Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Tata Hospital Mumbai records 100% 'cashless' transaction


Tata Memorial Centre Cancer Hospital, Mumbai, which functions under the aegis of Department of Atomic Energy Govt of India, has achieved 100% "cashless" transaction through the use of exclusive hospital - specific multipurpose pre- paid “Smartcard” which is infact a unique multipurpose card not only offering the facility to make cashless payments by the patient, but also offering the patient the access to his treatment record by registering the MRD / EMR number.
This was disclosed today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh during his visit to the Tata Memorial Centre where he held an interaction of the hospital faculty members with the scientists and officials of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.
Congratulating the faculty members, doctors and staff of the Hospital for having taken a lead in the government health sector in promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign for cashless transactions, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Tata Memorial Hospital is possibly the first hospital of its kind in government sector which is making all its transactions for treatment, investigation, management etc through cashless payments from smallest amount to large amounts.
Citing figures, Dr Jitendra Singh disclosed, on 8th November when Prime Minister announced the decision of remonetization, the total number of cashless transactions in the Tata Memorial Hospital was 287 amounting to Rs.45 lakh on that single day. But within a period of little over one month on 15th December,he said, the number of cashless transactions during a single day went up almost double to 525 amounting to Rs.65 lakh.
Displaying the card prepared by the Tata Memorial Hospital, Dr Jitendra Singh, flanked by Director (Academics) Dr Kailash Sharma and other faculty members, said that the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai has set an example which can be emulated as a role model by other hospitals in the government sector. He elaborated that the exclusive hospital specific multipurpose “Smartcard” prepared by the management of Tata Memorial Centre is a pre-paid card which is handed over to the patient the moment he reports and registers himself at the hospital, whether as an in-patient or out-patient.
No extra charges are to be paid for procuring this exclusive “Smartcard”, said Dr Jitendra Singh and added that once the card is in the possession of the patient or his attendants, it can be used for making payments for diagnostic investigations, purchase of medicines, hospital charges, etc. In addition, he said, the card also provides access to the patient’s hospital record and other details, which he can share for seeking medical consultation from time to time. He further informed that at the time of registering himself as a patient, the person is expected to deposit a certain amount in advance for hospital expenses and this precisely forms the top-up/ backup of the prepaid hospital card.
Dr Jitendra Singh also saw a brief presentation on the latest Proton Therapy for cancer management, for which a full-fledged centre is likely to become functional in Tata Memorial Centre from 2020 with possible support from the Department of Atomic Energy.
Earlier, Dr Jitendra Singh visited the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) where he convened a review meeting to receive update on the various ongoing projects. He also visited different scientific blocks at the Centre accompanied by Secretary Department of Atomic Energy Dr Shekhar Basu, Director BARC Dr K.N. Vyas, CMD Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) Dr S.K. Sharma, Senior Director Dr N. Nagaich, senior Scientists and officers from administration.

Thaawarchand Gehlot Releases 'Saanjhi Saanjh' Newspaper


Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment released the first issue of a National Newspaper dedicated to Senior Citizen, 'Saanjhi Saanjh' here today. Shri Gehlot congratulated the publisher and editor of the newspaper for bringing out such a valuable newspaper especially for elderly people and wished them good success.
This Newspaper for Senior Citizen is edited by Ms. J.V Manisha Bajaj, Secretary, Harikrit, an NGO for elderly people. This bilingual newspaper has got 8 pages which will be published from Delhi by Harikrit publishers. This newspaper will carry important and useful news pertaining to elderly persons besides inspirational stories. It will serve as a bridge between old and new generations.

Ministry of Railways reviews its flexi fare system in Rajdhani/Shatabadi/Duranto trains


It Announces Decisions For Rebate In Fare For The Benefit Of The Passengers
The New Decisions To Be Implemented With Effect From 20th December, 2016
Ministry of Railways has reviewed Flexi Fare System in Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Duronto trains which was introduced in September, 2016. On the basis of review, certain decisions have been taken for the benefit of the passengers. These decisions will be implemented on an experimental basis for six months w.e.f. 20th December, 2016.

(1) 10% rebate in the basic fare on the vacant berths/seats after preparation of first chart on an experimental basis for six months in Rajdhani/Duronto/Shatabdi trains:-
The detailed provisions are as under:-
1.1. 10% rebate shall be applicable on the base fare of last ticket sold for a particular class and train just before preparation of first chart.
1.2. Reservation fee and superfast charge as applicable shall be levied in full & service tax etc. as applicable shall be levied.
1.3. 10% discount shall also be applicable for allotment of vacant berths (due to non-turned up passengers) in the train by TTEs. 
(2)  Reduction in the tatkal quota in Rajdhani/Duronto/Shatabdi trains.
 Class wise tatkal quota earmarked in Rajdhani/Duronto/Shatabdi trains in which flexi fare system have been introduced shall be revised as follows.
2.1. To begin with, the tatkal quota should be reduced to 10% of the total classwise accommodation.
2.2. Thereafter, fortnightly review of utilisation of tatkal quota will be undertaken by CCMs of Zonal Railways and based on its utilisation, tatkal quota may be increased upto a maximum of 30% of total classwise accommodation in the train.
2.3. The above changes should be implemented with effect from 20th December, 2016 for a period of six months.  
(3)        Discounted fare in two Shatabdi Trains
            It has also been decided to give discounted fare in AC Chair Car in selected sectors of two Shatabadi Trains namely New Delhi-Ajmer Shatabdi Express (12015-12016) and Chennai Central –Mysore Shatabdi Express (12007-12008). The sections on which concession is being offered are Ajmer-Jaipur, Jaipur-Kishangarh and Mysore-Bengaluru. On these identified sections, instead of flexi fare system, fixed fare system will be applicable as detailed below : -
        (I).  (a) 12015 New Delhi-Ajmer Shatabdi Express between Jaipur and Ajmer:-
Total Fare
Existing fare
Revised fare
Base fare
251
202
Catering charges inclusive of service tax
0
0
Reservation charges
40
40
Superfast charges
45
45
Service tax
15
13
Total amount
      351(rounded off to Rs. 355)
300
(b)  12016 Ajmer-New Delhi Shatabdi Express between Ajmer and Jaipur:-
Total Fare
Existing fare
Revised fare
Base fare
251
159
Catering charges inclusive of service tax
45
45
Reservation charges
40
40
Superfast charges
45
45
Service tax
15
11
Total amount
    396 (rounded off to Rs. 400)
300

    (II) a. 12015 New Delhi-Ajmer Shatabdi Express between Jaipur and Kishangarh:-
Total Fare
Existing fare
Revised fare
Base fare
229
202
Catering charges inclusive of service tax
0
0
Reservation charges
40
40
Superfast charges
45
45
Service tax
14
13
Total amount
  328(rounded off to Rs. 330)
300


 (b). 12016 Ajmer-New Delhi Shatabdi Express between Kishangarh and Jaipur:-
Total Fare
Existing fare
Revised fare
Base fare
229
159
Catering charges inclusive of service tax
45
45
Reservation charges
40
40
Superfast charges
45
45
Service tax
14
11
Total amount
373 (rounded off to Rs. 375)
300

(iii). 12007 Chennai Central-Mysore Shatabdi Express between Bengaluru City and Mysore:-
Total Fare
Existing fare
Revised fare
Base fare
257
125
Catering charges inclusive of service tax
81
81
Reservation charges
40
40
Superfast charges
45
45
Service tax
15
9
Total amount
438 (rounded off to Rs. 440)
300

   (iv). 12008 Mysore-Chennai Central Shatabdi Express between Mysore and Bengaluru city :-
Total Fare
Existing fare
Revised fare
Base fare
257
192
Catering charges inclusive of service tax
11
11
Reservation charges
40
40
Superfast charges
45
45
Service tax
15
12
Total amount
368 (rounded off to Rs. 370)
300
·         Other charges like Mela surcharge etc., if applicable shall be levied separately.

Ø      Flexi fare system shall not be applicable for the above sections of these trains.
Ø      No concession/discount/rebate shall be admissible on the above revised fare. However concession shall be applicable on the pre-revised fare subject to maximum fare of Rs.300 for the above sections.  Since in chair car of Shatabdi trains seat option is must for child of age 5 years and above and of below 12 years and  full fare ticket is issued, therefore child fare shall be issued on the adult fare as per above revised fare table.
                                   
*******

Ministry Of Railway Increases RAC Berths To Allow More Passenger To Travel On Board Trains


Ministry of Railways has decided to revise the number of berths to be earmarked as Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) in  coaches of different classes as under.  The move will help in allowing more persons to travel in the train : -
           
 Class


Existing
Revised
No. of berths earmarked for RAC passengers
No. of RAC passengers provided sitting accommodation
No. of additional berths to be provided for RAC passengers
No. of additional RAC passengers to be provided sitting accommodation
Total No. of berths to be earmarked for RAC passengers
Total Number of RAC passengers to be provided confirmed accommodation
Sleeper
(SL)

5 Side Lower Berths
10
2 Side Lower berths
4
7 (Side Lower)
14
3AC

2 Side Lower Berths
4
2 Side Lower Berths
4
4 (Side Lower)
8
2AC

2 Lower Berths (in cabin)
4
1 Side Lower Berths
2
3 (Side Lower)
6

The enhanced RAC accommodation will be available in trains in which booking will be opened from 16th January, 2017. 

Monday, December 12, 2016

Doordarshan to launch ArunPrabha channel For North Eastern States


Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Information & Broadcasting in his concluding remarks announced 90% subsidy for North Eastern States and 75% subsidy for other States in setting up of Community Radio Stations. The community Radio Station is an extraordinary medium which disseminates information in localized content. He also mentioned that a new dedicated Doordarshan channel ArunPrabha would also be launched in the first part of January, 2017. The channel would show richness,variety and diversity of local culture and would seamlessly integrate North East with the entire country.
Speaking further, Shri Naidu mentioned that the Government of India would formulate National Information & Communication Policy in consultation with States for a comprehensive and Integrated approach toward communication & information dissemination. Speaking about the Most Film Friendly State Award incorporated last year in the National Film Awards, Shri Naidu said that states should focus on this new initiative as it would not only enhance revenue but also boost tourism in the state. In this context, he also announced earlier today a cash component of Rs. One Crore for the Most Film Friendly State Award.
The Minister urged the states to set up Film Facilitation Units in states to ease out film shooting permissions as well as ensure seamless movement of their equipment’s. In this context, he mentioned that the Ministry is in the process of setting up a central portal for all such related permission and welcomed states to also collaborate in this platform as a part of ease of doing business initiative.

Mobile and Digital Banking induction campaign for youth


Minister of State( I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel here today led a Mobile and Digital Banking induction campaign for youth at Maj. Dhyanchand National Stadium. As the demonetisation phase completes one month, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports continues to promote the benefits of online banking and boosts the methods of cashless transactions with the help of youngsters. The Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan which comes under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is leading the initiative and has invited interested youngsters to join the drive for #Youth4DigitalPaisa.
Interacting with the youth, shri Goel said, “I salute this revolutionary step taken by our Prime Minster. Shri Narendra Modi has utmost faith in youth of the country and believes that the youth will contribute immensely towards promoting “Digital Economy. It’s our job to cooperate with him and take the nation to towering heights”. More than 600 youngsters not only from various parts of Delhi but even outskirts joined the induction programme. A special team constituted by the NYKS took on the spot tests and interviews to choose the best 100 out of all those present. The selected ones will be associated with the Ministry’s NYKS for a month and will be given a target to educate/create awareness among 100 households for which the trainer will be paid an honorarium of Rs. 10,000/-. Those who can’t give their full time to the programme can opt for a certificate if they qualify in the tests, therefore enabling them to teach the public about mobile banking during his/her free time.
Devesh who came for the test hailed PM’s efforts and expressed delight regarding the programme initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Another college student Mitali stated that this initiative would enable the youth to be an active part of the digital economy and cashless society movement.
Shri Goel further stated, “I do agree that with Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes being banned, people would have faced and might continue to face problem for another month. However, one must see the farsighted benefits of this initiative. Under the leadership of Sh. Narendra Modi, the nation would definitely move towards reducing the economic and social differences prevalent in the society. In addition to this, in the coming 15 years, India will certainly achieve the position of a global leader for which the transformation has already begun”.
AD/

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Cabinet approves Pune Metro Rail Project Phase – 1


The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the development of Pune Metro Rail Project Phase – 1. The Pune Metro Rail Corridor will be covering a length of 31.254 km comprising with two corridors i.e. Corridor-1 {Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Swargate} covering length of 16.589 km (11.57 km elevated and 5.019 km underground) and Corriodor-2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi) covering 14.665 km (fully elevated).
The total completion cost of the metro rail corridor will be Rs.11,420 crore. The population of approximately 50 lakh of Pune Metropolitan Area will be benefitted through this metro corridor.
The project is scheduled to be completed in five years from the date of start of work as per the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The approved alignments are expected to provide the much needed connectivity to the commuters and would traverse through some of the densest and traffic congested routes in the Pune Metropolitan Area. It will considerably reduce the traffic congestion and will bring in fast, comfortable, safe, pollution-free and affordable mass transportation system in the city, which in turn will contribute to further development and prosperity of the area. Development and prosperity of Pune Metropolitan Area will also contribute to the prosperity and development of the nation.
The Project will be implemented by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MAHA-METRO), which will be a 50:50 jointly owned company of Government of India and Government of Maharashtra. Project will be covered under the legal framework of the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978; the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002; and the Railways Act, 1989, as amended from time to time.
The existing Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation Limited (NMRCL) which is a joint Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of Government of India (GoI) and Government of Maharashtra (GoM), would be reconstituted into Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MAHA-METRO) for implementation of all metro projects including Pune Metro Rail Project Phase-1 in the State of Maharashtra outside Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The project will benefit from experience and learnings from other Metro Rail projects in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Nagpur etc.
Background:
Pune Metropolitan Area includes Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Both the cantonment areas namely Pune and Khadki have witnessed rapid growth of population. The population of Pune Urban Agglomeration was 4.99 million as per 2011 census compared to 3.57 million in 2001 census. This is further projected to increase to 6.90 million in 2021 and 7.73 million in 2031.
Rapid industrialization and intense commercial developments in the past decades have resulted in steep rise in travel demand, putting Pune’s transport infrastructure to stress. With the projected increase in the area’s population, strengthening and augmenting the existing transport infrastructure has assumed urgency. With the growing economy and inadequate public transport services, the passengers will shift to private modes, which is already evident from the high vehicle ownership trend in the region. This would not only aggravate the congestion on streets but also increase the air pollution. Hence, Metro Rail System has become essential.