where everyone—from new hires to senior Joint Secretaries—shared a common goal of pursuing excellence. The week saw participants not only completing courses but also transforming their approach to continuous learning and self-improvement.
The commitment behind every KarmayogiSaptah statistic speaks volumes. For instance, one senior officer, known for a demanding schedule, devoted time to courses on emerging technologies and governance practices, setting an example for peers on the importance of growth at every level in public service.
Many participants shared how the week broadened their perspectives, strengthened skills, and fostered meaningful connections with colleagues. Each hour of learning wasn’t just a number but a step toward more agile, informed governance.
The event’s impact was reflected in the impressive numbers: with 45.6 lakh course enrollments, 32.6 lakh completions, and over 38 lakh learning hours, KarmayogiSaptah set a new benchmark for large-scale learning initiatives. Around 4.3 lakh participants dedicated at least four hours to learning, with over 37,000 Group A officers, including senior officials, prioritizing development. Notably, Joint Secretaries and higher-ranking officials were actively engaged, showing that commitment to growth starts from the top. Daily course completions rose dramatically from 40,000 to 3.55 lakh, underscoring the enthusiasm sparked across the workforce.
Some of the most popular courses included Overview of Vikshit Bharat 2047, with over 3.8 lakh completions, Swachata Hi Seva 2024, with 1.5 lakh completions, and Jan Bhagidari, with more than 44,000 completions.
KarmayogiSaptah also introduced employees to citizen-centric governance, digital fluency, and the Indic Knowledge System through more than 250 SamuhikCharcha and webinars featuring thought leaders and experts. These interactive sessions equipped participants with insights and tools for the future of governance.
The National Learning Week featured the Indic Day Webinar Series on October 21, 2024, where esteemed speakers shared insights into Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and civilizational development, bridging traditional wisdom with modern innovation.
Prominent speakers included Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Dr. M.K. Sridhar, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Sister B.K. Shivani, and Kris Gopalakrishnan, along with IKS experts such as David Frawley, Raghava Krishna, and Amritanshu Pandey.
As KarmayogiSaptah concluded, its impact remained profound. Government employees across India are now better equipped, more engaged, and ready to face the demands of modern governance. KarmayogiSaptah stands as a testament to the power of continuous learning in shaping not only individual careers but also the nation’s trajectory—one empowered public servant at a time. This initiative highlights the transformational impact of investing in the growth of public servants, recognizing their dedication to serving India with knowledge, empathy, and excellence.
The Government of India is always at the fore front in transforming the fisheries sector in a holistic way and bringing about an economic upturn and prosperity through the Blue Revolution in the country. Over the last decade, the Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, Government of India has announced cumulative investments to the tune of Rs 38,572 crore through various schemes.
Since its inception, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has focused on promoting sustainable, economically viable, and inclusive growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Key initiatives include modern aquaculture practices, satellite-based monitoring, and recent exploration of drone technology for fish transport, surveillance, and environmental monitoring.
In this context, drones offer a range of applications to numerous challenges in the sector. The key critical areas of intervention are water sampling, identification of diseases and fish feed management. The scope also extends to managing aquaculture farms, monitoring fish marketing, assessing damage to fisheries infrastructure and rescue operations during natural disasters. This includes other key activities such as precision fishing and stock assessment. Underwater drones, in addition, can monitor fish behaviour in their natural habitats as well as signs of distress such as erratic swimming patterns.
The Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, organized a Workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology in Fisheries and Aquaculture on 8th November 2024 at ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala. The event took place in the gracious presence of Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Fisheries and Ministry of Minority Affairs along with Dignitaries, Scientists, State fisheries officials, Fishermen and fisherwomen.
Dr Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, welcomed the gathering and set the context for the one-day workshop. This was followed by opening remarks from Dr B K Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB, who highlighted various schemes and initiatives, encouraging stakeholders in the fisheries sector to take advantage of these benefits.
During the Inaugural address Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Fisheries and Ministry of Minority Affairs highlighted the initiatives taken by the department of Fisheries and the remarkable growth of India’s fisheries sector, propelled by strategic investments and progressive policies over the past decade. The Hon’ble Union Minister of State announced the development of 100 climate-resilient coastal fishermen villages under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with ₹2 crore allocated per village to enhance infrastructure and promote sustainable livelihoods. This initiative aims to improve resilience against climate change by providing facilities like fish drying yards, processing centers, and emergency rescue facilities, while also supporting climate-resilient practices such as seaweed cultivation and green fuel initiatives. The Minister highlighted the role of drone technology in monitoring aquaculture farms and fisheries infrastructure, especially during disasters, and revealed plans to equip one lakh fishing vessels with transponders for real-time tracking, weather alerts, and communication, with an investment of ₹364 crores.
Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine), addressed the gathering, highlighting the benefits of the flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna and reaffirming the Department of Fisheries’ commitment to scaling up the fisheries sector. It was emphasized that the Department of Fisheries has consistently championed the infusion of technology to drive sustainable development in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Through various schemes, it has introduced advancements to boost fish production, improve resource management, and increase operational efficiency. In line with these initiatives the department in collaboration with NFDB, has organized drone demonstrations at key locations, including the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in Barrackpore, Kolkata, and Gyan Bhawan in Patna, Bihar.
Dr. V V Suresh, Head Mariculture division and startup EyeROV Technologies pvt. Ltd. presented on the application of drone technology and its challenges in the fisheries sector. Following distribution of “Cadalmin BSF PRO” a specially formulated fish feed designed to support sustainable aquaculture practices to farmers. In addition, a brochure, titled “EG Sailas Centre of Excellence and Innovation,” was launched, highlighting key advancements and contributions to the field of marine fish microbiome and nutrigenomics. Furthermore, the session also marked the official launch of the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) National Symposium, an event aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among marine science professionals across the nation.
The department also organized a one-day interactive workshop on 8th November 2024 at the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET) in Kochi, with technical support from D.G. Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, Government of India, to discuss issues related to the registration, survey, and certification of fishing vessels. Experts from the Indian Registry of Shipping (IRS) and the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) also attended the workshop.
The Workshop on Application and Demonstration of Drone Technology provided a unique platform to showcase innovative technological advancements, emphasizing the transformative role of drone technology in the fisheries sector to maximize its potential. Over 700 fishermen and fisherwomen participated in the event.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted its 45th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting today, urging States and Union Territories to enhance food safety surveillance at popular tourist locations in anticipation of the peak season from November to March.
Given the influx of domestic and international tourists during this period, States/UTs were advised to deploy Food Safety on Wheels Mobile Labs at these destinations.
Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI, called on State Food Commissioners to strengthen oversight on warehouses and other facilities used by e-commerce platforms. He also requested the issuance of SOPs for these warehouses and their delivery personnel.
States/UTs were directed to increase sampling for surveillance and to deploy Food Safety on Wheels mobile vans to support these efforts.
The committee also emphasized training Food Business Operators (FBOs) across all States/UTs under the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program to uphold food safety and hygiene standards. States/UTs were encouraged to train 2.5 million food handlers by March 2026, covering canteen staff in universities, colleges, and hostels.
The need for an integrated approach to food safety was highlighted, with a call for collaboration among all relevant ministries and stakeholders. States/UTs were encouraged to regularly hold Advisory Committee meetings at the State and District levels. Promoting the Eat Right India movement, the committee stressed engaging consumers in a culture of healthier eating. States were advised to expand food safety awareness through events like fairs, walkathons, and street plays (Nukkad Nataks).
More than 60 officials attended the meeting, including Commissioners of Food Safety, representatives from States/UTs, senior FSSAI officials, and members from the food industry, consumer groups, agriculture sector, laboratories, and research institutions.
In a landmark step towards enhancing pension services, Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, announced the successful completion of a pilot run of the new Centralized Pension Payments System (CPPS) under the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995.
The pilot run, conducted on 29th and 30th October 2024, saw the disbursement of approximately Rs 11 crore in pension payments for October 2024 to over 49,000 EPS pensioners in the Jammu, Srinagar, and Karnal regions.
During the initial announcement of the CPPS, Dr. Mandaviya described it as a milestone in the modernization of the EPFO, highlighting that the system allows pensioners to receive payments from any bank branch across India. This initiative addresses longstanding challenges for pensioners, providing a seamless and efficient disbursement process and transforming the EPFO into a more tech-enabled, responsive organization committed to serving its members.
The CPPS represents a significant shift from the current decentralized pension disbursement model, where each EPFO Zonal/Regional Office maintains separate agreements with only 3-4 banks. Under the CPPS, pensioners will no longer need to visit the bank for verification at the start of their pension, and payments will be credited immediately upon release.
Moreover, CPPS ensures pension disbursement nationwide without requiring the transfer of Pension Payment Orders (PPO) even if pensioners relocate or change their bank or branch—an invaluable relief for retirees moving to their hometowns.
The CPPS will be fully implemented as part of EPFO’s IT modernization initiative, Centralized IT Enabled System (CITES 2.01), by January 2025 and will benefit over 7.8 million EPS pensioners.
EPFO continues to enhance services for EPS pensioners, with the CPPS marking a major reform in this direction.
The Government, in its efforts to ensure the swift, effective, and cost-efficient resolution of commercial cases, enacted the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, which was later amended in 2018. Since then, the Government of India has taken several legislative and policy measures to strengthen the country’s dispute resolution system. The Department of Legal Affairs is currently considering additional amendments to the Commercial Courts Act, 2015.
The proposed amendments aim to further accelerate and specialize the adjudication of commercial disputes, while simplifying the procedures related to their resolution in courts.
In this context, the Commercial Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024, along with a tabular statement comparing the existing provisions with the proposed amendments, has been prepared.
The Department invites public comments and feedback as part of the consultation process on the draft amendments. The draft Bill and tabular statement can be accessed at https://legalaffairs.gov.in/. Comments on the draft Bill should be emailed to avnit.singh[at]gov[dot]in and ndiac-dla[at]gov[dot]in by 22.11.2024.
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