MoU signed for Establishing Hydro Engineering College in Himachal Pradesh

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July 31, 2016

MoU Signed Hydro Engineering College_indianbureaucracy

Government of Himachal Pradesh, NTPC Ltd. & NHPC signed an MoU for setting up Hydro Engineering College in the State of Himachal Pradesh to promote technical education in the State here . The signing of this MoU will herald a new era of cooperation of federal spirit between central Govt. & State Govt. of Himachal Pradesh and hugely benefit the Education & Skill Development needs of people of Himachal Pradesh furthering the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The MoU was signed by Shri Rajeshwar Goel, Director, Department of Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training, Himachal Pradesh and Shri K.K. Singh, Regional Executive Director (Hydro), NTPC Ltd., & Shri S. Mitra, Executive Director (CSR & SD), NHPC in the august presence of Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister (Health, and Family Welfare), Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal, Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy & Mines. Shri G.S. Bali, Minister (Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs with Addl. Charge of Transport, Technical Education, Vocational & Industrial Training), Hon’ble MPs from Himachal Pradesh , Shri Anurag Thakur, Shri Ram Swaroop Sharma, Shri Virender Kashyap and Smt. Viplove Thakur.

Speaking on the occasion Shri J.P. Nadda said that this college will provide great opportunity to strengthen hydro capacity of the state. He also appreciated support of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Power Minister Shri Goyal for the college.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Piyush Goyal said that I am very happy that the institute will help youth of the state to higher education near their homes. He suggested of launching a series of short term skill development courses with the college. Shri Goyal said that he will ensure proper funding for the basic infrastructure and proper operational needs of the college.

NTPC & NHPC are committed to contribute Rs. 37.50 crore each (total Rs. 75 crore) in the first tranche for setting up of Hydro Engineering College at Badla, District Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. NTPC & NHPC will also consider to release Rs. 12.5 crore each (total 25 crore) in the second tranche. NTPC and NHPC will also contribute Rs. 2.5 crore each (total Rs. 5 crore) per year for five years (total Rs. 25 crore) towards operating expenses. The land for the proposed college has already been identified by the Govt. of Himachal Pradesh in Badla, Distt. Bilaspur & will be transferred to the society registered for the purpose. NTPC, NHPC and Ministry of Power, Govt. of India will be represented in the Governing Body of the College which will be affiliated to Himachal Pradesh Technical University.

Smt. Shalini Prasad, Addl. Secretary (Power), Shri Anirudh Kumar,Joint Secretary ( Thermal), Smt. Archana Agarwal, JS (Hydro). Shri Sanjay Gupta, Principal Secretary, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC Ltd., Shri K.M.Singh, CMD NHPC , Shri U.P. Pani, Director(HR) NTPC, Shri R. S. Meena, Director (HR) NHPC were also present on the occasion.

Home Minister level talks between India and Bangladesh in New Delhi

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July 31, 2016

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The Home Minister level bilateral talks between India and Bangladesh were held . The Bangladesh delegation was led by the Home Minister Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan and Indian delegation by Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh.

Shri Rajnath Singh condemned the horrific terrorist attacks in Dhaka in July, 2016 and conveyed his deepest condolences. He assured Bangladesh of India’s fullest support and cooperation in its fight against terrorism, fundamentalism and radicalism. Shri Rajnath Singh said that the two countries have to be vigilant at all times and channelise efforts to defeat the terrorism and ensure peace, security and prosperity between the two countries.

Shri Rajnath Singh recalled the excellent and friendly bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh and expressed deep satisfaction over the ratification of the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 and its Protocol of 2011 last year. He also expressed satisfaction on the timely completion of all aspects of the Agreement, signing of 30 boundary strip maps pertaining to erstwhile adverse possessions and un-demarcated areas, completion of ground demarcation work, orderly movement of those enclave dwellers who chose to move to mainland India, completion of citizenship formalities of erstwhile enclave residents on both sides etc.

Recalling the historic visit by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in June 2015, the two Home Ministers agreed that the visit had infused a new dynamism in bilateral relations, widening the avenues for cooperation between the two countries. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen this relationship further on the basis of friendship, trust and understanding for mutual benefit.

During the talks, the two countries recalled Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Ms Sheikh Hasina’s address in the wake of terrorist attacks in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need to be united in the fight against terrorism and to be vigilant against the nefarious designs of destabilising elements in society, and appreciated various counter terrorism measures undertaken by the Government of Bangladesh to fight extremist and radical elements. The two sides agreed to further strengthen the ongoing cooperation between the security and investigative agencies of the two countries through a programme of training, capacity building, information exchanges, etc.

Both Home Ministers agreed on the need to immediately operationalise the Agreement on Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking. They expressed satisfaction over the signing of an addendum to the Bilateral Extradition Treaty of 2013 to further streamline the Treaty and to make it more effective. They also agreed on the necessity of signing a Repatriation Treaty to simplify and expedite the procedure of repatriation of each other’s nationals. Both sides also agreed to undertake urgent action for the repatriation of released prisoners and victims of human trafficking.

India and Bangladesh emphasized the need for speedy operationalization of three bilateral MoUs, namely, MoU between Indian Coast Guard and Bangladesh Coast Guard for the Establishment of Collaborative Relationship to Combat Transnational Illegal Activities at Sea and Develop Regional Cooperation; MoU to Prevent and Counter Smuggling and Circulation of Fake Currency Notes; MoU on Bilateral Cooperation for Prevention of Human Trafficking especially Trafficking in Women and Children; Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Reintegration of Victims of Trafficking signed during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Bangladesh in June 2015.

Both sides emphasized the importance of effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) to enhance cooperation between the border guarding forces of the two countries and to enable them to better monitor the identified vulnerable areas with a view to preventing criminal activities, irregular movement, acts of violence and loss of lives along the border areas. Both Ministers expressed satisfaction at the finalization of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for allowing usage of Indian border roads for the construction and maintenance of Border Out Posts (BOPs) of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) as well as the use of Indian medical facilities in difficult areas along the border by BGB personnel deployed in the area.

The two countries expressed satisfaction at the regular interaction of different bilateral mechanisms including Home Secretary level talks, BSF-BGB DG level Conference, DG level meetings between Indian and Bangladesh Coast Guards, DG level meetings of the Narcotics Control Agencies of India and Bangladesh and noted that these regular exchanges helped to enhance understanding and resolve issues to mutual satisfaction. India and Bangladesh were satisfied that regular meetings between District Deputy Commissioners and District Magistrates of border districts would facilitate resolution of issues pertaining to the border areas of both countries.

Road Construction by BRO

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July 31, 2016

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Based on the requirement of Army, 231 roads of length 7122.47 Km in the State of Jammu & Kashmir are included in the Long Term Roll on Works Plan (LTRoWP) for construction / upgradation. The work on these roads is generally progressing as per plan (LTRoWP) out of which 157 roads are planned for completion upto year 2020 and remaining 74 roads beyond year 2020.

Apart from above 231 roads under construction / upgradation, 133 completed roads are entrusted to BRO in the state of Jammu & Kashmir exclusively for maintenance.

Uma Bharti underlines need for deciding definition of Surplus River Water

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July 31, 2016

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Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has underlined the need for deciding the definition of “Surplus water” of rivers once for all. Chairing the tenth meeting of the Special Committee for Inter-Linking of Rivers held in New Delhi , the Minister said that this issue has to be sorted out in consultations with the states. She said “till this issue is decided the dispute about surplus water will continue to crop up time and again”. T

he Minister said, for this we will require a detailed study of country’s agricultural land including irrigated land, non irrigated land, agricultural produce and their market. The Union Minister said her Ministry will take a final decision on this issue after detailed deliberation with the states.

Sushri Bharti that a Jal Manthan (Seminar on water related issues) will also be held to deliberate on this issue. Stressing the need for speedy implementation of inter linking of river projects, the Water Resources Minister said “I hope that National Water Development Agency will work with more vigour and will complete the delayed inter linking projects in a time bound manner.”

Addressing the meeting, the Water Resources Minister of Bihar Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh raised the issue of flood in the rivers flowing into Bihar form Nepal. He said keeping this in view the issue of inter linking of rivers in the state should be taken up on priority. He also suggested that the projects with the potential to irrigate more than two lak hect. of land should be declared as National Project. The Water Resources Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Surendra Singh Patel argued for starting the work on Ken-Betwa link at the earliest. He wanted to know the total cost of the project and his state’s in share in the same.

Union Cabinet in its meeting held on July 24, 2014 approved the constitution of the Special Committee on ILR. Accordingly, Special Committee on ILR was constituted vide order dated September 23, 2014. The first meeting of the committee was held on October 17, 2014 and its last meeting was held on April 29, 2016. The committee, after considering the views of all the stakeholders, is proceeding ahead to expedite the objectives of the interlinking of rivers as per terms of reference. Vigorous efforts have been made for generating consensus with development of alternative plans and also setting out road maps for implementation of projects.

BHEL bags EPC orders for 80 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants

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July 31, 2016

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Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has bagged prestigious orders for setting up 80 MW of Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Power Plants on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) basis. Cumulatively valued at Rs.4370 Million, the orders have been place on BHEL by Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Significantly, with these orders, BHEL’s Solar portfolio now stands at 300 MW. The SPV plants are to be set up at Neyveli, Tamilnadu (65 MW), for NLC and at Ordinance Factory premises Medak, Telangana (15 MW), for BEL. In the previous year also, BHEL had bagged EPC orders from NTPC under domestic competitive bidding for a 50 MW SPV Power Plant at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh and for a 50 MW SPV Power Plant at Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. While the Anantapur project has been commissioned, the project at Mandsaur is currently under execution.

BHEL manufactures solar cells and modules at its Electronics Division unit in Bengaluru, while space-grade solar panels using high efficiency cells and space-grade Battery panels are manufactured at its Electronic Systems Division, also in Bengaluru. BHEL is one of the few companies whose solar business is backed by a dedicated R&D team at the company’s Amorphous Silicon Solar Cell Plant (ASSCP) in Gurugram. BHEL offers EPC solutions for both off-grid and grid-interactive solar PV power plants and has set up Solar Plants in various locations in India including the Lakshadweep Islands for island electrification.

Press Conference by MoS – Labour and Employment

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July 31, 2016

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Shri Bandaru Dattatyreya,the Minister of State for Labour and Employment held a press conference here on the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regualation) Amendment Bill,2016 that was passed by Parliament this week. Comparing the existing Act and the Amendment Bill, the main points highlighted by the Minister include-

BEFORE AND AFTER THE CHILD LABOUR (PROHIBITION & REGULATION) AMENDMENT , 2016

S.no	Before the amendment	After the amendment	Impact
1.	Child below14 years permitted to be employed in occupations and processes except for 18 occupations and 65 processes	Child below 14 years completely prohibited to be employed in any occupation and process	Complete ban to ensure every child below 14 years is in school as per RTE Act.
2.	No provision of help after school hours as child allowed to work below 14 years	A child allowed to help in family or family enterprise if it is non hazardous and only after school hours or during vacations	This would allow children to learn their traditional skill and also develop life values like a sense of discipline, responsibility, decision making etc
3.	Child below 14 years allowed to work in family enterprise both hazardous and non-hazardous	Child below 14 years permitted to help in his family’s family enterprise and that too if the family enterprise is non hazardous.	Protect the health and ensure children’s well being as now child not allowed to work in both hazardous and non- hazardous family enterprises.
4.	A child can work in the family enterprise which is not necessarily of the child	The child can help after school hours in his own family’s enterprise, if it is non-hazardous.	This help in child’s own families’ non-hazardous family enterprise will lead to his learning of skills and values of life.
5.	No prohibition on employment of persons above 14 years	Persons above 14 to 18 years categorized as adolescents and prohibited to work in hazardous occupations and processes	This would ensure protection of physical and mental health of the adolescents
6.	No provision of regulation of working of persons between 14-18 years in terms of working conditions, hours etc	The working conditions of adolescents allowed to work in non-hazardous occupations regulated for the first time	Regulation of working conditions would ensure non exploitation of the adolescents working in non-hazardous occupations
7.	Schedule of 18 occupations and 65 processes ( called as certain occupations and processes) applicable for a child and tells where a cannot work	A child cannot work in any occupation and process, so the list of prohibited occupations made infinite as complete ban on employment	Complete ban on work and not only on 18 occupations and 65 processes.
8.	No schedule of hazardous occupation and processes where an adolescent cannot work	Schedule of hazardous occupation and processes provided where an adolescent cannot work. The Schedule	Protection of adolescents health .
9.	No provision of providing a positive list of occupations where an adolescent can work	Government may provide a positive list of non hazardous occupations where an adolescent can work and child can help	The enabling provision to allow Government to restrict employment of adolescents in prescribed non- hazardous occupations
10.	Contravention of provisions non-cognizable offence	It is cognizable offence	No need of approval of District Magistrate for taking action on the FIR on violation of child labour Law prohibiting employment.
11.	No Officer responsible for implementation of Act	DM or an officer subordinate to him can be made responsible for enforcement and can be conferred with such powers as decided by appropriate Govt.	Provides for laying specific responsibility on the designated Officer for violation of the provisions of the Act- ensuring better enforcement.
12.	No provision of rehabilitation Fund for rescued children	Statutory provision for a Child and adolescent labour rehabilitation Fund with contribution of appropriate Government also ensured for each child rescued.	Statutory provision of rehabilitation Fund would ensure that child and adolescent is not only rescued but his future is secured by the amount collected in fund for his welfare and education.

MYTHS AND REALITIES ABOUT CHILD LABOUR AMENDMNET BILL, 2016

MYTH	REALITY
The amendment has introduced the provision of allowing child to work in family enterprises.	The child was allowed to work in any family enterprise including hazardous enterprises without regulation of working hours. The Bill completely prohibits employment in any family enterprise with the exception of help being allowed and that too in child’s own family enterprise, only if it is non-hazardous and after school hours and during vacation.
The amendment would legalize and recognize child labour being done in homes.	Instead of legalizing, it restricts engagement of children even in child’s own family enterpriseas help can be done only after school hours and during vacations and in non-hazardous enterprises.
It will increase the number of out of school children	The basic objective of the amendment is toensure no hindrance in the school educationand hence even help in family or own family enterprise has not been permitted at the cost of education. A child if made to help during school hours is an offence under the Amended provision.
Children will now be allowed to work in beedi making and other hazardous family enterprises	On the contrary, children at present allowed working in any family enterprise including beedi making without regulation of working hours. The proposed amendment prohibits any work even in child’s own family enterprise but permits help after school hours and during vacation.
The Schedule has been reduced from 83 to 3	The existing Schedule and the Schedule in the Amendment Bill, 2016 are not comparable as one of certain occupations and processes where children were prohibited to work and new schedule of hazardous occupations and processes. The proposed Schedule does not include only 3 occupations but 3 groups/ categories which would be elaborated and added in due course

CAG of India signs 11 UN Audit Reports

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July 31, 2016

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Shri Shashi Kant Sharma, Comptroller & Auditor General of India, is currently in New York to attend the 70^thRegular Session of the United Nations’ Board of Auditors, held at the UN headquarters, New York. Shri. Shashi Kant Sharma, along with Auditor Generals of Tanzania, Shri. Mussa Juma Assad and of the United Kingdom, Shri. Amyas Morse approved and signed 11 UN Audit reports , as approved by the Board.

These reports will be presented to the General Assembly of the UN and to other governing bodies. The reports cover important UN bodies e.g. UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, UN-WOMEN, UNOPS and UN Headquarters among others.

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes the very best.

Kiran Bedi holds meeting with Dr Jitendra Singh

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July 31, 2016

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Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Ms Kiran Bedi, who is on her first visit to the national capital after taking over her current assignment recently, met the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today and discussed with him wide range of issues pertaining to administrative postings and new initiatives undertaken by her in Puducherry. She also handed over proposals for starting new programs in Puducherry in the areas of Space technology and other scientific streams.

Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the pro-active steps taken by Kiran Bedi within a short span of seven weeks ever since she took over as the Lieutenant Governor. He particularly complimented her for the widely acclaimed sanitation drive and encroachment clearance work undertaken by her with active involvement of the civil society.

Dr Jitendra Singh agreed with Ms Kiran Bedi’s contention that the vacancy of Resident Commissioner at Puducherry House in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi should be filled up as soon as possible . He said, with a Resident Commissioner in place in the national capital, it would be easy for her office in Puducherry to liaison with various Ministries in the Central Government.

Dr Jitendra Singh also received a proposal from Ms Kiran Bedi for starting a Space Technology programme in Puducherry. He said, he will ask Chairman ISRO Prof. Kiran Kumar to explore the possibilities of further headway.

Ms Kiran Bedi also handed over to Dr Jitendra Singh a pictorial book depicting the changes brought about by her under the category ‘Before & Now’ in the sanitation and environment cleaning work in the Union Territory of Puducherry. She told Dr Jitendra Singh that her office will keep in regular touch with him for follow-up at different levels.

Ocean warming primary cause of Antarctic Peninsula Glacier retreat

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July 31, 2016

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Summary:A new study has found for the first time that ocean warming is the primary cause of retreat of glaciers on the western Antarctic Peninsula. The Peninsula is one of the largest current contributors to sea-level rise and this new finding will enable researchers to make better predictions of ice loss from this region.

A new study has found for the first time that ocean warming is the primary cause of retreat of glaciers on the western Antarctic Peninsula. The Peninsula is one of the largest current contributors to sea-level rise and this new finding will enable researchers to make better predictions of ice loss from this region.

The research, by scientists at Swansea University and British Antarctic Survey, is published in the journal Science today (Friday, July 15). The study reports that glaciers flowing to the coast on the western side of the Peninsula show a distinct spatial correlation with ocean temperature patterns, with those in the south retreating rapidly but those in the north showing little change. Some 90% of the 674 glaciers in this region have retreated since records began in the 1940s.

Dr Alison Cook, who led the work at Swansea University, says: “Scientists know that ocean warming is affecting large glaciers elsewhere on the continent, but thought that atmospheric temperatures were the primary cause of all glacier changes on the Peninsula. We now know that’s not the case.

“The numerous glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula give a key insight as to how environmental factors control ice behaviour on a wide scale. Almost all glaciers on the western side end in the sea, and we’ve been able to monitor changes in their ice fronts using images as far back as the 1940s. Glaciers here are extremely diverse and yet the changes in their frontal positions showed a strong regional pattern.

“We were keen to understand what was causing the differences, in particular why the glaciers in the north-west showed less retreat than those further South and why there was acceleration in retreat since the 1990s. The ocean temperature records have revealed the crucial link.”

The team studied ocean temperature measurements around the Peninsula stretching back several decades, alongside photography and satellite data of the 674 glaciers.

The north-south gradient of increasing glacier retreat was found to show a strong pattern with ocean temperatures, whereby water is cold in the north-west, and becomes progressively warmer at depths below 100m further south. Importantly, the warm water at mid-depths in the southerly region has been warming since as long ago as the 1990s, at the same time as the widespread acceleration in glacier retreat.

Co-author Professor Mike Meredith at British Antarctic Survey says: “These new findings demonstrate for the first time that the ocean plays a major role in controlling the stability of glaciers on the western Antarctic Peninsula.

“Where mid-depth waters from the deep ocean intrude onto the continental shelf and spread towards the coast, they bring heat that causes the glaciers to break up and melt. These waters have become warmer and moved to shallower depths in recent decades, causing glacier retreat to accelerate.”

Co-author Professor Tavi Murray, who leads the Glaciology Research Group at Swansea University, says: “The glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula are changing rapidly — almost all of the Peninsula’s glaciers have retreated since the 1940s. We have known the region is a climate warming hotspot for a while, but we couldn’t explain what was causing the pattern of glacier change.

“This new study shows that a warmer ocean is the key to understanding the behaviour of glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula. Currently the Peninsula makes one of the largest contributions to sea-level rise, which means understanding this link will improve predications of sea-level rise.”

More: Science

Flood rescue and evacuation ops by NDRF

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July 31, 2016

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The flood rescue and evacuation operation by NDRF in various flood prone areas of country is in full swing. 44 self-contained flood rescue teams of NDRF have been pre-positioned in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal to assist the respective state administration in rescue and relief work. NDRF teams are fully equipped with boats, deep divers, Lifebuoy, Life Jackets and other flood rescue equipment.

13 flood rescue teams are deployed in Assam to meet the challenges due to flood like situations. NDRF teams evacuated 203 persons at Jorhat, 37 persons at Kokrajhar, 80 persons at Charang, 73 persons at Kamrup Rural and 104 persons at Jorhat district. In addition to rescue work, a Mobile hospital was established by NDRF team at Village Meragarh & Missamora under revenue circle Majuli district Jorhat. The medical team attended 163 sick persons and distributed medicines to needy.

09 flood rescue teams of NDRF are deployed in Bihar in connection with monsoon session. NDRF teams evacuated 43 persons at Supaul, 34 persons at Bhetia, 250 persons at Purnia and 70 persons at Gopalganj.

NDRF teams established Medical Camps at Peru Block, District Muzzafarpur and Supaul and distributed medicine to 63 persons at Supaul and 45 persons at Muzzafarpur.

Lok Sabha Speaker presents ‘National Tourism Awards for 2014-15’

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July 31, 2016

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National Tourism Awards for the year 2014-15” to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry were presented by the Speaker, Lok Sabha Smt. Sumitra Mahajan at a function organized by M/o Tourism here today. Shri Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism & Culture presided over the function. Tourism Ministers of many States, Central and State Government Officials, Members from the Travel and Hospitality Industries, including leading Hoteliers, Travel Agents and Tour Operators and Travel Media attended the function.

The Chief Guest Smt. Sumitra Mahajan extended her heartiest congratulations to all the award recipients and wished all of them a most rewarding journey ahead as they and their colleagues continue to bring the tourism industry to greater heights through your outstanding service and excellence. The selection of Awardees is very perfect and all the persons involved in Tourism industry are the Flag Bearers of our country.

She said that in our childhood, we had read about Gulliver Travels and Vasco De Gama to know about new places of Tourism. But now through the spread of Tourism industry, it has become very easy. She expressed her happiness that the Rural Tourism has also been accorded due importance in this Award ceremony and cited the example of rich Rural tourism in Konkan region.

Smt. Sumitra Mahajan opined that the Tourists are the Brand Ambassadors of their respective countries and Tourism is a mode of improving the image of their countries abroad. She quoted the Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi describing the African nationals, who studied in India, as the ‘Alumini of India’. It is a unique gesture. She also said that Tourist Guides play a pivotal role in Tourism industry as they play an important role in promoting tourism. She called for positive news reporting about our country so that good image of our country can be portrayed abroad.

She said that the continuous strive for service excellence is all the more important as India’s Tourism Sector is on an upward growth track. She opined that we should look to tourism as a way of transforming not just the economy, but the lives of its people, within and outside the sector. The idea of transformation goes so much wider. It is about creating opportunities, through tourism, for each and every individual of the destination to play a direct role.

Dr. Mahesh Sharma in his address, lauded the roles played by various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry in our country and said that our focus is to encourage the tourism industry to deliver positive and unforgettable travel experience to all visitors and countrymen by embracing the highest standards of service excellence. The National Tourism Awards ceremony recognises the best service providers in each of their service domains. The objective of recognising and rewarding the tourism sector Stakeholders, State Govts & UTS is intended to set and consistently raise the standards of what is attainable and desirable in the competitive global tourism market, thereby helping to raise overall standards in the industry over time. The categories of these Awards are being updated from time to time.

He said that few travel destinations in the world can equal the diversity, exhilaration, and wonder of our Country’s tourism product. The combination of our landscape, people, culture, attractions and experiences provide a travel package that is hard to match. At the outset it is important for us to recognise how much the industry in India has grown and its many successes and accomplishments. Our combined efforts and hard work is making an impact.

The Minister opined said that the path breaking initiative of our Government has been the easing of the Visa regime. The e- tourist visa is reality today. It is now available for nationals of 150 countries. The Ministry of Tourism is also continuously working with MHA to make the e-tourist visa more tourist friendly. A Welcome Kit to all foreign tourists arriving at Indian airports is being planned by the Ministry.

He informed that Ministry of Tourism is in consultation with Ministry of Railways for exclusive Tourist coaches for Tourists on select routes as well as for the development of 50 Railway stations as “Adarsh Railway Stations”. Simultaneously, talks are going on with Ministry of Civil Aviation to develop 65 airports as ‘Adarsh Airports’ and a low air fare scheme of Rs. 2500/- for passengers will boost Tourism industry.

Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that a slew of measures taken by Government of India in last two years viz. Swadesh Darshan; PRASAD; Toll Free Helpline Number in 12 foreign languages; Medical Tourism Promotion Board; Ramayan Circuit; Krishna Circuit; Buddha Circuit; and Swachchh App. etc have helped the tourism industry move on the path of growth. He urged all stake holders in Tourism sector to promote these new tourist friendly initiatives. He also said that without involving private sectors, our goal of Tourism development can not be achieved.

He emphasized that while the tourism sector in India continues to grow and develop, it is essential to remain true to the core values of ‘Athithi Devo Bhav’ of providing consistent, exceptional service to our valued travellers, both local and international. The National Tourism Awards will prove to be an invaluable tool in ensuring that the tourism sector in India is not only encouraged, but recognised to deliver on-the-ground, as we work collectively towards mutual objectives.

Shri Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, M/o Tourism in his welcome address said that the Tourism sector has now been accorded very high priority world over. Our GDP has grown with the development of Tourism. Foreign Tourists Arrival has now touched a new height and our Domestic Tourism is also booming. Many new initiatives of Ministry of Tourism in past two years are remarkable.

Shri Uday Pratap Singh, Addl. Secretary, M/o Tourism proposed the Vote of Thanks.

The different categories under which awards were presented this year (2016), for excellence in performance during the financial year 2014-15 are:

NATIONAL TOURISM AWARDS (2014-15) AWARD WINNERS

Sl. No.	Category	Award Winner
	TRAVEL AGENTS / INBOUND TOUR OPERATORS
Foreign Exchange Earnings of Rs. 100 crore and above (Category I)
1	First Prize	M/s SDU Travels Private Limited, New Delhi

2	Second Prize	Le Passage Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd.

3	Third Prize	SOTC Travel Services Pvt. Ltd.
	Foreign Exchange Earnings of Rs. 50 crore and above but less than Rs.100 crore (Category II)
4	First Prize	Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd.

5	Second Prize	Caper Travel Company Pvt. Ltd.

6.	Third Prize	Trail Blazer Tours India Pvt. Ltd.

Foreign Exchange Earnings of Rs. 25 crore and above but less than Rs. 50 crore(Category III)
7	First Prize	G.B. Morrison Travels Pvt. Ltd.

8	Second Prize	Indian Legend Holidays Pvt. Ltd.

9	Third Prize	Indo Asia Leisure Services Ltd.

Foreign Exchange Earnings of Rs.10 crore and above but less than Rs. 25 crore(Category IV)
10	First Prize	Indian Trails Sourcing Services Pvt. Ltd.

11	Second Prize	GeTS Holidays Pvt. Ltd.

12	Third Prize	Travelite (India)
Foreign Exchange Earnings of Rs. 5 crore and above but less than Rs.10 crore(Category V)
13	First Prize	Magadh Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd.

14	Second Prize	Maxxfun Holidays Pvt. Ltd.

15	Third Prize	HEAT Travels & tours (India) Private Limited.

Foreign Exchange Earnings of Rs.2.50 crore and above but less than Rs. 5 crore(Category VI)
16	First Prize	Kalypso Adventures (P) Ltd.

17	Second Prize	Asiad Holidays (P) Ltd.

18	Third Prize	Dravidian Trails Holidays Pvt. Ltd.

DOMESTIC TOUR OPERATORS

19	Promoting the North East Region including Sikkim	Club Side Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., Darjeeling

20	Promoting Jammu & Kashmir		Kesari Tours Pvt. Ltd.

Promoting the Rest of India
21	First Prize		Yatra Online Pvt. Ltd.

22	Second Prize		Leisure Corp Pvt. Ltd.

23	Third Prize

HEAT Travels & Tours (India) Private Ltd. TOURIST TRANSPORT OPERATORSTurnover of Rs.1.50 crore and above (Category I)24First PrizeEco’s India Mobility & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. 25Second PrizeHEAT Travels & Tours (India) Private Ltd. 26Third PrizeBakshi Transport Service (P) Limited Turnover of Rs. 50 lakh & above but less than Rs.1.50 crore (Category II)

27First PrizeDelhi Airport Service Pvt. Ltd. 28Second PrizePanicker’s Travel (India) Pvt. Ltd. 29Third PrizeAlwar Tourist Transport Service30Best Adventure Tour OperatorActive India Holidays Pvt. Ltd.31Best MICE OperatorSOTC Travel Services Pvt. Ltd.32Tour Operator promoting Niche Segments other than MICE and AdventureLotus Destinations Pvt. Ltd.33Most Innovative Tour OperatorK B Enterprises, Imphal33Best Tourist GuideMr. Jiwan Jyoti Pateriya, Tourist Guide from Khajuraho.

AWARDS FOR PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION
34	Excellence in Publishing in English	Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala for their Coffee Table Book – “Kerala & The Spice Routes”.

35	Excellence in Publishing in Foreign Language other than English	Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala for their Brochure “ The Great Backwaters (Das Faszinierendste Gewässer der Erde)” in German Language.
36.	Best Tourism Film	Department of Tourism, Union Territory Administration of Daman & Diu for their film “Ilha De Calma”.
37	Best Tourism Promotion Publicity Material by States and Union Territories	Department of Tourism, Govt. of Telangana for their coffee Table Book “Ancient Temples of Telangana”.

	OVERSEAS AWARDS
38.	Best Foreign Journalist for India	Ms. Stephanie Pearson, USA for “The Green Heaven” a feature on Kerala.

S No.	Category	Award Winner

39	Most Innovative use of Information Technology – Social Media / Mobile App

(JOINT WINNERS)Department of Tourism, Govt. of Kerala.

40Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited. Convention Centres41Best Hotel Based

Meeting Venue

The Ashok, New Delhi. 42Best Stand Alone Convention CentreHyderabad International Convention Centre, Hyderabad. Hospitality Segment 43Best Chef

(In 4 star, 5 star, 5 star Deluxe, Heritage Classic & Grand category Hotels)Chef Machindra Umakant Kasture

Executive Chef, The Ashok, New Delhi.44Best Chef

(In 1 to 3 Star, Heritage Basic and Stand alone

Restaurants)Chef Muruganandham

Executive Chef, Confluence Banquets & Resorts, Mahabalipuram, Chennai.

45Best Lady ChefChef Amninder Sandhu

Chef – De-Cuisine, Masala Bay, Taj Lands End, Mumbai.46.Incredible India Bed & Breakfast Establishmentsapproved by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of IndiaHouse of Kapaali, NOIDA47Incredible India Bed & Breakfast Establishmentsapproved by the State Governments UT AdministrationsCoconut Creek Farm and Homestay,Kumarakom, Kottayam HOTELS 48Best Eco Friendly HotelJaypee Vasant Continental, New Delhi. 49Hotel providing best facilities for the differently abled guestsThe Lalit, New Delhi BEST HERITAGE HOTELS50Heritage Basic CategoryGajner Palace, Gajner, Bikaner

51Heritage Classic CategoryCoconut Lagoon, Kottayam, Kerala 52Heritage Grand CategoryFateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur BEST HOTELS 533 StarMinerva Grand, Tirupati 544 StarQuality Hotel DV Manor, Vijayawada 555 StarTurtle on the Beach, Kovalam, Kerala 565 Star DeluxeTaj Exotica, Salcette, Goa Niche Tourism Awards57Best Responsible Tourism Project

(JOINT WINNERS)“Edge of India” – Yes Bank Limited, New Delhi.

58“Responsible Tourism in Wayanad” – Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala. 59Best Rural

Tourism Project“Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village, Iringal, Kerala” – Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala. 60Tourism Friendly Golf CourseJaypee Green Golf Course, NOIDA.

61Best Wellness CentreSomatheeram Research Institute & Ayurveda Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Trivandrum 62Best Film Promotion Friendly StateGujarat 63Most Innovative and Unique Tourism Project

(JOINT WINNERS)Heritage Transport Museum, Gurgaon64Madhya Pradesh Tourism for “Art Ichol, Maihar”. Other Awards Best Airport 65Class X CitiesChhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. 66Best Tourist Friendly Railway StationSawai Madhopur Railway Station, Rajasthan67

Best Heritage Walk

(JOINT WINNERS)India City Walks for the Built Legacy of Mughals (Old Delhi Heritage Walk).68

Heritage Walk of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. 69Best Heritage CityWarangal, Telangana

70

Best Maintained and Disabled Friendly Monument

Monuments of Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh

Best State /Union Territory For Comprehensive Development of Tourism

72

72 Third Prize Karnataka

73 Second Prize Gujarat

74First Prize Madhya Pradesh

IndianBureaucracy.com wishes its heartiest congratulations and best wishes .

Tribal Affairs Ministry organizes workshop on National Scholarship Portal 2.0

By

Saurabh

-

July 30, 2016

0

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A one day workshop cum consultative meeting was organised by Ministry of Tribal Affairs in New Delhi to orient the States/UTs on the National Scholarship Portal 2.0 being revamped by Department of Information and Electronics Technology (DietY) through National Informatics Centre (NIC).

Participants from 26 States and 3 UTs, representatives from DietY, NIC, DBT, PFMS, UIDIA, DTA-MoTA attended the workshop. In his inaugural address, Joint Secretary, Tribal Affairs Shri Rajesh Aggarwal emphasized the need for the introduction of National Scholarship Portal 2.0, the importance of DBT mode of disbursement of scholarships direct to the beneficiaries Aadhaar seeded bank accounts using the PFMS platform for the timely disbursement of scholarships and avoid duplication and leakage.

NIC briefed the participants of the modalities involved in the working of the NSP 2.0. While DBT briefed the importance of DBT mode of disbursement, the UIDIA emphasized the need for the Aadhaar seeded bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

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Tribal Affairs Ministry organizes workshop on National Scholarship Portal 2.0

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