Vishakhapatnam Port poised for major expansion

Vishakhapatnam Port is poised for major expansion, with the Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurating several projects during his visit to the port yesterday. The Minister inaugurated a Container Freight Station of 1 lakh TEU capacity developed by M/s.VCTPL at a cost of Rs.104 crores for which an extent of Ac 34 acres is allotted by the Port. He also inaugurated the commissioning of 6.25MW out of 10MW solar power plant. The power generated from this plant is meeting the captive consumption of the port and the excess power is proposed to be sold by third party agreements. 

In addition to this the Minister inaugurated a Liquid cargo berth – EQ-10 developed by M/s.AVR Infra Pvt., Ltd., on Private Sector Participation at a cost of Rs.55.38crores with a capacity of 1.84 million tonnes per annum and a Multi cargo berth – WQ-6 developed by M/s.ABG Infra Logistics on Private Sector Participation at a cost of Rs.114.5 crores with a capacity of 2.08 million tonnes per annum 

Shri Gadkari also laid the foundation stone for the project “Reconstruction of old EQ-2,3,4&5 berths into two new berths of 530 meters quay in the inner harbor” taken up with port’s internal resources at a cost of Rs.182 crores and capacity of 6 million tonnes. He also reviewed the progress of two berths WQ-7&8under construction taken up by port with internal resources at a cost of Rs. 243 crores and capacity of 6.39 million tonnes. 

The union Minister reviewed the performance of the port and the progress of developmental projects. He also reviewed the dredging projects executed by the port at a cost of Rs.400 crores which were taken up to enhance the draft of inner harbor to 14.5mts to enable Panamax vessels berthing and outer harbor to 18.1 draft to enable berthing of Super Cape vessels berthing. 

Later, the Hon’ble Minister held discussions with the stakeholders of the port. He suggested to the Govt., of Andhra Pradesh to install sewage treatment plant for treating the city sewage before letting into the port limits to avoid water pollution. The Hon’ble Minister informed that the pollution levels have been considerably reduced consequent to various mechanization projects. The particulate matter (PM10) in the air is brought down from the level of 300 microgram in 2011 to less than 100 microgram in 2016. Hon’ble Minister also directed the Port to engage a good consultant to do a comprehensive study and suggest measures to reduce the pollution level further. 

Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension

            The existing pension scheme for Central freedom fighter pensioners and their eligible dependents has been restructured as per the table below:

Sl. No.	Category of freedom fighters	Present amount of pension    (per month)	Enhanced amount of pension(per month)
1.	Ex-Andaman Political Prisoners/ spouses	Rs.24,775/-	Rs.30,000/-
2.	Freedom fighters who suffered outside British India/spouses	Rs.23,085/-	Rs.28,000/-
3.	Other Freedom Fighters/ spouses  including INA	Rs.21,395/-	Rs.26,000/-
4.	Dependent parents/ eligible daughters (maximum 3 daughters at any point of time)	Rs.3,380/- (dependent parents) Rs.5,070/- (daughters)	50% of the sum that would have been admissible to the Freedom Fighter i.e. in the range of Rs.13,000/- to Rs. 15,000/-

The revised scale shall take effect from 15.08.2016.

            The existing Dearness Relief system based on All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial workers, which was hitherto applied to freedom fighter pensioners on annual basis, is being discontinued and replaced by the Dearness Allowance system applicable to Central Government employees twice a year.

All freedom fighters and spouses and dependent parents/eligible daughter pensioners of deceased freedom fighters drawing pension under the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme, 1980 would be benefitted by the decision. So far, total 1,71,605 freedom fighters and their eligible dependents have been sanctioned pension under the scheme. At present 37,981 freedom fighters and their eligible dependent pensioners are covered under the scheme.  Of these, 11,690 are freedom fighters themselves, 24,792 are spouses(widows/widowers) and 1,499 are daughter pensioners.   

In 1969, Government of India introduced the ‘Ex-Andaman Political Prisoners Pension Scheme’ to honour the freedom fighters who had been incarcerated in the Cellular Jail at Port Blair.  In 1972, to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of our Independence, a regular scheme for grant of freedom fighters’ pension was introduced.  Thereafter, with effect from 01.08.1980, a liberalized scheme, namely the ‘Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension Scheme’ is being implemented. Besides the freedom fighters, spouses (widows/widowers), unmarried and unemployed daughters (upto maximum three at any point of time) and parents of deceased freedom fighters are eligible for pension under the scheme.

News districts of Telanagan

The State Government of Telangana released  maps of 27 new formed districts. Telangana state has 10 districts which  will turn to 27 districts. 

First medal in Rio

 The first Indian women athelete wins Broze medal in Rio Olympics. Sakshi malik won the medal in women wrestling.The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has congratulated Sakshi Malik on winning Bronze medal in Wrestling in Rio Olympics. 
 “Sakshi Malik creates history! Congratulations to her for the Bronze. The entire nation is rejoicing. 
On this very auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, Sakshi Malik, a daughter of India, wins a Bronze and makes all of us very proud. Sakshi Malik will inspire several sportspersons in the years to come.”, the Prime Minister said. 

Raksha Bandhan

Today, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee ,  President of India,receiving Raksha Bandhan Greetings from the children/students from various schools/organizations at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Highlights of Prime Minister’s Address on Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi on the occasion of 70th Independence Day today. Following are the brief highlights of the speech:

1. Today on this special day, I convey my greetings to 125 crore Indians & the Indian community living overseas. May this energy guide the nation to scale newer heights of progress in the years to come

2. We remember Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Pandit Nehru, countless people who sacrificed their lives so that we attained Swarajya.

3. It is true that India faces a lot of problems, but we have the capacity to find solutions.

4. Today, more than Karya, I want to talk about Karya Sanskriti of the Government

5. There was a time when past governments used to be surrounded by accusations, not so anymore. They are now surrounded by aspirations."

6. It is our responsibility to convert our Swaraj into Suraaj, which can not be done without sacrifice, discipline and staunch resolution 7. Today I will be speaking not just of policy but vision. Not just the speed of work, but actual experience of progress

8. Suraaj means the progress of the common man, a govt that is sensitive to the requirements and aspirations of the common man. Responsibility and accountability are to be the roots of such a Suraaj."

9. We want to change the situation where people are scared of income tax authorities, particularly among middle class families

10. Two crore people apply for passports in the country. Even poor people get passport in one or two weeks

11. In the past any businessman who wanted to invest in this country had to spend more than six months just registering his business. However, with this government we have simplified the procedure to an extent that in last July itself, 900 such registrations have taken place.

12. Interviews for more than 9,000 posts in Group C and D jobs have been abolished.

13. In the the last 70 years people's expectations have changed. Announcement of policies and budget doesn't convince them. We have to show what has been achieved on the ground

14. Earlier, 70-75 km of rural roads used to be laid per day. Now we lay upto 100 km of rural roads a day

15. One nation, one grid and one price- we have worked on this.

16. Renewable energy is a focus area for us.

17. In the field of solar power we have seen a growth of 116 per cent. It is unprecedented.

18. 30,000-35,000 km of transmission lines used to be laid in a year in the past. Now at least 50,000 km per day are being laid.

19. Cooking gas was available to 14 crore people in the last 60 years. In the last sixty weeks alone, four crore people got these connections

20. We must break through our predilection towards pessimism. If we do that, it gives us energy. To get 21 crore people into the network of institutional credit is one such thing that people thought was impossible. But it happened.

21. Out of 18,000 villages, more than 10,000 villages have been electrified and I have been told they are with us, watching this celebration of Independence Day.

22. Just at 3 hour distance from Delhi is a village in Hathras, that took 70 years to get electricity.

23. Govt has made LED bulbs available at Rs. 50 per bulb, says the Prime Minister.

24. When things like the coming together of Iran, Afghanistan and India come together for Chabahar port, then one can see the impossible becoming possible.

25. We haven't allowed inflation to go beyond 6 per cent. There were two years of successive drought in the country. Production of pulses became a concerns, but despite all that we tried our best to control the situation and compared to previous governments, I and my government did not allow the cost of a poor man's thaali (plate) to be unaffordable.

26. As we celebrate the 350th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singhji I remember what he said: "He who hasn't served others, how can his hands be considered holy?" I say our farmers do such work and have sown 1.5 times the pulses that were sown earlier, despite the discouragement of successive droughts.

27. Our scientists have created 131 types of high yielding variety seeds, so that we maximise output. I congratulate them. The shortage of fertiliser is like something out of a bad dream of the past. That shortage is history.

28. To empty government coffers has been a tradition of past governments, I have tried to keep away from such a temptation. For me more than what the world thinks of the government, what the image of the country is, is important. Substance over symbolism. Empowerment over entitlement. The nation is more important than the party.

29. Government is continuity and if there are good points in the works done by them, we, with bowed heads will continue that work. I take meetings over PRAGATI systems, where we oversee 118 such programmes launched by previous governments but had run aground. 270 projects worth Rs. 10 lakh crore had been stuck. This was criminal negligence and we have tried to move them forward.

30. When there is clarity in policy, clarity in intent, decisions are unhesitating. Every year, when it came to Uttar Pradesh, a common story was the arrears due to sugarcane farmers. Today, I can say 95 per cent of payments have been done. Under Ujjwala Yojana, we have 50 lakh households of smoke-free kitchens.

31. We will remain relevant and be able to lead the global economy only if we come up to global standards. In the last few days you must have seen how rating agencies have appreciated our moves on ease of doing business.

32. Ramanujacharya used to say that we must look at everyone with the same gaze, never humiliate anyone. This was said by Ambedkar, Gandhi too. If society practices this discrimination it will break society. If discrimination is entrenched, our determination to fight it and our sensitivity to fighting it should be that much higher. Just economic progress is not enough, social equity is more important. We have to fight social evils together.

33. GST will give strength to our economy and all parties are to be thanked for its passage.

34. This govt does not believe in postponing things. We have fulfilled our promise of one rank one pension. We have released all files relating to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. That was another promise we had made.

35. Unity in diversity is our greatest strength. Our cultural tradition of respect for others, and assimilation is the reason why our civilisation has persisted.

36. Violence has no place in our country. This country will not tolerate terrorism and Maoism.

37. I tell those who believe in human values, to weigh in the scale of humanity, when innocent children were massacred in a school in Peshawar. In India, every school was weeping, there were tears in the eyes of every parliamentarian. That was a reflection of our human value, but look at the other side which glorifies terrorists

38. I say to our neighbours, Let's fight poverty, by fighting our own people we will destroy ourselves, only by fighting poverty together will we prosper

39. In the last few days the way the people of Balochistan, Gilgit, from Pak occupied Kashmir have thanked me, it is the honour of 1.25 billion people of India. I thank those people from Balochistan, Gilgit and Pak occupied Kashmir.

40. We have decided to raise pensions for freedom fighters by 20 per cent.

41. The Government will bear the health-care expenditure upto Rs 1 lakh per annum for the BPL families.

42. When we speak of freedom fighters, a few are mentioned far more than others. Our Adivasi brothers fought valiantly largely unsung, many have heard of Birsa Munda but few others. In the next few days, it is our intention to record the history of such Adivasi freedom fighters in the areas of their origin on a museum.

43. One society, one mission, one goal

44. 'Bharat Mata ki jai', 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jai Hind.'

Colours of Independence-Azadi Ke Rang

On the occasion of the 70^th Independence Day, Ministry of Textiles is celebrating “Colours of Independence (Azadi Ke Rang)” in 70 Locations across the Nationfrom 9^th to 15^th August 2016 to infuse the passion of freedom and patriotism among the people of India especially our youth.

Ministry of Textiles is organizing “Colours of Independence (Azadi Ke Rang)” in 70 locations across India. A 12ft x 9ft flex has been created with a Khadi Canvas of 8ft x 7ft in the centre. The flex board along with the canvas has been put up in a prominent place in each identified location for general public to express their views on the auspicious occasion of our 70^th Independence Day. Public will be encouraged to express through colour or any other means, their own unique interpretation of National Independence and their hopes and aspirations for the future.

The Public will be encouraged to share their expression and participation in ‘Colours of Independence’ on social media networks to create buzz around the celebration as well. The Mounted fabric with ‘Colours of Independence’ as expressed by the public will be displayed for one week at various locations across the nation.      

Union Minister of Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani congratulated the Nation on this occasion and urged the people of the Nation to remember and thank the freedom fighters who fought for our Independence and gave us a free India. She further added that we should honour our Defence Forces who continuously fight for the safety of India and because of whom we are safe in our homes. This week is dedicated to them and their untiring efforts.

Over 60% of India’s population is youth and Ministry of textiles want to communicate to the people of our Nation especially our youth, the importance of this born freedom that we have, which has been achieved after years of struggle from our freedom fighters.

Ministry expresses confidence that this Independence Festival be celebrated across the Nation by all the people of the country including our youth, not only in the 70 identified locations, but everywhere in the honour of our freedom fighters and our Defence Forces.

The Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2016

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its ex-post facto approval for amendment of Section 64 and section 65 and consequential amendment of section 115 of the Factories Act, 1948 by introducing the Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in the Parliament.

The approved amendments will give boost to the manufacturing sector and facilitate ease of doing business with an aim to enhance employment opportunities.

These amendments relate to increase in overtime hours from the existing 50 hours per quarter to 100 hours (Section 64) and existing 75 hours per quarter to 125 hours (Section 65). 

Amendments to the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its ex-post facto approval for amendments to the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 by introducing the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in Parliament. 

The maternity benefit Act 1961 protects the employment of women during the time of her maternity and entitles her of a 'maternity benefit' - i.e. full paid absence from work - to take care for her child. The act is applicable to all establishments employing 10 or more persons. The amendments will help 1.8 million (approx.) women workforce in organised sector.

The amendments to Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 are as follows:

• Increase Maternity Benefit from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for two surviving children and 12 weeks for more than two childern.

• 12 weeks Maternity Benefit to a 'Commissioning mother' and 'Adopting mother'.

• Facilitate'Work from home'. • Mandatory provision of Creche in respect of establishment having 50 or more employees.

Justification:

• Maternal care to the Child during early childhood - crucial for growth and development of the child.

• The 44th, 45th and 46th Indian Labour Conference recommended enhancement of Maternity Benefits to 24 weeks.

• Ministry of Women & Child Development proposed to enhance Maternity Benefit to 8 months.

• In Tripartite consultations, all stake holders, in general supported the amendment proposal.

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas (Amendment) Bill, 2016

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its ex-post facto approval for amendments to Section 44 and consequential amendments of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 by introducing the Lokpal and Lokayuktas (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in the Parliament.
The approved amendments will address concerns and apprehensions expressed by different categories of public servants and addresses the difficulties being faced in implementing the provision of section 44 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The amendments are in line with one of the recommendations of the Standing Committee

TIRANGA MARCH

Candle-light  March in 100 prominent District Headquarters to Celebrate AAZADI 70 Saal /Independence Day

N Y K S (Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan)

§  On the eve of the Independence Day, NYKS will organise candle-light “TIRANGA MARCH” in 100 prominent District Headquarters, covering all States/ UTs. Each Tiranga March will culminate at a venue where a cultural programme on the theme of Tiranga and Nationalism will be organised. The members of youth clubs affiliated with NYKS as well as other youth will participate in the Programmes. In each Programme, participation of about 1,000 youth is expected.  

    

§  NYKS will organise a Candle Light Tiranga March from Old Delhi to New Delhi, involving about 2,000 youth. This will witness 40 to 50 large size National Flags being carried besides a large number of small flags. There will be chanting of nationalistic slogans and singing of patriotic songs. The Exact date and details of the programme are being finalized.

N S S (National Service Scheme)

§  NSS will organise TIRANGA March on 22^nd August, 2016 in each of the 350 Universities having NSS across the country. The Programme will begin at 10 AM. The volunteers from NSS units in Universities and their affiliated colleges will assemble at University Headquarter to organise the March in a befitting manner.  The Programme will start with one-hour ‘Suvichar’ Session, in which eminent persons will address the volunteers about Nationalism and National Flag. This will be followed by the Tiranga March around the University Campus or the City. The front marchers will be carrying National Flags, while the other volunteers will be carrying placards, depicting messages of Nationalism. It is expected that about 500 students will participate in Tiranga March at each location.

§  On 21^st August, 2016 (Sunday), a “TIRANGA Painting/ Poster Competition” will be organized at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, IP Estate, and New Delhi. The competition will be conducted in two categories, namely, below 18 years of age and above 18 years of age. Attractive prizes will be given to the winners of the Competition. Certificate of Participation will be provided to all participants.

Krishna Pushakaralu

krishna Pushakaralu spectacular opening  & curtain raiser , marking the beginning of Krishana Pushkaralu  in Andhra Pradesh.

Cabinet approves amendments in the Central List of Other Backward Classes applicable to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for making suitable amendments in the Central List of OBCs by way of inclusion/correction/deletion of castes/communities applicable to the State of Andhra Pradesh and the newly formed State of Telangana as per the advice received from the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).

A total of 35 changes recommended by NCBC in respect of Andhra Pradesh and 86 New Entries in respect of Telangana State will be notified. The changes will enable the persons belonging to these castes/ communities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to avail the benefits of reservation in Government services and posts as well as in Central Educational Institutions as per extant policy. They will also become eligible for benefit under the various welfare schemes, scholarships etc. being administered by the Central Government, which are at present available to the persons belonging to the Other Backward Classes.

Background:

On the recommendation of the Commission a total of 2401 Entries for inclusion, including its synonyms, sub-castes, etc. in the Central List of Other Backward Classes have been notified in 24 States and 6 Union Territories. The last such notification was issued on 26.5.2016. Since then, several more recommendations for inclusion of castes/communities and corrections in the existing list of OBCs for the State of Andhra Pradesh and the new State of Telangana have been received from NCBC.

Under Section 9 ("Functions of the Commission") of the NCBC Act 1993, the Commission examines requests for inclusion of any class of citizens as a backward class in the lists and hears complaints of over-inclusion or under-inclusion of any backward class in such lists and tenders such advice to the Central Government. The Act also stipulates that the advice of the Commission shall ordinarily be binding upon the Central Government.