Northeast key to ‘Act East’: Dr Jitendra Singh

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Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
17-May, 2017 16:45 IST
Cabinet approves setting up of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (lARI) in Assam

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the setting up of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (lARI) in Assam. The proposal of Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) / Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the scheme, the establishment of the "Indian Agricultural Research Institute (lARI)-Assam" seeks to set up the Institute on 587 acre of land provided by the Govt. of Assam.


lARI-Assam would be a Post-Graduate Institution of higher learning in Agricultural Education. It will have the hallmark identity of an IARI including all sectors of agriculture like field crops, horticultural crops, agro-forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, poultry, piggery, silk rearing, honey production, etc.


It will be an off-campus of IARI, New Delhi and integrated multi-disciplinary research would be undertaken in school mode i.e. Schools of Crop Sciences, Natural Resource Management, and Animal Sciences & Fisheries.


IARI-Assam would work on the agrarian challenges and complexities of North Eastern India in tandem with all existing Central and State Government R&D Institutions and Private sector enterprises. It would undertake research, education, extension programs in its mission towards developing quality human resource, generation of farmer-friendly technologies to enhance productivity, quality and profitability, promote agro-based industries and generate employment opportunities for holistic and sustainable development of the agriculture sector in the North Eastern region.




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The District Development Commissioner, Kamrup Rural District, Smt. Esther Kathar addressing at the Rural Media Workshop for information dissemination in rural areas (Vartalap), organised by the PIB, Guwahati in coordination with District Administration Kamrup Rural District, at Amingaon, Guwahati on May 18, 2017.

The Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N. Biren Singh calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on May 18, 2017.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and the Agriculture Minister of Assam, Shri Atul Borah during the review meeting on foundation stone laying ceremony of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute - Assam Centre by the Prime Minister of India, at Gogamukh, in Dhemaji district on May 18, 2017.

 

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The Minister of Art and Culture, Veterinary, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development of Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. Mahesh Chai meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on May 22, 2017.

 

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The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C), Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Vijay Goel along with the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inspecting the Indira Gandhi athletic Stadium, at Sarusajai, in Guwahati on May 23, 2017.

The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C), Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Vijay Goel along with the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal addressing the press conference after inspecting the Indira Gandhi athletic Stadium, at Sarusajai, in Guwahati on May 23, 2017.

 

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The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C), Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Vijay Goel lighting the lamp at the Youth Interaction Programme on New Initiative of NYKS & MOYAS, at Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra, in Guwahati on May 23, 2017.

The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C), Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Vijay Goel being welcomed at the Youth Interaction Programme on New Initiative of NYKS & MOYAS, at Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra, in Guwahati on May 23, 2017.

The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C), Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Vijay Goel addressing at the Youth Interaction Programme on New Initiative of NYKS & MOYAS, at Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra, in Guwahati on May 23, 2017.

 

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Cabinet
24-May, 2017 19:36 IST
Cabinet approves setting up of new AIIMS in Kamrup, Assam

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for establishment of new AIIMS at Kamrup (North Guwahati Revenue circle). The cost of the project is Rs.1123 crore and it will be set up under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).

The new AIIMS will be completed in a period of 48 months from the zero date (that is the date of the approval of Government of India), broadly comprising a pre-construction phase of 15 months, a construction phase of 30 months and stabilization / commissioning phase of three months.

Details:

The Institution will consist of a hospital with a capacity of 750 beds, trauma center facilities, medical college with an intake of 100 MBBS students per year, nursing college with an intake of 60 B.Sc. (Nursing) students per year, residential complexes and allied facilities / services, broadly on the pattern of AIIMS, New Delhi. The hospital will have 22 Speciality/Super-Speciality Departments including 16 Operation Theaters. It will also have an AYUSH department with 30 beds for providing treatment facilities in traditional system of medicine.

Impact:

The establishment of new AIIMS will serve the dual purpose of providing super speciality health care to the population while also help create a large pool of doctors and other health workers in this region that can be available for primary and secondary level institutions / facilities being created under National Health Mission (NHM).

Background:

Under this scheme, AIIMS have been established in Bhubaneshwar, Bhopal, Raipur, Jodhpur, Rishikesh and Patna while work of AIIMS Rae Bareli is in progress. Also, three AIIMS in Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kalyani (West Bengal) and Mangalagiri in Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) have been sanctioned in 2015 and two AIIMS have been sanctioned at Bathinda and Gorakhpur in 2016.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi arrives at Guwahati, Assam on May 26, 2017. The Governor of Assam, Shri Banwarilal Purohit and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed on his arrival, at Guwahati, Assam on May 26, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), Guwahati, in Assam on May 26, 2017. The Governor of Assam, Shri Banwarilal Purohit and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, at the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), Guwahati, in Assam on May 26, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiling the Foundation Stone of AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), Guwahati, in Assam on May 26, 2017. The Governor of Assam, Shri Banwarilal Purohit, the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiling the Foundation Stone of AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), Guwahati, in Assam on May 26, 2017. The Governor of Assam, Shri Banwarilal Purohit, the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Ministers of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste and Smt. Anupriya Patel are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), Guwahati, in Assam on May 26, 2017. The Governor of Assam, Shri Banwarilal Purohit, the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Ministers of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste and Smt. Anupriya Patel are also seen.

Prime Minister's Office
26-May, 2017 15:14 IST
PM lays Foundation Stone of IARI at Gogamukh in Assam, addresses large public meeting


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today laid the Foundation Stone of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute at Gogamukh in Assam.

Addressing a large public meeting on the occasion, the Prime Minister congratulated the State Government in Assam and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, for the work done by them in the State.

He said the foundation stone of IARI laid today, had the potential to impact the entire region in a positive way in the future. He said agriculture needs to be developed in line with the requirements of the 21st century. He added that farmers must benefit from the changing technology.

He stressed on the need of modern agriculture and technological interventions, keeping in mind the specific needs of the region.

The Prime Minister spoke of his vision of doubling farmers' incomes by 2022, the 75th anniversary of independence.

The Prime Minister said the Union Government had taken a number of steps for farmers' welfare in the last three years. In this context he mentioned the soil health cards, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. He spoke of the vast network of soil health laboratories being set up across the country, and the popularity of the Fasal Bima Yojana among farmers.

The Prime Minister mentioned the "SAMPADA" Yojana, to boost value addition in agriculture.

The Prime Minister spoke of "Panch Tatva" - five elements to boost connectivity in the North-East: Railways, Highways, Airways, Waterways, and i-ways. He said his Government is working towards boosting prosperity and welfare of the people in the North-East through this "panch-tatva."


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Ministry of Agriculture
26-May, 2017 17:44 IST
Prime Minister lays the foundation stone of the country's third Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Goghmukh, Dhemaji, Assam

Establishment of this institute is an important initiative in providing higher level education and research along with increasing agricultural production and productivity

Prime Minister has taken the resolution that by 2022, the income of farmers to be doubled and we are determined to achieve the same: Radha Mohan Singh



The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today laid the Foundation Stone of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute at Gogamukh in Assam.Addressing a large public meeting on the occasion, the Prime Minister congratulated the State Government in Assam and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, for the work done by them in the State.

The Prime Minister said the foundation stone of IARI laid today, had the potential to impact the entire region in a positive way in the future. He said agriculture needs to be developed in line with the requirements of the 21st century. He added that farmers must benefit from the changing technology.

He stressed on the need of modern agriculture and technological interventions, keeping in mind the specific needs of the region.The Prime Minister spoke of his vision of doubling farmers' incomes by 2022, the 75th anniversary of independence.


Speaking on the occasion, the Agriculture Minister said the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji has pledged to double the farmers’ income by 2022 and we are committed to fulfil his resolve. In continuation, visualising the potential of north eastern states in improving the production of agriculture and allied sectors and farmers knowledge enhancement, impart appropriate agriculture information, the top level of agricultural research and education in the country, a new branch of Indian agricultural Institute is being established in Assam. In these states of north-east we see special glimpses of diversity and due to the agroclimatic condition cultivation of not only different types of crops but diverse types of spices are being successfully carried out. Now we need to accelerate this further and in achieving this goal, establishment of the agricultural institute will be a decisive step. I would like to say that establishment of this institute will be an important initiative in enhancing agricultural production and productivity together with the high standard of education and research and in times to come it will definitely improve the living standard of farmers of north eastern states of the country.


Shri Singh said that to bring in another round of green revolution in the north-eastern parts of the country, the Prime Minister is laying the foundation stone of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Assam, literally a replica of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.

The key achievements of IARI and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare are as follows:

· The journey of IARI started in PUSA, Darbhangha (Samastipur) district of North Bihar in 1905. At that time it was called the Agricultural Research Institute.

· Afterwards it was renamed as Imperial Institute of Agricultural Research in 1911 and as Imperial Agricultural Research Institute in 1919.

· The institute was transferred to Delhi on 29 July 1936.

· After Independence it was re-christened as Indian Agricultural Research Institute and it was given the status of Deemed University in 1958.

· This institute is the harbinger of the Green revolution. The new technologies and high yielding varieties developed at this institute and their demonstrations at farmers’ farm led to the Green Revolution.

· There is a web of higher education institutes like IIts, IIMs etc., in the country. On the similar pattern our government has planned to establish agricultural research institutes like IARI, New Delhi, to promote higher agricultural education.

· In this series one IARI was established in Jharkhand and now another is being established in Assam.

· How serious is our Government about agriculture is obvious from the fact that the agricultural budget allocation in last four years (2014-15 to 2017-18) was of Rs 164,415 crore, which was during UPA government (2010-11 to 2013-14) only Rs 104,337 crore, an increase of approximately 57.58% in under our Prime minister.

· The country is reaping the benefits of this now, and I feel happy to announce that in the year 2016-17 there has been a new record in the food grain production, and this is highest ever since independence.

· Milk production during the three years - 2014-17 - was 465.5 MM tonnes, which is 16.9% more than that of 398 MM tonnes in 2011-2014.

· Similarly fish production during the three years - 2014-17 - was 327.74 lakh tonnes, which is 20.1% more than that of 272.88 lakh tonnes in 2011-2014.

· The egg production during the three years - 2014-17 - was 248.72 billion, which is 17.92% more than that of 210.93 billion in 2011-2014.

· Similarly honey production during the three years - 2014-17 - was 263,930 M tonnes, which is 20.54% more than that of 218,950 M tonnes in 2011-2014.

Shri Singh mentioned several farmer friendly schemes and programmes initiated by the present government, which include soil health card for improvement in the soil nutrition health, and traditional agriculture development scheme for improvement of organic farming. Apart from that farmers are benefiting from the organic value chain development mission with an investment of Rs. 400 crore for north-east,

· development of national agriculture market or e-NAM by connecting 585 anaj mandis of the country through e-platform,

· Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme) to safeguard the farmers from the destruction caused by natural calamities, Prime Minister Crop Irrigation Scheme etc.

Union Agriculture Minister concluded by thanking the Prime Minister and said that under his guidance we are able to fulfil the dream of establishing Indian Agricultural Research Institute in the north eastern region of the country.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ceremony to lay the Foundation Stone for Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), at Gogamukh, Assam on May 26, 2017. The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ceremony to lay the Foundation Stone for Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), at Gogamukh, Assam on May 26, 2017. The Governor of Assam, Shri Banwarilal Purohit, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ceremony to lay the Foundation Stone for Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), at Gogamukh, Assam on May 26, 2017. The Governor of Assam, Shri Banwarilal Purohit, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ceremony to lay the Foundation Stone for Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), at Gogamukh, Assam on May 26, 2017. The Governor of Assam, Shri Banwarilal Purohit, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ceremony to lay the Foundation Stone for Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), at Gogamukh, Assam on May 26, 2017. The Governor of Assam, Shri Banwarilal Purohit, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the ceremony to lay the Foundation Stone for Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), at Gogamukh, Assam on May 26, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the ceremony to lay the Foundation Stone for Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), at Gogamukh, Assam on May 26, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the ceremony to lay the Foundation Stone for Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), at Gogamukh, Assam on May 26, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the ceremony to lay the Foundation Stone for Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), at Gogamukh, Assam on May 26, 2017.

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region
26-May, 2017 17:08 IST
Northeast organic products to be showcased outside: Dr Jitendra Singh

The Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) will make suitable arrangements for showcasing the Northeast organic products outside, in the rest of India. An initiative in this direction has already begun with the opening up, recently, of a Showroom-cum-Restaurant bearing a common brand name “ONE” (Organic North East) at Dilli Haat in New Delhi. This was stated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh while chairing a meeting of NERAMAC (North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation) at Guwahati, Assam today. The Minister is in Assam to take part in the programmes commemorating the completion of three years of Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the high priority accorded to the Northeast by the present government and Prime Minister Shei Narendra Modi is evident from the fact that the Prime Minister chose to observe the completion of three-years of government in this region. He said, it is under the present government that Sikkim was declared as the first “Organic State” of India and a roadmap for developing the entire region as an organic hub of India has been envisaged.

Emphasizing on the importance of developing the agri-horticulture ecosystem of Northeast, Dr Jitendra Singh said, NERAMAC must take up the responsibility of carrying forward this mission and build a modern dynamic marketing apparatus for the purpose. He said, in the absence of organized “Mandis” in most parts of the North-Eastern region, one of the priority activities of NERAMAC should be to act as an aggregator of agri-horti produce in the region, particularly when 80-82% of the agri-horti produce from the region happens to be organic in nature.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, people in other parts of the country are yet to be introduced to the rich and exclusive organic produce of the North-Eastern region and once this happens, they would spontaneously come looking for it. This will not only give a boost to trade and business, but also create opportunities of livelihood, he said.

Earlier, Managing Director of NERAMAC, Shri Pankaj Kumar Prasad made a brief presentation on the organization’s role to act as organic aggregators for Northeast. He said, the NERAMAC is confident to succeed in its plan to promote organic farming and its marketing through different linkages at different levels. Notwithstanding the constraints of poor connectivity and infrastructural drawbacks, the NERAMAC has succeeded in pushing forward its operations, he added.

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 chairing a meeting of NERAMAC (North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation), at Guwahati, Assam on May 26, 2017.

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Ministry of Home Affairs
26-May, 2017 17:06 IST
MHA invites suggestions on proposal for increasing Sikkim Legislative Assembly seats

A proposal for increase in the number of seats in Sikkim Legislative Assembly from 32 to 40 and reservation of 5 seats for Limboo & Tamang community in Sikkim Legislative Assembly is under consideration of the Ministry of Home Affairs.


Click here for Draft proposal.


The Draft proposal is also available at MHA website on link:

http://www.mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/IsCirMSite_26052017.PDF


Suggestions and views of concerned stakeholders on the draft proposal are invited latest by 26th June, 2017.


Suggestions of stakeholders can be sent to the Ministry either through e-mail at sone2@mha.gov.in or by hard copy addressed to Mrs. Uma Magesh, Under Secretary (NE-II), Room No. 208-B, North Block, New Delhi – 110 001.


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[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
29-May, 2017 17:59 IST
Dr. Jitendra Singh chairs 66th Plenary of North Eastern Council

NEC would strive to allocate more liberal grant of resources, says NEC Chairman

The Chairman, North Eastern Council (NEC) and 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 chaired the 66th Plenary of North Eastern Council here today.

During the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had attended the last plenary meeting at Shillong in May, 2016 and set in motion a new development agenda for the North Eastern Region. He said that, we are all committed to implement the Prime Minister’s vision for the North East.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted some of the major achievements of the NEC. He said, NEC has put maximum emphasis on the Transport and Communication Sector with the construction of 10,500 kms of roads including inter-state and roads of economic importance. He said that a new scheme named, North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) has been launched to take up all strategically important but hitherto neglected roads/ bridges. Three (3) projects under the scheme (Doimukh-Harmuti; Tura-Mankachar & Wokha-Merapani,-Golaghat) for 85 kms has been already awarded to National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) for implementation at an estimated cost of Rs 213.97 crores, he added. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that 14 projects have been identified to be taken up under NERSDS during 2017-18.

He said that, to promote air connectivity in the region, NEC has supported Airports Authority of India (AAI) for upgrdation of infrastructure in 12 operational airports. He said that the construction of Tezu airport in Arunachal Pradesh is supported by NEC and is likely to be operational within the current financial year. He said that NEC is also taking up the runway extension in the Umroi (Shillong) airport to enable bigger aircrafts to land and three (3) numbers of hangars at LGBI Airport in Guwahati has been completed under NEC funding.

The Minister said that NEC has also contributed to the development of Power Sector. He said that during 2016-17, NEC has funded construction of 198 circuit km long transmission lines of 165 MVA capacity in the NER and eleven (11) power sector projects (Manipur-2; Meghalaya-1; Mizoram-1; Nagaland-2; Sikkim-4; Tripura-1) were completed and commissioned.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that, for promoting livelihoods, NEC has been a pioneer in implementing community resource management with a bottoms-up approach. He said that the North Eastern Regional Community Resource Management Projects (NERCORMP), is being implemented in 11 most difficult and remote hill districts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya through participating planning. There is proposal for extending the projects into more districts in the region in the Phase-IV of the project, he added.

The Minister said that NEC has supported another noteworthy initiative of construction of wayside amenities as part of Prime Minister Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) on approved Tourist circuit falling under NERCORMP projects area in Ukhrul, Chandel and Senapati districts of Manipur.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that, to promote tourism in NER, North East Tourism Development Council (NETDC) has been formed by the NEC with the initial subscription from the private sector. He said that NEC would continue to support creation of tourism infrastructure, especially in areas not being covered by Ministry of Tourism.

The Minister said that, NEC has contributed immensely to the Agriculture Sector, Irrigation and Flood Control. He said that, NEC would be providing assistance to Aggregator Agencies for Agri-Horti Produce to help Farmers in the North East Region by extending finance to them as grants-in-aid. NEC is also supporting NERAMAC for obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) registration of various unique and indigenous horticulture products of the region, he added.

Under the Health Sector, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that NEC is providing support for Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati, which is in the process of being taken over by the Department of Atomic Energy, through which this hospital would be developed on the model of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, as a Premier Post Graduate level institute for cancer treatment in the country.

Under Science & Technology Sector, he said that a special thrust has been given towards establishment of North Eastern Spatial Data Repository (NESDR) by the North East Space Application Centre (NESAC) for facilitating communication linkage, data cataloguing between Regional node of NESAC and State nodes of different State Remote Sensing and Application Centres (SRACs) of NER. He said that, for proper monitoring of all projects sponsored by North Eastern Council Secretariat, Geo-tagging and uploading of projects' images in the public domain has been proposed in collaboration with NESAC.

The Minister said that, during the year 2016-17, NEC was allotted Rs. 800 crore at BE stage and at the RE stage it was enhanced to Rs. 968.79 crore plus Rs. 150 crore for NERSDS making a total of Rs. 1118.79 crore. Depending on the legitimate demand of the North Eastern States based on the Regional Plans approved by the Council, NEC would strive to allocate more liberal grant of resources in the coming years, he added.

During the day, the members discussed the NEC budget for the current financial year, conversion of NEC schemes to Central Sector schemes, issues concerning tourism in the North East, promotion of textiles with special emphasis on handlooms, handicrafts and apparel, agricultural marketing, organic farming, horticulture and bamboo mission, food processing activities and documentation, preservation and promotion of medicinal plants in the NER.

The Minister for State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju, Governor of Manipur Dr. Najma Heptulla, Governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh Shri Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya, Governor of Assam and Meghalaya (I/C) Shri Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Mizoram Lt. General (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma, Governor of Sikkim Shri Shriniwas Patil, Governor of Tripura Shri Tathagata Roy, Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Pu Lalthanhawla, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister of Tripura Shri Manik Sarkar, Chief Minister of Manipur Shri Nongthobam Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu, Assam’s Minister of Finance Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Member, NEC Shri Chandra Kanta Das, Secretary DoNER Shri Naveen Verma, Secretary, NEC Shri Ram Muivah and other senior officers of DoNER Ministry, NEC and State Governments were also present on the occasion.

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Ministry of Shipping
29-May, 2017 17:44 IST
Developing waterways for sustainable transport in the North East: Stakeholders call for ensuring adequate draft, augmenting terminal and warehousing facilities

IWAI holds Road Show in Guwahati

The Inland Waterways Authority of India organized a road show in association with the Ministry Of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) in Guwahati last week to brainstorm on the major issues linked with developing the rivers of the North East as viable and sustainable means for cargo and passenger transportation.

The seminar showcased the potential for cargo and passenger transportation on rivers Brahmaputra- NW- 2, Barak- NW- 16 and others. It also highlighted the enabling policies and infrastructure facilities available for safe handling and transportation of cargo on the navigable stretches where development works have commenced.

Senior officials of the Govt. of Assam, Govt. of Meghalaya, Govt. of Tripura, Indian Army, Central Rail side Warehousing Company Ltd, Power Grid Corporation of India, Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, Coal India, a delegation from Bhutan and various logistics firms and vessel operators attended the event.

Stakeholders pointed out to the non availability of adequate draft between Sirajganj- Daikhowa & Zakiganj- Ashuganj on the Indo Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route, the need for night navigation facilities, more Ro- Ro facilities and Jetties on NW- 2 and IBP route. The need for an Inland Waterways Terminal between Dibrugarh and Bogibil, more loading - unloading facilities and warehousing facilities on IWT routes in the North East were also discussed. The need for training facilities for manpower engaged in the IWT sector was also pointed out. IWAI Chairperson Smt. Nutan Guha Biswas assured that concerted steps would be taken to enable smooth navigation on rivers in the North East and IBP route.

Of the 106 new National Waterways that were notified in April 2016 under the National Waterways Act, 2016, 19 are in the North East. These include NW- 16 (river Barak), NW- 95 (river Subansiri), NW- 39 (river Ganol), NW- 93 (river Simsang), NW- 101 (river Tizu and Zungki), NW- 31 (Dhansiri), NW- 62 (river Lohit), NW- 106 (river Umngot), NW- 18 (river Beki), amongothers.

River Brahmaputra connects the North East with Kolkata through the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route. The IBP route offers a seamless connectivity between NW- 1 (Allahabad – Haldia) and ports in Bangladesh via NW- 2 (Pandu, Assam). Along with river Brahmaputra, river Barak too provides inland water transit between India and Bangladesh through Pandu, Karimganj and Silghat (Assam) and Bangladesh's Narayanganj, Khulna, Mongla, Sirajganj and Ashuganj

The Government of India is making constant endeavours to promote waterways as a more cost effective, economically viable and environment friendly mode of transport in the country. In this context, a lot of work has already been carried out to develop IWT in the North East Region. The NW- 2 stretch has been augmented with several infrastructural facilities such as a multimodal port and ship repair facility at Pandu, Ro- Ro terminal at Dhubri, Ro- Ro ferry services, night navigation facilities, Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) Stations and River Information Station (RIS) etc. to facilitate safe transportation of goods and passengers (tourists).

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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 and Chairman, North Eastern Council (NEC), Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurating the 66th Plenary of North Eastern Council, in New Delhi on May 29, 2017. The Governors and Chief Ministers of North Eastern States are also seen.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space and Chairman, North Eastern Council (NEC), Dr. Jitendra Singh chairing the 66th Plenary of North Eastern Council, in New Delhi on May 29, 2017. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, the Governors and Chief Ministers of North Eastern States are also seen.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju addressing at the 66th Plenary of North Eastern Council, in New Delhi on May 29, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
30-May, 2017 16:06 IST
Dr Jitendra Singh addresses Northeast Health Ministers' Conclave at Guwahati

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 has proposed PPP (Public-Private Participation) model to supplement and extend healthcare services up to district level in the eight States of the North-Eastern Region (NER).

Dr Jitendra Singh was presiding over a Conclave of Health Ministers from all the eight North-Eastern States in Guwahati today. The meeting, among others, was also attended by representatives from the premier Adayar Cancer Institute, Chennai, Patanjali and Yog Sansthan Bengaluru.

Giving a resume of the last three years of health related initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of DoNER, Dr Jitendra Singh disclosed that Dr Barooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati has been affiliated with the Tata Memorial Cancer Centre, Mumbai, since last year under the aegis of Department of Atomic Energy, as a result of which, the faculty and the supplementary teaching cum clinical services will get upgraded. From last year, he said, super-specialty MCh course in Cancer Surgery has already started and hopefully from this session, super-specialty DM Cancer Medicine will also start.

Dr Jitendra Singh acknowledged the collaboration from Adayar Cancer Institute, Chennai in imparting a 6-month training to one Physician and one Surgeon each from each of the eight North-Eastern States, so that they can go back and offer better healthcare in their respective States, considering the high prevalence of cancer in the region.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Ministry of DoNER, with the consensus of all the State Governments, will go forward in inviting the interested private healthcare partners from other parts of the country, so that depending upon their capacity and capability, they may be able to supplement the health services in the region. The impetus to healthcare services, he said, will be wholesome and holistic, thus also imbibing all the alternative systems of medicine and in this regard, the leading players like Patanjali could have a significant contribution to make.

Referring to a proposal from the Assam Government for setting up a modern Cancer Hospital with the collaboration of the Ministry of DoNER, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the officers in the DoNER Ministry are engaged in deliberations with the State Health Secretariat officers to work out its feasibility and viability.

In the field of tele-medicine also, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Ministry of DoNER will try to facilitate support and help from private sector so that the people living in the remotest areas of the difficult terrain are not deprived of the benefit of specialized medical consultation.

Referring to a suggestion which originated after discussion with the Government of Manipur, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the concept of having “Air Clinics” with helicopter-based outdoor facility has been mooted with both the Ministry of Health as well as the Ministry of Civil Aviation. If successful, he said, this could be a boon for a large section of population which has no access to health centre or medical clinician.

Dr Jitendra Singh also disclosed that considering the proactive approach of the DoNER Ministry and the high priority accorded to Northeast by the Central Government, a number of private corporate sector hospital chains are coming forward to venture in the Northeast. He said, he would seek the help of Ministry of Health and other related Ministries to consider these cases on the principle of mutual benefit.

The meeting was coordinated by Health Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Health Ministers from the other States also offered their inputs. It was decided to carry forward this initiative through regular deliberations at the level of the officers of the Ministry of DoNER and those of the Health Departments of the different States as well as the representatives of private sector.

***

The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on May 30, 2017.

The Governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, Shri P.B. Achraya meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on May 30, 2017.

The Governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, Shri P.B. Achraya meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on May 30, 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 addressing at the Conclave of Health Ministers of the eight States of the North-Eastern Region, in Guwahati on May 30, 2017.

 

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The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on June 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju is also seen.

 

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The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain inaugurating the ‘MODI FEST’ (Making of Developed India Festival), at Guwahati on June 02, 2017.

The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain visiting the exhibition after inaugurating the ‘MODI FEST’ (Making of Developed India Festival), at Guwahati on June 02, 2017.

The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain visiting the exhibition after inaugurating the ‘MODI FEST’ (Making of Developed India Festival), at Guwahati on June 02, 2017.

The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain addressing at the inauguration of the ‘MODI FEST’ (Making of Developed India Festival), at Guwahati on June 02, 2017.

The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain at the inauguration of the ‘MODI FEST’ (Making of Developed India Festival), at Guwahati on June 02, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
05-June, 2017 19:21 IST
Dr Jitendra Singh announces “Hill Area Development Programme” for Northeast

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 announced the launch of, “Hill Area Development Programme” (HADP) for Northeast in Imphal (Manipur) today.

Dr Jitendra Singh was addressing a meet of Investors and Entrepreneurs, organised by NEDFi (North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd), with joint participation of the Union Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Manipur represented by Chief Minister, Shri N Biren Singh and other senior State functionaries. Secretary NEC Shri Ram Muivah and a large number of prominent prospective entrepreneurs were present on the occasion.

Elaborating on the new scheme, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the hilly areas of Manipur, Tripura and Assam have a distinct geo-physical entity and are lagging in socio-economic development. As a result of peculiar topography, he said, there is a wide gap between the hill and valley districts in terms of infrastructure, quality of roads, health and education etc. The Hill Development Programme, he said, is inspired with a serious research and deliberation of all these factors.

As far as State of Manipur is concerned, Dr Jitendra Singh observed that hill areas are less developed compared to the plain areas. Not only this, he cited figures to state that out of 80 districts of Northeast, 3 districts of hilly areas, which ranked lowest in the composite district infrastructure index, belonged to Manipur and these were namely, Tamenglong, Chandel and Churachandpur.

The Hill Area Development Programme, Dr Jitendra Singh said, is aimed at giving a focused attention to the lesser developed hilly areas and will be initiated on a pilot basis in the hilly districts of Manipur.

Earlier, soon after his arrival here today, Dr Jitendra Singh participated in a programme to mark the 3 years of the completion of the Union Government. He also distributed free LPG connections to the needy women under “Ujjawala” scheme.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the hallmark of the 3 years of Union Government is that it has not only put the Northeast on the fast track of development, but has also undertaken development initiatives which should have been undertaken several decades ago. He said, the approach of the Government is two-fold, that is, to ensure equitable development of every area, every section of society and every tribe living in the North Eastern Region and at the same time, to bring the eight North Eastern Region States at par with the more developed States in the rest of India.

The Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh thanked Dr Jitendra Singh for the announcement of the exclusive Hill Area Development Programme. He appreciated the proactive manner in which the Ministry of DoNER was engaging itself with the State Government Officers for a wide range of projects.

***

Ministry of Finance
05-June, 2017 19:00 IST
India Signs Loan Agreement with the World Bank for USD 39.2 Million for the project “Assam Citizen Centric Service Delivery”

An agreement for IBRD Credit of USD 39.2 Million from World Bank for the project “Assam Citizen Centric Service Delivery” was signed here today. Loan agreement was signed by Shri Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary (MI), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. Hisham Abdo, Manager, Operations (India) on behalf of the World Bank. The Implementing Entity Agreement was signed by the Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, on behalf of Government of Assam, and the Country Director (India) on behalf of the World Bank.

The programme size is USD 49 million, of which USD 39.2 million will be financed by the Bank, and the remaining amount will be funded-out of State Budget. The programme duration is 5 years.

The objective of the project is to improve access in the delivery of selected public services in Assam. The Project seeks to enable citizens to access services under the RTPS Act in a timely, efficient, and accountable manner. The Project adopts an integrated approach to improve access and accountability.

***

The Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N. Biren Singh and 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 at the ‘Investors and Entrepreneurs Meet’, in Imphal, Manipur on June 05, 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 addressing at the ‘Investors and Entrepreneurs Meet’, in Imphal, Manipur on June 05, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet
07-June, 2017 18:41 IST
Augmenting Cancer treatment facilities in the North East



Cabinet approves taking over of Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati by Department of Atomic Energy


Tata Memorial Centre to manage the administrative control

166 posts in Medical, Para medical and support positions to be created



The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the following:

(i) Taking over Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati by Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and bringing it under the administrative control of Tata Memorial Centre, an Aided institution of DAE;

(ii) Augmentation of additional manpower of 166 posts in medical, paramedical and support positions.


The decision comes in the wake of the increasing instances of cancer, limited cancer treatment facilities and the need for a hospital support to carry out further research in North Eastern Region.


The approximate non-recurring expenditure for strengthening of institute is estimated at Rs. 150 crore and annual recurring expenditure is estimated at Rs. 45- 50 crore.


Background:


Borooah Cancer Institute was established in 1974 in Guwahati with the aim and objective of investigation, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the North Eastern region of India by a voluntary organization. Government of Assam took over the institute with all its assets and liabilities in 1986 and entered into a tripartite agreement with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and North Eastern Council for management of the institute. The institute is presently a 209 bedded hospital with 8 bedded ICU.

Tata Memorial hospital under DAE is a premier research institution in the field of cancer research and treatment. TMC under the aegis of DAE has been extending financial and technical support to the institute since 1989. Chief Minister of Assam in October 2013 had proposed that DAE should take over the institute to develop it as a center for excellence for cancer treatment, education and research for the entire North East.


****

AKT/VBA/SH

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Human Resource Development
09-June, 2017 19:01 IST
Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, MoS HRD visited the IIM, Shillong today

The Minister exhorts sense of ownership shapes institutional building.

Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, MoS HRD visited the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong today. On arrival, the Minister was taken for a first-hand view of the premises at IIM Shillong’s current campus, including the auditorium where Dr. Kalam had delivered his last lecture.

During his visit, Dr. Pandey was welcomed by the Institute’s fraternity, post which he had an interaction with the Director and faculty members on various issues of regional and national importance. Visibly happy with the strides of progress made by the institute, Dr. Pandey encouraged the gathering to exercise continuous efforts in the days to come, so as to be able to maintain standards to meet both national and international expectations. He remarked that it is amply evident that each member of the Institute has been working from the heart. This sense of ownership is what will further the cause of institutional building.

Another facet of responsibility that the honourable Minister felt IIM Shillong should persistently take up is in ensuring its role as a catalyst focusing on the developmental needs of the India’s North-eastern region where the Institute operates from, thereby making itself accessible for overall growth of NER apart from imparting quality higher education to the students from across India. He congratulated the efforts of the Institute’s leadership in meeting PM Modi’s vision towards holistic societal development. The job of the Institute’s stakeholders, given their rich expertise is to draw new ideas and explore areas for innovative practices, which he was sure would assist in further building the dream for New India.

During the interaction, the Director of the Institute shared the success stories of the Institute through the persistent achievements of its student and faculty community during its 10 year span of existence. He further informed the Minister regarding the support through DoNER and NEC towards setting up of the APJ Abdul Kalam Center for Policy Research & Analysis. “The Center aims at achieving developmental framework on six key areas such as Tourism, BPO, Logistics, Handloom and Handicraft,” remarked Prof De. “In addition, the Center for Development of NER set up since inception of the Institute is assisting in capacity building to ensure employability of the youth of this region. The students of IIM Shillong have also initiated Nurturing Minds wherein students of local schools are being given quality tuition in the area of science and mathematics, keeping up the urge of Dr. Kalam for transfer of knowledge to the underprivileged.”

In his culminating words, Shri Pandey urged the community of faculty members to work in tandem with the overall aim of moving from assistance in ‘Look East’ to Áct East’ vision of the country and ensured all out support to the Institute in its initiatives.

*****

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
09-June, 2017 14:46 IST
Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot Inaugurates ‘Eastern Regional Conference’ on issues relating to Empowerment of persons with Disabilities

Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated the “Eastern Regional Conference of Eastern Region States on issues relating to Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities” organized by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment here today. Representatives from the States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal participated in the Conference. Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri N.S. Kang, Secretary, DEPwD and senior officers from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the participating States were present.


In his inaugural address, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot said that the new Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 has expanded the horizon of the rights of persons with disabilities vis-a-vis the repealed PwD Act, 1995 and casts increased responsibilities on the States/UTs to ensure that the persons with disabilities enjoy their rights equally with others. The State Governments are also required to take measures to provide institutional mechanism for registration of institutions working in the disability sector. It is needless to say that the new Act has penal provisions for violation of its provisions.


He said that the DEPwD is in the process of implementing a project viz. “Unique ID for Persons with Disabilities” with a view to create a national database for person with disabilities, and issue Unique ID card to each PwD.

Shri Gehlot said that more than 5300 ADIP camps have organized by his ministry and the objective of ADIP Schemes is to assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactures, modern, standard aids and appliances that can promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation by reducing the effects of disabilities.

Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, in his address, said that the Government of India has initiated many new useful schemes for the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans) and hoped that the deliberations in the Conference will surely benefit all concerned. Divyangjans are an integral part of our society and all schemes of the central government for the welfare of Divyangjans should be properly implemented by all State governments.

This Conference was organized in New Delhi in continuation of the four zonal Regional Conferences already organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), namely, Western Regional Conference in Mumbai on 11.05.2017, Southern Regional Conference in Chennai on 12.05.2017, Northern Regional Conference in Chandigarh on 26.05.2017 and Central Regional Conference in Bhopal on 02.06.2017.

During the Conference, the following agenda items pertaining to above eastern States were discussed:-

i. Discussion on Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the Role of States/UTs in its implementation

ii. Review of Schemes/Programmes of the Department namely:-

a) Progress of Accessible India Campaign

b) Furnishing of Utilization Certificates under SIPDA Scheme

c) DDRC Scheme

d) Misc. items such as Functioning of CRCs/DDRS/ ADIP/National Action Plan for Skill Development/Scholarship Schemes/DBT

e) Issue of Disability Certificates under UDID Project

Recently, the Central Government has enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which came into force w.e.f 19.4.2017. The new Act provides for various rights and entitlements for PwDs and casts responsibility on the States/UTs to take various measures to ensure that the PwDs enjoy their rights equally with others. It also mandates the States/UTs to frame various schemes/programme, work out mechanism to ensure inclusion and empowerment of PwDs. Keeping in view the mandate of the new Act, while the Central Government is in the process of revisiting its schemes and programmes, the States/UTs are also expected to take similar steps at their end to ensure effective implementation of the Act in a time bound manner. In the above background, the Eastern Regional Conference was organized in New Delhi.

Disability has been defined based on an evolving and dynamic concept in the Act. The types of disabilities have been increased from existing 7 to 21. The 21 disabilities are : (1) Blindness; (2) Low-vision; (3) Leprosy Cured persons; (4) Hearing Impairment (deaf and hard of hearing); (5) Locomotor Disability; (6) Dwarfism; (7) Intellectual Disability; (8) Mental Illness; (9) Autism Spectrum Disorder; (10) Cerebral Palsy; (11) Muscular Dystrophy; (12) Chronic Neurological conditions; (13) Specific Learning Disabilities; (14) Multiple Sclerosis; (15) Speech and Language disability; (16) Thalassemia; (17) Hemophilia; (18) Sickle Cell disease ; (19) Multiple Disabilities including deaf blindness; (20) Acid Attack victim ; and (21) Parkinson's disease.