Digital Technology is the Future of Film Industry

Director of the film ‘Bharat Mazza Desh Aahe’ (India is my Country) Sumitra Bhave has said that the film was shot on digital format and she was happy that it has been accepted by the film industry. She was speaking about the making of the film while addressing a press conference here today. Vikram Gokhale, the lead actor of the film said that digital technology is the future of film industry. He stated that we need to introspect and cleanse ourselves of any traces of corruption present within us. Sunil Sukthankar, Director-Producer of the film, Devika Daftardar, Actor and Amol, Cameraperson of the film also addressed the press conference. The film, they said, was produced in a very short time frame and with a budget of a few lakhs.

The film ‘Bharat Mazza Desh Aahe’depicts a story of a middle-class family dealing with value problems within the family and simultaneously experiencing the everyday corruption possibilities in their social life. Going through the experience of “Andolan” their introspection helps them to discover a positive, non-corrupt and morally strong value based way of life.

Tackling Cyber Crime

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has a specific unit, which deals with the cyber crime cases falling under the jurisdiction of the Union Territories. The Cyber Crime Investigation Cell (CCIC) set up by CBI, investigates cyber crime cases and help respective police organizations in implementation of laws addressing cyber crime and cyber frauds. The efforts of the State Governments are supplemented by the Central Government through regular training of their personnel on ‘Cyber Crime Investigation’ at various training institutions, like the CBI Academy at Ghaziabad, SVPNPA at Hyderabad, NCRB at New Delhi, NEPA at Barapani, LNJNNICFS at New Delhi, CDTS at Chandigarh & Hyderabad and GEQD, Hyderabad.

Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and therefore, the State Governments are primarily responsible for prevention, detection, registration and investigation of crimes including cyber crime and for prosecuting the criminals through the machinery of their law enforcement agencies. Cyber crime cells have been set up by various State Governments.

Tourist Visa on Arrival for Citizens of Eleven Countries

The Government of India has provided Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA) facility for the citizens of 11 countries viz. Japan, Singapore, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia for promotion of tourism in the country. 16289 nationals of above mentioned countries availed the TVOA facility upto October, 2011.

No formal request has been received in the Ministry Home Affairs to provide facility of TVOA, from any other country.

Foreign Investment in Power Sector

The present installed power generation capacity in the country as on 31.10.2011 is 182689.62 MW. Thermal power projects of 78545 MW and hydro power projects of 15707 MW are under construction in the country for likely commissioning during 11th and 12th Plan.

In order to attract foreign investments in the power sector, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) upto 100% is permitted under automatic route for projects of electricity generation (except atomic energy), transmission, distribution and power trading.

Major contributing countries to the FDI equity inflows during this period are France, Mauritius, Singapore, UAE, United Kingdom, USA and Morocco. US $330.99 million of FDI equity has been received from USA in the power sector during April 2008 to September, 2011.

ECI Plans to Engage With Citizens & Voters Through Social Media Soon

The Election Commission of India (ECI) organized a one day workshop on Social Media for Voters Participation for integrating citizens with the electoral process through the popular social media on the internet particularly the youth. It was held here yesterday at the newly created India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIDEM) at the initiative of the SVEEP (Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation) Division of the Commission. The workshop was inaugurated by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr. S.Y. Quraishi. There were about 70 participants including senior officers of the Election Commission, Chief Electoral Officers of states, representatives of various organizations like Google, UNICEF, Universities, advertising agencies, IT organizations, media houses, NSS, Government Organizations, NGOs and other reputed institutions. This was the first time a workshop on these lines was organized by the Election Commission of India.

The workshop discussed modalities of Election Commission of India’s engagement with internet based social media like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Blogs etc., which is to commence very soon.

The Chief Election Commissioner of India underlined that higher participation of voters and ethical voting are the key to strengthening electoral democracy. He underlined that Commission has developed and implemented a strong agenda on voter’s education and expenditure control and would like its proposed reforms on decriminalization of elections to become a reality at the earliest. He called upon voters to turnout in high numbers and select good candidates instead of castigating politicians. Dr. S.Y. Quraishi said voter education will address the citizen’s need in all three areas: information, motivation and facilitation.

Dr. S.Y. Quraishi commended the SVEEP division for ensuring consistent increase in voter’s turnout in the last general elections in seven states through scientific research and programme interventions. The CEC announced that the campaigns will be made even more vigorous to fill the gaps in registration in various age groups, reduce gender inequalities and maximize voter’s turnout. He highlighted the strength and spread of social media and observed that the Election Commission cannot overlook its outreach. The CEC concluded saying that measures like engagement with social media will contribute to India’s step up, from being the largest democracy to the greatest democracy.

The Election Commissioner, Sh. V.S Sampath in his valedictory remarks described social media as a new area for the Commission which is full of possibilities. He hoped that the goals and objectives of the Commission will be advanced through dissemination of information on social media.

Sh. Akshay Rout, Director General outlined the range of initiatives and activities taken up by the SVEEP Division since its inception and pointed to the challenges lying ahead in forms of electoral participation of citizens. The workshop in groups dealt with the themes of (i) Content Creation (ii) Monitoring and Feedback Mechanism (iii) Implementation Structure (iv) Integration with ECI website (v) Launch Strategy and came out with recommendations. It concluded that Election Commission of India should start engaging with all citizens and voters through the social media at the earliest in a well thought out and planned manner in order to achieve its objectives.

18 Seed Banks Operating in the Country

Eighteen seed banks are being operated in the country through State Seeds Corporations, State Departments of Agriculture and through the two national public sector undertakings namely State Farms Corporation of India (SFCI) and National Seeds Corporation (NSC). These banks exist in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Kerala.

The existing seeds banks are adequate to fulfill the requirement of farmers.

High Density Routes on Indian Railways Network

There are 7 High Density routes on the Indian Railway network which are Delhi-Howrah, Delhi-Mumbai, Mumbai-Howrah, Howrah-Chennai, Mumbai-Chennai, Delhi-Guwahati and Delhi-Chennai.

Railways are undertaking a large number of capacity augmentation works such as doubling, new lines, gauge conversion, construction of 3rd and 4th lines, provision of automatic signalling, upgradation of station signals, provision of loop lines, conversion of halt to crossing stations, provision of Intermediate block signaling, electrification, strengthening of tracks, yard remodelling, construction of fly-overs and bye-pass lines to ease congestion on the network especially on the High Density routes.

Historic Agreement Signed between Centre, Assam Govt. and UPDS

A tripartite Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was signed today between the Central Government, Government of Assam and United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) in the presence of Union Home Minister Shri P. Chidambaram and Assam Chief Minister Shri Tarun Gogoi. Calling it a historic moment, the Union Home Minister said that this MoS provides for enhanced autonomy for Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in Assam and also a special package for speedier socio-economic and educational development of the area for which the Council has been set up. Government has always shown its willingness to enter into dialogue with any group, that is willing to abjure the path of violence and place its demand within the framework of the Constitution of India.

Speaking on the occasion Shri P. Chidambaram said that in the past, violence marked the agitation of the UPDS that was intended to attract the attention of the Government towards the backwardness of the Karbi Anglong District. After realizing futility of the violence, in August 2002, UPDS came forward and expressed its willingness to give up violence and seek solution of its problems peacefully within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

In November 2009, in order to speed up the peace process, Government appointed Shri P.C. Haldar as Interlocutor/Government of India’s Representative to negotiate with the UPDS for addressing their grievances. After several round of discussions, negotiating team comprising the Representatives of Government of Assam, Ministry of Home Affairs and UPDS finalized tripartite agreement, which has been signed today.

Shri P. Chidambaram said that negotiations with factions of the DHD are continuing and are near the final stage. Tripartite agreements with them would be signed shortly. The Union Home Minister said talks with ULFA and NDFB/Progressive are also continuing. Recently, we have authorized Shri P.C. Haldar to initiate peace process with NDFB(Ranjan Daimary) Group.

Wishing for a peaceful and developed State of Assam in near future, the Union Home Minister congratulated the people of Assam including Karbi Anglong District, for showing maturity and wisdom and recognizing the importance of peace for overall socio – economic development. He urged all groups to give up violence and come forward to find peaceful solution to all their perceived problems .

The salient features of the MOS are:

(a) Setting up of a committee under Assam Legislative Assembly as envisaged under Article 371B of the Constitution of India;

(b) Renaming of existing Council as Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC);

(c) Increasing seats in the Council upto 50 members of which 6 will be nominated by Governor for more representation (presently 30 seats out of which 4 nominated by Governor). However, proposed increase in seats from existing 26 to 44 elected seats and also nominated seats shall be applicable subsequent election to the Council due in 2016-17 or mid-term poll, if any, whichever is earlier.

(d) Setting up of Village Councils for deepening democratic process at the grass root level

(e) Transfer of additional subjects by the State of Assam to the Council along with legislation and executive powers;

(f) Setting up of State Finance Commission (SFC) and consideration of higher fund allocation to the council to undertake viable activity;

(g) Strict adherence to establish norms of financial management, proper audit of the accounts, etc.

(h) Measures for socio-economic, education, health, and cultural development;

(i) Special economic package of Rs.350 crore (Rs.70 cr. p.a.) over and above the plan fund over the next 5 years to KAATC for identified projects;

(j) Improvement of road connectivity , water supply and supply of power in Karbi Anglong District under existing schemes;

(k) Providing one-time grant for capacity building in KAATC for preparation of DPR etc.

(l) Rehabilitation of UPDS cadres; Withdrawal of cases relating to heinous crimes shall be reviewed case by case according to existing policy for withdrawal of such cases. Implementation of MoS will be reviewed periodically.

Amendments will be made in the relevant paragraphs of the Sixth Schedule for (b) to (f) above and other executive orders will be issued to implement the other provisions of MoS.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which became operative with effect from 1st April, 2010, prescribed that Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) in schools should be maintained as per the following specified levels:

A. For classes 1 to V:

(i) Two teachers for upto sixty admitted children

(ii) Three teachers for 61-90 children

(iii) Four teachers for 91-120 children

(iv) Five teachers for 121-200 children

(v) One head Teacher, other than the five teachers, if the number of admitted children exceeds 150 and the PTR (excluding Head Teacher) shall not exceed forty if the number of admitted children is above 200.

B. (i) At least one teacher per class so that there shall be at least one teacher each for (a) Science and Mathematics: (b) Social Studies: and (c) Languages.

(ii) At least one teacher for every 35 children:

(iii) Where admission of children is above 100, there shall be (a) a full time head-teacher and (b) part time instructors for Art Education, Health & Physical Education and Work Education.

Since inception Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in 2001-02, 19.14 lakh posts of teachers have been sanctioned till October, 2011. The PTR at National level has improved from 36 at Elementary level in 2005-06 to 33 and 31 at Primary and Upper Primary level respectively as per District Information System, for Education (DISE) n- 2009-10.

Proposals to Provide Aakash Tablets to Students

The National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT) aims to leverage the potential of ICT in providing high-quality, personalized and interactive knowledge modules over the internet in any-time, any-where mode. To do so, a computing device that was low in cost but rich in features, was seen as an imperative. The low cost tablet PC ‘Aakash’ launched by Government will bring down the digital divide to a good extent.

In the XI Plan, under NMEICT, there is a provision for providing 50% subsidy to colleges and universities for procuring computing devices like ‘Aakash’ as per their requirements. The colleges and universities could then issue these devices to financially weak students from the library on the pattern of the Book Bank Scheme. Thus, the individual subsidy to poor students like SC, ST and OBC for buying Aakash tablets may not be needed.

Reservation for Women in Panchayats

The States of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tripura and Uttarakhand have provided 50% reservation for women in Panchayats.

In order to enhance the reservation for women in Panchayats from existing one third to not less than one half, a Constitution Amendment Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha in November 2009. This Bill was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development by Speaker. The Report of the Standing Committee was considered by the Government and keeping in view their recommendations, an Official Amendment has been formulated to the Original Amendment Bill, to make the reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes proportionate to their rural population.

The Constitution has provided for reservation of not less than one third seats and offices of Chairpersons of Panchayati Raj Institutions(PRIs) for women. As such, the Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) are not mere proxy for male relatives but statutorily empowered to hold seats and offices in PRIs. Though no survey has been got conducted in this regard by this Ministry, instructions have been issued to all States that it is the responsibility of the Panchayat Officers/Secretaries not to allow the relatives to attend Panchayat meetings by proxy. It has also been conveyed to them that Officers/Secretaries who allow relatives to attend instead of office bearers are also equally guilty of allowing such interference and the defaulting Officers/Secretaries should be proceeded against departmentally.

Cinestar Shahrukh Khan will grace the Inauguration of 42nd International Film Festival of India - 2011

Official Poster of the Festival Launched
Super Cinestar Shahrukh Khan will grace the 42nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which is scheduled to be held in Goa from 23rd November to 3rd December 2011. This was stated by Shri Shankar Mohan, Director, IFFI, at the launching of official poster of IFFI-11. He said that with the theme ‘Vasudeva Kutumbakam’ which means the whole world is one family, the festival aims to make it the numero uno festival in the world. IFFI is a brand which has announced the growth of Indian Cinema and its acceptability across the world. The poster of IFFI has been designed by Shri Thota Tharani representing the ‘purity of thought, freshness and progress’. The festival brings together a goldmine of artistic films and a platform for acclaimed international cinematic geniuses to communicate in this ten day mega festival, Shri Shankar Mohan added.

Organized by the Government of India in association with Goa State Government and International Film Festival of India, the festival showcases the best of Indian cinematic excellence. Southern super star Suriya will add spice to the closing ceremony. Presenting these pearls, the Indian Panorama will be opened with the screening of “Urumi’ and will host Indian movies like “Ranjana Ami Ar Asbo Na’, ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ and many more. The festival would also include Retrospective Section, 3D and animation movies as well as screening movies from across the world. Some of them have won accolades at Cannes, Locarno a d Montreal. There would also be a special ‘Master Class’ session to explain nuances by cinema professionals to the session guests.

A landmark year for IFFI-2011 and the Indian Film fraternity, the festival this year will showcase over 100 movies from 65 countries of world and will see various firsts which is the stepping stone of IFFI’s vision to make the festival the best in the world.

Railway Minister Announces Fresh Measures to Prevent Misuse of Tatkal Travel Scheme

The advance reservation period of Tatkal scheme should be reduced from two days at present to one day excluding the day of journey from the train originating station. For example, if train is to depart from the originating station on the second of the month, the Tatkal quota for that particular train shall open at 0800 hours on the first of the month

There shall be no refund on confirmed Tatkal tickets subject to the exceptions such as cancellation of trains, late running of trains, etc. This is proposed on account of the following reasons :-

Advance reservation period of Tatkal is very short i.e. approximately one day. It is expected that the passenger would have a firm programme of travel before booking the Tatkal ticket.

To prevent misuse of Tatkal ticket by unscrupulous elements by resorting to speculative booking...........

No duplicate Tatkal tickets shall be issued. Duplicate Tatkal tickets shall be issued only in exceptional cases on payment of full fare including Tatkal charges.

Agents / RTSAs shall be restricted from the booking Tatkal tickets at the counters between 0800 hrs. and 1000 hrs. This restriction shall be enforced through frequent inspection at the counters. The agents both web service agents and web agents shall also be restricted from booking Tatkal tickets on the internet between 0800 hrs. and 1000 hrs.

Even for internet booking for Tatkal tickets, the passenger shall enter the identity proof type and number, which is to be used for travel. These details shall be printed on the ERS as well as the chart for Tatkal tickets.
There shall be only four passengers per PNR for Tatkal tickets.

The web services agents of IRCTC will be permitted to book only one Tatkal ticket per train per day on the internet.

Tatkal tickets shall be sold only on production of one of the eight prescribed Identity cards as proof of identity. For this purpose, a self attested photo copy of the identity card on which the passenger(s) proposes to travel shall be attached to the requisition slip. The details of the identity proof shall be captured by the system and indicated on the reserved tickets as well on the chart. It will not be mandatory for the passengers to go to the counter to book the Tatkal ticket, however, the proof will have to be sent in the aforementioned manner. During the journey, the passenger will have to produce original proof of identity indicated on the ticket. In future, when AADHAAR is operational, the issue of Tatkal tickets will be linked to AADHAAR

Measurement Systems in Media need to be Robust and Reflective of Demographic Reality

DAVP to be Professionalised to Match Private Sector- Ambika Soni
Minister Inaugurates Adasia 2011 Conference.

Smt. Ambika Soni, Minister for Information & Broadcasting has said, measurement of parameters was critical to the growth of advertising sector. However, media measurement systems in readership as well as TV ratings need to be robust and reflective of the country’s demographic realities and its socio-cultural and economic diversities. In view of the given situation, the measurement process needs to be constantly assessed and upgraded. Elaborating further, the Minister stated, that everyone was conscious of the priorities of the advertisers who as part of their business plans intended to spend their resources in the right places at the right time and at the right prices. A case in point was the rapid growth of the advertising market which had grown from under Rs. 10,000 crores to almost Rs. 30,000 crores in the last 10 years, a growth rate which many countries would envy. The Minister stated this while delivering the inaugural address at the ‘AdAsia 2011 Conference’ here today.

Highlighting the business opportunities available in the media and entertainment industry, the Minister said the policy initiatives undertaken recently offered a perfect platform for growth. The growth in the Print Media Sector reflected the growing literacy levels in the country with more than 107 million copies of newspapers circulated daily. Similarly, in India, over a 100 million users accessed the internet, a number which was growing exponentially. In order to facilitate greater access to communication facilities at the grass roots level, the Government recently approved the creation of a National Optical Fiber Network for providing Broadband connectivity to the lowest rung of administration at the village level.

Elaborating further, Smt. Soni said the numbers in the Broadcast industry, both radio and TV spoke of the growth levels. From 10 TV channels to 800 channels at national and regional levels, in more than 20 major languages, TV today was covering approximately a 140 million homes and with the introduction of Digital Addressable Systems in the Cable TV services, leading to a complete sunset of the analogue cable TV services by 31st December 2014, quality of services was bound to improve. FM-III policy offered opportunities with over 839 radio stations covering over 280 cities, which had a population of over hundred thousand.

On the advertising initiatives of the Government, the Minister said that the Ministry was in the process of revamping the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) in an effort to horn its skills and professional abilities to match the private sectors’ capabilities. The initiatives of the Government regarding the Bharat Nirman campaigns and the ‘Incredible India’ campaigns both nationally and internationally had created a positive impression and brand equity for the Government’s initiatives.

During the course of her address, the Minister also referred to advertising being an integral part of the freedom of expression. She emphasized that the current scenario, it was impossible in a democracy to separate the freedom of publishing or broadcasting news, opinions or entertainment, from the freedom of advertising. Nonetheless, as a tool it was critical to use it with sensitivity and responsibility as the interest of the consumer was paramount.

Smt. Soni also called upon the assembled advertising fraternity to utilize the platform of Corporate Social Responsibility for devising messages especially in the areas of health and education for betterment of weaker sections of society in collaboration with private advertisers. New mediums, like Community Radio System, should be utilized to enable direct access to the beneficiary groups in a large country like India.

Official amendments to the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Amendment Bill, 2010

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for pursuing the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Amendment Bill, 2010 pending in Rajya Sabha in Parliament for its enactment and also to move the official amendments in the Rajya Sabha. Cabinet also approved the action taken on the recommendations made in the Eighteenth Report on “Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Amendment Bill, 2010” of the Standing Committee on Information Technology.

The Cabinet further approved the amendment to section 11(2) of the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Amendment Bill, 2010 pending in the Rajya Sabha by the addition of the words “and until their retirement” at the end of the section. This will make the status of the employees recruited between 23.11.1997 and 05.10.2007, i.e., they are on deemed deputation to Prasar Bharati till their retirement absolutely clear and unambiguous.

The Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Amendment Bill 2010 has been introduced in the Rajya Sabha in August, 2010. The Bill is for making amendments to the existing section 11 of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, regarding “Transfer of service of existing employees to the Corporation”, which deals with the transfer of services of employees to Prasar Bharati upon its creation as a Corporation in the year 1997

PM's speech at the Governors' Conference

I am happy to address the closing session of this conference. Over the course of the last two days, we have seen some very useful presentations by Union Ministers in diverse areas- Law and Order, Defence, Finance, Agriculture, Scheduled Areas, Women and Children, Education and External Affairs and so on. We have also had the opportunity to know the views of Governors on these very important issues. I am sure all of us will go back from this conference not only with a better perspective on the critical challenges that face our nation, but also with a better appreciation of special State specific problems. Collectively, Governors represent a vast repository of experience and expertise and it is only appropriate that we all benefit from their wisdom through conferences as the present one.

Let me refer to the discussion in the conference about the role of Governors and how it can be made more useful. I gather that there is a perception among Governors that the Central Government does not pay attention to their advice. Let me suggest that this perception is not totally correct, though I agree that there is scope for benefitting more from the analysis and advice of Governors. While it may not be possible for me to read all the monthly reports that Governors send, I do go through those which I feel could touch upon issues of critical importance. A summary of most of the remaining reports is also seen by me. But as I said, I agree that we could make more use of the information conveyed and suggestions made by Governors.

Suggestions were made yesterday for placing former Governors appropriately in the Warrant of Precedence and for better delivery of health services to them. I am sure the Home Minister has taken note of these suggestions. Hon'ble Governor of Andhra Pradesh and some others spoke on the need for more clarity on their role as Chancellors of State Universities and in relation to Central Universities. Indeed, they emphasised that these roles should be more substantial and useful. Though the Hon'ble Minister for Human Resource Development is not present, I will request him to very carefully examine these suggestions.

Over the last seven and a half years or so, our Government has strived for high economic growth along with inclusion. We have been reasonably successful in our efforts, despite at times facing an adverse international environment. The global economic slowdown of 2008-09 did affect us but not as much as other countries. The resources generated from the high economic growth that we have achieved have been ploughed back in massive programmes for inclusion, especially in the fields of rural development, education and health. We will continue on this path in the Twelfth Plan, with special emphasis on sustainability and fiscal prudence. I endorse the emphasis laid by the Finance Minister on the needs for fiscal consolidation.

We are looking at significantly enhancing our focus on development of infrastructure during the 12th Plan by mobilizing the private sector in a big way while simultaneously increasing public investment. We are paying special attention to speedily finding solutions to endemic problems in coal, power generation and distribution, and availability of fertilizers. With the recent announcement of the National Manufacturing Policy and our ongoing focus on skill development and other initiatives, it is my belief that we will be able to strengthen the manufacturing sector during the 12th Plan period.

The immediate challenge before us today is how to sustain a high growth path, while keeping inflation in check. The international economic environment that we face today is not very encouraging. The world economy is slowing down. The locomotive economies of USA, Western Europe and Japan are faced with sluggish growth prospects and instability. There is growing uncertainty in West Asia and North Africa. We face rising oil and commodity prices in international markets. We need to take into account all these factors while formulating our strategies for sustaining our growth processes.

High food price inflation has been a particular cause for worry in the recent months. As I have said on a number of occasions earlier, in the longer term the key to tackling rising food prices lies in increasing productivity and production in agriculture and allied sectors. We have taken a number of steps in this direction in the Eleventh Plan and these will be further strengthened in the Twelfth Plan. Meanwhile, our Government and the Reserve Bank of India will continue to take the required fiscal and monetary measures to ease inflationary pressures.

I would like to repeat here what I said a couple of days earlier while addressing Chief Ministers of States. We should guard against a mood of negativism. Our past record in dealing with difficult situations and our achievements should give us the confidence that collectively we can meet any challenge that comes our way. Indeed, there should be no doubt that we, as a nation, have the ability to deal with the most difficult of situations.

The challenges to the maintenance of law and order and controlling terrorism and Left Wing Extremism in the country remain formidable. The Home Minister has given a lucid account of how we plan to meet these challenges. They have both external and internal dimensions. Seventeen of our States have international land borders. Also, our long coast line is shared by nine States and four Union Territories. Infiltration by terrorists, illegal migration and smuggling are the main problems we face along our borders. Our Government has endeavoured to enhance border security through a number of measures. These include fencing and floodlighting, construction of roads along the borders and creation of additional Border Out Posts. Hon'ble Governor of Punjab and Rajasthan mentioned about the need for border fencing of additional stretches and we will look into his suggestion. It was also pointed out that the Border Roads Organization was overburdened with work which was affecting its performance. I am sure the Hon'ble Defence Minister will look into this issue. Our Government has been working for greater cooperation with our neighbouring countries in tackling the problems we face at our borders. The signing of the Protocol to the Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 and putting in place the Coordinated Border Management Plan with Bangladesh are examples of what is possible through such cooperation.

Left Wing Extremism continues to pose a major threat to our internal security. Concerted efforts made by the Centre and the States in the past few years have shown some positive results. The quantum of violence in the current year has declined in comparison to the corresponding period last year. The steps we have taken to tackle the problem of Left Wing Extremism include deployment of additional Central forces, raising specialized forces and imparting training to State police personnel in counter insurgency, jungle warfare and anti-terrorism operations. But the extent of success we achieve through these measures depends critically on coordination between the Centre and States and between different States. We need to share intelligence on a real time basis and to coordinate police action across inter-State borders. Here I would like to emphasize the need to ensure that Left Wing Extremism does not spread to additional areas of our country. Hon'ble Governor of Assam pointed out to a possibility of such expansion in Assam and both the Central and State Governments should jointly ensure that this does not happen.

Those parts of our country that are affected by Left Wing Extremism also happen to be more backward and poor, and many of them have predominant tribal population. It is deprivation and extreme poverty that sometimes gives rise to Naxalism. We recognise that we also need to address the development deficit in areas affected by Left Wing Extremism, if we are to deal effectively with this challenge. As mentioned by the Home Minister, better policing and development have to be twin engines of a coordinated strategy. Our Government has launched the Integrated Action Plan for tribal and other backward areas, under which an outlay of Rs. 55 crore has been made available to each of the identified 60 districts, for augmenting development efforts over a two-year period. Further expansion of this scheme to additional districts is under consideration. We need to ensure that these funds are used to address the felt needs of the local people, particularly those belonging to the marginalized and weaker sections. The suggestion to focus on the block rather than the district as a unit for planning will be considered.

Governors have a direct and critical role to play in ensuring speedy development of the Scheduled Areas. The efficacy of the special Constitutional arrangements for the tribal population is borne out by the progressive expansion in the notified Scheduled areas and the gradual increase in the devolution of powers to such areas. These efforts have played a very significant role in addressing the longstanding demands and aspirations of our tribal brothers and sisters, especially those belonging to the Northeast. Whereas Governors have been given special responsibility for the administration of the Scheduled areas, with the passage of time, the roots of local democratic governance in such areas have also deepened. In the Fifth Schedule areas, the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA, has ensured a greater say for the population in both local governance and control over community resources. In the Sixth Schedule areas, the process of regular elections, coupled with greater devolution of funds and functions, has strengthened the Tribal Councils. Democratic processes and popular participation need to be further encouraged in the Scheduled areas. The growth of local democracy in these areas also necessitates a recalibration of the manner in which Governors discharge their special responsibilities. Initiatives that have a direct bearing on the inhabitants of such areas need greater attention and support. Particular attention must be given to effective implementation of the provisions of PESA and the Forests Rights Act. The relaxations recently granted under the Forest Conservation Act for expediting developmental works and the powers given to panchayats in respect of access to bamboo produce need to be fully utilized.

Our development strategy lays special attention to ensuring that the fruits of development are shared equitably. In this context, effective implementation of development programmes for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes, religious minorities, women and children assumes great importance. I urge Governors to take active interest in the implementation of these development programmes. Governors can perform the role of being eyes and ears of the Central Government in evaluating the effectiveness of major development programmes. As Chancellors of State Universities, they should take active interest in toning up the quality and administration of higher education in their states. As I have already stated earlier, the suggestions made by Governors in this regard will be carefully examined.

The past year has seen a record level of foodgrains production. Production of wheat, maize and pulses separately too has touched record levels, as has oilseeds production. As pointed out by Shri Sharad Pawar, enhancement of minimum support prices, expansion in agricultural credit, substantial public investment in irrigation and transfer of crop production technologies are some of the initiatives that have helped achieve these record levels. In the Eleventh Plan our agriculture is expected to grow at about 3.5 percent per annum, as compared to 2.2 percent in the Tenth Plan. All these are very encouraging signs. However, the challenges that Indian agriculture faces are enormous. To meet the expected demand in the year 2020-21, our foodgrains production needs to grow at 2 percent per annum. This requirement has to be seen in contrast to the achieved average growth of 1 percent per annum during the 10 year period 1997-98 to 2006-07. Many parts of our country that witnessed the Green Revolution are suffering from problems of environmental degradation. In many other regions, particularly in the Eastern parts of our country, yields continue to be lower than what is attainable. Because a significant part of our agricultural growth has to come through application of new technologies and knowledge, we need to focus more on agricultural Research and Development, while simultaneously working for better availability of quality seeds, enhanced irrigation facilities, and improved extension services. We need more and better storage facilities. We need to remove some of the existing barriers to the free flow of agricultural products and to strengthen and streamline their marketing. I would urge Governors to encourage their States to make the required amendments to the Agricultural Produce Market Committees Act, if they have not already done so. We need a second Green Revolution that is broad based and inclusive. Several Governors have made useful suggestions for the development of agriculture. These will be carefully considered by the Government. About 60 percent of cropped area is rainfed and therefore this second Green Revolution must effectively increase yields in the rainfed areas. There is also an urgent need to increase the water use efficiency so that the benefits of irrigation accrue to an increased area. The National Rainfed Areas Authority has helped augment institutional expertise and capacity at the national level for rainfed areas. A Rainfed Area Development Programme has been launched this year and it offers a complete package of activities for adoption of Integrated Farming System approaches. This is especially expected to benefit small and marginal farmers. For enhancement of productivity of pulses and oilseeds in rainfed areas, a programme of 60,000 Pulses and Oilseed Villages was started in 2010-11. A new initiative has been taken up for promotion of millets.

One of the items on the agenda for this conference is the issue of ragging. The practice of subjecting promising young men and women to physical, psychological and emotional abuse cannot be tolerated in any civilized society. We must collectively do everything that is required to end this menace. The Supreme Court issued clear directions in May 2009 for curbing incidents of ragging, and our Government has taken several steps to check this practice. As Chancellors of the university system, Governors have a special responsibility to ensure that this menace is rooted out once and for all. It needs to be made unambiguously clear to the authorities of educational institutions, other enforcement agencies, and the student community, that there is zero tolerance to ragging of any kind. Hon'ble Governor of Meghalaya and some other Governors mentioned the discrimination that students from the North East face when they come to study in Delhi. This has to be seen in the general context of complaints of discriminatory treatment to our citizens from the North Eastern States when they choose to live in other parts of the country. Our Government stands committed to the physical and emotional integration of our North Eastern States into the mainstream of development. I would request the Home Minister to look into these issues again and do whatever more is required to address them.

There have been many other suggestions which I have not mentioned. They cover a large range of areas – agriculture, tourism, security, education, social welfare schemes and so on. Many of these suggestions are from Governors of North Eastern States. Hon'ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh emphasized upon the need for exploiting the tourism potential of the State and consultation with the State Government in certain matters of foreign policy, Hon'ble Governor of Meghalaya said that the unacceptably poor quality of telecommunications in the border areas needs improvement, Hon'ble Governor of Nagaland spoke of the need for better rail and air connectivity to the State and so on. Some of the issues raised by Governors have already been addressed by my Cabinet colleagues in their presentations and responses. You have my assurance that we will carefully follow up on the remaining issues.

Our efforts for rapid progress and development can have their full impact only if we curb corruption in public life and improve the processes of governance. I believe this is the right time to move decisively in this direction. Our Government will do its utmost to improve transparency and accountability in the work of public authorities. We are committed to take all possible measures to curb corruption in administration and deliver good governance to our citizens. Apart from the Lokpal Bill, a bill to amend the Land Acquisition Act has also been introduced in the Parliament. We are working for enacting a law to bring more transparency and accountability into our procurement systems. I expect the State Governments also to act similarly so that these efforts touch all levels of governance in all parts of our country.

Let me end by thanking all of you for what has been a very useful exchange of views and ideas. We hope to continue benefitting from the knowledge, wisdom and experience of Governors. I wish you all the best in your efforts to contribute to the processes of nation building. May God bless your path.”