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

           

The Ministry of Home Affairs- 2013 Report

During the year 2013, the Ministry of Home Affairs  dealt with the challenges of security, law and order, disaster management, police modernisation and border management among other issues.  Important consultation  meetings with the Chief Ministers, DGPs of States/UTs on law and order and naxalities management were also held.  The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013,  launch of Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), Strengthening of Unlawful activities  (Prevention)  Act, 1967 were other highlights during the year.

The Conference of Chief Ministers was held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on April 15,2013 to discuss the recommendations contained in the 5th report of 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission.   During the Chief Ministers’ Conference on June 5, 2013, the Union Home Minister Shri Sushilkumar Shinde had a separate meeting with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Finance Minister of West Bengal and the Governor of Jharkhand on security related issues in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states.

 The  Special Industry Initiatives “UDAAN” in J&K was also taken up during the year.  On the bilateral and multi-lateral areas, revised travel arrangements between India and Bangladesh, 33rd Asia and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators (APCCA) and bilateral discussions with the Homeland Security Department of US in Washington and at New Delhi were other highlights during the year.

Strengthening of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967

 The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2012 as passed by the Parliament has come into force from February 01,2013.  The Act enlarges the ambit of the “Terrorist Act” by incorporating threats/dangers to the economic security of the country and the monetary stability of India by way of production, smuggling or circulation of high quality counterfeit Indian paper currency.  The law increases the period of declaration of an association as unlawful from two years to five years, criminalizes high quality counterfeiting and includes within its scope offences by companies, societies or trusts and provides for punishment to them.

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013:  

A Committee headed by Justice J. S. Verma, former Chief Justice of Supreme Court was set up on 23rd December, 2012 to give recommendations on amending laws to provide for speedy justice and enhanced punishment for criminals in sexual assault cases. The Justice Verma Committee in its Report submitted on the 23rd January 2013, agreed to most of the provisions of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012. Government wanted to amend criminal laws affecting women immediately and since the Parliament was not in session, the Criminal Law (amendment) Ordinance, 2013 was promulgated on 03.02.2013. In the Budget Session, the Criminal Law [Amendment] Bill, 2013 was passed by the Lok Sabha on 19th March, 2013 and by the Rajya Sabha on 21st March, 2013. The President of India has accorded his assent to the Bill on 2nd April, 2013.

Substantive amendments in IPC, Cr. P. C and Indian Evidence Act have been made to effectively deal with the crime against women. Sentence of death has been provided as punishment in case of rape followed by death or vegetative state of the victim. For the first time acid attack, human trafficking, voyeurism, stalking etc. have been included as a specific offence and severe punishment has been prescribed. Non- treatment of victims of rape and acid attack by the hospitals (Government/ Private) has been made punishable. The police has been made accountable and disobeying of any directions of law (like not recording of FIR) has been made punishable.  Adequate provisions have been made to protect the women victim from harassment and humiliation during investigation and trial.

 Internal Security

            Terrorist activities in the hinterland continue to remain a threat.  There have been three incidents of bomb blasts:- first in Hyderabad in which 17 persons died, the second in Bengaluru in which there was no casualty and the third in Bodh Gaya in which no casualty was reported. The MHA has agreed to the request of the Bihar Government  for handing over the security of Bodh Gaya Complex to CISF.  In some of these incidents, the Investigating Agencies have been able to identify and arrest the persons responsible and in other cases the investigations are on.  The Government is committed for safety and security  of its citizens and in this regard the   arrest of Yasin Bhatkal, Tunda, Haddi and solving  of recent blasts cases proves this resolve.

 Uttarakhand Disaster of June 2013

The State of Uttarakhand witnessed a severe disaster due to heavy rainfall, cloudbursts and landslides on 16-17th June, 2013.  All the 13 districts of Uttarakhand were affected.  The disaster was so massive that 580 people lost their lives, while 4473 people were injured.  Besides over 5526 people are missing.  .  In a massive rescue operation 1,10,000 persons were rescued.  Rs. 145 crore from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) were released to the State Government on 20th June 2013.  In addition, Rs. 250 crore on an ‘on account’ basis were released from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to the State on 19th July 2013.  Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs.2.00 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and  Rs.50,000/ each to injured persons from Prime Minister Relief Fund.

 Modernisation of State Police Forces

The Scheme for Modernization of State Police Forces (MPF Scheme) has been extended for a further period of five years with effect from the financial year 2012-13 to 2016-17, with funding partly under Non-Plan and partly under Plan.   The items required by the State Police under mobility, weapons, equipment, training equipment, forensic equipment are funded under Non-Plan.  The construction/upgradation of police stations/outposts, police lines, police housing, forensic science laboratories and training infrastructure, construction of buildings are funded under Plan budget. 

Under the Scheme, an allocation of Rs. 8195.53 crore has been approved under Non-Plan and Rs.3750.87 crore under Plan during the XII Plan period (2012-13 – 2016-17).   In the current year, outlay for MPF Scheme is Rs.750 crore under Non-Plan and Rs.1097 crore under Plan. Mega City Policing in six cities namely, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Bengaluru has been approved as a sub-set under Non-Plan component of MPF Scheme.  

 Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems

Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), Mission Mode Scheme was approved in 2009 with a provision of Rs 2000 Crores as a 100 % Centrally Sponsored Scheme to be implemented during 2009-2012. This has now been extended up to 31st March, 2015.   A Pilot launch of CCTNS was launched on 4th January, 2013 which earmarked connectivity of nearly 2000 CCTNS locations in 25 States/Uts.   The implementation of the project has picked up and  contracts with System Integrators have been signed in different States/Uts.

 Special Industry Initiative (SII) for J&K – ‘UDAAN’

The Ministry of Home Affairs have launched a Scheme Special Industry Initiative for Jammu & Kashmir known as “UDAAN”, in the nature of partnership between the corporate of India and Ministry of Home Affairs. The scheme is being implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).  About 35 leading corporate have partnered with NSDC to train  more than 54,000 youth from the State over the next five years. ‘UDAAN’ partners include leading PSUs such as NTPC, BHEL, BSNL, ONGC, HAL and Canara Bank and private organizations such as Wipro, TCS, HCL Technologies, Infosys, Bajaj Allianz, CMC, Cognizant, Yes Bank, Future Learning, IL &FS, CII, Edusports, Religare, Accenture, Tata Motors, etc.

 Revised Travel Arrangements between India and Bangladesh

 In order to liberalize the existing Visa Regime between India and Bangladesh and with a view to removing certain difficulties faced by the nationals of either country in obtaining visa, the Revised Travel Arrangements (RTA) between India and Bangladesh was signed at Dhaka on 28th January, 2013.     The Visa free regime has been agreed on reciprocal basis for holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports for a period up to 45 days of stay. Grant of double entry visa valid for a maximum period of three months can be granted to Bangladeshi nationals applying visa for third countries, whose representative Missions are concurrently accredited to Bangladesh from India. It also provides for medical visa, long term multiple employment visa and multiple entry student visa etc. Necessary Circular amending the provisions in the Visa Manual to incorporate the provisions of the new RTA was issued on 12th February, 2013.

 33rd Asia and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators (APCCA)

 The 33rd Asia and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators (APCCA) was held from 22-27th September, 2013 in New Delhi. Delegates from 23 member countries and the representatives from States/Uts participated in the Conference. The major theme of the Conference was to exchange views on challenges and initiatives in Prison Administration, induction of organisational culture, meeting the challenges posed by high risk offenders, alternatives to imprisonment etc. The delegates also visited the Tihar Prison on Sept.23, 2013. The deliberations resulted in a number of useful suggestions and ideas which will be further crystallised in next APCCA Conference to be held in Canada in 2014. 

Establishment of National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Jhajjar Campus of AIIMS

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for setting up of National Cancer Institute at a cost of Rs.2035 crore. NCI will be set up in the Jhajjar campus of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi located in Badhsa village, Jhajjar, Haryana. The project is estimated to be completed in 45 months. 

This is a landmark step in the arena of cancer research in the country and shall lessen the deficit of tertiary cancer care in the Northern region. Cancer is emerging as a major public health concern in India, where every year 11 lakhs new cases are diagnosed, with a mortality rate of 5.5 lakhs per year. There has been a lag of cancer treatment facilities in India, compared to WHO standard; which requires one radiotherapy machine per million population. India at present has 0.41 machines per million population. Hence, setting up of this institute will herald a new chapter in the government initiative against cancer. 

NCI will operate on the lines of NCI, USA and DKFZ, Germany as a nodal center for indigenous research, promotive, preventive and curative aspects of care and human resource development. This institute is aimed to plan, conduct and coordinate research on cancers which are more specific to India; like tobacco related cancers, cancer of the uterine cervix, gall bladder cancer and liver cancers. The focus will be on understanding, analyzing the cause and genesis of the above cancers. This will further translate the knowledge gained to develop feasible strategies to improve cancer care services by improvement in detection, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of patients. 

The proposed institute will broadly have clinical division, research divisions, and disease management groups (DMGs). These DMGs will go in to the details of all issues pertaining to management of various cancers, site wise, besides other facilities. NCI will have 710 beds for different facilities viz. Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Anesthesia and palliative care, Nuclear Medicine etc. It will have a Tissue Repository which is the first of its kind in India. 

HSCC (India) Ltd, a public sector enterprise under the administrative control of the Health & Family Welfare Ministry has been appointed as Project Consultant by AIIMS New Delhi. The Project Consultant is responsible for concept, detailed design & engineering, contracting, project management and medical equipment procurement, installations and commissioning. 

Payment of statutory dues, salary and wages in sick/loss making CPSEs

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today approved the proposal for providing non-plan budgetary support of Rs. 116.86 crore for liquidation of statutory dues (Provident Fund, Gratuity, Pension, Employees State Insurance and Bonus) and salary and wages from 01-04-2013 to 31-08-2013 in respect of eleven Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under the Department of Heavy Industry, namely Hindustan Cables Ltd., HMT Machine Tools Ltd., HMT (Watches) Ltd., HMT (Chinar Watches) Ltd., Nagaland Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd., Triveni Structurals Ltd., Tungbhadra Steel Products Ltd., Nepa Ltd., HMT Bearings Ltd. Hindustan Photo Films Limited and Tyre Corporation of India Ltd. 

Revival/closure plans of Hindustan Cables Limited, Triveni Structurals Ltd., HMT (Watches) Ltd., HMT (Chinar Watches) Ltd., Hindustan Photo Films Ltd. and HMT Machine Tools Ltd. are yet to be finalized; revival plans of Nepa Ltd. and Nagaland Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd. have recently been approved; revival plans of HMT Bearings Ltd. and Tungbhadra Steel Products Ltd. are yet to materialize; and disinvestment of Tyre Corporation of India Ltd. is under process. It was, therefore, considered essential that the interim financial support from the Government be provided so that the operation of these companies may not be affected. Non-settlement of these liabilities has been causing serious hardship not only to the employees of the companies but also adversely affecting the day-to-day operation of the companies resulting in further deterioration of their performance. 

Payment of outstanding dues of salary and wages would mitigate the hardships of the employees thereby motivating them for better output and prepare them to achieve the goal of revival/re-structuring of the companies. In addition, clearance of outstanding statutory dues (Provident Fund, Gratuity, Pension, Employees State Insurance) would result in fulfilment of statutory obligations. 

New Directors General of NSG and CISF Appointed

The competent authority in the Central Government has approved the following: 

(i) Shri J.N.Choudhury, IPS(AM:78) as Director General, National Security Guard (NSG) with effect from the date of his joining the post and till his superannuation on 31.05.2015, or until further orders, whichever event takes place earlier. 

(ii) Shri Arvind Ranjan, IPS (KL:77), DG, NSG as Director General in Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) from the date of taking over the charge of the post and till the date of his superannuation on 30.04.2015 or until further orders, whichever event takes place earlier. He will continue to hold the charge of the post of DG, NSG in addition to DG,CISF till joining of new incumbent or till further orders. 

Achievements and initiatives of Department of Sports during 2013

YEAR END REVIEW 2013                                                                                 

I.          Constitution of Steering Committee to Monitor and Coordinate the Work Related to Major International Sports Events: To monitor  and coordinate the work relating to major international sports events,  upto  Olympic Games 2020, a Steering Committee has been constitutedunder the Chairmanship of Secretary (Sports) and consisting of Director General, Sports Authority of India, Joint Secretary (Sports), Joint Secretary (Development), Government Observers of the concerned sports disciplines, representatives of concerned National Sports Federations, representative of Indian Olympic Association, chief coach of the concerned sports disciplines and Executive Director (Teams), Sports Authority of India.  The Functions of the Steering Committee are, inter alia, deciding core probables and reviewing performance of the core probables regularly for deciding who needs to be retained/dropped/added.

II.        Approval of 13 sports infrastructure projects under the Ministry's Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme:  The Ministry has approved 13 sports infrastructure projects under the Ministry's Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme during the year.

III.       Inclusion of Wrestling in the 2020 Olympics:  International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its 125th session held in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 8^th September 2013 decided to include wrestling in the 2020 Olympics in addition to the 25 core sports. Wrestling, squash and baseball/softball were in contention for being included as an additional sport in the 2020 Olympics. Earlier, Executive Board (EB) of the IOC at its meeting held on 12th February 2013 had recommended that wrestling be not included in the list of core sports for the 2020 Olympics.  The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports took the lead in taking up the matter with IOC and the countries where wrestling is popular to ensure that wrestling is retained in the Olympic Games.

IV.       Launch of Scheme of Human Resources Development in Sports: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports have revised the existing ‘Scheme relating to Talent Search & Training’ and renamed it as ‘Scheme of Human Resources Development in Sports’. Under the revised Scheme, the Government intends to focus on developing human resources in sports sciences and sports medicine for the overall development of sports and games in the country. This will help the country be self reliant in these fields over a period of time in general and meet the requirements of the proposed National Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicines in particular. Approval has already been given for support to 2 doctors for advanced studies in sports science/sports medicine.

V.        Government's approval for Under 17 World Cup Football Tournament in 2017: The Cabinet at its meeting held on 13.6.2013 approved the proposal for submitting guarantees sought by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) from the Government of India for their bid to host the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Under 17 World Cup Football Tournament in 2017 in India. FIFA has awrded the vent to India. The FIFA Under 17 World Cup is a prestigious event and would be held in India for the first time. The AIFF have proposed holding of matches in five States, namely Delhi, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka and one among the States of Assam, Goa and Kerala. The Under-17 World Cup would encourage more youngsters to participate in sports and also help develop the sport of football in the country. It will also promote tourism in the country. The event also has a lot of importance from the point of view of playing technique, training, coaching and competition exposure, etc., especially at under-17 level, and thus would be good for the future of football in India.  

VI.       Standard Operative Procedure (SOP) to identify circumstances (female hyperandrogenism) in which a particular sports person will not be eligible to participate in competitions in the female category: There have been reports in the press about the female athletes who have physical characteristics of male gender.  In such cases, the athletes have faced humiliation and public discussion on their gender.  To avoid such controversies, the Ministry requested the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to identify the tests and procedures which can give a conclusive finding about the gender of an athlete.  Taking into consideration the recommendations made by the Medical Board of AIIMS and the regulations of the International Olympic Committee on Female Hyperandrogenism, the Department framed and circulated on 19.3.2013 Standard Operative Procedure (SOP) to identify circumstances (female hyperandrogenism) in which a particular sportsperson will not be eligible to participate in competitions in the female category. 

VII.     Signing of MOU on cooperation in sports between India and Hungary A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the field of sports was signed between India and Hungary on 17^th October 2013 during the Prime Minister of Hungary's visit to India. The MOU provides, inter alia, for cooperation between the Olympic Committees, Sports Federations, universities, sports scientific bodies as well as authorities of the two countries for sharing of know-how and experience in the field of building sport infrastructure, management and administration of sports facilities.

VIII.    Draft National Sports Development Bill, 2013: A Working Group was constituted on 21.3.2013 under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd) Mukul Mudgal for drafting of the National Sports Development Bill 2013.  The Working Group was asked to examine the existing draft Bill from both sports governance and legal angles and fine-tune/revise the same with the purpose of making it more precise and succinct, to recommend draft model rules to be framed under the Bill, to examine the requirement for a separate model Sports Development Bill for enactment by the States, to examine the possibility of constituting separate bodies like a Sports Election Commission, a Dispute Resolution Tribunal and an Ethics Committee and suggest their powers, functions, constitution, funding provision, etc., to make specific recommendations on preparation of Electoral College and streamlining of State/District bodies.  The Working Group submitted the draft National Sports Development Bill, 2013, on 10^th July 2013, which was placed in public domain for inviting suggestions/comments of general public and stakeholders by 31^st July 2013. A revised draft National Sports Development Bill 2013 incorporating the feedback received on the draft Bill has been submitted by the Working Group. Further action is being taken in the matter. 

IX.       Prevention of Sporting Fraud Bill, 2013:

In its continuing efforts for cleansing of sports in the country, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in consultation with the Ministry of Law has drafted a specialized legislation namely the PREVENTION OF SPORTING FRAUD BILL, 2013. The Draft Bill was uploaded on the website of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for inviting suggestions/comments of the general public and stakeholders by 3^rd December, 2013.  The comments received have been considered and the Ministry will shortly place the matter for consideration by the Cabinet.

X.        Adoption of age and tenure limits in respect of office bearers by National Sports Federations: All 53 National Sports Federations have given undertakings in writing to amend their constitutions to incorporate age and tenure limits for office bearers as prescribed in the National Sports Development Code 2011. Out of the 53 NSFs, 45 have already amended their constitutions to incorporate age and tenure restrictions. 

XI.         Signing of MOU between the Department of Sports and the Department of AIDS Control: Department of Sports and Department of AIDS Control signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 29^th November, 2013.  Objectives of the MOU are to reach a large number of youth engaged in sports activities at village, district and state level with information on STI/HIV/AIDS prevention and related services; build the capacity of sports educators, administrators and coaches on “Minimizing the risk of HIV transmission on and outside the sports field; involving youth organizations, sports  federations in HIV/AIDS prevention activities; promoting awareness generation through hoardings and banners at prominent places and sports infrastructure during state/national events and tournaments; and involving eminent sports personalities  for  addressing social stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.

Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad Launches ‘AV Magni-Visualiser’ Screening Device for Cervical Cancer

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad launched screening device for cervical cancer, called ‘AV Magni-Visualiser’, here today. The device has been designed and developed at Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology (ICPO), NOIDA which is one of the premier Institutes of ICMR and is involved in epidemiology and development of indigenous HPV vaccine. 

Speaking at the launch function, Shri Azad congratulated the scientists at ICMR and ICPO for designing and developing this cost-effective and affordable device for screening cervical cancer in its early stages. He stated that cervical cancer is still the number one killer cancer in several parts of rural and semi-urban India. It has been estimated that about 1 lakh 32 thousand cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year and 74, 000 deaths occur due to it every year. It accounted for 9% of total deaths due to cancer in 2010. He further said that many of the cases may still be going unreported in many rural areas taking the number even higher. 

The Health Minister stated that with this device it will be easy to screen and detect cervical cancer in its early stages thus making treatment more effective. He stated that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the “National Programme on Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVDs, and Stroke” in 2010 in 100 selected districts taken up initially as pilot project across 21 States to address the challenges posed by the rapidly increasing burden of NCDs, particularly Cancer, Diabetes and CVDs. 

Sh Azad said that presently screening for cervical cancer is available only in the regional cancer institutes and medical colleges. He added that the equipment presently being used is expensive, as a result of which not many medical colleges can afford this equipment. This device, which will be much cost effective, will be first rolled out in the district and sub-district community health centres (CMCs) and subsequently in the primary health centres (PHCs), he noted. As not all PHCs have lady doctors and nurses, staffing and training will form an important part of roll out paln, he stated. 

Dr. V M Katoch, DG, ICMR said that this will benefit a large number of women in the country and bring down the rates of morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer, which is high at present as it is not detected in the early stages. Cervical cancer does not occur de-novo. It starts from certain pre-cancerous states/lesions called dysplasias and it takes about a decade for cancer to develop from pre-cancerous lesions. Detection and appropriate treatment of pre-cancerous lesions will halt their progression to invasive cancers. He further stated that the accuracy and efficacy of the device has been evaluated through tests in five regions during the past two years. He also said that this device has a white light source with variable interchangeable magnification and it can be operated on 12 Volt battery in rural and semi urban areas where electric supply is not regular. Magnivisualizer has been found to pick up 1.5 times more High grade pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions than the ordinary tungsten light. 

Also present at the launch function were Smt. Santosh Chowdhary, MoS (Health), Shri A. H. Khan Chowdhury, MoS (Health), Shri K Desiraju, Secy (Health), Sh Lov Verma, Secy (DAC), and senior officers of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and scientists.