NITI Aayog to push India's cyber defence system

[Hindustani78]

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chairing a meeting of the High Level Committee (HLC), in New Delhi on May 14, 2018.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh receiving memorandum from a delegation of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), represented by its Pratiraksha (Industrial) unit, in New Delhi on May 14, 2018.

 

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he Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh holding a meeting with the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam, in New Delhi on May 11, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, Shri Naveen Verma and other senior officials of both ministries are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
13-May, 2018 20:22 IST
Civic Reception Hosted in Honour of the President in Jaipur

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, addressed a civic reception hosted for him in Jaipur, Rajasthan, by the state government today (May 13, 2018).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the people of Rajasthan have a strong attachment to their homeland, language and human values. In spite of severe challenges over the years, including challenges thrown by nature, the people of Rajasthan have persevered in their quest for social and economic development. They have also enriched their lives with the vibrancy and colours of a great culture, including fairs and festivals, art and literature.

The President appreciated the Government of Rajasthan for launching the ‘Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Antyodaya Employment Scheme’ and the ‘Sunder Singh Bhandari EBC Self-Employment Scheme’, named after two illustrious public figures from Rajasthan. He stated that the loan waiver for SCs, STs and other deprived communities – a third scheme launched today – too is a tribute to the principles and ideals of these personalities. He expressed confidence that the people of Rajasthan will benefit from these schemes as well as from other welfare initiatives of the Government of India and the Government of Rajasthan.

The President was happy to note that four cities of Rajasthan - Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota and Ajmer – are part of the Smart Cities initiative of the Government of India. He said it was a remarkable coincidence that three centuries ago Jaipur had been designed and built as perhaps the first planned city of modern India. He added that this ability to draw inspiration from one’s heritage for social and economic advance has helped Rajasthan create impressive opportunities in tourism. The state has carved a special place for itself on the global tourism map.

The President was happy that efforts were being made to further develop the potential of tourism in Rajasthan and was confident these efforts would generate more jobs and employment opportunities for young people in the state.



Click here to see President’s Speech

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[Hindustani78]

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at a Civic Reception hosted by the State Government, at Jaipur, Rajasthan on May 13, 2018. The Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Kalyan Singh, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Smt. Vasundhara Raje Scindia and other dignitaries are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing at a Civic Reception hosted by the State Government, at Jaipur, Rajasthan on May 13, 2018.

 

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Ministry of Electronics & IT
14-May, 2018 16:59 IST
Swachh Bharat and Swastha Bharat must be mass movement through CSC: Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad

Union Minister for Electronics & IT and Law Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad said today that the Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) have played a major role in revolutionizing Common Service Centre Movement in the country. Inaugurating the two days workshop on “Tele- Centre Entrepreneurship Course” today, he said time has come when these entrepreneurs have to be the main drivers of shaping new India as envisaged by the Government.

He appreciated the efforts of the enterprising VLEs in providing key services at the grassroots level and announced introduction of rewards at both central and regional level for the best performing entrepreneurs. He said next year onwards best performing VLE will get cash reward of one lac rupees. These awards will also be on regional basis and there will be 5 activity based awards.

The Minister said, “When our government came into existence, there was 83,000 CSCs in India, now, we have 2.92 lakh CSCs across the country. 54,000 women VLEs are working hard to achieve the goals of Digital India mission in rural areas. In just 4 years, the total transactions of VLEs have increased from just one Cr (in year 2013-14) for an amount of 180 Cr to 17.83 Cr for an amount of Rs. 19,000 Cr in 2017-18. CSCs have given employment to more than 10 lakh people in India. I am confident that, all VLEs will be able to achieve the turnover of Rs. One Crore during the current year.”

Appreciating the strength of VLEs in mobilizing rural citizens under Digital India mission, the Minister said: “I have great expectation from CSC VLEs. Our VLEs are change makers of India. I am happy to note that CSCs are training auto drivers for using BHIM and encouraging them for Cashless India movement. I congratulate our VLEs who are running Sanitary Napkin manufacturing units in various part of country and contribution in women’s health and hygiene. Swachh Bharat and Swastha Bharat must be mass movement through CSC.”

He added, “We want to take our Digital Economy to Rs. one lakh Crore. In next few days, expansion of railway reservations would be done through CSCs. CSCs has opened 31 BPOs in India and the plan is to open more such BPO in CSC.”

The Minister was addressing 700 VLEs at a two days training workshop organised by CSC SPV on “Tele- Centre Entrepreneurship Course”. The main objective of the Telecentre Entrepreneur Course (TEC) is to inculcate the skills of entrepreneurship among the Village level Entrepreneur (VLE) and train them on various government and other services provided by Common Services Centers.

The Minister also asked to explore the possibility of involvement of CSCs in health insurance scheme and support the citizens in availing this unique initiative of the government.

Sh. Ajay Prakash Sawhney, Secretary, MeitY, said, “CSC movement has great significance in Digital India mission. I want to congratulate VLEs for their tremendous role. CSC VLEs are enabling the disbursement of entitlement and pension to various citizens living in far flung areas of the country.” He added, “The VLEs should encourage citizens and merchants for using BHIM app through BHIM QR code in their day to day transactions. Today, we have 110 Micro Manufacturing Units of sanitary pads. It’s a matter of pride for all of us. This is magic of entrepreneurship, that VLEs have converted their turnover to more than Rs. One Crore We would support CSCs in setting up 10 seater BPOs.”

Sh. Pankaj Kumar, Additional Secretary-MeitY said, “CSCs are playing a central role in the government’s Digital India program. The government is encouraging women to set up CSC. CSCs are regarded as change of social change.”

While welcoming the participants to the workshop, Dr. Dinesh Tyagi, CEO, CSC SPV said, “VLEs like Samkit Jain (Rajasthan), Padma (Andhra Pradesh), Dhanlakshmi (Tamil Nadu), Sonu Bala (Haryana), Ramshida (Kerala), Snehlata (Rajasthan), Gokul Saini (Rajasthan) are doing wonders through their hard work. CSC will make 6 Crore people digitally literate in India as well as build the Gram Swaraj in India. Today, government has a lot of expectations with CSC. We have to work hard to fulfill the mission of empowerment of Rural India.”

The two day workshop will also cover: Topics of entrepreneurship relevance by experts in the field as Prof. MM Pant, Prof. Alok Pandey and Bijay Bhattacharya (from Tally).

The Minister presented awards to VLEs who successfully passed Tele-centre Entrepreneurship Course exam. On the occasion, a special publication highlighting Top 500 transacting VLEs of CSC and film on Rural Entrepreneurship through CSC also launched by the Minister.

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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
14-May, 2018 17:17 IST
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh discusses Insurance and Pension related issues with Dr Jitendra Singh

A delegation of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), represented by its Pratiraksha (Industrial) unit called on the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today and discussed wide range of issues related to Central Government employees, including Insurance, Pension, promotions and other matters.

In a memorandum presented to the Minister, the delegation submitted that the Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme was notified on 1st November 1980 and came into effect from 1st January 1982. The scheme is intended to provide Central Government employees, at a low cost, on a wholly contributory and self-financing basis, the twin benefits of an insurance cover to their families in the event of death in service and a lump-sum payment to augment their financial sources on retirement. However, the BMS demands that the government should immediately notify the customized Group Insurance Scheme for Central Government employees with low premium and high risk cover.

The memorandum also expressed discontentment of a section of employees for being left out from the provision of minimum guaranteed pension under National Pension Scheme (NPS). It requested that a minimum pension be guaranteed equivalent to 50% of the employee's last drawn Basic Pay plus Dearness Relief for neutralization of price rise.

Among other issues raised by the delegation was the demand for one-time relaxation for compassionate appointments. This has become important because a large number of wards are waiting for their appointment on compassionate grounds to look after their family.

The delegation also demanded the framing of an appropriate transfer policy in all cadres in favour of single woman/single mother employees. They requested that whenever such women are given postings, it should be mandatorily ensured that they are placed at stations closest to their hometown or the place of their choice.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that he will direct the DoPT to process the issues related to them, while other issues related to other Ministries will be referred for the perusal and views of the respective Ministries.



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[Hindustani78]

Shri S.S. Ahluwalia taking charge as Minister for State of Electronics & Information Technology, in New Delhi on May 16, 2018.

Shri S.S. Ahluwalia being greeted by the Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ajay Prakash Sawhney, during taking charge as the Minister for State of Electronics & Information Technology, in New Delhi on May 16, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
16-May, 2018 17:34 IST
Suresh Prabhu launches Intellectual Property mascot – IP Nani

The Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Suresh Prabhu launched the Intellectual Property (IP) mascot – IP Nani – at the conference on National Intellectual Property Rights Policy in New Delhi today. An anti-piracy video featuring Mr. Amitabh Bachchan was also launched by the Minister at the event.



Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that protection of Intellectual Property Rights is critical for building a knowledge based society. Minister further said that mere legal provisions are not sufficient for protection of Intellectual Property Rights but their strict implementation is equally required. Piracy is a serious crime which should not go unpunished. Minister also called for creating awareness against stealing Intellectual Property Rights and stressed on the need for participation of society in the effort.



Mascot IP Nani is a tech-savvy grandmother who helps the government and enforcement agencies in combating IP crimes with the help of her grandson “Chhotu” aka Aditya. The IP mascot will spread awareness about the importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) among people, especially children, in an interesting manner.



This character is also in line with the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) campaign for the World IP Day which celebrates the brilliance, ingenuity, curiosity and courage of the women who are driving change in our world and shaping our common future. It also highlighted that how a strong IP system can support innovative and creative women and indeed everyone in their quest to bring their amazing ideas to the market.



lPRs are increasingly becoming crucial drivers of social and economic growth by encouraging creativity and innovation. Realizing the importance of IPRs, the National IPR Policy was approved by the Union Cabinet on 12th May 2016. The first and foremost objective of the Policy is “IPR Awareness: Outreach and Promotion”. Under this objective, one of the key focus areas is awareness on IPR for school children, as it is essential to nurture creativity and the ability to innovate starting out from a young age.



In this context, the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), a professional body under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) collaborated with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EU-IPO) to produce a series of animated videos on IPRs for children with IP Nani as their central character. All these videos are available on CIPAM’s official YouTube channel (CIPAM India), Twitter handle @CIPAM_India and Facebook Page @CIPAMIndia.



CIPAM has been conducting IPR awareness workshops for school students since April 2017. Till date CIPAM has reached out to over 100 schools sensitizing over 8,000 students on IPRs. Additionally, CIPAM also engaged with the National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT) to curate content on IPRs. As a result, for the first time ever IPRs have been exclusively included in the NCERT textbook for Class 12 school syllabus. These efforts are aimed at inspiring the next generation of creators and innovators to become proud IP owners.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
17-May, 2018 16:44 IST
Live social media session on Startup India with Suresh Prabhu #AskPrabhu

Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation Shri Suresh Prabhu in a live session on social media answered aspiring and existing entrepreneurs who had pressing questions on Startup India and the support which they could expect from the government on 16th May. Wednesday between 4:30 pm and 5pm. Participants used the hash tag #AskPrabhu to put their questions across during the live session.

The Minister answered queries regarding benefits available to entrepreneurs and the support systems that the Government has put in place. He laid emphasis on unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit in the country. He also asked the entrepreneurs to utilize the Startup India hub website for getting more resources andmentoring. Heanswered questions on tax incentives for Startups, , participation of women in entrepreneurship, regulations and overall attitude towards business in our society

The participants whose questions were answered by the Minister were sent a certificate of appreciation signed by the Minister

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[Hindustani78]

The CEO, NITI Aayog, Shri Amitabh Kant addressing at an interactive session, organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, at Kolkata on May 17, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Electronics & IT
18-May, 2018 17:54 IST
Standing Committee on Information Technology (2017-18) seeks public views on Data Security & Privacy

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, headed by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, M.P., Lok Sabha are examining various aspects related to the subject ‘Citizens’ data security and Privacy’.

In view of the immense importance of the subject, the Committee for the purpose of wider consultations invite suggestions from the public in general and experts/professionals/organizations/associations and stakeholders interested in the subject in particular


Those desirous of submitting the memoranda to the Committee may send two copies (either in English or in Hindi) containing their opinion/views on the subject to the Director (C&IT), Lok Sabha Secretariat, Room No. G-1, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi-110001 (Tel Nos. 011-23034388/5235) in a sealed cover within two weeks from the date of publication/broadcasting of the Press Release. The memoranda can also be e-mailed at comit@sansad.nic.in or can be faxed. (Fax No. 011-23792726).

The memoranda which might be submitted to the Committee would form part of the records of the Committee and would be treated as strictly confidential and the contents thereof would not be divulged to anyone, as such an act would constitute a ‘breach of privilege’ of the Committee.

Those who are desirous of giving oral evidence before the Committee, besides sending memoranda, are requested to intimate the Lok Sabha Secretariat to this effect well in advance at the above mentioned address. However, the Committee’s decision in this regard shall be final.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
18-May, 2018 18:27 IST
Draft National Policy on Official Statistics (NPOS) placed in public domain inviting comments/views/suggestion by 31st May, 2018

Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics was adopted by the Union Cabinet on 04-05-2016. The formal adoption of these Principles was a reiteration of the Government’s commitment to constantly work towards improving the quality of Official Statistics. The Government while adopting the Principles had also committed to bring out a National Policy on Official Statistics (NPOS) to give furtherance to the Principles. In this context, draft NPOS has been prepared and placed in the public domain at http://mospi.nic.in/announcements/suggestions-invited-draft-national-policy-official-statistics inviting comments/ views/ suggestions, latest by 31st May 2018.



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NITI Aayog
18-May, 2018 19:14 IST
NITI Aayog’s three day Venture Capital Symposium 2018 begins

NITI Aayog, in association with Vision India Foundation, is organising the Venture Capital Symposium 2018 to recheck the economic relationships between France and India. Following the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, 20 of the biggest French venture capital and private equity funds are coming to India to explore investment opportunities.

The Venture Capital Symposium 2018 is a three day event where the French investors will be interacting with 100 early to mid-stage Indian start-ups.

Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, along with Shri Atul Chaturvedi, Additional Secretary, DIPP addressed the inaugural address of the Symposium, which was attended by Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India and Shri Yves Jego, Vice-President of French Parliament.

In his address, Shri Amitabh Kant, who focussed on the Indian Start-Up ecosystem and also showcased India’s entrepreneurial might and the strides taken in innovation for solving the challenges faced by the country. He urged the investors to focus on India to not just target one billion people but to build solutions in India for the seven billion strong global market. He exhorted them to utilise their funds more effectively by investing in India, which has the ‘3D advantage’ of demographic dividend, demand & democracy.

This event was attended by various investors from France including Safran Ventures, Eren Group, Luxury Tech, Fahsion Capital, Educlever, Olymp Capital, Affectio Familiae, Brands and beyond, Galileo Partners, Winevestworld, TNP, Claranova among others.

Four investor groups - Eren Group, Claranova, Olymp Capital and TNP - made announcements of setting up offices in India and commitments to invest in various sectors such as energy, aerospace, blockchain and Internet of Things.

The event facilitates interactions between French investors, Indian investors, Indian start-ups and critical government functionaries. The French investors will explore the investment landscape as well as the socio-cultural richness of India.

The Venture Capital Symposium 2018 aims to support the Start-up India programme that was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. The three day symposium is being organized by NITI Aayog and Vision India Foundation is the Knowledge Partner for the event.

In his address, Shri Yves Jego declared, “This collaboration is not only a business participation of French capital in India, but it will prove to be a long term partnership between the organisations of the two countries.”

Shri Alexandre Ziegler said, “Not only do we invest in India, not only do we Make in India, but we Innovate in India.”

Addressing the gathering, Shri Atul Chaturvedi highlighted the plethora of initiatives undertaken by the Government of India for improving the Ease of Doing Business in India. Further, he also spoke on about the focus of the Prime Minister to create an enabling ecosystem for Start-Ups in India and to attract flow of foreign capital to India, making India the most preferred destination for Foreign Direct Investment.

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The Lt. Governor of Delhi, Shri Anil Baijal calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on May 18, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Electronics & IT
20-May, 2018 19:42 IST
CSC to reach 2.50 lakh gram panchayats and 700 Digital villages to be established by the year end : Union Minister of Electronics & IT

The network of Common Service Centres (CSCs), which act as access points for delivery of various electronic services to villages in India, are set to be expanded to 2.50 lakh gram panchayats by the year end,Union Minister for Electronics and IT Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad said today at Dhanauri Kalan village in Gautam Budh Nagar (UP).

Addressing, an event to showcase a host of digital services that will now be available in the digital village Sh. Prasad said that the CSC movement had transformed into a movement of change bringing services like banking, pensions, digital literacy and telemedicine to rural and remote villages through electronic infrastructure. Union Minister of Culture(IC), Dr. Mahesh Sharma also present at the event said that the CSC project is providing sustainable digital access to rural communities and are giving the necessary impetus for upliftment of the rural community.

Positioned as strategic cornerstones of Digital India programme, the CSC model has adopted six villages in the country in the pilot phase.DigiGaon or Digital Village is conceptualised as a connected village where citizens can avail various e-Services of the Central Government, state Governments and private players in a rural and remote villages in the country.These DigiGaons are projected to be change agents, promoting rural entrepreneurship and building rural capacities and livelihoods through community participation and collective action. The digital villages have been equipped with solar lighting facility in their community center, LED assembly unit, sanitary napkin unit (with active participation on Asha and Anganwadi workers) and Wi-fi choupal (rural Wi-Fi infrastructure and a slew of suitable applications).

These villages would also have the regular CSC services like banking, health, education, financial services, and a host of other services. In the initial phase villages Piyala and Dayalpur (in Haryana), Chandankiyari East and Shivbabudih (in Jharkhand) and Dhanauri Kalan and Sultanpur (in Uttar Pradesh) have been chosen for the pilot project.

 

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The Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri N.K. Sinha administering the Anti-Terrorism Pledge to the officials of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in New Delhi on May 21, 2018.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju administering the Anti-Terrorism Pledge to the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Department of Personnel & Training , in New Delhi on May 21, 2018.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju administering the Anti-Terrorism Pledge to the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Department of Personnel & Training , in New Delhi on May 21, 2018.

The newly appointed Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Shri Heeralal Samariya calling on the Minister of State for Labour and Employment (I/C), Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, after assuming charge of his office, in New Delhi on May 21, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
21-May, 2018 12:17 IST
General Guidelines on Quality Assurance for Official Statistics notified

In response to the need for ensuring quality in the Official Statistics being produced in all levels of Government so that public trust in official statistics is maintained, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation has notified “General Guidelines on Quality Assurance for Official Statistics” in Government of India Gazette Extraordinary No. 124 of 6th April, 2018. This can be accessed at http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/main_menu/gazette_notification/notification_6apr18.pdf also. These Guidelines are for use and voluntary compliance by all the offices dealing with statistical matters including administrative statistics.

These Guidelines are useful to producers of official statistics in designing any statistical collection or product. These are also helpful to users in making informed decisions regarding the use of statistical products since the framework enables an assessment whether the statistics produced are fit for use, or are of an acceptable level of quality for their purposes.

All statistical agencies at the Centre and in the States/UTs have been advised to follow the guidelines, and bring these to the notice of all line Departments and Local Governments to improve the quality of their official statistical products. The agencies have also been advised to place in the public domain the manner of compliance with the Guidelines.

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[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports and Information & Broadcasting (I/C), Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on May 22, 2018.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment (I/C), Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on May 22, 2018.