Northeast key to ‘Act East’: Dr Jitendra Singh

[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region

12-April, 2017 13:35 IST
North Eastern States Roads Investment Programme

Construction of ten roads (and some major bridges) of a total length of 433.225 Km under the North Eastern States Roads Investment Programme (NESRIP), an Asian Development Bank (ADB) assisted road project, is presently under implementation.


The State Public Works Departments in the six states are the implementing agencies. In Assam, the work has been completed (Bilasipara to Fakirgram NH-31) and under the second project (Barpeta to Kalitakuchi) in Assam and (Garobadha to Dalu NH-51) in Meghalaya, more than 50% of the work has been completed. As for the remaining projects, progress is at different stages of construction ranging from 10% to 42%.


Reason for delay are as under:

1. Delay in land acquisition.

2. Delay in utility shifting and tree cutting.


Four roads under Tranche-I are likely to be completed by 30th June, 2019 and the remaining roads by March 31, 2020.


The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved loan of US$200 million for NESRIP, but release is on reimbursement basis after the submission of necessary documents. The withdrawal from ADB stands at US$25.75 million for Tranche-1 and US$20.28 million for Tranche-2 as on 31.3.2017.


The details of State-wise, year-wise of fund allocated by the Ministry is given below:

(Rs. in crore)
S.No.
State
Budget allocation

2012-13
-

2013-14
40.00

2014-15
125.00

2015-16
124.50

2016-17
150.00

TRANCHE-I

1.
Assam
-
15.15
38.48
23.99
22.09

2.
Meghalaya
-
09.78
21.08
29.51
49.65

3.
Sikkim
4.21
14.7
3.78
5.76
7.31

TRANCHE-II

1.
Assam
-
-
7.23
18.52
16.28

2.
Manipur
-
-
44.29
25.06
38.04

3.
Mizoram
-
-
7.16
16.11
10.41

4.
Tripura
-
-
2.98
5.55
6.22


Total
4.21
39.63
125.00
124.50
150.00


This was stated by the 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 in written reply to a question by Shri Gaurav Gogoi in the Lok Sabha today.


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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
12-April, 2017 13:15 IST
Promotion of Industries in Rural and Backward Regions



The primary responsibility of industrial development of backward areas rests with the State Governments. The Union Government supplements their efforts through various schemes launched by it with a view to promote industrialization in industrially backward areas of the country.


Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) is implementing the following Schemes with a view to promote industrial development of backward areas of the country:


· North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP 2007) was notified for the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura w.e.f. 01.04.2007. It has been extended till 31.03.2017. Incentives provided under the Policy:-


o Central Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme

o Central Interest Subsidy Scheme

o Comprehensive Insurance Scheme

o Excise duty exemption on Value Addition basis and

o 100% Income Tax exemption


Special Package Scheme for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand:

Government of India had announced a package of industrial incentives for promoting industrialization in the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on 07.01.2003, which was implemented initially for a period of 10 years till 06.01.2013. It was further extended for another period from 07.01.2013 to 31.03.2017 with certain modifications. Under the modified package, Capital Investment Subsidy is provided for all new units and to the existing units on substantial expansion @15% of investment of plant & machinery subject to a ceiling of Rs. 50 lakh for MSME units and Rs. 30 lakh for others.


· Special Package Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)


For the State of Jammu & Kashmir, the modified Special Package Scheme is valid upto 14.06.2017. Under this Scheme following financial assistance is provided:


o Capital Investment subsidy for all new units and to the existing units on substantial expansion- for MSME @ 30% of investment in plant and machinery with a ceiling of Rs. 3 crore for Manufacturing units and Rs.1.5 crore for Service Units, whereas for other units it is @ 15% of investment in plant and machinery with a ceiling of Rs. 30 lakh.


o Interest subsidy @ 3% on the average daily working capital loan for a period of five years from the date of commencement of commercial production.


o Insurance subsidy for all new units and to the existing units on substantial expansion to the extent of 100% for a period of five years from the date of commencement of commercial production.


· Freight Subsidy Schemes (FSS), 2013/Transport Subsidy Scheme (TSS), 1971


o Transport Subsidy Scheme for the States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, J&K, Darjeeling district of West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands and 8 North Eastern States- This scheme has been discontinued w.e.f. 22.11.2016.


A request was received from Principal Secretary (Industries), Govt. of Himachal Pradesh for extension of Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme for further period of 5 years in order to give boost to investment in the State of Himachal Pradesh. In respect of the State of J&K and Uttarakhand, request was received from Chief Minister of J&K and Chief Secretary Uttarakhand respectively for extension of the package on the pattern of North Eastern States. In this regard Government of India has constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of CEO, NITI Aayog consisting of Secretaries of Ministries/Departments of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, MSME, Textiles, Commerce, Tourism, Health & Family Welfare, Expenditure, Power and DIPP to examine and suggest a roadmap for a new industrial policy for North Eastern and Himalayan States. The Committee has met on 23.02.2017, 15.03.2017 and 31.03.2017 to deliberate upon a new Industrial Policy for North Eastern and Himalayan States and stakeholders’ consultation have been held.


This information was given by the Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. NirmalaSitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.


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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
18-April, 2017 12:36 IST
Terrorism, Insurgency are anti-development: Venkaiah Naidu

I&B Minister conducts Review Meeting of Programmes & Policies in North East

Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu has said that the Skill development would be a priority area for the Ministry of I&B in the overall communication approach for the North Eastern Region. This would complement the Government’s Act East Policy launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi last year as it would facilitate the nurturing of talent in the field of Media & Entertainment. The proposed Film & Television Institute of India in Arunachal Pradesh and the setting up of permanent campus of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) at Aizawal would provide quality training to the young population catering to their needs and aspirations thereby acting as Talent Creators and Talent Hubs in the region. The Minister stated this while conducting Review Meeting of Programmes & Policies in North East with the officers of the Ministry in Guwahati today. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister of Assam, senior officials of the Ministry along with officers of the North Eastern Region were present on the occasion.

Shri Naidu further mentioned that, the Film & Television Institute of India in Arunachal Pradesh would be setup on a campus of more than 50 acres and at a cost of Rs 200 Crores, as an extended campus of Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata. This would act as a catalyst to promote talent in different aspects of film making in the region. The Minister also mentioned the setting up of permanent campus of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) at Aizawal which would be developed as media training hub for North East Region & South East Asian countries. The institute would be developed at an estimated cost of Rs. 25 Crores.

Regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Public Broadcaster, Shri Naidu mentioned that it was critical in spreading the Development story of the Government especially the programmes and policies specific to the North Eastern Region. The Minister mentioned that only way for development in the region was peace and that Terrorism and Insurgency was anti-development. He mentioned that it was essential to develop programmes in local dialects and languages in order to reach out to diverse sections of the society. He mentioned that currently AIR broadcasts in 28 dialects belonging to the North Eastern Region in order to bring a better connect with the people.

The Minister while talking about Community Radio said that recently the Ministry increased the subsidy level to 90% for setting up Community Radio stations in the North East Region. Community Radio Stations broadcasted programmes on issues which are of immediate relevance to the community and there by facilitated development by disseminating information regarding education, rural development, agriculture, health, nutrition environmental, social welfare, Panchayati Raj issues and cultural needs.

Highlighting the various Film Festivals that the Ministry has conducted in the North Eastern Region, Shri Naidu mentioned that the medium of Cinema was powerful to send across the message of peace and development in the region. The National Children’s Film Festival (NCFF), which recently concluded in Guwahati showcased value based award winning movies from the Children’s Film Society of India’s catalogue. The special edition of Fragrances from North East also showcased movies from the North Eastern Region throughout the country in order to raise awareness and thereby enhance people to people contact.

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar releasing the publication at the inauguration of the National Conference on Innovations (Navonmesh) in School Education, in New Delhi on April 18, 2017. The Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Shri Anil Swarup and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar releasing the publication at the inauguration of the National Conference on Innovations (Navonmesh) in School Education, in New Delhi on April 18, 2017. The Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Shri Anil Swarup and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar releasing the publication at the inauguration of the National Conference on Innovations (Navonmesh) in School Education, in New Delhi on April 18, 2017. The Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Shri Anil Swarup and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar addressing at the inauguration of the National Conference on Innovations (Navonmesh) in School Education, in New Delhi on April 18, 2017.

The Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu presenting the certificate and cheque to the beneficiary, at the review meeting of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s Policies, Programs and Initiatives in the North Eastern Region, in Guwahati on April 18, 2017.

The Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu presenting the certificate and cheque to the beneficiary, at the review meeting of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s Policies, Programs and Initiatives in the North Eastern Region, in Guwahati on April 18, 2017.

The Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu presenting the certificate and cheque to the beneficiary, at the review meeting of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s Policies, Programs and Initiatives in the North Eastern Region, in Guwahati on April 18, 2017.

The Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the press meet after reviewing meeting of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s Policies, Programs and Initiatives in the North Eastern Region, in Guwahati on April 18, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium at Mizoram

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
25-April, 2017 16:54 IST
Establishment of Spices Farmers Producer Companies (SFPCs) in Arunachal Pradesh - Inauguration by Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman

Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will inaugurate the orientation programme for establishment of SFPCs and buyer seller meet on 26th April 2017 at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, a Government of India’s initiative to benefit the small and marginal spice farmers in the North Eastern States.

In the event, more than 100 spice farmers, NGOs, farmers association, primary processors from Arunachal Pradesh and 35 big exporters from across the country will be coming together for a one day orientation programme and buyer seller meet organized by Spices Board at the Banquet Hall of the city. Officials from the concerned Department/Organizations of the State as well as Central Government will also be a part of the programme.

The objective of the programme is to operationalize SFPC on pilot basis in 3 districts viz. Ziro in Lower Subansiri District for large cardamom and Namsai in Namsai District for ginger in Arunachal Pradesh & West District in Sikkim for large cardamom for empowering the farmers, especially women farmers in the identified spices growing districts, for better price realization through post harvest management, primary processing, value addition, packing, aggregation, organic certification etc.

Each SFPC will have 500 farmers as members in a sub-division or district. The farmers will be identified on cluster basis in a village, taluk or district by forming Farmer Interest Group(FIGs), each consisting of 20 farmers. 25 such FIGs will be formed to establish a SFPC.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
26-April, 2017 18:11 IST
Orientation programme for establishment of Spice Farmers Producer Companies (SFPCs) and buyer-seller meet organized to highlight the promotion of spices and herbs being grown in Arunachal Pradesh and integrate the farmers of the State with markets in India and abroad.

Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the orientation programme for establishment of Spice Farmers Producer Companies (SFPCs) and a buyer-seller meet organized by Spices Board in Itanagar today to highlight the promotion of spices and herbs being grown in the hill State of Arunachal Pradesh and integrate the farmers of the State with markets in India and abroad. Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Wangki Lowang, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Trade & Commerce and Shri Tamiyo Taga, Minister of Power, Industries, Textiles & Handicraft, Government of Arunachal Pradesh also participated in the programme.

“As part of Government of India Look East to Act East policy, North East region is given priority and actions are being initiated in the region for development. There is scope for export of spices like large cardamom, ginger, turmeric etc., which area produced naturally organic in Arunachal Pradesh. In order to aggregate the farmers’ produce, Spice Farmers Producer companies shall be formed” said Smt. Sitharaman. She further added that Spices Board, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Small Farmers' Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER), North Eastern Council (NEC) and Government of Arunachal Pradesh are to work together for materializing the establishment of SFPCs. The first SFPC in the country will be established in the State of Arunachal Pradesh.

It was declared by the Minister for Commerce and Industry that a team of Officers, Spice Farmers and Spice Processors will visit the Spices Park set up by the Spices Board at Guntur so that they can learn how to establish common infrastructure facilities viz, warehousing, primary processing, value addition etc., for large cardamom, ginger and turmeric with private buyers and investors. She urged the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh for submitting proposal to the Central Government for consideration under ‘Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme(TIES)’ by adopting PPP approach. On certification, Smt. Sitharaman clarified that authentic organic certification is required to be done to market the produce. Umbrella certification will be promoted for grower groups for reducing the cost of organic certification.

In his Presidential Address, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India appreciated and congratulated Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Industry for having taken such an initiative for the development of this region. He also requested the Commerce and Industry Minister for establishing Border Haat along the border of Myanmar in Arunachal Pradesh similar to Nathu La Border in Sikkim.

Dr A. Jayathilak, Chairman, Spices Board informed that the Board has been trying to aggregate the small and marginal farmers at village in Arunachal Pradesh and other north-eastern States and is encouraging farmers to adopt spice cultivation and processing as an agribusiness activity by initiating the formation of entities like SFPCs and establishing links with the buyers and exporters.

The SFPCs would aim at aggregation of the farmers in the identified spices growing districts to establish direct market linkages with exporters, processors and institutional buyers through buyer-seller meets, while aiding the farming community in better price realization consorted and scientific post-harvest management, primary processing, value addition, packaging and direct marketing. The SFPCs will also facilitate participation of cultivators of spices in national and international trade fairs.

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The Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman lighting the lamp at the Orientation programme for Spices Farmers Producers’ Companies (SFPCs) & Buyer- Seller Meet, in Itanagar on April 26, 2017. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju is also seen.

The Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Shri T.N. Thongdok meeting the Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017.

The Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Shri T.N. Thongdok meeting the Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017.

A Bodo delegation meeting the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017. The Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and the senior officers of Ministry of Home Affairs and Government of Assam are also seen.

A delegation of All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) meeting the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017. The Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and the senior officers of Ministry of Home Affairs and Government of Assam are also seen.

The Prime Minister reviewed the progress of vital infrastructure projects in the railway, road and power sectors, spread over several states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland.

Among the projects reviewed today are: the Mumbai Metro, the Tirupati-Chennai Highway, long-pending road projects in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Manipur, and important power transmission lines in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East.

The highest ever average daily construction rate of 130 km, has been achieved for rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. This has led to an addition of 47,400 km of PMGSY roads in 2016-17. 11,641 additional habitations have been connected with roads in the same period.

Over 4000 km of rural roads have been constructed using green technology in FY17. The use of non-conventional materials such as waste plastic, cold mix, geo-textiles, fly ash, iron and copper slag is being pushed aggressively.

The Prime Minister directed efficient and stringent monitoring of rural roads construction and their quality. For this, he emphasized on use of space technology in addition to the technologies already being used, such as the “Meri Sadak” App. He called for expeditious completion of vital links which will connect the remaining unconnected habitations at the earliest.

The Prime Minister directed the use of new technologies in road construction also. He asked NITI Aayog to examine global standards in the application of technology for infrastructure creation, and their feasibility in India.

In the highways sector, over 26,000 km of 4 or 6 lane national highways have been built in FY17, and the pace is improving.

In the railways sector, 953 km of new lines were laid in 2016-17, as against the target of 400 km. Track electrification of over 2000 km, and gauge conversion of over 1000 km was achieved in the same period. More than 1500 unmanned level crossings have been eliminated in 2016-17. Among measures to enhance customer experience, Wi-Fi access was enabled in 115 railway stations, and 34,000 bio-toilets added. The Prime Minister called for speeding up of work related to redevelopment of Railway Stations, and greater creativity in the generation of non-fare revenue.

Progress of important projects in the roads and railways sectors, such as the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Char Dham Project, the Quazigund-Banihal Tunnel, the Chenab railway bridge, and the Jiribam-Imphal project was also reviewed. In the aviation sector, the Regional Connectivity Scheme will connect 43 destinations, including 31 unserved destinations. The passenger capacity in the aviation sector has reached 282 million passengers per annum.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Shri T.N. Thongdok meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma to discuss on Chillipam Heritage Park, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017.

The Speaker, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Shri T.N. Thongdok meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma to discuss on Chillipam Heritage Park, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri N.K. Sinha is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister for Health and Finance, Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma calling on 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, in New Delhi on April 27, 2017.

The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale meeting the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in Guwahati on April 27, 2017.

The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale meeting the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in Guwahati on April 27, 2017.

The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale addressing a press conference, in Guwahati on April 27, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar lighting the lamp to inaugurated the Regional Workshop for North Eastern Region on Innovations and best practices in school education, in Guwahati on May 06, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
07-May, 2017 14:10 IST
PM addresses Centenary Celebrations of Bharat Sevashram Sangha (via video conference)


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the Centenary Celebrations of Bharat Sevashram Sangha through video conference. The event is being organized at Shillong.

Welcoming the Prime Minister on the occasion, the General Secretary of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Sreemat Swami Biswatmananda ji Maharaj, spoke of the glorious spiritual and service traditions of India.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister recalled the time that he had worked with the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Gujarat. He conveyed his best wishes on the occasion to the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, which he said, combined the virtues of service (seva) and labour (shram).

He said the work of the organization in the North-East, and during the time of disasters, has been especially praiseworthy.

The Prime Minister explained the significance of serving the poor and the needy, as described in the scriptures.

He said Swami Pranavananda, the founder of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, had spoken of social justice a century ago, and established the Sangh for this purpose.

The Prime Minister said a myth has been sought to be created in recent times that “service” and “spirituality” are two different things. He said the Bharat Sevashram Sangha has been able to dispel this myth, through its work.

The Prime Minister said that societal development through 'Bhakti', 'Shakti' and 'Jan Shakti' was achieved by Swami Pranavananda.

The Prime Minister urged the Bharat Sevashram Sangha to work towards “Swachhagrah” – or cleanliness, especially in North-Eastern India. He spoke of the Government’s resolve to develop the North-East, and added that focus on connectivity and infrastructure could help develop the North-East to become a gateway to South-East Asia.

Sreemant Swami Ambareeshananda ji Maharaj, who had worked with the Prime Minister in Gujarat, and who was mentioned by the Prime Minister during his address, proposed the vote of thanks on the occasion.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Centenary Celebrations of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, via video conference, in New Delhi on May 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Centenary Celebrations of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, via video conference, in New Delhi on May 07, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
10-May, 2017 17:27 IST
Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur calls on DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

The Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Y. Joykumar Singh, called on 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 here today and discussed some of the initiatives planned by the new government in the State which took over on March 15 this year.

The Deputy Chief Minister was also accompanied by Law & Health Minister, Shri L. Jayantakumar and Youth and Sports Minister, Shri Letpao Haokip.

Dr Jitendra Singh disclosed to Shri Joykumar Singh that the proposal for having Helicopter-based “Air Clinics” for Northeast will probably be initiated from the State of Manipur. He said that the Union Ministry of Aviation and Union Ministry of Health have been taken on board and certain logistics and other issues need to be sorted out. He also informed that he has had a detailed discussion with the management of Pawan Hans and other Helicopter service providers on the subject.

The Air Clinic Helicopter Service, said Dr Jitendra Singh, will help in setting up makeshift OPDs of different specialties in remote and inaccessible areas by specialised doctors. The same chopper can also be used for transporting patient to the hospital during its return sortie.

Shri Joykumar Singh handed over to Dr Jitendra Singh a proposal for support from the Ministry of DoNER for developing infrastructure for Advocates and other legal functionaries in the Court and related premises in Manipur. Dr Jitendra Singh said, he would get the proposal evaluated and try to assess what is the feasible support that can be offered in this regard.

Dr Jitendra Singh also stressed upon expediting the process relating to land acquisition and transfer, for setting up Sports University in Manipur. He also shared with the visiting Ministers, the proposal to extend the cancer related healthcare facilities up to the district hospital level with the collaboration of Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai. He said, a meeting of the Health Ministers of all the eight States of Northeast is scheduled to be held soon to determine the further course of action in this regard.

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The Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Y. Joykumar Singh calling on 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, in New Delhi on May 10, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/skil...dates-from-bru-tribes-in-tripura-2004286.html

New Delhi: National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) organized a placement ceremony on Thursday to handover the offer letters to the skilled candidates from Bru Tribes trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).

The event was graced by M Nagaraju (IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Tripura, Industries and Commerce Department (Skill Development) distributed offer letters to the first batch of 60 trainees of Bru Tribes at a placement ceremony in Tripura.

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has recently conducted a short term training for Bru Tribes, Tripura, a special component under PMKVY (2016-2020) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.


The project aims to train a total of 300 candidates of which 120 are currently being trained, whereas 60 candidates have already completed their training.

Companies like Triumph International (India) Pvt. Ltd., Quantum, a unit of KPR Mills Pvt. Ltd. (A Bombay Stock Exchange Listed Company) and Aathava India Pvt. Ltd came from Tamil Nadu for the distribution of offer letters to the students.

They also had a brief discussion with the students to familiarize them with the career opportunities and work culture in their respective organizations.

"We made a great effort towards ensuring 100 percent captive placement to the first batch of 60 candidates in order to make our pilot project on skill development of Bru Tribe a success," said MD and CEO at NSDC, Manish Kumar.

"Each and every student trained in the pilot phase will work as an ambassador for us, who will motivate more students to take up skill training under Skill India Mission and move out of relief camps. In this endeavor, we want to formalize this event which will help mobilize Bru Tribe people from Tripura to other parts of country and help them earn a better livelihood," added Kumar.

About National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC): The National Skill Development Corporation, (NSDC) is a one of its kind, Public Private Partnership in India, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

It aims to promote skill development by catalyzing creation of large, quality, for-profit vocational institutions. Till date NSDC has trained more than 11 million people through a network of 320 training providers and 40 Sector Skill Councils, operating 5000 training centers in 600+ districts across the country.

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http://zeenews.india.com/assam/assam-govt-to-set-up-act-east-department-2004280.html

PTI| Last Updated: Thursday, May 11, 2017 - 19:50

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday announced that his government would set up an 'Act East' department to connect and take forward the Centre's Act East Policy.

"My government will take the initiative to set up 'Act East' department to implement the Prime Minister's vision to connect the North East with South East Asia," Sonowal said.

The state government has started the 'Ease of Doing Business' policy and "we are prepared to facilitate global and national investors in the region so that it can become a vibrant economic gateway to South East Asia," he said.

"Assam government is also planning to set up two global business centres to provide space to investors so that they can function from here," he said while addressing the 'Boost your Business' programme organised by Facebook in collaboration with the state government.

Sonowal said that the world has become a global village and the youth should come forward and explore the north eastern region's potential and prospects through proper utilisation of resources available.

The priority of this government was to work towards a better Assam and programmes like 'Skill India', 'Make in India' and 'Start up India' would be fast tracked to empower youth and entrepreneurs, he said.

"Facebook's Boost Your Business campaign will complement our programmes," he added.

Facebook was helping small businesses connect with their customers and grow their businesses locally and globally as these were critical to economic growth and employment, Head of Programs for Facebook India, Ritesh Mehta, said.

'Boost Your Business' program would help local businesses by providing training and resources to build up a digital presence, reach new customers and grow beyond what the traditional offline economies would allow, he said.

Globally, over 65 million small and medium businesses have pages on Facebook and 57 per cent of people on Facebook in India are connected to at least one small business, he said.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
12-May, 2017 20:26 IST
Northeast will soon be favourite tourist destination: Dr Jitendra Singh

The 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 said here yesterday that Northeast will soon be a favourite tourist destination for people from not only across the country, but all over the world. He said that the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given special attention to the north east due to which the NE region has begun to attract the attention of tourist operators, entrepreneurs and investors from all over the country. Dr Jitendra Singh was speaking at the Annual Tourism Awards, 2017 function of "Holiday IQ", an organization promoting tourism in the country.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that Northeast is a natural destination for tourists but could not receive its due attention because of the logistic issues like constraints of connectivity and accessibility. Over the last three years, however, he said, not only all these North eastern States are on the Rail map of India, but in the next two years, almost all the States will have a broad gauge rail track. In addition, he said, the first ever train to Bangladesh will also be flagged off from Tripura and the rail track from Agartala is already under construction with the Indian side of it being funded by the Ministry of DoNER. Similarly, he said, the Central Government has earmarked over Rs. 40,000 crore to spread a network of roads across all the eight States. As far as air connectivity is concerned, important places like Itanagar, Sikkim, Shillong did not have full-fledged airports and the Centre Government has moved on a fast track to accomplish this, he added, while the alternative mode of transport in the form of waterways has also been initiated. Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Government has also sanctioned a full-fledged Film Institute for Arunachal Pradesh which will facilitate the film units to come and do location shooting.

In order to showcase all that the Northeast has to offer to the rest of the world, from natural scenery to food cuisine, the Ministry of DoNER has, in the last two years, started a process of holding Northeast Festivals across the country at different locations including Delhi and Chandigarh. For the first time, last year, a permanent Northeast Stall “Purbashree” was set up at Dilli Haat, which has proved highly successful and is attracting people from all walks of life and from all parts of the country.

Dr Jitendra Singh also referred to the initiative taken to promote “Home Tourism” in such parts of the region where the hotel facilities were either insufficient or exorbitantly costly. He said that this experiment has proved so successful that it can be emulated even in other parts of India which are frequently visited by tourists.

In the process of promoting tourism, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the benefits go beyond the realms of tourism. Elaborating further, he said, the frequent exchange of population and visits by different sections of society from across the country have enabled the rest of India to know Northeast better and has also helped in bridging the gap that hitherto existed between Northeast and the rest of the country.

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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 addressing at the Annual Tourism Awards 2017 function of “Holiday IQ”, in New Delhi on May 11, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

People participate in a fishing competition at a college lake on a rainy morning in Agartala.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
16-May, 2017 19:38 IST
Union Home Minister reviews security situation in the North East

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation in the North East with the Chief Secretaries and DGsP of the eight North Eastern States namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. 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, MoS for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval, the Union Home Secretary Shri Rajiv Mehrishi and DGs/ADGs of ITBP, Assam Rifles and BSF also participated.

Home Minister complimented the States and Security Forces for the notable improvement in the security situation in the North East in recent years. He mentioned that the North East has got huge potential for development with rich human and natural resources. The Home Minister emphasised that for speedier development of the Region, improved security situation is extremely important.

Shri Rajnath Singh stated that since counter-insurgency operations are now not taking as much time of the Security Forces as before, the State Police forces need to focus on improving normal police functioning, better prosecution and conviction in criminal cases. There is a need to improve investigation by adding scientific tools and Forensic Science Laboratories. Presence of illegal arms needs to be reduced through a sustained organised campaign by State Police forces. The Home Minister stated that the Police also needs to take pre-emptive action to handle the threat of radicalisation and to handle cyber crimes. For this, well equipped and well trained police forces will be needed. Shri Rajnath Singh said that the issues of repatriation of Brus and citizenship to Chakmas and Hajongs need the active cooperation from the concerned State Governments.

In the meeting, issues discussed covered, inter-alia, counter-insurgency operations, strengthening of security at Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Myanmar borders, issue of detection and deportation of foreigners, border fencing, border area development programme, implementation of ground rules with ceasefire groups, modernization of police forces, functioning of Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, repatriation of Brus from Tripura to Mizoram, citizenship to Chakmas and Hajongs in Arunachal Pradesh, deployment charges for CAPFs and rental compensation cases in Mizoram were also discussed.

On behalf of the States several issues were raised including issues of need for creation of proper detention centres for illegal migrants in Assam, need for central assistance to upgrade police infrastructure in border areas of the region, rehabilitation of surrendered militants, upgradation of police infrastructure and training to handle modern age crime such as cyber crime, drugs and radicalisation, better facilities to trade with neighbouring countries, disbursal of land compensation for fencing and border roads, the need for drastically improving telecommunication coverage in the region, upgradation of the village guards system where it had been set up, further improvement of road infrastructure at international borders, early finishing of fencing and floodlighting at the border and exploring alternative options for difficult terrains such as hills, riverine areas and wildlife parks.

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Ministry of Home Affairs
16-May, 2017 13:32 IST
Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh’s Opening remarks at the meeting on issues related to North East



The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting on issues related to North East, here today. 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, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, National Security Advisor, Shri Ajit Doval and senior officers from the Central Government and North eastern states are attending the meeting.


Following is the text of Home Minister’s opening remarks at the meeting:


“विगत वर्षों में North-East की Security Situation में उल्लेखनीय सुधार हुआ है। इस क्षेत्र का ज्यादातर हिस्सा militancy से मुक्त हो चुका है और बची हुई कुछ pockets में militancy अपना support तेजी से loose कर रही है। Effective counter insurgency, Responsive development orientation और पड़ोसी देशों के साथ बेहतर रिश्तों से स्थिति में काफी सुधार दर्ज हुआ है। हालांकि कुछ क्षेत्रों में Armed Gangs, militancy की आड़ लेकर Extortion, Kidnapping एवं abduction जैसी गतिविधियों में लिप्त हैं।


सरकार द्वारा इस क्षेत्र में road, rail, air, power और digital infrastructure के fast track development हेतु लिये गए initiatives एवं local human resource के development पर emphasis देने से बेहतर सुरक्षा स्थिति सहित अन्य क्षेत्रों में भी और अच्छे परिणाम मिलने की आशा है। हमारी Act East Policy से इस region के द्वार South-East Asian markets के लिये खुल जायेंगे।


North-East India, Human और natural resources के मामले में काफी rich है। यहाँ के इस potential का उचित दोहन करने के लिये आवश्यक है कि हम इस क्षेत्र में secure एवं peaceful environment create करें।


इस संबंध में हमें निम्नलिखित प्रयास करने कि आवश्यकता है:-



i. इस क्षेत्र में लम्बे समय से चली आ रही militancy ने security eco-system को vitiate कर दिया था। security scenario में सुधार के साथ police को अपना orientation normal police function की ओर करना चाहिए यथा crimes का prevention और detection, जो पिछले दशक से काफी suffer कर रहा था। दुर्भाग्यवश North-East के कुछ राज्यों में criminal cases का prosecution और conviction ratio काफी poor है। एक राज्य में तो prosecution का ratio, all India average 86% की तुलना में मात्र 5% है। कई राज्यों में Kidnapping, Abduction और Extortion के cases काफी rampant हैं। परंतु इन cases के prosecution एवं conviction का ratio 1% से भी कम है जो स्वीकार करने लायक नहीं है। एक criminal जब crime करने के बावजूद court से छूट जाता है, तो आम जनता का विश्वास justice system से उठ जाता है। और जब acquittal का ratio काफी ज्यादा हो, तो इससे एक तरफ तो राज्य की moral legitimacy undermine होती है साथ ही यह crimes को भी incentivise करता है।

इतने ज्यादा acquittals होने का प्राथमिक कारण poor investigation है। ऐसा देखा गया है कि investigation के scientific tools adequately use नहीं हो रहे हैं। North-East के कई राज्यों में forensic science laboratories की स्थिति भी संतोषजनक नहीं है। इस दिशा में police chiefs और राज्य सरकारों को special attention देने की आवश्यकता है।


ii. इस क्षेत्र में illegal arms का proliferation भी बहुत तेजी से बढ़ा है। हांलाकि North-East का बड़ा area, militancy से मुक्त हो चुका है, परंतु इतनी बड़ी मात्रा में illegal arms की मौजूदगी के कारण crimes की संख्या भी अधिक है।

मैं सभी राज्यों के DGPs को सलाह दूंगा कि illegal arms के traders और उनके holders के against organised campaign चलाएं।


iii. West में स्थित Siliguri corridor को छोड़कर अन्य सभी sides से North-East क्षेत्र अंतर्राष्ट्रीय सीमा से लगा हुआ है। इन borders के through, illegal arms, drugs, narcotics और fake Indian currency की smuggling होती है। हमारे यह border areas, practically un-policed है। इन border areas में policing को प्राथमिकता देते हुए हमें पर्याप्त संख्या में police stations set up करने की आवश्यकता है। इससे cross border crimes में कमी आयेगी और साथ ही दूर-दराज के क्षेत्रों में रह रहे यहां के लोगों के मन में एक security का sense भी पैदा होगा।


iv. अगर हम Future Security Threats की बात करें तो radicalisation की समस्या एक बड़े challenge के रूप में सामने आयी है। Radicalisation एक trans-national phenomenon है। अगर इसे रोका नहीं गया तो यह आतंकवाद के रूप में परिवर्तित हो सकता है। North-East और उसके आस-पास के क्षेत्रों की sensitivity ऐसे मामलों के प्रति इस क्षेत्र को ज्यादा ही vulnerable बना देती है। इसलिए यह आवश्यक है कि radicalisation के agents को identify किया जाए। इनके कुछ agents धर्म की आड़ लेकर operate कर रहे हैं। जबकि कुछ लोग NGOs और individual, socio cultural और educational development के नाम पर operate कर रहे हैं।

आवश्यकता है कि हम उनकी activities को closely monitor करें और जहां आवश्यक हो वहां pre-emptive action लें। इनमें से कतिपय agents की funding foreign से होती है। अत: यह भी आवश्यक है कि उनके foreign funds के flow एवं utilization को closely monitor किया जाए।


v. एक अन्य Emerging Security Threat, Cyber Crime है। Cyber Crime की घटनाएँ विश्व भर में बढ़ रही हैं। Financial Crimes के साथ साथ Cyber Space का उपयोग unrest और instability create करने के लिए किया जा रहा है। जैसा कि हम सब जानते है, किस प्रकार हमारे दुश्मनों ने 2012 में आसाम में कुछ ethnic clashes के बाद instability create करने के लिए Cyber Space का misuse किया था। अत: Cyber Crime को investigate करने की एवं digital media के abuse को prevent करने की capability में हमें काफी सुधार करने की आवश्यकता है। North East में हमें well-equipped cyber forensic laboratories स्थापित करने जरुरत तो है ही, साथ ही IT trained Police Officers के sizeable pool की भी आवश्यकता है।


vi. Brus जनजातियों का त्रिपुरा से मिज़ोरम repatriation और 50 वर्षों से अधिक समय से अरुणाचल में रह रहे Chakmas और Hajongs को citizenship देने जैसे कुछ issues काफी समय से pending हैं और इन्हें जल्द-से-जल्द resolve करने की आवश्यकता है। इन issues के settlement से tensions और crimes में कमी आयेगी। इस सम्बन्ध में राज्य सरकारों से active cooperation की आवश्यकता है जिससे हम इन्हें जल्द-से-जल्द resolve कर सकें।


vii. कई ethnic armed organizations अपने grievance के peaceful resolution के लिये सरकार के साथ engaged हैं। उनके armed cadres को designated camps में रखने की आवश्यकता है। साथ ही engagement के कुछ agreed ground rules को भी observe किये जाने की आवश्यकता है। जैसा कि मुझे बताया गया है कि उनमें से कुछ violent criminal activities जैसे- extortion, kidnapping आदि में सलंग्न है। ये गतिविधियाँ ground rules का serious violation हैं। designated camps के बाहर उनके unauthorised movements को तुरंत रोकने की आवश्यकता है और उल्लंघन करने वालों को कानून के तहत firmly deal किये जाने की आवश्यकता है।

भारत एक plural democracy है। जो विविधताओं से भरा हुआ है। विभिन्न race, religion और culture के लोग एक साथ शांति से रहते हैं। यह diversity, North-East में ज्यादा दिखती है। यहां लोग peaceful तरीके से हज़ारों वर्षों से एकसाथ रह रहे हैं। Modern State की growth ने resources और power के लिये प्रतिस्पर्धा create की है। ऐसी प्रतिस्पर्धा सामान्य रूप से हमें बेहतर बनने हेतु प्रेरित करती है परंतु कभी-कभी इससे तनाव भी बढ़ सकता है। कभी-कभी यह regional अथवा ethnic aspiration के रूप में प्रकट होती है। ऐसे negative articulation को sensitive तरीके से firmly discourage किये जाने की आवश्यकता है।

North-East region के लोग विशेषकर युवा काफी aspirational हैं। वे अपने बेहतर और समृद्ध भविष्य की तरफ देख रहे हैं तथा देश के दूसरे हिस्सों की प्रगति के साथ कदम-से-कदम मिलकर चलना चाहते हैं। यह हमारी जिम्मेदारी है कि हम उनके लिए एक बेहतर माहौल तैयार करें। आइये हम सब अपने North-East के लिए एक बेहतर, सुंदर और समृद्ध भविष्य के लिए कार्य करें।”



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[Hindustani78]

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chairing the meeting on issues related to North East, in New Delhi on May 16, 2017. 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, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, the National Security Advisor, Shri Ajit Doval and other senior officers are also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chairing the meeting on issues related to North East, in New Delhi on May 16, 2017. 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, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, the National Security Advisor, Shri Ajit Doval and other senior officers are also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chairing the meeting on issues related to North East, in New Delhi on May 16, 2017. 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, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju and senior officers from the Central Government and North eastern states are also seen.