President's Secretariat22-January, 2015 12:00 IST Vice President of Myanmar calls on the President

HE Dr. Sai Mauk Kham, the Vice President of Myanmar called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (January 21, 2015) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Interacting with Dr. Kham, the President said India attaches importance to its relations with Myanmar. India and Myanmar share a common heritage of religious, linguistic and ethnic linkages. As Myanmar is the only ASEAN country bordering India, it is the gateway of India to South East Asia a region with which India seeking greater economic integration.

The President said bilateral relations between the two countries have seen accelerated growth and expansion over the years. India intends to enhance the cooperation between India and Myanmar. India is committed to building a peaceful, stable and economically interlinked neighbourhood as it is essential for the collective development and prosperity of the region. India welcomes the greater role that Myanmar is playing in the region and at other international forums. He congratulated Government of Myanmar for successful chairmanship of the ASEAN and East Asia Summits.

The President said India has always believed that its development cannot be complete and sustainable unless it builds productive partnerships with its immediate neighbours. India is committed to extend support of US$ 5 million annually for five years under the MoU on Border Area Development. It has already released a sum of US$ 4.5 million to Myanmar. The President said efforts are being made to expedite completion of all bilateral developmental projects including Kaladan Project and connectivity projects.

The President said India-Myanmar bilateral trade is growing and India is today, Myanmars fourth largest trading partner with the balance of trade greatly in favour of Myanmar. Yet, this trade is far below potential and does not reflect the closeness of ties. Indian companies are keen to bring their expertise and resources to Myanmar in promising sectors such as energy, power, construction, banking, insurance etc.

The President welcomed the historic reforms undertaken by the Government of Myanmar for democratization, negotiation of a nation-wide cease fire with armed ethnic groups, economic development and establishment of peace and stability. He congratulated the Government of Myanmar for taking forward the peace and national reconciliation process in an inclusive manner to meet the aspirations of all ethnic nationalities. He also conveyed his good wishes and support of Government of India for the successful conclusion of nationwide ceasefire and working towards establishment of peace and stability in the ethnic states.

Responding to the President, the Myanmar Vice President said that he has been wanting to visit India for long. He said the two countries have enjoyed cordial relations throughout history and supported each other during their struggle for freedom. The Myanmar Government was grateful to India for the assistance provided in various fields, especially in capacity building, health care and lines of credit for various projects across the country. He requested the President to encourage the Indian business community to explore various opportunities in Myanmar.Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution22-January, 2015 16:03 IST Recommendations of High Level Committee on restructuring of FCI

High Level Committee (HCL) on restructuring of Food Corporation of India (FCI) has submitted its report to the Government. It was submitted by Shri Shanta Kumar, Chairman of the Committee to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi yesterday. The HCL was set up by the Government on 20th August, 2014.The major issue before the Committee was how to make the entire food grain management system more efficient by reorienting the role of FCI in MSP operations, procurement, storage and distribution of grains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). The Committee had wide consultations with several Chief Ministers, Food Secretaries and other stakeholders in various States. Suggestions from public were invited through various newspapers also. Executive Summary of the report is as follows- Backdrop: Government of India (GoI) set up a High Level Committee (HLC) in August 2014 with Shri Shanta Kumar as the Chairman, six members and a special invitee to suggest restructuring or unbundling of FCI with a view to improve its operational efficiency and financial management. GoI also asked HLC to suggest measures for overall improvement in management of foodgrains by FCI; to suggest reorienting the role and functions of FCI in MSP operations, storage and distribution of foodgrains and food security systems of the country; and to suggest cost effective models for storage and movement of grains and integration of supply chain of foodgrains in the country. The HLC had wide consultations with various stakeholders in its several meetings in different parts of the country. It also invited comments through advertisements in newspapers and electronic media. HLC would like to gratefully acknowledge that it has benefitted immensely from this consultative process, and many of its recommendations are based on very intensive discussions with stakeholders. In order to conceive reorienting the role of FCI and its consequent restructuring, one has to revisit the basic objectives with which FCI was created, and what was the background of food situation at that time. It is against that backdrop, one has to see how far FCI has achieved its objectives, what the current situation on foodgrain front, what are the new challenges with regard to food security, and how best these challenges can be met with a reoriented or restructured institution like FCI. FCI was set up in 1965 (under the Food Corporation Act, 1964) against the backdrop of major shortage of grains, especially wheat, in the country. Imports of wheat under PL- 480 were as high as 6-7 MMT, when country`s wheat production hovered around 10-12 MMT, and country did not have enough foreign exchange to buy that much quantity of wheat from global markets. Self-sufficiency in grains was the most pressing objective, and keeping that in mind high yielding seeds of wheat were imported from Mexico. Agricultural Prices Commission was created in 1965 to recommend remunerative prices to farmers, and FCI was mandated with three basic objectives: (1) to provide effective price support to farmers; (2) to procure and supply grains to PDS for distributing subsidized staples to economically vulnerable sections of society; and (3) keep a strategic reserve to stabilize markets for basic foodgrains. How far FCI has achieved these objectives and how far the nation has moved on food security front? The NSSO`s (70th round) data for 2012-13 reveals that of all the paddy farmers who reported sale of paddy during July-December 2012, only 13.5 percent farmers sold it to any procurement agency (during January-June 2013, this ratio for paddy farmers is only 10 percent), and in case of wheat farmers (January-June, 2013), only 16.2 percent farmers sold to any procurement agency. Together, they account for only 6 percent of total farmers in the country, who have gained from selling wheat and paddy directly to any procurement agency. That diversions of grains from PDS amounted to 46.7 percent in 2011-12 (based on calculations of offtake from central pool and NSSO`s (68th round) consumption data from PDS); and that country had hugely surplus grain stocks, much above the buffer stock norms, even when cereal inflation was hovering between 8-12 percent in the last few years. This situation existed even after exporting more than 42 MMT of cereals during 2012-13 and 2013-14 combined, which India has presumably never done in its recorded history. What all this indicates is that India has moved far away from the shortages of 1960s, into surpluses of cereals in post-2010 period, but somehow the food management system, of which FCI is an integral part, has not been able to deliver on its objectives very efficiently. The benefits of procurement have not gone to larger number of farmers beyond a few states, and leakages in TPDS remain unacceptably high. Needless to say, this necessitates a re-look at the very role and functions of FCI within the ambit of overall food management systems, and concerns of food security. Major Recommendations of HLC: Below is a summary of major recommendations of HLC keeping in mind how procurement benefits can reach larger number of farmers; how PDS system can be re-oriented to give better deal to economically vulnerable consumers at a lower cost and in a financially sustainable manner; and finally how stocking and movement operations can be made more efficient and cost effective in not only feeding PDS but also in stabilizing grain markets. On procurement related issues HLC recommends that FCI hand over all procurement operations of wheat, paddy and rice to states that have gained sufficient experience in this regard and have created reasonable infrastructure for procurement. These states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab (in alphabetical order). FCI will accept only the surplus (after deducting the needs of the states under NFSA) from these state governments (not millers) to be moved to deficit states. FCI should move on to help those states where farmers suffer from distress sales at prices much below MSP, and which are dominated by small holdings, like Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam etc. This is the belt from where second green revolution is expected, and where FCI needs to be pro-active, mobilizing state and other agencies to provide benefits of MSP and procurement to larger number of farmers, especially small and marginal ones. DFPD/FCI at the Centre should enter into an agreement with states before every procurement season regarding costing norms and basic rules for procurement. Three issues are critical to be streamlined to bring rationality in procurement operations and bringing back private sector in competition with state agencies in grain procurement: (1) Centre should make it clear to states that in case of any bonus being given by them on top of MSP, Centre will not accept grains under the central pool beyond the quantity needed by the state for its own PDS and OWS; (2) the statutory levies including commissions, which vary from less than 2 percent in Gujarat and West Bengal to 14.5 percent in Punjab, need to be brought down uniformly to 3 percent, or at most 4 percent of MSP, and this should be included in MSP itself (states losing revenue due to this rationalization of levies can be compensated through a diversification package for the next 3-5 years); (3) quality checks in procurement have to be adhered to, and anything below the specified quality will not be acceptable under central pool. Quality checks can be done either by FCI and/or any third party accredited agency in a transparent manner with the help of mechanized processes of quality checking. HLC also recommends that levy on rice millers be done away with. HLC notes and commends that some steps have been taken recently by DFPD in this direction, but they should be institutionalized for their logical conclusion. Negotiable warehouse receipt system (NWRs) should be taken up on priority and scaled up quickly. Under this system, farmers can deposit their produce to the registered warehouses, and get say 80 percent advance from banks against their produce valued at MSP. They can sell later when they feel prices are good for them. This will bring back the private sector, reduce massively the costs of storage to the government, and be more compatible with a market economy. GoI (through FCI and Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA)) can encourage building of these warehouses with better technology, and keep an on-line track of grain stocks with them on daily/weekly basis. In due course, GoI can explore whether this system can be used to compensate the farmers in case of market prices falling below MSP without physically handling large quantities of grain. GoI needs to revisit its MSP policy. Currently, MSPs are announced for 23 commodities, but effectively price support operates primarily in wheat and rice and that too in selected states. This creates highly skewed incentive structures in favour of wheat and rice. While country is short of pulses and oilseeds (edible oils), their prices often go below MSP without any effective price support. Further, trade policy works independently of MSP policy, and many a times, imports of pulses come at prices much below their MSP. This hampers diversification. HLC recommends that pulses and oilseeds deserve priority and GoI must provide better price support operations for them, and dovetail their MSP policy with trade policy so that their landed costs are not below their MSP. On PDS and NFSA related issues HLC recommends that GoI has a second look at NFSA, its commitments and implementation. Given that leakages in PDS range from 40 to 50 percent, and in some states go as high as 60 to 70 percent, GoI should defer implementation of NFSA in states that have not done end to end computerization; have not put the list of beneficiaries online for anyone to verify, and have not set up vigilance committees to check pilferage from PDS. HLC also recommends to have a relook at the current coverage of 67 percent of population; priority households getting only 5 kgs/person as allocation; and central issue prices being frozen for three years at Rs 3/2/1/kg for rice/wheat/coarse cereals respectively. HLC`s examination of these issue reveals that 67 percent coverage of population is on much higher side, and should be brought down to around 40 percent, which will comfortably cover BPL families and some even above that; 5kg grain per person to priority households is actually making BPL households worse off, who used to get 7kg/person under the TPDS. So, HLC recommends that they be given 7kg/person. On central issue prices, HLC recommends while Antyodya households can be given grains at Rs 3/2/1/kg for the time being, but pricing for priority households must be linked to MSP, say 50 percent of MSP. Else, HLC feels that this NFSA will put undue financial burden on the exchequer, and investments in agriculture and food space may suffer. HLC would recommend greater investments in agriculture in stabilizing production and building efficient value chains to help the poor as well as farmers. HLC recommends that targeted beneficiaries under NFSA or TPDS are given 6 months ration immediately after the procurement season ends. This will save the consumers from various hassles of monthly arrivals at FPS and also save on the storage costs of agencies. Consumers can be given well designed bins at highly subsidized rates to keep the rations safely in their homes. HLC recommends gradual introduction of cash transfers in PDS, starting with large cities with more than 1 million population; extending it to grain surplus states, and then giving option to deficit states to opt for cash or physical grain distribution. This will be much more cost effective way to help the poor, without much distortion in the production basket, and in line with best international practices. HLC`s calculations reveal that it can save the exchequer more than Rs 30,000 crores annually, and still giving better deal to consumers. Cash transfers can be indexed with overall price level to protect the amount of real income transfers, given in the name of lady of the house, and routed through Prime Minister`s Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and dovetailing Aadhaar and Unique Identification (UID) number. This will empower the consumers, plug high leakages in PDS, save resources, and it can be rolled out over the next 2-3 years. On stocking and movement related issues HLC recommends that FCI should outsource its stocking operations to various agencies such as Central Warehousing Corporation, State Warehousing Corporation, Private Sector under Private Entrepreneur Guarantee (PEG) scheme, and even state governments that are building silos through private sector on state lands (as in Madhya Pradesh). It should be done on competitive bidding basis, inviting various stakeholders and creating competition to bring down costs of storage. India needs more bulk handling facilities than it currently has. Many of FCI`s old conventional storages that have existed for long number of years can be converted to silos with the help of private sector and other stocking agencies. Better mechanization is needed in all silos as well as conventional storages. Covered and plinth (CAP) storage should be gradually phased out with no grain stocks remaining in CAP for more than 3 months. Silo bag technology and conventional storages where ever possible should replace CAP. Movement of grains needs to be gradually containerized which will help reduce transit losses, and have faster turn-around-time by having more mechanized facilities at railway sidings. On Buffer Stocking Operations and Liquidation Policy One of the key challenges for FCI has been to carry buffer stocks way in excess of buffer stocking norms. During the last five years, on an average, buffer stocks with FCI have been more than double the buffer stocking norms costing the nation thousands of crores of rupees loss without any worthwhile purpose being served. The underlying reasons for this situation are many, starting with export bans to open ended procurement with distortions (through bonuses and high statutory levies), but the key factor is that there is no pro-active liquidation policy. DFPD/FCI have to work in tandem to liquidate stocks in OMSS or in export markets, whenever stocks go beyond the buffer stock norms. The current system is extremely ad-hoc, slow and costs the nation heavily. A transparent liquidation policy is the need of hour, which should automatically kick-in when FCI is faced with surplus stocks than buffer norms. Greater flexibility to FCI with business orientation to operate in OMSS and export markets is needed. On Labour Related Issues FCI engages large number of workers (loaders) to get the job of loading/unloading done smoothly and in time. Currently there are roughly 16,000 departmental workers, about 26,000 workers that operate under Direct Payment System (DPS), some under no work no pay, and about one lakh contract workers. A departmental worker (loader) costs FCI about Rs 79,500/per month (April-Nov 2014 data) vis-a-vis DPS worker at Rs 26,000/per month and contract labour costs about Rs 10,000/per month. Some of the departmental labours (more than 300) have received wages (including arrears) even more than Rs 4 lakhs/per month in August 2014. This happens because of the incentive system in notified depots, and widely used proxy labour. This is a major aberration and must be fixed, either by de-notifying these depots, or handing them over to states or private sector on service contracts, and by fixing a maximum limit on the incentives per person that will not allow him to work for more than say 1.25 times the work agreed with him. These depots should be put on priority for mechanization so that reliance on departmental labour reduces. If need be, FCI should be allowed to hire people under DPS/NWNP system. Further, HLC recommends that the condition of contract labour, which works the hardest and are the largest in number, should be improved by giving them better facilities. On direct subsidy to farmers Since the whole system of food management operates within the ambit of providing food security at a national as well as at household level, it must be realized that farmers need due incentives to raise productivity and overall food production in the country. Most of the OECD countries as well as large emerging economies do support their farmers. India also gives large subsidy on fertilizers (more than Rs 72,000 crores in budget of FY 2015 plus pending bills of about Rs 30,000-35,000 crores). Urea prices are administered at a very low level compared to prices of DAP and MOP, creating highly imbalanced use of N, P and K. HLC recommends that farmers be given direct cash subsidy (of about Rs 7000/ha) and fertilizer sector can then be deregulated. This would help plug diversion of urea to non-agricultural uses as well as to neighbouring countries, and help raise the efficiency of fertilizer use. It may be noted that this type of direct cash subsidy to farmers will go a long way to help those who take loans from money lenders at exorbitant interest rates to buy fertilizers or other inputs, thus relieving some distress in the agrarian sector. On end to end computerization HLC recommends total end to end computerization of the entire food management system, starting from procurement from farmers, to stocking, movement and finally distribution through TPDS. It can be done on real time basis, and some states have done a commendable job on computerizing the procurement operations. But its dovetailing with movement and distribution in TPDS has been a weak link, and that is where much of the diversions take place. On the new face of FCI The new face of FCI will be akin to an agency for innovations in Food Management System with a primary focus to create competition in every segment of foograin supply chain, from procurement to stocking to movement and finally distribution in TPDS, so that overall costs of the system are substantially reduced, leakages plugged, and it serves larger number of farmers and consumers. In this endeavour it will make itself much leaner and nimble (with scaled down/abolished zonal offices), focus on eastern states for procurement, upgrade the entire grain supply chain towards bulk handling and end to end computerization by bringing in investments, and technical and managerial expertise from the private sector. It will be more business oriented with a pro-active liquidation policy to liquidate stocks in OMSS/export markets, whenever actual buffer stocks exceed the norms. This would be challenging, but HLC hopes that FCI can rise to this challenge and once again play its commendable role as it did during late 1960s and early 1970s.President's Secretariat23-January, 2015 16:32 IST The life and sacrifices of Netaji serve as a beacon light for future generations, says President

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has said thatthe life and sacrifices of Netaji serve as a beacon light for future generations.The President conveyed the above in a message to the Netaji Research Bureau, Kolkata on the occasion of celebrations held today in Kolkata to mark the 118thbirth anniversary of Netaji. The Presidents message was read out to the audience by Prof. Mrs. Krishna Bose, Chairperson, Netaji Research Bureau. An International Conference onAsia in Bengal and Bengal in Asiawas also organized by the Netaji Research Bureau as part of the birthday celebrations.In his message, the President said it is appropriate to dwell on the contemporary relevance of Netaji and his message on the occasion of Netajis birthday. Our true homage to Netaji would be to work with dedication to make our country for whose sake Netaji sacrificed his everything, strong, prosperous and progressive so that it may one day become a great power in the world. He called upon the youth of the country to once again adopt the slogan ofIttefaq Itmad Kurbanior Unity, Faith, Sacrifice as the clarion call of our nation.The President said the place of Subhas Chandra Bose is unique in the history of Indias freedom struggle. Netaji was unanimously electedRashtrapatiof the 51st session of the Indian National Congress held in Haripura on the banks of the river Tapti in February 1938. His Presidential address at the session was a masterpiece of vision and action. He talked not only of freedom but also of reconstruction and the need for planning by setting up a Planning Committee. He called for the gradual socialization of the entire agricultural and industrial system. He reminded delegates that our chief national problems are eradication of poverty, illiteracy and disease. Netaji as Congress President wrote a letter to all Congress Premiers advising them on how they should administer their provinces. The ideas contained in this letter were the precursors of the principles enshrined in the chapter on Directive Principles of our Constitution.

Ministry of Communications & Information Technology23-January, 2015 18:20 IST India and US Sign a Joint Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in the Field of Information & Communications Technology and Electronics (ICTE)

India and United States have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent for cooperation in the field of Information & Communications Technology and Electronics (ICTE). The Joint Declaration was signed by the Secretary, Department of Electronics and IT Shri RS Sharma, and the US Ambassador to India Shri Richard Verma, at a ceremony held in New Delhi this evening. Speaking to news persons, the Secretary, Department of Electronics and IT said that this is likely increase partnership for the Digital India programme, electronic manufacturing, cyber security and several other such related fields between two countries. The US ambassador expressing happiness hoped that this declaration before the arrival of the US president on Sunday would further strengthen cooperation between industries of both the countries in the sector. Shri Ram Sevak Sharma said that at the Indo US Joint working Group meeting on ICT held at Washington last week several US companies has expressed interest for their participation in India. This Joint Declaration of intent made for a period of next five years would help in strengthening industrial, technological, research & innovation and economic cooperation between India and U.S. in the ICTE sector. It would also lead to US companies exploring opportunities for collaboration in Indias ambitiousDigital Indiaprogramme, Electronics manufacturing and Human Resource Development, through cooperation among private and public entities in a focused manner under the umbrella of the ongoing India-US ICT Dialogue.On this occasion, reference was made to the deliberations at India US ICT Working Group meeting held in Washington, D.C., during January 14-15, 2015. It was agreed at this meeting to continue to explore the opportunities for collaboration on implementing India`s ambitious Digital India initiative, with the goal of enhancing digital infrastructure, deploying e-governance and e-services, and expanding the diffusion and use of ICT as a tool to expand economic opportunities, boost productivity, create jobs, and empower citizens. Besides, broad agreement was also reached on the importance of policies that promote innovation in the ICT sector, facilitate the flow of data across borders, and foster the global and open nature of the Internet as a platform for economic growth.Ministry of Defence23-January, 2015 19:00 IST Joint India Mongolia Exercise

The tenth India Mongolia Joint Training Exercise commenced with an impressive opening ceremony at Gwalior on 23 January 2015. The aim of the exercise is to acquaint both armies with each others operating procedures in the backdrop of a Counter Insurgency and Terrorism environment. The Mongolian contingent from the 84 Airborne Special Forces Battalion comprising of one Infantry Platoon alongside an Indian Infantry Platoon is participating in the exercise. The 15 day exercise is planned to train troops of both nations on crossing of obstacles, special heliborne operations, water patrolling, firing a variety of weapons, handling and neutralisation of improvised explosive devices and conduct of cordon and search operations in a Counter Insurgency and Terrorism environment. The National flags of both countries were hoisted at a glittering Opening Ceremony. The Exercise will considerably enhance the interoperability between Indian Army and Mongolian Army in conduct of joint operations against international terrorism while serving in Peacekeeping Missions under the United Nations mandate.President's Secretariat25-January, 2015 19:20 IST Address by the President of India on the eve of the Republic Day of India 2015

My Fellow Citizens:1. On the eve of the 66th Republic Day, I extend warm greetings to all of you in India and abroad. I convey my special greetings to members of our Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces and Internal Security Forces.2. Twenty Sixth January holds an everlasting place in our national memory because it is the day when modern India was born. Under Mahatma Gandhis moral and political leadership, the National Congress passed the Purna Swaraj resolution demanding complete independence from British rule in December 1929. Gandhiji organized nationwide celebrations on 26 January 1930 as Independence Day. From then on, the Nation took a pledge on this day every year to carry on the freedom struggle till we attained it.3. Exactly twenty years later, in 1950, we adopted our charter ofmodernity, the Constitution. Tragically, Gandhiji had been martyred two years before, but the framework of a Constitution that has made India a role model for today`s world was constructed out of his philosophy. Its essence lay in four principles: democracy; freedom of faith; gender equality; and an economic upsurge for those trapped in the curse of dire poverty. These were made Constitutional obligations. Gandhijis talisman for the country`s rulers was simple and powerful and I quote: "Whenever you are in doubt...recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen and ask yourself...will it lead to swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?" (unquote). Our resolve to eliminate poverty through inclusive development has to be a step in that direction.Fellow Citizens:4. The past year has been remarkable in many ways. Particularly because, after three decades the people have voted to power a single party with a majority for a stable government, and in the process freed the countrys governance from the compulsions of coalition politics. Outcome of these Elections has given the mandate to the elected government to fulfill its commitment to the people by using its majority for formulating policies and making laws to implement those policies. The voter has played her part; it is now up to those who have been elected to honour this trust. It was a vote for clean, efficient, effective, gender-sensitive, transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly governance.Fellow Citizens:5. There can be no governance without a functioning legislature. The legislature reflects the will of the people. It is the platform where progressive legislation using civilized dialogue must create delivery mechanisms for realizing the aspirations of the people. It calls for reconciling the differences amongst stakeholders and building a consensus for the law to be enacted. Enacting laws without discussion impacts the law-making role of the Parliament. It breaches the trust reposed in it by the people. This is neither good for the democracy nor for the policies relating to those laws.Fellow Citizens:6. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Rabindranath Tagore, Subramanya Bharati and many more - the vocation and the approach might have been different but they all spoke the same language of patriotism. We owe our freedom to these great warriors of nationalism. We also salute the unsung heroes who have died securing the liberation of Mother India. But it pains me to see that Mother India is not respected by her own children when it comes to the safety of women. Atrocities of rape, murders, harassment on the roads, kidnapping and dowry deaths have made women fearful even in their own homes. Rabindranath Tagore saw women not only as the deities of the household fire,but also the flame of the soul itself. Where have we failed, as parents, teachers and leaders, that our children have forgotten all tenets of decent behaviour and respect for women? We have enacted many legislations but, as Benjamin Franklin had once said and I quote: Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are (unquote). Every Indian must take a pledge to protect the honour of women from violence of any kind. Only a nation that respects and empowers its women can become a global power. Fellow Citizens:7. The Indian Constitution is the holy book of democracy. It is a lodestar for the socio-economic transformation of an India whose civilization has celebrated pluralism, advocated tolerance and promoted goodwill between diverse communities. These values, however, need to be preserved with utmost care and vigilance. The freedom inherent in democracy sometimes generates an unhappy by-product when political discourse becomes a competition in hysteria that is abhorrent to our traditional ethos. The violence of the tongue cuts and wounds people`s hearts. Religion, said Gandhiji, is a force for unity; we cannot make it a cause of conflict.Fellow Citizens:8. Much is said about India`s soft power. But the most powerful example of India`s soft power, in an international environment where so many countries are sinking into the morass of theocratic violence, lies in our definition of the relationship between faith and polity. We have always reposed our trust in faith-equality where every faith is equal before the law and every culture blends into another to create a positive dynamic. Wisdom of India teaches us: unity is strength, dominance is weakness.Fellow Citizens:9. The multi-nation conflict has converted boundaries into bloodlines, and turned terrorism into an industry of evil. Terrorism and violence are seeping across our borders. While peace, non-violence and good neighbourly intentions should remain the fundamentals of our foreign policy, we cannot afford to be complacent about adversaries who will stop at nothing to disrupt our progress towards a prosperous and equitable India. We have the strength, confidence and determination to defeat architects of this war against our people. Repeated violations of the ceasefire along the Line of Control and terrorist attacks must get an integrated response through incisive diplomacy and impregnable security mechanisms. The world must join India in fighting the menace of terrorism.Fellow Citizens:10. Economic progress is also a test of democracy. Year 2015 is a year of hope. Key economic indicators provide for much optimism. Strengthening of the external sector, move towards fiscal consolidation, moderation in price levels, early signs of rebound in manufacturing and record agricultural production last year augur well for our economy. Achieving five percent plus growth rates each in the first two quarters of 2014-15 is a healthy sign for an early reversion to the high growth trajectory of 7-8 percent.11. The success of a society is measured by both survival and strengthening of its values, institutions and instruments of governance. Our national narrative has been shaped by the principles of its past, triumphs of today and is now ready to own the future by powering its latent potential.Fellow Citizens:12. Our national ambition is to raise the quality of life of Indians by quantum leaps and raise generations enlightened by learning, patriotism, compassion, honesty and a sense of duty. Thomas Jefferson had said and I quote: Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty (unquote). We must strive for the highest quality in our educational institutions so that we can take our place, within a visible future, among the knowledge leaders of the 21st century. I would urge, in particular, that we lay special stress on the culture of books and reading, which takes knowledge beyond the classroom and frees imagination from stress of the immediate and the utilitarian. We must be a creative people, nourished by innumerable, interlinked rivers of ideas. Our youth must lead the way to mastery of technology and communication in a universe where the cloud has become a library without frontiers, and vast opportunity awaits within the computer in your palm. The 21st century is within India`s grasp.Fellow Citizens:13. This future will remain both visible and elusive if we do not discover the ability to continually cleanse ourselves of retrograde habits and social ills. Over the past century, some have died, others have faded, but many still exist. We are celebrating, this year, the centenary of Gandhiji`s return to India from South Africa. We can never cease to learn from a Mahatma. The first thing he did in 1915 was to keep his eyes open and his lips sealed. It is advisable to follow his example. While we are, rightly, focused on 1915, perhaps we should cast a glance on what Gandhiji did in 1901, the year when he returned home for his first break. The annual Congress session was held that year in Calcutta, then the capital of British India. Gandhiji was a delegate. He went to Ripon College for a meeting. He discovered that the whole place had been dirtied by fellow-delegates. A shocked Gandhiji did not wait for any allotted cleaner. He picked up a broom and cleaned the area. No one followed his example in 1901. 114 years later, let us follow his example, and become worthy children of a magnificent father.

Ministry of Urban Development25-January, 2015 18:51 IST USA to assist in development of smart cities in UP, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh

Giving a fillip to the programme of developing smart cities in the country, the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) today signed three Memorandums of Understanding on Cooperation to Support the Development of Smart Cities in Uttar Pradesh , Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh with respective state governments . The MoUs with specific reference to development of Allahabad, Ajmer and Visakhapatnam as smart cities were signed in the presence of Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu.

Leocardia I.Zak, Director, USTDA signed the MoUs on behalf of USTDA while Shri Alok Ranjan, Chief Secretary , Govt. of UP, Shri C.S.Ranjan, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Rajasthan and Shri I.V.R.Krishna Rao, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh signed on behalf of state governments.

Under the MoUs, the USTDA will contribute funding for necessary feasibility studies and pilots , study tours , workshops/trainings and other projects to be mutually determined . It will invite a Smart Solutions for Smart Cities Reverse Trade Mission delegation to the US, with delegates from the t here states. It will also fund advisory services to support the development of smart cities .

USTDA will collaborate with other US government agencies like the Department of Commerce, the U. S Export Import Bank and other trade and economic agencies promote greater US-India infrastructure development cooperation and to support development of smart cities.

USTDA will enable U.S Industry organizations to mobilize private sector expertise and resources to address important aviation and energy related infrastructure connected to developing smart cities.

Under the MoUs that came into effect today, the respective state governments will provide resources in support, coordination and facilitation of the development of smart cities including technical information and data related to smart cities planning, staff, logistical and travel support etc.

The MoUs referred to the U.S-India Joint Statement of September 30,2014 related to the first bilateral summit meeting between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in which the US Government welcomed the Indias offer for US industry to be the lead partner in d eveloping smart cities in Allahabad, Ajmer and Vi sakhapatnam.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu observed that India-US cooperation has acquired a new dimension with the signing of MoUs which will make significant contribution to building smart cities.

Shri Shankar Aggarwal, Secretary(UD) , Dr.Samir Sharma, Joint Secret ary(Smart Cities) and other senior officials of the Ministry of Urban Development and USTDA were present on the occasion.US-India Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region As the leaders of the worlds two largest democracies that bridge the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean region and reflecting our agreement that a closer partnership between the United States and India is indispensable to promoting peace, prosperity and stability in those regions, we have agreed on a Joint Strategic Vision for the region. India and the United States are important drivers of regional and global growth. From Africa to East Asia, we will build on our partnership to support sustainable, inclusive development, and increased regional connectivity by collaborating with other interested partners to address poverty and support broad-based prosperity. To support regional economic integration, we will promote accelerated infrastructure connectivity and economic development in a manner that links South, Southeast and Central Asia, including by enhancing energy transmission and encouraging free trade and greater people-to-people linkages. Regional prosperity depends on security. We affirm the importance of safeguarding maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region, especially in the South China Sea. We call on all parties to avoid the threat or use of force and pursue resolution of territorial and maritime disputes through all peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We will oppose terrorism, piracy, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction within or from the region. We will also work together to promote the shared values that have made our countries great, recognizing that our interests in peace, prosperity and stability are well served by our common commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We commit to strengthening the East Asia Summit on its tenth anniversary to promote regional dialogue on key political and security issues, and to work together to strengthen it. In order to achieve this regional vision, we will develop a roadmap that leverages our respective efforts to increase ties among Asian powers, enabling both our nations to better respond to diplomatic, economic and security challenges in the region. As part of these efforts, the United States welcomes India's interest in joining the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, as the Indian economy is a dynamic part of the Asian economy. Over the next five years, we will strengthen our regional dialogues, invest in making trilateral consultations with third countries in the region more robust, deepen regional integration, strengthen regional forums, explore additional multilateral opportunities for engagement, and pursue areas where we can build capacity in the region that bolster long-term peace and prosperity for all.India-U.S. Delhi Declaration of Friendship "Chalein saath saath; forward together we go. Reflecting the close ties between our two great democracies, India and the United States agree to elevate our long-standing strategic partnership, with a Declaration of Friendship that strengthens and expands the relationship between our two countries"Sanjha Prayaas, SabkaVikaas; Shared Effort, Progress For All. Each step we take to strengthen the relationship is a step towards shaping international security, regional and global peace, prosperity and stability for years to come.Signaling the natural affinity enjoyed by our two nations, this Declaration proclaims a higher level of trust and coordination that will continue to draw our Governments and people together across the spectrum of human endeavor for a better world.The India-U.S. Vision Statement endorsed in September 2014 committed our nations to a long-term partnership for prosperity and peace, through which our countries work together to make our citizens and the global community, safer and more prosperous. The Declaration makes tangible and enduring the commitment of our two countries to harness the inherent potential of our two democracies, and upgrades the unique nature of our relationship, committing our Governments to work through areas of difference. Through this Declaration of Friendship and in keeping with our national principles and laws, we respect:Equal opportunity for all our people through democracy, effective governance, and fundamental freedoms;An open, just, sustainable, and inclusive rule-based global order;The importance of strengthened bilateral defense ties;The importance of adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change through national, bilateral and multilateral efforts;The beneficial impact that sustainable, inclusive development will have on our two countries and the world;The centrality of economic policies that support the creation of strong and sustainable jobs, inclusive development, and rising incomes; andTransparent and rule-based markets that seek to drive the trade and investment necessary to uplift all members of society and promote economic development. As part of this Declaration of Friendship, we commit to:Hold regular Summits with increased periodicity;Elevate the Strategic Dialogue to a Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, of which the Strategic elements would continue to be chaired by the External Affairs Minister of India and the U.S. Secretary of State and the Commercial components of the Dialogue would be led by Indias Minister of Trade and Commerce and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. This reflects the United States' and India's commitment to strengthen commercial and economic ties to advance mutual prosperity, regional economic growth and stability;Establish secure hotlines between the Prime Minister of India and the President of the United States of America and National Security Advisors;Cooperate to develop joint ventures on strategically significant projects;Build meaningful security and effective counterterrorism cooperation;Hold regional and multilateral consultations;Consult and hold regular consultations in multilateral forums; andLeverage the talents and strengths of our people to enhance sustainable, inclusive development around the globe.Remarks by Prime Minister at the India-U.S. Business SummitMr. President, distinguished guests My heartiest greetings on Republic Day! I am deeply honoured to do so as the first Prime Minister born in free India. On this day, sixty five years ago, the people of India gave themselves the longest written constitution in the world. It was a constitution for a society with huge diversity and disparities; for a young nation facing many challenges and constraints. It was a pledge, rooted in the ancient wisdom of our land of faith in co-existence, assemblies and republics. A Constitution forged from the highest ideals and inspired by a lofty vision; vision and values that define India and the United States of America. We are two nations blessed because of this rich inheritance; even more because of generations of Indians and Americans, who have preserved and upheld them. For our nation, the journey has been impressive. But the road ahead is still long; because, the hopes that we wrote into our Constitution still elude many. It will be fulfilled only when every Indian has a life of dignity; freedom from want; and, belief in the possibility of dreams. Last May, in a historic election, our nation renewed its pledge to that vision. In the past eight months, we have worked tirelessly to fulfil that mandate not just to increase our economic growth. It is also to transform the quality of life of our people and preserve the gifts of Mother Nature. Our task is huge; and, it won`t happen overnight. We are conscious of our challenges; but also, inspired by our many successes. And, we have the energy of our youth, the enterprise of our businesses and the genius of our farmers. Above all, we have the confidence and optimism of the nation. To this audience, I hardly need to spell out the series of bold steps that we have taken. My message to you is this: You will find environment that is not only open, but also welcoming. We will guide you and walk with you in your projects. You will find a climate that encourages investment and rewards enterprise; It will nurture innovation and protect your intellectual property. It will make it easy to do business; our immediate target is to bring us from the rear ranks of the world into the top fifty. You will find a tax regime that is predictable and competitive. We have removed some of the excesses of the past. We will now soon address the remaining uncertainties. Our goal is an economy where skills, infrastructure and resources will not be constraints to growth. In the world of economics, numbers are often an unforgiving mirror to performance. They are telling us that we are on the right path. Our economic growth has increased by a percentage point. Today, business sentiments in India are the strongest among major Asian markets. Consumer confidence in India has turned positive after three years. Growth in the eight core sectors of the economy has increased sharply. Inflation is at a five-year low. And, 110 million new bank accounts have opened in the last four months. Investments from the United States have jumped by 50% in the first six months of my Government. And, I know that some of the pledges made in September in Washington have begun to flow in. Yes, I do keep track of these things! The scale of our dreams is vast; therefore, the opportunities we offer are huge. We speak of a revolution in our Railways. It carries more people daily than the size of the population of three-fourths of the countries in the world. Our ambition of a Clean Ganga involves 500 million people, hundreds of towns and thousands of villages. Our plans of urban waste treatment must deal with more than 500 cities with a population of over 100,000. Our vision of a connected rural India extends to over 600,000 villages. And, a roof over the heads of every Indian in the next seven years needs at least five million new dwellings every year. It is not just policy and strategies that will take us there. Everything we wish to do involve enterprise and investments, but even more - innovation and imagination. Much of our journey to development is still ahead of us. And, we will pursue a more sustainable path to prosperity. We make this choice with the natural instinct of our culture and tradition. But, we also do this with a commitment to our future. We are more likely to succeed if we offer affordable solutions, not simply impose choices. This requires access to more resources and better technology. That is why I have called for global public action to develop clean energy. In this, we should take a lesson from past efforts to tackle hunger and many diseases. India`s progress is the destiny of 1.25 billion people. But, the success of one-sixth of humanity will also be a great outcome for this world. It will be a world with much less poverty and want; infants with a much better chance to survive; daughters with a life of opportunity; and, a huge global resource in 800 million empowered and skilled youth. India will be an important anchor of stability for the global economy; and an engine for its growth. Above all, a prosperous India will be a force of peace and stability in the world. We have seen that prosperity is no guarantee for peace. I repeat prosperity is no guarantee for peace. But, India sees the world as one family; and we wish to shape it in the values that define our nation. Our inter-dependent world needs strong international partnerships more than ever before. And, few partnerships are so rich in promise and so capable of shaping our world as ours. We only have to see the history of our cooperation. We have worked together to usher in the Green Revolution in India. We have collaborated in Space. We have partnered in setting up IITs and IIMs. And, we have helped shape the digital age. Our engineers, scientists and doctors are developing affordable medical devices for rural areas; and, new vaccines for children. Over 90 institutions from our two countries are collaborating on biofuels; solar energy; and, energy efficiency. U.S. companies are transferring advanced skills and technologies to India. And, Indians are powering U.S. businesses. Indian IT companies are creating skilled jobs in the United States; and, helping U.S. companies stay ahead. They have also helped U.S. military veterans rebuild their lives. We have more than 100,000 Indian students in the United States and thousands of American students visiting India. They are sowing the partnerships of tomorrow. And, the success of 3.0 million Indian Americans points to our potential. Our businesses work together in the familiar environment of democracy; and, in the comfort of our friendship and goodwill. We are now forging ahead in new areas like civil nuclear energy, renewable energy and defence equipment. Economic resurgence in both countries gives us greater optimism about the future of our ties. As the two largest democracies, we have a fundamental stake in each other`s success for the sake of our values and our shared interests. Working by ourselves, we can still advance our common interests. But, if we work together, we can achieve greater success. Our partnership will be vital for prosperity at home and our economic leadership abroad. It will help address global challenges of our times. For too long, India and the United States have looked at each other across Europe and the Atlantic. When I look towards the East, I see the western shores of the United States. That tells us that we belong to the same vast region. It is a region of great dynamism, but also many unsettled questions. Its future will be vital for our two countries and the destiny of this world. And, our relationship will be indispensable in shaping its course. In the strength of our partnership, I see a greater chance for a world united in shared pursuits and common purposes. Quite simply, the joined hands of India and the United States will make this world a better place for all. This morning, America joined us in friendship to celebrate our shared values. This evening, we have come together in a shared commitment to our future. With your leadership, Mr. President, and with the support of our gifted people, we will turn our commitments into concrete action. Thank you for being with us today, Mr. President; thank you to you all for coming from the United States and all over India. Your participation has made this Summit more meaningful. Thank you all.Companies can collaborate with each other for CSRIn a move that could benefit the corporate sector at large, the government has allowed companies to enter into collaboration with each other to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR).A notification is issued by the Government to amend the CSR provision in the new Companies Act, allowing two companies to collaborate with each other on their own, or through their holding, subsidiary or associate companies. These two companies can form a trust, society or another third company for CSR work.The rules have permitted collaborative CSR efforts between unrelated entities, and this amendment would help operationalise that using a separate legal entity structure.CSR:According to the Companies Act, 2013, any company with a net worth of Rs 500 crore or a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore or net profit of Rs 5 crore needs to spend at least 2 % of its average net profit in the preceding three financial years on CSR activities.The companys report of the Board of Directors attached to the financial statements is required to include an annual report on the CSR activities of the company. This would cover a brief outline of the CSR policy, the composition of the CSR Committee, the average net profit for the past three financial years and the prescribed CSR expenditure.If the company concerned fails to spend the specified amount on CSR, it has to specify the reasons for not spending in this report.CSR activities include spending on eradicating hunger, poverty and malnutrition, promoting preventive health care, education and gender equality, setting up homes for women, orphans and senior citizens, measures for reducing inequalities faced by socially and economically backward groups.It also includes spending on ensuring environmental sustainability and ecological balance, animal welfare, protection of national heritage and art and culture, measures for the benefit of armed forces veterans, war widows and their dependents, training to promote rural, nationally recognised Paralympic or Olympic sports, contribution to the prime ministers national relief fund or any other fund set up by the central government for socio economic development and relief and welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities and women.Contribution to political parties is not a part of CSR and only activities in India would be considered for computing such an expenditure.Ministry of Agriculture27-January, 2015 18:45 IST Union Agriculture Minister holds discussion with State Agriculture Ministers on Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh today had discussion with State Agriculture Ministers on Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme in Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. Briefing the media faternity, he said that there was broad consensus on the following points: Shri Singh said that the Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme will have two components, that is, the price based insurance and the yield based insurance. A committee consisting of senior agriculture officials and representatives from state governments will be formed to look into the suggestions from the State Governments during the meeting today. In the morning, he also had discussion with farmer organisation on this issue. He further said that ongoing insurance schemes will continue. During the discussion, the representatives from the states suggested to implement income insurance scheme in consonance with their local needs which include climatic, geographical conditions and crop pattern. Shri Singh said that there has been a consensus from representatives from various States on this aspect.Ministry of Agriculture27-January, 2015 18:06 IST Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forests, Fiji calls on Shri Radha Mohan Singh Today

A delegation from Fiji led by,Mr.Inia Seruiratu Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forests Minister for Rural & Maritime Development and National Disaster Management called on Union Agriculture Minister Sh. Radha Mohan Singh in Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi today.Fiji has proposed to enter into MoUs in the following generic areas:1. Development of the Animal Husbandry Industry.2. Cooperation in areas of Fisheries and Aqua-culture.3. Horticulture Industry Development.4. Revamping of the Rice Industry.5. Cooperation in Root Crop Diversification.It may be mentioned that MoU on Development Cooperation was signed with Fiji by Ministry of External Affairs in 2006 which included Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests sectors as an item.Shri Radha Mohan Singh assured the delegation that Agriculture Ministry will look into the points mentioned by them. Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that India looks forward to strengthening the bilateral relation to a new height.Shri Radha Mohan Singh also showed keen interest on the point of in training of Agriculture student of Fiji at ICAR Institutes. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions27-January, 2015 18:04 IST Kiran Mazumdar Shaw presents Indian Biotechnology roadmap to Dr. Jitendra Singh The sector to grow to 100 billion USD by 2025

The Indian biotechnology sector to grow from the current 5-7 billion USD to 100 billion USD by 2025 so that the current growth rate of 15% in this sector could be enhanced by twice to up to 30%. A roadmap on this is presented to the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh by Smt. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, President of the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), and also happens Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Biocon Limited, who called on him here today. Smt. Kiran Shaw, visited Delhi from Bengaluru to attend the CEOs meet with US President, Mr. Barack Obama and handed over to Dr. Jitendra Singh a copy of the memorandum containing budgetary recommendations submitted to the government.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the government is keen to promote all kinds of upward activities in Biotech sector and said that the suggestions offered by the ABLE would be given due consideration and dealt with a positive approach.

Dr. Jitendra Singh agreed that the key States of India where the biotechnology is likely to grow in near future are Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat but suggested that a focused planning is required to spread it to other States as well because this will not only add to the current growth rate but will also help create new avenues of employment particularly skilled jobs.

The memorandum submitted by ABLE made several recommendations to support the biotechnology industry. These include deduction of current tax incentives of 200% to be increased to 300% with a validity of three years and extension of 10 years of tax holiday for biotech/farming establishments by another 2 years.

Invoking the Make in India agenda of the present government, the memorandum also pleads for the indigenously made products to be given 15% to 25% weighted advantage over imported products in all government tenders.

Dr. Jitendra Singh assured Smt. Kiran Shaw that he will take up all the suggestions with concerned departments to work out their feasibility and applicability. Biotechnology is the science of future and industrys participation in future biotech ventures will also help in expanding the range of its utility as a means of social transformation, he addedMinistry of Finance27-January, 2015 16:37 IST FM: Investors Showing Huge Curiosity and Interest in India; We Cant Afford to Miss this Opportunity; Ordinarily Everything is Going in our Favour Including Better Growth Prospects, Good Reserves, Fiscal Deficit and Cad Under Control; Calls for Non Adversarial Tax Administration

The Union Finance Minister Shri Aruj Jaitley said that there is huge curiosity and interest in India especially among domestic and foreign investors. The Finance Minister said that we cant afford to miss this opportunity. The Finance Minister Shri Jaitley said that ordinarily everything is going in our favour including growth prospects. The Finance Minister further said that other developed and emerging market economies like Brazil, South Africa, Europe, Japan and Russia among others are facing challenging situation while our prospects are showing an upward trend. The Finance Minister Shri Jaitley was speaking at the Investiture Ceremony to honour the officers of Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) for their excellent performance and International Customs Day function organised here today by CBEC. The Finance Minister said that in order to make best use of this opportunity, we have to address two major concerns i.e. quick decision making & stability in policy matters and reforms in tax structure and administration. The Finance Minister said that there is need for change both in attitude and mind set towards investors and assesses. He said that we need to have a non-adversarial tax administration which is both investors and assesses friendly.

The Union Finance Minister Shri Jaitley further asked the CBEC officers to ensure that those who are liable to pay tax must pay their dues and tax evaders must be taken to task. However, the Finance Minister said that at the same time, they have to maintain certain level of civility with assesses and investors which must be cogent and logical. The Finance Minister said that revenue collections which was affected due to low manufacturing in the last 2-3 years are also turning around and we hope to meet our fiscal targets. He said that our reserves are good and Current Account Deficit (CAD) position is much better. The Finance Minister said that our currency was among the two global currencies which withstood the might of dollar in recent times. He said that we try to improve where we found ourselves wanting. He asked the custom officers to safeguard borders by curbing unlawful economic activities. He congratulated the award winners for their exemplary work and hoped that they will be role model for other officers to emulate their performance in future.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jayant Sinha, Minister of State of Finance said that there is need for more transparency in tax administration and need to build data base for authentic and valid information. He said that there is need for coordination among different agencies to avoid delay by having less paper work, documents to be filed, among others for efficient delivery of services.

Earlier speaking on the occasion, Shri Shaktikanta Dass, Revenue Secretary asked the CBEC officers to rededicate themselves to their sovereign responsibility of administering indirect tax administration and maximise the revenue collections. He asked the officers to dedicate themselves to the cause of improving the ease of doing business in the country in line with the Prime Ministers programme of Make in India. In this regard, the Revenue Secretary asked the officers that 24x7 functioning of the ports and airports for customs clearances must be implemented in letter and spirit. He asked the custom officials to check illegal flow of goods and commodities such as drugs, fake currency notes etc. across the international border. He said that we should also dedicate ourselves to the theme of facilitation to stakeholders and ensure smooth follow of goods and commodities within the country and in other countries. He asked the officers to give personal touch in efficient and effective discharge of their day to day duties.Ministry of Urban Development27-January, 2015 14:28 IST US and India to formulate smart city action plans in three months

India and the United States of America today agreed on taking quick measures for development of Visakhapatnam, Allahabad and Ajmer as smart cities. Issues relating to development of these cities as smart cities were discussed in detail at a meeting between the Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu and the visiting US Secretary of Commerce Ms.Penny Pritzker. The discussions lasted about 45 minutes.The US delegation agreed to the suggestion of Shri Venkaiah Naidu for setting up Task Force for each of the three cities for formulating concrete action plans in the next three months. Each Team will consist of three representatives each from central and respective state governments and the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). Each city Task Force will discuss city specific features, project requirements and appropriate revenue models for enabling flow of investments etc., before suggesting action plans for developing them as smart cities.Ms.Penny Pritzker said this meeting was in pursuance of the directive of President Barack Obama to work on the economic dimension of strategic and commercial dialogue between Prime Minister Modi and President Obama and the decisions taken. USTDA and the respective three state governments signed Memoranda of Understanding on January 25, for developing Visakhapatnam, Allahabad and Ajmer as smart cities.Referring to the Modi-Obama Joint Statement of September last year and signing of MoUs on smart city cooperation, Shri Naidu said it is now time for both the sides to walk the talk by acting quick and concretising the agreements reached. The Joint Statement and the MoUs have raised high hopes about smart cities becoming a reality. President Obamas current visit to India has even furthered these expectations and action is the need of the hour.In her response, Ms.Penny Pritzker said she was in agreement with Shri Naidus views and needful would be done. Referring to her meetings with Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri N.Chandrababu Naidu and of Rajasthan Smt.Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Ms.Pritzker noted that she found them to be go getters and was confident of making a success of smart city cooperation between the US and India. She also said that US companies would be told that what is being talked about India is real and they should seize the opportunities.Shri Venkaiah Naidu assured the US delegation that he would personally ensure that things move fast with regard to development of smart cities.Shri Naidu informed the US delegation that the Ministry of Urban Development will be represented by Shri Durga Shankar Mishra, Additional Secretary and Dr.Sameer Sharma and Shri Praveen Prakash, both Joint Secretaries on the Task Force for each of the three cities. Soon after the meeting, Shri Naidu spoke to Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan and will soon appraise Chief Minister of UP about the decisions taken. Chief Minister of AP informed that his government will be represented by the states Urban Development Minister Dr.P.Narayana besides Secretary(UD) and Municipal Commissioner of Visakhapatnam.Ms.Penny Pritzker informed Shri Naidu that Shri Arun Kumar, Assistant Secretary of State will coordinate and will give the names of their nominees.

Signing of MoU between India and Oman in the field of tourism The six member US delegation included Shri James Mathew Hock, Chief of Staff, Shri Thomas Wyler, Senior Advisor on Policy, Shri Arun Kumar, Assistant Secretary of State and Ms.Holly Vineyard, Deputy Assistant Secretary. India and the United States of America today agreed on taking quick measures for development of Visakhapatnam, Allahabad and Ajmer as smart cities. Issues relating to development of these cities as smart cities were discussed in detail at a meeting between the Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu and the visiting US Secretary of Commerce Ms.Penny Pritzker. The discussions lasted about 45 minutes.

The US delegation agreed to the suggestion of Shri Venkaiah Naidu for setting up Task Force for each of the three cities for formulating concrete action plans in the next three months. Each Team will consist of three representatives each from central and respective state governments and the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). Each city Task Force will discuss city specific features, project requirements and appropriate revenue models for enabling flow of investments etc., before suggesting action plans for developing them as smart cities.

Ms.Penny Pritzker said this meeting was in pursuance of the directive of President Barack Obama to work on the economic dimension of strategic and commercial dialogue between Prime Minister Modi and President Obama and the decisions taken. USTDA and the respective three state governments signed Memoranda of Understanding on January 25, for developing Visakhapatnam, Allahabad and Ajmer as smart cities.

Referring to the Modi-Obama Joint Statement of September last year and signing of MoUs on smart city cooperation, Shri Naidu said it is now time for both the sides to walk the talk by acting quick and concretising the agreements reached. The Joint Statement and the MoUs have raised high hopes about smart cities becoming a reality. President Obamas current visit to India has even furthered these expectations and action is the need of the hour.

In her response, Ms.Penny Pritzker said she was in agreement with Shri Naidus views and needful would be done. Referring to her meetings with Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri N.Chandrababu Naidu and of Rajasthan Smt.Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Ms.Pritzker noted that she found them to be go getters and was confident of making a success of smart city cooperation between the US and India. She also said that US companies would be told that what is being talked about India is real and they should seize the opportunities.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu assured the US delegation that he would personally ensure that things move fast with regard to development of smart cities.

Shri Naidu informed the US delegation that the Ministry of Urban Development will be represented by Shri Durga Shankar Mishra, Additional Secretary and Dr.Sameer Sharma and Shri Praveen Prakash, both Joint Secretaries on the Task Force for each of the three cities. Soon after the meeting, Shri Naidu spoke to Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan and will soon appraise Chief Minister of UP about the decisions taken. Chief Minister of AP informed that his government will be represented by the states Urban Development Minister Dr.P.Narayana besides Secretary(UD) and Municipal Commissioner of Visakhapatnam.

Ms.Penny Pritzker informed Shri Naidu that Shri Arun Kumar, Assistant Secretary of State will coordinate and will give the names of their nominees.

The six member US delegation included Shri James Mathew Hock, Chief of Staff, Shri Thomas Wyler, Senior Advisor on Policy, Shri Arun Kumar, Assistant Secretary of State and Ms.Holly Vineyard, Deputy Assistant Secretary. Shri Singh informed that as a pilot project, the schemes suggested by States will be implemented with the approval of Central Government. Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh today had discussion with State Agriculture Ministers on Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme in Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. Briefing the media faternity, he said that there was broad consensus on the following points:

Shri Singh said that the Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme will have two components, that is, the price based insurance and the yield based insurance. A committee consisting of senior agriculture officials and representatives from state governments will be formed to look into the suggestions from the State Governments during the meeting today. In the morning, he also had discussion with farmer organisation on this issue. He further said that ongoing insurance schemes will continue.

During the discussion, the representatives from the states suggested to implement income insurance scheme in consonance with their local needs which include climatic, geographical conditions and crop pattern. Shri Singh said that there has been a consensus from representatives from various States on this aspect.

Shri Singh informed that as a pilot project, the schemes suggested by States will be implemented with the approval of Central Government Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh today had discussion with State Agriculture Ministers on Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme in Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. Briefing the media faternity, he said that there was broad consensus on the following points:

Shri Singh said that the Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme will have two components, that is, the price based insurance and the yield based insurance. A committee consisting of senior agriculture officials and representatives from state governments will be formed to look into the suggestions from the State Governments during the meeting today. In the morning, he also had discussion with farmer organisation on this issue. He further said that ongoing insurance schemes will continue.

During the discussion, the representatives from the states suggested to implement income insurance scheme in consonance with their local needs which include climatic, geographical conditions and crop pattern. Shri Singh said that there has been a consensus from representatives from various States on this aspect.

Shri Singh informed that as a pilot project, the schemes suggested by States will be implemented with the approval of Central Government Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh today had discussion with State Agriculture Ministers on Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme in Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. Briefing the media faternity, he said that there was broad consensus on the following points:

Shri Singh said that the Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme will have two components, that is, the price based insurance and the yield based insurance. A committee consisting of senior agriculture officials and representatives from state governments will be formed to look into the suggestions from the State Governments during the meeting today. In the morning, he also had discussion with farmer organisation on this issue. He further said that ongoing insurance schemes will continue.

During the discussion, the representatives from the states suggested to implement income insurance scheme in consonance with their local needs which include climatic, geographical conditions and crop pattern. Shri Singh said that there has been a consensus from representatives from various States on this aspect.

Shri Singh informed that as a pilot project, the schemes suggested by States will be implemented with the approval of Central Government Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh today had discussion with State Agriculture Ministers on Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme in Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. Briefing the media faternity, he said that there was broad consensus on the following points:

Shri Singh said that the Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme will have two components, that is, the price based insurance and the yield based insurance. A committee consisting of senior agriculture officials and representatives from state governments will be formed to look into the suggestions from the State Governments during the meeting today. In the morning, he also had discussion with farmer organisation on this issue. He further said that ongoing insurance schemes will continue.

During the discussion, the representatives from the states suggested to implement income insurance scheme in consonance with their local needs which include climatic, geographical conditions and crop pattern. Shri Singh said that there has been a consensus from representatives from various States on this aspect.

Shri Singh informed that as a pilot project, the schemes suggested by States will be implemented with the approval of Central Government Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh today had discussion with State Agriculture Ministers on Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme in Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. Briefing the media faternity, he said that there was broad consensus on the following points:

Shri Singh said that the Draft Farm Income Insurance Scheme will have two components, that is, the price based insurance and the yield based insurance. A committee consisting of senior agriculture officials and representatives from state governments will be formed to look into the suggestions from the State Governments during the meeting today. In the morning, he also had discussion with farmer organisation on this issue. He further said that ongoing insurance schemes will continue.

During the discussion, the representatives from the states suggested to implement income insurance scheme in consonance with their local needs which include climatic, geographical conditions and crop pattern. Shri Singh said that there has been a consensus from representatives from various States on this aspect.

Shri Singh informed that as a pilot project, the schemes suggested by States will be implemented with the approval of Central GovernmentTop of FormBottom of Form

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism, between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Sultanate of Oman The main objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding, amongst other things, are: a. To expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector. b. To exchange information and data related to tourism. c. To encourage cooperation between tourism stakeholders including hotels and tour operators. d. To establish exchange programme for cooperation in Human Resource Development.e. To invest in the tourism and hospitality sectors, f. To exchange visits of tour operators / media /opinion makers for promotion of two way tourism. g. To exchange experiences in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination development and management.h. To participate in travel fairs /exhibitions in each other's country and, i. to promote safe, honourable and sustainable tourism.India and Oman have enjoyed a strong historical and long economic and political relationship. The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner for India in the Gulf region and an important interlocutor in the bilateral, Arab Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab League and the Indian Ocean Rim Association contexts. The two countries are linked by geography, history and culture. Both countries also enjoy warm and cordial relations, which can be ascribed to historical maritime trade linkages, intimacy of the Royal family with India and the seminal role of the Indian expatriate community in the building of Oman.Background:In recent years Oman has emerged as an important tourism source market for India in the West Asian region. During 2013, India received 62,252 visitors from Oman. Similarly India has emerged as one of the important source market for Oman in the field of tourism. Considering the mutual benefits, both India and Oman would like to create an institutional mechanism for enhancing cooperation in this sector. The signing of the MoU will further strengthen and further develop the established relationship between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Oman for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism on reciprocal basis.Ministry of Urban Development28-January, 2015 18:29 ISTSpecial Purpose Vehicle to be formed for setting up Sewerage Treatment Plants in Ganga cities

The Ministry of Urban Development has proposed to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for setting up and maintenance of Sewerage Treatment Plans (STPs) in all the 118 cities and towns located along the River Ganga in a time bound manner to check pollution of the river. The SPV will ensure that demand-supply gap in respect of sewerage treatment in urban areas will be met in line with timeframe for cleaning the River Ganga.

This proposal was made at a review meeting on Namami Ganga today. The meeting held in Nirman Bhawan was attended by Minister of urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu, Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Ms.Uma Bharati, Minister of Drinking Water & Sanitation Shri Birendra Singh, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Shri Prakash Javadekar and Minister of Tourism & Culture Dr.Mahesh Sharma and Secretaries of respective ministries.

The Ministers discussed Action Plans for treatment of sewerage with timelines, rehabilitation of dysfunctional and sub-optimal STPs, plans for bridging mismatch between existing treatment capacity and the demand, capacity building of urban local bodies, modernization of existing crematoria, adoption of innovative technologies developed by BARC and IITs etc.

As against the sewerage treatment requirement of 3,847 million litres per day in all the 118 cities and towns in 2015 and the estimated demand of 4,773 MLD in 2030, the present available capacity is only 879 MLD while another 1,263 MLD capacity is under construction. The gap in demand and supply is 1,852 MLD at current demand and 2,664 MLD at 2030 demand.

Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu said that all the six state governments will be consulted and taken on board before going ahead with setting up of STPs as required to treat urban sewerage. To begin with, 56 cities and towns that accounts for about 80% of sewerage generation will be focused in the first phase. He further said that necessary action for setting up SPV will soon be taken. He said that STP capacity would be augmented to meet the 2030 demand.

The Ministers have noted that the provisions of existing Environment Protection Act are not adequate to address the issue of industrial affluents being discharged into Ganga River and the same needs to be revisited.

As a part of stakeholder consultations, a meeting of representatives of all 195 industrial units located alongside Ganga river will be held next month by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change followed by a meeting of Municipal Commissioners of all the 118 cities and towns on 17th February. State-wise consultations will be held in March, 2015.

Todays meeting was held in pursuance of the suggestion of the PMO to work out time bound action plans focusing on primary components of Ganga pollution viz., liquid waste from urban and rural areas and industrial effluent discharge.Ministry of Finance29-January, 2015 20:41 IST Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Finance Emphasises the Need for Innovative Product Development in an Ever Expanding Capital Market;

Shri Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Finance emphasised the need for innovative product development in an ever expanding capital market. He stressed the aspect of empowerment and not empty entitlements as the core philosophy of the present Government. While commending Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA) for putting-up a highly efficient technology platform under the NPS architecture, Shri Sinha urged the Central Government Ministries to maximise the number of members in NPS. Currently, NPS has more than 80 Lakh subscribers with total Asset Under Management (AUM) of more than Rs.76,000 crores. Shri Sinha stressed that the Government would strive to provide all possible enablers. Minister of State for Finance Shri Sinha was delivering the inaugural address at a Conference organised here today by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for the Central Government Ministries to discuss on the important role of the Financial Advisors & Chief Controller of Accounts (FAs/CCAs) of the Central Government Ministries in the implementation and monitoring of the National Pension System (NPS). He said that the workers in the unorganised sector through Swavalamban would be supported through the social security net. He added that NPS would effectively address the pension issues of approximately 10-12 million young work force being added on an annual basis. Addressing the issue of future course of action, Shri Sinha urged PFRDA to provide enabling framework for more products and wider coverage of the population with pension products. Further the Regulator may consider alternative investment funds like Venture Capital funds and Growth Capital Funds which are important to encourage entrepreneurship in our country, the Minister added.

. The Conference was attended by Shri Ratan P Watal, Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Shri Hemant Contractor, Chairman, PFRDA, Shri R V Verma, Whole Time Member (WTM- Finance), PFRDA and Dr. B S Bhandari, WTM (Economics), PFRDA.

Eaerlier speaking on the occasion, Chairman PFRDA, Shri Hemant Contractor, commended the substantial improvement in performance of Central Government Ministries under NPS. He stated that the attractive market based returns have added to the stakeholder confidence. He raised two pertinent issues for the participating members which impact the final pension receivable by a Government subscriber which include efficiency in handling of subscriber contribution & its timely deployment for investment, and ensuring full coverage of all government subscribers including autonomous bodies.

Shri Ratan P Watal, Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance emphasised on the dual responsibility of PFRDA as a regulator and developer of the pension industry. Shri Watal stressed the process orientation of NPS and emphasised the important role of FAs/CCAs in terms of early enrolment and timely contribution, upload and redressal of subscribers grievances. He further advised the FAs/CCAs to carry-out periodic reviews on the implementation of NPS and performance of the scheme under the above parameters specifically.

Shri R V Verma, Whole Time Member (WTM- Finance), while summing- up emphasised the need for discipline of remitting of the subscriber contribution especially in view of the enhanced role of the Government nodal officers as envisaged in the regulations and the provisions of the Act . He sought the cooperation of Government to suggest the way forward for providing individual choices of pension funds and investment pattern for Government Subscribers. He stressed on the need for enhancing capacity building of the nodal officers so that they could in turn enable the financial literacy and awareness of the subscribersMinistry of Labour & Employment29-January, 2015 18:23 IST Union Labour Minister Shri Bandaru Dattatreya Inaugurates Special Corporate Office of EPFO i