Steps to Safeguard the Interest of Indian Women from Fraudulent Marriages with Overseas Indians

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has launched an educational –cum- awareness campaign for the Indian brides getting married to overseas Indians and published a Guidance Pamphlet on “Marriages to Overseas Indians” in English, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Punjabi. A booklet in English have been published containing information on safeguards available to women deserted by their NRI spouses, legal remedies available, authorities that can be approached for redressal of grievances and NGOs which can provide assistance. This is also posted on Ministry’s website. 

The Government has taken several steps to safeguard the interest of Indian women from fraudulent marriages with overseas Indians. The steps taken in this direction include providing legal/financial assistance to the Indian women who are deserted/divorced by their overseas spouses. 

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs also implements a scheme for legal assistance to Indian women deserted by their overseas husbands. Under the scheme, assistance of US$3000 in developed countries and US$2000 in developing countries is given through Indian Missions for filling cases in the local courts or for legal counseling through the NGOs empanelled with Indian Missions/posts. 

The Ministry promotes publicity-cum-awareness campaign through audio visual advertisement on regional TV network and print media from time to time. 

Republic Day Ceremony Coverage to have Sign Language Interpreter during Telecast

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has issued directions to Prasar Bharati for making a provision for having an inset box on the TV screens during the telecast of the Republic Day Ceremony, through which the Sign Language Anchor/Expert could interpret the proceedings of the Republic Day parade on 26th January, 2014. Prasar Bharati has been communicated to have this provision on its three All India Channels. The additional facility will also be available on DD Urdu, DD Bharati and DD News. 

The decision has been taken in the interest of all those who are differently-abled, hearing impaired citizens. Recently the Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari received a representation from the National Association of Deaf requesting for providing sign language interpreter in an inset box on TV screens during the live coverage of the Republic Day Parade. The Minister assured that prompt action would be taken regarding their request. The same has been done. This initiative has been taken for the first time by the Ministry and in the shortest possible duration. 

Introduction of National Youth Policy-2014

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for introduction of the National Youth Policy-2014 (NYP-2014), replacing NYP-2003 currently in force. 

The vision of NYP-2014 is to empower youth to achieve their full potential, and through them enable India to find its rightful place in the community of nations. For achieving this vision, the Policy identifies five well-defined objectives and 11 priority areas and suggests policy interventions in each priority area. The priority areas are education, skill development and employment, entrepreneurship, health and healthy lifestyle, sports, promotion of social values, community engagement, participation in politics and governance, youth engagement, inclusion and social justice. 

The focused approach on youth development and empowerment involving all stakeholders, as envisaged in NYP-2014, would result in development of an educated and healthy young population, who are not only economically productive, but are also socially responsible citizens contributing to the task of nation-building. 

It will cover the entire country catering the needs of all youth in the age-group of 15-29 years, which constitutes 27.5 per cent of the population according to Census-2011, that is about 33 crore persons.It will replace NYP-2003, to take care of developments since 2003 and future policy imperatives. 

The NYP-2014 proposes broad policy interventions for the youth consistent with the 12thPlan priorities and does not propose any specific programme/ scheme, having financial implications. All concerned Ministries/ Department would be requested to bring focus on youth issues within the framework of their plans/ programmes/ schemes etc. 

Background:

India is one of the youngest nations in the world and is expected to have a very favourable demographic profile in the near future. This is a great opportunity as well as a challenge. NYP-2014 seeks to suggest a framework for appropriate policy interventions by Government and non-Government stakeholders, to empower the youth to enable them to realize their full potential as also to contribute to the progress of the nation. 

Pravasi Bharatiya Awards Winners

The President of India Sh. Pranab Mukherjee  has conferred Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to thirteen NRIs, PIOs and Organisations for their outstanding and illustrious contribution in the country of their residence as well as to India in different spheres of their activity.

The names of the awardees and their country are:

1.      Ms  Lisa Maria Singh                    Australia          Public service and fostering friendly relations  

between     India and Australia.

2.      Mr. Kurian Varghese                    Bahrain            Business for enhancing India’s image and for

Promotion better understanding of India abroad.

3.      Mr Vasdev Chanchlani                 Canada           Community service and fostering ties between India

And Canada and efforts in promotion Indian culture     and heritage.

4.      Ramakrishna Mission                    Fiji                   Community service and philanthropic activity and enhancing India’s prestige abroad.

5.      Mr. Bikas Chandra Sanyal             France            Education and culture and enhancing India’s image.

6.      Mr. Satnarainsing Rabin Baldewsingh  Netherlands        Public service and developing closer ties between

                                                                                                India and South Africa

7.      Mr Sasindran Muthuvel    Papua New Guinea      In the field of Public service.                                    

8.      Mr. Shihabudeen Vava Kunju  Saudi Arabia       Community service and promoting ties between

                                                                                         India and

                 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

9.      Ms. Ela Gandhi                 South Africa               Public service, enhancing India’s image and promoting

                                                                                    ties between India and South Africa.

           

10.  Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil Parambath            United Arab Emirates       Health business and in promoting  

Better understanding of India   United Arab     Emirates.

11.   Mr. Shailesh Lakhman Vara                    United Kingdom          Public service and in promoting ties

  between  India and the people of U.K.

12.  Dr. Parthasarathy Chiramel Pillai              USA                           Science and for fostering closer relations

            between  India and USA

13.  Ms. Renu Khator                                      USA                            Education and enhancing India’s prestige  

abroad

Parliamentary Consultative Committee of Ministry of Steel Meets

The Union Minister of Steel Shri Beni Prasad Verma has said that Government is committed to accelerate growth of steel industry through various policy measures. Chairing the meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry in Alleppey, Kerala today, he said that at present, the crude capacity for steel production is 96 million tonnes per annum. Steel production capacity is being expanded gradually. It is proposed to expand steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2025. A roadmap for achieving the target of 300 million tonnes of steel production is under preparation. Public as well as private sector steel plants need to be involved to take necessary steps for achieving the target. This will result in increased employment both in public and private sector, the Minister added. Shri Verma said, one of the objectives of the meeting is to sensitise about need for growth of steel industry in Kerala. 

The review of functioning of MOIL Ltd. and MSTC Ltd, the two Miniratna Category – I PSUs under the Ministry of Steel were the agenda of the meeting. The Union Minister of Steel expressed his satisfaction on performance of both the companies. He also appreciated that both the Companies have been consistently showing excellent results for the past several years. MOIL is taking effective measures to meet the domestic demand of manganese ore by implementation of various mining projects such as deepening of existing vertical shafts and sinking of new shafts. During the year 2012-13, MOIL Ltd earned Profit after Tax of Rs. 431.72 crores which is higher by 5.10% as compared to previous year. Similarly, MSTC earned Profit After Tax of Rs. 130.73 crores which is 10.4% higher than the previous year. MSTC Ltd has proposed to set up a shredding plant in India for shredding of used cars, scooters and other miscellaneous goods to add value to recycled scrap. 

The members were briefed about the steel scenario in the country, functioning of the both companies and the performance of these companies on various developmental topics. Some of the members suggested that the companies should make more efforts to increase their presence in the backward areas in the field of health, education, drinking water, and other welfare activities. 

The Members of the Parliament, who attended the meeting: Shri Tapan Kumar Sen and Shri Nandi Yellaiah from Rajya Sabha and Captain Jai Narain Prasad Nishad, Shri Devji M Patel, Shri Gorakh Nath Pandey and Shri Premchandra Guddu from Lok Sabha. 

The Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Shri G. Mohan Kumar and senior officials of the Ministry, CMDs of Steel Public Sector Undertakings also attended the meeting. 

Increase of 4.10 Percent in the Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) to India in 2013

Despite negative signals from the global economy, the number of foreign tourist arrivals in the country in 2013 showed an increase of about 4.1 % over 2012. During the period January- December 2013, 68.48 lakh (Provisional) tourists visited India against 65.78 lakh in 2012. 

Foreign exchange earnings from tourism in rupee terms during 2013 were Rs.1,05,836 crore (Provisional) with a growth of 12.0% over the same period in 2012.The foreign exchange earnings during (Jan. to Dec.) 2012 was to the tune of Rs.94,487 crore. 

FEE from tourism in terms of US$ during January to December 2013 were US$ 18.133 billion with a growth of 2.2%, as compared to US$ 17.737 billion with a growth of 7.1% during January-December 2012 over the corresponding period of 2011. 

Domestic tourism continues to be the main contributor to the sector providing much needed resilience. The domestic tourist visits during the year 2012 are estimated to be 1036 million (Provisional), showing a growth of 19.9% over 2011. 

Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards-2013

The President of India has approved the conferment of Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards-2013. Jeevan Raksha Padak series of awards are given to a person for meritorious act of humane nature  in  saving the life of a person.  The award is given in three categories, namely, Sarvottam Jeevan  Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak, and Jeevan Raksha Padak.  Persons of either sex in all walks of life are eligible for these awards.  The award can also be conferred posthumously.

The decoration of the award (medal, certificate signed by the Home Minister and demand draft for lump sum monetary allowance) is presented to the awardee  in due course by the respective state Government to which the awardee belongs.   The lump sum monetary allowance is given at the rate of 1,00,000, Rs.60,000 and Rs.40,000 to the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak and Jeevan Raksha Padak awardeerespectively.

Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak(3)

1.      Master M.Khayingthei (Posthumous), Manipur

2.      Shri Soumya Ranjan Biswal (Posthumous), Odisha

3.      Master Ramdinthara (Posthumous), Mizoram

Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak (6)

1.      Shri Shaashwath Raj, Karnataka

2.      Shri Arjun Oli, Uttarakhand

3.      Master Tarang Atulbhai Mistry, Gujarat

4.      Master Mukesh Nishad, Chattisgarh

5.      Master Vishnu M.V.,Kerala

6.      Master Stripleaseman Mylliem, Meghalaya

Jeevan Raksha Padak (28)

1.      Shri Sushil Kumar, Himachal Pradesh

2.    Shri Fayaz Ahmad Naik, Himachal Pradesh

3.      Shri Thomas T.T., Kerala

4.      Shri Munwar Yusuf Khan, Maharashtra

5.      Shri Niraj Kesar Thakur, Maharashtra

6.      Shri Sudhakar Gopal Mondkar, Maharashtra

7.      Shri Mangesh Ramchandra Haram, Maharashtra

8.      Shri Somnath Balaji Bharde, Maharashtra

9.      Shri Tatyasahen Arjun Bansode, Maharashtra

10.  Shri Mukesh Choudhary, Rajasthan

11.  Master Ashish, Delhi

12.  Shri Prakash Bhushan Jha, Jammu & Kashmir

13.  Shri Suresh Lal, Jammu & Kashmir

14.  Shri Gurdev Singh, Jammu & Kashmir.

15.  Shri Raj Kumar, Uttarakhand

16.   Shri Arjan Singh, Assam

17.   Shri Sanjay Kumar, Himachal Pradesh

18.   Shri Vinod Waman Rao, Maharashtra

19.  Shri Satish Kumar, Uttar Pradesh

20.  Shri Pawan Kumar Rana, Himachal Pradesh

21.   Master Uttam Kumar Sarva, Chhattisgarh

22.   Master Mohammed Midhilaj P.P, Kerala

23.   Master E. Suganthan, Tamil Nadu

24.   Master Arambam Sanajaoba Singh, Manipur

25.   Master Viswendra Lohkna, Uttar Pradesh

26.   Master Satendra Lohkna, Uttar Pradesh

27.      Master Dharmendra Kumar, Uttar Pradesh

28.   Ms. Akanksha Gaute (Simmy), Chhattisgarh