Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy Takes Over as Minister of State for Railways

Shri Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy has taken over as Minister of State for Railways here today i.e. 29th October 2012. Shri Reddy is a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) constituency.

Born on 18th September 1951 in Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), Shri Reddy did his graduation from Nizam College, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Shri Reddy was elected to the 10th Lok Sabha in the year 1991 and re-elected to the 14th Lok Sabha (second term) in the year 2004. He was re-elected to 15th Lok Sabha (third term) in the year 2009.

Shri Reddy has served as Member of various Parliamentary Committees which included Committee on Estimates, Committee on Agriculture, Committee on Water Resources, Committee on Government Assurances. He was also Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. He was also Member, Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Shri Reddy took part in various social, cultural and welfare activities. He takes interest in sports. He has also visited various countries abroad.

Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal Takes Over as Minister of Railways

Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal assumed charge as the Union Minister of Railways here today i.e. October 29, 2012. Prior to this, Shri Bansal was Union Minister of Parliament Affairs and Water Resources. He is a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Chandigarh constituency. Immediately after assuming the office, the Shri Bansal was briefed by Shri Vinay Mittal, Chairman Railway Board, Board Members and senior officers on various important issues concerning the Railway ministry including the priority areas.

Shri Bansal held the office of Minister of State for Finance and Parliamentary Affairs in the previous UPA Government. He was re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha and elevated as Cabinet Minister of Parliamentary Affairs in the current Central Government.

Shri Bansal is a law graduate from Punjab University, Chandigarh and is Advocate by profession. He was elected as Member, Rajya Sabha in 1984 and served as Member of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, Rajya Sabha during 1984-86, Member on Panel of Vice-Chairmen, Rajya Sabha and Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Human Resource Development from 1985-87. He was elected to the 10th Lok Sabha in 1991, and re-elected to 13th Lok Sabha for the second term in 1999 and 14th Lok Sabha for the third term in 2004. He also served as Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 83rd Constitution Amendment Bill and Representation of People (Amendment) Bill as well as Chairman of the Committee on Communications and Committee on Privileges etc.

He took interest in various social and welfare activities which included Youth Camps, Medical Aid camps, Legal Aid programmes, National Integration and Communal Harmony programmes, Education, Environment and Electoral Reforms. As a widely travelled person, Shri Bansal was leader and Member of various Indian delegations and participated in various international conferences.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Takes Over as Minister of State for Railways

Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has taken over as Minister of State for Railways here today i.e. 29th October 2012. Shri Chowdhury is Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from Berhampur (West Bengal) constituency.

Born on April 02, 1956 in Berhampur, Distt. Murshidabad (West Bengal), Shri Chowdhury was Member, West Bengal Legislative Assembly from 1996-1999. In the year 1999, Shri Chowdhury was elected to 13th Lok Sabha. In the year 2004 he was re-elected to 14th Lok Sabha (second term) and in 2009 he was re-elected to 15th Lok Sabha (third term).

In addition, Shri Chowdhury has been member of various committees of the Parliament which included, Committee on Information Technology, Railway Convention Committee, Committee to review the Rate of Dividend Payable by the Railway Undertaking to the General Revenues, Committee on Estimates, Committee on Transport, Tourism & Culture. He was Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Food Processing.

He takes part in social and cultural activities like rendering service to the poor in the form of blood donation, flood relief and drought relief by setting up a club for the purpose, runs a public library. He also takes active participation in sports like Cricket and Football.

Jaipal Reddy takes over as Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Science

Shri Jaipal Reddy today took over as Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Science.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that he was excited in the intellectual sense to be in charge of this Ministry. “ I believe in the philosophy and the technology of science. I ardently share Nehru’s admiration for Science & Technology and offer my salutation to him for having laid the foundation of Science & Technology in the country”.

The Minister said that he aims to increases the number of scientific researchers from 1.54 lakhs to 2.54 lakhs in the 12th Plan period. He also aims to bring India to the 5th position in Global Science and Technology from the current 12th position within the next five years. The Minister outlined his priorities in the Ministry on the occasion.

Search for Information about Polling Station made Easier on ECI Website

Search for Information about Polling Station made Easier on ECI Website

 

            Election Commission of India in its constant endeavour to provide information and services to citizens in a hassle free manner has started a new service on the website of the Commission – www.eci.nic.in. Polling Station locations of National Capital Territory of Delhi and Himachal Pradesh have already been plotted on maps and can be seen by citizens when they visit the concerned page on the website of Election Commission of India. Polling Station locations of rest of the country are being plotted and will be available very soon on the website.

 

Steps to view polling station location and name & contact no of election officials:- 

 

1.      Go to ECI’s website  - http://www.eci.nic.in

2.      Click a tab named “Information Linked to Polling Station Maps” on the left hand side panel.

3.      Select State and District / Assembly Constituency / Polling Station

4.      Click on ‘Click Here’ button.

5.      After viewing a specific polling station pin.

6.      Click on the pin to view names and contact nos. of CEOs, DEOs, EROs and BLOs   

7.      A link is also provided to view electoral roll in pdf formats provided by the States.

Infant Mortality Rate Reduced to 44 Per 1000 Live Births during 2011

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has dropped by 3 points from 47 to 44 infant deaths per 1000 live births during 2011. As per October 2012 bulletin of the Sample Registration System (SRS) released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), the IMR for rural areas has dropped by 3 points from 51 to 48 infant deaths per 1000 live births while the Urban rate now stands at 29 from the previous 31/1000.

Among the states, Goa and Manipur have the lowest IMR of 11 infant deaths followed by Kerala with 12 infant deaths per 1000 live births. Madhya Pradesh has the highest IMR of 59/1000 followed by UP and Odisha with 57/1000 IMR. Assam, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Meghalaya have IMRs more than the national average of 44.

It may be mentioned that the Sample Registration System (SRS) is a large-scale demographic survey for providing reliable annual estimates of birth rate, death rate and other fertility & mortality indicators at the national and sub-national levels. The field investigation consists of continuous enumeration of births and deaths in selected sample units by anganwadi workers and teachers. An independent survey is also done by SRS supervisors every six months. The data obtained by these two independent functionaries are matched. The unmatched events are re-verified in the field and an unduplicated count of births and deaths is thus obtained. The SRS sample is replaced every ten years based on the latest census frame.

At present, SRS is operational in 7,597 sample units (4,433 rural and 3,164 urban) spread across all States and Union territories and covers about 1.5 million households and 7.35 million population.

I&B Ministry Monitors Digitization Progress

I&B Ministry Monitors Digitization Progress 85% Digitization achieved in Metros 85% achievement in Cable TV Digitization, with DTH it is 90%

           As per the latest figures computed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting  on Digitization for the four Metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, the percentage of digitization in the four Metro cities has reached 85% .  This figure has been achieved by considering digitization of only the Cable Homes. Taking into account DTH, the percentage of digitization has gone up to 90%.

Metro wise progress shows that Mumbai has nearly achieved 100% digitization.  Delhi has achieved 83% digitization of Cable Homes and with DTH, the percentage of digitization is 88%.  In Kolkata, Cable homes have reached 80% digitization and with DTH, the percentage of digitization goes up to 82%.    In Chennai, the Cable homes are showing 61% digitization and together with DTH, the percentage of digitization goes up to 85%. 

          It has also been observed that there is a sharp increase in the number of Set Top Boxes being installed in the homes of people.   In the last few days, the average number of STBs installed has jumped to almost 50,000 boxes per day.   As per the data provided by the DTH operators, the DTH sector has also been making a steady progress.  Daily installation of DTH connections in the above mentioned 4 metro cities has gone up to 8000 Boxes per day from an average of about 2000 Boxes a few weeks back.  The total number of DTH connections in the 4 metros is given in the Table below:

Delhi	Mumbai	Kolkata	Chennai	Total
9.88 lakhs	7.44 lakhs	3.15 lakhs	7.05 lakhs	27.52 lakhs

PM constitutes National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers

 

            The Prime Minister has constituted a coordination committee called the National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers, as a mechanism to coordinate action for the introduction of direct cash transfers to individuals under the various government schemes and programmes.

            The National Committee chaired by the Prime Minister will have as its members eleven Cabinet Ministers, two Ministers of State with independent charge, the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, the Chairman UIDAI, the Cabinet Secretary with the Principal Secretary to the PM as the convenor. The Prime Minister may invite any other Minister/Officer/Expert to any meeting of the Committee.

The National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers would engage in the following tasks:

a) Provide an overarching vision and direction to enable direct cash transfers of benefits under various government schemes and programmes to individuals, leveraging the investments being made in the Aadhaar Project, financial inclusion and other initiatives of the Government, with the objective of enhancing efficiency, transparency and accountability.

b) Determine broad policy objectives and strategies for direct cash transfers.

c) Identify Government programmes and schemes for which direct cash transfers to individuals can be adopted and suggest the extent and scope of direct cash transfers in each case.

d) Coordinate the activities of various Ministries/ Departments/ Agencies involved in enabling direct cash transfers and ensure timely, coordinated action to ensure speedy rollout of direct cash transfers across the country.

e) Specify timelines for the rollout of direct cash transfers.

f) Review the progress of implementation of direct cash transfers and provide guidance for mid-course corrections.

g) Any other related matter.

 The National Committee on Cash Transfers will be assisted by an Executive Committee on Direct Cash Transfers chaired by the Principal Secretary to PM and the Secretaries of the concerned Ministries and the DG UIDAI. The Secretary Planning Commission will be the convenor.

The Executive Committee on Direct Cash Transfers would engage in the following tasks:

a) Identify and propose for the consideration of the National Committee on Cash Transfers such Government programmes and schemes for which direct cash transfers to individuals can be adopted and suggest the extent and scope of direct cash transfers in each case.

b) Ensure the preparation of and approve strategies and action plans for the speedy rollout of direct cash transfers in areas agreed to and in line with the timelines laid down by the National Committee on Cash Transfers.

c) Coordinate the activities of various Ministries/ Departments / Agencies involved in enabling direct cash transfers to ensure that the architecture and framework for direct cash transfers is in place for rolling out direct cash transfers across the country.

d) Review and monitor the rollout of direct cash transfers and undertake mid-course corrections as and when necessary.

e) Any other related matter entrusted by the National Committee on Cash Transfers or relating to direct cash transfers.

            The Chairman may invite any other Officer/Expert to any meeting of the Executive Committee as may be necessary. The National Committee and the Executive Committee would be serviced by the Planning Commission, which may obtain assistance as required from any Ministry/Department/Agency of the Government in this task. The Planning Commission will designate an officer of the rank of Joint Secretary in the Planning Commission to coordinate and service the work of the National Committee and Executive Committee.

            In order to finalise the operational and implementation details relating to the design and implementation of the direct cash transfer system, and for ensuring a smooth roll-out of direct cash transfers in an orderly and timely fashion, Mission Mode Committees will be constituted.

These will be:

a) Technology Committee to focus on the  technology,  payment architecture and IT issues.

b) Financial Inclusion Committee to focus on ensuring universal access to banking and ensuring complete financial inclusion.

c) Implementation Committees on Electronic Transfer of Benefits at the Ministry/ Department level to work out the details of cash transfers for each department such as data bases, direct cash transfer rules and control and audit mechanisms.

The notifications for these three committees will be issued in due course.

The composition of the National Committee on Direct Cash Transfers is as follows:

1.      Prime Minister                                              -        Chairperson

2.      Finance Minister

3.      Minister of Communications & IT

4.      Minister of Rural Development

5.      Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment

6.      Minister of Human Resource Development

7.      Minister of Tribal Affairs

8.      Minister of Minority Affairs

9.      Minister of Health & Family Welfare

10.    Minister of Labour & Employment

11.    Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas

12.    Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers

13.    Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission

14.    Minister of State (i/c) of Food & Public Distribution

15.    Minister of State (i/c) of Women & Child Development

16.    Chairman, UIDAI

17.    Cabinet Secretary

18.    Principal Secretary to PM                                -        Convenor

Extension of Jiribam-Imphal Road (Tupul) new line to Imphal

The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure today approved the proposal of Ministry of Railways to extend the new broad guage line from Imphal Road (Tupul) to Imphal and the updated cost of the entire project as Rs.4444 crore to be funded as per the funding pattern of 25 percent from General Budgetary Support (GBS) for Railways and 75 percent from the Ministry of Finance.

The project will be completed by March 2016. An expenditure of Rs.682 crore was incurred till 31st March, 2011.

This project will cover Imphal East, Tamenglong and Senapati districts of Manipur.

This Jiribam-Imphal new line project on completion will provide rail connectivity to Imphal with the national mainstream. It would also make possible direct movement of freight/passenger from this region to other parts of the country.

Inclusion of Bedroll Charges in the Fare of Garib Rath Express

The Ministry of Railways has decided that the methodology followed regarding supply of bedrolls in Sleeper Class of Duronto Express trains should also be adopted for Garib Rath Express trains. The passengers will now be required to give the option for the bedrolls while booking ticket by Garib Rath express trains and pay requisite charges @ Rs. 25/- per bedroll at the Booking Counter itself. Similar provision will be made for passengers booking tickets through internet.

The above provisions for supply of bedrolls in Garib Rath Express trains shall be implemented on trial basis for a period of six months to assess the demand for bedrolls by these trains under the scheme.

At present, these bedrolls are supplied to the passengers on demand and charges collected separately from the passengers. Of late, frequent complaints are received from various sources regarding supply of used bedroll or half set of bedroll to the passengers, excess charging of passengers, non-issuance of receipt etc. Apart from causing discontent amongst passengers, this also leads to loss of revenue to the Railways.

Once the necessary modifications in the software are made, all Zonal Railways will be intimated the date of effect for the implementation of above mentioned scheme.

New Facility for Citizens to get Information about Polling Stations,

New Facility for Citizens to get Information about Polling Stations,
Electoral Rolls and Election Officers’ Names and Contact Phone Numbers on Maps on ECI Website

Election Commission of India in its constant endeavor to provide information and services to citizens in a hassle free manner has started a new service on the website of the Commission – www.eci.nic.in. Polling Station locations of National Capital Territory of Delhi and Himachal Pradesh have already been plotted on maps and can be seen by citizens when they visit the concerned page on the website of Election Commission of India. Polling Station locations of rest of the country are being plotted and will be available very soon on the website. A tab named “Information Linked to Polling Station Maps” has been provided on the left hand side panel of the website of the Commission. Citizens can visit the Polling Stations Maps page by clicking on this tab. Once on the page, citizens will see the names of States for which maps of polling stations are available. On clicking on the name of the State, the map page will open up. Citizens can select District, Assembly Constituency and Polling Station names from drop down lists and click a button to see Polling Station Locations of the selected area on the map viewer on the page. It is possible to zoom into any point on the map to increase the magnification by either double clicking on the map or by increasing the magnification on the left side on the map viewer. Users can activate the satellite image layer and even see the Polling Station buildings, and the roads leading to it. Polling Station Locations are seen as Pins dropped on the map for each Polling Station. On clicking on the Pin, a balloon opens up showing the names and cell phone numbers of the Chief Electoral Officer, District Election Officer, Electoral Registration Officer and Booth Level Officer. There is also a link provided for Electoral Rolls. On clicking this link, Electoral Roll for that Polling Station opens up in PDF format and can be saved by the user on his local computer and also printed from the local computer. The Commission hopes that electors and political parties will find this facility useful for the smooth and active participation in the electoral process

Good Governance at Various Levels Starts and Ends with Stakeholders or Citizens –V Narayansamy

International Capam Conference Inaugurated

Shri V. Naryansamy, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has said that good governance based on transparency and accountability at various levels starts and ends with stakeholders or citizens. Therefore, any system, policy or machinery would only succeed, if it is fully accountable to the stakeholders and its processes are transparent, citizens are engaged. Inaugurating the biennial International Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) Conference in New Delhi today, the Minister exhorted that the ideals of CAPAM reflect the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation. He stated that Commonwealth bridges all continents, embraces almost two billion people, and represents all the world’s major faiths. India’s relationship with the commonwealth countries has been primarily based on its historical relationships with these countries, values and common bonds. He also gave a glimpse of the initiatives taken by the Centre such as implementation of recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commission and the the Right to Information Act and various other legislative measures such as the Right of Citizens for Time Bound Delivery of Goods and Services, Redressal of their Grievances Bill, the Lok Pal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011, etc. He also said that CAPAM would play a leading role in extensive cooperation for transfer of human and financial resources, sharing of institutional knowledge and propagating information aimed at strengthening the democratic fiber. A book ‘Public Service in India - A Country Profile’ and a commemorative postal cover, were also released by the Minister on the occasion.

Shri Sanjay Kothari, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances in his welcome address said for the first time the Conference has been integrated with the Commonwealth Ministers Forum on Public Administration. He said that efforts have been made to ensure ensure quality representation from India on Public Service Management have been enrolled to in the Conference to help, guide and steer deliberations of the Conference in a meaningful manner for the benefit of public service across the Commonwealth.

Addressing the gathering, Former Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. S. Y. Quraishi highlighted the role of bureaucracy in India in general and talked about the electoral reforms in India.

Mr. Kamlesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary General spoke about the role of Commonwealth Secretariat in providing best fit solutions suitable for individual country needs rather than following the one size fits all approach. Mr. Paul Zahra, President, CAPAM talked about relevance of good governance expressed his happiness on co-hosting the event in the largest democracy India.

The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr. Arun Jha, Additional Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances. He expressed deep gratitude to the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and thanked other speakers.

The three day event is being attended by Ministers and senior officials from Commonwealth countries namely Bangladesh, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Gibraltar, Nigeria, Mozambique and St. Vincent & The Grenadines and will focus on the theme “ A Public Service Fit for the Future”. The thematic approach of the conference is that the faced with reality of a turbulent, unpredictable and interconnected world it is increasingly evident that models for public policy and public administration of the past will not be adequate for 21st century challenges.

Railway Revenue Earnings up by 25.92 per cent during the period 1st – 10th October 2012

The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during the period from 1st to 10th October 2012 were Rs. 3131.75 crore compared to Rs. 2487.17 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 25.92 per cent.

The total goods earnings have gone up from Rs. 1625.05 crore during the period from 1st to 10th October 2011 to Rs. 2179.45 crore during 1st to 10th October 2012, showing an increase of 34.12 per cent. The total passenger revenue earnings during the period 1st to 10th October 2012 were Rs 839.10 crore compared to Rs. 758.08 crore during the same period last year, showing an increase of 10.69 per cent. The revenue earnings from other coaching amounted to Rs. 83.80 crore during this period compared to Rs. 74.26 crore during the same period last year, showing an increase of 12.85 per cent.

The total approximate numbers of passengers booked during the period 1st to 10th October 2012 were 251.67 million compared to 230.89 million during the same period last year, showing an increase of 9.00 per cent. In the suburban and non-suburban sectors, the numbers of passengers booked during 1st to 10th October, 2012 were 141.25 million and 110.42 million compared to 122.09 million and 108.80 million during the same period last year, registering an increase of 15.69 per cent and 1.49 per cent respectively.

I&B Ministry team visits Kapashera and Samalka areas in NCT of Delhi to review digital signals in the area

It has been reported in certain quarters that Kapashera and Samalka areas in NCT of Delhi are not getting digital signals at all and have reported that the TV screens in these areas would go blank after the switch off of analogue TV signal from 31st October, 2012.

A team from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting visited Kapashera and Samalka areas on 20.12.2012 and interacted with the Cable Operators, local people and also visited headends run by Digicable Network. The team also went to some homes to do a spot verification. During the field visit, it was found that the news regarding the absence of digital signal in Kapashera and Samalka areas was not correct. The headend located in Samalka belonging to the Digicable Network is already providing digital feed to both the areas. The team also found that in several houses Set Top Boxes were already installed and were getting Digital signal. The team also found that one particular LCO who is providing only FTA channels has not entered into any agreement with the Multi System Operators as a result he is not able to get the digital feed. However, several other Cable operators are already providing digital feed.

Pictorial health warnings

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has notified new pictorial health warnings vide G.S.R. 724(E) dated 27th September, 2012 to be depicted on tobacco product packs. Three sets of warnings each have been notified for smoking as well as smokeless forms of tobacco product packages.

The new warnings shall come into effect from 1st April, 2013.

The following are the new additions in these rules

• Insertion of the word "warning" in red font.

• Provision of maintaining a ratio (075:1) between the vertical length and horizontal length of the health warning so as to ensure that pictures are not distorted with change in size of packs.

Well-designed health warnings and messages are part of a range of measures to communicate health risks due to tobacco use. Pictorial health warnings communicate health risks in a visible way, provoke a greater emotional response and increase the motivation of tobacco users to quit and to decrease their tobacco consumption.

Graphic warning labels have a greater impact than text-only labels and can be recognized by low-literacy audiences and children.

I&B Ministry Monitors Digitisation Progress
87% Digitisation achieved in Metros
81% achievement in Cable TV digitisation, while with DTH it is 87%

A recent review of Digitization progress by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has revealed that 81% of Cable TV Digitization has already been achieved in the 4 metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. This goes up to 87% if the progress made by DTH is also taken into account. DTH operators have informed that 27 lakh boxes have been installed so far in the four Metro cities.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched a very aggressive publicity campaign in the Electronic and Print Media to take awareness to the door steps of people. Print Advertisements in local newspapers, SMS messages, spots on all TV and Radio channels started by the Ministry to inform people about the urgency to get Set Top Boxes as well as benefits of Digitization have generated a massive awareness.  Stakeholders have also stepped up their efforts to ensure that the deadline of 31^st October is met. As per the data provided by MSOs, currently about 45,000 Set Top Boxes are being installed per day in the designated four Metro cities.  

An analysis of data and the progress review shows that Mumbai has already achieved nearly 100% digitisation. In other three cities, as shown in the graph below, Kolkata has achieved 78% digitisation in cable alone; with DTH the percentage of digitisation in Kolkata has gone up to 81%. In Delhi the digitisation percentage of cable TV is 74% and with DTH it has gone up to 81%. Chennai is showing 60% cable digitisation and with DTH it comes to 85%.

Pranay Sahay to hold Additional Charge of DG, SSB

Shri Pranay Sahay, IPS (MT:75) DG,CRPF will hold the charge of DG,SSB in addition to his regular charge of DG,CRPF till a new incumbent takes over the charge of the post of DG,SSB or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

NIOS to Reach out for Skill Development using Open Distance Learning (ODL) Mode

An International Symposium on “Flexible Models for Skill Development” was jointly organized by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, here, yesterday. Thanking the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand for sharing their experiences in the field of vocational education, Sri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource Development, pointed out the enormous potential of the work force in India which was growing at a rate of 1.7% annually. However with a capacity for vocational training limited to just 3 million annually vis-a-vis the demand of about 10 million, the challenge is to bridge this gap by providing the required skill base. He added that imparting these skills should include an element of continuum giving students the ability to learn and unlearn making the system flexible. This also requires development of standards in skill development by recognizing existing skills, getting State Education Ministers to map the skills required in various localities of their states, by means of which industry can work with these localities would provide skill training in these areas.

Speaking on the importance of vocationalisation of education starting from the school stage, Smt. (Dr) D. Purandeswari, Minister of State, Ministry of Human Resource Development, said that there is an urgent need for innovation which need to be learner-centric. Vocational institutions facing these challenges with changing technologies should meet this need to provide a system of certification empowering individuals to contribute to the national economy. She hoped that this one day symposium will come out with strategies to meet the diverse needs of manpower by 2020.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Steven Joyce, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills & Employment, Govt. of New Zealand expressed hope that this symposium will provide a tangible opportunity for learning through collaboration, keeping in view the massive challenge of providing skills to 500 million people in India by 2022 and with the long tradition of innovation in the field of vocational education possessed by New Zealand.

I&B Ministry Sets Up a Control Room with a Toll Free Number to Monitor Digitization

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been monitoring the progress of implementation of digitization of Cable TV Networks in four metros of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. As the cut off date for the digital switch over in four metro cities is fast approaching, in order to facilitate a seamless transition on the due date of 31st October 2012, the Ministry has set up a Control Room with effect from 15th October 2012 with a Toll Free Telephone Number 1-800-180-4343. The Control Room will function on all days, including holidays, from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm to address and clarify various queries relating to acquisition of Set Top Boxes, various schemes of purchase of STBs, package rates offered by MSOs etc. Consumers and other stakeholders can call on this toll free number during this period. Representatives of 5 national level MSOs namely DEN, In Cable, Hathway, Digi Cable, and Siti Cable are also available in the Control Room during this period to address any specific queries relating to their respective networks/services.

Railways Urge Passengers not to Carry Inflammable Objects on Trains

In order to make train journey safer, the Ministry of Railways has urged passengers not to carry and also not let their co-passengers to carry inflammable objects while travelling on the trains. Travelling in trains with explosives and inflammable objects like crackers, gas cylinder, acid, petrol, kerosene, dry grass/leaves, thermic welding, sigri, stove etc is not permitted. Carrying such inflammable objects on the trains is a punishable offence under Section 164 of the Railway Act, 1989 where the offender may get an imprisonment upto 3 years, or a fine of Rs. 1,000/- or both and under Section 165 where a fine of Rs. 500/- is applicable.

Passengers can use Security helpline numbers 011-23303982, 011-23303983, 011-23303748 in this regard.

India and Bulgaria to Explore Cooperation in Tourism Sector

India and Bulgaria will explore the possibilities of cooperation in Tourism Sector. This was decided at a meeting held between Tourism Minister of Bulgaria Mr. Delian Dobrev and Union Tourism Minister Shri Subodh Kant Sahai here today.

It was decided in the meeting that both the countries will identify areas for working together and explore new opportunities in Tourism sector especially in the field of Hospitality Training, Promotion, Marketing, Development and management of Tourist destinations. Both sides gave an overview of the “Tourism Sector” in their respective countries and re-emphasised on its potential for employment generation and economic growth. It was also agreed that increased tourist traffic between the two countries could strengthen the bilateral relations at people to people level. Both sides also exchanged views to explore the possibilities of promoting investment in the field of hotel industry tourism and infrastructural development. India allows 100% FDI in Hotel sector on automated basis.

India and the Bulgaria emphasised upon the need of exchange of visits of tour operators and opinion makers to promote tourism between the two countries. The importance of interaction between the tour operators and destination managers of the two countries was stressed upon to develop better packages for tourists. The information about investment of opportunities in the tourism sector in both the countries was also shared. Both the countries agreed that growing opportunities in tourism sector should be showcased to attracts investments from the private stake-holders of the two countries. It was also agreed to explore the possibilities of enhancing air-connectivity between both the countries as lack of direct air connectivity between India and Bulgaria is one of the major reasons for small number of tourists traveling between the two countries.

Erlier in his welcome address Shri Sahai said that India and Bulgaria have enjoyed traditionally close and cordial bilateral relations sustained through regular high level political contacts.

Mr. Delian Dobrev in his address appreciated the friendly relations between the two countries and emphasised upon the importance of pursuing a closer relationship based on the emerging potential in the tourism sector in the two countries. He said Bulgaria with its beautiful mountains, the Black-Sea coast boasting of cities like Varna has become an attractive destination for Indian film Industry.

Mr. Delian Dobrev is on a visit to India in connection with the 17th session of the Indo-Bulgarian Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation of which he is the co-chairman.

Progress of Tourist Visa on Arrival Scheme in September 2012

Last month, a total number of 1404 (Visa on Arrivals) VoAs were issued under this Scheme as compared to 991 VoAs during September 2011 registering a positive growth of 41.7 %.

During the period January-September 2012, a total number of 10816 VoAs were issued as compared to 8505 VoAs during corresponding period of 2011, registering a growth of 27.2%. The number of VOAs issued under this scheme during September 2012 for nationals of the eleven countries were Japan (541), New Zealand (256),The Philippines (236), Indonesia (175), Singapore (135), Finland (29), Myanmar (11), Vietnam (9), Cambodia (6),Luxembourg (4) and Laos (2). The number of VoAs issued under this scheme, during January-September 2012 were Japan (3106), New Zealand (2045), Indonesia (1689), The Philippines (1678), Singapore (1313), Finland (647), Vietnam (126), Myanmar (73), Cambodia (68), Luxembourg (62) and Laos (9). During the period January-September 2012, the highest number of VoAs were issued at Delhi airport (6380), followed by Mumbai (2247), Chennai (1528) and Kolkata (661).

As a facilitative measure to attract more foreign tourists to India, Government launched a Scheme of “Visa on Arrival” (VoA) in January 2010 for citizens of five countries, viz. Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore, visiting India for tourism purposes. This scheme was extended for the citizens of six more countries, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos and Myanmar from January 2011.

Report of the Rangarajan Committee on Deregulation of Sugar Sector in India

Prime Minister had set up a committee under the chairmanship of Dr. C. Rangarajan, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister to look into all the issues relating to the deregulation of the sugar sector. The committee has completed its task, after several rounds of deliberations, consultations with stakeholders, and discussion with Chief Ministers of major sugar-producing states. The report was submitted to the Prime Minster on 10-10-2012.

2.         A major recommendation of the committee relates to revising the existing arrangement for the price to be paid to sugarcane farmers, which suffers from problems of accumulation of arrears of cane dues in years of high price and low price for farmers in other years. The existing arrangement comprises a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) announced each year by the Centre, under the Sugarcane Control Order and on the advice of CACP, as the minimum price of sugarcane. However, many states in north India also announce a State Advised Price (SAP) under state legislation. Generally, the SAP is substantially higher than the FRP, and wherever SAP is declared, it is the ruling price. Instead of the present arrangement, the committee has proposed that at the time of cane supply, farmers be paid FRP as the minimum price, as at present. Further, subsequently, on a half-yearly basis, the state government concerned would announce the ex-mill prices of sugar and its by-products, and farmers would be entitled to a 70% share in the value of the sugar and by-products produced from the quantity of cane supplied by each farmer. Based on the share so computed, additional payment, net of FRP already paid, would then be made to the farmer. Since the sugar value estimate includes return on capital employed, this implies that farmers would also get a share of the profits.  With such a system in operation, states should not declare an SAP.

3.         The committee has also recommended dismantling of the levy obligation for sourcing PDS sugar at a price below the market price. States should be allowed henceforth to fix the issue price of PDS sugar, while the existing subsidy to states for PDS sugar transport and the difference between the levy price and the issue price would continue at the existing level, augmented by the current level of implicit subsidy on account of the difference between the levy price and the open market price. This will free the industry from the burden of a government welfare programme, and indirectly benefit both the farmer and the general consumer since the industry passes on the cost of levy mechanism to farmers and consumers.

4.         The committee has recommended dispensing with the present mechanism of regulated release of non-levy sugar, as it imposes additional costs on factories on account of inventory accumulation.

5.         The committee has recommended that cane area reservation ultimately be phased out and contracting between farmers and mills allowed for enabling theemergence of a competitive market for assured supply of cane, in the interest of farmers and economic efficiency. However, in case some states want to continue it for the time being, they should do so while ensuring that area reservation is done for at least three to five years at a time, so that industry has a stake in its development. Further, wherever and whenever a state discontinues area reservation, the Centre should remove the stipulation of a minimum distance between two mills.

6.         On external trade, the committee has favoured a stable policy regime with modest tariff levels of 5% to 10% ordinarily, and dispensing with outright bans and quantitative restrictions. The committee has also recommended dispensing with the mandatory requirement of jute packaging. In respect of molasses, the committee favours free movement and dismantling of end-use based allocation quotas that are in vogue in several states, to enable creation of a national market and better prices for this valuable by-product as well as improved efficiency in its use.

7.         Members on the committee were Shri T. Nandakumar, Member, NDMA, Dr Ashok Gulati, Chairman, Commission on Agricultural Costs & Prices, Dr Raghuram Rajan, Chief Economic Advisor, Shri Sudhir Kumar, Secretary, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Ashish Bahuguna, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, and Dr K. P. Krishnan, Convener, as the then Secretary, Economic Advisory Council.

Railway Revenue Earnings up by 19.78 per cent during April- September 2012

The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during first six months of the financial year 2012-13 i.e. 1st April to 30th September 2012 were Rs. 58649.83 crore compared to Rs. 48963.19 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 19.78 per cent.

The total goods earnings have gone up from Rs. 32425.41 crore during 1st April – 30th September 2011 to Rs. 40303.85 crore during 1st April – 30th September 2012, registering an increase of 24.30 per cent.

The total passenger revenue earnings during first six months of the financial year 2012-13 were Rs. 15581.44 crore compared to Rs. 14017.76 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 11.15 per cent.

The revenue earnings from other coaching amounted to Rs. 1510.38 crore during April-September 2012 compared to Rs. 1377.58 crore during the same period last year, an increase of 9.64 per cent.

The total approximate numbers of passengers booked during 1st April - 30th September 2012 were 4274.87 million compared to 4121.99 million during the same period last year, showing an increase of 3.71 per cent. In the suburban and non-suburban sectors, the numbers of passengers booked during April-September 2012 were 2215.51 million and 2059.36 million compared to 2154 million and 1967.71 million during the same period last year, showing an increase of 2.84 per cent and 4.86 per cent respectively.

Government to provide 24 hours electricity to all households in the country in the next 5 years, says Prime Minister

Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh today said the government aims to provide 24x7 electricity to all households in the country and affordable access to electricity in the next 5 years. One million households in India are now using decentralized solar energy to meet their lighting energy needs, said the Prime Minister. Government is also striving to light up around 20 million rural households with solar home lighting by 2022. Renewable energy technologies provide probably the most sustainable and economic options for energy access. At present renewable power represents about 12 per cent of the total installed generating capacity in India. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, launched under the aegis of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change aims to install 20 Gigawatt of grid connected solar power by 2022. The links between access to energy and the various Millennium Development Goals are now well established and they are well documented. Meeting these goals that are fundamental to an existence of minimum dignity and well being all over the world requires access to affordable energy. The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating “International Seminar on Energy Access” today at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy mentioned that today renewable energy is competent to meet the energy requirement in rural areas and supplementing the urban energy needs. Energy access is an issue of over arching importance and is closely related to poverty, development, gender disparity, environment, health and also sustainability. Over three billion people in developing countries today rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating; about one and a half billion people are without electricity. Dr. Farooq Abdullah said the provision of basic energy services to these energy-poor citizens is the key challenge our world is facing today. Lack of access to energy cripples the productive capacity of people and traps them in a downward spiral of want, deprivation and poverty. Energy access is crucial to inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Renewable energy can be an excellent tool in providing energy access. With over 400 million citizens who lack access to modern forms of energy, we have one of the largest decentralized, off-grid renewable energy programmes in the world. In fact, our local renewable energy based initiatives have already started making a profound impact on the lives of millions in India. Solar home lighting systems and solar powered micro-grids are lighting millions of Indian homes every night. Family size biogas plants provide clean and efficient cooking energy in the villages. Energy access is an issue of over arching importance and is closely related to poverty, development, gender disparity, environment, health and also sustainability. Over three billion people in developing countries today rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating; about one and a half billion people are without electricity. The provision of basic energy services to these energy-poor citizens is the key challenge our world is facing today. Lack of access to energy cripples the productive capacity of people and traps them in a downward spiral of want, deprivation and poverty. Energy access is crucial to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 2012 as the “International year of Sustainable Energy for All” and the 2 days seminar is organized in recognition of the importance of energy access for sustainable economic development and supporting achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The Government of India, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy along with other stakeholders – NGOs, civil society organizations and state governments is promoting energy access for sustainable economic development.

About 30 countries are participating of which 26 Ministers in the ministerial level delegation included the Prime Minister of Guiana, Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius from about 26 countries. Over 100 foreign participants including senior Government functionaries High level policy/decision makers, International Financial Institutions, Banks/ Financial Services Providers from participating countries, UN bodies/organizations, international players and NGOs etc are attending the event. The major participating Country/Ministerial delegation includes Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cape Verde, Congo, Fiji, Georgia, Guatemala, Guyana, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Seychelles, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Yamen & Zambia.

BHEL Pays All-Time High Equity Dividend of 320% for Fiscal 2011-12

With a final dividend payout of 184%, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has paid an equity dividend of 320% for fiscal 2011-12, as against 311.5% paid in the year before. At Rs.1,567 Crore, this is the highest-ever dividend in percentage as well as value terms paid by the company so far.

A cheque of Rs.609.98 Crore towards the final dividend for the year 2011-12 on the equity (67.72%) held by the Government of India, was presented here today to Mr. Praful Patel, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises by Mr. B.P. Rao, Chairman and Managing Director, BHEL, in the presence of Mr. S. Sundareshan, Secretary, Department of Heavy Industries.

In fiscal 2011-12, BHEL maintained the growth momentum achieved in the year before, with a top line growth of 20% and an all-time high Turnover of Rs.49,510 Crore. The company also recorded a quantum jump of 24% in its Profit After Tax (PAT) which was also the highest-ever at Rs.7,040 Crore. Significantly, with this BHEL has become eligible for ‘Maharatna’ status.

BHEL recorded a 26% surge in Net Worth, which went up to Rs.25,373 Crore from Rs.20,154 Crore in the year before. Earnings Per Share (EPS) on the post split number of shares basis went up by 24% to Rs.28.76.

With an order book position of nearly Rs.1,33,000 Crore at the end of the first quarter, the company expects to achieve robust growth in 2012-13 and beyond. The company has also established the capability to deliver power plant equipment of 20,000 MW per annum.

Vivek Rae Joins as Secretary MSME

Shri Vivek Rae, today took over as Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. He succeeds Shri Radha Krishna Mathur, at present Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.

Shri Rae is a 1978 batch IAS officer of UT cadre. Before joining the Ministry of MSME, he was Director General (Acquistion), Ministry of Defence.

Health Fair on Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homoeopathy

The Arogya 2012, Hyderabad will be organised by the Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and Government of Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with FICCI from 12th to 15th October 2012. The fair will showcase the strength of AYUSH systems and inevitable linkages with the industry.

The 4-day fair is being held in parallel with the 11th Conference of Parties at Hyderabad from 8th to 19th October 2012 organized by Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India to invite the visiting foreign dignitaries and delegates at the conference.

The Arogya 2012 health fair will give a platform for participants to showcase the strength and potential of traditional systems of medicine, exhibit Research and Development efforts in the AYUSH sector, interact with practitioners, consumers and other stakeholders, project future trends and requirements in the AYUSH healthcare sector, create awareness among individuals and professionals about Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Homoeopathy.

The fair will attract stakeholders in AYUSH sector like manufacturers, retailers, consumer healthcare product manufacturers, health food producers & processors, medical practitioners and publishers. Free consultations by AYUSH specialists, live yoga demonstration, business & public lecture sessions will be attractive facets of the fair.

It may be mentioned that there is a worldwide resurgence of interest in traditional medicines based on herbs and medicinal plants. ASU medicines are gaining popularity in many countries as food supplements.

Indian Railways Adopting a Multi Pronged Strategy

Indian Railways Adopting a Multi Pronged Strategy to Provide Faster and Safer Train Journeys

Indian Railways Plan to Introduce Most Modern Emu Train Sets for Existing Rajdhanis/Shatabdis

The Proposed Train Sets to Increase Passenger Carrying Capacity, Reduce Run Time Between Destinations and Consume Less Energy

Indian Railways is adopting a multi pronged strategy to provide a safer, faster, cleaner, and comfortable passenger trains. As announced in the budget, seven corridors have been identified for conducting pre feasibility studies for running high speed trains(popularly referred as Bullet trains) at speeds above 350 kmph. These corridors will be set up through PPP route. A study is also being done on Delhi Mumbai route with Japanese help to raise the speed of passenger trains from 160 kmph to 200 kmph being referred to as Semi-High Speed.

In addition, Indian Railways is working on the concept of acquiring Electrical Multiple Units (EMU) Train sets for intercity journeys for operating speed ranging from 130-160 km/hour. The adoption of train sets technology was announced in this year’s Railway Budget also. Indian Railways proposes to introduce in near future such modern EMU train Sets designed for operations at maximum speed of 130 kmph/150 kmph for running premium Shatabdi/Rajdhani trains, without any additional expenditure on existing track and signalling infrastructure. Existing Railway track on Rajdhani route is fit for running trains up to a speed of 150 kmph, but average speeds of Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains is less than 90 kmph due to large number of speed restrictions and poor acceleration and deceleration characteristics of existing loco hauled trains. The proposed modern distributed powered EMU train sets will be free from these bottlenecks and provide faster and safer movement and will substantially reduce run time. The plan is also in line with the international trend wherein most advanced countries in the world have progressively switched over its locomotive hauled conventional intercity trains to distributed powered Electrical Multiple Train sets.

The proposed EMU Train sets may consist of 21 cars (coaches). EMU Train sets are highly energy efficient, aerodynamically designed light weight, distributed powered trains with driving cabs at both ends like suburban trains and have following advantages over conventional loco hauled trains operating at similar speeds:

 Propulsion equipment is mounted on the coaches, hence locomotives and Power cars in conventional loco hauled trains get replaced by additional passenger coaches in train sets, thereby increasing the passenger carrying capacity by 25-30% for the same length of a train.

 EMU Train sets have very high acceleration and deceleration due to which it takes much less time in negotiating speed restrictions and achieving maximum permissible speed and it is possible to reduce the rune time between Howrah and New Delhi by 2.5 to 3.0 hours by operating train sets at existing speed of 130 kmph without any additional expenditure on track and other infrastructure.

 Train sets provide improved safety due to reduced braking distance because of higher deceleration caused by regenerative and electro-pneumatic braking and cause very less wear and tear to the track due to its light weight. Distributed powering also reduces jerks.

 Modern train sets are eco friendly, noiseless, consume 30% less energy and do not pollute the environment as in case of conventional loco hauled trains with diesel power cars.

 Train sets are equipped with the three phase modern IGBT technology and require very less maintenance. Further with cabs at both ends, turn round time required at terminal stations is less than 15 minutes, leading to improved utilization. A train set can do extra trip/day for inter city travel like Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Amritsar or Mumbai-Ahmedabad.

 Per passenger cost of train sets is only marginally higher (at approximately Rs. 200 crore per train set of 21 cars) as compared to conventional loco hauled trains for speeds up to 130 kmph/150 kmph and that too gets returned in less than 3 years owing to high rate of return due to substantial increase in revenue because of extra carrying capacity, better utilization and higher energy efficiency.

President of India to Confer Sangeet Akademi Fellowships and Akademi Awards 2011 on 9 October 2012

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will confer the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Akademi Awards for 2011 at a special ceremony on 9 October 2012. This year eleven eminent personalities will be conferred with Akademi Fellowships and thirty six artists will receive the Akademi Awards.

The Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) and Akademi Award (Akademi Puraskar) are recognized as the highest national honours conferred on performing artists, gurus and scholars of the performing arts and have come to stay as the most coveted honour which the artistes aspire to. These honours are decided by Akademi’s General Council, the apex body consisting of eminent artistes, scholars and nominees of Government of India and of different States and Union Territories of the country.

The highest honour of Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) will be conferred on Shri Mukund Lath, Shri Hariprasad Chaurasia, Shri Shivkumar Sharma, Shri Amjad Ali Khan, Shri Umayalpuram Kasiviswanatha Sivaraman, Shri Mohan Chandrasekaran, Shri Rajkumar Singhajit Singh, Shri Kalamandalam Gopi, Smt Padma Subrahmanyam, Shri Chandrasekhar Basavanneppa Kambara and Shri Heisnam Kanhailal. They will receive purse money of Rupees three lakhs, besides an angavastram and a tamrapatra. The Fellowship of the Akademi is the most rare honour, which is restricted to a limited number at a given time. Presently there are only 40 living Fellows of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

The eminent representatives of Music, Dance and Theatre to be honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2011 will receive purse money of Rupees one lakh, angavastram and tamrapatra.

In the field of Music, nine eminent artists, namely Shruti Sadolikar Katkar and Marathe Venkateshkumar for Hindustani Vocal Music, Tota Ram Sharma (Pakhawaj) and Pushpraj Ramlal Koshti (Surbahar) for Hindustani Instrumental Music, J Venkatraman for Carnatic Vocal Music, Ellapulli Mahadevaiyer Subramaniam (Ghatam), Ayyagari Syamasundaram (Veena) and Seshampatti T Sivalingam (Nagaswaram) for Carnatic Instrumental Music, and Gopal Chandra Panda (Odissi Music) for Other Major Traditions of Music, will receive the Akademi Award 2011. In the field of Dance, nine eminent practitioners, namely Narthaki Nataraj (Bharatanatyam), Manjusree Chatterjee (Kathak), Thonnakkal Peethambaran (Kathakali), Priti Patel (Manipuri), Alekhya Punjala (Kuchipudi), Ramli Ibrahim (Odissi), V K Hymavathy (Mohiniattam), Tanusree Shankar (Creative & Experimental Dance) and Karaikudi R. Krishnamurthy (Music for Dance - Mridangam) will receive the Award for 2011.

In the field of Theatre, eight eminent persons who will be receiving the Akademi Awards are Kirti Jain for Direction, Amitabh Srivastava, Vikram Chandrakant Gokhle, Neena Tiwana and A R Srinivasan for Acting, R Nageswara Rao for Major Traditions of Theatre – Company Theatre, Andhra Pradesh and Kamal Jain for Allied Theatre Arts (Lighting).

For their contribution to other Traditional/Folk/ Tribal Music/ Dance/ Theatre and Puppetry, eight artists - Thrippekulam Achuta Marar for Traditional Music (Kerala), Hemant Rajabhai Chauhan for Folk Music (Gujarat), Gurmeet Bawa for Folk Music (Punjab), Kashi Ram Sahu for Folk Theatre (Chhattisgarh), Mipham Otsal for Traditional Theatre (Jammu & Kashmir), Belagallu Veeranna for Togalu Gombeyatta, Puppetry (Karnataka), Gopal Chandra Das for Putul Nach (Tripura) and Qasim Khan Niyazi for Making of Musical Instrument (Delhi) will be conferred with the Akademi Award for the year 2011.

Shrivatsa Goswami will receive the Akademi Award 2011 for Overall Contribution / Scholarship to Performing Arts.

Alakhnandan (Theatre–Direction) and Sundari Krishnalal Shridharani (Overall Contribution) were also selected for Akademi Awards 2011. Due to their demise the said Award will be conferred on them posthumously.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards 2011 presentation ceremony will be followed by a Festival of Music, Dance and Drama featuring Fellows and Awardees of the year from 9-16 October 2012.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi, established by the Government of India on 31 May 1952, is the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama. It was created as the apex body in the country for the task of preservation and promotion of the performing art tradition of India. One of the important activities of the Akademi has been to give recognition and honours to artistes for setting standards in performing arts and restoring the art and artists to their rightful place in independent India.